

St 
EGONIAS are found in their native state in very widely 
separated parts of the world, being indigenous to Asia, 
South America, the islands of the Pacific, and the Greater 
and Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. Several distinct forms are 
recognized, including Fibrous, Rhizomatous, Tuberous, Semi- 
tuberous, and Bulbous, and conditions of growth and shape 
and habit further differentiates the species, as does tolerance 
to sunlight and extremes of temperature within individual 
classes. It is safe to say that few botanical families show such 
wide variations as do the Begonias. 
Most of the Begonias grown at the present time are, as in 
the case of Fuchsias, the result of years of painstaking hybrid- 
ization, but at least a thousand distinct species are recognized. 
Perhaps the first such species to be introduced was Begonia 
nitida, found in Jamaica and brought to this country in 1777. 
As in the case of all members of the family, the name immor- 
talizes M. Begon, an ardent horticulturist, who was Governor 
of San Domingo in the Caribbean some 200 years ago. 
“‘BEGONIAS 


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form with a view toward providing a representative list of the 
best varieties in each class. Some, such as Manicata are out- 
standing because of their wonderfully tinted leaves, while 
others are noted for their abundant and colorful flowers. Others 
may be particularly useful because of size or shape, while still 
others offer advantages as pot subjects for sunroom or patio. 
The culture of Begonias varies considerably as among 
the fibrous, tuberous, and bedding types. All prefer and do 
best in a moist, soft soil containing liberal amounts of 
humus, and where hard soil conditions obtain, the ground 
should be improved before planting with peat moss, leafmold 
and well-rotted manure. Sand and charcoal are also beneficial 
under such conditions. Tolerance to sunlight varies enormously 
according to type and variety, hence it is difficult to lay down 
any dogmatic rules in this regard. In general, however, a fil- 
tered light is the ideal condition for all begonias, and where a 
suitable location beneath trees or around shrubbery can be 
found these plants will thrive and be most happy. Bedding be- 
In the early days of Begonia 
culture Begonia nitida was 
more highly prized as a culi- 
nary novelty that for its flow- 
ers, the leaf, bitter to the taste, 
being eaten. Today several va- 
rieties are used for salads, and 
several others yield cooling 
drinks. But above and beyond 
the medicinal and culinary 
values recognized by other 
peoples and in other times, we 
today prize Begonias as among 
the most useful and decorative 
of all shade-loving plants, and 
few indeed are the fine gard- 
ens in this country which do 
not in some manner utilize 
some member of this accommo- 
dating and lovely family. 
Of the many hundreds of va- 
tieties grown today, we have 
over a period of years made a 
careful selection of outstanding 
types, the pick of which will be 
found listed in the present cat- 
alogue. These have been select- 
ed for size, habit, color and 
( = AA 255 S BARRINGTON AVE., 

MAIL vs. PERSONAL SELECTION 
HEREVER possible, we wish to encourage 
personal selection of all nursery materials, 
experience having shown that this procedure gives 
the maximum in satisfaction and pleasure. How- 
ever we stand ready at all times to render telephone 
and mail service, and our salesmen are instructed to 
take the utmost care in such cases to select the very 
finest plants in stock. Telephone orders may be 
given by dialing ARizona 36528 or BRighton 04604. 
For those wishing to visit our nurseries in person, 
we are located just off Sunset Boulevard, one-half 
mile west of Sepulveda, in Brentwood Heights, Los 
Angeles. Bus service is available on limited sched- 
ule via the Pacific Palisades line of the Pacific Elec- 
tric Company. 
In addition to our outstanding reputation as 
growers and collectors of Fuchsias and Begonias, we 
take pride in one of the finest and most complete 
collections of hardy outdoor Orchids in the United 
States. We are also noted for our unique collections 
of Hibiscus, Bromeliads, and rare vines and shrubs, 
for which we have long served as California head- 
quarters. 
Visitors are welcomed to our experimental gar- 
dens and lath houses, open to the public daily from 
9:00 a. m. to 5:30 p. m., Sundays from 10:00 a. m. 
to 5:30 p. m, 

We Difrest 
EVANS t2 REEVES NURSERIES 
gonias can be left exposed to 
full sun throughout the year, 
but tuberous begonias and 
most fibrous types must be 
given protection from the di- 
rect rays of the hot sun. 
When kept in glasshouses or 
behind windows, care must be 
taken not to allow water to 
stand on the leaves, as this may 
result in burns and blisters. 
As pot plants, all of the tu- 
berous begonias and many of 
the low growing and_ basket 
type. fibrous begonias make 
superb subjects, lending grace 
and charm with their wonder- 
fully ornamental foliage and 
beautiful flowers. Virtually all 
of these types can be carried 
indoors the year round in the 
coldest of climates, whereas the 
tall growing garden types re- 
quire the same relatively frost- 
free climates as the garden 
Fuchsias. As porch and patio 
specimens in pots or tubs they 
are unsurpassed, 
WEST LOS ANGELES; CALIF Un ee eee ©) | 
