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THE LIBRARY
THE UNIVERSITY OF
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STOVE k GREENHOUSE FLOWERING PLANTS.
CHOICE
STOYE AND GREENHOUSE
FLOWERING PLANTS,
COMPEISING
PESCI^PTIONS OF UPWARDS OF pNE JhOUSAND SpECIES
AND yAP^ETIES,
ACCOilPANIED BY
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THEIR CULTIVATION AND MODE
OF MANAGEMENT,
BENJAMIN SAMUEL WILLIAMS, F.R.H.S.,
Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway, London, N. ;
AUTHOR OF "the ORCHID-GROWER's MANUAL," "HINTS ON THE CULTIVATION OF FERNS,'
"select ferns and LYCOPODS," ETC., ETC.
WITH
OOLOTJREID FL^A-TE,
BX
J. N. FITCH.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED AND SOLD BY THE AUTHOE.
1869.
LONDON :
H. M. FOLLETT, HORTICULTURAL AND GENERAL STEAM PRINTER,
10 AND II, BRIDGEWATER GARDENS, BARBICAN, EX.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Preface "^^
STOVE PLANTS.
A Selection of Stove Flq-wering Plants 34
Bromeliaceous Plants ^^
Cisterns ^^
Glazing
Heating
Hybridising and Cross-breeding 29
Insects -"
Introduction •'■
Plant Stotes ^
Potting
16
Propagation -''*
Kemakks upon Fertilisation 31
Eesting and Drying Off 28
Shading ^^
Soil 1*
VI CONTENT'S.
PAOB
Stove Aquatics 153
Trellises and Training 23
Ventilation n
Watering 23
GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
A Selection of Greenhouse Flowering Plants . . . 175
Florists' Flowers, Annuals, and Soft-wooded Plants . . 297
Greenhouses 164
Index 317
Introduction 102
Pits and Frames 168
Soils and Potting I70
The Conservatory 166
Watering and Wateu I73
PREFACE.
The present volume is intended principally for tlie
use of amateur horticulturists and young gardeners,
and has been prepared in consequence of the numerous
requests which have been made to me to write some-
thing upon the cultivation of Stove and Greenhouse
Plants. The success which my '' Orchid Manual " and
"Select Ferns and Lycopods'' have met with, leads
me to hope that a practical work upon the cultivation
of Flowering Plants, and Ornamental Foliage Plants,
will meet with the approbation of the horticultural
public, and become more particularly useful to the
amateur, should his gardening tastes lead in this du-ec-
tion. These considerations, taken in conjunction with
the fact that no such work exists, have induced me to
prepare the present volume in the hope of supplying
the want, which it is admitted exists. This volume.
VIU PREFACE.
wliicli is complete in itself, is confined exclusively tO'
the description and the cultivation of a selection of
plants remarkable for the beauty of their flowers. It
will be followed by a volume of similar size and cha-
racter^ devoted to the now extensive and important class
denominated Ornamental Foliage Plants. I have en-
deavoured to render the instructions which have been
offered intelligible to all, and have recommended only
those plants which are really good. This principle of
selection has, however, led me to include many old
plants of sterling merit, which deserve attention, even
in the most limited collections, and which have only
been cast aside by those who have been contented with
novelty, regardless of real and lasting beauty.
B. S. WILLIAMS.
Victoria and Paradise Nurseries,
Upper IIolloway, London.
CHOICE
STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS,
STOVE PLANTS.
INTRODUCTION.
pF the earliest races of mankind had possessed no
love for plants, and had not been impressed by
the grand and noble outlines of the trees of the
forest, the importance of these vegetable monarchs would
soon have become manifest through their yielding not only
the necessaries of life, but, by the aid of attention and culti-
vation, supplying also its luxuries. Hence we find that, at
a very early age, man was engaged in husbandry, and was
busily occupied in cultivating the vine and the corn-pro-
ducing plants, as well as trafficking in myrrh and spices.
At the time the Greek Republic was in the zenith of
its glory, a class of men called Rhizomata3 employed
themselves in the digging of roots, and in searching for
herbs, which were principally applied to the healing art.
Aristotle fii-st founded a natural science of plants, but his
writings on this subject have been lost. He was followed
by his pupil Theophrastus; and then for a long period we
hear of no one prosecuting the study. The ancient Romans
B
2 STOVE PLANTS.
seem to have cultivated a number of plants in their gardens
and fields, but they never attained to any great degree of
eminence in the science of cultivation. Dioscorides and
Pliny were the first among the Romans to apply themselves
to botanical study, but after their time it rapidly died out.
We next fijid the Arabians occupying- themselves in investi-
gating the nature and qualities of plants, principally with
the view to their application for medicinal purposes.
Passing over the dark ages, and coming down to the fif-
teenth century, we find that the study of plants again revived,
and that the beauties of the vegetable kingdom were ap-
jorcciated by men of high and low deg'ree. In the sixteenth
century one Otto Brunfels, of Strasburgh, published a trea-
tise on plants, illustrated by wood engravings. From that
time forward, the taste for plants went on steadily increas-
ing until the time of Linna?us, whose philosophic writings
gave a strong impetus to the delightful study. Since
Linna^us's time the knowledge of plants has been vastly
extended by the diligent labours and searching enquiries of
men of great and active minds, both at home and abroad,
of whom among- those of our own country may be named
Sir Joseph Banks, Sir James Smith, Sir William Hooker,
Robert Brown, Sir Joseph Paxton, Dr. Lindley, Thomas
Moore, John Smith, Dr. Hooker, (tc, &c., men of whom
any country might be proud, and with some of whom most
plant-growers of the present day have been more or less
intimately acquainted. Our continental neighbours can also
boast of many equally great men, who have largely in-
creased our knowledge of plants. Thus, in these days, not
only may we gather delights from beholding the beautiful
workings of nature in her vegetable garb, but we are also
enabled to bring her boundless resources to bear practically
upon our daily wants and luxuries.
INTRODUCTION. O
Almost every portion of tlie earth is clotlicd witli vege-
tation, eacli particular plant being- adapted to the peculiar
circumstances and conditions in which it is placed. Thus,
the peat bog, the mountain, and the valley have each a dis-
tinct vegetation ; the chalk, the gravel, the clay, and the
swamp have each their own peculiar plants. As we ascend
mountains, we find the temperature g-radually becoming-
lower, and vegetation decreasing in stature, until the region
of perjoetual snow where no vegetation exists is reached.
We do not intend, however, to enter in these pages upon the
geographical distribution of plants, nor to investigate the
means by which various genera have been placed in the
positions they occup}-, except so far as to point out, that as
different genera and species in a wild state are subject to
different conditions of atmosphere, both as regards moistm-e
and temperature, as well as to varieties of soil, as to the
physical and chemical qualities of the materials of which
it is composed, it is only reasonable to insist that those who
attempt the cultivation of i:)lants, should have some know-
ledge of these matters, sufficient to enable them to imitate
nature, so far as the artificial conditions Avith which they
may have to deal will allow.
The fii'st division of this work is devoted to Stove Plants,
that is to say, plants requiring- a considerable degree of
artificial heat in our climate ; they are plants whose home
is in the tropics — in the reg'ions of palms, tree ferns,
gigantic bamboos, and monster trees whose magnitude
would amaze us in this country-, the branches of these
arboreal giants being in many instances laden with epiphy-
tal orchids, bromeliads, aroids, and ferns, as well as with
2)arasitical plants, sucjh as Loranthus, which, like our own
mistletoe {Viscuiii alhuiu), derive their nourishment from the
sap of their supporter. These parasites decorate the trees
b2
■* STOVE PLANTS.
Avitli an endless variety of gorgeous flowers, while, in.
addition, tlieii' branches are beautifully festooned with large
climbing plants, such as are familiar to cultivators in the
species of Comhretum, Fassifiora, Gissus, Ipomcea, Bougain-
'viJlea, Birjnonla, and many others, which oftentimes reach
from the ground to the very tops of their supporters, and
hang across their branches like ropes to neighbom'ing
trees, until the whole forms a tangled mass of splendid
flowers and foliage utterly beyond the conception of those
who have ncA'er seen a tropical forest. To collect and
send home the riches of these tropical regions is a work
of much cost, and is attended with great difficulties and
danger, in the prosecution of which many highly intelli-
gent and talented travellers haVe fallen victims either to
the pestilential climate, the wild beasts of the country, or
the treachery of, in many instances, the equally wild
aborigines. To these men, who, by their arduous and
self-sacrificing labours, have so largely increased our
knowledge of the vegetable kingdom, all honom* is due,
and we cannot pass them in this place without recording-
our best thanks and highest praises for their services, and
at the same time expressing our deep regret for their loss.
To our leading nurserymen and amateur horticulturists
again, both at home and on the continent, who have
contributed funds so profusely to facilitate the introduction,
of nature's choicest gems to oui* gardens, the thanks of all
plant lovers are due ; these, we trust, will continue their
good work. The editors of our numerous botanical and
horticultural books and periodicals, moreover, deserve
niuch praise for the spirited manner in which they lay
these treasures before the public, both by means of beauti-
i'ully executed drawings, and interesting and instructive
essays. By this agency an interchange of thought and
PLANT STOVES. 5
of practical experience lias been secured, witli a result
which is quite astonishing-, so successfully is the cultivation
of the immense number of species of plants which occupy
our stoves and greenhouses carried on — results which cer-
tainly could not have been arrived at without co-operation
of thought, brought about in the way we have just men-
tioned. A very great stimulus has also been given to the
cultivation of plants by the liberal awards offered at the
various horticultural exhibitions ; and the vast improve-
ment in the style of growth which has thus been brought
about, and the numerous newly-introduced plants which
are exhibited, show that no ordinary amount of skill and
perseverance has been brought to bear upon the subject.
PLA]S^T STOVES.
HERE are many forms of hothouse which may
be employed successfully for the growth of Stove
Plants, such as span-roofs, half-spans, and lean-to
houses, but for the growth of specimen plants the span-
roofed house is undoubtedly the best, as it affords the
plants more light and air, at the same time that it may be
made to form an ornament in a garden where no other
style of house could be tolerated. Half s^ian-roofed houses
are very usefhl for growing small plants, for furnishing- the
side tables in the specimen house ; and the lean-to has its
special advantages, for the back wall will accommodate
many plants, which, if trained against it, will display their
ibeauties to greater advantage. In such houses, moreover,
we may produce abundance of blooms for cutting, which
will spare the choicer specimens from being mutilated or
disfigured; and without some such structure, facilities of
.this kind could not be enjoyed.
STOVE TLAXTS.
VTc licre give a»
ground plan find end
section of a span-
roofed house, suit-
able for the culti-
vation of specimen
Stove Plants. It is
fiftv feet long", twenty
feet wide, and twelve
feet high, and con-
tains a table next the
outer wall, on each
side and end, a walk
three feet "wide, and
a centre table, -which
has a second table,.
one foot higher, run-
ning down its middle:
these tables should be
of slate, with iron sup-
ports, while the floor
and path are best
concreted with good
Portland cement,
mixed with sand,
Avhich makes a sub-
stantial and comfort-
able floor and path-
way, and is easily
kept clean, harbours
no insects, and stands
a great amount of
wear and tear. The
double or folding
TLAXr STOVES. 7
doors arc the best for such structures, because, if large
plants have to be moved in and out, thej afford greater
space than the doors in ordinary use. While speakino- of
doors, it may be remarked that they should always be
fixed so as to open inwards, which is more convenient,
and, besides, the glass is not so liable to be broken
through the violence of the wind. The side lights, or
sashes, are two feet in height, and need not be made to open
but instead thereof, some large iron or slate ventilatoi*s
should be built in the Iri-ickwork beneath them, opposite
the hot- water pipes, as shown in the plan ; by this means the
air is prevented from blowing upon the plants in a raw or
cold state. AVe also recommend that large di'ain pipes
be laid in the ground, j^assing from the outside under
the foundation to the inside of the house, and rising
under the heating pipes, by which means fresh sweet aii*
may be admitted, even in sevoi-e weather, if necessary,
without detriment to the plants, Avhich would not be the
case unless it were warmed, as it would be in this case by
rising amongst the hot pipes. The lantern-roof shown in
the figure we consider the very best style of top ventilation
for a Stove, because it does not let the cold air ia directly
upon the plants.
Some kinds of Stove Plants cannot be made to thrive
well without bottom heat ; we allude to such as Ixoras,
Dipladenias, &c., which must be grown in another house
in which the centre stages, shown in the foregoing plan,
must be replaced by a brick pit, in which the bottom
heat can be supplied either by means of heated pipes, or a
hot-water tank, or by its being filled with a body of tan or
other fermenting material. Those plants which requii^e
this treatment must be removed fi-om the growing house
when in bloom, and, if in summer, may be brought into the
b STOVE PLANTS.
stove or conservatory. The lantern-roofed Louse may be
objected to by some, on account of the additional expense of
construction : if so, we must refer them to the ordinary
span-roofed house, with sliding- sashes, such as is shown in
the woodcut at page 165. We must, however, add, in refer-
ence to this matter, that when valuable plants are being
provided for, it is true economy to have the best accommo-
dation provided at first, even though it may lead to a few
pounds of additional expenditure.
HEATING.
LAI^T stoves should be kept at a tempei^atm-e
ranging from 68° to 80° during- summer, and
from 60° to 70° during winter. Where the col-
lection of plants is varied and extensive, it is well to have
an intermediate house — that is, a house somewhat cooler
than the one first indicated, but warmer than the ordinary
greenhouse.
Premising that as yet nothing has been discovered to
supersede, or even to equal, a good hot- water apparatus for
heating plant houses, we hold that the first and most
important point to decide upon is the character of the
boiler. Hot-water boilers are now made of shapes and
patterns without end, and as most cultivators have some
predilection in this matter, we leave them to make their
own selection. There are, however, many things to be
thought of before deciding this question. If the locality is
such as to render it impracticable to dig far down into the
HEATING. 9
ground before reaching- -water, or to prevent a drain being-
put below the boiler, then the nprig-ht tubular form of
boilers is neither suitable nor safc ; for, in cases of floods
during- winter, the water may rise and put out the fire,
unless the stoke-hole is made watertight, which may be a
troublesome and expensive process. We would, however,
by no means depreciate these boilers, for where depth can
be secm^ed, and coke for fuel is within easy distance, we
look upon them as being of iii'st-class merit. Then we
have cannon boilers, tubular boilers, common saddle-boilers,
terminal saddle-boilers, and boilers that require no setting-,
the makers of all being able to give satisfactory reasons
why the particular form they adopt is the very best extant.
That we have this diversity amongst boilers is no doubt a
great advantage, for one that may work admirably in one
place ma}^ not, through some peculiarity of place or posi-
tion, be so thoroughly satisfactory in another ; and, again,
the fuel most readily available, and which may suit one
class of boiler, may not be so readily obtained in another
place, and, therefore, those who are so situated will natu-
rally have recourse to a boiler that will consume the fuel
■they have for feeding* it with.
We have not thought it necessary to mention any other
■system of heating- than the ordinary one with hot-water
boiler and pipes, because no one builds smoke flues now ;
and the other systems which are adopted and spoken of in
various works we have never tried, and, therefore, cannot
speak of them practically.
Having- selected the boiler, the pipes will be the next con-
-sideration. In regard to these, it is always true economy
to have plenty of heating surface in the house — that is to
say, a quantity which will give sufiicient wai'mth with a
moderate fire. Great waste of fuel, and much injury to the
10 STOVE PLANTS.
plants, result from being compelled to drive tlie boiler to its-
utmost, through want of piping and not having a sufficient
surface ; while, on the other hand, by having a good com-
mand of heat, there is a vast savmg in fuel, and a far more
g-enial atmosphere can be maintained. As a result of
these conditions, the plants will thrive far better, and the
house be more enjoyable. On these grounds, therefore, it
will be best to have four rows of piping — instead of three
— round such a house as that here described ; and this
quantity will entirely obviate hard driving at any time.
The boiler should be fixed outside the house, and entirely
independent of it, for no matter how carefully the brick-
work is built, it will become defective by constant wear,
and then, through the escape of smoke and sulphureous
gases, the ruin of many fine specimens may be brought
about in a very short time. For jointing the pipes we
have for many years used india-rubber rings, Avhich are
made specially for the sizes in which the pipes are cast,
and we find that they answer well, as a joint can be made
quickly, and very cheaply ; it will last for many years, and
if anything should go wrong with either the pipes or
joints, they can be separated easily, and without loss or
expense through having to sacrifice one or more lengths
of piping.
Many plant growers make a practice of steaming their
houses regularly. This may sometimes be beneficial, but
still the practice is open to objection, and if four rows of
pipes are used, as before recommended, it need not be
resorted to in order to increase the heat, while for any
other purpose it is not necessary, for, by frequent applica-
tions of the syringe, and by pouring water upon the tables
and floors, a sufficiently moist atmosphere can bo main-
tained, without risk of any kind.
GLAZING.
11
GLAZING.
VERY few words upon tliis subject will suffice.
The kind of glass we use is 21-oz. sliect g-lass,
and we lind it tlie most serviceable, as it is not
easil}'- broken, either by cleaning or by any ordinary usage.
Nothing is gained by having the squares very small, but
at the same time we dislike very large ones, as they are
extremely liable to bo broken in frosty weather. If the
panes are about two feet six inches in length, and nine
inches in breadth, they will have a very good appearance,
the same width being used for the upright side sashes as
for those on the roof.
VENTILATION.
OOD ventilation is of the highest importance, for
a constant renewal of air in plant houses is essen-
-' tial to the well-being of the occupants ; indeed,
where the necessary temperature can be maintained, we
would never quite close the houses, day or night, except in
severe weather. Let us, however, be properly understood
upon this subject. By good ventilation, we mean always to
avoid draughts and currents of cold air, these being- most in-
jurious to plants of all kinds. The adoption of the under-
ground ventilators recommended in the construction of
the house (page 7) will entirely obviate any ground of
apprehension on this point ; and if the sides of the venti-
lators in the lantern roof are covered with fine gauze wire
or perforated zinc, evil will be most satisfactorily guarded
12 STOVE TLAXTf?.
ag-ainst. The use of the gauze or zinc will only be neces-
sary during winter, as in thti summer a greater volume of
air may be admitted with advantage, and consequently the
heated portion will require a readier means of exit. Stoves
ventilated upon these principles will always have a fresh
and healthy atmosphere — a condition which will not only
impart strength and vigour to the plants, but will also,
at the same time, be far raore enjoyable to the amateur
cultivator and the members of his family. Some persons
may think we have attributed too much importance to
this question of ventilation. "We recommend those who
entertain these views to observe closely the condition and
appearance of plants in well- ventilated and in ill-ventilated
stoves, and they will very soon acknowledge that we are
correct in saying it is a point of vital importance.
SHADING.
HERE is a great want of some better material than
we yet possess for shading plant structures — a
material which shall possess sufficient strength,
without being so thick as to cast too deep a gloom over the
interior of the house. Wc are extremely sorry that all
attempts to supply the want have up to the present time
proved fruitless. The best inaterial we can recommend is
canvas, which on one side must be made fast to a strong-
roller, and on the other must be nailed to a lath fixed
lengthwise near the to}^ of the sashes. In mounting the
blinds care must bo taken that they are quite equal in
breadth throughout, or the roller will not run i*egular.
A narrow covering should be fixed along the ridge of the
CISTEKXS.
house, under wliicli the blind may rest wlien not in use,
in order to protect it from -wet. The blinds and rollers
may be taken down during- winter, as little or no shade
will be required during- that period ; and if they are
looked to after damp weather, and in winter thoroughly
dried and stored away in a dry shed, they will last for
several years. Some cultivators, however, like to use
them as a protection hi winter on hostj nights, as recom-
mended in our Orchid Manual; and when this is done,
they must be rolled up at daybreak, so that no light may
be excluded from the plants dm-ing the short winter days.
Blinds for the sides can be made of canvas or tiffany ;
we use and prefer the latter. The strips should have rings
sewed to them on both edges, to fasten on hooks, fixed in
the house at corresponding distances. This fixing is neces-
sary to prevent the wind blowing the blind on one side, and
thus exposing any part of the interior to the sun's influ-
ence, in an imcuarded moment.
CISTERNS.
HESE are very necessary in all houses devoted to
plant growing-, as the rain water, which may then
be collected from the roofs, is the best that can
be used. To have this water in a proper state for the plants,
the cistern or tank must be inside the house, and so exposed
that the water may become nearly of the same temperature
as the atmosphere. Cold water applied to the roots of
Stove Plants is most pernicious. Therefore, having fixed
on the most convenient part of the house for the tank.
14 STOVE PLANTS.
Iraild up the sides from the floor, making the centre table
the top, or sink it below the ground level. In the latter
case, it would be desirable to have a pipe in connection
with the boiler passing through it, for when stored below
the surface the water will otherwise be much colder than
the house. The best material for cisterns is slate, but
brick-work, with a, good coating of Portland cement, will
answer the purpose equally well, and is perhaps to be pre-
ferred when they are placed below the ground level.
SOIL.
S before stated, different plants affect different soils,
and therefore the cultivator must endeavour to
utilize the hints thus given to him, if he wishes
to succeed in his labours. Hence the im])ortance of making-
composts suitable to the requirements of the plants. To
have this department under proper control, a place should
be set apart in some convenient quarter of the garden, for
keeping a stock of the different kinds of earths, manures,
&c., which are required, as well as a supply of pots. This
is designated the compost yard. The various kinds of
earth or soil should be neatly stacked up, in order that by
.age they may become mellow, and better adapted for the
potting offender plants than when' newly dug-. In select-
ing soils it must be remembeved that the top spit is always
preferable.
Loam. — Tliis is of two kinds — light and heavy. Tlic first
is generally pale yellow in colour, but sometimes blackish ;
.the latter is deep y '."llow, and feels somewhat greasy when
SOIL. 15
taken in the hand. These should be stacked separately,
with the turf and living- grass downwards, placing a layer
of manure over every laj'cr of loam of the heavy quality ;
in this way the manure will become thoroughly incorpo-
rated with it, and when cut out for use it will be found in
:a nice friable state : the light loam is best stacked by itself
in a pure state. The quality of loam varies considerably in
■different parts of the country. "We ourselves use a very
good kind, which is obtained from Wanstead, Essex.
Peat. — -This is also of two kinds. That which is composed
principally of decayed mosses and woody materials, and is
mostly used for burning, is not of much value for in-door
plant growing, though some kinds of plants thrive well hi
it. The peat most serviceable for our purpose is composed
of decayed vegetable matter, and contains a considerable
amount of sand ; it should be stacked with the top side
downwards.
Leaf mould. — This is formed of thoroughly decomposed
leaves which have been collected in autumn ; these should be
kept moist, and are best frequently turned over to facilitate
decay. This kind of soil ought not to be used before it is
two or three years old.
Manure. — A good heap of this should always be kept in
the compost yard, so that none may be ever used which is
not thoroughly decomjDosed.
Sand. — This should be kept under cover, and ma}' be
either white or brown. The white or silver sand procured
at Reigate in Surrey is the best ; next to this comes sharp
river sand.
These various kinds of soil being stored up in the com-
post yard, and fit for use, any of the mixtures recom-
mended in the followmg pages can be made up for use,
as required.
IG STOVE PLANTS.
POTTING.
HE first things to be considered are the Pots. Of
these, however, we need saj but a few words, as
every one is well acquainted with flower pots.
For specimen Stove or Greenhouse Plants, the best pots
are those with a moveable bottom, because the j^lant can be
set upon a stand, the pot gently slipped down, and the con-
dition of its roots and drainage examined with the greatest
ease to the operator, and perfect safety to the specimen.
Next comes the drainage. On this subject very little will
be said in the body of this work, not because it is of little
consequence, for we hold it to be of the hig-hest importance,
but because it is not a thing which bears reading over many
times, for it is utterly impossible to make the draining of a
flower pot an interesting subject. Therefore we say, once
for all, drain well, or success will never be realised. By
draining well, we do not mean the throwing of a large
quantity of potsherds into the pot in a careless manner, but
placing- a few ^^ieces carefully — a large piece over the hole,
some smaller ones round about and over this, with the hol-
low side downwards, and finishing- off with still smaller ones,
or some charcoal, which will be preferable, the whole being
covered Avith rough peat fibre, to prevent the soil mixing-
with it. Some growers begin repotting at a stated time
in the spring, and go through their whole collection at one
time. This system may be convenient, but is certainly un-
wise and most unnatural; indeed, it is impossible to lay
down any definite rule, as some few things must be repotted
directly after blooming. Now, as all plants do not start into
growth at the same time, though in the same temperature,
those which are dormant cannot take up the nourishment
POTTIXG. 17
from the new soil, whicli consequently by frequent waterings
becomes soddened, and comparatively old before the roots
are in a fit state to move into it. It has ahvays appeared
to us — and wherever practicable, we have been guided by
this in our practice — that the very best time to repot a
plant is in spring, just when it begins to push forth new
growth, because then the roots and branches are acting in
unison, and both are in a fit state to receive fresh nutriment.
Everything being in perfect readiness — the compost pro-
perly mixed, and in a nice half-moist condition, neither wet
nor dry, and the pot either new or clean, dry, and properly
drained — the plant to be shifted, if a large one, should be
stood upon the stand before mentioned, the pot slipped down,
and the old drainage taken away. The roots, if matted,
must be carefully disentangled, as much of the old soil being
removed as can be done without injury to them. Then some
of the new compost must be put into the fresh pot, just
sufficient to bring the surface of the old soil to within about
half an inch of the top, and having carefully placed the
plant in the middle, and at the proper level, the new soil is
to be filled in around it, care being taken to press it down,
quite firmly. After this operation has been performed, a
little higher temperature and extra shade should be given
to the plants, to prevent them suffering from the slight
check which repotting natui-ally must give them, and to
encourage them to put forth fresh roots more quickly. The
only difference in shifting or repotting large and small
plants is, that in the case of the latter, the plant can remain,
in the hand of the operator, and the stand need not be
brought into use. Those plants which have strong coarse
roots may have a large shift each time, but care must be
taken not to over-pot those having fine and delicate
roots, as it is far better to repot twice, or three times,
C
18 STOVE PLiXIS.
tlian to risk the liealth if not the life of a plant by over-
potting.
Little more need be said upon this subject, save that the
sieve, so necessary to some cultivators, should be utterly
discarded, and the soil prepai'ed by being chopped into pieces
with a spado ; by the time it is mixed together, it becomes
sufficiently fine, and needs no sifting. Those plants which
bloom better when kept in small pots, and which are not to
be shifted, should, at the period when others are repotted,
have the surface of the soil in their pots stirred, some of
the woi'n-out material being- removed, and replaced with
new.
WATERING.
llFTER the potting season, and as soon as the roots
have begun to rmi freely in the new soil, water
will have to bo supplied more liberally than
during the winter, or resting- period ; while, as the days
increase in length, and the smi in power, scarcely too much
• can be given to Stove Plants, if the roots are in an active
■state and abundant throughout the soil, and the drainage
■is in good order. At this period, too, the syringe must be
brought into play, to refresh and keep the foliage clean,
and to create a genial moist atmosphere, which is so essen-
'tial to tropical plants. Care must, however, be taken that
•the syringe is not used with the sun shining fully upon the
house, or the result will be the burning of the leaves, and
■the disfigurement of the plants for a long time. There are
..also some few kinds of ]ilants that do not like to have water
WATEIUXG. 19
thrown over tlieir leaves, and tlie peculiarities of tlicse
must be attended to. As the season of gTowtli draws to a
close, and the days become shox'ter and colder, the atmo-
sphere of the stove must be gradually reduced to a drier
state, and less vrater must be given to the plants, both
to the roots and overhead. When the wood has become
thoroughly ripened, the plants will again become dormant,
or so far dormant that no active growth will take place,
though some will put forth their flowers, and in this state
they will remain through the winter months. The best
time of the day for watering- plants during the summer
season is towards evening, after the houses are closed ; but
in autumn and winter this operation should always be
jDcrformed in the morning.
During the g-rowing season one thing requires particular
attention, and that is ventilation, a matter on which some
general advice has been already given. Fresh air must be
admitted in the spring sparingly, and increased as summer
advances, when, of course, it may be freely admitted, but
always in such a manner that it may liecome partially
warmed before the plants feel its influence. By about the
middle of September less air will be required, so that the
quantity admitted must be gradually diminished until the
end of autumn, when very little indeed will be required,
and that which is admitted must be let in so as to become
warmed in its progress.
c 2
20 STOVE PLANTS.
mSECTS.
jlROPICAL plants are very liable to the attacks of
several kinds of insects, of wliicli the more in-
jurious are :— the Green Fly (A]?Ms), the Mealy
Bug (Coccus adonidurn), the Turtle Scale (Coccus testvdo\
the Black Thrips (Tltrqis adonidinii), and the Red Spider
(Acarus teUarms). These all attack Stove Plants to such
an extent as to render them unsightly, and if they are-
not diligently searched for and destroyed, they will soon
bring the plants into a sickly condition, which will com-
pletely destroy their beauty, even if it does not end in
death.
The Green Fhj may be desti'oyed by fumigation with
tobacco or tobacco paper, or by syringing with tobacco
water, or dusting with snuff. In the latter case, the snuff
must, after a day or two, be well washed off with the
syringe.
The ileaJy Bug is a small white powdery insect, of
which the female is wingless, and too frequentl}- found
upon our Stove Plants. The insects must be carefully
washed off by means of a small brush, and warm soft
soap and water, or by emjiloying some of the specifics
which are advertised at the end of the volume, all of
which are excellent remedies, so that we cannot recom-
mend one in preference to others.
The Turtle or Broxcn Scale is also a great pest on some
kinds of plants, but it may be destroyed in the same manner
as Mealy Bug.
The Thrips is a very injurious insect, but it may be got
rid of by fumigation with tobacco or tobacco paper, which,
INSECTS. 21
af properly used, will totally destroy them ; or the plants
may be syringed with some of the before-mentioned
remedies.
The Red Spider speedily renders unsightly the foliage of
any plant that it attacics, destroying|Jthe fresh greenness of
the leaves, and turning them to a davtj white or brown.
The most effectual mode of destroying this pest, when it
has been allowed to spread, is to sprinkle some flowers of
sulphur upon the hot-water pipes, and shut the house up
close ; this remedy must be used with great care, for if the
pipes should be too warm, the foliage would suffer. It is
far better, however, to keep a careful watch upon the plants,
and destroy the spider when it first makes its appearance,
as extreme measures oftentimes cause the death of the
plants.
Some cultivators maintain that insects are in all cases
the effects of disease, and not the cause ; and that plants,
when treated in a proper manner, will not become infested
by them. Though not prepared to endorse this assertion
in its fullest sense, we yet believe it to be correct in the
main. There is no better safeguard against any serious
attacks of insects than keeping up a vigorous state of health
in the plants, and maintaining sti-ict cleanliness in the
structures in which they are grown, and in the various
materials brought into use in the course of their culti-
vation.
STOVE PLANTS.
TRELLISES AND TRAINING.
ANY of our most laandsome Stove Plants are
climbers, or if not climbers in tbe true meaning*
of the word, are trailing plants, requiring tbe
support of a trellis of some kind, to enable them to dis-
play tlieir floAvers to the best advantage. Trellises are
now principally made of galvanised vrire, ■whicli is inucb.
better than when painted, as it lasts longer, and is
always free from rust. Constructed of this material,
they are lighter in appearance, and more durable, than
when made of wood ; and, moreover, can be made to any
particular shape, according to the taste of the cultivator.
The umbrella-shaped trellis is a kind admirably adapted
for such plants as Hexacentrls, Lapageria, &c. ; while for
such as D i]jlccdenias, Allmnandas, and Siephanotls, we prefer
the balloon shape to any other. The pillars of the stove
may have wii'es fixed around them, on which to fasten
climbing- plants, and wires taken from one pillar to the
other may form festoons, which will have a beautiful effect
in a large house. For furnishing these situations, the
plants should be planted out in a border, or in slate
boxes, as they will succeed very much better when so
grown than when in pots ; but as they will probably
grow too freely, the prmiing knife must be applied when-
ever it becomes necessary.
Wire baskets may also be used for man}- kinds of plants,
and they afford a pleasing change ; indeed, many plants,
such as Achimencs, Mscliynantlms, Columneas, and some of
the small-growing Hoyas, are only seen to advantage when,
grown in this way.
RESTING AND BUYING OFF. 23
Sucli plants as Ixoras, Frandsceas, Gardenias, and others
of like habit, must be grown into handsome round plants,
and will perhaps require a few neat sticks to keep them
in shape, but the fewest that will suit this pm-pose should
be used. We advise that, by all means, that most objec-
tionable of all styles, the flat-backed or one-sided, should
be avoided in training- plants, for nothmg can be in worse
taste, or be a greater eyesore, than a house filled with such
deformities. The sticks used for training or sapporting
the plants should be painted of a light green colour, for
when not so painted the Avhite has a very bad appearance,
and is not to be tolerated.
RESTING AN^D DRYIXG OFF.
HESE terms arc often usell as if they were syno-
nymous, but the two modes of treatment indi-
cated by them are very distinct in practice. The
resting of plants is brought about by reducing the tem-
perature, and withholding a portion of water, by which '
means the subjects operated upon are kept dormant, while,
at the same time, the yomig fibrous roots are not destroyed-
Drying off is a widely different process, and one that is
frequently carried on in a vcr}' erroneous manner. We
now allude to such subjects as Achimeues, Gesneras, Gloxi-
nias, Amaryllis, &c. These are often cast aside as soon
as they have done flowering-, and little care is bestowed
upon them until the season for again starting into growth.
Instead of such treatment, they should after blooming
receive extra care, in order to enable them to fully
24 STOVE PLANTS.
mature their balbs or tubers, so as to secure a vigorous
bloom the next season. It is the want of proper care in
this particular thing- that leads to so many disappoint-
ments in growing these plants a second year, and gives
colour to the erroneous notion that they are difficult to
manage. Quite the reverse is indeed the case, for nothing-
can be easier to grow, or be capable of making a finer
display when in bloom, than many of these bulbous and
tuberous- rooted plants. If, however, care is not bestowed
upon them after the flowers have faded, it is not reason-
able to expect them to be as fine the following season,
because after flowering the new growth has to be per-
fected, and it is upon the healthy development and
maturation of that, that the production of flcwers mainly
depends.
PROPAGATION.
^ T would occupy too much space in a handbook like
the present, to enter minutely into all the methods
which are practised for the increase of various
kinds of plants. We Avill, however, ofter a few plain
directions, which will enable any growers, if they have
the convenience and inclination, to increase some of
their favourites. In the first place, a small house
should be set apart for this purpose as a propagating
pit ; it should be low-roofed, and well heated, and pro-
vided with bottom heat and plunging materials. A stock
of bell-glasses will also be required, as well as some
handlights, for keeping certain kinds very close. Where
PROPAGATION. 25
the collection is small, and a house is not wholly needed
for the purpose of propagation, many plants may be in-
creased by putting the cutting pots into a handlight, kept
close, and placed at the warmest end of the plant stove,
the treatment in other respects being such as is directed
in this chapter.
Plants are propagated in various ways, according to
their manner of growth. The usual methods are as
follows : — By sowing seeds, by striking cuttings, by graft-
ing, by cutting up the crowns of old plants, and dividing
those which grow in tufts, and in some instances by
cutting the roots into small pieces, called root-cuttings, or
the stem into small portions or eyes. Thus it will be
seen that an acquaintance with the structure and habits
of plants generally is necessary to enable any one to
become a good plant propagator.
Seeds. — Spring is the best time for sowing seeds of all
kinds of tender plants, though there are some few things
that succeed best when soAvn immediately they are ripe.
Having prepared the soil, and taken especial care that the
drainage is perfect, let the seed pan or pot be filled up to
within a short distance of the rim, the actual degree of
fullness being regulated by the size of the seeds to be
sown, for if large, more room must be allowed for covering
them with soil than would be required for smaller seeds.
Indeed, many very fine seeds require no covering at all,
1)ut must have a piece of paper or glass laid over them
until they germinate, to prevent them from being washed
or blown away. The covering for all small seeds should
be light, and the soil should be passed through a fine sieve
before use. After sowing, the pots should have a gentle
watering with a small fine-rosed watering pot, and be
placed in a gentle bottom heat, nothing more being required
26 STOVE PLANTS,
beyond the maintenance of a stoadj^ heat, and keeping the
soil in a uniformly moist (but not wet) state, until the
seeds have g-erminatcd. When the yomig- plants have
made about half an inch of growth, or formed one or two
or more leaves besides the cotyledons or seed leaves,
according- to the size and habit, they should be carefully
shaken out, and either planted singly in small pots, or
two or three put together in one pot, at equal distances
apart, close to the side. This latter plan should be
adopted for hard-wooded and very slow-growing plants,
or for soft-wooded plants that may be intended for
flowering in masses. In the case of the latter, they
will remain together without disturbance at the next
shifting ; but in the case of hard- wooded plants they
should be potted separately by the time they have
made one year's growth. Many large seeds which have
hard woody skins or coverings, are much benefited
by being placed in hot water for some twelve or
twenty-four hours before sowing them, and are then best
placed singly in small pots. Some seeds will germinate
very quickly, and others will be many weeks before
they show the least sign of vitality ; therefore, do not
be hasty in turning- out seed pots because the seeds
have not grown, unless it is quite evident they are dead.
Some seeds under our own care have been as long as four
years in germinating, none of them having started the first
year, but a few having made their appearance from time
to time during the next three years.
Cuttings. — These may be taken from various parts of the
plant, but, as a rule, cuttings of hard-wooded plants strike
root more readily if taken ofi" with what is called a heel
— that is, Avith a portion of the old wood attached. The
reason such pieces root more quickly is obvious, for as
rnorAGATiox. 27
there arc a quantity of latent buds at tlic junction of the-
old and young- wood, these soon produce roots freely.
Other plants, including- all soft-wooded plants, may have
any of the young shoots that arc not too robust, and full of
sap, taken off as cuttings. It will be necessary here to
offer a few words respecting the soil to be used, and the
treatment required to lead to success. First, the pots must
be filled up two-thirds of their depth with potsherds, the
upper ones being- small, so that the soil does not get mixed
with them. The soil must be of the same kind that is
suitable to the parent plant, but sifted and made very
sandy, as this allows the cuttings, when struck, to be sepa-
rated more readily, and without breaking the 3'oung and
tender roots. The soil, as filled iu, must be pressed down
very firmly, and upon the top of it must be placed a layer
— half an inch to an inch deep, according- to the size of the
cuttings — of clean sharp silver sand. The pots will now
be ready for planting-. The cuttings, having been taken
from the plant, must be cut through with a sharp knife^
close below a joint or bud, and the bottom leaves cut off.
The quantity of leaves to be taken ofi' the cuttings will
depend upon the kind of treatment they are to receive ; if
they are to be placed under a close bell-glass, or in a close
moist fi-ame, the removing of a few leaves will be quite
sufficient, Avhile if they are to be exposed to a considerable
amount of air, the greater portion of the leaves must be
removed ; but at all times sufficient must be taken off to
allow the cuttings to be firmly fixed in the soil, as it is very
important that they should not be moved after being-
inserted. If they are placed under a bell-glass, the g-lass
will require frequent wiping upon the inside, to dry up
superabundant moisture ; and when the cuttings are rooted^
this glass must be tilted a little, till eventuallv it mav be
28 STOYE rLAXTS.
removed entirely, wliicli slaould be done, if possible, a day
or two before potting- off. During- all tliis time tbe cuttings
should be well shaded, as it would be very injurious to
them were they to be suffered to droop, or " flag," as it is
commonly called. Large-leaved plants inay be increased
by a single eye, with a leaf attached, planted as a cutting ;
and many genera, such as Gloxinia, Gesnera, Begonia, and
others, may be increased by a single leaf, without an eye,
or even by small pieces of leaves inserted in sand.
Graftlvcj. — This method is resorted to either to encourage
the growth of weak and delicate kmds, by grafting them
upon a stronger grower, or to reduce gross and vigorous
sorts by working them upon weaker kinds, so as to induce
flowering shoots. Grafting is adopted with some kinds of
Ixora, Allaiiianda, Franciscca, Iponuea, &c.
Cuttings of Boots and Stems. — Some kinds of plants can
be increased with great facility, by cutting the stout roots
into short pieces, or the stems into lengths containing an
eye or two, and covering them with soil, the pots being
placed in a strong bottom heat. This plan is adopted
with such plants as Draecenas, Petncas, Bouvardias, &c.
Dicision. — This mode of propagation is too well known
to need commenting- on here, beyond the remark, that prac-
tice alone can perfect any one m this most interesting, but,
in many instances, very tedious and delicate operation.
HYBRIDISIXG AND CROSS-CREEDIXG. 29^
HYBRIDISING A^B CROSS-BREEDING.
HIS subject has become of such great importance,
and the results achieved by it during the last few
years have been so extraordinary, that it cannot
be passed over in silence in any work treating upon
plant culture, without causing- a feeling of disappoint-
ment to many into whose hands such a work may be
expected to fall. Although, therefore, it would be un-
seemly to enter deeply into the subject, we propose to
offer a few hints and remarks, such as may be likely to
prove usefal to the amateur plant grower, to whom this
work is priucipally addressed. The terms hybridising
and cross-breeding are often, though erroneously, used
as synonyms ; nevertheless, although there is a consider-
able difference between the two, yet the principal object
which the operator has in vicAV is the same, viz., the im-
provement of the flower as to size, or form, or colour,^
or all these conjointly ; or the improvement of the foliage ;
or the production of a better habit and constitution of the
particular plants operated upon.
Hybridising, m the strict sense of the term, is the raising-
a progeny between two distinct species, by applying the
pollen of one species to the stigma of the other. The plants
raised from these two species will, as a rule, be barren, and
incapable of again producing seed. Cross-breeding is the
raising of new forms, from the fertilisation of two varieties
of the same or of allied species, which will be fertile, and
again available for cross-breeding. To these two processes,
we are indebted for many of the gayest ornaments of om'
gardens and plant houses, as will be evident when we quote
such examples as Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Eases, Dahlias,
and many other florist flowers, as well as Acliimenes,
30 STOYE PLANTS.
Gloxinias, Gesneras, Ericas, Azaleas, AmarijUis, Dlpladenias,
and many others ; and lastly, though not least, the Orchids
themselves, for these are yielding- to the power of the
hybridiser, as may be seen in such cases as Cattleya exonien-
sis, Galanthe VeitcJdi, and many others.
In setting about the raising of either hybrids or varie-
ties, the operator should set before him a definite and settled
purpose, for if promiscuous seedling's are reared a great
loss of time will ensue, seeing that good results from such
crossings cannot be expected. If, on the other hand, every
cross is made with some special object in view, the chances
are that better results will reward the operator. To ama-
teurs this pursuit offers a splendid field for enterprise,
possessing as it does the charm of novelty, and invested as
it is vfith the greatest interest. Those who devote them-
selves to the production of new forms of flowers, have
several things to take into consideration, and must carefully
note the results of each particular e"S:periment, in order to
enable them either to prosecute a successful effort, or to
warn them to desist if a wrong track has been entered on.
Amontu- the things to be worked for, in either hybrids or
varieties, are improvement in colour, shape, size, and sub-
stance of the blooms, in the form, size, texture, or marking
of the leaves, or in the habit of growth and the prolificacy
•of blossoms — this latter, the securing of free-flowering pro-
perties, being of the highest importance in the case of
•decorative plants. We have always found that in crossing*
plants, the seedlings arc more prone to follow the colour of
the male parent, and the habit and style of growth of the
female. Therefore, if the result desired be richer and
brighter colours, the jaaler of the two parents should be
made the seed jiroducer. We had a sti-iking example a
few years ago, in the case of some Gloxinias, of the influence
of the pollen ; it was at a time when the varieties of
KEJIARKS UrOX FCnTlLlSATIOX. 31
Gloxinia were few, and G. Fi/fiana was the only erect-
flowered kind. We fertilised G. mlra grandlflora with
pollen taken from G. leuconerva, the latter then a new
variety, our object being- to obtain varieties with white-
veined leaves and red flowers ; and as G. leuconerva was not
so robust in habit as G. rubra grand [flora, we made the latter
the seed-bearer, but in the result, out of several hundreds,
we had but one or two which produced red flowers ; the
habit was robust, and much stronger than the male parent,
and the Avhite veins less conspicuous on the leaves, but the
flowers Avere of a much richer colour, being a deep purple,
and larger, partaking in the latter character of the mother
plant. Thus the experiment, though it produced some
very handsome varieties, was in direct opposition to our
wishes, l3ut it afforded a lesson by which we profited in
after attempts at cross-breeding.
REMARKS UPOX FERTILISATION.
N seed saving, independent of hybridismg or cross-
breeding, astonishing results may be obtained by
a little selection and care. These remarks will
apply most forcibly to the choice strains of flowers which
are grown for early spring, autumn, and winter decoration,
and which are to a great extent deprived of insect agency for
the fertilisation of their flowers, and are consequently de-
pendent upon artificial impregnation. In ^^erforming this
operation, the pollen of one flower should bo used to fertilise
its ncighliour, as this ensures a greater produce of seeds, and
a more vigorous constitution in the plants resulting froni
the operation. Being a delicate and tedious process, it
will of course occupy some time, but the greater quantity
32
STOVE PLANTS.
of seed thus obtained will amply repay the extra trouble.
That this is so, \ye have had some strikmg- proofs in the
course of some experiments we have made in reference to
this question. For example, we found that the stigma of
one flower fertilised with pollen from a separate flower,
but growing upon the same plant, yielded four times as
much as when left to fertilise itself, and above one half
more than when artificially impregnated with its own
pollen. Carrying the experiment still further, and bring-
ing pollen from another plant of the same species, but
which had not originally sprang from the same stock, we
found that the produce was three times the quantity
yielded under the most favourable circumstances of the
other experiment, viz., the fertilisation by pollen from a
separate flower of the same plant. The contrast was how-
ever greatest with the flower which received no aid what-
ever ; for with the foreign pollen applied artificially, the
yield of seed was finer in quality, and twelve times as much
in quantit}-, while in the respective cases of fertilisation with
foreign pollen (that is pollen from a diff'erent plant), and
with its own pollen, the yield was five times greater in
favour of the foreign pollen. This will be seen more clearly
by the following table : —
EXPEEIMKNT 1.
EXPEBIMEHT 2.
EXPEBIMEXT 3. EXPEEIMENT 4.
Produce of a flower
not receiving
artificial aiJ in any
way.
Produce of a flower
fertilised with
its own pollen.
Produce of a flower
fertilised with pollen
from a separate
flower grown upon
the same plant.
Produce of a flower
fertilised with pollen
from a difl'ei ent
plant of the same
species.
25 Seeds.
Yield of Seeds,
one-twolflh tLat
of Ex2)oiimout4.
60 Seeds.
Yield of Seeds,
one-fifth that of
ExjjL'iiuieiit 4.
100 Seeds.
Yield of Seeds,
one-third that
of ExiDerimciit4.
300 Seeds.
Yield of Seeds,
highest both in
quantity and
quality.
REMARKS UPON FERTILISATION. 33
This exjieriment was repeated several times, insects of
all kinds being most carefully excluded from the flowers ;
and though differing in some cases in the number of seeds,
yet in each the proportions were about the same. Now,
although we are not prepared to assert that the like results
can be obtained iu the case of every species or variety,
yet, from other experiments we have made, we are certain
that the yield of seed will be larger and finer when the
floAvers thus receive the benefit of a cross with pollen
from a separate plant, and whei-e insect agency is deficient,
it should always be supplied by artificial means. To avoid
self- fertilisation the flower should have the stamens re-
moved as soon as possible after it is open ; this may be
done by cutting them out with a small pair of scissors.
According to some authorities, certain flowers fertilise
themselves before expanding-, but this is no doubt very
exceptional.
STOVE PLAXTS.
A SELECTION OF
STOVE FLOWERIXa PLANTS.
HE species we have selected and briefly described
in the following- pages, are all deserving- general
cultivation; and, as will be seen, many are recom-
mended as beautiful objects for the decoration of the plant
houses, sitting-rooms, and for bouquet making only, whilst
others, besides possessing these qualifications, are, in addi-
tion, invaluable for the purpose of forming exhibition spe-
cimens. Thus the amateur will be enabled to choose the
kinds best adapted for his particular purjDose.
ACHUIEXES,
This is a beautiful family of Gesneracece, too often cast
aside by plant growers ; and being tuber-like plants, dying
down annually, they often get forgotten during the season
while they are stored away in the dry state. The AcJii-
menes are plants which should especially commend them-
selves to those who have but a limited quantity of glass, as
they servo to enliven the houses during the period Avhen
other plants are out of doors.
ACniMENES. 35
Their culture is very simple. For soil, a compost of a
light rich character, composed of peat and leaf mould in
equal parts, along- with a sixth part of sheep manure, well
decomposed, and enough silver sand to give the whole a
white appearance, will be found to suit them best. Achi-
■menes should not be shifted. A few tubercles should be
started every month, down to the end of May, in order to
ensm-e a succession of bloom. When they have made
shoots an inch or two in length, transplant them into the
pots or pans in which they are intended to flower, having
first well drained them, and filled them with the compost
recommended above. They delight in heat, moistm-e, and
shade, while growing ; but when in bloom they may with
safety and good effect be removed to the cool conservatory,
care being taken not to expose them to cold draughts.
When the young shoots are a few inches long, the stakes
should be provided, making the centre the tallest, and
letting all the others slope outwardly, to form a symme-
trical pyramid ; care should be taken to keep them frequently
tied during this period, and until they show flower an
occasional watering with weak liquid manure will be found
very beneficial to them. Planted in baskets Ackimsnes
form lovely objects, hanging like globes of flower, and if
the different colours are mixed, the effect is all the more
striking. A. Jongiflora major, longlflora alba, and Aurora
planted together make a lovely basket ; so do FliJc Perfec-
tion, grandis, and longlflora alba, or, indeed, any and all of
them, if the colours are properly selected. As the plants
advance towards maturity, and begin to show signs of
decay, withhold water, but let it be done gradually, so that
the tubercles do not get starved before the leaves have
failed. Remove the tops as soon as they are quite dead,
and store the pots containing the roots, upon their sides, in
D 2
6b STOVE PLANTS.
a situation wliere no moisture can reacli them, where they
may remain until wanted in the following spring. The-
family has been largely increased during the last two or
"three years, and though all are worthy of cultivation, we
have only space to enumerate the best.
A. Advance. — A distinct and handsome dwarf-growing
kind ; the flowers are deep reddish purple, with a light
spotted eye, shaded towards the margin.
A. Amhroise Verschafelt. — A very gay and attractive
kind, forming- beautiful specimen pans, or fine masses when
suspended in baskets, either by itself or when mixed with
other varieties ; the flowers are pale or whitish lilac, with
elegant radiating violet lines, and carmine spots in the
centre.
A. Argus. — A most desirable variety ; the flowers are rich
plum colour, with large deep orange eye, spotted with
carmine, and having the ujDper lobes of the flowers beauti-
fully raj^ed towards the margin.
A. Aurora. — A remarkably fine variety ; the flowers are
fully two inches in diameter, the colour deep heavy scarlet,
with a light yellow eye, and very effective as a basket
plant, contrasted with other coloiirs.
A. carininata elegans. — A beautiful variety, of free branch-
ing habit, and producing spikes of rosy carmine flowers
upwards of eighteen inches in length. It may be grown
into a specimen of three or four feet in diameter, and is
thus a charming object for the summer and autumn months.
A. Dazzle. — This is a very handsome small-flowering
kind, but the richness of its scarlet colour and the quantity
of its flowers fully compensate for its want of size.
A. Dr. Buenzod. — Flowers crimson purple, beautifully
spotted with orange in the centre.
A. Dr. Iloiif. — This is a very pretty variety, and of dwarf
ACHLMENES. 37
good habit ; the flowers are pure white, with pink eje ; a
very desirable form.
A. Eclipse. — A beautiful variety, of very freo-blooming'
habit ; the flowers are orange red, the eye prettily spotted
with carmine, producing- very long- well-clothed spikes ;
the very best for exhibition purposes.
A. Gcorgiana discolor. — Of fine, robust, and very distinct
habit, the larg-e leaves contrasting- well Avith its very dis-
similar flowers, which are large, of a bright orange colour,
with yelloAv centre.
A. grandis. — A splendid hybrid, very free flowering, and
a valuable acquisition ; the flowers are rich violet in colour,
with a deep orange eye, finely spotted and shaded with
carmine.
A. Leopard. — The flowers of this variety are bright
magenta rose, with a well-spotted throat, of good size and
form ; it is a very efiective kind, the freshness of its colour
making it a general favourite.
A. longijlora alba. — This variety resembles the previous
one in everything, save the colour of the flowers, which
are pure white, with slight markings in the throat. A
general favourite, its colour always making it effective for
contrast.
A. longijlora major. — A strong-growing kind and a very
profuse bloomer ; the flowers are very large, and of a
beautiful blue colom\ It may be grown into magnificent
■specimens, and is also very efiective when grown in
baskets.
A. Magnet. — A very free-flowering hybrid ; the colour
is orange, spotted with crimson, deep carmine circle, and
spotted eye. A very pleasing variety.
A. Margarettoi. — This, like longijiora alba, forms a beau-
.tifiil contrast with other colours, and is even of a purer
38 STOVE PLANTS.
•wtite than that variety, for the flowers of Margaretico are
large and snow white, destitute of any marking's whatever.
A. Mmive Queen.— A. splendid variety, being a great
improvement upon longiflova major, producing an abun-
dance of beautiful large mauve coloured flowers, with a
conspicuous light chocolate eye ; it is of splendid form and
fine waxy substance, and is very eflfective grown as a
specimen plant, or suspended in a basket.
A. Meteor.— This is a very fine kind, of dwarf habit, and
producing large crimson scarlet flowers, Avith a yellow
spotted eye.
A. Parsonsii. — A very distinct kind ; flowers of fine form,
rich salmon crimson in colour, with an orange eye.
A. Firik Perfection. — A fine well-formed flower, nearly
three inches in diameter, of a deep rosy pink colour, the
Tipper part of the eye rich carmine, the under lobes beau-
tifully rayed Avith violet. This variety should find a place
in every collection.
A. purpurea elegans. — This is entirely a novel colour
amongst AcJiimeiies, and also produces its blooms very
profusely ; they are of good size and form, and in colour a
deep mulberry or claret, while the throat is light orange
with dark spots.
A. MoUissoni. — Yery distinct, being a hybrid between
A. Scheerii and A. gJoxinijiora. It is robust in habit, and
very free flowering. The blooms are purplish lavender,
the lobes being very large and smooth on the edge, the
throat yellow, and spotted with purplish crunson spots.
A. Base Queen. — This is a beautiful new form of this
desirable genus. It is compact in habit, and a profuse
bloomer. The flowers are large, stout, and of rich rose
lake in colour, shading to deep purple, with an orange
throat.
ADHATODA. 3!)
A. Scarlet Ferfection. — A very showy variety ; flowers
rich carmine scarlet, orange eye, surrounded, with a light
ray, and red centre.
A. Sir Treheriie Thoiuas. — A good free-blooming variety,
and very effective when grown as a basket plant ; the
flowers are bright red crimson.
A. Stella. — This is a very distinct and beautiful kind ;
the flowers are two and a half inches in diameter, clear
magenta colour, with orange eye, spotted with carmine and
prettily serrated. A most effective variety, and a universal
favourite.
A. Vivicans. — A very handsome basket plant; the
flowers are carmine, with a crimson eye, shaded round
with a blue ray. It is very distinct, and a most profuse
bloomer.
A. Wdllams'd. — A charming free-blooming variety, of
good, compact, and branching habit. Leaves bright green,
and toothed at the edges ; flowers large, and of good
substance, limbs two inches and upwards across, and vivid
scarlet in colour, throat orange yellow.
Adhatoda.
A genus of AcantJiacece of which nearly one hundred
species are described, few of which have yet been intro-
duced to our gardens, though many of them would be very
ornamental. The soil best adapted for its cultivation is
good fibrous peat and loam, with a liberal addition of silver
sand ; and it should be treated to a good share of heat and
moistnre.
A. cydonkefolla. — This is a scandent, or rather an
ascending, evergreen stove plant. The leaves are opposite,
ovate, obtuse, dark green, and as well as the branches
40 STOVE PLANTS.
slightly downy. The flowers are produced in the axils of
the leaves, the tube of the corolla being- white, the upper
lip white, tipped with purple, the lower lip large, rich
deep purple, with a white stripe down the centre. It is
a fine plant for training up pillars or rafters, the rich
contrast of colours being very effective ; it will also bloom
in small pots in quite a young state, and is very orna-
mental when in bloom as a basket plant. It flowers pro-
fusely, when aged, during the autumn months. Native of
Brazil.
^SCHYNANTHUS.
A genus belonging to the Cyrtandraceous division of the
Gesneracece. The plants form beautiful objects when grown
in baskets, and suspended from the roof of the stove.
They are scandent in habit, and produce simple, entire,
thick, fleshy, opposite leaves, the flowers being produced
in terminal umbels, as well as from the leaf axils. They
are all natives of India and the Indian Islands, and luxu-
riate in a high temperature and moist atmosphere. The
JEscJiynantJms should be planted in baskets, in a mixture
of fibrous peat, sphagnum moss, and lumpy pieces of
charcoal ; and they should be allowed to hang down over
the sides of the baskets. When thus managed, these
beautiful jDlants will grow and bloom magnificently, and
no stove should be without a good collection of them.
^. cordifollus. — A very free-flowering species ; the
leaves are heart-shaped, dark green on the upper side,
paler below, (juite smooth ; the flowers are produced in
clusters from the axils of the leaves, and are deep red iu
colour, striped with black, the inside of the tube orange.
It blooms for a long time through the summer months.
Native of Borneo.
-^SCHTNANTHUS. 41
^. fulgens. — A beautiful species, of very free-flowering"
liabit, with opposite, large, oblong-lanceolate acuminate
leaves, thick and fleshy in texture, and bright dark green
in colour. The flowers are very long, and produced in ter-
minal umbels ; they are bright crimson in colour, the
throat and under side of the tube orange, and the lobes
striped with black. Native of Tavoy.
JE. (jrandiflorus. — The stems of this plant will root from
the under side ; the leaves are lanceolate in shape, smooth,
fleshy in texture, and dark green in colour ; the flowers
are large, deep crimson and orange in colour, and freely
produced. It is found growing upon trees in the East
Indies.
JE. javaniciLS. — A beautiful species, producing an abun-
dance of its large bright red flowers, stained with yellow
in the thi'oat ; the leaves are dark green, opposite, ovate,
and somewhat fleshy. It comes from Java.
^. Lohlianus. — This is a very fine species, producing
rich scarlet flowers, which contrast beautifully with its
dark green fleshy leaves. It blooms during June and
July, and is a native of Java.
jE. longijlorus. — A beautiful kind, of free habit of growth,
and producing long scarlet flowers in great abundance
■during the three summer months.
yE. mmiatus. — This is a native of Java, an island which
appears to be very rich in members of this beautiful genus.
The leaves are dark green and fleshy; the flowers are rich
vermilion, and freely produced, both in terminal umbels
and from the axils of the leaves, during June and July.
jE. pulcher. — A handsome creeping plant, with the
leaves ovate-lanceolate in shape, and deep green in colour ;
the bright scarlet flowers are produced both in terminal
umbels and from the axils. Native of Java.
42 STOVE PLANTS.
JE. speciosus. — This fine species has rich orange colouretl
flowers, which are freelj produced in May, June, and July ;
it is of good free habit of growth, and, like so many of
this family, a native of Java.
jE. splendidus. — This is a fine kind, and easy of culti-
vation, and the flowers remain a long time in perfection.
The leaves are long, lanceolate, and of a light yellowish
green colour ; the flowers are produced in dense umbels,
and are large, bright orange scarlet in colour, spotted
with black on the margins. It is a garden hybrid.
^. tricolor. — This is a very handsome kind, with the
leaves cordate, dark green above, paler on the under side,
the edges and under surface slightly hairy, as are the
stems ; the flowers are produced mostly in pairs, and are
a deep blood red, the throat and base of the lobes bright
orange, the three upper lobes being striped with black ;
it blooms at the same time as ^"E. cordifoUus. Native of
Borneo.
Agaljitla.
This genus belongs to the Cyrtandraceous section of the
Gesneracecc. Its name signifies forest ornament, and for
growing in baskets and suspending from the roof it
has few superiors. Should be planted in fibrous peat
and sphagnum moss, and treated to a liberal supply of
water.
A. staminca. — A crcejDing plant, with a stout stem, pi"o-
ducing oblong-lanceolate deep green leaves, about six inches
long. The flowers are bright scarlet, and produced in
clusters of from eight to twelve in the axils of the leaves.
A very effective stove plant, blooming through June and
July. Native of JaA'a.
ALLAMANDA, 43^
All AMANDA.
A spleiidid family of Apocynaceous plants for the decox'a-
tion of plant stoves, and invaluable for exhibition purposes.
All the species are yellow flowered, so far as we are aware,
except A. violacea. They are comparatively easy to grow,
and, when properly managed, will continue to give a suc-
cession of their bright-coloured flowers for five or six
months. If allowed to make long growths, they will
require a trellis, the most desirable being that of a balloon
shape ; but the best system of growing these plants is to
prmie hard back in the spring, just before the buds start,
after which the yoiuig shoots should be pinched back once
or twice, to induce them to throw out laterals, and thus to
make a bushy plant. When treated in this manner a few
stakes only will be necessary, to give them uniformity and
symmetry in shape and appearance. The soil should be
composed of equal parts fibrous loam, peat, leaf mould, and
silver sand, with the addition of a little well-decayed
manure. When potted, the plants should be placed in a
temperatm'e ranging from G5° to 75°, and as near the g-lass
as possible, and they must be treated liberally with water
from the syi*mge until October, when it must be gradually
withheld. In spring they will want repotting, and to be
again treated in the same way, when they will soon throw
out blooming laterals. If required to bloom early, they
must be started early in the month of January.
A. Auhletii. — This very fine species, in its native country,
is said not to be scandent, but with us its stems are scan-
dent, with rather hairy, broadly oblong-, sharp pointed
leaves, which are produced four or five in a whorl ; the
large flowers are freely produced, and rich bright yellow
in colour. A native of Guiana.
44
STOVE PLAJJT3.
A. catliartica. — This fine old species is best usei as a
pillar or rafter plant, in which situation it is most efiec-
tive, and j^roduces its bright yellow flowers for many
months in great profusion ; the leaves are obovate, ob-
tuse, smooth, and four in a whorl. The blooms are not
so large as in the other kinds, and, consequently, it is
not so useful as an exhibition plant. It is a native of
the Antilles.
A. grandiflora. — A very fine species, native of Brazil, and
until quite recently considered the finest of all ; and although
it cannot now be so ranked, at least in point of size, yet no
other kind has the peculiar pale clear yellow of this, which
is a very free bloomer, and a most valuable plant either for
home decoration or exhibition purposes. This can be grown
without any trellis, and can be kept as a dwarf plant by
training it to sticks when young.
A. Heihchrsoiii (sjn. Wardleana). — This remarkably hand-
some species is a most abundant bloomer, and is of bushy
habit, forming short-jointed growths, and producing its
gorgeous flowers even when only some ten or twelve inches
high ; it will also continue to give a succession of its large
corymbs of blooms for ten months out of the twelve. In
colour the flowers are of a deep rich orange yellow, with a
deeper shade in the throat ; before expanding they are deep
maroon colour. This most desirable plant is a native of
'New Grenada.
A. nohills. — A grand acquisition to this fine genus. The
habit is scandent, and the flowers are fully six to seven
inches in diameter, and of the brightest and clearest yellow,
rather darker in the throat, but without any stain or mark-
ing, added to which it is sweet scented. Combining all
these good qualities, and being remarkably free flowering,
it will make a plant of the first importance for exhibition
AMxVKYLLlS. 45>
purposes, as well as for home decoration. A recent inti"o-
duction from Brazil.
^1. Scliotiii. — A fine strong-growino- species, producing*
oblong-acuminate leaves, about four in a whorl, and quite
smooth on both sides ; the flowers are large and of good
substance, and rich bright yellow. It is a native of Brazil,,
in the province of Parahiba, where it luxuriates on the
river banks.
Amaryllis.
The plants to which this name is commonly applied
belong to the section or group Hippeastruvi, v/hich some
botanists regard as a distinct genus. They are typical of
the orderj of Amaryllidacece. Like many other bulbous
plants, they have gone out of fashion, and have been far
too much neglected in this country of late years, but their-
value is now again beginning to be appreciated. Why
they should ever have fallen into such neglect it is difficult
to understand, for they are most accommodating in their
nature, being suitable plants for growing- either in the
stove, greenhouse, or fernery; and as they are dried off
and at rest part of the year, they requu'e very little space,
for during- the resting* period they may be stowed away in
any dry cool place. In addition to this, when in bloom
they are remarkably showy, the flowers being large, and
richly and gorgeously coloured.
:-The most suitable soil for the cultivation of these fine
showy bulbs is a mixture of good fibrous loam, with about
one-fourth leaf mould, and some well-decomposed manure,
and a little silver or river sand added. After blooming
the plants should be potted, and they then require the heat
of an intermediate house to encourage a good leaf growth,,
and mature their bulbs. When this is done, they may be
46 STOVE PLANTS.
placed away under tlie stage, or stowed upon slielvcs in
any dry cool place, to be brought out and placed in a little
beat to develope their flowers as occasions may require.
With a moderate collection of these bulbs, a succession of
beautifal flowers which will add g-reatly to the effect of a
-collection of plants may be had throiigh the winter and
spring months. We have some gorgeous flowers open
nearly every week in the year. Most of those here de-
scribed are garden hybrids and varieties which are great
improvements upon many of the original species.
A. Aclcermannii ■pulclierrima. — A superb flower, with rich
deep crimson throat, streaked very handsomely with green.
This is one of the finest of the dark species.
A. Alherti. — This is an example of the extraordinary
manner in which plants would seem to conform to the
public taste ; for no sooner are these plants attracting
attention, than we have a double form sent us frsm Cuba,
where it is said it has been cultivated. The plant re-
sembles A. equestris in habit, but the blooms are quite
double, and upwards of six inches in diameter, of a rich
■orange red colour, shading to yellow towards the base of
the petals.
A. Aurora. — The flowers of this handsome variety are
large, and of good form and substance ; colour bright
orange, with the centre of the petals striped with white.
A. Beaute sans rival. — FloAvers dark orang-e, beautifully
mottled and veined with white ; a most desirable variety.
A. Beaufn sans parellle. — Flowers with a g'reenish centre,
dark crimson petals, striped with white.
A. Brilliant. — A fine well-formed variety, with well-
expanded flowers ; colour a deep rich crimson, with a slight
white stripe down the centre of each segment.
A. Charles Keiscr. — A charming flower ; rich bright crim-
AMARYLLIS. 47
son g-round, with a broad band of pure white down the
centre of each petal.
A. Cleopatra. — Flowers bright orange scarlet, shaded
and veined with rich glossy crimson ; of fine form, and is
one of the best.
A. Comet. — Flowers large, petals broad and of good sub-
stance, colour a rich clear crimson.
A. Comtcsse de Montehello. — A flower of great beauty, the
ground colour blush white, petals striped with purple and
amaranth.
A. Dawsoni. — The finest variety in cultivation, being*
a great improvement on that well-known and superb sort
Acraviania pulcJierrima. The colour is a vivid crimson,
with a broad white band covering only a quarter of the
length of the segments. The form is first-rate, the flower
standing boldly out and expanding full and uniformly.
In substance it is very marked, and remains in flower on
that account in a cool airy temperature four weeks. It is
a cross between Achcrmanni and Jolinsoni major, and was
raised by Mr. Anderson, at Meadow Bank, and named by
him in honour of his employer.
A. Eldorado. — A very handsome variet}^; the ground
colour is white, with purple stripes up the petals.
A. Emperor. — Bright crimson scarlet in colour, flowers
very large and of good form.
A. Fire King. — Flower rather small, but colour excellent,
bright scarlet, with a white star.
A. Graviana. — This vai-iety has a very charming flower,
of good size and substance, beautiful orange colour, with
light stripe in the jjetals and a light base.
^1. HawJcinsiana. — A very fine flower, of good size, form,
and substance ; the ground colour is bright carmine, hand-
somely streaked with green.
48 STOVE PLANTS.
A. Helena. — Flowers of extra fine form, colour brig-ht
orange scarlet, shaded \nth crimson, medium size, and
good expansion.
A. Henry Gibbs. — Flowers a fine carmine crimson, witli
white margin, and well-defijied white central bar on each
segment.
A. ignescens. — A very pretty variety, of free-flowering
habit ; the lilooms are a bright light scarlet in colour,
with a white throat, which runs out in bars to the centre
of the segments.
A. Imperatrice du Bresil. — The bulbs of this plant are
very distinct in shape ; they are from one to two feet long,,
produced upwards into a long neck. The leaves are long ;
the flowers are formed of very narrow petals, of a pale
violet colour ; very distinct. Native of Brazil.
A. iiisigiiis. — Flowers large; petals very broad, and
opening very flat, the points turning- back when fully
expanded ; colour vivid scarlet, the centre of each petal
striped with pure white.
A. International. — The petals of this variety are long ;
flower large and of good substance, light, with pink
stripes.
A. Juliet. — Beautiful clear orange scarlet, delicately
shaded Avith pnrplish crimson, and light throat.
A. Jupiter. — A superb variety, with large carmine scar-
let flowers, which are striped with white, throat green.
A. La JBeaute. — Of good substance and shape, white,
striped with crimson.
A. Loveliness. — A variety with good-shaped flowers, ver-
milion and white, the lower petals striped with white.
A. marmorata. — A very distinct and handsome variety,
bearing four flowers on a spike ; the petals are very long,
light brown, mottled with a darker tint.
AJIARYLLIS. 49
A. Matilda. — This is a charmiug flower, of good sub-
stance and average size ; bright flesh coloured ground,
beautifully feathered with crimson.
A. Olivia. — Rich scarlet, shaded with crimson, and beau-
tiful light throat.
A. Othello. — The blooms of this variety are very fine in
form, glossy, and wholly of a rich dark crimson colour.
A. pardinum. — A magnificent species, of which, it seems,
there are several varieties. All that wo have seen are,
however, distinct in form from that of any other Amaryllis.
The blossoms are upwards of sis inches in diameter, very
spreading, with scarcely any tube ; the ground colour of
the flower is a rich cream, profusely dotted all over with
crimson red. It is a native of Peru, and is a splendid
acquisition to this beautiful genus.
A. Priiice Arthur. — BeautifuUj^ formed flowers of deep
crimson, with a dark stripe traversing- the centre of the
petals,
A. Prince Ted:. — Fine new varieties of this noble flower
are continually making their appearance, testifying to the
skill of the hybridiser. The present plant is certainly a
good addition to this highly decorative family. The flowers
are large, the ground colour being a soft; creamy yellow,
which runs dov/n the centre of each petal ; the edges of
the petals are deep carmine crimson, and beautifully marked
with netted lines of the same colour.
A. Princess Dagrnar. — Petals of great breadth, margined
and veined with carmine scarlet, and having a light base ;
one of the finest forms and colour.
A. pijrrochroiom. — Leaves fleshy, linear oblong ; flowers
of good size and substance, four or five on each scape,
colour deep red, the throat shading to greenish yellow.
A very handfome species. Native of Brazil.
E
50 STOVE PLANTS.
A. Ucmhrandt. — A flo^ycr of superior form and substance ;
it is a rich dark crimson self in colour.
A. reticulata. — ^A very beautiful old species, by some
called A. striatifoJia. It is one of those fine bulbs that has
long been neglected, but should be in every collection.
The leaves are sword-shaped, dark green, with the mid-rib
a piire ivory white ; the flower scapes rise well above the
leaves, each bearing five or six flowers, some three inches
in diameter, and a beautiful soft pink and white, the veins
being darker, and giving- the whole flower a remarkable
netted appearance.
A. Shirley Hihherd. — A fme large flower, and of good
shape ; petals long-, rich crimson in colour, shading to lake,
with white lines and greenish rays in the throat.
A. Unique. — This very handsome variety, of extra fine
form, is one of our own hybrids. The petals are of good
substance and very broad ; the colour is a deep bright
scarlet, the centre of the petals being shaded with black,
and having white markings in thc^ throat.
A. William Pitt. — Flowers bold and of good form, white,
striped with vermilion ; one of the most beautiful.
A. Williamsii. — Petals of great breadth and substance ;
ground colour carmine scarlet, beautifully feathered with
rosy carmine, and having a broad band of white down the
centre of each petal.
Amiieustia.
A. nohilis. — This magnificent leguminous Burmese Tree
attains a height of forty feet in its native country. It is
named in honour of Countess Amherst, and Avas flowered in
this country, for the first time, in 18i9, by Mrs. Lawrence, of
Ealing, Middlesex. Though that fine example of Amhcrsiia
has now become a thing of the past, the plant is still to bo
ANCTLOGTNE. 51
seen in great beauty at Chatswortli, the seat of the Duke of
Devonshire. Though exceedingly magnificent, having been
called the glory of the Indian Flora, yet, on account of its
size and the great heat it requires, the AmJierstia cannot
become general in cultivation, and its great beauty only
has induced us to insert it here. It is a large tree with
pinnate leaves, and bearing- long pendulous racemes of fine
vermilion coloured flowers, spotted with yellow ; when in
flower it is not surpassed by any plant known — indeed, so
lovely is it considered by the Burmese, that handfuls of
flowers are presented as ofierings to Buddha. The soil best
adapted for AmJierstia is good light fibrous loam, with a
liberal addition of sand. After potting", the plants should
be placed in a bottom heat of about 80°, and the tempera-
ture of the house should range from 85° to 90°, or, indeed,
if the thermometer rises to 100°, the plants will like it all
the better, provided the atmosphere is kept moist by
frequent syringings, and well shaded, for it cannot stand
exposure to the direct rays of the sun, especially while the
leaves are in a young state. When the wood begins to
ripen less shade is necessary, and the supply of water must
be reduced ; but it will not exist in a dry atmosphere, and,
consequently, it must not be dried ofl* to rest, under the
supposition that it will be the means of causing it to put
forth its gorgeous blooms.
AXCYLOGYXE.
In this genus we have a representative of the lai-ge
group Acanthacece, which contains an immense number of
subjects of a highly decorative character, nearly all of
which have been ruthlessly cast on one side by horticul-
turists. It is true but few of them are suitable for
•52 STOVE PLANTS .
bouquets, as tlie flowers fall quickly after bciug- cut, but
numbers of them blossom throug-h the dull winter months,
and serve to make the houses cheerful and gay at that
season, so that no collection of plants should be without a
goodly number of kinds. Thej^ arc of very easy cultm'e,
and many of them may be flowered in quite a small state ;
but as we shall have occasion to mention some of the best
in their proper order, we will confine our remarks in this
place to the genus now under consideration.
A. loncjiflora. — This lovely plant is a native of Guayaquil^
and is, without doubt, a most valuable addition to our
stoves. It is somewhat shrubby in habit, producing, from
its four-angled stems, bright green leaves, ovate-oblong in
shape, and about nine inches in length ; the flowers arc
produced on the ends of the growths, in a long drooping-
branched panicle, each flower being about two inches long^
and of a peculiar bright rich piirple colour. The ease with
which this plant may be grown, and its ornamental cha-
racter, should recommend it to every lover of winter and
early spring-flowering plants. It should be potted in a
mixture composed of equal parts 2^eat and loam, with suffi-
cient silver sand to make the whole feel gritty. A tem-
perature ranging from 60'' to 75° in summer, and from 55"
to G5° in winter, will be fomid to suit it admirably.
ANTHUKIUir.
A rather extensive genus of OronUaccce, chiefly valuable
in our hothouses as foliage plants, the leaves being in manj-
cases of large size, and of a bold and striking character,
sometimes simple, and sometimes more or less lobed or
di\-idcd. The spathc is usually green, and seldom to be
regarded as an object of beauty, as it is in the species we
here describe.
APHELAXDKA. O0>
A. ScJicrzeriamim. — This vciy fine plant is somewliat
remarkable amongst its fellows for its small size, and also
for the brilliancy of its spathe. It forms a compact clwarf-
growing- evergreen perennial plant, witb. leaves from twelve
to eighteen inches in length, and two inches in breadth,
oblong'-lanceolate in shape, deep rich, green in colour, and
coriaceous in texture. The peduncles or flower stems
spring from among- the leases of the leaf stalks, and arc
bright red in colour, terminated by a brilliant and intense
scarlet ovate-oblong spathe, about three inches in length,
and nearly two inches in breadth ; the spadix is orange
coloured. The beautiful contrast afforded by the deep
green leaves and bright scarlet spathe must be seen to be
thoroughly appreciated. It is a splendid exhibition plant,
and on account of its leathery texture, it will stand unin-
jured in a cool house during summer, and will continue in
beauty for a period of four months at least. It is a ^^lant
of easy cul tare, requiring good drainage, and to bo potted
in rough fibrous peat and sphagnum moss. While grow-
ing, it luxuriates in a high temperature and a moist
atmosphere, and requires a good supply of water at the
roots, but during the time it is in bloom less water should
be given, especially if it be placed in a cool house. This
gem, which is a native of Costa Rica, should find a place
in every plant collection.
Aphelandea.
Amongst the Acajitliaceir; we shall find many g-ay plants,
highly valuable for winter decoration, but the members of
the present genus will be found eminently so, their bright
and conspicuous flowei's renderiug* them very effective for
grouj^ing, and also for the adornment of the dinner table.
54 STOVE PLANTS.
They are free growing-, yet tliey require considerable atten-
tion, in order to secure handsome bushes. We grow them
in a mixture of two parts light loam, one part peat, and.
one part sand, and place them in a temjoerature of from 65°
to 75", giving- them good drainage, and an abundant sujjply
of water until the flower buds appear. After flowering
they are kept cooler, and as dry as possible without
inducing shrivelling. At the time of starting- into growth,
they should be cut back to within two or three buds of the
old wood, or the plants will become naked and ill-formed ;
and care must be taken to keep them free from scale and
mealy bug, which are their great enemies, and attack
them so violently as often to spoil both leaves and flowers
for the entire season. The time for starting will of course
depend upon the season the bloom is required, but, as a
rule, they take a short time to grow and perfect their in-
florescence.
A. aiirantlnca. — A beautiful winter-flowering species, witL
broad opposite dark green ovate leaves, somewhat wavy at
the edge. The flowers are j)roduced in erect terminal
spikes, and are of a deep orange scarlet colour. It is a
native of Mexico.
A. cristata. — -This flne old species is very useful for
autumn flowering. The leaves are large, broadly ovate,
and tapering- to a point. The flowers grow in terminal
spikes, and are of a rich bright scarlet colour. It may be
had in bloom from August to November, or even later.
Native of the West Indies.
A. nitcns. — This is a magnificent species, of recent intro-
duction from Guayaquil, and flowered in this country in
May. It grows between two and three feet high. The
leaves are opposite, about six inches long, ovate, and very
BEGONIA. 55
bright sliining' dark green in colour, while the erect termi-
nal flower spikes are four-angled, and the individual flowers
are very large, and of a very bright scarlet coloui\
A. BoezU.—A beautiful winter-flowering plant. The
leaves are opposite, oblong, dark green, shaded with a
silvery hue between the primary veins. It produces large,
terminal, dense spikes of bright orange scarlet flowers.
A most desirable plant. Native of Mexico.
A. Slhonlaaa.—k. very fine plant, growing about two
feet in height, and having leaves about six inches long,
somewhat ovate-lanceolate in shape, dark green in colour,
with a white stripe down the centre. The flower spike is
about six inches long, the large bracts arranged in four
rows, and of a rich bright orange colour, the flowers yellow,
scarlet at the points. A very ornamental species, blooming
in the spring months. Native of Brazil.
A. varlegata. — A very handsome plant, and though not
so grand as the preceding, yet very desirable as a winter-
flowermg species. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, and
tapering to a pomt, dark green, with white veins. The
flower spike is six inches long, the bracts bright orange
red, and the flowers yellow. It blooms very freely, and
is well deserving cultivation. Native of Brazil.
Begonia.
A very extensive family, and one that contains some
beautiful plants, which are useful both for the decoration
of the hothouse in winter, or for cutting for bouquet
making or the decoration of the dinner table.. We shall
confine our remarks entirely to the best of the flowermg
species and varieties, and omit the ornamental-leaved kinds
which have so largely contributed towards the decoration
56 STOVE PLANTS.
of our houses and gardens within the last few years,
although many of these are very beautiful when in bloom.
Their foliage is, however, their greatest attraction ; and we
omit them, not because we consider them unworthy of
cultivation, but because this work is devoted to flowering-
plants only.
Begonias are very suitable for those who have but a
limited command of heat, for the temperature of an inter-
mediate house will suit them best, and during the winter,
and whilst in bloom, they may be kept in a house in which
the temperature is kept at from 50' to 55\ They grow
well if potted in a compost of peat, loam, and thoroughly
decomposed manure, in equal parts, with a small quantity
of silver sand added, and they may be kept in a small
state with great ease ; but if fine specimens are required,
they should be encouraged by frequent shiftings as the
pots become filled with roots. When they are past flower-
ing, let them be cut down, the old soil shaken from the
roots, and the plants repotted in smaller pots, so as to
allow of being shifted and grown on for the next season's
blooming. Looked upon in the light of exhibition plants,
but few even of the best of the flowering species and
varieties of Begonia would be thought admissible ; but
these plants are thoroughly appreciated in the dull dreary
months of winter, when they so beautifully enliven our
plant houses and rooms with their varied hues and grace-
ful flowers, as well as delight our senses with their deli-
cate fragrance. Many of them are Avell suited for
growing in baskets, and if the species with creej^ing
stems arc selected for this purpose they will form beau-
tiful objects.
The Begonias arc found widely distributed over the world.
In the East Indies they are found from the low grounds,
BEGONIA. 57
Tip the mountains to tlio region of slight frost and snow ;
several species are found at the Cape of Good Hope, where
they frequently become tuberous-rooted ; and the genus is
very common in the West Indian Islands, in Mexico, and
throughout the greater portion of the South American
contiiient, in some instances attaining great elevations.
B. albo-coccinea. — A dwarf species, with creeping stems,
thick, fleshy, peltate, dark green leaves, and scarlet and
white flowers, borne on erect panicles, illative of the East
Indies.
B. Boliviensis. — A verj- desirable and distinct species,
with taberous roots, and annual stems, growing sometimes
two feet in height ; the leaves are light green in colour,
while the flowers, which are large, especially the males,
are pendulous, and of a bright shining vermilion red colour,
and are very distinct from any other species ia cultivation.
Native of Bolivia.
B. cinnaharina. — A very handsome species, and one that
blooms in great profusion, the large bright orange coloured
flowers formiug- a beautifal contrast with the deep green
leaves ; these latter are about six inches long, obliquely
ovate, and serrated at the margins ; the large panicles of
flowers are produced in the spring and summer months.
!N"ative of Bolivia.
B. Clarlcei. — A magnificent species, with erect branching-
stems, bearing leaves of moderate size, oblique, smooth,
and of a bright green ; while the flowers are large, and
of a deep rosy red, produced in abundance.
B. crassicaidis. — A pretty creeping- species. The leaves
■are palmate ; the flower is white, tinged with pink, and
freely produced during the first three months of the year,
l^ative of Guatemala.
B. Bigswdliensis. — A remarkably free-flowering and
-58 STOVE PLANTS.
charming- varietj-, which is very effective for the decoratioQ
of the dinner table, or for any situation where ornamental
plants are required ; it is of dwarf habit. The flowers are-
of a light pink colour, the edges of the petals being deeper,
and when contrasted with the deep rich colour of the
youug buds, they have a vcr^- beautiful appearance. It
is a valuable kind also for cutting for bouquets, and should
be in every collection. Garden hybrid.
B. dipetala. — A very distinct and free-flowering species.
It is of erect growth, with oblique cordate leaves, serrated
at the edges and tapering to a sharp point, slightly hairy
upon the ujiper side, and of a dark green colour ; the
flowers are borne in pendulous flat panicles, of a delicate
rose colour, and are produced through the whole of the
winter and spring. ISTativc of the East Indies.
i?. Dregei.- — This is a dwarf-g'rowing tuberous-rooted
species, and almost a perpetual bloomer ; it is very fre-
quently called B. ijarvifolia. The leaves are small, and
dark green, and the flowers pure white. Native of the
Cape of Good Hope.
B. crecta multijiova.—A. distinct and handsome variety,
with oblique dark bronze coloured leaves, which contrast
beautifully with the bright reddish pink flowers ; its
flowers are produced freel}' nearly all the year, but espe-
cially in winter.
B. falcifolia. — A charming winter-flowering species,
growing from one to two feet high, with smooth round
branching stems. The leaves are about six inches long, and
two inches wide, falcate-lanceolate in shape, narrowing to
the tip, of a deep rich green on the upper surface, and in
the young state spotted with white ; the under surface is
deep reddish jjurple. The flowers are rose pink, in short
axillary panicles. Native of Peru.
BEGONU. 59"
B. foliosa. — A very pretty species, admii'ably adapted
for hang'ing- baskets. The leaves are small, somewhat
ovate or (jblony, obliquely c;)rJate at the base, about an.
inch or more long-, dark green, and closely arranged on
each side of the stem ; the flowers are white, tinged with
pink, small, but produced most abundantly. It blooms
all through the winter. Native of New Grenada.
B. fuchsioides.- — -A most elegant plant, which can be
grown into handsome little specimens for the decoration
of the dinner table. The leaves are small, oblong oblique,
dark green, and the flowers, which are produced in abun-
dant drooping cymes, are of a bright scarlet colour..
Native of New Grenada.
B. (jeranioides. — This is a dwarf and very elegant plant,
growing about a foot and a half high. The leaves spring-
all from the roots, and are somewhat reniform, slightly
lobed, five or six inches across, and deep green on the
upper surface, the leaf stalks red and clothed with hairs.
The flower stems are three-branched, bearing quantities of
large pure white flowers, the bright yellow stamens and
stigma affording- a pleasing contrast ; it blooms during-
early spring. Native of Natal.
B. glandulifera. — A handsome species, which does not
form a stem. The leaves are obliquely ovate-cordate, about
five inches long, pointed, finely serrated at the edges,
slightly hairy, and of a bright dark green ; the flower
scapes are about a foot high, hairy, and bearing a branched
panicle of pure white flowers, which contrast prettily with,
the orange yellow stamens ; it blooms during the whole
winter. Native of Trinidad.
B. guatemalcnse. — A free-growing and highly decorative
species, with dark green oblique leaves, and good-sized.
60 STOVE PLANTS.
trusses of deep flesli coloured flowers, whicli are produced
during* winter.
B. heradeifoUa nigricans. — A very liandsome j)lant, both
in foliage and flower. It has a creeping stem, and palmate
leaves ; the lobes, which are broadly lanceolate acuminates
are hairy at the edges, the upper surface of a dark g-reen,
broadly margined with black. The flowers are borne on
erect panicles, in great profusion, during winter, and
are white, beautifully stained with rose. ISTative oi'
Mexico.
B. hybridci florihunda. — A very free-flowering kind, yield-
ing a profusion of its bright rose coloured flowers during-
the whole winter. It is a hybrid between B. fncJisioidcs
and B. midtijiora, and is of continental origin.
B. Jiydrocotijlifolia. — A distinct dwarf species, with the
stems creeping, and tho leaves nearly round, and prettily
veined with black ; the flowers are |)ink, and freely pro-
duced on upright scapes, in branching panicles ; it is a
continuous bloomer throughout the winter. l^ative of
Brazil.
B. liijdrocotylifolia nianicata. — -In this plant tho stems are
creeping, and the leaves large, peltate, dark green above,
and red beneath. It jiroduces, through the winter months,
erect branching scapes of large pink flowers. A very
handsome garden hybrid.
B. Ingraini. — A handsome garden hybrid. The leaves
are three or four inches long-, oblique, and bright dark
green ; the flowers are pi'oduced in drooping clusters, and
are of a light pink colour.
B. Kuidhiaim. — This flne species is a native of Venezuela.
It is very free flowering, the flowers being large, and pure
white. The leaves are unequally oblong-lanceolate in shape,
BEGONIA. 61
of a ricli sliiuing- dark green above, and brig-ht reddish
crimson below, which contrasts beautifully with the
flowers.
B. laciniata. — This very fuic species has thick green
downy stems about two feet high, and obliquely cordate
smooth and dai'k green leaves, about six inches long, cut
into segments, the centre blackish purple, and the seg-
ments margined with the same colour ; the flowers are very
large, pure white on the outside, clothed with bright red
hairs. The fine flowers and variegated leaves make this
species a great favourite, and as it is, like so many of the
geaus, a winter bloomer, it is doubly valuable, jSTative of
Nepal .
B. Icetevirens. — Stems erect, with large dark green peltate
leaves ; flowei-s in large trusses, pinkish white in colour.
The blooms are produced in abundance iu mid-Avinter.
B. Lapeyrousii. — A beautiful erect-growing species, with
light flesh colom-ed flowers, produced in compact erect
trusses ; it blooms during the whole of winter and spring,
B. Joiujipcs. — This species is a robust-growiag plant,
with large clusters of pure white flowers ; they are small
individually, but very handsome m the mass, and as it
blooms nearly all winter and spring, is highly desirable.
Native of Mexico and Brazil.
B. lonfjlpila. — An erect-growing species, with deeply
laciuiated leaves, and dense trusses of large piuk flowers,
which are produced from January to May. Native of
Mexico.
B. manicata. — A fine old species, with short, erect, Qeshy
stems, and large oblique leaA'es, the footstalks of which
bear pretty bright red frill-like fringes ; the flowers are
of a light piuk, produced in large erect branching panicles,
■■62 STOTE PLANTS.
contiuuing in full beauty for several inonths. Kative of
Brazil.
B. Marfiana. — ^A beautiful tuberous-rooted species, pro-
ducing- erect annual scarcely branched stems, bearing-
ovate-acute coarsely-serrated leaves, with a profusion of
bulbils in their axils ; the flowers are very larg-e, brig-ht
rose pink, borne one or two tog-ether in the upper leaf
axils. Native of Mexico.
B. Meyeri. — A fine erect strong--g-rowing kind, with the
oblique leaves as well as the stems thickly clothed with
short, soft, lig-ht brown hairs ; the flowers are large, pure
white, and very handsome, continuing ha bloom from
January to May. Native of Brazil.
B. microjptera. — The stems of this species are about
eighteen inches high, and the leaves about six inches
long, ovate-lanceolate, subfalcate, unequal-sided, sharp
pointed, deeply serrate, dark bright green on the upper
side, with a deej} red spot at the base, the under side
paler, with bright red veins ; the terminal trusses of
flowers are white, sufl^used with pink. It is very useful
for cutting-, and, like so many of this genus, is an object
-of great beauty in mid-winter. Native of Borneo.
B. nitida. — A soft free-growing species, with small dark
bright green leaves, and large trusses of pure white
flowers, which are admirably adapted for bouquet making ;
it blooms during winter. Native of Jamaica.
B. odorata. — -A free-g-rowing kind, with erect stems,
which arc clothed with rich dark green leaves, contrast-
ing beautifully with its terminal clusters of pure white
sweet-scented flowers, which continue in succession from
January to April. Introduced from South America.
B. Beared. — This beautiful little jilant should find a
BEGONIA. 63
place in every stove. It is a dwarf grower, of deciduous
habit, producing- larg-e bright j-ellow flowers very freely ;
these conti-ast beautifully with the rich dark velvety green
of the upper surface of the leaves, which are, on the under
side, of a pale red, prettily veined with light green. It is
•a native of La Paz, and was sent home by Mr. Pearce,
whose name it bears.
B. phjllomaiuca. — -This ornamental and very distinct
plant is indebted for its name to the profusion of little
leaflets which clothe the stem and branches, and which,
if detached and placed upon the ground in a moist warm
place, produce plants. The leaves are dark green, un-
equally cordate-ovate, subpeltate, tapering to a point, and
deeply lobed ; the edges of the leaves, the leaf stalks, and
the stems clothed with stifi* hairs. The flowers are large,
produced in pendulous trusses, white, delicately tinged
with pink. It continues bloeming through winter and
spring. Native of Guatemala.
B. Prestoniensls. — A beautiful garden hybrid, of neat
branched habit, with smooth reddish stems, obliquely ovate-
acuminate leaves, which are sinuately lobed and serrated,
and brilliant orange scarlet sweet-scented flowers, which
come in drooping cymes from the leaf axils. It is a
very profuse bloomer, producing its blossoms in the autumn
and winter seasons.
B. roscpflora. — A fine species, very much resembling B.
Veitcliii in general appearance, and, like it, a native of the
mountain regions of Peru. It is a tuberous-rooted kind ;
with the leaves, which are supported upon stout red foot-
stalks, somewhat broader and rounder than in that species,
whilst the surface is more uneven and of a light green
colour ; the flowers are large, borne upon upright scapes,
and of a rich rosy red colour.
64 STOVE TLAKTS.
B. semper/lore lis. — This is a most useful species, as it con-
tinues to flower througli the whole winter and spring, and
can be grown into very handsome little plants for the
decoration of the dinner table. The leaves are succulent,
round-ovate, slightly serrate on the edges, of a shining
bright green, and the flower,^, are pure white, and produced
in great abundance. Native of Brazil.
B. stigmosa. — A distinct and pretty old species, of dwarf
habit, with light green spotted leaves, and large clusters
of beautiful white and pink flowers, which are produced
through the winter months, j!^ative of Central America.
B. Safherlandi.- — ^A very pretty tuberous-rooted kind,
growing from one to two feet high, with the slender stems
and branches of a deep red, and the leaves, about six inches
long-, obliquely ovate-lanceolate in shape, lobed and serrate
at the margins, bright green on the upper surface, and
paler, veined with red, below ; the flowers are of moderate
size, of a coppery red in colour, freely produced in spi-ing
and early summer. !N"ative of Natal, at considerable eleva-
tion.
B. ulmifolia. — A very free-growing species, with branch-
ing stems and dark green ovate leaves, producing, through-
out the winter, an abundance of trusses of rosy pink flowers.
Native of South America.
B. uroplujUa. — A steraless species, producing large fleshy
glaucous ovate-acute lobed leaves, and dichotomous branched
panicles of great size, bearing large pui-e white flowers ;
it blooms during the whole winter. Its origin is not
known.
B. VeiicMi. — This is probably the finest of all the species
of Begonia at present known. The roots are tuberous, and
the plant might almost bo called stemless, so little is that
part developed ; the leaves stand upon short footstalks,
BEGONLV. 65
and are nearly round, or ovate-cordate, about five inclies
in diameter, thick in texture, and of a rich dark green
colour, the margins being red ; the flower scapes are eight
inches or more in height, and bear rich vermilion red
flowers upwards of two inches in diameter, and delicioasly
scented. This floral gem, which must be universally ad-
mired, is a native of Cuzco, in Peru, and having been
found at some 12,000 feet altitude, it is said to be hardy
in many parts of England.
B. VerscJiaffeltU. — A ver}- handsome free-flowering* gar-
den hybrid. The leaves are of a rich dark green, un-
equally lobed, and hairy on the under side and at
the edges ; flowers brig-ht pink, and produced in large
panicles.
B. vitifoUa. — ■ An erect-growing- species, with bright
green oblique vine-like leaves, and an abundance of white
floAvers, tinged with pink. Native of Brazil.
B. Wageneriana. — This is a very free-flowering' species,
growing about two feet or more high. The leaves are
cordate-ovate, subpeltate, and slightly lobed, and, together
with the stems, arc of a uniform pale green, except the
under side of the young leaves, which are tinged with
purple. The clusters of flowers are mostly of one sex,
either male or female, the former pure white, and useful
for bouquet making-, the latter much larger, and pale
green, with a conspicuous orange coloured twisted stigma ;
they are abundantly produced during winter and spring.
It comes from Venezuela.
B. weltoniensis. — One of the most charming- of the whole
family, and r.dmirably suitable for general cultivation as
a decorative plant. It is of dwarf compact habit, with
foliage, in form, size, and colour, much resembling- that
F
CG STOVE I'LAXTP.
of B. Bvecjei, one of its parents, and it bears, throug-liout
the spring montlis, a profusion of ricli pink blossoms of
the most attractive character.
BOUGAINVILL.EA.
Probably this is the most show}' g-enus of stove climbing-
2:»lants in cultivation, though until quite recently the means
of developing this beauty seemed to be shrouded in
mystery. The gorgeousness of these plants, when covered
with their sjilendid bracts, is such as to render it impossible
for the finest figure or the most elaborate description to do
them justice. They arc nearly all of strong-growing habit,
and soon cover a great space ; therefore, those which are
planted out should have but a very small space allowed
for their roots, and during the winter must be kept as
completely at rest as possible — indeed, they almost require
drying off. B. glahra is the only one that at present has
been satisfactorily managed as a pot specimen. It requires
thorough resting in the cool end of the stove during
winter, and must be pi-uned early in the spring, and
started in a brisk heat, when it will soon begin to push
forth its beautiful bracts, to which, and not the flowers,
these plants owe their attraction. They should be potted
in good turfy sandy loam.
B. glabra. — This species has now become a general
favoui'ite, and is frequently to be inet with at our horti-
cultural exhibitions. It is neat and compact in habit of
growth, requiring oi' course proper training, and has bright
green smooth leaves, and a ])anieled inflorescence, smaller
than that ol' B. specioma, each branehlet bearing a triplet
of cordate-ovate acute rosy bracts, while the flowers are a
light straw colour, ft is more useful for general purposes
BROMELIACEOCS PLAXTf?. G7
than the next species, as it is not only a very free-bloom-
ing' plant, but it continues blooming- all through the summer
months, producing an abundance of its glorious floral
bracts upon every little shoot. Native of South America.
B. sjieciosa.— This plant is much stronger and larger in
all its parts than the foregoing. The stems are branched,
and abundantly furnished vrith large recurved spines, and,
as well as the ovate leaves, are pubescent ; it bears im-
mense panicles of large cordate bracts of a delicate lilac
rose, shrouding the whole plant in a mass of lovely
colouring, such as cannot be adequately described. This
plant should be planted out, and may be several years
before it flowers, but when it does blossom it will then
continue to do so, and will amply repay for lost time. It
is a grand climber for a stove conservatory. Xative of
Brazil.
BROMELIACEOUS PLANTS.
Under this head we include the following- genera : —
jEchnea, BiUbergia, BromeUa, G-nzmannia, Nidularium, Til-
landsia, and Vriesia, which consist of plants very similai- in
habit, appearance, and general characters, all requiring the
same treatment. We have therefore considered it more
convenient to treat of them as one group. Their leaves are
produced in a rosulate manner, and many of them in con-
sequence form beautifol vase-like plants, very suitable for
table decoration. Their beauty is generally of a very lasting-
character, for consisting, as it does in many cases, j^artly of
coloured bracts of fu-m enduring- texture, and partly of the
vai'ied colouring of the leaves, they remain in full perfection
F 2
68 STOVE PLANTS.
for manj montlis. Many of the species are epiphytal,
growing in their native countries in the forks of the forest
trees, and clothing the branches in company -svith many
other plants, such as ferns, orchids, and aroids. Hence
the smaller kinds vrill he found to succeed best if fastened
to a block of wood and suspended from the roof, receiving
the same treatment as an orchid in a similar situation; if
gTOwn in pots, light fibrous peat should be used for these.
The sti'ouger growers, however, should be potted in a com-
post consisting of a mixtm-e of light loam, peat, sand, and a
little leaf mould. On account of their rosulate gi'owth, and
the way in which the bases of the leaves overlap each other,
the centre of the plants is hollow, and capable of holding'
water, and they are much benefited by having it supplied to
them in this way during the growing season. These plants
are of easy growth, and many of them are well suited for
planting in pockets in the walls of a fern house, others for
growing in baskets to be suspended ; indeed, they may be
made to occupy almost any place in a warm house.
^CHMEA.
/E. disti'liaidlia. — This species has long glaucous linear-
oblong leaves, tapering to a sharp 2:)oint, and distinctly
armed with reddish bro-«Ti spines. The flower spike is
densely clothed witli briglit red bracts, frona which the
blooms protrude, the sepals arc rose colour, and the petals
arc bright purple. It is a very handsome plant, and should
be grown in every collection of these plants. Native of
Brazil.
JE. fulgcns. — A beautiful species, producing its brilliant
scarlet bracts and blue flowers in great abundance dming
August and September. K^ative of Cayenne.
BlLLUERGIA. 09
jE. gloineraia. — A liandsouie and distinct plant, -witli fine
large dnll green leaves, about one and a lialf feet long,
broad and rounded at the point, the margins armed -vrith
short wide-set black spines. The scape is erect, stout, and
from eight to ten inches high, bearing a profusion of bright
blood red coloured bracts, studded with deep blue flowers.
A very efiective plant, and well deserving cultivation.
Native of Brazil.
^. Melinoni. — A very handsome species, producing a
large panicle of bright scarlet flowers, tipped with pink ;
the leaves are radical, about eighteen inches in length,
leathery in texture, and of a uniform dark green colour,
armed with spines at the margins. Native of South
America.
jE. Wcilhacldi. — A fine species, with strap-shaped leaves,
which are broad and sheathing at the base ; the flowers are
in panicles, with the lobes of the cal^-x deep blue, the
petals flesh coloured, while the stem and bracts are of a
bright scarlet. Native of Brazil.
BlLLBEEGIA.
B. Bamqulniana. — A noble erect- growing species, attain-
ing about a foot and a half in height. The leaves are
strap-shaped, tapermg to a point, where, as well as at the
■edges, they are armed with sharp reddish spines ; they are
sheathing at the base, but recurved at the apex, and the
colour is bright green, transversely variegated with white
scurfy bars. The spikes of flower are long, rising from the
centre, the upper portion pendulous, bearing four or five
large oblong-lanceolate bright scarlet bracts at the base of
the flowers, Avhich are green, as also are the stamens and
70 STOVE PLANTS.
jjistils, -wliicli ai-e veiy much elong-ated ; the stem above
the bracts is hoary white. A very showy plant, blooming-
in early spring-. Native of the Amazon Brazil.
B. marmorata. — This is a very fine erect-g-rowmg- species^
with the leaves broadly strap-shaped, sheathing at the base,
truncate-mucronate at the apex, and very regularly toothed
at the edges; their colour is a deep green, freely blotched
and barred with dull reddish brown. The panicles are
erect, branched, much longer than the leaves, and support-
ing deep blue flowers, having the calyces green, tipped
with blue. The principal attraction of the plant, however^
resides in its very large, leafy, oblong bracts, which, as
well as the stems, are bright scarlet. Native of Brazil.
B. minirita-rosea. — This handsome species has numerous
erect, slig-htl}'- spreading-, and recurved greenish white
leaves, spiny at the margins ; flower scape erect and fleshy
white ; flowers numerous, rosy red in colour ; bracts large,
oblong-lanceolate, red, slightly tinged with blue, and
clothed with a mealy farina. Native of Brazil.
B. Mordiaiia. — A magnificent plant, the leaves of which
are ligulate in shape, banded with white, and armed at the
base with a few spines. The racemes are about a foot
long, and thickly set with the beautiful bracts and flowers,
the former bright rose colour, the latter deep violet. When
grown as a basket plant it produces a brilliant effect.
Native of Brazil.
B. yiJiaccliihi. — The leaves of this fine species form a
splendid crown, and are from three to four feet long-. The
flowers are freely i)roduced, rosy red in colour ; and the
bracts are large, tinged with green. Native of Chili.
B. thjrsoklea. — Tliis very beautiful species is iu. habit
like an ordinarj^ Queen Pine, but the leaves are not glau-
BROMELIA GUZMANNIA — HOrLOPHYTUM. 71
cous, but of a clear light green. Botli the bracts and
flowers are of a deep rich crimson in colour. Native of Rio
Janeiro.
Bromklia.
B. longifoUa. — A very fine species, with loaves from one
and a half to two feet long, narrow, armed with long
spines, white on the under surface, and greyish green on
the upper. The flowers are produced in a dense head, and
are of a bright rich rose colour; the bracts at the base
spiny and bright crimson. It blooms in Julj' and August.
Native of Guiana.
GUZMANNU.
G. tricolor. — ^A very handsome species, well deserving
general cultivation. It is rosulate in growth, producing
broad linear sword-shaped involute leaves, which are
concave, and sheathing at the base, about eighteen inches
long, and rich green in colour. The flower scape is erect,
from one to two feet long, clothed with numerous bracts
of a bright pale yellow green, beautifully streaked with
blackish purple towards the top, tipped with red, and at
the extreme point rich scarlet ; the flowers are pure white,
and are produced throughout the summer. Native of St.
Domingo, Jamaica, Peru, &c.
HOPLOPHYTUM.
H. calyculatum. — A very distinct and beautiful member
of this family. The leaves are strap-shaped, and at the
ends have the appearance of being cut off, but armed with
a sharp spine ; the flowers arc tubular, and of a bright
yellow colour, borne in close roundish heads at the top of
an erect scape. Native of Brazil.
72 STOVE PLANTS.
!N'iDrLArjuM.
N. Innocenii. — This species has large lanceolate leaves,
with the margins prettily serrated, the upper surface deep
green, and the under side deep red or purple. The flowers
are of a bright orange red, very handsome, and continuing
in perfection for several months, i^ative of Brazil.
jV^, Laurentil. — ^A very handsome plant. The leaves ai-e
ligulate, recurved, suddenly acummate at the point, and
disposed in a rosulate manner ; towards the base they are
white, g^reen upwards, and spotted with dark brown dots,
the outside leaves being wholly green. The flowers grow
on short heads, and are pale blue in colour. Native of
South America.
TiLLAXDSIA.
T. argentea. — A very novel looking plant, with elegant
recurved leaves, covered with fine white hairs, giving it a
beautiful frosted silvery appearance. It is said to produce
very handsome flowers, but these we have not seen.
T. imlclielJa. — This . is another of the beautiful plants
belonging to the Bromeliaccous order, and Avhich are not
suflBciently cared for. The leaves are about six inches long-,
subulate, erect, dark green, but clothed with a white farinose
substance ; the scape is erect, longer than the leaves, and
clothed from base to point with large bright red bracts,
from which the white flowers protrude. It blooms during
winter, and forms a splendid object if several plants are
grown together on a block of wood, or in a basket. Native
of Trinidad.
T. recurvifoUa. — A beautiful dwarf compact- growing
species, forming dense tufts of very glaucous leaves, which
are about four inches long-, lanceolate-subulate in shape,
VUIESIA. 76
slieatliing- at the base, plain at the edges, and sharp
pointed at the apex ; the flower spike is short ovate, the
bracts large, bright ros^- pink, and the flowers pure white.
A very handsome little plant, which should be grown in a
small basket or on a block of wood. It blooms during
winter. Native of Panama.
T. sfricta. — This pretty species has sheathing ligulate
leaves about six inches long, and half an inch broad at
the base, covered with a scurfy white suljstance. The flower
.spike is eight or nine inches high, clothed with ample
ovate white bracts, delicately tinged with rose ; the calyx
is rosy white, and the corolla a deep ^^olet when first open,
■changing to red with age. It blooms during- the winter
months. Native of Brazil, growing on trees.
T. xipMoides. — This, though not a very showy plant, is
valuable on account of its deliciously-scented flowers. The
leaves are rosulate, about six inches long, and half an inch
broad at the base, clothed with silvery grey woolly hairs ;
the flowers are borne upon spikes about six inches long,
and are pure white. It succeeds well grown upon a block
of wood or piece of cork. Native of South America.
Vkiesia.
V. speciosa. — This beautiful old stove plant has been far
too much neglected. The habit of growth is rosulate, the
leaves bemg from ten to eighteen inches long, strap-
shaped, and sheathing- at the base, slightly curving- out-
wards at the apex ; their colour is a rich dark green,
transversely banded with black on the under side, the dark
colour being faintly perceptible also on the upper surface.
The scape rises from the centre, and is flat, sword-shaped,
74! STOVE PLANTS.
foot or more long-, clotliecl "with closely imbricated bright
scarlet bracts, from which the white flowers protrude.
The scape remains in full beauty all the winter. Native of
South America.
Brownea.
A genus of leg-uminous trees nearly allied to AmJierstia,
and growing from six to twelve or eighteen feet high.
They are very ornamental, and should be grown wherever
room can be afforded them. The leaves are abruptly
pinnate, bearing usually three or four pairs of leaflets, but
in some species more. The young growths being somewhat
weak, are pendulous, and have the edges of the leaves rolled
back. All the known species are magnificent when in
bloom, and are A'Vell deserving more general cultivation.
They succeed well if potted in a mixture of loam, peat, and
sand, and placed in a summer temperature ranging from
65° to 85°. In winter a somewhat lower temperature will
be better for them, and they then require very careful
applications of water, for though the j^lants will not endure
complete dryness at the roots, yet a too liberal supply of
water in winter is nearly certain to kill them.
B. Ariza. — This very fine plant, which is neai'ly allied to
B. grandiceps, grows from twenty to forty feet high in
Bogota, where it is found at an elevation of 14,000 feet.
The leaves arc dark green, pinnate, usually with six or
eight pairs of pinna', Avhich are oblong-lanceolate, and
sharply tapered to a point. The flowers are produced in a
dense globular head of immense size, and of the richest scai'-
let. This plant requires a large house to display its beauty,,.
BURCHELLIA — CALLICARPA. 75"
but Avlierc such accommodation cau be provided, it is well
deserving- every care. It blooms during- the summer
months.
B. coccinea. — Leaves with two or three pairs of somewhat
oblong-acuminate leaflets ; it produces its fascicles of bright
scarlet flowers in Jul)- and August, and grows li-om six to
ten feet high in its native woods of Venezuela.
B. grandlceps. — This species is said to attain a great
height ; it produces from eight to ten or more pairs of
oblong-lanceolate leaflets. The branches and footstalks are
downy. The large capitate heads of red flowers are pro-
duced in July and August. It is a native of the mountain
woods of Caraccas.
B. latifolia. — A fine shrub ; leaves bearing from one to
three pairs of ovate and very sharply pointed leaflets. The
flowers are bright red, borne in very dense fascicles. It
grows about six feet in height, and is a native of Trinidad.
BUECHELLIA.
B. capensis. — ^The present species, which is a very orna-
mental cool stove plant, belongs to a small genus of
Bubiacece. Native of the Cape of Good Hope. It attains
the height of four or five feet, and is called Bufiel-horn, on
account of the hardness of its wood. The leaves are oppo-
site, oblong-ovate, somewhat haiiy, and dark green in
colour. The flowers are disposed in heads, tubular in shape,
and of a deep scarlet colour. It is a very desirable plant,
flowering in March and April. The soil best adapted for
it is a mixture of loam and peat, Avith the addition of a little
sand.
Callicaepa.
C. imrimrea. — This plant belongs to the Vcrhcnacew, and
is the only member of the genus we purpose alluding to in
76 STOVE PLAXTS.
these pages ; this, however, should be grown m every col-
lection -where plants are required for winter decoration.
Through bad management and neglect many plant growers
have been led to discard it as worthless, but this is certainly
a mistake. It is of shrulDb}- habit, with opposite ovate-
acuminate leaves, serrated at the edges, and both sides of
the leaves, as well as the stem, are profusely clothed with
hairs. The flowers are borne in cymose clusters, upon foot-
stalks which issue from the axils of the leaves, and are
themselves very insignificant, but they are followed by
bunches of from fifty to a hundred bright glossy deep
violet coloured berries, which literally bear the plant down
with their weight, and remain in full beauty from November
to May. The soil best adapted for its growth is a mixture
of loam and peat in equal parts, with a little sand added.
If care is taken to train the jilants into a compact form,
they form some of the most attractive objects, which can
be had during winter for decoratmg either the stove or
the conservatory. The species is a native of China.
Cbntrabenia.
A pretty free-flowering genus of Melastomacece, the flowers
of Avhich are of no great beauty individually, but are so
abundantly produced that the plants become very effective
and useful, more especially as they bloom throughout the
winter and spring without cessation. They are of the
easiest culture, and should be potted m a mixtm-e of two
parts peat to one of loain, mixing a good proportion oi'
silver sand with the compost,
G. jlorihunda. — A compact-growing branching plant,
with narrow pale green leaves, which are, during the
winter months, almost hidden by the profusion of small
CENTKOSTEMMA— CHirJTA. 77"
white petalecl flowers .vith whicli it is laden. Native of
Brazil.
C. rjrandifoUa. — T\i[s species lias large oblong-ovatc^
leaves, of a bright intense green above, and deep red
beneath; the stems are qnadrangular and winged; and the
flowers, which are white, tinged with pmk, are produced m
In-anching heads in great abundance. Kative of Mexico.
Gentrostemma.
This fine stove plant, sometimes called Cyrtoceras, is very
nearly related to Ho,ja, and may be treated in the manner
recommended for that gemis. It is, however, of erect
shrubby habit. The genus is enth-ely confined to the
Malayan Archipelago, and is very ornamental when well
managed.
C.m«Z/y?orH7H.-A very handsome stove evergreen shrub,
somewhat liable to variation, if wo may judge by the many
names it has received, it bemg kno^vn in gardens as Eoya
mrdUflora, Eoya coriacea, Cyrfoceras rejiexmn, Cyrtoceras
Llndleyauum; and Cyrtoceras florihnndwn. The leaves,
althouo-h variable, are opposite, somewhat coriaceous m
texture, and ovate in shape, tapering to the point and
attenuated at the base. The umbel of flowers is shghtly
droopmg, the flowers being white, tipped with bufi". It
blooms during the summer months, and is a very desirable
plant both for exhibition purposes and likewise for home-
decoration. Native of Manilla.
Chirita.
(J Moonii.-K Gesneraceous plant, well deserving the
attention of every plant grower. It is a lovely object when
in flower, but as it requires careful treatment, it has been
78 STOVE PLANTS.
cast away by many cultivators to make room for plants of
more hardy constitution. This cust(im is one Avhicli is
niucli to be regretted, for it leads to such plants as the
present, and, indeed, many others equally fine and equally
ornamental, being lost to the country. C. Moonii is a native
of Ceylon, and should be grown in a compost of fibrous
peat, good leaf mould, and ])lenty of sand.
Clerodendron.
A family of stove plants belonging to the Verhenacea:,
;and comprising two distinct groups, the one being of scan-
dent, the other of shrubby hal)it. The scandent ones should
be potted in a mixture of j^eat, loam, and dried cow or
sheep manure, with the addition of a little sand. In the
summer, while the plants are growing, they should have
strong heat, and abundance of Avater, with full exposure to
light, though not so as to burn the foliage. About the
■end of August the wood should be ripened off", by giving-
less Avater, and more air ; and when this is accomplished
the plants should be removed to a cool house during winter.
This regime will induce vigorous growth when they are
placed in heat the following spring. The shrubby kinds
will thrive well under the same treatment, but instead of
being spurred in the pruning, they must annually be cut
Tiard down to the old wood.
C. Betlmneanum. — ^A fine stove shrub, producing large
cordate- acuminate leaves, which are smooth above. The
panicle is large, terminal, thyrsoidly-pyramidal, the bracts,
pedicles, and calyces being all coloured ; the flowers arc
crimson, with a white spot on the upper, and a purple one
on the two lateral lobes. It is a native of Borneo.
G. fallax. — An erect-growing shrub, with large cordate-
CLEEODEXDROX. 79
ovate opposite leaves, wliicli are slig-litly lobed, and of a
dark greeu colour. The panicles are terminal and erect,
•and profuselj- laden -with its bright scarlet flowers. It
blooms duruig- August and September. ITative of Java.
C. fragrans plenifiora. — This plant resembles G. fallax in
general appearance, but the leaves are not lobed, and are
more of a roundish-ovate or obovate shape. The flowers
are produced in compact heads, and are white, suffused with
pink, and deliciously flagrant. It blooms during the late
summer and early autumn months. Xative of China.
C. inforlanatwn. — Like the other shrubby species we
have cited, this is a gorgeous plant Avhen in flower. It
blooms while comparatively^ dwarf, and has bold roundish-
cordate glossy dark green leaves, and coloured panicles
of large vivid scarlet flowers. It was introduced from
Ceylon, of which country and. of India it is a native.
C paniculcdum. — A magnificent stove shrub, with large
long-stalked cordate-hastate leaves, which are lobed at the
margin, and somewhat shiny above. The scarlet flowers
grow in a large pyi^amidal termmal panicle, which gives
the plant a very showy character. It is a native of India,
and the Indian Archipelago.
C. speciosma. — This handsome plant is said to be the
result of a cross between C. Balfour i and C. splcndens. It
resembles the former in ha-\dng a very large calyx, but
instead of being pm'e white, as in that kind, it is suffused
with red, and the corolla is a rich deep rose. It is of scan-
dent habit, with oblong-ovate glabrous leaves, and will
become a very fine exhibition plant.
C. spleadGn^^ speciosissima. — A superb variety of C. splcn-
(Jcns, and one of the best stove climbers m cultivation.
The leaves are somewhat oblong, and of a deep shining
green ; and its bright scarlet panicles of flower are pro-
80 STOVE PLANT?.
ducecT tliroiig'liout tlie summer months. The original form
is a native of Sierra Leone.
G. squamatum. — This is one of the very finest of the
species, for either stove or conservatory decoration, its
large branching panicles of bright scarlet flowers being
produced about July, and continuing in beauty for months.
The leaves are roundish-cordate, and the panicle, which is
loosely pyramidal, is everywhere coloured. The plant
is a native of India and Japan, and soiuetimes called C.
Kcemjyferi.
C. Thomsonce var. Balfour la na. — This is a seedling form
of C. Thomsonce, obtained in this country, and is of scandent
habit, producing large, smooth, dark green, opposite leaves,
and large panicles of bright crimson flowers, with pure
white calyces. C. Tliomsowp is similar in character to this
variety, but somewhat smaller in all its parts, and therefore
we prefer BaJfouriana, which we regard as quite an indis-
pensable plant, either for home decoration or exhibition
purposes. C. TJiornsonce, the parent of this variety, is a
native of Old Calabar, where it luxuriates on the banks of
the river, above the range of salt Avater. Some hybrids
between it and C. splendens have been obtained.
COCCOCTPSELTJM.
C. discolor. — This old but very ornamental jjlant is a
native of the mountains of Jamaica, and consequently
does not require so much heat as those plants fi-oni the
same country which are found near the road. It is
admirably adapted for suspending in baskets, for the
decoration of the stove through the winter months, its
deep ultramarine berries being produced in profusion,
and affording a strildng and pleasing- contrast with other
CODONANTEE — COLUMNEA. 81
plants. The soil best adapted for its cultivation is a
mixture of loam and peat, witli a little sand, tlie basket
having- been lined before planting with a thick layer of
sphagnum moss. It should be grown in a warm green-
house dm-ing summer, and taken into the stove towards
autumn, where it will continue in great beauty during the
t whole winter.
CODONANTHE.
A group of plants belonging to the Gesneraceoi, and by
some botanists referred to Hijfocyrta, of which they then
form a distinct section. Their treatment is the same as
that of other small shrubby Gesneraceous plants.
C. Bevosiana. — This plant is very similar in habit and
appearance to JEschynantJms. The leaves are cordate,
thick, dark green above, and paler below ; and the flowers,
which are produced from the axils of the leaves in great
abundance, are pure white, with a spreading limb, and a
yellow throat, spotted with red ; these are succeeded by
good-sized round red berries. It is a beautiful basket
plant. JSTative of Brazil.
C. picta. — A handsome basket plant, with opposite, thick,
fleshy, oblong, dark green leaves. The flowers are freely
produced during summer ; they are tubular, with a spread-
ing limb, and pure white, except the throat, which is
yellow, spotted with purple. This plant very closely
resembles an zEschynantlius in its general aspect. Native
of Brazil.
COLUMNEA,
A showy genus of Gesneracccv, the species of which are
found growing upon trees in dense woods in the West
Indian Islands and in South America. The leaves are
G
82 STOVE TLANTS.
opposite, fleshy in texture, and generally hairy ; and the
flowers are tubular. They arc splendid companion plants
for JSscliynanilms, and succeed admirably if treated in a
similar manner.
C. aurantiaca. — A vc:'y fine species, now rarely met
with. The flowers are of a very deep rich orange colour.
It makes a beautiful basket plant. Native of New Grenada.
C. aureo-niiens. — This plant is very distinct and singular
in its appearance, having the leaves broadly lanceolate and
densely villous, and the flowers of a rich deep orange red.
Native of Columbia.
C. erytlirophoea. — A fine species, with lanceolate leaves,
tapering- to a point, oblique at the base, and of a rich deep
green colour. The flowers are produced singly from the
axils of the leaves, large, bright red, with the large
spreading calyx blotched with red inside. A most beautiful
plant, from Mexico,
C scandens.- — -A handsome species, having ovate-acute
serrated leaves, clothed with a few soft hairs, and deep
green in colour. The long tubular flowers are hairy, and
of a bright scarlet colour. Native of shady woods in the
West Indies.
C. Schiedeana. — The leaves of this species are oblong,
lanceolate, and covered with short soft hairs. The flowers
are upwards of two inches long, the ground colour yellow,
most curiously and densely spotted and dotted with brown.
Native of Mexico, where it grows on trees.
COMBRETUM.
The plants of this order adorn the forest trees of the
tropics with immense festoons and garlands of their gay
flowers, and the species in cultivation are amongst the
CURCUMA. 83
finest ornaments of our plant stoves. They should be
potted in good loam and peat, about two parts of the
former to one of the latter, a little silver sand being- added.
As plants for training up pillars or rafters in the stove,
the kinds enumerated here are invaluable, and they are
also splendid exhibition plants, although they are rather
difficult to manage for this purpose.
C. inicropetalum . — This is a fine climber, and -vvell adapted
for training up the pillars or ti-ellis work in the stove.
It flowers during August and September, and consequently
is not adapted for exhibiting. The leaves are opposite,
four or five inches long, somewhat oblong-, and of a dark
green colour. The flowers are produced in racemes about
as long as the leaves, and are densely crowded ; the petals
are very small, the display being made by its numerous
long bright yellow stamens and orange tijDped anthers.
Native of Brazil.
G. purpureum. — ^A mag-nificent plant for stove decoration,
and as an exhibition plant it is not to be surpassed. It
is of scandent habit. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate,
and of a shining dark green colour. The panicles are
branched, bearing many rich "vivid scarlet flowers. The
plant often blooms twice in the season, but its usual season
is June. Native of Madagascar.
Curcuma.
This genus is an extensive one belonging to the Ginger-
worts, and the species are great ornaments to our hot-
houses ; they cannot, indeed, be made much use of as
exhibition plants, yet this is no reason why they should
be discarded, for they make fine ornamental plants towards
autumn, when other things are falling oS", and they are
0 2
84 STOVE PLANTS.
easy of culture and take up but little room, as they lose^
their leaves and require resting after the flowering- season
is past. The soil best adapted for them is a mixture of
loam and peat, about two parts of the latter to one of the
former, to which should be added a little sand.
G. australasica. — This, the only species known to inhabit
Australia, was found by Mr. J. Gr. Yeitch, near Cape York..
The leaves are about eighteen inches long-, somewhat
lanceolate and acuminate, and of a lig-ht green colour..
The flower spike is seven or eight inches long-, bearing
beautiful rose coloured bracts, and yellow flowers. It
continues in bloom upwards of a month, and is a very
desirable plant. Native of North East Australia.
G. Eoscoeana. — A very beautiful species which no garden
should be without, its bright orange bracts, and scarlet
flowers, being very gay and efiective during August and
September. It lasts a long time in full beauty. Native of
the East Indies.
Dalechampia.
D. Boezliana rosea. — A superb stove shrub, of free
branching habit. Like Buugainvillcea, this plant is in-
debted for its attractiveness not to the flowers, but to
the bracts, which in this case surpass those of that genus
both in size and brilliancy, being of a bright rich carmine
rose colour. There is, moreover, no difiicult}' in blooming
it. In habit it is erect, branched, and leafy ; the leaves are
about five inches long, somewhat lanceolate in shape, dark
green above and paler below ; and the flowers are freely
produced from the axils of the leaves, the bright rose
coloured bracts, situated in opposite pairs at the end of the
pedicle, being somewhat heart-shaped, nearly three inches
long, and very fragrant. This valuable addition to our
DIPLADENIA. 85
stoves is a native of Vera Cruz, and succeeds well in a
temperature ranging- fi-om GO" to 7o\ It sliould be well
drained, and potted in a mixture of loam, peat, and leaf
mould, in equal parts, with a good portion of silver sand.
If size is required, the flowers must be kept picked off, and
the plant shifted on into a larger-sized pot whenever the
xoots have lilled the one it is occupying.
DiPLADENIA.
This genus of handsome flowering plants, all of which
are climbers, belongs to the Apocynaceie. The species
make excellent specimens for exhibition purposes, or for
the decoration of the stove. If for exhibition they should
be trained upon wire balloon-shaped -trellises, but the
joung groAvths should be allowed to grow upon strings up
the rafters of the house, and a short time before the blooms
open they should be taken down, and fixed upon the trellis.
They will be found to succeed admirably under the follow-
ing treatment : — Pot them in a mixture of peat and tui'fy
loam, in equal proportions, with the addition of a good
portion of silver sand ; good drainage is also of particular
importance with these plants. They require a moist atmo-
sphere, and a bottom heat ranging from 80° to 90°, together
with fall exposure to the sun's light. Towards the end of
sunmier, after they have done flowering and have finished
their growth, remove them to a cooler house, and fully
expose them to sunlight, to ripen the wood. The tem-
perature they enjoy is in summer from 65° to 85°, with a
moderate quantity of water, which must be applied with
great care. In winter very little water will be required,
.and the temperature should be reduced to G0° — G5° j from.
86 STOYE PLANTS.
this, if they are wanted for exhibiting ui May or June, they
must be brought, and placed in heat again about the
beginning of January.
D. amahilis. — The finest of the family, and a garden
variety. The foliage is intermediate between that of D.
crassinoda and D. splendens ; the flowers are borne in
clusters, and are very large, of a rosy crimson colour, the
lobes of the flower being very round and stiff. It will
continue blooming fi'om May to September, and makes one
of the finest exhibition plants v>^e have.
D. amosna. — This, like the preceding, is a garden variety,
and is a great improvement on D. spJcndcns ; in habit of
growth it is even superior, in some respects, to D. amahilis.
The lobes of the flowers are round, and do not reflex, and
it is a most abundant bloomer. The coloui' of the flower
is a deep rose, with orange yellow throat. A valuable
exhibition variety.
D. crassinoda. — A magnificent stove climber, and also a
fine exhibition plant, and one that, if properly managed,
will produce a succession of its beautiful rose coloured
flowers for three or fom' months. Native of Rio Janeii'o.
D. crassinoda Houttcana. — This is a beautiful variet}', and
an improvement on the preceding- ; it has beautiful rose
coloured flowers of good substance, and with an orange
coloured throat.
D. Harrisii. — This very fine species has hitherto proved
rather difficult to bloom, but it is well deserving cultiva-
tion, on account of its distinct colour. It has large oblong-
ovate acute leaves, which are quite smooth, and dark green.
The flowers are large, bright yellow, shaded with orange,
of good shape and substance, and delicately scented. It
blooms during the summer months. Native of Trinidad.
DlPTERACANXnCS — EriPHYLLUM. 87
D. nohilis. — Anotlier liandsome kind, producing large
showy flowers, which change from ros}- pui'ple to orange
red. It is of free growth, and oxtremel}^ handsome.
DiPTERACANTHUS.
A genus of Acanthaceous plants, of easy cultm'e, which,
if a little care is bestowed upuu them, by pinching out
the points of the shoots to cause them to throw out
lateral shoots and make bushy plants, will form highly
decorative objects for winter flowering. Thei-e are several
species of this genus, but we only introduce one here, which
should be in every collection of winter-flowering plants.
The soil best suited for BiptcracMbtlius is a mixture com-
posed of two parts peat and one part rich loam, with a
little sand added.
D. Herbstii. — A free-growing species, Avith opposite
oblong-lanceolate leaves, dark green on the upper side,
with a narrow stripe of white on each side the mid-rib,
traversing the whole length of the leaf; on the lower side
the colour is reddish purple. The flowers arise from the
axils of the upper leaves in great profusion throughout the
whole winter, and are produced into a tube about foui*
inches long, of a rosy purple colour, the limb being pure
white and erect. Native of Brazil.
Epiphtllum.
A genus of beautiful plants of the order Cadacece, which
until within a few years had fallen into neglect, and had
been nearly forgotten. They are, however, amongst the
most useful of winter decorative plants, either as young-
plants, or when grown into large specimens. As small
plants, grafted upon stems six inches or a foot high, with
88 STOVE PLANTS.
compact Avell-formed heads, they are charmiug objects for
the decoration of the dinner table, or for standing in vases
for room decoration, in company "with either palms or ferns.
E. truneatum was introduced to this country from Brazil
in the early part of the present century ; E. BusselUanum
is also a native of the same country ; while the great
portion of those beautiful forms which delight the eye so
much with their blaze of colour are hybrids between these
two kinds. They succeed very well upon their own roots,
but grow more rapidly and display their beauties to greater
advantage when grafted upon the Barbados Gooseberry
(JPeresliia acideata) or upon Cereus speciosissimios, the latter
of which makes the best stock, especially for a large
pyramid. In potting, the soil used should be a mixture of
turfy loam, peat, and leaf mould, in equal parts, with a
liberal addition of silver sand. They should be grown in
the stove, and when growth is finished removed into a
cooler and drier house to ripen, and from whence again
transferred to the stove, as occasion may require, to famish
a succession of bloom.
E. Russellianum. — -A form introduced from Brazil, and
considered by many as a distinct species, to which opinion
we ourselves incline, as the flowers are diSerent in form,
and are produced at quite a different season. Its blooms
are of a delicate rose colour, opening early in the month
of May.
E. BitsselUanum ruhrum. — In this the flowers are very
much larger than the preceding, and of a bright rosy red.
E. Russellianum su/perbum. — In this variety the colours of
truncatuvi and Russellianum are combined.
E. truneatum. — ^The flat leaf-like branches are very much
toothed ; flowers large, and of a deep rose colour. Native
of Brazil.
EPIPHYLLUM. 89
E. truncatum amabile. — This claarmiug form has wliite
.flowers, with the ujDper part of the petals of a rich
purple.
E. truncatum aurantlaciim. — The flowers of this variety-
are of a large size, and of a bright reddish orange colour.
E. truncatum licoJor. — The flowers of this are white,
"beautifully edged with rose ; a very eflective variety.
E. truncatum coccineu)ii. — ^In this the flowers are self
coloured, being a rich deep scarlet.
E. truncatum crtientum. — Flowers veiy dark reddish
purple.
E. truncatum elegans. — The flowers of this are of a bright
orange red, the centre a rich purple.
E. truncatum magnificum. — A large-flowered variety,
producing white flowers, with rich bright rose coloured
margins.
E. truncatum purpureum. — The flowers of this are self
coloured, and of a dark purple.
E. truncatum roseum. — As its name implies, this is wholly
of a bright rose colour.
E. truncatum lluclcerianum. — This has deep reddish purple
flowers, the centre a rich violet ; a very effective variety,
E. truncatum sahnoneum. — One of the self coloured sorts,
being of a reddish salmon.
E. trioncatum spectdbile. — The flowers of this variety are
white, with purple margin.
E. truncatum, spectahile carminatum. — This differs from
the preceding in having white flowers, with a reddish
margin.
E. truncatum m'olaceum rjrandiflorum. — This has large
flowers of a pure white, with delicate purple margin.
E. truncatum violaceum superbum. — The flowers of this are
pure white, with a rich deep purple margin.
90 stove plants.
Eranthemum.
The very extensive order AcantJiacem possesses numerous
species of great beauty for decorative purposes, many of
them flowering" during- the winter, for which purpose they
cannot be too highly recommended. The present genus has
some very elegant and free-flowering members, of which
we have selected a few of the best, such as will be found
very efi'ective in company with other plants. They should
be potted in a compost of leaf mould, peat, and loam, in
about equal parts, with a little silver sand.
E. Andersoni, — This very pretty species has been intro-
duced from the Island of Trinidad to our gardens, but is
really a native of the East Indies. It is abundantly
different from Tj. aspenim, though evidently nearly allied
to that species, and produces spikes of bloom from six to
ten inches in length, the two upper and lateral lobes of the
flower being pure white, and the lower segment very
thickly dotted with crimson lake, and broadly margined
with white. It continues several weeks in beauty, and is
a very beautiful addition to the cultivated Acanthacece.
E. asperum. — A remarkably handsome slender-growing
stove shrub, the leaves of which are veined at the margins,
upwards of two inches long, somewhat ovate, and of a dark
green colour. The flowers are freely produced in clusters,
the upper lobes of the flower white, sjootted with purple,
the large lower lobe bemg a rich deep purple. It is a very
desirable winter-flowering kind, from the Soloman Islands,
in the South Pacific.
E. Cooperi. — A handsome, half shrubby, free-flowering
plant. The leaves are about three inches long, and about
five inches wide, narrow-lanceolate, with the margins deeply
cut, or inciso-lobate, and dark green in colour. The flowers
EUCHARIS. 91
spring- from the axils of the leaves, and are white, beauti-
fully spotted with small purple dots, arranged in lines. A
native of New Caledonia.
E. pulchellum.-An old inhabitant of our stoves, and one
of the prettiest for winter decoration. The leaves are
petiolate, broadly ovate, dark green, the surface somewhat
wrinkled ; and the flowers are produced very freely, and
are of a rich bright blue colour. Native of the East
Indies.
EUCHAEIS.
E granclifiora is a plant to which any description would
fail to do justice, and one which will well repay every
care that may be bestowed upon it. We have frequently
seen this plant with thirty and forty spikes of its lovely
pure white flowers expanded at Christmas. Such a sight
would at any time command attention, but at that parti-
cular season it is doubly valuable. With a little judicious
management, and a moderate stock of plants, the Eachans
can be had in flower at almost any time of the year. We
prefer it through the winter months, and if hardened
ofl" gradually, it will at that season stand for along
time, if wanted for the decoration of halls or rooms m.
the dwelling house.
This grand plant belongs to the AmarylUdacefB, and is
a native of Choco, in New Grenada. It produces from its
large bulbs rich dark green, somewhat ovate leaves, which
are from twelve to eighteen mches long, and gracefully
arched, while the flower stem is a foot or more iu height,.
bearing five or six, sometimes seven, of its noble Narcssus-
shaped blooms, which are pure white, with the cup-
faintly tinged with greenish yellow.
We have found it succeed well when potted in good
■:92 STOVE PLANTS.
fibrous loam, with the addition of a little peat and well-
-decomposed sheep manure, and a slight sprinkling of
silver sand. In potting, the drainage must be good. It
may here be noted that good drainage does not consist
merely in the quantity of potsherds used, but much more
in the careful manner in which they are placed in the pot.
