Begonia 'Dale Sena'

B. 'Dale Sena' (deliciosa x 'Bob Cochran') is a hybrid by Tim Anderson, owner of Palm Hammock Orchid Estate. It has rex characteristics in the leaf coloration, but in growth habit it's more rhizomatous, jointed at or below the soil. Tim is a grower and hybridizer from Miami who has attempted to create crosses which will withstand our summer heat. Begonias are more comfortable in the same temperatures that humans are comfortable in. This one does seem to stand up better to summer temperatures than other rexes. I love the lavender and seafoam green colors in the leaves, which can reach 6"-7" from top to drip point.

Dale Sena is curator of the Begonia Species Bank at the University of South Florida, in Tampa. There are only two begonia species banks in the US. The other is in Ft. Worth, Texas.