Data specific to Begonias (Edit)
Originator: Warscewics
Date of Origin: 1845
Plant Types: Rhizomatous

General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Partial or Dappled Shade
Plant Height: 12-18 inches
Plant Spread: 8-36 inches
Leaves: Evergreen
Semi-evergreen
Flowers: Showy
Flower Color: Pink
White
Flower Time: Late winter or early spring
Spring
Underground structures: Rhizome
Wildlife Attractant: Bees
Propagation: Other methods: Cuttings: Stem
Cuttings: Tip
Cuttings: Leaf
Division
Other: Rhizome cuttings
Containers: Suitable in 1 gallon
Suitable in 3 gallon or larger
Needs excellent drainage in pots
Awards and Recognitions: RHS AGM
Parentage: Begonia hydrocotylifolia x B. manicata
Child plants: 2 child plants

Image
Common names
  • Beefsteak Begonia
  • Begonia
Also sold as:
  • Begonia x erythrophylla
  • Begonia x bunchii
  • Begonia 'Beefsteak'

Photo Gallery

Date: 2015-01-17
a/k/a Plate Plant
Location: Bathroom window ledge
Date: 2023-10-21
Begonia Beauty
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2023-02-20
Survived winter outside, emerging for spring.
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2023-04-30

Date: 2020-03-21
Indoor  winter blooms are white, outdoor blooms are pink

Date: 2011-06-07
a/k/a Plate Plant

Date: 2014-06-22
a/k/a Plate Plant
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2023-02-11

Date: 2017-01-19
Left leaf is backside.  Right leaf is shiny frontside.
Location: Red Butte Garden, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Date: 2022-03-30
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2022-07-03
leaf reverse

Date: 2022-08-06
With sun shining through, the leaf projects a bright red color.

Date: 2017-01-19
Unusual snaky-like curvy stem.
Location: Zone 5
Date: 2016-03-14 
A/K/A "Plate Plant"  Blooms Pink outdoors/White indoors

Date: 2013-01-26
a/k/a Plate Plant
Location: Sydney Australia
Date: 2019-10-07
Location: Sydney Australia
Date: 2019-10-07
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2022-03-12
Rhizome creeps along the soil surface.
Location: Red Butte Garden, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Date: 2022-03-30
Location: 2007 Philadelphia Flower Show
Date: 2007-03-10
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2023-01-25
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2023-01-25
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2022-03-12
Rhizome creeps along the soil surface.
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2023-01-16
rhizome
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2022-04-16
Location: Red Butte Garden, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Date: 2022-03-30
Location: Sydney Australia
Date: 2019-10-07
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2023-01-21
Location: Opp, AL
Date: 2015-07-20
Location: Opp, AL
Date: 2016-09-24
Petioles & backs of leaves.

Date: 2014-09-08
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2024-03-30
First 2 leaves for this plant, for this year.
Location: Opp, AL
Date: 2016-07-02
This 'Beefsteak' leaf took root in water.  Took about 3-4 weeks.
Location: Opp, AL
Date: 2015-08-30
Location: My garden, Gent, Belgium
Date: 2013-05-16
Location: My garden, Gent, Belgium
Date: 2012-05-31
The foliage behind is from a fern.
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2023-02-06

Date: 2013-02-09
Back of flowers.
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2023-02-06

Date: 2013-02-09

Date: 2013-02-09
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2023-02-06

Date: 2013-02-09

Date: 2013-01-28
Location: Opp, AL
Date: 2016-10-15
Leaf reverse.
Location: Opp, AL
Date: 2016-6-10
Leaf reverse.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Morykwas, Steve's Leaves, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Morykwas, Steve's Leaves, Inc.
Location: Longwood Gardens, PA
Date: 2018-05
conservatory
Location: Opp, AL
Date: 2016-09-24
Location: Opp, AL
Date: 2016-09-24
Guttating.
Location: Opp, AL
Date: 2016-09-24
Location: Opp, AL  Z8b
Date: 2017-06-10
rhizome
This plant is tagged in:
Image Image Image

Comments:
  • Posted by Ispahan (Chicago - Zone 6a) on Nov 6, 2011 3:44 PM concerning plant:
    This might possibly be the best begonia houseplant available. It is vigorous, healthy, problem-free and tolerant of any hardship or neglect you can think of. But if you treat it well--bright, indirect light; fluffy and airy soil with steady moisture; a mild dose of balanced fertilizer with trace elements once in a while; and occasional repotting--it will grow into the largest, lushest and most beautiful of specimens. It will be the plant that visitors to your home will comment on and ask about. People will beg for a start. Guests, even those who "know about plants," will overlook all the other exotic rarities in your home and make a bee-line to check out your beefsteak begonia. This is truly an amiable, heirloom quality hybrid.
Discussion Threads about this plant
Thread Title Last Reply Replies
Incorrect leaf for this species by Calif_Sue Jan 1, 2022 8:28 PM 4
id by Calif_Sue Jan 3, 2022 4:47 PM 12
id? by Calif_Sue May 16, 2023 4:30 PM 4

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