Historical past is replete with examples of latest plant species which are first encountered by intrepid plant explorers, but described later by taxonomists. Salvia darcyi was found and launched into cultivation by Carl Schoenfeld and John Fairey of Yucca Do Nursery. Three years later, they guided researchers to the location who subsequently described the species with out acknowledging the unique collector. It’s unlucky that the act of discovery by these in horticultural circles are so seldomly acknowledged (to not point out the indigenous peoples who’ve recognized a lot of them for eons).
Upon my first go to to Heronswood within the autumn of 2019 I used to be proven a splendid sturdy Begonia with closely lobed leaves, brief upright stems, and superb tight-clumping behavior with yellow (sure yellow!) flowers. I instantly confirmed that this was a heretofore undescribed species. The crops had been grown from the seed assortment made by Dan Hinkley together with fellow collectors and nurseryman, Shayne Chandler and Leonard Foltz, from Arunachal Pradesh India. These crops have been shared by Mr. Hinkley with Monrovia who instantly launched it below the title TectonicTM Eruption Begonia (Begonia sp. DJH18072).
The unknown Begonia has now been given a proper scientific title Begonia lorentzonii by Swedish taxonomist Eric Wahsteen and the Indian researcher Dipankar Borah, based mostly on two specimens collected by Borah in November of 2018 (by the way, after Dan Hinkley’s assortment). No point out of the plant in cultivation or the contribution of Dan is discovered within the publication although fairly just a few of the Begonia aficionado crowd across the globe had by then change into aware of the plant. Whatever the title, this species is among the many most spectacular hardy backyard crops for cool however not chilly climates.
Begonia lorentzonii has confirmed hardy at Heronswood (zone 8a) the place it was left exterior with solely a protecting of leaves and straw in temperatures ranging into the low teenagers and a minimum of every week lengthy stretch of constantly under freezing temperatures which resulted in floor freeze. It varieties 2-2.5’ tall dense clumps with the most effective varieties I’ve seen in a chilly hardy species.
In late summer season by way of late autumn it’s adorned with yellow flowers beset with hairlike projections on the outer floor of the tepals produced on stems that equal or are barely shorter than the leaves. Begonia lovers ought to go to the Renaissance Backyard at Heronswood to see mature crops of their full glory and a pilgrimage to Heronswood is a should for all hardy Begonia lovers as the gathering of uncommon and weird chilly hardy species might be the most effective amongst our public gardens. Whereas this startling plant seems to be completely tailored to life within the delicate Pacific Northwest it stays to be seen what its tolerance for warmth can be. It was an honor and pleasure to develop and nurture these crops throughout my time at Heronswood and I have to admit my coronary heart and thoughts will endlessly be drawn to that sacred area of floor each time I glimpse a Begonia of any species.
Dr. Patrick McMillan
