Annuals – Rex Begonia

Botanical name: begonia rex

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: about a ft and a half in height and in width

Bloom time: late spring, summer, early fall

Hardy zone: zones 9-11

Flower color: pink/white

Foliage color: green/red/blue/gray

Growth rate: reaches full maturity in first growing season

Pruning instructions: deadhead as needed

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: shade garden, container plant

Light needs: 3-6 hours of sun per day

Special features: unique foliage

Watering instructions: allow soil to almost completely dry out between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : fertilize with foliage feed after planting and repeat once a month throughout the growing season

Best time to plant: spring

Best type of soil: loam, sand

Companion plants: hostas, ferns, coleus

Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested

Invasive species: no