Question
I bought these plants at a local produce stand but unfortunately they had NO info on it. Can you identify these for me? Number one is not a great picture but it the backsides of the leaves are purple and the front side are green with white dots. The flowers are pink and small. The second one has not flowered yet. Will it? I live just north of Tampa, Florida. Are these native plants? Can I plant them in the ground? Thank you in advance.

Jacqui

Answer
Hi Jacqui,

Thanks for the photos. They are rather fuzzy, but I believe I can identify the first one as an Angelwing Begonia and the second one as a variegated Swedish ivy. Swedish ivy does flower, but the flowers are rather insignificant. It is used as a ground cover or a hanging foliage plant, not a flowering plant.

The Begonia is hardy in Zone 10, so you may be pushing its cold tolerance in Tampa. The Swedish ivy is okay in Zone 9, so it should be okay where you are.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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