Species
& Hybrids
This
page is presented by Society Vice Chairman Jeff Rhodes. |
Species
Species are botanical plants that grow naturally. When a species begonia
is crossed with another of the same variety the resulting plants will
come true.
Hybrids
Hybrids are the result of crossing two different varieties. The only
way to reproduce a hybrid is by vegetative means. |
Tuberous
/ Semi tuberous |
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Some begonias in this group produce tubers, others have an irregular
tuber like formation at the base, which often appears as a swelling of
the stem just above and below soil level. Most will go into dormancy or
semi-dormancy, but if temperature and light levels are maintained, they
can be kept growing throughout the year. Growing conditions are similar
to the tuberous doubles, their basic requirements are:
Light: - Filtered sun to bright shade.
Temperature: - 55 to 65F.
Humidity: - 40 to 50%,
Compost: - Well-drained.
Feeding: - A balanced feed should be applied during the growing
season. Water carefully to avoid rot.
The
list below will not include the tuberous double flowered varieties, they
are dealt with elsewhere
. |
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B.gracilis var
martiana
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An unusual
begonia from Mexico, commonly known as the hollyhock begonia. A tuberous
species, tall growing, with rose pink, scented flowers, which resemble
miniature hollyhocks. Stems are very slender therefore staking is
required. These plants form bulbils at the leaf axils, which can be used
for propagation. Beware of mildew. |
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B.micranthera
v foliosa
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A tuberous species from
Argentina. Tall growing with 2” leaves, Bright yellow flowers June to
September. This variety is said to be dioecious - male and female
flowers do not appear on the same plant.
It will go into dormancy during winter. There is also a white
flowered variety. |
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B.dregei
`Glasgow`
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An easy to grow
semi-tuberous species. Although this is classed as a species,
there are several different varieties bearing the dregei name.
It will lose all its leaves in winter and looks rather strange with it’s
swollen stems. Masses of small white flowers are produced
throughout the summer. `Glasgow` is the only variety of this species
that doesn’t lose its silver spotting on the leaf. |
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Cane like
Rhizomatous
Shrub-like
Thick stemmed
Rex cultorum
SPECIES &
HYBRIDS TITLE PAGE |
