Sizeable, golden-eyed, ivory-white flowers open on tall stems above fleshy leaves. Resembling an anemone rather than a typical begonia, this extremely rare plant is endemic to the high tropical or subtropical montane forests of Equador, where it is threatened by habitat loss and classified as vulnerable by IUCN. (The International Union for Conservation of Nature). In colder areas the plant may be cut to the ground, but the tuber invariably sprouts again the following spring. ... Learn More

Large stunning clusters of bright red flowers are displayed on this scrambling shrub which is rare in cultivation, and will make a magnificent and easily grown ornamental for warm temperate climates. One of the world's largest begonias, it can grow up to 3 m tall in its native haunts in the cloud and montane rainforests in Colombia and northwestern Venezuela, where it is happy at between 1700 and 4000 m. ... Learn More

Yes! A Hardy begonia! Fleshy, olive green, deeply-veined foliage is held beneath fragrant light pink flowers 3cm wide in summer. Planted in moisture retentive but freely draining soil and mulched well with bark for more frost protection, this begonia, that can be grown outside all the year around and has top growth hardy to minus 2 degrees C but the tuberous roots have always survived every winter, even at minus 10C here! ... Learn More

Begonias are usually prized for their unusually attractive leaves and this one is at the top of the league! Its leaves resemble those of a maple tree, however, they are enormous, up to 30cm across, and much more spectacular, with serrated edging and bright green centres that contrast dramatically with the deep purple of the rest of the leaf. The solid rhizomatous clump is composed of giant leaves surrounded by a contrasting wide black-green border, all being held at the end of red-speckled leaf petioles. Growers have reported that this variety has proved reliably hardy to 15 degrees F making it a stunning garden specimen! This wonderful begonia was first discovered in Mexico in the 1830s, the name referring to the leaves of heracleum, or "Giant Hogweed" to which it is obviously unrelated. Very rare fertile seeds. ... Learn More

This lovely shrub-like perennial and low-maintenance houseplant displays large, asymmetrical, deeply-folded, dark green leaves with a superb metallic sheen, and striking red veins underneath. Large clusters of hairy, pink flowers open on sturdy, thin, erect stems. Coming from Brazil, it prefers temperatures above 10 °C (50 °F), so in temperate regions it is best grown under glass, or planted out in spring when it is sufficiently warm. At lower temperatures it may lose its foliage and die down but will re-sprout again with increasing warmth. ... Learn More

Very late in the year, as daylight hours shorten, clouds of confetti-like flowers with prominent bright yellow anthers open, en-masse, atop the strong flower stalks. Because it only flowers when the weather is cool, if only in comparison to that of spring and summer, it is an impressive foliage plant during the warm months, with visual impact with its amazing leaf size and overall scale. As an annual in a warm climate, this astounding plant gathers strength all season, soaring to four or even six feet by frost. But in even warmer or hot climes, the "tree" begonia makes good on its name, with thick canes twelve feet (4 metres) high and more, each with a few enormous rhubarb-like leaves nearly a foot across, which are displayed loosely on strong, upright canes. So to guarantee a shower of flowers late in the year, try one in a large pot indoors in good light. ... Learn More