Begonias are beautiful annual flowers, available in hundreds of different sizes, shapes, and colors. These begonia varieties or cultivars can grow well in full sun or part sun.
Here are some appealing varieties of begonia that you can plant in your garden or indoors. The varieties are easy to grow and require less maintenance. Begonias generally grow annually but they are perennial in hardiness zone 10-11.
Caution: Begonias are toxic to pets like cats and dogs when ingested. It can cause vomiting and salivation. Avoid planting these begonias if you have pets or plants where they cannot reach.
‘Charm’ Begonia
Most variegated plants have white making in green leaves, but this begonia has vivid yellow making on bright green leaves. Charm Begonia categories in wax begonias that have fibrous roots. Charm begonia is suited for container gardening. It does grow much taller and spread nicely about 18 to 24 inches. Variegated begonia needs partial sun exposure to maintain its foliage color.
- Scientific Name: Begonia semperflorens
- Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plant
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annual
- Height: 6 to 12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
Solenia ‘Dusty Rose’ Begonia
Dusty rose is a beautiful tuberous begonia hybrid. It has frilly rose-shaped flowers with heart-shaped green foliage. The plant needs more sun as compared to other begonias. The flowers bloom from mid-spring to mid-fall and foliage stays green throughout the year. After the flowering season, you can store tubers to bloom next year. Dig up tubers in fall, dry them for 10 days and store them in cool and dark places for replanting next spring.
- Scientific Name: Begonia × tuberhybrida
- Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plant
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annual
- Height: 6 to 12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full to part sun
‘Richmond’ Begonia
Richmond begonia has brown color leaves that seem to change color in different light conditions. The underside of leaves has a reddish color that makes them appealing and great for a hanging basket. This Begonia variety is a fibrous root type and needs some light to grow properly. It blooms constantly and is rather shrubby than other varieties.
- Scientific Name: Begonia semperflorens
- Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plant
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annual
- Height: 18 to 24 inches
- Sun Exposure: Light shade to part shade
Nonstop ‘Mocca Yellow’ Begonia
As you can guess from the name, this plant bears yellow color flowers. It is a tuber variety that likes to grow in hot regions. Most of the begonia moderate sun, water, and fertilizer to grow properly but these series are heat tolerant.
- Scientific Name: Begonia × tuberhybrida
- Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plant
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annual
- Height: 12 to 16 inches
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to shade
‘Nonstop Rose’ Begonia
This is the other offering from trade make Nonstop rose begonia series include “Rose Petticoat”, “Rose Pink” and “Deep Rose”. This is a delicate plant, needs support to stand in strong wind. Nonstop rose variety is a heavy bloomer, removing dry leaves and flowers encourage new growth.
- Scientific Name: Begonia × tuberhybrida
- Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plant
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annual
- Height: 6 to 12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
Ambassador Series Begonias
Ambassador series begonias grow bigger flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. They are drought and pests tolerant and have thick, fleshy leaves. This fibrous-rooted wax begonia is the gardener’s first choice.
- Scientific Name: Begonia semperflorens
- Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plant
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annual
- Height: 6 to 12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
Cocktail Series Begonias
The cocktail series offers white, light pink, and red flowers. It has dark-colored leaves that can tolerate sun heat. They are planted in partial or full sun.
- Scientific Name: Begonia semperflorens
- Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plant
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annual
- Height: 6 to 12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
‘Doublet White’ Begonia
Double white begonia bloom thumbnail-sized flowers but its white shiny color can outshine the rest of the plant’s bloom throughout spring. This variety does not produce seeds, you have to pinch or deadhead it to encourage growth. Double white bloom prefers partial shade locations that shade them from mid-afternoon shade. Despite white bloom, this plant also offers many different shades including hot pink, soft pink, and red.
- Scientific Name: Begonia semperflorens
- Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plant
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annual
- Height: 6 to 12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
‘Torch Pink’ Begonia
The begonia is also referred to as angle begonias. This falls in the subcategory of fibrous root begonias. Torch Pink begonia is also called cane begonias because they have large stems that look similar to bamboo canes. This variety can tolerate more sunlight than other begonia varieties. Plant this variety in a bright light location to help them grow properly, planting in shade may make them lanky.
- Scientific Name: Begonia aconitifolia × Begonia coccinea
- Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plant
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annual
- Height: Up to 12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Part shade outdoors, bright indirect sunlight indoors
Rex Begonia
Rex begonia is different from other begonia varieties. It is mostly grown as a houseplant rather than a garden plant. The variety had classic foliage rather than bright flowers, consider in best foliage plants. The foliage has appealing textures with outstanding colors. Red begonia grows easily in fewer sunlight locations like a windowsill or beside the door. The small stature of red begonia made them excellent ornamental plants.
- Scientific Name: Begonia rex var.
- Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plant
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; usually grown as an indoor houseplant
- Height: 6 to 12 inches depending upon the variety
- Sun Exposure: bright filtered light indoors, part shade outdoors
Now I’d like to hear from you: which begonia variety from today’s post are you going to try first? Or maybe, I didn’t mention your favorite variety. Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
Before going if you want to grow beautiful flowers in your garden? Then click on these articles also.
Hey! I’m Madhuresh, a passionate content creator, and a Plant lover. I created Shiny Plant to explore and learn about new plants. The purpose is to provide simple and effective Gardening Tips. Hope you’ll find this informative.