Begonia bowerae

Common Names

Eyelash Begonia

Summary

Native to Oaxaca and Chiapas in Mexico, Eyelash Begonia is a rhizomatous, creeping to hanging perennial with compact, dense growth up to 20 cm high and 40 cm wide, and ornamental small heart-shaped emerald-green leaves with hairs along the edges; pink-tinted white flowers appear in loose clusters on thin pink stems above foliage.

It prefers bright to partial shade with indirect light, tolerates hot summer sun if not behind glass, and grows in room temperatures roughly 15–27°C; requires well-draining soil and high humidity; water at the roots and allow the topsoil to dry between waterings to avoid waterlogging; suitable for indoor pot culture, terrariums, and shaded outdoor areas; commonly propagated by leaf cuttings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-12 inches

Spread

8-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10a-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally bright to partial sun; also suitable for partial shade to full shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, organic-rich, moisture-retentive soil with good aeration, slightly acidic to neutral pH 5.5–7.0

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil; avoid waterlogging.

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Bloom Color

Pale pink to white

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green, often emerald green with black edging, and sometimes brown-green patterns or green-to-brown mottling

Fall Foliage Color

Light green to dark brown

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate growth rate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators