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Begoniaceae
Picotee Begonia
Begonia × tuberhybrida 'Picotee'
Delicate beauty and attention to detail.
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Genus
- Begonia
- Native to
- hybrid origin; ancestors from South America
- Bloom season
- Summer, Fall
- Type
- tuberous perennial
- Height
- 25–40 cm
- Sunlight
- part shade
- Soil
- rich, well-drained, slightly acidic
- Water
- moderate; avoid wetting leaves
- Hardiness
- 9–11
- Lifespan
- perennial tuber; stores for decades
Did you know
- 'Picotee' refers to the thin contrasting color rim on each petal edge, from the French 'picoté' meaning pricked.
- Tuberous begonias were first hybridized in the 1860s by crossing several Andean species.
- The flowers can reach 15 cm across, rivaling small roses in size and doubling.
- Tubers must be lifted and stored frost-free in winter — some prize tubers have been passed down for generations.
- Begonia flowers are edible and have a citrusy tang, sometimes used as garnishes in fine dining.
Color meanings
White
innocence with a colorful edge
Pink
gentle admiration