The Eucharis enjoys most copious supplies of water, but
■the flow must by no means become stagnant or failure will
follow. Frequent shifting of this plant, unless for the
sake of inci'easing the stock, is not in our opinion advan-
tageous. "We have always found them bloom better when
confined at the roots. Having potted those which require
it, say in June or July, they should be put into a high
temperature, with a moist atmosphere, and be liberally
supplied with water, both to the roots and foliage, shading
them in the same manner as Avould be done with any other
soft-leaved stove plant. About September place them in
a cooler house, and keep a little drier, but not quite dry,
until the beginnmg of November. Some good growers
of this plant advocate the thorough drying off of the bulbs,
but having been so remarkably successful by adopting the
plan just described, we must differ from them in that
particular point. At this stage some of the plants should
be put into a temperature of about 65°, and again liberally
supplied with water, when the flower scapes will soon
begin to make their appearance. A fresh batch of plants
should be brought forward into heat from time to time, so
that a constant succession of this ever-pleasing flower may
be had, cither for the decoration of the stove or the
dwelling house.
Though not equal to E. fjrandijlora, the pretty E. Candida
is well worth growing, and differs mainly in its smaller
size.
EUPHORr.IA.
EnPHORBIA.
9a
This is a very extensive genus, typical of the Euphor-
hiacece ; but only a very few of its species are of any
horticultural merit. Upon the best of these we have now
to offer a few remarks. Their flowers are of great bril-
liancy, and admirably adapted for bouquets; so that,
blooming as they do during winter, when flowers of any
kind are particularly valuable for this purpose, they de-
serve to be universally cultivated. E. splendois, on account
of the spines on its branches, is best planted out in the
stove or warm greenhouse, and if against a wall it will
soon cover it, and become a thing of great beauty, and a
never-failing som-ce of flowers for months. E. Jacquinice-
flora is well adapted for growing as a rafter plant, as a
specimen, or in small pots for dinner-table or hall decora-
tion ; indeed, any amount of care bestowed upon this plant
will be amply repaid by the cheermg effect produced by
a display of its rich warm scarlet flowers in the time of
frost and snow. The compost we find these plants thrive
in best is a mixture of good fibrous loam and peat, in equal
parts, with a liberal addition of silver sand.
E. Jacq^dniceflora. — This plant produces along its long
flexile branches a series of axillary flowers of a bright
orange scarlet, forming long floral vn-eaths, and is un-
questionably one of the finest winter-flowering plants in
cultivation. To obtain good handsome specimens of this
species, we take some plants that have been resting after
the flowering season, say about June, prune them into
form, and place them in a little extra heat. As soon as
the buds begin to swell, we shake off some of the old soil,
and repot them in the compost recommended above, keep-
ino- them in a moist atmosphere, with a temperature
'94 STOVE PLANTS.
ranging from G8° to 75°. As tlie plants increase ia size,
they must be shifted into larger pots, according to the
uses for which they are intended ; and they will also require
the ends of the growths to be pinched out several times,
so as to produce handsome pyramids, or whatever shajoe
the taste of the cultivator may most incline to. Young-
plants, for dinner-table or hall decoration, must be kept
in smaller pots, and supplied occasionally with waterings
of weak liquid manure.
E. splendens. — A totally different-looking plant to the
preceding. It is of sturdy branching habit, the stems
dark coloured, and closely sot with long, stout, sharp
thorns. The leaves are rather small, light green in
oolour, and thin in texture ; and the flowers (bracts)
are produced in clusters, of a bright red colour, and
admirably adapted for bouquet making, and for the
decoration of the plant houses during winter. This does
well planted against the back wall of the stove, where
there is plenty of lig'ht ; in this situation it flowers beauti-
fiilly, and is useful for cutting", instead of cutting the pot
plants. Native of Bourbon.
ExACUM.
Ij. Zeylanicum. — This very beautiful plant is a native of
Ceylon, and belongs to the Gentianworts, a class of plants
not the easiest to cultivate, though it contains many lovely
varieties ; the present species, though an annual, should be
more frequently seen in collections. It grows from one to
two feet high. The seeds should be sown in April, placed
in bottom heat, and the plants carefully shifted from time
to time, as the roots fill the pots. The soil should be about
equal portions of loam, peat, and sand. A liberal supply of
FRANCISCEA. 95
■water should be given, care being- taken that it does not
stagnate about the roots. As before stated it is an annual ;
the stem and branches are four-angled, with the angles
winged; the leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, with a
tapering point, three-nerved, of a bright shining green
colour, and nearly three inches long. The flowers are pro-
duced in terminal and axillary racemes, so as to form a
dense head, and they are large, and of a beautiful violet
colour. It should be generally cultivated.
FrANCISCEx\.
This beautiful genus cannot be too extensively grown as
home ornaments, being highly decorative, deliciously sweet,
and also easily brought into bloom at any season of the
year. It is a genus of first-rate value, as furnishing
objects for exhibition purposes. To grow these plants
successfully, they must be potted in a compost consisting of
a mixture of fibrous peat and leaf mould, in equal propor-
tions, one fourth the bulk of the mass of loam, and a good
quantity of silver sand bemg added. The plants should be
shifted directly after they have done flowering, and placed
in a temperature ranging from 60" to 68°, and liberally
treated with water, both to the roots and foliage. When
the young shoots have made five or six leaves the tops
should be pinched ofl". This treatment should be continued
until October or Novembei-, when the flowers will begin to
show themselves, and syringing must be then less frequently
had recourse to. The plants should at this stage, if not
wanted in bloom, immediately be removed to a much lower
temperature, say to a temperature of about 48', which
will greatly enhance the quality of the blooms. For a
succession of flowers, plants must be kept growing later,
96 STOVE PLANTS.
and be brought forward at various times. They are all.
evergreen shrubs of great beauty, the best of them being
noted below.
F. calijcina. — This is the largest-flowered kind with which
we are acquainted. The leaves are large, shining, lanceo-
late, and of a light green colour. It is of free growth, and
produces a succession of its very large trusses of rich
purple flowers throughout the whole year. This is an.
invaluable plant for exhibition purposes. Native of Brazil.
F. conferti flora. — A very handsome species, known also
under the name of F. laurifoUa. It is valuable as an exhi-
bition plant, and also for the long time it may be had in
bloom for home decoration. By having several plants, and
keeping them in various temperatures, this kind will pro-
duce a succession of its beautiful soft blue flowers from
January to June. I^ative of Rio Janeiro.
F. eximia. — Though not quite so large in the size of its
flowers as F. cali/cina, yet this is a very desirable plant,,
forming a handsome bush, and being extremely ornamental
when covered with its deep violet coloured blossoms ; as an
exhibition plant it is invaluable. The leaves are oblong-
lanceolate in shape, dark green, but not glossy. The
flowers are produced from the points of the shoots, upwards
of two inches in diameter, and of a deep purple or violet
colour. It blooms in great profusion from January to July..
Native of Brazil.
F. latifoUa. — ^This very distinct species blooms most pro-
fusely upon the young wood during winter and early spring.
The leaves are broadly ovate, smooth, and bright green.
The flowers are deliciously fragrant, and when they first
expand are lavender colour, with a distinct white eye, but
eventually they .fode to almost white. Native of Brazil.
F. Lindeniana. — A very handsome species, the leaves of
GARDENIA. 97
"which are ovate-acuminate, and of a dark green colour.
The flowers are produced in abundance, of a rich purple,
with a light eye. Native of Brazil.
F. uniflora. — A small-flowered species, making, however,
in the winter months, a great display of its deliciously
sweet flowers. It is of free branching habit, with ovate-
acute dark green leaves. The flowers are light violet,
changing with age to pure white. This species can be
grown m small pots for table decoration, being very easily
formed into pretty comjiact bushes for this purpose. "We
have found this, and the other species also, bloom most abun-
dantly when potted in nothing but leaf mould and a little
sand, but we have never tried this compost with large
specimen plants. Native of Rio Janeiro.
Gardenia.
A lovely family of plants, of compact free growth, and
producing quantities of deliciously frag'rant flowers. Some
of the Gardenias are popularly known as Cape Jasmines,
a name which seems to have been given them on account
of their fragrance. They are well deserving a place in
any collection of plants, however small, their pure white
flowers, and sweetness, rendermg them especially adapted
for bouquets ; while the plants, being of hardy constitution,
are able to withstand exposure in rooms or halls.
All the species of Gardenia with which we are acquainted
are white flowered and sweet scented, except G. Stanleyana,
which has a totallj- different habit. They should be potted
in a compost consisting- of a mixture of loam and peat in
equal proportions, with the addition of some silver sand,
and a little well-decomposed manure ; and should be g-rown
H
98 STOVE PLANTS.
in a moist stove or frame with bottom heat where practi-
cable, but if the latter is not to be had, a little extra
atmospheric heat at the time the growth is being made
is found to be a good substitute. When the growth is
completed they may be kept cooler, being replaced in the
warmer atmosphere when they are wanted to open their
flowers. After blooming they should be pruned, potted
in the soil recommended above, and started into growth
again for another season's flowering.
G. citriodora. — ^A very fragrant species, producing quan-
tities of its single white flowers, about the size of Orange
blossoms, from the axils of the leaves. It makes a compact
spreading plant about two feet in height, with opposite,
somewhat coriaceous, elliptical lanceolate dark green leaves.
It is a very desu-able winter-flowering species. Native of
Natal.
G. florida. — The plant grown under this name is not
the species, but a double-flowered variety, which is culti-
vated in Japan, the East Indies, and the Cape of Good
Hope. The leaves of the florida of our gardens are
opposite, sometimes verticillate, somewhat elliptical, pointed
at both ends, and of a bright glossy green colour. The
flowers are solitary, pure white, and about the size of those
of a large double Balsam, deliciously sweet, and, as before
remarked, well adapted for cutting for bouquets. When
growing the plant should be treated to a high moist heat,
but afterwards they will stand well in a cool house.
Native of China. The pulp of the fruit of this species is
used in China for dying yellow.
G. florida variegata. — This is a variegated form of G.
florida, with leaves of the same shape and size as the
preceding, but beautifully margined with yellowish white,
GARDEIfU, 99
and producing abundance of its sweet-scented flowers in
winter and spring-. It is a very handsome plant, and
highly decorative.
G. Fortumi. — A fine robust-growing- plant, producing
flowers of great size. It is like a gigantic form of G.
Jlorida, but is not, like that species, a shy bloomer ; on the
contrary, it is very free. The leaves are opposite, some-
times in whorls, and of a bright shining green colour,
which contrasts well with the large pure white fragrant
flowers. Native of China.
G. radlcam. — A neat shrubby plant, the leaves of
which are narrow, lanceolate, and of a dark green colour,
while the flowers are double, white, and very fragrant.
It grows from one to two feet high, and is a native of
Japan.
G. radicans major. — This resembles the preceding in
every respect, but is larger in its parts, though not so
large as G.florida. It is a very desirable varietj^, and the
most profuse bloomer of all.
G. radicans variegata. — A very interesting form of G.
radicans, having the leaves margined with white, which
gives it an elegant appearance, even when out of bloom.
It should be in every collection. It was introduced from
Japan.
G. Stanleyana. — This fine plant produces immense trum-
pet-shaped flowers, which are from eight to ten inches
long, and about five inches in breadth ; the throat and
base of the lobes of the limb are blotched and spotted with
rich dark reddish brown, while the margins are white ;
these flowers are deliciously fragrant. The leaves are
medium-sized, oblong-acute, and of a dark green colom*. It
is a free-growing plant, blooming during the summer
months. ^N'ative of Sierra Leone.
H 2
100 STOVE PLANTS.
Gesneea.
This genus contains many beautiful species, yarieties.
and hybrids — plants which, when well grown, are in-
valuable for winter decoration, their ornamental foliage
and numerous showy coloured flowers rendermg them
highly ornamental objects at any time, and doubly so
during the dull winter months. Gesneras are for the most
part tuberous-rooted plants, and, by judicious management,
they can be had in bloom during the whole year ; but as
autumn and winter are their natural seasons of flowering-,
they can be grown to greater perfection during summer,
for blooming at that season, than at any other. As happens
with so many other plants, the members of this genus are
so neglected by many growers after flowering, that they
dwindle away instead of increasing in vigour and beauty.
To keep them in robust health, they must be well attended
to after flowering-, for then the bulbs for the following
season have to be matured. In order to effect this, they
must be carefully tended, giving- them occasional waterings
with weak liquid manure ; but as the foliage begins to
decay, less water will be required, and when the growth is
finished, it must be entirely withheld. After this, though
requiring to be kej)t dry, they must not be baked, but
should be stored away in their jiots in a cool dry place
until agaua required. It is a common practice to shake
the soil away from them when dry, and store the bulbs
in dry sand ; but we believe the best system is to leave
them in their pots, and just start them into growth in the
old soil before repotting-, for by this treatment the bulbs
are not so liable to injury, and the plants consequently
flower much stronger. We have included some hybrids
liere which have been produced by continental hybridisers,
GBSNEEA. 101
and -wliicli are splendid decorative plants. Such startling^
results render it difficult to say what may eventually be
done with this family hj means of cross-breeding- and
hybridising-. These plants succeed well if potted in a
compost consisting- of g-ood fibrous peat, well-decomposed
manure, a little light loam and leaf mould, and a liberal
addition of silver sand. They like plenty of water at the
roots, but dislike water upon theu' leaves, therefore tlieij
must not he syringed at all, l)ut their leaves must be avoided,
when water is in this way supplied to other plants.
G. Barlowi. — A very handsome and distinct kind, the
leaves of which are ovate-cordate, serrated at the edg-es,
bright g'reen and covered with rich crimson hairs, which
g-ive it a beautiful velvety appearance. The flowers are
produced in great abundance, upon erect spikes, and are a
very pleasing and delicate shade of salmon colour, slightly
spotted in the throat. It blooms during winter and spring-,
and continues a long time in great beauty. A garden
variety .
G. Blassii. — A fine scarlet, with pale green leaves ; winter
flowering.
G. chromatella. — A very desirable garden variety, Avith
rich dark velvety leaves, and elegant erect spikes of droop-
ing flowers, which are of a uniform rich yellow.
G. cinnahirina. — One of the most handsome winter-
flowering- kinds. The leaves are cordate, or broadly ovate,
green, and beautifully shaded with flanje coloured hairs.
The flowers are freely produced, and of a bright cinnabar
red, with a light throat. It is a native of Mexico.
G. Cooperi. — A fine old plant, with light green leaves,
and producing large tubers, and bright scarlet flowers, with
i\ densely spotted throat.
G. DoncJdaari. — One of the oldest and best of the varieties,
102 STOVE PLANTS.
with bright vermilion flowers, produced freely, and large
dark tinted foliage.
G. exoniensis. — The colour of the flowers is a deep orange
scarlet, with a yellow throat, and they are very closely set
together, and produced in masses ten and twelve inches
through. The leaves are of a dark rich velvety texture,^
and, being covered with minute red hairs, they have a very
remarkable appearance, changing colour according to the
light in which they are seen. It is a garden hybrid, and
very valuable for dinner-table decoration as well as the
stove during the winter months, as it is a continual bloomer.
G. {Ncegella) fulgidit hlcolor. — The leaves of this variety
are broadly ovate, deei^ly and coarsely toothed at the
edges, the stem and leaves being hairy, and of a rich dark
green. The flowers are borne in erect panicles, and are
very showy ; the upper half of the tube is deep bright red,
the lower part creamy white, faintly barred with lilac, the
segments of the limb rounded with deep vermilion, the
throat white, barred most strangely with red. It is said
to be a native of Mexico.
G. glaucopliijlla. — This is a very distinct form ; the leaves
are of moderate size, glaucous, prettily mottled, and covered
with red hairs. The flowers are very freely produced, of a
deep orange red, the throat light, spotted with orange. It
is admirably adapted for decorative purposes.
G. Hon. Mrs. Fox Sirangiuays. — A very elegant and
cflective autumn-flowering stove plant, from one to two
feet in height. The leaves are somewhat ovate, richly
shaded with crimson (as in G. cinnaharina), while the
racemes of bloom are very large and pyramidal, supporting
the clusters of bright nankeen or buff" coloured flowers,
which are slightly tinged Avith red. The distinct colour
will render this plant especially valuable for grouping
GESNEKA, 103
either for room decoration or iu groups in the plant
houses.
G. Lindleyana. — Leaves broadly ovate, rich deep velvety
green and red ; flowers produced very free!}-, upper j)art
of tube rosy pink, lower part and limb yellow, freckled
with red.
G. MieUezii. — This is a long-.tubed Gloxina-like flower, of
a rich purple, shaded with lilac, the throat white. It is a
profuse flowerer, and is somewhat like G\ BoncJcIaari, bu.t
more dense in growth.
G. (Tlucodonoijsis) ncegelioldes. — A beautiful garden hybrid,
with cordate-ovate leaves, deep green in colour, hairy on
the margins and roughly toothed. The flowers are large,
tubular, bright rosy pink, marbled with red ; the throat
yellow, dotted with red. A very handsome plant.
G. {Plectoporua) ncegelioides aureo-roseiim. — This is a com-
pact and very ornamental variety. The stems are erect,
and the leaves ovate-acuminate, toothed at the margins,
deep green above, reddish pui'ple beneath. The flowers
are tubular, large, and of a bright rosy lilac, the upper
portions of the limb plain rose colour, lower part beauti-
fully spotted with carmine, the throat marked with orange
yellow. Garden hybrid.
G. (Flectoiioma) ncegelioides bicolor. — This magnificent
plant is well deserving general culture. It is of free
branching habit, with ovate-lanceolate leaves, toothed at
the edges, purplish red on the under side, and a bluish
metallic green on the upper. The flowers are large on the
outside, the upper half rosy red, the lower orange yellow ;
the limb and throat are orange yellow, most profusely
spotted with red ; the two upper lobes are same colour
as the upper part of the tube, while the lower segments are
104 STOVE PLANTS.
margined with a deep belt of red spots. It is a very sliowy
and ornamental kind. A garden hybrid.
G. (Pledopoma) ncecjelioldes Candida. — A beautiful form of
this genus, with erect branching stems, the leaves broadly
ovate, toothed at the margins, and deep green. The flowers
. are tubular, pm-e white, marked with pale yellow in the
throat, very showy, and produced in great profusion. A
garden hybrid.
G. (Plectopoma) nccgelioidcs coralUnum. — A very handsome
variety, of compact and much branched habit ; the stems
are red, the leaves of moderate size, coarsely toothed at the
edges, and deep green ; and the flowers are large, rich deep
red, almost maroon, the throat orange yellow, profusely
spotted with red. A garden hybrid.
G. (^Eucodo)iia) nccgelioides lilacinella. — A most superb
plant, with large cordate leaves, coarsely toothed at the
edges, deep bright green above, paler and lanate below.
The flowers are produced in profusion upon the numerous
laterals, and from the base of the leaves upon the main
stem, upon long footstalks ; they are large, and of a delicate
lilac, beautifully marbled with a deeper tint of the same
colour, the throat lemon colour. A garden hybrid.
G. (Plectopoma') na'c/elioides scintillans. — This variety is
very distinct, producing-, towards the top of its shoots, an
abundance of laterals, upon Avhich the flowers are borne, so
that a fine head of flowers is formed. The leaves are some-
what oblong, serrated on the edges, fine bright green
above, pale below, tinged with red. The flowers are large,
about two inches long- in the tube, and nearly as much
across the limb, the outside deep jilum colour, the liinb rosy
red, throat orange yellow, streaked and dotted crimson.
A garden hybrid.
GESNERA. 105
G. nigrescens. — A very fine hybrid, with large dark
velvety leaves, and having- the flower tubes of a dark red,
the throat being light orange, and spotted.
G. picrpurea macrantha. — A free-growing variety, pro-
ducing large branching spikes of rich scarlet flowers and
handsome foliage.
G. pyramidalis. — The leaves of this variety are about
seven inches broad, and nearly round, with a dark velvety
mottled ground. The flowers are deep orange red, the
throat and lip light orange, spotted. A fine plant for the
decoration of the dinner table, producing its lovely flowers
through the winter.
G. rosea pibuctatissima. — This is a most beautiful variety.
The leaves are somewhat cordate, very regularly notched
round the edges, and of a rich velvety green on the upper
side, shaded crimson by the long hairs upon its surface.
The flower spikes are long, and bear a profiasion of flowers,
which, in the upper half of the tube, are reddish pink, in
the lower half, yellow, the , limb creamy white, freckled
■with red.
G. sceptre cerise.— The. leaves in this variety are ovate-
cordate, beautifully shaded with crimson and bronze. The
flower spikes are numerous ; the flowers reddish crimson
in the upper half of the tube, dull yellow in the lower half,
the lobes deep crimson, bordered with orange, and the
throat orange, with crimson spots and blotches. A very
•desirable garden hybrid.
G. Zehrina splendldissiiua. — A fine branching variety,
with handsome dark marbled leaves, and producing a
long panicle of bright orange scarlet flowers ; quite
distinct.
100 stove plants.
Gloriosa,
A beautiful family of stove climbers, some species of
■wbicli will indeed succeed in a greenbouse, and all in an
intermediate house, where such a structure exists. They
are exceedingly showy plants, and are easily managed.
The soil best adapted for them is a mixture of fibrous peat,
light loam, good leaf mould, well-decomposed manure, and
silver sand in equal parts. After potting they will not, if
the soil is in good order, require water until they show
their growth ; after this a good moist heat is necessary,
and care must be taken to keep red spider and thrip from
them. Weak liquid nianure applied occasionally will be
found to assist them very much, and they must be trained
up the rafters or upon a trellis as they grow, or the ten-
drils with which each leaf is furnished at the apex will
become so firmly fixed to other plants that it will be impos-
sible to remove them without injury. After flowering, and
when the bulbs are quite mature, which will be ascertained
by the foliage dying ofi" entirely, the pots should be stored
away in a cool dry place, and the tubers allowed to rest
until they are required the following season. The name
Metlionica is often used instead of Gloriosa.
G. grandijlora. — This is a strong-growing kind, with
large sessile leaves, fiirnished at the apex with a long
tendril into which the leaf is lengthened out, and which is
so characteristic of this genus. The flowers are six-petaled,
and measure upwards of eight inches in diameter ; the
petals somewhat narrow, and lanceolate in shape, and of a
pure sulphur yellow. It is a free bloomer, and very dis-
tinct from the other species, producing its flowers from
July to September. Native of Fernando Po.
G. superla. — In general habit this resembles the pre-
GLOXINIA. 107
ceding', and is equally free in its growtli and flower. The
petals are narrow, deeply undulate and crispate, and some-
what bent back, in colour deep rich orange and red. It is
widely distributed throughout the East Indies.
G. viresccns. — This has the same habit and appearance
as the others while grooving, but the petals are spathulate,
the margins not crispate, and but slightl}^ undulated, while
in colour they are of a deep orange and yellow. It is a
native of Mozambique and of Natal, and is frequently
found in gardens under the name of G. Plantii.
Glosia^ia.
The Gloxinia has now become a very numerous and
popular flower. We have now hybrid varieties with
pendulous flowers, with erect flowers, and with semi-
double flowers, and of almost every shade of colour. In ^
a treatise like the present, it is quite impossible to
enumerate the whole of the named varieties of this
family which, are known to jjossess merit, but we have
given some of those which in our opinion are the best.
Any one may, however, obtain handsome fresh varieties
by purchasing a packet of seed from some good strain,
and sowing it in some fine soil, and placing it in stove
heat. The culture of the Gloxinia is very simple, and
like the Acliimenes, it especially recommends itself to those
who have but limited space, as the roots can be stored
away on cool shelves in autumn, so as to make room for
the Avinter-flowering plants. The soil best suited for these
plants is a mixture of fibrous peat, leaf mould, and well-
decomposed sheep manure, with a very liberal addition of
silver sand. If a succession of bloom is required, some of
the tuberous roots should be potted in January, and sue-
108 STOVE PLANTS.
cessional batches in February and March, and these will
yield a good supply of flowers. They should be placed
in the stove, and watered liberally but carefully. Some
growers recommend syringing, but we prefer keeping a
very moist atmosphere for them in preference. When
the flowers are past, and the growth is nearly finished,
they may be stood in the open air to ripen well before
autumn, but must be protected from heavy rains ; and
when they are quite ripened they must be stored in their
pots, in some moderately cool dry place, until again wanted
for potting'.
Select erect-floivered varieties.
G. Belle de Meulan, — Pure white, with rich violet pm'ple
throat.
G. Brilliant. — Bright crimson, the lobes margined with
rose, and the throat rich violet ; very distinct and beau-
tifal.
G. Carlton. — Of good size and substance, bright blue,
shaded with purple, throat pure white.
G. Gomte d'Avila. — Tube white, throat striped and spotted
with bluish purple, limb white, spotted with dark blue.
G. Comtesse de Nadaillac. — Of fine form and good habit ;
flowers pure white.
G. Constance. — Crimson pui'ple, margined with mauve,
throat white ; a very distinct and efiective variety.
G. Cordon Ct'leste. — A vai'iety of great delicacy, being-
pure white, with a light blue band round the margin of
the limb.
G. Bionysius. — Pure white, with a band of rosy pink
round the mouth of the throat.
G. Bon Luis de Bortugal. — The flowers of this are very
attractive ; the tube is white, streaked and spotted with
GLOXINIA. 109
carmine, with a carmine violet zone near the mouth, out-
side of which is another zone of deep violet which gradually
passes into blue spots, upon the pure white limb.
G. Favourite. — Brig-ht rose, shaded Avith crimson, tube
white, the throat belted with ^-iolet.
G. Hero. — Crimson purple, edged with mauve, and
havmg a rich scarlet blotch on each lobe; a very fine
and distinct variety.
G. Juliette Vallcrand. — White throat, spotted violet, lips
spotted with rich violet.
G. Madame MorenoSenriquez. — A verj^ handsome flower -
the throat white, shaded with straw colour, the zone at the
mouth light carmine, and the limb beautifully dotted with
blue.
G. Marie Pie.— White tube, the throat spotted and
streaked with rose, margin white, with violet dots.
G. Mons. de Vasconcellos. — Throat white, streaked and
dotted with violet, limb azure blue, blotched with white
and spotted with violet.
G. Rachel. — Tube white, slightly dotted, limb ^aolet lilac,
with a zone in the centre, lobes edged with white.
G. Sarah. — Throat pure white, limb white, with rose
coloured margins, tube white.
G. semi-duplex marginata. — A beautiful free-flowering-
variety, which may open a new field to hybridisers.
Mowers large, throat white, with a blue circle shading to
rose, and pm*e white margin. In addition to these there
is an outer row of petals of the same colom\
G. Thomas Lohl. — A fine dark violet blue, shading into a
porcelain blue margin ; very fine.
G. Triomphe de la Jouchvre. — Throat white, rayed and
dotted with rosy lilac, limb white, spotted with rich car-
mine, the border pure white, and a white tube.
110 STOVE PLANTS.
Select droopiiiff-Jiowered varieties.
G. alba grandljlora. — Large and of good form, pure
white.
G. Angelina. — Rich rose coloured tube, lobes of a fine
rose, with flakes or bars of white.
G. Amieau Gobault. — 'Fine bold flower, white ground,
laced with blue.
.G Bergeronnette. — Beautiful rich rose, lower lip white.
G. Bird of Paradise. — ^Flowers rosy lilac, throat creamy
white, beautifully spotted with brown.
G. Celestial. — Lobes rich rose, throat encircled with
deep violet, base of the tube white.
G. Cerise Violet. — Large bold flower, tube and throat
shaded with blue and rich cerise violet.
G. Comtesse d'Oultremont. — Large, dark rose, with crim-
son throat, spotted at the base.
G. Cordon Celeste. — The base of the tube white, barred
and laced with light blue.
G. Dr. EeichenbacJi. — Tube white, shaded with violet,
throat white, shaded with sulphur, and pale blue margin.
G. DuJce of Wellington. — Large and very effective, rosy
crimson, with spotted throat.
G. Ernst Benary. — Large and of good form, dark la-
vender, marbled with white.
G. Grand Sultan. — A pretty lively coloured kind, bright
pink, vsdth white throat.
G. Imperialis. — White tube, throat violet pui^ple, spotted
at the base with a broad light margin.
G. Imperial Purple. — A rich dark pm'ple, very large,
and of exquisite form.
G. Indiennc. — Light blue, with white markings and
throat.
GLOXINIA. J 11
G. Lady Cecilia Mohjneux. — Fine crimson, with white
margin.
G. Lady Emily Villiers. — Rich salmon rose, with violet
purple belt and white stripes.
G. Lady Victoria Howard. — A fine well-proportioned
flower, colour shaded purple, with white bars.
G. L^Eteiidard.. — ^A large rosy crimson flower, with
purple throat, light margin.
G. Magnifica. — Beautiful carmine, upper lobes bright
crimson, with a finely spotted tube.
G. Mogol. — Of very fine form, and a profuse bloomer ;
flowers of a rich purple crimson, very clear at the margin.
G. Mons. Decaisne. — Very showy and of good form ; the
throat streaked and spotted -^^-ith lilac, zone white, dotted
with violet at the mouth, lip azure blue, spotted with
violet.
G. Moivs. BevincJc. — White, spotted with rosy violet,
throat spotted and streaked with violet, tube rose coloured.
G. 2Irs. Fenn. — An extra fine flower, colour rich crim-
son, light throat, margin white.
G. Myriostigma. — A distinct kind, deep violet in colour,
with white lips.
G. Ne Plus Ultra. — A variety of great beauty. Flowers
white, with crimson throat, shading to carmine, base of
the throat beautifully spotted and netted with carmine.
Very efiective and desirable.
G. Peeress. — The flowers of this variety are rich purple,
lobes margined with blue, base of the throat spotted white.
G. Princess Beatrice. — Light carmine and rose coloured
tube, lobes sufiused with creamy blush and white streaks,
throat flushed with crimson.
G. Punctulata. — Large and Avell-formed flower, blush
white, spotted all over with ros}^ purple.
112 STOVE PLANTS.
G. Base d' Amour. — Throat cream colour, lobes brilliant
rosy crimson ; a very desirable kind.
G. Vallerandii. — Tube white, the throat also white,
with lilac spots and stripes ; the limb white, with large
deep bluish purple spots.
G. Violette Neigeuse. — ^Yery large, rich violet, and marbled
with white, throat rich golden yellow.
GOMPHIA.
This genus contains a great many species, though few
have up to the jDresent time found their way into oui'
gardens. They are widely distributed, being found in
Ceylon, Sumatra, the West Indies, in South America,
and Madagascar. They are all handsome-growing shrubs,
some attaining to even the height of twenty feet, and all
have yellow flowers. Gompliias require to be potted in a
compost of two parts fibrous loam and one part peat, with
a little silver sand, and may receive the treatment of ordi-
nary hard- wooded stove plants.
G. decora. — A very handsome shrubby plant, which at-
tauis the height of ten or fifteen feet in Brazil, its native
countiy. It has bright shining- dark green, alternate,
broadly lanceolate leaves, about five inches long, finely
serrulate at the margins, and leathery in texture. The
flowers are produced on large terminal branching panicles,
very dense, and are of a rich bright yellow. As an ornament
to our stoves hi early spring, it is a most desirable plant,
and there is little doubt, if due care and attention were paid
it, but it would become a valuable exhibition plant in May.
It is found in some collections under the name of GompMa
oHvceformis.
G. Theophrasla. — A fine plant, eminently adapted for the
decoration of a plant stove. It is a native of South
GRIFFINIA. 113
America, where it probably becomes a small tree. The
leaves are oblong-lanceolate, from ten to twelve inches
long, three or four broad in the widest part, and of a
bright shining green. It produces much branched panicles
nearly a foot long-, on which "are borne the clusters of
golden yellow flowers, rendering it a most conspicuous
object. There can be little doubt it would become useful
as an exhibition plant, were it to receive the attention of
plant growers.
Grifpinia.
A genus of tropical bulbous plants, differing from Ama-
ryllis in little else than their evergreen leaves. Those here
given are the best known to us. G. liyacintliina is an old
inhabitant of our gardens, which has been cast on one side,
and is now beginning to be appreciated again. The bulbs
should be potted in a mixture of peat and loam, with a
little good leaf mould, and plenty of silver or river sand.
They should be kept in a high temperature, and in a
moist atmosphere when growing, but when at rest should
be cooler, and nearly dry.
G. Blumenavia. — The bulbs of this species are rather
small. The leaves have slender footstalks, and are oblong-
lanceolate, four or five inches in length. The flower scape
is erect, bearing in an umbel six or eight flowers, which
are white, streaked with pale rose. It is a charming little
plant, of easy culture. Native of St. Catherine's, Brazil.
G. hjaciiiihiua. — A beautiful species, and like all its
congeners, well deserving general cultivation. The leaves
are bi'oadly ovate, petiolate, and of a deep green colour.
It produces its lovely violet coloured flowers during the
summer months, and last? a ■ considerable time in great
beaut}-. It is a native of South America.
I
114 STOVE PLANTS.
G. hijacinthina maxima. — This is a very large form of tlie
preceding-, the flowers of which measure upwards of fom'
inches in diameter ; they are white, tipped with rich blue.
Native of Brazil.
Habranthus.
A genus belonging to AmarylUdacece, and a near relative
to PJiycella. They require the same treatment as Amaryllis.
H. fulgens. — This is a magnificent species from Chili, as
is supposed. The flowers are brilliant scarlet, with a rich
orange yellow tube, and from fom' to five inches in
diameter ; they are borne in clusters of five or six upon the
top of the scape. It is well deserving general cultivation.
Hexacentris.
This is one of the many usefal and decorative genera
belonging to the Acaidliacece, and one which cannot be too
highly praised. The soil best adapted for these plants,
which are evergreen stove climbers, nearly allied to Thun-
hergia, is a mixture of peat, leaf mould, and sand in equal
parts, with a little light loam added. After flowering the
shoots should be pruned, and another growth encouraged.
In winter the temperature may be reduced to 50° or 55°, the
plants being kept tolerably dry, but in the growing season
they will luxuriate in any amount of heat and moisture.
H. mysorensis. — This fine plant produces rich dark green,
opposite, oblong-acuminate leaves, slightly toothed. The
flowers are large, rich yellow, with the reflexed lobes of
the corolla margined with crimson. It should be grown
either trained up a rafter in the stove, or upon a wire
parasol-shaped trellis, so that the long pendulous bunches
of flowers may be disjilaycd to the best advantage. In
HOTA. 115
■ this latter way it makes an excellent exhibition plant. It
flowers through May, June, and July. Native of Mysore.
H. mysorensis Intea. — A variety of the preceding, and
resembling it in habit and general appearance ; but the
flowers are wholly a rich yellow, without the margin of
crimson which the other has. It is a very handsome plant,
and forms a pleasing variety. ISTative of Mysore.
HoTA.
A beautiful genus of Asdepiadacece, popularly known as
Honey Plants, and Wax Flowers. They are nearly all
scandent plants, and bear handsome waxy-looking flowers,
disposed in simple umbels. The footstalks should never
be cut ofi" after blooming, as they produce a second crop
of flowers. All of them like stove heat and foil exposure
to the sun. The soU best adapted for them is fibrous peat,
with a little loam and sand, adding pieces of charcoal to
keep the soil open.
H. hella. — This lovely species is a fine plant for a basket,
and has a beautifid appearance thus grown and suspended
from the roof of the stove. The leaves are small, opposite,
and dark green on the upper side. The flowers are borne
upon many-floAvered umbels, which proceed from the axils
• of the leaves, and are waxy white, with a rosy crimson
-centre. This plant is also a beautiful exhibition object.
It is of close compact habit, and should be in every
■collection. Native of the East Indies.
H. carnosa. — The leaves of this kind are oval-oblong,
jiointed, dark green above, and fleshy. The umbels are
many flowered, pendulous ; the flowers pinkish, white, and
very waxy. It will succeed well in a warm greenhouse.
Native of Canton.
I 2
lie STOVE PLANTS.
H. coriacea. — A very handsome species, liaving- the leaves
ovate-acuto, coriaceous, and dark green. The flowers
are produced in large umbels, and are of a brownish yel-
low colour; its flowering season is from June through
the greater part of the summer. These plants have a
very pretty eSect when several species are trained upon
one pillar or rafter in the stove, a plan which also econo-
mises the space very much. Native of Java.
H. Cuviingiana. — A very distinct species ; indeed, when
not in flower, it scarcely looks like a Hoya. The leaves
are closely set, quite thin, obtuse, and dark green. The
flowers are white, with a dark brown centime, and very
freely produced. It is a very pretty and desirable plant,
blooming in early spring. Native of the Philippine
Islands.
H. impcrialis. — A very strong-growing kind, and re-
markably handsome. The leaves are from six to nine
inches long, slightly tomentose, and of a light green colour.
The flowers are very large, waxy, as in the other species,
and of a reddish brown colour. Native of Borneo.
H. ovalifolia. — A very handsome species, the leaves
of which are fleshy, narrowly oval, and about six inches
long, rolled back at the edges, and of a dark green colour.
The flowers are produced in large umbels, and are bright
yellow, marked in the centre with red. It is a beautiful
kind for training up a pillar or rafter in the stove. It
blooms in June, and continues a long time in full beauty.
Native of the East Indies.
S. 'pallida. — This species has fleshy, ovate, dark green
leaves, and the flowers, produced from the axils of the leaves
in moderate-sized umbels, are very fragrant, and of a pale
yellow or straw colour, with a pink centre. It blooms in
June and July. Native of Burmah.
TMPATIENS. 117
H. Faxtoni.- — This beautifal plant somewhat resembles
S. bcUa in habit and appearance, but differs in having-
less fleshy leaves, which are more acuminate, and of a
lighter green colour ; the stems are also more slender.
The flowers are very fi'eely produced, pure white, with a
pink centre approachmg to red. A very pretty plant,
which may be used as recommended for if. bella.
H. imrpureo-fusca. — This pretty species is veiy rarely to
be met with. The leaves are ovate, slightly acuminate,
fleshy, and dark green. The flowers are produced in large
close umbels, purplish brown. It is a native of Java.
Impatiens.
To this g-enus belong many beautiful species, some of
which have been introduced to our gardens, but again lost,
such as I. Walkerce, with scarlet flowers, from Ceylon,
I. bicolor, the flowers of which are rich plum colour and
very large, from Western Africa, and several others, which
we hope to see introduced again. There are a very large
number of these lovely plants yet to be introduced, to add
new beauty to om' stoves and conservatories. They are of
easy culture, thriving well in a mixture composed of loam,
leaf mould, and well-decomposed manure, in about equal
parts, with a little silver sand added. They require the
young growths to ]}c frequently stopped, to promote lateral
breaks, and form a bushy plant, when they will soon reward
the cultivator with a profusion of theii- handsome flowers,
and no less curious seed-pods, Avhich latter have given rise
to the generic name, as well as the English one of Touch-
me-not, the valves of the seed-pod being elastic, so that if
touched when ripe, they suddenly collapse, and discharge
Ahe seeds with force.
118 STOVE PLANTS.
I. Jlacc'ida. — A low-gTowing- plant, forming-, if properlj
managed, a neat compact bnsli, and producing quantities of
its bright coloured flowers all througli the season. The
flowers are of a rich purple, flat, and nearly two inches in
diameter ; the leaves about four inches long, and of a dark
shining green. Native of Ceylon.
I. Jlaccida alba. — This is an exact counterpart of the pre-
ceding, saving the colom- of its flowers, which are jDure
white, thus forming an agreeable contrast. Moreover, in
winter, white flowers are particularly valuable. Native of
Ceylon.
I. Hoohcriana. — A fine robust-growing- species, and one
that can be had in great beauty through the whole winter.
We have always found young plants of this kind joroduce
blooms much more fi-eely than old ones. The leaves are
large, and, like the stems, of a pale green. The flowers
are large, broad petaled, white, streaked with crimson.
Native of Ceylon.
I. Jerdonice. — This is a lovely dwarf-growing species,
much too seldom seen in cultivation. It is of compact
habit, with dark reddish brown, somewhat gouty, stems,
and large flowers, produced in abundance from the axils of
the upper leaves, and forming quite a crown of bloom, the
colour being bright red, yellow, and green. It requh'es a
partial rest during winter. Native of the East Indies.
I. rcfcus. — This is a dwarf compact plant, very useful
for planting on rock-work in the stove, as in such a place it
grows freely, and forms a pleasing object; it is also well
suited for growing as a basket plant. The stems are thick
and fleshy, the leaves small, and of a very dark green,
colour, forming a fine contrast with its large bright yellow
flowers. It blooms during the whole of summer. Native -
of Ceylon.
IPOIMA. 119
Ipoilea.
This g-enus belongs to the large order Convolvulacece, and
consists mostl}' of climbing plants. Many of the species,
such as scammony, jalap, and other drugs, are used in
medicine, while the Sweet Potato of America and the South
of Europe is the root of a species of this family. Many of
the genera, including Ipomcva, produce beautiful ornamental
flowering plants, well deserving attention, their flowers
expanding when the sun shines upon them, and closing at
sunset. The soil best suited for these plants is a mixture
of light loam, peat, and leaf mould, in about equal propor-
tions. They are well adapted for training- up pillars or for
trellis-work in the stove.
J. alhivenia. — This very handsome species has somewhat
cordate leaves, the margins slightly undulated, and dark
green in colour, the veins woolly beneath. The flowers are
large, pure white, with the mside of the tube purple. It
produces its blooms in August and September. Native of
Algoa Bay.
I. Gerrardi — A fine scandent species, somewhat resem-
bling I. alhivenia. The leaves are somewhat ovate-cordate,
dark green above, paler beneath. It produces its flowers
very fi*eely; they are pare white, with a yellow throat, and
very fragrant. Native of Natal.
I. Horsfallice. — This beautiful plant is admirably adapted
for ti'aining up pillars in the stove. The leaves are
digitate and smooth, the leaflets lanceolate, entu'e, and
with the margins slightly undulated. The flowers are
large, and very freely produced in flattened panicles, and
are of a deep rich shining rose colour. A very showy and
highly ornamental plant. Native of East Indies.
J. Leari. — A very beautiful species from Ceylon, and
120 STOVE PLANTS.
wliicb, wlieu trained up a pillar in the stove, forms a
splendid object. It produces its intensely bright blue
flowers in great profusion through the whole summer.
Strict attention must be paid it, to keep insects from
infesting its leaves, and thus marring its beauty.
IXOKA.
The species of this genus of Biihiaceoi are, when well
grown and bloomed to perfection, among the finest and
most attractive objects of our stoves and flower shows.
They are considered by many growers to be difficult plants
to cultivate, but the following mode of treatment has been
found to ensure success. In the first place, the Ixoras are
plants which luxuriate in a high temperature, combined
with a moist atmosphere dm-ing the growing season, and
imtil the blooms are set, the temperature should not be
lower than 70^ by day or G5° by night. Like many other
stove plants, Ixoras are ver}^ liable to the attacks of thrip,
red spider, scale, mealy bug, &c., so that great care must be
taken to get them free from these pests before the trusses
of bloom appear, and to keep them so, because, after the
blooms are at all advanced, smoking causes them to fall off.
The soil most suitable for potting is good strong peat, to
which a little fibrous loam and about one-sixth of silver
sand is to be added. Those required for blooming in June
should be cut back in January, and started at once ; whilst
those which are intended for blooming at the end of July
or in August, may be left to rest until about the middle of
March. While making their growth, they require shade,
with a moist atmosphere, and an abundant supply of water
at the roots. When the growth is perfect, less shade will
be necessary, and the water should be partially withheld
IXORA. 121
from tlie roots until the flowers are set. If the plants are
not required for continual blooming-, they may be removed
when past their beauty to a house with a lower tempe-
rature and less moisture, and less water must also be given,
to the roots during- the wintering- or resting- season. The
whole of the introduced species and garden varieties are
well worthy of general cultivation, but those here enume-
rated are considered the most desii'able.
I. acuminafa. — This is a strong-growmg- species, with
lanceolate leaves upwards of six inches in length, tapering
to a point at each end, smooth, and dark green. The
trusses of flowers are large, and pure white. Native of
<the East Indies.
I. alba. — A close-growing kind, the leaves of which are
ovate-lanceolate, and deep green, producing large dense
corymbs of white flowers. Native of the East Indies.
J. amboynensis. — The leaves of this plant are large, some-
what ovate in shape, tapering to a point, smooth and wavy
in outline, and of a lig-ht g-reen colour. The trusses of
flower are dense, the flowers themselves of a dark orange
■colour, richly shaded. It is of good habit, and a most pro-
ftise bloomer. Native of Amboyna.
I. Bandhuca. — The leaves of this species are stem-clasp-
ing, oblong'-cordate, and dark green ; the flowers are a
'deep rich scarlet, and produced in abundance. It grows
fi."om two to five feet in height. Native of the East
Indies.
I. coccinea. — This tine old plant is a native of Java, and
ranks as one of the finest of the genus, producing immense
trusses of bright red blooms, which contrast beautifully
with the brilliant green of the leaves. It blooms also very
freely in a young state, and is very useful for table or
122 STOVE PLANTS.
stove decoration. It is, moreover, an indispensable plant
at horticultural exhibitions.
I. coccmea sujperha. — This is an improvement on I. coc-
cinea, being- more vigorous in growth, and having- broader
leaves, and larger trusses of flow6rs. When the two are
grown together, it appears quite distinct. Both are well
deserving a place in all good collections.
I. Colei. — This will probably make one of the best white
varieties for exhibition. The foliage is good, and of a dark
green colour ; and the flowers are produced in great abun-
dance in large round corymbs, and are of a pure white. A
garden hybrid.
I. crocata. — A handsome plant, the leaves of which are
somewhat leathery in texture, ovate-lanceolate, and taper-
ing to a point. The corymbs are many-flowered, and
are freely produced, of a light orange colour. Native of
China.
J. crocata rutllans. — A much-improved form of the pre-
ceding, of robust habit, producing large compact trusses
of deep reddish salmon coloured flowers. Garden variety.
I. Dixkma. — A free-blooming variety, and of a good
hardy constitution. The flowers are produced in large
corymbs, and are of a deep orange colour. It will make a
fine exhibition plant. A garden hybrid.
I. Griffithii. — This is sometimes known under the name
of I. hydrangceformis. It is a large-growing plant, with
broad oblong leaves, and bright orange flowers, and is one
of the best of the large-growing species.
I. javanica. — This is a plant of good habit. Its leaves
are ovate-oblong, tapering to a jDoint, smooth, and of a
light green colour ; and the flowers are produced in dense
corymbs, and are of a delicate orange colour. It is very
IXORA. 123
desirable on account of its distinctness. Native of the
mountain woods in Java.
I. javanica florihuiida. — This kind is a good robust
grower, and as its name implies, a free bloomer. The
trusses of flower are large, dense, and of a bright reddish
scarlet colour. It is a most desirable variety for exhibition
purposes. A garden hybrid.
I. Lobhii. — A very robust-growing species, the leaves of
which are large, and the flowers are borne in dense trusses,
and are of a I'ich orange scarlet colour. It is a native of
the Seribu Mountains, Java.
I. odorata. — This is a fine strong-growing plant, ha^-ing-
the leaves obtuse-lanceolate, smooth, dark green on the
upper side, reddish beneath. The flowers are very fra-
grant, and creamy rose in colour. Native of Madagascar.
I. princeps. — A very handsome species, which will pro-
pably become of great value as an exhibition plant. The
leaves are oblong-acuminate, deep green, with wavy mar-
gins. The flowers are produced in dense corymbs, and are
of a deep reddish orange colour. It is of good habit, and
an abundant bloomer. Native of Java.
I. salicifolia. — This species is one of the very finest of
this grand genus. The leaves are on short footstalks,
linear-lanceolate, acute at the base, and tapering to a point,
from eight to ten inches in length, and about two to three
in breadth, smooth, and of a light green colour. The
flowers are borne in dense terminal trusses, and are of a
clear orange scarlet. It is a most distinct and desirable
plant. Native of Java.
I. undulata. — In this species the leaves are large, lan-
ceolate, tapering to a point, smooth, undulated ; and the
flowers are white, produced in large trusses. Native of
Bengal.
•12-A STOVE PLANTS.
JONESU.
J. Asoca. — This splendid genus of Leguminosce is nearly
allied to Amhersfia, and will succeed under the treatment
recommended for that jjlant. There appears to be some
discrepancy amongst botanists as to what is J. Asoca ;
here we accept the beautiful plant which flowered under
that name at Chatsworth in 1851. It becomes a small
tree in the gai'dens in India ; the leaves are opposite, in
three to five pairs, lanceolate-acuminate, smooth, and dark
green. The flowers are borne in terminal corymbs, and
are of a very rich orange, with long exserted crimson
stamens. It blooms during the summer months. Native
of the East Indies.
Lagerstrcemia.
A beautiful ornamental genus of plants of the Lythrum
family, so beautiful and so easy of culture that they should
be in every collection. They are all stove shrubs which
require a rest during winter, with only just sufiicient water
to keep the shoots from shrivelling. In spring water must
be given more liberally, and with it more heat, which
should be increased as the season advances. When the
first growth is made, more air should be given, and the
plants should be fully exposed to its influence to ripen the
wood. This being effected, should a larger pot be required,
the plants should be shifted, using a mixture of peat and
loam, in equal parts, with plenty of silver sand, and then
started into growth again by giving them a close moist
atmosphere ; this will soon cause them to push out fresh
shoots, and upon these the flowers will appear. 'No collec-
tion of plants should lack these grand though illused old
plants.
LASIANDEA.
125
L. indica.—Tliis beautiful species will succeed in a green-
house, or even in the open border in tbe soutbern counties,
if slightly protected in winter, but requires a stove to show
its great beauty. The leaves are somewhat ovate, acute,
and quite smooth. The panicles are terminal, the flowers
very numerous, and the petals curiously curled, and of a
lively flesh colour. Native of China and Japan.
L. indica alha.—A variety of the preceding, difi'ering
only in having the flowers pure white in place of flesh
coloured. It is a beautiful variety. Native of China.
L. Eegince.— This lovely species attains the height of
fifteen feet and upwards in its native woods. The leaves
are oblong, dark green ; the panicles are terminal, bearing
very numerous flowers, which are large, nearly three inches
in diameter, and of a bright rose colour, which gradually
changes to a lovely purple towards evening. This, as weU
as the other kinds above mentioned, should be generally
cultivated. Native of the East Indies.
Lasiandra.
The plants belonging to this genus are aU elegant stove
shrubs, of the order Melastomacea', and they all bear large
purple flowers, though the young shoots require frequent
pinching to cause them to form handsome and bushy
specimens. These fine Melastomaceous plants ought to be
more extensively grown, for they comprise many splendid
species which are cast on one side merely because they are
not exhibition plants ; but though many of them are not
suited for that purpose, they are highly decorative when
blooming in the stove and conservatory. The soil best
suited for them is a mixture of loam, peat, and sand.
L. Fontanesiana.— This hi its native country is a shrub
126 STOVE PLAXTS.
some six or eight feet liigli, but under cultivation it can
conveniently be kept to any size required. The leaves are
oblong, acute, five-nerved, and pubescent on the margins
and under side ; and the flowers are large, of a rosy purple
colour. Native of Rio Janeiro.
L. macrantha. — A magnificent new species, and one which
bids fair to surpass all the other known members of the
genus. It is very free flowering, producing its immense
blossoms upon plants of only a few inches high. The leaves
are of a bright rich green, and of moderate size, while the
flowers are between five and six inches in diameter, and of
a beautiful deep rich purple. It is easy of cultivation, and
will no doubt become a first-class exhibition plant, being a
very free bloomer. Native of Brazil.
LiNUJI.
L. tric/ynum. — This beautiful and showy old plant is well
deserving a place in every collection. It is often called,
and as often treated as, a greenhouse plant, but under such
conditions its beauties are never develoj)ed ; and although
during the summer season it may even be grown out of
doors, yet more careful culture must be given if the object
is to secure a grand winter's display. To obtain this, the
plants should, early in spring — that is, about the end of
March or beginning of April — be placed in a warm moist
atmosphere, and if they require cutting back it should then
be done. As soon as the buds begin to swell, they should
be taken out of their pots, so as to remove some of the old
soil, and they should be repotted in a compost of good peat
and turfy loam, used in about equal proportions, a good
portion of silver sand being added. After potting-, care
must be taken that the plants are not over-watered, for if
LIITONIA. 127
tliis should be done they will uot make a vigorous start ;
indeed, upon attention to this point their well-doing- will
mainly depend. After May, if the plants are well rooted
in the pots in which they are to bloom, remove them to a
cool house, where a moist atmosphere can be maintained,
and where the syringe will be used morning- and afternoon,
to keep away the red spider, to which this plant is very
subject. Before the cold days of autumn come on, remove
them to a warmer temperature, and give air upon all
favourable occasions. At this season the plants should be
carefully examined, to be sure that no red spider is lurking
about them, for it is almost an impossibility to clean them
when in bloom. L. trigynwn is a dwarf shrub of free
growth, with smooth, entire, somewhat obovate, alternate
leaves ; and the flowers are large, bright yellow, and dis-
posed in large racemes. When well grown, such plants,
treated as above directed, will yield a continuance of their
gay blossoms throughout the winter. Native of the East
Indies.
LiTTOXIA.
L. modesfa. — This plant resembles the Gloriosas in habit
and general appearance. It is a lovely plant for a pillar
or rafter. The leaves, as in Gloriosa, are terminated by a
tendril, by which the plant clings to surrounding objects ;
and they are of a bright shining green colour. .The
flowers spring from the axils of the leaves, and are bell-
shaped, of a rich orange colour. When about to flower
it will thrive in an ordinary greenhouse. It is a plant
which should be in every collection ; for the particulars
of its culture, see Gloriosa, to which it is nearly allied.
Native of South Africa,
128 STOVE PLANTS.
Manettia.
A pretty genus of Rubiaceous plants, consisting- mostly
of climbers, and all of very easy culture. They should be
potted in a mixture of peat, loam, and sand, in equal parts,
trained upon a wire trellis, or on a pillar or rafter. They
are neat-growing and really handsome plants.
M. cordifolia. — This pretty climbing plant has ovate
leaves, cordate at the base, and slightly pubescent on both
sides. The flowers are tubular, about an inch long, bright
scarlet, and produced in great profusion. Native of Brazil.
M. micans. — A very fine and distinct species, forming
a strong climber, the leaves, when fully developed, being
as much as three inches long, smooth, somewhat ovate-
lanceolate in shape, and of a bright green colour. The
flowers are very freely produced, and of a bright orange
scarlet. Native of Mayna, in Peru.
Metenia.
When speaking of Ancylogyne, we remarked that the
order Acanthacece contained many beautiful and highly
decorative plants, well worthy the cultivator's attention,,
and none of them is more so than the representation of th&
present genus named below, a lovely free-flowering stove
plant, which in its native country grows from six to eight
feet high, though we find it quite possible to have it in
flower when only a foot high, it being so easily managed,
and so readily submitting to the pruning knife. The-
soil which we find best suited for its culture is good
decayed leaf mould and peat, with a small portion of
fibrous loam, and some silver sand added. It should have
MEDIXILLA. 129
a slight rest after fiaisliiug its g-rowth, but must be only
partially dried off ; care must also be taken to cut out all
coarse gross shoots in a young state.
if. erecta. — An extremely beautiful plant, producing
lovely dark blue ti-umpet-shaped flowers, with a rich
oraQfe throat, throughout the entire 3-ear. The leaves are
opposite, ovate, smooth, dark green. It is a charming
plant for home decoration, but on account of the flowers
falling so readily if shaken, it will probably never appear
in a creditable state at our large exhibitions. N'ative of
West Africa.
M. erecta alba. — This is an exact counterpart of the
preceding, but differing in colour, for the flowers are pure
white, with an orange throat. It forms a nice companion
plant for If. erecta, the blue and white flowers yielding a
pleasing contrast.
M. Vogeliana. — A fine erect-growing- shrubby species,
with large ovate-lanceolate dark green leaves. The
flowers are deep bluish violet, with a yellow throat, about
the same size as in M. erecta, but of greater substance.
There is a deep red flowered variety of this species, which
wonld be a fine addition to our stoves if introduced. Native
of West Africa.
Medixilla.
A beautiful genus of Melastomacece, requiring treatment
similar to that recommended for Lasiaadra. The species
all appear to be natives of the Indian Islands, and luxuriate
in a moist atmosphere and high temperature. There are
man}^ fine kinds yet to be introduced to our gardens.
They should be potted in a compost of two parts fibrous
peat to one of loam, with a liberal quantity of sand, and
a little well-decomposed manure added.
K
130 STOVE PLANTS.
M. magnifica. — This truly mag-nificent plant is very
ornamental, even wlien not in flower. The leaves are
opposite, broadly ovate, about eight or ten inches long-,
smooth, and rich shining" dark green in colour. The
flowers are borne in very large terminal pendulous
racemes, and are of a rosy pink colour, and continuing
a long time in perfection. It usually blooms about May,
but as the spikes are produced from the ripened wood of
the previous year, it can be retarded by keeping it cool
till late in spring-. A fine plant for exhibition.
M. Sieboldiana. — -A fine winter-flowering kind. The
leaves are oblong, tapering to each end, fleshy, and three-
nerved. The panicles are erect, bearing white flowers,
with parple stamens, which give it a very handsome
appearance. It can be had in bloom at various times in
the year. Native of Java.
MONOCHJITUM.
This genus belongs to the large order Melastomacece, and
requires an intermediate house. The species are easily
grown, and make handsome little bushes. The soil best
adapted for them is two parts good fibrous peat, one part
light loam, and one part leaf mould. Some of the species
or varieties are winter and early spring flowerers, and for
that reason are especially valuable.
M. dicranantJicrum. — This is a very desirable species.
The leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, and of a dark
green colour. The flowers are numerous, and of a bright
rose colour. Native of Quito.
M. ensiferum. — This is one of the most usefiil for decora-
tion and cutting for bouquets, and is very free. It con-
tinues blooming for a long time in autumn. From Oaxaca.
MU5A. 131
21. Huidholdliaimm. — A very compact-oTO\ying; kind,
producing* its rich reddish purple flowers in great abun-
dance from October to December. Native of Caraccas.
21. Lemoniarmm. — This variety is one of the best for
winter and early spring flowering, when its appearance is
quite charming, covered with deep rich violet rose coloured
flowers.
21. sericeum multiflorujH. — A garden variety, of dwarf
compact habit ; its flowers, which are rich mauve, being-
produced in great profusion during the early sjDriug months.
21. fenclluiii. — A lovely little plant, resembling- a small
Myrtle in general appearance. It is easily grown into a
handsome specimen, and is very ornamental when covered
with its dark purple flowers. Native of Guatemala.
MUSA.
A genus of noble plants, typical of the Ilusacece, and
■whose fruits form the bananas of the tropics. These fruits
are most delicious eating-, as well as most nutritious. The
plants are, for the most j^jart, of gigantic gi-owth, with an
inconspicuous inflorescence, and are such as can only be
accommodated in the largest plant stoves. That which
we mention below is, however, in every respect deserving
a place in every collection, being- of moderate stature, and
really ornamental. It should be grown in a mixture of
loam and well-decomposed manure, in about equal parts,
adding a little peat and sand. The main stem dies after
blooming, but suckers are produced, which continue the
species, and must be taken off the old stem and potted in
the before-named compost.
21. coccinca. — This fine species grows about four feet
high, with a stem about eight inches in circumference.
The leaves arc entire, oblong, about three feet long and
K 2
132 STOVE PLANTS.
six inches broad, and of a bright dark green. The in-
florescence is terminal, about a foot long-, famished with
spathes of a brilliant scarlet, tipped with j-ellow, the
flowers which they enclose being- yellow. It flowers during
the summer months, and is highly ornamental, lasting for
a long time in blossom. Native of Cochin China.
MUSS^NDA.
A very pretty genus of Ititliacccc, the species of which
like Bougainvilleas, are indebted for their chief attractions
to the large floral leaves or bracts, which are formed by
the enlargement of one of the segments of the calyx.
Several species are in cultivation, but other very beautiful
ones yet remain to be introduced ; for instance, one "West
African species has deep crimson calyx leaves, as large and
as rich in colour as the floral leaves of Poinsetticc pulcherrinia,
and which would be a splendid addition to our stoves. The
Musscsndas are easily grown into handsome bushes, and
should be potted in a mixture of peat, loam, and leaf mould,
in about equal proportions, with the addition of some silver
sand.
M. frondosa. — A handsome plant, with dark green, some-
Avhat ovate, slightly hairy leaves. The flowers are produced
in terminal racemes, and are bright yellow, one segment of
the calyx being expanded into a large elongate ovate-acute
bract, which is pm'e white. These bi'acts are said to be
eaten by the Cingalese as a salad. It blooms during- the
autumn months. Native of Ceylon.
M. luteola. — This very pretty species, which is of dwarf
compact habit, Avas obtained from seeds bi-ought home by
Captain Grant, on his return from his expedition to the
White Nile. The leaves are about two inches long, oblong-
TASSIFLOEA. 133
lanceolate, and pointed, thin in texture, tlark green above,
paler and pubescent below. The flowers, which are pro-
duced in terminal corj-mbs, have a tube an inch long-, and
fine-lobed limb, which is brig-ht yellow, with an orange
centre ; and the enlarged calyx leaf is about three-quarters
of an inch long, and pm-e white. It blooms during autumn
and winter, and lasts a long- time in flower. Native of
Africa, about the White Nile country.
Passifi.ora.
The Passion Flowers are magnificent stove climbers,
mostly natives of South America and the West Indies,
where they climb from tr§e to tree, forming- festoons of the
richest beauty. Many of them, moreover, produce fruits of
great size, which are considered delicious adjuncts to the
■dessert table. They are plants of quick growth, and very
fi-ee flowering. The soil best suited for them is a mixture
of light loam and fibrous peat, with a good addition of
silver sand. They all require plenty of room, both for
roots and also for their branches, and they make beautiful
objects in our stoves and conservatories ; many of them,
indeed, succeed well in the cool house. We here give a
few of the best stove kinds.
P. alata. — This fine climber has four-angled and wing-ed
branches, and produces large, somewhat cordate, entire,
glabrous leaves. The flowers are deliciously sweet, of a
deep crimson colour, having the rays prettily variegated
with crimson, purple, and green. It continues blooming*
from May to September. A very handsome sjiecies from
Peru.
P. amahilis. — A fine slender-growing plant, of free
growth, having ovate-acute entire deep green leaves, of
134 STOVE TLAXTf^.
thinnisli texture, and very abiuidant flowers, of wliicli the-
petals are of a rich scarlet, with a white coronal ray. It
commences to bloom early in the summer, and continues
through the whole saason. Very little seems to be known
of its histor}'.
P. Bdottil. — The leaves of this plant are obtusely three-
lobed and dark green ; the flowers are distinct, and of a
delicate pink and white. It blooms during the months of
June, July, and August, and is a hybrid of garden origin,
P. Buonapartea. — This is veiy similar in general appear-
ance to P. alata; the flowers, however, are somewhat different
in colour, being of a beautiful red, white, and blue, without
the green which occurs m that species. It is a very-
desirable stove climber, flowerino- in June.
P. cinciimata. — A very distinct species, which will pro-
bably succeed in a cool house, but as it is of recent intro-
duction we cannot speak confidently. It is a slender-
climbing plant, with leaves about three inches broad,,
smooth, and light green, divided into five lobes with
serrated margins. The flowers are large, and a beautiful,
violet and white. A handsome and desirable plant, from.
Pernambuco.
P. fulgens. — A free-growing- distiact jilant, with deeply
sinuated leaves. The flowers arc medium size, and of a
bright scarlet colour. It continues a very long time in,
flower, and is very handsome. Native of the Amazon.
P. gJauca. — This is one of the few species of this genus-
which is not of climbing- habit, but forms a tree in its.
native place. The leaves are somewhat obovate in shape,
large, deep green above, glaucous beneath. The flowers
are yellow, or orange, in the centre, with the ray filaments
white. It produces fruits of an oval shape, light yellow in
colour, covered with a glaucous bloom, wbich adds mate-
PASSIFLORA. 135
rially to their ornamental appearance. Native of Guaya-
quil, &c.
P. herniesimi. — A lovely free-growing- slender kind, -with
medium-sized, ti*i-lobed, dark green leaves. The flowerp
are rich crimson, and most abundantly produced.
P. macrocarpa. — -As the name implies, the fruit of this
species is very larg-e, averaging- between seven and eight
pounds weight each. The leaves arc oblong-.ovate, much
like those of P. quadrangularis, and the flowers, which also
closely resemble those of that sjiecies, are of great size,
being of a rich reddish purple colour. An excellent stove
climber. Native of Rio Negro.
P. princeps. — This beautiful species has the leaves simple,
glabrous, cordate-lanceolate in shape, and bright green in
colour. It continues flowering throughout the summer, the
flowers being of medium size, and of a bright scarlet colour.
Native of Brazil.
P. qiiadranf/uJaris. — This is the species commonly called
the Granadilla, and is a very fine free-flowering stove
climber. The leaves are somewhat cordate at the base,
ovate and acuminated. The flowers are very sweet, white
outside, red within, the rays being variegated with white
and violet. The fruits, when ripe, are six or eight inches
in diameter, soft, and quite smooth externally, enclosing
within a deep purple pulp, the flavour of which is slig-htly
acid, yet sweet. It is usually eaten with the addition of
wine and sugar. To ensiu-e the swelling of the fruits it is
necessary to artificially fertilise the flowers, either with
their own pollen, or with that of some other kind. Native
of Jamaica.
P. sancjidnolenta. — This recent introduction will be a
desirable acquisition to our gardens. The leaves are
slightly woolly, and divided into two lobes only. The
136 STOVE PLANTS.
flowers are reddish violet in colour, and as it is a native of
Columbia, it will no doubt succeed in a cool bouse.
Pentas.
A small genus of very useful free-flowering Rubiaceous
plants, not difficult to manage, and easily grown into good
specimens. The soil sliould be a mixture of fibrous peat
and leaf mould in equal j^arts, witb a little light loam and
sand added. The flowers are very useful for cutting.
P. earned. — A compact-growing soft-wooded shrub, with
soft, opposite, bright green leaves, and producing a pro-
fusion of large cymose heads of tubular flesh coloured
flowers. It is a fine winter-flowering plant ; indeed, it is
scarcely ever out of bloom. The flower heads are admir-
ably adajsted for bouquet making. Native of Africa.
P. rosea. — This plant resembles the j^receding in all
respects, saving the colour of its flowers, which are deep
rose. It is also valuable for bouquets.
PETEa:A.
A genus of Verhenacece, consisting of plants which are
beautiful ornaments to the stove, though but seldom met
with — a fact which is much to be regretted, as the flowers
are of a colour which is not too plentiful. They are easily
managed, and should be grown in equal parts of loam
and peat, with a little sand added.
P. erccta. — A handsome shrub, with obovate, somewhat
cordate leaves, which are very rough. The flowers grow
in pendulous racemes, and are of a bright blue colour,
freel}'- produced in the summer months, and continuing
a long time in beauty. Native of South America.
rLUJIBAGO POIXSEITIA. 137
P. folulilc. — This species is a fine plant for a pillar oi-
craftei" in the stove. The leaves are ovate-oblong, stout,
and very rough, producing a harsh grating sound when
touched. The racemes are pendulous ; the flowers laven-
der coloured on the calyx, with a deejj violet pui'ple corolla.
It blooms duriiio- the whole summer. Xative of Mexico.
Plumbago.
P. rosea coccinea. — This is a lovely variety of an old and
well-known plant, which is good for winter decoration,
-and is of free branching habit, producing panicles upwards
of two feet long of large red blooms during the whole
winter. Pot in a mixture of fibrous peat and leaf mould,
•with the addition of some silver sand, and a small portion
of loam. It is a native of the East Indies.
