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Products > Begonia 'Freddie'   Begonia 'Freddie'     [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Perennial Family: Begoniaceae (Begonias) Origin: North America Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Pink Bloomtime: Year-round Parentage: (B. manicata 'Aureo-maculata' x B. barkeri) Height: 1-2 feet Width: 2-4 feet Exposure: Light Shade/Part Sun Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F Begonia 'Freddie' - A giant leafed rhizomatous begonia with entire rounded leaves that are glossy green on top and red underneath. The intermittent branched flower spikes can be present year round in a mild climate and are held above the foliage with bright reddish pink flowers. 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. 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. 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.  The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing  Begonia 'Freddie'.