Begonia Rex 06 Hi
Begonia Rex 06 Hi
Begonia Rex 06 Hi
Wendy Wesley
Trials Ofcer, RHS Garden Wisley Bulletin Number 16 December 2006
www.rhs.org.uk
Objectives
The objectives of the trial were: to assess the entries for the Award of Garden Merit as pot plants for the house, conservatory or greenhouse, and the production of a permanent reference, through the collation of photographic records and written descriptions.
Entries
There were 87 entries in the trial submitted by two specialist UK nurseries, an additional National Plant Collections holder and an agent for a breeder in the USA. Plants were assessed between July and October 2005.
10 Rocheart
Of these only one, Curly Fire Flush, did not gain the Award of Garden Merit.
Judging Criteria
The trial was assessed for the AGM by the Floral Trials Subcommittee using the following criteria: Habit Leaf shape, colour, markings & arrangement Length of good display Health Tolerance of dry-ish conditions / atmosphere
Front cover: Fireworks (photo: Wendy Wesley) Left: AGM plants (photo: Jacquie Gray) Above: Curly Fire Flush (photo: Wendy Wesley) Opposite: Escargot (photo: Wendy Wesley)
H1
Pink Champagne Princess of Hanover Raspberry Swirl* Rocheart Roi de Roses Sals Comet Sea Serpent Silver Cloud Silver King Silver Queen*
Propagation
Most begonias are relatively easy to propagate and this group are no exception as they are easily propagated from their leaves. There are a variety of different methods for leaf cuttings. These include, pinning a leaf to the surface of the compost and cutting occasional slits in it, ensuring each slit crosses a vein (see picture). Another method is to cut the leaf into V-shaped wedges, each with a vein, and to insert these into the compost. Rooting will take place where the vein has been cut. Please be aware that some cultivars, particularly those recently bred, may be protected by Plant Breeders Rights.
Pinning the leaf (photo: Tim Sandall)
Cultivation summary
Do Use free-draining compost Bring them into a light position for the winter Try to grow them in a humid environment (a saucer of pebbles can help) Dont Let them become water-logged Sit them in direct sunlight in the summer Use too much fertiliser Sit them in a draft
Begonias
The begonia family, Begoniaceae, in terms of the number of genera it contains, is very small. In addition to begonia there is one monotypic genus with tuberous rhizomes from the Hawaiian archipelago, Hillebrandia sandwicensis. Symbegonia, with 10 species from New Guinea that have perianth segments united into a tube on the female owers, is sometimes recognised as a genus in its own right, but increasing it is included within Begonia. Two other genera that have been used historically, Begoniella and Semibegoniella, are now well established as being within Begonia.
The genus Begonia was described in 1700 by Charles Plumier, a Franciscan monk and botanist. With the name he honoured Michel Begon, a French botanist who was at the time Governor of Santo Domingo. The rst begonia to reach England, B. minor, was sent by Dr William Brown from Jamaica in 1777. Following which, Sir Joseph Banks went on to introduce several species to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. By 1850 there were 200 species known in Europe; about 50 of these from living plants. Currently about 1000 species are recognised, 25% of which are in cultivation and with over 10,000 cultivars and hybrids.
Begonias characteristics:
monoecious, in that they have separate male and female owers on the same plant, often adjacent in the inorescence herbs to shrubs with brous or tuberous roots or rhizomes stalked, alternate leaves, usually asymmetric a succulent, often jointed stem four perianth segments (tepals), in two opposite pairs in male owers and two to six tepals in female owers; of varying sizes, but the same colour numerous stamens, massed in the centre many ovules and 3 styles fruit is eshy or leathery and usually winged tiny, almost dust-like seeds Although frequently referred to as rexes, all these hybrids are correctly attributed to: Numerous hybrids were made with Begonia rex, including B. annulata, B. palmata, B. hatacoa and B. xanthina. That was just the starting point. More and more crosses in as many combinations as possible were made. Hybrids with B. evansiana gave added height; hybrids with B. diadema introduced deeply cut leaves; hybrids with B. dregei gave smaller leaves; those with B. decora, colourful more reddish foliage and hybrids with B. cathayana dense, velvety hairs.
