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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Begoniaceae (Begonias) |
| Origin: North America |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Pink |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Parentage: (B. 'Freddie' seedling) |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Light Shade/Part Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Begonia 'Red Fred' - A large leaf rhizomatous begonia with rounded heart shaped 10 inch wide leaves that are glossy maroon with green venation on the upper surface and red underneath. These leaves have a puffy texture between the leaf veins and are held on light green petioles covered with red scales. In late winter into spring appear small pink and red flowers that rise well above foliage in a tightly branched inflorescence. Plant in bright shade or morning sun in a well-drained soil and irrigate regularly. Should prove hardy to short duration cold temperatures below 30°F but we have not tested it for this. This plant was a seedling of Begonia 'Freddie' raised by Brad Thompson at the late Mark Bartholomew's Hi-Mark Nursery. It was selected from the seedflat and named in 2005 by Mike Flaherty of Gazebo Plants in Santa Barbara. The parent plant Begonia 'Freddie' was created by legendary Begonia hybridizer Rudolph Ziesenhenne (1911-2005) at his Santa Barbara nursery by crossing Begonia manicata aureo-maculata with Begonia barkeri. More information on this plant on our listing for Begonia Freddie. 'Red Fred' is a very nice container specimen for mild climate garden. Though it has considerably redder foliage, it smaller leaves, less showy flowers and is a bit fussier than 'Freddie' so requires soil that drains very well.
This information is based on research conducted about this plant in our nursery library and from reliable online sources. We also take into consideration observations of it in our nursery of crops, as well as of plants growing in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens we have visited. We will incorporate comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if it includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Begonia 'Red Fred'. |
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