Begonia ‘Sterling Moon’

If moonlight had a favourite plant, this would be it. Begonia ‘Sterling Moon’ glows with silvery foliage splashed in soft green, the leaves looking almost hand-painted. Add in those subtle pink undertones on new growth and you’ve got a plant that refuses to be just “background foliage” — it insists on centre stage.

Happiest in dappled shade or bright indirect light, ‘Sterling Moon’ brings a sparkle to borders and containers alike. In the UK it’s best treated as a half-hardy perennial: it will sail through a Cornish summer outdoors, but once the frosts threaten, either lift it into a cool greenhouse/conservatory or mulch it snugly in milder areas. Keep the soil moist but never soggy, and it’ll reward you with season after season of luminous foliage.

Tougher than it looks, effortlessly stylish, and always a talking point — this is the disco ball of the shade garden.

supplied 3 litre pot