Begonia
A vast group of colourful, shade-loving flowering plants from warm climates
Begonia is a large group of perennial plants with over 2,000 species, mainly found in warm, moist regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Their flowers come in many colours except blue, and they are popular for both their blooms and striking leaves, grown indoors or outside for decoration.
- Begonia includes over 2,000 species worldwide
- Flowers appear in all colours except blue
- Leaves are often large and unevenly shaped
- Some types can grow over 3 metres tall
- A begonia is a floral emblem in North Korea
What does Begonia look like?
Begonias are mostly small herbs or low shrubs, with some species growing upright and others trailing. They have single-sex flowers on the same plant, with male and female blooms separate. Their flowers can be tiny or as large as a plate, and come in every colour except blue. Leaves are often large, uneven on each side, and may be patterned or variegated. Some begonias are less than a foot tall, while a few, like Begonia giganticaulis, can reach over three metres.
Where does Begonia come from?
Begonias likely first appeared in Africa, with their ancestors spreading to Asia and the Americas millions of years ago. Their diversity increased as they moved through mountain ranges and tropical forests, especially in China and Southeast Asia. The genus was named by Charles Plumier after Michel Bégon, and first appeared in print in 1700. Today, begonias are found in many warm, humid parts of the world.
When and how Begonia blooms
Most begonias thrive in warm, shaded spots with soil that drains well but stays moist. They are usually grown from cuttings, divisions, or sometimes from leaf pieces. Some types, like tuberous begonias, have a dormant period and are stored dry until they regrow. Begonias can flower all year, except for tuberous kinds, which rest for part of the year.
How Begonia is used
Begonias are grown for their colourful flowers and decorative leaves, both indoors and outdoors. Some are used as bedding plants, while others are kept as houseplants. A few species are eaten in small amounts, but large quantities can be harmful due to oxalic acid. In North Korea, a begonia cultivar is a national symbol.
Kinds of Begonia
There are many groups of begonias, such as cane-like, shrub-like, tuberous, rhizomatous, and rex types. Hybrids are common, and new forms are regularly developed. Some, like 'Dragonwing' and 'Non-Stop', are known for their large or continuous blooms. The American Begonia Society keeps track of official cultivars.
What Begonia means
In flower symbolism, begonias can mean caution or warning. In China, they are linked to love and longing, with legends describing them as flowers born from tears. The plant appears in poetry and stories, and some species or cultivars are used as emblems, like 'Kimjongilia' in North Korea. Eating begonias is traditional in some places, but only in small amounts.
Where Begonia is used and seen
Kunming Botanical GardenA major botanical garden and plant research centre in Kunming, Yunnan, China
Mendocino Coast Botanical GardensA coastal garden in Mendocino County, California with ocean views and diverse plantings
Bali Botanic GardenIndonesia’s largest botanic garden in the cool mountains of central Bali
Hanging basketA suspended container for growing and displaying flowering plants
Flower carpetPatterns made on the ground from fresh flowers or petals
Allan GardensA historic Toronto park with a large public conservatory and six greenhouses
Flower Carpet of BrusselsA giant floral tapestry on Brussels’ Grand-Place every two years
Balata GardenA tropical botanical garden near Fort-de-France, MartiniqueTraditions that use it
Where to see Begonia
🇸🇬 Singapore · All yearGardens by the BayA waterfront park of giant planted towers and two cooled glasshouses with changing flower shows.
🇳🇿 Christchurch · Jan to DecChristchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley ParkThe heart of New Zealand's Garden City, set in a loop of the Avon river.
🇧🇪 Brussels · AugustThe Flower Carpet on the Grand-PlaceEvery second August, volunteers lay a carpet of begonia flowers across the paving of the main square of Brussels.
🇫🇷 Villandry · Apr to OctThe Renaissance gardens of VillandryA Loire château whose terraces hold clipped box parterres filled with flowers and an ornamental kitchen garden.
🇨🇦 Victoria · Mar to OctThe Butchart Gardens near VictoriaA worked-out limestone quarry on Vancouver Island that one family turned into a sunken garden of bedding and bulbs.
🇨🇺 Soroa · Jan to DecThe orchid garden at SoroaA terraced hillside garden in western Cuba holding the country's largest orchid collection, made by a father for his daughter.Questions people ask about Begonia
Where do begonias come from?
Begonias are thought to have originated in Africa, later spreading to Asia and the Americas. Today, they are found in warm, humid regions across these continents.
What do begonias look like?
Begonias can be small herbs or larger shrubs, with colourful flowers in many shades except blue. Their leaves are often large, patterned, and uneven on each side.
How are begonias used?
People grow begonias for their bright flowers and decorative leaves, both as houseplants and in gardens. Some are used as emblems, and a few are eaten in small amounts, though they can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
What do begonias symbolise?
In the language of flowers, begonias can mean caution or warning. In Chinese stories, they are also symbols of love and longing.
Are there different types of begonias?
Yes, begonias come in many forms, including cane-like, tuberous, rhizomatous, and rex types. There are also many hybrids and cultivars with varied flowers and leaves.
Good reading and sources
- Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
- Begonia 'Benitochiba' (R)Royal Horticultural Society, Article
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Begonia", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
