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Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia)

Iron Cross Begonia, Rhizomatous Begonias

AGM Award
Begonia masoniana, Iron Cross Begonia, Rhizomatous Begonias, Summer Perennials, shade plants, Shade flowers, shade loving flowers, Evergreen Begonia

Extremely popular, Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia) is an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial mostly grown for its striking foliage of large, oval, rough-textured, bright green leaves, remarkably adorned with cross-shaped, dark chocolate brown centers. The small pink-flushed, white flowers, borne in erect panicles, are an added bonus. Combine this rhizomatous begonia with other foliage plants or brightly colored shade-loving plants. Perfect for pots and containers, it makes a wonderful houseplant.

  • Winner of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. This begonia requires high humidity during the growing period. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot.
  • Propagate by seed, 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.
  • Native to China and India

Begonia: How to Grow and Care with Success


Here are some tips on how to plant and grow begonia successfully

Requirements

Hardiness 11 - 12
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, H1, H2
Plant Type Houseplants, Perennials
Plant Family Begoniaceae
Genus Begonia
Common names Begonia
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance High
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Begonia maculata (Polka Dot Begonia)
Begonia ‘Silver Jewell’
Begonia ‘Benitochiba’ (Rex Begonia)
Begonia bowerae (Eyelash Begonia)
Begonia ‘Looking Glass’ (Cane Begonia)
Begonia soli-mutata (Sun-Changing Begonia)

Recommended Companion Plants

Helleborus (Hellebore)
Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)

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Begonia grandis (Hardy Begonia)
Begonia: How to Grow and Care with Success
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 11 - 12
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, H1, H2
Plant Type Houseplants, Perennials
Plant Family Begoniaceae
Genus Begonia
Common names Begonia
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance High
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Begonia
Not sure which Begonia to pick?
Compare Now

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