Overview

Begonia 'Blackberry Swirl' (R) is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia 'Blackberry Swirl' (R) 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 'Blackberry Swirl' is a bushy cultivar of the Begonia genus, which includes annuals, perennials, and shrubs with often asymmetrical and patterned leaves. This deciduous plant is suited to conservatories, greenhouses, and as a houseplant, thriving in partial shade with a north, west, or east-facing aspect. It prefers moist but well-drained loam soil with neutral pH and benefits from a sheltered position. Frost-tender and hardy to UK zone H1c, it is best grown in fertile, well-drained compost with bright indirect light. 'Blackberry Swirl' is notable in spring, summer, and autumn and can be propagated by seed or cuttings.

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 'Blackberry Swirl' (R) 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 'Blackberry Swirl' (R)

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 'Blackberry Swirl' (R)?

Begonia 'Blackberry Swirl' (R) prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Begonia 'Blackberry Swirl' (R) need?

Begonia 'Blackberry Swirl' (R) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Begonia 'Blackberry Swirl' (R) hardy in the UK?

Begonia 'Blackberry Swirl' (R) 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 'Blackberry Swirl' (R)?

Seed, stem, tip or leaf cuttings.

More in the Begonia genus

Browse all Begonia