Overview
Begonia 'Odorata Alba' is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia 'Odorata Alba' 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 'Odorata Alba' is a bushy, deciduous cultivar of the Begonia genus, which includes annuals, perennials, and shrubs with asymmetrical leaves and clusters of male and female flowers. This cultivar is suited to conservatories, greenhouses, and as a houseplant, thriving in partial shade with a north, west, or east-facing aspect. It prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH and requires a sheltered position. 'Odorata Alba' is frost-tender and best grown in bright indirect light, offering seasonal interest from spring through autumn.
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 'Odorata Alba' 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 'Odorata Alba'
- 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 'Odorata Alba'?
Begonia 'Odorata Alba' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Begonia 'Odorata Alba' need?
Begonia 'Odorata Alba' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Begonia 'Odorata Alba' hardy in the UK?
Begonia 'Odorata Alba' 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 'Odorata Alba'?
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
