Success at last

You don't have to garden very long before someone tells you not to give up on a plant until you've failed with it three times. I planted Begonia grandiflora, the only variety that is outdoor hardy here, in 2001 and 2006. I wouldn't exactly say I killed it those two times. I don't think it lasted long enough for any blame to attach to me. 

I decided to try again in 2017, mainly because this is a plant that does not make its presence known until midsummer — right when my Trillium grandiflorum gives up the ghost. This Begonia is one of the plants that is recommend to fill those empty spots in the garden left by spring ephemerals. 

TOM SCHMOCK PHOTOS

Last year to my surprise Begonia grandiflora appeared right on cue. It wasn't all that big but it looked like it was on its way to surviving. This year the plant is at its mature size of about 18" x 18" and glowing. The red on the stems and underside of its leaves is its other great advantage as these photos prove.

Comments

[Barbara H.]

Congratulations on your success, Linda, but beware. It can be a thug. I've pulled it out of my courtyard area where it was taking over. It took a few years to get to this point. It's a handsome devil and I may try to get it started in a more open spot.

[Kris P]

She's pretty. I hope she continues to thrive. With climate change slowly altering all the rules, I think we need to continue to push the perceived boundaries of our gardens.

[Nell]

So glad the hardy begonia is proving so. It seems like a genius idea as a succession plant for woodland ephemerals.

[Linda Brazill]

Thanks for the warning. I'd been wondering if I should plant another to fill the rest of the space near it but it sounds like that won't be necessary!!

[Linda Brazill]

I am not good at succession planting, so I am quite happy with this.

[Loree / danger garden]

Congrats! I've thought about growing this one, but the fact it takes so long to appear in the garden means I would certain put a shovel through it at some point.

[Linda Brazill]

The only reason I have not put a shovel through it myself is that it's in a neglected corner that is still unfinished. But I need to work there now when it's blooming so I can see where to plant for its annual arrival. 

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I have this plant and have had it for about 8 years. It isn't in the best of places but it hasn't tried to take over. I imagine you have to have the perfect place for it to do that. Your has grown much faster and better than mine. It is one of my favorite plants. I just love begonias in general so it is special to me to have one that is hardy.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

P.S. Congrats on your success with this plant. I know that feeling of joy to get a plant to take when you have tried it several times.