February 2007

U402 Begonia (Begonia U402)

Designated Unnamed begonia species #402 (U402), this shrub-like begonia is from Venezuela. Although this plant looks soft and dainty, it has proven itself a tough and beautiful landscape and container begonia across the United States. It's growth is strong and steady. U402 flowers in southern Florida autumn through spring, relinquishing a floral display only when the summer heat and humidity really beat down on all of us. It is particularly showy in mid to late winter with the cooler temperatures. The bronzed foliage is perhaps the most appealing characteristic of this plant, other than its ease of culture. Avoid direct sunlight outside of early or evening rays and with more shade, the soil moisture requirement diminishes. Freda Holley has noted that propagation is very easy from stem and small leaf cuttings; plus, seeds from the flowers do prove true to the species. It is believed that U402 is very closely related to Begonia ulmifolia as these two species are indistinguishable until seedlings age into young adulthood.

The large silvery leaves of Imperial Bromeliad set off the bronze leaves and pink flowers of the U402 Begonia.

February '07: U402 Begonia (B. U402)) January '07: U002 Begonia (B. x 'U002') December '06:Star Begonia (B. heracleifolia)