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Angel Wing Begonia Begonia 'Argenteo-guttata'

Other plants called Angel Wing Begonia:

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

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.

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See this plant in the following landscapes:
Japanese Shade Garden Floating Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#silver leaves#dark green#shade garden#showy leaves#interiorscape#year-round interest#hanging baskets#cpp#silver#delicate flowers#patio planting#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#container plant#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#silver leaves#dark green#shade garden#showy leaves#interiorscape#year-round interest#hanging baskets#cpp#silver#delicate flowers#patio planting#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#container plant#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Begonia
    Family:
    Begoniaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Leaf Cutting
    Seed
    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:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting, salivation in dogs/cats. The most toxic part is underground.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Soluble calcium oxalates
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No