B. ‘Barbara Lepisto’

No. 515 - Begonia (B. versicolor X B. 'John Blais') 'Barbara Lepisto' Originated by Gordon Lepisto (address above) in 1973, bloomed and distributed in 1974, the large leaved, semi-spiraled, rex begonia is compact, low growing, with creeping rhizome; leaves have fine red hair along edge and short, fine red hair. The ovate, oblique leaves, under 8", have denticulate, ciliate margins with bumpy, puberulous (red) texture; veins, dark-red near center to light green petioles, under 7", covered with red hair. The overall color of the leaves is light green, dark-red star center and irregular bright green border with light green spots, flush pink near center and along veins. The light pink flowers, 1 5/8”, have a single-flowered cluster of 3-5 flowers on 7" stem above the plant and bloom periodically all year. Registered September 29, 1975. (See photo back cover of May issue.); B. 'BARBARA LEPISTO' by Gordon Lepisto A successful cross between B. versicolor and a rex cultivar produced this medium leaved spiral rex begonia. Registered in 1975, it is among several rexes derived from B. versicolor as female parent. Reports from various growers having different cultural methods from my own indicate that this rex responds best under higher than normal humidity and a growing medium on the loose side. I grow it in coarse orchid bark under 80-90% humidity and warm (75°F.). Very few characteristics carryover from B. versicolor except possibly the fine red hair on petiole and leaf surface. I find it as easy as any rex to propagate, very strong and dependable, given the proper conditions, and pleasing to the eye. Plants of this should be available from Rosetta White, Abilene, Kansas, later in the year.
Pests Diseases

• Classification: Cultivar
• Plant Type: Rex Cultorum
• Origin: America, USA
• Originator: Gordon Lepisto
• Date of Origin: 1975