THE 



GARDEN t-VIBE. 



August, 1864. 



CULTURE OF AEDISIA. 



I EBEY-BEAEING shrubs are not so numerous that 

 we can afford to dispense with any of the number 

 which are tolerably well adapted for the decoration 

 of plant houses, especially in winter and early spring, 

 when flowers are scarce. We have frequently brought 

 subjects of this kind under the notice of our readers, 

 and we now call attention to the Ardisias, which, for 

 those who can grow them, are, in truth, the loveliest 

 of all the berry-bearing shrubs known ; there is, in fact, 

 nothing to surpass them. The Ardisia takes its name from 

 ardis, a spear-head, in reference to the sharp-pointed 

 divisions of the flower. The genus is one of the most im- 

 portant in the natural order Ardisiads, to which it belongs, 

 and of which it is the type, and the species are very numerous and 

 widely scattered, some being found in China, others in the Canaries, 

 Ceylon, Nepaul, and elsewhere, always in warm latitudes, but not 

 always in the tropics. 



Cultivation. — The greenhouse species, such as canariensis, thyrsi- 

 flora, pubescens, macrocarpa, and hymenandra, are more easily raised 

 from cuttings than seeds, the best cuttings being obtained from half- 

 ripened shoots ; and at seasons when these are not attainable, pieces of 

 the roots may be used, being inserted in sandy soil, and placed on a strong 

 bottom-heat. Any of the ordinary light mixtures in which greenhouse 

 plants are potted will do for these ; or, if a special compost is required, 

 let it be peat, loam, leaf-mould, and rotten dung equal quantities, the 

 whole well incorporated, and in a sweet, mellow condition. When 

 these species are making new growth, they should be assisted with an 

 increased temperature and frequent syringings, and beyond this they 

 do not require any special care. They may remain several years in 

 the same pots, if annually top-dressed, and when repotted the roots 

 must be reduced, and the plants have the help of extra warmth and 



TOL. VII. — NO. Till. 



