30 Floral J\fotes. 



Floral Notes. 



JSttchiirin Ainnzonic'i- 



The Gardeyi says that: " So rapidly has this noble stove plant grown in the esti- 

 mation of the plant-growing public, that it is already almost as indispensable to the 

 stove collection as is the lily of the valley and the white camellia to the bouquet- 

 maker. Indeed, the Eucharis bids fair to rival either of these, even with the Covenfc 

 Garden people, and it is very extensively used among cut flowers. For room, stove, 

 and, in the summer, conservatory decoration, it is equally valuable. To this we 

 have to add that the best plants of it ever shown were grown by Mr. Howard, gar- 

 dener at Bedford Hill, Balham, and that his success resulted from heavy waterings 

 occasionally with mild liquid manure, a genial stove temperature, and repeatedly 

 syringing them when in a state of growth. It is another illustration of the fact 

 that cultivators generally have a poor idea of the true requirements of plants as re- 

 gards moisture at the root when in a growing state. The splendid specimens we allude 

 to, like other things grown by the same skillful cultivator, were not, when in want of 

 water, simply watered once, but the first was considered merely a preliminary dose, 

 and two others given. The fact is that, instead of the common statement made so 

 repeatedly in the gardening journals, that most plants perish from over-watering, 

 being true, the opposite is the case. Most pot plants that die perish from insufficient 

 watering. Let it not be inferred from this that we recommend frequent waterings: 

 one thorough one will save a dozen dribblings such as gardeners too often give, and 

 therefore save time, and be far more eflfective and wholesome for the plants. 



White Scarlet Sage, 



A new variety of the Salvia Splendens has been originated by H. E. Chitty, of 

 Paterson, N. J., with white fmvers only, and dwarf growing habit, known as the 

 Salvia Splendens Compacta Alba. At the last fall exhibition of the Massachusetts 

 Horticultural Society, in Boston, September 16th to 20th, it received high commen- 

 dation. 



Willotv-Tjeaved Amaranth. 



In a majority of places this year this Amaranthus Salicifolius has had remarkable 

 success, and promises to be still more popular. We have seen it under a number of 

 adverse conditions, but its growth here this year demonstrates its general adaptedness 

 to this country. 



.1 l^'loval Curiosity. 



In Santa Clara, Cal., there has been grown this year by J. B. Rinehart, a black 

 lily with three large blossoms, each nine inches long, and perfectly black. The 

 outside of the leaves are green, while the inside and edges are black. This might 

 be called a floral phenomenon. 



J'Voifcivv in Tjondoti, 



The demand for flowers in London is said to be astonishing, and the prices given 

 for them amazing. The dinner tables at fashionable parties and meetings are said 

 to be regular bowers of flowers and ferns. At a recent dinner the flowers cost 

 $1,000, and the peaches 12 guineas per dozen, or $5 per peach. 



JSucharis Amnsonica. 



A correspondent of The Garden considers this one of the most valuable of winter 

 flowering plants : not that it usually flowers during the dull season of the year, but 

 it is one of those accommodating plants that may be forced into flower at any time 

 by the use of bottom heat and a little judgment. Their great waxy blooms are well 

 nigh invaluable for bouquets, floral decorations, or for ladies' hair. For the last men- 

 tioned purpose they stand unrivaled ; Phalaenopsis blooms not even excepted. 



