Begonia Species Bank

The Collection

There are more than 1,800 species in the genus Begonia. The Botanic Garden collection contains over 350 species and over 600 hybrids, making it the largest begonia collection in North America. In 2015, the FWBG became the first botanic garden in Texas to receive accreditation for its begonia collection through the Plant Collections Network and currently has the only accredited begonia collection in the nation.

Begonias grow in the wild throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and often face loss of habitat from deforestation, logging, mining, and agriculture. Our Begonia Species Bank serves as insurance against their extinction. Additions are constantly being made to the collection through propagation and the acquisition of new species.

Because of limited space, the collection is divided among multiple greenhouses.

  • The Collection Greenhouse holds the bulk of the collection. 
  • The Working Greenhouse includes the potting shed where begonias are propagated and housed. 
  • The Begonia Exhibition Greenhouse (open from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm daily), located adjacent to the Rock Springs Building, features hybrids.
  • The Rain Forest Conservatory is where begonias live in their natural habitat.

The working greenhouse and the collection greenhouse are not open to the public except for the scheduled tour. To schedule a tour please call 817-463-4160. General admission rates do apply.

Gardens & Collections