Clibrans' Superb Winter-Flowering Begonias. 
11 
Clibrans’ 
New Hybrid Winter-Flowering Begonias. 
(Begonia Socotrana x Tuberous Varieties). 
P ROBABLY no new race of plants has roused so great an interest, or proved 
of such great value to the gardener and flower lover, as have the new 
Hybrid Winter-Flowering Begonias. They are the outcome of crossing 
“ Begonia Socotrana” (a pink-flowered species, with fibrous roots, producing small 
bulbil-like growths at the base of the stem, a plant but rarely seen outside of Botani- 
cal Gardens) with selected double-flowered varieties of the well-known Summer- 
Blooming tuberous-rooted Begonias. 
The result has been the raising of an entirely new race, possessing the great 
advantage of commencing to flower in the autumn, when the summer varieties 
have ceased, and continue to bloom profusely until the early months of the following 
vear. 
The colours embrace pink, rose, carmine, red and some intermediate shades. 
The flowers are double, semi-double and single, according to the variety, and are 
wonderfully lasting either on the plant or when cut. 
Whilst all the varieties mentioned in the following pages are of exceptional 
beauty, we particularly direct attention to “ Clibrans’ Pink,” “ Miss Clibran,” 
“ Clibrans’ Triumph,” “ Beauty of Hale,” and ” Rosy Morn.” 
The cultivation of these new Hybrids is not difficult, providing 
the following hints are borne in mind and acted upon. 
CUTTINGS (formed from the young shoots springing from the axils of the leaves 
when the resting period is over) may be struck from April to August, in a tempera- 
ture of 65 to 70 degrees ; pot on as required and later place them in a temperature 
of 60 to 65 degrees. Shade from bright sunshine. Water carefully at all times, 
but maintain a moist atmosphere throughout the growing period, giving air on 
favourable occasions. Cuttings struck from April to June will make large exhibition 
plants in 6£ inch pots ; those struck during July will make good plants in 5 inch 
pots. During autumn the plants will commence to bloom and continue to do so 
throughout the winter. 
When the flowering period is over, water should be given very carefully, just 
sufficient to prevent them becoming too dry. Continue this treatment until the 
plants show signs of starting growth, when supplies should be increased. 
The compost best suited for these plants consists of three parts loam, one part 
leaf mould, and one part silver sand for cuttings ; for larger plants add a little 
well-decayed manure. 
Cultural Note 
