Silver Treasure Begonia - 1 Gallon

Begonia Silver Treasure is a dense, fast-growing interspecific hybrid begonia with a naturally mounded, shrubby form. Its most dramatic feature is its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that display a shimmering silvery green on top with a rich burgundy-colored underside — a two-toned contrast that looks stunning whether viewed from above or at an angle. The foliage has a wavy, slightly ruffled edge that adds subtle texture and a light-catching quality that distinguishes it from virtually any other shade plant. From early summer through mid-fall, small nodding shell-pink flowers with soft yellow throats emerge on delicate stems above the foliage, providing a fine floral accent without detracting from the leaf display. The plant maintains dense, full coverage all the way to the ground throughout the growing season, making it a polished, self-contained specimen in any setting. Silver Treasure is classified as an annual in most temperate climates but can behave as a perennial in frost-free zones.

Begonia Silver Treasure is rated for USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11. In Zones 10 and 11, it is reliably evergreen and can be grown as a long-lived perennial with minimal winter protection. In Zone 9 and even Zone 8 with a generous layer of mulch around the root zone, it may survive winter and return from its roots in spring. In cooler zones including much of Southern Oregon and higher-elevation Northern California gardens, it performs as a vigorous annual, delivering exceptional seasonal impact from spring planting through fall frost. It is not frost-tolerant and should be planted outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed. Its outstanding heat tolerance makes it particularly well-suited to warm inland valleys where shade plants often decline during hot summers.

Silver Treasure begonia thrives in partial shade to full shade. It is an ideal solution for those notoriously difficult north-facing beds, deep porch areas, covered patios, and spots under deciduous trees where direct sun rarely reaches. While it performs best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade, it tolerates deeper shade better than most flowering annuals. Direct afternoon sun — especially in hot inland climates — can scorch the delicate silvery leaves and should be avoided. Morning light filtered through a canopy is ideal. When grown indoors or on a shaded patio as a container plant, place it within 3 feet of a bright window or in a well-lit area without direct sun exposure.

For best performance, plant Silver Treasure in fertile, rich, well-draining soil with good porosity. It grows best in soils that retain moisture while still draining freely — it will not tolerate standing water or waterlogged conditions, which quickly lead to root rot. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 (slightly acidic) is ideal. When planting in garden beds, amending the native soil with compost or aged organic matter will significantly improve both drainage and fertility. In containers, use a high-quality potting mix amended with perlite or coarse vermiculite to ensure excellent drainage. Applying a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around garden plants helps conserve soil moisture, regulate root temperature, and suppress weeds through the growing season.

Silver Treasure begonia prefers consistently moist soil and should never be allowed to fully dry out, especially during the heat of summer. However, it is equally sensitive to overwatering — soggy or waterlogged soil promotes root rot and stem diseases. The goal is evenly moist, well-drained soil at all times. In garden beds, water at the base of the plant and avoid overhead irrigation, which can promote fungal diseases on the dense foliage. Allow the top inch of soil to begin to dry before watering again. Container-grown plants dry out faster than in-ground plants and will likely need watering every 2 to 4 days during warm weather. Reduce watering frequency during cooler fall temperatures. Always check soil moisture before watering rather than following a rigid schedule.

Silver Treasure is a fast-growing plant with moderate to high fertilizer needs during the active growing season. Feed regularly to sustain its lush, dense foliage and encourage continued blooming.

• Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) or a formula slightly higher in phosphorus to support flowering.
• Apply at half strength every 1 to 2 weeks during spring and summer for container-grown plants.
• For in-ground plants, a slow-release granular fertilizer worked into the soil at planting, supplemented with occasional liquid feeds through summer, works well.
• A target nutrient level of 150 to 200 ppm nitrogen is recommended for actively growing plants.
• Avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen formulas late in the season, as this can promote soft, disease-prone growth with fewer flowers.
• Always water thoroughly before and after applying granular fertilizer to prevent root burn.

Begonia Silver Treasure is naturally compact and self-branching, so it generally looks its best without regular pruning. The dense mounded habit fills in uniformly throughout the season. That said, it will tolerate light pruning when needed:

• Pinch back any excessively long or leggy stems early in the season to encourage a fuller, more rounded form.
• Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems promptly to improve air circulation and plant health.
• Spent flower clusters can be removed to keep the plant tidy, though they often self-clean adequately.
• Avoid heavy pruning, which can stress the plant and temporarily reduce the density of its foliage display.
• Do not crowd plants — adequate spacing (18 inches between plants in beds) supports good air movement and reduces the risk of disease.
• Check plants regularly and remove any yellowing or declining leaves at the base to maintain a clean, lush appearance.

Follow these steps for a successful start with Silver Treasure begonia:

1. Choose a planting location that receives partial to full shade with shelter from drying winds and direct afternoon sun.
2. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures remain consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit before planting outdoors.
3. Prepare the soil by working 2 to 3 inches of compost into the planting area to improve fertility and drainage.
4. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide. Do not plant too deeply — set the crown of the plant at or very slightly above the surrounding soil level.
5. Space individual plants approximately 18 inches apart when used as a mass planting or border edging.
6. Water thoroughly at planting and keep the soil evenly moist for the first few weeks while the plant establishes.
7. Apply 2 to 3 inches of shredded bark or other organic mulch around the root zone, keeping mulch away from the stem, to conserve moisture and protect roots.
8. For container planting, use a pot with drainage holes and fill with a well-draining, peat- or coir-based potting mix blended with perlite.

