TODAY'S HOURS: 8 AM – 5 PM

*Last entry is an hour before closing

TODAY'S HOURS: 8 AM – 5 PM

*Last entry is an hour before closing

Begonia Species Bank

The Collection

There are more than 2,000 species in the genus Begonia. The Botanic Garden begonia collection contains over 800 species and over 800 hybrids, making it the largest recognized begonia collection in North America. In 2014 the FWBG became the first botanic garden in Texas to receive accreditation, initially by the North American Plant Collections Consortium. Then in 2015, we gained accreditation through the Plant Collections Network. We are currently the only accredited Begonia collection in the United States.

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 Begonia species from geographical regions of the world as well as highlighted hybrids/cultivars.
  • The Rain Forest Conservatory is where begonias live in their natural habitat.

The working and collections greenhouses are only open to the public by scheduled guided tour. To schedule a guided tour please call (817)463-4160. General admission rates do apply.

Gardens & Living Collections