BKIKF IIKMAKKS ON CULTURE OF TUB LUCULLIA URATISSIMA. 



HIIIKF IIKMAKKS ON CUhTl'UE OF THE LUCLLLIA (JIIATISSIMA. 



BY WM. BEROnOLZ, GARDENER TO H. CHAPMAN, ESQ., MONTREAL, C. E. 



In many <^ardens this precious species of the Rubiacesc is treated as a stove plant 

 c'xrlusivcly. The result of it, however, in most instances, is not satisfactory; the 

 lilossouis appear but scanty, and as it is subject in a great measure to those various 

 insects — general nuisances of hot-house« — the gardener soon abandons the idea of 

 cultivating it, having no time to attend to the regular cleaning of it. Though a 

 native of the East Indies, the LuvnUia yratissima does not require the same high 

 degree of heat as other tropical plants, and I have generally cultivated in a tempera- 

 ture of from three to six degrees Reaumur, amongst Camelias and New Holland 

 plants ; the result of this treatment is quite difierent. Its beautiful bright rosy 

 Itlossoms, however, a little later are perfect, and the plant is not molested with its 

 destnictive enemy, the black fly. The month of April, the time when its dormant 

 state is over and its growth commences, is the proper season for repotting. It likes 

 a rich soil, and thrives best in a mixture of one-third old rotten cow dung, one-third 

 peat, and one-third loam, with a proportional addition of river sand. A good 

 drainage is a great matter, and the pots should be filled one-fourth with crocks and 

 peat cnimbs. After repotting, the plant should be placed as near as possible to the 

 light. Another important matter is the pruning. The proper time for that 

 operation is soon after the repotting, when the plant shows signs of the young roots 

 having spread. The pruning done at an improper time, for instance immediately 

 after the blooming, or perhaps at the time of the repotting, proves generally fatal. 

 The middle of June is about the time when it should be taken into the open air ; 

 however, this depends on the season. There forced to gather new strength, it is 

 necessary to apply a gentle bottom-head, and as soon as sufficiently accustomed to 

 the open air, mild rains and sun may have free access. In hot weather it is 

 advisable to syringe in the morning and evening. As soon as nature obliges us to 

 bring our tender wards back to their winter quarters, it should be made a point to 

 give the LncuUia gratissima a place as free as possible, and near to the light, in a 

 house similar to the one recommended above. In a short time after, the blossoms 

 will make their appearance, and special care should be taken never to let nourishment 

 be wanting. Not seldom will it be observed that the blossoms wither and drop off 

 before opening, but a careful examination will show that it always is the consequence 

 of some want of either light or nourishment. After it is done flowering the plant 

 requires rest for some time, and should be supplied but very seldom with water until 

 April, when the culture as above described should be recommenced. Its propagation 

 is easy by cuttings of half ripened wood under hand bells. It is altogether a plant 

 that well deserves a place in our affections, its culture being easy, and its beautiful 

 fragrant flowers for weeks a precious ornament to our green-houses at a season when 

 flowers are generally scarce. 



