Overview
Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana is the hardy begonia, the only winter-hardy begonia in temperate gardens — surviving to zone 6 from tuberous roots, while all other commonly grown begonias are tender annuals or houseplants. Growing 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) wide. Pendant pink flowers 1 inch (2.5 cm) in drooping clusters from late summer to fall (August–October). Angel-wing-shaped leaves 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) with olive-green upper surfaces, red veins, and red undersides — the red undersides are visible from below. In the begonia family (Begoniaceae). Emerges late in spring (May–June) from the tuberous roots — do not assume the plant is dead when it fails to appear in early spring. Small bulbils form in the leaf axils in fall and drop to the ground, producing new plants — this vegetative bulbil colonization is the primary spreading method. 'Alba' is the white-flowered form. Monoecious: separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The foliage dies to the ground after the first frost. Consistent moisture in shade. Mildly toxic to dogs and cats (calcium oxalates). Deer-resistant. Partial shade. Zones 6–9. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to China, Japan, and Malaysia.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade borders and woodland gardens in zones 6–9. The only winter-hardy begonia. Late-season shade bloom (August–October). Bulbil colonization. 'Alba' for white flowers. Mildly toxic to pets. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Late summer to fall (August–October), lasting 4–6 weeks. Pendant pink flowers in drooping clusters. 'Alba' is white. The late-season bloom (when few shade perennials are flowering) is the primary cultivation feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink, pendant, 1 inch (2.5 cm), in drooping clusters; 'Alba' is the white-flowered formFoliage Description
Olive-green above with red veins and red undersides, angel-wing-shaped, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade. Consistent moisture. Emerges late in spring (May–June) — do not assume dead. The only winter-hardy begonia (zone 6). Bulbils in leaf axils colonize. Dies to ground after frost. Mildly toxic to pets. Deer-resistant. Zones 6–9.Pruning
No pruning needed. Allow foliage to die back naturally after frost. The tuberous roots overwinter in the ground. Mark the location to avoid accidental digging in spring.Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons