Hardy begonia
Begonia grandis · Begoniaceae
📷 User:SB_Johnny · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Parties souterraines et feuilles contiennent oxalates ; toxiques par ingestion pour chats et enfants.
The gardener's calendar
Hardy begonia is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, disappears in winter
- Flowering
- August to October, pink or white flowers
- Adult size
- Approximately 80 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -15 °C, resists cold well
- Growth
- Moderate to rapid during the growing season
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (China, Vietnam)
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Begonia grandis thrives in dappled shade to part sun with humus-rich, well-draining soil. In cold zones, tubers form at the base and overwinter in dry conditions.
The common mistake
Planting too shallow or in very dry soil: tubers won't form or dry out, and flowering will be disappointing.
The pro's trick
In September, after blooming finishes, gradually reduce watering.
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist during the growing season from May to September, without letting it become waterlogged. Gradually reduce watering in autumn and stop almost entirely in winter when the plant enters dormancy. In spring, resume regular watering as soon as the first shoots appear.
Light exposure
Place your perennial begonia in part shade, where it benefits from indirect light or a few hours of mild morning sun. Too much shade slows flowering, while intense midday sun can scorch tender foliage. A location under a shrub or shade cloth works perfectly.
Soil
Prepare rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and high in organic matter. Incorporate compost or peat at planting time to improve structure and moisture retention. Soil that is too compact or chalky can slow growth and encourage chlorosis.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer or one slightly enriched in phosphorus every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing period from April to September. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowering. Stop fertilizing in autumn and winter.
Pruning and cleanup
Remove spent flowers regularly to extend flowering. In autumn, let the plant decline naturally; remove all dried foliage in November-December. In spring, clean away dead debris around the tubers to prevent rot.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew and root rot if there is excess moisture or poor drainage. Ensure good air circulation around the foliage and avoid watering in the evening. Spider mites can infest the plant in dry indoor conditions; spray the foliage with clear water if needed.
Did you know?
The perennial begonia is one of the few species in the Begonia genus to form underground tubers and to tolerate the cold winters of temperate zones. It was brought from Asia in the nineteenth century and remains a precious horticultural curiosity for gardeners seeking a reliable and elegant herbaceous plant for part shade.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.