Begonia 'Otto Foster' — Herbaceous perennial, undershrub

Overview

Begonia 'Otto Foster' 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 'Otto Foster' 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 'Otto Foster' is an herbaceous perennial undershrub in the Begoniaceae with asymmetrical, often patterned foliage. It flowers from June to October. It prefers partial shade in loam that is acidic and kept moist but well drained, and suits a sheltered north, east or west aspect. Classified H5 (hardy), it is suitable for patio containers, cottage borders 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 'Otto Foster' belongs to the genus Begonia within the family Begoniaceae and carries the habit of an herbaceous perennial undershrub. Its most notable feature is the asymmetrical, often patterned foliage that provides interest through the growing season; it also produces flowers from June to October. Plant where it receives partial shade and is protected from strong exposure; a sheltered north, east or west aspect is ideal. Use a loam-based position with an acidic pH and maintain an even, moist but well-drained root environment. The H5 hardiness rating classifies the cultivar as hardy in much of the UK garden network, so siting can be permanent in suitable beds or in containers where soil conditions match its preference. Recommended uses include patio and container planting, cottage and informal garden schemes, and mixed flower borders and beds. Position plants where the patterned leaves can be seen close to paths or seating, as the foliage often contributes more to seasonal interest than individual blooms.

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 'Otto Foster' 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