Painted-Leaf Begonia 'Fireworks'
Begonia rex 'Fireworks'
Partial Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
H1b
RHS hardiness
10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
3 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
Painted-Leaf Begonia 'Fireworks' Overview
Begonia rex 'Fireworks' produces a beautiful mound of silver leaves with deep purple veining. The are attractively edged with pink, and the stalks are covered with reddish-pink hairs. This stunning plant can get to 30 cm tall. These evergreen rhizome perennials prefer partial shade making them a perfect houseplant that give all year interest. In summer these Begonia can also produce white, pink-flushed flowers held above the leaves of erect thin stems. They prefer slightly acid, rather than alkaline, soil and appreciate regular watering during the growing season, but they don't like to be too wet in winter. This cultivar has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
Common problems with Painted-Leaf Begonia 'Fireworks'
A simple cure for some of these insects is to spray the affected areas with a little dishwashing liquid, mixed with water, in a spray bottle (make routine sprays if the pests are persistent). Prevent powdery mildew by spraying with a registered fungicide.
How to harvest Painted-Leaf Begonia 'Fireworks'
Generally not harvested.
How to propagate Painted-Leaf Begonia 'Fireworks'
Cuttings
Leaf cuttings: cut a healthy leaf in early summer. Starting at the base of the leaf and using the veins as a guide, cut the leaf into triangular sections, ensuring the central veins stay intact. Insert the tip of each section into compost, ensuring the main vein is in contact with the growing medium and the leaf is upright. Keep covered and place on a bright windowsill where the temperature remains between 16 to 27°C. Roots should appear within two months. Take softwood cuttings of about 10 cm and root in a glass of water.
Rhizomes
Divide Begonia rhizomes in early spring just as the plant starts to put on more growth. Make sure each section has one or more growing points and replant straight away.
Special features of Painted-Leaf Begonia 'Fireworks'
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Attractive, brightly coloured foliage.