25 Different Types of Begonias

Begonias are a versatile and diverse group of plants known for their vibrant flowers and striking foliage. They are popular in both indoor and outdoor gardens due to their variety and adaptability. Here, we explore 25 different types of begonias that can add beauty and elegance to your home or garden.

1. Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens-cultorum)

Wax begonias are beloved for their small, waxy leaves and clusters of flowers in shades of red, pink, or white. These plants thrive in partial shade but can also tolerate full sun, making them highly versatile. Wax begonias are commonly used in hanging baskets, window boxes, and as bedding plants due to their compact growth habit and continuous blooming throughout the growing season. They are low-maintenance and can add a vibrant splash of color to any garden setting.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial shade to full sun.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.

• Soil: Prefers rich, organic soil.

• Temperature: Ideal range is 60-75°F (15-24°C).

2. Rex Begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)

Rex begonias are prized for their stunning, colorful leaves that come in a variety of patterns and hues. Varieties such as 'Escargot' and 'Fireworks' are particularly popular, featuring intricate foliage with shades of green, silver, and burgundy. These begonias are primarily grown for their foliage rather than their flowers, making them a striking addition to indoor gardens and shaded outdoor spaces.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light.

• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.

• Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix.

• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).

3. Angel Wing Begonia (Begonia coccinea x Begonia aconitifolia)

Angel Wing begonias are named for their distinctive wing-shaped leaves that are often speckled or variegated. These plants produce clusters of pink, red, or orange flowers that bloom throughout the year. They are ideal for hanging baskets and shaded gardens, adding a touch of tropical beauty to any space. Angel Wing begonias are known for their robust growth and can reach heights of up to 5 feet if given proper care.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix.

• Temperature: Optimal range is 65-75°F (18-24°C).

4. Tuberous Begonia (Begonia tuberhybrida)

Tuberous begonias are celebrated for their large, showy flowers that bloom from summer to fall. The blooms come in a wide range of colors, including vibrant yellows, reds, and pinks. These begonias are perfect for containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets. They prefer cooler temperatures and partial shade, making them ideal for gardens that do not receive intense midday sun.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial shade.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.

• Temperature: Ideal temperatures are 60-70°F (15-21°C).

5. Rhizomatous Begonia (Begonia soli-mutata)

Rhizomatous begonias are characterized by their thick, creeping stems and unique leaf patterns. These plants typically grow between 12 and 18 inches tall and are well-suited for indoor gardens. They are known for their attractive foliage, which can come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for terrariums and indoor plant displays.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light.

• Water: Water when the top layer of soil feels dry.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix.

• Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F (15-24°C).

6. Cane Begonia (Begonia 'Torch Pink')

Cane begonias have bamboo-like stems and can grow quite tall, adding vertical interest to your garden. The 'Torch Pink' variety has dark green variegated leaves and pink flowers. These begonias are known for their upright growth habit and can reach heights of up to 6 feet, making them ideal for adding height to garden beds or as a statement plant in containers.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade.

• Water: Keep soil evenly moist.

• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.

• Temperature: Optimal range is 65-75°F (18-24°C).

7. Begonia Nonstop Series

The Nonstop series includes varieties like 'Nonstop Yellow' and 'Nonstop Rose', known for their continuous blooming and vibrant colors. These tuberous begonias are perfect for adding a splash of color to shaded areas. They produce large, double flowers that can brighten up any garden space from late spring to the first frost.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial shade to full shade.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix.

• Temperature: Ideal range is 60-70°F (15-21°C).

8. Begonia 'Cocktail Vodka'

This wax begonia variety features vibrant red flowers with yellow centers and dark green foliage with bronzy overtones. It is a low-maintenance plant that performs well in sunny to partially shaded areas. 'Cocktail Vodka' is known for its compact growth habit and is ideal for borders, containers, and window boxes.

Care Tips

• Light: Full sun to partial shade.

• Water: Water regularly to keep the soil moist.

• Soil: Well-draining, rich organic soil.

• Temperature: Optimal range is 60-75°F (15-24°C)

9. Begonia 'Doublet White'

This wax begonia blooms with frilly double white flowers with hints of coppery-bronze. It thrives in moist but well-drained, rich organic soil. 'Doublet White' is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to shaded garden spots or as a centerpiece in containers.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial shade to full shade.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.

• Temperature: Ideal range is 60-70°F (15-21°C).

10. Begonia 'Ambassador White'

With glossy, red-edged green foliage and fragrant white flowers with yellow centers, this tender perennial prefers moist but well-drained soil. 'Ambassador White' is ideal for borders, containers, and hanging baskets, adding a fresh, clean look to any garden setting.

Care Tips

• Light: Full sun to partial shade.

• Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Soil: Well-draining, rich organic soil.

• Temperature: Optimal range is 60-75°F (15-24°C).

11. Begonia 'Dragon Wing'

Dragon Wing begonias are renowned for their continuous blooming and vibrant pink or red flowers. These begonias have an arching growth habit, making them perfect for hanging baskets and container gardens. They are also known for their durability and ability to thrive in various conditions, including partial sun and shade.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial shade to full sun.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Soil: Well-draining, rich organic soil.

• Temperature: Ideal range is 60-75°F (15-24°C).

12. Begonia 'Richmond'

Also known as the sun begonia, this variety features bronzy-green leaves and salmon-pink flowers. 'Richmond' begonias thrive in partial sun to partial shade, making them versatile for different garden settings. They have a compact growth habit and are ideal for borders, containers, and as houseplants.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial sun to partial shade.

• Water: Keep soil evenly moist.

• Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil.

• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).

13. Begonia 'Solenia Dusty Rose'

This tuberous begonia is distinguished by its frilly pink flowers and succulent, heart-shaped leaves that stay green throughout the year. 'Solenia Dusty Rose' begonias thrive in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate full to partial shade, making them excellent for shaded garden spots and containers.

Care Tips

• Light: Full to partial shade.

• Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.

• Temperature: Ideal range is 60-70°F (15-21°C).

14. Begonia 'Picotee White-Pink'

A romantic variety, 'Picotee White-Pink' has double ruffled flowers that are white with pink margins. This variety is perfect for containers and shaded garden spots, adding a touch of elegance with its delicate blooms.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial to full shade.

• Water: Maintain consistent moisture.

• Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil.

• Temperature: Prefers 60-70°F (15-21°C).

15. Begonia 'Cascade Florence'

'Cascade Florence' is a tuberous begonia with large, double blush pink flowers, making it ideal for hanging baskets and containers. Its cascading growth habit adds a dramatic touch to garden spaces.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial to full shade.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix.

• Temperature: Ideal range is 60-70°F (15-21°C).

16. Begonia 'Million Kisses Elegance'

Known for its delicate pink flowers and drooping blooms, 'Million Kisses Elegance' is an angel wing begonia that adds a touch of elegance to any indoor or outdoor space. It is particularly suited for hanging baskets and containers.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade.

• Water: Keep soil evenly moist.

• Soil: Well-draining, rich organic soil.

• Temperature: Prefers 65-75°F (18-24°C).

17. Begonia 'Pin Up Flame'

A striking tuberous begonia, 'Pin Up Flame' has orange-colored single flowers that resemble pansies, with yellow centers and red margins. This variety is perfect for adding vibrant color to shaded garden spots and containers.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial to full shade.

• Water: Maintain consistent moisture.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.

• Temperature: Ideal range is 60-70°F (15-21°C).

18. Begonia 'Black Fancy'

A cane begonia known for its dark purple to almost black foliage, 'Black Fancy' adds a dramatic touch to any garden. Although it produces fewer flowers, its striking foliage more than compensates for this.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist.

• Soil: Well-draining, rich organic soil.

• Temperature: Prefers 65-75°F (18-24°C).

19. Begonia 'Lorraine Ferrey'

This variety features large, pendulous pink, coral, or salmon flowers, making it ideal for use as a hanging plant or in containers. 'Lorraine Ferrey' begonias are known for their lush, cascading growth habit.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial shade to full shade.

• Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.

• Temperature: Ideal range is 60-70°F (15-21°C).

20. Begonia 'Torch Pink'

A fibrous-root cane begonia, 'Torch Pink' has long bamboo-like stems and pointed dark green leaves with red undersides. It blooms best in partial sun and adds vertical interest to garden beds and containers.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial sun to partial shade.

• Water: Keep soil evenly moist.

• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.

• Temperature: Optimal range is 65-75°F (18-24°C).

21. Begonia 'Escargot'

This rex begonia cultivar is known for its spiral-shaped leaves that mimic a snail shell, making it perfect for adding a striking element to indoor plant displays. The deep green leaves with silver swirls make 'Escargot' a popular choice for collectors.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light.

• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.

• Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix.

• Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F (15-24°C).

22. Begonia 'Fireworks'

Another rex begonia variety, 'Fireworks' features deeply lobed leaves with a mix of green, silver, and burgundy colors. It is ideal for shaded areas, adding vibrant foliage to indoor gardens.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light.

• Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix.

• Temperature: Optimal range is 60-75°F (15-24°C).

23. Begonia 'Iron Cross'

This rex begonia stands out with its four-leaf clover-like foliage, featuring deep green leaves with a dark brown center forming a cross-like pattern. 'Iron Cross' is perfect for adding unique texture to indoor plant collections.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light.

• Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Soil: Well-draining, organic-rich potting mix.

• Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F (15-24°C).

24. Begonia 'Ginny'

An angel wing begonia with silver-speckled wing-shaped leaves and deep pink flower clusters, 'Ginny' is suited for both outdoor and indoor planting. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for small spaces.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial shade to bright, indirect light.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist.

• Soil: Well-draining, rich organic soil.

• Temperature: Optimal range is 65-75°F (18-24°C).

25. Begonia 'Super Cascade'

This angel wing begonia has a spectacular array of colorful pink and red dangling flower clusters. 'Super Cascade' is an elegant choice for hanging baskets, offering a lush, cascading effect.

Care Tips

• Light: Partial shade to bright, indirect light.

• Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix.

• Temperature: Ideal range is 60-75°F (15-24°C).

Fern's Leafy Learnings

• Light Requirements: Most begonias thrive in partial shade or bright, indirect light.

• Soil Preferences: Well-drained, rich, organic soil is essential for healthy begonia growth.

• Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water weekly during the growing season.

• Humidity: Begonias prefer high-humidity environments.

• Temperature: Optimal growing temperatures range from 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Deepen Your Roots with Flora

At Flora, we not only bring you a vibrant selection of locally sourced, rare, and delightful plants, but we also serve as your continuous guide in your plant parenting voyage, ensuring every leaf in your sanctuary thrives. With our Flora Pod™ technology and a nurturing community of over 250,000 plant lovers, we cultivate a space where every plant parent - novice or expert - can blossom.

We propagate with a commitment to sustainability, connection, and ceaseless growth, fostering a community where each member, and their plants, are cherished and nurtured.

Crave a lush, thriving green space? Adopt a plant from Flora today!

Flora Pod™ is featured on Shark Tank!