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Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana
hardy begonia
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Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks
Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks
Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana is an herbaceous perennial that stands out in the garden because of its late-season bloom in the woodland garden. In late July, branch tips sparkle with clusters of pendulous, white-to-pink 1-inch flowers that continue until frost. Another great quality is its eye-catching foliage. Large, olive-colored leaves with red veining are held on 2-foot reddish stems and have a brilliant red underside. Hardy begonia is a very structural plant so it looks great in contrast with fine textured plants such as ferns or with other bold-foliage plants such as ligularias and hostas. Over time Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana will naturalize forming a nice colony. Once established it will also tolerate dry shade. |
| Culture |
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Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Soils should not be allowed to dry out completely. Deadhead flowers to extend the bloom period. In autumn this hardy begonia self-propagates by tiny bulblets which form in the leaf axils that then drop to the ground. Bulblets may also be harvested from the leaf axils and planted. New season growth is usually late to appear so be patient. |
| Growing Habit |
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Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana is a clump-forming, tuberous-rooted perennial that typically grows to 2-feet tall on red stems. Ovate, olive-green leaves with red undersides and red veining form an attractive foliage mound. Pendulous clusters of pink to white flowers appear in late July. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 6 to 9 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden