Begonia Varieties: 49 Different Types of Begonia You’ll Love

Begonias are a huge group of plants that include houseplants and garden flowers. While I appreciate the strange and wonderful foliage of begonias grown by houseplant enthusiasts and collectors, I love begonias in the garden, especially for shade.

Begonias are also surprisingly easy and low-maintenance to grow. Their flowers and intricate foliage look so dramatic, you would assume they are diva nightmares to tend. But it’s quite the opposite—they require hardly any deadheading, and they don’t even mind small periods of drought.

Begonias are so versatile. There are varieties for garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, and even ones that are hardy perennials. Here is a list of our favorite varieties of begonias for your garden. You’re bound to find one you love and that will suit your garden’s needs.

Varieties

Begonias are split into four major categories: fibrous or wax, tuberous, rhizomatous, and cane. Within those major groupings, I’ve broken them down further into six sub-groups.

For example, there are tuberous begonia varieties that are hanging which, as you will see, are different than the regular tuberous varieties. There is also a type of begonia that is a hybrid of fibrous and tuberous begonias, known as Rieger begonias. Full disclosure, I am not a scientist or botanist! However, I am a gardener, and my separations of different groups are due to their different garden applications.

Within each type, there are many begonia varieties. Let’s take a look at some of my absolute favorites!

Fibrous/Wax

Fibrous begonias, more commonly known as wax begonias, are the classic begonia varieties. These low-growing annuals feature small flowers and thick, waxy leaves. Although they’ve fallen out of favor over the years and are sometimes seen as old-fashioned, they deserve a second look.

There’s a reason wax begonias continue to appear in gardens year after year. They create a striking display when planted in large masses or used to border garden beds and make excellent filler plants in containers.

Another advantage is their toughness. Wax begonia varieties tolerate more sun than many other types of begonias and don’t mind drying out a bit between waterings. Their resilience makes them an easy, low-maintenance choice for a variety of garden conditions. It’s no wonder they were so loved by previous generations.

It’s time to bring these charming flowers back into modern gardens. Recent introductions have given this classic plant a fresh, updated look. When shopping, look for members of the Begonia semperflorens Cultorum group to find wax begonia varieties.

Olympia Red

	height 8″ tall, 6″ wide

Olympia red begonias produce masses of small, vibrant red blossoms with sunny yellow centers that sit above glossy, oval-shaped green leaves. These hardy begonia varieties can handle full sun, provided they receive enough water to stay hydrated. You’ll often find them available at garden centers in six-packs, ready to brighten up your garden.

They look especially striking when planted in borders or grouped in large masses within garden beds. With long-lasting blooms that require little to no deadheading, Olympia red begonias are an easy, low-maintenance choice for season-long color.

Cocktail™ Rum

	height 10″ tall, 12″ wide

The entire Cocktail™ series of wax begonias has dark reddish maroon leaves and can handle more sun than the green varieties. I love the contrast of the deep leaves against the soft white flowers with yellow centers and a light, blushing pink margin.

Cocktail™ Rum would look beautiful planted in a mass next to or behind light pink flowers such as rocket orchid snapdragons. It also pairs well with a bright chartreuse plant like a wasabi coleus. Or try it in a pot with a mix of pink flowers and chartreuse foliage. It’s a great little flower to experiment with and create eye-catching combinations.

Bada Boom Pink

	height 8″ tall, 12″ wide

Bada Boom Pink begonias have deep green leaves, slightly lighter than those of the Cocktail™ series, and produce an abundance of bright pink blossoms. This variety tolerates short periods of drought and can handle more sun than many of the tuberous begonia varieties.

They’re low maintenance and bloom for a long time without needing much deadheading. Perfect for mass planting in garden beds, creating neat formal borders, or adding vibrant color to containers.

Double Up™ White

	height 18″ tall, 12″ wide

Double Up™ White features large, fluffy double blooms that sit above dark bronze, waxy leaves. This variety forms a neat, rounded mound that fills small containers beautifully, but it also works well in borders or mass plantings. The blooms last all season without needing deadheading, making it a wonderfully low-maintenance choice.

The bright white flowers against the deep bronze foliage create a striking contrast that really stands out. Double Up™ White also makes a great filler plant in a mixed container, especially when paired with rex begonia varieties like Jurassic Silver Swirl (read more about these begonia varieties below).

