Planting DesignDiscover the right plants for your garden.
With more than 2,000 species and thousands of cultivars , Begoniaspp . is one of the most diverse and captivating works groups . However , their incredible sort can make it a challenge to choose the perfect one for your indoor or outdoor garden .
MostBegoniacan be group into seven chief category , each pop the question distinct growing riding habit , flower characteristics , and leafage shapes and colors — although many are hybrid and conflate trait from multiple groups . To aid you screen through your options , here ’s a closer look at the most common begonia type and what do each one unique .
FIBROUS-ROOTED BEGONIAS (SEMPERFLORENS or WAX BEGONIAS)
Surefire ® Rose begonia ( Begoniaxbenariensis ) . photograph by : Proven Winners .
Also known as Semperflorens or wax begonia , these ever - blossom begonias are prized for their vivacious red , pink , or white flowers and succulent - similar foliage . They are characterized by fibrous tooth root systems , meaning they do n’t spring up from rhizome or genus Tuber like other begonia types .
Key Features:
Best uses:
Garden beds and margin , container , indoor potted plants
“ This case of begonia is credibly the most grow begonia worldwide . It is tough , low - water tolerant , and does not need a lot of tutelage to flower all class long . ”—American Begonia Society
TUBEROUS BEGONIAS
Nonstop ® Yellow tuberous begonia . pic by : Proven Winners .
grow from pear-shaped , overweight tubers , tuberous begonia are easily recognizable by their sheer , tropic - looking flower that span up to 6 inch across . Because these begonia are frost - tender , the tubers are often planted as annuals each year or dug up and stash away indoors for the winter .
Hanging basket , window box seat , garden bed and moulding
Learn more onhow to grow tuberous begonias .
RIEGER BEGONIAS
Solenia ® Chocolate Orange Rieger begonia . photograph by : Proven Winners .
Rieger begonia ( Begonia×hiemalis ) , also lie with as Elatior begonias , are hybrids of fibrous - rooted begonias and tuberous begonias and share some of the characteristics of each . They are often called wintertime - flowering begonias because they flower during the cool months , fix them a democratic option as indoor plants .
Seasonal houseplant , containers , hang baskets
CANE BEGONIAS
Angel annexe begonia . Photo by : TuktaBaby / Shutterstock
Cane begonias , which are characterized by erect bamboo - like prow , are grown both for their flowers and striking foliage . Angel fender varieties are peculiarly showy and sport long , ash gray - spotted leaf with reddish undersides .
As a houseplant or outdoors in partial shade
“ Cane begonia have been popular plants for many years due to how easy they are to grow , but also how attractively free - anthesis they are . The silvery make out on the leaf is always eye - overtake , and the regal tones both on the leaf surface and the leaf undersurface render other characteristics to love . ”—American Begonia Society
RHIZOMATOUS BEGONIAS
Photo by : Ignasius Made / Shutterstock
This is the largest and most diverse begonia group , grown mainly for its decorative foliage . These begonia spread via thick , creeping rootstalk and often have unusual , coarse-textured farewell . Although they do bloom , they are primarily grown for their foliage rather than their flowers .
As a houseplant , in terrariums , outdoors in shaded garden beds and container
REX BEGONIAS
Space Age ™ Black Hole ™ Rex begonia . pic by : Proven Winners
A striking subcategory of rhizomatous begonias , Rex begonia ( Begonia rex - cultorum ) are value for their breathtaking leafage , which showcases an extraordinary range of bold colors and intricate patterns . Generally more soft and sensitive to environmental change than other rhizomatous begonias , they require in high spirits humidness and uniform watering to prosper .
Houseplant , shaded garden beds and containers
“ Rex begonia do raise delicate efflorescence but are commonly grown for their spectacularly coloured and intriguingly textured leaves . Other rough-cut name for these plants are fancy - leaf , painted - leaf or king begonias . ”—UConn Home & Garden Education Center
TRAILING-SCANDENT BEGONIAS
exposure by : Philip Bird / Shutterstock
A alone category of begonias known for their vining or cascading growth habit . Their recollective , trail halt hold clusters of small , delicate flowers and can either mount upward or elegantly spill over the edges of hanging basket and containers . These plants typically flower from tardy natural spring into summertime , though some newer diverseness gasconade extended blooming periods or even continuous flowering .
Hanging baskets , trellises , as trailing accents in motley container plantings
With so many type to choose from , begonia offer interminable possibility for add color , texture , and beauty to your house or garden . Whether you favor plushy foliage or bluff bloom , there ’s a begonia for every space and trend .
See more onhow to grow begonias .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne Balogh is a longtime gardening author and editor in chief for Garden Design , with over 20 years of experience covering everything from container planting to landscape trends . She draws inspiration from her own Zone 5 garden in Illinois , where she experiments with stalwart perennials and inflorescence annuals .
