About
Begonia 'Escargot' (R) is a rhizomatous, evergreen perennial that features distinctive foliage characterized by a prominent spiral pattern. The leaves showcase a blend of olive-green and silvery-green hues. The surface of the leaves has a subtle layer of pink hairs, particularly noticeable along the edges, while the leaf petioles are densely adorned with red hairs. When cultivated indoors, this plant produces white flowers from July through November.
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
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, 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
- Grow under glass, in indirect light, or in frost-free environment. Mainly grown for foliage. See Begonias: houseplants for further advice.
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Cultivars should be propagated by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealybugs, tarsonemid mite, thrips, vine weevil and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews, stem rot and rhizome rot