18 Common and Rare Begonia Varieties: Tuberous, Wax, Rex, Cane
From the award-winning Nonstop® series to the only begonia hardy to Zone 6, meet all 18 begonia varieties organized by root type — with zones, sizes, and honest tradeoffs.
With over 2,100 recognized species, begonias rank eighth among the largest genera of flowering plants on Earth. Yet most garden centers stock exactly three types — wax, tuberous, and Rex — leaving collectors, indoor gardeners, and dedicated shade-border growers missing out on some of the most distinctive plants available.
The 18 varieties below are organized by root type rather than alphabetically, because root structure is the single factor that determines watering rhythm, winter hardiness, and pot choice more reliably than any other characteristic. Each entry includes the USDA zone range, the one condition the plant absolutely needs, and the honest tradeoff that limits it. For a full type-by-type care breakdown, see the complete Begonia Growing Guide.
How Root Type Drives Begonia Care
The American Begonia Society divides the genus into nine horticultural classes, but three root types determine the vast majority of care decisions: fibrous-rooted, rhizomatous, and tuberous.
Fibrous-rooted begonias — which include wax and cane types — have only hair-like roots with no underground reserves. They run entirely on current photosynthesis, so a week without adequate light shows up immediately as sparse, weak growth.
Rhizomatous begonias grow from a thickened, creeping horizontal stem that stores water and nutrients. Rex begonias belong here. The rhizome grows sideways, not downward, which is why shallow, wide pots outperform deep containers for every rex and rhizomatous type.
Tuberous begonias store energy in a starchy, potato-like tuber. The concave (bowl-shaped) side of the tuber always faces up at planting — that is where the bud eyes sit. Reversing the tuber delays or prevents emergence entirely, which is the most common beginner mistake with this group.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are perennials in USDA zones 9–11 and annuals almost everywhere else. Their bloom window runs from early summer through the first frost — roughly four months of continuous color. All tuberous types trace their origin to species from South Central and Southern Bolivia to northwestern Argentina.
1. Nonstop® Series (Begonia × tuberhybrida)
The Nonstop® series is the world’s most widely grown tuberous begonia. It holds a practical distinction that most tuberous types lack: it can be grown reliably from seed, which dramatically lowered production costs and put it on shelves in every garden center. The series now spans 28 varieties across Standard, Mocca (bronze foliage), Joy (compact), and specialty lines — colors run from pure white through deep scarlet and bicolor combinations.
Plants form tidy 10–12 inch mounds and produce 3–4 inch double flowers continuously without deadheading. The Mocca line adds a secondary ornamental layer: foliage takes on a bronze-copper cast that holds color between bloom cycles, so the plant is never just green stems. Grows as a perennial in zones 9–11; treat as an annual in zones 3–8 or dig and store tubers before frost.
Best for: Containers, mixed baskets, gardeners who want maximum color with minimum maintenance.
2. Begonia boliviensis ‘Bonfire’
Where Nonstop® mounds upright, ‘Bonfire’ cascades. It produces reddish-orange flowers on bright red stems above bronzy-green foliage, reaching around 20 inches tall and equally wide — proportions well suited for a large hanging basket or the trailing edge of a tall container. It tolerates full shade but flowers more heavily in partial shade with 2–4 hours of indirect light.
This is a boliviensis hybrid, meaning its tuberous root stores considerably more energy than most tuberhybrida types. Plants recover quickly from heat stress when watered promptly, and they are notably more forgiving in high humidity than many double-flowered tuberhybrida hybrids, which can develop botrytis in wet conditions.
Best for: Hanging baskets, tall container edges, hot-summer gardens with afternoon shade.
3. Crackling Fire® Series (B. boliviensis)
Six colors — Creamy Yellow, Orange, Pink, Red, Yellow, and White — make Crackling Fire® the most complete B. boliviensis series at retail. The individual flowers are narrower and more tubular than tuberhybrida types, with a pendant drape that looks especially effective viewed from below a hanging basket. The boliviensis lineage gives this series strong vigor in partial shade and better humidity tolerance than fussier double-flowered hybrids.
