{"product_id":"begonia-darkside-of-the-moon","title":"Begonia 'Darkside of the Moon'","description":"\u003cp\u003eBegonia 'Darkside of the Moon' is one of the most dramatic foliage plants you can grow, prized for its deeply lobed, near-black leaves that shimmer with a metallic purple sheen and flash deep red on their undersides. The bold, almost maple-like leaf shape gives it a sculptural, architectural presence that lifts any shady corner, patio grouping or conservatory display. For anyone who loves a rex begonia for its colour but wants something with real structure, this striking hybrid delivers moody, gothic glamour in spades.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts colouring is the main event. In good, indirect light the foliage takes on an inky, almost-black depth with iridescent highlights, while delicate sprays of pale pink to white flowers appear through summer as a soft counterpoint to the dark leaves. Compact and bushy, it reaches around 60-90 cm tall and 45-60 cm wide, making it a manageable yet eye-catching specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow and where to grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a tender exotic rather than a hardy garden plant, so it is best treated as a patio or house begonia. Give it bright but indirect light or dappled, partial shade, as harsh midday sun will scorch the leaves and fade their metallic finish. Grow it in a free-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with added perlite or bark, keeping the mix lightly moist but never waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter and avoid wetting the foliage to keep mildew at bay.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition: bright indirect light or partial shade, sheltered from wind\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardiness: tender (RHS H1c), protect from all frost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: roughly 60-90 cm tall, 45-60 cm spread\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the UK, stand it outdoors once nights stay reliably above 10C, then bring it back under glass or indoors before the first autumn frosts. Whether you are searching for an unusual shrub begonia for sale or simply a knockout foliage plant, this is a collector's favourite. Every plant we send out is nursery-grown, hand-selected and carefully packed to arrive in superb condition, ready to become the dark star of your collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm","offer_id":57810283987327,"sku":"BEGDARKMOON17","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/growtropicals.com\/products\/begonia-darkside-of-the-moon","provider":"GrowTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}