About
Begonia 'Esther Albertine' is a perennial plant characterized by its evergreen nature and cane-like stems. It features large, intricately divided green foliage adorned with white flecks. Under optimal conditions, this plant can reach heights of up to 2.5 meters. In the summer, it forms substantial clusters of pale pinkish-white blooms.
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
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in light, well-drained potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Optimum growing temperatures are 19-23°C (66-73°F). Water moderately when in growth; avoid waterlogging. See begonias: houseplants for more detailed advice
- Pruning
- Cane begonias can sometimes shed lower leaves; to keep foliage evenly bushy, cut back overlong canes to 2 or 3 buds in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood tip or stem cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealybugs, mites, thrips, vine weevils and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews and stem rot