Best for: Hanging baskets, balcony railings, anyone wanting the cascading boliviensis habit in a specific color.
4. ‘On Top® Sun Glow’ (B. × tuberhybrida)
This bicolor tuberous begonia — double yellow flowers edged in red — earned first place in the Container Plant category at the 2019 NC State Annual Color Trials. Its distinction over the Nonstop® line is a stronger tolerance of direct morning sun and a compact, well-branched habit that stays tidy without pinching. For east-facing containers on a deck or balcony where tuberous begonias would normally struggle with direct morning light, ‘On Top® Sun Glow’ is the most tested option currently available.
Best for: East-facing containers, gardeners who want tuberous-quality flowers with slightly more sun flexibility.
5. Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana (Hardy Begonia) — Rare
Every other tuberous begonia on this list needs to be dug each fall in zones 3–8 or discarded. Begonia grandis breaks that rule entirely. It is the only begonia reliably hardy in the ground in USDA zones 6a–9b, tolerating temperatures down to 23°F.
The biology behind its hardiness is unusual. As days shorten in autumn, B. grandis produces tiny bulbils — miniature propagules — in the axils of its leaves. When the top growth dies back, these bulbils fall to the ground and overwinter in the soil, sprouting the following spring without digging, storage, or any intervention. A single plant becomes a small colony after two or three years by this mechanism alone.
Plants reach 18 inches to 3 feet in height with loose clusters of fragrant pink flowers from midsummer through early fall. The cultivar ‘Alba’ produces white flowers; ‘Wildwood Premier’ has pronounced red leaf coloration that intensifies in summer heat. For zone 6 and 7 gardeners who want a true perennial begonia in a shaded border, this is the only viable option in the genus.
Best for: Shaded perennial borders in zones 6–9, gardeners who want a begonia that naturalizes without annual digging.
Wax Begonias (Semperflorens)
Wax begonias are fibrous-rooted and bloom continuously from transplant to frost. Their thick, glossy leaves gave the group its common name. They are among the most heat- and humidity-tolerant begonias available, and they perform in both full sun and partial shade — a flexibility rare among begonias. This versatility explains their dominance in US summer bedding.
6. Cocktail Series (Begonia × semperflorens)
Cocktail Series is the standard compact wax begonia for edging paths, filling window boxes, and fronting borders. Plants stay at 8–10 inches, and the deep bronze foliage holds its color whether plants are in bloom or between flushes, providing continuous ornamental value. Flower colors include red, pink, and white, set off effectively by the dark leaf. Cocktail tolerates full sun and partial shade equally well — one of the few bedding annuals that genuinely performs in both exposures without the half-and-half compromise most plants require.
Best for: Border edging, window boxes, small containers, any situation requiring a reliable compact annual in mixed sun/shade.
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→ View My Garden Calendar7. Dragon Wing Red (Begonia × hybrida)
Dragon Wing is a fibrous-rooted hybrid between cane and semperflorens parents — larger in every dimension than typical wax begonias. Plants reach 12–18 inches tall and wide with glossy, angel-wing-shaped leaves and continuous deep-red or pink flowers on arching stems. The larger leaf scale makes Dragon Wing better suited to mid-border positions where small-leafed bedding plants would look undersized. Its heat tolerance is excellent, it rarely needs deadheading, and it performs consistently whether grown in a container or directly in a garden bed.
Best for: Mid-border positions, large containers, gardeners who want the tidiness of a wax begonia at a bigger scale.
8. Big Series (Begonia × semperflorens)
Where most wax begonias produce 1-inch flowers, the Big Series delivers blooms closer to 2 inches across — noticeably larger than standard bedding types, though still smaller than tuberous doubles. The plants handle direct morning sun unusually well for a semperflorens type, which makes them suitable for east-facing beds that receive 3–4 hours of direct light. Colors include red, rose, pink, white, and bicolors. Height stays compact at 10–12 inches, keeping the plant tidy without the scale of Dragon Wing.
