It’s easy to see why this spiral-leaf begonia has the name that it does. The single spiral is a mix of deep green and a pale silvery green, with olive green dots that accentuate it. The surface of the leaf is covered by tiny reddish-pink hairs that are more obvious towards the edge and almost glow red depending on the light.

I had to approach this leaf very carefully, to make sure the bumpy texture of the silvery part of the leaf showed through layers of very light washes of colour. The leaf started coming together when I added in the olive green dots in the areas where the deep green met the silvery green. I also used a tiny bit of gouache (a paint similar to watercolour, but it’s opaque rather than transparent) to do the hairs around and on the leaf, coupled with my tiniest brush and lots of patience!

Begonia ‘Escargot’ is available as:

• A4 giclée print (see size guide)

• Pack of five A6 postcards

• Pack of five blank A6 greeting cards with matching grey peel & seal envelopes.