Begonia × tuberhybrida

Begonia × tuberhybrida
Genus	Begonia
Species	× tuberhybrida
Cultivar group	Tuberhybrida Group[1] (or Tuberosa Group)[2]

Tuberous begonias (Begonia × tuberhybrida Voss, also known as the Tuberhybrida Group or the Tuberosa Group) are a group of Begonia cultivars, regarded as some of the most spectacular of the genus.^{[3] [4]}

One of the first hybrids produced was B. x sedenii in 1870, a cross between B. boliviensis, collected by botanist Richard Pearce and a species from the Andes.^[5][6] Another species from Peru, B. davisii (named after Walter Davis), was also used in early breeding.^[6]

Begonia pendula is sometimes included in B. tuberhybrida

Nomenclature

(University of Vermont)^[7]

13 Groups

1. (S) Single—large single flowers, 4 usually flat tepals (flower part undistinguishable as sepal or petal)

2. (Fr) Frilled, Crispa—large single flowers, tepal margins frilled or ruffled

3. (Cr) Cristata, Crested—large single flowers, frilled or tufted center of tepals.

4. (N) Narcissiflora, Daffodil-flowered—large more or less double flowers, central tepals form "trumpet"

5. (C) Camellia, Camelliflora—large double flowers resembling camellias, unruffled, solid colors

6. (RC) Ruffled Camellia—camellia flowers ruffled on edges

7. (R) Rosebud, Rosiflora—large double flowers with rose bud-like center

8. (Car) Carnation, Fimbriata Plena—large double carnation-like flowers, tepals fringed on margins

9. (P) Picotee—large usually double flowers like camellias, tepals with different color on margin blending with other color

10. (M) Marginata—like Picotee only distinct non-blending line of color on margins

11. (Mar) Marmorata, Marbled—like Camellia but rose-colored, blotched or spotted with white

12. (HB) Hanging Basket, Pendula—stems trailing or pendant, large to small flowers single or double

13. (Mul) Multiflora—low, bushy, compact plants with many small single or double flowers

Other systems confusingly use binomial nomenclature to refer to flower types, by the terms Begonia grandiflora, Begonia multiflora and Begonia pendula. The last two correspond to groups 13 and 12 respectively. The first type, grandiflora (large flowered) is then subdivided by flower form, e.g. Begonia grandiflora erecta.^[8]

Cultivation

Tuberous begonias grow best in partial shade or filtered sunlight. Excessive exposure to sunlight can result in burnt flowers and leaves. However, too much shade will result in lush foliage and few flowers.

References

1. "Taxon: Begonia ×tuberhybrida Voss". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Area. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
2. "Begonia (Tuberosa Group)". Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
3. "Classification of genera". Royal Horticultural Society. Archived from the original on 2008-06-10. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
4. "Tuberous Begonias". Burke's Backyard. Archived from the original on 18 November 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
5. James Herbert Veitch (2006). Hortus Veitchii (reprint ed.). Caradoc Doy. p. 456. ISBN 0-9553515-0-2.
6. Bryan, John E. (2002). Bulbs. Timber Press. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
7. University of Vermont: Plant and Soil Science Department
8. 1^er Jardin