Best for: East-facing beds, gardeners who want larger wax begonia flowers without moving to tuberous types.
Cane and Angel Wing Begonias
Cane begonias are named for their upright, bamboo-like stems with slightly swollen nodes. Their leaves are asymmetric and wing-shaped — the “angel wing” common name — and often spotted, banded, or mottled in silver. Under good light, cane types produce large, cascading flower clusters in pink, red, orange, or white. With optimal care, some cultivars reach 6 feet in a container and up to 15 feet in the ground in mild-winter climates.
All cane begonias prefer bright light (even some direct sun where it is not intensely hot) and water when the top inch of potting mix dries. Reduce watering in winter. For common problems including leggy growth and flower drop, the begonia problems guide covers the main causes and fixes.
9. Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’ (Polka Dot Begonia)
B. maculata has become the most sought-after houseplant begonia of the past several years, driven almost entirely by the visual drama of its silvery-white-spotted leaves against dark olive-green. The detail most photographs miss: the undersides of the leaves are deep wine-red, which makes the plant especially striking when backlit by a bright window.
‘Wightii’ is the most commonly sold cultivar and produces white flowers on arching pendulous clusters; most other B. maculata cultivars flower in pink. The plant prefers bright indirect light and humidity around 50% or higher, consistent with its native Brazilian forest habitat. Treat it like any cane type: water when the top inch dries, reduce in winter, and give it a bright filtered position rather than direct midday sun.
Best for: Bright indoor shelves, statement houseplant, anyone willing to maintain 50%+ humidity.
10. Begonia ‘Lucerna’
‘Lucerna’ is one of the oldest named cane begonia hybrids still in common cultivation, a cross between B. aconitifolia and B. coccinea. Its olive-green leaves are heavily spotted with silver dots, and its flowers — pendulous clusters of pink blooms measuring 3–4 cm across — appear in summer and again in a lighter autumn flush. The RHS recommends growing cane types like ‘Lucerna’ at 15–22°C (58–72°F) with good light but protection from direct sun.
Height can reach 4–5 feet in a conservatory or bright indoor space over several years. This makes ‘Lucerna’ better suited as a statement specimen — a floor plant in a bright corner — than a windowsill subject. Outdoors, it works well as a container specimen moved inside before frost arrives.
Best for: Large indoor statement plant, conservatories, experienced begonia growers who want a classic cultivar with real history.
11. Begonia ‘Irene Nuss’ (Superba Cane)
‘Irene Nuss’ belongs to the Superba subtype — a group distinguished by deeply cut, lobed leaves with heavy silvery spotting. The leaf shape is more dramatically serrated than standard angel-wing types, resembling a lobed maple leaf in silhouette. Flower clusters are pendulous and coral-pink, produced almost year-round in good light.
This is a plant for the dedicated grower: its size (up to 5–6 feet under ideal conditions) and its preference for consistent moisture and humidity make it more demanding than semperflorens types. The reward is that there is nothing else quite like it at scale — the combination of cut leaf shape, heavy silver spotting, and cascading coral flowers in a single plant is unmatched in the cane category.
Best for: Experienced begonia collectors, large indoor spaces with bright filtered light, anyone who wants a dramatic specimen rather than a repeat bedding annual.
12. Begonia coccinea (Scarlet Begonia)
B. coccinea is one of the parent species behind most modern cane hybrids, including ‘Lucerna’ and Dragon Wing. The original species has plain dark green wing-shaped leaves and scarlet-red pendant flower clusters, and it grows into a substantial bamboo-stemmed plant several feet tall. It lacks the leaf markings of the popular hybrids but compensates with very heavy flowering from spring through summer and a more forgiving constitution than many of its descendants. For gardeners who want the cane begonia experience without the specialist care demands of a superba type, B. coccinea is the clearest starting point — and understanding it makes the hybrid cultivars easier to manage.
