TL
Family
Begoniaceae
Botanical Name
Begonia grandis 'Evansiana'
Plant Common Name
Hardy Begonia
General Description
A spreading tuberous begonia, hardy begonia bears elegant, pendulous clusters of fragrant pink or white flowers above olive or mid-green leaves with pinkish undersides. This form is known for its paler leaves and stems and used to be called Begonia grandis ssp. evansiana, a subspecies that is no longer botanically recognized.
Hardy begonia is a subtropical species that survives in regions with prolonged sub-freezing winter temperatures. It is native to southeastern China, where it grows in forested river valleys, along montane slopes and moist cliff sides, and has been cultivated there since the 15th century.
This easy-to-grow begonia needs fertile, well-drained neutral, slightly acid or slightly alkaline soil. Offer it dappled sun or partial shade; direct summer sun can be too strong and may cause the leaves to scorch, especially when summer temperatures are high and water depleted. Plants self-sow freely, so expect hardy begonia to wander through the shade garden indiscriminately.
It looks ideal planted among ferns, Hosta, Heuchera and other shade-loving foliage plants that look great through summer. Try planting it in a container backlit by late-day sun that will show off its beautiful red venation. This is one of the last perennials to rise from the ground in areas with cold winters, so don’t worry if its late to break dormancy.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
18"-26" / 45.7cm - 66.0cm
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Width
16"-20" / 40.6cm - 50.8cm
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Bloom Time
Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
China
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Pink, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Pink
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green, Pink
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green, Pink
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
