Historic, Archive Document
Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.
LIST OF
BEGONIAS
In the Collection of
ROSECROFT
BEGONIA
GARDENS
ALFRED D. ROBINSON
• and •
ANNIE C. ROBINSON
• Proprietors •
POINT LOMA • CALIFORNIA
ZL EC
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
|
</) |
<D |
|||
|
o |
V. |
CO D |
||
|
The |
0) L. a o |
C |
<D _c 1- |
O JC JO -4— 03 |
|
CL |
• 2
ROSECROFT
v
Rosecroft is on Point Loma, the head of land that forms the Northwest boundary of the Bay of San Diego, Cali¬ fornia, and in consequence of that situation enjoys an all the year round mildness of climate coupled with a moist atmosphere, that permits of the cultivation of the Begonia family with a simple lath protection. In such a shelter as a result of over a quarter of a century of collect¬ ing and breeding, Rosecroft grows what competent critics have pronounced much the best exposition of this family in the world. The so-called Tree Begonias attain a height of twenty feet and all sorts flourish.
THIS LIST
While this list is not inclusive of all the Begonias in the Rosecroft Collection, nor claimed to be authoritative as to nomenclature, it has been most carefully prepared and we believe will be found a valuable guide in a field singu¬ larly bare of printed information.
As it is hoped that this list may act as a guide as well as a catalogue, varieties have been included which are not at present for sale, such are marked with an asterisk (*) .
NOMENCLATURE
There is no real authority for reference as to description and titles of the Begonia family, at least we have been unable to find such. Many of the species are now possessed of a number of aliases and the same Begonia is known according to locality or personal preference by a variety of names. Rosecroft assumes no responsibility for the names used in this list, having in many instances acknowledged its own unauthorized titles.
N. B. Where two names are given, the leading one is our choice, adopted as a result of much delving into past history.
PRICES AND SHIPPING DIRECTIONS
Most of the varieties listed can be supplied at from 25c up to several dollars for large specimens.
Rare sorts start at $1 up.
Orders for less than $1 are not acceptable, and mailing charges must be included in remittance.
For shipment by Parcel Post add 25 per cent East of Chicago, 1 5 per cent West of Chicago to the Rockies and 10 per cent on Pacific Slope. Express shipments, which we recommend, sent freight C. O. D.
We successfully ship live plants to all parts of the United States, and at all seasons except the hot summer months of July and August, and those of extreme winter cold, De¬ cember, January and February.
Tubers shipped when dormant in December, January and February.
Cultural Directions with every order.
• 3 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
Coralline Lucerne (Page 5)
Rex Lesoudsii (Page 18)
The Calla Begonia (Page 17)
• 4 •
O Rosecroff Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
FIBROUS BEGONIAS— Tree Form
Type, Coralline Lucerne
(25c, 50c and up, unless otherwise mentioned)
These Begonias are big growers with branching tops,
leaves broad at base, long and pointed, blooms in large
pendent clusters; though they grow fifteen feet, they
bloom from cuttings at less than a foot.
CORALLINE LUCERNE. The largest of all, flowers in immense clusters deep pink to red, foliage dark green upper and red under, sometimes spotted.
PRESIDENT CARNOT. Similar to LUCERNE but with lighter foliage unspotted, blooms brilliant red and longer in form.
N. B. Other names such as Yosemite and Flammarion are often given to this Begonia or others so like it that the difference is not apparent to the average person.
TEUSCHERI. Similar to Carnot but with more branching habit and red coloring under foliage confined to along veins.
’■'HELEN. Similar to Carnot but with white blooms. $1.00.
DE LESSEPS. Similar but not so tall a grower and with pink tinted almost white flowers, foliage often quite spotted.
ROSSI. Much lighter foliage with a bronzy cast, flowers a light pink. 50c up.
GENEVA. Shorter more bushy grower, leaves rounder and more spotted, blooms nearer to pink. 50c.
ARCENTEA GUTTATA. An old very hardy sort, medium grower, very shrubby in habit, foliage dark and heavily silver spotted; blooms, greenish white.
*ELAINE. Long narrow dark metallic foliage with large clusters of tinted pink blooms, very distinctive but rather delicate. $2.00.
ROSECROFT INTRODUCTIONS
ORRELL. Seedling of Lucerne, very light green foliage handsomely silver spotted, blooms cherry red held more erect than the type, a great addition to the class. 35c up.
LUGANO. Another Lucerne seedling branching more freely than its parent, leaves smaller and darker, blooms deep pink produced with great freedom. 35c up.
MAYBELLE E. Medium grower, branches well, foliage dark heavily silver spotted, blooms begonia red with white center to seedpods, very distinctive. $1 .00.
• 5 •
• Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
HELEN W. KING. A Coralline seedling of medium growth with dark metallic leaves generally silver spotted. Blooms pink carried in bunches close to the main stem, as in fruit blossoms. $1 .00.
ROSIE MURPHISKI. Another Coralline seedling of even shorter growth, leaves very metallic heavily silver spotted with crinkled edges, stems almost black in short joints like a bamboo. Blooms pink. $1 .00.
