Species begonia
Mint-green-creamy leaves with maroon midribs on green-brown stem.

begonia

Begonia 'Gryphon'

The begonia 'Gryphon' is a truly amazing plant. It has a unique feathery, rose-like foliage with purple, cream and green coloration. Its deep pink, double flowers bloom from summer to fall, their petals kissed with yellow stamens for maximum impact. This Begonia can tolerate full shade and make an ideal companion for hostas and ferns. It is exceptionally hardy, being drought and humidity tolerant, and once established, it’s mostly carefree. A real show-stopper in the garden, Begonia 'Gryphon' is sure to attract plenty of attention and appreciation.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Stem Propagation,Leaf Cutting,Division,Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

part sun/part shade,full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

It is best to water Begonia 'Gryphon' about once a week. Be sure to water deeply until the soil is evenly moist, almost to the point of being saturated. Allow the soil to dry to a depth of about an inch between waterings. During the summer months, water more frequently as the temperatures and light increase. In the winter months, allow the soil to become almost entirely dry between waterings.

sunlight

Begonias thrive with sunlight! As a tropical plant, Begonia 'Gryphon' prefers bright, indirect sunlight indoors. During the summer months, it's best to place them in a spot where they can receive 8-12 hours of sunlight a day. From October to April, however, it's best to give them less direct sunlight and opt for a spot near a window that gets 2 to 4 hours of indirect sunlight daily.

pruning

Begonias need to be pruned regularly to encourage strong, healthy growth as well as to maintain their shape and size. For the Begonia ‘Gryphon’, pruning should be done in late spring to mid-summer. Begin by removing dead leaves, stems, and flowers. Cut back any overly long shoots that have outgrown the desired size of the plant. Cutting back any stems should be done no more than 1 third of their original length.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Begonia 'Gryphon' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Begonia 'Gryphon' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Could Begonias be grown indoors?

Yes, Begonias can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny area. Begonias do best in temperatures between 60-70F and require a lot of moisture for healthy growth so consistent watering is key. They prefer indirect light and should be placed in a spot where they will receive indirect sunlight from a window or artificial lights that are around 12-14 hours each day. Begonias should also be fertilized with a house plant fertilizer once every 2 weeks and have their soil monitored to ensure proper drainage.

Are Begonias frost-tolerant?

Begonias are not typically very frost tolerant plants. While they can tolerate temperatures that dip slightly below the freezing mark, they cannot handle sustained cold temperatures or extended periods of frost. If you live in a region that experiences cold winters, it is best to treat your begonias as annuals and replant them in the spring and summer months.

Should Begonias be deadheaded regularly?

Yes, Begonias should be deadheaded regularly to support lush blooming and encourage healthy plants. Deadheading involves trimming off dead flowers and foliage and can be done with scissors or by pinching stems between your fingers. This helps promote new blooms and ensures Begonias remain healthy and vigorous. While the act itself is simple, it is important to deadhead regularly and consistently to keep your Begonia looking its best.

Could Begonias be propagated by stem cuttings?

Yes, begonias can be propagated by stem cuttings. To do so, use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the stem just below a node - that is the place on the stem where the leaves are growing. Make sure you have at least two set of leaves on each cutting and a few centimetres of stem above each node. Once you have your cuttings, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut ends into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then place the cutting into a moist peat moss and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag. Keep the pot in bright indirect light and make sure it's kept moist, misting it occasionally. After a few weeks, you should see roots beginning to form. Once the roots are established, you can transfer the plant to a pot with its permanent home.

Do Begonias have a strong scent?

No, Begonias do not have a strong scent. They have a thin, mild scent that is not especially overpowering or noticeable, especially when compared to other flowers such as roses or jasmine. Begonias are primarily known for their wide variety of colors, textures and sizes, rather than their scent.

Are Begonias invasive?

No, Begonias are not invasive. Begonias are classified as "tender perennials" and they remain in the same place year-round. While they can spread in favorable growing conditions, they are not considered an invasive species, as they are not capable of forming large colonies that can out-compete native vegetation. Begonias require consistent and frequent care as they do not survive heavy pruning, drought, or extreme heat or cold.

Could Begonias be grown from seeds?

Yes, begonias can be grown from seeds. They are easy to sow, and can be started indoors or outdoors. Starting begonia seeds indoors is recommended since they take a while to germinate and grow. Begonias need light to germinate, so keep in mind to sow the seeds shallowly and not to cover them with soil. Additionally, water the soil regularly to ensure it doesn't dry out and be sure to use a soilless seed starting mix for optimum germination.

Is Begonia a good plant for a shady garden?

Yes, Begonia is indeed a great plant for a shady garden. Its showy, brightly colored blooms will add some brightness to the area, and its easy-to-care-for nature means you won't have to worry about maintenance. Its shallow roots and bushy nature makes it the perfect plant for adding texture and interest to a garden. With its delicate leaves and vibrant blooms, the Begonia is perfect for providing a surprising pop of color to a shady garden.