BEGONIA. This is a huge group of perennials, scattered nearly throughout the tropical and subtropical portions of the world. They have succulent stems and mostly fleshy, usually asymmetrical leaves. The flowers have variable, usually unequal numbers of colored sepals and petals. They are often quite showy. Besides the familiar bedding types, large-leaved house plants and dazzling tuberous hybrids, there are hundreds more of ornamental interest. Here are just a few of them. Light to medium shade, well drained soil, and moderate to regular watering. Hardiness as shown.

grandis. East and Southeast Asia. A tuberous rooted perennial with thick reddish stems up to 3' tall (less in ours). Large, tapered, red tinged leaves give it an almost tropical appearance. In summer and early fall it bears drooping clusters of deep pink, fragrant flowers, each a little over 1" across. The plant dies down completely in winter, and the tubers tolerate some freezing of the soil around them.