There are hundreds of species and related cultivars within the Begonia genus. The Royal Horticultural Society has broken the genus into 7 main groups based on growth habit and cultivation needs and we have used these groupings.
Rhizomatous begonia tend to be grown for their wonderful leaves and compact rounded growth habit. The leaves vary greatly, many have intricate patterns, some are hairy others smooth and shiny.
During late winter and spring they produce masses of small pink flowers borne in clusters on tall, often hairy spikes above the leaves.
Of all the begonia, the rhizomatous group tend to the easiest to grow. They are the most adaptable coping with cooler weather and warmer conditions providing they are not in the direct summer sun. They can cope with irregular watering although this is not recommended.
Although the individual plants tend to be short lived the new plants that grow from the rhizomes tend to replace the older plants and so the display can last for many years.
Included in this group are the following species.
Begonia bowerae Has chocolate brown leaves fringed with hairs and white flowers
Begonia crestabruchii Lettuce Leaf begonia - Has crested margins and pink flowers
Begonia glazioui syn Begonia Burle Marx- Has mid green leaves and white flowers
Begonia goegoensis Has bronze green leaves and cymes of pink flowers
Begonia heracleifolia Has bronze green lobed leaves and white flowers tinged with pink
Begonia imperialis Has green leaves with silver splashes and white flowers
Begonia masoniana Iron Cross begonia - The leaves have dark brown markings and the flowers are a green-white colour
Begonia prismatocarpa Has bright green leaves and cymes of yellow flowers