Begonia grandis is native to the mountainous regions of China and Japan. The 'Evasiana' variety is primarily cultivated for ornamental purposes in temperate gardens around the world.
Begonia grandis 'Evasiana' is a perennial, herbaceous, and tuberous plant that can reach a height of 30-60 cm. The leaves are large, asymmetric, and heart-shaped, with slightly toothed margins. The upper surface of the leaves is bright green, while the undersides are often a reddish color. The stems are fleshy and fragile, with prominent nodes.
Flowering occurs during summer and early autumn. The flowers are small, light pink or white, and are arranged in pendulous clusters that emerge from the leaf axils. The flowers are monoecious, with separate male and female flowers present on the same plant. The plant rarely produces fruit in temperate climates, but when it does, the fruits are capsules containing numerous small seeds.
Begonia grandis 'Evasiana' prefers shaded environments or those with filtered light, typical of moist understories. It thrives in soils rich in organic matter that are well-drained and slightly acidic. It has a good tolerance to cold compared to other begonias but requires protection from severe frost. It is suitable for shady gardens, mixed borders, and can also be grown in pots and containers.
Begonia grandis 'Evasiana' is appreciated for its ability to thrive in shady environments where few other plants prosper. It is a versatile ornamental plant that adds a touch of color and texture to shady gardens. The plant can self-seed and naturalize in favorable conditions, creating a carpet of decorative foliage. During winter, the aerial parts of the plant die back, but the underground tubers survive, allowing the plant to regrow in spring.
