Begonia 'Challenger'

This rhizomatous Begonia is a hybrid from Australian hybridizer Ross Bolwell. It is a cross of Begonia carrieae and Begonia carolineifolia producing the giant leafed variety 'Challenger'. In early spring the greenish buds open to elegant white blooms.

It is recommended for shade to part shade and temps ranging from 45 to 95 degrees. It can be allowed to dry out a bit between waterings. I grow it in a large 18" pot on my North facing front porch. The images show it blooming in spring and then again in August when the plant is over 5' across with leaves over 20" across. A real showstopper! I winter the entire pot over in a greenhouse that I keep at 45 degrees in the winter and divide it every other year. It can also be wintered over inside in bright light.

This is not a little starter plant from a leaf cutting but rather a generous root division that is well-rooted in. The pot is a large trade gallon measuring 7" high x 7 1/2" wide. The pot weighs over 4 pounds which accounts for the shipping costs.

Alas, I have just 2 pots to offer this season. I do my best to package and ship to arrive in good shape, but a leaf may be bruised in the process. New leaves will take the place of damaged ones.