This is a class of quite recent origin, and differs from the more
general varieties, in that it has bulbous roots which can be taken up
and stored during the winter like Gladioli and Gloxinia bulbs. It has
larger flowers than the other species; red, orange, yellow, with
intermediate tints. A writer in the London _Garden_ says of them:
"The bulbous Begonias, mostly of the Boliviniensis and Veitchi sections
or families, may have also a brilliant future in the flower garden.
Meanwhile, their proper place seems to be in the conservatory,
greenhouse and window garden. For such positions it is well-nigh
impossible to match the bulbous-rooted Begonias for brilliancy, grandeur
and grace, three qualities seldom combined in the same plant. The plants
are also characterized by great distinctness and freshness of style and
character."
They are both double and single. Of the single flowered, the most
important sent out last year was _Davisii_. It is a native of the Andes
of Peru. Dwarf in habit, the leaves and flowers all springing from the
root stalk. "The scapes which rise erect above an elegant bluish green
foliage, are light red; each scape bears three dazzling scarlet flowers.
The plant is of very free growth, and a profuse bloomer." _Frobelii_, a
new species from Ecuador, said to be very attractive, producing, well
above the foliage, erect branches of large brilliant scarlet flowers;
the foliage is of bright green, furnished on the under side with a thick
covering of white hairs. _White Queen_, a very elegant variety with
numerous racemes of ivory white blossoms.
Of the new double flowered, _Glorie de Nancy_ is represented as a
magnificent variety, with large very double carmine flowers, and very
floriferous. _Louis Van Houtte_, flowers large, of a crimson scarlet
color; of fine habit, and a free bloomer.
"_Comtesse Horace Choeteau_, is an inch or more in diameter, very
double, and of a delicate, soft shade of rose; the young plant in a
three-inch pot presented a number of flowers and buds, indicating a good
blooming habit. As a double flower it is remarkably fine, the petals
being well formed, pretty smoothly laid and imbricated."--_James Vick._
The soil best adapted for Begonias is turfy loam, leaf-mold, sand, and
old well-rotted manure in equal parts. When growing, they require a
liberal supply of water, applied directly to the soil.
The Begonias are natives of the tropical countries of Asia, Africa, and
America, and most of them inhabit the mountainous regions at a
considerable elevation. They were first brought to notice and introduced
into cultivation about two hundred years ago by a French naval officer,
Michel Begon, from whom they derived their name.