20 Begonia Types Ranked: Best Varieties for Shade, Sun, Pots and Hanging Baskets
Discover the 20 best begonia types and varieties for indoors and outdoors. Compare wax, rex, tuberous, angel wing and hardy begonias with our difficulty guide.
With more than 2,000 species and thousands of hybrid cultivars, Begonia is one of the largest and most diverse flowering plant genera on Earth [1]. That diversity is both a gift and a source of confusion. The waxy bedding plant flowering nonstop in your front border has almost nothing in common with the spiral-leaved rex on your bathroom shelf — and the care advice that keeps one thriving will kill the other.
The reason comes down to origins. Tuberous begonias evolved in cool Andean cloud forests, which is why they sulk in summer heat. Rex types descend from species collected in the humid forests of northeastern India, bred by Victorian English nurseries into the foliage showpieces we know today. Hardy begonias arrived from temperate China and Japan, which is why they are the only group that survives freezing winters outdoors [9]. Understanding where a begonia type evolved is the single best shortcut to getting its care right.
This guide covers the eight major begonia groups with 20 specific varieties chosen for proven performance in gardens and homes across the United States. A comparison table lets you scan the key differences at a glance, and each entry includes a difficulty rating so you can match the plant to your experience level and growing conditions. For full care instructions covering watering, light, propagation and troubleshooting, see our complete begonia growing guide.
How Begonias Are Classified
Botanists and the American Begonia Society classify begonias primarily by root structure, which splits the genus into three broad groups [1]:
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- Fibrous-rooted — thin, thread-like roots. This group includes wax begonias, cane types (angel wings), and shrub-like forms. They drain quickly and tolerate brief dry spells.
- Rhizomatous — thick, horizontal stems that creep along or just below the soil surface. Rex begonias are the most popular subgroup. The rhizome stores some moisture but rots easily in standing water.
- Tuberous — swollen, starchy underground stems that store energy for a dormant period, much like a potato. They demand a distinct wet-then-dry cycle and a cool winter rest [7].
This three-way split matters because root type predicts how a begonia handles water and seasons. Knowing whether your plant grows from fibres, a rhizome or a tuber tells you more about its needs than any other single fact. All begonias prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) and temperatures above 55°F [2].
Begonia Types at a Glance
| Type | Indoor / Outdoor | Bloom | Foliage | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wax (Semperflorens) | Both — best outdoors | Prolific, small | Glossy green or bronze | Easy |
| Tuberous | Both — prefers cool shade | Large, showy, rose-like | Green, serrated | Moderate |
| Rex | Indoor | Insignificant | Metallic, multi-coloured | Moderate–Hard |
| Cane / Angel Wing | Both — great indoors | Pendant clusters | Spotted, wing-shaped | Easy–Moderate |
| Rhizomatous | Indoor | Modest sprays | Textured, patterned | Easy–Moderate |
| Rieger (Hiemalis) | Indoor | Double, rose-like | Glossy green | Moderate–Hard |
| Hardy (B. grandis) | Outdoor — perennial | Pendant pink or white | Heart-shaped, red-backed | Easy |
| Trailing / Bolivian | Both — hanging baskets | Abundant, pointed tepals | Arrow-shaped | Easy–Moderate |
Wax Begonias
Wax begonias are the workhorses of summer bedding and the easiest entry point for beginners. Their thick, waxy leaves shrug off light rain and heat that would flatten a tuberous type, and they flower continuously from late spring until frost [6]. One practical detail many growers overlook: bronze-leaved cultivars handle full sun far better than green-leaved ones. The extra anthocyanin pigment in bronze foliage acts as a natural sunscreen, absorbing excess light energy before it damages photosynthetic tissue [6].
1. BIG series — Larger than standard wax begonias at 16–18 inches, the BIG series (including BIG Red with Bronze Leaf and BIG Rose with Green Leaf) has performed consistently well in university trials across multiple states [7]. They bridge the gap between compact bedding plants and showier garden specimens, producing abundant flowers on mounding, self-cleaning plants.
2. Whopper series — Even bigger at up to 2 feet tall, Whoppers produce oversized flowers on sturdy stems. Available in both green and bronze foliage options, they hold up well in heavy rain without petal damage and make a bold statement in large containers or mass plantings.
