Begonia Hallows Eve

Begonia 'Hallow's Eve' is a striking rhizomatous hybrid created by Brad Thompson in 2012 from a cross between Begonia 'Angel Glow' and Begonia 'Palomar Prince'. It is highly prized for its dramatic dark foliage and brilliant orange-red center, making it one of the most distinctive dark-leaved begonias in cultivation.

The foliage is the true highlight of this cultivar. Mature leaves range from deep burgundy to nearly black and feature a vivid orange-red eye that radiates through the veins from the center of the leaf. The lightly hairy foliage classifies it as an "eyelash begonia" and gives the plant additional texture and character. I have found that my mother plant, which is one of my personal favorites, develops noticeably darker foliage when grown under lower light conditions, creating an even more dramatic contrast between the dark leaf blade and the glowing red-orange center.

In my collection, this begonia thrives in a greenhouse cabinet where humidity never drops below 70%. My mother plant is positioned approximately two feet from a T5 grow light, where it receives bright but indirect lighting. These conditions have produced the most attractive foliage coloration and healthiest growth. The elevated humidity helps maintain leaf quality and encourages steady development, especially as the plant matures.

One of the most important aspects of growing Begonia 'Hallow's Eve' is careful watering. This cultivar is extremely sensitive to overwatering and strongly prefers the substrate to dry slightly between waterings. I have found that allowing the soil to approach dryness before watering again results in stronger growth and healthier roots. Like many eyelash and rhizomatous begonias, excessive moisture can quickly lead to decline, making a well-draining mix and a conservative watering approach essential.

As the plant matures, it develops larger leaves held on sturdy petioles, creating a bold specimen with tremendous visual impact. The leaves often take on an umbrella-like shape as they age, and mature plants may produce clusters of bright pink flowers that provide a beautiful contrast against the dark foliage.