14 Different Types of Begonias (with Pictures)

From shady summer beds to houseplants, Begonias are among the most versatile plants available. With over 1,000 different species of Begonias, there’s a variation for nearly everyone. Each type of Begonia has its own unique characteristics – with some used for adding pops of color to shaded gardens and others grown for their patterned, disproportionate, and variegated foliage.

Though the types vary considerably, Begonias are native to moist subtropical and tropical areas. They are also generally small in size, but can pack a major punch when it comes to both color and visual interest. For best results in your garden, it’s important that you choose the kind type of Begonia. Some of the most common types of Begonias include Wax Begonias, Rex Begonias, Tuberous Begonias, Reiger Begonias, Cane Begonias, and Rhizomatous Begonias – to name a few.

Known as Begonia semperflorens, wax begonias are the most common variety and also the easiest to grow outdoors. They are considered annual, or bedding begonias and will thrive in zones 10 and 11 as perennials. Though, wax begonias can also be grown successfully indoors.

Most wax begonias are neat, mounding plants with colorful blooms in pink, yellow, white, and red hues. Their blooms are edible and the plant can grow between six inches and up to two feet tall. Most will also grow nonstop throughout spring, summer, and fall.

One of the major advantages to wax begonias is the fact that they can thrive in both sunny or shaded conditions, and will grow just as well in containers and landscape beds.

The easiest way to describe interspecific begonias is that they resemble wax begonias on steroids, with much bigger and more extensive blooms. Most varieties of interspecific begonias have blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. They will continue to flower until frost comes around. Interspecific begonias can be broken down further into additional varieties, with the most common being the Whopper series, the Big series, and the Dragonwing series.

Like wax begonias, interspecific begonias will grow well in both shade and sun. Though, you will get to enjoy more blooms if you grow them in the sun. Since they are considerably easy to grow, this type of begonia is excellent for gardeners of all skill levels – beginners included. Because of their large size, interspecific begonias can serve as a great centerpiece plant alongside smaller varieties of begonias, or in a pot by itself.

Boliviensis begonias are somewhat new to gardeners, bred from a wild species of begonias (Begonia boliviensis). This type of begonia is known for growing on cliff walls throughout South America. They bloom late spring to fall and grow best in well-drained fertile soil. Bolviensis begonias consist of small, pendulous blooms that hang off of a stem, similar to dangling earrings.

Red and orange flowers are the most common shades. Though, thanks to plant breeders, there are also pink, yellow-toned, and white varieties available. These begonias are best suited for container gardens like hanging baskets so they can be viewed from below or straight on. Most boliviensis begonias can grow in both sun and shade, with heat and humidity. However, they thrive best in partial shade rather than direct sunlight.

When compared to interspecific and wax varieties, Reiger begonias are much showier. As a result, they require more meticulous care. Often primarily sold as indoor plants, these types of begonias prefer cool temperatures. They are most widely available in early spring and winter months. When planted indoors, Reiger begonias are typically short-lived rather than long-lived houseplants.

Whereas, when planted outdoors, they look magnificent in window boxes and hanging baskets in areas that experience cool summers. In warmer regions, these begonias work best as early-spring container plants. Most Reiger begonias thrive in partial shade and have double flowers that look similar to roses. They come in a wide array of colors, such as shades of orange and yellow.

One of the most popular variations of reiger begonias is the Solenia collection. They are more durable than others and can even grow well in direct sunlight.

Tuberous begonias are considered one of the most dramatic varieties of begonias. They consist of large double flowers that, in some cases, are pleasantly fragrant. Similar to Reiger begonias, the tuberous variety thrives in cool temperatures and has difficulty thriving in areas with particularly hot summers.

For best results, tuberous begonias should be grown in circumstances with full sun or areas that experience morning sun/afternoon shade. Most varieties of these types of begonias have flowers that hang down slightly, making them the ideal choice for both window boxes and hanging baskets rather than garden beds.

Wherever you decide to grow your tuberous begonias, ensure that they have proper drainage to prevent rot. Tuberous begonia leaves are green or burgundy and their flowers come in single, double, or ruffled variations, with white, pink, red, orange, and pink colors.

Unlike the other begonias we’ve described so far, rex begonias are known for their unique and magnificent-looking foliage. This makes them a highly desired houseplant, but they can be particularly finicky. They also tend to thrive best indoors because they do not like very hot temperatures. Though, they do enjoy warm, humid air and will go dormant when temperatures drop sharply. Rex begonias can make great container and garden plants in areas that experience cool summers.

These types of begonias are widely available and can be found year-round at garden centers and local florists. They typically reach between 12 and 18 inches high and wide. Most varieties of Rex begonias have leaves that are boldly flecked with purple, pink, red, silver, and even bronze hues.

Like rex begonias, rhizomatous begonias are grown for their distinct foliage and are often seen as houseplants. In fact, rex begonias are considered to be a subgroup of rhizomatous begonias. They are the largest class of the plant and are characterized by thick stems, or rhizomes, that grow near the surface of the soil in a horizontal direction, sprouting new leaves and roots.

Rhizomatous Begonias have some of the most remarkable leaves of all the types of begonias, with many varieties resembling Rex types. These begonias grow well in shaded locations outdoors and will even thrive in areas with hot summers. The sizes of rhizomatous begonias range from only a couple inches tall to big plants reaching three feet high and wide.

Cane begonias can be distinguished by their segmented stems and upright growing pattern. The joints on their stems somewhat resemble bamboo. They are also known for their stunning foliage and varieties bloom in clusters of a range of colors including red, orange, white, and pink. These begonias prefer bright light but don’t do well in direct sunlight in particularly hot areas.

