Begonias are a large genus of flowering plants, offering immense ornamental value through their striking colors and varied forms. With over 2,000 species and countless hybrids, this globally popular genus exhibits extreme diversity in both its flowers and foliage. The variety of pigmentation and pattern makes the begonia a versatile choice for both indoor display and garden planting.
The Spectrum of Begonia Flower Colors
Begonia flowers display a wide and vibrant color palette, ranging from soft pastels to intense, saturated hues. The most common colors are classic bright reds and cheerful pinks, often found in profusion on bedding varieties. These blooms provide consistent color from summer until the first frost.
The warmer end of the spectrum includes yellows and oranges, particularly prominent in large-flowered Tuberous Begonia types. These colors, often with a rich apricot or salmon tone, brighten shady garden spots. Pure whites and creams offer a sharp contrast to the darker foliage of many cultivars, providing an elegant highlight.
Flower colors extend beyond single solid tones to include intricate bi-colors and picotee patterns. Bi-color blooms feature a blend of two distinct colors on the petals. Picotee varieties have a contrasting color ringing the edge, such as a white flower delicately edged in red. This variation, sometimes appearing in ruffled or serrated forms, adds complexity to the visual appeal.
Beyond the Blooms: Diverse Foliage Hues
Begonia leaves are often as decorative as the flowers, displaying an impressive array of hues and patterns. While standard greens form the base, the leaves frequently exhibit deeper shades due to specialized pigmentation. These range from dark bronze to near-black varieties, lending a dramatic element to the plant.
Many cultivars showcase captivating silver and gray patterns, common in the popular Rex Begonia group. These metallic or iridescent markings result from light-reflecting air pockets just beneath the leaf’s surface, creating a shimmering effect. The undersides of the leaves frequently present deep maroons, reds, or burgundies, often visible from above in varieties with spiraling or asymmetrical leaf shapes. This diverse pigmentation, combined with variegation, spots, and bands, makes begonia foliage a primary source of color.
How Begonia Type Determines Color Focus
The specific horticultural type of begonia often determines whether the color focus is on the flower or the foliage. Tuberous begonias are primarily cultivated for their spectacular, large blooms, which are the source of the brightest yellows, oranges, and deep reds. These varieties usually feature lush, green foliage that serves as a backdrop.
Wax Begonias (Begonia semperflorens) utilize color in a more balanced way, often contrasting smaller, uniform flowers with the leaf color. They are commonly found in two distinct foliage colors: bright green and a darker bronze or reddish-brown, which provides a striking contrast to their modest white, pink, or red blooms. Rex Begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum) are grown almost exclusively for their leaves, where the most intense colors and complex patterns are concentrated. The blooms on Rex types are typically small and pale, with silver, purple, and burgundy foliage dominating the plant’s overall appearance.