Begonias are beautiful, but some can be sneaky troublemakers in the garden. I’ve had a few take over spots 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 color.
Let’s look at the ones to watch out for and the safer options that still steal the show.
1. Begonia grandis
Hardy tuberous begonias that self-seed with remarkable enthusiasm throughout garden beds. Left unchecked, they’ll pop up in every corner of your yard within a couple of seasons.
Their pretty heart-shaped leaves and delicate pink flowers might seem innocent enough at first. Seeds develop 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 bully in warm, humid climates. The tiny seeds spread rapidly through water movement and can remain viable in soil for years.
Once established, their dense growth habit smothers native groundcovers. In Florida and parts of Hawaii, they’ve escaped gardens to colonize natural areas, creating ecological problems.
3. Begonia foliosa
Fern begonia looks delicate but grows with surprising vigor in suitable conditions. The cascading stems root wherever they touch soil, creating new plants that rapidly spread outward from the original planting.
Garden centers rarely mention this aggressive tendency when selling these attractive plants. In frost-free areas, they can escape cultivation and establish in nearby woodlands or natural areas.
4. Begonia metallica
Metal leaf begonia produces countless tiny seeds that scatter with the slightest breeze. Garden beds can become overrun within a single growing season if conditions are right.
The metallic sheen on olive-green leaves makes this plant particularly attractive to gardeners. Unfortunately, its aggressive nature isn’t apparent until it’s already spreading beyond its intended boundaries and crowding out neighboring plants.
5. Begonia semperflorens
These common bedding begonias seem innocent enough when first planted. In warm climates without freezing temperatures, they quickly escape garden boundaries through prolific self-seeding.
Their ability to grow in various light conditions makes them particularly adaptable invaders. Seedlings emerge in lawn edges, pathway cracks, and neighboring garden beds, requiring constant vigilance to prevent unwanted spread.
6. Begonia luxurians
Palm leaf begonia creates a dramatic tropical statement but comes with invasive tendencies in frost-free regions. The plant produces numerous offsets at the base that form a steadily expanding colony.
Each mature plant can reach impressive heights of 6-8 feet, creating dense shade that prevents other plants from thriving. Regular division is necessary to keep this begonia from dominating garden spaces.
7. Begonia boliviensis
Bolivian begonia’s cascading growth habit looks stunning in hanging baskets but becomes problematic when planted in garden beds. Stems that touch the ground root easily, creating new plants that spread outward.
The bright orange-red blooms attract gardeners who don’t realize how quickly these plants multiply. In frost-free regions, they can escape cultivation and establish in disturbed areas, competing with native vegetation.
8. Begonia ulmifolia
Elm-leaved begonia spreads through underground rhizomes that pop up new growth several feet from the original plant. The serrated leaves resemble elm tree foliage, giving this begonia its common name.
Garden centers rarely mention its aggressive spreading habit when selling these attractive plants. In optimal conditions, a single plant can colonize several square feet of garden space within just two growing seasons.
9. Begonia heracleifolia
Star begonia features dramatic star-shaped leaves that catch every gardener’s eye. The thick rhizomes creep along the soil surface, sending up new growth in unexpected places throughout garden beds.
While stunning as a specimen plant, it quickly outgrows its welcome in mixed plantings. Each segment of rhizome can generate a new plant, making it difficult to control once established in garden settings.
10. Begonia carolineifolia
Palm-leaf begonia creates a tropical feel but spreads aggressively through both seeds and stem fragments. Even tiny pieces of stem can root and form new plants when they contact moist soil.
The compound leaves resemble miniature palm fronds, making this an attractive addition to gardens. However, its invasive tendencies become apparent as it begins crowding neighboring plants and appearing in unexpected places.
11. Begonia rex
Rex begonias captivate with their jewel-toned foliage in swirling patterns of silver, purple, pink, and green. These showstoppers remain well-behaved in gardens, growing in tight clumps that expand slowly.
Perfect for shaded garden corners where you need reliable color without aggressive spread. Their shallow root systems mean they won’t interfere with neighboring plants, making them ideal companions in mixed shade plantings.
12. Begonia masoniana
Iron cross begonia earns its name from the distinctive dark cross pattern on each leaf. This well-mannered plant grows slowly in a compact form, making it perfect for small spaces.
Unlike invasive cousins, it stays exactly where you plant it year after year. The textured leaves add interesting dimension to shaded garden spots without threatening to take over the entire bed.
13. Begonia dregei
Maple leaf begonia forms an attractive caudex (swollen stem base) that resembles a miniature tree trunk. This slow-growing variety maintains a compact habit that won’t overrun garden beds.
The delicate maple-shaped leaves emerge from woody stems, creating an elegant bonsai-like appearance. Even after years of growth, these well-behaved plants maintain their designated garden space without unwanted spreading.
14. Begonia bowerae
Boweri begonias bring delightful speckled foliage to shaded garden corners without aggressive spread. The compact growth habit forms neat mounds that maintain their boundaries year after year.
Garden designers appreciate their predictable size and non-invasive nature for planned landscapes. The star-shaped leaves with contrasting spots create visual interest while playing nicely with neighboring plants.
15. Begonia fuchsioides
Fuchsia begonia produces cascades of coral-pink flowers that resemble tiny fuchsia blooms. Despite its vigorous flowering, this variety maintains a well-behaved growth habit that won’t overtake garden beds.
The upright stems form a neat bush that stays within bounds year after year. Hummingbirds adore the tubular flowers, making this a wildlife-friendly choice that won’t cause garden maintenance headaches.
16. Begonia sutherlandii
Sutherland’s begonia produces dainty orange blooms above compact foliage, creating a cheerful display that remains well-contained. The small tubers 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 ideal choice for gardens where every inch of space counts.
17. Begonia venosa
Silver begonia showcases fuzzy silver-white leaves that glow in shaded garden corners. The slow growth rate ensures this stunning plant won’t overwhelm neighboring specimens.
Each mature plant forms a tidy rosette that expands gradually without aggressive spread. The thick, succulent-like leaves store water, making this a drought-tolerant choice that respects garden boundaries while adding unique textural interest.
18. Begonia listada
Striped begonia features olive-green leaves with striking silver veining that brightens shady spots. The compact growth habit forms neat clumps that maintain their size without aggressive spreading.
Unlike some begonias that self-seed everywhere, this variety stays precisely where you plant it. The star-shaped leaves create beautiful textural contrast in woodland gardens without the maintenance headaches of more invasive begonia species.
19. Begonia prismatocarpa
Miniature African begonia produces tiny yellow flowers with red centers above diminutive leaves. This micro-begonia grows just 3-4 inches tall and maintains a well-behaved, compact form perfect for terrariums and small spaces.
Despite its delicate appearance, it’s surprisingly durable while remaining non-invasive. The slow growth rate ensures it won’t outcompete neighboring plants or escape its designated garden space.
20. Begonia chlorosticta
Dotted begonia displays dark leaves speckled with silver dots that create a starry night effect in shaded gardens. The compact growth habit forms tidy clumps that respect garden boundaries year after year.
Unlike aggressive spreaders, this begonia maintains its designated space without unwanted expansion. The dramatic foliage provides reliable visual interest without the maintenance challenges associated with more invasive begonia varieties.