This is my second ever begonia and so I was very keen on following the instructions and doing research as these are a bit idiosynchratic -- e.g. doesn't like to be overpotted, smaller pot, requires *very well* draining soil.
It's definitely a lot leggier than I thought it would be per the photo, but I find it to be gorgeous -- almost iridescent in the light which the photo does not or cannot depict, and already, even just a month in, filling out with three new leaves!
Because about 3 leaves (about 35- 40%) were quite torn when I received the plant, I ended up cutting and placing in a jar w/ water the least torn of those leaves and a month later, I find that the cutting has healthy roots!
Received a large & vigorous plant. I owned this plant once before & it is a fast grower with stunning foliage. I love the crested margins and the striking two tones of the leaves. Very pleased to have this one back in the collection!
This very exotic rhizomatous begonia 'Madame Queen' was hybridized by my mother-in-law, Beth I Bath, back in the late '50's in Santa Ana, CA. It was a cross between the sister seedling of B. 'Leslie Lynn' as one parent and B. Manicata aureo maculata crispa as the other parent. This cross produced vigor and dark colors from the B. 'Leslie Lynn' parent while it retained the upright rhizomatous stalk and crested margins of the manicata parent thus producing a startling begonia with vigor and unusual beauty. The name Madame Queen was a pet name our family had bestowed on Beth and agreed this begonia should bear that name. I am so pleased to once again have an offspring of it back in my possession after 70 years.