Begonia

( beh - GOH - nee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering herbaceous perennial plants is one of the largest, and is native to moist, tropical areas of the globe. Some species are grown indoors as ornamental houseplants, and thrive in these conditions. Flowers have sepals but no true petals. 

Begonia Species and Varietals

The genus Begonia was first named by Charles Plumier, French botanist and naturalist. The moniker was adopted later by Linnaeus to honor Michel Bigon, a former governor of Haiti. The genus Begonia is in the plant family Begoniaceae, and contains about The best growing zones for Begonia vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Begonia acerifolia (Maple-Leaved Begonia)
This species is native to Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, where it prefers to live in tropical, moist montane forests. These plants are threatened due to habitat loss. Leaves are large and shaped as those on Maple trees.

Begonia acetosa
Native to Brazil, this species has very attractive foliage and is therefore used as a parent for many hybrids. The specific epithet 'acetosa' refers to the acidity of the leaves, reminiscent of the flavor of rhubarb foliage. These plants have creeping rhizomes and thick, spreading stems. Leaves are dull green above, deep wine red underneath. Flowers are white.

​Begonia aconitifolia (Begonia faureana, Begonia kimusiana, Begonia sceptrum)
This species reaches a little over three feet tall at maturity, and produces panicles of pink to white flowers in spring and summertime. 

​Begonia acutifolia (Holly-Leaf Begonia)
This species is native to Cuba and Jamaica, and is a shade-tolerant plant that can be kept indoors as a houseplant or greenhouse specimen or outdoors in mixed beds or containers in zones 16 and above.

Begonia annulata (Ringed Begonia)
Native to the eastern Himalayas, Bangledesh, Myanmar, India, and Vietnam, these plants produce beautiful foliage marked with contrasting colors. Plants reach between 6 and 12 inches tall at maturity and have creeping rootstocks. Flowers are white to pink. A popular variety of this species is 'Karma Khonoma', with maroon and green leaves that have red undersides.

​Begonia beijnenii
Native to the island of Palawan in the Philippines, this species is cultivated as a houseplant. Foliage is variegated with dark green and light green, and flowers are white to magenta.

​Begonia bogneri 
This unique species of Begonia has linear, grass-like leaves that radiate out from a central creeping rhizome. These plants do well in terrariums, producing white flowers. This species of Begonia is native to Madagascar. 

Begonia boliviensis
This species is native to Bolivia and Argeintina, and has pendulous branches and flower clusters. Flowers are red, and deep green leaves are herbaceous and angelwing-shaped. These plants have a pleasing, shrubby habit, and are great in the ground, in containers, or in hanging baskets. Varieties include 'Bonfire' (with vibrant large red blooms on a compact plant), 'Mandalay Flamingo' (with pink flowers), 'Mandalay Pearl' (with neutral white flowers), and 'Rivulet Blush' (with peach, salmon, and cream-colored blossoms). 

Begonia bowerae (Eyelash Begonia)
This species of flowering plant is native to Mexico, and it is a popularly-cultivated houseplant. Varieties include 'Bethlehem Star', 'Rubra', and 'Nigra Magra'.

Begonia brevirimosa 
This species is native to New Guinea and has pink variegation. It is commonly kept as a houseplant due to its eye-catching color, and naturally prefers to grow in tropical rainforest habitats. 

Begonia capensis (Angel Wing Begonia)
Native to Brazil, this species has green foliage and white flowers. 'Ice Capades' is a choice cultivar with dark green leaves that have silver variegation and produces light pink flowers.

Begonia caramoanensis 
This species is native to an island in the Philippines, and was only recently formally described (2020). Foliage is dark greenish-red and ovular, and 

Begonia carolineifolia (Palm Leaf Beonia, Palmate Begonia, Hand Begonia)
This species of flowering herbaceous plants produces plants with large palmate glossy green leaves. Flowers are light pink and bloom in large infloresences. This species is native to Mexico and northern Central America where it grows in tropical forested areas. 

Begonia cavaleriei
These plants are endemic to China, and have green glossy leaves that are teardrop-shaped. Flowers appear on upright spikes and are light pink. These plants naturally grow in limestone-derived soils.

Begonia chitoensis (Hardy Taiwan Begonia)
This species of flowering herbaceous plant is native to central and northern Taiwan where it grows between 1,300 and 7,200 feet in elevation. It is hardy down to zone 6. Flowers are pink to white and foliage is green.

Begonia coccinea (Scarlet Begonia, Angel Wing Begonia)
This species is native to the Arctic Forest in Brazil, and produces a shrub about 2-5 feet tall. These plants can be great in the ground, in mixed beds, in containers, and even in hanging baskets. Outdoors, they prefer mild winters and bright shade, and indoors they prefer bright indirect light. A choice variety is 'Pink Mink'.

Begonia conchifolia (Zip Begonia)
This species of flowering plants is native to Central America (El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama). These are commonly kept as houseplants out of direct sunlight. Cultivar 'Red Ruby' is a very widely kept variety. 

Begonia consobrina
Endemic to Ecuador, this species naturally grows in tropical and subtropical rainforest climates. These plants are threatened by habitat loss in their natural range. 

Begonia cubensis (Cuban Holly)
This perennial herbaceous plant is native to Cuba where it naturally grows in the understory of forested areas. It is a plant that is known for its attractive foliage and colorful blooms. 

Begonia cucullata (Clubbed Begonia)
Native to Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, this species of Begonia is a commonly cultivated landscape ornamental for shaded areas. Leaves are succulent and pale to dark green, sometimes blushed with deep wine red. Parent of the Wax Begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum).

Begonia davisii
This species is a parent of the popular hybrid Begonia x tuberhybrida (Tuberous Begonia). It was discovered by the Victorian plant collector Walter Davis and was introduced to England in 1877. These plants have a dwarf, tufted habit with blue-green leaves and orange-scarlet flowers. Varietal 'Orangeade' has double bright copper-orange blossoms.

Begonia decandra (Native Begonia, Corazon de Poeta)
This flowering plant species is native to Puerto Rico, and produces white flowers. Foliage is green and leaf margins are serrated. Stems and veining of foliage is deep wine red. These understory plants exude a blood red sap when crushed.

Begonia dodsonii
Endemic to Ecuador, these plants live in subtropical and tropical moist lowland montane forests. This species is threatened with habitat loss. Leaves vary in color from green to blackish-purple to red, have serrated edges, and are somewhat soft. These plants are commonly cultivated as indoor specimens in terrariums and greenhouses.

Begonia domingensis (Peanut-Brittle Begonia)
This species is native to the Dominican Republic, and grows as a bush or shrubby plant. These plants are sometimes cultivated as ornamentals for their growth habit and ease of care. Flowers are pink to white and stems are magenta or red. Leaves are green, glossy, and have light serration along margins.

Begonia dregei (Maple Leaf Begonia, Grape Leaf Begonia)
This species of flowering plants is native to South Africa, and is a choice specimen for an ornamental landscaping plant. These plants form a few thick basal stems from which leaves and flowers sprout. Maple Leaf Begonia is great as a bonsai subject, with attractive green foliage and white flowers.

Begonia duncan-thomasii
Endemic to Camaroon, this species grows well in tropical and subtropical climates in moist, forested areas. Commonly cultivated as houseplants outside of their natural range, these plants have wrinkled, blistered foliage and produce yellow flowers. 

Begonia echinosepala
Native to southeastern Brazil, these shrubs reach about 6 feet tall at maturity and is frequently available through nurseries. Leaves have serrated to scalloped edges, and margins sport a red line. Flowers are white with yellow centers, and foliage is a bit droopy, giving the plant a weeping look.

Begonia eiromischa (Wooly-Stalked Begonia)
This plant, presumed extinct in its native range in Malaysia, produces green leaves and white flowers, and has leaves whose stems are produced from a central hub. Leaves are almost round and somewhat succulent.

Begonia eleagnifolia
This species is native to Cameroon through to the Congo, and has small white flowers that are tipped with pink hues. These plants have pointed green and glossy foliage, and over time will develop a clambering habit and will climb up supporting structures. 

Begonia ferox
These interesting plants have a slowly creeping habit and produce green leaves covered in dark green to black-red spines called bullae. Flowers appear from January through May, followed by fruits in April through July. Blooms are pinkish yellow, and fruit is red to green. These plants are considered rare and are sought-after by many collectors. Native to rainforest understory environments in China.

Begonia foliosa (Fern-Leaved Begonia)
This plant is native to Colombia and Venezuela, and takes a shrubby form. Foliage is green and somewhat drooping, and stems are succulent. Flowers produced are white. Variety Begonia foliosa miniata has white flowers. Hardy down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and will require some protection from cold.

Begonia formosana
This species of flowering plant is native to Taiwan, where it is found in moist, shaded habitats. Leaves are green and have white markings and raised areas. Flowers are white and pink, blooming from reddish succulent stems. 