One of the most popular types of cane begonias is angel wing begonias, named for the wing-shaped leaves. They are incredibly popular and can work particularly well as houseplants, but will also thrive outdoors in the right conditions. The size of cane begonias will depend on the growing conditions – from six to twelve-inch tall houseplants to wild plants reaching five feet on all sides.

This type of begonia is known for bright red blooms and is a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Dragon Wing Begonias are a hybrid of the angel wing variety that prefers to grow in conditions with full shade to partial sun. Though direct sunlight isn’t always best, it is a heat-tolerant and robust plant that will flower all summer long.

In the wintertime, you can bring dragon wing begonias indoors as a houseplant. While this type of begonia typically has red flowers and bright green foliage, you’ll also find white and pink selections available in this series. Dragon wing begonias grow between 14 and 18 inches tall and wide, when planted in the proper conditions.

Double begonias are characterized by being compact and bushy plants, with an upright growth habit. They also have relatively large, rose-like blooms. These types of begonias grow well in both garden beds and containers. Double begonias are considered a type of tuberous begonia. In most cases, they are bought as tubers, planted in the spring, and will bloom around mid-summer.

The perfect blend of appealing foliage and gorgeous, brightly-colored blooms make double begonias a popular choice for shady gardens. These types of begonias can be somewhat expensive, depending on the particular style you choose to go with. They are also usually only available in the springtime.

Hanging begonias are a wonderful choice for enjoying stunning displays of flowers throughout the entire year. They have a cascading growth habit which makes them best suited for planting in hanging baskets, large planters, and window boxes. These types of begonias are known for producing massive flowers which, in some cases, can reach to be as large as your hand.

As a result, hanging begonias can bring visual interest and liveliness to your shady patio, deck, or porch. The blooms come in a wide array of colors including red, orange, pink, white, and yellow.

Picotee begonias are known for having a different color on the end of their flower petals than the main petal color. They are another type of tuberous begonia that blooms form midsummer to frost. The ideal locations for picotee begonias to be planted are in your garden beds, borders, containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Like many other varieties, these types of begonias are an excellent choice for brightening up shaded areas on your property.

Oftentimes you’ll find picotee begonia available in packs with several bulbs in an assortment of colors. So long as they are protected from direct sunlight, they can tolerate hot, humid conditions. Though, they grow bets in partial shade and soil that is well-drained, fertile, and neutral to somewhat acidic.

Fimbriata begonias, or begonia fimbriate, are a tuberous begonia that is grown for their long flowering season and brilliant colors. They are best suited for hanging baskets, and container growing. Typically grown as half-hardy annuals, fimbriate begonias are railing, evergreen perennials that are characterized by dark green, veiny, asymmetrical foliage.

Their flowers bloom from early summer to autumn in shades of white, pink, red, orange, or yellow. Oftentimes, they are double flowers that are fringed and incredibly fragrant. The fringed petals bear a striking resemblance to carnations, as the two flowers are often confused for each other.

These types of begonias are much more compact than other varieties, which makes them the ideal choice for planters and pots – especially window boxes. Non-stop begonias are a staple for gardeners who want to decorate their home with stunning, rose-like flowers. The flowers of non-stop begonias come in a range of brilliant, clear colors.

They are also considered one of the most popular and best-selling tuberous begonias in the world. Their popularity has to do with the fact that they are simple to grow, resistant to deer and rabbit, and can stand up to most inclement weather conditions. Like picotee begonias, non-stop begonias are typically available in packs with a mix of colors.

Non-stop begonias flower from mid-spring until frost, but will maintain the green color of their unique heart-shaped succulent leaves throughout the season. They require minimal upkeep, a soil that is both moist and dense, and grow best in a shady area. You’ll want to keep these types of begonias protected from midday sun. That way, they will be able to flower throughout the entire summer.

When you’re shopping around for the right begonias, make sure that you pick plants that have lush, healthy foliage. If you notice browning or yellowing on the leaves, this is a strong indication of a deeper issue. Most types of begonias are highly sensitive to overwatering and will sulk if their roots are kept too wet.

If you’re ever unsure about the health of a begonia plant, it’s recommended to slip it out of the pot and take a look at the condition of the roots. Strong begonia roots will be firm to the touch and have a white color. Roots that are unhealthy and should be avoided are those that are mushy and either brown or yellow.

While you’re examining the roots, check if the plant is rootbound. This means that the roots are densely packed in the soil and encircle the interior of the pot. Rootbound begonias can also present issues, as they tend to not be as healthy and are usually stressed.

One more thing to note: if you notice that the begonias are not blooming, this shouldn’t be cause for concern. Tuberous types, in particular, usually have brittle flowers and even if the begonias are lacking blooms, they can still be perfectly healthy.

The exact method for planting begonias will depend on the type. Though, all varieties tend to be planted similarly. The best time to transplant begonias is after the threat of frost is gone. Begonias are notorious for being frost tender and temperatures even just slightly below 50 degrees can result in damage to the plant.

The location for planting begonias will also vary slightly based on the variation. However, most thrive best in an area that gets partial shade or filtered sunlight. Morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal, especially in locations that get particularly hot. For sunnier spots, try a dark-leaved begonia or one that boasts being more sun tolerant. You also want to make sure that the area has proper air circulation, as this will prevent mildew from forming.

When it comes to the actual planting process, wax transplants should be planted between 6 and 8 inches apart. Other varieties should be planted based on their mature size. Tubers are best started inside by putting them, hollow side up, in a shallow tray with moist potting mix at roughly one inch apart from each other. Then, put the tray into a dark room for approximately four weeks, or until sprouts are about an inch tall. At this point, move the tray to a spot that gets bright light.

Again, only plant begonias outdoors when there is no longer any threat of frost.