FIBROUS BEGONIAS— Tree Form
Rubra Type
(25c, 50c and up, unless otherwise mentioned)
These are variously known as Rubra, Bamboo and Angel Wing. Their growth, tall and vigorous, resembles that of a bamboo, and their long narrow light green leaves are borne so placed on the branch that they resemble the hunched wings of the illustrated Angels of long ago. Blooms, in large pendent clusters.
RUBRA RED. Brilliant scarlet.
RUBRA PINK. Soft pink.
ARCYROSTICMA. Pink; foliage occasionally spotted.
DECORUS. White with brownish seed pod, sweet scented.
ALBA PERFECTA. Dainty white; foliage slightly ruffled of pleasing light green.
PICTA ROSEA. Also called the Baby Rubra, rose colored, blooms very freely produced, and smaller foliage sometimes spotted.
PICTA ALBA. Narrow small dark foliage heavily spotted with silver, almost black stems and white flowers, smaller grower than Rosea.
ROSECROFT INTRODUCTIONS
SHASTA. A splendid large white, much the finest white yet introduced in this class. $1 .00 up.
MRS. W. D. HARNEY. Large white and pink blooms. Vigorous. 50c up.
MRS. SCHINKEL. Regular orchid color of Rosea Picta type. 50c up.
RUBRA ODORATA. Deep rose bloom very delightfully scented. $1.00 up.
RUBRA DIELYTRA. Blooms strongly resembling those of the Bleeding Heart, most charming. 50c up.
• 6 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
Faureana (Palmata) (Page 17)
Bennett Rubra (Page 8)
• 7 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
MARTHA. Medium grower, leaves with sawtooth lobe, small blooms of deep red. $1 .00 up.
JINN IE MAY. A dwarf not more than two feet, laurel like leaves, small dainty red blooms. $1.00 up.
MARY. Medium grower and quite bushy, red blooms profusely produced and well distributed, carried in open dainty clusters. $1.00.
BENNETT RUBRA. Medium grower, leaves narrow dark green, typical clusters of bloom, seedpod salmon with lighter petals. $1.00.
SHRIMP RUBRA. A very distinct soft shrimp shade.
$1.00.
OTHER TALL FORMS
(25c, 50c and up, unless otherwise mentioned)
MULTIFLORA ROSEA. Also called FLORIBUNDA ROSEA, small foliage carried close to stem, pendent fuchsia¬ like blooms of delicate pink, always in flower and hardy.
FUCHSIOIDES COCCINEA. A similar form but blooms transparent scarlet. Mexico calls it “CORAZON DE JESU.”
COMPTA. Tall slender grower with long pointed leaves, greyish green with conspicuous grey center, small white blooms in large close clusters. 50c and up.
VEDDERI. A seedling of Compta but much smaller grower with leaves broader at base and shorter, also lacking the grey center but with wavy edge. 50c.
ZEBRINA. Also ANGULARIS from its square stem, simi¬ lar to Compta but grey markings much less pro¬ nounced, a much more vigorous grower.
WALLOW. One of the very best new things. A vigorous grower branching well. Foliage very dark, long, narrow and wavy, carried almost perpendicularly, giving great elegance. Blooms white in erect clus¬ ters. $2.00.
FIBROUS BEGONIAS — Intermediate Growth
(25c, 50c and up, unless otherwise mentioned)
PREUSEN. Very bushy upright habit, small long leaves and blooms of pink tint scattered through foliage, good at any stage.
BAYERN. Similar to Preusen but foliage spotted.
SACHSEN. Similar to Preusen but smaller grower with darker bronzy foliage and coppery red blooms.
• 8 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
WETTSTEJNj/A'fc^anching small tree type with wavy green foliage and^ brilliant bunches of bloom, the most brilliant of all the reds. 50c.
INCARNATA. Upright grower with light green foliage and deep pink flowers in numerous clusters. Winter bloomer.
SYLVIA. A seedling of Incarnata with wavy foliage and dainty pink flowers; likes shade.
MARGUERITE. Upright bush form with hairy foliage and tinted pink flowers, an old reliable.
DIGSWELLIANA. Bushy with crinkly foliage and tinted pink bloom. A recent introduction is a variation with darker foliage and almost red blooms.
ROBUSTA. Small ruddy leaves and red stems; blooms pink to red, grows with fountain effect, continually send¬ ing up new shoots; very hardy and desirable. Stands sunlight.
ROBUSTA DECKERS. Growth more upright than last, foliage darker and blooms on longer stems and bigger bunches, a distinct variation. 50c.
WASHINGTON ST. An unnamed seedling found in a San Diego garden, with long green leaves and small white blooms in bunches produced in winter; quite indi¬ vidual.
ODORATA ALBA. Round, glossy foliage with large bunches of delicately scented white flowers continu¬ ously produced. One of the very best and makes a large spreading bush.
ODORATA ROSEA. A pink form of Alba not nearly so vigorous. (This is called Nitida in some lists) .
