Overview
Begonia cubensis is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia cubensis 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 cubensis is a conservatory and greenhouse Begonia grown as a houseplant, forming a well-branched, multi-stemmed plant with deciduous foliage. It favours partial shade and a sheltered position and is classed H1c (tender) in the UK. Soil should be a neutral loam kept moist but well drained. Flowers appear from June to October.
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 cubensis belongs to the family Begoniaceae and is cultivated principally as a conservatory or houseplant where protection from frost is available. It carries a compact, well-branched habit and deciduous leaves, so expect seasonal leaf drop when conditions change. Place this Begonia in partial shade, avoiding hot, exposed sun; north-, east- or west-facing windows and sheltered greenhouse benches suit it well. Use a loam-based medium at neutral pH that retains moisture without waterlogging; the description “moist but well-drained” means regular watering in growth but good drainage at the pot base. In the UK it is H1c, which translates to tender — keep it frost-free and move containers under cover for winter. Cuban holly works especially well in containers on patios and in courtyards, or in a sheltered border during warm weather; it also fits cottage and informal planting schemes and flower beds where a temporary summer specimen is required. Expect a run of flowers from June to October, which provides late-summer interest when grown in a cool, shaded conservatory or on a shaded patio.
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 cubensis 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 cubensis
- 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 cubensis?
Begonia cubensis prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Begonia cubensis need?
Begonia cubensis grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Begonia cubensis hardy in the UK?
Begonia cubensis 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 cubensis?
Seed, stem, tip or leaf cuttings.
More in the Begonia genus
- Begonia 'Blitz'
- Begonia 'Cascade Florence' (T/d)
- Begonia 'Comtesse Louise Erdõdy' (R)
- Begonia 'Otto Foster'
- Begonia 'Phil Ormes'
- Begonia 'Sparkle'
- Begonia coccinea (C)angelwing begonia
- Begonia decorahairy begonia
