About

Begonia 'Illumination White' is a semi-hardy trailing annual known for its heart-shaped green foliage. It produces large, double white blooms from summer through early autumn.

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, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Plant type

Bedding, Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse

Habit

Pendulous weeping

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

1-2 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, 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

Start off indoors in spring in light, well-drained, neutral compost. Ideal for pots or hanging baskets. May be grown permanently under glass in bright light shaded from direct sun. Otherwise move outdoors into a sunny or semi-shaded position when all risk of frost is past. Dry off tubers in winter and store frost free. See Begonias: outdoors

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering. Remove old stems and foliage as plant dies back for the winter

Propagation

Root basal or stem-tip softwood cuttings in spring or summer

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealy bugs, mites, glasshouse thrips, vine weevil and aphids

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews, stem rot and rhizome rot