3. Cocktail series — At just 8–10 inches, Cocktails are the compact choice for edging, window boxes and mixed containers. The deep bronze foliage provides colour even between flush periods, making them useful as a foliage accent alongside trailing plants like sweet potato vine or lobelia.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias produce the largest, most dramatic flowers in the genus — some reaching 6 inches across in fully double forms that rival roses and camellias. Their ancestry in the cool Andean mountains of Peru and Bolivia explains their strong preference for mild temperatures and bright, indirect light [9]. They struggle in hot, humid summers above 85°F, which is why they perform best in the Pacific Northwest, upper Midwest and mountain regions of the United States.
After flowering, tuberous begonias need a cool dormant rest. Dig the tubers before the first hard frost, dry them for a week in a warm room, then store them at 45–55°F in dry vermiculite or peat moss until spring [7]. This rest period is not optional — skipping it leads to weak, flower-shy plants the following season.
4. Nonstop series — The world’s most widely grown tuberous begonia and one of the few reliable from seed. Nonstops produce 3–4 inch double flowers in a dozen colours from a compact 10–12 inch mound. They bloom continuously without deadheading — unusual for a tuberous type — making them far more practical than older exhibition varieties that need constant grooming [1].
5. Illumination series (Pendula) — Trailing tuberous begonias bred specifically for hanging baskets and elevated planters. Stems cascade 12–18 inches with fully double blooms in apricot, salmon, pink and white. They need protection from afternoon sun and wind, and benefit from a slow-release fertiliser applied at planting.
6. Picotee types — Named for their distinctive petal edging, where each ruffled bloom carries a contrasting colour along the margin — typically white petals rimmed in rose or red. These are the show-bench favourites of the tuberous world, though they need attentive watering. Soggy tubers invite Pythium rot faster than any other begonia group, so always let the top inch of soil dry between waterings [2].
Rex Begonias
Rex begonias are grown almost entirely for their extraordinary foliage. The leaves combine metallic silver, deep burgundy, electric pink and forest green in swirls, spirals and geometric zones that no other houseplant genus can match. The original species was collected in Assam, India in the 1850s and sent to England, where Victorian hybridisers crossed it obsessively to produce the hundreds of named cultivars available today [9].
That tropical Indian ancestry explains why rex begonias demand high humidity — ideally 75% or above [3]. In dry indoor air, leaf edges crisp and new growth stalls. A pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot is more effective and safer than misting, which leaves water droplets on the foliage and promotes powdery mildew. Rex types are the most susceptible begonia group to the fungus Erysiphe begoniicola. The pathogen thrives at around 70°F with high humidity and poor air circulation, though temperatures above 85°F actually inhibit spore formation and hyphal growth. Good airflow around the foliage is the single best prevention measure.
7. ‘Escargot’ — The most recognisable rex cultivar and arguably the most distinctive leaf form in the entire houseplant world. Each leaf spirals inward at the base like a snail shell, with concentric bands of silver, dark green and chocolate brown curling tightly toward the centre. The signature spiral only develops fully on mature leaves — young foliage emerges relatively flat with just a slight curve, which sometimes disappoints new owners who expected instant spirals [3]. Compact at 6–12 inches, it thrives in terrariums and bathroom windowsills where humidity stays naturally high.
8. ‘Fireworks’ — Large, star-shaped leaves explode with silver centres, deep purple edges and dark veining that radiates outward like the burst pattern the name suggests. One of the more vigorous rex varieties, ‘Fireworks’ tolerates slightly lower humidity than ‘Escargot’ and recovers faster from shipping stress, making it a better choice for those buying their first rex begonia online.
9. ‘Salsa’ — Deep crimson leaves overlaid with metallic silver, with dark veins creating a dramatic, almost jewel-like contrast. More compact than ‘Fireworks,’ ‘Salsa’ works well in grouped displays where its rich colour deepens next to green-leaved companions like calathea or maidenhair fern.
Cane and Angel Wing Begonias
Cane begonias grow on stiff, upright stems with thickened nodes that resemble bamboo. Their wing-shaped, often silver-speckled leaves earn them the common name angel wing begonia. Iowa State Extension calls cane types “often considered the easiest type to grow indoors” [8], and in my experience that reputation is well earned — they tolerate average household humidity, bounce back from missed waterings, and propagate so readily from stem cuttings that you can root a new plant in a glass of water in three to four weeks [7].
