Iron Cross Begonia Begonia masoniana
- Phonetic Spelling
- be-GON-yuh mas-on-ee-AY-nuh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Begoniaceae is a large flowering plant family with about 1500 different species and hundreds of hybrids. Mature begonia plants range in size from a few inches high to over 12 feet high and the flowers, foliage colors and sizes are very diverse.
Begonia masoniana, or Iron Cross Begonia, is a tender, herbaceous perennial, typically grown as an ornamental houseplant, that is native to China and Vietnam. It grows from a rhizome and is noted for its extremely showy foliage, rather than its meager floral display. The plant is winter hardy to USDA zones 11 and 12, preferring temperatures in the low 70s, and will not survive outdoors in temperatures below 55 degrees F. When grown indoors, place it in bright but indirect or filtered light (for example, a southern, eastern or western window), use a peaty potting mix and keep soils evenly moist during periods of growth. When active growth slows down, slightly reduce water applications, allowing the surface of the soil to nearly dry before adding water. Do not over water. This is a finicky plant that prefers high humidity, which can be increased by placing the pot on wet gravel tray.
Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:
Keep foliage dry to help prevent onset of powdery mildew. Susceptible to bacterial leaf spot, blight and stem/crown rot. Watch for aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. Plants taken outdoors in summer are susceptible to slugs and snails if pots are placed on the ground.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Begonia
- Species:
- masoniana
- Family:
- Begoniaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Leaf Cutting
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern coast of China south to Vietnam
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Broad
- Dense
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- High
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 11b, 11a, 12a, 12b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Panicle
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Small (3/4 inch) greenish white flowers make attractive displays in cymes that rise above the leaves of the plant. Seasonal blooms.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Variegated
- Leaf Feel:
- Rough
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Puckered, pebbly-textured, asymetrical, bright green leaves (to 8 inches long) have decorative dark chocolate brown center markings which resemble the Iron Cross displayed on shields during the Crusades. Foliage provides winter interest. Leaf puckers are made up of pustules with a red hair growing from the tip of each minute pimple.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Black Walnut
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses