This is the opening page for our selection of begonia pictures. Begonia is a genus of around 900 species and countless cultivars and hybrids. They occur naturally in the tropics and subtropics, mainly in Central and South America. The genus includes fibrous- and rhizome-rooted perennials, shrubs and climbers. Most are cultivated for their flowers but many also have very attractive foliage. Outside the tropics the foliage begonias are usually grown as house plants while the tuberous-rooted and semperflorens types are grown outdoors, at least temporarily.
As with many other genera that have produced a large range of garden plants, Begonia cultivars are divided into categories. These are based on parentage, growth habit and appearance and there are eight basic categories, such as Cane-like, Rex, Semperflorens and Trailing, with many subcategories within them.
Click on a thumbnail image below to view the pictures in that begonia photo category.
Most of the around 900 species in the genus Begonia are found in the tropics and subtropics, mainly in Central and South America. They genus includes fibrous- and rhizome-rooted perennials, shrubs and climbers. Most are cultivated for their flowers but many also have very attractive foliage. Outside the tropics the foliage begonias are usually grown indoors while the tuberous-rooted and semperflorens types are grown outdoors for the warmer months.
The hybrid tuberous begonias are derived from a range of mainly Andean species. They have large fleshy tubers, lush foliage that is sometimes mottled or otherwise patterned, and large showy flowers, often double and frequently frilled and multi-coloured. Flowering starts in early summer. In mild climates tuberous begonias are grown outdoors, but because the flowers are easily damaged they often look their best when given some protection from the elements.
Begonia hybrids occur in many styles and are divided into eight broad categories based on their growth habits, flowers and foliage characteristics. They range from the small bedding or Semperflorens begonias through to the tall cane-stemmed forms and the fancy foliage Rex begonias. This a general listing of images of begonia hybrids that are yet to be allocated their own category page.
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