Olympia Pink

	height 8″ tall, 6″ wide

Olympia pink is a charming, low-growing wax begonia with soft pink flowers and bright yellow eyes that blanket its succulent green leaves. Plant them to form a delicate pink border in a garden bed, or mix them with other Olympia series varieties (often sold as blends) for a vibrant, colorful annual display.

They also make lovely low-growing fillers in containers. To create real impact in your garden, you’ll need to plant quite a few, but they’re easy to grow from seed and well worth the effort.

Victory Rose

	height 8″ tall, 6″ wide

These sweet little begonia varieties have delicate flowers that are white inside, with blush to pink margins and a yellow eye. They make a pretty bedding plant and look lovely when planted in masses.

Try pairing them with white flowers to make their blushing tones stand out even more. Like all wax begonias, they’re low maintenance and require little deadheading.

Whopper® Rose with Bronze Leaf

	height 30″ tall, 22″ wide

Wax begonia varieties aren’t just low-growing border annuals. The Whopper® Rose series produces tall yet dense plants that can reach up to two feet in height at maturity. The Whopper® Rose with bronze leaf variety is especially striking, with masses of light pink flowers set against dark bronze foliage.

Plant this variety in large groups along a garden border, or let it fill an entire container for a bold display. Its bronze leaves pair beautifully with silver foliage plants such as dusty miller or licorice plant, creating an elegant and eye-catching contrast.

Fiona™ Red

	height 12″ tall, 10″ wide

Fiona™ Red features delicate, blushing semi-double flowers that sit above large, fleshy, round wax begonia leaves. The fluffy blossoms are especially eye-catching. Most wax begonia varieties have single flowers, but this variety produces large, full clusters instead.

Despite the showy blooms, Fiona™ Red still retains the classic big, round, lily pad-like leaves typical of wax begonias. It’s an excellent choice for containers or as a border plant in annual beds.

Ambassador White

	height 8″ tall, 12″ wide

This classic wax begonia variety features small, single white flowers with yellow eyes that sit above its compact, fleshy leaves. It may seem a bit old-fashioned, but it truly holds its place in the garden.

Use it to brighten up garden paths and borders, or as a filler in containers. These begonias are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and thrive in partial sunlight, though they can also handle shadier spots.

Tuberous

Most of the begonia varieties on this list are tuberous varieties, the ones that made me fall in love with begonias in the first place. They’re absolutely spectacular.

I like to use them in pots, but they also shine in shady garden beds, where their large, bold blooms add vibrant pops of color. With so many flower shapes and shades available, there’s truly a tuberous begonia for every garden.

Tuberous begonia varieties prefer part shade or full shade and can get scorched in direct sunlight. When shopping, look for Begonia × tuberhybrida to find these stunning types.

Nonstop® Red

	height 12″ tall, 14″ wide

I’m starting the tuberous list with one of my absolute favorites. I’m convinced the scarlet begonias The Grateful Dead sang about were Nonstop® Red begonias. Their large, rose-like scarlet blooms would have looked perfect tucked into her curls. These plants produce big, irregular flowers—some are fluffy doubles, while others are single blooms with intricate yellow stamens.

The blossoms are bold and showy, like red roses thriving in the shade. I love planting a few among low-growing shade plants such as hostas for bright pops of red color. You don’t need many to make an impact since the flowers are so large and dramatic. They also look stunning in shady containers paired with a white filler like bacopa and a majesty palm in the center for a refined, elegant arrangement.

On Top® Fandango

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

I love the name of this begonia! On Top® Fandango is a stunning bicolor variety with white petals edged in soft pink. The large, fluffy, rose-like blooms have an elegant look that makes them perfect for pots and shaded containers.

Pair the blossoms with other white or light pink flowers for a delicate, coordinated display. I like combining them with purple lobelia and a bit of wizard mix coleus. It gives the whole arrangement a vibrant, tropical punch effect.

Nonstop® Orange

	height 12″ tall, 14″ wide

I love the Nonstop® series, so you’ll see several more on this list. These begonia varieties feature large, showy blooms, with some fluffy doubles appearing on the same stems as single flowers. Nonstop® Orange is a standout variety, producing vibrant orange blossoms. I’ve always thought orange is one of the most underrated flower colors in the garden.

In my client notes, the most common request is “no orange flowers.” I understand that it’s not for everyone, as the color can be intense and bright. But on the other hand, it’s bold and unexpected, especially in shady spaces.

Pair these striking orange flowers with lobelia for a vivid contrast, or scatter them through the shade garden for bursts of warm color. Few shade plants bloom in such a vibrant orange, which makes them both surprising and beautiful.

Solenia® Salmon Coral

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

Solenia® Salmon Coral is a beautiful orangey-pink flower that forms a neat mound covered in fluffy blossoms. Pair it with lobelia and senecio ivy for a lovely container display, or use it to add pops of color throughout a shade garden.

Solenia® begonia varieties can tolerate more sun than many other tuberous varieties, so feel free to experiment with them in brighter areas of your garden. Just keep an eye on the leaves. If they start to look crispy, they’re getting too much sun. And remember, more sun also means more frequent watering.

Nonstop® Fire

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

Nonstop® Fire is another one of my all-time favorites. It produces large blooms, sometimes single and sometimes double, that can easily rival a rose’s iconic flower. Each blossom has a creamy yellow center that deepens into reddish pink along the margins.

What I love most about this variety is the variation in color. Some blooms are more yellow, while others have deeper reddish-pink edges. It feels like you’re getting several different flowers in one plant, yet they all blend together beautifully.

These begonia varieties look stunning in pots on their own or paired with subtle companions like green ivy or white bacopa. They also make an incredible display when planted in masses in an annual bed. The mix of shades looks artfully planned, even though nature did all the work.

Nonstop® White

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

Nonstop® White begonias are pure elegance. With large single and double white blooms held upright on sturdy stems, they’re perfect for both garden beds and container arrangements. I especially love them in a simple green and white garden.

Try pairing them with hostas that have white edges or centers, such as Patriot or Fire and Ice, along with perennial white flowers like snowdrop anemone or sweet woodruff. Then add the striking blooms of a Nonstop® White begonia to tie it all together.

The result is a bright, magical shade garden. These begonia varieties also look beautiful in pots with foliage-focused plants such as coleus, caladium, or various types of rex begonias. They add a neutral floral touch that balances the arrangement without making it feel too colorful or busy.

Nonstop® Deep Rose

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

Calling all pink lovers: this is the begonia for you. Nonstop® Deep Rose is a bold, hot pink variety, not a soft baby pink. It makes a true statement in the shade. I love pairing it with coleus varieties that echo the same pink tones in their foliage, such as Wizard Rose, Chocolate-Covered Cherry, or French Quarter.

You can also combine hot pink Nonstop® Deep Rose begonia varieties with Nonstop® White for a lovely contrast, or pair them with purple or blue lobelia for extra vibrancy. Few flowers for shady spots come in such a vivid pink, so it feels fresh and unexpected when added in pops throughout a shaded bed or in a container display.

Prima Donna® Sunburst

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

This dinner plate begonia features large blooms with ruffled edges, yellow centers, and vibrant red margins that seem to burst outward in color. The flowers are bold and eye-catching, whether planted in containers or directly in the garden bed.

For an even more striking display, pair them with Nonstop® Red begonias to accentuate those vivid red edges and create a stunning, cohesive look.

Solenia® Dusty Rose

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

Solenia® Dusty Rose is a beautiful soft pink begonia, with lighter inner petals that deepen to a darker shade around the margins. The ruffled, uniform blooms sit upright on the plant, forming a tidy mound that’s perfect for small pots or as part of a mixed shade container.

Its carnation-like flowers add a touch of romantic charm to any shady garden. Since the Solenia® series can tolerate more sun than many other begonia varieties, this variety offers great versatility for both sunny and shaded spots.

Nonstop® Yellow

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

Nonstop® Yellow begonias produce clear, vibrant yellow blooms that instantly brighten shady areas. The large, often double flowers spill gracefully over the plant’s neat green foliage, creating a cheerful display of color.

Use them as bright accents in a dark shade garden to add warmth and contrast. They pair beautifully with hostas that have chartreuse variegation, such as Guacamole, or you can plant them in a container with a palm and some ivy for a simple, sunny, and uplifting arrangement.

