Hardy Begonia Begonia grandis

Hardy begonia is an herbaceous perennial native to southern China and Japan that is a member of the begonia family (Begoniaceae). It typically forms a bushy mound of foliage on branching stems, with an overall size of 18 inches to three feet tall and 18 inches to two feet wide. The species epithet is Latin for “large.”

Hardy begonia grows best in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in partial to deep shade. Do not allow the soil to dry out. The plant tolerates temperatures down to 23 degrees F. Because it may not be reliably winter hardy in zones 6 and 7, it is best to mulch it heavily during the winter. From summer through early fall hardy begonia displays loose floppy clusters of pink fragrant blooms visited by pollinators. To extend the bloom period, deadhead expired flowers. 

As the days grow shorter, the plant goes dormant, and bulbils form in the leaf axils. These tiny asexual propagules about the size of a small pea fall to the ground and sprout the following spring. Thus, one or two plants in the garden become a small colony after a couple of years. Bulbils may also be harvested from the leaf axils and planted as desired. If planted from seed, the plants will show some variation; if planted from bulbils, the plants will be the same as the parent plant.

Consider using hardy begonia in pollinator, naturalized, or shade gardens, planted along walkways, borders, in mass plantings and in containers. The blooms add color to plantings mixed with other shade-loving plants such as ferns and hostas.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It is slightly susceptible to mildew as it goes dormant in the fall.

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.