Did you know there are at least 4000 types of Begonia from various classes and subclasses? American Begonia Society even believed there are more than thousands of varieties worldwide. This is possible due to many gardeners actively crossing the plants and creating new varieties over the years.

The Official 9 Types of Begonia

Thankfully for gardeners, the American Begonia Society divides the plant into three major categories based on their root structure, whether it’s tuberous, rhizomatous, or fibrous. Further on, each category has at least six subcategories. And since it’s easy to cross-breed the plant, it gets difficult to keep track.
To help beginner gardeners learn more about this versatile plant, the American Begonia Society uses the plant’s visual to classify. And that is how there are nine types that you can tell with the naked eye.

  1. Rex Cultorum
    One of the most popular variants, the Rex Begonias has rhizome roots with vibrant leaves. At least four thousand varieties of Rex Begonias that most gardeners know. This fan-favorite is easy to tend and also to cross.

  2. Shrub-like
    As part of the fibrous-rooted Begonias, the shrub-like is very easy to tend. You can use it to border your garden or simply as bedding for other plants. They are compact with white small flowers.

  3. Semperflorens
    Technically, the ever-blooming Begonias or semperflorens are part of the fibrous-rooted Begonia, just like the Shrub-like. The main difference is that their flowers are far more colorful. Due to its glossy colors, many people call them wax begonias.

  4. Tuberous
    This variant has giant flowers and is popular for cross-hybrid. That is why you can find tuberous Begonias in various colors and shapes. Most of the flowers are pink, bronze, bright red, and all of the colors in between.

  5. Thick-Stemmed
    Another unique Begonia variant is the thick-stemmed. At a glance, they may look similar to the cane-like with upright stems. But they also have a stem that branches out from the regular plant.

  6. Cane-Like
    You can immediately recognize this variant from the cane-like stem that stands erect. Another thing you will note is the wing-shaped leaves that point down. Hence, many gardeners call them angel wing Begonias.

  7. Hiemalies, Reiger
    This class is unique because it consists of begonias without a direct parent plant. Most of the varieties are the result of multiple cross-breeding. That is why they have characters from various other flowers such as tuberous and trailing-scandent Begonia.

  8. Trailing-Scandent
    This variety is more well-known as a basket plant. You can see the flowers trailing down the hanging pots. Some of the varieties have large glossy leaves while others have smaller wax-like leaves.

  9. Rhizomatous
    You can tell the Begonias that fall under this category from their rhizomes. They have large and colorful leaves that will hide the rhizome.

Despite having thousands of varieties, begonias are versatile and beginner-friendly. You don’t have to worry about tending one as you only need to give them enough water and sunlight. All types of begonia can be a gorgeous addition to your garden.

Image source: unsplash.com/Robin Jonathan Deutsch