Begonias are a widely cherished group of ornamental plants grown for both their striking foliage and attractive flowers. Found in homes, greenhouses, and gardens across the world, they offer a unique aesthetic that suits a wide range of environments. Their visual diversity makes them a popular choice for plant collectors and decorators alike.
These plants are known for their asymmetrical leaves, which can be smooth, hairy, or textured. The leaves often display intricate patterns and bold colors, ranging from deep greens to reds, purples, and even silvers. This foliage alone often draws attention, even when the plant is not in bloom.
Begonias also produce colorful, delicate flowers that bloom in clusters. These flowers can appear throughout the growing season, especially in environments with consistent warmth and light. The contrast between the blossoms and the foliage often creates a vivid and eye-catching display.
They are well-suited for indoor cultivation because of their manageable size and ability to adapt to container life. Many gardeners also use them in shaded outdoor areas, such as patios or under taller plants, where they can receive indirect sunlight and protection from harsh conditions.
Begonias require a balance of moisture and air circulation. They dislike soggy soil, so well-drained potting mixes are essential. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering may cause the leaves to dry or drop. Their care demands some attentiveness, but they are not overly difficult to maintain.
These plants thrive in moderate humidity and prefer temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. In dry indoor environments, a humidity tray or gentle misting can help maintain their health. With the right conditions, they can live for many seasons and even be propagated from cuttings.
Varieties of Begonia Flowers
Begonia maculata (Polka Dot Begonia)
This is one of the most sought-after Begonias, especially as a houseplant. It’s famous for its striking “angel wing” shaped leaves, which are dark green on top with distinctive silvery-white polka dots, and a deep reddish-purple underside.
Rex Begonia (Painted-Leaf Begonia)
This is not a single species but a group of hybrids known for their stunning, often intricate foliage. They are primarily grown for their leaves, which come in a dizzying array of colors, patterns, and textures, including shades of green, silver, purple, red, and pink. Popular cultivars within this group include ‘Escargot’ (with its spiral-shaped leaves) and ‘Fireworks’.
Similar to the Polka Dot Begonia, this group is characterized by its large, asymmetrical, wing-shaped leaves. They are prized for both their foliage, which can be speckled or variegated, and their clusters of beautiful pink, red, or white flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens)
Often used as a bedding plant in gardens, wax begonias are a common and reliable choice. They are known for their compact, bushy growth, waxy leaves (which can be green or bronze), and a continuous display of small but numerous flowers in shades of red, pink, or white.
This group is celebrated for its large, showy flowers that bloom from summer into fall. The blooms are often single, double, or ruffled and come in vibrant colors like yellow, orange, red, and pink. Tuberous begonias are popular for containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia)
This rhizomatous begonia is a favorite for its unique foliage. Its vibrant green, textured leaves are adorned with a prominent, dark brown or maroon pattern in the shape of a Maltese cross, which gives the plant its name. It’s an excellent choice for those who love interesting leaf patterns.
Rieger Begonia (Begonia × hiemalis)
Often sold as a seasonal houseplant, the Rieger Begonia is a hybrid known for its compact size and a profusion of dense, rose-like flowers. These begonias are popular for their ability to bloom during cooler months, providing a burst of color in winter and early spring.
A popular cane begonia, ‘Looking Glass’ is a striking variety with large, silvery-green leaves that have a metallic sheen and an almost quilted texture. Its unique appearance makes it a standout foliage plant, and it produces pink flowers that hang in clusters.
Begonia ‘Tiger Paws’ (Begonia bowerae)
Also known as Eyelash Begonia, this rhizomatous begonia has green leaves with deep chocolate-brown markings that resemble a tiger’s paw print. The name “Eyelash” comes from the tiny hairs that fringe the edges of the leaves, adding a delicate, fuzzy texture.
This beautiful and highly sought-after begonia is a cultivar known for its stunning silvery-white leaves with a dark green border and veins. It’s a great example of a begonia that is grown purely for its beautiful, variegated foliage.
Begonia ‘Escargot’
A standout Rex Begonia cultivar, ‘Escargot’ is famous for its stunning leaves that feature a dramatic spiral pattern at the center, resembling a snail’s shell.
Begonia ‘Dragon Wing’
This begonia is a hybrid of the Angel Wing type, known for its vigorous growth and impressive size. The name comes from its large, glossy, and beautifully shaped leaves, which are accompanied by a prolific display of continuous red or pink flowers. It’s a favorite for hanging baskets and containers.
Begonia ‘Sophie Cecile’
A striking cane begonia, ‘Sophie Cecile’ has large, deeply lobed, and ruffled leaves that give it a unique texture and appearance. The foliage is a beautiful silvery-green with dark veins, and it can grow quite large.
Begonia ‘Gryphon’
A hybrid with a strong visual impact, ‘Gryphon’ is known for its large, palmate leaves that are a dark, almost blackish-green with dramatic silver veins. It has an upright growth habit and is often used as a foliage plant in containers and gardens.
Begonia ‘Connie Boswell’
A rhizomatous begonia with large, star-shaped leaves. This variety is known for its striking appearance, featuring a mix of green, silver, and red on the foliage, making it a popular choice for those who love variegated leaves.
Begonia ‘Richmondensis’
Also known as the Richmond Begonia, this variety is prized for its year-round appeal. It has glossy, semi-succulent green leaves with a beautiful reddish underside, and it produces a continuous supply of delicate pink or salmon-colored flowers.
Begonia ‘Flamenco’
A popular tuberous begonia, ‘Flamenco’ is loved for its huge, ruffled, double flowers that come in a mix of vibrant colors. Its large, rose-like blooms make it a fantastic choice for adding a bold splash of color to shady areas of the garden or in pots.
