Which pink begonia is it?
- The wax begonia has fibrous roots and flowers from early summer until frost. Use it in beds, window boxes and baskets.
- The tuberous begonia carries big double flowers, often like small roses, and forms a tuber you can overwinter.
- The Elatior begonia (Begonia x hiemalis) is sold in flower as a houseplant and comes in many colours besides pink.
The windowsill plant
An Elatior begonia wants bright light without direct sun, so an east-, west- or north-facing windowsill works. It dislikes draughts and cold glass in winter. Keep the compost evenly moist and tip away any water that collects in the saucer. A pot of pink begonia is a pleasant Mothering Sunday gift, though the same plant will not flower outdoors in March. Indoors it can bloom for a long stretch if you remove faded flowers and avoid overwatering, which is the most common cause of collapse.
Rex begonias
Grown for silver, purple and green patterned leaves, Rex begonias belong to the same genus, but their flowers are small and tucked beneath the foliage. They like humid air and shelter from cold draughts, so a bathroom with a window or a shaded conservatory shelf suits them better than a sunny sill.
Safety around animals
Begonias are listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses by the ASPCA. The soluble calcium oxalates are strongest underground. Vomiting and salivation are the expected signs in dogs and cats, while grazing animals can suffer kidney failure. Put pots out of reach and ring a vet after any chewing.
