Hybrids from Paradise - By BERNICE BRILMAYER, Eastern Editor The story of Mrs. H. E. Dillard, proprietor of Tropical Paradise, was printed in The Begonian for September 1960; but the story of the many luscious begonia hybrids she has bred and introduced is still to be told in detail. Of particular interest among these new begonias are the miniatures – modest in size, and so suitable for growing on windowsills and other cramped quarters, but big in colorful appeal. For me, these little plants keep plump and full of leaves on petioles of varying lengths, but all short. All are exquisitely patterned and colored; some have unusual pinkish or silvery tints. They flower daintily and very willingly. They're delightful plants for small pots, even more eye-catching when the rhizomes can creep over the soil and hang down the outside of a hanging basket. For quick effect, plant two or three younglings to a six-inch or eight-inch basket. Here are thumbnail descriptions of a number of these new Tropical Paradise hybrids: Begonia 'Black Falcon' (kenworthyi x sunderbruchi) - Miniature rhizomatous. Black star-shaped leaves with wide silver-gray marking outlining the veins; under leaf red; hairy edge and petioles. Small pink flowers in fall and winter.