Best for: Beginner cane growers, conservatories, anyone curious about the species behind popular hybrids.
Rex and Rhizomatous Begonias
Rex begonias are a subgroup of rhizomatous begonias — all descended from Begonia rex, a species first collected in Assam in the 19th century and subsequently crossed with dozens of other rhizomatous species to produce today’s foliage range. Colors span the full spectrum: green, red, purple, silver, brown, and every metallic mix between. Surfaces can be smooth, puckered, spiraling, or blistered.
Two non-negotiable requirements apply to every type in this section: a shallow, wide pot (the rhizome grows sideways, not down) and relatively high humidity. Brown leaf tips are the diagnostic sign that the air is too dry. Avoid misting — wet foliage promotes powdery mildew, which is the most common rex begonia problem.
For a detailed comparison of the two most confusable types, see Begonia rex vs. Begonia maculata.
13. Begonia ‘Escargot’ (Rex Begonia)
‘Escargot’ is the most recognizable rex cultivar: its leaves spiral tightly at the base in a snail-shell pattern, with concentric zones of silver, dark green, and chocolate-brown extending outward. UConn lists it among the more beginner-accessible rex types despite its exotic appearance, and it is a reliable introduction to the rhizomatous group.
A practical tip: the spiral pattern is most pronounced in newly emerging leaves. Giving the pot a quarter-turn rotation every few weeks toward a consistent light source encourages more uniform new growth. Mature plants reach 12–18 inches in height and considerably wider in spread. The rhizome can be divided in spring to create new plants — an advantage of the rhizomatous habit that fibrous types cannot replicate as easily.
Best for: Bathrooms, bright humid shelves, first foray into rex begonias.
14. Begonia ‘Plum Paisley’ (Rex Begonia)
Where ‘Escargot’ runs in greens and silvers, ‘Plum Paisley’ works the warm end of the spectrum: deep green leaves with a prominent pink-to-plum spiral that gives the foliage a paisley-fabric quality. Care requirements are identical to ‘Escargot’ — bright indirect light, humidity, shallow pot — making this a direct color-alternative for growers who want the spiral-leaf form in a warmer palette.
Best for: Collectors building a rex color palette, anyone who finds ‘Escargot’ too cool-toned.
15. Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia)
B. masoniana takes its common name from the dark mahogany cross-shaped marking at the center of each puckered olive-green leaf — a pattern so distinctive it is immediately recognizable from across a room. Unlike the metallic-finish rex hybrids, masoniana’s texture is rough and tactile, with a surface resembling hammered velvet.
It is rhizomatous but distinct from the Rex Cultorum Group — it is a true species rather than a hybrid. This matters for care because masoniana tolerates slightly lower humidity than most rex hybrids, though it still benefits from a pebble-tray or bathroom setting. The RHS lists it as a reliable rhizomatous houseplant for indoor cultivation.
Best for: Rhizomatous beginners who want a distinctive specimen without the strict humidity demands of full rex hybrids.
16. Begonia ‘Tiger Paws’ (Rhizomatous)
‘Tiger Paws’ is a compact rhizomatous type — not technically a rex cultivar — reaching only about 25 cm tall, roughly half the height of ‘Escargot’. Its rounded, lobed dark green leaves carry darker markings that give the plant its name, and it produces small sprays of pink flowers in winter, when most other begonias are resting. The compact size makes it better suited to a small bathroom shelf, terrarium, or desk planting than the taller rex types. It is one of the few begonias that can sustain acceptable growth under fluorescent office lighting.
Best for: Small shelves, terrariums, office environments with artificial light.
Rare and Specialty Types
17. Begonia × hiemalis (Rieger or Elatior Begonia)
Rieger begonias are the florist-shop tuberous types — sold in autumn and winter in full bloom, with rose-like flowers in warm shades of orange, red, yellow, and pink, often mistaken at point-of-sale for miniature roses. They are complex hybrids in the ×hiemalis group, noted for winter blooming and tolerance of indoor conditions.
