Plant in part shade (~4 hours of sun) to filtered light in a well-drained soil and irrigate regularly. Has withstood short duration cold temperatures down to 28°F in our nursery without damage. A great specimen plant for a large container in mild climates, this plant has been known to grow leaves that are 3 feet around in Hawaii though typical growth in southern California is 18-24 inches. Also, quite adaptable as a houseplant and has been recommended for beginners because of its ease of growth in "Begonias, The Complete Reference Guide" by Mildred and Edward Thompson.

Begonia 'Freddie' was hybridized by legendary Begonia hybridizer Rudolph Ziesenhenne (1911-2005) at his Santa Barbara nursery by crossing Begonia manicata aureo-maculata with Begonia barkeri. He named this outstanding Begonia for his son Fred and named his other plants after Santa Barbara area locations or people living in the area such as Begonia 'Lotusland', Begonia 'Cachuma', Begonia 'Yanonali' and Begonia 'Ramirez' that was named for a Santa Barbara gardener. 

The information about Begonia 'Freddie' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.