For a garden with flowers, choose wax, cane or tuberous begonias; for striking leaves, look at rex and other rhizomatous types. These five useful groups differ in shape, light needs and frost tolerance, so the right choice depends on whether you’re planting a bed, filling a container or hanging a basket—and on your local climate.
Five begonia types compared
| Type | Main appeal and habit | Good garden use | Light and moisture | Cold-season needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wax (Semperflorens) | Compact, fibrous-rooted plants with single or double flowers in white, pink or red; green or bronze foliage. | Beds and containers. | Can perform in sun or shade in Florida conditions; use moist, well-drained soil. | Tender to cold. Plant outdoors after frost danger has passed. |
| Cane or angel-wing | Upright, stiff stems; wing-shaped leaves may be spotted or banded, with dangling flower clusters. | Upright feature in a suitable bed or container. | Indoors, good light supports sturdy stems and flowers, but direct sun can scorch leaves. | Specific outdoor hardiness and overwintering needs depend on the plant and location. |
| Rex | Dense, rounded rhizomatous plants grown chiefly for colorful foliage; small white or pink flowers may appear. | Foliage-focused planting or indoor growing. | For indoor care, provide summer shade, humidity and careful watering with good drainage. | Climate suitability varies; UF/IFAS describes rex types as suited to tropical and subtropical climates. |
| Other rhizomatous | Thick rhizomes spread along the ground or grow somewhat upright; flowers may rise above the leaves. | Choose according to the plant’s eventual size and available space. | Check the individual selection’s climate and light needs; avoid persistently wet soil. | Adapt care to the local climate and specific type. |
| Tuberous | Showy flowers over a long season; some cultivars trail or cascade. | Pots and hanging baskets, as well as suitable garden spots. | Sun or partial shade; water regularly in dry periods without wetting foliage. | Plant outside after frost danger passes. In climates where they are not hardy, lift tubers before the first frost. |
These are broad groups, not a definitive ranking. Cultivar and local conditions matter: the RHS guidance is UK-oriented, while UF/IFAS guidance reflects Florida conditions. Check a named plant’s requirements and local availability before buying.
Which begonias suit beds, containers and shade?
For beds and general-purpose containers: wax begonias
Wax begonias are a practical choice when you want a compact bedding plant with flowers and foliage in one package. UF/IFAS describes them as popular in landscape beds and containers and able to perform in sun or shade in Florida. The RHS notes summer flowering through the first frosts and identifies them as among the bedding plants satisfactory in partial shade. Those observations come from different regional contexts, so use them as a starting point rather than a universal light prescription. Plant only after frost danger has passed.
For height and patterned leaves: cane or angel-wing begonias
Cane begonias bring a more upright silhouette than compact wax types. Their wing-shaped leaves may be spotted, banded or splotched, and clusters of red, orange, pink or white flowers hang from the stems. UF/IFAS names ‘Torch’ for red flowers and ‘Alba’ for white. For indoor plants, the RHS recommends good light to encourage sturdy stems and abundant flowers, while warning that direct sun can scorch leaves.
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For leaf color in shade: rex begonias
Choose rex begonias when foliage is the main attraction. Their dense, rounded form and colorful leaves make them distinct from flower-led bedding choices; small white or pink blooms may still appear. For indoor growing, RHS advice is to give rex begonias summer shade, humidity and careful watering, with good drainage. UF/IFAS describes them as suitable for tropical and subtropical climates, so do not assume every garden location can support them outdoors year-round.
For distinctive foliage and varied forms: other rhizomatous begonias
Rhizomes are thick stems that grow along the ground or somewhat upright. In this group, flowers may sit above the foliage, but leaf form and texture can be the reason to grow a particular plant. UF/IFAS examples include star begonia (Begonia heracleifolia), water lily begonia (B. nelumbifolia), beefsteak begonia (‘Erythrophylla’) and ‘Passing Storm,’ which is grown mostly for its lavender foliage. Some rhizomatous begonias have very large leaves; check the mature form and leave enough room for it.
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For hanging baskets and long-lasting flowers: tuberous begonias
Tuberous begonias are a strong option when abundant blooms matter and you can provide seasonal care. The RHS recommends sun or partial shade, regular watering during dry spells and keeping water off the foliage. ‘Million Kisses’ is described as semi-trailing and suitable for baskets and containers; the ‘Illumination’ series cascades in hanging baskets. These names are examples, not a guarantee that a cultivar is currently available where you live.
How to choose for your garden conditions
- Decide what should stand out. Wax, cane and tuberous types emphasize flowers; rex and some other rhizomatous types are especially valued for foliage. Several groups offer both.
- Match the shape to the spot. Use compact wax begonias for low planting, cane types where an upright form fits, and trailing or cascading tuberous cultivars for baskets and containers.
- Check the actual light. Do not assume all begonias need the same exposure. Tuberous types can suit sun or partial shade under RHS guidance; RHS indoor advice calls for summer shade for rex types and good light—but not scorching direct sun—for cane types.
- Prioritize drainage. Aim for moist but well-drained soil. UF/IFAS warns that begonias can rot if overwatered or left in persistently wet ground.
- Use your frost calendar. Tender begonias should go outdoors only after frost danger has passed. For tuberous types that are not hardy in your climate, plan to lift and store the tubers before the first frost.
- Verify cultivar and local fit. A plant’s group gives useful clues, but named cultivars may differ. Confirm its requirements and whether it is available from a reliable local source.
How to overwinter tuberous begonias
In climates where tuberous begonias are not hardy, the RHS advises lifting the tubers before the first frost. Store them dry in barely moist peat-free soil or sand in a frost-free place. This advice is specifically for tuberous begonias; it should not be applied automatically to every begonia group.
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For starting tubers, RHS guidance recommends 18°C (64°F) in March or April. That timing and temperature are the RHS recommendation for its stated growing context, not a universal schedule for every region. Use local frost timing to decide when plants can safely go outside.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Safety note for homes with pets
UF/IFAS cautions that rex begonia underground parts contain calcium oxalate, which can be toxic to pets. Keep plants and dug or stored plant parts out of pets’ reach, and consult a veterinarian if a pet may have eaten them.
Rank #4
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- Water; Begonias prefer moist but not soggy soil so make sure the soil and pot are well draining.
- Light; Foliage Begonias thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, while the light requirements for blooming begonias vary.
- Climate: Rex begonias are well adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 7–12, with a temperature range of 60°F–80°F
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Sources and regional context
- Royal Horticultural Society, begonia growing guide
- Royal Horticultural Society, tuberous begonia growing guide
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, begonias
- Royal Horticultural Society, indoor begonia growing guide
- University of Illinois Extension, begonia
The sources cover different climates and growing contexts; local frost exposure, site conditions and cultivar requirements should guide final choices.
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