UNDINE. A Rosecroft seedling of Odorata Alba with tinted blooms; both blooms and foliage waved. Medium grower and bushes nicely. 50c up.
ROSEA GIGANTEA. Large, round glossy foliage with a red spot where the stem joins; blooms a deep rose to red, produced in winter in large bunches held up¬ right; one of the most handsome of the Begonias. 50c up.
LOBATA VARIEGATA. A somewhat difficult doer with serrated spotted foliage and white blooms.
MEDORA. A restrained branching type, leaves small heavily silver spotted, pink blooms. 50c.
• 9 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
LOW CROWING BRANCHING TYPE
(25c, 50c and up, unless otherwise mentioned)
WELTONIENSIS ROSEA. Semi-tuberous with pointed serrated small leaves, red stems and pink flowers, makes fine pot specimens; dormant in winter.
WELTONIENSIS ALBA. Similar to above with white blooms and larger grower.
McBETHII. Also commonly called Dewdrop, semi-tuber¬ ous, fine ferny foliage, white flowers, bushy in habit.
McBETHI l-PINK (Rosecroft). Blooms tinted, foliage finer and plant generally more open than parent McBethii. 50c.
DRECEI. Like McBethii but foliage darker especially in center.
■^Djlj^SON (Rosecroft). A seedling of Mc- rbut with larger foliage beautifully variegated white. $ 1 .00.
RICHARDSONI. Similar to McBethii but foliage longer and more feathery; likes shade, flowers white.
SUTHERLAND! (SCHNITZERI) . An orange flowered form of these semi-tuberous, native of South Africa. 35c.
FOLIOSA. Very small leaved, foliage grows flat like a fern, flowers quite miniature, white borne in singles pen¬ dent. Takes the place of a fern in grouping.
BERTHA VON LOTHRINCEN. Another possibly incorrect name. It has also been named to us as Pearl de Lorraine. A thick stemmed kind with smooth medium green foliage veined peculiarly in chocolate; winter bloomer, pink shaded. 50c.
SAUNDERSI I (SANDERSONI) . A low bushy grower with light green serrated foliage, blooms, a brilliant scarlet.
NITIDA. A wonderful free blooming white, about two feet, flowers very dainty borne in large upright clus¬ ters, always in bloom; a splendid pot plant. (The description in some lists of Nitida is that we give to Odorata Rosea ) .
LUXURIANT or OLBIA. A small grower with woody stems, leaves a beautiful velvet green, shaped like the Lucerne group but much smaller, blooms greeny white in pendent clusters. 50c.
ARTHUR MALLET. A very shy doer but when happy makes a wonderful plant with very dark speckled leaves suffused with pinky purple. Have never seen it in bloom. $2.00.
with
• 10 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
Compta (Page 8)
Odorata Alba (Page 9)
• 11 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
BERTHA DE CHATEAU ROCHER, also called Ascotiensis and Corbeille de Feu. They may be separate varieties but they don’t look like it. Upright grower with leaves like Floribunda, brilliant coral red blooms, makes fine specimen when well grown.
FRANCONIS. A small bushy grower, succulent stems, foliage rounding light green and rough, blooms small white in singles borne very freely.
SCOTCH LUXURIANS. A perfectly unauthorized title for lack of any other. A rapid growing branching sort with large soft grey green leaves and white flowers in panicles.
THICK STEMS AND PROCUMBENT TYPES
(50c and up, unless otherwise mentioned)
VERSCHAFELTI. Thick stem, very large green lobed leaves on long fleshy stems, blooms in huge upright pink clusters borne well above foliage, very early flowering.
CAROLI NAEFOLIA. Similar habit, but with perfectly palmate leaves of light green, each finger on a sep¬ arate stem, blooms pink, a native species from Mexico. $ 1 .00.
ECUADORENSIS. A native of Ecuador, raised from seed sent from there; very thick upright stem, leaves large almost palmate, green with inconspicuous white markings towards points when young; blooms crepy white to pink in clusters on long erect stems. Deciduous. $2.00.
FLORIDA SPECIES. So called simply because it was ob¬ tained in Florida, it is however possibly a Cuatamalan native. Growth similar to Verschafelti. Leaves large round and light green, blooms in yellowish white panicles. $ 1 .00.
PAUL BRUANT. Very serrated bronzy foliage; blooms, pink in large clusters, early, very handsome when well grown.
GILSONI. The only double in this class and it is more crested than double, thick stem, good branching habit, dark green leaves pointed and fluted, light pink blooms in large clusters; early. $1 .00.
VITAFOLIA. This is the name given us for a plant raised from seed sent from Mexico. The leaves are shiny green above rusty under, large and irregular heart shaped, tinted pink small flowers in large clusters. Early.
• 12 •
O Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
MRS. W. KIMBALL. Upright stiff habit, foliage fluted and often silver spotted on brownish green. Blooms large and pink. Wants protection.