PomsETTU.
An old plant in our gardens now, but one which is
admired whenever it is seen in a well- cultivated state.
The end of May or beginning of June is a good time to
get the old plants started, and if a batch of young plants
are to be grown, they should by this time be ready for
pushing on. The soil should be fibrous loam, peat, and
leaf mould, with a good share of silver sand. They should
be grown in a cool house up to the beginning or middle of
September, when they should be moved into stove heat,
which will cause them to develope their bright scarlet
bracts in the course of a few weeks. Other plants should
be brought in weekly, so that a succession may be kept
up. Care must be taken not to sprinkle the bracts with
water, but the plants, when growing, will take a very
138 STOVE PL AXIS.
liberal supply at tlio root. This is a most useful plant,
and is used by the hundred for dinner parties and balls,
the colour being- so remarkably attractive amongst other
plants.
P. pulcherrima. — This plant is a native of Mexico, and is
one of the g-ayest of all our winter decorators. It may
be grown from eight or nine inches to several feet in
height, and forms an extremely ornamental object, the
large bright scarlet bracts resembling the green leaves in
form and size, contrasting strongly with the features of
every other plant with which it can be associated.
P. pibJcherrima alba. — This variety resembles the species
in every respect, saving that the colour of the bracts is
white, instead of scarlet. Though not so showy as the
more highly coloured form, it is yet well deserving a place
for the pleasant contrast it affords.
PORTLANDIA.
A noble genus of Btibiacecc, Avhich contains several
splendid decorative plants. The species, though seldom
seen, certainly deserve a place in every stove, on account
of their distinct appearance and their large showy flowers.
They should be potted in a mixture of fibrous peat and
loam, in equal parts, with a good quantity of sand added ;
and they require plenty of heat and moisture to grow and
to bloom them freely. They attain the height of small
trees in their native habitats, and would seeni to produce
a few varieties in a wild state.
P. coccinea. — This fine plant is a native of Jamaica, but
is rare even there. It is a shrub growing from two ta
three feet in height. The leaves arc opposite, ovate,
smooth, somewhat leathery in texture, and dark green in
PUYA. 139
colour. The flowers are produced from the axils of the
leaves, trumpet-shaped, about three inches in length, and
of a bright scarlet colour. It should be in every collec-
tion.
P. (jrandijiora. — The leaves of this species are large^
ovate-lanceolate, and of a dark shining green . The flowers
are upwards of five inches long, and nearly two inches in
diameter, and of a pure white, inclined to red in the throat ;
they are very sweet in the evening. Native of Jamaica,
where it attains the height of twelve feet.
P. plataiitha. — This is a very free-l^looming species, pro-
ducing a succession of flowers during the whole summer..
The habit is the same as that of the preceding, but the
plant is dwarfer. The leaves are somewhat ovate or
obovate, acute, leatherj^, and of a deep shining green.
The tube is not so long as in P. (jrandijiora, but broader,
and the flowers are large, pure white, and very showy.
IS^ativo countiy unknown.
PuYA.
p. Warscewlcdi. — A very beautiful plant, attaining the
height of two or three feet. The leaves are radical, with
the margins rolled in, and foi-nished with black spines, and
the blade of the leaf expanding, so as to become lanceolate
in shape, tapering to a point ; it is altogether two feet or
more in length, and of a rich dark green. The flower
spike is large, dense, oblong, famished with large, deep,,
blood red bracts, from between which the pale yellow
flowers protrude, aflbrding a beautiful contrast of colours.
It blooms during the early autumn months. Native of
Guatemala,
140 stove plants.
Rhtnchospermusi.
i?. jasminoides. — This is a very old but a very elegant
plant, useful alike for bouquet making", for home decora-
tion, and last, not least, as an exhibition plant. AVhen
used for the latter purpose, it should be trained upon a
wire balloon trellis, as it shows itself to more advantage
on a trellis of this kind than on any other. When trained
upon small trellises, it is an invaluable plant for early
forcing, and a succession of its pm-e white flowers can be
kept up from January to June. It also makes an elegant
rafter plant. The soil best adapted for its culture is a
mixture of peat and loam in equal parts, with a liberal
addition of silver sand. Wujncliospermuni is of free-
growing scandent habit, belonging to the same order as
Allamanda (Apocynacecey It has small, shining, stoutish,
dark green, opposite leaves ; and the flowers, which are
pure white and deiiciously fragrant, are produced in clus-
ters. With us it succeeds equally well in either a stove or
a greenhouse temperatm"e. N^ative of Japan.
ROXDELETIA.
This genus belongs to the order Fuhiacm'., which con-
tains so many highly decorative flowering, as well as
fine-foliage plants. Amongst the former we may par-
ticularly mention Luculia, Mancttla, BarchelUa, Gardenia,
Portlandia, and Ixora. The same order also supplies us
with various medicines, the most important of which are
quinine and ipecacuanha, whilst others yield valuable dyes,
and to one, viz., Cuffea arahica, we are indebted for oui"
morning beverage. The Bondeletias are many of them
SAXCHEZIA, 141
small-flowered, and of little interest in a horticultui-al
point of view, but those we have here noted are invaluable..
They are not easily grown into good specimens, yet they
will amply repay any amount of trouble bestowed upon
them. We grow them in a mixture of roug'h fibrous peat
and light loam, in about equal parts, with plenty of silver
sand, using also some luin^is of charcoal intermixed with
the soil.
iv. speciosa. — A very handsome plant, with somewhat
coriaceous, buUate, ovate-cordate, opposite leaves. The
flowers are produced in terminal compact trusses, and are
deep reddish scarlet, with an orange centre. It blooms
during summer and autumn, and continues long in per-
fection. Native of the Havana.
M. speciosa major. — This variety resembles the precediag-
in general habit, but the leaves are more oval and larger,
and the trusses of bloom are also larger, and of a bright
scarlet, with orange coloured centre. It blooms at the
same time as the species, and, like it, is ver}- serviceable
for cutting for bouquets, &c. Xative of the Havana.
Sakchezia.
Amongst the many fine plants we have in cultivation
belonging to the order Acanthacccc, there are none gayer
or more atti-active than >S'. nobilis, and its striped-leaved
variety. It is a plant of very easy culture, but care must
be taken to keep it free from aj^his and other insects,
which seem to have a great partiality for the young-
leaves as they are unfolding. The soil should consist of
fibrous peat and light loam, in equal parts, with some
silver sand added. Otherwise it should be treated as
recommended lor other stove Aeanthads, as JusHcias,
Aphclaiidras, &c.
142 STOYK I'LAXTS.
S. nohilis. — A free-gx'owiug handsome plant, somewhat
at first sight I'esembling an Aphelandm. The leaves are
■opposite, about a foot long-, obovate-oblong, tapering to a
point, and of a bright dark green colour. It is a most
abundant bloomer, producing large dense terminal panicles
of bright yellow tubular flowers, which are set in broad
crimson bracts, rendering- it a magnificent object when in
bloom. It is a native of Ecuador.
8. nobilis variegata. — This is exactly similar to the pre-
ceding, producing the same gorgeous panicles of flowers,
but excelling it in having most beautifully variegated
foliage. The mid-rib, and all the primary veins and
margins of the leaf, are of a bright yellow, the ground
colour being a bright green. It is of vigorous habit,
producing leaves from twelve to eighteen inches in length,
and is altogether one of the finest plants for exhibition
or decorative purposes ever introduced to our gardens.
Native of Ecuador.
Saxdersoxia.
S. auraniiaca. — This elegant plant is said by some to
succeed well in the open au-, but this we have never tried.
We have had it bloom admirably for several years in
succession, and have always treated it in the same man-
ner as Gloriosa and Littonla, to which it is nearly allied,
although the leaves are not furnished with tendrils. The
flowers are very freely produced from the axils of the
leaves ; they are pendant, somewhat bcU-shaped, and of a
deep rich orange colour. It is certainly one of the most
handsome plants in cultivation. ISTative of Natal. For cul-
ture see Gloriosa.
sakmiexta — scutellakia. 143
Sarmiexta.
8. repens. — A genus of Gesnerareo% of easy culture, and
of climbing or creeping habit, and tlierefore admirably
adapted for growing in baskets, for the decoration of the
warm conservatory, or for planting- on rock-work, over
which it will creep, and thus form a very pretty object.
It is of a branching scandent habit, and produces strong-
wiry roots from the under side of the branches as they grow,
thus adapting it for the purposes we have recommended.
The flowers, which are freely produced, are somewhat like
Mitraria coccinea in shape, and of a dark scarlet colour.
The leaves arc opposite, somewhat fleshy and haii-y. It is
a native of the cool regions of Chili and Peru, and conse-
quently will succeed in a warm greenhouse.
Scutellaria.
A genvis of Laliates, containing many very pretty species,
which are extremely useful and showy, but beuig- soft-
wooded, rapid growers, and rather apt to lose then* lower
leaves, they require some little attention in order to grow
them into good specimens. Tlieymust be potted in a com-
post consisting of loam, peat, and leaf mould in about equal
parts, adding a little sand. The intermediate house will
be the most suitable place for them ; and by a little pinch-
ing at various times they may be had in bloom nearly
the whole year.
8. aurata. — This plant grows from one to two feet high,
and is covered in every part with fine hairs. The leaves
are oblong, cordate at the base, and of a bright shining
green. The flowers are produced on long terminal racemes,
and are about an inch and a half in length, the tube light
144 STOVE PLANTS.
yellow, the limb orange. A free-flowering- kind. Native
of Mexico.
8. aurata sulphurea. — A variety of the preceding", with
ovate leaves, and long- terminal racemes of very pale yellow
flowers. Native of Mexico.
S. costaricana. — A superb species, with fine ovate-lanceo-
late smooth dark green leaves, serrate at the edges, and long
dense terminal racemes of flowers about two inches and a half
long, the tabe deep crimson, and the limb orange yellow.
It blooms nearly the Avhole year. Native of Costa Rica.
S. incarnata. — A pretty little plant, growing between
one and two feet high. The leaves are cordate, slightly
toothed, hairy below, dark green above ; and the terminal
racemes are closely set with rose coloured flowers, about
an inch and a half long-. It blooms very freely. Native of
Brazil.
8. Mociniana. — The leaves of this plant are ovate-acumi-
nate, green on both sides, and slightly hairy above ; the
racemes are large and dense, bearing flowers about two
and a half inches long, the tube of which is of a bright
orange scarlet, and the limb deep yellow. A very abundant
bloomer. Native of Mexico.
*S'. Ventenatii. — This species grows about eig'hteen inches
high. The leaves are ovate-acuminate, 'and dark green ;
and the flowers are about an inch and a half long, of a
brilliant scarlet. It is nearly always in bloom. Native of
Brazil.
'k
SiPPHOCAJIPYLUS.
A genus of Lohi'liacecp containing many ornamental
species, and usually bearing red or scarlet flowers. Some
of them, however, have not proved useful in cultivation,
SPIGELIA. 145
probably tlirougli being kept too warm, as an intermediate
house suits tliem best. They are of easy culture, and
should be potted in a mixture composed of equal parts
good peat and loam, with a liberal addition of silver sand.
The few species we have noted are some of the most de-
sirable, but there are others which may be added at the
pleasure of the cultivator.
S. amcenus. — This pretty plant succeeds well in the inter-
mediate house, being found at considerable elevations. It
is of erect habit, with somewhat downy branches, and
oblong-lanceolate bright green leaves, which are serrated
on the edges. The flowers are freely produced, and rich
orange red in colour. IN'ative of Brazil.
S. Humholdiianus. — This is an elegant small bush, grow-
ing from two to three feet high, and being furnished with
alternate leaves, from half an inch to an inch in length,
ovate-lanceolate, finely serrate at the margins, of a dark
green colour on the upper side, and covered with short
hairs beneath. The flowers are pendulous, between two
and three inches long, and of a rich scarlet, with orange
throat. It is a native of Peru. This is sometimes met
with under the name of S. fidgens.
S. microstoma. — A very desirable free-flowering species,
the leaves of which are somewhat oblong, slightly serrated
at the edges, quite smooth, and of a bright green. The
flowers are rich crimson, nearly two inches long, and pro-
duced in terminal umbels. It blooms abundantly during
the whole winter season in the stove, but should have a
cooler place in summer. Native of New Grenada.
Spigelia.
A genus of handsome plants belonging to the order
Loganiacece. There are several kinds m cultivation ; the one
146 STOVE PLANTS.
here cTescrlbocl is a stove plant, wliicli slioukl be in every
collection. The soil which suits tliem well is a mixture of
loam and peat, Avith a little sand.
8. splcndens. — A beautiful free-flowering- plant, the leaves
of which are about five inches long-, dark green, somewhat
oblong" or obovate in shape, and tapering, having a few
scattered hairs on the veins. The flowers are upwards of
an inch long, tubular, and of a rich scarlet, produced on
recurved spikes, in double rows, in profusion, and remain
in beauty for a long- time. No collection of plants should
be without this lovely gem. It is a native of Costa Rica.
Stephanotis.
An old but very useful and handsome stove climber
belonging to the AsdrpiadacecG. It is a useful plant both
for home decoration and also for exhibition purposes.
When required for the decoration of the stove it should be
trained up a pillar or upon a whe trellis, where it will pro-
duce its very fi-agrant pure white flowers through the
spring and summer. The soil it succeeds best in is
a mixture of good light fibrous loam and peat, with
plenty of silver sand, to which may be added a little leaf
mould and well-decomposed manure. If wanted for exhi-
biting, the best form of trellis is a large balloon made with
wire ; and for this object the plants should be kept dryer
and somewhat cooler du.ring the winter to retard their
flowering. If required in bloom in May it must be started
into growth in January.
8. florilmnda. — ^A scandent stove plant, the leaves of
which arc opposite, obtuse, ovate, leathery in texture, and of
a rich shining dark green colour, paler beneath. The large
pure white waxy-looking- flowers are produced in clusters,
SIKPIIAXOPIIYSU-M STKMArHVLLOX, ETC. 147
■and are very fragrant ; tlicy are very useful for bouquet
making-. It is a plant no stove should be without. Native
of Madaofasear.
Stephanophysum.
S. Baikiei. — This is a very pretty member of the
Acanthaceous family. The leaves are opposite, ovate,
tapering- to a point, pale below, dark g-i-een and rather
rough above. The flowers are produced in dense branching-
racemes, and are tubular, about two inches long, and of
a deep crimson red. It is one of the most profuse winter-
flowering plants ever inti-oduced ; indeed, the greatest
difficulty consists m inducing it to grow instead of to
blossom. It is said to have been inti-oduced from the
River Niger, West Africa.
Stigmaphtllon.
This is a genus of 2Ialpicjhlacea;, an order which contains
many very peculiar plants. The species here noted is a
fine climber, and well deserving cultivation in every stove.
It requires to be potted in a mixture of two parts loam,
and one peat, with a liberal addition of sand.
8. ciUatum. — The leaves of this plant are cordate,
smooth, covered with a glaucous hue, and ciliated on the
edges. The flowers are produced in large iimbels, and
iire rich orange yellow in colour, somewhat resembling an
Oncidmm bloom. It continues blooming during the whole
summer. Native of Brazil.
STREPTOCArvPUS.
This is a very pretty and interesting genus of Gesue-
racece, consisting of low-growing free-flowering perennial
L 2
148
STOVE PLANTS.
plants, with radical leaves. Tliey sliould be potted in rich
well-decayed vegetable mould, made tolerably sandy, and
should be placed iu a rather shaded moist place near the
glass. The leaves must not be syringed, for although they
like plenty of water, the}- do not like it over their leaves.
S. Saundersii. — This extraordinary jDlant makes only
one leaf, which appears to be a continuation of the
cotyledon ; this leaf is sometimes as much as twelve or
eighteen inches long, and upwards of six inches in breadth,
thick, tomentose, deeply and coarsely toothed at the edges,
and of a dark heavy green on the upper surface, dull red
beneath. It is a most abundant bloomer, producing
enormous quantities of branched panicles, laden with its
delicate lavender coloiu-ed flowers, which have a deep
bright blue throat, with a streak of yellow nxuning down
the middle. Native of Natal.
Tabeen^montana .
A genus of Apucijnacece, consisting of very ornamental
plants, somewhat resembling Gardenia in ap^Dearance, but
belonging to a very distinct order. The treatment recom-
mended for those plants will, however, suit these admirably.
T. coronariaflore pleno. — A very compact-growing shrub.
The leaves are dark shining green ; and the pure white
double flowers are produced during the winter months,
as well as in summer, and are very useful for cutting for
bouquets. Native of the West Indies.
T. grandijlora. — This is a somewhat rare jilant in collec-
tions, but is well deserving general attention. It is an
evergreen shrub, some two or three feet in height, fur-
nished with opposite, subovate, bright dark green leaves,
about three inches long. I'he flowers are produced in
THTJNBERGU. 149
■clusters, the tube of corolla being two inches long-, and as
well as the limb of a rich dark yelloAv. It is a native of
Venezuela, .and produc:;s its flowers in August and Sep-
tember.
Thunbergia.
A fine group of the order Acaiithaceo\ consisting* of
■climbing plants, often of great beauty. Some of them,
such as T. alata and its varieties, are l:iest treated as
annuals, and succeed well in a greenhouse, or even in the
open air in the summer season, if raised in heat early m
spring. The species we have here described require stove
heat, and some of thein make splendid objects when
trained up the rafters. The soil for potting- them in
should be good fibrous peat and loam, in equal parts,
with the addition of some silver sand and a little well-
•decomposed manure.
T. fragrans. — A very handsome small-growing climber,
with dark green leaves, and producing an abundance of
pure white flowers during the whole season, especially in
winter, when white flowers are doubly valuable. It is a
native of the East Indies.
T. Harrisii. — This is a plant of great beauty, and in its
native country, when rambling- over the jungles, it must
have a magnificent appearance. It is a climbing or trailing
plant, with the leaves dark green, ovate-lanceolate, with a
sharp point. The racemes of flowers are produced in
the axils of the leaves, and also at the ends of the shoots,
and support quantities of its large blossoms, which are
bright purplish blue in colour, pale beneath, the throat
yellow, fading into white. It is a very free-flowering and
highly ornamental plant, which deserves general culti-
vation. Native of Rangoon and Moulmein,
150 STOVE PLANTS.
T. laurifolia. — A very fine species, somewhat I'esembling
the preceding- in general habit. The flowers are very
large, and of a pale blue colour, with a yellow throat.
It is a very free flowerer, and as it produces its blooms at
various times in the course of the season, should become
useful as an exhibition plant, as well as for home decora-
tion. Native of the Malayan Peninsula.
Thyrsacanthus.
T. SchomhurgJitanus. — This fine Acanthaceous plant, which
is perhaps better known under the name of T. rutilans,
forms one of the most attractive and graceful plants for
winter blooming with which we are acquainted. The
leaves are oblong-lanceolate, tapering to a sharp point, and
dark green in colour. The flowers are tubular, bright
scarlet, boi'ne in long pendulous racemes, which give the
plant its peculiar graceful and elegant appearance. It is
an abundant bloomer, producing its vivid flowers through
the whole winter and spring months, and is a most glorious
object for table decoration. The soil we find best adapted
for it is a good light loam, with the addition of some well-
decomposed manure and leaf mould, and a portion of silver
sand. The plants should bo kept growing as fast as pos-
sible until they attain a considerable size, and then kept
I'oot-bound, which will indu.ce them to blossom more freely.
After this, if the drainage is kept m good order, a little
fresh soil is all that is necessary for a yeai* or two, and
then a batch of young plants should be ready to succeed
the older ones. It requires a liberal supply of water and
heat. Native of New Grenada,
TORENIA — TYD-EA. 151
TOREXIA.
T. aslatica. — A beautiful plant belonging- to the Scrophii-
lariacece, and an old inhabitant of our hothouses. The
leaves are opposite, somewhat cordate, tapering- to a point,
serrated at the edges, and of a bright lively green. The
flowers are produced from the axils of the leaves, and are
tubular, with a four-lobed spreading limb, deep porcelain
pui'ple, the lobes being tipped with white on the inner
side. It is of trailing habit, and makes a lovely basket
plant, while, if potted in peat and leaf mould, with a little
sand, it will grow and flower in the greatest profusion all
the summer. !N'ative of the East Indies.
Tyd-EA.
This genus is now recognised as thoroughly distinct
from Achimems, our old acquaintance A. plcta being the
type. We have a considerable number of I'l/dceas, some
introduced species, but the greater part of them gai-den
hybrids and varieties. They are very handsome winter
and early spring-flowering plants, and deserve every atten-
tion, on account of the manner in which they enliven the
hothouse during the dreary winter months. If potted in the
compost recommended for Aclumcncs, they will succeed
well ; but it is necessary always to bear in mind that
Tydceas will not suffer drying like Achimenes, as they only
make slender underground stems, and not scaly tubers as
the Achimenes do. After being cut down, therefore, and
allowed a short rest, they must be started into growth
again. They may be had in blossom during the whole
year, if a little care is exercised in starting them succes-
sively. Subjoined is a selection of a few of the best of
these charming plants.
152 STOVE PLANTS.
T. Adonis. — A pretty variety, the flowers of wliich are
white, mottled with vermilion.
T. Beauty. — The flowers of this are yellow in the centre,
with the border scarlet, marked with rich crimson spots
and bars.
T. Countefs of IlcJiester. — This is a remarkably hand-
some kind ; the flowers are rich crimson, bordered with
violet, and the throat creamy yellow, striped with carmine.
T. Etna. — A very handsome form, the flowers rich
scarlet, striped with black.
T. formosa. — This has flowers of a rosy lake, spotted
with crimson, and continues in bloom for a very long- time.
T. insignis. — Flowers light crimson, with confluent spots
of intense crimson.
T. lAndeniana. — A handsome species from South America,
having the leaves beautifully striped with silver. The
flowers are white, having' a yellow throat, and violet
coloured stains on the lower lip.
T. Ophir.— Very distinct and handsome, having rich
vermilion flowers, spotted with black, the lower petals
being also spotted with yellow.
T. Polymnie. — This is both handsome and very peculiar.
The flowers are scarlet, spotted with carmine, and the tube
white.
T. Radiol. — An exceedingly free bloomer ; flowers scar-
let, streaked and spotted with dark purple.
T. Thalie. — A very distinct variety ; flowers citron
coloured, with vermilion spots.
T. tricolor. — The flowers of this variety are white,
beautifully spotted with light purple, the tube bright
scarlet.
T. Vesuvius. — Flowers bright crimson, streaked and
veined with Ijlackish maroon ; very handsome.
UECEOLINA. 15i
TJbceolina.
Z7. peiidula. — A peculiar but liauclsomc plant, very re-
markable both for the colour and shape of its flowers. It
is a member of the Amaryllidacecc, and a native of the high
mountain regions of Peru, and will therefore stand in the
cool house well during the time it is in bloom, though, as
with us it is generally growing during the winter months,
it will no doubt be benefited by being kept in the stove or
intermediate house in its growing season. In general
appearance the plant resembles Eucharis, but the flowers
are produced on a scape from twelve to fifteen inches long,
fi-om the summit of which they depend most gracefiilly ;
they are of a bright golden yellow, tipped with green and
white. The UrceoUna should be potted in a compost con-
sisting mainly of fibrous loam, with some good decomposed
manure, a little peat, and some silver sand being added.
It has been distributed under the name of U. aurea, but we
believe the name adopted by us is the correct one. This
plant is of easy culture, and should be in every collection ;
it will make a charming* companion for JEucharis amazonica^
independent of its own merits.
STOVE AQUATICS.
Wherever accommodation can be afforded, some few
water plants, either stove or temperate species, should be
grown. The Nympliceas are splendid objects during the
whole season, and with comparatively little trouble afford a
154 STOVE PLANTS.
grand display totally different to that of any other class of
plants. If building- a house for these plants, we should
prefer to have it nearly square, with a ridge and furrow
roof. The tank, which would he in the centre, should alsO'
be square, and may be either placed below the surface, or
built up with brickwork, and covered with cement, or
formed of slates fitted together so as to hold water. When
built up in this way, it should be about three feet above
the ground level. We think this latter plan is far prefer^
able to that of placing it below the level, as it brings the
flowers nearer to the eye, and consequently sets them off
to much better advantage. We would also have smaller
tanks at the sides for growing smaller plants, such as
Limnocharis, ViUarsia, Trapa, Pontedcria, Ouvtrandra, Pistia,.
Vcdlisiieria, Puinjrus, and the many other plants of great
beauty which are obtainable, and which serve to make a
collection of aquatic plants one of the most interesting-
features in any garden. For the Victoria house, we prefer
a circular tank, which should not bo less than thirty feet
in diameter, if full justice is to be done to this regal Water
Lily. The house should also be circular, or of an octagon
shape, with no other tanks in it, but just a walk all round
the tank. We have frequently seen such a one as we
desci'ibc completely full of the fine leaves of this plant.
We have seen the plant grown finely in a square tank in
a lean-to house. It is quite necessary to secure motion in
the water, and this is best effected by ioro\'iding that a
current should run through the tank to carry away the
confervoid growth which is sure to show itself, causing the
surface of the water to be very unsightly. The same
means will also serve the purpose of keeping the main
body of water at a proper temperature. For the purpose
of securing this motion some use a wheel, but this has.
EURTALE LDIXOCHARIS. 355
always seemed to us a clumsy contrivance, and we have
seen used in preference a small pipe, with a broad spread-
ing nozzle which is so placed as to rise a little above the
surface and to point downwards, by which means, when the
water is turned on, it agitates the whole mass, and produces
a current throughout the tank, the surplus water being-
carried off b}^ means of a waste pipe fixed at the opposite
end or side. In treating of the Victoria (page 159), we
recommend several levels for the water, according to the
size of the plant. In order to secure this, and to be able to
run off sm-plus water, the waste pipe must be made in
lengths and jointed, so that when a rise of water is needed
a joint may be sci-ewed on, this being repeated as required
imtil the top of the tank is reached. Such exotic ferns as
Acrostichniib aitreuiii, being semi-aquatics, may be grown in
association with the true water plants.
EURTALE.
E. ferox. — This is a very elegant plant, with large peltate-
orbicular leaves, covered on both sides with long spines.
The flowers are scarcely as large as in Nymplw^a ccerulea,
and are of a deep violet colom-. It requii-es to be treated
in the same manner as Nijmpluua, but as it is an annual,,
some of the flowers should be fertilized, to insure seeds-
for the following season. Native of lakes in the East
Indies.
Lbixocharis.
L. Huiiibuldil. — This very handsome plant should bo
potted in good rough loam, and placed in a shallow part of
the aquarium. Th« leaves are ovate, smooth, and of a.
156 STOVE PLANTS.
bright lig-lit greeu coloiu', and float ujoon the surface of the
water. The flowers are large, bright yellow, and produced
very freely all summer. Native of Brazil.
Nelumbium.
This splendid species can be grown in tubs or cisterns,
■as the leaves and flowers both rise several feet above the
water ; during the resting season they may be allowed to
get tolerably dry, though not quite so. Good rich loam
and well-decomposed manure suits them, but they require
sti'ong heat to induce them to flower.
N. speciosum. — This is the sacred Bean of the Egyptians.
The leaves of this fine plant are about eig'hteen inches in
diameter, peltate, orbicular, light green in colour, and
rising upon slender stems, which grow about four feet
high. The flowers rise to the same height as the leaves,
•and are very large, of a delicate rose and white, and very
fragrant. It is a common plant in China, where it is held
in high estimation, and it is also widely distributed through
the East Indies.
Ntmphjea.
A lovely genus of plants, which should be grown
wherever accommodation can be afforded them. They
will grow and bloonl most profusely in strong- heat, but
will thrive almost as well if treated more temperately.
The best plan is to plunge them into water at a tempera-
ture of about 80° or 85° to start them, and after they have
■attained some size, gradually inure them to cooler treat-
ment. The soil we have found them succeed well in is
good rough turfy loam and well-decomposed manure, in
about equal parts, adding a good portion of river sand.
We prefer large round wicker baskets to pots, to grow them
NTMPHLEA.
157
ill, as they can thus be supplied with more soil than in any
po't that can be used, and the baskets last well for a season.
In winter, when the roots are resting, they must be kept in
water and not dried ; the temperature dui-ing- this resting
period should not be lower than about 45°.
N. c(Bndea.—A lovely plant, which was no doubt held
in great estimation by the ancient Egyptians, as it so fre-
que'ntly occurs on their monuments and in their hiero-
glyphical writings. The leaves are peltate, nearly entii-e,
brio-ht green ; the flowers are blue, most delicately scented,
and produced abundantly all through the summer. Native
of Egypt. _
N. deniata.— This magnificent species has very large
peltate dark green leaves, serrated at the margins. We
have seen them grown upwards of two feet in diameter, and
the plants twenty feet across. The flowers are of great size,
measuring from six to fom-teen inches in diameter, many-
petaled, and pure white ; it is a most profuse flowerer.
Native of Sierra Leone.
N. Bevoniensis.—A splendid free-flowering variety, with
leaves somewhat like the preceding. The flowers are a
brilliant red, and measure five or six inches in diameter.
If allowed, it will bloom without intermission the whole
season. A garden hybrid.
N cjigantea.—The leaves of this species are peltate,
smooth, and dark green. The flowers are of a beautiful
blue Up to the present time we have not seen flowers
more than six or seven inches in diameter, but m its native
comitry we are told it attains to over twelve inches.
Native of Australia.
N Lotus.— This is a very pretty species, somewhat re-
semblino- N. deniata ; the leaves are peltate, serrated at the
maro-ins° The flowers are white, continuing all summer.
158 STOVE PLANTS.
Native of Egypt, -where it was held sacred. Its seed was
often ground and eaten by the ancient inhabitants of that
country.
N. rosea. — This plant resembles N. rnhra, but is not quite
so strong in its growth. The flowers are rose colour, and
very handsome. ^N'ative of the East Indies.
N. rubra. — A fine and distinct kind. The leaves are
slightly peltate, somewhat ovate, sharply toothed, downy
below, and dark bronzy green above. The flowers are
nearly as large as those of N. deniata, and of a deep crimson
red colour. Native of the East Indies.
N. scutifolia. — The leaves of this species are peltate,
deeply sinuated, smooth on both sides, and dark green
above. The flowers are bright blue, and sweet scented.
It is distinguishied from N. ccerulea by its much larger and
many-petaled flowers, and by the petals being more obtuse.
In some collections this is grown under the name of N.
cyanea. Native of the Cape of Good Hojic.
N. thermalls. — In this species the leaA'cs are smooth on
both sides, peltate, sharply toothed, and dark green. The
flowers are pm*e white, and very freely produced dui-ing
summer. It is found growing in Hungary, in the warm
river Pecze.
Victoria.
This truly magnificent Water Lily can be grown in very
few establishments, on account of the immense space it
requires in order to develope its beauties. Tlie tank for
growing this plant should be at least twenty feet in dia-
meter (but is better if about thirty), and circular ; it should
be from three to fom* feet in depth, and heated with four
rows of four-inch hot-water pipes. Some have pipes under
the plant itself, but this is open to objection, as we have
VICTORIA. 159
"known the roots (and consequently the plant) much injured
by coming in contact Avith them. The soil should be g-ood
mellow loam and well-decomposed maniu'c, in about equal
parts, and mixed Avith a good portion of river sand and a
little peat. The quantity required will be about two loads ;
it shou'd be well mixed, and placed in the tank before the
water is admitted, after which the water should be run in,
and be allowed to stand for a week or two, so that the soil
may become well warmed before an attempt is made to put
the plant into it. The seeds should be sown early in January,
in a small tank where a good command of heat is to be
had, and a uniform temperature of abont 85° can be main-
tained. We have always found that the seeds vegetate
very much quicker if a little soil is put at the bottom of
the tank, and the seeds are just dropped on to it, than
when sown in pots. As it is desirable to get them up
quickly, this plan should be adopted by those intending to
grow the plant. When the young plant has made four or
five leaves it must be lifted, and potted into the soil recom-
mended, but as very little can be put into the small pots
that are first used, some pieces of broken pots or stones
should he laid on the surface, to keep it firm and enable the
young and small roots to take hold of the soil ; this opera-
tion must be repeated whenever the pots are gettino- filled
with roots, never forgetting to have the soil well warmed
before potting, for the least chill endangers the well-bemo-
of the plants for the entire season. About the end of
April, if the season is fine, or begmning of May, if it be
dull, the plant selected for flowering, and which will now
have leaves from one and a half to two feet in diameter,
should be placed in the soil, already made thoroughly warm
for its reception, in the large tank. The crown of the
plant should be about nine inches under the water when
160 STOVE PLANTS,
first planted, but as the crown gains strengtli it will soon
come near to the top ; to provide for this emerg-encj, when
planting-, the water in the tank must be lowered to the
proper height, and as the plant requires deeper water it
must be added. After planting out a most anxious time
commences for those engaged in the cultivation of the
Victoria, for if the plant should be checked through sudden
changes of temperatui'e in the water — either over-heating,
or allowing it to fall below its proper heat, or carelessly
admitting too great a quantity of fresh water — the chances
are that not only will it make disfigured leaves for a con-
siderable time, but it may have the effect of so retarding it
that little or no flower is produced, and thus, after all the
expense, no pleasing return is made. If all should, how-
ever, go vrell after planting-, which will be the case if strict
attention be paid, by the middle of June the leaves will
present a noble appearance, having then nearly approached
their maximum size, and after that the flowers will soon
make their appearance. The largest we ever saw this
plant was a little over seven feet ; it is more frequently seen
about six feet six inches in diameter of leaf, and twelve to
sixteen inches in diameter of flower, and presenting in this
state a truly magnificent appearance. The flowers are
only of two days' duration ; the first day it will open
about six p.m., and continue open until nearly the same
time the next morning, after which they rapidly close, and
remain so until evening again. In this stage it is deli-
ciously fragrant, emitting its perfume to a long distance,
the petals being erect and pure snow white. When it opens
the second evening the petals have undergone a complete
change in colour, and the fragrance is gone altogether.
The flowers now reflex so that the points of the petals
nearly touch the water, and are rich rosy pink, forming a
VICTORIA. 161
beautiful coronet. Towards morning- tlie flower closes, and
in the course of the day sinks below the surface of the
water to ripen its seed. Only one flower, as a rule, is open
at one time on this plant, but if in vigorous health, there
will not be more than one evening-'s interval, and not
always that, and we have seen, though very rarely, two
flowers open together, one in the fiist and the other in its
second stage ; when seen thus it is grand in the extreme,
and would repay even double the trouble it causes.
This noble and gigantic Water Lily was found by Sir R.
Schombm-gk, in the year 182G or 1827, growing in the
tributaries of the Amazon River ; in this country it has
almost always proved of only annual duration, though one
or two instances are on record of its living two years. The
temperature of the water it is growing in should never fall
below 80', and in the day-time should rise to about 85° ; the
atmosphere of the house about 75° to 80° by day, and 68°
at niffht.
GREENHOUSE PLANTS^
INTRODUCTION.
HE previous portion of this book has been devoted
to those plants which are natives of tropical
countries, and consequently require artificial heat
to enable them to grow and display their beauties in a
cultivated state. Now we have to treat of plants which,
although some of them come from tropical lands, are yet
found growing at considerable elevations, and consequently
do not require much more than to be protected from frost
or cold piercing winds. The beautiful flowering plants
from all parts of Australia (except the extreme north)
all succeed well in an ordinary greenhouse during winter,
and enjoy exposure to the open air throug-hout the smn-
mer. The Ericas and other fine plants, coming from the
Cape of Good Hope, are equally at home in a similar
situation. Indeed, the vegetation of these two countries
bears a considerable resemblance to each other, though one
genus so common to Australia — Eucahjptns — has not been
found in the Capo colony.
Australia abounds in beautiful plants, which in many
instances arc quite peculiar to that portion of the globe,
INTRODUCTION. 163
and whicli form fine ornamental objects in our green-
houses. The species of the Epacris order are almost
entirely confined to that country, which also contains large
numbers of the Myrtacece, Ruiacece, and Leguminosce, the
latter, in many instances, forming beautiful, compact, free-
blooming shrubs, as illustrated in the Acacias which abound
there, and form fine ornamental shi'ubs and trees, the
ornamental capabilities of which were much more thoroughly
appreciated a few years ago than they are at the present
time. Then, throughout the wmter and spring-, one might
see conservatories and greenhouses gay with their gorgeous
masses of golden flowers, forming splendid backgrounds
for the display of other smaller-growing and more delicate
early-flowering plants ; but now, these are scarcely ever to
be seen, although nothing half so efiective has been found
to supply their place. This fault will, we trust, ere long
be remedied, so that the fine old Acacias may again become,
•as they formerly were, prominent objects in our winter and
spring display of greenhouse flowers.
Many of the plants from New Holland and the Cape are
similar in habit and colour of flowers, and it would be
perfectly impossible for a person of limited space to grow
all, therefore we have briefly described in these pages only
the most desirable, and from which a choice collection may
be formed.
Such plants as Pelargoniums, FacJisios, Calceolarias, and
others of a like nature, have not been treated in detail in
this work, but have been collected under the title of
" Florists' Flowers and Soft- wooded Plants," the remarks
being confined to their culture only, not fi"om any wish or
intention to depreciate their inei'its, for they are most
attractive and highly ornamental objects in their season ;
but the varieties arc so numerous, and the differences in
M 2
164 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
some cases so veiy slight — and as improvements in form,
habit, and colour are so rapid]y being effected b}'- cross-
breeding and hybridising — it will be evident to all that no
good could result from swelling these pages with descrip-
tions of varieties which may be superseded in the course of
some ten or twelve months.
GREENHOUSES.
E here give a transverse section and ground plan of
a house suited for the cultivation of plants from
the Cape of Good Hope, New Holland, New
Zealand, Chili, or from most of the temperate regions of
the globe, being- such as are usually denominated Green-
house Plants. The dimensions and general form of the
house are the same as in the structure recommended for
Stove Plants, but with this difference — that in the Green-
house the side lights- are all made to open, and the lantern
is not used, but the upper sashes of the roof slide up and
down in the ordinary way. The underground system of
ventilation should be applied to this structure as well as to
the Stove, as it affords means of maintaining a pure and
healthy atmosphere in the interior without injury to the
plants, even in the most severe weather. Fresh air is most
essential to the well-being of Greenhouse Plants, but cold
draughts must be avoided, for nothing is more injm-ious to
plants of any kind. Indeed, such conditions often result in
their speedy death. This must be carefully attended to in
giving air to plant houses.
GREENHOUSES,
161
In lieating such
a structure as that
we have here re-
commended, two
rows of pipes for
hot water will be
found suilicient ;
and even these
must not be
brought into use
unless artificial
heat is absolutely
necessary, for too
much warmth in
■winter is very apt
to cause such
plants as Ericas,
and, indeed, many
others, to start
prematurely into
growth, to the
total ruin of their
flowering. Damp-
ness in the air
during the winter
months is far more
injurious to Green-
house Plants than
a somewhat low
temperature ; and
heat should be
applied to the
house occasionally
during the day-
V.
166 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
time, in order to dry up any superabundant moisture, always
taking- the precaution to have plenty of ventilation, both at
the top and sides.
THE CONSERYATORT.
N various places in this work the Conservatory is
mentioned, and plants are recommended for its
decoration ; consequently a few remarks concern-
ing- this structure may be considered necessary. In its
general features the Conservatory differs but slightly from
the Greenhouse, but it is usually connected with the mansion,
in order that the proprietor and his family may be able to
enjoy the beauties of the plants, when the weather is too
inclement to permit of their visiting the stoves and green-
houses, situated, it may be, in various distant parts of the
garden. When the Conservatory is attached to the mansion,
it is frequently built under the supervision of the architect,
and is so constructed as to harmonise with the residence, but
too often without any regard to its adaptability for the
purpose for which it is intended. This often leads to
great disappointment. How often do we hear the remark,
" Our Conservatory is so ill-constructed that nothing grows
Avell in it, and it is almost certain death to plants which
are placed in it when in flower." This would not occur
if architects would take into their counsel the practical and
intelligent gardener, who would be able to point out to
them the requirements of the plants whicli are to occupy
the house.
If the Conservatory is large, the ridge and furrow form
of roof is often adopted, but we prefer the span-roof to any
other. In Conservatories the plants are usually planted in
THE CONSEKVATORY. 167
prei^aved. borders, or if all are not so planted, some of the
more important are so treated, in order that they may
form permanent and strikino- objects, and thus add to the
beauty of other plants -which are brought in from the
Greenhouse during- their flowering- season. In forming-
borders for the reception of plants, it is necessary in the
first place that the ordinary soil should be taken out to a
depth of about four feet. From twelve to eig-hteen inches
is then to bo filled in with broken l)ricks and similar
material, such as to form and maintain a perfect drainage.
Above this, tm^ves of fresh-cut peat are to be laid, with the
grassy side downwards ; while the remaining portion is to
be filled up with good soil, of the quality and texture most
suitable for the plants intended to be grown. No manure
should be used, as this is apt to cause rank growth ; this is
not required in the majority of Conservatory plants, which
then soon become too large for the building. The object
is rather to encourage the production of good shapely
plants and flowering Avood. If any little stimulus should
become necessary during the growing- season, it can easily
be administered in a licpid state.
The whole of the plants should be so arranged, that a
pleasing and varied scene may be presented to the eye ;
and this can only be produced by a thorough knowledge of
the habits and flowers of the kinds introduced, and which
should be well studied before a permanent work of this
kind is commenced.
In Conservatories of less extent, it is rare that any but a
few climbers are planted out, the other plants being usuallj'
arranged on stages, so placed as to suit the character of
the structure. The plants in such cases only occupy this
position during the blooming period, being brought in from
tlio Greenhouse and frames as required. Many Greenhouse
168 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
plants that will bear heat, should during autumn and
winter be placed in the stove to induce them to flower
early, so that the Conservatory may be as gay as possible
during the dull months, at which time this part of the
garden is the most enjoyable to the ladies of the family,
who are often prevented by wet or inclement weather
from visiting plant houses, which are situated at a distance
from the mansion.
PITS AJN-D FRiJIES.
ANT amateurs who possess a great love for plants,
are deterred from indulging thefr tastes, because
they have no greenhouse. They either have no
suitable place for one, or do not feel justified in incurring*
the necessary expenditure for its erection. To persons who
are thus situated we would recommend the use of Pits or
Frames, structures that can be erected at but little expense,
and in which many very beautiful plants can be grown with
very great success. Indeed, pits and frames are quite
necessary, even to those who possess both stove and green-
house, as the tender greenhouse plants and many of the
hardier stove plants thrive best in cool pits m the summer
season. They are also most serviceable for the reception
of tuberous-rooted plants after the blooming season is past.
In these they can be carefully attended while finishing
their growths. The dead and decaying leaves, which
must necessarily be seen upon such plants while they
are passing into the dormant state, will not give an untidy
or unsightly appearance to the specimen houses or the
conservatory.
PITS AND FRAMES. 1G9
To the amateui' who has no greenhouse, a few words will
not be here out of place. Pits are made by building' up an
enclosing" wall of brick- work, and placing* glass sashes (or
lights as they are called) over the space so enclosed. A
very useful kind of pit for plant culture may also be made
with turf walls — /. e., walls built up of square sods of turf,
and covered with glass sashes, but the appearance of these
is not so good, neither are they so substantial as when
built with brick. The height will be regulated by circum-
stances, and by the kind of plants intended to be grown,
but a pit with the wall two feet high at the back and one
in front, and about four and a half feet from fi'ont to back,
will afford space for a quantity of beautiful plants. The
length may be quite a matter of taste or convenience ; it
may be that of one light only, or two, three, fom*, or more,
at the pleasure of the proj)i"ietor. Each light should be
three feet or three feet six inches in width.
Frames are structures of a character similar to pits, but
the back, front, and sides are of wood. They can easily be
removed from one place to another.
These pits or frames may have a pipe for hot water
running round them, and in that case any greenhouse
plant may be g'rown in them that is sufficiently dwarf and
compact in habit ; or they can be used without the heating-
appliances, and then are what are known as cold pits ; such
as these can be used in winter for plants of a tolerably hardy
constitution, and we have seen very handsome examples of
Erica, Epacris, Acacia, Azalea, Eriostcnion, and many such-
like things, grown by plant lovers possessing no other ac-
commodation than a pit of this character. "When these or
similar plants are grown in such a structure, they must be
well covered with Russian mats and straw mats during'
severe weather, and should the frost continue for several
170 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
weeks, they must not be uncovered mitil it is gone ; even
then the uncovering must be done gradually, and air must
be admitted very sparingly at first. Pits, however, that
are heated, will not require to be so closely covered, and
the plants can therefore enjoy more light in winter, be-
cause there is then no danger that the inmates will be
frozen.
Span-roofed pits or frames are also very useful, and can
be made to accommodate a choice and very interesting
collection of plants. In this case the middle wall is dis-
pensed with, the ends only are built up to the required
height, and then a stout beam is carried from end to end,
to which the lights must be fastened with hinges.
In the summer, shading must be attended to as well as
in the greenhouse or stove. The tiffany, or any other mate-
rial used for that purpose, should be attached to rollers the
width of the lights ; this may, if it should be desirable, be
extended over the plants when the lights are off, and thus
they will receive a more abundant supply of fresh air.
SOILS AND POTTING.
HE soils best adapted for the growth of each genus,
are mentioned under their respective heads, and
need not be repeated here. The different kinds
of soils, and the method of collecting and stacking them,
have been explained in the division of this work devoted to
Stove Plants. The remarks there offered will apply with
equal force in the case of Greenhouse Plants, and may be
equally consulted by those who grow such plants only.
In repotting greenhouse plants, more care is necessary
SOILS AXD POTTIXG. 171
than in tlie case of those g-roAvn in the stove, because veiy
few of them can bear the application of extra heat, to
stimulate renewetl root-action, or compensate them for any
check they ma}- receive from the operation. The operator
must consequently perform his work with greater care and
judgment. The stand recommended at page 16 will be
of the greatest service in repotting the plants. When they
are placed in the new pots, the new soil should be made very
firm, so as to encourage the fine thread-hke roots to pene-
trate it . This is generally done by ramming it down with a
blunted stick, called a " potting-stick f but if such an im-
plement is used for the purpose, great care must be exer-
cised, for in unskdful or careless hands, it may so lacerate
the roots as to cause the death of the plant.
In the operation of potting, three things have to be
studied— viz., to place the plant in the centre of the pot, to
have it exactly erect, and to set it at a proper distance below
the level of the pot-rim, so that in watering a sufficient
quantity can be given to moisten the whole mass, while at
the same time the stem is not buried. Death is certain to
be the result, if hard- wooded plants have theii' stems deeply
buried in the soil. Before the plant is turned out of its old
pot to be repotted, it must be prepared for the change it is
to undergo. No plants should be repotted immediately after
being watered, neither should they be repotted when dry-
death is almost sure to follow m either case, though from
du-ectly opposite causes. The proper condition for a plant
to be in which is about to be shifted, is that happy interme-
diate state, when the ball of earth is neither wet nor dry ;
and always bear in mind to have the pots perfectly clean
and dry before potting. This is one of the most essential
points in plant culture ; and after a plant is fresh potted, be
careful to water the soil with a fine rose pot.
172 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
In reijotting hard-wooded plants, especial care must be
paid to drainage, and in this matter it is always best to err
on the side of extra quantity in the use of sand. A general
opinion exists that such plants as the Erica, Boronia, Les-
clienanltia, Eriostemon, &c., do not require much water ; and
they are consequently treated to a small quantity only at
each watering. This notion, however, is not well founded,
and we cannot too strongly impress upon the minds of
•amateur plant growers the necessity of giving' sufficient
water at each application to thoroughly wet the soil, after-
wards withholding that element until the " ball " of earth
again shows signs of dryness — a condition which can only
be properly appreciated by practice.
During the summer months most greenhouse plants
are benefited by being placed in the ojDcn air, where many
of them will make their growth, and set their flower buds ;
but such plants as Azaleas and Camellias must not be stood
out until they have done growing, after which full ex-
posure will be very beneficial to them, tending to tho-
roughly ripen the wood and to set the buds.
Damp and Mildew are the great enemies of greenhouse
plants, especially during the winter season. The former
may be prevented by the occasional apialication of fire
heat, to dry up the superfluous moisture, only at the same
time an abundance of air must be admitted to prevent the
plants from being afiected by the increase of temperature.
Mildew is a desperate enemy if allowed to gain a footing
amongst specimen plants. It is a diminutive whitish
fungus, which grows with great rapidity upon the stems
and leaves, causing them to decay and fall ofi* very quickly,
to the great disturbance of the health of the plant, and
the entire destruction of its beauty. The best j)reventive
that wo know of, is flowers of sulj)hur dusted carefully
WATERING AND WATER. 173
over the parts affected at tlie earliest moment that the
fungus is observed ; this may be done either with the
fingers, or from a small dredger or box with a perforated
top. The best means to prevent the occurrence of mildew,
is to keep the leaf-action and root-action properly balanced,
by avoiding extremes of heat and moisture on either side.
WATERING AND WATER.
HE best time of the day in which to water green-
house plants, during the summer season, is the
evening ; but in the autumn and winter months,
mid-day is preferable. As a general rule plant growers give
themselves very little trouble about the quality or tempera-
tui-e of the water applied to their plants. The result of this
want of thought is, that in many instances the temperature
of the water may be several degrees lower than that of the
house, a condition which is most injurious to the plants,
affecting their well-being to a much greater extent than most
persons imagine. To obviate this, the water tanks should
have a branch pipe passed fi'om the heating apparatus
through or beneath them, so that the water may always
be kept as warm as the atmosphere in which the plants
are growing ; if it should be even a few degrees
warmer so much the better. When, however, a pipe is
thus passed through the tank, it should be provided with
a valve, so that it may be turned off when not required.
The best water it is possible to use for plants in general,
and for hard-wooded greenhouse plants in particular, is
soft or rain water ; and amjile conA'eniencc should be
174 GREEXnOUSE FLAXTS.
provided to store it for use during- summer, ■\ylien long-
■drought may be expected. Water obtained from springs,
usually called hard water by gardeners, is very injurious
to plants, on account of its containing an excess of the salts
of magnesia or of lime, the prejudicial effects of which -will
soon become apparent, if applied to Ericas and many other
hard- wooded plants ; and always be careful in watering
plants not to allow the water to fall on too heavily, as it will
disturb the roots, and often cause the plant to get into an
anhealthy state.
ABUKLOX. 175
A SELECTION OF
GREENHOUSE FLOWERING PLANTS.
|HE following species arc those we consider to be
tlie best and most worth}- of cultivation. They
have been selected with g-reat care, with a plain
description of each plant, and will be found the most
useful and beautiful objects for the decoration of the
conservatory, greenhouse, and growing for exhibition pur-
poses. The amateur will be able to make a selection to
suit his requirements, either for cutting- for bouquets, or for
growing as specimen plants for the decoration of his dinner
table and halls.
Abutilox.
This is a most useful class of plants for conservatory
decoration, and if planted out they produce a good succes-
sion of flowers, which are useful for cutting ; it also forms
a fine object for planting against a pillar or wall. They
are of easy cultm-e, requii-ing turfy loam and peat, with
some coarse river sand, and a good supply of water in
theii' growing- season.
17G GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
A. Due ih Malakoff. — A neat-g-rowing- variety, of free
growth, much larg-er tlian striatum, producing- immense
pendulous flowers, globular in shape, bright orange,
striped. The best of its class.
A. insigne. — Where space can be given, this will form a
very ornamental plant. The leaves are large and cordate,
bright dark green. Flowers bell-shaped, pendulous, the
ground colour white, but so profusely veined is it with
deep rich crimson, that little white is seen. Native of
New Grenada.
A. striatum. — One of the oldest, but most distinct va-
rieties, having large balloon-shaped flowers, bright orange,
mottled and flaked with crimson ; habit of growth medium,
well clothed with light green foliage, and a most abundant
bloomer.
A. vexillarium. — A very attractive free-flowering plant,,
with slender branches, clothed with dark green coi'date-
lanceolate leaves, about three inches long. The flowers
are numerous, produced singly from the axils of the leaves,
two inches long, pendulous, calyx bright red, corolla light
yellow ; it flowers from the end of March to July, and will
form a valuable exhibition plant. From South America.
Acacia.
The Australian species of this genus are both numerous
and handsome, producing their flowers of various shades of
yellow from January to May, and thus rendering the green-
house or conservatory gay and attractive during several
dull months. They are easily grown into good flowering
plants, and shoxild be potted in a mixtiu'c of joeat and loam,
in equal parts, with a good quantity of sand. When
flowering is past thej'" may be placed in the open air, which
ACACIA. i / /
will greatly beiiefib them. It is mucli to be I'C^-rcttecl tliat
so few species are to bo found in our g-ardens, as their hardi-
ness renders them most desirable plants, either for the
conservatory, the decoration of the sitting room, or as
ornaments for the window of the cottager. The tropical
species we have entirely omitted, a 4 they require to be
grown to a large size before they bloom. Some of the
species are well adapted for, and make beautiful objects,
trained ujjon pillars, or over the back walls of the green-
house, when that structure is not a span-roofed one.
A. ar'jyropJujUa. — A handsome shrub, growing to a height
of several feet, and famished with obliqncl}^ obovate or
oblong silvery silky phyllodes, and axillary stalked globular
heads of yellow flowers. Native of South Australia.
A. armata. — This species grows from six to eight or
more feet in height. The so-called leaves (phyllodia) are
obliquely ovate, entire, and of a rich dark green colour.
The flower heads are solitary in the axils, and are like
little stalked balls of rich golden yellow. It is a native of
Australia, extending from New South Wales to West
Australia, and blooms in g-reat profusion from April to
June.
A. cochleares. — A rigid-growing- glabrous species, pro-
ducing its globular heads of bright yellow fragrant flowers,
in pairs, from the axils of the leaves or phyllodes in
January ; these latter are linear-lanceolate, deep green,
and terminate in a sharp point. Native of Western
Australia.
A. dcalbata. — The leaves of this s^iecies are bipinnate, the
pinnte bearing many pairs of pubescent leaflets, deejD green
on the upper side, white beneath. It is very free bloom-
ing, the plants producing beautiful deep lemon coloured
flower heads in axillary racemes, forming- panicles at the
N
178 GREENHODSE PLANTS.
ends of the branclies, and contrasting finely with the dark
coloured foliag-e. Native of New Holland, where it makes
a large tree. It is the Silver Wattle of the colonists.
A. diffusa. — A diffuse-habited shrub, with linear-pungent
phyllodes, and bright yellow flowers, especially valuable
for being- produced in inid-winter. Native of Victoria and
Tasmania.
A. DrummonJii. — One of the most handsome species of
this very extensive genus, forming a dwarfish shrub, with
pinnate leaves consisting of two pairs of pmna>, having deep
green oblong-linear leaflets. The flowers are of a pale
lemon colour, and in cylindrical spikes, borne very freely.
It forms a handsome bush, and blooms from April to Jmie.
Native of Swan River.
A. graudis. — This plant is in habit and appearance much
like A. ptdchella, but it is larger, and the bright yellow
balls of flower are also larger, and more freely joroduced.
Native of the Swan River Colony.
A. Mspidissima. — A very desirable and show}' species for
spring flowering. It is a branching shrub, ha^'ing the
branches clothed with spreading hairs. The leaves are
sessile, or nearly so, and one pair of pimiK bearing- about
seven oblong-obtuse dark green leaflets. The flowers
grow in globular heads, generally in pau-s, of a deep rich
yellow, and produced in great profusion. Native of Swan
River, Australia.
A. linearis. — An erect shrub, the narrow linear phyllodes
of which are very long and entire. The spikes of yelloAv
flowers are produced from the axils, and are often branched.
Native of New South Wales.
A. lungijoJia. — A fine erect-growing shrub, with the
phyllodes lanceolate, tapering at both ends, and of a dark
green colour. The flowers are in loose spikes, light yellow
ACACIA. 179
•oolour ; tliey arc produced in pairs from the axils. ]S'ative
of various parts of Austi'alia.
A. lopliantha. — A fine sti'ong-growing plant, very useful
for window decoration. The leaves are bipinnate, the
leaflets linear-obtuse, and dark g-reen. The cylindrical
spikes of yellow flowers are produced in pairs from the
.axils. Native of Western Australia.
A. olecefolla. — This is a glabrous shrub, with oblong-
falcate, almost ovate, coriaceous phyllodes, somewhat in
shape like the leaves of the olive, whence it has derived
its name. The flower heads are yellow, collected into ra-
cemes which are longer than the phyllodes. Xative of
New South Wales.
A. Oxijcedrus. — This fine species is of rigid habit, and
attains a height of ten or twelve feet. It is to be found in
some collections under the name of ^1. taxifoUa. The
phyllodes are deep bright g-reen, irregularly whorled,
somewhat ovate-lanceolate in shape, but variable. The
flowers grow in dense spikes, and are bright yellow,
produced in winter. Native of the mountains of South
Australia and New South Wales.
A. pnhescens. — In this species the leaves are bipinnate,
and the leaflets linear and smooth. The small heads of
bright yellow flowers are disposed in racemes, which are
•collected into panicles at the ends of the branches. Native
of the East Coast of Australia.
A. Blceana. — This is a particularly handsome and distinct
species. It grows to a height of twenty feet or upwards,
the branches hanging gracefully like a weeping willow ;
though it will also make a handsome plant in a small pot.
The phyllodes are linear, dark green, and are scattered or
whorled. The flowers are produced in long spikes, and aro
n2
180 GREENHOUSE PLANTS,
pale yellow in colour. Ifc is the A. setigcra of some collec-
tions, Native of Tasmania.
A. verticillata. — A spreading- shrub of prickly aspect,
somewhat resembling A. Eiceana, yet very distinct. It
has the phyllodes of a linear-subulate form, and collected
in whorls on the branches, while the pale yellow flowers
are produced in dense cylindrical axillary s^^ikcs. It is a
native of Tasmania and Victoria.
A. vestita. — This beautiful species has the phyllodes
obliquely ovate-elliptic, and more or less falcate, u.ndulate,
and softly villous. The globular heads of flowers are pro-
duced in racemes, which are collected into leafy panicles,
and are very showy. Native of New South Wales.
A. viscidula. — A pubescent viscid shrub, having the phyl-
lodes entire, dark green, lineai'-oblong, and hooked at the
point. The flowers, Avhich are golden yellow, are produced
abundantly in globular or ovoid heads, in the months of
March and April. Native of New South Wales.
ACEOPHTLLUM.
A. venos'um. — ^This. is the only species of a genus be-
longing to the order Cunoniacece, which is by many modern
botanists reduced to a tribe of the Saxifragaccce, and is not
remarkable for comprising plants of any great degree of
merit in a horticultural jDoint of view. The present plant
indeed cannot lay claim to any striking beauty in its
individual flowers, but in the mass they are very handsome.
The best time for repotting is about the end of February.
The soil should be good librous peat, with a good quantity
of sharp sand, and always providing ample drainage. It
must be placed in an airy position, and great care must
ADEXANDKA. 181
be taken not to allow tlio roots to become dry ; while it
must not bo kept warm by means of artificial heat, and a
■daily sprinkling with water in spring- and summer will
be conducive to health, and will assist in keeping- off the
thrips (Thrlps adonidmn), which are especially injurious to
this plant. It is a compact-growing- shrub, producing its
coppery green serrated leaves sometimes in pairs, but more
frequently in whorls ; and the dense terminal Spircea-like
flower spikes are of a pinkish white colour. It blooms
■during May and June, and is highly ornamental. It is
indeed one of our very best greenhouse plants for exhibi-
tion purposes. Native of Xew Holland.
Adenaxdka.
A genus of handsome dwarf compact-growing Rutaceous
shrubs, all natives of the Cape of Good Hope. The soil
best adapted for them is good sandy peat, mixed with a
.small quantity of turfy loam. They are plants of a very
■ornamental character when in flower, and are very service-
able for exhibition purposes.
A. fragrans. — The leaves of this plant are small, spread-
ing, somewhat oblong in shape, dark green in colom-,
full of glandular dots. The flowers are rose coloured,
and sweet scented. It blooms during May and June.
A. speciosa. — A handsome species, with dra-k. green
oblong re volute leaves, slightly fringed at the margins.
The large pink coloured flowers are produced in terminal
umbels, during- the months of April, May, and June.
A. unijiora. — In this species the leaves are dark g-reen,
oblong-lanceolate, with the edges slightly tm-ned back.
The flowers are terminal and solitary, of medium size,
pink outside and white withm. It blooms from April to
July.
182 greenhouse plants.
Agapantiius.
The plants comprised in this genus of LiUacecc are toO'
frequently neglected by cultivators, but they are of so
ornamental a character, that did they require it, they
would certainlj^ deserve any amount of care ; the contrary,
however, is the case, as a very slig'ht protection is all that
is necessary during the winter months, and in summer
they grow freely with A^ery little care. These plants
make beautiful specimens, either gi'own in large j^ots, in
vases, or in tubs, for out-door decoration in the summer
time ; and they are also highly ornamental in a smaller
state for the decoration of the conservator}-. The specieS'
of AgapantJius are stout rooting plants, and should be
potted in rich loam, mixed with some well-decomposed
manure and river sand. The pots should be well drained, as
they delight in an abmidance of water during the growing
season ; but in winter veiy little indeed will be necessary,
as they are partially deciduous, and may be hept under
the greenhouse stage, or in any rather dry cool place,
protected from frost. These plants associate well with
water, and have a beautiful effect when placed round a
fountain, or they may even be grown as sub-aquatics,
where appropriate situations occur for adopting this mode
of treatment.
A, uml/dlatus. — This fine old plant, well known in gar-
dens under the name of the Blue African Lily, is one of
the most ornamental plants that can be grown for late
summer and autumn blooming. The leaves are long and
strap-shaped, dark green. The flowers are rich deep blue,
borne in many-flowered umbels, and continue a long time
in perfection. Native of the Cape of Good Hope.
A. umhdlatus alhijlorui^. — This variety is smaller than.
AN0PTERI3 — ArilELEXIS. 183
the preceding- in all points, and is also quite deciduous,
and not partially so, as is the type form of the species.
Its flowers are borne in large umbels, and arc pure white.
When the leaves beg-in to show sig-ns of decay, the plant
should have less water, and be allowed to rest until the
fjpring-. Native of the Cape of Good Hope.
A. umbellafus ina.t'inms. — A very fine and robust form of
the species, larg-er than the type in all respects. The
Howers are disposed in fine crowded umbels, and are of a
bright azure blue, streaked with a darker shade of the
same colour. From the Cape of Good Hope.
Anopteris.
A. cjlandidosus. — A most beautiful evei'green shrub, with
large dark shining- g-reen leaves : it is of free-branching
habit, and producing long panicles of pure white flowers,
salver-shaped. This will become one of the best exhibition
plants when better known. It requires liberal pot room,
and plenty of water when growing-. Soil should consist
of fibrous loaui and peat in equal parts, with a sprinkling
of silver sand.
Aphelexi:^.
A very handsome genus of Composite plants, familiarly
known as everlastings, on account of the flowers retaining
their beauty many months after being cut. The Aplielexis
are well deserving- general cultivation by all plant growers,
but are especially valuable to those Avho grow for ex-
hibition, as fin- that purpose they are invaluable, their
bright colours rendering them very conspicuous, and their
membranous flowers lasting- a long- time in perfection.
The soil best adapted for them is good fibrous peat and
184 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
leaf mould, -with a liberal addition of silver sand, and a
few i^ieces of cliarcoal mixed through it.
-4. Barnesii. — The very finest light varictr, rather stout
in its groAvth, and not quite so free branching n,s the others ;
produces large bright rosy pink flowers on stout flower
stalks, about two inches across.
y^. Immills grand'ijiora. — An intermediate-groAving- kind,
free-branching- habit, flowers rosy purple, produced in great
abundance.
A. macrantlia lyurinirea. — This is also known as P. gran-
difiora and sjpectdbilis. A free-growing- kind, easily distin-
guished from the others by having a more light smooth
shining foliage, and a profusion of dark purple flowers.
The finest exhibition variety.
y/. macrantlia rosea. — A very close compact free-branching
variety, flower delicate i-ose. A distinct and desirable kind.
Azaleas.
This superb genus of highly ornamental plants is deser-
vedly a universal favourite, the varieties being alike useful
for the decoration of the dinner table, the sitting room,
the hall, the greenhouse, or even (in the southern counties
of England) the open border. For exhibition purposes
they are unequalled ; indeed, at all spring exhibitions of
plants they form the leading feature. They are of easy
culture, and may readily be forced into bloom b}" being-
placed in a warm house ; they may consequently be had
for home decoration from Christmas to May, if a tolerable
collection ol' them is kept up. They are such general
favourites that many hundred varieties of them have been
introduced to cultivation, and many persons devote them-
selves entirely to the raising of neAV forms, b}^ hybridising-
AZALEAS, 185
•and cross-breeding-. We have here attempted from among-
this profusion to select a few of the best, though no one
who desires to have a good collection should think of
•confining himself to the sorts here named, for tastes difier,
and some of the varieties we have omitted may have
particular tints which may please certain cultivators,
while, agam, new forms are constantly appearing.
The Azaleas are among the most useful of all plants
for cutting for bouquets and dinner decoration. The
plants will indeed stand more cutting than most hard-
wooded subjects ; and after the bloom is ofi", if they are
placed in heat and kept well syringed, they will soon
make a fine new growth, and become again completely
famished.
After blooming, the plants, except in the case of very
large specimens, should be repotted. The large plants
will probably not require potting- for several years, and
must have some weak liquid manure applied to them
occasionally. They should bo placed m a temperature
rang'ing from 50^ to 60', giving- plenty of air when the
weather is favourable, and using the syringe freely morning
and evening*. When the growth is completed the tempe-
rature must be gradually lowered, until they can be re-
moved outside to ripen the Avood and swell up the flower
buds. In the autumn they nmst be removed into the
greenhouse before frost sets in. The soil best adapted for
them is three parts good fibrous peat, one part light loam,
one part leaf mould, and one part sand ; and it is very
important that the drainage should be maintained in good
condition.
A. amo'.na. — This very handsome and free-flowering
Azalea is one of the most beautiful things for early flower-
ing which we possess. The foliage is very small, and the
186 GKEENHOUSE PLANTS.
liabit of the plant is dense and slirubby. The flowers also
are small, bat produced in the greatest profusion, of a
rich rosy crimson colour, -with a duplicate corolla (i. e.,
having- what are called hose-in-hose flowers), and con-
sequently stand long-er after cutting-, making- it useful
for bouquets. It is one of Mr. Fortune's introductions
from China, and was met with by him in a nursery
at Shang-hae.
yi. Antoinette TlieJcrnann. — A handsome kind, with very
larg-e double flowers, of a rosy scarlet colour, stained with
violet.
A. Beaute de L' Europe. — A very distinct and handsome
variety ; form and substance of petals g-ood, the coloui*
bright pink, striped with carmine.
J. JBijoit de Paris. — A profuse bloomer, with fine large
well-formed flowers, Avhich are pui'e white, streaked with
rose and stained with light yellow.
A. Bride of Alijdos. — A \ngorous gi-ower, and free
bloomer ; flowers white, marked Avith flakes of light rosy
pink.
A, Charmer. — This variety is of a beautiful bright rosy
amaranth, spotted lightly in the upper petals with a deeper
shade of the same colour ; flowers large, of good shape
and substance, and a free bloomer.
A. Comet. — A very efiective kind, of good habit ; the
flowers are bright salmon scarlet, with the upper petals
shaded with violet.
A. Criterion. — This well-known variety is of good dwarf
bushy habit, and has beautiful light salmon pink flowers,
edged with white.
