Curly™ Cherry Mint - Begonia

Curly™ Cherry Mint is a Rex begonia prized for its large, patterned leaves, with silvery green surfaces, dark veins, and a red-purple center. Its curled leaf base gives it the classic escargot form of Green Fuse’s vigorous Curly series, suited to shaded containers and indoor displays. ## Cultivar and growing conditions The [U.S. plant patent](https://patents.justia.com/patent/PP31886) identifies Begonia rex-cultorum ‘BDICM02-0’, the code recorded for this cultivar; it describes upright, rapidly growing plants with large, overlapping leaves and silvery-green, greyed-purple, and red markings. The [Proven Winners profile](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/begonia/curly-cherry-mint-rex-begonia-begonia-rex) lists 15–18 inches high and wide, part shade to shade, consistent moisture, and zones 10–12. It is primarily grown for foliage and can also be kept as a houseplant. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/525546/begonia-curly-cherry-mint/details) uses ‘Bdicm02-0’ and ‘Red Tempest’ as synonyms and notes pale pink flowers, though flowering is secondary to the foliage display. ## Placement Protect this tender begonia from direct hot sun and cold. A shaded patio container or bright indoor position shows its patterned leaves well. ## Maintenance Keep the potting mix consistently moist but well drained, and empty standing water from saucers. Remove aging leaves at their base and rotate the container for even growth. Shelter the plant before temperatures approach freezing.