Plant of the Month

Begonia odorata 'Alba'

This begonia has been around the Florida landscape for a number of years. It was used mostly in hanging baskets in the past. It is an amazingly good high ground cover for part shade locations. This begonia will reach about 3 feet in height and is easy to propagate from cuttings. It is in bloom year round compared to many begonias which bloom only in late winter or spring. The flowers produce a nice cascading informal display of white through the year and are lightly fragrant. It can be used under windows or in front of taller shrubbery. It is one of the best perennials around.

• Origin — Jamaica
• Foliage — Rounded glossy coarse foliage
• Growth rate — Fast
• Nutritional requirements — Medium
• Soil requirements — Not fussy except for overly wet or dry conditions
• Salt tolerance — Low
• Drought tolerance — Low
• Light requirements — Part shade
• Propagation — Cuttings
• Major problems — Root rot
• Environmental problems — None
  

• Newsletter Cover
• Hurricane HELP for Your Landscape
• Dealing with Hurricane Pests
• Your September Checklist