Horticultural classication
The begonias grown in cultivation today can be grouped using the American Begonia Societys horticultural classication into: cane shrub rhizomatous tuberous trailing or scandent thick-stemmed Semperorens Cultorum Group Rex Cultorum Group The Group can be broken up into different categories, by leaf size: small (sometimes referred to as miniature) <7.5cm (3) medium 7.5-15cm (3-6) large >15cm (6) Some have a spiral to their leaves and some are classed as upright, refering to the nature in habit of the rhizome, and therefore the growth of the plant. This character becomes more dominant once plants are in to their second year, and therefore plants were not really noticeable as being a different shape during the trial.
Begonia rex
Begonia rex is one of the rhizomatous species and it was introduced to England from Assam in 1856. The story varies, as stories often do, but some say that it was introduced to cultivation purely by accident. A Belgian commercial horticulturist, Jean Linden, is said to have noticed this begonia in the sheath of an orchid that was brought to the Stevens auction room in London by the botanist Charles Simons. That Linden then purchased this species for 10,000 francs and two years later in 1858 it was introduced commercially, retailing at a cost of 50 francs per plant. It immediately caused a stir among growers and hybridizers who could see the commercial possibilities.
China Curl (syn: China Swirl, China Girl) AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by Woodriff & sent by Shirleys Plants Superb plant with a striking double spiral and contrasting leaf colours Height and spread 30 45cm; three-dimensional habit, leaves well-spaced. Petiole to 17cm, pale greenish-red streaked with light green; hairs medium density, pink but with stronger red-pink on younger stems. Leaves 25 18cm with a double spiral, cordate, coarse texture, metallic sheen on upper surface, acuminate tip, sparsely hairy. Margin and central basal area deep maroon (darker than 183A), band between pale grey-green (194B), spotted with yellow-green (146A). Bright pink speckling at junction of maroon and green areas. Reverse, red margin, centre and veins.
Dewdrop AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by Lewis & sent by Dibleys Nurseries Excellent miniature with a neat small leaf that has a noteable metallic sheen; reminiscent of a Heuchera. Ideal for growing on a windowsill. Height and spread 20 40cm; leaves well-spaced and threedimensional. Petiole to 15cm; pink hairs of medium density. Leaves to 12 9cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, smooth, metallic sheen, acuminate tip, toothed margin. Pewter/pale grey-green (c.190D), ushed with mauve-pink particularly at the centre and margin. Reverse, red.
RHS Herbarium
Emerald Beauty AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Shirleys Plants A well-balanced beauty with plenty of strikingly-marked, sturdy leaves. Height and spread 20 36cm; three-dimensional. Petiole to 9cm; sparse white hairs. Leaves 19 13cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical and ovate, smooth, rugose, sheen on green patches, acuminate tip, margin toothed and lightly undulate. Olive green (much darker than 147B), with a red ush around central veins and margin as a narrow broken band; interveinal patches of pale grey-green (193B) extending to or almost to the leaf margin; small patches of yellow-green scattered at junction of olive and grey-green areas. Reverse, red margin, centre and veins.
Fireworks AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by Kartuz & sent by Dibleys Nurseries Vibrant, bold, striking leaf with wonderful colour contrast. Height and spread 30 50cm; a little two-dimensional, upright rhizome. Petioles to 14cm; densely covered in pinkish-red hairs, that also extending onto veins on leaf reverse. Well-spaced leaves, to 26 16.6cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, bullate, metallic sheen, margin lightly ciliate, acuminate tip. Centre of leaf very dark redpurple (much deeper than greyed purple 187A) that also extends along veins to margin; marginal band, deep vibrant pink (70A), that also extends around the darker area surrounding veins; between these two zones pale grey-green (193B). Reverse, red and hairy on veins, darker margin band and central area. Helen Lewis AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Large, dark velvety, wonderfully patterned leaves. Height and spread 28 45cm; more or less two-dimensional. Petiole to 17cm; densely covered in pink hairs. Leaves to 36 24cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, bullate, metallic sheen, acuminate tip, toothed margin. Dark velvet brown (200A) ushed red with a 1cm band of grey-green (190C) patches and spots 1cm from margin; ushed mauve pink. Reverse, red.
RHS Herbarium
Escargot AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Very pronounced single spiral and lovely markings; an outstanding plant that was very popular with everyone. Height and spread 26 47cm; three-dimensional habit. Petiole to 22cm, mid olive green; dense red hairs. Leaves 24 18cm, very pronounced spiral, obliquely asymmetrical and ovate, coarse, bullate and hairy, undulate margin. Leaf centre and margin dark olive green, lightly covered with pink hairs which are very obvious at leaf margin, band between bright green (darker than 130D). Reverse, highly reticulated with eshy, hairy, red veins.
All descriptions are based on plants grown in the RHS Begonia Rex Cultorum Group Trial in 2005; plants grown elsewhere may differ according to cultivation conditions, particularly in leaf colour with different light intensities.
Colour codes were taken using the RHS Colour Chart. The fourth edition (2001) is available from RHSE Mail Order, Wisley, Surrey GU23 6QB. H1 = plants requiring heated glass in the British Isles
Midnight Magic AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Dibleys Nurseries Pronounced single spiral; bright red leaf reverse that glows when the sun shines through. Although not judged for it here, it is one of the few cultivars that is noted for its pink owers. Height and spread 25 50cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves. Petiole to 17cm; dense red hairs. Leaves to 24 17cm, pronounced spiral, asymmetrical, cordate, coarse, rugose, dull, acuminate tip, margin undulate and toothed. Very dark green (darker than 147A), strongly ushed red at margins and on reverse.
Mikado AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Large leaves and vigorous plant and good, bold leaf markings with an attractive red rim. Height and spread 30 55cm; more or less two-dimensional, well-spaced leves. Petiole to 18cm, red; dense, long deep pink hairs. Leaves to 33 23cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, smooth, rugose, metallic sheen, sparse pink hairs, acuminate tip,. Main leaf colour grey-green (c.194A); narrow marginal band and around and between pronounced eshy veins, dark brown (200 A-B); spots of main colour at green/brown junction. Reverse entirely red, with white hairs on veins.
Pink Champagne AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Well-displayed leaves; a good pink with a black lacy edge and a purplish-red metallic sheen. Height and spread 25 45cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves. Petiole to 15cm, red brown; pink hairs of medium density. Leaves to 23 15cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, smooth texture, acuminate tip, margin entire. Background colour and around eshy veins, dark brown-purple (deeper and more brown than 183A), large, bullate, metallic patches and spots towards margin of rosypink (186A-B). Reverse, mainly red.
Namur AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Shirleys Plants A neater, more compact version of Escargot; said to be particularly good in its second year. Height and spread 20 30cm; three-dimensional habit, slightly congested leaves. Petiole to 7cm; dense red hairs. Leaves to 18 13cm, single spiral, with a double spiral on mature leaves, asymmetrical, orbicular, smooth, metallic sheen, acuminate tip, margin lightly undulate and lightly ciliate. Main colour grey-green (194C), with dark central blotch of dark olive green ushed with bright magenta (70A), increasing intensity with maturity; leaf margin a narrow rim of red and patches of mid olive green.
