Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia) Begonia maculata
Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia) (Begonia maculata) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Begoniaceae family, native to Atlantic forest of south-eastern Brazil. It grows 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Begoniaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Atlantic forest of south-eastern Brazil |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts, especially roots
Begonias contain soluble oxalates: chewing causes mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting in pets (ASPCA).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia)
- How far apart should I plant Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia)?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia) flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Begonias contain soluble oxalates: chewing causes mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting in pets (ASPCA).
- What grows well with Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Polka-dot begonia (spotted begonia). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- A cane begonia with long, angel-wing leaves, olive green dotted with silver-white spots and deep red beneath, and drooping clusters of white flowers. ‘Wightii’ is the form sold everywhere.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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