Angel Wing Begonia Begonia 'Argenteo-guttata'

Angel wing begonia is a cultivar in the Begoniaceae (begonia) family.  Begoniaceae is a large, flowering plant family, the name of which honors Michael Begon (1638-1710), Governor of French Canada, and includes about 1500 different species and hundreds of hybrids. Mature begonia plants range in size from a few inches high to over 12 inches high, and the flowers, foliage colors, and sizes are very diverse.

Begonia  'Argenteo-guttata', or Angel Wing Begonia, is a hybrid cross between  B. aconitifolia and B. coccinea. Angel Wing Begonia is one of a large, diverse group of shrub-like begonias that offer interesting foliage and seasonal flowers. Shrub-like begonias branch readily, and their stems do not have the woody, bamboo-like appearance with swollen joints that cane-like begonias do. Angel Wing Begonia, in particular, grows well in the shade, tolerates heat and humidity, and includes cultivars that tolerate morning sun. This hybrid is noted for its attractive leaves with silver markings on a green background and a red underside that sometimes shines through the leaves. Begonia ‘Argenteo guttata’ produces blossoms that are bright red.

Light is important with shrub-like begonias. Provide as much light or sunlight as a plant will take without showing unhealthy symptoms, but avoid the hottest midday sun. In an area where the sun is intense and summer temperatures are consistently hot, provide broken shade. The best planting mix is the usual loose, coarse begonia mix. Angel Wing Begonias need just enough water to keep the leaves crisp. Too much water will rot the leaves and stems. Be sure the top of the planting mix is dry to the touch before watering.

The plant may need pruning or staking if it starts to become unruly or misshapen. Regular pinching begun early to encourage branching will produce a fuller plant with more bloom. Best propagation is from tip cuttings, but stem cuttings also work. Begonia 'Argenteo guttata' is not frost hardy and temperatures should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit nor be higher than 86 degrees Fahrenheit,  thus it is often grown as a houseplant or, in the garden, as an annual.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: No insects or diseases are known to be partial to shrub-like begonias other than those which may infest begonias generally.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Begonia.