Scientific Name
Begonia foliosa Kunth
Common Name(s)
Fern-leaved Begonia, Shrub Begonia
Synonym(s)
Begonia foliosa var. foliosa, Begonia elegans, Begonia jamesoniana, Begonia microphylla, Begonia poeppigiana, Begonia putzeysiana, Begonia splendens, Casparya elegans, Lepsia foliosa, Lepsia microphylla, Lepsia poeppigiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Begoniaceae
Genus: Begonia
Flower
Color: White to pale pink
Bloom Time: Blooms repeatedly
Origin
Begonia foliosa is native to Colombia and Venezuela.
Description
Begonia foliosa is a shrub-like plant that grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. It bears fleshy, pendent, up to 18 inches (45 cm) long stems thickly clothed with oval, glossy green leaves. It repeatedly blooms, producing panicles of small white to pale pink flowers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Begonias are rather versatile in their requirements: Old-fashioned Wax Begonias are great in the shade, but several newer Wax Begonia varieties are perfectly happy in the shade to full sun. No matter where you plant begonias, it's a good idea to give plants a regular dose of fertilizer to help fuel the constant barrage of blooms they're bound to throw at you.
When it comes to watering begonias, finding a good balance is key for healthy plants. Most Begonia varieties need to be consistently watered but shouldn't get too wet (too much water can kill them). So, don't be afraid to let the plants dry out a little between each watering. Begonia boliviensis varieties particularly like sharp drainage, as they're native to growing on cliff walls.
Most Begonias grow upright. For containers or hanging baskets, look for Begonia boliviensis and Angel Wing types, which have a more cascading habit.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Begonia.
Links
- Back to genus Begonia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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