SKU: 00840369421791 Jurassic Pink Splash Rex Begonia (Begonia rex hybrid) in 3.5" Pots

Plant Features & Growing Information

• Growth Habit: Vigorous, upright-to-mounding, bushy tropical perennial with large, asymmetrical, textured leaves. Typically reaches 16–20 inches tall and 18–20 inches wide at maturity. Plants develop a full, rounded appearance with colorful foliage extending outward from the center.

• Foliage Color: Produces spectacular silvery-gray leaves with large, vibrant pink centers, prominent dark green veins, and contrasting green margins. The oversized, slightly ruffled leaves may reach approximately 5–9 inches long. Their distinctive metallic appearance creates a beautiful contrast in shaded landscapes.

• Bloom Color: Occasionally produces small, delicate pale pink flowers on slender stems above the foliage. The blossoms are relatively inconspicuous compared with the dramatic leaves and are not the plant's primary ornamental feature.

• Bloom Time: Small flowers may appear intermittently from spring through fall under favorable conditions. Flowering varies depending on temperature, light exposure, and plant maturity.

• Fragrance: Little to no noticeable fragrance. Jurassic Pink Splash is primarily valued for its colorful foliage rather than fragrant flowers or leaves.

• Fruit Flavor: Not grown for edible fruit. Following successful pollination, flowers may produce small, dry, winged seed capsules. These have no recognized culinary value or desirable flavor and should not be consumed.

• Culinary Uses: Not recommended for consumption. Jurassic Pink Splash is cultivated strictly as an ornamental foliage plant. Although some Begonia species have historically been used in culinary preparations, Rex Begonia hybrids contain potentially harmful compounds and should not be used in food, beverages, or edible decorations.

• Medicinal Uses: Certain Begonia species have histories of traditional herbal use, particularly in preparations associated with skin conditions and inflammation. However, Jurassic Pink Splash has no established safe medicinal applications. Its tissues contain soluble calcium oxalates, and the plant should not be consumed or used in homemade medicinal preparations.

• Possible Toxicity to Pets or Humans: Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested. Begonias contain soluble calcium oxalates, with the greatest concentrations generally found in underground plant parts. Ingestion may cause excessive drooling, vomiting, and gastrointestinal irritation. Large exposures may cause more serious complications. Humans may also experience irritation or digestive discomfort if plant material is consumed. Keep plants away from pets and children, and wear gloves if sensitive to plant sap.

• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Generally deer-resistant, although hungry deer or rabbits may occasionally browse tender foliage. Because its flowers are small and infrequent, this variety is not considered a major pollinator plant. Watch for mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, slugs, and snails. Excessive moisture, poor air circulation, and wet foliage can encourage powdery mildew, Botrytis, and stem or root rot.

• USDA Planting Zones: Hardy outdoors as a perennial in USDA Zones 10–11. In Zones 3–9, Jurassic Pink Splash is typically grown as a warm-season annual or maintained as a houseplant. It is sensitive to frost and cold temperatures, with growth potentially suffering when temperatures fall below approximately 50°F.

• Sun Preferences: Thrives in full shade to partial shade, preferably receiving bright, indirect sunlight or gentle, filtered morning light. Direct afternoon sunlight can scorch the delicate foliage and fade its vibrant coloration. Indoors, place near a bright window with filtered light, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

• Drought Tolerance: Low to moderate. Jurassic Pink Splash tolerates brief periods of slightly dry soil better than constantly saturated conditions. However, prolonged drought can cause leaf curling, crispy edges, wilting, and reduced growth. Allow the upper inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings while maintaining adequate moisture around the roots.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers loose, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Performs best in slightly acidic soil with a pH of approximately 5.5–6.5. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. In containers, use a high-quality potting mix amended with perlite or other drainage-enhancing materials.

• Humidity Preferences: Prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally around 50–70%, although established plants can adapt to typical indoor humidity when properly watered. Avoid excessively dry air, which may cause brown leaf edges. Provide adequate air circulation to prevent fungal problems.

• When to Prune: Requires minimal pruning throughout the growing season. Remove damaged, yellowing, or dying leaves as needed. Light shaping can be performed during spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing.

• How to Prune: Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove damaged or discolored leaves by cutting their stems near the base. Avoid removing excessive healthy foliage, as the leaves are the plant's primary ornamental feature. If the plant becomes leggy, selectively remove older leaves to encourage fresh growth. Small flower stalks may also be removed if desired to direct attention toward foliage development.

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast under favorable conditions. The Jurassic™ series is specifically bred for vigorous growth and excellent branching, allowing plants to develop full, attractive foliage displays relatively quickly.

• Landscape Uses: Excellent for shade gardens, woodland borders, tropical landscapes, decorative containers, hanging baskets, covered patios, and indoor houseplant collections. Its bright pink-and-silver foliage creates beautiful contrast against darker green plants.

Planting Instructions from a 3.5" Pot into the Ground

• Best Planting Time: Plant outdoors in late spring or early summer after all danger of frost has passed, when nighttime temperatures consistently remain above approximately 55–60°F. Rex Begonias are sensitive to cold and should not be planted outdoors while temperatures remain low.

• Acclimate the Plant: If the plant has been grown in a greenhouse or indoor environment, gradually introduce it to outdoor conditions over approximately 5–7 days. Begin in a sheltered, shaded location and slowly increase exposure to filtered outdoor light and natural airflow.

• Choose a Location: Select a planting site receiving full shade to partial shade, ideally with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid locations exposed to intense afternoon sunlight, strong winds, or prolonged standing water.

