Mollers Deutsche Gartner-Zeitung. v.1 (1886): Page 16- 18
https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/194339
ENGLISH
Begonia hybrida Diadema, by Ludwig Möller.
This is what happened to me in September of v. j. In Magdeburg, where I was delighted and in the quite autumnal coolness was warmed by the sight of a group of flowering begonias of a variety, which her exhibitor, commercial gardener CF Krause in Neuhaldensleben called Begonia hybrida Diadema. I thought I should have seen this strain somewhere - but where? My self-question, as to whether there may be one of the cases in which one of a number of seedlings has selected and further cultivated a particularly distinctive variety, found neither affirmation nor denial. Begonia hyhrida Diadema is an excellent flower, which is excellently suited for the late-flowering foliage in the decoration of its bright rose-pink flowers and strong foliage. It is clear from this article where it is to be had, and if the florists leave a bit to the Begonian scholars, they will hopefully tell us about the nationality of the beauty we are discussing here.
Others had already found before me that these begonias were beautiful, because when I wanted to buy a piece of it, I learned that everyone was already sold. Mr. Krause, who sent me a plant for drawing at my later request, at the beginning of November, wrote:
"It is this Begonia one of those who deserve the broadest distribution, a winter flower of the first order, which you can judge by yourself of the transferred plant. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to send you such a plant as I have exhibited, as I have already cut it all down for propagation. This begonia has the peculiar characteristic not to bear female flowers, and I have first observed a female flower in the whole of the plants cultivated by me, but which also brought no seed.
The culture is a pretty simple one. The cuttings are made in March, as this begonia stands a long time before it drives out of the lower wood and the old tips never give beautiful plants. Then set in a light, but strong earth, let the plants best in a warm house under glass stand until a second repot is necessary, then bring them to a cold box, which can happen about in June. Here the plants are much ventilated and moderately shaded, much sprayed. The begonias issued by me were cuttings from March and cultivated as described."
Check and you will find the value of this begonia confirmed!
