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 will use these groupings.
This group of Begonia as the name suggests have bushy, shrub-like growth habit with erect branching stems. The leaves in the group can vary from matt to glossy, hairy to smooth but all have very attractive markings an the classic asymmetric shape of the Begonia genus.
None of this group will tolerate full summer sun but those with glossy leaves can cope with brighter conditions than those with hairy leaves.
During spring and summer small pink flowers, some are borne singularly and others in clusters that are often pendent.
This is quite a varied group, Begonia metalica and Begonia fuchsoides make a wonderful addition to a shady shrubbery. Whilst the low growing Begonia listada grows well under trees where it can be used as ground cover.
Other species and hybrids in this group include:
Begonia x argenteoguttata or Trout leaved begonia has dark green leaves covered with silver spots and cream flowers
Begonia foliosa Has deep green leaves and panicles of white flowers
Begonia luxurians or Palm Leaf begonia has slightly hairy dark green leaves and cymes of yellowish white flowers
Begonia olsoniae Has ovate, blunt based bronze tinted leaves and pinkish white flowers