Begonia sutherlandii is a tuberous begonia native to the forested mountain slopes of southeastern Africa, prized for its arching, cascading habit and delicate blooms. Hardy in zones 10-11, this tender perennial reaches 12-18 inches tall with an equal spread and produces fragrant, showy flowers from April through October. It thrives in partial shade with moderate watering and moderate maintenance, and notably tolerates drought and dry soil, making it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking an elegant, low-fuss performer.
12
Partial Shade
Moderate
10-11
18in H x 18in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
The thin, fleshy red stems arch and cascade beautifully, bearing oblique leaves with distinctive toothed, red-tinged margins that add ornamental interest even when the plant is not in bloom. Flowers arrive reliably across spring and fall months, bringing fragrance and visual interest to shaded corners where many other plants struggle. This African native's tolerance for drought and dry soil sets it apart from fussier begonias, though it still appreciates consistent moisture during the growing season.
Begonia sutherlandii serves as both an annual bedding plant and a naturalized perennial in frost-free regions. Its cascading habit and arching stems make it particularly suited to hanging baskets, elevated containers, and shaded woodland gardens where its delicate form and red-tinged foliage can be appreciated. Indoor gardeners also value it as a houseplant, especially during the growing season when consistent light and moisture can be controlled.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Container-grown plants can be set out after the last frost date in spring. Tubers stored indoors over winter should be started in pots about 2-3 months before your intended planting date, then transplanted outdoors once soil is warm and frost danger has passed.
After the first frost in fall, cut the stems back fully to ground level. If growing in a container that will be overwintered indoors, reduce watering significantly to keep the tubers dormant but not completely dry. In zones 10-11 where the plant remains in the ground year-round, minimal pruning is needed; simply remove dead or damaged stems in spring as new growth emerges.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Begonia sutherlandii hails from the cloud forests and mountain slopes of southeastern Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa, extending north through Lesotho, Eswatini, and eastern Zimbabwe to Tanzania. Named for its connection to the Sutherland region, this species was rescued from its native habitat and introduced to cultivation, where it has been preserved and refined by horticulturists, particularly through Missouri Botanical Garden's careful documentation and propagation efforts. The species represents one of begonia's seven informal growth habit groups, and its tuberous nature allows gardeners in cooler zones to overwinter the tubers indoors and replant them each season.”