On Top® Sunset Shades

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

I order a lot of begonias every season for my clients’ gardens, and I usually have rows upon rows of flats waiting to be planted. Whenever someone visits my workspace, the On Top® Sunset Shades begonias are always the first to catch their eye.

These begonia varieties have large blooms (some double, some single) that are full, heavy, and completely cover the plant. What makes them special is the variety of color within a single batch. Some blossoms are pale yellow that blush to pink, others have deep red margins, some are orange with hints of yellow, and others are a pure golden yellow.

They truly look like a floral sunset. I love using them in mixed containers because every flower offers a different shade, yet they all blend beautifully together. There’s no need to worry about coordinating colors. These are quite similar to Nonstop® Fire begonias and can easily be used interchangeably.

Pin Up Flame

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

Pin Up Flame is a striking and distinctive variety. While many of the showy tuberous begonias produce large, fluffy double blooms, Pin Up Flame stands out with its abundance of single, pansy-like flowers packed tightly onto each plant.

The most eye-catching feature is its fiery coloration. The blossoms have yellow centers with red-blushed margins, but no two are exactly alike. Some have just a thin red edge, others are half red, and a few are entirely yellow, all appearing together on the same plant.

When planted in masses, Pin Up Flame creates a dazzling display of red and yellow blooms that blend together in a warm, glowing blur of color.

Picotee White-Pink

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

This romantic begonia variety features double ruffled blooms that are pure white with a deep pink margin. The large, rose-like flowers look beautiful in both containers and garden beds.

The soft white petals edged with pink make this variety truly special. Pair it with white and pink caladiums or matching coleus varieties for a perfectly coordinated and elegant display.

Cascade Florence

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

This begonia is a semi-trailing tuberous type, with large, heavy blooms that are white in the center and blush to a soft pink at the edges. The fluffy double flowers face slightly downward, giving them a graceful, cascading appearance. They’re perfect for hanging baskets or containers, where their elegant blooms can be fully appreciated.

Rieger Begonias

Rieger begonias are a cross between wax begonias and tuberous begonias, combining the best qualities of both. They have the fleshy leaves of wax begonias and the large, rosette-shaped blooms typical of tuberous begonia varieties. These begonias can be planted directly in the garden, and their upright flowers stay clean above the soil while still being large enough to stand out from a distance.

They’re also an excellent choice for annual containers, with bright, long-lasting flowers that need very little deadheading. Originally bred as winter-blooming plants, similar to poinsettias, they once required shorter, cooler nights to flower. Modern varieties, however, bloom all summer long. I love using Rieger begonias in the garden for their combination of color and structure. When shopping, look for Begonia × hiemalis.

Amstel Clara

	height 16″ tall, 12″ wide

Amstel begonia varieties combine the upright, rosette-shaped blooms and glossy green foliage of wax begonias with the size and form of tuberous types. I like planting them directly in garden beds, and Amstel Clara is one of my favorites.

Unlike the large, trailing white tuberous begonias that can end up splattered with soil and water, leaving their petals looking translucent and soggy, Amstel Clara maintains its beauty. Its upright flowers hold their shape and structure, even when exposed to irrigation. They also require very little deadheading. I simply remove the few flowers that turn brown, and it’s hardly any work at all.

For a striking combination, plant Amstel Clara alongside hostas with white margins, such as Hosta Patriot, to create a clean, bright garden display.

Elatior Valentino Pink

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

This variety of Rieger begonia is truly unique. Elatior Valentino Pink has a peony-like quality, with soft pink, double blooms that feature creamy yellow centers. The full, fluffy flowers resemble the elegance of garden peonies but thrive in shaded spaces.

Plant them in containers or directly in the garden to bring that same lush, romantic peony look into a shady setting.

Amstel Batik

	height 16″ tall, 12″ wide

Amstel Batik begonias have the classic rosette-shaped blooms and fleshy leaves typical of Rieger begonias, but what makes them stand out is their unexpected color: a bright, tropical coral orange. They look especially beautiful in shady pots, where their warm tones add a lively touch.

For an eye-catching container, place a majesty palm in the center, surround it with Amstel Batik begonias, and finish with trailing purple lobelia cascading over the edges. This variety also looks stunning planted directly in a shade garden. The coral orange flowers pair beautifully with purple blooms like monkshood or the lavender tones of hostas, creating a striking and unusual color combination.

