This hardy Begonia is a tuberous perennial, native to Southern China and Japan. It features large, olive-green, heart-shaped leaves, red on the underside. Nodding clusters of delicate white to pale pink flowers bloom from midsummer to early autumn, making it a beautiful, shade-loving addition to the garden.
| KEY PLANT INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| Plant Type: | Herbaceous perennial |
| Plant Colours: | Green / Pink / white |
| Flowering period: | Late summer – Early autumn |
| Mature Height: | 60cm / 2ft |
| Light Requirements: | Part shade – Full Shade |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate |
| Cold Hardiness: | Hardy to -23⁰C / 10ºF |
| Difficult: | Easy |
Plant Type
Tuberous herbaceous perennial
Begonia grandis subs. evansiana var. Alba is a perennial that reliably regrows each spring, surviving winter as a dormant, underground, moisture-storing tuber.
Mature Height
30cm – 60cm
The mature height is typically between 30 and 60 cm (1 to 2 feet). It forms a bushy clump of foliage with nodding clusters of fragrant white flowers on long stems
Light Requirements
Partial shade – Full shade
Begonia grandis subs. evansiana var. Alba needs part to full shade and moist, organically rich, well-drained soil. Avoid full afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Water Requirements
Moderate
Summer: Needs consistent, even moisture in well-drained, organically rich soil. Water regularly, generally when the top soil inch is dry, but avoid waterlogging.
Winter: As an herbaceous perennial, it becomes dormant. Reduce watering significantly when the leaves yellow. Keep the tubers barely moist, ensuring they don’t shrivel, and protect from frost.
Cold Hardiness
Hardy to -23⁰C
Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana var. alba is generally hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9. This equates to minimum average winter temperatures of -23.3°C to -17.8°C (10°F to 0°F). It is a tuberous perennial that dies back, surviving winter as dormant tubers, often benefiting from a protective mulch.
