Begonia ‘Benitochiba’ (Rex Begonia)

Award-winning Begonia ‘Benitochiba’ is an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial of upright habit, mostly grown for its elegant foliage of large, palmately-divided silvery leaves adorned with dark green markings along the veins. Its young leaves are flushed with purplish pink over the entire leaf blade. In late summer, dainty clusters of shell pink orchid-like flowers are an added bonus. But the primary contribution of this Rex begonia is the beauty of its rich foliage. One of the most beautiful silver and purple marbled begonias. Perfect for shaded beds and borders in warm areas, containers or houseplant.

• Winner of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 20 in. wide (50 cm).
• Prefers partial to full shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot.
• Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome
• No pruning required. Remove dead leaves promptly and keep the soil surface free of debris to avoid disease problems.
• Watch for caterpillars, mealybugs, tarsonemid mite, thrips, vine weevil, aphids and powder mildew.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.