Begonia semperflorens (Green Leaf Begonia, Bronze Leaf Begonia)
A timeless, heat-tolerant classic that deserves a comeback
The Green Leaf Begonia and Bronze Leaf Begonia—forms of Begonia semperflorens—are among our top recommendations for anyone wanting colour, reliability, and low maintenance. These lush, compact plants thrive in extreme Australian conditions, from full sun to part shade, and flower almost all year. Their waxy, glossy leaves make them look lush even through heatwaves or dry spells, and their continuous blooms provide a cheerful display wherever they’re planted.
Why Australian gardeners love them
This is one of those old favourites that deserves more attention. Easy, affordable, and effortlessly good-looking, Begonia semperflorens is an excellent choice for groundcover, borders, pots, and vertical gardens. Whether you’re planting out an entryway, filling large landscape beds, or greening a wall, these begonias deliver colour and texture without fuss.
- Extreme climate tolerance – thrives in full sun, heat, humidity, and light frost
- Versatile planting – equally brilliant in vertical gardens, groundcovers, or containers
- Continuous colour – flowers almost all year in warm regions
- Low maintenance – fast-growing, minimal care, highly cost-effective
- Lush, glossy foliage – gives an instantly healthy, tropical look
- Perfect for: borders, balcony pots, mass plantings, hanging baskets, and living walls
Green vs Bronze Leaf Begonia
| Type | Leaf Colour | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Green Leaf Begonia | Bright green glossy leaves with pink or red flowers | Shadier positions, courtyards, indoor vertical gardens |
| Bronze Leaf Begonia | Rich bronze foliage with pink or white blooms | Full sun, hot climates, outdoor garden walls or borders |
Planting & care
- Choose a well-draining soil in full sun to part shade.
- Space plants 15–20 cm apart for dense, even coverage.
- For vertical gardens, use a premium potting mix with good moisture retention and regular feeding.
- Water regularly during hot spells but avoid waterlogging.
- Remove old flowers occasionally to keep plants fresh and compact.
Our verdict
If you’re looking for something lush, colourful, and effortlessly hardy, you can’t go past Begonia semperflorens. It’s one of the most cost-effective flowering plants you can grow, perfect for everything from garden beds to vertical garden walls. A true Australian garden classic — easy, reliable, and beautiful.
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Suitable for containers: Yes
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