A. Domiibifjue Vervacne. — A very fine double variety,
Avith large bright orange red flowers ; it is very distinct
and effective.
AZALEAS.
187
A. Br. Licingstone. — A lai-g-e floAver, of excellent sub-
stance and form, tlie colour a deep purplish rose.
^1. Due dc Brabant. — A fine flower, of good form and
texture, rose colour, profusely spotted towards the base
with rich salmon pink.
A. Buchesse Adelaide de Nassau. — This is a fine exhibition
variety ; flowers large, bright scarlet, shaded on the upper
segments with violet rose.
A. Buhe of Cambridge. — Flowers rosy crimson, shaded
and marked with piai-ple and maroon.
A. elcgantissima. — A dwarf variet}-, with flowers of good
form and substance, white, striped with rosy carmine ; a
free bloomer.
A. Empress Eugenie. — Flowers large, and of excellent
form and substance ; colour bright shining rose, profusely
spotted on the upper petals with reddish pm'ple. A very
desirable kind.
A. Elolle de Gand. — This fine old variety is of splendid
form and substance ; the flowers ai'e large, of a rosy salmon
colour, broadly bordered with white, and spotted with
crimson on the upper seg'ments.
A. Eveline. — A variety of superb form and colour, the
centi-e orange, with a broad margin of white, and streaked
with crimson.
A. FasciikiJion. — This is a semi-double variety, with
flowers of good substance, clear flesh colour, shaded with
light pink ; a charming and very eSective kind.
A. Flag of Truce. — Of free-growing habit ; the flowers
are large, double, piire white, and of good substance.
It is certainly one of the best in cultivation.
A. Frangois Bevos. — A very fine semi-double variety, of
good vigorous growth, and a free bloomer ; the outer
petals are round, of great substance, and are filled m the
lOO GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
centre with petaloid filaments ; tlie colour is deep rick red,
spotted on the upper petals with black.
A. Gem. — This is one of the very Lest late-blooming-
varieties ; it is of dense habit, and the flowers are small,
but of good form and substance, of a rich deep salmon
colour, slig'htly spotted.
^. Glcdstanesii foniiosa. — A variety of fine form and
substance ; flowers pure white, striped with carmine.
A. Glory of SunntngJdll. — ^A distinct and beautiful form,
of fine vig"orous habit ; the flowers semi-double, of a bright
pink colour.
A. Grande Dachesse de Bade. — This variety, which is of
excellent habit, and very efiectivc, has the flowers of good
form, sometimes inclining to become double, the petals
stout and waxy, and of a rich bright orange scarlet.
A. Her Majesty. — A beautifal variety, with finely shaped
flowers, of excellent form ; the colour is very distinct, lilac
tinted flesh, bordered with white, spotted with crimson on
the upper segments, and flaked with rich rose purple.
J. Hero. — This is a compact fi-ee-b ranching variety, with
flowers of good shape and substance, of a delicate salmon
pink colour, the upper segments profiisely sj)otted with a
darker shade.
A. Holdj'ordlana. — Of vigorous habit, but a very profuse
bloomer ; the flowers rich rosy purple.
A. Hortemc Vervaene.—A variety producing large, stout,
and well-formed flowers, which are rosy carmine, bordered
with white.
j1. Juliana. — An abundant bloomer ; flowers of fine form,
rich crimson, profusely spotted on the upper petals.
A. King of Spots. — Of frec-flowermg habit, good size,
and fine form ; colour orange scarlet and rose, beautifully
spotted with brown.
AZALEAS. 189
^1. La Supcrle. — Flowers of a ricli orange red, autl richly
spotted with dark spots ; very handsome and efFective.
^. La Surprise- — -A variet}- of superior merit, and an
abundant bloomer ; the flowers arc of good size, rich
salmon rose coloui', the three upper segments being beau-
tifally dotted.
^. La Victorie, — A distinct and handsome kind, Avith
fine round petals of good substance ; colour rich cerise, the
upper segments spotted with black.
A. Leopold iJic First. — A very large flower, of good
substance, colour delicate rose, the upper petals spotted
with red.
A. Lizzie. — A variety of free-blooming habit ; the
flowers large, stout, and of fine form, white, beautifully
flaked and striped with rosy carmine.
A. Lord Derhj. — Of good form and substance, in the
way of Model, but superior ; colour rich pure rose, spotted
with crimson on the upper segments.
A. Louise von Baden. — A very superior variety, if not
the best of the colour ; the flowers are of fine form and
remarkable substance, and of the purest white.
A. Madame de Canncert d'Haraale. — Flowers very large,-,
pure satiny white and waxy, beautifully spotted with
yellow on the upper segments ; a superb and most desirable
variety.
A. Madame Doriiinique Vervaene. — Flowers of excellent
form, delicate rose, streaked with lilac and red, and bor-
dered with white, the upper segments being- profusely
spotted with reddish purple.
A. Madame Leon Maenhaut. — This is a novel and beau-
tiful kind, with bright rose and amaranth crimson flowers,
spotted with black ; a very efibctivc variety.
A. Madame Marie Vervaene. — A handsome variety, v.'ith
190 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
large pure wliite flowers, and rosy carmine stripes, of
excellent form, and beautifully fringed.
A. Madame 2Iiellez. — -A compact-growing kind, -with
flowers of good form, ground colour wliite, prettily striped
with violet.
A. Madar.ie van dcr Gruysscn. — This A\ariety is an abun-
dant flowerer, with healthy foliage, and a good habit ;
the flowers are rosy amaranth, handsomely spotted on the
upper segments, but, like many continental sorts, having a
tendency to l^ecome semi-double.
A. Magnet. — The flowers of this variety measure upwards
of three inches in diameter, and are of good substance,
and Avell formed, of a deep rosy salmon pink, the upper
segments spotted with rosy purple. It is of vigorous
but dwarf habit, and is a late bloomer, in the way of, but
even better than, Sir C. Naiiier.
A. Mars. — A very bright and attractive variety, and an
abundant bloomer ; the flowers are large and of good
substance, bright orange red, spotted in the upper petals
with a deeper colom-.
A. Maximilian tlie First.— A fine double-flowered variety,
of a lio'ht rose colour, proflisely spotted with carmine,
streaked with red, and margined with white.
J. Ne Plus Ultra. — A most abundant bloomei*, and of
good robust and fi-ee-branching habit ; the flowers are
laro-e, of good substance, and with a glossy surface, white,
beautifully marbled with salmon.
J. Nonpareil. — Flowers with light orange centi-e, broadly
margined with white, the upper segments dotted with
chocolate and pale orange; of superior form, and fine
habit.
J. President A. VerscluLJfelt.—O^ superb form and habit ;
the flowers bright satiny orange, the upper petals being
AZALEAS. 191
beautifully shaded witli purple, and profusely spotted with
black ; a most desirable variety.
A. President Claei/s. — Flowers orange salmon, finely
spotted, and having a broad white margin.
A. President Hainan. — Flowers very large, and of
splendid form, the ground colour pure bright rose, beau-
tifully shaded with salmon.
A. Princess Alexandra. — This is an improved and beau-
tiful form of A. elegantissima, with floAvers three and a
half inches in diameter, round, smooth, and of great sub-
stance, the ground colour white, slightly striped with deep
crimson. It is a profuse bloomer, possessing the qualifi-
cation of flowering- very early, with little or no forcing-.
A. Princess Helena. — Flowers deep rosy pink, the upper
petals spotted with lake, and very transparent ; it is. of
good free habit, and very distinct.
A. punctulata omnicolor. — A showy free-flowering- kind,
and very attractive ; flowers white, singularly variegated
with stripes and blotches of orange scarlet.
A. punciulata variegata. — Similar to the preceding in the
peculiar variegation of the flowers, but the colours are
different, the ground being rosy scarlet, striped and mottled
with orange scarlet and white.
A. Queen of Beauties. — Flowers large, of fine form and
substance, salmon pink, flaked with carmine, and margined
with white, the upper segments richly spotted with
crimson.
A. Queen of Poses. — Flowers large and stout, rosy pink,
the upper segments faintly dotted })ale crimson.
A, Queen Victoria. — This is a most abundant bloomer ;
the flowers are large, pure white, strijied with purple.
A. Peine des Doubles. — FloAvers large and very double ;
^colour rich clear rose.
192 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
A. Betiio dcs Panaclii'es. — A free grower, and j)roduciiig'
an abundance of its white flowers, which, are streaked and
splashed with rose.
j4. Beino des Pays Bas. — This is a free-flowering variety
of great beauty ; the habit is good, as likewise is the form
and substance of the flower ; in colour it is pinkish
violet, edged with white, and spotted v^^ith rich crimson.
A. Boi des Beautcs. — A fine double-flowering variety ;
the colour is a delicate soft rose, with a broad margin of
clear white.
A, rosfpflora plena. — A variety producing in abundance
large very double flowers, which are of a deep rich rose
colour.
A. Sir Charles Napier. — Of good habit, and a free
bloomer, producing large salmon pink flowers, of good
form and substance ; a very useful variety.
A. Sir Bobert 'Napier. — A A'ariety of good habit, with
small neat foliage ; the flowers are of medium size, and of
good form and substance, produced in great abundance,
the colour a very deep shade of crimson, the upper petals
slightly spotted.
A. Snoiv White. — The flowers of this variety are very
large, and perfecfc in form ; the petals are of rich velvety
substance, pure white, profusely streaked with rosy pink.
A. Souvenir do Prince Albert. — A handsome double va-
riety, with rosy peach coloured flowers, edged with pure
white ; a very effective kind.
A. Souvenir de van Peenc. — A fine-shaped variety, of a
deep rose colour, shading to pink, beautifully spotted on
the upper segments with reddish purple.
A. Stella. — This is a vigorous- growing and very showy
variety ; the flowers of rich orange scarlet, having the
•upper lobes tinged with deep violet.
BICINONIA. 193
A. Symmetry. — Flowers large, of good substance, and
excellent form ; colour salmon pink, profusely spotted with
crimson on the upper segments.
A. The Bride. — A handsome variety, with large pure
white flowers, of fine shape, and good substance.
A. Theodorus. — Of free growth, and an abundant
bloomer ; flowers large, bright vermilion, shading to rich
purple.
A. variegata sujperha. — An improvement upon the old
A. variegata ; it is of good habit, with large flowers of
excellent form, salmon pink, margined Avith white. This
is especially valuable as a very late bloomer.
A. Vivid.— This, as its name implies, is a beautiful bright
variety ; the flowers are very freely produced, of beautiful
shape and good substance, in the same way as Stella, but
very much brighter.
BiGNOXIA.
This is a noble family of plants ; nearly all are climbers,
and present a truly gorgeous appearance when in flower.
They are all well adapted for training up pillars and rafters.
Many grand species have yet to be introduced to our gar-
dens. They require a compost of fibrous loam and peat,
two parts of the former to one of the latter, ■with the
addition of a little silver sand. They luxui-iate in a good
temperature, and should have their wood well ripened by
exposure to the sun, as it is mostly from this the flowering
growths start. On account of their requiring to be large
before they flower freely, pot culture is not applicable to
many of them, but if planted at the base of a pillar or
rafter, the effect they produce is gorgeous.
B. Cliamherlaynii. — A magnificent climber, producing its
0
194 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
long' panicles of bloom in great profusion, whicb. continue
from May until October. Tbe leaves are ovate-acuminate,
smootb, and sbining above, tendrils very strong. The
flowers are large, trumpet-shaped, and bright yellow in
colour. It is a most desirable species. Native of Brazil.
B. rjrandiflora.- — Although this variety is nearly hardy it
is well deserving" a place in the cool greenhouse. It is either
adapted for growing as a shrub, by occasionally pruning or
stopping in, or, if required, for pillars, trellis- work, or cover-
ino" walls ; being sub-scandent in habit, it will be found
invaluable, producing an abundance of magnificent clusters
of large orange and scarlet trumpet campanulate flowers.
B. speciosa. — ^A free-growing and most distinct variety,
producing clusters of large lavender flowers fi-om the axils
of the leaves ; the foliage light green. This variety is
suitable for a cool greenhouse temperature.
B. venusta. — This is one of the most gorgeous climbers
we know, and where space can be afforded, it should by
all means find a place ; this variety requires the temperature
of a warm greenhouse. The leaflets are oblong-ovate and
acuminate ; the spikes produce many flowers, which are
large, trumpet-shaped, and rich crimson in colour. It lasts
for several months in perfection, covering the pillar or
rafter that it may be trained to with a complete sheet of
colour. Native of Brazil.
Blandfordl\.
This genus of plants is nearly allied to Hemerocallis, and
consists of several species, all natives of Australia. They
have been long out of fashion, so to speak ; but plant lovers
and plant growers are beginning to show their good taste,
by their appreciation of these and many other plants of
BLANDFOIJDIA. 195
gi'eat intrinsic mei'it, which have been cast away, and
"become lost to us, because they no long-er possessed the
charm of novelty. Among-st the foremost in this group of re-
viving- interest is BJandfordia. The species -will amply repay
the little care which is required to be bestowed upon them.
They should be g-rown in very sandy peat and loam, being"
potted in autumn, and placed in a low temperature. If the
soil is in good order when they arc potted, little or no
water will bo required until tliey beg-in to grow, when they
should have an increase Ijoth of heat and water. After
they haA-e done flowering, and have completed their growth,
they may be stored away under the stage, or on shelves, as
recommended for AmarijlHs.
B. Cunningliamii. — This is a beautiful ornamental green-
house plant, a native of the Blue Mountains in New South
Wales, and by far the handsomest species known. The
leaves are perfectly smooth, about two feet in length,
linear-ensiform in shape, slightly keeled at the back, and
about half an inch broad at the base, bright green on the
upper surface, and paler below. The flower scape is about
■fchree feet high, supporting a terminal cluster of from six-
teen to twenty pendulous flowers, each about two inches
long and somewhat bell-shaped, in colour a bright coppeiy
red, the upper expanded part being- a rich golden yellow.
It is a most desirable plant, which should be added to every
collection of greenhouse plants,
B.flammea. — A beautiful species, resembling the others
in habit. The leaves are somewhat stiS" and narrow. The
flowers are borne upon a gracefiil stem, and are between
three and four inches long, bright orange scarlet, margined
with yellow. It blooms during the end of summer and
beginning of autumn. Native of New Holland.
B. vohills. — This line plant has existed in our gardens
0 2
lOG GUEENH0U3E PLANTS.
since the commencement of the present century, but is far
too little known. It is one of the most effective greenhouse
plants that can be grown. The flowers are pendulous, and
produced in large terminal clusters ; in colom* they are rich
orange, the margins shading off to bright yellow, and
they are in full beauty during Juno and July. Native of
Anstralia.
BOROXIA.
A very pretty genus of plants, some of which should
be in every collection. The}' belong to the liutacece, a
very interesting and extensive order, but which contains a
rather heterogeneous assemblage of plants. The j:) resent
genus consists of greenhouse shrubs, alf natives of Australia,
and growing in their native country into moderate-sized
bushes. They are easily grown into good specimens, and
are very ornamental for home decoration, as well as making
good objects on an exhibition table. The soil best suited
for them is good fibrous sandy peat, and great care should
be taken that the drainage is in perfect order, for they
cannot suffer water to stand about their roots with impu-
nity. The following are a few of the best sjDecies.
B. crenulata. — This pretty species has somewhat ovate
dark green leaves, crenulated at the edges, and ending in a
little hard sharp point. The flowers are prodviced from the
axils of the leaves near the points of the growths, and are
of a pretty clear red. It grows from two to three feet high^
and makes a handsome specimen. Native of New Holland,
about King George's Sound.
D. Drummontlil. — A species of somewhat [slender but
compact habit of growtli. The leaves are pinnatifid^
and of a light green colour. It is an abundant bloomer,
noRoxiA. 197
producing its pretty rosy pink flowers during- spring- and
•early summer. Native of New Holland.
B. Druminondii alha. — A garden variety, of slender habit,
having light green pinnatifid leaves, as in the species.
The flowers are freely produced, but difi^jr from the pre-
■ceding in being pure white, afibrding an agreeable con-
trast.
B. pinnaia. — This species belongs to the pinnate section
■of this genus. The leaves consist usually of three or four
pairs of pinna?, with a terminal pinna, and the leaflets are
linear and acute. The flowers are fragrant, pink, produced
in April and May. It grows from one to three feet high,
•and is one of the best for exhibition. Native of Port
Jackson, New Holland.
B. serndata. — This very handsome plant has smooth,
trapeziform, bright green leaves, which are sei-rulated at
the edges, and full of glandular dots. The flowers are
rose coloured and very sweet, produced from the axils of
the leaves daring May and Jmie. It makes a very hand-
;Some specimen, growing from one to four feet or more
.high in its native country, which is Port Jackson, New
£!olland.
B. tetranJra. — A pinnate species, which is sometimes,
though erroneously, named B. riiierophylla; the name it is
known under is, however, not applicaljle to the plant, as it
has eight and not four stamens. It is somewhat like a
dwarf form of B. idnnafa, bearing- from three to five pairs of
leaflets, with a terminal one ; they are linear, obtuse, smooth,
and dark green. The flowers are produced singly from
the axils of the leaves, and are of a delicate pale pink
colour, appearing in April and May. Native of New
Holland.
198 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
BOUVAEDIA.
This fine genus of Bnhiacece contains many pretty species
and varieties, which are very useful either for conservatory
decoration, or for cutting for bouquet making, most of
them being, moreover, fragrant, which is an additional
recommendation. They should be grown in a mixture of
peat and loam, in about equal parts, with a liberal addition
of sand. The plants should be kept close to the glass, to
prevent them from getting weak and straggling, and the
atmosphere should be kept charged with moisture to pre-
vent attacks of the red spider (Acarus tellarius). If well
grown, few plants are more attractive than Bouvardias,
their dense heads of Ixora-like flowers being very elegant
and ornamental.
JB. angustijolia. — This is a dwarf free-flowering variety
of the old B. tripJujIIa, with neat foliage, and trusses of
brilliant scarlet flowers. It comes from Mexico.
B. Brilliant. — A garden variety, of free-flowering habit,
producing a profusion of bright scarlet blooms in autumn,
and contrasting well with lighter coloured kinds.
B. carnea. — A garden variety, resembling B. longiflora
in habit and general appearance, producing its fragrant
delicate flesh coloured flowers in great profusion.
B. delicata. — The flowers of this kmd are of a rich sal-
mon red, with white throat, the tube being pale pink on the
outside.
B. flava. — A distinct species, introduced from Mexico.
It produces trusses of light yellow flowers during the
spring months, but does not flower very freely during the
summer.
B. Hogarth. — A very line variety, with dark green ovate
BRUGMANSLV. 199
leaves, and brig-lit carmine flowers, with a soniewliat paler
tube.
B. JiylriJa. — This fine variety has larger and more acu-
minate leaves than the most of the others. The flowers
are produced in great profusion in large heads, the colour
being a bright reddish scarlet, which contrasts admirably
with the dark green of the foliage.
B. Laura. — A very handsome variety, with bold trusses
of delicate rose coloured flowers. The plant is of a neat
compact habit.
B. leiaiitha. — This species continues flowering for a long
time. It is a strong grower, producing ample dark green
leaves, and large trusses of bright scarlet flowers. Native
of Mexico.
B. loufjijiora. — This plant is a native of the temperate
regions of Mexico. The leaves are opijosite, oblong-acute,
smooth, and dark green. The flowers are terminal, about
three inches long, pure white, and very fragrant. It makes
a shrub some two or three feet in height.
B. Oriana. — In appearance this resembles B. lnjlrlda, but
it is rather more compact in habit. It is a lovely object
when grown into a good specimen, with its large trusses of
rich scarlet flowers and pink tubes.
B. Eusaliiida. — A variety of good habit, producing dense
trusses of large rich salmon coloured flowers ; a very de-
sirable plant.
Brugmansia.
How very seldom we now see the fine old plants which
constitute this genus in our conservatories! Yet they have
a noble appearance, when laden with their large pendulous
trumpet-shaped flowers ; and they are of very easy culture,
200 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
succeeding' best in a mixture of g-oocl fibrous peat and rich
loam, in equal parts, to which should be added a little well-
decomposed manm-e and some silver sand. In growing-
them from a young- state, it is best to keep the laterals
picked out, confining- them to a single stem for about four
or five feet, after which they should be encouraged to form
heads. About the middle of March the plants will begin
to shows signs of starting ; they should then be taken ou.t
of their pots or tubs, and have some of the old soil re-
moved, and then be repotted into the compost already
recommended. As they advance into free growth, water
should be given liberally, and during the same period, as
well as onwards, the syringe must be used frequently, but
lightly ; this will greatly benefit them. When covered with
their fine pendant white, scarlet, or orange blossoms, they
are splendid objects for the conservatory. They also thrive
well in the open au-, in the summer season, but retain theu'
beauties longer when sheltered from the changes of weather.
When the flowering season is past, water must be gradually
withheld, and the plants must be kept tolerably dry during
winter. They bear pruning well, and may be trimmed
according to taste, any time while dormant.
B. Kiiightii flore picno. — This is a truly magnificent
conservatory plant, resembling B. suavcolens in habit and
general appearance, and producing its large pendulous
double white flowers in great profusion.
B. saiiguinea. — This is a magnificent plant, which no
conservatory should be without. The leaves are large, and
sinuatcly lobed, with the branches slightly tomentose.
The flowers are pendent, trumpet-shaped, seven or eight
inches long, pubescent ; the tube fleshy and orange yellow,
tinged with green at the base, Avhile the limb is a rich
orange red or scarlet. It is a highly ornamental plant,
CAMELLIA. 201
growing- from three to fourteen feet in heig-lit. Native of
Peru and New Grenada.
B. suavcoleiis. — The leaves of this species are somewhat
oblong in shape, entire, smooth, and dark o-reen in colour.
The flowers are trumpet-shaped, pendent, large, pure white,
and very fragrant. It produces its blooms through the
summer and autumn months, and is a very effective plant.
Native of Mexico and Peru.
Camellia.
This magmificent genus of evergreen shrubby plants
was first introduced to this country about the year 1739.
The varieties then sent home were C. japonica and C.
anemoniflora, the latter perhaps better known under the
name of Tied Waratali. Both were introduced from China,
where they are great favourites with the inhabitants, the
varieties being planted by them xqyj largely in their
•groves and gardens, where they yield a profusion of gay
£owers from October to the beginning of May. The plant
lias become such a universal favoiu'ite with all European
horticultui'ists, that wo have come to look upon it as a
j)lant of our own, and not an introduced one. Very few
kinds have been imported into this country ; but the work
of intercrossing and of raising seedlings has been so
diligently and successfully carried on, that many hundreds
of "varieties might be enumerated.
The genus Camellia is nearly related to Tliea — indeed,
by some authorities the latter is merged into Caniellia,
so that one might in^-ite one's friends to drink a cup of
Camellia, instead of a cup of tea ; it is, however, well
known that the leaves of C. sasanqaa arc used in China
to mix with some of the select kinds of tea, to give them.
& superior flavour.
202 GREENHOUSE I'LAXTS.
Camellias are universally admired for the rich and pleas-
ing contrast afforded bj their dark green leaves and their
superb double flowers, which latter enliven our green-
houses and conservatories throughout the winter and
spring months. The flowers are also extensively used
for bouquets and for dressing ladies' hair, for balls and
parties ; indeed, the want of fragrance is perhaps the chief
thing which prevents the GamclUa from supplanting the
Mose in universal admiration.
The soil best adapted for Caiuelltas is a mixture of about
equal parts good turfy loam and peat, with a liberal
addition of sharp sand. We consider the best time for
repotting- is just when the young growths begin to start ;
some growers object to this operation being performed
until the blooms are all past, but it has alwaj^s seemed
to us the most natural to give fresh nourishiuent to the
young wood at the time it can be used with the greatest
advantage, even though it be at the sacrifice of a few
flowers. After potting, a little artificial heat should be
given, and the plants must be liberally supplied with
water, both to the roots and foliage. The growth being
complete, heat must be discontinued, and water given more
sparingly, while more air is permitted, in order that the
j)lants may be hardened off", preparatory to being stood
in the open air to thoroughly ripen their wood and swell
up the fl(5wer buds. If very large flowers arc required
each shoot should be allowed to carry but one bud, though
in other cases two or more buds may be left, according
to fancy. In the autumn the plants must be removed
in-doors again, and care must be taken that the watering
is carefully done, for the giving of either too little or
too much will cause the buds to fall off, and the whole
season's labour to be lost. Camellias are not forced inta
CAMELLIA. 20S
bloom veiy successfully in the ordinary way. Those
intended for the first blooming should be potted and
grown on before the others, and should both be placed iu
the open air earlier, and be returned sooner to the house^
than those required to floAver later ; these will thus na-
tm-ally open their blossoms sooner, and afford a display of'
flowers until the main stock is ready.
In many gardens of large extent, a house is devoted
entirely to the Camellia, and a more glorious sight can
scarcely be conceived than is presented by hundreds of
these splendid flowers all open together, in such a house.
They are best planted out in the borders, using compost
similar to that recommended for pot culture, or if any
difierence be made, a little more loam may be added ;
but here drainage must first be put in, to the depth of
nine or ten inches, and this must be covered with turfa
of grass to prevent the soil from mixing with it, and thus
destroy the olijeet for which it -was put in. In the case
of such plants it becomes impossible to remove them out
of the house after the g-rowth is made ; and in order
to I'emedy this, the top sashes, as well as those at the sides
of the house, must be opened, so as to expose the plants
as much as possible to the full influence of sun and air
until autumn.
In many parts of England, Camellias grow well in the-
open air, and form beautiful ornaments to the pleasure
grounds ; thus, in Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire,
and Devonshire they succeed admirably, many of the
varieties proving more hardy than a Laurel ; and there
is little doubt that if tried in many other parts of the
country, equally good results would follow.
The Camdlia is not very liable to sufler from attacks
of insects. The green and black fly attack the young
204 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
growths and flower buds, but as fumig-ation with, tobacco
or tobacco paper will easily kill them, they should not
be allowed to remain long enough to do any injury. The
white scale sometimes makes its appearance, and this
must be at once washed off with warm water and soft
soap. We have selected from the many varieties of
C. japonlca the following, which are all of superior
merit : —
G. Adriana. — A beautiful variety of great size and superb
form ; the petals imbi'icated, stout, and \evj smooth ; the
ground colour bright carmine, shaded with cerise.
G. ArchduG Etiennc. — Foliage bold ; flowers large, the
petals broad, imbricated, and of great substance ; the colour
when opening a rosy blush, changing- when fally expanded
to deep rosy pink.
G. Arcliducliesse Augusta. — A good grower, and producing
flowers of good form and substance, and of a dull crimson
colour.
G. Arcliducliesse Marie. — A compact, free-branching, and
free-flowering variety ; flowers cerise, striped with white.
G. BeaUi. — An old varietj-, of compact habit, producing
good bright crimson flowers.
G. BeaUi rosea. — This form has the growth of the preced-
ing, but the flowers in this are rich rose colour, beaatifally
imbricated.
G. Bella Bomana. — -Flowers large ; form good ; colour
soft blush, flaked with crimson.
C. Boiioiniana. — Foliage like that of imhrlcata. ; flowers
large, and of good substance, white, mottled vnth carmine.
G. Garlotla Papudoff. — This is a superb variet}'', of good
size and substance ; the ground colour is carmine rose,
■beautifully blotched with white.
C. Garlotta Poloso. — Flowers of average size, and with
CAMELLIA. 205-
soraewhat pointetl imbricated petals ; colour rosy red,
striped down the centre of each petal with blush.
C. Chandler's eJegans. — This is a great improTement upon
the old Ghaibdleri. The flowers arc large, the petals very-
broad, and of a rich bright pink colour.
C. Coiiiie de Toll. — Of good form and habit ; the colour
a clear salmon, veined with a darker shade of the same-
colour.
C. Comtessa Larinia Macjrjl. — A variety of robust habit,
producing- flowers of good form, and very double, the petals
beautifully imbricated ; the coloiu' is blush white, with bold
streaks of bright rosy carmine. It somewhat resembles
the variety called tricolor, but is much superior both in
colour and form.
C. Comtessa Lavinia Maggi rosea. — A sport fi'om Covitessa.
Lavinia Maggi, with flowers of a brilliant carmine rose ; a
superb kind.
C. Constantin Tretiakoff. — A large and beautifully formed
flower ; the ground colour is soft blush, shading towards-
the base of each petal into a rich pink.
C. Countess of Derhy. — Flowers larg-e, quite double, white,,
distinctly flaked with rose pink ; the outer petals reflexed.
This is a beautiful variety with finely formed flowers, and
broad deep shining green foliage.
C. Countess of Orhney. — Flowers large, finely- cup^^ed and
imbricated, white, striped with bright rose carmine.
C. Cup of Beauty. — A variety which requires to be kept
pruned into shape. It is an abundant bloomer, with flowers
of average size, and of good substance, pure white, streaked
with rose, cupped in its earlier stages, reflexed when fully
expanded.
C. de la Heine. — Flowers of moderate size, imbricated or
206 greenhouse: plants.
somewhat cupped when young-, white, faintly strijjed with
light rose colour.
C. Dionisia Foniatoiosld. — Habit dense and good ; flowers
of most beautiful outline, white, slightly shaded with pink.
G. Donhelaari. — This is an old variety, but one which
must be grown in every collection. It is of good habit, the
leaves somewhat small, but flowers large, and semi-double ;
when properly grown, the petals are of a warm crimson,
l)eautifdlly mottled and flaked with white.
C. Ducliesse de Berri. — Habit good ; leaves large ; flowers
large, pure Avhite, superior in shape to the old Double WJiite,
the petals being more imbricated.
C. Ducliesse de Nassait. — A very handsome variety; the
colour is a delicate pink, the centre petals shaded with
crimson cerise.
C. Ducliesse d' Orleans. — Flowers imbricated, of moderate
size, blush white, striped with cerise and rosy carmine.
C. Elvira Bianclilni. — A beautiful variety of good propor-
tions ; flowers large and round, the petals smooth, creamy
Avhite, streaked and barred with rose.
C. Filippo Parlatore. — Of good robust habit, and bold
foliage ; the petals are cupped, smooth, and even at the
•edges, beautifully striped with rosy carmine on a blush
■white ground.
C. Fra Ariioldo da Brescia. — A very pretty variety, with
■deep red flowers, nicely imbricated, and sometimes blotched
with white ; it is both a good grower and a free bloomer.
G. General Glaldlni. — A superb variety of great merit ;
the petals are well formed, and of good substance ; the
colour is rich carmine, barred with red.
G. Giardino Santarella. — A very fine variety, of good
robust habit, with bold foliage ; the petals are very smooth
CAMELLIA. 207
and cupped ; the colour blusli white, striped with rosy
■carmine.
G. imhricaia. — This variety, thong-h an old one, is still one
of the very best ; its habit of growth and constitution are
both good ; the flowers are of superb form, the colour
•crimson, occasionally blotched with white.
C. imhricata alba. — A most desirable kind, with dark
green cordate leaves, and very large pure white flowers,
"beautifully imbricated ; a rather robust-growing kind, and
very free flowering-.
C. Jenny Liml. — Of g"ood hardy constitution, and a free
"bloomer ; the flowers are pure white, streaked with rosy
pink, of good form, and of a rich waxy substance.
C. Jiihilee. — Flowers imbricated, of moderate size, beau-
tifully striped with deep rose colour.
C. Juhilefi rosea. — Flowers nicely imbricated, the coloui"
$1 beautiful rosy pink.
G. La Maestosa. — A large imbricated flower, of perfect
form, with fine large petals ; colour a beautiful l)right
cerise, occasionally blotched with white ; a fine variety.
G. Madame Ambrolse VcrscJuifdf. — Foliage large and
ample ; flowers large and of good form, the colour a light
jpinkish blush, striped Avith bright pink.
G. Master Rosa. — A variety of free growth and good
!habit, with large, shining, dark green leaves ; flowers of
.average size, imbricated, and of excellent form ; colour a
beautifiil rosy crimson.
G. Matliotiana. — The habit of this variety is not so good
as that of many others, as it has a tendency to niake only
■one or two breaks after pruning, but when planted in the
borders for covering walls, &c., it is unequalled. The
<!olour is deep crimson, the flowers large and very fine.
G. Matteo MaJfino. — A beautiful imbricated flower of
208 GREEXHOUSE PLANTS.
good form : tlie petals arc briglit cherry red, striped
down tlie centre Avith wliite.
C. 2Irs. Doinbrain. — Leaves tapering to a point ; flowers
well formed, and of good substance ; colour delicate pink,
margined with white.
G. Nonpareil. — A variety of great beauty, of medium
size and form ; the ground colour is delicate flesh, beau-
tifully and regularly striped with rich pink.
G. Pearl. — A dwarf compact-growing plant, with good
foliage ; flowers pure white, of medium size, with broad im-
bricated petals of great substance, and cup-shaped. A
very desirable variety.
G. planipetala. — A pure white variety, of great sub-
stance, and good form ; the petals slightly reflexed, and
forming a beautiful high centre.
G. Prince Albert. — Flowers of moderate size, imbricated,
blush white, with numerous stripes of deep rose ; the
centre pseony- formed.
G. Princess Frederlch William. — This variety is of good
constitution, and the foliage is large and imposing ; flowers
of good form and substance, white, striped and mottled
with carnation.
G. Princess Marij. — ^This is a variety of great merit ; the
foliao-e is good and rich green ; the petals are finely
formed, of good substance, and of a deep rich crimson
colour.
G. inmicea. — Of vigorous habit, with bold dark green
leaves, broadly oval in shape, and terminating in a sharp
point. Flowers large, full, very double ; the petals of
o-ood shape and substance, cupped when in its earlier stages,
and then of a rich crimson ; as it spreads with age it is
slightly paler.
G. Heine des B'Xiut's. — Though not of extra size, this is
CAMELLIA. 209
one of the veiy handsomest varieties grown ; the petals
are beautifally imbricated, of a delicate flesh colour, and of
superb form.
C. Relne des Fleurs. — Leaves somewhat small, but a
vigorous grower, and of good habit ; flowers very large,
beautifally imbricated ; petals of great substance, and of a
deep rich crimson colour.
G. Boina risorta. — A beautiful variety, having very large
flowers of a bright rose colour, streaked with crimson, and
the petals all slig-htly edged with white.
C. Stella Polare. — A lovely variety, of good habit, with
handsome foliage ; flowers medium-sized, compact, and of
superb form ; colour rich deep carmine, with a regular and
even stripe along the centre of each petal.
C. Targioni. — A fine imbricated flower, white, delicately
striped with light rose colour.
G. tricolor imbricata plena. — A very handsome variety,
with dark green leaves ; the flowers are of good form and
substance, the colour is a pure white, flaked with carmine
and rose.
G. Virginia Franco. — Flowers of medium size, and good
shape ; petals pointed and imbricated, streaked with light
red, upon a soft blush ground.
G. Vittorio Eniiiianmllc II. — A large delicate blush
flower, with petals somewhat pointed, and a stain of bright
rose at the base of each.
G. Zoraide Vanzi. — An exceedingly beautiful flower, of
line form, and very symmetrical ; blush white, striped and
flaked with deep rose.
In addition to these varieties of G. jajjonica, which is the
species more commonly cultivated, we may mention G.
reticulata and C. reticulata jlore pleno, as being very showy
p
210 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
conservatory plants, of a distinct character, and remarkable
for their very large rich rose coloured blossoms,
Cantua.
This very beautiful plant should be in every collection.
It is a native of the ^Mountains of Peru, and consequently
is well adapted for the g-reenhouse ; indeed, in the southern
counties of England it will no doubt be nearly hardy. The
soil best suited for it is turfy loam, leaf mould, and sand,
with good drainage.
G. huxifolia. — The leaves of this plant are small, oA'al,
downy, sometimes entire, sometimes three-lobed, and of a
light green colour. The flowers are tubular, about four
inches long, the tube crimson yellow within, and the limb
when expanded of a rich deep rose colour ; they are pro-
duced in the greatest abundance dui-ing May and June.
Choeozema.
A very handsome genus of Leguminous plants from New
Holland. They are highly valuable for the decoration of
the greenhouse, and are among the finest of oui* exhibition
plants. The soil best adapted for them is a mixture of peat
and loam, with plenty of sand. They bear pruning well,
and can be easily grown into handsome specimens. The
collector (Labillardiere) first found this genus at the base
of some mountains on the South-West coast of New Hol-
land, near some fresh water, after being some time in Avant,
which appears to have suggested the name — from chorox,
a dance, and zona, drink.
G. cordai'um splendcns. — A free-growing kind, with light
CITKU?
211
green heart-sliaped leaves. Its flowers arc pea-shaped, and
fine large orang-e and red, very showy.
C. Ecmhnani.— This very pretty species is, like the rest,
a native of Xew Holland. The leaves are alternate, needle-
shaped, and entire, the whole plant having a hoary appear-
ance. The flowers are pea-shaped, bright scarlet, and
freely produced. It is very subject to the attacks of
mildew, which must be carefully guarded against, by keep-
ing the plant in good order, and dusting slightly with
sulphur.
C. varium. — The leaves of this kind, as its name implies,
are somewhat variable in shape. It is a compact-growing
plant, producing its orange and red pea-shaped flowers in
great abundance dm-ing the spring months.
C. variwii CJimiJhri. — A fine dwarf-growing variety,
witb long branching shoots, and racemes of bright orange
and scarlet flowers.
Citrus.
Most persons are well acquainted with the Orange Tree,
and have seen with admiration the fruits hanging upon
them, either in a small or large state. These trees are
much grown in Continental gardens for terrace decoration
in summer, for which they are well adapted. There is a
very extensive collection in the Royal Gardens at Potsdam
in Prussia, where a splendid house, 1,000 ft. long, 45 ft.
broad, and about 2-5 ft. high, has been erected for the
reception of these magnificent trees. In France, Italy, and
Belgium also fine large trees are to be found ; but with us
they have certainly not been encom-aged so much as they
ouo-ht to have, neither have they received the attention to
which they are fairly entitled. It is not our intention to
enumerate many of the species and varieties,for they are
212 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
very mimerous, but to describe a few of the most interesting'
and ornamental of them.
The common Orange, Lemon, Lime, Shaddock, Citron,
Paradise Orange or Forbidden Fruit, with their numerous
■varieties, all belong to this genus, and make noble decora-
tive plants, either in the young state with a few of their
golden fruits upon them — when they make most attractive
objects for dinner- table decoration — or when grown into
large trees and laden with a profusion of their white and
delicately scented blossoms, and with green and ripe fruit.
The use to which quantities of the flowers are applied need
not be described, as every one knows how essential they are
upon certain most interesting occasions.
To grow the plants well, and to fruit them freely, they
must be treated liberally. We have found the following-
mixture suit them well : two parts good ttirfy loam, one
part of fibrous peat, and about the same quantity of sheep
or pigeon's manure, adding to these a good quantity of
sharp sand, and lumps of charcoal ; the whole must be well
and intimately mixed together. The peat and loam should
be chopped with a spade into moderate-sized pieces, but upon
no consideration should it be sifted. Orange Trees, when
growing, should be kept in a temperature of 60° or 65°, and
treated to copious showers from the syringe two or three
times in the day ; indeed, at any time, saving when they are
in flowei", occasional syringing is very beneficial, though it
must be resorted to in a less degree during the blooming
period than in the growing season. These plants can with-
stand uninjured a very low temperature, but are certainly
better if kept at about 48° during wintei-. The Citrus
family must have good exposure to the sun to induce them
to flower and fruit freely ; yet, as the leaves will become
yellow and sickly-looking if fully exposed, they must have
CITRUS. 213
a certain amount of shading- during- the brig-htest part of
tbe day during summer.
These plants require a good share of air in favourable
weather, and though not fond of much water, jet a suffi-
cient quantity must be given each time to thoroughly
saturate the soil. Many Orange Trees have been killed by
the only partial wetting of the mass of earth about their
roots. When in full vigour they will be greatly benefited
by occasional mulchings with well-decomposed manure.
Though these plants will make pretty objects when mixed
with others, yet to grow them well and produce a large
crop of fruit, a house must be devoted to their special cul-
ture. Such a house Avould form one of the most agreeable
features in any garden. The trees should be planted out
as recommended for Camellias. The insects with which,
these plants become infested are the Coccus liesperidum., a
kind of scale insect, which must be washed off with warm
soft soap and water ; the green aphis, which can be easily
destroyed with fumigating-, -without any injury to the
plants ; and the red spider {Acarus tellarius), which, how-
ever, will not make its appearance if sufficient moisture is
kept in the atmosphere.
C. aurantiaeum. — This is the sweet orange, the fruit of
which is so largely imported into this country for the
dessert. The leaves of this species are somewhat ovate or
oblong, rich shining green in colour ; it forms a large tree,
and when laden with either flowers or fruits is a glorious
sight. It and its varieties are largely grown in the south
of Europe, although it originally belongs to Asia.
C. aurantiaeum, var. (^Malie-ie Orange). — In appearance
differing little from the preceding ; the fruit is globose,
golden yellow, the pulp deep blood red.
G. decumana {The Shaddoch). — A very strong-growing
214.. GREEXnOUSK PLANTS.
plant, with spiny branches, and large, blunt, ovate leaves,,
clothed with a tomentum on the under side, deep green
above ; leafstalks with broad wings ; fruit -s'ery large, round,
pale yellow ; the pulp is acid, and though not eaten at the
dessert, it forms a beautiful ornament to the table. It is
cultivated in the AVest Indies, but is a native of China.
C. Limetta (_Swcet Lime). — Of vigorous growth, the
petioles being slightly winged, bearing large obtuse-
ovate leaves, which are serrated at the margins ; fruit
large, globose, terminating in a blunt point ; j^ulp sweet.
Many varieties of this are in cultivation ; it is originally
from Asia.
C. Limetta Bergainiuiii. (The Bcrgamute). — The branches
of this variety arc furnished with spines ; leaves large,
oval, sharp-pointed, and serrate at the edges ; fruit pear-
shaped, smooth, and rich yellow in colour ; pulp somewhat
bitter.
C. Limetta pomme cVAdam. — This variety has somewhat
oblong leaves, rich dark g-reen in colour, with broad wings
to the petioles ; the branches are striped with white, and
furnished with small spines ; the fruit is large, round, and
of a yellowish green colour ; pulp sweet.
C. limonum {The Lemon). — Of this plant there are manj-
varieties, difiering in the shape of the fruits ; thus we have
the pear lemon, the fing-ered lemon, the furrowed lemon,
and many others, which form very ornamental trees ; the
branches are straight and long ; the leaves are large,
egg-shaped, and bright green in colour ; footstalks some-
times winged ; fruit ])ale yellow, long, and ending in a
nipple-like point ; pulp acid. Universally cultivated in the
tropics ; native of Asia.
C. Mcdica {The Cihvh). — Like all the species of this
genus, the Citron has many varieties, which have doubtless-
CLIANTHU^. 215
been brought about tlii-ougli loug- cultivation ; its fruit is
very large, oblong in shape, and rich yellow in colour Avheu
ripe ; it is seldom eaten in any but the preserved state,
however. The branches are furnished with spines, leaves
blunt and oblong, footstalks not winged. It grows to a
large tree, and is a native of Asia.
G. nobilis {The Mandarin Orange). — This is a beautiful
plant, producing abundance of its rich golden fruit even
upon very small plants, when it forms a most beautiful
ornament to the dinner table ; the leaves are somewhat
ovate, bright green ; fruit romid, and pulp sweet. Native
of China.
C. Paraclisi (ForTjidden Fruit'). — A robust-growing species,
with large oval leaves, slightly notched at the margins,
and with winged leafstalks; the fruit is large, pear-shaped,
and light yellow in colour, with a sweet pulp. Its native
country is unknown.
C. vulgaris (Seville or Bitter Orange^. — The leaves of this
kind are ovate, with winged leafstalks ; the fruit is round,
and rich dark orange yellow in colour ; the pulp is bitter,
and they are chiefly used in making wine, in medicine, and
for preserves. Largely cultivated in Eui-ope ; native of
Asia.
G. vulgaris rayrtlfoUa {Myrtle-leaved Orange). — A compact-
growing shrub, with small lanceolate leaves of a rich dark
green ; the fruit is small and spherical, reddish yellow in
colom^, and contrasting beautifully with the leaves. It
makes a handsome plant when well grown for the decora-
tion of the dinner table.
Clianthus.
This is a most useful genus of plants, whether grown
in the form of a bush, which may be formed by constant
21 G GEEENHOCSE PLANTS.
pruning, or allowed to g-row as a climber, for which pur-
pose they are admirably adapted, especially when planted
out in the open border of the conservatory or at the base
of the conservatory wall. The soil most suitable for their
growth is rich fibrous loam and peat in equal parts, with a
moderate sprinkling of silver sand. It is necessary to give
good drainage, as they require abundance of water when
growing ; it is also necessary to use the syringe freely
during the summer months. The name of Glory Pea is
given to the plants of this leguminous genus.
G. Dampicri. — One of the most gorgeous and attractive
plants for the cool house. It is of half scandent habit,
with neatly winged silvery gray villose leaves ; the flowers
are produced from the axils of the leaves, in drooping
racemes ; the colour a vivid orange scarlet, with an intense
black boss or blotch in the centre of the vexillum. I^ative
of Australia.
C magnificus. — A strong-growing- variety of G. puniceus,
being well clothed with an abundance of pale green leaves,
and a profusion of large scarlet flowers.
G. puniceus. — Similar to the above, but neater and more
twiggy in growth, a most profuse bloomer ; flowers
scarlet.
Convolvulus.
A large genus containing many beautiful species, both
hardy and tender. Tlfey are nearly allied to Ipomcea,
which see for particulars of their culture.
G. mauritanicus. — This makes a very pretty basket plant,
and should be grown in every collection of greenhouse
plants. It has somewhat ovate leaves, and produces a
profusion of its elegant light blue flowers during the whole
season. It has also been recommended as a bedding plant,
CORREA. 217
but for tliis purpose we have not used it ; for suspending
in baskets it is invaluable. Native of Constantine,
Northern Africa.
COREEA.
A fine showy genus of Eiiiacnce, once extensively grown,
but now very rarely seen in collections. It is, however, a
great mistake to discard such plants as the Correa to make
way for mere novelty, for it may be made to afiord a
beautiful display from early autumn through the dreary
winter months on into sprmg, until other plants put on
their gay livery. The Correas are very easy to cultivate,
and require very little attention in the way of training,
for theii- natm-al habit is bushy. The soil most suitable
for the genus is a mixture of two parts good peat to
one of fibrous light loam, with a liberal addition of silver
sand. Repot when they begin to grow in summer, and
when the new soil is tolerably full of roots, stand them
in the open air, where they can be protected from the
fiercest rays of the sun, or from heavy rains and storms.
In autumn they must be returned to the greenhouse or
conservatory, Avhen their gay flowers will soon appear,
and continue on through the whole winter.
C. Brilliani. — A compact-growing variety, with dark
cordate leaves, and dense compact habit ; flowers brilliant
crimson.
C. cardincdis. — This is a slender-growing kind, and
consequently requires close pruning. The flowers are
produced in abimdance from the axils of the leaves, the
colour being a bright scarlet, the tubes tipped with green,
C Harrisii. — A medium-growing variety, with light
green apiculated leaves, and fine branching habit ; bright
scarlet flowers.
218 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
G. magnifica. — A I'ather strong-growing- and fine flower-
ing kind ; large white flowers.
G. Ventricosa. — A slender-growing twiggy kind, having
bright crimson flowers, tijiped with green ; very prett^^
and distinct,
ConONILLA.
A genus of Leguminosce, containing- many species of great
beauty, but as many of them are hardy herbaceous plants,
they cannot be included here. The species given below
is an invaluable plant for Avinter and spring decoration.
Pot in a compost of peat and loam, with a liberal quantity
of sand added.
G. glaitca. — A pretty greenhouse shrub, with compound
leaves, the leaflets of Avhich are smooth, obovate, obtuse,
and of a glaucous green colour ; the flowers are produced
in umbels of seven or eig-ht, and are of a bright yellow
colour, very fragrant in the day-time. It flowers from
beginning of May all through the summer. Native of
Erance and Sicily.
COSMELIA.
G. rulra. — A very pretty Epacris-li'ke plant, producing
di'ooping red tube-shaped flowers in great abundance in
April and May, It requires light spongy peat, with a
large proportion of silver sand, and a mixture of charcoal.
Native of New Holland.
Crotolaria,
G. elegaiis. — This most beautiful plant, seldom seen in
collections, requires to be kept well pruned back, to form
a bush while the plant is young ; after that the mature
CROWEA — CTCLAMEJT.
219'
Avood shoukT be allowed to grovr on for flowering. The
blossoms are produced in spikes, and are of a rich plum
colour. jSTative of the Cape of Good Hope.
Crowea.
A genus of beautiful greenhouse plants, belonging to the
order Batacecc. The species of Growca are natives of
Australia, and succeed well in the greenhouse if they are
placed in a situation which, while airy, is not exposed to
draughts, and is at the same time well exposed to the
light. Some little care is also needed in watering, for
if carelessly watered, or crowded up with other plants,
Groiveas will always be unsatisfactory subjects for the
cultivator. The soil best adapted for them is two parts
peat and one of fil^rous loam, with some sand added.
G. latifolia. — Leaves light green, alternate, entire ovate-
lanceolate, and slightly decurrcnt at the base ; flowers light
purple or pinkish, produced from the axils of the leaves.
It grows from one to two feet high, and blooms throughout
the summer and autumn. Native of New Holland.
G. sallgna. — Aiaother very handsome species, with pale
green lanceolate leaves, which produces its clear pink
flowers all through the summer. It comes from New
South Wales.
Cyclajien.
A genus of Frimulacecr, invaluable as spring decorative-
plants ; but though so attractive and useful for bouquet
making at a season when flowers are especially valuable,
it has, till within a few years, been very much neglected.
The varieties of G. persicmn, to which we shall principally
confine ourselves in these pages, have been intercrossed
220 GREENnOUSE PLANTS.
with great success, and are cliarming- objects, producing'
their elegant flowers from Christmas to May. They should
be cultivated everywhere, for few plants are more easily
manag-ed or more beautiful.
These plants can only be increased by seed, which should
be sown as soon after it is ripe as possible. We should
not defer the operation in any case later than February or
March ; and if carefally attended to, by being- grown in
heat and kept shifted whenever the pots have become filled
with roots, the plants may be bloomed in a year, while two
or even three years are required when they are treated in a
negligent manner. After blooming, they must be carefully
watered until the leaves decay, gradually withholding it
then until none is required, when they should be put into a
frame, or some such place, where they can be protected
from heavy i"ains. Potting should be done, or the surface
of the soil renewed, just before the corms start into growth.
The soil best adapted for them is a mixture of fibrous loam,
good leaf mould, and well-decomposed manure, in equal
parts, with a liberal addition of silver sand.
If a good stock of these plants is kept up, it is quite
possible, by starting a batch at different times, to have a
succession of their beautifully marbled leaves and elegant
flowers through the whole of the winter and spring. The
varieties of C. persicum can be had in almost all shades of
■colour, from deep red to pui'e white, in some instances
beautifully spotted, and in some varieties very fragrant.
They last a very long time in flower, are admirably
adapted for cutting for bouquets or for wmdow or dinner-
table decoration, and are also most attractive objects when
grouped with other plants in the conservatory ; in fact, no
garden should be without a large stock, and every amateui'
grower or lover of plants not possessed of a garden may
CYCLAMEN.
221
grow these in his windows. Hence tliey are well suited
for London and large towns, where small gardens and an
extended love of plants are usually found combined. The
following are all varieties of C. persicum : —
G. Delicatim.— The flowers of this variety are large ;
petals of the purest white, beautifully enlivened by a
bright pink eye.
C. Excellent.— Petals very broad and of great substance,
snow white, with a vivid red eye ; very distinct and desii'-
able.
C. Firefly. — A lovely variety, with bright red petals,
shaded with crimson ; the eye is very dark.
C. Mauve Q^teeu.— Flowers very large, and of good sub-
stance ; petals long, bright mauve colour, with rich deep
violet eye.
C. Novelty. — A charming kind; petals delicate pink,
margined with rose ; the eye deep violet.
C. Oriflamme.— The petals of this variety are clear rosy
red, the eye a beautiful cerise ; a rare and very elegant
form.
C. Purity.— The flowers of this variety are large and
of the purest white, being invaluable for bridal bouquets,
or any other purpose where white flowers are required.
C. rubrum cjrandiflorum.—A splendid kmd, with large
flowers of great substance ; the petals are broad, and rich
bright red in colour, with a dark reddish purple eye.
G. rubrum odoratum.— In addition to large deep red
flowers, this variety adds the charm of yielding a delicious
perfume.
G. rubrum punctatiim. — A distinct and rare form; flowers
large, with bright red petals, profusely spotted Avith black.
C. striatum. — In this plant the ground colour is white,
beautifully splashed and spotted with rose and pm-ple.
■'Jliti GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
C. Ltolaceimi. — Petals very broad and of fine substances,
pure white, with a large, deep, rich violet eye, very hand-
some and distinct.
Daphne.
This genus includes some of the most deliclonsly fragrant
plants in cultivation. They are of robust constitution, and
succeed well when planted out in the greenhouse, where
they will yield an abundance of their very sweet flowers
throughout the wdnter — a season of the year when flowers,
especially such flowers as those of the Daphne, arc par-
ticularly valuable. They are somewhat slow-growing
plants, and therefore, while small, two g'rowths should be
made by them in a season. In order to succeed with this,
they must, if requisite, be repotted in February, and
then placed in a naoist atmosphere, with a temperature
of about 55' ; they must be treated liberally with water as
the roots fill the new soil. In about ten weeks the first
growth will be made, when the points of the young shoots
may be pinched out, and the plants placed in a drier and
more airy situation. As soon as the wood appears well
ripened, which will be in four or five weeks' time, they
may be again removed to the warm moist atmosphere
(without repotting), and kept in it until they have finished
another growth. When this has been accomplished, gra-
duall}' inure them to bear a drier atmosphere and less heat,
so that the wood may be well ripened and the flower buds
set. To secure an early crop of flowers, as well as a suc-
cession, some of the plants must be placed in gentle heat.
These remarks, of course, apply only to those grown in
pots. Those which are planted out will succeed under the
same treatment as that advised for the Camellia, with which
the Baplinc. is frequently grown.
DAVIESIA. 223
The soil these plants prefer is a mixture of two parts rich
loam, one part fibrous peat, and one part sand. Drainage
must be particularly studied, or Daplmes will not thrive.
D. Tiijbrida. — A distinct variety, of slender and compact
growth, with small ovate leaves, and fine pm^ple flowers,
very freely produced.
D. indica alba (odora). — This variety does not succeed
well in pots, on account of its susceptibility to red spider
and canker, but when planted out in the border for the
purpose of covering back walls, ti'ellis, pillars, &c., it is
invaluable, producing an abundance of pure white flowers,
of the richest fragrance, throughout the summer months.
D. indica ruhra. — A free-growing evergreen shrub, having
long lanceolate leaves, of a light green colour. The flowers
are produced in heads from, the mature growths, the indi-
vidual flower being large, white, with a red under surface.
Daviesia.
A handsome genus of Leguminosce, not many of which
are to be found in cultivation, plant growers ha'S'ing for
some reason discarded so many Xew Holland and Cape
hard-wooded greenhouse plants, which we hope soon again
to see taking their proper place in our collections. The
Daviesias should be potted in loam and peat, with a little
sand, and placed in an airy situation in the greenhouse.
D. latifolia florihunda. — The leaves of this plant are
somewhat ovate in shape, and light green in colour. The
flowers are bright yellow, with the upper part of the flower
{yexiUuvi) reddish yellow, and borne in great profusion
from May to July. Native of Tasmania.
J), uiribellata. — A small neat-growing species, having
224 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
narrow lanceolate leaves. The flowers are produced in
umbels in great profusion ; the colour light orange and
yellow.
Dn.LWTNIA.
An exceedingly interesting- class of Leg'uniinous plants
from Australia. There have been many varieties intro-
duced, and many of these are still in cultivation, but it will
be only necessary here to describe a few. They all require
about the same treatment and soil, and succeed best in
g-ood fibrous peat, with a liberal supply of silver sand, and
plenty of drainage for the roots. It will be necessary to
prune back well after flowering, and when the plants have
nicely broken, they may be placed in the open air for the
summer, being protected from heavy rains.
D. cinnabar ilia. — A slender-growmg s^iecies, which pro-
duces very long spikes of flowers ; colour bright cinnamon
red.
D. pungens. — A pretty compact- growing plant, with very
small spiny leaves, and a profusion of bright yellow
flowers. It blooms from Jmae to August.
D. splendcns. — The finest of the species ; habit neat and
compact, with long branches of bright orange and red
flowers.
Dracophtllum.
A small genus of Epacrldacece. The species hei-e given
is the best, and is a valuable exhibition plant. The soil
best adapted for it is good fibrous peat, chopped into small
pieces, but not sifted ; to this must be added a liberal quan-
tity of silver sand, and it is of great importance that the
plants should be firmly potted. Some grow this plant upon
EPACEIS. '^-'^
a balloon-shaped trellis, in which manner the flowers are
brought all to one level, but when grown as a compact
bush it has by far the best appearance, though it takes a
much longer time to make a specimen, as it requires more
frequent stopping. It is an elegant plant, and should be
more generally grown.
D. gmcile. — The cauline leaves of this species are lanceo-
late-subulate, fringed at the margins with long hairs, and
recurved. The flowers are freely produced in capitate spikes,
and are of a pure white colour. It blooms during April,
May, and Jmie, and is a splendid exhibition plant. Native
of New Holland.
Efacris.
This genus gives its name to a small order of plants
(EpacrUlacece) consisting of elegant and highly ornamental
shrubs, bearing harsh, dryish, prickly foliage, and hand-
some tubular flowers. The species are all natives of New
Holland— mdeed, the order is almost exclusively Australian.
The flowers are axillary, and generally pendulous, and are
so freely produced along the thickly leafy branches, that
they have the appearance of long leafy spikes, in which
the blossoms lean all one way ; there are, however, some
few exceptions to the manner of their disposal. The soil
best adapted for these plants is good fibrous peat, with a
liberal addition of silver sand. After the flowers have
faded, the erect-growing kinds should be cut back nearly
to the old wood, and placed in a rather close frame to
induce them to break ; and when the young shoots are
about an inch in length, they should be repotted into fresh
soil, care being taken that they are firmhj potted. The lax
or pendulous growers must not be pruned in so closely as
the erect kinds, and are better trained upon balloon trellises.
Q
226 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
When the plants are beginning- to get established in the
new soil, they should be stood in the open air during the
summer, but in such a position that the sun does not bui'n
the young and tender roots, and wlicre heavy rains can be
kept from them.
E. Biitteifly, — A very free late Ijloomer ; flowers pure
■white, beautifully suffused with rose.
E. campanulata. — Flowers bell-shaped, rich red, produced
in long spikes. Native of Tasmania.
jB. campanulata alba. — Resembling the preceding in shape
of flowers, and with the same reflexed ovate leaves, but pure
white in colour. Xative of Tasmania.
E. carminata. — A variety of good compact iDranching
liabit, with, large bright red flowers.
E. Eevoniensis. — This is somewhat in the style of E.
TTviniata ; the flowers are long, and of a deep scarlet
colour.
E. Eclipse. — A variety with fine bright crimson flowers,
tipped with white.
E. elegans.—A charming- variety ; flowers long and of a
delicate soft rose colour, the lobes slightly paler.
E. exquisifa. — A very profuse bloomer ; flowers veiy
large, and bright rosy pink in colour, loljcs a shade
lighter.
E. Fireball. — A beautifal form ; its flowers when fully
expanded are bright orange scarlet, with the lobes tipped
with rosy pink, in the bud they are rich crimson.
E. lujaci iitliiflora. — Flowers pink, on long- spikes ; of
robust habit.
E. liyacintliiflora candidissiina. — Flowers pure white, and
one of the best of its class.
E. lujacintliijlora fnlrjeiis. — This is probably the best pink
variety grown.
EPACRIS. 227
^. impressa. — A beautiful species, with lanceolate-sessile
leaves, and short tubular crimson flowers ; it is later flower-
ing- than many of the varieties, usually coming* in about
April. Native of Xew Holland and Tasmania.
Ij. Ingramii. — A very handsome form ; flowers deep red
in the tubes, the lobes pinkish.
E. Lachj Alice Peel. — A ver3^ distinct kind, with Ijeautiful
lai'ge salmon coloured flowers.
E. Lady Panmure. — This is a tine variety, with pure white
flowers, which are beautifully suff'ased with rose.
E. Lowii. — In this the flowers are produced in g-reat
abundance, and have jJure white tribes, tipped with rosy
pui'ple.
E. minlata. — -A species of more lax growth than most
others ; uideed, it represents a natural division of the family,
consisting of species somewhat scandent in habit, and which
should be either trained upon a wire trellis, or staked to
make a specimen, and Avhich, moreover, should not be
pruned so hard as the dwarf-growing species and varieties.
The leaves are heart-shaped, shai*p-pointed, and of a shining-
dark green ; the flowers are long, pendulous, leaning- all on
one side, bright vermilion in the tubes, the limb and end of
tube white. iSTative of Xcav Holland.
E. ndniata splendens. — A great improvement upon the
preceding, with flowers upwai-ds of an inch and a half
long ; tubes bright scarlet, the end and limb pure white.
This makes a most telling plant for public exhibition, and
should be in every collection.
E. Mont Blanc. — A compact grov»-er and late flowerer ;
its pm-e white flowers, with yellow throats, are borne on
long dense spikes.
E. maltljlora. — Flov.'ers bright red, tipped with white.
E. nivalis compacta. — A beautiful variety, being a great
Q 2
228
GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
impi-ovement upon E. nivalis, j^roclucing dense spikes of
snowy white flowers.
JS. odorata alba. — This variety is of compact habit, and
produces dense spikes of pure white flowers, deliciousl}'
sweet.
E. picturafa. — The flowers of this variety are larg-e, and
of a bright pink colour.
E. Princess Boyal. — A very desirable variety, with the
flowers rich rose, tipj^ed with white.
E. pulcliella. — A somewhat straggling-growing sj)ecies,
but worthy of a place in a collection of these plants on
accomit of its distinctness. The leaves are concave, closel}-
set upon the branches ; the flowers form a dense spike,
and are small, short, pure white, becoming tinged with
pink as they advance in age ; it is a late bloomer. Native
of New South Wales.
E. rosea alba. — Flowers short, stout, white, beautifully
tinged with pale rose.
E. splendens. — Flowers rich salmon pink.
E. Sunset. — Thisvariety is very efiective ; the spikes are
long and dense, the flowers are rich red, tijiped with rosy
pink.
E. tricolor. — A fine variety, with the flowers of a rich
red, shading to rose, the limb pink, produced in long-
dense spikes.
E. variabilis. — A species with short tubular rich pink
flowers, produced in March and April. Native of Tasmania.
E. Vesta. — A very fine white variety, of neat compact
habit.
E. Vesuvius. — A fine variety, with bright reddish crim-
son flowers.
E. Viscountess Hill. — A superb variety, producing abun-
dantly its brilliant orange scarlet flowers.
ERICA. -2J
Erica.
Perhaps no genus of g-reenliousc plants is so generally
attractive, or so universally admired, as that of the Heaths.
But extensive as is the order Uri.cacece, the true Heaths
(Erica) are only to be found in Africa, at the Cape of
Good Hope, and in Europe, though other members of
the order are found in almost every quarter of the globe.
This genus is generally considered a verj- diiiicult one
to manage, and to a certain extent this may be true, but
those persons Avho carefully and regularly attend to their
plants, not allovv'ing them to suffer in any way, but rather
by strict attention anticipating their wants, will find little
or no difficulty in cultivating them. The soil must be
good fibrous peat, chopped into small pieces, with a liberal
quantity of silver sand added. The plants should be
potted very firmly, and as water should be given pretty
freely during- summer, the drainage nmst be perfect. The
usual notion that Heaths do not require much water is a
mistake, and there is no doubt that more plants are killed
through the want of water, than through having- too much,
that is, if the drainage is in a good sound state. We
have often remarked that those plants whose death has
been attributed to over-watering, are those which have
at some time sufiered severely through drought, either
from accident or negligence. In such cases, as soon as the
evil is discovered, an abundant supply of water is at once
given, the watering being repeated several times in order
to restore the drooping- branches, but the plant never does
recover ; it is then turned out of its pot, and pronounced
to have been killed by watering, but this is erroneous,
for though the soil does appear saturated with water, that
is not the cause of death. The true cause of death in such
230 GilEEXHOUSE PLAXTS.
cases is the want of -water, for in consequence of drought
the phxnt has Lai its roots killed, or so much weakened
that thej are past recovery Avhen the water is given ;
and it is in consequence of this absence of root-action, that
the soil under the circumstances becomes saturated. In
watering, care should be taken that soft or rain water only
is applied to these plants, for hard water soon injures them,
and often causes them to cast their foliage.
Ericas then (with a few exceptions) are tolerably easy
of culture. Different opinions are held respecting the
proper time fjr repotting. Our plan is to shift the plants
soon after they show signs of growing, and when this has
been done a little time, we stand them in the open air,
but it is best to protect the pots from the sun, or the
tender roots will be liable to be destroyed. By this
treatment, a shorter fii-mer growth is obtained, and the
wood is well ripened, thus ensuring good flowers, and
enabling the plants to stand the better in-doors through
the winter. About the end of September or the first
week in October it will be necessary to remove them to
their -w-inter quarters, giving an abundance of au', but
avoiding cold draughts. It is very important not to apply
fire heat, unless to exclude frost, or to dry up the damp-
after a long succession of wet or dull weather.
Little more need be ,said here respecting the culture
of Heaths. They are not liable to the attacks of insects.
The scale will sometimes gain a footing, but should be
carefully picked off" by hand. Mildew is their worst
enemy, but careful watching- will j^i'event this woi-king
any mischief; strict attention to watering being very
necessary, so that the root-action and that of the leaves
may be duly balanced — not one portion of the plant
excited, whilst the other is at rest. Wh!.'u mildew does.
ERICA. 231
appear, flowers of sulphur must l)e ligbtlj dusted upon
the affected parts, and continued until the fung-us is de-
sti-oyed. We may just note, that we have seen the little
parasitical native plants called Dodders {Cuscwla cnropcea
and C. Epiihjmurn') do much mischief before being- dis-
covered. The seeds of these parasites, being in the soil,
germinate in spring, and as soon as the plants are long-
enough to cling- to the Heath, the roots which are in the
soil die, and the Dodder begins the life of a true parasite,
growing into and binding up the stems of the plant it
is upon, until if not removed it does serious injury, even
if it does not cause death. Finally, to be successful in
the cultivation of Ericas, drain well, p;)t ver3' firmly, and
water freely, but judiciously.
E. Aitonlana. — A. slender-branching- species ; leaves in
threes, bluntly Imear, armed at the point with a short
spine, and haTing- a g-roove down the centre, gloss}', very
sticky, and lying close to the stem ; the flowers are termi-
nal, three or four together, tubes slender, an inch long,
with a large sj^reading four-lobed limb, they are at fir'st
white, changing to pink with age, and sticky. It seems to
be a rare species in its native habitat, and that is a some-
what moist and warm situation ; it lilooms during July and
August. Cape of Good Hope.
E. AUoniana supcrha. — An improved form of the species,
-^^'ith larger flower tubes, and more compact habit of
growth, flowering about the same time. A garden variety.
E. AUoniana turgida. — Leaves very slender, slightly
turned back ; flowers in terminal umbels, the tubes much
swollen at the base, and contracted above the middle, en-
larging slightly to the mouth, white, tinged with pink,
the segments ovate, white ; it blooms during July and
August, A garden variety.
232 GEEENHODSE PLANTS.
E. Aitoniana TurnhulUi — A beautiful variety, witli mucli
broader leaves ; flowers in umbels of six or more, the tubes
upwards of an inch long", as thick again as the species, and
with larg-e spreading" oblong" lobes to the corolla, white,
changing" to pink ; blooms in June, July, and August. Of
garden origin.
E. alopecuroides. — Plant very downy ; leaves three in a
whorl, linear ; flowers ovate, reddish purple ; blooms during
the autumn months. Cape of Good Hope.
E'. Andromeclceflora. — This belongs to a section of this
family the species of which are extremely difiicult to strike
from cuttings, and consequently have to be increased from
seeds. The leaves are arranged in threes, deep green, tip-
ped with red ; flowers globose, the calyx nearl}- as long as
the corolla, and of a delicate pink, the corolla rosy red ; it
blooms very freely in April, May, and June. Cape of Good
Hope.
E. amindlacca. — Leaves linear, somewhat triangular, end-
ing in a sharp point, hairy on the edges, and becoming
recurved with age ; flowers sticky, in terminal umbels, about
an inch long, flask-shaped, very much inflated at the base
and contracted in the neck, white, tinged with reddish
pink ; it blooms during May and June. Cape of Good Hope.
JEj. Archeriana. — A fine sjoecies, with linear-acute leaves,
serrulate at the edges ; the flowers are produced in termi-
nal and subterminal whorls, tubular, about an inch in
length, and of a dark scarlet colour ; it blooms during
August and September. Cape of Good Hope.
E. aristafa. — Leaves oblong-obtuse, and terminated by a
bristle which is recurA'cd ; the flowers are large, about an
inch and a half long, tubular, largest at the base, reddish
purple in the tube, the limb white ; blooming during May,
June, and July. Capo of Good Hope.
EracA. 233
E. aristata Bariiesii. — A beautiful variety, remarkable for
tlie size of its flowers, Avhich are produced in terminal
"wborls ; the tube is shining- red, with a dee2:)er red mouth,
the segments of the limb very broad, and pure white ; the
foliage and habit is also very good. It is a hybrid from E.
aristata major and E. SprengeUi.
E. aristata virens. — This form differs from Barnesii in
having four leaves, not five, in a whorl, and in having more
flowers in the terminal clusters, which are of a shining dull
red in the tube, deep brownish red at the mouth, the seg-
ments blush white.
E. Austiniana. — A very fuie and showy kind, with some-
what ovate-lanceolate smooth spreading leaves ; flowers
produced in whorls, tubular, the tubes narrow, upwards
of an inch in length, white, streaked and suffused with
carmine ; a free-flowering- good exhibition plant. July and
August,
E. Beauraontlana. — This species blooms during- June and
July ; the leaves are linear, from five to six in a whorl,
smooth ; the flowers drooping, campanulate, white, tinged
with purple, with the style slightly exserted. Cape of Good
Hope.
E. Bergiana. — A free-flowering species, with linear-oblong
pubescent spreading leaves ; flowers terminal, drooping,
peduncles hairy, Avith a few scaly bracts, the calyx reflexed
ciliated, the corolla smooth, campanulate, purple ; in full
beauty in ]\Iay and June. Cape of Good Hope.
E. hruniades. — A beautiful woolly little plant, of free
growth, and branching- habit. The leaves are short, linear-
oblong, and as well as the branches clothed Avith white
woolly hairs ; flowers in small pendulous umbels, the calyx
enveloped in long white woolly hairs, out of which the jiink
284. GREENHOUSR PLANT?.
corolla emerges, and beyond tbis tbe jot black stamens ;• it
blooms in great profusion, and is a charming' object when
in flower. Cape of Good Hope.
E. campanalata. — Leaves awl-shaped, smooth, three in a
■whorl ; flowers drooping, campanulate, bright yellow ; it
flowers very abmidantly during May and June. Cape of
Good Hope.
E. CanJoUeana. — Leaves erect, clothed with long hairs at
the edges, and somewhat oblong ; flowers upwards of an
inch long, produced in uail^els, ros}" red at the base, white
towards the end ; Ijlooming during June and July.
E. Cavendishlana. — Leaves subulate, slig'htly spreading,
bright dark g-reen ; flowers tubular, nearly an inch longv
stout, and of a rich bright yellow colour ; it forms a splen-
did shrub, and flowers in great profusion during May, Jmie,
and July.
E. corintlioldi'S. — A very showy sj^ecies, of somewhat lax
growth ; the leaves are arranged four in a whorl, linear-
lanceolate, and clothed with long hairs at the edges ; the
flowers are umbellate at the points of the shoots, nearly an
inch long, and in clusters of from fifteen to twenty or
more, tabular, slightly contracted at the mouth, deep scar-
let, hairy ; it blooms during- August and September. Cape
of Good Hope.
E. cerinthoides coronata. — This kind differs in ha^dng-
shorter and narrower leaves which lie closer to the stem ;
the flowers are brilliant scaidet, arranged in heads of from
twenty to thirty ; it blooms during- the late summer and
early autumn.
E. coloran.t siqicrha. — An iini)rovement upon the original
E. coloraiis; the leaves are linear, slightly sjjreading- and
ciliated ; flowers tubular, rosy red and white, produced on
EEICA. Z60
long" dense spikes during- spring- and early summer. A
garden vai-iety.
E. diiiisa. — A free summer-flowering- species, of erect
habit, producing- long-, slender, linear, slightlj' spreading-
dark green leaves ; flowers tubular, red, the tubes short
and thick, contracted towards the mouth, the segments
small, deeper coloured than the tubes. Cape of Good
Hope.
JE. dcpressa. — A verj- distinct-growing kind, having dark
green subulate leaves, rather spreading ; it is of pendulous
habit, and of slow growth, requires to be well exposed
to the sun during the autumn, after makmg- its growth ;
flowers pale yellow, produced from i\Iay to July. Cape of
Good Hope.
U. Vevoniana. — A very handsome kind, with broad
somewhat bluntly oblong leaves turned back, armed at
the points with a sharp hair, and ciliated at the edg-es ;
flowers umbellate, tubular, inflated at the base, and nearly
an inch long, rich purple in colour ; blooms during- the
summer months.
JE. Douglasil. — A slender-branching- kind, with short,
blunt, spreading leaves, armed at the pomt with a long-
awn ; the flower tubes flesh coloured, slender, about an,
inch in length, with large spreading white segments to-
the limb ; the umbels of bloom are in full perfection in
June and July.
E. cli'gans. — A loA'ely plant, belonging to the same
section as E. Andvouieda[tlora, and requiring- to be grown
from seed. The calyx, instead of being green, is as richly
coloured as the corolla ; the leaves are long, fleshy,
glaucous, linear-acute, arranged in six rows upon the
branches ; flowers in terminal umbels of from four to six,
or more, the calyx bright rosy red, nearly as large as the
236 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
corolla, TV'hicli is rose coloTired, the lobes of the coutracted
tube tipped with green ; it blooms during the spring and
summer months. Cape of Good Hope.
E. elegans glauca. — A variety of the preceding, freer
in growth, with longer and, as well as the branches,
more erect and very glaucous leaves ; flowers the same
colour, but larger ; it blooms at the same time as the
species, and like it, continues a very long time in full
beauty. Cape of Good Hope.
E. cxiinia. — -Leaves linear, but slightly spreading, hairy ;
flowers tubular, about an inch long, scarlet, tipped with
green, produced in whorls ; blooms in May and Jmae.
Cape of Good HojDe.
E. exsimjens. — A strong-growing species, with smooth,
subulate, erect leaves, nearly half an inch long ; flowers
tubular, an inch and a half long, slender at the base, and
dark orang-e in colour, with style and stamens exserted.
Cape of Good Hope.
E. Fairrieana. — A beautiful form, resembling some of
the tricolors in general appearance ; leaves large, oblong-
lanceolate, and furnished with long' white hairs at the
edges ; flowers produced in terminal umbels, the tubes
upwards of an incli long, very much inflated at the base,
suddenly contracted at the top, colour rich rose, changing
to pur]3le in the neck, the limb white.
E. ferrurjinca. — A handsome species, but rather subject
to mildew in winter if any moisture is suffered to lie upon
its hairy foliage ; the leaves are linear, slightly spreading,
and furnished at the margins with a profusion of rusty
coloured hairs, \vhieh give the name and character to the
plant ; flowers in whorls, a little less than an inch long,
base of the tube red, shading off to rosy red towards the
apex ; it blooms in May and June. Cape of Good Hope.
ERICA. 23?
ij.florlda. — Leaves linear pilose, giving- tlie plant a g'rej
appeai-ance ; flowers terminal, in small umbels ; produced
in Jane and July. Cape of Good Hope.
E. gracilis. — A beautiful ornamental kind ; leaves as
"well as the branches and stems quite smooth, lineai', four
in a whorl ; flowers small, reddish purple, forming" long-
terminal spikes, produced at the end of winter and begin-
ning- of spring-.
E. gracilis arttumnaUs. — Very similar in general habit,,
but invai-iabl}' blooming- during- the autumn and earl}^
Avinter months.
E. grandlflora. — A beautiful sjDecies with smooth linear
leaves, which g-radually taper into a sharp point ; the
flowers are tubular, arranged in whorls, forming- fine
clusters of from fifteen to thirty blooms, with about an
inch of the g-reen leaves above them ; they are of a bright
glossy yellow, and upwards of an inch long- ; filaments red,
projecting beyond the tube ; it l^looms in June and July.
Cape of Good Hope.
E. grandinoso. — A pretty species, with smooth linear
leaves, three in a whorl ; flowers small, ovate, pure white,
pendulous, produced in threes ; blooming during- spring-
and early summer. Cape of Good Hope.
E. geiiimifcra. — A very handsome species, resembling- .
when out of flower a diminutive E. Massoni The leaves
are oblong, ciliated Avith long hairs, armed at the point
with a stiff haii*, and somewhat appressed ; the flowers are
slightly pendulous, arranged in whorls of six to eight, or
more, about an inch long, tubular, the tubes stout, deep
red at the base, passing into orange red, and finally tipped
with green ; the footstalks of the flowers are clothed with
long white hairs, giving them quite a hoary appearance ;
it flowei'.s in July and August. Cape of Good Hope.
238 GREEKHOUSE PLANTS.
E. JtijJjrida. — An erect-growing- species, with long- linear
vivid g-reen leaves ; flowers an inch in leng-th, bright red,
and produced in long dense s})ikes in May and June.
E. hyemalis. — A splendid spring-flowering plant, with
linear sharp-pointed leaves, which are covered with short
hairs ; the flowers are bell-shaped, rosy pink at the base,
and white towards the ends, produced in long dense leafy
spikes, some ten or twelve inches in length ; for blooming
in winter and eai*ly spring this plant is invaluable.
E. infundlhuliformis. — ^A handsome species, with filiform,
blunt, smooth, dark green erect leaves ; flowers terminal,
tubular ; the tubes slender, nearly an inch long, of a light
red colour, the segments of the tube large, spreading, pure
white. It blooms in great profusion in late summer and
autumn. Cape of Grood Hope.
E. intermedia. — ^A fine plant, producing long spikes of
drooping white flowers during the autunui months ; the
leaves are somewhat ovate-lanceolate, smooth, and spread-
ing.
E. Irhijana. — Leaves lineai'-acute, short and spreading ;
flowers upwards of an mch in length, tubular, slightly
swollen at the base, white, tinged with red, g-reen at the
neck. Its terminal umbels of floAvers are produced in
June and July. Cape of Good Hope.
E. jasminvjlora alba. — Leaves linear-oblong, ciliate, armed
at the point with a long stiff awn, and lying close to the
stems ; flowers umbellate, flask-shaped, upwards of an
inch long, pure white. It blooms during- Jmie and July.
A garden variety.
E. jnhata.- — -A beautiful species, with Imear, somewhat
sticky, incurved leaves, four in a whorl ; flowers with a
flat limb and short tube, rod ; blooming in July and August.
€ape of Good Hope.
KRtCA. 23D
E. Linnceana superha. — A mag'uiticent varietj, and a
great improvement vipon the species. The leaves are
linear-lanceolate, hairy, arranged four in a Avhorl. The
flowers are upwards of half an inch long, bell-shaped, rich
purple and white, produced in dense spikes of from six to
•twelve inches in length, in March and April. Of garden
origin.
E. lutea. — Leaves linear, smooth, closel}- j^ressed to the
much-branched stem ; tlowers pale j^ellow, both calyx and
corolla. It forms dense masses of bloom dm-ing spring
•and early suiumei'. Cape of Good Hope.
E. McJSfabiana. — Leaves short, thick and Ijlnnt, armed
with an awn at the point, slightly spreading ; flowers
sticky, nearly an inch and a half long, stoutest a little
below the middle, rosy red, deep reddish purple at the
neck, with a white limli. It blooms in May, June, and
July. Cape of Good Hope.
E. MclSfabiana rosea. — This difiers from the preceding by
having longer and more recurved leaves, which are closely
set upon the stems and branches, and serrate at their
■edges. The flowers are about the same size, bright rose
in the tuljes, veined with a deeper shade of the same
colour, neck deep purple, limb white ; IdIoouis in May,
•June, and July. A garden variety.
E. mammosa. — Leaves linear-subulate, smooth and erect;
flowers in umbels, drooping, reddish purple, produced in
great profusion in August and September. Cape of Good
Hope.
E. 2Iariioclclana. — This beautiful variety has oblong-
spreading leaves, cilated and armed at the point with a
very long stiff hair ; the flowers are tubular or pitcher-
shaped, inflated at the base, and narrow at the neck, with
a small spreading limb ; the tubes are smooth (not sticky),
240 GREEXnOUSE PLANTS.
and of a g'lossy ricli purple colour. Blooms in Julj and
August.
-E. Massoni. — A splendid species, and one of the most
difficult to preserve in perfect health, being very subject to
mildew, through moisture being retained amongst its closely-
set hoary leaves. It is of slow growth, compact, and free
branching ; leaves oblong-, four in a whorl, serrate, and
very woolly ; flowers sticky, tubular, and upwards of an
inch long, rich deep red, tipped with yellowish green.
This magnificent species blooms during July and August,
and continues a very long time in full perfection. Cape of
Good Hope.
E. meiulcpjloj-a. — A fine species, but one that is very
difficult to grow into a good specimen ; leaves five in a
whorl, awl-shaped, ciliated at the edges ; flowers dark red,
in terminal umbels of from twelve to twenty, smooth,
cylindrical, swelling in the middle, and thus giving the
name of Nine-pin Heath to this plant ; it blooms from
May to July. Cape of Good Hope.
E. mutahilis. — One of the freest flowering of the whole
genus, but very apt to suffer in the winter with mildew ;
the leaves are arranged four in a whorl, linear-obtuse, and
hairy ; flowers in terminal umbels, the tubes three quarters
of an inch long, smooth, bright red ; it blooms nearly the
whole season. Cape of Good Hope.
E. odorata. — Leaves glandularly ciliated, four in a
whoi'l ; flowers campanulate, the footstalks pink, the co-
rolla white, and yielding the fragrance of Otto of Roses ;
it blooms during Maj-, June, and July. Cape of Good
Hope.
E. ovata. — Leaves oblong, beautifully ciliated, slightly
spreading ; flowers in terminal umbels, tubular, with a
narrow throat, nearly an inch and a half long, much in-
ERICA. 241
flated, red, sliading- to pui'^Dlc, the lubes small, white ; it
blooms in June and July. A verj fine plant.
E. Parmentieriatia rosea. — A plant of compact, dwarf, free-
Howering- habit ; the leaves are brig-ht dark green, linear,
and spreading' ; flowers produced u. anally in fours from the
points of each lateral growth, and thus forming immense
clusters of deep rosy purple flask-shaped blooms in July
and August.
Tj. Faxtoniana. — A very fine variety, with lineai'-oblong
leaves, which are very hairy, and much recurved ; flowers
in umbels of eight or ten, tubular, stout, and about an inch
long, scarlet, shading to white, with a greenish purple
neck. A beautiful and showy plant.
E. persoli'Aa. — A handsome free-g'ri )^viug' species, pro-
ducing flowers in the early spring months in great pro-
fusion, and forming garlands of bloom a foot or more long ;
the flowers are small, bell-shaped, and deep blush colour ;
in perfection in March and April. Cape of Good Hope.
E. persolufa alha. — A very elegant spring-flowering
species ; leaves short, linear, smooth ; flowers produced
in great abundance, campanulate, pure white. Cape of
Good Hope.
E. persoluta rubra. — A variety of the preceding, which it
resembles, saving in the colour of the flowers, which are
red.
E. perspicua nana. — In habit and appearance somewhat
like ventricosa, but more slender in its growth ; leaves
linear- lanceolate, pubescent, and deep g-reen in colour ;
flowers in terminal clusters, tubular, the tubes an inch long,
slender, pinkish white, the limb white ; it is a free bloomer,
continuing through April, May, and June. Cape of Good
Hope.
E. primidoidcs. — Of dwarf compacb liabit, with leaves
B
242 GKEEXnOUSE I'LANTS.
arranged iu fives, very closely set togetlier, and somewliafc
recurved; ilj'wers in terminal umbels of four and five,
before expandiag- deep red, liu' lobes of corolla large, flat,
rosy purple in colour; it lilooms in May and June. Tt
is often found in collections under the naine of E. dileda.
Cape of Good Hope.
E. 'iirinceps. — A beautiful species, with linear, hirsute,
ciliate leaves, and umbels of short, thick, tubular flowers,
which are of a bright scarlet colour, and produced during
May and June. Cape of Good Hope.
E. prmcejjs carnea. — ^Resembling the preceding in habit
and appearance, but the flowers are longer, the tube nar-
rower, and flesh coloured instead of scarlet ; a very desir-
able plant, blooming the same time as the species.
E. profusa. — A variety raised between E. McNahiana
and E. arisiata major, and an abundant bloomer ; the
flowers are bright pink, with vrliite disc. A very desirable
variety.
E. 'propeiidens.- — A very free-llowciing plant, with downy
leaves, four in a whorl ; i\w flowers are bell-shaped, and
pm-ple ; it blooms during June and July very abundantly.
Cape of Good Hope.
E. propeunens tuhijlora. — Leaves linear, erect, clothed
at the edges with white bairs, which give the whole plant
a greyish aspect ; flowers bcll-sbapcd, rosy purple at the
base, and white in front ; produced in profusion in May
and June. A garden hybrid.
E. pymmidalis. — A profuse spring-flowering species :
leaves linear, downy, arrangiul in four ; flowers terminal,
and forming long racemes of rosy pink bloom, in March
and April. Cape of Good Hope.
E. regcrminans. — A very ]n'ctty soft-growing kind, with
linear recurved leaves : flowers small, but produced a1)un-
EurcA. 2i3
'dantly, pale red iu colour-, and g-lobiilar ; blooais during-
May and Jane. Cape of Good Hope.
E. retorta. — Lsaves somc\vliat ovate, bent back, and
famished at the points with a long- spine ; flo\yors arranged
"in terminal many-flowered umbels, tabular, glutinous,
gradually becoming narrower at the point, where they
are bright red before expanding, the basal part white,
tinged with pink ; it blooms from June to end of August.
Cape of Good Hope.
E. retorta 'inajor. — A closer-growing form of the preced-
ing, with the flower tubes stouter, pink, reddish purple
at the points, the lobes white ; it blooms during- the whole
summer. A garden variety.
E. rnhem. — Of slender growth, with linear spreading
leaves, Avhich are rather rough, and bright green ; flowers
produced abundantly in July and August, globose, dark
red, with the style exserted. Cape of Good Hope.
E. ruhra-calijx. — This is a very pretty erect-growing
kind, with linear-lanceolate leaves ; flowers tubular, white,
the calyx rich reddish purple, produced on the lateral
growths, and forming dense spikes.
E. saitgulihea. — Leaves linear and pointed, spreading ;
flowers tubular, nearly an inch long, blood red ; stamens
and style exserted ; a free-flowering liandsome species.
■Cape of Good Hope.
E. SaviJcana. — Leaves linear, erect, four in a whorl, and
smooth ; flowers round or slightly oblong, red or reddish
purple ; it blooms during Jane, July, and August. Cape
of Good Hope.
E. scabriuscula. — A handsome and free-flowering species;
leaves bluntly oblong, dark green above, paler below, and,
as well as the stems and branches, clothed with rough
glandular liaii'S ; flowers campanulate, white, produced
2J?i GEEEXnOUSE PLAINTS.
from tlie points of all the shoots, during April and May.
Cape of Good Hope.
E. scariosa. — Leaves linear-oblong, smooth, and with, the
margins turned back ; flowers small, but produced in great
profusion, the caljx and corolla pure white, with, the jet
black stamens exserted ; it blooms during- June and Julj.
Cape of Good Hope.
E. Sehana. — Branches crowded, leaves linear and slender;
flowers upwards of an incb long-, pendulous, the caljx
in the form of bracts and coloured, the corolla orange,
the stamens long and much exserted, giving it a very
singular and liandsome appearance ; it flowers freely in
April and May. Cape of Good Hope.
E. Sehana fiisca. — Flowers resembling those of the
species, but rich dark brown in colour, and completely
hiding the foliage when in bloom, which, is generally about
the month of May. Cape of Good Hope.
E. Sehana lutca. — A very handsome plant, resembling
the species, but with flowers rich yellow ; blooms in April
and May. Cape of Good Hope.
E. Sehana ruhra. — Leaves blunt, thick, in other respects
resembling the species, but the corolla is rich reddish
brown ; it blooms in May and June. Cape of Good
Hope.
E. SJiannoniojia. — A sti-ong-growing noble sj)ecies, with
linear-lanceolate, rigid, somewhat spreading leaves ; flowers
produced in terminal unibels, the tubes much inflated, with
a narrow neck, about an inch and a half long, white, tinged
with purple ; blooms in June, lasting two or three months.
Cape of Good Hope.
E. Spencerinna. — A handsome variety, with slightly
spreading, smooth, subulate leaves ; flowers tubular, an
inch in length, dull purplish lilac, tipped Avith white, pro-
ERICA. 245
ducccl in abundance during- the spring- and early summer
months.
E. suaveolois. — Leaves oblong-lanceolate, ciliated ; flowers
pitcher-shaped, pale red, the anthers black ; blooms during-
August and early part of September. Cape of Good
Hope.
E. sulpliurea. — A free-growing- plant, with erect linear
leaves, clothed with short hairs ; flowers produced on the
ends of the lateral growths, and thus forming long spikes
of bloom, tubular, and slightly curved, sulphur yellow,
clothed with long- light coloured hairs, calyx woolly ; it
blooms during- the summer months. Cape of Good Hope.
E. ta.'cifolia. — Leaves throe in a whorl, smooth, and
spreading ; flowers in terminal clusters, erect, globose, the
calyx and corolla bright pink ; blooming in May and June.
Cape of Good Hope.
E. Thunhcrgii,. — A beautiful and most distinct species,
and one difiicult to grow into a good specimen. The leaves
are Imear, blunt, glaucous, and ai'ranged in threes ; the
flowers arc pendulous, upon long footstalks, the calyx yel-
lowish green, as long- as the corolla, which is round and
white, the limb composed of four large ovate segments,
forming a bell-shaped cup of rich scarlet ; it blooms in May
and June. Cape of Good Hope.
E. tricolor.- — Leaves slightlj' spreading, luiear-oblong,
ciliate, and armed with a stiff" straight hair at the point ;
flowers in umbels, tubular, about au inch long, reddish at
the base, passing into white, and tipped with green ; blooms
in May, June, and July. Cape of Good Hope.
E. tricolor flammea. — This variety is of free growth ; the
leaves are bluntly oblong, slightly recurved, armed at the
point with a long straight awn, and the edges clothed with
such a profusion of long hairs as to give the whole jilant a
lliG GREENHOUSK PLANTS.
hoary appearance ; the flowers are flask-shapecl, with a
considerably extended base, nearly an inch and a half long,
flame red at the base, passing into white, with the top of
the neck green ; it blooms during the summer months. A
garden variety.
E. iricolor inflata. — A paler variety- than any of those
here enumerated, with the stems and branches densely
clothed with hairy leaves, which are erect and but slightly
spreading ; flowers about an inch long, much inflated at the
base, and with a very narrow neck ; a distinct and hand-
some plant of garden origin.
E. tricolor rubra. — Leaves very closely set, and but
slightly spreading, hairy ; flowers tubular, slightly inflated
at the base, about an inch long, and reddish purple in
colour, shading' ofi" to white, with a green neck ; it blooms
during May, June, and July. A garden variety.
E. tricolor speciosa. — This form has linear-lanceolate-
hairy leaves, slightly spreading ; flowers in umbels, up-
wards of an inch long, slightly swollen below the middle,
where they are rosy red ; blooming during- the summer
months, it makes a valuable plant for exhibition purposes.
A garden variety.
E. tricolor Wilsoni.- — ^A splendid exhibition variety ; the
leaves oblong-lanceolate, slightly spreading-, and clothed
with a profusion of hairs ; flowers in umbels, an inch and a
half long, much inflated at the base, and suddenly contracted
at the neck, rosy red, white, and green in colour ; blooming
in June and July. A garden variety.
E. triumphans. — This belongs to the same section as E.
Andromedo'Jlora, E. elcgans, &c. It is of robust growth, with
somewhat spreading dark green leaves, an inch long, and
with but a few short hairs ; the flowers ai-e large, globose,,
white, the calyx being the most conspicuous portion ; it
KiacA. 247
blooms in May and June, and continues a long time in full
beauty. Cape of Good Hope.
JE. tabceformis. — This variety Tvill no doubt make a valu-
able exhibition plant, as it blooms about May, and continues
for a long- time in full beauty. It is the result of a cross
between E. aristata major and E. MoNahiana ; the flowers
are somewhat like those of the former, with the tube bright
shining red, the limb white, with a blotch of rose colour
on each lobe ; to this it adds the free growth of the
latter.
E. veiifricosa. — Compact and free branching ; leaves dark
green, four in a whorl, linear, with the edges ciliated ; the
flowers are produced in terminal umbels of about twelve,
tubular, quite smooth, about three quarters of an inch long,
swollen at the base, and contracted at the neck, the lobes
bent back, colour porcelain white, tinged Avith flfsli ; it
1)looms in June and July. Cape of Good Hope.
E. veutricosa alia. — -A handsome free-flowei'ing variety,
with linear sharp-pointed leaves, clothed at the edges with
short white woolly hairs ; flowers tubular, about an inch
long, china white in colour ; it blooms during May and
Juno.
E. veibtrlcosa hrcclflora. — A handsome plant, and very
distinct ; the leaves are erect, neai'ly half an inch long,
linear, and but slightly clothed with hairs ; flowers short,
but stout, thickest at the base, and of a rosy red colour ; it
blooms in May and June.
E. ventrlcosa carried. — Leaves short, rather thinly set ;
flowers delicate flesh colour, tubular, slightly swollen at
the base, and about an inch in length ; blooming in June
and July.
E. venfricosa coccinea minor.— \ lovely variety, producing
248 GUEENnOUSE PLANTS.
its numerous trusses of flowers in tlie greatest profasion,
even uiion plants not more than five or six inches high ;
the leaves are dai'k green, linear-acute, slightly spreading ;
flowers slender, tubular, the tubes about three quarters of an
inch long, porcelain white, the lobes of the limb reflexed,
and bright red ; it blooms during- the three summer
months.
E. veiitrlcosa faslculata rosea. — This beautiful variety is
densely clothed with spreading dark green leaves, which
are furnished at the edges with short white hairs ; flowers
stout, an inch long, bright rose colour in the tubes, deep
purple at the neck, the segments of the limb reflexed ;
it flowers abundantly in June, July, and August.
E. ventrlcosa (jrandijiora. — Leaves long, straight, dark
green, and clothed with very short woolly hairs ; flowers
tubular, the tubes stout, tajDcring from the base, upwards
of an inch long, and of a rosy purple colour ; blooming in
June and July. It, like all of the ventrlcosa section, con-
tinues in full beauty for a long time.
E. ventrlcosa splendens. — This is a superb variety, with
thick-set, long-, linear, recurved leaves, furnished with
long white hairs at the. edges ; flowers produced in great
profusion, nearly an inch long, swollen in the middle, the
tubes china white, the neck and limb rosy purple and
white ; it blooms in June, July, and Aug-ust.
E. ventrlcosa tricolor. — Leaves linear, sharp-pointed,
slightly reflexed, and clothed at the edges with white
woolly hairs ; flowers tubular, nearly an inch long, the
tubes blush, the neck carmine, with white reflexed segments
to the limb ; it blooms during July and August.
E. Vernoni. — Loaves ovate-lanceolate, downy, spreading ;
flowers flask-shaped, much swollen at the base, and nearly
EKICA. 249
an inch and a half long, -wliitc, tlie neck green, the seg-
ments of limb spreading, somewhat ovate. A very fine
exhibition plant.
E. vcstita alha. — In this variety the leaves are very slen-
der, and soft to the touch ; the flowers are pure white,
scarcely an inch long, produced in whorls of from ten to
twenty flowers, a short distance below the ends of the
branches ; it blooms durmg the summer months, and is a
very elegant plant.
E. vcstita coccliiea. — A beautiful erect-growing kind ; the
leaves are linear, dark green, thickly set upon the branches,
and very slender ; the flowers are produced in whorls, about
an inch fi'oui the ends of the branches, and are an inch or
more in length, tubular, slightly curved, and of a deep
rich, red colour ; it blooms during June and July. A garden
variety.
E. vestiia incarnata. — In this variety the flowers are
upwards of an incb long, arranged in whorls of from ten
to twenty near the tops of the branches, and of a delicate
flesh colour or pink ; blooms in June and July. Cape of
Good Hope.
E. vestiia rosea. — A lovely variety, with flowers produced
in whorls of from twenty to thirty, scarcely so long in the
tube as coccinea, but of a rosy red colour, blooming in
August and September.
E. Victoria. — This beautiful kind has thick somewhat
•ovate leaves, armed at the point with a long hair, and
round the edges with short stiff" spines ; flowers produced
in umbels, flask-shaped, an inch or more ^long, deep purple,
with white segments ; it blooms during- summer, and is an
invaluable exhibition plant.
E. WestjpJialiiigia. — An erect-growing kind, with linear-
250 GEKENHOUSE PLANTS.
obtuse leaves, and a profusion of rosy rod tulnilar tiovverSj
an inch in length ; it blooms during' the summer months.
E. Wilmoreana superha. — A lovely kind for early spring-
flowering-. The leaves are linear, covered with short white
hairs, as also are the branches ; flowers bell-shaped, up-
wards of half an inch long-, rich purple, the ends white,
produced upon the short lateral g-row.ths, and thus forming
spikes of blooms twelve and eighteen inches long. A gar-
den variety.
Eriostemon'.
A g-enus of compact free-g-rowing- evergreen shrubs,
some of which are well deserving a place in eveiy col-
lection. They are natives of New Holland, and belong-
to the order Uutaccce. The plants shou.ld be potted in a
mixture of loam and peat in equal parts, made very sandy •
artificial heat is injurious to them, but care must be taken
that damp be kept from them in winter ; they delight in
an airy situation in the New Holland house, and are
exceedingly valuable for exhibition purposes, as they are
easily retarded for flowering at different periods during
the spring months.
E. huxifolius. — The leaves of this species are dark green,
ovate, alternate, entire, smooth, armed at the apex with
a stifl" bristle. The flowers are situated in the axils of the
leaves, and of a pinkish white colour ; it grows from two-
to five feet in height, and blooms from April to June.
Native of Port Jackson.
E. cuspkhilus. — A strong--growing kinti, with oblong-
lanceolate leaves, of a glaucous green colour, and ending
in a hooked bristle ; the racemes are four or five-flowered,
sometimes termin;d. but usually axillary, the flowers pinkish
EllYTHRIXA. 251
rose ; it blooms from May to October. Found in rocky
situations in Xew Holland.
jEJ. UnearifoUus. — A handsome plant of good habit, with
linear, obtuse, entire, smooth, dark g-reen leaves, covered
with glandular dots. The flowers are pinkish white, and
produced in great abundance from March to June. Xative
of New Holland.
E. myoporoides. — This is a very pretty species, growing
from two to three feet in height or more. The leaves are
linear-lanceolate in shape, dotted with glands, and termi-
nated with a hard bristle. The racenaes are three-flowered^
produced from the axils, the flowers white, and produced
from May to July. Native of Xew Holland.
E. neritf alius. — A very pretty shrub, the leaves of which
are lanceolate, armed at the apex, and of a dull deep green.
The flowers are produced three together, from the axils
of the leaves, and are of a pmk colour. Native of New
Holland.
E. pulcliellus. — This, as its name implies, is a very pretty
species ; the leaves are short, entire, quite smooth, dark
green, covered with glands, and armed at the apex with a
sharp bristle. The flowers are white, very freely produced.
from March to June. Native of New Holland.
E. scaher. — ^A handsome species, with linear, entire, dark
green leaves, armed at the point with a long sharp bristle,
and quite rough in appearance from the glandular dots
with which they are covered. The flowers are produced
in great profusion from March to June, and are pinkish.
Avhite. Native of New Holland.
Erythrina.
A genus of Lcgumiiiosi.v, remarkable for its fine bold,
leaves and handsome flowers. The plant requires to be
J.-J- GREEXnOUSE PLANTS.
kept quite dry (lurinrr- -u-inter, and when tliey sliow sig-ns of
starting- in spring", they should be shaken out of the soil,
and repotted. The soil best adapted for them is a mixture
of loam, peat, and well-rotted manure, in the proportion of
about two parts of loam to one of each of the others, and to
this may be added a little sand. Though they will do very
well in the g-reenhouse, yet a temperature of about 60
and a moist atmosphere is most conducive to their well-
being-. When the flowers are about to open they should be
removed to a cooler house, which will cause the blooms to
last much long-er. After flowering- they will g'o to rest
ag-ain until the following- spring-, the shoots having been
cut back to the old wood. In the South of England and
Ireland, many of the species will thrive admirably in
the open air the whole year, if the crown is well pro-
tected in winter.
E. Gottyana. — A robust In-anching variety, both leaves and
stems being' of a pale green. The flowers are deep rich red,
and most abundantly produced in terminal racemes ; the
leaflets are ovate, the terminal one ovate-oblong.
E. crista-galli. — This is often called the Cock's-comb
Coral Tree. The stem is woody, the footstalks prickly,
and the leaflets ovate, leathery, of a glaucous green. It
produces large terminal racemes of bright deep scarlet
papilionaceous flowers^, which remain in beauty for a long-
time, Native of Brazil.
E. florlhunda. — A very compact-growing kind, with
spiny stems, and fine long terminal spikes of rosy crim-
son flowers ; the leaflets are oblong and sharp-pointed,
and the terminal one cordate.
E. Madame Belanger. — This is a very dwarf variety, and
a free bloomer ; the flowers are of a velvet}* rich dark
reddish crimson colour. Garden hybrid.
GENETnrijLIS. 2h3
E. oraaia. — A liaudsome variotj, g-rowing- about two
feet hig-h, and sometimes flowering- even before it attains
the heig-bt of one foot. The racemes are long, and the
flowers large and closely set upon tbe spike, of a dark
vermilion in colour. It lilooms earlier tban the others,
and lasts a very long- time. Garden hybrid.
E. ruherriina. — This is one of the dwarf varieties of the
old E. crista-galli, and unites the splendid flowers of that
plant with a dwarf habit. It is a profuse and regular
bloomer, and its spikes are large, bearing quantities of its
large brilliant crimson ros}'' tinted flowers. It is a garden
hybrid, thriving- well under the treatment recommended
above, and admirably adapted for planting- out in beds in
the summer.
Gejtethyllis.
A small genus, but the plants contained in it are very
ornamental. The decorative property, however, docs not
lie in the flowers, for they arc small, but in the large
campanulate involucres which surround them, and which
are beautifully coloured, and being of good substance they
last for several months in full beauty. They are all excellent
plants for exhibition purposes, and should be grown in
every collection. The soil best adapted for their culture is
good sandy peat, with a little turfy loam added ; drainage
must be kept m perfect order, and water carefully given,
for these beautiful plants are somewhat diiEcult to manage.
G. finihriata. — This rare and very pretty species is a
small bushy plant, and produces its bell-shaped involucres
in great profusion, which are of a beautiful rose colour,
about an inch long-, and strong-ly fringed round the mar-
gins. This will no doubt make a useful exhibition plant,
and be a charming- companion for the other two species.
25-1 OREENHOUSK PLANTS.
It blooms in May and Juno. Xative of South -West
Australia.
G. fuchsioides. — A very free-growing- species, producing
red branches, and linear-oblong- leaves, whicli are about an
inch long, dark green above, and })aler beloAV. It produces
abundance of its deep red bell-shaped involucres during the
spring- months, which remain a long time in full beautj-.
Native of Australia.
G. tuliinfera. — This is the finest species with which we
are acquainted, and is indispensable as a flowering green-
house plant. The leaves are about an inch long-, thick and
fleshy, oblong in shape, and ciliated at the edges, the upjDer
surface dark green, pale below ; the pendulous bell-shaped
involucres are large and freely produced, the ground colour
being pale straw, beautifully streaked and flaked with
• crimson. It blooms during spring and early summer,
;and remains in perfection a very long time. Xative of
Swan River.
Genista.
Hardy Leguminous greenhouse shrubs, of dwarf com-
pact habit, and of great beauty when in flower. As the
flowers are produced in great alnmdance during wintei." and
spring, the plants are of the utmost value for the decoration
of the conservatory or drawing room, for on account of
their hardy constitution and excellent habit, they continue
in fall beauty for a long time ; they are, moreover, well
adapted for cutting for bouquets. The soil best suited for
them is a mi.xture of loam and peat, in about the propor-
tions of two parts of the former to one of the latter, mixing-
some silver or sharp river sand with it. After flowering-
they should be pruned l)ack hard, cutting to within a short
GENISTA. 255
■distance of the old wood ; the plants liliould then be placed
in a moist atmosphere to facilitate "growth, but when the
growing- season is past thej should be stood out in the open
^ir, to thoroug-hly mature their wood, and ensure an abun-
dance of bloom.
G. Ecerestlana. — This is a very Imely-eoloured variety,
producing- its sjnkes of frag-rant dee}) golden or orange je\-
low flowers in great abundance, during the spring months.
It is a compact-growing plant, of great beauty. A garden
T'aj'iety.
G. filipes. — A handsome plant, pr(jdueing its pure white
sweet-scented flowers during winter and spring. It is
somewhat pendulous iu habit, and this we have frequently-
seen tm-ned to good advantage, b}' grafting- it upon yoimg
straight stems of the common Laburnum of different
heights, in which state it is vei-y effective as a conseiwatory
plant. It is often found under the name of Cijtisus filipes.
Native of Madeii-a.
G. racemosa. — A compact much-branched shrub, growing
two or more feet high, with trifoliate leaves, having oblong-
spathulate leaflets, and numerous terminal racemes of rich
yellow sweet-scented flowers ; it blooms diti-ing the whole
winter.
G. racemosa elegans. — This variety differs from the pre-
ceding in being more compact in growth, and in producing
much longer racemes of flowers, which are of a bright
yellow, and very sweet. A garden vaviet}'.
G. racemosa superba. — This is a robust, yet withal a com-
jiact-growing plant, producing very long racemes of bright
deep golden yellow flowers all through the winter and
spring months. The foliage of this variety is larger than
any of the others, and is partially covered with hairs on.
both surfaces.
256 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
GxiDLV.
A g-euus of pretty olcl-fasliioneLl greenhouse plants, now
seldom seen. They are natives of the Cape of Good Hope,
and are nearly allied to Pimelia. The soil best adapted for
their culture is g'ood fibrous peat, to Avhich a small portion
of lig-ht loam and a considerable quantity of silver sand
should be added. In spring the plants should be shifted
into the before-mentioned compost. The species given
here is rather delicate, and should be placed near the glass,
to promote short growths, and a moist atmosphere must
be maintained during the g-rowing season. The plants
may be stood in a cool frame during the summer, but must
not be placed out of doors, like Ericas; about the end of
August they should be returned to a light airy part of the
greenhouse, where they will stand until the flowering-
season.
G. pinifolia. — This species should command a place in
every collection of plants, as it is an abundant bloomer,
each shoot bearing a head of creamy white or light yellow
flowers, which are deliciously sweet, and, being* produced
about March or April, are especially valuable.
GOMPHOLOBini,
A genus of handsome Leguminous Australian shrubs, of
compact habit, which should be grown in a mixtui'e of peat
and loam, chopped into small pieces, but not sifted; a
liberal quantity of silver sand and of lumps of charcoal
should also be added to the compost.
G. harlir/eruin. — This plant grows two or three feet in
height ; the leaves are alternate, the leaflets linear and
dark green. The flowers are about an inch in length.
GORDOXrA — GREYILLEA. 257
goldea yello-.v in colour, and prodiicsd in groat abuiidauce
from April to Jane. Native of New Holland.
G. polijmorpltuiii splendeihs, — A scandent plant, ^yitll linear
or somewhat oblong- leaflets, armed at the apex with a stiff
bristle. The upper part of the flower is large, scarlet on
the inside, yellow at the base, and purple on the outside ;
it blooms freely from April to Juh-, and is a very handsome
species. Native of New Holland.
GORDONIA.
This family is nearly allied to Tkea and GamelUa. The
soil best suited for it is a mixture of about equal parts
peat, leaf mould, and loam, with the addition of a little
sand.
G. javanica. — This forms a dwarf branching- shrub, with
alternate ovate-lanceolate entire dark green leaves, of a
leathery texture. The flowers are white, composed of five
spreading- obovate petals, produced from the axils of the
leaves. Its blooming season is about August, and it con-
tinues a long- time in perfection. Native of Java, on the
mountains.
Geevillea.
An extensive and interesting genus of Proieacece, many
of the species of which are remarkably handsome, either
in respect to their foliage or flowers. Those here noticed
are desirable for the latter. The plants require a compost
of rough peat and loam, blended with snfficient silver sand
to keep it porous. They bear the hardiest greenhouse
treatment.
G. alpestris. — This handsome species forms a large bush
in its native wilds, and blooms without intermission the
whole season through. In our greenhouses it flowers
s
258 GREENHOUSE PLANTS,
iisually during- spring and early summer, even wliile the
plants are quite small. The young branches are downy,
the leaves spreading, reflcxed, somewhat ovate in shape,
and dark green on the upper surface. The flowers are
freely produced in terminal corymbs, red, passing into
yellow.
G. rosea. — ^A very compact and handsome-growing species,
in which the leaves are mostly linear, and always end in a
sharp spine. The flowers are rich bright rose colour, and
produced in the greatest profusion from the points of all
the shoots ; it blooms in May and June, and is very nearly
allied to G. lavandulacea, if the two are not really identical.
jSTative of South Australia.
Habrothamnu.^.
H. elega.is. — This plant is a member of a very large
family, and is an old and well-known species, thriving
under almost any treatment. It is especially useful for
covering a pillar, rafter, or Ijack wall in a conservatory.
The leaves are alternate, entire, oblong-lanceolate, about
three inches long, deeji g-reen above, pubescent beneath.
The flowers are tubular, about an inch in length, of a deep
reddish purple colour, and are freely produced in dense
racemes. If the flowers are artificially impregnated, they
produce beautiful bunches of large deep red berries, which
make the j^lant doubly ornamental. It is a native of
Mexico, g-rowing at an elevation of nearly 4,000 feet.
HEBECLINroM.
A genus of soft-wooded composite plants, of easy cul-
ture, and admirably adapted for winter decoration, the
hardiness of their constitution allowing them to be used
in any situation under cover, while the flowers may also be
HOVEA. 250
used with advantage for bouquet making, Tlie soil should
consist of two parts loam, and one each of leaf mould and
well-decomposed manure, with a little sand added. If large
specimens are required, the plants, after blooming is past,
and having been rested for a short time, should be cut back
to within one or two eyes of the old wood, and placed in a
close moist atmosphere for a short time ; but if small plants
only are required, they should be sti'uck fi-om cuttings every
year, when they will make little bushes by autumn if pro-
perly tended.
S. atroruhens. — A very useful and ornamental plant,
forming handsome little bushes if treated in the way re-
commended. The stems and brasehes are dark red ; the
leaves are large, opposite, somewhat ovate, and toothed at
the edge ; the Ageratum-like flower-heads are reddish, shaded
with lilac, and produced in abundance daring the autumn
and winter. Native of Mexico.
H. iantliiimm. — This is the most common species, and is
a most useful plant for winter flowering. The leaves are
large, ovate, soft, deeply serrate at the edges. The flower-
heads are pm^ple, produced in very large corj^mbs from the
points of the branches ; it is an abtmdant bloomer, and
well deserves cultivation in the choicest collection for its
winter flowers. K^ative of Mexico.
M. macrophyllum. — A gigantic form of the preceding ;
the leaves are large, cordate, and dark green ; the corymbs
of flower-heads are reddish lilac, and produced during
autumn and winter in great profusion. Native of Mexico.
HovEA.
This genus of Leguuums(n consists of Australian shrubs
of great beauty, which should be grown in every collection.
For soil, &c., see Daviesia. The Roveas make fine plants
s 2
2G0 GUEENHOUSE PLANTS.
for exliibition, furnisliino- a colour which is much wanted
among-st a collection of plants, and yet we now seldom see
them grown for exhibition. If not required for that pur-
pose, they make some of the finest of all plants for the
decoration of the conservatory or greenhouse.
H. Celsi. — This very handsome plant has alternate,
simple, broadly lanceolate leaves, somewhat blunt, mu-
cronate, and of a very dark green. The flowers are pea-
shaped, and of a beautiful deep blue colour. It grows
several feet in height, and produces its blooms in great
abundance through the months of April, May, and June.
Found near Bathurst, Australia.
H. ptmgens major. — A very fine plant, and one likely to
be very serviceable for exhibition purposes, as well as for
winter flowering-. The leaves are linear and pointed, and
the flowers of a rich deep blue. It is a native of Western
Australia.
I.MANTOPHYLLUM.
The genus LiLantuplnjllum belongs to AiaarylUdacew, and
will be best remembered by referring to its original type,
GUvea nohilis, which has been known many years in om*
gardens as a most desirable plant for decorating the green-
house during the earl}^ spring- months. I. miaiatum is one
of the most useful plants we have for exhibition or for
home decoration. Where there are six specimen plants of
this, they may be had in flower all the year round, by
bringing them into heat at diiferent times. We are seldom
Avithout one in bloom here. It is also a most useful plant
for cutting for dinner decorations or for bouquets.
1. Gardeni. — This very handsome winter-blooming plant
has its leaves arranged in two rows, and all springing- from
the root; th.oy arc from one to two feet long, blunt-
KALOSANTHE^:. 2G1
pointed, and of a deep green. The scape is about the
same length as the leaves, and bears an umbel- of ten or
fourteen flowers, which are from two to three inches long,
curved downwards, and of a reddish orange colom- passing
into yellow ; they last many weeks in great beauty. In-
troduced from Natal.
I. ininiatum. — This very striking- species is one of the
most ornamental greenhouse spring-flowering* plants we
have, and one that no collection should be without. It
forms a stout bold-looking- tuft of ligulate acute distichous
leaves, from one to two feet high, broadly sheathed at the
base, and of an intense green colour on both sides. The
flower scapes rise to about the same height as the leaves,
and support a large umbel of from ten to twenty blossoms,
which are individuall}* upwards of two inches in expansion,
and about the same in length, somewhat vase-shaped, the
outer half of the seg-ments a tine deep orange colour,
shading to vermiHon, the lower part of a deep bufi", and the
anthers and style bright yellow. It blooms at various
seasons. It is a native of Africa.
KALOSA^iTHES.
A genus of succulent Crassulaceous plants, forming
•elegant shrubs when placed under judicious treatment.
The flowers are disposed in dense terminal heads in some
kinds, and are of the most brilliant scarlet, rendering them
remarkably conspicuous objects. The}- delight in a rich
loam, with pleut}^ of sand, and good drainage, and Avill
repay the trouble of a little heat when growing. When-
ever a shoot has grown a few inches in length, it should
have its top pinched out to encourage lateral growths ; this
having been continued until the end of September OJ*
262
GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
beginning- of October, must then be discontinued, as upons
the slioots tlius formed the flowers will be produced the
following- spring-. Thc}- should be kept rather dr3- during-
winter, but bj no means allowed to shrivel. We have
sometimes had these plants very much injured by the lava
of a small weevil (CurcuUs sulcatm) ; this beetle pierces the
stem and deposits its egg-s, which when hatched live upon
the pith and stem of the j^lants, to their g-reat detriment,
sometimes even killing- them ; if therefore the plants show
signs of shrivelling, and are not dry, let them be examined
carefiilly for the lava of the beetle.
K. coccinca. — This fine old species has been an inhabitant
of our gardens for upwards of a hundred and fifty years,
and is one of the grandest plants we have. The leaves are
opposite, flat, and fleshj-, ovate-oblong in shape, and dark
green in colour. The flowers are upwards of an inch in.
length, and of a bright scarlet colour, and produced in.
many-flowered umbels at the end of every shoot. It should
be in every g-arden. There are many varieties, not difier-
ing much in habit and appearance, but onlj' in the colour-
of the flowers, some being- flesh colom', some red, others
red and white, &c. ; all are good, and a collection of
them should be grown by all lovers of plants. Native of
the Cape of Good Hope.
Labichea.
L. diversifolla. — A curious and old-fashioned greenhouse
plant, of comi3act bushy habit, with the dark green leaves
unequally digitate, and the leaflets linear-lanceolate, termi-
nating in a sharp spiny jioint. The flowers are bright
golden yellow, the base of the upper petal stained with
red ; they are produced in great abundance from April to
June. Native of Western Austi-alia.
lachexalia. 2g3
Lachenalia.
A beautiful family of Cape bulbs, of dwarf habit, belonging-
to the LiUacece. They liave pretty spotted orehis-like leaves,
and erect spikes of handsome pendulous tubular flowers-
Formerly these plants were great favourites, but they have
been put on one side to make room for novelties, though
their beauty is again becoming- appreciated, and we now
see them more frequently than at one time in our green-
houses. They are very valuable as early-flowering plants,
and are easily forced into flower during winter, when
flowers of any kind are especially valuable. With these, as
with many other plants, no doubt there will be difierent
opinions as to the best mode of treatment. We recommend,
in order to have the flowers at Christmas or by the new
year, to pot some of the bulbs about the middle of June,
and to grow them in a cool frame until the end of October
or the beginning of November, at which time they should
be removed into moderate heat, for they will not bear a
very high temperature. To ensure a succession of flowers,
pot another set of bulbs about the beginning of July, and
others again at the end of the same month. The soil best
adapted for them is a compost of good loam and jieat, with
a little sand and well-decomposed manure added. In
watering, care must be taken to gradually withhold the
supply as the foliage begius to show signs of decay ; and
when they have quite gone to rest, the pots with the bulbs
must be placed in a cool dry place, until the proj)er time
for repotting comes round. There are a great many species,
and, with but few exceptions, they are all natives of the
Cape of Good Hope.
L. luteula. — A beautifid plant, with a pair of dark green
2(j4 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
oblong-lanceolato leaves, a stout peduncle, and closely set
pendulous flowers of a uniform bright yellow, with the
exception of the outer petals, which are fointly tipped with
green ; it blooms in April. Cape of Good Hope.
L. orcJddioides. — This plant has two oblong-lanceolate
dark green leaves, profusely blotched with reddish brown ;
the peduncle is also spotted with the same colour. Flowers
large, closely set, and occupying nearly the whole length,
straw colour and wliite, sweet scented ; it blooms in April
and May. There are many different coloured varieties of
this species. Cape of Good Hope.
L. pendida. — Leaves erect, ovate-lanceolate, dark green ;
the peduncle is stout and spotted, and the flowers closely
set ; the outer petals are nearly the length of the flowers,
with rounded points of an orange red colour, tipped with
green, the inner ones spreading at the mouth, and varie-
gated with purple and green ; floAvers in April. Cape of
Good Hope.
L. qnadri'color. — A most brilliant coloured species, with
long narrow pendulous channelled dark green leaves, one
being always longer than the other ; the peduncles are
slender, and the flowers pendulous, large, and widely set ;
the outer petals are short, brig-ht red and orange in coloui',
tipped with green, the inner ones orange yellow, spreading
at the mouth, where the colour is rosy pui'ple ; it blooms
during February and March. Cape of Good Hope.
L. qvadrlcolor var. viacidata. — This diSbrs from the pre-
ceding in having its two unequal leaves, which bend over
from above the middle, beautifully spotted with reddish
brown ; it is also a stronger plant, and the spike of bloom
is more compact. The flowers are borne upon long foot-
stall^s, and are pendulous, the corolline lobes rounded, and
LAPAGERU. 265
rich crimson at the extremity, the remaining portion being-
orange yellow, tinged with green ; the outer or sepaline
division are red at the base, and tipped with green. It
blooms during the early spring. Cape of Good Hope,
L. tricolor. — Leaves two, oblong-lanceolate, spreading-,
dark green, spotted with dull purple ; flower spike erect ;
the flowers when young are orange, green, and yellow,
but with age they lose the brightest colour ; it flowers
during the spring months. Cape of Good Hope.
Lapageru.
This genus comprises only one species, as far as we are
aware, but it and its varieties arc perfect gems ; it belongs
to the natural order Sniilaccre, and requires to be potted in
rough turfy peat and loam, with an abundance of drainage.
It will form a splendid object ti-ained either upon a balloon
or parasol-shaped trellis, or upon a rafter or wall. It
delights in a cool temperature, and we have seen it in
great splendour upon the roof of a temperate fernery with
a northern aspect.
L. rosea. — A fine evergreen twining plant, producing
cordate bright shining green leaves, and large, pendulous,
rich, rosy crimson, bell-shaped flowers, in great abundance,
and forms a most beautiful plant for exhibition, or, indeed,
for any purpose ; it blooms for several months, and should
be in all and every collection of plants, however small the
collection may be. Native of Chili.
L. roscii. alha. — This beautiful variety resembles the
species in every respect saving the colour of the flowers ;
here the large waxy bells are of a beautiful pure white,
and form a splendid contrast to the lovely soft rose colour
seen in the flowers of the species. It is a native of Chili,
'2.66 greenhouse plants.
Leschenaultia.
This is a beautiful genus of Goodeniaceous plants, gene-
rally considered difficult to cultivate, which to a certain
extent is the case, and hence, because under injudicious
treatment they are apt to look unhealthy, and are liable to
suffer from damp, they have been cast aside by many
amateurs. This, however, may be easily overcome. We
gTow our plants in a well-ventilated house, and place them
within about three feet of the gdass, and we are never or
rarely troubled with mouldy-looking tops. The soil best
adapted for these plants is good fibrous peat, with a liberal
addition of sharp sand ; they like a rather larger shift
than most other plants, and consequently both drainage
and watering must be strictlj- attended to. The fine plants
seen at our exhibitions a few years back must be in the
recollection of all who \'isited the shows, and it is much to
be regretted that they should have been allowed to droji
out of cultivation, since amongst them may be found some
of the best plants we have, whether for public exhibition
or home decoration. This is especially true in the case
of L. hiloha. 'No other plant that we know is capable of
producing so charming an effect in a collection of plants as
this brilliant species, whose rich bright blue flowers have
a most gorgeous effect.
L. Baxteri. — This is a soft Heath-like plant. The leaves
are light green in colour ; the flowers are similar in size
and shape to L. furmosa, but differ from that sj)ecies in
being of a I'ich salmon colour ; it blooms during- spring
and summer. Native of New Holland.
L. hiloha major. — This very handsome species is a much
stronger grower than L. formosa. Its leaves are dark
green, narrow, quite entire, and the flowers are much
LEUCOPOGON. 267'
lai'ger than L. formosa, and of a lovely dark blue coloui* ;
it is invaluable as an exhibition plant, and also for con-
servatory decoration ; it blooms in May and June. Xative
of New Holland.
L. formosa. — A very handsome plant, with somewhat the
appearance of a Heath, but is quite soft to the touch. It is
one of the most showy of greenhouse plants, and is of
great value when grown into a good specimen as an exhi-
bition jDlant. The leaves are narrow, entire, bright green ;
and the flowers, which are produced in great prolusion, are
of an intense scarlet. Native of New Holland.
Leucopogon.
A genus of Epacrldaceci', containing many species, which
are very pretty when in bloom, and form very ornamental
objects for the conservatory during winter, owing to the
pleasing contrast between theii* clusters of bearded snow
white flowers, and their glossy bright green leaves. The
flowers are also very serviceable for bouquet making.
With but one exception they are natives of Australia, and
nearly all have white flowers. For g-eneral culture, see
Epacris, the treatment recommended for which will suit
them in all respects, saving that they must not be cut back
so hard as the species of that genus.
L. Australis. — -A shrub growing from two to four feet
high ; leaves narrow, lanceolate, upwards of an inch long.
The flower sjaikes are produced from the axils of the leaves,
and are many-flowered, the flowers pure white ; it blooms
during- winter and early spring-. Native of South Australia
and Tasmania.
L. lanceolatiis. — A handsome shrub, attaining the height
of ten or twelve feet in its native country ; it, however^
libO GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
flowers very freely while small. The leaves are lanceolate,
flat, and dark green ; flower spikes axillary, the flowers
white, opening in winter and early spring, and continuing
until summer. Found on the mountains of New South
Wales.
L. Rkhei. — -This species forms a shrub some three or
four feet high, furnished with oblong-lanceolate, smooth,
shining leaves, about an inch long, and having- margins
slightly turned back. The flower spikes are axillary, the
.flowers pure white, produced in great abundance during
the whole of winter and spring. Native of New South
Wales and Tasmania.
LiLIUM.
The beauties of this lovely genus of plants cannot be
■adequately described. It contains a vast quantity of
species, some requiring greenhouse culture, and others
quite hardy, and indeed it may be questioned whether or no
many of the kinds which are usuallj- grown in-doors might
not be as successfully cultivated if treated as hardy. The
■usual method of drying oS" the bulbs of this class of plants
is quite erroneous ; indeed, we were led to this conclusion
some few years back, upon examining bulbs of L. specioswm
-ruhnim, which were dug up from an open border in the
month of January. We found thick fleshy roots striking-
deep down in the soil, and quite active, and it is evident
that plants in this condition, instead of having to make
new roots to support the growth in spring, as they have to
do imder the drying sj^stcni, arc at once in full working
order, ready to throw vigour into the upward growth as
soon as the warmth of the season induces activity. Wo
therefore advise all growers of this magnificent family
of plants to avoid drying oft" the bulbs, since we have seen
LILIUM. 269^
tliis system carried out in many places with great success.
The basis of the soil should be a mixture of good loam
and peat, in equal parts ; about one-fourth of the whole
mass should be good well-decomposed manure, and a little
sharp sand should be added.
Some time m the month of February the plants should
be shifted into this compost, and placed in a cool house, in
a temperature that will just exclude fi'ost and nothing
more. Water must be used very sparingly at first, and-
the quantity gradually increased as the plants progress in
size and strength. After flowering, the plants should not,
as is too often the case with these and many other bulbous
plants, be cast on one side because their beauty is past, but
the woi'k of maturmg the bulbs for the following- season's
display should be set about in good earnest. If the plants
are starved at this stage, it must naturally follow that the
quality and quantity both of growth and bloom from the
bulbs so treated must be inferior. Rather let double care be
bestowed upon them, especially in regard to the waterings,
while a little weak liquid manure, given occasionally, will
be of the greatest assistance. As the leaves and stems
decay, and thus give evidence that the bulbs are going to
rest, water should be gradually withheld ; and when the
stems and leaves have quite decayed, they may be placed
under the stage until the following spring, when, as soon
as they show signs of g'rowth, they should be turned out
of the pots, the drainage and the edges of the old ball of
earth taken carefully away, and the bulbs potted in pots of
a larger size, without disturbing the bulb in any w^ay.
L. anratum. — This, the most magnificent member of the
genus, a flower whose beauties no pen can adequately de-
scribe, is a native of Japan. The flowers are from ten to
twelve inches, or even more, in diameter, pure Avl'.ite, beau-
270 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
tifdlly spotted with reddish crimson, a beautiful band of
g-olden yellow running- down the centre of each petal in
most of the plants, though in some varieties the band is
chocolate coloured, hi others crimson ; in addition to these
beauties of colouring and marking, the flowers are deli-
ciously fragrant, one Idooni being sufficient to perfume a
large conservatory. Mr. Fortune speaks of its growing-
three or four feet in height, and producing sometimes as
many as five large flowers, but under cultivation it far
exceeds these proportions. A plant we saw at Melchet
Court, under the ruanagemeut of Mr. Cross, was at least
nine feet in height, and bore the immense number of one
hundred and fifty-one flowers, all large and fully expanded.
It is a plant which every person, rich or poor, should have
in his or her garden.
L. ijlgantcani. — As its name implies, this is a gigantic Lilj-.
It grows, when the bulb is strong-, to about eight feet in
height, with a very stout stem, and large cordate shining
dark green leaves. The large flowers are produced in ter-
minal racemes, and are pendant and trumpet-shaped, white,
with reddish violet streaks, and very fragrant. Native of
Northern India.
L. japonicum. — In this species, the flower stems usually
attain the height of eighteen inches or two feet, and bear
large white fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers, which have
the mid-ribs of the lobes tinged with purple. It is a lovel}^
autumn-flowering kind, often seen in gardens under the
synonym of L. Broionit. From Japan.
L. loncjijiorum. — Altliough this species is quite hardy, it
is a very ornamental plant I'or conservatory decoration.
The flowers are trumpet-shaped, pure white, and deliciously
sweet ; it grows about eighteen inches high. Native of
Nepal.
LttlTil. 271
L. speciosnm album. — The varieties of L. speciosum make
very handsome specimens for the decoration of the conser-
vatory in autumn. The flowers are in the present kind
reflexed, and of a pui-e white colour. Native of Japan.
L. speciosum grandlflorum. — As its name implies, this is a
larg-e-flowered form — indeed, it is the largest of the section ;
flowers white, stained with rich crimson.
L. speciosum Harrisoni — A variety of dwarf habit, the
flowers very large, pure white, suflJused and spotted with
rich rosy crimson.
L. speciosum pimctatum. — Resembling album, except in
having the white flowers delicately spotted with bright pink.
Native of Japan.
L. speciosum ricbrum. — This variety has white flowers,
which are densely spotted and blotched with rich crimson ;
a very handsome form. From Japan.
L. Szovitzianum. — A pretty plant, growing about three
feet high, and yielding a profusion of its large and hand-
some turban-shaped flowers, which are bright pale yellow,
dotted with black. It is also known as L. colchicum.
L. Thmbergianum. — A dwarf species sometimes called L.
venustum, seldom exceeding a foot or a foot and a half in
height ; leaves ovate-lanceolate, dark green ; flowers laro-e,
spreading, of a rich bright orange colour ; it blooms durino-
July and August. From Japan.
L. Thuiihergianum aureum nigrn.macnlahcni. — A variety
growmg about one foot in height, and producing large deep
yellow blooms, prettily spotted. Native of Japan.
L. Thunhergianum grandljiorum. — This variety has very
large cup-shaped dark orange red flowers, slightly spotted
towards the centre ; it grows about the same height as the
preceding, and blooms about the same time.
L. WalUcliianum. — This species, though considered hardy,
272 GKELXUODSE PLAXTS.
makes a beautiful pot plant, but it must not be dried so
much as many others. The leaves are long and narrow,
almost linear towards the top, which is a distinguishing'
character from its near ally L. JongijJorum. The flowers
are white, with a long- narrow tube, and a limb nearly eight
inches across ; it is veiy fragrant, and grows from three to
four feet high, producing from one to three flowers on each
stem, in August. Native of Northern India.
LiSlANTHUS.
A beautiful genus of biennial or soft- wooded plants, be-
longing to the Gentianworts, well deserving the attention,
of plant g'rowers.
L. RusselUanus. — This fine old plant is a biennial. The
seed should be sown early in March, on the top of the soil, and
should be covered either with a flat piece of glass or a bell-
glass until they germmate. When the plants are about
two months old, they should be potted singly, and jilaced
in a genial bottom heat, until about the middle of October,
when they may be moved into a warm corner of the green-
house, close to the glass ; while here, water must be applied
very carefully, a sharp look out being kept to remove
every particle of decaying leaves, as they are very apt to
damp ofi". In spring they should be moved into summer
quarters, when they may get a nice bottom heat and be
shifted into larger pots ; and with this treatment, by about
the end of June or begmning of July, the plants will be
covered with a profusion of large cup-shaped deep blue
flowers. The soil best adapted for them is a mixture of one
part light loam, two parts peat, and one part made up of
well-decomposed inaniu'c and good leaf mould, to which a
good portion of sand nmst be added. L. RusselUanus is not
easily grown into a good specimen, but is one of those
LUCULIA. 273
plants that will test tlie care and patience of tlie cultivator.
All the trouble that can be bestowed upon it will be, how-
ever, abundantly repaid by its gorgeous beauty when in
flower. Native of Mexico,
LUCULTA.
A small genus of Euhiacece, an order which contains many
fine plants. An intermediate house suits them best, though
they will do well in a conservatory. The soil for potting
them in should be fibrous peat and light tm-fy loam, with
a liberal addition of silver sand. They, however, succeed
better when planted out against a wall, or treated as con-
servatory shrubs, than when kept under pot culture, and
under these circumstances they form beautiful objects, pro-
ducing their large heads of very fragrant flowers through
the autumn and winter months.
L. gratissima. — This fine plant makes a tree some fifteen
or twenty feet in height, but can be kept to almost any size
by judicious pruning. The leaves are opposite, large,
somewhat ovate-acuminate, slightly downy on the veins
beneath, smooth and dark green above ; the branches are
pubescent. The flowers are produced in large many-
flowered terminal cymes, and are pink or rose coloured,
and rather fleshy. The plant when in bloom is a most
beautiful object, and the flowers are deliciously sweet. It
should be grown in every collection. I^ative of Nepal.
L. Pinciana. — In general habit this plant resembles L.
gratissima, and succeeds well under the same treatment.
It differs, however, in having the flowers white, instead of
rose coloured.
274 greenhouse plants.
Macleania.
A g-enus of Vacciniacece, nearly allied to Thihaiidia, and
thriving under the same treatment. Several more are, or
were, in cultivation besides those here given, but they are
extremely difficult to obtain ; we trust, however, to see this
class of plants receiving a very large share of attention.
M. pulchra. — A beautiful species with long drooping
branches, the leaves oblong, obtuse at the base, slightly
pointed, of a deep shining green when mature, but beauti-
fally tinged with red when yoim.g. The flowers are large,
pendulous, the tubes bright deep scarlet, and the limb
yellow ; they are produced in clusters upon a short jDeduncle
springing from the axils of the leaves ; it blooms during
April and May. IS'ative of New Grenada.
M. speciosissima. — This very beautiful shrub is not of
compact habit, and should be suspended from the roof or
grown upon a shelf, so that its branches may hang down-
wards. The leaves are from two to three inches long,
somewhat oblong, obtuse, three-nerved, dark green, thick,
and leathery when mature, but like many of the plants
belonging to this order, beautifully tinged with red in a
young state. The flowers are upwards of an inch in
length, tubular, brilliant scarlet, with yellow points ; they
are pendulous, and produced very freely in clusters from
the axils of the leaves, during the early spring months.
Introduced from Columbia.
Mandevilla.
M. suaveolens. — This plant is one of the very best climbers
for a greenhouse, wherever sufficient room can be spared to
allow it to ramble. It is of free scandent habit, with dark
NERIU.M. 275
green, opposite, cordate-oblong' leaves. The flowers are
l)orne in profusion, and are pure wliite, and very fragrant.
As a pot plant this will scarcely give satisfaction to any
one ; indeed, it is very difficult to make an attractive
object of it in that way, but if planted in a border in the
conservatory it will prove one of the finest plants for that
purpose that can be introduced. The soil best adapted for
it, is a mixture of equal parts good peat and turfy loam,
with a liberal addition of silver sand. It flowers during
the summer months. Native of Buenos Ayres.
JSTeeium.
This very old favourite, commonly called the Oleander,
is still amongst the neglected plants, though soon to be-
come again, we trust, a greater favourite than ever. Oui-
continental neighbours thoroughly appreciate its beauty
and fragrance. To manage these plants successfully, take
them in hand after the flowering season and let them have
a short rest ; this will be efiected by drying. Then cut
down to within a few eyes of the previous year's wood, and
place them in a warm greenhouse or an intermediate
house, and encom'age them to make a short growth before
winter sets in. In spring the plants should be shifted,
using a compost consisting of two j)arts good loam, two
parts well-decomposed manure, one part peat, and one part
leaf mould, taking care to stop the young growths so that
the plant may make a good bushy head. If it should not
be convenient to give them several shifts, they must be fed
with liquid manure. One thing more is necessary : JSferiums
are generally seen when blooming with as much growth
above the flowers as below them ; this is caused by neglect.
Soon after the trusses of bloom show themselves, youn^
T 2
276 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
growths start from tlie base, and if these are allowed to
remain, the flowers are robbed of their strength, and we
see them nearly buried in foliage ; but if they are picked
out as soon as seen, the flowers will surmount the leaves,
and form a beautifal compact head. These plants are
oftentimes seen much infested with scale, but if our in-
structions are carried out, with the addition of good
drainage, these pests will caase little or no trouble.
N. Oleander. — ■ The leaves of this beautiful plant are
lanceolate, and three in a Avhorl, bright green, and of a
coriaceous texture. The flowers are produced in terminal
corymbs, and are large, semi-double, of a bright i*osy red,
and deliciously sweet. If treated in the manner described
above it will make an excellent exhibition plant, and can
be had in bloom from June to the end of October. Native
of the East Indies, but through having become wild by the
sides of streams and various places in the south of Europe,
it is often considered a native of Europe.
N. Oleander album. — This difiers from the species in
having light green leaves and pm'e white flowers.
OxTLOBroM.
A genus of Lcguminose shrubs, from New Holland, very
elegant when in bloom ; the;,' should be grown in a mixture
of peat and loam, made very sandy. There are many
species well deserving cultivation, all being easily manag-ed,
and continuing in fall beauty a considerable time.
0. arborescens. — This species attains the height of three
or four feet, and may be grown into a handsome specimen ;
the leaves are linear-lanceolate ; flowers yellow, produced
in dense cor^-mbs, and continuing- from April to June in
great beauty. Native of Tasmania.
pniELTA. 277
0. ohtusifolium. — A handsome compact-growing plant,
attaining the height of two and three feet, and producing
its orange yellow and crimson flowers from March to the
end of Ma3^ The leaves are oblong, smooth on the upper
surface, but very silky beneath, margins revolute ; racemes
of flower terminal, flowers with the vexillum rich orange
colour, yellow at the base, the keel and wings rich crim-
son. From New Holland.
0. Pultenece. — The leaves of this fine species are smooth,
linear, somewhat obtuse, with the margins rolled back,
sometimes disposed in whorls, sometimes alternate ; the
flowers are rich dark orange, produced in great abundance
from March to May. Native of New Holland.
PniELIA.
These plants are easily grown, and are most profuse
bloomers, valuable alike for home decoration and exhibition
purposes. In the month of March, if the specimens require
shifting, they should be looked to ; the young plants will be
sure to stand in need of repotting. The soil we use for
that purpose is about three parts fibrous peat to one part
of good tm-fy loam, adding about half as much sand as
loam. These plants must be watered very carefally after
potting, and until the roots have worked into the fresh
soil ; a moist house with a little warmth just at this time
will also be very beneficial ; they should not be stopped
after about the end of July, as if done later, it does
not allow the plants time to finish their growth and
thoroughly ripen their wood. Some few years back very
fine specimens were to be seen at our London exhibitions,
but for some unexplained reason they have disappeared,
but as they are again coming into favour, we hope to see
the loss made good again.
278 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
P. decussata. — This, as its name implies, has the foliage
arranged crosswajs ; the leaves are nearly ovate in shape,
dark green above, paler beneath. The flowers are tubular,,
aiT-anged in compact heads, and reddish pink in colour ; it
blooms from May to July, and is a most valuable plant for
either exhibition or home decoration. Native of New
Holland.
P. diosmcefolia.—A. species resembling the former, but
yet abundantly distinct. The leaves are somewhat broader
and rather more lax ; the heads of bloom are larger and
more spreading, and in colour a soft rose ; it blooms during
May, June, and July. Native of New Holland.
P. elegans. — This is a stronger grower than the preced-
ing. The leaves are broad, ovate-lanceolate in shape, and
about an inch or more long. The heads of flower are
globose, and creamy white in colour. A fine species, bloom-
ing during April and May. From New Holland.
P. Hendersoni. — A very fine somewhat slender-growing
species, with bright green leaves, and good-sized compact
heads of rosy pink flowers, which are produced in great
profusion during- May and June. It is a kind very subject
to attacks of red spider, which Avill much disfigure it if
strict attention be not given. Native of New Holland.
P. Neipperrjeana. — A very desu-able compact-growing
kind, with small close-set leaves, and abundance of pure
white heads of bloom, which are produced during May and
June. Native of New Holland.
P. spedabiUs. — A free-growing species, with light green
linear-lanceolate leaves, and large heads of woolly white
flowers ; in a variety called ovsea, the flowers are pinkish
rose in colour ; both are very ornamental, and well deserv-
ing a place in every collection ; blooming during the months
of May and June. Native of New Holland.
PLBROMA — PRIMULA. 279
Pleeoma.
A family of Melastomaceous plants, containing' many-
handsome speciec, tlie best of whicli are here enumerated ;
they are nearly allied to Osheclcia. The soil best adapted
for their culture is good fibrous sandy peat, and a small
portion of light fibrous loam. The greenhouse is far better
for them than the stove, but the warmest corner should be
selected for them, but if a house with an intermediate
temperatui'e can be used for them, they will form gorgeous
specimens.
P. elegans. — This is a beautiful ornamental plant, with
opposite bright shining green leaves, ovate-acuminate in
shape, and producing its large rich blue flowers in great
abundance during May and June, and is a plant which no
collection should lack, Native of Brazil.
P. sarmentosa. — A beautiful new species, recently intro-
duced fi'om Chili. The flowers are upwards of two inches
in diameter, and freely produced, in colour deep violet or
violet purple, and very handsome. It is of good habit and
easy of culture, and will no doubt be a great acquisition to
our greenhouses.
Prdiula.
This is a genus comprising many lovely gems, but as the
majority of them are hardy plants, they must be left out of
these pages, as we confine om^selves to the greenhouse kinds
only ; the species and varieties given below, are invaluable
for the effect they produce as winter and spring-flowering
plants. The soil best adapted for these plants is a mixture
of about two parts good turfy loam, one part well-decom-
posed manure, and one part good leaf mould, with a liberal
addition of silver sand. Amongst the many varieties of
280 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
the well-known Chinese Primula, several very fine double
forms have made their appearance ; these are all well de-
serving special care, although our pages will not allow
them all to be enumerated.
P. deniiculata. — This very beautiful species has light
green spathulate leaves, finely toothed at the edges, and the
whole upper surface wrinkled. The flowers are lilac, with
a yellow eye, footstalks and calyx covered with a farinose
powder, produced in many-flowered umbels upon an up-
right spike, during winter and early spring, and continue
a very long time in great beauty. IS'ative of IsTorthern
India.
P. sinensis (varieties). — This species has been lost sight
of, and only the superior varieties which have been obtained
by careful selection in our gardens are now grown, as
winter and spring-flowering plants for conservatory decora-
tion ; for the drawing room or dinner-table decoration, these
are unrivalled. The Chinese Frimula well merits the title it
has obtained of " Everybody's Flower," and is so well known
that a description of the plant is almost unnecessary. The
leaves are fleshy, with sinuated edges and hairy surface ; in
the original plant, introduced now nearly fifty years since, the
flowers were small, white or pale lilac in colour, and the
edges of the limb quite smooth, with a terminal notch in
each segment. Another variety with slightly fringed edges
was afterwards introduced, and from these, through the
eff'orts of cultivators, have sjirung the beautiful forms now
to be seen in gardens, and amongst them all, the varieties
which we have had the fortune to produce stand unequalled.
Some flowers of these varieties measure two inches and a
half across the limb, the colour a rich clear magenta, and
deep orange eye, beautifully fringed at the edges ; the
white variety is equally largo and well fringed, the pm-e
PRDIULA. 281
white prettily contrasted with the rich orange coloured
eye, and they have the good property of forming tolerably
long flower spikes, so that all the blooms stand well up
above the foliage. The fern-leaved varieties are also very
handsome, and produce very fine flowers of various shades ;
and it frequently occurs that some fine doiible-flowered forms
are also produced in this way. There is another variety of
this plant called P. Jvermediia, which, on account of its
bright rosy carmine flowers, is very desirable. These varie-
ties are obtained from seed every year, and for autumn
flowering some seed should be sown in March and April,
for later blooming, June and July. The seed should be
sown upon some leaf mould and well-decomposed manure,
in pots filled to within about half an inch of the top ; the
sm-face of the soil should be left somewhat rough, and the
seed sprinkled upon it, and instead of covering with soil, tie
a piece of paper over the pot, and place in gentle heat.
The paper only should be watered ; this will give sufiicient
moisture, and prevent the seeds being washed away, and
will not subject them to the sudden extremes of drought
and moisture, which is so fatal to these plants at the time
of germination (this being unheeded by many, leads them
to condemn the quality of the seeds). In about three Aveeks
the seeds will have germinated, after which the seed pots
should be removed to a shady place, and the paper removed,
and when the plants are large enough, potted into separate
pots, and gradually subjected to cooler treatment, until they
■can be placed in a cool frame, close to the glass, during the
summer months.
P. sinensis alba i^lena. — A double white flowered variety,
which, in addition to its beautiful appearance when growing,
is invaluable for cutting for bouquets during the winter
^nd spring months.
282 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
P. sinensis rosea plena. — In every respect like the pre-
ceding, excepting colour, which in this variety is soft rosy
purple. The double varieties require similar treatment
to the single ones, but as they can only be increased by
cuttings, they are somewhat difficult to propagate.
Ehododendron.
This well-known and deservedly popular genus belongs
to the EricacecE. In Asia Bhododendrons abound, and a few
species are indigenous in Eui'ope, but they are unknown in
either Australia or Africa ; America possesses very few
kinds, whilst in California and Mexico none have ever
been discovered. In India many of them are of epiphytal
habit, and as they occui- at great elevations, some of the
species are sufficiently hardy to stand unprotected in many
parts of this country. The species and varieties we have
selected are well deserving general cultivation ; they succeed
admirably in a conservatory or greenhouse, and being very
free flowering', and remaiaing in bloom a long time, they
are very ornamental and desirable. Generally speaking,
the Indian HJiododendrons are amongst the best of cool
conservatory shrubs, flowering in such structures if planted
out, with a magnificence which is perhaps unequalled.
There are many fine species of the Indian Bdiododendrons
not enumerated here, but which are really superb where
space can be afibrded them.
B. Aucklandi. — The leaves of this species are about nine
inches long, somewhat oblong-acute, cordate at the base
and leathery in texture, the upper side bright green and
the under side slightly glaucous. Flowers from four to
five inches in diameter, Arhite, delicately tinged with piuk ;
it blooms duriug May and June. Native of Sikkim,
Himalaya.
RHODODENDEOX, 285
B. ciliatum. — This pretty species is very valuable, on
account of its dwarf habit and early-flowering qualities, as
with very little warmth it bursts its buds in February, and
thus becomes very useful for conservatory decoration. Its
leaves are somewhat obovate, brig-ht green above, the mid-
rib and margins clothed with stiff hairs, paler and slightly
glaucous below ; flowers in clusters of four and five, vary-
ing in colour from pale rose to pure white. In its native
country the flowers are said to be pale reddish purple.
This plant is quite hardy, but on accoivnt of its being so
useful for early blooming, we have introduced it here.
Native of Sikkim, at 9,000 to 10,000 feet elevation.
B. DalJiousice. — This noble plant is almost always found
in its wild state growing upon trees, and its branches hang-
downwards. The large campanulate flowers measure some
four inches in length, and about as much across the mouth ;
they are produced in large dense heads, and are white,
tinged with rose, and delicately scented ; it blooms during-
early spring. Native of Himalaya.
B. Denisoni. — A beautiful hybrid, which we had the
pleasure of distributing to the jDublic. It is of dwarf free-
flowermg habit, with flowers in the way of those of ii.
Princess Alice, but distinguished from that variety by its
greater size, and instead of being pure white, this has a
stain of pale yellow at the base of the upper segments,
slightly spotted with dark yellow. A garden hybrid.
B. Edgwortliii. — The leaves of this species, both young-
and old, are densely clothed on the under side with soft
ferrugineous wool, the upper side being a bright dark
green ; they are some three or four inches long, ovate-
lanceolate, acuminate, and obtuse at the base. Flowers
three or four inches across, white, suffused with flesh colour,
lJo4 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
and remarkably frag-rant ; it blooms during spring and
early summer. Kative of Sikkim.
B. jasminiflorum. — This very beautiful species should be
in every collection. The leaves are obovate-oblong, rather
acute, smooth, and leathery in texture. The flowers are
produced in a many-flowered umbel, tubular in shape, the
tube two inches long, the limb spreading-, pure white, with
the exception of the eye, which is pink ; they are also deli-
ciously fragrant ; it blooms in spring and early summer.
Native of Malacca, at an elevation of 5,000 feet.
JB. Prince of Wales. — A beautiful hybrid, the result of a
cross between R. Javaiiicum and R. retusui/t, from the Java
Mountains ; it has the rich bright orange colour of the
first-named plant, but is longer in the tube, like its other
parent ; the leaves are bright glaucous green. A very
ornamental greenhouse plant.
B. Princess Alexandra. ■ — • This is a very free-blooming
highly ornamental conservatory variety ; it resembles in
habit the well-known B. jasminijlorum ; the tube of the
flower is long and pure white, and the stamens are light
rose colour. A garden hybrid.
B. Princess Boyal. — A lovely ornamental variety for the
conservatory. It is of very distinct character, producing
an abundance of its rich deep rose coloured flowers. A
garden variety.
jB. Princess Helena. — A beautiful hybrid, with rich glossy
green leaves. The flowers are produced very freely, are
very long in the tube, and very glossy, in colour a delicate
soft pink, striped and shaded with darker pink. It is a
■valuable greenhouse plant, the result of a cross between
B. ciliatimi and B. Edgwortliii. Garden hybrid.
B. Princess Alice. — Flowers large, white, shading to
EOELLA. 285
blusli, and very fragrant ; it is of dwarf habit, with neat
foliage, and is a very free bloomer. A garden hybrid.
B. Sesterianum. — ^A hybrid between B. Gibsoni and B.
Edgworthii. Flowers large, pure white, spotted with yel-
low on the upper petals ; it is deliciously sweet, and a veiy
free bloomer.
B. Thibaudieibse.— This is a very peculiar and pretty
species, the flowers very much resembling those of its
near ally the Ericas.
B. Veitchiamom. — This is a very handsome Moulmein
species, the flowers are large, pure white, stained with
yellow at the base, and beautifully crisp at the margins.
B. Veitchianum Icevigatum. — A large pure white flower,
resembling the former, but is destitute of the fringed edges.
It is also of Indian origin, having been imported from
Moulmein.
ROELLA.
A genus of Campamdacece, from the Cape of Good Hope,
many of the species very beautiful, the one here described
being not the least important in that respect, although, like
many other fine plants, it is difl&cult to manage. The soil
should be the best peat that can be obtained, adding silver
sand in the proportion of about a third of the whole, to^
gether with some pieces of charcoal, which will be found very
beneficial. If the plant shows any signs of starting into
fresh growth, the potting may be done early in spring-,
after which it should be stood in a light place, with a tem-
perature of about 60° by day, and of course, some five or
six degrees lower at night. Great care must at all tunes
be taken that the plants are not over- watered. As the
season advances, the growths should be gently syringed on
bright mornings, when the sun's raj^s will dry up all the-
286 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
superabundant moisture ; and air must be fi-eely given, to en-
■courage free strong- g-rowth. Do not encourage tliem to grow
late into the autumn, but get the wood well ripened to
enable them to winter well. If the plants are intended for
spring blooming, thej should not have the young growths
stopped after June. In winter, place them as near the glass
as possible, and keep up a temperature of from 40° to 45°
with a dry atmosphere, being carefal not to allow any
moisture to remain upon the foliage, or mildew will be sure
to fix upon it, and disfigure the plant.
a. ciliata. — This very elegant, though delicate plant,
forms a §hrub from one to two feet high ; the leaves are
erect, linear- acuminate, and ciliated. . The flowers are
solitary and terminal, campanulate in shape, white to the
base of the lobes, above which they are \'iolet pm-ple ; it
can be had in bloom either in autumn or spring. Native of
the Cape of Good Hope.
EOGIEBA.
i?. gratissima. — This is a beautiful plant, belonging to
the order Bubiacece, like the Ixora, and like it producing its
flowers in large terminal heads or trusses. It is a native
of Las Chiapas, and having been found at an elevation of
7,500 feet, is admirably adapted for greenhouse and conser-
vatory decoration. It is also well adapted for cutting for
bouquet making. The flowers are deliciously sweet, and can
be had at various times, during both summer and winter, as
they are produced shortly after the growths are completed,
and these are formed in succession several times in a season.
The leaves are opposite, of a thick texture, and of a rich
dark green colour ; the flowers are produced in large
terminal corymbs, are of a delicate pink colour, and very
SALVIA — SOLANUM. 287
fragrant. It should be grown in a mixture composed of
rough fibrous peat, leaf mould, and a little loam, with
some silver sand added.
Salvia.
S. gesneriflora. — This soft-wooded Labiate plant is one of
the finest things for conservatory decoration it is possible
to grow. It forms a fine bushy plant, from two to three
feet high, well clothed with rich bright green leaves, and
produces an abundance of its deep scarlet flowers through
the whole winter and far into spring ; nor does it become
shabby, but continues in g-reat beauty the whole tune ; it
should be grown in two parts rich loam, one of jDeat,
and one of leaf mould, to which add a little sand. Native
of Columbia.
8. sjilendens. — This is one of the best old-fashioned green-
house flowering plants. It is of free growth, with ample
smooth pale green foliage, and when well grown, will pro-
duce an abundance of its fine scarlet flowers during the
autumn and winter months. It is also well adapted for
growing as standards for table decoration, &c. jSTative of
Mexico.
SOLAXUM.
This genus contains an immense number of species,
many of which are of great importance for the decoration
of the garden. Some make splendid objects for planting
out-doors, for diversity in the sub-tropical garden ; others
are equally valuable for conservatory and dinner-table
decoration ; it is to the latter class that we shall confine
our remarks in this place. They are plants of very easy
culture, and for table decoration should be grown every
year from seed.
288 GREENHOUSE PLANTS,
8. capsioastrum (hybi'ids). — -The varieties we recommend
are tliose known in commercs as Williams' Hybrids, as
being- far superior to the forms from wliich they have
sprung. There are many variations in shape and size of
berries, but all are robust, yet compact in growth, and
most profuse fruiters, and as they have a fine effect by
artificial light, they are especially useful and ornamental
for table decoration.
SOLLTA.
A genus of very pretty half-climbing evergreen shrubs,
which are well deserving a place in every collection, for
although they cannot take rank amongst the most showy,
yet the beautiful contrast afforded by 'their pretty blue
flowers, and dai'k green foliage, will make them universal
favourites. The soil best adapted for their culture is good
peat and a little turfy loam, adding about one-fourth silver
sand.
8. Drummondii. — A neat-growing species, having slender
growth, and a profusion of bright deep bine flowers. It is
well adapted for covering miniature trellis-work, suspend-
ing in baskets, &c. From Australia.
8. heterophylla. — A free-growing species, with broad
leaves, variously arranged, and large clusters of drooping
bright blue flowers. From Australia.
8. linearis. — A free-growing plant, of more slender habit
than the preceding, and with narrower leaves and deeper
blue flowers. Native of Australia.
Statice.
An extensive genus, consisting of plants which, when
seen, are sure to be admired. They are, however, much
STATICE. 289
neglected, and seldom have ji roper attention bestowed upon
them. They are of compact habit, and very free in flower-
ing, some of the kinds continuing from June to ISTovember
in full beauty, and making as they do beautiful objects for
dinner-table decoration, they are plants that should be
general favourites. Their natm'al habitat is near the sea
coast, the Canaries being particularly rich in these plants.
The soil best adajDted for them is a compost composed of a
mixture of light loam, to which add a little leaf mould and
well-decomposed manure, and a liberal share of sharp sand.
To make specimen plants quickly they should be grown in
a temperature of about 60° or 65°.
S. brassiccpfolia. — A pretty species, for summer and
autumn flowering ; leaves hairy, subpinnate, large, deep
green ; flower stem nearly two feet high, broadly winged,
and bearing a large corymbose head of flowers, which are
white, with a large deep blue calyx. ISTative of Gomora,
Canaries.
S. Maljonlii. — This is one of the finest varieties for
exhibition and general purposes, having large entire cor-
date leaves, and immense large branching flower spikes,
the corolla white, with a blue calyx. A garden hybrid.
S. ])rofiisa. — This handsome plant is a hybrid between
S. puherula and S. Halfordii. The leaves are somewhat
oblong-obovate, slightly sinuate, and a little rough ; scape
narrowly winged, about two feet high, and corymbosely
branched. The plant is less robust in growth than 8.
Halfordii^ and is an invaluable plant for winter blooming,
the dense heads of flower — which are, like most of its class,
purple in the calyx, and white in the corolla — being con-
tinually thrown up from the axils of the leaves, so that it is
almost a perpetual flowerer.
290 greenhouse plants.
Tacsonia.
A g-enus of Passifloraccce, closely resembling- Passion
Flowers. As greenhouse climbers the species given below
are unequalled. Pot in a comj)ost of peat and loam in
equal parts, to whiob add a little well-decayed leaf mould
or manure, and some silver sand.
T. JBuchanani. — A species of quite recent introduction from
Panama, which will perhaps j^i'ove to be sufficiently hardy
for the greenhouse. It is a climbing plant, with five-
lobed unequally-toothed leaves, and large showy bright
scarlet flowers. This is more correctly called Passiflora
vitifolia.
T. eriantJia. — A grand plant, in general appearance
resembling T. moIUssima, but having the under surface of
the leaves white ; they are about six inches in diameter,
deeply three-lobed, the lobes toothed. The tube of the
flower is about three inches or three inches and a half long,
and the flowers upwards of three inches in diameter, and of
a beautiful delicate rose pink colour. It comes from the
forests near the Volcano of Pichincha, in South America.
T. mollisslma. — This is a very strong- growing climber,
not very free-flowering until it has attained a considerable
size, but then blooming most profusely. The leaves are
three-lobed, and sharp toothed, slightly hairy on the upper
surface, tomentose below. The flowers are large, and of
a beautiful soft rose colour. Native of Santa Fe de
Bogota.
T. Van Volcemi. — The most lovely species in cultivation —
indeed, it is almost unequalled as a greenhouse climber.
The leaves are slightly pubescent, deeply throc-lobed, lobes
lanceolate, acuminate, and serrulate. The flowers, which
TETRATHECA. 291
are most freely produced, measure five inches in diameter,
the colour being a rich bright carmine ci'imson ; suspended
as they are on long slender footstalks they have a splendid
■effect. ISTative of Ne-w Grenada.
Tetratheca.
Handsome Heath-like plants which will succeed under
the same treatment as Heaths, except that a little loam
should be added to the soil. They belong to the order
Tremandracea;, make handsome specimens, and can be used
for show purposes, as they bloom at the right time, and do
not suffer by the transit to and from the place of exhibition.
They are shrubby plants, natives of New Holland.
T. ericoides. — The leaves of this elegant plant are dark
green in colour, arranged in whorls of five or six, of a
linear form, the margins rough, and rolled back. The
petals are obovate, rosy lilac ; it grows from one to three
feet in height, and blooms from May to July. Native of
New Holland.
T. pilosa. — A free-flowering species, the leaves of which
are green, but so much covered with hairs that they appear
of a brownish colour ; they are oblong-linear, alternate or
sometimes in whorls, the margins rolled back, and, as well
as the branches, covered with glandular hairs. The flowers
are solitary in the axils, purple, and produced in great pro-
fasion from April to June. Native of Tasmania.
T. verticillata. — A handsome and distinct species. The
leaves are slightly hairy, linear, with revolute margins,
dark green, and disposed in whorls of from seven to nine.
The flowers are large, freely produced upon long footstalks
during the summer months, and are of a deep violet colour.
Native of New Holland,
u 2
292 greenhouse plants.
Thibaudia,
A genus of showy and ornamental plants, well deserving'
the care and attention of all plant cultivators. In a warm
greenhouse, these plants, with a little care, will form most
gorgeous objects, well repaying the extra care and trouble
bestowed upon them, and we hope to see these little-known
plants become general favourites. The soil best adapted for
them is a mixture of sandy peat and fibrous loam, with a
moist atmosphere.
T. coronaria. —- An erect-growing branching plant, of
great beauty. The branches are covered with long soft
hairs; the leaves are entire, bluntly ovate, about half an
inch long, very deep glossy green, the lower surface pale,
riowers pendulous, on peduncles half an inch long, pro-
duced from the axils of the leaves mostly in pairs, and
tubular in shape, bluntly five-angled, and about an inch in
length, and deep red in colour ; it is a most desirable
Jflant, blooming during the winter months. Introduced
from the mountains of Venezuela.
T. Jessica. — Another of these beautiful Yacciniaceous
plants, forming a nice shrub, with leaves between six and
ten inches long, membranous, and rich green. The flowers
are tubular, with the tubes somewhat inflated, and bright
rosy pink, produced in great abundance, in clusters of eight
or ten ; it flowers at various times. Native of Caraccas.
T. JonglcoUa. — Leaves oblong-ovate, leathery in texture,
from three to four inches in length, and bright shining-
green in colour. The flowers are tubular, with the tubes
inflated at the middle, where they are deep red, the re-
maining portion of the flower being green, tinged with
yellow. From South America.
T. sarcantJm. — This beautiful species has somewhat
TROP.i:OLU.M. 293
fleshy coriaceous alternate leaves, whicli are ovate-oblong-
and sharp-pointed, dai"k green above, paler below. The
flowers are campanulate in shape, rich deep red in colour,
yellowish g-reen towards the ends, and produced in large
termmal clusters as well as from the axils ; it blooms
dui'ing- the spring" months. I^ative of 'New Grenada.
Tbop5:olum.
A handsome family of plants, which were at one time to
be seen in every collection, but have now almost disap-
peared from our plant houses. They are very easily
manag-ed, take up but little room, have veiy distinct and
gay flowers, last for a considerable time in bloom, may be
used as decorative plants, and are very useful for cutting
for bouquets. What other requisites can a plant require
to recommend it to public notice ? The species given
below are all tuberous-rooted. They begin to grow about
the beginning of September, and should be put into the
pots they are intended to flower in ; using- a mixture of
half good light loam, and the other half to consist of peat,
leaf mould, and well-decomposed manure, with the addition
of a little sand. A wire trellis of some kind should be
fastened upon the pot for the branches to cliug to. Young
plants intended for the decoration of the dwelling room,
make very pretty objects when allowed to ramble over a
good-sized spray of Larch. As they increase in strength
a little weak liquid manure will be very beneficial, and
during winter the warm end of the greenhouse is the place
that will suit them admirably. So treated, they will
during the months of April and May be in great beauty.
After flowering more heat should be given, to induce them
to finish their growth, and as they reach maturity less
294 GREEXHOUSE PL AXIS.
water must be given. Wlieu they are at rest the pots may
be tm-ned vxpon their sides, and the soil kept quite dry
until it is required to start the plants again in autumn.
T. azureum. — A scandent tuberous-rooted plant. The
leaves are peltate, and divided into from five to seven
ovate, entire, and dark green segments. The flowers are-
produced singly from the axils in great profusion, of a
violet blue colour. Native of Chili.
T. hrachjceras. — A similar plant to the other species,
with tuberous roots ; leaves divided into five ovate-lanceo-
late leaflets, deep green. The flowers are yellow. ISTative
of Chili.
T. Jarrattii. — This is a very fine species ; like the pre-
ceding it is tuberous-rooted, of climbing habit, with dark
green leaves. The flowers are rich scarlet and yellow, and
are produced from the leaf axils in abundance. Kative of
Chili, about Santiago.
T. speciosum. — One of the finest of all the species. It
is tuberous-rooted ; well-diA-ided leaves, and rich scarlet
flowers, remarkable for the singular shape of the expanded
petals. Native of South America.
T. tricoloruiii. — This has also tuberous roots, and is of
scandent habit ; leaves divided into six or seven obovate
leaflets, of a dark green coloui*. It produces its beautiful
flowers, which are orange scarlet and yellow, tipped with
black, in great profusion. Native of Chili, about Coquimbo
and Valparaiso.
Vallota.
V. purimrea. — This beautiful Cape bulbous plant, which
should be in every collection, is with diSiculty surpassed
during the autumn months by any other plant, either for
greenhouse or sitting-room decoration, and it is equally well
VERONICA. 295
adapted for the dinner table. It is au evergreen bulb,
and consequently does not require, neither will it bear,
to be dried off without serious consequences. The soil best
adapted for its culture is equal parts good loam, peat, well-
decomposed manure, and river sand. We repot them as
soon as the flowers are over, and keep them growing
through the winter, giving water sparingly, and increasing
the supply as the days lengthen. In summer they will
grow well in a cold pit, but must have an abundant supply
of water. About the middle of August they will throw up
their flower stems, and if a stock of them is kejit, then*
beautiful scarlet flowers can be had in succession for several
months. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hojie.
Vekoxica.
A genus containing many pretty greenhouse shrubs, of
compact growth and hardy constitution. The}- should be
potted in a compost consisting of three parts good rich
loam, with a little peat and sand added. They produce
their flowers during summer and autumn, and are useful
for decoration. Subjoined are a few good varieties.
V. Andersoni. — ^A fine ornamental kind, with rich dark
green leaves, and large spikes of pretty lilac flowers, which
change with age to white.
V. decussata Devoniana. — This is a fine variety of close
compact habit ; the leaves are larger than those of the
species, and of a rich dark green. The flowers are fi.'eely
produced in large terminal heads, and are pui*e white. A
garden hybrid.
V. Imperial Blue. — A variety of free-flowering habit,
producing fine trusses of rich deep blue flowers.
V. Meldensis. — A plant which contrasts well when.
296 GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
grouped with others ; it is a profuse bloomer, producing
large spikes of bright rose coloured flowers, which change
with age to white, A garden variety.
V. speciosa coccinea. — This is a very robust-growing
variety, with amj)le broad green leaves ; the flowers are
red, but unfortunately it does not flower so freely as the
other kinds. A garden variety.
WiTSENIA.
A genus of handsome plants belonging to Iridacece, from
the Cape of Good Hope. The species here described is
often neglected in gardens, and consequently seldom dis-
plays itself to advantage, but when well grown it is a
charming plant. The soil should consist of good peat,
with a small portion of loam added. They are plants
which require an abundance of water, and good drainage.
W. corymhosa. — The leaves of this plant are Jyi's-like and
equitant, very glaucous. The flowers are light blue, and
very freely produced if the plant is in good health. It
flowers during June and July, and is well deserving every
attention, on account of its gay appearance and distinct
character.
"'"^^J^PWl^^^
FLOKISTS' FLOWERS, ANNUALS,
AND
SOFT-WOODED PLANTS,
ADAPTED FOR
CONSERVATOEY AND GREENHOUSE DECOEATION.
E have deemed it more for tlie convenience of
onr readers to collect together in one chapter
what remarks we have to offer on the subjects
indicated by the above heading. In most of them the
varieties produced by cross-breeding and hybridising are
.80 numerous, and the differences are in many instances so
very trifling, scarcely to be expressed in Avords, added to
vphich the varieties themselves are so continually changing
and giving place in most cases to improved forms, that
it would be practically useless to attempt their description.
Still they are of so popular a character, and so highly
useful and ornamental as inexpensive decorative plants,
that our volume would be very mcomplete without them.
Hence we have given, under the following generic head-
ings, such hints regarding the cultivation of the subjects
we have thought it most important to allude to as seemed
necessary, referring our readers to the annual trade cata-
logues for lists of the best current varieties.
298 florists' flowkrs, annuals, etc.
Aloysia,
The lemon-scented Verbena, A. citriodora, an old inhabi-
tant of our gardens, belongs to the Verheiiacece, and is a
very popular plant, being grown for its grateful perfume.
It is very useful for bouquets, and to mix with cut flowers
for dressing vases, &c. It delights in rich loam and leaf
mould ; and as the shoots are continually being cut, it is
not so apt as many other plants to grow too vigorously.
It is a deciduous jolant, and should be kept partially dry
during winter. The flowers are small, of a very pale
purple colour. The plant is a native of Chili.
Balsam (^Balsamlna hortensis).
The Balsam is one of the class of tender annuals, and
when of a good strain, is amongst the most showy of late
summer and autumn flowers. The soil best adapted for
their culture is a mixture of rich loam and leaf mould,
with a portion of sand added. If required early, the seeds
should be sown in March, and the plants raised in a moist
heat ; and for a succession, another sowing should be made
in April or May. When two or three inches high pot the-
plants separately, and continue shifting them as they fill
the pots with roots. They answer best grown in pits or
frames with a moderate heat, as they can be kept close
to the glass and be prevented from drawing up. As
summer advances more air must be given, and the syringe
must be freely used to keep away red spider. An appli-
cation of weak liquid manure about twice a week during*
the growing season will also be of great advantage. The
splendid double flowers of the fine strain of B, hortensis
supersede for decorative purposes all other memters of the
CALCEOLARIA.
299
genus, and as they remain in foil beauty a considerable
time, they well repay any attention bestowed upon them.
The plant is a native of the East Indies.
Calceolaria.
This genus, called Slipperwort, belongs to the Scroplm-
lariacece, and may be divided into two sections— the Herba-
ceous or Florists' Flowers, and Shrubby or Bedding kinds.
Seeds of the Herbaceous kinds should be sown in July and
August, in pans well drained and nearly filled with rough
turfy loam, making up the surface with fine sifted mould
and silver sand. Water the soil with a fine rose, and
immediately sow the seed, no covering of earth being
required. Place the pans under a hand-glass or in a cold
frame, and carefoUy exclude them from exposure to the
sun. When the seedlings are strong enough, prick them
off into pans, and place them in a close situation. When
large enough pot off singly, and put them upon a shelf near
the glass in an airy greenhouse. Raising plants from seed
every year is far preferable to increasing the stock by
cuttings. It was quite necessary to resort to that practice
some years ago ; but the race of Herbaceous Calceolarias
we now have in cultivation is so very fine, that it is labour
wasted to trouble with cuttings, as the great majority of
the plants from a batch of seed will prove all that can be
desired. The soil for growing them should be composed of
three parts rich light loam and sand, about two parts good
leaf mould, and the remainder well-decayed sheep manure.
When well grown they are very ornamental, and serve to
decorate the greenhouse and conservatory just at the
season the hard-wooded plants are 'failing; consequently
they arc of double value. They are subject to attacks of
300 florists' flowers, annuals, etc.
green flj, wliicli must be destroyed by fumigation as soon
as it appears ; and if the plants are kept in a dry atmo-
sphere at a high temperature, red spider and brown spot
will disjBgure them very rapidly ; therefore care must be
taken to keep them in a cool, moist, airy situation.
The Shrubby kinds are more compact and hardy, and
although they are serviceable to some extent for in-door
decoration, their chief use is for bedding purposes. They
are mostly raised from cuttings. Nothing- can be easier to
cultivate if the side shoots are planted in a cold frame, or
even out of doors, about October, when nearly every cutting
will grow ; but at any other season they are somewhat
difficult. Calceolarias are natives of South America, mostly
at considerable elevations in Chili and Peru. Yellow of
various shades is the prevailing colour amongst the spe-
cies ; one or two pale purj^le flowered kinds are also found,
which may probably lead to further improvement in this
genus. Amongst the hybrids we have spotted flowers in
almost all shades of colour — rich dark brown, as well as
crimson and mauve. They do not grow well when forced,
but as they will stand a few degrees of frost uninjured,
they continue to keep the flower garden gay till quite late
in the autumn.
Chrysanthemum.
This is a very large genus of Astcvacecc (Comiwsike),
composed of many annuals, nearly all of which are hardy
plants ; but we have in this place to deal with the varieties
of C. sinensc, which have been so vastly improved by cross-
breeding, and by the attention of the Florist, that they
are absolutely indispensable for autumn and winter deco-
ration. The plants are perfectly hardy, but as the flowers
CHRTSANTHEMUJI. 301
cannot withstand frost, it is only in veiy favourable seasons
that they will remain long- in perfection as border plants :
they are consequently and deservedly largely grown in
pots for conservatory and g-reenhouse decoration. Two
distinct classes of this flower have been grown with us
for a long time, viz., the Large-flowered or Show kinds,,
and the Small-flowered or Pompons. To these, through
the researches of our countrymen in Japan, has been added
another class, which has been designated the Japanese
Chrysanthemum ; and although they do not yet reach the
standard set up by our Florists, they are very handsome,
and will no doubt lead to some good results by cross-breed-
ing, in producing new colours or shapes.
Chrysanthemums are increased by cuttings, which should
be taken ofi" and inserted in small pots about the middle of
February, and placed in a moderate heat. Directly they
are nicelj^ rooted, pot them off" separately, and do not allow
the roots to be cramped at any time during the growing-
season. About the middle of April, plants intended to
bloom in pots should have a large shift ; the soil for this
purpose should be composed of good turfy loam and well-
decomposed manure in about equal parts, to which may be
added a little peat and some river sand. This mixture will
grow good strong specimens, if attention is paid to stopping*
the shoots and tying out the branches ; and in joarticular,
care must be taken never to allow the plants to flag, or else
the loss of the bottom leaves is sure to follow ; therefore
give them an abundance of water, with the addition of
some liquid manure about once a week during the grow-
ing season. The final shift should be given about the first
week in June, after which time the points of the shoots
should not be pinched. During the whole of the summer
they should stand in the open air, gi'S'ing them watering
'302 florists' flowers, annuals, etc.
over-Load in the evening after sunset during- the hot
weather, but discontinuing it as autumn advances. As the
buds begin to show themselves they should be thinned.
If a few fine flowers only are wanted, take all the
others away ; but this must be regulated according to
what is required of them. When the blooms begin to
open they should be removed in-doors; and after their
beauties are over, they should be cut down and just
preserved from frost, to enable them to make young
growths for cuttings in the following" February. The
most usual form these plants are grown in is that of
broad bushy shrubs. In addition to this, some few should
be trained to a single stem, and then made to form a head.
These standards, if neatly formed, make very ornamental
and pleasing objects distributed amongst other plants.
Small plants for table decoration are also procured by
layering the points of old plants in the open ground, into
pots of the required size, just after the flower buds are
formed ; these quickly root, and may soon be removed
from the parent ; they form pretty little dwarf plants
for standing in small vases, or any such-like places.
G. siiiense, from which all our cultivated varieties have
sprung, is a native of China.
Cineraria.
This is a genus of Asferacecc, which comprises Stove,
Greenhouse, and hardy species. With none of these, how-
ever, shall we deal in this place, but shall confine our
remarks to those varieties grown as Florists' Flowers, the
origin of which is very doubtful. Like the Calceolaria,
many varieties are named, and are perpetuated by cuttings ;
but as a batch of seedlings from a good strain will produce
COCKSCOMB. 303
almost every shade of colour, the amateur could employ the
extra care and attention which cuttings require with q-reater
advantage. Cinerarias require a good rich soil to grow
them well ; we have found that a compost of turfy loam,
fibrous peat, good leaf mould, and well-decomposed manure,
in about equal parts, will suit them well, if a moderate
share of sharp sand be added to the whole. The same
treatment as that recommended for sowing Calceolarias will
answer in this case ; but Avhere plants are required for
winter flowering, the seed must be sown in April or the
beginning of May, and if for spring blooming, in July and
Ausrust. The Cineraria succeeds best when o-rown in a
frame or pit, even in cold weather, of course excluding
frost from them. They are fast-rooting plants, and should
never be allowed to suffer from want of room ; for if such
is the case, the foliage will be small and deformed, and the
trusses of bloom thin and poor. The green fly is a great
■enemy to the well-doing of these plants ; it must be kept
down by frequent light fumigations, for on no account may
Cinerarias be subjected to a heavy smoking-, or the remedy
will prove as bad as the disease.
Cockscomb (Celosia cristata).
This favourite old annual has been somewhat neglected ;
but like many other such things, it is now again asserting its
right to public notice. Several other kinds introduced from
the Japanese gardens are very handsome, although not
producing a large Cockscomb-like inflorescense as G. cristata
does; we allude to G. aurea pijramidalis and its varieties,
which are very useful for bouquet making, and form splen-
did plants for the decoration of the dinner table. These
can be either grown from seeds or from cuttings. Seeds of
304 florists' flowers, annuals, etc.
the ordinary Cockscomb should be sown in j^ots or pans inj
March or April, and placed in a hot-bed. When they hare
made four or five leaves, pot them off singly into small pots,
and replace them near the glass, and keep them somewhat
starved in respect to water, which will have the effect of
throwing them into flower. "When the comb shows itself,
pot the plants on into good-sized pots, in a compost con-
sisting of rich sandy loam and good manure in equal parts ;
stand them close to the glass, but just so that the tops do
not touch it, and treat them to liberal supplies of water.
In this way, very large rich dark red combs are produced
upon very dwarf plants ; but if taller plants are required,
they should receive generous treatment fi'om the time they
first germinate : still, these will not be considered so fine as
the dwarf plants. The species is a native of Asia.
The o-eneral treatment of C. aurea pyramidalis is of a
similar character, except in so far as regards the starving
and dwarfing processes. Well grown they form splendid
tall pyramidal bushes, with a more or less feathery in-
florescence of various shades of orange and red, and are
most useful in the conservatory during the autumnal
Deutzia.
This is a genus of dwarf-growing hardy shrubs, nearly
allied to Philadelphus, producing white and pink flowers ;
and only introduced into this place on account of their
value, when forced, as early-flowering plants for the conser-
vatory and greenhouse. They should be grown in a mixture
of peat, loam, and leaf mould, the weak straggling wood
beino- cut out, so as to conduce to then- forming long stout
rods, upon which they will bloom most pi-ofusely when
^0^
brought into the forcing house in winter. The single-
flowered species are best adapted for this purpose. They
are natives of the East Indies and Japan. .
DlANTHTS.
Under this head we refer more p^ivticularly to the varie-
ties of Vianthus canjophjllus, which are commonly called
Perpetual or Tree Carnations-plants which are admira-
bly adapted for early forcmg. They are such abundant
bloomers, that they should be grown by every one who
wishes for a good display of flowers early in the season.
They are increased by pipings, which is only another term
for cuttings. The pots for their reception should be pre-
pared in "the same way as for other cuttings ; the shoot
should be cut through clean at a jomt and slit. When the
pot is full, stand it upon a gentle hot-bed, well shaded fi-om
the sun, mitil rooted, when they may be potted smgly and
o-rown for one season without bemg allowed to flower. At
the end of December or the beginning of January, the
plants, which will be set with buds in autumn, will be in Ml
beauty, continuing to give a succession of their beautiM
flowers durmg the whole winter; and in the sprmg, if
planted out of doors, they -.vill yield an abundance of fine
flowers for cutting, and produce fine growths for pipings.
The soil to grow these plants in successfully is rich turfy
loam, well-decomposed cows' or sheep's manure, good leaf
mould, and sharp sand, m about the proportions of three
parts of the first to one of each of the latter ; let it be ire-
quentiy tiirned before using to ensure its thorough mixmg,
and m order that any wireworms which may be m it may
be discovered and destroyed, for the wkeworm is the deachy
306 florists' flowers, annuals, etc.
enemy of tliis family. Green fly also attacks these plants,
but it can easily be destroyed by slightlj^ fumig-ating.
DlELYTRA.
A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, belonging to
Fumariaoece, and nearly allied to Gorijdalis. We have intro-
duced it in this place to include D. spectabilis and its white-
flowered variety _/Zore albo. These, on account of the ease with
which they may be forced for the decoration of the green-
house during the winter months, and from the beauty and
distinct character of the flowers, should be used by every one.
They are tuberous-rooted plants, succeeding admirably in
rich turfy loam and sand. After blooming, they grow best if
planted in the open border in the soil recommended, and
after the stems have decayed in autumn, they should be
again taken up and potted, to be brought into the forcing
house as may be required. The species is a native of
China.
ECHEVERLi.
A genus of Grassulacece, the species of which have thick
fleshy leaves often arranged in a rosulate manner, and in
many of the species variously tinted or powdered ; they
produce spikes of scarlet, yellow, pink, crimson, and orange
coloured flowers, and many of them can be made to jiroduce
these through the months of February and March, when
they are valuable acquisitions. This has induced us to
introduce them here. Echeverias should be grown in a
mixture of sandy loam and old brick rubljish broken small,
with a little peat added ; they are increased by seed, and by
making cuttings of the leaves, which should have the base
di"ied before being put in the cutting pot. The majority of
the species are natives of Mexico.
EGG PLANT — FUCHSIA. 307
Egg Plant {Solanum ovigenmi).
This species of Sohmmn is grown for its singular and
Tsry ornamental fruits, which resemble both in size and
shape the eggs of the inhabitants of our poultry yards.
This species is an annual. The seeds should be sown ni
March, and placed in the stove or a gentle hot-bed ; when
the seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them smgly,
using a mixture of peat, loam, and thoroughly decomposed
manui-e, in about equal parts ; keep them growing in heat
and close to the glass, shifting into larger-sized pots as the
old ones fill with roots, and give occasional waterings with
liquid manure. After the fruit is set, they may be removed
into the greenhouse and conservatory, where their singular
fruits will be very attractive and interestmg. There are
purple, black, yellow, and red varieties of this plant.
Native of Arabia.
PuCHSLi.
The grace and elegance of the flowers of the species and
varieties of this genus are well known to every one. The
improvements which have been brought about by cross-
breeding, both in regard to the size and form of the flowers,
is really wonder&l. The soil best suited for the culture of
these plants is a mixture of half good yellow loam, the
other half well-decomposed manure and good leaf mould,
to which may be added a portion of silver or sharp river
sand. Fuchsias may be propagated by seed or cuttings ;
the former will give fresh varieties, but the latter is the
system which all growers adopt to maintain their stock,
either for home decoration or public exhibition. The
cuttings should be taken off about the beginning of March
X 2
308 FLOrJSTS' FLOWERS, ANNUiUiS, ETC.
(from old plants which have been placed in heat to induce
them to push out young- wood), and placed in the properly-
prepared pots in a gentle hot-bed. When rooted, which
they very quickly will be, pot them singly in small pots,
and keep them g-rowing in a gentle heat until the beginning-
of May, when, after gradually preparing them, they may be
removed to the greenhouse, where they should be kept near
the glass, and receive larger pots, as the old ones become
filled with roots. The pyramidal form is that in which
these plants are most generally grown, and it is one in
which the beauty of the flowers are seen to the greatest
advantage. To keep the plant in good form, the leading-
growth must be kept well up above the laterals, and the
plant frequently turned round should it show any inclina-
tion to draw to one side ; the lateral shoots must be
pinched in order to keep a proper balance, and to form a
dense and shapely pyramid. Thus grown, they form de-
lightful objects in the conservator}- or greenhouse, as well
as for the hall or for vases — indeed, a Fuchsia, when well
bloomed, either a large or small plant, is an ornament in
any place. After blooming, if the old plants are to be kept
for another season, place them as well as the young ones in
the open air, in order to thoroughly ripen their wood, after
which, and when frosts come on, remove them to some cool
dry place, such as a back shed, a cellar, or beneath the
stage of the greenhouse, where they may remain until
spring, and will require little or no water dui-ing the whole
time. In spring, shake them out of the old soil, reduce the
roots so that they may go into small pots, and prune the
branches close in in regular order ; pot them into the soil
before recommended, and start them in gentle heat. A
gentle syringing will greatly assist the young shoots, but
water should be given sparing!}' to the roots until they are
GLOBE AMAnAXTH — HELIOTEOrE. 309
quite active, "when about the middle of May tliey should be
again removed to the greouhouse. The green fly and red
spider are the enemies of the Fuchsia, but with ordmary
care in the use of the syi'ingc and lig'ht fumigations, these
may be easily prevented from working any serious mis-
chief.
There are many of the original species which are perfect
gems for the flower garden and mixed border, but which
have been discarded because their flowers were small. We
hope, however, and believe, from the way in which they are
being enquired after, that their elegant forms will be soon
again seen in our gardens in greater quantities than ever.
They are principally natives of Chili, Peru, Mexico, and
Brazil, at considerable elevations, and one or two come from
the Antipodes.
Gloi^b AiiAEAXTH (Goiiiplivciia (jlohosa).
This plant belongs to the Amaranthacea:, and requires
exactly the same treatment and soil as the Balsam and
the Cockscomb. They grow from one to one and a half
feet high, flowering in July, and the flowers retain their
beauty a long time after they have become dry. There
are red, white, bronzy, and various other coloured varieties.
Native of the East Indies.
Heliotrope (Hdiotvopiam ijeruvianuni).
This genus, which belongs to the Eliretiacece, delights in
rich light soil, and comprises a quantityof stove and hardy
annuals of little beauty. The Peruvian Heliotrope and its
varieties, however, are very great favourites on account of
the delicious perfume of the blossoms, which, on account of
310 florists' flowers, annuals, etc.
their fragrance and in reference to its jDCCuliar aroma, have
led to the plant being known most familiarly to many
persons by the name of "Cherry Pie." For bouquet
making it is not to be equalled, and a few plants should
be in every gi'eenhouse, while if planted in the open border
after all danger of frosts is past, it will yield a quantity of
flowers for cutting. The different coloured varieties are
also largely used for bedding purposes. When pot
specimens of these plants are required they should be
frequently shifted, as they continue to g'row and bloom
during the whole summer. In winter they should be kept
somewhat drier, and in the spring the ball should be
reduced and the shoots slightly pruned. When grown
against a wall of the conservatory or greenhouse, the plant
is seldom out of flower at any time in the year, and is thus
almost invaluable for yielding a supply of flowers for
cutting. We have also seen it grown into standards
with great advantage, as in this state it forms a fine
object in the conservatory.
Lantana.
A genus of Verbenaceous plants, producing an abun-
dance of gay flowers, but having strongly scented foliage,
the peculiar tone of which is not grateful to most people,
and hence they have been much neglected. They are
usually considered stove plants, but they succeed very
well in the greenhouse, where they should be kept par-
tially dried during winter. We have seen many of them
used for bedding purposes like Verbenas, and they succeed
very well in favourable seasons. Lantanas are rapid
growers, and will soon form large specimens ; and wher-
ever space can be given, a few should be grown for the
MEMDLUS — PELARGONIUM. 311
sake of their briylit coloured and abundant summer and
autumn flowers. Tliey should be potted in loam, peat,
and sand, in equal parts. All the species are natives of the
Western World, but the choicer ornamental kinds are
mostly garden seedlings.
MlJIULUS.
To this genus, which derives its popular name of
Monkey Flower from the peculiar gaping mouth of the
flowers, belongs the common Musk, which is such a
universal favourite. The large spotted-flowered sorts are
very handsome, and if grown in a cool moist situation
in rich strong loamy soil, they are very gay and attractive
either as pot plants or border flowers. The species have
been introduced from California, ChiK, North America, &c.,
but the varieties and hybrids are by far the most attractive.
Pelargonium.
To this genus belongs the most popular flower of the
day, better known, perhaps, by the name of Geranmm.
The varieties are legion. All of the beautiful forms we
now have for the decoration of the flower garden, the
greenhouse, and the conservatory, in summer and in
winter, are the results of continued cross-breeding for
many years ; and thus, from parents of inferior habit and
with narrow thin-petaled flowers, we have varieties of a
good shrubby branching style of growth, with flowers of
rich colours, and of great substance, and having perfectly
round smooth petals. Nor is this all, for we are still
farther progressing, so that the very leaves are made to
assume the hues of flowers, constantly maintaining before
312 florists' flowers, anxu^vls, etc.
our eyes a vivid picture, so that it becomes of little con-
sequence wlietlier the plant is in or out of flower. These
plants should be grown in a mixture of rich loam, peat,
and well-decomposed manure, in the proportion of half
the first to one fourth each of the latter, to which should
be added sufficient white or river sand to make the whole
gritty. To obtain new varieties, seed must be sown about
the first week in March in light soil, with a light covering
only, and place in gentle heat. The seeds will soon germi-
nate, and should then be subjected to greenhouse tempe-
rature, with full exposure to the light ; in this stage fierce
sunshine must be excluded from them, and watering must
be performed with great care, to prevent them from damp-
ing ofi". When two or three leaves have been made, pot
them singly into small pots, and keep them near the glass.
As the pots become filled with roots they must be shifted
into larger ones, and receive the same treatment as the
other kinds. They should stand out-doors through the
summer, in order to thoroughly ripen their wood, and
insure their flowering well the following spring. If sown
as soon as the seed ripens in summer, they will flower
at an earlier stag-e of growth, if kept fairl}- jirogressing
through the winter months.
To increase the varieties already known, cuttings should
be put in at any time from the beginning of July to the
end of August, cither in pots in the propagating house,
in a cold frame, or even in the open ground. When they
are rooted, they may be either potted singly, several in a
pot, or if great quantities are required the cuttings should
be put into long shallow boxes properly drained, and in
this way vast numbers of the Zonal section can be kept
during the winter in a comparatively small space, and this
economy of space may sometimes be of importance. The
PETUNIA. 313
Zonal section contains many beautiful varieties ^yllicll are
unequalled for autumn and winter flowering-, and which
should be grown specially for this purpose.
Of the sections denominated "Show" and "Fancy"
Pelargoniums, the earliest flowering- plants should be
pruned close down about the end of June or beginning
of July, the succession plants about the middle of August.
For about a fortnight after this, little water must be given,
beyond slight sprinklings with the syringe. When the
buds begin to push, they should be taken out of the old
soil, and then the roots should be reduced, and the plants
repotted into smaller pots, using the compost previously
recommended. Place them in a cold frame, where they
should be kept close until the new roots begin to occupy
the soU, when air should lie admitted — at first gradually,
afterwards more fully, but always so as to avoid cold rains.
The plants first cut back will, under ordinary circumstances,
have grown into nice bushes, and should be potted into
their blooming pots, and receive their last stopping about
the last week in October, whilst the succession plants may
remain to the end of December. If the plants are grown
in a lean-to house they will require turning round fre-
quently. Perfect light, abundance of air, and a tempe-
rature ranging between 40° and 45° during winter, are
indispensable for the proper development of fine leaves
and flowers.
Petunia.
A genus of Solanacece, which in the hands of the florist
has been improved as much, or probably more, than any
other which has been operated upon. Petunias are very
ga,j flowers, the single ones being most effective as bedding
314 florists' FLO^^^!:RS, anxuals, etc.
plants, and tlie double forms making- exquisite specimens
for pot culture, supplying- abundance of flowers for the de-
coration of tbe greenhouse, and for cutting- for bouquets or
dressing vases. There are a vast quantity of varieties in
cultivation, which have sprung from the intermixture of
the white-flowered P. nyctaginiflora and the rosy purple P.
violacea. They should be grown in rich sandy loam, with
a little well -decomposed manure and good leaf mould
added.
SCHIZANTHUS.
A genus of Scropliulariacece, containing- many hardy an-
nual species, but some few are greenhouse biennials, and to
these very ornamental species we wish to draw attention.
They are of branching habit, and form elegant pyramids,
which are covered with their pretty and variously coloured
flowers. The soil best adapted for their culture is rich
fibrous loam, a little peat, sand, and good rotten dung being
added. The seeds should be sown early in July, and the
young plants must be kept in somewhat small pots until
spring. Through the winter the plants require to be as
near the glass as possible. They are natives of Chili.
Verbena.
The members of this familj' are so familiar that any
attempt at description is unnecessary. The genus comprises
many species, both annual and perennial, tender and hardy,
but it is the varieties which have sprung from the florist's
hands, the offsprings of V. chamccdri folia, V. teucrioides, and
their allies, which have become so popular, and are so well
calculated to enliven our parterres with colours which can-
VERBENA. 315
not be obtained (at least, combined with tlie same close
habit) in any other plants. Independently, however, of
their utility for flower-garden purposes, and for supplying
any quantity of blooms for bouquets, dressing vases, &c.,
some of the finest and largest varieties are superb objects
when well grown as specimens in pots, for the summer
and autumn decoration of the greenhouse or conservatory.
New varieties may be obtained by sowing seed in spring in
a gentle heat, but they are perpetuated ordinarily by cut-
tings every year, young- plants producing- finer trusses of
bloom than those kept through the winter. They thi-ive
best in a rich loamy soil, and enjoy occasional applications
of liquid manure. Green fly and mildew are the principal
enemies of this family. The first must be kept away by
frequent light fumigations with tobacco, while the mildew
must be destroyed by dusting with flowers of sulphui-, or it
will soon desti'oy the beauty of the finest specunen.
IIsTIDEilX:.
STOVE PLANTS.
cliimenes . . . .
34
AdJiatoda
Advance . . . .
36
cydonisefolia
Ambroise Verschaffelt
36
.^chmea
Argus . . » .
36
distichantba
Aurora . . . .
36
fulgens
carminata elegans
36
glomerata .
Dazzle . . . .
36
Melinoni .
Dr. Buenzod
36
Weilbachii .
Hopf . . . .
36
.^schynanthus
Eclipse . . . .
37
cordifolius
Georgiana discolor .
37
fulgens
grandis
37
grandiBorus
Leopard
37
javanicus .
longiflor a alba .
37
Lobbianus .
major
37
longiflorus .
Magnet
. 37
miniatus .
Margarettse
37
pulcher
Mauve Queen .
. 38
speciosus .
Meteor
. 38
splendidus.
Parsonsii .
. 38
tricolor
Pink Perfection
. 38
Agalmyla
purpurea elegans
. 38
staminea .
Rollissoni .
. 38
AUamanda .
Rose Queen
. 38
Aubletii
Scarlet Perfection
. 39
cathartica .
Sir Treherne Thomas
. 39
grandiflora
Stella
. 39
Hendersoni
Vivicans .
. 39
nobilis
Williamsii .
. 39
Schottii
PAGE
39
39
68
68
68
69
69
69
40
40
41
41
41
41
41
41
41
42
42
42
42
42
43
43
44
44
44
44
45
318
INDEX.
Allamanda
Wardleana.
Amaryllis
Ackermannii pulcherrima
Albert!
Aurora
Beaute saus rival
Beaute sans pareille
Brilliant .
Charles Keiser .
Cleopatra .
Comet
Comtesse de Montebello
Dawsonii .
Eldorado .
Emperor .
Fire King .
Graviana .
Hawkensiana
Helena
Henry Gibbs
ignescens .
Imperatrice du Bresil
insignis
International
Juliet
Jupiter
La Beaute ,
Loveliness .
marmorata
Matilda
Olivia
OtheUo
pardinum .
Prince Arthur .
Teck .
Princess Dagmar
pyrrochrouni
Eembrandt
reticulata .
Shirley Hibberd
Unique
William Pitt
Williamsii .
Amherstia
nobilis
Ancylogyue .
longifiora .
Anthurium .
Scherzerianum .
Aphelandra .
aurantiaca .
44.
Aphelandra
cristata
45
Liboniana .
46
nitens
46
Roezlii
46
variegata .
46
Begonia
46
albo-coccinea
46
Boliviensis
46
cinnabarina
47
Clarkei
47
crassicaulis
47
Digswelliensis
47
dipetala
47
Dregei
47
erecta multiflora
47
falcifolia .
47
foliosa
47
fuchsioides
48
geranioides
48
glandulifera
48
guatemalense
48
heracleifolia nigricans
48
hybrida floribunda
48
hydrocotylifolia.
48
manicata
48
Ingrami
48
Kunthiana .
48
laciniata .
48
Isetevireus .
49
Lapeyrousii
49
longipes
49
longipila .
49
manicata .
49
Martiana .
49
Meyeri
49
microptera
49
nitida
50
odorata
50
Pearcei
50
phyllomanica
50
Prestoniensis
60
rosaeflora .
50
semperflorens .
50
stigmosa .
50
Sutherlandii
51
ulmifolia .
52
urophylla .
52
Veitchii
53
Verschaffeltii
53
viti folia
54
Wagenoriana
519
Begonia
PAGE
PAGE
Combretnm .... 82
Weltoniensis
65
micropetalum .
. 83
Billbergia
69
purpureum
. 83
Baraquiniana
69
Curcuma
. 83
marmorata
70
au.stralasica
. 84
miniata-rosea .
70
Eoscoeana .
. 84
Moreliana .
70
Dalechampia
. 84
sphacelata .
70
Roezliana rosea .
. 84
thyrsoidea .
70
Dipladenia .
. 85
Bougainvillaea
6G
amabilis
. 86
glabra
66
amoena
. 86
speciosa
67
crassinoda .
. 86
Bromeliaceous Plants .
67
Houtteana .
. 86
Bromelia
71
Harrisii
. 86
longifolia .
71
nobilis
. 87
Brownea
74
Dipteracanthus
. 87
Ariza.
74
Herbstii .
. 87
coccinea .
75
Epiphyllum .
. 87
grandiceps
75
Eussellianum
. 88
latifolia
75
rubrum
. 88
Bnrchellia
75
superbum .
. 88
capensis
75
truncatum .
. 88
Callicarpa
75
amabile
. 89
purpurea .
75
aurantiacum
. 89
Centradenia .
76
bicolor
. 89
floribnnda .
76
coccineum .
. 89
graadifolia.
. 77
cruentum .
. 89
Centrostemma
11
elegans
. 89
multiflorum
11
■ magnificum
. 89
Chirita ....
11
purpureum
. 89
Moonii
17
roseum
. 89
Clerodendron
78
Euckerianum
. 89
Bethuneanum .
78
salmoneum
. 89
fallas.
78
spectabile .
. 89
fragrans pleniflora
79
carminatum . 89
infortunatum
79
violaceum grandiflorum 89
paniculatum
79
superbum . . 89
speciosum .
79
Eranthemum
. 90
splendens speciosissima
79
Andersoni .
. 90
squamatum
80
asperum
. 90
ThomsoniB var. Ealfourian
a 80
Cooperi
. 90
Coccocypselum
80
pulcheUum
. 91
discolor
SO
Eucharis
. 91
Codonanthe .
81
amazonica .
. 91
Devoniana
81
grandiflora
. 91
picta ....
81
Eucodonopsis
. 103
Colunmea
81
nsegelioides
. 103
aurantiaca .
82
Euryale
. 155
aureo-nitens
82
ferox
. 155
erythrophasa
82
Euphorbia
. 93
scandens .
82
Jacquinigeflora .
. 93
Schiedeana
82
splendens .
. 94
320
IXDEX.
Exacum
Zeylanicnm
Franciscea .
calycina
confertiflora
eximia
latifolia
Lindeniana
Bniflora
Gardenia
citriodora .
florida
variegata .
Fortune! .
radicans
major
variegata .
Stanleyana
Gesnera
Barlowi
Blassii
cliromatella
cinnabarina
Cooperi
Doncklaari
exoniensis.
fnlgida bicolor .
glaucophylla
Hon. Mrs. Fox Stran
Lindleyana
Miellezii
nsegelioides
aureo-roseTim
bicolor
Candida
corallinnni
lilacinella .
scintillans .
nigrescens .
purpurea macrantlia
pyramidalis
rosea punctatissima
sceptre cerise .
Zebrina splendispim:
Gloriosa
grandiflora
superba
virescens .
Gloxinia
allia grandiflora
Angelina .
Anneau Cobault
ways
PAGE
94
91
95
96
96
96
96
96
97
97
98
98
98
99
99
99
99
99
100
101
101
101
101
101
101
102
102
102
102
103
103
103
103
103
104
104
104
104
105
105
105
105
105
105
106
106
106
107
107
110
110
110
Gloxinia page.
Belle de Menlan . . 108
Bergeronnette . . . HO
Bird of Paradise . .110
Brilliant . . . .108
Carlton . . . .108
Celestial . . . .110
Cerise Violet . . .110
Comte d'Avila . . . 108
Comtesse de Nadaillac . 108
d'Oultremont . .110
Constance .... 108
Cordon Celeste . . .108
. . . .110
Dionysius .... 108
Don Luis de Portugal . 108
Dr. Eeichenbach . . 110
Duke of Wellington . . 110
Ernst Benary . . . 110
Favourite .... 109
Grand Sultan . . .110
Hero 109
Imperialis .... 110
Imperial Purple . . 110
Indienne . . . .110
Juliette Vallerand . . 109
Lady Cecilia Molyneux . Ill
Emily Villiers . . Ill
Victoria Howard . Ill
L'Etendard . . .111
Madame 3Ioreno-Henriquez 11.9
Magnifica .... Ill
Marie Pie . . . . 109
Mogol . . . .111
Mons. Decaisne . .111
Devinck . . . Ill
de Vasconcellos. . 109
Mrs. Fenn . . . Ill
Mvriostigma . . . Ill
Ne Plus Ultra . . .111
Peeress .... Ill
Princess Beatrice . .111
punctulata . . .111
Eacbel . . . .109
Eose d' Amour . . . 112
Sarah . . . .109
semi-duplex marginata . 109
Thomas Lobb . . .109
Triomphe de la Jouch«re . 109
Vallerandii . . .112
Violette Xeigense . . 112
Gomphia . . . .112
decora .... 112
INDEX.
321
Gomphia
PAGE
Ixora
Tbeophrasta
. 112
sal iei folia . . . .
Griffinia
. 113
unilulata .
Blumenavia
. 113
Jonesia
hyacinthina
. 113
Asoca
maxima
. 114
Lagerstroemia
Guzmannia .
. 71
indica
tricolor
. 71
alba .
Habranthus .
. 114
Reginfe
fulgeus
. 114
Lasiandra
Hexaceutris .
. 114
Fontanesiana
mysorensis
. 114
macrantha .
lutea .
. 115
Limnocharis
Hoplophytum
. 71
Humboldti .
caJyculatmu
. 71
Litium .
Hoya .
. 115
trigynum .
beUa .
. 115
Littonia
carnosa
. 115
modesta .
coriacea .
. 116
Manetti:i
Cumiiigiana
. 116
cordifolia •
imperialis .
. 116
micans
ovalifolia .
. 116
Meyenia
pallida
. 116
erecta
Paxtoni
. 117
alba .
purpureo-fusca .
. 117
Vogeliana .
Impatiens
. 117
Medinilla
llaccida
. 118
magnifica .
alba .
. 118
Sieboldiana
Hookeriana
. 118
Monochsetum
Jerdoniae .
. 118
dicranantherum
re pens
. 118
ensiferum .
Ipomtea
. 119
Humboldtiannm
albivenia .