Their commercial cycle is engineered: plants are grown under controlled daylength and temperature to trigger simultaneous bloom for seasonal display. In a home environment, sustaining them past the initial flush requires cool temperatures (around 60–65°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light. Most home gardeners treat them as seasonal gifts, and there is no shame in that. With the right conditions, a Rieger can be coaxed into repeat bloom cycles by allowing it to dry down and rest between flushes.
Best for: Winter indoor color, gifting, gardeners willing to provide cool temperatures and high humidity for repeat bloom.
18. Semituberous Caudex Begonias (Begonia dregei and Relatives)
At the collector end of the spectrum sit the caudex begonias — semituberous types that develop a swollen, above-ground woody stem base (the caudex) that stores water like a succulent. B. dregei is the most commonly grown species in this class. Grown as a bonsai specimen, it produces a dramatic tree-like silhouette from a surprisingly small container.
The caudex is unmistakable: a pale gray swelling at the base of the stem, with thin brittle branches carrying small, delicately lobed leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers. These plants grow slowly, are expensive when found, and resent overwatering more than almost any other begonia. They are completely unlike anything else in the genus — and for a dedicated collector, that singularity justifies the effort entirely.
Best for: Advanced collectors, bonsai enthusiasts, anyone seeking a begonia that looks nothing like a begonia.
All 18 Varieties at a Glance
| # | Variety | Type | Size | USDA Zones | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nonstop® Series | Tuberous | 10–12" | 9–11 (perennial); 3–8 (annual) | Containers, mass color |
| 2 | ‘Bonfire’ | Tuberous (boliviensis) | 18–20" | 9–11; annual elsewhere | Hanging baskets |
| 3 | Crackling Fire® | Tuberous (boliviensis) | 14–18" | 9–11; annual elsewhere | Baskets, 6 colors |
| 4 | ‘On Top® Sun Glow’ | Tuberous | 10–14" | 9–11; annual elsewhere | East-facing containers |
| 5 | Hardy Begonia (B. grandis) | Tuberous (hardy) | 18"–3 ft | 6a–9b | Shaded perennial borders |
| 6 | Cocktail Series | Wax (semperflorens) | 8–10" | Annual (zones 2–11) | Border edging, window boxes |
| 7 | Dragon Wing Red | Fibrous hybrid | 12–18" | Annual (zones 2–11) | Mid-border, large containers |
| 8 | Big Series | Wax (semperflorens) | 10–12" | Annual (zones 2–11) | East-facing beds, larger flowers |
| 9 | B. maculata ‘Wightii’ | Cane | 18–36" | 10–11 outdoor; indoor anywhere | Statement houseplant |
| 10 | ‘Lucerna’ | Cane | 3–5 ft | 10–11 outdoor; indoor anywhere | Conservatory specimen |
| 11 | ‘Irene Nuss’ | Cane (superba) | 4–6 ft | 10–11 outdoor; indoor anywhere | Dramatic indoor specimen |
| 12 | B. coccinea | Cane (species) | 3–6 ft | 10–11 outdoor; indoor anywhere | Beginner cane entry, parent species |
| 13 | ‘Escargot’ | Rex (rhizomatous) | 12–18" | Indoor/shaded outdoor zone 10–11 | Foliage, bathroom humidity |
| 14 | ‘Plum Paisley’ | Rex (rhizomatous) | 12–18" | Indoor/shaded outdoor zone 10–11 | Warm-toned foliage palette |
| 15 | B. masoniana (Iron Cross) | Rhizomatous (species) | 12–20" | Indoor/shaded outdoor zone 10–11 | Distinctive pattern, forgiving |
| 16 | ‘Tiger Paws’ | Rhizomatous | 8–10" | Indoor/zone 10–11 | Small shelves, terrariums |
| 17 | Rieger (B. × hiemalis) | Tuberous (hiemalis) | 10–14" | Indoor only | Winter color, gifting |
| 18 | B. dregei (Caudex) | Semituberous | 6–18" | Indoor; zone 10–11 | Collectors, bonsai |
How to Choose the Right Begonia for Your Space
Limited outdoor space (containers, balcony): The Nonstop® series (#1) and ‘On Top® Sun Glow’ (#4) are the most reliable tuberous options. For pure cascading effect, ‘Bonfire’ (#2) or Dragon Wing (#7) will outperform any mounding type in a hanging basket.