Silver Treasure is an outstanding container plant and is equally at home in hanging baskets, window boxes, and large mixed patio pots. Its wide, mounding spread of up to 25 inches makes it a natural "filler" in thriller-spiller-filler container combinations, providing a lush mass of shimmering foliage that unites bold upright thrillers with trailing spillers. Choose containers with good drainage holes and use a rich, well-draining potting mix. Container plants require more frequent watering than their in-ground counterparts — check soil moisture daily during warm weather. Feed container-grown plants with a water-soluble balanced fertilizer every 1 to 2 weeks throughout the growing season. Repot if the plant becomes root-bound or annually to refresh soil nutrients. In mild-winter climates, potted Silver Treasure can be overwintered indoors in a bright location as a houseplant, then transitioned back outdoors in spring.

Silver Treasure begonia is a highly versatile landscape plant that fills a wide range of roles in the shade garden and beyond. Its reflective silvery foliage is particularly effective at brightening dark corners and shaded beds. Recommended uses include:

• Shade garden borders and beds as a bold foliage accent or mass planting ground-level color block
• Border edging along shaded walkways and pathways
• Container plantings on shaded patios, decks, and covered porches
• Hanging baskets in sheltered outdoor areas and under overhangs
• Filler in mixed planters alongside upright tropical thrillers like elephant ear or caladium
• Brightening north-facing foundation beds where other color plants will not thrive
• Underplanting for large trees and shrubs in dappled-shade conditions

Silver Treasure begonia is described by its breeders as a "marvelous blender" in mixed plantings, uniting a broad range of colors with its neutral silvery tones. Its glossy, light-reflective leaves complement both bold and delicate companion plants. Excellent companions include:

• Coleus — the bold, colorful foliage of shade coleus contrasts beautifully with the metallic silver leaves
• Impatiens — classic shade companions whose bright blooms pop against the silvery mound
• Caladium — the large patterned leaves of caladium create a dramatic tropical contrast in height and color
• Fuchsia — trailing or upright fuchsias provide vibrant hanging flowers that pair elegantly with the begonia's soft pink blooms
• Heuchera (Coral Bells) — the mounding, metallic or jewel-toned foliage of heuchera complements Silver Treasure's color palette perfectly in both containers and borders
• Ferns — the fine, feathery texture of shade ferns provides a lovely contrast to the coarse, glossy begonia leaves
• Elephant Ear (Colocasia or Alocasia) — large tropical upright leaves make a dramatic thriller to Silver Treasure's filler role in container combinations

While Silver Treasure begonia is a vigorous grower, it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases, particularly in poorly ventilated or humid growing conditions. Good cultural practices are the first line of defense.

• Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that appears as white, powdery patches on leaves. Promote airflow by spacing plants properly and avoiding overhead watering. Treat with a labeled fungicide if needed.
• Botrytis (Gray Mold): Thrives in cool, humid conditions with poor air circulation. Remove affected plant material promptly and improve airflow. Avoid wetting foliage late in the day.
• Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Always plant in well-draining media and never allow plants to sit in standing water.
• Mealybugs: White, cottony insects that cluster in leaf axils and on stems. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray at first detection.
• Spider Mites: More common in hot, dry conditions. Look for fine webbing and stippled foliage. Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap or miticide as needed.
• Fungus Gnats: Larvae thrive in overly moist potting media. Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings to discourage breeding.
• Deer: Silver Treasure begonia has some deer resistance — deer generally leave it alone in favor of more palatable plants.

Begonia Silver Treasure, like all begonias, is considered toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant contain soluble calcium oxalates, with the highest concentration found in the underground tubers and roots. Ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and throat, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in both people and animals. It is not recommended for gardens or indoor spaces frequented by young children, dogs, or cats without supervision. If ingestion is suspected, contact Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 or a veterinarian immediately. As always, wash hands after handling plants and keep this variety out of reach of pets and small children.

Silver Treasure begonia provides exceptional multi-season ornamental value from the time it is planted in spring through the first frost of fall. Its shimmering silvery-green foliage with burgundy undersides is the primary draw and remains attractive and full throughout the entire growing season — it does not fade, scorch, or look tired in heat the way many shade annuals do. From early summer through mid-fall, delicate shell-pink blooms emerge continuously above the foliage, adding a soft floral element that complements the bold leaves. In frost-free climates (Zones 9 to 11), the plant may remain evergreen through winter, continuing to provide year-round foliage interest. In cooler climates, it is best enjoyed as a seasonal annual that can be replaced or, in mild-winter areas, overwintered indoors as a houseplant to be enjoyed again the following season.

Begonia Silver Treasure is an award-winning variety that has been recognized by professional horticulturalists and trial garden evaluators for its outstanding performance in real-world garden conditions.

• 'Best of the Best' Award — 2019 Trial Gardens at the University of Georgia (UGA), one of the most respected independent plant trial programs in the United States. This recognition is awarded only to plants that consistently outperform all others in their class across the entire trial season.
• Introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries as part of their SILVER begonia series, the variety was developed to bring unprecedented reflective foliage color and heat resilience to the shade garden market.
• Featured in multiple national horticultural trade publications highlighting its unique ornamental characteristics and garden performance.