Begonia ‘Gryphon’

* Common name: Begonia ‘Gryphon’ 

* Botanical name: Begonia ‘Gryphon’

* What it is: A tropical-looking annual grown mainly for its large, maple-like silvery leaves with dark veining. A very striking specimen even though it produces few, if any, flowers.

* Size: About 30 inches tall, 24 inches wide.

* Where to use: At its best alone in a big pot. Must have shade, especially in the afternoon, or the leaf color bleaches. Also does well in the ground in a shade garden or under trees. Good drought tolerance.

* Care: Wait until after frost to plant out. In a pot, water every day or two when it doesn’t rain and fertilize with a half-strength balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Can be grown indoors over winter as a houseplant and re-used the following year outside again. Frost will kill them.

* Great partner: None needed. ‘Gryphon’ is a solo star. If you must, pair with a low, white-blooming, shade-tolerant annual, such as white alyssum or white wax begonias.

— George Weigel