Overview

Begonia 'Bethlehem Star' is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia 'Bethlehem Star' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.

About

Begonia 'Bethlehem Star' is a bushy cultivar of the Begonia genus, known for its deciduous foliage and suitability for partial shade conditions. As a frost-tender plant, it thrives best in sheltered locations with moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. This cultivar is ideal for city and courtyard gardens, patios, containers, and informal flower borders, offering interest from spring through to autumn. It requires fertile, well-drained compost and bright indirect light or partial shade for optimal growth, and can be propagated by seed or various cutting methods.

About the genus

Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae. The genus contains more than 2,000 different plant species, distributed primarily across tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, with Africa considered the center of origin. Some species are commonly grown indoors as ornamental houseplants in cooler climates, or cultivated outside in summertime for their bright colorful flowers, which have petals but no sepals.

Wikipedia contributors, "Begonia", CC BY-SA 4.0Begonia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Begonia

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1c

Plant details

Begonia 'Bethlehem Star' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Begonia 'Bethlehem Star'

Propagation
Seed, stem, tip or leaf cuttings
Pest resistance
Caterpillars, mealy bugs, mites, glasshouse thrips, vine weevil, aphids
Disease resistance
Grey moulds, powdery mildews, stem rot, rhizome rot

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Begonia 'Bethlehem Star'?

Begonia 'Bethlehem Star' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Begonia 'Bethlehem Star' need?

Begonia 'Bethlehem Star' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Begonia 'Bethlehem Star' hardy in the UK?

Begonia 'Bethlehem Star' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.

How do I propagate Begonia 'Bethlehem Star'?

Seed, stem, tip or leaf cuttings.

More in the Begonia genus

Browse all Begonia