Fleuroselect begonias – the RHS People’s Choice winners

In summer 2025, RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex became the stage for a spectacular showcase of begonias, as part of an RHS Plant Trial in collaboration with Floral Fantasia (sponsored by Miracle-Gro), Fleuroselect, and W.D. Smith and Son. The Fleuroselect Begonia Trial 2025 brought together 147 entries from leading international breeders, offering a broad showcase of colour, form, and performance across a wide range of cultivars.

Of the entries, 57 were cultivated in pots while 90 were planted directly into the ground, allowing for a rich comparison of performance across different growing conditions. Begonias, typically grown as

Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season. They are generally easy to grow from seed or can be bought as young plants from garden centres. Annuals are ideal for growing in summer containers and filling gaps in borders. Some examples of annuals include sunflowers, cosmos, sweet peas and zinnia.

Adding a public dimension to the trial, the RHS People’s Choice ran from July to September 2025, inviting visitors to vote for their favourites. With over 367 votes cast, the votes highlighted the varieties that truly captured the public’s imagination.

RHS People’s Choice: Ground-grown winners

First place

Begonia ON TOP SUN GLOW ('Pas1384156') (On Top Series) (T)

With large, vibrant blooms from spring right through to autumn, this standout Begonia shows off eye-catching picotee flowers in golden yellow and rich red tones. It’s perfect for containers and shady corners, and resilient enough to thrive in sunny, exposed spots too.

Voters’ comments included: I love the combination of colours on the petals.

Second place

Begonia I’CONIA PORTOFINO DARK ORANGE (l’conia Portofino Series)

A semi-trailing, semi-upright Begonia with vibrant dark orange flowers that really pop against deep green leaves and reddish stems. It loves shade and partial shade, but can handle sunny, exposed spots too. Expect a lovely display of blooms all summer long.

Voters’ comments included: Beautiful flowers set off by dark leaves.

Third place

Begonia ‘Nonstop Rose Picotee’ (Nonstop Series)

Producing large, pink picotee flowers, this upright Begonia brings a splash of colour all summer long. It thrives in shade and partial shade, but is tough enough to handle sunny, exposed spots as well.

Voters’ comments included: I liked the pink and white colour combination.

What visitors loved most about ground-grown begonias

Voters consistently preferred large, double blooms over smaller or single flowers, even when the latter were more floriferous. Vibrant colour was a key attraction, with less focus on plant shape, balance or uniformity.

As in previous Floral Fantasia trials, bicoloured blooms and plants with strong colour contrasts remained firm favourites. Many voters were especially drawn to begonias with striking contrasts between leaf and flower, or between two colours within the petals – these bold combinations really stood out.

RHS People’s Choice: Container-grown winners

First place

Begonia boliviensis BOSSA NOVA WHITE (Bossa Nova Series)

A vigorous trailing Begonia that produces masses of slender white flowers on soft coral-pink stems all summer long. Its large, arrow-shaped leaves are neatly serrated, adding extra texture and interest. Ideal for containers and hanging baskets, it thrives in shade and partial shade – but can also handle sunny, exposed spots.

Voters’ comments included: I love the colour, good leaves.

Second place

Begonia ‘Starshine Appleblossom’ (Starshine Series)

This vigorous trailing Begonia puts on a show all summer, with masses of flowers on graceful arching stems. Its large, arrow-shaped leaves have neat serrated edges for extra texture. Perfect for containers and hanging baskets, it thrives in shade and partial shade – but it’s hardy enough to handle sunny, exposed spots.

Voters’ comments included: Beautiful flower set off by dark leaves.

Third place

Begonia boliviensis GROOVY SALMON BICOLOUR (Groovy Series)

A semi-trailing Begonia featuring large single flowers and a neat, mounded habit that gives it a tidy, uniform look. It blooms steadily through summer and thrives in shade or partial shade – but can handle sunnier, more exposed spots. A great choice for adding structure and colour to containers.

Voters’ comments included: Very groovy, great colour and flowers.

What visitors loved most about container-grown begonias

For containerised begonias, voters leaned towards soft pastel colours and elegant, cascading flowerheads. Strong, vigorous varieties that filled containers well and spilled over the edges were especially popular.

As in previous Floral Fantasia trials, scent wasn’t a major factor, but two-toned flowers were clearly preferred over single-coloured blooms – adding visual interest and charm to the display.

What’s next...

The full results of the RHS Trial judging will be available soon, in the meantime, read more about the Fleuroselect Begonia Trial 2025. Next summer, Floral Fantasia, RHS Garden Hyde Hall will hold a Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon) trial and visitors will be able to vote for their favourite plant.