What: This herbaceous perennial is truly a hardy begonia. The begonia grandis has interesting bold foliage with wonderful late-season flowers. 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, dark olive-green leaves with red veining and colorful undersides are held on 2-foot reddish stems. Once established it is surprisingly tolerant of dry shade. In autumn this hardy begonia self-propagates by tiny bulblets that form where the leaf joins the stem. Allow plants to collapse and decompose in place to allow the tiny bulblets to grow next spring. A light layer of compost will give a tidy appearance and help protect the bulblets.
Where: Hardy begonia will grow best in rich well-drained soils in light, open, dappled, or deep shade. New growth is often slow to appear and often will not be robust until the summer temperatures rise. Regular watering during dry periods will keep the plants healthy and flowering well into autumn.
Size: Reaches a height of 2 feet with a spread of 2 feet.
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