Beguiling Begonias

Versatility in your garden – both indoors and outcomes by way of these exceptional yet easy-care plants

Get the best of both worlds – foliage that dazzles and flowers that enchant. Whatever you need, there’s room for a begonia, be it a sinuous, statuesque cane begonia or a mass of little waxy wonders that turn your beds into blazes of colour. Or, pick between the showy tuberous or elatior hybrids that rival roses for floral flourish. Then there’s the rex with mosaics of intricately patterned and coloured leaves. Indoors or out, these tropical or subtropical treasures have been bred to suit any environment. Here’s how to pick the ones for you.

TUBEROUS

The large eye-catching single, double and often ruffled petals make these the triumph of the flowering begonias. The plants stand upright or trail, so add flair to the front of your border, or make a splash in a basket or pot when the iridescent rainbow of inflorescences pops up from spring into summer. After the blooms fade, foliage follows typical weirdly wonderful begonia form with various shapes and colour combinations.

SEMPERFLORENS