Begonia tenuifolia — Bushy

Overview

Begonia tenuifolia is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia tenuifolia 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 tenuifolia is a Begonia grown for conservatory and houseplant culture, with a compact, well-branched habit and deciduous leaves. It prefers partial shade and a neutral loam kept moist but well-drained, in a sheltered situation. Flowers appear from June to October and the plant should be treated as tender (H1c) in the UK, kept under glass or indoors over winter.

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 tenuifolia is offered for glasshouse and indoor cultivation where its deciduous foliage and seasonal flowers can be displayed. It suits conservatory benches and bright rooms as a houseplant, or a sheltered patio in a container during the warmer months. Place plants where they receive partial shade rather than direct sun and avoid exposed sites. Use a neutral loam and keep compost or soil moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogging. The species favours sheltered aspects such as north-, west- or east-facing positions and benefits from protection from driving winds. As an H1c-rated plant in UK terms it is tender and should remain under cover or inside from autumn through spring. Begonia tenuifolia fits where seasonal container displays or protected border accents are needed: city and courtyard gardens, patios and containers, cottage or informal beds and flower borders. Its deciduous foliage and predictable flowering between June and October make it useful for timed display in conservatories or covered patios where plants can be moved or sheltered for the winter months.

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 tenuifolia 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 tenuifolia

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 tenuifolia?

Begonia tenuifolia prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Begonia tenuifolia need?

Begonia tenuifolia grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Begonia tenuifolia hardy in the UK?

Begonia tenuifolia 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 tenuifolia?

Seed, stem, tip or leaf cuttings.

More in the Begonia genus

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