7 Beautiful Begonia Varieties Every Gardener Should Know and Grow – Both Indoors and Out!

Begonias bring reliable color and texture to shady gardens, patios, and indoor shelves alike. There are begonia types that offer something for every spot – nonstop flowers, dramatic foliage, or trailing habits that fill spaces beautifully year-round, all while tolerating conditions many other plants can't.

Begonia varieties number in the thousands, but a handful of core types cover most gardening needs. These types of begonia plants range from compact outdoor bedding plants to tall indoor statement varieties and painted-leaf showstoppers that thrive with minimal attention and forgive occasional slips.

Many gardeners adore begonias for their shade tolerance and long-season performance both inside and outdoors. General begonia care applies across all the major groups, though each type requires slight tweaks for the best results. I'll walk you through the common types of begonias, the beautiful benefits and unique quirks of each one, and some basic care tips.

Common Begonia Types

There are thousands of different begonias split into a handful of different categories. Here are 7 of the most common types gardeners should know.

1. Wax Begonias (Semperflorens)

Wax begonias, which are classic summer bedding plants, stay low and bushy. They have glossy rounded leaves in either green or bronze that are topped by clusters of small flowers in white, pink, or red. Try classics like this Cocktail series mix from Amazon for beautiful bronze foliage contrast against bright flowers.

This flowering type of begonia blooms nonstop through heat and humidity, which makes them perfect for summer gardens. Stems branch naturally, forming neat mounds that are ideal for edging paths.

Wax begonias excel outdoors in partially shaded beds and containers, handling morning sun or filtered light without fading. Indoors, either east or west windows keep them compact and flowering steadily through winter.

Pinch tips early for denser growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent blooms occasionally for fresh flushes all season. Overwinter cuttings indoors in cold zones by rooting stems in water. Fibrous roots fill pots quickly and transition easily from indoors to outside in the garden for another season of blooms.

2. Cane Begonias

Cane begonias grow upright on bamboo-like stems, often splashed silver or spotted, with asymmetric angel-wing leaves and dangling pink or white flower clusters year-round indoors.

Popular spotted types like this polka dot Begonia maculata from Costa Farms bring dramatic patterns that catch light beautifully. Heights reach several feet over time, adding vertical interest to mixed plantings.

Bright, indirect light indoors prevents legginess. Lower light areas reduce blooms but foliage shines anyway. Water begonias evenly, letting the top inch (2.5 cm) or soil dry slightly between waterings to mimic native rhythms. Airy rooms suit these begonias best and higher humidity boosts leaf size and glossiness.

Prune tall canes for bushiness and shape. Use trimmings to propagate more plants. Cuttings root quickly in water or soil, multiplying favorites free. Fertilize begonias lightly spring through fall for steady new canes. Support heavy stems with stakes if leaning.

3. Rex Begonias

Rex begonias steal the show with wild foliage. They have heart-shaped leaves that are swirled, spiraled, or appear metallic. They come in purples, silvers, reds, and greens with textured veins or ruffles. Foliage varies wildly by cultivar, like this 'Escargot' begonia from Amazon, with tight spirals. Flowers stay tiny and secondary to the painted patterns that shift with light angles.

They prefer humidity and indirect light. Dry air crisps edges fast while direct sun scorches patterns pale. Keep soil lightly moist, mist leaves regularly for vibrant colors and perkiness. Rotate pots for even light exposure on all sides. Terracotta pots breathe well for roots.

Avoid cold drafts below 60°F (16°C) that drop leaves. Leaf drop signals stress. Adjust water or light promptly. Propagate leaf wedges in moist mix under covers for new plants.

4. Rhizomatous Begonias

Rhizomatous begonias spread via thick surface roots, pushing textured or patterned asymmetric leaves above the soil in low mounds that creep slowly outward. Many feature hairy, puckered, or blistered surfaces adding dimension and touch appeal. Try textured favorites, like this unique Begonia masoniana from Amazon, with bold markings.

Medium light indoors suits these begonias well. Direct sun scorches delicate foliage quickly while low light spots stretch stems. Water when top dries, avoiding soggy conditions that rot rhizomes fast. Elevated humidity perks leaves and prevents browning.

Fertilize sparingly – too much pushes weak, leggy growth over compact form. Compact habits fit shelves or terrariums perfectly. Divide clumps every few years for rejuvenation and extra plants. These begonias overwinter easily as houseplants without dormancy.

5. Tuberous Begonias

Tuberous begonias produce huge ruffled blooms like roses or camellias in bold oranges, yellows, pinks on either upright or trailing stems. They grow from underground tubers that swell with stored energy. Flowers layer deeply, hanging heavy and facing outward.

Filtered shade outdoors prevents sunburn. Morning sun will work in temperate climates without crisping petals. Consistent moisture rewards long-lasting summer shows. But dry spells drop buds fast and overwatering rots tubers.

Lift tubers to winterize begonias in cold climates. Start seeds early indoors for a head start in the garden. Trailing types cascade beautifully from baskets. Grab reliable performers like tuberous begonias from Nonstop series on Amazon.

Pinch early shoots for branching and more flowers. Cool nights extend bloom time noticeably. Tubers multiply over seasons and you can divide them for larger displays.

6. Trailing-Scandent Begonias

Trailing-scandent begonias cascade long flexible stems loaded with flowers or fancy leaves, filling baskets with color or texture from spring through fall. They can grow and reach several feet down out of containers. Trailing types, like Begonia x boliviensis that you can get as seeds on Amazon, are perfect to hanging baskets.

Part shade outdoors or bright indoors works best for these begonias. Pinch plants regularly for fuller branching and heavier cascades of blooms. Water consistently, but drain well to avoid stem rot at the soil line. Cuttings multiply fast in water or potting mix.

Humidity encourages lush growth and bigger leaves. This begonia is frost tender, so bring it inside before cold snaps hit. It’s versatile for height variation in mixed hangers. Combine bloom-heavy and leaf-focused cultivars for layered interest.

7. Rieger Begonias (Hiemalis)

Rieger begonias bloom heavily indoors with rose-like flowers in warm shades over glossy green leaves. These indoor begonia plants are bred specifically for winter performance under lower natural light and cooler rooms.

Bright, indirect light is preferred. Cool nights encourage buds while steady warmth pushes foliage. Keep soil moist evenly, fertilize lightly during bloom cycles for repeats. Compact size fits tables or counters perfectly. Extend seasons with prompt deadheading.

Lower light tolerance makes them winter stars indoors. Propagate stem tips carefully in spring. Flowers drop clean without mess. You can find live Rieger begonia plants for sale on Etsy.