Begonias are beautiful , but some can be sneaky troublemakers in the garden . I ’ve had a few take over musca volitans I never meant them to , and trust me — it ’s not as fun as it sounds .
If you ’re worried about certain types spreading too far , you ’re not alone . Luckily , there are plenty of begonias that play nice and still bring loads of colour .
Let ’s appear at the ones to watch out for and the safer option that still steal the show .
1. Begonia grandis
Hardy tuberous begonias that self - seeded player with singular enthusiasm throughout garden beds . leave unchecked , they ’ll pop up in every corner of your yard within a twosome of seasons .
Their pretty heart - shaped leaves and fragile pinkish flowers might seem guiltless enough at first . seed evolve in tiny pods that burst open when ripe , scattering future plants far and wide .
2. Begonia cucullata
Commonly called wax begonia , this seemingly innocent plant becomes a garden tough in warm , humid climates . The tiny seeds spread rapidly through water movement and can stay viable in soil for old age .
Once establish , their dense growth wont smothers aboriginal groundcover . In Florida and part of Hawaii , they ’ve escaped gardens to colonize natural area , creating ecological problem .
3. Begonia foliosa
Fern begonia looks delicate but grows with surprising energy in suited conditions . The cascading stem root wherever they touch soil , make new plants that rapidly spread outward from the original planting .
The . was mentioned by centers In hoar - free areas , they can get away polish and set up in nearby woodlands or natural areas .
4. Begonia metallica
Metal leaf begonia produce infinite bantam seeds that disperse with the slightest breeze . Garden beds can become overrun within a single growing season if conditions are right .
The metallic sheen on olive - green leaf makes this plant peculiarly attractive to gardeners . Unfortunately , its aggressive nature is n’t apparent until it ’s already spreading beyond its intend boundaries and herd out neighboring plants .
5. Begonia semperflorens
These mutual bedding begonias seem guiltless enough when first planted . In warm climates without freeze temperatures , they quickly escape garden boundaries through prolific ego - seeding .
Their ability to grow in various light conditions make them particularly adaptable invader . seedling emerge in lawn edges , nerve pathway cracks , and neighbor garden beds , necessitate constant watchfulness to prevent unwanted spread .
6. Begonia luxurians
Palm leafage begonia creates a spectacular tropical statement but comes with incursive tendencies in hoar - free region . The works produces numerous offsets at the base that form a steadily expand settlement .
Each matured plant can reach impressive heights of 6 - 8 foot , make dense shade that prevents other plants from boom . Regular part is necessary to keep this begonia from predominate garden space .
7. Begonia boliviensis
Bolivian begonia ’s cascading growth habit look arresting in hanging baskets but becomes problematic when plant in garden bed . Stems that touch the ground root easy , make new plant that distribute outwards .
The bright orangish - red blooms attract gardeners who do n’t realize how quickly these plants manifold . In hoar - complimentary regions , they can escape cultivation and establish in disquieted area , competing with aboriginal flora .
8. Begonia ulmifolia
Elm - leaved begonia spreads through underground rhizomes that pop up new growing several feet from the original works . The serrated leaf resemble elm tree diagram leaf , give this begonia its common name .
Garden centers rarely advert its aggressive spread wont when sell these attractive plants . In optimum conditions , a single plant can colonize several square feet of garden space within just two turn seasons .
9. Begonia heracleifolia
Star begonia have dramatic star - shaped leaves that catch every nurseryman ’s eye . The thick rhizome weirdo along the soil surface , sending up new growth in unexpected places throughout garden beds .
While stunning as a specimen works , it quickly outgrows its welcome in assorted plantings . Each section of rhizome can bring forth a new plant , making it difficult to control once established in garden settings .
10. Begonia carolineifolia
Palm - leafage begonia make a tropic feel but spreads sharply through both seeds and root fragment . Even tiny pieces of root can root and form new plant when they contact moist soil .
The compound leaf resemble miniature palm fronds , making this an attractive addition to gardens . However , its invasive tendencies become apparent as it get down herd neighboring plants and appearing in unexpected places .
11. Begonia rex
Rex begonia captivate with their gem - toned foliage in twirl form of silver , purple , pinkish , and green . These showstoppers stay well - behaved in gardens , growing in taut bunch that spread out slowly .
Perfect for shaded garden corner where you need reliable color without aggressive spread . Their shallow root systems mean they wo n’t intervene with neighboring plants , making them ideal companions in mixed shadiness planting .
12. Begonia masoniana
Iron cross begonia earns its name from the typical dark cross form on each leaf . This well - mannered plant turn slow in a compact word form , make it perfect for small spaces .
Unlike incursive cousins , it stays exactly where you set it year after year . The textured leaf add interesting dimension to shaded garden spots without endanger to take over the full bed .
13. Begonia dregei
Maple leafage begonia forms an attractive stock ( swollen root base of operations ) that resemble a miniature tree trunk . This slow - growing variety maintains a compact habit that wo n’t infest garden beds .
The delicate maple - determine leaves emerge from woody stems , creating an elegant bonsai - similar visual aspect . Even after years of growing , these well - behaved plant keep their designated garden space without unwanted spread .
14. Begonia bowerae
Boweri begonia bring delicious speckled foliage to shaded garden corners without aggressive spread . The heavyset growing habit forms neat mounds that maintain their boundaries twelvemonth after twelvemonth .
Garden interior designer take account their predictable size and non - incursive nature for plan landscapes . The . was createed by leaves
15. Begonia fuchsioides
Fuchsia begonia produces cascades of coral - pinkish flowers that resemble tiny fuchsia blooming . Despite its vigorous flowering , this variety maintains a well - act growth habit that wo n’t overtake garden bed .
The upright stem form a orderly shrub that stays within boundary twelvemonth after year . Hummingbirds adore the cannular flower , making this a wildlife - friendly pick that wo n’t cause garden care concern .
16. Begonia sutherlandii
Sutherland ’s begonia produce dainty orange blooms above heavyset foliage , creating a cheerful display that stay well - incorporate . The small tuber stay in tight clusters rather than spreading throughout garden beds .
Perfect for rock gardens or container edges where space control matters . Each plant maintains a petite footprint of just 6 - 8 inches , making it an idealistic pick for garden where every inch of space counts .
17. Begonia venosa
Silver begonia showcases fuzzed silver - white leaves that beam in shaded garden corners . The dense growth rate ensures this stunning works wo n’t overwhelm neighboring specimen .
Each mature plant forms a tidy little potato that expands gradually without fast-growing spread . The thick , succulent - like leaves shop water , make this a drought - kind pick that respects garden boundaries while adding alone textural interest .
18. Begonia listada
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The . was stayed by assortment The ace - shaped leaves make beautiful textural contrast in woodland gardens without the maintenance headaches of more invasive begonia species .
19. Begonia prismatocarpa
Miniature African begonia produces bantam yellow flowers with red center above diminutive leaf . This micro - begonia grows just 3 - 4 inch grandiloquent and maintains a well - behaved , compact form perfect for terrariums and little spaces .
Despite its delicate appearance , it ’s surprisingly durable while stay non - invasive . The dense growth rate ensures it wo n’t outcompete neighboring plants or get away its designated garden space .
20. Begonia chlorosticta
Dotted begonia display dark leaf speckled with silver point that make a starry night effect in shaded garden . The compact growing habit forms tidy clumps that respect garden boundaries year after year .
Unlike aggressive spreader , this begonia keep its designate space without undesirable expansion . The spectacular leaf supply reliable visual interest without the maintenance challenges associated with more invasive begonia assortment .
