Picotee Tuberous Begonia

Basic Information

Common Name: Picotee Tuberous Begonia

Scientific Name: Begonia ‘Picotee Lace Apricot’

Native Habitat: Primarily a cultivated hybrid, with origins tracing back to South American Begonia species.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The Picotee Tuberous Begonia, especially the ‘Picotee Lace Apricot’ cultivar, doesn’t have a single, readily identifiable discoverer or cultivator in the same way as some naturally occurring plants do. It’s the result of extensive hybridization work within the Begonia genus, primarily focused on tuberous species. The development of Picotee begonias, characterized by their contrasting colors on the petal edges (the “picotee” effect), represents a significant achievement in horticultural breeding.

The history of tuberous begonias themselves is intertwined with explorations of South America in the 19th century. Species such as Begonia boliviensis, Begonia veitchii, and Begonia pearcei, all native to the Andean regions, were crucial to the early development of tuberous begonias. These species were gradually introduced to Europe, primarily to the UK and France, where hybridizers began crossing them to create new varieties with larger, more colorful flowers.

The specific “Picotee Lace Apricot” cultivar is likely a more recent development, possibly within the last few decades. Identifying the exact breeder is often difficult with hybrid plants, as many nurseries and individual horticulturists have contributed to the vast array of available cultivars. The “Lace” descriptor probably refers to the ruffled or fringed edges of the petals, another trait achieved through selective breeding.

The ‘Apricot’ part of the name refers to the flower color, a blend of orange and pink shades. The picotee edge would typically be a contrasting color, such as white or yellow, to create the distinctive visual effect.

The cultivation of Picotee Tuberous Begonias, like other tuberous types, has become widespread. They are popular for their showy flowers and versatility. They can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds in suitable climates (or as annuals where winters are cold). The development of these begonias highlights the ongoing efforts of plant breeders to enhance ornamental qualities and broaden the appeal of popular plant groups. The exact origin of the specific ‘Picotee Lace Apricot’ variety likely resides within a nursery breeding program, making its exact history difficult to pinpoint without access to specific nursery records. But the lineage is firmly rooted in the South American species that were meticulously cross-bred to achieve the spectacular results seen today.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Picotee Tuberous Begonias, being cultivated hybrids, display adaptations primarily selected by humans for ornamental appeal. Their large, showy flowers are an adaptation to attract pollinators, but in cultivation, this trait is valued for its aesthetic qualities. The tuberous root is an adaptation for surviving unfavorable conditions, allowing the plant to store nutrients and water during dormancy. In their native South American environments, tuberous begonias often grow in shaded, humid habitats, which explains their preference for bright, indirect light and moderate to high humidity in cultivation. The thick, fleshy stems are also an adaptation for water storage. The picotee pattern itself, a human-selected trait, doesn’t necessarily provide any adaptive advantage in nature, but it increases the plant’s attractiveness to consumers.

Propagation Methods

Tuberous begonias, including the Picotee variety, can be propagated through several methods:

• Tuber Division: This is the most common and reliable method. When the tuber begins to sprout in spring, it can be cut into sections, ensuring each section has at least one eye or sprout. Allow the cut surfaces to callus over for a few days before planting.
• Stem Cuttings: Stem cuttings can be taken in spring or early summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining medium. Keep the cutting moist and in a humid environment until roots develop.
• Seed: While possible, propagating from seed is more challenging and time-consuming. Seeds are tiny and require specific conditions for germination.

Toxicology

Begonias, including Picotee Tuberous Begonias, contain soluble calcium oxalates. If ingested by humans or pets (especially cats and dogs), these oxalates can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, large ingestions can lead to more severe symptoms. The highest concentration of oxalates is typically found in the roots (the tuber). While ingestion is unlikely to be fatal, it is best to keep begonias out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian or poison control center immediately.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Mealybugs
• Aphids
• Spider mites

Diseases:

• Powdery mildew
• Botrytis blight (Gray mold)
• Root rot (due to overwatering)

Other:

• Leaf yellowing: Overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
• Bud drop: Insufficient light or inconsistent watering.
• Stem rot: Excessive humidity or poor air circulation.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

While common tuberous begonias are widely available, specific cultivars like the ‘Picotee Lace Apricot’ might exhibit limited availability depending on the region and the breeder’s distribution. Uncommon color combinations, exceptionally ruffled petals, or particularly large blooms can also contribute to perceived rarity. The ease with which they can be propagated generally keeps prices reasonable, but exceptional specimens can fetch higher prices.

Value:

The value of a Picotee Tuberous Begonia, particularly the ‘Picotee Lace Apricot’ cultivar, is determined by several factors: the size and fullness of the plant, the number of blooms, the clarity and vibrancy of the picotee pattern, and the overall health of the plant. A plant with numerous large, well-formed flowers and a distinct picotee edge will command a higher price than a smaller or less visually striking specimen. Collector trends also play a role; if picotee begonias are currently in high demand, prices will likely increase. Provenance (knowing where the plant came from, especially if it’s from a well-regarded breeder) can also influence value.