Hardy begonia Begonia grandis Dryand. subsp. evansiana (Andrews) Irmsch. var. alba hort.

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The plant in question has a charming appearance, characterized by its heart-shaped leaves that bear a lush green color. These leaves typically display a distinctive asymmetry in their form, adding to the visual interest of the plant. Throughout the growing season, the foliage may exhibit subtle hints of red along the veins, which enhances its decorative appeal. The flowers of this plant contribute greatly to its beauty. They emerge as delicate, white blossoms that gently contrast with the greenery. These flowers possess a graceful, subtle charm, often arranged in loose clusters that hang elegantly from the stems. Adding to the allure of the blooms is their gentle, pleasing fragrance, which can make the plant a delightful addition to any garden space or collection. The overall aesthetic of this plant is one of gentle elegance, with its rounded leaves and dainty white blossoms creating a soothing and visually appealing display. Despite its modest demeanor, the plant is capable of bringing a touch of sophistication and natural beauty to the environments in which it thrives.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Hardy Begonia, White Hardy Begonia, Evans's Begonia.
- Common names
  Begonia grandis var. evansiana, Begonia discolor var. evansiana, Begonia evansiana Andrews, Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana, Begonia grandis var. alba.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Hardy begonia is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, some people may have sensitivity causing irritation or discomfort if ingested or if the sap comes into contact with skin. It's always best to avoid ingestion and to handle plants with care to prevent any potential adverse effects.
- To pets
  Hardy begonia is also not highly toxic to pets. However, ingestion can still potentially cause gastrointestinal irritation, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Cats and dogs may experience some discomfort if they eat parts of the plant. It is advisable to keep an eye on your pet and consult with a veterinarian if any symptoms arise.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
- Spread
  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  6
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Adding visual appeal to gardens with its attractive foliage and flowers.
- Shade Tolerance: Suits low-light areas where other plants might struggle to thrive.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated through leaf cuttings or division, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate short periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of surviving in cooler temperatures compared to many other Begonia species.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides flowers from late summer to the first frost, extending the blooming season of a garden.
Medical Properties
- Anti-inflammatory: The leaves of Begonia grandis, commonly known as Hardy begonia, have sometimes been used in traditional medicine for their potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Analgesic: There are some historical accounts that parts of the Hardy begonia have been used to alleviate pain.
- Antipyretic: In some traditional medicine systems, Hardy begonia may have been used to reduce fever.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Ornamental Value: Begonia grandis, commonly known as hardy begonia, is often used for decorative purposes in gardens and planters due to its attractive foliage and white blooms.
- Shade Gardening: Hardy begonia is suitable for shaded areas of the garden where many other flowering plants may not thrive, making it ideal for adding color and life to dim spots.
- Container Gardening: It can be grown in containers on balconies or patios, especially for gardeners with limited space who want to enjoy its beauty close-up.
- Ground Cover: With its ability to spread, hardy begonia can serve as an effective ground cover, filling in spaces and providing a lush undergrowth in garden beds.
- Erosion Control: Planting hardy begonia on slopes can help in preventing soil erosion, as the plant’s root system helps to stabilize the ground.
- Leaf Casting: The large and textured leaves of hardy begonia make it a good candidate for leaf casting projects to create decorative garden art or stepping stones.
- Edging Plants: The compact growth habit of hardy begonia makes it suitable for use as edging along garden paths or flowerbeds, providing a defined and attractive border.
- Companion Planting: Hardy begonia can be planted alongside other shade-loving plants to create a diverse and aesthetically appealing garden composition.
- Wedding Decor: The delicate white flowers could be used in bouquets or as part of table decorations for weddings and other events, contributing a subtle and natural elegance.
- Teaching Tool: Because of its ease of propagation and tolerance to varying conditions, hardy begonia can be used in educational settings as a teaching tool for horticulture students to learn about plant growth and propagation.

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
- Caution: The Begonia often symbolizes a warning to be cautious or a situation that requires careful thought. It may suggest that there could be potential difficulties or misunderstandings ahead.
- Individuality: This plant can represent uniqueness and the celebration of one’s individual traits. Its distinctive foliage and form celebrate differences in nature.
- Gratitude: Giving Begonias can express gratitude or appreciation to someone. The gesture acknowledges good deeds and communicates thankfulness.
- Harmony: The Begonia can symbolize a state of balance and peace. This might be associated with its pleasing aesthetics and ability to blend well within various garden designs.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to early summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Hardy begonias, like Begonia grandis, prefer soil that remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water your Begonia grandis approximately once a week with about 0.25 gallons per square foot, but adjust based on weather conditions. In hotter, drier periods, it may require more frequent watering to maintain soil moisture. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
Light
Hardy begonias thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade. The best spot for Begonia grandis is where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, so it should be avoided.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for growing Begonia grandis is between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to around 50°F, but growth may slow down. Hardy begonias can survive brief periods of colder temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F can be damaging to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Begonia grandis helps to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Cut back any dead or damaged leaves and stems in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune to shape the plant if desired, but heavy pruning is not necessary. Deadheading spent flowers can promote more blooms.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Hardy Begonia prefers a moist, well-draining soil mix with high organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and garden loam in equal parts works well. Aim for a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
Repotting
Hardy Begonia should be repotted every one to two years, or when it becomes root-bound.
Humidity & Misting
Hardy Begonia thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, around 50% to 70%.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Use well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and keep moist.
- Outdoor
  Plant in shaded area, protect from frost, and water regularly.
- Hardiness zone
  6-9 USDA
Life cycle
Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana var. alba, commonly known as Hardy begonia, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires light and occurs in spring or early summer. After germination, it develops into a small seedling with a pair of cotyledons. As the seedling grows, true leaves develop, and the plant enters a vegetative growth phase, forming a tuberous rhizome underground that allows it to survive in winter. During late summer to early autumn, the Hardy begonia flowers, producing white blossoms that are pollinated by insects. After pollination, it sets seed that, if conditions are favorable, will disperse to create new plants. Finally, in winter the above-ground foliage dies back, and the plant enters dormancy, relying on its rhizome to conserve energy to resprout in the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to early summer
- The most popular method of propagating Begonia grandis, commonly referred to as Hardy Begonia, is by division. This is best done in the spring as the plant begins to emerge from dormancy. To propagate by division, gently lift the clump of tubers from the ground using a garden fork. Carefully separate the tubers by hand, ensuring each division has at least one growth bud. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth from which they were taken, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. The divisions should be watered thoroughly after planting to help establish the new roots.