With a thousand species of this genus, you can expect wide variations in flower colors, foliage patterns, and growth habits. This group of tender perennial plants can grow from a delicate height of 6 inches to bushy plants erecting at over 5 feet tall.
Depending on the variety, it may require total sun exposure or a shaded condition for optimum growth.
Capable of blooming from early summer until frost, Begonias can even thrive indoors and may be established in container gardens or hanging baskets.
Top 15 Must-Have Begonia Type
Here at Plantly, we made a list to help you decide which of these types of begonias would ideally suit your needs. Their ease of care and mellow vibe make them an exceptional addition to your outdoor plant collection.
‘Charm’ Begonia
Charm Begonias are known for their creamy-yellow variegated foliage and light pink blossoms. The leaves are also characterized by a glossy texture that feels almost like wax. This real charmer thrives best under full sunlight and when grown in moist but well-drained soil.
They can also benefit from shade, especially during summer. Look no further, as this plant provides a delicate color for its bloom and foliage, owning up to its name!
Nonstop ‘Mocca Yellow’ Begonia
Blissful blooms and exciting foliage are not the only best features of this tuberous begonia. Also considered bedding begonias, mainly when grown in masses, they are best established under partial or complete shade.
The flower stalks may need some extra care as they are weak, and although they may require regular pruning, their dainty yellow flowers and a form that is well-blended are what make tending to this plant worthwhile.
Richmond Begonia
An herbaceous annual plant with glossy semi-succulent green leaves with dark red undersides- perfectly matching the light pink or salmon-colored flower stems. Richmond begonias benefit from indirect bright light and some afternoon shade. Regular watering goes a long way to bring out the best of its features.
They grow about 24 inches tall, and the distinct foliage can quickly become dense when directly planted on the ground. As long as moist, well-drained soil is provided, Richmond begonias are ideal for growing outdoors in containers or hanging baskets.
Solenia ‘Dusty Rose’ Begonia
This adorable begonia plant made it onto our list, and here’s why. Their rose-like flowers come in delicate pink color that can measure up to 3 inches wide, with glossy foliage providing a fantastic backdrop as they continuously bloom. They are also hardy and can survive winter in zones 9 – 11.
A location that receives a bright but indirect light is the most suitable for optimum growth. Have them established in enriched soil or a moist potting mix, and you’ll surely be rewarded with a mound of bright green leaves with superior branching while also being wind and disease-resistant.
Begonia tuberhybrida
As the name implies, Begonia tuberhybrida belongs to the tuberous-rooted type and is sometimes regarded as the most spectacular of the genus. Their flowers may range from white to light pink, flaunting unique bright green foliage. Tuberous begonias grow well in partial shade.
They require frequent watering and an application of fertilizers here and there, but be sure not to overdo it as it may cause flower buds to drop.
They are easily propagated through stem cuttings or tuber division. These types of begonias won’t grow more than two ft. Hence, they make a perfect accompaniment plant.
Cocktail Series Begonias
Erect succulent stems and a bushy growth habit characterize cocktail series begonias. These hardy begonias can graze us with their everblooming flowers ranging from white and vibrant pink to light pink. The green foliage has a tinge of bronze and has a smooth texture-certainly adding to their appealing nature.
Cocktail series begonias grow fittingly under partial sun but can tolerate full or direct sunlight. They like a humid environment but are pretty vulnerable to frost. These flowering plants prefer moist soil conditions, and a potting mix with compost goes a long way.
To maintain their structure, prune the other stems and pinch the tips, especially during the growing season.
Torch Pink’ Begonia
Considered a cane-type begonia, their growth can go up to 4 ft. Readily flaunting pink blossoms and wing-shaped leaves, which often have a stint of red; they are a must-have to bring in that transcendental garden vibe!
All cane begonias tend to develop thick stems, ideal for container gardens and hanging baskets; they do best in moist but well-drained soil.
They are suitable in zones 9-11 and benefit from the partial sun to shade. A go-to indoor plant, this angel wing begonia is prolific, and with the proper lighting and fertilization, the flowers bloom continuously. Pinching them back also promotes more favorable growth.
Ambassador Series Begonias
Also known as ‘Ambassador Scarlet’, this begonia species perfectly balances productivity and vigor. It is ideal for extensive planting on garden beds, hanging baskets, or being used as potted plants. These low-growing perennials have glossy evergreen foliage that is rounded with a tint of red.
It is embellished with vibrant pink and bright red blooms that are said to have a distinct scent. Mainly propagated by seeds, they grow well when established in well-drained and humus-rich soil with slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
These shade-loving plants require partial shade to full shade and are better off sheltered, making them suitable for decoration as indoor plants.
Rex Begonia
If you are in for some drama and wish to liven up your space, begonia rex is perfect. This slow-growing “painted-leaf begonia’’ is recognized for its large leaves with bright colors ranging from green to silver and red. The leaves may expand up to 6 inches long.
The flowers, however, tend to be small and elusive, hence the plant is mainly cultivated for its foliage. A porous potting mix with an acidic pH in a relatively shallow pot is much preferable. The base should always be kept moist but not to be overwatered.
The plant may be placed next to a bright window as it can tolerate bright but indirect sunlight.
Doublet White Begonia
Are you wishing for that rustic vibe at home? The doublet white begonia will surely give you an idyllic scenery. Belonging to the class of wax begonias, doublet white is recognized for its mounded form and ability to flower early. It’s an excellent choice for a hanging basket and container gardens.
The white flowers and dark green foliage are among their adorable features. Although it may require intensive care, wax begonia performs well in full sun and shade. An evenly moist and well-drained soil should promote optimum growth.
Placing at least 6-12 inches will facilitate their upright growth habit.
Double picotee begonias
Alluring semi-ruffled white to orange flowers adorned with pink petal tips, attractive dark green leaves, and upright tenderness make this begonia series a must-have. An elegant indoor plant, they suit perfectly in your beds, window boxes, borders, and hanging baskets.
It grows at about 18 inches and thrives best in fertile, well-drained, and neutral to slightly acidic soil.
As tuberous begonia, they cannot withstand cold temperatures, they should be planted before the first frost, or preferably in spring, especially at zones 9-11.
Boliviensis Begonias
This perennial herbaceous plant is known for its arched branches and hanging growth habit—an exceptional indoor plant with serrated edges contrasting in green or bronze. Begonia boliviensis produces bright and abundant orange-red flowers from late spring to early fall.
They can also be established as garden plants and may be grown under direct sunlight to partial shade, but they can also tolerate cool temperatures.
Reiger begonias
These fast-growing begonias are a real show-stopper! Ranging from bright yellow and red to pink flowers paired with green foliage. The original plants rose from the mix of wax begonia and tuberous begonia.
Reiger begonias prefers a warm to average humid temperature under bright and indirect light. They require an airy and fast-draining potting mix and are often pruned by pinching off the flowers to encourage the onset of new blooms.
Wax semperflorens
Begonia semperflorens are another type – from its parent wax begonia and the dragon wing begonia – characterized as having fibrous roots. These garden plants may be compact, mounded-shaped with fleshy stems and dark green or bronze waxy leaves.
They are known for their loose clusters of red, white, and pink flowers that bloom throughout summer and fall.
They adore well-drained rich soil and should be watered frequently to keep an evenly moist soil.
Dragon wing begonias
Dragon wings and angel wings belong to the group of cane begonia. Both produce red, white, and pink flowers. Some notable differences, however, are that the angel wing begonia has a serrated edging and frosted pattern, while the dragon wing has glossy and hanging broad leaves.
Angel wing begonias are often potted, while the latter is a frequent choice for hanging baskets. Both varieties prefer indirect light and high humidity and thrive well under rich and moist soil conditions.
Final Thoughts
There are over a thousand types of begonias to choose from. Varying groups, such as tuberous begonia, cane begonia, rhizomatous begonias, and others, may differ in their flowers and foliage. Yet the common denominator is that they all have a unique beauty to share that can readily impact any garden’s atmosphere.
Whether you want to buy, sell or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!
