Begonia ‘Tiger Paws’ (Eyelash Begonia)

Noted for its ornate foliage, Begonia Tiger Paws’ (Eyelash Begonia) is an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial mostly grown for its striking foliage of small, chocolate to bronze-red leaves, adorned with bright green, paw-like markings. The leaves have white eyelash-like hairs on their edges, hence the common name. Their undersides and juicy stems are wine-red. As an added bonus, small sprays of pale pink flowers are held above the foliage in summer. This miniature rhizomatous begonia can be grown outdoors in pots, in the ground to form a lovely groundcover or in hanging baskets. In mild winter areas, it may remain outdoors year-round as long as it does not freeze. Great as an indoor plant too, thanks to its rich colors and relatively rapid growth.

• Winner of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 10-12 in. tall and wide (25-30 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 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. Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant
• Watch for snails and powder mildew.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.