In mythology, a gryphon is a creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. Donât worry, Gryphon begonias donât literally look like that â that would just be weird. So why is this begonia being named after a gryphon? It is because this begonia embodies the same underlying qualities that the mythical creature possesses, namely its majestic beauty, strength and durability. Alternately known as Pegasusâą in some sectors, the Gryphon begonia (USDA hardiness zone 11-12) strikes a dramatic pose and adds a tropical flair to any shade garden or container planting. Gryphon begonia is prized mainly as a foliage plant because it seldom blooms â the appearance of bright pink flowers may only happen when grown under a day length of eleven hours or less. This plant is universally described as having 10-inch (25 cm.) wide, thick, glossy deeply cut star- or maple-shaped leaves. Its mounds of leaves are variegated silver and green with a hint of maroon in the veins and a maroon underside. It reaches a height of 14-16 inches (36-41 cm.) and spans 16-18 inches (41-46 cm.) across. And, as if this plantâs aesthetics werenât enough to sell it, Gryphon begonia also boasts versatility as a âgarden-to-houseâ plant, meaning it can easily transition from being an outdoor plant into an indoor houseplant and vice-versa. Care must be taken, however, to bring containers of this tender perennial inside before it is subjected to frost.