Begonia 'Cleopatra'

Rhizomatous perennial begonia, very vigorous and very floriferous, beautiful velvety and ciliated foliage with a changeable color depending on the season.

It requires little care, just well-drained soil so that the rhizomes do not rot and lots of light, but never direct sun, especially in summer.

Classification
Genus and species: Begonia x hybrida
Cultivar: 'Cleopatra'
Group: Rhizomatous begonia.
Family: Begoniaceae.

Characteristics
Description of flowers: Flowers in clusters, very abundant on stems that rise above the leaves.
Flower color: Coral pink
Flowering period: Late spring. Begonias bloom once a year, but flowering is prolonged for months.
Leaves: Medium in size, with very ciliated margins; acid green colour, marbled with black; completely black from late summer to late winter.
Perfume: -
Dimensions: Height approximately 30 cm. Indefinite width (rhizomatous begonias are creeping and widen as long as they have space).

Cultivation
Exposure: Very bright shade, no direct sun.
Soil: Likes well-drained soil.
Irrigation: Medium, never stagnant.
Frost resistance: USDA 10.

Care
Pruning: Does not require pruning; clean any leaf that has suspicious spots, also removing the stalk.
Propagation: From portion of rhizome or leaf cutting, with temperatures above 20°C. By division at vegetative awakening.

Notes of interest
Use in cooking: Flowers and leaves are edible, raw or cooked, the flavor is acidic and spicy.