B. ‘martiana Grandiflora’

La Semaine horticole et revue des cultures colonials, v. 3 (1899) Since we have now added a few lines to the chapter of the Begonias, we would think we should fail in our duty by not completing the series of species proper to the ornamentation of the baskets. The first variety that we will add to those already described is the Begonia tuberous double flower ‘Graf Zeppelin’ (Fig 77, p 123) which relates to the B. Davisi breed. The plant reaches a height of 15-20 centimeters, and is covered with a multitude of small, well-colored, scarlet-red flowers borne by well-formed penunculi; it is one of the varieties that produces the most planted effect in a single color group; the flowers appearing well above the foliage, are innumerable and graceful and show themselves continuously throughout the summer, even in the sunniest places. The second variety is an improvement of the Begonia Martiana, native of Mexico, this beautiful species in the genus of B. diversifolia. B. martiana grandiflora (Fig. 78) forms well-erect shrubs 40-50 centimeters high, covered throughout the summer with bright pink carmine flowers. The plant develops admirably in full sun and in all situations and is one of the most floriferous and beautiful planted in groups. By exposing the feet a bit and planting, for example, B. semperflorens with flowers of a soft shade, very close to form carpets, I think that we would thus obtain delightful baskets which will make the admiration of all the visitors. We could surround such a basket with one or two rows of B. Graf Zeppelin. The flowering of B. Martiana grandifiora persists very late in the autumn and, thanks to this peculiarity, it is at this time very sought for the cut flower. - H. De Marly.

• Classification: Cultivar
• Plant Type: Tuberous
• Origin: Europe, France
• Originator: Lemoine
• Date of Origin: 1885