Maximalist's Dream: Begonia Brevirimosa 'Edinburgh'

Begonias are not on the minds of most of us around the December holidays. Holly, Ivy, Amaryllis... Now these consume most thoughts of plants at this time of year. But Begonias are as appropriate to seek out in the winter as they are in summer. And while I recently have begun to replace what I have long called “my favorite” plant (Iris) with a new favorite (Amaryllis), I cannot help but realize how incredible Begonias are. What is more, they are typically quite unfailing and hard to spoil.

Styling of the Angelwing Begonias

Just about any Begonia can fare well indoors as a houseplant. But some varieties rise to that task even better than others, with Angelwing Begonias taking on this role especially successfully.

Angelwing Begonias have leaves that are unusual in shape and also in pattern. They are perfect for placing on a very prominent perch inside the home, ready for admiring. When I say Angelwings, I typically think of the Begonia maculata cultivars. One has dramatic crimson leaf undersides that are one-upped by its leaf tops, with their dark green background showing off star-quality silvery dots. Another goes light on the crimson but doubles the dots. All are unusual. 

While Begonia maculata has rather thin “wings” that face out, Begonia brevirimosa ‘Edinburgh’ is a cultivar that shows off “wings” that seem as though they could support an angel of a much more robust sort. Its leaves are quite large. Veining radiates out from an off-center point, showing the leaves’ base color of dark green. The hottest pink, glinting in the light as though it is slightly metallic, sits between those veins. Full and bushy Begonia brevirimosa ‘Edinburgh’ is a stunner.

Begonia brevirimosa ‘Edinburgh’ looks just right for the holidays, in many ways. New Year’s Eve festivities? Begonia brevirimosa ‘Edinburgh’ seems perfectly in place, with its own gorgeous color and sparkle. Sure, we eventually will want to take down December’s decorations, making our home décor cleaner and more streamlined. And Begonia brevirimosa ‘Edinburgh’ is not much for minimalism. But it seems to me that this maximalist’s dream of a plant is well worth adding before the grayest months of winter hit. Granted, minimalism is appealing at times. But I, for one, want to brighten up the dull days that are sure to come in late February and throughout March with something that calls out to me, “Hey, I am beautiful. Soak in all this beauty.”

Begonia Brevirimosa ‘Edinburgh’ Care

Begonia brevirimosa ‘Edinburgh’ likes warmth and humidity, harkening back to its tropical roots. I have recently read opposing thoughts on the value of misting plants—differing opinions about whether or not misting is worth the effort for plants that like humid environments. So rather than mention misting, I think I will simply say that a warm kitchen with good moisture in the air is a better location for this plant than is a dry bedroom, for example, of the type that makes one want to sneeze each morning. You get the idea. And if you are inclined to place a smaller-sized Begonia brevirimosa ‘Edinburgh’ in a terrarium-style environment, you likely will be happy. (This is also a good placement if you have pets, as pets should not nibble Begonia brevirimosa ‘Edinburgh’, or any of its plant cousins, for that matter.) Good and consistent moisture, warm temperatures, and low, medium, or bright indirect light are what will keep this beauty beautiful.

If you are like me and happen to be just a little tired of checking the water level at the base of a Christmas tree and babysitting finicky houseplants, just know that Begonias such as Begonia brevirimosa ‘Edinburgh’ are very easy-care plants. “Soak in all this beauty.”