Common name: hardy begonia

Size, form, texture: height and spread 1.5-2 ft, monoecious, tuberose root, forms clumps.

Hardiness, origin, native ecology: Z 6-7, native to China, prefers part to full shade and moist, rich soil that doesn’t dry out, bushy rounding foliage. Hardy in Vancouver as long as in well drained soiled has shade. Easy to propagate with lots of humidity.

Bud, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics: Distinct leaf with attractive red underside, flowers are bubble like and pale pink and bloom from July to early fall, will self seed in shade, showy plant. Typically grows from fleshy root, delicate and watery stems, lots of water in the stem.

Cultural and maintenance requirements and appropriate uses in the landscape: good selection for shade garden with hostas and ferns, also nice in woodland garden or in the front  of a shady border (as in van dusen). May need extra mulch to increase hardiness over winter, dead heading previous blooms can extend blooming period.