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Begonia rex

Begonia

  • Botanical name: Begonia rex
  • Common name: Begonia
  • Family: Begoniaceae
  • Plant Type: Conservatory, House plant, Perennial
Foliage colour:

Variegation

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.

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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.

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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

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant
Plant

Do not Plant in January

Do not Plant in February

Do not Plant in March

Do not Plant in April

Do Plant in May

Do Plant in June

Do Plant in July

Do Plant in August

Do Plant in September

Do not Plant in October

Do not Plant in November

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:

Toxic to Cats

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Horses

No reported toxicity to:

No reported toxicity to Birds

No reported toxicity to Livestock

No reported toxicity to People

Plants that go well with Begonia rex