Begonia coccinea (C) (angelwing begonia) — Bushy

Overview

Begonia coccinea (C) is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia coccinea (C) 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 coccinea is an angelwing begonia grown for conservatory and houseplant display, notable for flowering from June to October. It carries deciduous foliage on a well-branched habit suited to pots and sheltered positions. The species prefers partial shade and a neutral loam kept moist but well drained. Position in an east, west or north-facing spot out of exposed wind for best results.

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 coccinea is treated primarily as a conservatory and houseplant, grown for its summer display of flowers from June to October and its multi-stemmed, well-branched form. As a deciduous species it will drop leaves in cooler conditions, so it is commonly kept in containers or under cover where seasonal movement is possible. Plant into a neutral loam and keep the root run consistently moist but free-draining; avoid waterlogging. Give a partly shaded position — north-, east- or west-facing aspects are suitable — and a sheltered siting away from strong exposure. Its hardiness rating is H1c, which in plain terms means it is tender and intolerant of frost, so it requires a frost-free environment through winter. In the UK Begonia coccinea works well in conservatories, on protected patios and as an architectural container subject. It also fits cottage or informal borders and small urban courtyards where shelter and partial shade are available. For winter care, move potted specimens into a frost-free greenhouse or indoors, accepting that the plant will be leafless through the coldest months.

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 coccinea (C) 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 coccinea (C)

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 coccinea (C)?

Begonia coccinea (C) prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Begonia coccinea (C) need?

Begonia coccinea (C) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Begonia coccinea (C) hardy in the UK?

Begonia coccinea (C) 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 coccinea (C)?

Seed, stem, tip or leaf cuttings.

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