B. 'Crosby Pink'

This is the result of selfing B. 'Di-Erna'. This cultivar is an F1 hybrid, a cross of two species, B. dichroa x B. coccinea, both from Brazil, of different Sections, but both having a chromosome number of 56. This program resulted in 36 seedlings (F2 hybrids) that lived through the first year. As anticipated, the plants all appeared similar to the parent, being large sprawling canes. Seven of the plants had solid green leaves and the 29 others had either white spotted green leaves or a mix of the two. In the second year, however, there was a pleasant surprise when the seedlings bloomed. Of the 36 plants, one had bright red flowers, three had pure white flowers and 32 had strong pink flowers. Going back to the parents, we note that the flowers of B. coccinea are red, B. dichroa are orange, and 'Di-Erna' are pink. The new F2 hybrids reflected this heredity, and even included a white color, undoubtedly a combination of recessive characteristics. Finally, one plant of each color was kept and named B. 'Crosby Red', 'Crosby White', and 'Crosby Pink'. These have been vegetatively reproduced and are currently being circulated in the Houston area.

• Classification: Cultivar
• Plant Type: Cane-like
• Origin: America, USA
• Originator: Bill Claybaugh