{"product_id":"begonia-sterling-moon","title":"Begonia 'Sterling Moon'","description":"\u003cp\u003eFew foliage plants stop you in your tracks quite like \u003cstrong\u003eBegonia 'Sterling Moon'\u003c\/strong\u003e. This is a rex begonia at its most theatrical, with broad, asymmetric leaves washed in moonlit silver and outlined by inky, near-black veins and margins. The effect is metallic and almost luminous in shade, lifting dim corners of a patio or shaded courtyard where flowering plants struggle to perform. Grown for its leaves rather than its modest pale pink blooms, it brings the lush, jewel-box quality of a rare houseplant out into the summer garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStriking silver and dark green foliage with real architectural presence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact, clump-forming habit, perfect for pots and shaded displays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThrives in the shade where many exotics will not\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoubles as a covetable houseplant once the season cools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a tender rex begonia, Sterling Moon is best treated as a patio plant for the warmer months and a houseplant for the rest of the year. Stand it outside once nights stay reliably above about 10C, choosing a sheltered, shaded position out of harsh midday sun, which can scorch and bleach those prized silvered leaves. A north, east or west-facing spot with bright, indirect light keeps the markings at their boldest. Grow it in a free-draining, peat-free or loam-based compost with added perlite or bark, and water when the top of the compost feels dry, keeping the rootball lightly moist but never soggy. It loves a little humidity, so summer days outdoors suit it perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect a neat plant of roughly 20-30 cm tall and 25-40 cm across, ideal for a feature pot, a shaded table display or a sheltered doorstep. Because it is not frost hardy (RHS H1c), bring it back indoors or under heated glass well before the first autumn frosts, keeping it above 10-15C through winter. Please note that, like all begonias, it is toxic if eaten and can be harmful to cats, dogs and horses, so site it thoughtfully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have searched for a standout \u003cstrong\u003erex begonia\u003c\/strong\u003e or a more unusual \u003cstrong\u003ehardy begonia\u003c\/strong\u003e alternative for shade, Sterling Moon delivers drama in a small footprint. Every plant is nursery-grown and hand-selected for healthy roots and strong, well-marked foliage, ready to settle in and shine.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"17cm","offer_id":57810283889023,"sku":"BEGSTERL17","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/growtropicals.com\/products\/begonia-sterling-moon","provider":"GrowTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}