- Botanical name: Begonia rex
- Common name: Begonia
- Family: Begoniaceae
- Plant Type: Conservatory, House plant, Perennial
Variegation
- Key features:
- Dramatic foliage
- Prefers rich soil
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.
How to grow Begonia rex
-
Plant size
50cm height
50cm spread
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, partial shade
- Hardiness: Tender
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do Plant in July |
A
Do Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
Begonia rex and wildlife
Begonia rex has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Begonia rex poisonous?
Begonia rex can be toxic.
Toxic to Cats
Toxic to Dogs
Toxic to Horses
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
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