Begonia ‘Fireworks’
This is another highly decorative Rex Begonia cultivar with a flamboyant display of foliage. The leaves are a vibrant mix of silver, pink, purple, and green, often with a metallic shimmer, and they have an intricate, deeply lobed shape.
Begonia ‘Listada’
This is a species begonia known for its very unique foliage. It has a distinctive dark green, velvety leaf with a bright, almost neon-green stripe running down the center. The contrast is eye-catching and makes it a favorite among collectors.
Begonia ‘Solenia’ series
The Solenia series of begonias are a group of hybrids specifically bred for sun tolerance, unlike many other begonias. They are known for their beautiful, vibrant flowers in shades of yellow, pink, red, and orange, and their ability to thrive in sunny conditions, making them ideal for garden beds and full-sun containers.
Begonia ‘Medora’
Often called the Miniature Cane Begonia, ‘Medora’ is a small, bushy begonia with delicate, olive-green leaves that are spotted with silver. It’s a charming and compact plant that is perfect for terrariums or small spaces on a windowsill.
Begonia ‘Paso Doble’
A dramatic Rex Begonia, ‘Paso Doble’ features deeply spiraled leaves with a captivating mix of maroon, pink, and silvery-green.
Begonia ‘Amelia’s Kaleidoscope’
This is a relatively newer but popular Rex Begonia cultivar. The leaves are a stunning mix of colors, featuring swirls of deep maroon, bright pink, and green, with a metallic sheen.
Begonia ‘Kit Kat’
A cane begonia with a very distinct look, ‘Kit Kat’ has dark, almost black-green leaves with pronounced, bright-pink spots.
Begonia ‘Benigo Pink’
This is a large and vigorous cane begonia with silvery-pink spotted leaves. Its large size and prolific blooms of pink flowers make it a popular choice for those who want a dramatic, architectural plant that also provides continuous color.
Begonia ‘China Curl’
A unique rhizomatous begonia, ‘China Curl’ is named for its leaves that have a curled or swirled appearance.
Begonia ‘Stained Glass’
This rhizomatous begonia is known for its beautiful, multicolored leaves that look like a piece of stained glass. The foliage has a blend of deep green, red, and silver, with intricate veining.
Begonia ‘Bauer’s Surprise’
A rhizomatous begonia with an intriguing texture. The leaves are a mix of light green and a dark, almost chocolate-brown, with a crinkled or bumpy texture that gives it a unique feel.
Begonia ‘Torch’
A specific type of tuberous begonia, the ‘Torch’ series is known for its upright growth habit and vibrant, torch-like flowers. The blooms are typically in shades of red and orange, and their upward-facing nature.
Begonia ‘Erythrophylla’
Commonly known as the Beefsteak Begonia, this rhizomatous species is a classic favorite. It has round, glossy, dark green leaves with a beautiful, deep red underside. It is very easy to grow and is known for its hardiness.
Begonia ‘Helen Teupel’
This is a stunning rhizomatous begonia with large, silvery-green leaves that have a dark green, star-shaped pattern.
Begonia ‘Black Mamba’
A truly dramatic Rex Begonia, ‘Black Mamba’ has very dark, almost black leaves with a metallic sheen. The foliage is a deep purplish-black.
Begonia ‘Art Hodes’
A popular cane begonia, ‘Art Hodes’ is loved for its large, wing-shaped, green leaves that are spotted with prominent white dots. The foliage is a beautiful sight, and the plant also produces clusters of pink flowers.
Begonia ‘Cracklin Rosie’
This is a beautiful rhizomatous begonia with crinkled, star-shaped leaves. The foliage is a mix of deep green and a vibrant red or pinkish hue, with dark veins, giving it a rich and textured appearance.
Begonia ‘Marmaduke’
This is a stunning rhizomatous begonia known for its large, intricately patterned leaves. The foliage is a blend of green, cream, and pink, with a unique swirled or marbled pattern.
Begonia ‘Thurstonii’
A classic hybrid, ‘Thurstonii’ is a cross between Begonia metallica and Begonia sanguinea. It is known for its metallic-looking, deep green leaves with a beautiful red underside. The plant has a bushy growth habit and produces clusters of pink flowers.
Begonia ‘Curly Fireflush’
A rhizomatous begonia with an interesting texture and color. The leaves are a dark, velvety green on top with a vibrant red underside, and they have a distinctively ruffled or wavy edge.
Begonia ‘River Nile’
This is a popular rhizomatous begonia with large, star-shaped leaves. The foliage has a beautiful pattern of dark green veins on a lighter green background, and the entire leaf has a silvery sheen that catches the light.
Begonia ‘Geithner’s Red’
A vibrant cane begonia known for its fiery red flowers. The blooms are plentiful and add a significant pop of color. The leaves are typically dark green.
Begonia ‘Maurice Amey’
A beautiful cane begonia with a distinctive look. The leaves are a mix of green, silver, and pink, with a slightly textured surface. This begonia has a full, bushy growth habit and is valued for its elegant, multicolored foliage.
Begonia ‘Spitfire’
This is a compact rhizomatous begonia with star-shaped leaves. The foliage has a beautiful pattern of bright green with a central, almost black-brown mark. It’s a great choice for smaller spaces or terrariums.
Begonia ‘Stardancer’
A beautiful rhizomatous begonia with large, deeply lobed, star-shaped leaves. The foliage is a mix of green and silver, with intricate veining that gives it a delicate and lacy appearance.
Begonia ‘Black Truffle’
This is a newer, highly sought-after Rex Begonia cultivar. The leaves are a deep, almost black-purple with a heavily textured, bumpy surface that gives them a unique appearance. It’s a fantastic choice for those who love dark and moody foliage.