• Prepare the Soil: Loosen the surrounding soil to a depth of approximately 8–10 inches, removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Incorporate compost or other well-decomposed organic matter to improve fertility, drainage, and moisture retention.

• Dig the Hole: Dig a planting hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the root ball itself.

• Remove from the Pot: Carefully slide the Jurassic Pink Splash Rex Begonia from its 3.5-inch nursery container, supporting the root ball to minimize disturbance. Avoid pulling the plant by its delicate stems or leaves. Gently loosen any tightly circling roots if necessary.

• Position the Plant: Place the root ball in the hole with its upper surface level with the surrounding soil. Avoid burying the crown or lower stems too deeply, as excessive moisture around the base can encourage rot.

• Backfill: Fill the planting hole with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate large air pockets without excessively compacting the soil.

• Water Thoroughly: Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Continue watering regularly during the first several weeks while the plant establishes its root system.

• Spacing: Space plants approximately 18–20 inches apart to accommodate their mature width and promote healthy air circulation. For a fuller landscape display, plants may be spaced slightly closer, provided sufficient airflow is maintained.

• Mulching: Apply approximately 1–2 inches of organic mulch around the planting area to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch several inches away from the crown and lower stems to reduce the risk of rot.

• Watering After Establishment: Water when the upper inch of soil begins to dry. Maintain lightly moist but well-drained soil, avoiding prolonged saturation. During hot, dry weather, monitor soil moisture more frequently.

• Fertilization: Apply a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time according to label directions, or use a diluted, water-soluble fertilizer approximately every 2–4 weeks during active growth. Avoid excessive fertilizer, which can cause leaf damage or salt buildup.

• Early Growth: Plants may require several days to adjust after transplanting. Maintain moderate moisture, protect from direct sunlight, and avoid disturbing the roots while new growth develops.

Overwintering & Seasonal Care

• Zones 3–9: Jurassic Pink Splash is typically grown as a seasonal annual or indoor houseplant. Plants are sensitive to frost and should be moved indoors before nighttime temperatures fall below approximately 50–55°F.

• Zones 10–11: Plants may survive outdoors as tropical perennials in frost-free locations. Growth may slow during cooler weather, but plants can continue producing attractive foliage when temperatures remain sufficiently warm.

• Spring Maintenance: Plant outdoors after frost danger has passed and temperatures have warmed. Resume regular watering and fertilization as new foliage develops.

• Summer Care: Maintain lightly moist, well-drained soil and protect foliage from direct afternoon sunlight. Monitor for pests and remove damaged leaves as needed. Provide adequate air circulation during humid weather.

• Fall Maintenance: As temperatures begin to cool, reduce fertilizer applications and monitor nighttime temperatures. Prepare to move plants indoors before cold weather arrives.

• Preparing for Indoor Overwintering: Before the first frost, carefully lift garden-grown plants with as much of the root ball intact as possible. Transfer them into containers with drainage holes using fresh, well-draining potting mix. Inspect foliage and stems for insects before bringing plants indoors.

• Indoor Placement: Position plants near a bright window with filtered sunlight or beneath suitable grow lights. Maintain indoor temperatures around 60–75°F, avoiding cold drafts, heating vents, and sudden temperature fluctuations.

• Winter Watering: Reduce watering frequency as growth slows. Allow the upper inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Avoid keeping the potting mix constantly wet, as cool, saturated conditions can encourage root rot.

• Winter Humidity: Maintain moderate indoor humidity using a room humidifier or by grouping plants together. Avoid frequently misting the foliage, as prolonged leaf moisture can encourage fungal diseases.

• Winter Dormancy: Jurassic Pink Splash may slow its growth or lose some older leaves during winter, particularly under reduced light conditions. Unlike many true tuberous begonias, Rex Begonia hybrids are generally maintained as actively growing houseplants rather than being intentionally dried out for complete dormancy.

• Late Winter/Early Spring: Remove damaged or yellowing foliage and inspect the plant for new growth. Resume light fertilization as temperatures and daylight increase.

• Spring Transition: Once outdoor temperatures remain consistently warm, gradually acclimate overwintered plants to shaded outdoor conditions before returning them to the garden.

Additional Growing Tips

Jurassic Pink Splash Rex Begonia is especially beautiful in shade gardens, woodland landscapes, tropical borders, decorative containers, covered patios, and indoor plant collections. Its dramatic pink-and-silver foliage pairs wonderfully with hostas, ferns, caladiums, coleus, impatiens, and other shade-loving plants.

For a particularly impressive display, plant several Jurassic Pink Splash Begonias together in groups of three, five, or more. Their oversized, colorful leaves create a stunning tapestry of silver, pink, and deep green that brightens shaded garden spaces.

Garden Tip: Jurassic Pink Splash is an excellent choice for adding vibrant color to locations where traditional flowering plants struggle due to limited sunlight. Its colorful foliage provides continuous ornamental interest throughout the growing season without relying on flowers.

Important Growing Consideration: Rex Begonias are sensitive to overwatering and excessive sunlight. The most successful growing conditions include bright, filtered light, moderate humidity, well-drained soil, and careful watering. Allow the upper soil surface to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid exposing the delicate foliage to intense afternoon sun.

Safety Reminder: Jurassic Pink Splash Rex Begonia contains soluble calcium oxalates and should be kept away from pets and children. Avoid consuming any part of the plant, and wash your hands after handling damaged foliage or roots.