Begonias are a diverse group of plants, valued for their ornamental appeal, whether for their striking foliage or vibrant flowers. With over 2,000 species and countless hybrids, they originate from moist subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. Their wide variety offers something for almost any gardener.
How Begonias Are Grouped
Understanding begonia classifications simplifies their identification and care. Begonias are grouped by root structures or growth habits, which helps predict their needs and performance. The main categories are fibrous-rooted, rhizomatous, tuberous, and cane-stemmed, each with unique characteristics.
Fibrous Begonias
Fibrous begonias, like Wax Begonias (Begonia semperflorens), have shallow, fine root systems. These compact, bushy plants flower continuously from spring until frost. Their glossy, rounded leaves are green or bronze, contrasting with white, pink, or red flowers.
Wax Begonias are popular bedding or container plants due to their uniform size and profuse blooming. Dragon Wing Begonias (Begonia x hybrida ‘Dragon Wing’) are another fibrous type, with large, glossy, wing-shaped leaves and cascades of scarlet-red or pink flowers. These varieties thrive in partial sun and prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil, tolerating heat and humidity.
Rhizomatous Begonias
Rhizomatous begonias have creeping, swollen stems (rhizomes) that grow horizontally along or just beneath the soil. This group is cultivated for its striking foliage, which displays diverse shapes, textures, and colors. Leaves can be large, with intricate patterns, varying from smooth to puckered.
Rex Begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum) are a recognized rhizomatous type, known for their dramatic leaves in shades of green, red, silver, or purple, often with a metallic sheen. Their flowers are smaller than their foliage, blooming in late winter or early spring in clusters above the leaves. These begonias prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity, requiring well-drained soil that dries slightly between waterings to prevent rot.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias grow from dormant underground tubers, regenerating annually. They are valued for their large, showy flowers, up to 6 inches across, in colors like white, yellow, orange, red, and pink. They bloom seasonally from late spring through summer until the first frost.
Tuberhybrida begonias offer diverse flower forms such as camellia-flowered, ruffled, or pendulous varieties, ideal for hanging baskets. Often grown as summer annuals in cooler climates, they require well-drained soil, protection from intense direct sun, and indoor tuber storage in cooler zones during dormancy.
Cane Begonias
Cane begonias have upright, bamboo-like stems with distinct nodes, giving them a tall form. Their stems are tough and woody; some varieties grow tall and may need staking. Many are valued for their attractive foliage, which can be spotted, patterned, or variegated, often with red undersides.
Angel Wing Begonias, a group of cane begonia cultivars, have distinctive pointed leaves resembling angel wings and pendulous clusters of colorful flowers. These blooms, typically pink, red, or white, hang from the stems. Cane begonias thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer consistent moisture, though they can tolerate the soil drying out slightly between waterings.