Amstel Veronica

	height 16″ tall, 12″ wide

Amstel Veronica is an upright-blooming Rieger begonia variety that produces clusters of small, rosette-shaped flowers in a soft reddish-orange hue. It’s perfect for adding pops of color throughout a shady bed or as a filler plant in containers.

These begonia varieties need very little deadheading and continue blooming all season long. For the best effect, plant them in small groupings of three or five to create a vibrant mass of upright red blossoms.

Amstel Blitz

	height 16″ tall, 12″ wide

You’ve probably noticed quite a few begonias from the Amstel series on my list. I love their upright rosettes of blooms set against fleshy green leaves. They’re low maintenance, reliable, and bring lasting color to the garden all season long.

I couldn’t pick just one favorite since I use them all, but Blitz stands out as the bright yellow variety. It adds a cheerful, sunny pop of color to shade gardens and shady containers alike.

Elatior Borias

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

This Rieger begonia looks just like a bouquet of dusty pink roses. It’s an upright-blooming variety covered in soft salmon-pink rosettes that give it a timeless, romantic charm. I love this color—it feels vintage and elegant.

It pairs beautifully with dusty green, variegated creeping Charlie in a container or surrounded by white alyssum in a garden bed. It’s the perfect choice for creating a romantic garden filled with soft colors and abundant blooms.

Hanging Begonia

Hanging begonia varieties are generally classified scientifically as tuberous begonias, but for gardeners, appearance and use often matter more than botanical distinctions. That’s why I like to give hanging begonias their own category. Their flowers hang gracefully downward from the stems, creating a beautiful cascading effect.

These begonias are ideal for hanging baskets or as filler and spiller plants that trail elegantly from containers. They’re less suited to garden borders, as their blooms tend to touch the soil—wax begonias are a better choice for that. Hanging begonias come in a wide range of colors and flower shapes. When shopping, look for Begonia boliviensis to find these trailing varieties.

Angelique

	height 18″ tall, 18″ wide

Angelique begonias are a breathtaking hanging variety with large clusters of double white blooms accented by soft blush-pink stems and petals. Some of the big, fluffy blossoms sit atop the plant, while others cascade gracefully, resembling dancers in flowing dresses.

They’re perfect for hanging baskets or containers. The soft white and pink tones make them easy to pair with other plants, such as Wizard Rose coleus or pink and white caladiums. But Angelique begonias are so striking on their own that they can easily be the star of any display.

Dragon Wing® Red

	height 18″ tall, 18″ wide

The small, dangling flowers of the Dragon Wing® begonia make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets and containers. In a basket, this variety forms a lush mound of glossy green leaves that drip with vibrant red blooms.

Technically, it’s a hanging form of a fibrous begonia, which means it can tolerate more sun than the tuberous types. You’ll often see large, overflowing baskets of Dragon Wing® begonias hanging from lamp posts along city pathways.

Summerwings® Dark Elegance

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

Summerwings® Dark Elegance is a stunning hanging begonia with bright red flowers that cascade down against rich, dark foliage. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or for filling out a large container.

One year, I planted this begonia with a ‘Brocade Fire’ geranium and a palm in the center, and the combination was fabulous. The chartreuse leaves and red centers of the geranium paired beautifully with the deep foliage of the begonia, which trailed over the edges, covered in hot red blooms.

Santa Cruz® Sunset

	height 16″ tall, 16″ wide

Santa Cruz® Sunset is a striking hanging begonia with long, pointed leaves and masses of bright orangey-red flowers that spill dramatically over the edges of containers. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or as a vibrant spiller in mixed pots.

The fiery blooms stand out beautifully against chartreuse plants such as golden lysimachia or electric lime coleus, creating a bold, tropical contrast that instantly draws attention.

Belleconia™ Soft Orange

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

This beautiful begonia features fluffy, soft orange flowers that hang down like ballerinas in tutus. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or pots where the blooms can gently trail over the sides. The large, downward-facing flowers have a creamy orange hue that feels unexpected and fresh in a shade garden. Pair it with lobelia or bacopa for a softly colored hanging basket that looks graceful and elegant.

Funky® Red

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

This hanging begonia variety is delightfully funky, with beautiful red blooms that dangle gracefully like a typical trailing type, but with a twist. The flowers are spiky, double blooms that resemble bright red starbursts.

