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Angel Wing Begonia Begonia 'Argenteo-guttata'

Other plants called Angel Wing Begonia:

Phonetic Spelling
beh-GO-nee-ah ar-JEN-tee-oh goo-TAY-tuh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Angel wing begonia is a broadleaf evergreen cultivar in the begonia family (Begoniaceae) that can grow 1 to 2.5 feet high and 1 to 2 feet wide. It is a hybrid between B. aconitifolia and B. coccinea. It is one of a large, diverse group of shrub-like perennial begonias that branch readily and whose stems do not have the woody, bamboo-like appearance that cane-like begonias do. The cultivar name is Latin for “silver-spotted.”

Angel wing begonia grows well in shade. It tolerates heat, humidity, and morning sun, but avoid midday or afternoon sun. In an area where the sun is intense and summer temperatures are consistently hot, provide dappled shade. 

The best planting mix is loose and coarse, neutral to acidic. Angel wing begonia needs just enough water to keep the leaves crisp. Too much water will rot the roots 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. It is best propagated from tip cuttings, but stem cuttings and division also work. 

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. It produces blossoms that are pink or red/burgundy.

Angel wing begonia is not frost hardy and temperatures should not drop below 50 degrees F nor be higher than 86 degrees F. Thus it is often grown as a houseplant or, in the garden, as an annual. Outdoors use it in a container or hanging basket on a patio or planted in a shade garden.

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. Powdery mildew is sometimes a problem.

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.

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See this plant in the following landscape:
Container Gardens
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#silver leaves#dark green#shade garden#showy leaves#interiorscape#year-round interest#hanging baskets#silver#variegated#delicate flowers#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#container plant#annual#patio
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#silver leaves#dark green#shade garden#showy leaves#interiorscape#year-round interest#hanging baskets#silver#variegated#delicate flowers#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#container plant#annual#patio
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Begonia
    Family:
    Begoniaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Leaf Cutting
    Stem Cutting
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Houseplant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Broad
    Dense
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Winged capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Description:
    Soft pink to deep red delicate sprays (cymes) of flowers. The male and female flowers are on the same plant.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Dark green, elephant ear leaves spotted with silver, reddish underneath, serrate margins. The red underneath sometimes shines through the leaves so it is visible from above.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Zig Zags
    Stem Description:
    Upright and zig zags.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Shade Garden
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Heavy Shade
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting and salivation in dogs and cats. The most toxic part is the underground roots. The sap may cause skin irritation.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Soluble calcium oxalates
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Roots
    Sap/Juice