RICINAFOLIA. Sends up enormous bronzy leaves on long thick hairy stems from a procumbent fleshy root stock. Bloom stalks often four feet long with bunches of pink flowers a foot and a half across; wonderful tub plant and very hardy.
FISCHERS RICINAFOLIA. A smaller plant with more pointed leaves.
IMMENSE. Similar in type to Ricinafolia but with flatter greener leaves on shorter stems.
MRS. MARY PEACE. A seedling of Ricinafolia with palmate leaves of very dark green ruffled on edges; blooms pale pink. $2.00.
RUBELLA. A medium grower of this type with leaves sprinkled with ruddy spots and very hairy; blooms pink.
SUNDERBRUCKI I. Called also Ricinafolia and Star; foliage palmate, dark almost black, striped with lustrous green, blooms pinky; early.
CUATAMALA. One of the so-called Star Begonias. Leaves typical green with dark brown spots, particularly in young plants.
FEASTII. The Beefsteak Begonia, very procumbent in habit, leaves dark green upper and red under, thick, shiny and round like a water lily pad; blooms light pink in clusters well above foliage; admirable for baskets and mounds.
There are also a HELIX type of Feastii with the lobes of the leaves spiralled and one known as the Upright Feastii or FLAMBEAU, that grows with a branching stem and blooms over a longer period.
BUNCHII. A ruffled and crested form of Feastii.
MRS. TOWNSEND. A very dark leaved sort in this group with a few points on foliage, blooms the largest of any pink with chocolate cast.
MANICATA. Light green foliage, almost round with collars of red hairs on stems ; blooms rose ; very dainty.
MANICATA AUREA. Similar to last but with yellow and white blotches on foliage.
*MANICATA AUREA CRISTATA. Similar to last but with edges of leaves crested and ruffled. $2.00.
SANCUINEA. A creeping or climbing sort with dark olive leathery foliage quite red under and stems; blooms white. $1.00.
• 13 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
NELUMBIFOLIA or MACROPHYLIA. Large peltate leaves from a short rhizome; blooms small, white to pink. $1 .00.
TEMPLINI. A thick stemmed branching sort with large wavy leaves blotched with white, yellow and red; blooms pink in clusters; very early, might be called winter bloomer; makes very handsome large speci¬ mens.
JESSIE. Similar to above but with plain leaves with ruddy overcast ; also called Ne Plus Ultra.
ULMAFOLIA. Fleshy stemmed with rough, thick elm-like leaves; blooms small white in clusters.
BRAZILIENSIS. Often called ECUADORENSIS in the Eastern States. A low growing spreading type with round green leaves of papillary texture, rather a difficult subject. 50c.
SCHARFFIANA CROUP
(35c, 50c and up, unless otherwise mentioned)
SCHARFFIANA. A sturdy grower with large hairy, thick, round leaves, ivy green above indian red under; blooms white; borne on long stems dividing like a pair of horns. The new growth emerges from a peculiar hood-like sheath.
HAACEANA. Suggestive of Scharffiana, more upright bushy grower and hardier, leaves more pointed, flow¬ ers white tinted pink, pendent in large clusters; like purses in bud; winter bloomer.
HOUCHTONI or UROPHYLLA. Similar to Haageana but foliage more definitely pointed and habit more bushy. One of the best for pots.
DUCHARTREI. Larger foliage of lighter green and under red color confined to veins. Blooms very large on long stems.
THURSTONI. Similar in habit but foliage more round and very smooth shiny and darker, blooms pink, borne erect.
DOROTHY GRANT. A giant in its class, rather loose in habit. Leaves very large and round dark and so shiny as to appear varnished. Blooms white in upright clusters. A good new thing. $1.00.
VIAUDE. Seedling of Scharffiana with similar but larger blooms and long pointed leaf, taller grower.
• 14 •
• Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
Viaude (Page 14)
The Wallow Begonia (Page 8)
• 15 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
METALLICA. An upright grower with handsome dark veined shiny foliage, quite large blooms, light pink in clusters. There are many seedlings of this with slight variations.
NELLIE BLY. Bushy in habit, foliage short and broad fluted and of a distinct grey green, blooms tinted pink.
CYPRAEA. Somewhat similar but with rounder foliage with one distinct point, also creped and lighter green ; quite generally called Cuphea.
PRUNIFOLIA. A Rosecroft seedling of Viaude with large hairy leaves of a deep plum under; blooms white in huge pendent clusters. $1.00.
There is also a pink blooming Prunifolia.
NEELY CEDDIS. Very similar to Prunifolia but having a peculiar rudimentary leaf right up with the bloom panicle, blooms crepy white very charming. 50 c.
FRUTICOSA. Under this generic title is a large and various group with leathery foliage ranging from just green to almost black upper and brilliant red under, blooms white and tinted white. Rosecroft expects to name some of these.
i
CFIIALA. Like the Fruticosa group but leaves narrower and more pointed. Good branching habit. 50c.
CLIMBING OR SCANDENT DIVISION
ALBA SCANDENS. A clinging ivy-like variety with light green foliage and white flowers; will cling like ivy. 50c.