It looks fantastic on its own in a hanging basket, as a striking spiller in a mixed pot, or even as a standalone container plant. Its unusual shape and texture make it a real conversation piece in any garden display.

Bossa Nova Rose

	height 16″ tall, 18″ wide

Bossa Nova Rose is another lovely hanging begonia variety, featuring narrow leaves and masses of small, bright pink blossoms that hang gracefully from arching stems. In a hanging basket, it forms a full, cascading ball of blooms that looks absolutely stunning.

It also works beautifully in a pot as a spilling plant, especially when paired with upright begonias for contrast. I love these trailing varieties because they remind me of fuchsias, but they’re far less finicky and much more reliable in the garden.

Sun Dancer™ Apricot

	height 12″ tall, 16″ wide

The Sun Dancer™ series offers the best of both worlds, combining the large, ruffled double blooms of tuberous begonias with the graceful, trailing habit of hanging varieties. The apricot variety, with its soft blushing peach color, is especially beautiful. It looks stunning on its own in a hanging basket or paired with dark purple lobelia for a striking contrast.

Waterfall Encanto Red

	height 12″ tall, 24″ wide

I’ll probably be planting more of these this year now that their name brings to mind the Disney hit, but that’s no problem because they’re such a lovely hanging variety. Waterfall Encanto Red features dark, slender, pointed foliage with just a hint of red along the jagged tips.

The flowers are bright red and tulip-shaped, hanging gracefully from red stems. Their vase-like form is perfect for attracting hummingbirds. Use this variety in hanging baskets or let it spill beautifully from containers. It looks especially striking paired with chartreuse foliage plants like golden lysimachia, which make the red blooms pop even more.

Belleconia™ Rose

	height 12″ tall, 12″ spread

Large plumes of bold pink flowers that hang gracefully on thin stems make Belleconia™ Rose a true show-stopper. This variety grows large and trails beautifully, making it perfect for hanging baskets.

Hang a few baskets of Belleconia™ Rose along a porch for a striking, colorful display. They pair beautifully with Nonstop® Deep Rose begonias to create a vibrant, uniform hot pink shade garden that feels lush and full of energy.

Rhizomatous

The most common rhizomatous begonia varieties are rex begonias. Although they’re often thought of as houseplants, they actually make excellent additions to shaded garden beds. Nearly all of the varieties I’ll be listing are rex begonias, as most other rhizomatous types are better suited to indoor growing.

When you’re shopping for rex begonias, check inside the greenhouse area of your garden center, where houseplants are usually displayed. Keep them in full shade outdoors, since direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to fade or crisp.

It’s also best to plant them in a sheltered spot protected from strong wind, which can tear their delicate leaves. When selecting varieties, look for Begonia rex-cultorum for true rex begonias.

T Rex® Painter’s Palette

	height 12″ tall, 16″ wide

I love this begonia. It always shows up at the garden center in spring, and every year I can’t resist bringing one or two home, only to watch them slowly decline in my dry house. One year, I decided to move it outside instead, and it absolutely thrived.

The large leaves stayed beautiful all summer. Each one is like a piece of art, with a dark pink center that fades to light pink and then to frosty white, accented by flashes of green radiating outward.

You’ll get plenty of compliments on this begonia in a shady pot. I like pairing it with simple green senecio ivy and a Nonstop® Deep Rose begonia behind it for an easy, elegant container combination.

Escargot

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

This is one of my all-time favorite begonias. Its perfect spiral pattern, resembling a snail shell, makes a striking focal point in any container design. The large, dark green leaves feature a beautiful frosted white swirl that draws the eye instantly.

Try pairing it with hanging begonia varieties like Santa Cruz® Sunset for a stunning mix of flowers and foliage. Escargot also makes a fun and unusual border along a shady garden path—just be sure to plant it in a sheltered, fully shaded spot to keep the leaves looking their best.

China Curl

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

China Curl begonias are truly a work of art. They share the same striking swirl pattern as Escargot, but with a sharper, more pointed leaf shape. The dark, almost black margins fade beautifully into a frosty silver center, creating dramatic contrast.

Plant China Curl in a shady container, either on its own or mixed with a few complementary annuals. Just be sure to keep it front and center so its intricate foliage can be fully admired.

