Product Description

Begonias have enormous horticultural appeal, are widely cultivated in the home, and increasing in variety, including hardy species for the garden and semi-hardy species for containers. It is no wonder these intriguing plants have gained such a following. Concise descriptions, keys, and elegant illustrations of more than 300 commonly grown species and their most popular cultivars, are included. Additional chapters cover their cultural history, cultivation, natural history, and distribution.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #571923 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08-01
• Released on: 2005-10-15
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 336 pages

Review
"I cannot omit a mention of twenty-seven pages of glorious color photos, as well as the many informative and delightful sketches scattered throughout the pages. The 'begoniac' should add this fine work to his/her library."—Phyllis Podren, Hobby Greenhouse, June 19, 2006 (Phyllis Podren Hobby Greenhouse )

"In an age when gardening books brim with ankle-deep information, Begonias is a whole-body experience. If you like begonias, this book has the power to make you fall in love with them."—Elvin McDonald, American Gardener, March 2006 (Elvin McDonald American Gardener )

"Tebbitt ... makes a welcome addition to the horticultural literature with this work, particularly because it concentrates on species rather than hybrids, and description rather than cultivation. ... Over 200 color photos and numerous high-quality line drawings add to the appeal and utility of this work."—G. D. Dreyer, Choice, February 2006 (G. D. Dreyer Choice )

I cannot omit a mention of twenty-seven pages of glorious color photos, as well as the many informative and delightful sketches scattered throughout the pages. The 'begoniac' should add this fine work to his/her library.Phyllis Podren, Hobby Greenhouse, June 19, 2006 (Hobby Greenhouse )

In an age when gardening books brim with ankle-deep information, Begonias is a whole-body experience. If you like begonias, this book has the power to make you fall in love with them.Elvin McDonald, American Gardener, March 2006 (American Gardener )

Tebbitt ... makes a welcome addition to the horticultural literature with this work, particularly because it concentrates on species rather than hybrids, and description rather than cultivation. ... Over 200 color photos and numerous high-quality line drawings add to the appeal and utility of this work.G. D. Dreyer, Choice, February 2006 (Choice )

From the Publisher
Includes concise descriptions, key, and elegant illustrations of more than 300 commonly cultivated species and their most popular cultivars. Additional chapters discuss the cultivation, natural history, and distribution of begonias. Text accompanied by 215 color photos.

About the Author
Mark C. Tebbitt teaches at California University of Pennsylvania and has studied all the North American species in the bleeding heart family. Formerly a botanist at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, he is author of Begonias (Timber Press, 2005).

Customer Reviews

Text Reference on Begonias
I would give this book top rating if I had had a scientific interest in the history of begonias. I bought it thinking it would have a lot of practical cultivation and propogation tips and it disappointed me in that respect. It's a very thoroughly written and documented botanist's book - not really targeting the home gardener.

Excellent look at the Begonia family
I found this text to be very useful. The scientific classifications, including leaf shape, texture, stem placment and flower formation were introduced in an approachable and engaging manner. The section on pests and diseases that are problems for begonias was very useful. Learning the origin and natural habitat of various begonias really helps with their successful cultivation. I did not find the more scientific aspects offputting at all. The text is written in a way that I found very appealing, and the large number of color photographs make it visually rich. This is a very thorough and appealing look at the amazingly diverse begonia family.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to become more familiar with this fascinating plant family. For those of us with an acknowledged interest (ie, member of the American Begonia Society here) this book is a real treasure.

Good species begonia book
Great reference for species begonias. Probably more information than the average begonia grower will every use. I was hoping it would include more information on hybrids. Good information about culture and care.