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Rex-Cultorum Begonias
BRASSICACEAE/CRUCIFERAE
| Rex-Cultorum Begonias are mostly
evergreen, rhizomatous perennials, of various habit, derived from
crosses of Begonia. Rex and related species.
They are grown for their brilliantly
coloured, oval to lance-shaped leaves, which grow to between 3-12in
(8-30cm) long, and are sometimes spirally twisted.
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| Varieties: -
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Begonia.
'Curly Merry Christmas'
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Form: A
Rex. Cultorum Begonia
Frost Tender
Height: 10in (25cm)
Spread: 12in (30cm)
Foliage: Has spirally-twisted, satiny, red leaves 6-8in (15-20cm)
long, with an outer broad emerald-green band, and deep velvety-red
centres, sometimes edged with grey.
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Begonia.
'Duartei'
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Form: A
Rex. Cultorum Begonia
Frost Tender
Height: 18-24in (45-60cm)
Spread: 18-24in (45-60cm)
Foliage: Having spirally twisted, red-haired, very dark-green
leaves, more than 6in (15cm) long, with silver-grey streaks, and almost
black edges.
It is difficult to grow to maturity.
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Begonia.
'Helen Lewis'
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Form: A
Rex. Cultorum Begonia having an erect rhizome.
Frost Tender
Height: 18-24in (45-60cm)
Spread: 18-24in (45-60cm)
Foliage: Has silky, deep-purple leaves, 6-8in (15-20cm) long, with
silver bands.
Flowers: During early Summer producing single, slightly hairy, cream
flowers.
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Begonia.
'Merry Christmas'
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Syn:
Begonia. 'Ruhrtal'
Form: A Rex. Cultorum Begonia
Frost Tender
Height: 10in (25cm)
Spread: 12in (30cm)
Foliage: Has satiny, red leaves 6-8in (15-20cm) long, with an outer
broad emerald-green band, and deep velvety-red centres, sometimes edged
with grey.
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Begonia.
'Princess of Hanover'
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Form: A
Rex. Cultorum Begonia
Frost Tender
Height: 10-12in (25-30cm)
Spread: 10-12in (25-30cm)
Foliage: Having spirally twisted, deep-green leaves 8in (20cm) long,
with bands of silver edged ruby-red. Leaves are covered with fine pink
hairs.
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Begonia.
'Ruhrtal'
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See: Begonia.
'Merry Christmas'
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Begonia.
'Silver Helen Teupel
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Form: A
Rex. Cultorum Begonia
Frost Tender
Height: 12-14in (30-35cm)
Spread: 12-14in (30-35cm)
Foliage: Having long, deeply-cut, silver leaves, each with a
glowing pink centre, producing a feathered effect.
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Cultivation: -
Grow under glass in
cool climates, in partial shade, and a well-drained fertile soil.
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Propagation: -
Sow seed in late Winter
or early Spring at 70oF (21oC)
Take leaf cuttings
in Spring or Summer.
Divide the rhizomes.
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Frost Tender
Minimum temperature
55-59oF (13-15oC),
Prefers 68-75oF (20-24oC), with 40-75% relative
humidity.
Pests & Diseases: - Susceptible
to powdery mildew and botrytis especially if the leaves are made
wet.
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