Begonia luxurians

No, it is a tender exotic rather than a frost-hardy plant, rated around RHS H1b. Treat it as a plant for summer outdoors and winter under cover: grow it in a sheltered, part-shaded spot from late spring, then bring it to a bright, frost-free place at a minimum of about 5 to 7C before the first frosts. Remember that cold combined with wet is what harms it, so keep it frost-free and never cold and soggy. For more on this seasonal rhythm, see our guide on what to expect from hardy exotics.

Move it under cover before the first frosts to a bright, frost-free spot such as a conservatory, heated greenhouse or a cool bright room, aiming for a minimum of about 5 to 7C. Growing it in a pot makes this easy. Through winter, keep it only barely moist and on the drier side, since the fatal combination is cold plus wet, not cold on its own. Ease watering and feeding right back as growth slows, then start again in spring as it wakes up.

Partial to full shade in a sheltered position suits it best. It naturally grows on the shaded rainforest floor in Brazil, so it dislikes harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves, as well as cold drying winds. A shaded patio in summer or a bright spot indoors out of direct sun is ideal. See more plants for shade.

In good conditions it reaches roughly 1.5 to 2.5m tall and 0.5 to 1m across, usually over two to five years. The tall red stems and whorls of palm-like leaflets give real vertical presence, which is why it works so well as an architectural centrepiece in a large container that can be moved under cover for winter.

Mainly for its foliage. The Palm-leaf Begonia is prized for the way its tall red stems carry whorls of narrow, finger-like leaflets that fan out like a miniature palm, with coppery, bronze-tinted undersides. It does also produce sprays of small, scented white flowers through summer, but the architectural evergreen leaves are the main event.

Begonias are mildly toxic if eaten. They contain soluble calcium oxalates that can cause mouth and throat irritation, drooling and vomiting, and they are noted as toxic to pets such as cats and dogs, with the underground parts the most potent. It is best to keep the plant out of reach of pets and small children, and to wash your hands after handling or pruning.