James Burghardt
Family
Begoniaceae
Botanical Name
BEGONIA carolineifolia
Plant Common Name
Palmate Begonia
General Description
Palm-leaf begonia is eye-catching and exotic-looking, with its large, glossy leaves divided into leaflets joined at their bases, a bit like the fronds on the top of a palm tree. The leaves are dark green above and red-brown below. Native to Mexico, it sends up tall reddish-brown stems bearing a cluster of pink flowers in late winter and spring. It is a tropical perennial that can grow quite large. The erect rhizomatous (root-like) stem holds the leaves at its tip, which adds to the palm-like look of the plant.
This begonia must be planted in well-drained, fertile soil or a contaier. It prefers partial sun but well-grown and established plants can tolerate a substantial amount of direct sunlight. This is a very easy and forgiving begonia to grow.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
11 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Width
4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Winter
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Native To
Mexico
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
