Begonia sp. (Begonia)

Begonia 'Looking Glass'

Botanical name: Begonia sp.

Common name: Begonia

Origin: Tropical and Subtropicals parts of the World.

Hardiness: 30°F

Begonias have long been popular greenhouse plants in temperate countries and are also used in some gardens, especially those with slightly cooler temperatures. Many hybrids have been developed, some grown primarily for their ornamental foliage, others for their attractive flowers. Among the latter group, which come mostly from tropical American species, are B. x semperflorens, which has small pink or white flowers, both double and single, and B. popenoei, on which the panicles of white flowers rise upright above the leaves. Among the foliage Begonias, B. rex is one of the best known, along with B. x erythrophylla, which has dark green leaves that are purple and red underneath, and B. heracleifolia, with striking green-and-bronze star-shaped leaves. All Begonias prefer moist but well-drained soil and shady conditions, though some will grow in filtered shade. Propagation is by stem or root cuttings or by division of rhizomes. Begonia escargot: Large whorled leaves in chocolate, champagne, silver and pewter tones. Needs high humidity and very even temperatures so that a large terrarium would make the perfect home.