'Bronze Leaf Red' is a tuberous begonia celebrated for its large, showy flowers and equally vibrant foliage. This stunning plant produces camellia-like, dark red double blooms set against bronzed, prominently veined leaves, starting in early summer and lasting through fall. As a frost-tender perennial (Zones 9-10), it's commonly grown as a houseplant or as an annual in cooler areas. It grows to about 6 to 8 inches in heightmaking it ideal for patio pots or hanging baskets.
'Bronze Leaf Red' is part of the Begonia rex-cultorum species, known as painted leaf Begonia or rex begonia, a subgroup of rhizomatous begonias native to Bolivia and Peru. Its compact, mounding habit makes it a great choice for containers, small gardens, and along pathways.
This begonia grows best in partially shady to shady spots with slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5) that's rich in organic matter and kept evenly moist. The soil should drain quickly to prevent tuber rot. Removing faded flowers and leaves will encourage more blooms. 'Bronze Leaf Red' is also deer resistant.
In the garden, plant 'Bronze Leaf Red' bulbs together in warm spring soil after the last frost, spacing them 8 to 14 inches apart and planting 1 to 2 inches deep. For containers, use one bulb per 7-inch to 10-inch pot.
While tuberous begonias are generally easy to grow, rex begonias prefer humid conditions and don't tolerate the hot, dry climates of the desert Southwest. In the Deep South, they require special care, including plenty of shadeespecially from the hot afternoon sunand regular watering.
In northern regions, start bulbs indoors in late winter or early spring to have blooms by summer; then, after the danger of frost has passed, move plants outdoors or keep them indoors in a warm, humid environment.
