15 Begonias That Love Moist, Shady Corners (And Fill Them Fast)

Plant Care
By Harris Cole

Begonias are a diverse group of plants, adored for their attractive foliage and bright blooms. Perfect for filling those tricky shaded corners, these plants thrive in moist conditions, making them a gardener’s favorite for adding color and life where other plants might struggle. With a variety of textures and colors, begonias provide endless possibilities for enhancing your garden.

1. Angel Wing Begonia

© Terra Mater Gardens

Angel Wing Begonias boast stunning, wing-like leaves adorned with silver spots, making them a plant of intrigue. Their pink blossoms rise like whispers in a shaded, moist corner, creating a serene atmosphere. These begonias grow rapidly, turning bare patches into lush greenery.

Their name comes from their unique leaf shape, reminiscent of angel wings. Not only do they charm with their appearance, but they also bring a sense of peace and tranquility.

A fun fact is that they’re native to South America, thriving in the humid conditions similar to their natural habitat.

2. Rex Begonia

© Healthy Houseplants

With a flair for the dramatic, the Rex Begonia is a showstopper in any garden. Its swirling patterns of purple, burgundy, and green leaves create a tapestry of color that captivates the eye. In moist, shady spots, these begonias flourish, providing depth and vibrancy.

Each leaf tells a story, their intricate designs a masterpiece of nature’s artwork. While they may look delicate, they are surprisingly hardy.

Originating from the forests of India, they have adapted well to garden life, offering a touch of exotic elegance to your plant collection.

3. Dragon Wing Begonia

© Harris Seeds

Dragon Wing Begonias add a splash of color with their cascading red flowers and glossy green leaves. Imagine a dragon’s fiery breath captured in blooms, turning any shady corner into a vivid display.

These plants thrive in humidity, making them ideal for moist areas. Their robust nature allows them to spread quickly, providing an effortless garden makeover.

Interestingly, their resilience is matched by their beauty, as they’re known to withstand various garden challenges, making them a favorite among gardeners for both looks and low maintenance.

4. Wax Begonia

© Gardener’s Path

The Wax Begonia is a classic choice, known for its waxy leaves and delicate clusters of flowers. These plants bring a timeless elegance to shaded gardens, their simple beauty understated yet compelling.

Perfect for moist environments, they thrive where other plants might not. Their hardy nature ensures they fill spaces quickly, providing continuity in garden design.

A staple in both indoor and outdoor settings, the Wax Begonia’s ability to adapt makes it a versatile addition to any plant lover’s collection.

5. Cane Begonia

© Dibleys

Cane Begonias are known for their tall, bamboo-like stems and vibrant orange flowers. Standing tall in moist, shady corners, they command attention and add vertical interest.

Their cane-like structure provides a unique architectural element, while their blossoms offer a pop of color. They grow rapidly, ensuring any bare spot is filled with life.

With origins in the tropical regions, Cane Begonias bring a touch of the exotic to gardens, serving as a reminder of nature’s grandeur and diversity.

6. Tuberous Begonia

© The American Begonia Society

Tuberous Begonias are famed for their large, rose-like blooms in a spectrum of colors. They transform shady, moist areas into vibrant displays, with their flowers resembling a painter’s palette.

Their lush foliage complements the blooms, creating a harmonious balance. Despite their delicate appearance, these begonias are robust and thrive in humid conditions.

Originating from the Andes Mountains, they bring a touch of high-altitude elegance to gardens, thriving in the cool, moist conditions they call home.

7. Rhizomatous Begonia

© aroidsaustralia

Rhizomatous Begonias are a testament to the beauty of foliage. Their asymmetrical leaves, often patterned with intricate designs, are a marvel in shady, moist gardens.

These plants are not known for their flowers, but their foliage speaks volumes, offering texture and visual interest. They adapt well to various conditions, making them a gardener’s delight.

