With so many species of begonias, and so many thousands of new cultivars, it became important along the way for growers to categorize their begonias in hopes of making things simpler. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that with so many cultivars combining their parent’s characteristics, these categories can get a bit blurred.
Cane-like
Cane-like begonias are named for their new shoots growing straight and unbranched out of the crown of the plant. Once they reach a mature size, they begin to branch. At first they may look like Bamboo, hence the name cane-like. Cane-like begonias range from a few feet tall to over ten feet tall but they all have in common those tough stems with a bamboo-like appearance.
Shrub-like
Lacking a bamboo-like or cane-like shoot, the shrub-like types (911 species and 743 cultivars) look somewhat similar to cane types when mature, however they branch constantly, forming a bushier plant. Mostly are fairly large growing plants, with matte green leaves rather than the glossy leaves that are common with cane-like begonias.
Semperflorens
Semperflorens means ‘ever blooming’ in Latin and these begonias (20 species and 1000 cultivars) are probably the most widely grown Begonia. Due to their thick waxy looking leaves, they are often called “wax begonias”. These begonias are grown mostly as bedding plants and as potted annuals but can be a perennial in areas that do not freeze.
Rhizomatous
The rhizomatous types of Begonia (1098 species and 4019 cultivars) are defined by their ground-hugging stem (rhizome). Most are grown for their interesting leaves and ease in containers, but some have the added bonus of a massive display of flowers that can cover the whole plant. Blooms usually start in spring, but some bloom all year. Flowers may be found under the leaves, on the leaves, or on long stalks well above the foliage.
Rex
Rex begonias (1 species and 4161 cultivars) are a type of rhizomatous Begonia and grown for their intensely multicolored leaves. The leaves come in shades of red, purple and silver, patterned and iridescent, and every size and shape. All Rex Cultorum types are descended from the Indian species B. rex that was crossed with other types of rhizomatous begonias. Rex begonias do bloom but are not grown for their blooms as they pale in comparison to their spectacular leaves.
Tuberous
The tuberous type of Begonia (335 species and 4354 cultivars) became very popular around the world in the early 1800’s. The evolution of a tuber occurred worldwide in begonias, so there are many types of tuberous begonias. The ×tuberhybrida group, are primarily descendants of begonias found in Latin America and the foothills of the Andes. In some countries such as England, they remain one of the most popular types. The ×tuberhybrida types are grown for their flowers which can range from small, 1/2 inch flowers, to the large exhibition types that can have flowers 10-12 inches across. However, many Asian tuberous forms have also emerged and are quite different from their new world counterparts.
× Hiemalis/ Reiger/ Elatior Cheimantha types
These begonias (0 species and 470 cultivars) are complex hybrids of polyploid tuberous begonias and Begonia socotrana from the Island of Socotra (with maybe a dash of B. dregei, B. semperflorens, and B. grandis subsp. Evansiana). Cultivars began appearing in the late 1800’s, and were noted for their winter blooming, as opposed to the spring and summer blooming of tuberous begonias.
Trailing/Scandent types
An often-overlooked group of Begonias, the trailing types are the vines and ground covers of the Begonia world. Many are very tough and make great patio and houseplants, others are bit more difficult to grow or require a terrarium, but in any case, there are some wonderful plants to choose from (126 species and 100 cultivars). Many are excellent hanging basket plants and will produce a cascade of interesting foliage and flowers either indoors or out depending on your climate.