Hardy Begonia

Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana is a surprising addition to the UK woodland garden, being one of the few begonias that are reliably hardy in many parts of the country. It produces beautiful, large, olive-green heart-shaped leaves with striking red veining on the undersides. In late summer and into autumn, it is covered in pendant clusters of delicate, shell-pink flowers. It spreads by means of small bulbils that form in the leaf axils and drop to the ground, allowing it to naturalise gently in a favorable spot. It requires a cool, moist, and sheltered position in partial to full shade, ideally with a thick winter mulch in colder regions (H4). It is late to emerge in the spring, often not appearing until May, so it is helpful to mark its position. It provides a tropical feel and late-season interest that is rare in typical woodland plantings.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Aug, Sep, Oct.