152 THE GARDENER. [April 



gus, little need be said at the present time ; but by way of preparing 

 for this, I may say that well-grown roots will always yield freely 

 to forcing from the end of October onward. J. Mum. 



M ARC AM. 



GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



NO. III. — ERIOSTEMONS. 



A GENUS of evergreen dwarf shrubs, natives of Australia, producing 

 their flowers in great profusion in this country during the spring and 

 summer months. All the species in cultivation are of a free and com- 

 pact habit of growth, and under good management the plants retain a 

 neat shape, and continue in vigorous health for several years. The 

 flowers of all the species that I am acquainted with are white or 

 pinkish-white in colour, and spring from the axils of the leaves on the 

 previous year's growth. The individual flowers are not large, but the 

 profuse manner in which they are produced on healthy plants com- 

 pensates for their want of size individually, and renders the plants when 

 in bloom objects of much beauty. The flowering season of the various 

 species extends from February to September ; and plants of particular 

 species keep up a constant succession of flowers for at least two months 

 from the time the first blooms expand on the plants. 



Amongst the first to open their flowers in early spring are E. scaber 

 and E. pulchellus. Both these species are extremely free-flowering. 

 E. cuspidatus is the latest to flower. As a rule, this species does not 

 commence flowering before the end of April or beginning of May. It 

 and E. buxifolius are of a more vigorous habit of growth than most of 

 the other species, hence they are employed as stocks on which to graft 

 the less vigorous kinds. 



As plants for greenhouse and conservatory decoration during spring 

 and early summer, Eriostemons are deserving of all the attention that 

 can be given them, and when large enough, and in good condition, 

 they are amongst the best of exhibition plants. Their symmetrical 

 style of growth and profuse flowering qualities, combined with the 

 length of time the flowers retain their freshness and beauty on the 

 plants, render them highly suitable subjects for the purpose of the 

 plant - exhibitor. Like some other genera of New Holland plants, 

 Eriostemons have been partially neglected in recent years, both for the 

 purpose of home-decoration, and as exhibition plants. I am of opinion, 

 however, that at present a desire is becoming prevalent amongst gar- 

 deners generally, to give more attention to the culture of the class of 

 plants indicated than they have been doing for several years past ; and 

 the desire is in the right direction, and should be encouraged. 



The quickest, and, all things considered, the cheapest way to get 

 a stock of the plants nnder consideration, is to procure them from a 

 nursery. Nice little healthy plants, in a flowering state, can be pur- 