GLAUCOPHYLLA SCANDENS. A scandent variety with pointed green leaves, blooms pink shaded, very simi¬ lar to those of Quisqualis Indica; wonderful basket plant; now very scarce. $2.00.
MARJORIE DAW. A seedling of Mrs. Shepherd of Ventura, a much branched grower needing support; good for pillars or trellises, foliage green and handsome, blooms in large pendent clusters of rosy red. 50c and up.
• 16 •
• Rosccroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California •
ODD AND RARE KINDS
DIADEMA. An upright grower with palmate serrated foliage heavily silver spotted — an old variety but rather difficult to grow. 50c.
DIADEMA ERECTA. More like Palmata than Diadema but with foliage even more cut and white spotted rather than striped. $1.00.
ATA) . Large palmate foliage striped ne like growth; very striking. $1.00.
PALMIFOLIA. Large lobed green leaves on a fleshy stem, blooms white, in clusters. $1.00.
LINDLEYANA. Similar to Palmifolia but leaves thinner in texture and carried flatter, all growth more refined. $ 1 .00.
PELTATA. Low grower with peltate leaves, leaves and stems covered with a white fuzz, blooms white in clusters, quite unique. $1.00.
LUXURIANS. This has also been named Sessilifolia but Luxurians is its name both at Kew and the Royal Botanic Cardens in Edinburgh. An upright grower almost a climber with huge palmate leaves carried like an umbrella, each section narrow and thin and at center of leaf a quite small ruffle of auxiliary leaves, blooms small white, in clusters. $2.00.
*DAWN. A seedling of Abel Carriere with the same grey foliage but narrow pointed and small; would be a charming dwarf if not so delicate.
*CATHAYANA. A Chinese species like an upright Rex. Leaf pointed very velvety, center and border dark ivy green with narrow stlpuled zone of glaucous green, under garnet brown, stems covered with pinky hairs. Not hardy.
*GOGOENSIS. A low grower springing from a rhizome with peltate olive green mottled foliage. Most dis¬ tinctive, divided by veins just like a spider web.
CALLA LILY. This should be VERNON VARIECATA as it is definitely a Vernon. Foliage very handsomely white variegated, the new growth coming out pure white like a miniature Calla. Must not be over watered. 50c.
• 17 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
REX BEGONIAS
(35c and up)
Also called Painted-leaf from their vari-colored foliage.
Ridgway’s color chart used in description.
Large-leaved Typical Kinds
PRESIDENT CARNOT. Round leaf, dark greenish olive with raised blotches of silver, very contrasty; an old favorite. $1.00.
EMERALD GIANT. Large typical leaf, dusky olive green with pea green zone.
LESOUDSII. Very large maple form of leaf, dusky olive green irregularly zoned and spotted with pea green. One of the hardiest.
SILVER KING. Maple leaf of slate olive with silvery sheen.
LORD PALMERSTON. Typical leaf, olivaceous black with large green zone and dark olive border stipuled with sage green.
EDOUARD ERDODY. Round leaf of gnaphalium green with small palmate center of olivaceous black small ivy green markings around edge.
QUEEN VICTORIA. Typical leaf, center and border oliva¬ ceous black heavily stipuled with pea green; zone pea green.
MRS. JOHN B. (?) . Very large leaf of gnaphalium green with small olive palmate center, an irregular border of dark cress green with roundish spots of green with a red hair in the center of each.
MAGNIFICA or KING OF THE REX. An immense leaf of olivaceous black with indistinct varying zone made by an overcasting of gnaphalium green.
ROI FERD MAJOR. Very large long pointed leaf of pea green with palmate center of olivaceous black, edge color indented with markings of dark cress green.
RAJAH. Rather long shaped leaf with lustrous black center overcast with purple, zone gnaphalium green over¬ cast with Daphne pink shading from center out, pink spots spilling into center and green spots into a border of dark dull yellow green edged with purplish black. $1.00.
CHILD’S NEW SPOTTED. Typical leaves a dark slate olive heavily spotted with small light spots.
SILVER CLOUD. Grey green field palmate center and veined edge dull greenish black, stems and under, burnt lake.
• 18 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
Rosea Gigantea (Page 9)
Peltata (Page 17)
• 19 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
PEARL DE PARIS. Large round creped leaf of gnaphalium green, lake under following veins.
K. O. SESSIONS (Rosecroft). Maple shaped center, zone quite regular greenish glaucous, border forest green, leaf long and pointed on strong tall stems; exceptional grower. $1.00.
SEA NYMPH (Rosecroft). Large round leaf of brownish black, zone of forest green with silver spots, maroon under following center and edge.
POINCARE (Rosecroft) . Ground color gnaphalium green, long fingered center markings, blackish green gray, irregular border leaf green darkening to edge, very striking and tremendous doer. $1 .00.
REX — Medium Size Leaves
MODESTY. Irregular center olivaceous black, zone of court grey flushed with Daphne pink, border greyish olive shading to olivaceous black, spotted with Daphne pink.
