The genus begonia encompasses over 1,500 different species. These species are divided into eight different and distinct types, each with varying patterns, colors, root systems, stems, foliage and flower formations. The entire genus shares a few common characteristics, such as the production of male and female flowers on single plants and small, winged fruit.
Thick-Stemmed Begonias
The thick-stemmed variety encompasses all begonias with thick, woody stems that reach eight feet in height or more. New growth begins at the base of the plant, rather than branching out from higher portions of the stem. Thick-stemmed begonia plants also drop their lower leaves, leaving the stem easily visible. This type is less commonly grown, but can be attractive and a nice change from other houseplants.
Trailing Begonias
Trailing begonias, also known as scandent begonias, are climbers, and will scale trees, fences or cliffs with ease. They produce large, glossy leaves and an impressive array of flowers during blooming season. The flowers are either pink or white in color and some newer cultivars are ever blooming, meaning they will produce flowers year round. Trailing begonias are grown for ornamental purposes, and are commonly planted in hanging baskets.
Rex Begonias
Rex begonias are highly prized for their foliage rather than their flowers. They produce many different types of leaves, varying in size, shape, pattern, color and shade. Rex begonia plants do produce flowers, but they are small and unspectacular compared to their bright and diverse foliage. This type is significantly harder to grow than other varieties, as they have very specific temperature and humidity requirements that must be met, or their foliage will fade and suffer.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are hybrids, which are native to South America. They have a wide variety of flower sizes, ranging from ½ inch to 7 inches in diameter. The flowers also come in almost every color imaginable, except for blue. Tuberous begonia plants are primarily grown with an emphasis on producing large, colorful flowers. They grow from tubers, which are modified root systems that store nutrients, and are perennial in most climates without severe winters.
Rhizomatous Begonias
Rhizomatous begonias are commonly grown for their wide range of features, and produce attractive displays of both foliage and flowers. The leaves can grow up to three feet in length, depending on the species. Most varieties only bloom in the spring, but some bloom year round. Rhizomatous begonia plants produce a large amount of flowers every year, though the foliage is considered the main attraction. The plant grows from a rhizome, which produces shoots above ground and roots below.
Shrub Begonias
Shrub begonias are widely varied and include plants that grow up to 12 feet in height. The foliage is green, but can have a felted, glossy or smooth texture. Shrub begonias have multiple stems, and are typically grown for their size, low maintenance and the thickness of their foliage. Shrub begonia plants can produce white, pink and red flowers, and a few species are ever blooming and will produce flowers all year.
Semperfloren Begonias
Semperfloren begonia plants are the most commonly grown begonias around the world, and are commonly referred to as wax begonias, due to the waxy appearance of their leaves. Semperflorens are ever blooming perennials, and produce flowers in red, white and pink. The flowers can also be either single or double, depending on the species. The foliage can be brown, bronze, white or green in color.
Cane Begonias
Cane begonias, also known as angel wing begonias, grow from long stalks similar in appearance to bamboo. Some species have canes that can grow as large as 12 feet in height. Cane begonia plants produce clusters of aromatic flowers, which can come in a wide range of colors. The foliage can be purple, pink, white or green, and have serrated or notched patterns. New hybrids of cane begonias are created each year, resulting in a constantly growing variety of flower and foliage combinations.
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