A quirky fact is that they propagate through their rhizomes, underground stems that ensure their spread and survival, adding a touch of mystery to their growth habit.

8. Bolivian Begonia

© Annie’s Annuals and Perennials

The Bolivian Begonia brings a burst of energy with its small, orange trumpet-shaped flowers. These lively blooms brighten any shaded corner, thriving in moist, well-drained soil.

Their lush green foliage complements the flowers, creating a vibrant garden scene. Known for their vigor, they quickly fill empty spaces, bringing life and color.

Originally from the cloud forests of Bolivia, they adapt well to garden settings, offering a glimpse of their native habitat’s lushness and vibrancy.

9. Begonia Maculata

© Ohio Tropics

Begonia Maculata, often called the “Polka Dot Begonia,” is a visual delight. Its leaves are patterned with white dots, creating a playful look that catches the eye.

In moist, shady areas, they thrive, their white flowers adding to the charm. These begonias are not just pretty faces; they’re hardy and adapt well to different environments.

A fun tidbit is that their unique patterns have made them a favorite in modern interior design, seamlessly blending nature with contemporary aesthetics.

10. Begonia Grandis

© Hearth and Vine

Begonia Grandis, known for its heart-shaped leaves, adds charm and grace to any garden. In shaded, moist corners, their pink flowers emerge like shy dancers.

Their foliage is equally captivating, with a soft texture that invites touch. These begonias are not just about beauty; they bring resilience, thriving in cooler, humid environments.

Native to China, they carry a piece of their homeland’s mystique, offering a blend of elegance and endurance that few plants can match.

11. Begonia Fimbriata

© Plantcetera

Begonia Fimbriata captivates with its fringed flowers, resembling pink feathers dancing in the breeze. These blooms, set against dark green leaves, transform shady corners into colorful retreats.

Thriving in moist conditions, these begonias spread quickly, creating a lush environment. Their fringed appearance adds a whimsical touch.

Interestingly, their unique floral structure has made them a favorite in floral arrangements, where their distinct style can be showcased to its full potential.

12. Begonia Solenia

© Cornell Farm

Begonia Solenia shines with its bright, coral-colored flowers. These blossoms, set against glossy leaves, bring a tropical flair to shaded, moist corners.

Known for their adaptability, Solenia begonias thrive in humidity, ensuring your garden remains vibrant throughout the seasons. Their striking color adds a bold statement.

A fascinating fact is that they’re bred for sun tolerance, making them versatile for various garden settings, from full shade to partially sunny spots.

13. Begonia Cleopatra

© tg_the_gardener

Begonia Cleopatra stands out with its dark, star-shaped leaves and striking red flowers. In damp, shaded corners, they create an alluring atmosphere.

Their foliage, reminiscent of a starry night, adds depth and intrigue. These begonias grow well in humid conditions, quickly transforming spaces into vibrant displays.

Named for their regal appearance, Cleopatra begonias offer a touch of royalty, bringing a sense of luxury to any garden.

14. Begonia Escargot

© Home for the Harvest

Begonia Escargot, with its spiral-patterned leaves, is a standout piece in any garden. The unique foliage, resembling a snail’s shell, draws attention and adds a whimsical touch.

These begonias thrive in moist, shaded areas, their small pink flowers adding to the charm. They’re a conversation starter, with their distinct look capturing imaginations.

A quirky detail is their name, inspired by the spiral shape, evoking images of fine French cuisine’s escargot, adding a gourmet touch to gardening.

15. Begonia Mistral

© Greg

Begonia Mistral delights with its cascading orange flowers and trailing vines. These begonias bring movement and life to shaded, moist corners, creating a dynamic garden display.

Their trailing nature allows them to fill spaces effortlessly, providing a lush, layered look. The vibrant flowers add a touch of warmth and brightness.

Originating from Brazil, they carry the spirit of the tropics, ensuring your garden feels like a slice of paradise, full of energy and life.