Begonia luxurians
# Begonia luxurians

Begonia luxurians, the palm leaf begonia, is an evergreen perennial plant with large drooping palmate leaves, each divided into many narrow leaflets, sprouting from bright red erect stems. Small white or yellow scented flowers appear above the leaves in spring and summer. In favourable conditions, plants can reach 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in height. It is native to southeastern Brazil.

Despite its common name, Begonia luxurians is not a palm, but belongs to the large tropical plant family Begoniaceae. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F). In temperate climates it needs to be grown indoors in partially shaded conditions, in acid to neutral soil. However, during the summer months, potted plants may be placed outside in a sheltered position.

It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

