Overview
Begonia petasitifolia is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia petasitifolia 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 petasitifolia is a bushy cultivar of the Begonia genus, which includes annuals, perennials, and shrubs known for their asymmetrical, often patterned 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 loam soil of neutral pH. Suitable for conservatories, greenhouses, and as a houseplant, it is frost-tender and best grown in fertile, well-drained compost with bright indirect light. It is ideal for city and courtyard gardens, patios, containers, and informal flower borders, 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 petasitifolia 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 petasitifolia
- 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 petasitifolia?
Begonia petasitifolia prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Begonia petasitifolia need?
Begonia petasitifolia grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Begonia petasitifolia hardy in the UK?
Begonia petasitifolia 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 petasitifolia?
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
