Hello, I have inherited a Bowers Black Begonia see pic from my mother who was born in Lemington, ONT and I suspect was brought to BC from there… I’m not able to find anything distinctive about the BBB online and would welcome any insights. Is it tuberous? I adore this plant and would like to keep it healthy. Please advise. Many thanks.
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners about your Bowers Black Begonia. It is an unusual and beautiful annual plant. Begonias do well outside in the summer and as houseplants in the winter. The word “Bowers” is actually from the Latin “bowerae” which means eyelashes. On this cultivar begonia, the leaves have prickly white eyelash edges. Your begonia has beautiful pink flowers on stalks. There are many different cultivars of bowerae and the black variant is unusual. A comparable one is the Begonia bowerae ‘Black Velvet’ with photo below.
Begonias have four main types: wax, tuberous, cane and rhizomatous. Begonia bowerae are rhizomatous and propagation is done by cutting pieces of the rhizome and potting it. The American Begonia Society has many photos of different kinds of begonias. Below is their link for care and propagation:
American Begonia Society – propagation
At this time, the only reference available for “Bower Black” gives a simple description of the leaves and part shade/shade environment.
Below is a link to specific information on Eyelash Begonias or Begonia bowerae, Begonia bowerii or Begonia boweri:
Finally, below is a very informative site from University of Minnesota on begonias. Best of luck taking care of your treasured Begonia bowerae.