MRS. FREVERT (Rosecroft). Maple leaf center and border dark olive irregular zone light elm green, compact grower.
LOUISE CLOSSON. Center and border dusky brown, ir¬ regular zone in raised blotches of Daphne Red.
LUCY CLOSSON. Similar to Louise but hardier grower, leaves smaller and smoother and showing a green tinge in the darker shades.
EMERAUD. Smooth leaf carrying two or three points, center olivaceous black zone forest green edge fus¬ cous; one of the best in the dark class.
QUEEN OF HANOVER. Roundish leaf, very rough center, olivaceous black zone, pea green edge, dark ivy green, whole leaf and stem covered with corinthian pink hairs.
MOONBEAM (Rosecroft). Typical pointed leaf of gna¬ phalium green with small irregular indentations on edge and center of deep slate olive, strong silvery sheen the lightest of all the Rexes we know. $1 .00.
LOIS (Rosecroft). Ground color dark ivy green blotched and spotted with sage green, a single fuscous hair in each small spot and along veins and edge giving a rusty effect; makes wonderful specimens with many leaves. $1.00.
EMPEROR. Leaf papillary and hairy, pea green lighter hairs giving a bluish grey effect, center and edge flushed with deep purplish vinaceous.
• 20 •
9 Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California •
KING EDWARD. Pointed hairy leaf of brownish purple with zone of light spots tinted purple, variable zone often shows green.
MIDNIGHT (?) . Broad leaf though pointed of purple black, zone in blotches and spots very light grey green tinted purple.
HER MAJESTY. Narrow rather wavy leaf, brownish black center and border, zone light green flushed with pink purple. Both colors and texture soft.
MARIE LOUISE. Center and edge brownish black running into spots and blotches of pink purple, zone bright green heavily spotted with light grey green.
A. D. DAVIS (Rosecroft). Grey green with palmate center and narrow even border of greenish black.
MRS. E. B. CLIFT. Wavy maple leaf dark green palmate fingers branching and running to edge in grass green, blotches of grey. Often flushed with purple.
MIKADO. Very light silvery green, palmate center purple black, edge of center and border flushed pink purple. In old leaves and strong light all of leaf is often flushed.
FIREFLUSH. Medium broad leaf of green with center and edge crimson, the whole covered with crimson hairs which makes the pushing leaves a brilliant plush. An old variety of German origin the right name of which is Furst Otto von Rothschild, or something like that.
DREW (Rosecroft). Small center and edge light grass green, zone grey green so formed as to give a perfect illusion of one leaf placed over another.
*STELLA ROSS (Rosecroft). Roundish leaf with sharp point, center and border purple black, zone dark cress green with groups of silver blotches which flush purple in strong light. The whole leaf studded with strong upright hairs like roots. $1.00.
CHRETIEN. Soft and shiny leaf, center blackish brown, zone Indian lake, border blackish brown, color quite variable.
INIMITABLE. Upright pointed leaf of sheeny tea green covered with coarse hairs of vinaceous purple, edge vinaceous purple with narrow indentations of helle¬ bore green. Alphonso is so similar as not to warrant a separate description.
CRIMSON GLOW. Leaf finely stipuled with pea green on a brighter green, suffused center and border and on old leaves all over, with Dahlia purple; strong metallic sheen. $1.00.
• 21 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California •
MOUNTAIN HAZE (?). Very papillary leaf like a very close stipuling pea green, shading darker at center and edge, the whole suffused with purple. $2.00.
SILVER QUEEN. Ground color gnaphal ium green, palmate center and edges olive brown, grown in strong light a magenta overcast appears.
REX — Small Leaves
v IMPERIALIS SMARAGDINA. Plush-like round leaf of cedar green. A delicate small plant requiring green¬ house care. $1.00.
::SMARAGDINA MACULATA. Similar to Smaragdina in habit but with heavy blotches of darker green on leaves. $1.00.
ILLUSTRATA. Small compact grower; leaf round with one point, rough and crepy tea green sunken mark¬ ings along veinings that make a regular network pattern. Excellent for small specimen or border effect. 50c.
REX — Helix or Spiralled Type
With the lobe of leaf curled round like a snail’s shell.
($1 .00, $2.00 and up.)
COUNT ADRIEN ERDODY. Beautifully spiralled, small palmate center greenish olive; body of leaf greenish glaucous fretted pattern on edge of emerald green shading to greenish olive.
COUNTESS LOUISE ERDODY. Lobes very twisted and whole leaf in deep folds; body tea green, narrow marking of veining in forest green, edge flushed purple, the best known of all the Helix.
IMPROVED ERDODY. Leaf ruffled and spiralled two or three deep folds, palmate center and border olivace¬ ous black, zone pea green.
BRONZE KING. Leaf extremely ruffled and folded with spiralled lobes, center and narrow edge olive brown, main field oil green with indistinct lighter spots.
CAPT. NEMO (a name given by Rosecroft lacking any other) . Leaf ruffled and spiralled with one or more deep folds, small center dull greenish black, main field pea green, well defined border of varleys green edged with dark olive.
