Native to the rainforests of Brazil, palm leaf begonia, Begonia luxurians, looks like a palm tree. It bears large, palmate leaves, with coppery undersides, on red-purple, cane-like stems. Inconspicuous clusters of pale yellow to white, fragrant flowers are borne from spring into summer. It’s perfect for growing as part of an exotic planting scheme – if given the right growing conditions it can reach 3m in height.
Grow Begonia luxurians under glass in a loam-based compost out of direct sunlight, ideally on a watered gravel tray to maintain high humidity levels. It can be moved to a sheltered, partially shaded spot outside in summer. Protect from frost or take stem cuttings in autumn to insure against winter losses.
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Begonia ‘Luxurians’ and wildlife
Begonia ‘Luxurians’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Begonia ‘Luxurians’ poisonous?
Begonia ‘Luxurians’ causes an upset stomach and is harmful if ingested. Its roots are toxic.
