Begonia from South Africa — Bushy

Overview

Begonia from South Africa is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia from South Africa 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 from South Africa is a conservatory and houseplant in the Begoniaceae, notable for its multi-stemmed, rounded habit and deciduous leaves. It suits partial shade and prefers a neutral loam that stays moist but drains freely. Flowers appear from June to October. Keep plants sheltered and positioned on north-, west- or east-facing aspects in the UK.

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 from South Africa belongs to the Begoniaceae and, as the name suggests, originates in South Africa; it is grown in cooler climates under glass or as an indoor specimen. Plants form a compact, multi-stemmed mound of deciduous foliage and produce flowers between June and October, making the summer months the main display period. Place the plant where it receives partial shade and protection from strong wind and cold; north-, east- or west-facing windows or a sheltered spot in a conservatory suit it well. Use a neutral loam-based compost that remains moist but drains freely, and avoid waterlogging the roots. Exposure should be sheltered and the overall winter hardiness is H1c, which in plain terms means it is tender and must be kept frost-free indoors or in heated glass for the UK winter. Begonia from South Africa works well in containers on patios and courtyards that can be moved under cover, or as an indoor feature in city and cottage-style planting. It can also be used under shelter at the back of borders during summer. Because the foliage is deciduous, reduce watering as leaves die back and move the plant into a conservatory or indoors once the main flowering period finishes.

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 from South Africa 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 from South Africa

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 from South Africa?

Begonia from South Africa prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Begonia from South Africa need?

Begonia from South Africa grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Begonia from South Africa hardy in the UK?

Begonia from South Africa 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 from South Africa?

Seed, stem, tip or leaf cuttings.

More in the Begonia genus

Browse all Begonia →