• 22 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
Cilsoni (Page 12)
Scharffiana (Page 14)
• 23 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
BROOKE (another Rosecroft unauthorized title). Large leaf with deep folds, edge ruffled and lobes spiralled, small center and irregular indented border of olivace¬ ous black, main field gnaphalium green. Very smooth texture.
PRINCESS OF HANOVER. Both lobes spiralled, whole leaf very papillary, center olivaceous black, zone pea green, border dark ivy green.
REX — Discolor or Branching
( 50c and up)
ABEL CARRIERE (ARCENTEA ERECTA) . Crows with straggling stems needing support or fits in a hanging basket, leaves small, very palmate center of dark yellow green, rest of leaf pea green that in strong light is flushed with vinaceous purple.
MRS. MOON. Large palmate center dusky green gray, heavily stipuled with andover green, large indent¬ ed markings around edge, dark cress green stipuled with andover green. Makes a splendid clump in the ground.
ROBERT GEORGE. Maple leaf palmate center of olivace¬ ous black, field slate olive, indented edge markings dark ivy green, spotted with slate olive; excellent upright grower.
MRS. A. G. SHEPHERD. More ivy than maple leaf, small center of dark olive, indented edge of dark greenish olive, field tea green.
ARDIEN SCHMITT. Also known by numerous aliases, Beauty of Richmond, etc. Many pointed leaf, ground color at center olivaceous black lightening to dark cress green at edges; whole leaf blotched with gnaphalium green; very striking.
BERTHA McGREGOR. Most majestic upright grower, leaves large, almost palmate center and edges oliv¬ aceous black, large long blotches of tea green and irregular spots running out at ends of points. Un¬ fortunately the stock now obtainable is none too robust, but once had a specimen five feet high, much branched and covered with perfect leaves.
N. B. — The foregoing list is only a selection from the ever increasing number of new named Rexes. At this compiling Rosecroft has upwards of one thousand seed¬ lings showing marked variations, but in sympathy with a long suffering public will refrain from naming any till a marked individuality and worth has established a right to such distinction.
• 24 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
TUBEROUS SECTION
SINGLES in a whole range of color.
FRILLED in all the tuberous colorings.
CRESTED. Single blooms with a crested growth imposed on the petals in the form of a Maltese Cross. Mixed colors.
CRISPA MARCINATA. Singles with crimped petals in yellow with red margin and white with carmine edge.
NARCISSI FLORA. Male blooms formed like a single daffodil, in yellow, pink, red and shaded.
DOUBLES in many colors and styles.
FIMBRIATA PLENA. Very full double blooms with fring¬ ed petals like carnations; many colors.
LLOYDII or hanging basket drooping habit with blooms in singles, doubles, cactus, rosette and button types and an immense range of color. Rosecroft has the reputation of possessing from its own raising the finest and most varied strain of this type anywhere and its double white Lady Blanche achieved an in¬ ternational reputation.
TUBEROUS SPECIES
PEARCEI. Very floriferous small sulphur yellow blooms, foliage dark mottled velvety green, excellent for bedding or borders. Native to Ecuador, and chief source of yellow in the tuberous family.
BOLIVENSIS. Tall and branching with fuchsia like scar¬ let blooms. From this came our Lloydii.
FROEBELLI. Single scarlet bearing its blooms in clusters. Winter bloomer, also from Ecuador.
EVANSIANA. The easiest grown of all the tuberous woody branching stems and blooms in showers of light pink. One of the oldest and worthy of more attention.
SOCOTRANA. Peltate leaves with single pink flowers, its root formed of cluster of small grain-like tubers round the main stem. One of the parents of our Winter bloomers Lorraine, Melior, etc.
• 25 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
MARTIANA. Popular as the Hollyhock Begonia growth like a miniature hollyhock with mallow pink single blooms. Quite unlike any other tuberous even to the tuber which is round smooth and white. Native of Mexico.
Prices of tuberous are not quoted as they vary from season to season, but Rosecroft will in this particular, as in all others, be careful of the interest of its patrons.
Tubers are available in a dormant state from December 1 5 to the end of February.
BEGONIA TUBER§
20 £A. ^2 PER DOZ
BEDDING TYPE
(25c)
These are low growing many flowered sorts used very widely and freely for outdoor bedding; they also make wonderful specimens if given the opportunity.
SEASHELL. Introduced by Mrs. Shepard of Ventura, very vigorous grower, taller than the type, blooms, white, pink edged, glossy large green foliage.
MERMAID. A Rosecroft seedling duplicating Seashell, but of very compact dwarf habit.
TANACER. Rosecroft seedling of Seashell, white with orange scarlet edge, very luminous.
ROSABELLE. Another Rosecroft seedling; a beautiful mallow pink; very large bloom.
MATADOR. The latest of the Rosecroft seedlings which we hope may fill the call for a brilliant light red with green foliage.
BIJOU DE JARDIN. The smallest of all double red; delightful for favors in thumb pots.
