|
FINAL INSTALMENT
European horticulturists created new varieties and the three
main groups were developed. Begonia tuberhybrida appeared between 1870 &
1910 as did hybrids semperflorens cultorum and x Rex cultorum. All
major species were introduced by the end of the 19th century. 1864 /
1865 species are introduced by Richard Pearce collector at Veitch, sons
& co. (Chelsea London ) B. Boliviensis, B. Pearcei & B. Veitchii,
Begonia Boliviensis is of special interest to gardeners & growers today,
being one of the species used by John Seden in the production of the
first tuberous hybrid raised in England begonia x sedenii.
The
Conservatoire du Bégonia is certainly worth a visit, the only
downside is the tour only lasts an hour and I needed another hour just
wandering about. The guide that took us round spoke in French, too quick
for me to to keep up with but we did have a red folder with English
text. Did a James Bond stunt and took pictures of the 15 pages so I
could read it later. All the information has been taken from this folder
& other information around the greenhouse. I will certainly be going
back again, it's only an hour & half from where we stay with our
relatives who live in France. |
