Begonia masoniana
Iron Cross begonia
A rhizomatous evergreen perennial to 45cm, with large, ovate, rough-textured green leaves, marked in the centre with a dark brown cross-like zone. Small greenish-white flowers in erect panicles
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | Brown Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Green | |||
| Winter | Brown Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- China, Vietnam
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass or in a frost-free enviroment. Mainly grown for foliage effect. See Begonias: houseplants for further advice.
Propagation
Propagate by seed, leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
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
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