B. ‘Frost's Dorothy Behrends’

Begonia 'Frost's Dorothy Behrends' No. 909-Begonia 'Kosmatka' x carrieae 'Frost's Dorothy Behrends' Rhizomatous cultivar with ample basal growth; large, black, quilted leaves; white hairy petioles; and pink flowers. Broadly ovate leaf blades measuring up to 13" x 8" have acuminate-tipped lobes and faintly serrate margins. The richly textured, black green surface, marked by light green main veins, contrasts with the dark red underside. Green petioles, 20" long, are thickly covered with long, white, scaly hairs, each with a red dot at its base. The pink 2-tepaled male and 4-tepaled female flowers are 1" across, borne in three-times-dichotomous upright clusters on 30" peduncles in early spring. Originated in 1980 by Goldie Frost (10622 Teal Drive, Garden Grove, CA 92643); first bloomed in 1981. Tested by Dorothy Behrends, Encinitas, CA, in whose honor it is named. Published with photo as B. 'Dorothy Behrends' (not Mrs. Miller's cultivar of 1957) in Begonian "49" (48): 212-14, Oct. 1981, winner of New Introductions, Hobby Growers division, Distinctive Foliage subclass in 1981 ABS National Show. Registered Aug. 8, 1986.
Pests Diseases

• Classification: Cultivar
• Plant Type: Rhizomatous
• Origin: America, USA
• Originator: Goldie Frost
• Date of Origin: 1986