SCHMIDTII. A branching prostrate form with small white tinted blooms and bronzy fluted foliage. Good in baskets.
Rosecroft also grows many plants that flourish under conditions similar to those Begonias enjoy, such as GLOX¬ INIAS, GESNERIA and ACHIMENES and has a collection of over one hundred named varieties of FUCHSIAS.
• 26 •
9 Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
Haageana (Page 14)
Fruticosa (Page 1 6)
• 27 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
BEGONIA CULTURAL DIRECTIONS
Arranged by Alfred D. Robinson
SOIL
LEAF MOLD is the best foundation for Begonia com¬ post, this should be well rotted not merely dried leaves, and be used, except for seed, in a rather coarse condition; to half of this, add one-quarter sandy loam, one-quarter cow manure, with a sprinkling of balanced commercial fertilizer such as Nitrophoska and fine charcoal. Begonias will grow in many kinds of soil but experience has proven this mixture.
Do not use any material that has even a suspicion of alkali, nor soil that has been persistently irrigated. Be¬ gonias like an acid soil.
WATER
For Begonias there is no real substitute for RAIN WATER. It is essential to have a soft water, especially for seed.
SEED SOWINC AND CARE OF SEEDLINCS
Seed of Tuberous should be planted early in the year, though good results are possible with May sowing. Other sorts at any time, depending on the facilities for care.
We have found leaf mold the best soil for seed. Sift this through a medium fine screen using the coarser part on the bottom of a shallow seed pan, place the fine ma¬ terial on top of this, thoroughly soak with boiling water. When cool, firm and level, spread the seed, mixed with ten times its bulk of fine dry soil, evenly over the surface. Cover the pan with a sheet of glass and keep in the dark at a temperature around 65 Fahr, till the seed sprouts when it must be gradually brought to the light, but never full sunlight.
As soon as seedlings have rooted firmly enough not to be disturbed by it, use a fine spray instead of soaking. A spray for applying insecticides is good.
After watering sprinkle a little fine dry soil over sur¬ face to cover roots of seedlings.
When large enough to handle prick out in similar soil and water as before.
• 28 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
When crowded, pot or plant out.
Various instruments are recommended for pricking out, we have found nothing better than a small finger nail file or a gold nib.
If seed is started early in the year it is helpful to take the chill off water used.
HANDLING TUBERS
These are available in the dry state from mid-Decem¬ ber till the end of February. They sprout early in South¬ ern California.
Begonia tubers are more like a round saucer shaped potato than a bulb. The top is the depressed side. To start them, put to half their depth in leaf mold, sand or moss, we prefer the first, give them a good wetting and keep in shaded location in moderate temperature till they sprout; before they do, keep on dry side.
When well growing, pot in the Begonia compost with crown barely covered, water thoroughly by setting pot in water till moisture shows on surface and then not again till well established. Start with as small a pot as size of tuber allows, shifting on as required. A large tuber will finally ask for an eight-inch size. Keep in strong light but not direct sunlight. When in full growth water freely. Most tuberous Begonias unfortunately re¬ quire staking, do this before it seems necessary. Pinch off the first blooms and keep off seedpods for best de¬ velopment.
When plants show by yellowing foliage and ceasing to bloom that they are ready to mature, water only enough to avoid actual dryness. Store pots away on their side under a bench or shrubbery or if removed from soil put tubers in leaf mold in flats. They should never be actually dry, nor wet, nor in danger of frost.
A good fertilizer is Floranid, one teaspoonful to a gallon of water applied every two weeks. Ordinary wash¬ ing Ammonia a teaspoonful to a gallon of water is also useful. No fertilizer more often than once in four water¬ ings and never on a dry plant, nor on one not in growing state.
• 29 •
• Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California •
A FEW PLANTING POINTERS
If plants arrive in a dry condition, soak the roots over¬ night.
When potting up, soak thoroughly then give no more water till almost dry.
Begonias should not be planted any deeper than up to the crown and they should be on a rise rather than in a hole, the water must drain away from the crown.
Begonias generally want at least half shade and won’t stand for wind.
The roots of Begonias are many, small and fine, and near the surface, and no digging should be done round them, all fertilizing material should be applied on the top of the ground.
Begonias make their new roots above the old which asks for a periodic building up of the soil.
Almost all Begonias are benefited by being pruned or pinched back. The tallest growers can be made of medium height and bushy by training.
With few exceptions (such as the winter blooming class Lorraine, etc.) Begonias like temperate rather than warm conditions, between sixty and seventy is ideal, they also like a moist atmosphere and when grown indoors this should be remembered.
Begonias in pots should have the pots plunged in the ground or protected in some manner to keep them cool and moist. A larger vessel with moist moss in the space around is good.
Do not use potting soil in dry state.
Aphis are always to be feared. Spray at the first signs of an attack, such as curling leaf or ant activity, with Black Leaf 40. This in combination with Volck is also good for red spider and mealy bug.
• 30 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
NOTES
• 31 •
# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #
32