Other Names:  Polka Dot Begonia, Clown Begonia

Description:

A beautiful and fun variety featuring deep green foliage with eye-catching white spots and stunning red undersides; white blooms with hints of shell pink are produced throughout the season; grows well in humid conditions; great for both indoors and out

Ornamental Features

Spotted Begonia features dainty clusters of fragrant white star-shaped flowers with shell pink overtones and gold centers at the ends of the branches from mid spring to mid summer. Its attractive tiny glossy oval leaves remain dark green in color with distinctive white spots throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Spotted Begonia is a dense multi-stemmed annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and can be pruned at anytime. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Spotted Begonia is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Spotted Begonia will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 inches. Although it's not a true annual, this plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant does best in a location that gets morning sunlight but is shaded from the hot afternoon sun, although it will also grow in partial shade. Keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. This plant should not require much in the way of fertilizing once established, although it may appreciate a shot of general-purpose fertilizer from time to time early in the growing season. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America.

Spotted Begonia is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.