Random Begonia

Begonia 'River Nile' is one of many unique rhizomatous hybrids by Brad Thompson, in California. I love the neon lime green centers and dark burgandy edges, as well as the double helix at the umbo. The plant pictured is only in a 4" pot, but the leaves are easily 5" across. I once had a 10" hanging basket of it growing in an enormous rounded mound and spilling over the sides. You can grow a lot of begonia in a small pot.

As with most rhizomatous begonias, flowering occurs from late winter to mid-spring. This shot of B. 'River Nile' flowers was taken at night. Most of the blooms haven't opened yet, but you can see two open female flowers on the lower left.