Begonia sp. U584

Impressive hardy begonia collected by Ozzie Johnson on Emei Shan in Sichuan. This rhizomatous species looks tender as all get out but has overwintered in a number of Zone 7b gardens - admittedly not 7b for weeks at a time but still - heck yeah! Brilliant red undersides and a burnished upper surface to the leaves are meant to go with the white flowers. Some speculation that this is a natural hybrid with pedatifida but we know for sure it is a dandy. Mulch in winter.