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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.
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 'Red Fred'.
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