The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Begonia.times.hiemalis known by the varietal name of Rosanna. The new cultivar is a natural sport of the cultivar Rosalie. The new cultivar has the same plant foliage and form as Rosalie, but the tonality of Rosalie is a peach to light orange whereas the tonality of Rosanna is pink.
The new cultivar was discovered at Limaplant b.v. in Lisse, Holland; was first asexually reproduced by cuttings at Limaplant b.v. in Lisse, Holland; and has been repeatedly asexually reproduced by cuttings for Oglevee Associates, Inc. in Connellsville, Pa. It has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive propagations.
The new cultivar is generally characterized by its pastel pink blooms which are numerous and long lasting. The plants exhibit superior vigor and strength. The new cultivar has a high tolerance to botrytis and powdery mildew.
The new cultivar, when grown in a greenhouse in Connellsville, Pa. has a response time of 10 to 11 weeks from a well-rooted cutting to a flowering finished plant in a six inch pot (no pinch).