Generations of careful breeding have produced a handful of dark leafed begonias and this is one of the best. Lovely roseform blooms and leaves with such rich shading that the foliage alone earns this plant its garden space. For a shade solution that's colorful, has attractive, full blooms that keep the plants covered with flowers all season long and deeply contrasted foliage as a bonus, here's your answer.
Highlights & Hints
- Interplant with a frosting of Begonia First Love to create a sharp contrast against the dark begonia leaves.
Common Name:
Tuberous begonia, dark-leafed roseform red
Botanical Name:
Begonia 'Dark Leaf Red'
Color:
Big, 3-5" red blooms and rich, dark foliage
Mature Height:
10-12"
Hardiness:
Zones 10-11, elsewhere lift tubers in autumn and store indoors
Bloom Time:
Mid summer through entire season long. Long, heavy bloomers.
Bulb/Plant Size:
2+ inches, the largest size commercially available for this variety.