New Rex Hybrids by HELEN K. KRAUSS Wynnewood, Pa. The introduction of Begonia Rex from Assam in 1856 aroused excitement and all plant lovers of that time wanted a seedling, cutting, plant or leaf. The species has been lost us but fortunately we have many Rex hybrids of outstanding beauty. As foliage plants, they rank second to none. In recent years some exceptional hybrids have been developed. at the Flaitz gardens in Ojai, California. Rex hybrids have been crossed with Rex hybrids; Rex hybrids with Evansiana, among which are some interesting miniatures and other unusual Rexes; and Rex hybrids with B. picta. B. Verna is probably the most spiraled, ruffled and scalloped of all the Rex hybrids, At the center of the spiral are three extra scallops gathered and tucked in. To make sure that the scallops were perfectly executed at the inner curves, dame nature used extra needles full of red, hairy threads to hold them in place. The center of the leaf is dark peacock green shading out to light green of metallic luster. The border is dark green edged with olive green and fringed with red hairs, with additional tufts at the inner curves. The texture of the leaf reminds one of Gainsborough's painting of a lady in taffeta dress trimmed with narrow bands or ribbons of velvet.
