A begonia is a type of flowering plant grown both indoors and outdoors for its beautiful, colorful leaves and delicate blooms. Begonias come in hundreds of varieties, some with leaves shaped like angel wings, others with leaves patterned in silver, pink, or deep burgundy. Their flowers can be red, pink, white, yellow, or orange.

Begonias originally came from tropical regions in South America, Africa, and Asia, which is why they thrive in warm, humid conditions.

Gardeners love begonias because they grow well in shade, unlike many flowering plants that need full sun. You might see them in hanging baskets on porches, filling shady spots in gardens, or brightening up windowsills indoors. Some begonias are grown mainly for their stunning leaves rather than their flowers. The tuberous begonias, which grow from swollen structures underground, produce especially large, showy flowers that can look almost like roses.

If you're helping a parent or grandparent garden, begonias are often among the easier plants to care for, making them perfect for someone just learning about growing things.