Plant in part shade (~4 hours of sun) to filtered light in a well-drained soil and irrigate regularly. Has withstood short duration cold temperatures down to 28°F in our nursery without damage. A great specimen plant for a large container in mild climates, this plant has been known to grow leaves that are 3 feet around in Hawaii though typical growth in southern California is 18-24 inches. Also, quite adaptable as a houseplant and has been recommended for beginners because of its ease of growth in "Begonias, The Complete Reference Guide" by Mildred and Edward Thompson.

Begonia 'Freddie' was hybridized by legendary Begonia hybridizer Rudolph Ziesenhenne (1911-2005) at his Santa Barbara nursery by crossing Begonia manicata aureo-maculata with Begonia barkeri. He named this outstanding Begonia for his son Fred and named his other plants after Santa Barbara area locations or people living in the area such as Begonia 'Lotusland', Begonia 'Cachuma', Begonia 'Yanonali' and Begonia 'Ramirez' that was named for a Santa Barbara gardener. 

The information displayed on this page about Begonia 'Freddie' is based on our research conducted about this plant from books in our nursery library as well as from information that is provided by reliable online resources. We also have included our own observations made about it as it grew in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers when we had them in our nursery field. We also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.