B. ‘Corallina de Lucerna’

Tall upright cane; SOME OLDER FAVORITES by Bob Hamm, Wichita Falls, Texas B. 'Corallina de Lucerna' is probably the grandparent of all "Angel­wing" begonias, being the cane most widely distributed among the general public. Whenever growers say they have an "Angelwing" given to them by their grandmother, I guess at B. 'Lucerna' and am generally correct. This cane is often rejected be­cause it grows too large for most people; however, it has many characteristics that endear it to all beginners. First, it blooms easily if given lots of sun; second, it's easy to grow and will grow when underwa­tered, overwatered, underfed and overfed. This monster is best left in a small pot (as small as will hold it upright), not fed too much and let dry between watering. Coupled with this and lots of sun, it produces flowers freely. But watch out! If you pamper it with good soil, a large pot, and fertilizer, you will have Jack's Beanstalk, and rapidly. For a hardy cane that stands a lot of neglect and still blooms (bright pink to red depending on light) try this one. P.S. It does not like cold drafts and tends to become a nudist if chilled.

The Begonian, 1935: The origin of Coralline Lucerne has come to light. It is a cross between Teuscheri and Rubra and Rubra is another name for Corallina or Coccinea. So the right
name of the old standby is Corallina de Lucema, having originated at Lucerne in Switzerland.

• Classification: Cultivar
• Plant Type: Cane-like
• Origin: Europe, Switzerland
• Originator: Wettstein
• Date of Origin: 1892

Tolerant