BEGONIA. 



289 



required by, the fibrous rooted or shrubby species, as well as the Eex group and others 

 which are cultivated for the attractiveness of their leaves. Many and beautiful are the 

 species, hybrids and varieties, now available for winter flowering more especially. Some 

 few there are which will flower freely in warm greenhouses and conservatories during 

 the summer and early autumn months ; these, if transferred to warmer winter quarters, 

 continue ornamental for many weeks longer There is now no sharp dividing line between 

 the sections, as, thanks to the perseverance of various hybridisers, many of the bright 

 colours as well as the floriferousness of summer flowering species have been transferred to 

 the more perpetual or winter flowering kinds, while the beautiful foliage of the sanguinea 

 type is now accompanied by a profusion of bright rose and other coloured flowers of 

 which we have a good instance in the variety Gloire de Sceaux. The improvements in 

 the Rex group are also most marked, the newer varieties being less coarse in appear- 

 ance, and more brilliant in colouration — as, for example, in Princess Charles of 

 Denmark. 



The cultural requirements of Begonias are of the simplest description. The 

 semperflorens group, or what may be termed the herbaceous kinds, may be increased by 

 cuttings or the division of old plants ; but seedlings come true to character, and plants 

 so raised give the best results. Unless wanted for summer flowering, April is soon 

 enough for sowing. Let this be done thinly on the surface of well-prepared, previously 

 moistened, pans of sandy soil ; place in moist heat, cover with glass and shade heavily 

 till the seedlings appear. Gradually inure these to the light, but do not expose them to 

 the sun and when large enough to handle, prick them into pans or boxes filled with a 

 mixture of loam, leaf soil and sand. Gentle heat is still good for the plants, but when 

 they are moved singly into 3-inch pots a warm close frame is suitable for their reception. 

 Top to make them branch, and soon after shift the stronger of them into 6 -inch pots 

 and the rest into the 5-inch size. No more topping is needed, as the plants will 

 branch freely, and if arranged on light dry shelves in September, and a rather warm 

 atmosphere is maintained, they will flower continuously all the winter in a temperature 

 of 50° to 60°. 



The semi-shrubby section, which includes the old B. Knowsleyana, B. insignis, and 

 B. nitida, together with the hybrids Gloire de Lorraine (Fig. 133) (very charming and 

 must not be over watered), Mrs. Heal and other beautiful forms, are propagated by 

 cuttings formed of young shoots. To obtain these, give the plants a short rest after 

 flowering, and then cut them back rather severely, when, if they arc introduced into a 

 vol. 11. p p 