Ring of Fire

	height 12″ tall, 12″ wide

Ring of Fire has large, jagged leaves with a bright pink center that fades into a frosted silver inner section threaded with dark green veins. Around the edges, a vivid magenta pink “ring of fire” gives this begonia its name and makes it truly stand out.

It looks fantastic in containers alongside other bright pink foliage plants, such as caladiums or pink coleus, for a bold, coordinated display that instantly catches the eye.

T Rex™ Ruby Slippers

	height 16″ tall, 16″ wide

Ruby Slippers has large, jagged leaves with a dark, almost black center that bursts outward into a rich ruby pink. It’s a striking begonia that adds instant drama and depth to any container. Try pairing it with other begonias in the T Rex series, such as Painter’s Palette, for a colorful mix of textures and tones.

It also pairs beautifully with white varieties like Nonstop® White tuberous begonias, which highlight its vivid pink hues. The leaves are big and bold, so plant Ruby Slippers near the front of a display where its stunning foliage can be fully appreciated.

Jurassic™ Silver Swirl

	height 18″ tall, 18″ wide

Jurassic™ Silver Swirl looks like a plant straight out of the age of dinosaurs. It has the classic heart-shaped begonia leaf, but with a more jagged, irregular edge that gives it a dramatic look. The dark, almost black leaves are highlighted by a frosted green swirl through the center, creating a striking contrast.

The foliage has a colocasia-like quality, with leaves that hang gracefully from the petiole and seem to float in place. Plant Jurassic™ Silver Swirl in a sheltered spot to protect its delicate leaves, or use it in a mixed container alongside other foliage plants and a few flowers for a bold, prehistoric-inspired display.

Masoniana

	height 18″ tall, 18″ wide

This rhizomatous begonia has thick, spongy leaves and is the one on the list that isn’t a rex begonia. Commonly known as the iron cross begonia, it gets its name from the bold, dark cross-shaped marking that runs through the center of its green leaves.

The unique foliage makes it a standout plant, beautiful enough to display on its own in a hanging basket or container. I love the look of green foliage houseplants brought outdoors and arranged on a sheltered porch. Combine pots of Boston ferns, spider plants, and rhizomatous begonias to create a lush, jungle-like outdoor oasis.

Hardy

I have to admit, I don’t have much hands-on experience with hardy begonias since they don’t grow in my zone, but I couldn’t resist including a few beautiful varieties.

Many gardeners are shifting toward perennial-focused gardens to reduce the annual cost of bedding plants, and it’s wonderful that begonias can now be part of that approach. These hardy types are perennial in zones six to eight.

While they don’t produce the large, showy blooms of tuberous begonias or the masses of flowers seen on wax begonias, they make up for it with their lovely heart-shaped foliage and long sprays of delicate blooms reminiscent of the hanging varieties. If I could grow them, I certainly would, as they’d be right at home in my shade garden. Look for Begonia grandis when shopping for hardy begonias.

Heron’s Pirouette

	height 18″ tall, 24″ wide

Heron’s Pirouette is a popular hardy begonia variety known for its beautiful heart-shaped leaves that appear in spring and last through early summer. As late summer arrives, it bursts into sprays of soft pink flowers with yellow centers that hang gracefully from dark pink stems.

The blooms are long-lasting and make a lovely addition to any shade garden, especially when planted beside hostas. Since late summer and early fall can be challenging times to find perennials in bloom for shaded areas, adding Heron’s Pirouette is a perfect way to fill that seasonal gap with delicate color and texture.

Grandis Alba

	height 18″ tall, 24″ wide

This hardy begonia variety features green, heart-shaped leaves with striking reddish undersides. In late summer, it produces delicate sprays of white flowers with yellow centers that hang gracefully from soft pink stems. The combination of its two-toned foliage and bright white blooms makes it a standout choice for adding light and contrast to shade gardens.

Red Undies

	height 24″ tall, 16″ wide

I have to admit, the name of this variety made me laugh—but it’s actually quite fitting. Red Undies has classic green, heart-shaped begonia leaves with bright red undersides that give it its cheeky name.

The plant forms a neat mound and produces delicate sprays of small pink flowers that bloom from midsummer through fall. With its long bloom time and colorful foliage, it’s a fun and charming addition to any shade garden.