Partial Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
12b
USDA zone
13°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
3 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
Painted-Leaf Begonia 'Royal Velour' Overview
Begonia rex 'Royal Velour' lies in the Rex Cultorum Horticultural Group, this grouping contains rhizomatous hybrids and cultivars with attractive leaf colourations, that have been bred from the species Begonia rex. This evergreen perennial cultivar typically grows to around 30cm tall, producing large, oval, spiralling foliage with rough, jagged edges. Leaves are coloured dark red-green to blue-green with an attractive metallic sheen on the upper surface and rich red colouring on the undersides. Foliage is covered in short hairs and may reach up to 20cm across, overall this cultivar is frequently grown indoors as a houseplant for its striking foliage. Flowers are small and waxy.
Common problems with Painted-Leaf Begonia 'Royal Velour'
A simple cure for some of these insects is to spray the affected areas with a little dishwashing liquid, mixed with water, in a spray bottle (make routine sprays if the pests are persistent). Prevent powdery mildew by spraying with a registered fungicide.
How to harvest Painted-Leaf Begonia 'Royal Velour'
Generally not harvested.
How to propagate Painted-Leaf Begonia 'Royal Velour'
Cuttings
Leaf cuttings: cut a healthy leaf in early summer. Starting at the base of the leaf and using the veins as a guide, cut the leaf into triangular sections, ensuring the central veins stay intact. Insert the tip of each section into compost, ensuring the main vein is in contact with the growing medium and the leaf is upright. Keep covered and place on a bright windowsill where the temperature remains between 16 to 27°C. Roots should appear within two months. Take softwood cuttings of about 10 cm and root in a glass of water.
Rhizomes
Divide Begonia rhizomes in early spring just as the plant starts to put on more growth. Make sure each section has one or more growing points and replant straight away.
Special features of Painted-Leaf Begonia 'Royal Velour'
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Attractive, brightly coloured metallic foliage