Overview
Begonia megaptera is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia megaptera 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 megaptera, otherwise known as the large winged begonia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Nepal, the eastern Himalaya, Assam, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Very rare in its native habitat, it is cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Grow it in partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs a warm, frost-free position in the UK (RHS H1c). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Begonia megaptera
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
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 megaptera 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 megaptera
- 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 megaptera?
Begonia megaptera prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Begonia megaptera need?
Begonia megaptera grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Begonia megaptera hardy in the UK?
Begonia megaptera 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 megaptera?
Seed, stem, tip or leaf cuttings.
More in the Begonia genus
- Begonia 'Blitz'
- Begonia 'Cascade Florence' (T/d)
- Begonia 'Comtesse Louise Erdõdy' (R)
- Begonia 'Otto Foster'
- Begonia 'Phil Ormes'
- Begonia 'Sparkle'
- Begonia coccinea (C)angelwing begonia
- Begonia cubensisCuban holly