Princess of Hanover AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe An elegant pot plant, a smaller leaf than some, but forming a well-lled plant. Mature leaves have a more undulate margin and a more pronounced spiral Height and spread 35 65cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves. Petiole to 28cm, brown with green streaks; medium density coverage of pink hairs. Leaves 17.5 15cm, single or double spiral, asymmetrical, cordate, coarse, pink hairs on upper surface, acuminate tip, margin undulate, ciliate, some deeply cut; Margin and centre deep olive green (darker than 147A), with a metallic grey-green (194A) band; irregular patches of green (143C) at junction of olive and greygreen, more marked on immature leaves; margin pink-ushed. Reverse, red around margin and in centre, hairy.
Roi de Roses AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Unique colouring; the spotted edge being strongly textured. Height and spread 27 50cm; three-dimensional habit. Petiole to 20cm; densely covered with long pink hairs which fade with maturity. Leaves to 28 16cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, broadly ovate, smooth apart from marginal area, ciliate margin, acuminate tip. Deep fuchsia pink (63A), metallic, fading slightly in maturity with pale green veins; pronounced band of rugose spots around margins, each with a glandular hair on a dark green background. Veins hairy on red leaf underside.
Sea Serpent AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Upright growth, with leaves that are often slightly cupped; the distinctive dark, shiny leaves with red spots that become brighter when it is grown with less light. Height and spread 30 60cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves, upright rhizome. Petiole to 13cm, sparse short pink hairs. Leaves to 18 13cm, without spiral. Obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, rugose to bullate, mostly dull except for metallic spots, acuminate tip, toothed margin. Main leaf colour near black, spotted with metallic red-purple (64A) blisters. Reverse, red around margin, centre and veins; veins hairy.
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Silver Cloud AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe and Dibleys Nurseries Upright, tidy growth and wonderful silver foliage, particularly when in less light. Height and spread 30 50cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves, upright rhizome. Petiole to 12cm; dense white hairs. Leaves 19 15cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, rugose, slight metallic sheen, acuminate tip, toothed margin. Grey-green (194B), breaking down into spots near to veins; narrow strip of green (138A) around veins. Reverse, very pale pink hairs on veins.
Silver King AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by Teupel & sent by Shirleys Plants Striking foliage on a neat plant with even habit; plenty of foliage without congestion. Height and spread 30 60cm; three-dimensional habit, leaves well-spaced. Petiole to 20cm, brownish-red; sparse white hairs. Leaves 22 14cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, rugose, acuminate tip, margin toothed. Base colour deep olive green (darker green 147A), with patches of metallic grey-green (195C); ushes of bright redpurple (71D) around green patches increase with leaf maturity. Reverse, red.
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Selection Guide
B. annulata
leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Large No Green 2-3d Very dense; red 50 Dewdrop leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Small -medium No Pewter & pink 3d Medium-dense; pink 40
height/spread 28
height/spread 20
Bettina Rothschild (syn. Fire Flush) leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Green & red 3d Dense; red 45
Emerald Beauty leaf size Medium large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Greens & silver 3d Sparse; white 36
height/spread 28 Carolina Moon leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes
height/spread 20 Escargot leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
height/spread 24 China Curl leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
height/spread 26 Fireworks leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
height/spread 30 Curly Fire Flush leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes
height/spread 30 Green Gold leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
height/spread 28 David Blais leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
height/spread 27 Helen Lewis leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No
height/spread 40 Denver Lace leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No
height/spread 28 Hilo Holiday leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No
height/spread 28
height/spread 30
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Leaf size at end of trial: small = <7.5cm; medium = 7.5-15cm; large = >15cm Height/spread measured in cms
Ironstone leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
3d = 3-dimensional; 2d = 2-dimensional (note many cultivars started more 2-dimensional at the start of the trial)
height/spread 23 Kathy Shorindore leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No
height/spread 20
Pink Champagne leaf size Medium-large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs 45 No Pink 3d Medium; pink 45
