Types of Begonias

According to the American Begonia Society, there are more than 1,500 know species of begonias around the world. However, only some of the begonia varieties are cultivated. Begonia varieties include small plants to towering canes and shrubs with various leave and flower colors.

Cane and Shrub Begonias

Cane begonias often were called Angel Wings. These begonias grow with strong stems and have a bamboo-like look. Leaves are generally 14 inches long on plants that grow up to 12 feet tall. Most leaves are speckled with silvery spots and flowers grow in clusters. Black Gold, Cracklin' Rosie and Dale Sena are common types of cane begonias.

Shrub begonias are interesting plants, but not as common as other varieties. The shrubs have velvet-like, hairy leaves that appear on long branching stems. Shrubs can grow up to 12 feet tall, but there are miniature versions. Flower colors include red and pink, but white is the most common color. Some shrub begonias include Chocolate Soldier and Lady Clare.

Rhizomatous and Tuberous Begonias

Rhizomatous begonias are compact plants with flower clusters that appear above the foliage. Most of the rhizomatous varieties will bloom in spring, but some bloom all year. Curly-Face and White Wash are two of the varieties of begonias belonging to the rhizomatous classification.

Tuberous begonias are grown for their attractive flowers, but some are grown for their intriguing size and leave colors. These begonias have flowers ranging in size from 1/2 inch to 8 inches, which is the size of a dinner plate. The non-stop series tuberous begonias are the most common because the plants will flower longer and are more resistant to high heat.

Semperflorens and Trailing Begonias

Semperflorens begonias are widely known as wax begonias. The leaves are shiny, bronze or green in color, but some plants have variegated coloring. Plants have colorful flowers in colors of white, pink and red. Some wax begonias include Barbara Rogers and Mini Wings. Trailing begonias are known for their colorful flowers and long trailing branches. Some varieties of trailing begonias include Fragrant Beauty and Splotches.

Rex and Thick Stem Begonias

Thick-stem begonias will not branch out much because the new growth appears from the base of the plant. These begonias will drop the bottom leaves exposing the thick stems. The plant will have leaves on the tips of the stems. Rex begonias are common plants that have multi-colored leaves and flowers in various shades, colors and shapes. Rex begonias such as Merry Christmas and Helen Teupel are mostly grown for their colorful foliage mores so than for its flowers according to the American Begonia Society.