Overview
Begonia 'Michelle Handley' is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia 'Michelle Handley' 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 'Michelle Handley' is a bushy cultivar of the Begonia genus, which includes annuals, perennials, and shrubs with distinctive asymmetrical leaves and clusters of male and female flowers. This deciduous plant thrives in partial shade and prefers a sheltered position with moist but well-drained, neutral loam soil. Suitable for city and courtyard gardens, patios, containers, and informal flower borders, it is frost-tender and best grown in fertile, well-drained compost with bright indirect light. It offers seasonal interest from spring through to autumn and can be propagated by seed or various cuttings.
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 'Michelle Handley' 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 'Michelle Handley'
- 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 'Michelle Handley'?
Begonia 'Michelle Handley' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Begonia 'Michelle Handley' need?
Begonia 'Michelle Handley' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Begonia 'Michelle Handley' hardy in the UK?
Begonia 'Michelle Handley' 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 'Michelle Handley'?
Seed, stem, tip or leaf cuttings.
More in the Begonia genus
- Begonia 'Bethlehem Star'
- Begonia 'Blitz'
- Begonia 'Hanging Basket Yellow'
- Begonia 'Lime Swirl'
- Begonia 'Little Darling'
- Begonia 'Magma' (R)
- Begonia 'Odorata Alba'
- Begonia 'Amy' (T)