Angel wing begonia is a broadleaf evergreen cultivar in the begonia family (Begoniaceae) that can grow 1 to 2.5 feet high and 1 to 2 feet wide. It is a hybrid between B. aconitifolia and B. coccinea and was developed in 1888. It is one of a large, diverse group of shrub-like perennial begonias that branch readily and whose stems do not have the woody, bamboo-like appearance that cane-like begonias do. The cultivar name is Latin for “silver-spotted.” Angel wing begonia grows well in shade. It tolerates heat, humidity, and morning sun, but avoid midday or afternoon sun. In an area where the sun is intense and summer temperatures are consistently hot, provide dappled shade. The best planting mix is loose and coarse, neutral to acidic. Angel wing begonia needs just enough water to keep the leaves crisp. Too much water will rot the roots and stems. Be sure the top of the planting mix is dry to the touch before watering. The plant may need pruning or staking if it starts to become unruly or misshapen. Regular pinching begun early to encourage branching will produce a fuller plant with more bloom. It is best propagated from tip cuttings, but stem cuttings and division also work. This hybrid is noted for its attractive leaves with silver markings on a green background and a red underside that sometimes shines through the leaves. It produces blossoms that are pink or red/burgundy. Angel wing begonia is not frost hardy and temperatures should not drop below 50 degrees F nor be higher than 86 degrees F. Thus it is often grown as a houseplant or, in the garden, as an annual. Outdoors use it in a container or hanging basket on a patio or planted in a shade garden. Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: No insects or diseases are known to be partial to shrub-like begonias other than those which may infest begonias generally. Powdery mildew is sometimes a problem. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Begonia .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Broad; Dense; Erect
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Gray/Silver; Green; Red/Burgundy
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Ovate
Leaf margin
Dentate; Serrate
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Dark green, elephant ear leaves spotted with silver, reddish underneath, serrate margins. The red underneath sometimes shines through the leaves so it is visible from above.
Flower color
Pink; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Cyme
Flower detail
Soft pink to deep red delicate sprays (cymes) of flowers. The male and female flowers are on the same plant.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
Winged capsule
Stem color
Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
Upright and zig zags.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Attracts
Bees
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Capsule
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Hanging Baskets; Houseplants; Patio
Landscape theme
Shade Garden
Garden tags
#showy flowers #silver #silver leaves #dark green #year-round interest #houseplant #showy leaves #delicate flowers #hanging baskets #problem for cats #problem for dogs #problem for horses #partial shade tolerant #interiorscape #container plant #shade garden #annual #variegated #patio #hortcontest
Problems & Resistance
Problems
Contact Dermatitis; Problem for Cats; Problem for Children; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Resistant to
Heavy Shade
Propagation
Division; Leaf Cutting; Stem Cutting
Poison severity
Low
Poison parts
Roots; Sap/Juice
Poison symptoms
Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting and salivation in dogs and cats. The most toxic part is the underground roots. The sap may cause skin irritation.