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Genus Begonia (Begonia)

Begonia Begonia grandis ssp. evansiana Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner
bah-GO-nyah Common Name: Begonia
The genus Begonia encompasses a fantastically varied collection of humidity-loving plants grown for their wide range of flowers and foliage, and adaptability to different garden culture.  They are represented by various groups: Semperflorens, Rex-cultorum, Rhizomatous, Tuberous (Multiflora and Pendula), Cane-stemmed, Winter-flowering, and Shrub-like.
 Noteworthy characteristics: This incredibly diverse genus of tropical and subtropical plants is adored for both its flowers and foliage alike. The flowers produced range from single and delicate, pendulous blossoms, to full clusters of antique-like rose or camellia blossoms. The foliage (more significant in some species than the flowers) differs in shape, texture, edging, and color; some leaves form spirals that resemble shells, others have distinct, painted markings, while others are iridescent to the eye, or velvety to the touch. Their beauty is matched by their broad utility in bedding, container, greenhouse, and terrarium culture.
 Care: Most prefer fertile, well drained soil (reduced watering in winter if grown under glass), and partial shade or bright light without direct sun.
 Propagation: Sow seed of species when fresh and bulbils in damp peat in spring. Take stem cuttings in spring or summer, rhizome cuttings in summer, and basal cuttings of tuberous types in spring and winter-flowering types in early summer. Divide in spring.
 Problems: Mealybugs, mites, thrips, whiteflies, powdery mildew, stem rot, rhizome rot, nematodes.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Begonia

Begonia 'Cowardly Lion' Begonia 'Cowardly Lion'
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Unlike many other shade garden plants with their cool blue colors, 'Cowardly Lion' rex begonia offers rich warm tones. Chocolate-colored leaf veins veil the golden leaves, which become darker with age and make a fine counterpoint to yellow-based foliage plants.
Begonia 'Escargot' Begonia 'Escargot'
 (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

'Escargot' takes its name from the snail-like curl pattern at the base of the leaf. The foliage is striking enough to stand on its own but it's a good mixer, too. Use it with other foliage plants and brightly colored blooms. This is an extremely popular Rex hybrid begonia.
Begonia 'Fireworks' Begonia 'Fireworks'
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Like other Rex begonias, 'Fireworks' is noteworthy for the coloration of its foliage. Its silvery leaves are edged in purple and have a black burst of fireworks in the center. Use it in a container or shady garden, or grow it as a houseplant.
Begonia 'Green Gold' Begonia 'Green Gold'
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The leaves of 'Green Gold' are predominantly silver with deep green veining. New leaves are edged in burgundy. The silver color brightens up shady areas.  'Green Gold' grows vigorously and harmonizes well with other shade plants.
Begonia 'Marmaduke' Begonia 'Marmaduke'
 (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

'Marmaduke' Rex begonia sports chocolate-colored speckles across golden leaves. The earth tones of 'Marmaduke' go well with solid-colored foliage plants and yellow or rusty-hued blooms.
Begonia 'River Nile' Begonia 'River Nile'
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Unlike other Rex begonias, 'River Nile' isn't flashy. Its charm comes from the leaves, which are green and ruffled, with a deep bronze edging.
Begonia 'Stained Glass' Begonia 'Stained Glass'
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

'Stained Glass' is simply stunning. Ruby red leaves are rimmed in pewter with dark veining at the center and a rosy underside. This Rex begonia goes well with pink plants or flowers.
Begonia grandis ssp. evansiana Begonia grandis ssp. evansiana
(Hardy begonia) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This tuberous begonia bears green heart-shaped foliage with red veining and claret-stained undersides that steal the show when backlit. Pendent clusters of slightly fragrant, satiny pink or white blossoms open from midsummer until frost. It makes a good perennial companion for ferns and hostas.