10. Begonia maculata (Polka Dot Begonia) — The most photographed begonia of the past decade, and for good reason. Dark olive-green leaves covered in bright silver polka dots sit above deep crimson undersides, creating a contrast that looks almost painted. It produces graceful sprays of white flowers from spring through autumn. Stems can reach 3 feet unpruned; pinching the growing tips promotes bushier growth and more leaf nodes [4].
11. ‘Dragon Wing Red’ — A heat-tolerant cane hybrid that works equally well indoors and in outdoor containers. Glossy, wing-shaped leaves on arching stems carry clusters of bright scarlet flowers from spring until frost without deadheading. At 2–3 feet tall and wide, a single plant fills a hanging basket or patio pot with minimal attention [6].
12. ‘Corallina de Lucerna’ — The classic spotted angel wing that has been in continuous cultivation for over a century. Dark green leaves with silver spots and abundant coral-pink flower clusters make this a collector favourite. It can reach 4–5 feet indoors with staking, producing flowers along every mature stem [4]. A true heirloom that looks just as striking today as it did in Victorian conservatories.
Rhizomatous Begonias
Rhizomatous begonias form the largest classification group, with hundreds of species and thousands of cultivars that spread via thick, creeping stems growing along or just below the soil surface [1]. Most are compact, mounding houseplants grown for textured, patterned foliage rather than flowers — though many produce elegant sprays of pink or white blooms on tall, erect stalks in late winter when few other houseplants are flowering.
13. Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross) — Named for the bold, chocolate-brown cross pattern at the centre of each puckered, lime-green leaf. Native to southern China, it is one of the most instantly recognisable houseplants in any collection. Iron Cross tolerates lower light than most begonias but resents cold drafts and consistently wet soil — let the top inch dry between waterings.
14. Begonia erythrophylla (Beefsteak) — A near-indestructible begonia that has been passed between households for generations. Thick, round, glossy leaves with wine-red undersides form a low, spreading mound. It blooms prolifically with tall sprays of pink flowers in late winter and forgives irregular watering better than almost any other begonia [9]. If you want a begonia you genuinely cannot kill, start here.
Rieger Begonias (Hiemalis)
Rieger begonias are hybrids bred to flower in winter, filling the gap when most houseplants go dormant. Their compact rosettes produce double blooms that look remarkably like miniature roses, in colours from sunshine yellow and tangerine to deep scarlet and soft pink. The trade-off is longevity — UF/IFAS Extension describes hiemalis types as “notoriously difficult to recuperate” after their initial flowering cycle, and most commercial growers start fresh plants each year rather than trying to coax a second bloom [1].
15. Solenia series — Compact, self-cleaning plants with fully double blooms in a wide colour range. ‘Solenia Chocolate Orange’ is a standout, combining warm orange petals with deep bronze-green foliage. Treat Solenia as a long-lasting floral display rather than a permanent houseplant — enjoy four to six weeks of flowers, then compost without guilt.
16. Dragone series — Larger double flowers than Solenia on slightly taller stems. The Dragone series tolerates warmer indoor temperatures better than older Rieger lines, which extends the bloom period by several weeks. Keep in a bright east-facing window and water when the top of the soil feels dry for the longest possible display.
Hardy Begonias
If you have written off begonias as frost-tender tropicals, Begonia grandis will change your mind. Native to the mountains of southern China and Japan, this is the only commonly available begonia that survives freezing winters outdoors — reliably perennial from USDA Zones 6a through 9b, tolerating temperatures down to 23°F with a thick layer of mulch [5].
What makes B. grandis biologically fascinating is its method of self-propagation. As days shorten in autumn, tiny bulbils — miniature reproductive structures genetically identical to the parent — form in the leaf axils along each stem. When the foliage dies back after the first hard frost, these bulbils drop to the ground and sprout the following spring. A single plant can become a dense, spreading colony within two to three years without any gardener intervention [5]. It is one of the most effective natural groundcovers for deep shade.
17. Begonia grandis (species) — Heart-shaped, olive-green leaves with red-tinted undersides sit on arching, zigzag stems topped with pendant clusters of soft pink, lightly fragrant flowers from July through October. It disappears entirely in winter and emerges late in spring — mark its location to avoid accidentally digging it up. An outstanding choice for shaded woodland borders where few other flowering plants thrive, and a natural companion for hostas, ferns and other shade-loving plants.
