Hardy Begonia Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Hardy Begonia is a perennial plant that gracefully adds a touch of elegance to any shaded garden. Characterized by an asymmetrical, heart-shaped leaf structure, it displays a rich and vibrant green color on the upper side with a prominent display of reddish-pink veins. The underneath of the leaves tells a different story, with a reddish or purplish hue, adding to the ornamental value of the plant. The leaves have a delicate, slightly hairy texture that gives them a soft appearance. During the blooming period, clusters of dainty, pendulous flowers dangle from the stems, creating a whimsical effect. The flowers are typically pink or white and are small but numerous, providing a delightful contrast against the foliage. The overall effect is one of gentle abundance, as the flowers often bloom profusely in the right conditions. The Hardy Begonia has a graceful, mounding growth habit that allows it to fill in spaces and cascade slightly, which can be visually striking in a garden setting or when planted in containers. The stems are succulent and can have a reddish tint, complementing the color scheme of the foliage and flowers. This plant is not only admired for its aesthetic appeal but is also cherished by garden enthusiasts for its ability to thrive in partially shaded spots where other plants might struggle. It is a well-loved choice for adding texture, color, and a tropical feel to cooler climate gardens.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Hardy Begonia, Evans Begonia, Grand Begonia
- Common names
  Begonia discolor, Begonia evansiana, Begonia evansiana var. alba, Begonia grandis var. evansiana, Begonia polyantha, Begonia rubra, Begonia weltoniensis.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Hardy begonia is generally not considered toxic to humans. There have been no widespread reports of serious adverse effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant that is not typically used for food, individuals may experience varying degrees of sensitivity, and it's possible for some to have mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities are consumed. As a rule of thumb, it is advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants.
- To pets
  Hardy begonia is considered non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. While the plant is not intended for consumption, ingestion of small amounts by pets typically does not lead to poisoning or serious health issues. If a pet does consume a large quantity, they might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but serious toxic effects are unlikely. Nonetheless, it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants as a precaution.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  2 feet (60 cm)
- Spread
  18 inches (45 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  6
- Native area
  China

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Begonia grandis, commonly known as Hardy Begonia, is prized for its attractive foliage and showy blooms that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: Hardy Begonia thrives in shady areas where other plants may not grow as well, making it an excellent choice for underplanting beneath trees or in shaded borders.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less water compared to many other plants, which makes it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Hardy Begonia are known to attract bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
- Edging and Borders: Its mounding growth habit makes it suitable for use as edging along walkways or as a border in garden beds and paths.
- Seasonal Interest: With its late summer to autumn blooming cycle, Hardy Begonia provides color and interest in the garden when many other plants have finished flowering.
Medical Properties
- Anti-inflammatory: Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Analgesic: It is known to have pain-relieving effects.
- Antipyretic: The plant has been used to reduce fever.
- Diuretic: There is some evidence suggesting it may promote the production of urine, thereby helping in the elimination of excess water and salts from the body.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- As a natural insect repellant: Begonia grandis, commonly known as Hardy Begonia, can be used to ward off certain insects when its crushed leaves are rubbed onto the skin.
- In crafts and decoration: The waxy and colorful leaves of Hardy Begonia can be incorporated into crafts such as eco-printing or used in decorative arrangements.
- As a moisturizer: The mucilage found in Hardy Begonia leaves can sometimes be used as a natural moisturizer for the skin in homemade beauty preparations.
- Educational tool: Hardy Begonia can be utilized in schools or educational programs to teach students about plant biology and propagation techniques.
- As a natural dye: The leaves and flowers of Hardy Begonia can be used to make natural dyes for coloring fabrics or crafting inks.
- In terrariums: Due to their compact size and attractive foliage, Hardy Begonia can be used as feature plants in a terrarium setup.
- Culinary garnish: Although not widely known for its edibility, the flowers of Hardy Begonia can be used as a delicate and fancy garnish in some culinary dishes.
- As photography subjects: The striking appearance of Hardy Begonia provides an excellent subject for photographers, particularly plant and macro photography enthusiasts.
- In religious ceremonies: In some cultures, the Hardy Begonia is used in religious ceremonies as a symbol of peace and goodwill.
- As a potted plant gift: Hardy Begonia can be gifted in a pot as a symbol of friendship or appreciation due to its ease of care and appealing aesthetics.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Hardy Begonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Hardy Begonia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Beware - Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana often signifies caution or a warning to be wary about something or someone.
- Deep thinking - This plant symbolizes introspection and a deep thought process due to its rich and complex nature.
- Individuality - Because of its unique appearance, the Begonia represents standing out from the crowd and embracing one's individual traits.
- Harmony - The symmetry and balance found in the leaves and flowers of the plant reflect a symbol of harmony and peace.
- Gratitude - Gifting a Begonia can be a way of expressing thanks or appreciation for someone's kindness.
- Friendship - Due to its appealing aesthetic and non-threatening thorns, the plant is often associated with friendship and a good relationship.

💧

Every 7-14 days

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Hardy begonia should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the entire root ball is moistened, then allowing the soil to dry out slightly before the next watering. Generally, it involves giving the plant a drink of about one to two gallons every week during the growing season, depending on the weather conditions; more frequent watering may be needed during hot, dry spells. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering frequency significantly to prevent root rot but do not let the soil completely dry out. Overwatering can be as detrimental as under-watering, so it's crucial to check the soil moisture level regularly.
Light
Hardy begonia thrives best in a location with bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight. It can also tolerate morning sun followed by afternoon shade, making east-facing locations ideal. Avoid exposing the plant to direct midday sun, as this can lead to leaf scorch and stress the plant.
Temperature
Hardy begonia prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may cause stress to the plant. The ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning
Prune hardy begonia to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged leaves, and encourage bushier growth. This should be done in the spring, just before the new growth starts. Pruning should be light, focusing on thinning overcrowded areas to improve air circulation. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season will also promote additional blooms.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Hardy begonia prefers a well-draining, humus-rich potting mix with a pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand works well to provide the necessary drainage and aeration.
Repotting
Hardy begonias should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their pots. The best time to repot is in the spring as the plant enters a period of active growth.
Humidity & Misting
Hardy begonias thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 50% to 70%. They benefit from a humid environment but can tolerate lower humidity levels.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide filtered light, high humidity, and well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Place in partial shade, protect from frost, ensure moist, rich soil.
- Hardiness zone
  6-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life of Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana, commonly known as Hardy Begonia, begins with the germination of small, winged seeds which require warm and humid conditions to sprout. Seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with asymmetrical, heart-shaped leaves, often with a reddish hue on their undersides. As the plant matures, it forms a tuberous rhizome that serves as an energy reserve, enabling it to survive in colder climates and re-emerge in spring. During the growing season, it produces clusters of pink or white flowers hanging from arching reddish stems, leading to pollination primarily by bees. Following pollination, the plant sets seeds which are dispersed by wind, promoting the spread of the species in suitable habitats. Come autumn, the foliage typically dies back with the onset of cold weather, and the plant enters a dormant phase, relying on its tuberous rhizome to survive the winter until conditions are favorable for regrowth.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-summer
- The Hardy Begonia, known scientifically as Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana, is best propagated through division, which is commonly done in the spring just before or as new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the tuberous roots of a mature plant. It's important to do this gently as the roots can be quite brittle. Separate the tubers ensuring that each division has at least one bud or eye on it, which is essential for producing new growth. After division, the tubers can be immediately replanted in well-draining soil, spaced at about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Water the newly planted tubers thoroughly to establish them. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing clones of the parent plant.