- Polka dot begonia
Botanical name: begonia maculata
Beginner friendly?: no
Average size at maturity: up to 3 ft in height and 2 ft in width
Bloom time: summer, fall
Hardy zone: zones 9-12
Flower color: pink/red/white
Foliage color: green/red/white
Growth rate: grows no more than 1 ft per year
Pruning instructions: deadhead and trim foliage as needed
Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge
Landscape use: tropical shade garden
Light needs: no more than 5 hours of sun per day
Special features: natural white dots on foliage
Watering instructions: allow soil to fully dry between watering sessions
Fertilizing instructions : use a 10-10-10 slow release liquid fertilizer after planting and continue once a month throughout the summer
Best time to plant: year-round
Best type of soil: organic potting soil
Companion plants: lobelia, caladium, ferns
Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested
Invasive species: no