18. Begonia grandis ‘Alba’ — The white-flowered form, with identical hardiness and growth habit. The pure white blooms glow in deep shade and pair beautifully with silver-leaved companions like lamium, brunnera or Japanese painted fern. Slightly less vigorous in bulbil production than the pink species type.
Trailing and Bolivian Begonias
Begonia boliviensis and its hybrids are the rising stars of the hanging basket world. Native to the Bolivian Andes at elevations between 3,000 and 8,000 feet, the species was described by science over a century ago but only recently re-entered the commercial market through modern breeding programmes [1]. The result is a group of trailing begonias that tolerate significantly more heat and drought than traditional tuberous pendula types, with distinctive pointed, swept-back tepals that attract hummingbirds.
19. ‘Santa Cruz’ — Fiery red-orange flowers on cascading stems that trail 12–16 inches from a basket or window box. Heat and drought-tolerant once established, ‘Santa Cruz’ keeps blooming through summer temperatures that would shut down a standard tuberous begonia entirely. Arrow-shaped foliage with neatly serrated edges adds textural interest even when the plant is between flushes.
20. ‘Waterfall’ series — Available in white, orange, pink and bicolour forms, the Waterfall series produces a cascade of semi-double to double flowers on vigorous trailing stems. They combine the flower size of traditional tuberous types with the weather resilience of boliviensis genetics — a genuine best-of-both-worlds option for exposed balcony baskets and patio containers.
How to Choose the Right Begonia for Your Space
Matching a begonia to your conditions matters more than picking the prettiest cultivar. A rex begonia placed in a dry, sunny room will decline no matter how stunning its leaves, while a wax begonia in deep shade will survive but barely flower. Use these starting points:
- Sunny outdoor beds: Wax begonias (bronze-leaved for full sun) or Dragon Wing for larger impact.
- Shady outdoor borders: Hardy begonia (B. grandis) for year-after-year coverage, or tuberous types for seasonal colour in cool climates.
- Hanging baskets: Bolivian types (‘Santa Cruz,’ ‘Waterfall’) for heat tolerance, or Illumination pendulas for fully double flowers in cooler regions.
- Bright indoor windowsill: Cane types (Polka Dot, angel wings) — the easiest begonia group for indoor growing [8].
- Humid bathroom or terrarium: Rex begonias or rhizomatous types like Iron Cross thrive where moisture stays high.
- Low-light bedrooms: Rhizomatous begonias handle lower light better than any other group. For more options, see our guide to the best plants for bedrooms.
- Winter flowers indoors: Rieger begonias deliver rose-like blooms when little else is flowering, though they are best treated as seasonal displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are begonias toxic to pets?
Yes. All begonias contain soluble calcium oxalates, which can cause vomiting, excessive drooling and mouth irritation in cats and dogs. The underground tubers and roots carry the highest concentration. Keep tuberous and rex begonias on high shelves or in rooms pets cannot access [2].
Can begonias survive winter outdoors?
Begonia grandis is the only widely available species that survives frost — it is hardy to USDA Zone 6a with heavy mulch [5]. Tuberous begonias can be lifted in autumn, dried and stored at 45–55°F in vermiculite or peat moss until spring replanting [7]. Wax begonias are treated as annuals in most climates and replaced each year.
Do begonias come back every year?
Hardy begonias (B. grandis) return reliably from bulbils and roots each spring without any intervention. Tuberous types come back if you dig and store the tubers before the first hard frost. All other begonias are grown as annuals outdoors or maintained as year-round houseplants indoors.
Sources
- UF/IFAS Extension. A Beginner’s Guide to Begonias: Classification and Diversity
- NC State Extension. Begonia — Plant Toolbox
- NC State Extension. Begonia — Rex Types (Painted Leaf Begonia)
- NC State Extension. Begonia — Cane Types (Angel Wing, Polka Dot Begonia)
- NC State Extension. Begonia grandis (Hardy Begonia)
- Clemson Cooperative Extension. Begonia — Home and Garden Information Center
- University of Minnesota Extension. Begonia
- Iowa State University Extension. Growing Begonias in Iowa
- Pacific Horticulture. Understanding Habitat Origins for Houseplant Happiness: Begonias
