Begonia leprosa — Herbaceous perennial, undershrub

Overview

Begonia leprosa is a plant with a herbaceous perennial, undershrub habit in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with asymmetrical, often strikingly patterned foliage. Begonia leprosa grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.

About

Begonia leprosa is an herbaceous perennial and undershrub in the Begoniaceae, grown for its asymmetrical, often patterned foliage. It prefers partial shade on north-, east- or west-facing sites and flowers from June to October. Plant in loam that is acidic and kept moist but well drained, in sheltered positions. It is rated H5 (hardy) in the UK and suits patios, containers and informal beds.

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 leprosa is a member of the Begoniaceae with a habit that sits between an herbaceous perennial and a small undershrub; the leaves are asymmetrical and often show noticeable patterning, with a seasonal run of flowers from June to October. The combination of foliaged interest and summer flowering makes it a dual-purpose plant where both leaves and blooms are seen. Sit Begonia leprosa in partial shade on a north-, east- or west-facing aspect and protect it from strong exposure; a sheltered spot is important. Plant in loam that is acidic and keep the soil consistently moist but well drained. The species is given an H5 rating, which translates to hardy in the UK when placed out of strong winter winds. Use it in patio containers, as a feature in cottage and informal planting, or tucked into flower borders and beds where soil conditions suit. Because the leaves are a primary attraction, place plants where the foliage can be viewed at close range rather than at the back of a border, and expect the June to October flowering to complement the leaf display.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Begonia

Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Acid
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Begonia leprosa size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Herbaceous perennial, undershrub
Foliage: Asymmetrical, often strikingly patterned
Suggested uses: Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds