A Bouquet of Choices for O.C.

Probably the best known cane begonia is B. Irene Nuss, characterized by green leaves and large clusters of medium pink flowers.

The following are recommended for Orange County by Elda Regimbal of the Orange County chapter of the American Begonia Society and Michael Kartuz of Kartuz Greenhouse:

* Cane begonias: B. Anna Christine, B. Coral Chimes, B. Jumbo Jet, B. Mary Sakamoto, B. Eddie Sakamoto, B. Silver Mist, B. Sophie Cecile and B. Snow Capped.

* Rex begonias: B. Raspberry Swirl, B. Winkey’s Visit.

The following Orange County nurseries carry a selection of different types of begonias:

* M & M Nursery, 380 N. Tustin, Orange. (714) 538-8042.

* Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar. (714) 640-5800.

The following specialty growers offer hundreds of named varieties of begonias. For catalogues, write to:

* Michael Kartuz Greenhouses, 1408 Sunset Drive, Vista, 92083. (619) 941-3613. $2.

* Weidner’s Gardens, 695 Normandie Road, Encinitas, 92024. (619) 436-2194. Free.

* Rudolf C. Ziesenhenne, 1130 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara, 93103. (805) 966-6956. Free.