Begonia fuchsioides (Fuchsia Begonia)
This species is native to Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. These small shrubs reach about 2 feet tall and have dark green leaves with red margins. Flowers are red, blooming in pendulous clusters in spring and summertime. These plants have a spilling, weeping habit and are beautiful in containers.

Begonia geminiflora
This species is endemic to Ecuador, where it grows in tropical or moist montane forests. These plants are threatened by habitat loss. Leaves are reddish when new, and mature to a dark greenish-blue with white spots. Flowers are pink to whitish. 

Begonia gironellae
This species is native to the Philippines and has widely obvate, green leaves mottled with dark and light colors. Stems and flower stalks are reddish and succulent and flowers are white to reddish-pink. 

Begonia glabra (Climbing Sorrel)
Native to the New World Tropics, this species of Begonia takes on a vining habit, and is a popularly used plant in vivariums and terrariums. Flowers are white, and hang in pendulous clusters in spring and summetime. These plants have been over-collected from the wild, and therefore are now considered endangered.

Begonia goegoensis (Fire-King Begonia)
This species, native to Sumatra, has red-backed green leaves with dark markings. These plants can be propagated from cuttings, though propagation may be easier via seed. Leaves are beautifully rounded and have a spiral pattern on their surface.

Begonia grandis (Hardy Begonia)
This species of herbaceous flowering plants has alternate, simple leaves on arching stems. Flowers are pink or white, and bloom in summer and fall. These plants are winter hardy in select temperate regions. Subspecies evansiana and alba are fantastic ornamental choices for the garden.

Beonia hatacoa
This species is a commonly cultivated ornamental houseplant, and produces long, pointed leaves with serrated edges. Flowers are commonly white to pink. Variety 'Silver' is a popular cultivar.

Begonia haracleifolia (Star Begonia)
Native to Mexico and Central America, this species has naturalized itself in many other areas of the world, and tolerates drought well. There is considerable genetic and morphological variation within the species.

Begonia hispida (Piggyback Begonia)
These interesting plants produce leaflets on leaf surfaces, and are native to southern areas in Brazil. Leaves are dark green and hairy, and flowers are pinkish to white. 

Begonia imperialis (Imperial Begonia)
This species is native to Mexico and Guatemala, and is a popular ornamental plant. Leaves are dark green and rough; they have small blisters and whitish to light green mottling on upper leaf surfaces. Stems and tan-red and succulent, and flowers are white to pain.

​Begonia incarnata
This evergreen species is native to Brazil and forms a perennial shrub with green, shimmery foliage. Flowers are small, pink and hairy. These plants are hardy down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and will need protection at lower temperatures.

Begonia listada (Striped Begonia)
This species of Begonia is native to Brazil and is a compact, shrub-like plant reaching 20 inches tall and about twice as wide. Leaves are succulent and green, and have light green ribbing. Undersides of leaves are maroon-red in color. Flowers are pink-tinted white, and bloom on and off throughout the year. Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Begonia luxurians (Tree Begonia, Palm Leaf Begonia)
This evergreen flowering perennial plant has bright red stems and umbrella-like foliage with large palmately divided leaves. Flowers are scented, small, and white to yellow. They are fragrant, blooming in spring and summertime. Blossoms are said to smell sweet, floral and slightly citrusy. Despite their common names, these plants are neither trees nor palms. They are typically cultivated as houseplants. Native to Brazil; hardy to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Begonia luzhaiensis 
Native to China, this species does well in closed terrariums. Leaves are mottled with various shades of green and brown, and younger leaves are dotted white. Grows from rhizome.

Begonia maculata (Polka-Dot Begonia)
This species is native to southeastern Brazil, and has green, oblong leaves with silver to white dots. White flowers bloom in large clusters and have yellow centers. There is a pink flowering variety. Over time these plants will take on a bit of a vining habit, their canes able to be trained around a pole. Mature size is typically between 24 and 36 inches tall and between 12 and 18 inches wide; maximum 5 feet tall.

Begonia malabarica (Malabar Begonia)
Native to India and Sri Lanka, this species of Begonia produces bright green leaves with pink veining atop pink succulent stems. Flower stems and bracts are rose-colored. These plants reach about 2 feet tall at maturity.

Begonia manicata
These plants are native to Mexico and Central America, and has distinctive dark red spines on leaf undersides. Leaves are large and red, with light green veining. Stems are green. White flowers bloom on branched inflorescences and are held above foliage. Variety 'Aureo-Maculata' is commonly called the Leopard Begonia. Grows from rhizome.

Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia)
Native to southern China and northern Vietnam, this species of Begonia has beautiful light grey-green and maroon-brown foliage covered in a rough texture. These plants are commonly kept as ornamental houseplants or terrarium plants for their attractive foliage. Flowers are white to pink, and bloom on branched infloresences.

Begonia mazae
This species has pointed leaves with green and dark purple to black variegation. These plants are native to southeastern Mexico.

Begonia megaptera (Large Winged Begonia)
These plants are considered rare in their native range, but are widely cultivated as ornamentals and medicinal plants. Plants reach about 2-3 feet tall at maturity and stretch to about twice as wide. Leaves are very large and green. Flowers are pink, dwarfed by the size of the surrounding foliage.

Begonia nelumbiifolia (Lilypad Begonia)
This species of herbaceous flowering plants produces very thick large leaves and stems. Leaf veining is outlined with red on undersides of leaves. Flowers bloom on thick stalks that rise above the foliage in large clusters. Blooms are white to light pink in color, with yellow centers.

Begonia obliqua
This is the type species of the genus Begonia, and is native to Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe in the Caribbean. 

Begonia picta (Painted Leaf Begonia)
This widespread species is native to the areas around the Himalayan Mountains, where it grows in the high foothills on shaded slopes and moist ledges. Requires high humidity and warm temperatures to cultivate.

Begonia pavonina (Peacock Begonia)
These gorgeous, interesting plants have dark purple-brown to black foliage that has a blue metallic sheen. It grows from rhizome in the understory of montane forests in its native range of Malaysia. These plants can function in very low-light situations, their blue reflective quality used to capture as much light as possible in their dark natural surroundings. 

Begonia pearcei
Introduced to Europe in 1864, this species was discovered in Bolivia by Richard Pearce (its namesake). Leaves are dark green and have a velvety texture, and have very marked veins. Flowers are yellow. Plants grow from tuberous roots. Forms a tuft of foliage at ground level, and reaches about 

Begonia peltatifolia 
Endemic to China, this species forms a basal tuft of glossy, succulent, green foliage. Flowers are white, and are held above the foliage clump. 

Begonia quadrialata
These plants have a native range from central tropical Africa down through Angola. Leaves are succulent and bright green. Varieties have brown to reddish-maroon mottling along vein lines.

Begonia radicans (Shrimp Begonia)
Native to southeastern and southern Brazil, this cane species takes on a vining or climbing habit, and is wonderful in containers and hanging baskets. Leaves are light green, and flowers are red and white. 

Begonia rajah
This species is native to Malaysia and has blistered, reddish bronze and green foliage. Flowers are delicate, light pink, and bloom on stems held above the foliage. These plants are wonderful for terrariums. 

Begonia reniformis (Grape Leaf Begonia, Grapeleaf Begonia)
Native to central and southeastern Brazil, this species has been introduced to Hawai'i. These perennial shrubs can reach 5 feet tall and produce white flowers that bloom in clusters.

Begonia rex (King Begonia)
This species is found in southeast China and is a parent of many different hybrids and cultivars in the genus. Many are listed below.
'Benitochiba'
'Carolina Moon'
'China Curl'
'Curly Fireflush'
'David Blais'
'Dewdrop'
'Emerald Beauty'
'Escargot'
'Fireworks'
'Green Gold'
'Helen Lewis'
'Hilo Holiday'
'Ironstone'
'Martin Johnson'
'Midnight Magic'
'Mikado'
'Namur'
'Orient'
'Pink Champagne'
'Princess of Hanover'
'Red Robin'
'Regal Minuet'
'Rocheart'
'Roi de Roses'
'Sal's Comet'
'Sea Serpent'
'Silver Cloud'
'Silver King'
'Silver Queen'

Begonia rheifolia
This species is native to Malaysia's wet tropical forests and produces green, glossy leaves with reddish-peach undersides. Flowers are white.

Begonia salaziensis
Native to tropical and dry forests of Mauritius, this species produces a vining plant that reaches about 6-7 feet tall at maturity. Flowers bloom in pendulous clusters and are white and red. These plants are considered critically endangered in their native range, 

Begonia sanguinea (Blood-Red Begonia, Beefsteak Begonia)
This species has very dark green to brown leaves with maroon leaf undersides, stems, and flowering stalks. Easy to propagate from cuttings. 

Begonia secunda 
Endemic to Ecuador, this species grows naturally in tropical and subtropical montane forest regions and is threatened with extinction due to habitat loss in its native range. Leaves are green and lightly serrated. These are somewhat vining plants, and reach about 8 inches to 2 feet tall at maturity.

