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PRONOUNCED: be-GON-yuh rex |
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COMMON:
Beefsteak, Painted-leaf begonia, Rex
begonia.
TYPE:
Rhizome
COLORS:
Grown for their colorful textured
leaves.
STORAGE
AND SPECIAL TIPS: Use
3 or 4 tubers per grouping, 8- to 10-inches apart,
planted stem side up, tops slightly above soil in
the ground or in pots and hanging planters. The
ornamental heart-shaped leaves can be up to 1 foot
long, with striking patterns in variations of red,
black, silver and green with a rippled or pimpled
surface. They grow in a mounding habit to
approximately 1 foot in height and vary in width to
18-inches. The small flowers are inconspicuous.
B. rex appear to be a favorite among
hybrizers who manage create the most extraordinary
leaf patterns. Place them in pots in the shade
garden during the summer, and bring them indoors
for the winter. Fertilize lightly but regularly,
and do not allow them to dry out. The soil must be
highly fertile and very well draining. Lift, dry
and store over winter under cool conditions. Hardy
in Zones 10 - 12. Proven Winners introduced two
interesting cultivars in 2003: |
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