The Story
Plant Bio
Begonia heracleifolia, the star-leaf begonia, is a rhizomatous perennial prized for its large, dramatic, palmately-lobed leaves that resemble those of a hogweed (Heracleum). It has a creeping habit and produces panicles of small, pinkish-white flowers in late winter to early spring.
'Nigricans' is a popular cultivar noted for its exceptionally dark foliage. The leaves are a deep bronze-black or dark olive-green, contrasted by prominent, lighter green veins, creating a striking starburst pattern.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mexico, Central America
Toxicity
Toxic to pets
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
- Plant in well-draining soil with shade
- Water consistently during dry periods
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Divide every 2-3 years to rejuvenate
Pro Tip
Provide filtered shade and ensure good soil drainage for best growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply organic compost in early spring
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight that can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not overwater, which can cause root rot
- Skip fertilizing during winter dormancy
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Star Begonia questions
What zones can Star Begonia grow in?
Star Begonia is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Star Begonia deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Star Begonia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Star Begonia bloom?
Star Begonia typically blooms in late winter to early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Star Begonia need full sun?
Star Begonia does best in part shade.
More Begonia to compare
Picotee Tuberous Begonia
Begonia x tuberhybrida 'Picotee Mix'
Hardy Begonia
Begonia x tuberhybrida 'Hardy Begonia'
Mistral Pink Begonia
Begonia begonia 'Mistral Pink'
Wildwood Purity Begonia
Begonia grandis 'Wildwood Purity'
Smooch Begonia
Begonia x tuberhybrida 'Smooch'
Solenia Chocolate Orange Begonia
Begonia x hybrida 'Solenia Chocolate Orange'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Star Begonia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.