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BEGONIA 'Erythrophylla'

Image of Begonia 'Erythrophylla'

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Begoniaceae

Botanical Name

BEGONIA 'Erythrophylla'

Plant Common Name

Beefsteak Begonia

Special Notice

This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.

General Description

The beefsteak begonia is a classic begonia with glossy rounded leaves and stems filled with pinkish white flowers in winter. This tender herbaceous perennial is an heirloom hybrid. Each leaf is rounded or heart-like and dark glossy green with a reddened underside. In the center of the leaf there is often a thin, lighter green "star". In late winter, the plant produces many white and pink blushed flowers on branched stems well above, but also arching over the leaves.

Plant 'Erythrophylla' in a moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil in bright shade. Making a wonderful houseplant as it has such an easy culture, allow thes oil to slightly dry between waterings. Outdoors it can be grown as a seasonal bedding annual in shade or in a container. In tropical regions, beefsteak begonia is an alluring shade groundcover or as an accent planted among small bromeliads and ferns.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    8"-15" / 20.3cm - 38.1cm

  • Width

    12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Late Winter

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Light Pink

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Fruit Color

    Tan

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Light Green, Dark Green, Dark Red

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Light Green, Dark Green, Dark Red

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Light Green, Dark Green, Dark Red

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Light Green, Dark Green, Burgundy

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No