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Begonia 'Escargot'

Photo/Illustration: Daryl Beyers

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Begonia 'Escargot' bah-GO-nyah

Genus: Begonia

'Escargot' takes its name from the snail-like curl pattern at the base of the leaf. The foliage is striking enough to stand on its own but it's a good mixer, too. Use it with other foliage plants and brightly colored blooms. This is an extremely popular Rex hybrid begonia. -Rita Randolph, Rex begonias, Fine Gardening issue #120
Care: Provide organic, sharp-draining soil in shade with lots of humidity. Water when soil is dry to the touch. Avoid soggy conditions, but do not allow plants to wilt. Do not over-fertilize. Remove dead leaves promptly and keep the soil surface free of debris to avoid disease problems.
Propagation: Leaf cuttings may take up to six months to produce new plants. Stem cuttings typically root in about three weeks in favorable conditions.
Problems: Mildew, Botrytis, mealybugs.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	6 in. to 12 in.
Spread	6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit	Clumps
Light	Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture	Medium Moisture
Maintenance	Low
Characteristics	Showy Foliage
Foliage Color	Colorful/Burgundy Foliage;Variegated Foliage
Uses	Beds and Borders, Container, Suitable as Annual
Style	Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest	Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type	Perennials,Tropicals

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posted by moonflower2
3/21/2010
Region: Southeast
Zone: 9

Escargot is a bit temperamental, but when he finds a spot to his liking, he will thrive. Mine enjoy a south-facing window that is shaded except during the dead of winter- no direct sun, please. When we travel- usually in February-March, the escargo do fine on their own in a shaded spot in our entryway garden, even though this year the temperature was in the low 30's farenheit. (We live in Japan, but as I have to choose a USA region to post this review, I choose southeast usa, as that most closely approximates our climate zone.) I feed sparingly and rarely, water when dry, and repot every two or three years. The key seems to be the location- they are quite particular about lighting. Otherwise they are quite forgiving. Escargo is a lovely plant- well worth the little bit of extra care it needs to thrive.

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