Begonia maculata (C)
spotted begonia
A fibrous-rooted species with erect stems to 1m. Foliage is green with silvery-white spots above, red below and has a heart-shaped base, a wavy texture and an undulate margin. Flowers are pale pink or white and are held in pendulous groups in summer; female flowers are more numerous than male ones and tepal sizes are unequal
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green Red White | ||
| Autumn | Green Red White | |||
| Winter | Green Red White |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Begonia can be annuals, evergreen or deciduous perennials or shrubs, with fibrous, tuberous or rhizomatous roots and usually asymmetrical leaves, often strikingly patterned, and small or large flowers, both male and female in the same cluster
- Name status
Correct
- Horticultural Group
- Cane-stem begonias are erect, evergreen perennials with fibrous roots and cane-like stems with asymmetrical, strongly toothed leaves, often strikingly marked, and showy flower clusters in spring or summer
- Plant range
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in light, well-drained, peat-free potting compost in filtered light with shade from hot sun at an optimum of 19°C. Will not tolerate continuous direct sunlight or waterlogging. Water moderately when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at alternative waterings. See begonia cultivation: houseplants for further information
Propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Cut back over long canes to 2 or 3 buds in late spring
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealy bugs, mites, glasshouse thrips, vine weevil and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews, stem rot and rhizome rot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.