height/spread 36 Martin Johnson leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes
height/spread 25 Plum Rose leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
Large Yes (lacking in some leaves) Pink, green & black 2-3d Medium; red 40
height/spread 30 Maui Mist leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
height/spread 21
STA
Large No Pink & black 2-3d Medium; pink 70
Princess of Hanover leaf size Medium spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes (some double) Greens 3d Medium; pink 65
height/spread 42
height/spread 35
Miami Storm STA leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Red & black 3d Medium; pink 50
Raspberry Swirl (1994) leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes (some double) Pink & green 3d Medium; red 60
height/spread 34 Midnight Magic leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes
height/spread 35 Red Robin leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
height/spread 25 Mikado leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
RHS Herbarium
height/spread 30
Reine des Neiges leaf size Medium-large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Silver 3d Medium; white 40
height/spread 30
height/spread 20
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Selection Guide
Rocheart leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Medium large Yes Green & pink 3d Dense; pale pink & white 40 Seattle Twist leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes Pink & greens 3d Dense; pink 55
height/spread 25
height/spread 30
Roi de Roses leaf size Medium large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Pink & pale green 3d Dense; pink 50
Silver Cloud leaf size Medium-large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Green & silver 3d Dense; white 50
height/spread 27 Sal's Comet leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
height/spread 30 Silver Green Heart leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No
height/spread 28 Sal's Moondust leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs 3d No
height/spread 23 Silver King leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
Medium; pink 56
height/spread 30 San Diego Sunset leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No
height/spread 30 Valentine leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
height/spread 26
height/spread 25
Savannah Pink Parfait leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Pink & greens 3d Medium; red 55
height/spread 30
Sea Serpent leaf size Medium-large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Black & red 3d Sparse; pink 60
height/spread 30
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Recommended Awards
Subject to verication of the name Two entries to the trial were submitted as 'Regal Minuet'; trial numbers 50 and 64. Although similar, there were distinct differences between the two. Both of these plants were considered to be worthy of the Award of Garden Merit, however neither award will be granted the AGM until their identity has been resolved. If you think you might be able to help shed light on this, then please do get in touch.
Regal Minuet (Trial no. 50) Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe. Height and spread 22 50cm. Rich red-purple (deeper than 61A) with a small area of near black around leaf base that extends narrowly along veins; very narrow, broken rim of deep maroon to near black at margin.
Acknowledgements
Photographs by Wendy Wesley unless otherwise stated. All the staff who worked in the glasshouses at RHS Garden, Wisley in 2005, particularly Nick Morgan, Glass Superintendent. Richard Gilbert, member of the Tender Ornamental Plant Committee, for his help since the trial was rst proposed. Regal Minuet (Trial no. 64) Sent by Dibleys Nurseries. Height and spread 32 50cm. Metallic dark rich redpurple (187B-C); dark brown (200A) to black at centre, along veins and for an entire, narrow marginal band. The senders of the plants to the trial, not only for their plants, but for their time, interest and expertise too.
Further reading
Thompson, M.L. & Thompson, E.J. (1981) Begonias - The complete Reference Guide. Times Books, New York. Tebbitt, M.C. (2005) Begonias Cultivation, Identication & Natural History. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon.
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These bulletins can be viewed at a larger size on the RHS Website: www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials_bulletins.asp
RHS Herbarium
The RHS Herbarium keeps a record of trial cultivars as dried specimens with detailed descriptions and photographic images. This forms an important reference for the horticultural industry. Any new cultivars are highlighted and a Standard specimen is preserved and described. The RHS Herbarium, stored at RHS Garden Wisley, is the largest active horticultural herbarium in the world. At present the collection contains about 80,000 herbarium specimens and over 30,000 images of plants. Material is actively collected from a wide spectrum of sources including RHS plant trials.
Trials Ofce RHS Garden Wisley Woking Surrey GU23 6QB e-mail: [email protected]
www.rhs.org.uk/trials
Reg charity no. 222879 All text & images Copyright RHS 2006 ISSN: 1477-9153 (print) ISSN: 1447-9161 (online)