Rex begonias are grown for their colourful, dramatic foliage. There are many different cultivated varieties, sporting large leaves with streaks, spirals or veins, and often with splashes of silver, pink, purple green and burgundy. Flowers tend to be inconspicuous and are best removed to keep the leaves looking their best.
Rex begonias are rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome with shallow roots. They can be difficult to grow because they generally thrive in humid environments. As such, they are best grown as houseplants in temperate regions, and thrive in a warm, humid environment such as a bathroom.
Begonia rex has large, metallic green leaves with splashes of silver on the upper surface, and a reddish tone beneath. Small pink flowers are borne in winter.
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Begonia and wildlife
Begonia has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
