Cultivar

B. ‘Chelsoni’

Photos

3 photos

Genus: Begonia
Name: B. ‘Chelsoni’
Originator: James Veitch and Sons
Date of Origin: 1869
Publication Date: 1870
Place: Chelsea
Country: England, UK
Region: Europe
Plant Type: Tuberous
Female Parent: B. ‘Sedenii’
Male Parent: B. boliviensis var. boliviensis
Synonyms and Comments: B. ‘Chelsonia’
Publication Reference: F&P; WBHC-WW; RHS
Article References: Hortus Veitchii 1906. Published by J. Veitch & sons, London p. 455-462 Digital http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/23407; The Garden, v. 4, 1873

Description: The Garden, v. 4, 1873 Begonia chelsonii: Since the introduction of B. boliviensis, numerous beautiful varieties of Begonia have been obtained by means of hybridization. B. Sedeni was one of the first obtained by crossing B. boliviensis with an unnamed species of that group, and we have now at least a dozen varieties in our collections all somewhat different from one another. Of these, the kind now illustrated, raised by Messrs. Veitch, is one of the best. It is of stout upright growth, and flowers freely from April-May until November. The -flowers are of good size and Substance, and of a glowing red or vermilion color, which contrasts well with the bright green elegantly- cut foliage and pale greenish stems. It is easily propagated either by means of cuttings or division, and it grows freely in a fresh open compost of fibrous loam, peat, and coarse white sand. It thrives best in a stove or intermediate house, and when in active growth requires a plentiful supply of moisture. - B.