Dr. Rekha Morris
Family
Begoniaceae
Botanical Name
Begonia rex
Plant Common Name
Rex Begonia
General Description
Large, velvety leaves that are dark green with a wide, circular band make rex begonia stand out among others. This widely cultivated and hybridized species is the historical source for many colorful rex-cultorum hybrids extant. A tender perennial from the monsoon-affected cool, humid highlands of the Arunachal Pradesh region of India, the species is rarely grown in cultivation.
Rex begonia has reddish brown creeping rhizomes from which the leaves emerge. In spring, it produces a few pinkish-white flowers but is primarily recognized and regarded for its handsome foliage. The leaf is somewhat heart or wedge-shaped, with jagged edges, and the leaf stem joins the blade in an off-center position. Each leaf blade is dark green with a wide gray band running just inside the entire leaf edge.
Rex begonia must be grown in bright shade, with minimal or no direct sunlight except in early morning. The best foliar coloring is produced in plants placed in very bright, diffused light. Soil pH should be neutral to lightly alkaline and can range from well-drained loam to moist sand. As a native of cool humid mountainous environments it grows poorly in excessive heat, especially at night, and will develop dry leaf edges if humidity is too low. Avoid wet soil as this encourages root and stem rot. Leaves will rejuvenate from the rhizome if winter temperatures do not drop below freezing. Rex begonia is best grown in a greenhouse, typically most happy growing in cool, moist shade under benches. It may also be grown as a houseplant with meticulous care, so it is usually only grown by true begonia collectors.
Again, this species is considered one of the most important ornamental begonias, as it is the main parent plant of the huge hybrid group of rex-cultorum begonias, with their dazzling foliage colors and shapes.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green, Gray
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green, Gray
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green, Gray
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green, Gray
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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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
No
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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
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Foundation, Groundcover, Houseplant, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
