Begonias can be categorized a number of ways, but a useful method for gardeners is by root structure:
Fibrous-rooted: This group includes plants described as wax begonias, cane begonias, dragon-wing (angel-wing) begonias, and other types, all of which have standard root balls with thin roots. The leaves tend to be round and waxy, and relatively small. The flowers are also fairly small, about 1 1/2 inches. Potted plants may continue blooming if you bring them indoors and place them in a bright window through the winter. Tuberous: This group has the most spectacular flowers, large blooms in neon-like shades of pink, yellow, orange, red, or white. They have a fleshy, round tuberous root like a potato and generally bloom in mid-summer through fall. The tubers are often planted as annuals each year, or they can be dug up and stored indoors for the winter. This type is popular both for garden planting and for containers. Hardy begonias: These types belong to the species Begonia grandis. They are hardy to zones 6-7 and are commonly grown as a perennial in southern gardens. They have foliage similar to tuberous begonias but produce rather small pink or white flowers. Rhizomatous: These begonias have fleshy roots and stems creeping along the surface of the soil. They are grown mostly for their interesting foliage and are more often used as houseplants than as garden plants. Their blooms can cover the entire plant. Rex: This is a subcategory of rhizomatous begonias with the showiest foliage of all begonias. The flowers are fairly insignificant. They are also most commonly used as houseplants but are a little more finicky than most rhizomatous types.
Here are just a few types of begonias to whet your appetite.
Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plantUSDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11; generally grown as an annualHeight: 6 to 12 inchesSun Exposure: Part shade
Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plantUSDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11; generally grown as an annualHeight: 8 to 12 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to part sun
Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plantUSDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annualHeight: 18 to 24 inchesSun Exposure: Light shade to part sun
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Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plantUSDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annualHeight: 8 to 12 inchesSun Exposure: Part shade to shade
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Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plantUSDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annualHeight: 8 to 12 inchesSun Exposure: Part shade to shade
Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plantUSDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annualHeight: 8 to 12 inchesSun Exposure: Full to partial sun
Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plantUSDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annualHeight: 6 to 8 inchesSun Exposure: Full to partial sun
Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plantUSDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annualHeight: up to 12 inchesSun Exposure: Part shade
Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plantUSDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an annualHeight: Up to 18 inchesSun Exposure: Part shade outdoors; indoors, give it bright filtered light
The small stature of Rex begonias makes them ideal as terrarium plants and maintaining them this way reduces watering chores.
Native Area: NA; this is a hybrid plantUSDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; generally grown as an indoor houseplantHeight: 6 to 24 inches, depending on the varietySun Exposure: Bright filtered light (when grown indoors); part shade outdoors
