Hardy begonia

* Common name: Hardy begonia

* Botanical name: Begonia grandis

* What it is: Most begonias die at frost, but this one is a perennial version that sends up stems of nodding pink flowers from July into mid-fall, then dies back to the ground. Leaves are slow to emerge in spring, so don’t assume the plant has died if there’s no sign of it even by May.

* Size: Foliage is 12 to 15 inches tall, and flowers poke up another 8 to10 inches. Plant 2 feet apart.

* Where to use: Prefers damp soil and shade to part shade – no direct afternoon sun. Ideal in woodland gardens or along northern and eastern foundations. Hardy begonia also does well in the root competition under trees, although they appreciate some water in hot, dry spells.

* Care: Snip off flower stalks when flowers fade, especially if you want to limit seeding. Plants often colonize by dropping seed. Dig any you don’t want once you see what emerges by late spring. Water in dry spells. Cut foliage to the ground after frost browns it in fall (end of winter is OK, too). Cover the ground with 2 inches of fallen leaves to insulate the crown and help plants survive any unusually cold winters. Scatter balanced organic fertilizer around plant base in spring.

* Great partner: Hostas and ferns are good woodland or shade-garden perennial partners. Mophead or lacecap hydrangeas make a good shrub partner. And the dappled light under most any flowering tree is also a good spot.