Begonia 'Bronze Leaf Red' Bulbs

'Bronze Leaf Red' is a tuberous begonia grown for its large, showy flowers and equally showy foliage. An absolutely stunning begonia, 'Bronze Leaf Red' sets camellia-like, dark red double blooms against a backdrop of bronzed, prominently veined leaves, beginning in early summer, continuing to fall. A frost-tender perennial (Zones 9-10), the plant is grown as a houseplant or as an annual in colder climates and reaches a mature height of around 6 to 8 inches—perfect for a patio pot or hanging basket.

'Bronze Leaf Red' is a Begonia rex-cultorum species, commonly called painted leaf begonia or rex begonia, a subgroup of rhizomatous begonias, native to Bolivia and Peru. With its small, mounding habit, 'Bronze Leaf Red' is an excellent choice for a container or small-space garden and is perfect for planting along pathways.

'Bronze Leaf Red' begonia grows best in a partially shady to shady spot with slightly acidic soil (5.5-6.5 pH) that's rich in organic matter and evenly moist. The soil must drain fast and freely because tubers will rot if left to sit in soggy soil. Remove faded flowers and leaves to encourage the plants to produce more blooms. 'Bronze Leaf Red' begonia is deer resistant.

In the garden, plant 'Bronze Leaf Red' begonia bulbs together in groups in warm spring soil after the threat of frost has passed, spacing bulbs 8 to 14 inches apart and 1 to 2 inches deep. In containers, plant 1 bulb per 7-inch to 10-inch pot.

Tuberous begonias are typically easy to grow, but rex begonias prefer humid conditions and will not tolerate the hot, dry conditions found in the desert Southwest. They will also struggle in the Deep South without very special care, including plenty of shade, especially from the hot afternoon sun, and frequent watering.

In the North, start bulbs indoors in late winter or early spring to bloom by summer; then move plants outdoors after the danger of frost has passed or continue to grow indoors in a warm, humid environment.

SKU: 44358-PK-5
Genus: Begonia
Species: rex-cultorum
Variety: 'Bronze Leaf Red'
Item Form: Bulb
Bloom Color: Dark Red
Foliage Color: Bronze GreenDark Green
Habit: Mound-shaped
Light Requirements: Part ShadeShade
Moisture Requirements:

• Moist, well-drained

Bloom Start: Early Summer
Bloom End: Late Fall
Uses:

• Baskets
• Beds
• Border
• Containers
• Fall Color
• Foliage Interest

Special Features:

• Bloom First Year
• Double Blooms
• Easy Care Plants

Hardiness Zones: 9 - 10
State Shipping Restrictions: GU, PR, VI

*Does Not Qualify for Additional Discounts