Begonia listada

Perennial shrub begonia, with leaves velvety to the touch.

It requires little care, just well-drained soil so it doesn't rot and lots of light, but never direct sun, especially in summer.

Classification
Genus and species: Begonia listada
Cultivars: -
Group: Begonia of shrubby form.
Family: Begoniaceae.

Characteristics
Description of flowers: Single, cupped flowers with evident pistils.
Flower color: White with yellow pistils.
Flowering period: Late spring. Begonias bloom once a year, but flowering is prolonged for months.
Leaves: Medium, lanceolate, dark green in colour, with an iridescent green stripe in the centre. They are hairy, velvety to the touch and thick. Petiole and rest of the leaf red.
Perfume: -
Dimensions: Height and width approximately 40-50 cm.

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

Care
Pruning: It can be trimmed to make it branch and grow at the base; clean any leaf that has suspicious spots, also removing the stalk.
Propagation: From stem cuttings or leaf cuttings, 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.
Awards: Plant RHS Award Garden Merit (AGM).