Angelwing Begonia (Begonia ‘Sophia’)

Features and Characteristics

Begonia is a genus of about 1,300 species of annuals, perennials, shrubs and climbers. Most have fleshy stems. Some produce underground tubers or rhizomes. They are grown for their showy flowers, leaves, or both. Begonias can be divided into 7 informal groups by growth habit: Cane-like, rex-cultorum, rhizomatous, semperflorens, tuberous, trailing or scandent, thick-stemmed and shrub-like.

Cane-like begonias are evergreen, perennial plants primarily from Brazil. They are generally upright growing with bamboo-like stems and are grown for their interesting form as well as attractive leaves and flowers. They have semi-woody stems and fibrous roots.

Genus name honors Michael Begon (1638-1710), Governor of French Canada.

‘Sophia’ is a hybrid cane-like begonia selection that features sturdy, upright stems, colorful foliage, and pink flowers. The large, glossy leaves are dark green with silvery streaks and red undersides. Terminal clusters of pink flowers bloom seasonally. Mature plants will reach up to 4′ tall with a 3′ spread. Often sold at nurseries and garden centers under the name ‘Sophie Cecile’.