Begonia 'Cascade Florence' (T/d) — Herbaceous perennial, undershrub

Overview

Begonia 'Cascade Florence' (T/d) is a plant with a herbaceous perennial, undershrub habit in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with asymmetrical, often strikingly patterned foliage. Begonia 'Cascade Florence' (T/d) grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.

About

Begonia 'Cascade Florence' is a herbaceous perennial undershrub in the Begoniaceae, notable for its asymmetrical, often patterned foliage. It produces flowers from June to October and suits partial-shade positions. It prefers acidic loam that remains moist but well drained and performs best in sheltered north-, east- or west-facing spots.

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 4.0 — Begonia

In the garden

Begonia 'Cascade Florence' belongs to the Begoniaceae and combines year-round leaf interest with a clear flowering season from June to October. The plant is an herbaceous perennial undershrub whose asymmetrical, often patterned leaves form the primary ornamental feature alongside seasonal blooms. Plant in partial shade on a north-, east- or west-facing aspect where it will be sheltered from strong winds and exposure. Soil should be a loam with an acidic pH that stays moist but is well drained; loam provides moisture retention without becoming waterlogged, which suits the cultivar's needs. The exposure should be sheltered to reduce wind stress on foliage and flowers. Its hardiness rating is H5 (hardy), so it withstands UK winters when given a protected situation rather than full exposure. Use Begonia 'Cascade Florence' for patios and containers, or in cottage and informal garden beds and flower borders where its foliage can be seen close-up. In containers place it where the patterned leaves are visible from seating or paths; in borders site it where partial shade and moist, acid loam can be provided. The combination of patterned foliage and a June–October flowering period makes the leaves as important to the planting scheme as the blooms.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Begonia

Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Acid
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Begonia 'Cascade Florence' (T/d) size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Herbaceous perennial, undershrub
Foliage: Asymmetrical, often strikingly patterned
Suggested uses: Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds