Begonia josephi

One of many new hardy Begonias on the market now. This one is a relatively understated species - unusual for its symmetrical leaves and the petiole being attached to the middle, not the edge of the leaf.

The leaves are olive green, to about 18cms long and jaggedly toothed. The flowers are pale pink, and small but plentiful. Hardy and tolerant here so far. Happiest on moist shady sites but, like many hardy Begonias, surprisingly resistant to drought. Dies down to small tubers in winter.

Not to be confused with a very different species with larger mottled leaves and yellow flowers that is being sold under this name.

£10