Common Name: Hardy Begonia

General Information

Begonia grandis is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a clump of branching stems usually 30 - 60cm tall. The plant grows from subglobose tubers 8 - 12mm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. One of the few genuinely hardy begonias, it is often grown as an ornamental and makes an excellent ground cover.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - southern and central China

Habitat

Forest; evergreen broad-leaved forest on montane slopes; streamsides in dense valley forest; moist rocky cliffs of valleys; wet fissures of limestone rocks; on rocks in shaded moist environments; by streams; at elevations from 100 - 3,400 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Begonia grandis is a surprisingly hardy plant for a Begonia, able to tolerate occasional temperatures below -15°c, especially when grown in the shade of other plants or given a protective mulch in winter[, ].
Grows best in a moist, organically rich, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade[]. Soils should not be allowed to dry out[]. .Requires a well-drained soil[]. Does not require high light intensities[]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7[].
There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[].
In regions towards the edge of the plant's hardiness it is best to protect the tubers by applying a heavy mulch over the winter[].
The plant produces small bulblets in the leaf axils - these fall to the ground in the autumn and can develop into new plants. They can be harvested and used for propagation[].
The plant can be quite slow to commence growth in the spring[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The tuberous roots and fruits are anodyne, antiphlogistic and antispasmodic. Stimulates blood circulation[]. A decoction is used in the treatment of traumatic pain, haematemesis, gonorrhoea, post-partum vaginal discharge, amenorrhoea and snakebites[].

Other Uses

This species can be grown as a ground cover in a sunny position sheltered by shrubs. The plants form spreading clumps[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in a greenhouse and keep the compost moist in a light position. The seed can be very slow to germinate, sometimes taking a year or more[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division.
Basal cuttings from tubers in spring.
Bulblets, formed in the leaf axils. Harvest in the autumn and store overwinter in a cool frost-free place, plant out in spring[].