Begonia grandis ssp. evansiana (Hardy begonia)

Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

(Based on 2 user reviews)

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Botanical Name: Begonia grandis ssp. evansiana bah-GO-nyah GRAN-dis subspecies eh-vanz-ee-AY-nah Common Name: Hardy begonia Genus: Begonia

This tuberous begonia bears green heart-shaped foliage with red veining and claret-stained undersides that steal the show when backlit. Pendent clusters of slightly fragrant, satiny pink or white blossoms open from midsummer until frost. It makes a good perennial companion for ferns and hostas.
Noteworthy characteristics: Large, heart-shaped leaves; sprays of pink flowers.
Care: Prefers rich, moist but well-drained soil in moderate or full shade, with shelter from afternoon sun. Hardy begonia dies to the ground in winter and often reseeds to form large colonies.
Propagation: Sow seed or bulbils when fresh; take basal or stem cuttings in spring; divide perennial clumps in spring.
Problems: Mealybugs, mites, thrips, whiteflies, powdery mildew, stem rot, rhizome rot, nematodes.

• Overview
• User Reviews
• Photos

Height	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit	Clumps
Growth Pace	Moderate Grower
Light	Part Shade Only
Moisture	Medium Moisture
Maintenance	Low
Characteristics	Fragrant Flowers; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time	Early Fall; Fall; Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color	Pink Flower; White Flower
Uses	Beds and Borders, Container, Ground Covers
Style	Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest	Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type	Annuals

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posted by MZajkowski1
11/21/2012
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Zone: 6

This is a very prolific plant, self seeding heavily in my Northern Virginia garden.Lovely in late summer, but almost invasive, as it is crowding out less robust perennials. Does well in part shade and moist clay soil.

posted by judgehort
1/25/2010
Region: Northeast
Zone: 7

The leaves of Begonia grandis are striking, with shiny green upper surfaces and strong red underneath. It can cope with windy weather but is always endangered by rabbits in areas where they frequent. If not molested, it will form a very attractive clump in light shade.

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Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

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