. 119
Lemonianum
Gerrardi .
. 119
sericeum multifiornm
Horsfalliaj .
. 119
tenellum
Leari.
. 119
Musa
Ixora . . . .
. 120
coccinea
acuminata .
. 121
MussEenda
alba . . . .
. 121
frondosa
amboynensis
. 121
luteola
Bandhuca .
. 121
Nelumbium
coccinea .
. 121
speciosum .
superlia
. 122
Nidularium
Colei . . . .
. 122
Innocenti
crocata
. 122
Laurentii .
rutilans
122
Nymphcea
Dixiana
122
casrulea
GriiBthii .
'. 122
dentata
javanica .
. 122
Devoniensi
s
floribunda .
. 123
gigantea
Lobbii
. 123
Lotus
odorata
. 123
rosea .
princeps .
Y
. 123
rubra
322
INDEX.
Nymphsea
PAGE
Sipliocampliylus
scutifolia .... 158
amoenus . . . .
thermalis .
158
Humboldtianus .
Passiflora
133
microstoma
alata .
133
Spigelia
amabilis
133
splendens .
Belottii
134
Stephanotis .
Buonapartea
134
floribunda .
cincinnata .
134
Stephanophysum .
fulgens
134
Baikiei
glauca
184
Stigmaphyllon
kermesina .
135
ciliatum
macrocarpa
135
Stove Aquatics
princeps .
135
Streptocarpus
quadrangularis .
135
Saundersii .
sanguinolenta
135
Taberntemontana .
Pentas .
136
coronaria fiore pleno
carnea
136
grandiflora
rosea .
136
Thunbergia .
Petraea .
136
fragrans .
erecta
136
Harrisii
volubile
137
laurifolia .
Plumbago
137
Thyrsacanthus
rosea coccinea .
137
Schomburgkianus
Poinsettia
137
Tillandsia
pulclierrima
138
argentea .
alba .
138
pulchella .
Portlandia
138
recurvifolia
coccinea
138
stricta
grandiflora
139
xipliioides .
platantha .
139
Torenia
Puya
139
asiatica
Warscewiczii
139
Tydaea .
Ehynchospermum
140
Adonis
jasminoides
140
Beauty
Eondeletia .
140
Countess of Ilchester
speciosa
141
Etna .
major
141
formosa
Sanchezia
141
insignis
nobilis
142
Lindeniana
variegata .
142
Ophir
Sandersonia .
142
Polymnie .
aurantiaca.
142
Eachel
Sarmienta
143
Thalie
ropens
143
tricolor
Scutellaria .
11.3
Vesuvius .
aurata
143
Urceolina
• sulphurea
144
aurea
costaricaiia
144
pendula
incariiata .
144
Victoria
mociiiiaiia .
. 144
regia .
Ventenatii .
. 144
Vriesia .
Siphocampylus
. 144
speciasa .
INDEX.
523
GREENHOUSE PLANTS.
PAGE
Abutilon .... 175
Azalea
Due de Malakoff
176 I
Charmer ....
insigne
176 I
Comet ....
striatum
176
Criterion ....
vexillarium
176 ;
Dominique Vervaene
Acacia .
176
Dr. Livingstone.
argyrophylla
177
Due de Brabant.
armata
177
Duchesse Adelaide de
cochlearis .
177
Nassau ....
dealbata
177
Duke of Cambridge .
diffusa
178
elegantissima
Drunimondii
178
Empress Eugenie
grandis
178
Etoile de Gand .
hispidissima
178
Eveline . . , .
linearis
178
Fascination
longifolia .
178
Flag of Truce .
lophantha .
179
Francois Devos .
oleajfolia .
179
Gem .....
Oxycedrus .
179
Gledstanesii formosa
pubescens .
179
Glory of Sunninghill .
Eiceana .
179
Grande Duchesse de Bade
verticillata
180
Her Majesty
vestita
180
Hero
viscidula .
180
Holdfordiana
Acrophyllum
180
Hortense Vervaene .
venosum .
180
Juliana ....
Adenandra .
181
King of Spots .
fragrans
181
La Superbe
speciosa
181
Surprise
uniflora
181
Victorie
Agapanthus .
. 182
Leopold the First
umbellatus
182
Lizzie ....
albiflorus
. 182
Lord Derby
maximus
. 183
Louise von Baden
Anopteris
. 183
Madame de Canna?rt
glandulosus
. 183
d'Hamale
Aphelexis
. 183
Dominique Vervaene
Barnesii
. 184
Leon Maenhaut.
humilis grandiflora
. 184
■ Marie Vervaene
macrantha purpurea
. 1S4
Miellez
rosea .
. 184
van der Cruyssen
Azalea .
. 181
Magnet ....
amoena
. 185
Mars . . . .
Antoinette Thelemai
m
, 186
Maximilian the First .
Beaute de L'Europe
. 186
Ne Plus Ultra .
Bijou de Paris .
. 186
Nonpareil . . . .
Bride of Abydo
s
. 186
President A. Verschaffelt ,
324
INDEX,
Azalea
President Claeys
Human
Princess Alexandra
Helena
punctulata omnicolor
variegata .
Queen of Beauties
Eoses
Victoria
Eeine des Doubles
■ Panachees
- — - Pays Bas
Roi des Beautes
rostcflora plena .
Sir Charles Napier
Robert Napier
Snow White
Souvenir de Prince Albert
van Peene
Stella
Symmetry
The Bride .
Theodorus
variegata superba
Vivid
Bignonia
Chamberlaynii
grandiflora
speciosa
venusta
Blandfordia .
Cunninghamii
flammea
nobilis
Borouia
crenulata .
Drummondii
alba .
pinnata
serrulata .
tetrandra .
Bouvardia
angustifolia
Brilliant .
carnea
delicata
flava .
Hogarth .
hybrida
Laura
leiantha
PAGE
191
191
191
191
191
191
191
191
191
191
192
192
192
192
192
192
192
192
192
192
193
193
193
193
193
193
193
194
194
194
194
195
195
195
196
196
196
197
197
197
197
198
198
198
198
198
198
198
199
199
199
Bouvardia
longiflora .
Oriana
Rosalinda .
Brugmansia .
Knightii iiore pleno
sanguinea .
suaveolens
Camellia
Adriana
Archduc Etienne
Archduchesse Augusta
Marie
Bealii
rosea .
Bella Romana .
Bonomiana
Carlotta Papudoff
Poloso
Chandler's elegans
Comte de ToU .
Comtessa Lavinia Maggi
rosea
Constantin Tretiakoff
Countess of Derby
Orkney
Cup of Beauty .
de la Reine
Dionisia Poniatowski
Donkelaari
Duchesse de Berri
Nassau
d'Orleans .
Elvira Bianchini
Filippo Parlatore
Era Arnoldo da Brescia
General Cialdini
Giardino Santarella
imbricata .
alba .
Jenny Lind
Jubilee
rosea
La Maestosa
Madame Ambroise
schaflFelt
Master Rosa
Mathotiana
Matteo Malfino .
Mrs. Dombrain ,
Nonpareil .
Pearl
Ver.
IXDEX,
32.!
€amellia
CoroniUa
planipetala
. 208
glauca . . . .
Prince Albert .
. 208
Cosmelia
Princess Frederick W
illiam 208
rubra.
Mary
. 208
Crotolaria
punicea
. 20S
elegans
Eeiue cles Beautes
. 208
Crowea.
Fleurs
. 209
latifolia
Roma risorta
. 209
saligna
Stella Polare
. 209
Cyclamen
Targioni .
. 209
Delicatum .
tricolor imbricata pie
na . 209
Excellent .
Virginia Franco
. 209
Firefly
Vittorio Emmanuelle
II. . 209
Mauve Queen .
Zoraide Yauzi .
. 209
Novelty
Cantua .
. 210
Oriflamme .
buxifolia .
. 210
Purity
Chorozema .
. 210
rubrum grandiflorum
cordatum splendens
. 21.0
odoratum .
Henchmani
. 211
pimctatum
varium
. 211
sti'iatum .
Chandleri .
. 211
violaceum .
Citrus .
. 211
Daphne .
aurantiacum
. 213
hybrida
var. (Maltese Oi
ange) 213
indica alba (odora)
decumana (The Shad
dock) 213
rubra
Limetta (Sweet Lime
) . 214
Daviesia
Bergamium (The
iBer-
latifolia floribunda
gamote) .
. 214
umbellata .
pomme d'Adam
. 214
Dillwynia
limonum (The Lemon
) . 214
cinnabarina
Medica (The Citron)
. 214
pungens .
nobiHs (The Man
darin
splendens .
Orange) .
. 215
Dracophyllum
Paradisi (Forbidden '.
>uit) 215
gracile
vnlgaris (Seville or .
Bitter
Epacris .
Orange)
. 215
Butterfly .
myrtifolia (M
yrtle-
campanulata
leaved Orange)
. 215
alba .
Clianthus
. 215
carminata .
Dampieri .
. 216
Devoniensis
magnificus.
. 216
Eclipse
puniceus .
. 216
elegans
Convolvulus .
. 216
exquisita .
mauritanicus
. 216
Fireball .
Correa .
. 217
hyacinthiflora .
Brilliant
. 217
candidissima
cardinalis .
. 217
fulgens
Harrisii
. 217
impressa .
magnifica .
. 218
Ingramii .
Ventricosa
. 218
Lady Alice Peel
Coronilla
. 218
Pa,nmure .
326
INDEX.
Epacris
Erica
Lowii . . . . 227 1
gracilis
miniata
227
autumnalis
spleudens .
227
autamnalis
Mont Blanc
227
grandiflora
multiflora .
227
grandinosa
nivalis compacta
227
gemmifera
odorata alba
228
hybrida
picturata .
228
hyemalis .
Princess Royal .
228
infundibuliformis
pulchella .
228
intermedia
rosea alba .
228
Irbyana
splendens .
228
jasminifiora alba
Sunset
228
jubata
tricolor
228
Linna;ana superba
variabilis ,
228
lutea ....
Vesta
228
McNabiana
Vesuvius .
228
rosea
Viscountess Hill
228
mammosa .
Erica .
229
Marnockiaua
Aitoniana .
231
Massoni
siiperba
231
metukcflora
turgida
231
mutabilis .
Turnbullii
232
odorata
alopecuroides
232
ovata.
AndromedoofloK
I
232
Parmentieriana rosea
ampullacea
232
Paxtoniana
Archeriana
232
persoluta .
aristata
232
alba .
Barnesii
233
■ rubra
virens
233
perspicua nana .
Austiniana
233
primuloides
Beaumontiana
233
princeps
Bergiana .
233
carnea
bruniades .
. 233
profusa
campanulata
234
jjropendens
•CandoUeana
234
tubiflora .
Cavendishiana
234
pyramidalis
cerinthoides
. 234
regerminans
coronata
. 234
retorta
colorans superb.
234
major
densa
. 235
rubens
depressa .
. 235
rubra- calyx
Dcvoniana
. 235
sanguinea
Douglasii .
. 235
Savileaua .
elegans
. 235
scabriuscula
glauca
. 236
scariosa
eximia
. 236
Sebana
exsurgens .
. 236
fusca
Fairrieana .
. 236
lutea .
ferruginea .
. 236
rubra
florida
. 237
Shanuoniana
INDEX.
527
Erica
Genista
Spenceriana . . . 244
Everestiana
suaveoleus
245
filipes . . . .
sulphurea .
. 245
racemosa . . . .
taxifolia
245
elegans
Thunbergii
245
superba
tricolor
245
Gnidia . . . . .
flammea
245
pini folia . . . .
inflata
246
Gompholobium
rubra
246
barbigerum
speciosa
246
polymorphum splendens .
Wilsoni
246
Gordonia . . . .
triumphans
246
javanica . . . ,
tubfeformis
247
Grevillea . . . .
ventricosa
247
alpestris . . . .
alba .
247
rosea. . . . .
breviflora
247
Habrothamnus
carnea
247
elegans . . . .
coccinea minor
247
Hebeclinium . . . .
fasiculata rosea
248
atrorubens . . .
granditiora
248
ianthinum . . . .
splendens .
248
macrophyllum .
tricolor
248
Hovea . . . . .
Vernoni
248
Celsi
vestita alba
249
pungens major .
coccinea .
249
Imantopbyllum
incarnata .
249
Gardeni . . . .
rosea
249
miniatum . . . .
Victoria
249
Kalosanthes . . . .
Westphalingia .
249
coccinea . , . .
Wilmoreana superba
250
Labichea . . . .
Eriostemon.
250
diversifolia
buxifoHus .
250
Lachenalia . . . .
cuspidatus
250
luteola . . . .
linearifolius
251
orchidioides
myoporoides
251
pendula . . . .
neriifolius .
251
quadricolor
pulchellus
251
var. macnlata .
scaber
251
tricolor . . . .
Erythrina
251
Lapageria . . . .
Cottyana .
252
rosea. . . . .
crista-galli
252
alba . . . .
floribunda .
252
Leschenaultia
Madame Eelanger
252
Baxteri . . . .
ornata
253
biloba major
ruberrima
253
formosa . . . .
Genethyllis .
253
Leucopogon . . . .
iimbriata .
253
Australis . . . .
fuchsioides
254
lanceolatus
tulipifera .
254
Eicliei . . . .
Genista .
254
Lilium . . . . .
528
INDEX.
Lilium
auratum
giganteum.
japonicum
longifloruni
speciosum album
grandiflorum
Harrisoni .
piinctatum
rubrum
Szovitzianum
Thunbergianum
aureum nigro
latum
grandiflorum
Wallichianum .
Lisianthus
Eussellianus
Luculia .
gratissima .
Pinciana .
Macleania
pulcbra
speciosissima
Mandevilla .
suaveolens .
Nerium .
Oleander .
album
Oxylobium .
arborescens
obtusifolium
Pultenese .
Pimelia
decussata .
diosmnfifolia
elegans
Hendersoni
Neippergeana .
spectabilis .
Pleroma
elegans
sarmentosa
Primula
denticulata
sinensis (varieties)
alba plena .
• rosea plena
Khododendron
Auckland! .
ciliatum
269
270
270
270
271
271
271
271
271
271
271
271
271
271
272
272
273
273
273
274
274
274
274
274
275
276
276
276
276
277
277
277
278
278
278
278
278
278
279
279
2/9
279
280
280
281
282
282
282
283
Rhododendron
DalhousisD .
Denisoni
Edgworthii
jasminiflorum .
Prince of Wales
Princess Alexandra
Alice.
Helena
Royal
Sesterianum
Thibaudiense
Veitchianum
lasvigatum
Eoella .
ciliata
Eogiera
gratissima .
Salvia .
gesnerifiora
splendens .
Solanum
capsicastrum (hybrids)
Sollya .
Drummondii
heterophylla
linearis
Statice .
brassicsefolia
Halfordii .
profusa
Tacsonia
Buchanan!
eriantha .
mollissima
Van Volxemi
Tetratheca
ericoides
pilosa
verticillata
Thibaudia
coronaria
Jessica
longicolla
sarcantha
Tropccolum
azureum
brachycei-a
Jarrattii
speciosum
tricoloruui
rXDEX.
329
PAGE
PAGE
VaJlota .
. 294
Veronica
purpurea .
. 294
Meldensis .
. 295
Veronica
. 295
speciosa cocciaea
. 296
Andersoni .
. 295
Witsenia
. 296
decussata Devoniana
. 295
corymbosa
. 296
Imperial Blue .
. 295
FLORISTS
FLOVfERS, ANNUALS, Etc.
PACE
PAGE
Aloysia .
. 298
Egg Plant .
. 307
Balsam .
. 293
Fucli-ia
. 307
Calceolaria .
. 299
Globe Amaranth .
. 309
Chrysanthemum .
. 300
Heliotrope .
. 309
Cineraria
. 302
Lantana
. 310
Cockscomb .
. 303
Mimulus
. 311
Deutzia
. 304
Pelargonium .
. 311
Dianthus
. 305
Petunia .
. 313
Dielytra
. 306
Schizanthus .
. 314
Echeveria
. 306
Verbena
. 314
THE END.
H. M. POLLETT, STEAM PRI.NTEK, 10 & II, BRIDGEWATER GARDENS, BARBICAN, E.C.
z
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HALLS AND PASSAGES
HA.RNESS ROOMS
HOTHOUSES
LECTURE HALLS
MUSIC ROOMS
ORCHARD HOUSES
PEACH HOUSES
PICTURE GALLERIES
PINE STOVES
PUBLIC OFFICES
SCHOOLS
VINERIES
WAREHOUSES.
J. Jones & Sons' Apparatus is simple in constritction, moderate in coat,
and economical in working.
It is equally available for the Amateur's Greenhouse, or the longest range
of Forcing Houses ; for the smallest Chapel or the largest Church ; for
Private Offices or those of Public Companies.
It is admirably adapted for Dwelling-Houses, as coils of pipe can be placed
in any part for warming the various rooms. One or more Baths may be
heated from the same Boiler, and a constant supply of hot water obtained
in any part of the house.
For Warehouses and Workshops this system of heating is unsurpassed, as,
unlike stoves and hot-air flues, the circulation of hot water in pipes is
perfectly safe, and the management of Apparatus can be left to any ordinary
workman.
J-. JONES & SOWS,
ENGINEERS,
6, BANKSIDE, SOUTHWARK, LONDON, S.E.
iy
fV
A K TH l; R ; u M i: C H t R / f: R I A N U W S-e/«//^.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
THE ONLY CHEAP HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL.
Weekly Numbers, T-wopence.
Monthly Parts, Tenpence.
THE
GARDENERS'
MAGAZINE.
CONDUCTED nv
For Amateur Cultivators, Collectors, and Exhibitors of Plants,
Flowers, and Fruits; for Gentlemen's Gardeners, Florists,
Nurserymen, and Seedsmen; for Naturalists, Botanists, Bee-
keepers, and all who have a Garden.
ILLUSTRATED WITH SUPERIOR ENGRAVINGS.
PUBLISHED BY
E. W. ALLEN, 11, STATIONERS' HALL COURT, LONDON;
AND SOLD BY
ALL BOOKSELLERS, NEWSVENDORS, &c., IX TOVTS AJ^D COUNTRY.
ELEVENTH YEAS, OF ISSUE.— PHICE ONE SHILLINa.
THE
GARDEN ORACLE
FLORICULTURAL YEAR BOOK FOR 1869.
BY SHIRLEY HIBBERD, Esq., F.R.H.S.,
EDITOR OF "the GARDENERS' IMAG.^ZINE," ETC., ETC., ETC.
This work differs from all other Garden Almanacs in presenting new features everj- year, and
being original throughout. The Editor of the "Gabdkn Oeacle" has attended all the prin-
cipal exhibitions, and visited gardens everywhere in search of novelties, and from his oioii
observations his descriptions of New Plants, New Flowers, New Fruits, &c., have been pre-
pared. The"OEACLB" for 1869 contains, in addition to the usual information proper to au
almanac, twelve new lists of the finest Stove and Greenhouse Plants in cultivation, arranged
to indicate at a glance the best for large and small collections; Selections in every class
of Garden and Exliibition Flowers, for the guidance of purchasers ; together with a complete
Calendar of Garden Work for the year, a series of Tables of Drainage, Cost of Earthwork, Land
Measures, Temperatures, &c., and numerous Hints and Advices of the utmost practical value to
the amateur horticulturist.
LONDON: GROOMBRIDGE & SONS, 5, PATERNOSTER ROW;
A7id by order of all Booksellers, Neivsvendors, and Seedsmen.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
CHOICE SEEDS,
POST FREE.
B. S. WILLIAMS,
Knowing the annoyance and disappointment caused by inferior Seeds, sells only the very finest
strain of each kind WILLIAMS'S superb strain of PRIMULA, WEATHERILL'S CINE.
RARIA, and NEILL'S extra choice CALCEOLARIA, are quite unequalled, and have given
the greatest satisfaction whenever they have been grown.
WILLIAMS'S SUPERB STMII OP PEIMULA.
B. S. W. can with confidence offer his superb strain of Primula as being the finest in culti-
vation; the sale has been steadily increasing every season since he first brought it before the
public.
A large number of Testimonials have been received proving its superior qualities.
Sow in March, April, May, June, and July (witli great care, for although so easily raised in the
hands of some, it is nevertheless a great difficulty to many, who in many instances too hastily
condemn the quality of the Seed), in pots filled to within half an inch of the top with sifted leaf
mould, or what is better, with thoroughly rotted manure which has been exposed to all weathers
for a year or two. Leave the surface ratlicr rough and sprinlde the Seed thinly upon it, not
covering with soil ; tie a piece of thin paper over the top of t!ie pot and place it in a warm house
or hot-bed. Wlien the soil becomes dry, water the paper only; the Seed will then germinate in
two or three weeks; after which, remove the paper and stand it in a shady place, potting off
when sufficiently strong into small pots, and let it remain near the glass in a frame or green-
house. Tlie above metliod of raising the Seed is always followed by one of our largest growers
for Covent Garden Market, and never fails. One caution is necessary: never use peat mould,
or any soU liable to cake on the sm-face or turn green, as a loss of the Seed is a certain conse-
quence.
Red, White, or Mixed, 2s. Gd., 3s. Gd., and 5s. per packet.
CALCEOLARIA.
(NEILL'S EXTRA CHOICE STRAIN.)
B. S. W. has been fortunate enough to secure this beautiful strain of Calceolaria, and from
the numerous Testimonials he holds, feels certain that it surpasses any he has ever had the
pleasure of offering; habit very good, and colour of flowers exceedingly rich.
Price 2s. Gd. 3s. Gd., and 5s. ^;(T ^^acAc^.
CIIEEAEIA.
(WEATHERILL'S EXTRA CHOICE STRAIN.)
Very supei-ior both in habit of growth and size and colour of the flowers. This is the most
popular strain in Covent Garden ilarket. B. S. W. has purchased, at a great expense, the entire
stock of Seed.
Price 2.y. Gd. Zs. Gd. and Zs. 2>er imclict.
CTCLAMEI.
(WIGGINS'S PRIZE STRAIN.)
Saved from plants that were exhibited by Mr. "Wiggins at the Meeting of the Royal Horticul-
tural Society at Kensington, on Tuesday, February Kith, wlicn they were pronounced far in
advance of any ever before raised, both in point of size of flower and richness of colour.
B. S. W. having made arrangements for the supply cf all Mr. Wiggins' Seed, it can only be
had genuine in sealed packets bearing his name and address.
Price \s. Gd., 2s. Gd., and Zs. Gd. per paclict.
VICTORIA AND PABADISE NURSERIES,
UPPER HOLLO WAY, LONDON, N.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
BY SPECIAL APPOINTMENT.
MANUFACTUEEFw TO
IIEE MAJESTY.
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GARDENERS" & AMATEURS' FRIEND.
liEGISTEEED,
Proved and pronounced by the greatest authorities in England to be
the Pdchest, Safest, Cheapest, and Best Fertilising Compound for
Fruit, Flowers, Foliage, Plants, and Vegetables, ever yet produced
and offered to the Public ; is used by the Queen's Gardener, at the
Eoyal Gardens Windsor, who says: —
"I use Standen's Gardeners' and Amateurs' Friend upon Straw-
berries, Vines, and Peach Trees, &c., and I have much pleasure in
saying the results give me great satisfaction." — Vide 3Ir. Tliomas
Ingram's Letter.
The Eoyal Nurseries, Slough.
"Dear Sir, — I have much pleasure in giving my experience in reference to your
Manure "The Gardeners' ami Amateurs' Friend." It is most valuable for many kinds
of pot plants, particularly Azaleas and Camellias. I have also found it very beneficial
for Rhododendrons in pots, and in small quantities for Roses when so grown. I have
no doubt but it is an excellent stimulant for Roses growing in beds and borders. We
intend giving it a more extensive trial in the open ground.
CHARLES TURNER."
To Mr. B. Standee, F.R.H.S.
Mr. W. Barnes, Southampton Street, CamberwcU, says :—
" I have now done away with the Manure Water Tank, and use Standen's Manure
only. My pot Vines were the best last year I have ever grown, and I have found it
answer equally well lor everything to which I had been in the habit of givnig Manure
Water, and now never have any disagreeable smells in my plant-houses,
consider the Manure a' great boon to plant and fruit growers."
Altogether I
Gardeners and Amateurs should test the merits of the Manure : it
is sold everywhere, whilst reference is sought at any of the leading
Florists throughout the Kingdom as to its valuable properties. It is
equally applicable to the most costly or the commonest plant, and
the prices put it within the reach of all.
Sold in Canisters Qd., \s., 2s. Q>d., 5s. M., lO.s-. 6^/., and 2\s.
Works :
XRADDYLL STREET, CHESTER STREET, EAST GREENWICH;
London Depot :
37, LEADENHALL STREET.
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ADVERTISEMENTS.
To Noblemen, Gentlemen, Nurserymen, Florists,
Seedsmen, and others.
PERIODICAL SALES BY AUCTION
OF
Mr. J. C. STEVENS,
HORTICULTURAL AUCTIONEER AND VALUER,
BEGS TO ANXOUXCE THAT HE HOLDS
SALES BY AUCTION NEARLY EVERY WEEK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
AT HIS GREAT ROOMS,
No. 38, KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON,
AND ELSEWHERE, FOR THE DISPOSAL OF
Orchids, Ferns, Camellias, Azaleas, and other Stove, Greenhouse,
fine foliage, and variegated Plants ; Conifers, Roses, Rhododen-
drons, Ornamental Evergreens, and Deciduous Trees and Shrubs;
Pruit Trees, Bedding Plants, Seeds, Dutch and Cape Bulbs, &c.
Small consiguments are received and inserted in Sales with property of a
kindred description, thus giving the same advantages to the owner of a few
lots as to the possessor of large Collections.
Mr. Stevens begs to notify that the Sales are advertised in the Times,
JExprcsn, Sfcmdaril, Dailij Telegraph, Daily Ncirs, Afheiuenm, Gardeners'
Chronicle, Cottage Gardener, Gardeners^ Weeltlg Magazine and Floricultnral
Cabinet, and other Weekly and Daily Papers ; and the extensive circulation
of his Catalogues in all parts of the Country, and on the Continent, con-
stitute advantages which cannot fail to ensure a beneficial result in any
business with which he may be honoured.
Catalogues will be forwarded to any address on receipt of a stamped
directed envelope to Mr. J. C. Stevens, Auctioneer and Valuer, 38, King-
Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C.
Importations of Plants and Seeds, for Sale by Public Auction, received
from Mexico, California, Vancouver's Island, South America, New Zealand,
Sydney, Melbourne, East and West Indies, Belgium, France, Holland, and
other parts of the world.
Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Gentlemen will find these Sales a convenient
medium for disposing of their surplus Stock, and as the Plants for Sale are
generally well selected and well grown, purchasers and vendors may both
rely upon having justice done them. Mr. Stevens will be happy to execute
Commissions for Gentlemen living at a distance, who are unable to attend
the Sales.
Collections Catalogued and valued for the Probate or Legaci/ Duty, or for
Publie or Private Sale. Valuatioua made of Horticultural Buildings,S)-c.
N.B. — Sales of Poultry and Pigeons on the first and third Tuesday in every
Month during the Season, which is from October to May. Also Sales of
Philosophical Instruments, Photographic Apparatus, Natui'al History
Specimens, &c., nearly every Friday throughout the Year.
38, KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
J. J. THOMAS'S
GAKDEN OHWAMBNTS.
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Ko. 119a.
ORNAMENTAL GARDEN ARCH, No. 54.
Inside Measure.
Painted Green.
Galvaniseil.
Height. Span.
s. d.
.0. d.
7ft. 4ft.
30 0
32 6
7ft. 6in. 4ft. Gin.
35 0
38 0
8ft. 5ft.
40 0
44 0
SUSPENDING BASKET, No. 119a.
GalvauiseJ or Japanned any colour.
Diameter. -«. <'■
lOin 3 6
1ft 5 0
1ft. Sin 6 G
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O
Diameter. s^. r'.
1ft. Gin 9 6
]ft. 9in 14 6
2ft 21 0
Manafactnrer of all kinds of Iron Hurdles for Cattle, Strained Wii-e-
Fencing, Galvanised Wire Netting, Rose Temples, Flower Stands, Aviaries,
Garden Seats and Chairs, Hen Coops, Wire Trellis for Training, and every
description of Wire Work, plain and ornamental.
Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogrie on application..
ADVERTISEMENTS.
FIRST-CLASS ILLUSTRATED GARDENINO PUBLICATION.
Published Wecklij, Price Thveepenee ; Stamped Fourpence,
THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE,
(ffottage (^artiener,
AND COUNTEY GENTLEMAN.
EDITED BY
GEORGE W. JOHNSON, E.E.H.S., AND ROBERT HOGG, LL.D., F.L.S.,
Assisted hi/ a Staff of the best Writers on Practical Gardeninrj, and- numerous
Amateur and Professional Correspondents, eminent in the Various Depart-
ments of Horticulture and other Rural Pursuits connected with the House-
hold.
This long-established and widely-circulating Journal consists of Thirty-
two Pages of Letterpress, with occasional Supplements of Eight additional
Pages ; and is richly Illustrated with Wood Engravings in the highest style
of the Art. The subjects treated on embrace every department of Garden-
ing, and Rural and Domestic Economy.
The Horticultural Department treats of all Out-door and In-door opera-
tions of the Fruit, Flower, and Kitchen Garden ; embracing the manage-
ment of the Stove, Greenhouse, Conservatory, Vinery, Pine stove, and
Orchard house ; and the Cultivation of Melons, Cucumbers, and Mushrooms;
Forcing both of Fruit, Flowers, and Vegetables ; Notices of all the New
Fruits, Flowers, and Vegetables ; Arboriculture, and more jDarticularly
Fruit Tree Culture and Pomology ; Landscape Gardening and Garden
Architecture ; descriptions of all the newest Inventions in Garden Structures,
Tools, and Implements ; and a detail of work to be done in each department
during every week in the year.
In Rural and Domestic Economy, it treats of the Farm and Potiltiy-yard ;
Allotment Farming ; the Dairy ; the Pigeon-house ; and Rabbit and Bee-
keeping. The treatment of Soils ; Manures, Cropping and Rotation of
Crops. Brewing ; Wine Making ; Vegetable Cookery, and the Preserving
of i'ruits and Vegetables.
Natural History and Botany, so far as they relate to Gardening and
Husbandry, are amply treated on, and embrace Zoology, Geology, Minera-
logy, Meteorology, and Physiological, Structural, Systematic, and Popular
Botany. Biographies and Portraits of the most celebrated Horticulturists.
Reviews of New Books relating to the above subjects ; Reports of Horti-
cultural and Poultry Societies' Meetings throughout the country ; and
■ Scientific Notes.
2o Advertisers, the Journal of Horticulture will be found a valuable and,
iff'ectioe medium, from its extensive circulation among the middle and upper
classes.
A SPECIMEN NUMBER FREE BY POST FOR FOUR STAMPS.
JOUENAL or II0RTICULTUR3 AND C0TTA&3 GARDENER OFFICE,
171, FLEET STREET, LONDON, E.G.;
And to be had of all Booksellers, and at the Parhvay Stalls.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
CHOICE SEEDS,
BALSAM.
(WILLIAMS' SUPERB STRAIN.)
An exceedingly beautiful strain. A stand of flowers, the production of this
strain, was exhibited at the July Show of the Royal Botanic Society,
Regent's Park, and won the admiration of all ; also at Manchester they
carried ofl'the first prize. Price 1*. GiL and 2.';. 6^7. per packet.
CARNATION.
Saved from the finest Tarieties. Price Is. per packet.
CELOSIA AUREA PYRAMIDALIS.
Price Gd. per packet.
COCKSCOMB, DWARF CRIMSON.
Carefully sealed. Price 6i/. and Is. per packet.
ECHEVERIA METALLICA.
(New Beddiug Plant). Price 2*. 6/. per packet.
GERANIUM LE GRAND.
Saved by Mr. George Smith, therefore many new kinds may be expected,
from this well-saved seed. Price Is. 6d. and 2s. Gd. per packet.
HOLLYHOCK.
From the best named varieties. Price 1.9. per packet.
PANSY.
From prize flowers. Price l.y. per packet.
POLYANTHUS.
(WIGGINS' PRIZE STRAIN).
Price !*•. Gd. and 2.*. Gd. per jDacket.
TACSONIA VAN VOLXEMI.
The most valuable perennial greenhouse cliuiber of which we have ever
had the iDleasnre of offering- seed. Its growth very much resembles that of
the Passion Flower ; it produces its large showy blooms the greater part of
the year ; sepals and petals brilliant carmine scarlet, wiih shaded crimson
white tube, surrounded by a dark purple ring. A quick-growing plant, and-
most profuse bloomer. Price 2s. Gd. per packet.
VERBENA.
Saved from the finest varieties. Price Gd. and Is. per packet.
VIOLA LUTEA.
Yellow flowered Violet. Price Is. Gd. and 2*. Gd. per packet.
WALLFLOWER.
Saunders's fine dark variety. Price Is. per packet.
B. S. WILLIAMS,
VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERIES, UPPER EOLLOWAY, N.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
» W JtaJlSiSLJjiJQLJtx.)
ISlflSIlflMl lllllll.
Works— DERBY EOAD, lOTTn&HAM.
GREENHOUSES, CONSERVATORIES,
F®IE€I[Kf© FEf§3
ERECTED IN ANY PART OF THE KINGDOM.
SPECIMEN TESTIMONIAL.— From Charles Bean, Esq.
West Skiebeck House,
Boston, Apkil 10th, 1869.
Deae Sir, — I have very great pleasure in bearing testimony to the very efficient manner in
^vhich you have conducted and so etfcotu;iJly liuished the Horticultural Buildings at West Sldrbeck
Bouse. Both the Conservatory and Vinery, &c., arc much admired by my Mends. I am per-
fectly well satisfied both with the price, workmanship, and workmen's conduct. The Hot Water
goes admirably, it is not the slightest trouble, and altogether I think myself very fortunate in
having entrusted the works to you. I write tliis because, when one gets work well done, and
civil workmen to do it, I think it is due to the master to make him acquainted with the fact. If
this letter will be of any service to you in the way of business, you may show it to whom you
please. Yours truly,
To Mr. Wheelek, CHARLES BEAN.
Horticultural Builder, Nottingham.
HOT-WATER FITTER.
SEVERAL GREENHOUSES ALWAYS ON SALE AT THE WORKS.
RUSTIC ARBOURS.
ADYEETISEMENTS.
HOT-WATER APPARATUS
Erected Complete, or tlie Materials Supplied,
Peill's C'»i!c<tl.
FOR HEATING
GKEEXHOUSES, HOTHOUSES,
CONSERVATOEIES,
CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS,
&c., &c., &c.
Tuhulnr Boiler.
Hot-Water Pipes at wholesale prices. Elbows, T Pieces, Syphons,
and every other connection kept in stock.
"Wrought and Cast Iron Conical, Saddle, and Improved Peill's ;
also Elliptic Boilers, from 24,s. each.
Improved and Extra Strong Cast Iron Tubular Boilers, with or .
without Water Bars, from 52.s-. 6<7. each.
Cast and Wrought Iron Portable Boilers, on Stand, for use without
brickwork, from 60.>-. each.
Patent Throttle and other Valves, Furnace Doors, Bars, and
Furnace Work of every description and size.
India Rubber Rings for Pipe Joints ; Sockets require no other packing,
and are perfectly water-tight.
Portah'e, Boiler.
Goods flj' the very best manufacture delicered at E/u.^t;,- F.,,ner
Railivui/ or Wht.rf in London.
PRICE LIST ON APPLICATION.
LYNCH WHITE,
OLID B^I^C^IE Il^OIsr ^ATHIJ^I^IF,
UPPER GROUND STREET, LONDON, S.E.
(Surrey side BlaehJ'rlars Bridfje.J
ADVERTISEMENTS.
BEAUTIFUL COLOURED PLATES OF NEW FLOWESS AND PEUITS.
J\'cw Series nom jjubliaJnnff, Price One Shilling.
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST;
A Pictorial Monthly Magazine of Flowers, Fruits, and General Horticulture^
CONDUCTED BX
EGBERT HOGG, LL.D., F.L.S., THOMAS MOORE, F.L.S., and
WILLIAM PAUL, F.R.H. S., aiiled by a Staff of able Contributors.
llic Illust rations bi/ FiTCH, Andrews, a?id other leading Artists.
The Florist and Pomologist is published on the 1st of every month.
Each Number contains 24 pages of letterpress, royal 8vo., and is illusti'ated
by a Beautifully Coloui-ed Plate of some Choice New Flower or New Fruit,
and by Woodcuts where necessary. The twelve numbers for one year
form a handsome pictorial volume. Obtainable through any Bookseller or
Newsagent ; or sent free by post, direct from the ofi&ce, for one year, for
Thirteen Shillings. A Specimen Number sent in exchange for Thirteen
Postage Stamps.
Publishing Office :— 171, FLEET STUEET, LONDON, E.G.
STEVENSO N'S
ABYSSINIAN MIXTUEE.
The most effectual remedy for preventing and destroying ]ilant insects yet introduced, espe-
cially Mealy Bug, Brown and White Scale, Thrip, Red Spider, Green and Black Fly, &c., &c.,
without injuring tlie most tender foliage.
This new and invaluable mixture for the destruction of plant pests cannot be too highly
recommended ; it has already received the very highest commendations from some of the lead-
ing horticultmists in this district, who have given it a fair trial.
Sold in Bottles, Is. 6d., 3s., 4s. 6d., & 5s. 6d. each.
FULL DIEECTIONS TOE USE ON" EACH BOITLE.
MANUFACTURED BY
F. STE^rE3>TSO DXT,
LAEK HILL, TIIIPEELEY, CHESHIHE.
WEEDS ERADICATED EEOM LAWNS.
WATSON'S LAWN SAND, or WEED DESTROYER, sprinkled upon
lawns, rapidly and elt'ectually destkots Dandelions, Daisies, Clover, Rib Grass, and other
Weeds, and at the same time promotes the growth of the Grass. The Nobility and Gentry will
fiml in the use of this remarkable substance an ^sy and economical method of improving and
beautifying their lawns. Its peculiar properties render it also a useful and fertilising agent in a
variety of cases, wliich a skilful gardener will readily find out.
' Price 30s. per cwt., including Casks. Quantities under 28 lbs. 4d. per lb.
ilay be ordered through any rcsjjcctiible Seedsman, or may be had direct from the
SOLE AGKNT,
W. D. BARBOUR,
5, EAST PARADE, LEEDS.
Tcstinio7ii(ils, and Inatructions for its use, sent on applicaticn.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
PORTABLE AND FIXED
HOT-WATER APPARATUS,
For heating Conservatories, Hothouses, Churches, Public Buildings, Private
Eesidences, &c., with
TRUSS'S PATENT UNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE AND LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS.
T. S. TRUSS
Beers to state that the immense number of APPARATUS annually
desi<med and erected by him in all parts of the kingdom, and for the
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY at SOUTH KENSINGTON and
CHISWICK, with unrivalled satisfaction, is a guarantee for skill of design,
superior materials, and good workmanship; while the great advantages
obtained by his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be over-estimated, consisting
of perfectly tight ioints with neatness of appearance ; EFFECTS A SAVING
OF 25 PER CENT, on cost of Apparatus erected compared with other
systems ; faciUty for extensions, alterations, or removals without injury to
Pines or Joints: can be erected by any Gardener; an ordinary size Appa-
ratus erected in one day ; and PERFECTNESS of DESIGN SUPPLIED,
INSURING NO EXTRAS. Complete Apparatus, of the best materials,
delivered to any Railway Station in England, and erected at the following
prices. Erection beyond 25 miles of London, railway fare for one man
additional. Considerable reduction on large works.
TWO FOUE-INCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OP HOUSE.
Size of House. Apparatus complete. Erection.
20 feet by 10 feet ... £9 0 0 ... £2 0 0
30 feet by 12 feet ... 1115 0 ... 2 10 0
40 feet by 15 feet ... 15 0 0 ... 2 15 0
50 feet by 15 feet ... 1/10 0 ... 3 0 0
75feetby 15 feet ... 20 0 0 ... 3 0 0
100 feet by 15 feet ... 26 0 0 ... 3 5 0
Bath and Gas Work erected in Town or Country.
THE TRADE SUPPLIED.
Price Lists, Plans, and Estimates forwarded on application to
T. S. TRUSS, C.E.,
Consulting Horticultural Engineer, &c., Sole Manufacturer,
IRON MERCHANT, HOT-WATER APPARATUS MANUFACTURER,
AND HORTICULTURAL BUILDER,
FBIAR STREET, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S.E.
A A
ADVERTISEMENTS.
SUPERIOE TO THE BEST PERUVIAN GUANO.
ROBINSON'S GARDEN MANURE
IS
UNSURPASSED! UNEQUALLED!! INCOMPARABLE!!!
In proof of the above assertion, we submit the following extracts
from reports by some of the most eminent Chemical and Horticul-
tural Authorities of the day. Thus — Professor Anderson considers
it " An excellent manure." Professor Penny says, " It is in every
respect well adapted for all crops in gardens." Mr. Lunt, gar-
dener at Ardgowan to Sir M. R. Shaw Stewart, Bart., " Never
found an equal to it." Mr. James 2PMillan, gardener to the Right
Hon. Lord Blantyre, writes, " This is a most valuable manure."
Mr. TJiomson, of Dalkeith, says, " We find it a safe and excellent
manure." Mr. Tim. Sutherland, gardener to the Right Hon. Earl
of Minto, has found it " Superior to the best Peruvian guano."
The Bev. B. W. Thomson, author of "The Amateur's Rosarium,"
&c., considers it a " Healthy yet powerful stimulant. It requires to
be known only to be widely used." Mr. John Waterston, of Calside,
the " veteran florist," says, " It ought to be in the hands of every
amatem' florist ambitious to excel in growing fine flowers." Mr.
James Anderson, gardener to T. Dawson, Esq., of Meadowbank,
says, " In a word, the manure seems to be composed of constituent
particles that combine with a fertilising power, a stability, and
permanence which renders its appliance a matter of economy.
DIRECTIOHS FOR USE ACCOMPANY EACH CASE.
Sold by ail Seedsmen in Cases at One Shilling and Five Shillings ; and
in Casks — No. 1, 40«. ; No. 2, 20*. ; and No. 3, lO*. each, according to size.
Parties who may not be so situated as to procure it conveniently from a
Seedsman, can have any quantity sent to their address to any part of the
kingdom {Is, and 5*. cases excepted) by remitting the amount thereof by
P. O. or Bank Order, in favour of W. B. Kobinson, Burubank Chemical
Works, Paisley.
SOLE MANUFACTURERS,
BURNBANK CHEMICAL COMPANY, PAISLEY.
USED IN THE ROYAL GARDENS
And Principal Nurseries throughout the United Kingdom, Colonies, & Continent.
lEH O "V^ I_. IB I^ S'
GARDENERS' INSECTICIDE.
(REGISTERED.)
DESTROYS AND PREVENTS
INSECTS, BLIGHTS, AND MILDEWS,
BROWN AND WHITE SCALE, — RED SPIDER, — THRIP, — MEALY BUG, — AMERICAN
BLIGHT, — MILDEAY, — GREEN, BLUE, AND BLACK FLY, — ANTS,
GRUBS, — CATERPILLARS, — ETC., ETC., ETC.,
Without the Slightest Injury to the Most Delicate Plants.
ITS ADVANTAGES ARE
THOROUGH EFFECTIVENESS in desfroubm all the various Insects,
Blights, and Mildews to which plants are subject, and in, preventing them hij
removing the canses that foster their developvient. It also improves the foliage
and constitution oj' the plant.
PERFECT SAFETY and fo-ecdom foom Uahilitij to injure or stain the
foliage of the most delicate plant, and in most caries it will not affect their hloom.
EASE OF APPLICATION.—/?; is at one strength— 4: to 6 ozs. to a gallon of
water — stdtable for all insects and plants. Does not require an// cleansing off
with water, and even hj inexperienced help can he appliedhy dipping, syringing,
sponging, or as
A WINTER DRESSING FOR FRUIT TREES.
HER :MAJESTY'S GARDENER SAYS :—
" I have for some time past been trying experiments on various subjects, ami I am satisfied that
tlie Insecticide will kill ant inskct that it comes into contact with, vniHonT injcey to
THE PLANT." — Vide Mr. Georije JVyness' Letter.
Mr. TJiomas Moore, Sotiinic G(irdens,CheIsea,
says: — "We have formed a very favourable
opinion of Fowler's Insecticide as a remedy
for many of the insect pests of plants. It
effectually destroys White and Brown Scale,
Thrips.Efid Spider,and the Green and Black
Fly ; at the same time it does not injure the
plants."
^fr. IVm. Dean, Sliipley, saijs : — "Your
Insecticide is one of the greatest boons
Gardeners have, and it is invaluable to
amateur Gardeners, as it is so easily
used."
Mr. J. R. Pearson, Chilwell, says : — " It is by
far the most effectual remedy I have tried
fol' our insect enemies. A plant covered
with Brown Scale is cleaned at one dip ;
Ants, the different kinds of Aphis, and, in
fact, everything. Black and White Thrip
amongst the numlier, are settled at once.
Appears to do no injui-y to the most delicate
foliage."
Messrs. Wm. Wood & Son, MaresfieU, say:—
"We have Wed it on Eoses affected with
ilildew. Calceolarias covered with Green
Fly, and Aucubas and Oleanders infested
with Scale, and we have much pleasure in
stating the plants are now perfectly clean
and healthy."
.1/;-. Jolin Richardson, Gar. to J. Pease, Esq.,
Varlinijtori, says: — "Will not injure the
most tender foliage, and will kill any insect
with which plants are liable to be attacked.
For cleanliness and appearance of the plants
after the application, I know of nothing to
equal it."
Mr. iV. Cole, Otto Mouse, Hammersmith,
says: — "I took it to some Dahlias, the
bloom of which were infested with Thrip ;
it destroyed them instantly, without the least
injury to the flowers. Then, for a further
proof, I immersed a tender fern, Adiantum
cuneatum, infected with Aphis, and the
result was satisfactory — the Aphis killed,
and not a frond injured."
a CD
Price Is. 6d., 3a-., 5s. 6d., and lO.v. jjcr Jar.
In Kegs, 28 lbs., 21s.; ^6 lbs., -i'ls. ; 112 lbs., 84,s'. each.
Sold by Nurserymen, Seedsmen, Florists, and Chemists.
Sole Manufacturers, G. & T. FOWLER,
lONDOU: 35, Great Dover Street. BRIGHTON: 81, North Street.
A A 2
ADVERTISEMENTS.
KOW KEADY.
Post Svo., price Zs., post free, 5s. id.; ■interleaved copies, post free, 6s. 6d.,
THE ORCHID-GROWERS' MANUA
By BENJAMIN SAMUEL WILLIAMS,
AUTHeIR OF " HINTS ON THE CULTIVATION OF FERNS," "SELECT FERNS AND LVCOPODS,"
ETC., ETC., ETC.
The Third Edition of this Work, much enlarged (about 100 images have been
added, making in all 250 pages), containing descriptions of upwards of seven
hundred species and varieties of Orchidaceous Plants proved to be worth
growing, together with Notices of their times of Flowering and most
approved modes of Treatment ; also, Plain and Practical Instructions relat-
ing to the General Culture of Orchids ; and remarks on the Heat, Moisture,
Soil, Seasons of Growth and Eest best suited to the several species.
In the Gardeners' Chronicle, September 13th, 1862, Dr. Lijs'dley remarks,
respecting the second Edition : —
" No country has produced so many thoroughly good books on practica] garden-
ing as this. There is hardly a subject of any magnitude that has not been well
treated by men willing and able to state honestly the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth, concerning the methods by which they have achieved
success. This is their great merit. They do not pretend to be learned, nor do
they indulge in speculations concerning what may possibly happen ; they are
contented with what is, and leave hoiticultural dreams to others.
" Among men of this class is the writer of this volume before us : when a gentle-
man's gardener, one of the most successful winners of prizes at our great Metro-
politan shows of Orchids ; and now, as a nurseryman, holding his own with
greater distinction than ever. He here presents the public with his latest ex-
perience, regulated by many more years of daily intercourse with his favourites,
our favourites, everybody's favourites ; and it is no fault of Mr. Williams if every-
body cannot grow them as well as himself.
" We observe full fifty pages more than in the first edition of this capital book,
and many more heads of instructions, some of which relate to seedling Orchids, to
'the spot,' and to the best contrivances for constructing houses. There are notices,
moreover, of about a couple of hundred species not mentioned in the first edition.''
In the Gardeners' 3Iagazine, March 7th, 1868, Shirley Hibberd remarks,
respecting the present Edition : —
"We have so frequently recommended Mr, Williams' ' Orchid Manual' as the
only work of the kind worth a place in the cultivator's library, that we can scarcely
do more now than announce the publication of a third edition, which is a great
improvement on tlie former editions. The work has swelled to 250 pages, and
contains descriptions of no fewer than 70S species and varieties, the most desirable
for limited collections being in every case clearly indicated. Mr. Williams is
known throughout the world as one of the ablest of English cultivators of Orchids,
but it is not so well known that lie is one of the most frank and genial of advisers,
whether the merest novice or the most experienced adept take counsel of him.
In this work, all that can be told in the way of guidance for the cultivation,
including the mysteries of propagation, so far as they are understood in the treat-
ment of Orchids, is placed in a simple and useful way before the reader; and who-
ever consult- these pages in a mood to understand anything at all about plant
cultivation, will find in them as much upon tlie subjects dealt with as can be com-
municated, for it is the best possilile epitome for practical purposes of all that is
known."
J'liMi.shed and .fold hij tlie Autlior,
VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERIES, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON-
ADVERTISEMENTS.
A BOON FOR GRAPE GROWERS.
MEREDITH'S VINE, PINE, PEACH, AND PLANT MANUEE.
cJUSJCaJtrXl iVlJ[SJu,JC3iJJX JL JCI5
THE VINEYARD, GARSTON, NEAR LIVERPOOL,
After giving world-re- 1^ /special cold medaiciven by the eiviperor napoieom iii.V
nowned proofs of Lis excel-
lency over all others in Vino
and Grape growing, is now
induced to offer to the horti-
cultural world the above
MANURE, the ingredients of
which, in a great measure, he
attributes the success that has
attended his exhibitions of
Grapes in England, Scotland,
Paris, Brussels, Antwerp, and
Maestricht. In doing so, he
is offering from experience
the most valuable aid to both
jjractical and amateur, in not
only securing fine fruit, but
good flavour and high tinisli
of colour, and to plants the ^^ ]HVKKFOOL.
greatest help towards vigour and successful cultivation ever met with.
To be had in sealed bags of \ cwt., \Qs. Gd. : ^ cwf., 2\s. ; 1 cict., 42s. ; n-ith
full dlreetions for use.
For further particulars see Descriptive Circulars, to be had post ft-ee on application as above.
A FIRST CLASS CERTIFICATE
WAS AWARDED TO THE
1
At the Great ISTational Horticiiltiu-al Exhibition, held at Man-
chester, June, 1867, and it was still further recommended by
the following- words being- written upon the Certificate: —
"The judges consider this one of the most powerful and useful Boilers
for general purposes."
Price I/lst, loitli oiymions of the Press, <Cc., free on application.
Ill
J"- II^E]IL.^^]^s^rD,
EDWARD STREET, BROUGHTON LANE,
Manchester.
CO
SEND FOR
Ulustrated Catalogue witli Testimonials,
Po.'it fi'ce.
CO
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ALL ORDERS EXECUTED THE SAME DAY THEY
ARE RECEIVED.
Trade Terms upon application.
-coo
a.i3qAV pgsn aq ut!d onjqoBj^ jo e^vm aoq}o oa '^oiy ui *^
i jOTLioo B m pauiiu'uo ji ao 'spaq jaAvop .njau 'S30.ii jo soqonB.iq
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ADVERTISEMENTS.
THE CHEAPEST and BEST INSECTICIDES.
UNDER HER MAJESTY' SJ ROYAL LETTERS PATENT, AND BY PERMISSION
OF THE HON. BOARD OF CUSTOMS.
I^ O O L E "ST'S
FOR THE PREVENTION OP BLIGHT AND OTHER
DISEASES IN PLANTS.
TOBACCO POWBER FOR DUSTING PLANTS.
TOBACCO GE-AIirS FOR FUMIGATING PLANTS.
TOBACCO SOAP FOR WASHING PLANTS.
The heavy duty on Tobacco has hitherto prevented its general use for the
destruction of Ajjhides or Blight on Plants, Hops, and Fruit Trees. Through
arrangements made with the Board of Customs, Mr. T. A. Pooley is enabled
to produce preparations of Strong American Tobacco at a nominal price.
When first introduced they were used for preventing and destroying Blight
on Hops ; their complete success for this purpose has induced the pro-
prietor to manufacture similar preparations of a finer quality for use by
Florists and Horticulturists, which will destroy every kind of Insect which
infests Plants without injury to the tenderest foliage. The numerous
Testimonials received justify the proprietor in strongly recommending
these preparations as the lest and cheapest In-iccticidcs ever yet produced.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE WITH EACH PACKAGE.
TOBACCO POV/DEB, in Tins, Is., 2s. 6d., and 5s.
TOBACCO GRAINS, in Canvas Bags, Is. 3d. per lb.
TOBACCO SOAP, in Tins, Is. per lb.
TOBACCO POWDER DISTE,IBUTORS, 2s. 6d., 3s. 6d., and 5s. each.
Sole Licensee and Manufacturer,
T. J^. :e=> o o i_, IB ^sr,
Wliolexale at the Bonded Warelicn.se,
SUSSEX WHARF, WAPPING, LONDON, E.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
SHANKS'S PATEIT lAWI 10¥ERS
IPOI^ 1869.
The Patent Improvements recently introduced give SHANKS'S MACHINES
several important advantages possessed by no other Lawn Mower.
PATENT DOUBLE-EDGED SOLE-PLATE, WIITD-GirAIlD, &o., &C.
The unprecedented sale for 1868 bears testimony how much tliese advantages
have been appreciated.
nORbE MALHIAL.
Every Machine
warranted to give
ample satisfaction,
PONY MALiti.xi..
and if not approved
of may be at once
"- returned.
HAND MACHl.NE.
ALEXANDER SHANKS & SON have for some time past been making the Revolving Cutter
of their Machines self-sharpening, that is, with steel on both sides of each blade, so that when the
Cutter becomes blunt by running one way, it can be reversed, thus bringing the opposite or sharp
edge of the Cutter to act against the sole-plate. In addition to this, A. S. & Son now make the
Sole-plate or Bottom Blade of their Machine with two edr/es — one in front as usual, and one in
reserve at the back — when the front edge gets worn down, the plate has only to be unscrewed and
the unused edge brought to the front. It will be seen at a glance that this arrangement enables the
cutting parts to last twice as long as in other machines, where the single-edged sole-plate must be
entirely renewed when the edge is worn down. A. S. & Son have also introduced a vVind-Guard
into their machine, which prevents the mown grass being blown past the box during the prevalence
of wind.
PRICES, includinfi Carriage to any Railway Station or Shipping Port in the Kingdom.
SHANKS'S NEW PATENT HAND MACHINE.
■Width of Cutter.
10- inch Machine £3 10 0
12-inch Machine 4 10 0
14-inch Machine 5 10 0
Width of Cutter.
16-incU Machine £6 10 0
19-inch Machine 7 15 0
22-inch Machine 8 10 0
21.-inch Machine 9 0 0
Illustrated Circulars containing full particulars and prices of Horse, Pony, and Hand
Machines sent free on application.
ALEXANDER "shanks ^ SON,
DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH,
LONDON OFFICE AND SHOW-ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET.
27, Leadenhall Street is the only place in London where intending Purchasers of
Lawn Mowers can choose from a stock of from loO to 200 Machines. Ail sizes kept
there, whether for Horse, Pony, or Hand Power.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
LOIIAEIA CILIATA.
Now ready, Post Svo., price 5s., post free, 5s. 5(7.
SELECT FERNS AND LYCOPODS,
BRITISH AND EXOTIC,
BY BENJAMIN SAMUEL, WILLIAMS,
AUTHOR OF "the ORCHID-GROWER'S MANUAL," " HINTS ON THE CULTIVATION OF FERNS,"
ETC., ETC., ETC.
Comprising descriptions of 900 Clioire Species and Varieties, accompanied by directions for their
management in Tropical, Temperate, and Hardy Fernery, with Illustrations.
An abridged Report from "Gardeners' Chronicle," of May 23rd, 1868.
"Though Fern books are numerous enough, yet a good book on Exotic Ferns, which should
be both descriptive and cultural, was a desideratum until the appearance of the present handy
volume, which entirely supersedes the ' Hints on tlie Cultivation of Ferns,' published by the
same author a few years since. The want is now well supplied. The author tells us he has
endeavoured to make tlie work as plain as possible, and in this attempt he has so well succeeded
that it may be recommended as a trusty guiile to the most inexperienced, as well as a useful
remembrancer to the more accomplished cultivator. It not only deals in plain statements, but
it is brief and practical. Essentially a horticulturist's book, it does not trespass at all on the
domain of the botanist, but confines itself to jpopular descriptions of the species selected for re-
commendation as objects of cultivation ; these descriptions being accompanied by general and
special information on such points as bear on the treatment proper for the several plants. Thus
there are chapters on Pot Cultivation, Soils, Tree Ferns, Filmy Ferns, Basket Ferns, Fern
Houses, Fern Cases, Fern Sliades, Propagation, Insects, &c., .all full of practical information
adapted for the amateur Cultivator. The vola:;ie is well printed, and nicely got up. Indeed,
we have no hesitation in stating that it is the best garden book on Exotic Ferns which has yet
appeared."
Published and Sold by the Author, at
VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERIES,
UPPER KOLLOV/AY, LONDON, N.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
NEW ILLUSTRATED WORK ON ORCHIDACE^.
3DE3DIO-A.TE3D
BY SPECIAL PERMISSION TO HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY
QUEEN VICTORIA.
First Series, comjylete and hound iii cloth, cotitaiiiiiiff Ten QiiarferIi/1 Parts,
Illustrated with Fortij Bcautifulh/- Coloured EngravinQS, Price Sir Guineas.
SELECT ORCHIDACEOUS PLANTS.
BY ROBERT WARNER, F.R.H.S.
THE NOTES OX CULTURE
BY B. S. "WILLIAMS,
Author of the " Oychid-Grotcer's Manucd,'' " Hints oh the Cultivation of Ferns," " Select
Ferns and Lycopods," &c., <tc.
THIS FORMS A HANDSOME WORK TOR THE DRAWING-ROOM TABLE.
Extract from the late Dr. Lindley's remarks in the " Gardeners' Chronicle,"
July 5th, 1882.
" This new contribution to our knowledge of Orchids will appear in ten
quarterly parts. The author states that, ' having one of the largesc amateur
coUectious of Orchidaceous plants, and being in friendly correspondence
with the principal growers throughout the country, he possesses ample
opportunities for selecting the most interesting species and varieties for
illustration. One object of the work will be to collect and disseminate
information as to the best means of growing and flowering Orchidaceous
plants. It is consequently intended to devote ample space to the details of
cultivation ; and the author will gladly avail himself of the assistance of
those who are willing to communicate the results of their practice.' Mr.
Williams, the author of the ' Orchid- Grower's Manual,' and one of the most
skilful of cultivators, being associated in the undertaking, the public has the
best possible guarantee that the foregoing promise will be kept."
Parts I., II., Ill, 7T'., T'., ^nid TI. of Vol. II. of this work are now
readij. Each Xumhcr ivill coutaiu Three Coloured Plates. Price, to Suhscrihers,
IO5. &d. each.
SOLD BY
Bx S« WIIalsiXAMS)
VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERIES,
Upper Molloway, London, N.
ADVERTISEMENTS,
FOR DESTROYING RED SPIDER, MEALY BUG, THRIP, GREEN
and BLACK PLY, without the aid of a Fumigator.
This article having been before the public for the last three years, and is now being used by
many of the leading horticulturists, from several of whom testimonials have been received as to
its efficacy. The manufacturers beg to recommend those who have not used it to give it a trial,
feeling confident when they have done so they will use nothing else, as it is far superior to paper
or rag, and will not injure the plants.
Sold in 1 lb. packets, and upwards, price 3«. Qd. per lb. Carriage Free.
A reduction in price for large quantities.
To be had of Messrs. ROBERTS & SONS, Tobacco Manufacturers,
112, SAINT JOHN STREET, CLERKENWELL, E.G.,
Of ivliom Samples and Testimonials may he ohtaineil, and of all Seedsmen and Nurserymen.
ADVERTISING IN IRELAND.
A Fortnightly Journal of Gardening and Rural Economy.
The only Journal of its class in Ireland, and the acknowledged organ of
Irish Horticulturists.
Price, Threepence ; Post Free, Fourpence.
Tariff and. Specimen copy on application to tlie Publisher,
9, DAME STREET, DUBLIN.
STOVES, ORCHID-HOUSES, GREENHOUSES,
AND FERNERIES.
®0 Sd WIliliIAHS^
Having a staff of thorouglily experienced men, is fully
prepared to erect plant structures in any style, and also
to undertake the fitting up Ferneries with. Rockwork,
Caves, Waterfalls, &c.
UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N.
(NEAII the HIGHGATE AROmVAV.)
IMPROVED HYBRID SOLANUMS.
Amongst the new plants of recent introduction, the above surpasses anythinc; hitherto known
for winter decoration, as they may be had in perfection from November till May.
The cross was first obtained from S. hijbridum and S. capsicasirun,, but has now merged into
an almost innumerable variety of shades, shapes, and form. In habit they are robust, yet free
branching, growing to the height of about 18 to 20 inches in 4 or 6-inch pots, which is a suitable
size for table decoration, for which purpose nothing can be more appropriate, their bright orange
and crimson shaded berries producing a striking effect by gas-light.
Special certificates have been awarded to collections exhibited during this and former seasons.
Seed in scaled packets. None genuine unless the packets bear B. S. Williams' name and
address.
Price 2s. Gd. and 3s. 6rf. per packet.
B. S. WILLIAMS, Yictoria and Paradise Nurseries,
UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
NEW AND IMPORTANT WORK ON aARDENINS.
THE
PARKS, PROMEMDES, k GARDENS
OF
I^ .A. I^ I S.
By W. EOBINSON, F.L.S.,
Correspondent of the "Times" for the Eorticultural Department of the Paris Exhibition,
Horticultural Editor of the " Field," &c.
WITH UPWARDS OP -iOO PLANS, VIEWS, AND ILLUSTRATIONS.
One Volume 8vo, 18s,, cloth.
This woi'k describes the Public and Imperial Gardens, Squares, Avenues,
and Boulevards of Paris and its environs, including Versailles, while an
abundance of beautiful views and figures place the various scenes treated of
accurately before the reader's eye. Nearly half of the book is devoted to
public gardening, considering the subject with reference to the wants of
our over-crowded cities ; but the greater portion is occupied with a thorough
and profusely illustrated account of every interesting and instructive feature
of the practical gardening of Paris. Of the wonderful underground mush-
room caves, where miles of beds may be seen in bearing at one time, there are
eight views, including a plan, the first ever published on this most curious
and interesting subject, either in France or England ; while scores of exact
and beautifully drawn figures show to the life all the more important plants
for the decoration of apartments, sub-tropical gardening, &c. The subject
of fruit and vegetable culture is dealt with at great length, every instructive
or interesting practice of French market gardeners and fruit growers being
described and well illustrated by the aid of accurate engravings, and
amateurs or gardeners may get from the book a better idea of the public
and practical gardening of Paris than they could by visiting the spot.
The work has been most favourably reviewed in nearly all the leading
Journals. The Gardeners' Chronicle of June 19th, 1869, says : — "The question
of how we are to improve, can hardly be better answered than by placing
this book in the hands of every gardener in the kingdom, and where em-
ployers are liberal, or even worldly wise, doubtless this will speedily be
done!"
SOLD BY
B. S. WILLIAMS,
UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
DESCRIPTIVE AIL PRICED CATALOaUES.
B. S. WILLIAMS,
VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERIES,
UPPER HOLLOW AY, LONDON, N.,
Will he happy to forward, post free, to all applicants, the following
Catalogues published by him annually, and ivill feel obliged by those
Customers icho do not receive them regularly informing him of the
same, lohen fresh copies will be forwarded.
SEED CATALOGUE,
(January.)
Contains a descriptive list of Novelties in Flower and Vegetable Seeds, also
a detailed compendium of all previously known kinds, with copious notes
for the guidance of Amateur cultivators. Seeds carriage free.
GENERAL PLANT CATALOGUE,
Containing select lists of choice Exotic Orchids, Ferns, Stove and Green-
house Plants, Indian Azaleas, Variegated and Ornamental-foliaged Plants,
Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Ehododendrons, Verbenas, Petunias, Phloxes,
Cinerarias, Chrys:mthemums, Hardy Va^-iegated Plants, Herbaceous and
Alpine Plants, Roses, Hardy Trees aud Shrubs, &c., &c.
WITH A DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF NEVT AND BARE PLANTS.
Also, in May, A NEW PLAXT CATALOGUE.
BULB CATALOGUE,
(August.)
Includes selected lists of Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus, Ranunculus,
Amaryllis, Isias, Gladioli, Liliunis, and all other choice and rare kinds, with.
useful suggestions as to culture, &c.
Also A SUPPLEMENTARY LIST OF FRUIT TEEES, NEW PLANTS, &c., &c.
EXPERIENCED HEAD GARDENERS, FOREMEN, AND UNDER
GARDENERS RECOMMENDED.
FOREIGN ORDERS.
Plants, Seeds, S)-c., for transmission abroad, selected and pachcd with the
greatest possible care, in Wardiau Cases, or Close Boxes, according to the
nature of the (joods, and shipped to any jjart of the World.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
B. S. WILLIAMS,
illill¥K41 411 S111SM41,
VICTORIA MB PAEADISE I^URSEEIES,
UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N.
(NEAR HIGHGATE ARCHWAY),
|llH0ui|ici>irf %i}iitmcit §lm\i%
Respectfully invites the Nobility and Gentry about to furnish their Conser-
vatories, Greenhouses, Stoves, or Orchid-houses, to an inspection of his
stock of
MANY OF WHICH ARE UNEQUALLED IN THIS COUNTRY,
THEY CONSIST OF
The choicest and rarest Exotics, such as TREE PERNS, PALMS, BEAU-
CARNEAS, AGAVES, YUCCAS, CYCADS, ARALIAS, CAMELLIAS,
AZALEAS, and all other kinds of STOVE and GREENHOUSE ELOWER-
ING and ORNAMENTAL-FOLIAGE PLANTS, proved to be worthy of
cultivation.
The Large CONSERVATORY will be found at all times of the year
well worth a visit.
The STOVES and ORCHID-HOUSES are also very attractive and in-
teresting, being gay with blooms of Odontoglossums, Cypripediums, Coelo-
gynes, Lycaste, Phala^nopsis, or many other species.
The COLLECTION of MEXICAN PLANTS is surpassed only by that of
Kew Gardens.
All NEW PLANTS of sterling merit are added to the Collection as soon
as procurable, and may be seen here, the inspection of which would alone
repay a visit.
JVow Beadij,
A CATALO&TJE OF IE¥ & EARE PLAITS for 1869,
POST FKEE TO ALL APPLICANO^S.
Tlie " Favourite" Omnihuse-H leave Victoria Nurfsery every seven minutes for
the Citjj and London Br\d(je, the Strand and Victoria Station, andj'or Begent
Street, the West End, and Broiirpton.
VICTORIA k PARADISE NURSERIES,
UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N.
S « OQ
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