About

This tuberous perennial features slender, pointed green foliage with serrated margins. It produces large, fully double flowers in shades of pale pink to apricot, measuring between 5 to 12 centimeters in diameter. Blooming occurs from late spring through to the onset of frost.

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, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1B

Plant details

Plant type
Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse
Habit
Trailing
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
1 year
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, 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
Place tubers, hollow-side up, on top of well-drained soil in shallow containers in a light potting mix around 2-4" apart, handling tubers with care as they are very fragile. Place in a bright location, away from direct sunlight. Tubers should show growth between 2 and 6 weeks after planting. Tubers can be transplanted after the first 2 leaves have grown and planted out with the risk of frost has passed. Plants can be overwintered then re-planted the following spring. See begonias: outdoors for further advice
Pruning
Remove old stems and foliage as the plant dies back for winter
Propagation
Propagate by division or stem cuttings in the spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealybugs, thrips, glasshouse red spider mite, vine weevil and aphids
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews, stem rot and rhizome rot