Begonia
Hardy Begonia
These stellar perennial selections promote good-looking deciduous foliage and captivating clusters of colorful dangling blooms. Filtered shade, rich fast-draining soil that stays moist but not water logged, and a layer of mulch for winter protection ensure their well-being.
Begonia grandis ssp. evansiana (P-2277)
Each $11.75
The specific epithet, which means big or showy in Latin, says it all! Indigenous to China, this hardy tuberous Begonia fashions a handsome bushy mound of thick and fleshy, jointed stalks with irregular red bands plus large asymmetrical olive-green leaves sporting cordate bases, notched margins and fantastic red veins on the pale grayish green flip sides. Loose, long-stemmed nodding clusters house red buds and splendid scented pearly-pink blooms from July through October, at which time the entire plant disappears. Damp, partially shaded, well-drained nooks and mulch where winters are cold ensure its vitality, while Impatiens omeiana, Tricyrtis ‘White Towers’ and Athyrium ‘Metallicum’ make compelling companions.
Blooms July–October
Size: 2' 0" high x 2' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 6.
Begonia grandis ssp. evansiana ‘Alba’ (P-1924)
Each $11.75
This fetching winter-hardy tuberous Begonia has lots to toot its horn about. The mounded, gleaming green clump presents attractive, large angel-wing leaves that sport red veins, branched stems with cardinal-hued nodes and exquisite panicles of yellow-centered white flowers. A perfect companion for fellow shade dwellers like Pulmonarias and Impatiens omeiana, ‘Alba’ appears late spring, requiring mulch in cold winter locales and slightly acidic, well-drained moisture-retentive soil.
Blooms July–September
Size: 18" – 2' 0" high x 12" – 18" wide.
Hardy to zone 6.
Begonia grandis ‘Herons Pirouette’ (P-1643)
Each $11.75
Though the polished triangular foliage resembles the species, it was the masses of deep pink, nearly 12 in. long flower clusters, pirouetting with a dancer’s grace that caught Dan Hinkley’s keen eye during a 1997 Japanese expedition. Draped on slender pendulous stems, the richly hued flowers, highlighted by lavender accents, deliver a splendid nonstop performance from June until fall; later warm pink seed heads provide a midautumn encore. This delicate-looking Begonia is an excellent choice for a container or for massing as a bedding plant.
Blooms June–October
Size: 15" high x 15" wide.
Hardy to zone 6.
Each $11.75
A hardy denizen of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa, this exotic-looking tuberous Begonia sends up jagged-edged bright green foliage beneath a lovely cascade of clear orange flowers supported by pale red stems. The alluring summer long display complements Bletilla ‘Soryu’ or Saxifraga ‘Maroon Beauty’.
Blooms June–August
Size: 6" high x 18" wide.
Zone 7/8.
