Begonia luxurians
palm leaf begonia
An upright, frost-tender, evergreen perennial reaching heights up to 2.5m. The large palmate leaves, held on red-purple cane-like stems, are divided into lance-shaped, hairy leaflets. Pale yellow to white, fragrant flowers are borne in clusters above the leaves from spring into summer
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | Yellow White | Bronze Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Yellow White | Bronze Green | |
| Autumn | Purple Red | Bronze Green | ||
| Winter | Purple Red | Bronze Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
- Plant range
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
When planted outdoors, grow in a frost-free site in a well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade. Under glass, grow in a loam-based compost in filtered light, although it can take direct sunlight in winter. Performs best when humidity levels of 50% or more are maintained when in active growth. See Begonias: outdoors for further advice.
Propagation
Propagate by seed and by stem cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Architectural
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
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.