Begonias are some of the most versatile and eye-catching plants you can add to your home or garden. While wax begonias are the most familiar, there are actually thousands of unique varieties, each with its own charm.
With their vivid blooms, striking foliage, and adaptability, begonias can thrive in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds, making them a favorite for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers.
Beyond their beauty, begonias carry rich symbolism. They’re often associated with love, compassion, and open-mindedness, bringing not only color but also positive energy into your living space.
If you’re ready to explore beyond the common types, here are 16 gorgeous begonia varieties you can grow to elevate your indoor or outdoor garden.
#1 Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous Begonias are famous for their large, neon-colored blooms that appear from mid-summer until frost. They thrive in partial shade and prefer well-drained soil.
Plant tubers in spring and keep the soil evenly moist for lush flowers. These begonias also do well in containers, making them a bold choice for patios and shaded porches.
#2 Double Begonias
Double Begonias are admired for their rose-like flowers that come in shades of pink, orange, red, and white. Their compact growth habit makes them perfect for containers or window boxes.
Provide them with bright, indirect light and consistent watering to keep their blooms abundant. Deadheading spent flowers will extend their display throughout the season.
#3 Hardy Begonias
Hardy Begonias are resilient varieties that tolerate cooler temperatures better than most begonias. Their pink or white blossoms brighten shady gardens late in the season.
Plant them in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Mulching around their roots helps protect them in colder zones, making them reliable perennials.
#4 Hanging Begonias
Hanging Begonias are prolific bloomers, producing cascading flowers in vivid shades that spill over baskets. They thrive in partial shade with regular watering.
Their drooping habit makes them excellent for balconies or patios where their vibrant colors can be admired at eye level. Fertilize lightly every two weeks to keep them flowering nonstop.
#5 Flowering Begonias
Flowering Begonias shine with their ornamental blooms but need more attentive care than some varieties. They prefer cooler temperatures and bright, indirect light.
Water them regularly, but avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot. While their lifespan may be shorter, their colorful display makes them worthwhile for indoor décor.
#6 Non-stop Begonias
Non-stop Begonias live up to their name, blooming continuously from summer into fall. Their small, two-toned flowers come in vibrant hues of yellow, pink, orange, and white.
These plants thrive in partial shade and enjoy consistent moisture. Plant them in hanging baskets or borders where their steady blooms can create a cheerful display.
#7 Multiflora Begonias
Multiflora Begonias produce clusters of small, delicate flowers that cascade beautifully from a single stalk. They come in bright shades of yellow, salmon, scarlet, and apricot.
For best growth, keep them in light shade with moist but well-drained soil. Their airy clusters are perfect for softening garden edges or brightening porch containers.
#8 Fimbriata Begonias
Fimbriata Begonias are known for their fringed petals and fleshy stems. Their blooms come in pastel colors such as peach, pink, and white.
Provide them with humus-rich soil and partial shade. These begonias add a romantic, textured look to shaded beds or mixed containers.
#9 Rex Begonias
Rex Begonias are grown mainly for their spectacular foliage rather than flowers. Their leaves display bold patterns in silver, green, purple, and burgundy.
Keep them in bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil. As houseplants, they bring dramatic flair to tabletops and shelves. Pinch back leggy growth to maintain a compact shape.
#10 Interspecific Begonias
Interspecific Begonias combine traits of different species, producing large, vibrant flowers over long blooming seasons. They’re highly adaptable and can grow in both garden beds and containers.
Give them at least 4–6 hours of filtered sunlight and fertilize monthly for consistent flowering. Their vigor makes them favorites for landscaping.
#11 Double Picotee Begonias
Double Picotee Begonias are prized for their two-toned rose-like blooms, often with contrasting petal edges. They thrive in cool, shaded spots with regular watering.
Plant them in containers or shaded borders where their striking color contrasts can stand out. Removing faded flowers helps them continue blooming beautifully.
#12 Bolivian Begonias
Bolivian Begonias are naturally trailing plants with clusters of small, pendulous flowers. Native to mountain slopes, they adapt well to hanging baskets.
Provide them with bright, indirect light and consistent watering. Hybrids now offer pink and yellow blooms in addition to their classic red and orange.
#13 Wax Begonias
Wax Begonias are some of the most popular and low-maintenance varieties. They feature glossy leaves and clusters of small, colorful flowers.
They thrive in both sun and shade, making them incredibly versatile. Plant them in borders, beds, or containers, and water moderately to avoid root rot. Their long blooming period makes them reliable garden staples.
#14 Angel Wing Begonias
Angel Wing Begonias are named for their distinctive spotted, wing-shaped leaves. They also produce clusters of pink or red flowers.
They grow well in containers with bright, indirect light. Regular pruning keeps their tall stems manageable. These begonias bring both decorative foliage and floral appeal indoors.
#15 Dragon Wings Begonia
Dragon Wings Begonias are vigorous bloomers with glossy green foliage and delicate red, pink, or white flowers. They bloom continuously from spring to fall, thriving in both containers and garden beds.
Plant them in partial sun and water evenly to encourage lush growth. Their resilience and beauty make them perfect for beginner gardeners.
#16 Rhizomatous Begonias
Rhizomatous Begonias spread through thick, creeping rhizomes that grow along the soil surface. Their foliage is diverse, with unique patterns and textures.
They prefer shaded spots and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Grow them in wide, shallow containers to allow their rhizomes to spread. These begonias are valued as much for their foliage as their occasional blooms.