Begonia 'Sparkle' — Herbaceous perennial, undershrub

Overview

Begonia 'Sparkle' 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 'Sparkle' 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 'Sparkle' is an herbaceous perennial undershrub in the Begoniaceae, notable for asymmetrical, often strikingly patterned foliage and a summer-to-autumn floriferous period. It produces flowers from June to October. Plant in partial shade on an acid loam that stays moist but drains freely, and keep it in a sheltered position facing north, east or west.

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 'Sparkle' belongs to the Begoniaceae and is grown for its patterned, asymmetrical leaves alongside a prolonged flowering run from June to October. Its habit sits between herbaceous perennial and undershrub, so it keeps a persistent leaf structure through the growing season while producing separate clusters of bloom. Locate Begonia 'Sparkle' where it receives partial shade rather than direct midday sun; north-, east- or west-facing aspects suit it well. It prefers loam of an acid reaction and a soil that remains moist but well-drained; free drainage is important to prevent waterlogging. The variety is classed H5 (hardy), so in sheltered situations it can remain outdoors over winter, though protection from strong winds and cold exposure will reduce winter damage. Use Begonia 'Sparkle' on patios and in containers, in cottage or informal borders, or at the front of flower beds where its patterned leaves can be seen at close range. In pots choose a loam-based compost that holds moisture yet allows excess to escape; in beds improve structure so the root zone never becomes sodden. Pinch back young shoots to promote denser leaf cover and remove spent flowers to maintain the June–October display.

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 'Sparkle' 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