Shaded perennial border: Hardy Begonia (#5) is the only option that stays in the ground through a zone 6 winter. It also spreads naturally via bulbils, so one plant gradually becomes a colony without replanting.
Houseplant for bright filtered light: B. maculata (#9) is the current favourite for a reason — no other begonia combines silvery spotting, red leaf undersides, and pendant white flowers in one package. ‘Lucerna’ (#10) takes more space but rewards with equally striking flowers at a larger scale.
Bathroom or humid shelf: Any rex type works here. ‘Escargot’ (#13) for dramatic foliage, ‘Tiger Paws’ (#16) where space is limited. Avoid wetting the foliage directly regardless of ambient humidity — powdery mildew is the consistent risk for all rhizomatous types.
Collector looking for something genuinely unusual: The caudex begonias (#18) are unlike anything else in the genus. B. dregei grown as a bonsai is a conversation-stopper, though it demands patience and a light hand with water.
A Note on Begonia Toxicity
All begonias contain soluble calcium oxalates, and all parts of the plant should be kept away from pets. The roots carry the highest concentration of the compound. Ingestion causes vomiting and excessive salivation in dogs and cats, and kidney failure has been documented in grazing animals. Sap contact with skin can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
This applies equally to all 18 types listed here, from wax bedding types to the rarest caudex specimen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between wax and tuberous begonias?
Wax begonias (semperflorens types) are fibrous-rooted and bloom continuously from planting to frost without any dormancy. Tuberous begonias grow from a starchy underground tuber and go dormant outside USDA zones 9–11. The trade is straightforward: tuberous types produce much larger individual flowers — up to 10–12 inches across for exhibition types — at the cost of more demanding seasonal care including lifting, storing, and replanting.
Can begonias survive winter outdoors?
Most cannot in zones below 9. The exception is Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana, which is reliably winter-hardy in the ground in zones 6a–9b. It survives by producing bulbils in its leaf axils each autumn; those bulbils drop, overwinter in the soil, and sprout the following spring without digging or storage. No other begonia in the genus replicates this mechanism.
Which begonia is best for a low-light or artificial-light environment?
‘Tiger Paws’ (#16) is the most tolerant of the rhizomatous types under artificial light and grows well on office desks under fluorescent lighting. For flowering performance, wax begonias under a good grow light will outperform most other types. Rex and cane begonias can survive lower light levels but will not bloom and will gradually lose foliage density without a bright indirect source.
How do I stop begonia tubers from rotting?
Two causes cover most rot cases. First, planting with the convex (rounded) side up instead of the concave (bowl-shaped) side up — the concave side is where bud eyes are located, and reversing the tuber traps moisture in the wrong direction. Second, planting too deep or into cold, wet soil. Plant tubers shallowly with the concave side up after the soil has warmed, and do not water until growth emerges. For propagation techniques across all begonia types, the begonia propagation guide covers tuber division, stem cuttings, and rhizome division in detail.
Sources
- “A Beginner’s Guide to Begonias: Classification and Diversity” — UF/IFAS Extension (EP581)
- “Growth Habits of Begonias: Horticultural Classifications” — American Begonia Society
- “Begonia” — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- “Begonia grandis (Hardy Begonia)” — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- “Begonia – Tuberous Types” — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- “Rex Begonia” — UConn Home Garden Education Center
- “Begonias as Houseplants” — RHS
- “Cane-Like Begonias: Like Bamboo with Flowers” — American Begonia Society
- Nonstop® Series — Proven Winners