Begonia serratipetala 
Native to New Guinea, this species produces elongated, serrated foliage marked with pink and maroon spots, silver flushing between veins, and bronze-red new leaves. Flowers are pink to magenta and bloom in clusters on the plant in spring through fall. Canes can reach about 2 feet tall at maturity, possibly taller if given some support for its thin stems.

Begonia sikkimensis
Green foliage is deeply cut, serrated, and recurved, creating a very interesting, edgy look to foliage. Stems, veins, and leaf margins can be red or dark in color, depending on the variety. These plants are native to southeast Asia. 

Begonia socotrana
This species of Begonia is native to subtropical to tropical dry shrublands and forests as well as rocky areas in Yemen. Plants like to grow in crevices or close to the ground, producing a tuft of round, wrinkled green foliage and pink flowers. 

Begonia solananthera (Brazilian Heart Begonia)
Native to southeastern Brazil, this species has glossy green leaves that are pointed at the tips, and produces white flowers that bloom in clusters in spring and summertime. These plants are somewhat vining, and grow close to the ground if not supported.

Begonia solimutata (Sun-Changing Begonia)
This species, native to Brazil, has green foliage marked with light green with red margins and leaf undersides. This evergreen creeping plant's foliage will change in contrast as light conditions change, hence the common name. Flowers are white, held in clusters above the foliage.

Begonia sparreana
An Ecuadorian native, this species naturally grows in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forest areas. These plants are threatened by habitat loss, but are commonly cultivated in gardens as ornamental plants.

Begonia sutherlandii (Sutherland Begonia)
This tuberous-rooted flowering herbaceous perennial plant produces fleshy pink stems clothed with bright green foliage. Flowers are orange, blooming in spring and summertime. These plants are native to the southern highlands of Kenya, and can be cultivated outdoors in frost-free areas. Otherwise, grow as an indoor specimen.

Begonia tabonensis
This species was discovered in Tabon Cave in the Philippines, and has rounded green glossy leaves. Flowers are white or red and bloom in spring and summertime. These are low-growers, preferring to grab onto rocks or other structures for support. Great terrarium plant.

Begonia taiwaniana (Angel Wing Begonia)
Green foliage is weeping and shrubs reach about 18 inches tall and just as wide at maturity. Young plants and new leaves will have some white spotting on foliage, but older leaves and older plants do not produce this pattern. Native to Taiwan.

Begonia thiemei (Palm Leaf Begonia)
This native of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras has red stalks and stems, and produces large palmately compound leaves. Flowers are pink, and bloom in clusters above glossy green foliage. Cultivar 'Purpurea' is a choice selection.

Begonia ulmifolia (Elm-Leaf Begonia)
This South American native produces leaves that resemble those of Elm trees, and is cultivated more often for its beautiful foliage rather than its small flowers. Great for hot and humid areas.

Begonia undulata (Wave Leaved Begonia)
This species is widely cultivated as an ornamental garden plant, and is native to Rio de Janiero, Brazil. These plants are typically seen topping out at 6 feet tall, but they are known to reach up to 18 feet tall if left unchecked. Flowers are white, hanging in pendulous inflorescences. Leaves are green and have wavy edges.

Begonia variegata
Native to Vietnam, this species has large, rounded blistery leaves with light green and brownish-purple variegation, similar to the Iron Cross Begonia. Grows from rhizome. Widely cultivated as an indoor houseplant or terrarium specimen, these plants can also be grown outdoors in sheltered areas that do not get frost.

Begonia venosa (Veined Begonia)
Native to eastern areas of Brazil, this species forms an upright grower with strong, succulent stems. These plants have striking foliage that is usually seen in a grey-green color and produce white infloresences of blossoms with yellow centers. Leaves are succulent, lined with reddish pink. These plants can handle more direct sunlight than the average Begonia, and prefers well-draining soil. 

Begonia xanthina
Growing from rhizome, this species produces large, blistered leaves with variable colored leaves that usually display mottling of greens, browns, and silvery white. The true species has less exciting foliage, but cultivars have been developed with beautiful leaf patterns. A popularly cultivated variety is 'Dark Shadows' (pictured). Native to China. Typically reaches 16 inches tall. Flowers are light yellow.

Caring for Begonia

Propagation

Problems and Pests

  • Mites
  • Scale
  • Mealybugs
  • Aphids
  • Nemotodes
  • Slugs/Snails
  • Bacterial Leaf Spot
  • Powdery Mildew
  • Botrytis
  • Root Rot
  • Crown Rot

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

A Beginner's Guide to Begonias: Classification and Diversity
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 000 - 000, Begonia
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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