BEGONIA GRANDIS SUBSP. EVANSIANA VAR. ALBA

I like begonias mainly for their asymmetrical leaves and their long f lowering period, but if, like this one, they are also hardy, then all the better. Sometimes, when I’ve grown this particular one in a pot, I’ve thought that it might not have survived the winter, as often it can be hard to see if it is still there or not until June. Then all of a sudden, it comes to life in all its glory. It has delicate, white f lowers and the undersides of the leaves are burgundy coloured. It even grows on dry, shady ground.

Height 50cm. Origin China, Japan. Conditions Well-drained soil; part shade. Hardiness RHS H4, USDA 6a-9b. Season of interest Summer to autumn.