List of begonias in the collection of Rosecroft Begonia Gardens / Alfred D. Robinson and Annie C. Robinson, proprietors.

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

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# Rosecroft Begonia Cardens, Point Loma, California #

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ROSECROFT

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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