This rhizomatous Begonia is grown under the American Begonia Society’s unidentified species no. U508. It has still not been determined if it is a species or hybrid. It was imported to France in 1995 by Henri Laporte from a Garden in Malaysia. It is grown in Europe under the french name “Cotes de Castillon” The large oval leaves are silver-grey and under certain light conditions has a pinkish sheen. The back of the leaf is deep red. The petiole is covered with white hairs. The flowers are pink and white. It makes a large plant and has proven to be somewhat cold hardy. It can tolerate temperatures below freezing. If planted in the garden in mild winter areas and if mulched well, it can return from the rhizome in the spring. Care of Begonia U508, Bright, indirect light 40 to 95 degrees, can tolerate a freeze if mulched 10 to 18 in. tall allow to get fairly dry between waterings. Family: Begoniaceae This plant is shipped in a 3 - 4 inch pot.
