About

Begonia 'Cosie' is a perennial that remains green year-round, reaching heights of up to 75 cm. It features upright stems and dark green foliage, which is contrasted by burgundy red undersides. In late spring and summer, it produces small clusters of flowers that are pinkish-white in color.

About the genus

Begonias can be found as annuals, evergreen or deciduous perennials, or shrubs. They possess fibrous, tuberous, or rhizomatous root systems. The leaves are typically asymmetrical and frequently feature distinctive patterns. Flowers can vary in size and include both male and female forms within the same cluster.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1B

Plant details

Plant type

Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Patio and container plants

Toxicity

Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation

Under glass grow in light, well-drained, peat-free potting compost in filtered light with shade from hot sun at an optimum of 19°C. Will not tolerate continuous direct sunlight or waterlogging. Water moderately when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at alternative waterings. See begonia cultivation -houseplants for further information

Pruning

Cut back over long canes to 2 or 3 buds in late spring

Propagation

Propagate by stem cuttings

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealy bugs, mites, glasshouse thrips, vine weevil and aphids

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews, stem rot and rhizome rot