About

Begonia 'Ginny' is a perennial that grows upright, reaching a height of approximately 60 cm. Its leaves are dark green, lanceolate, and have a fine layer of short hairs, with a reddish tint on their undersides. From spring through autumn, it produces clusters of uncomplicated flowers along the stems. The buds are pink or red and bear red hairs, opening to reveal a soft pink hue, some displaying a serrated margin.

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
Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1B

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Houseplants
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 in light, well-drained, peat-free, acid to neutral potting compost. Place in filtered light with shade from hot sun at an optimum of 15C to 22C, with high humidity. 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 - indoors for further information
Pruning
No pruning required
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 mould, powdery mildews and stem rot