Begonia rex

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BegoniaConservatory, House plant, PerennialFamily: Begoniaceae

Height: 50cmSpread: 50cm
Tender

Foliage colour:

Variegation

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, partial shade

Soil

Prefers rich soil:

Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Rex begonias are grown for their colourful, dramatic foliage. There are many different cultivated varieties, sporting large leaves with streaks, spirals or veins, and often with splashes of silver, pink, purple green and burgundy. Flowers tend to be inconspicuous and are best removed to keep the leaves looking their best.

Rex begonias are rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome with shallow roots. They can be difficult to grow because they generally thrive in humid environments. As such, they are best grown as houseplants in temperate regions, and thrive in a warm, humid environment such as a bathroom.

Begonia rex has large, metallic green leaves with splashes of silver on the upper surface, and a reddish tone beneath. Small pink flowers are borne in winter.

Plant calendar

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Begonia ‘Rex’ and wildlife

Begonia ‘Rex’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Begonia ‘Rex’ poisonous?

Begonia ‘Rex’ causes an upset stomach and is harmful if ingested. Its roots are toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract Horses

Horses

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People