74 THE CULTURE OF POT-I'LANTS 



Crocus. — See Bulbs, p. 136. 



Cyclamen. — See Bulbs, p. 137. 



Daphne. — The best winter-flowering species are D. Meze- 

 reuin and D. odora, especially its variety Mazeli, the 

 former a hardy deciduous shrub with red flowers, and the 

 latter an evergreen, which is rather more tender and is usually 

 grown in pots, though it may be planted out in summer. 

 Both species, when intended for indoor use, should be potted 

 early in autumn. If the operation is delayed, some of the 

 young roots which they have already made will be injured, 

 and the plants wnll not be so satisfactory. They should be 

 grown fairly cool. Daphnes should not be pruned. 



Hamamelis (Wych Hazel). — A genus containing three 

 species — H. arborea, H. jap07iica^ and H. virgmica (the 

 commonest) — remarkable for their strange, tattered-looking 

 yellow flowers borne on the leafless branches in winter. They 

 are quite hardy, but a striking effect can be produced by 

 growing them in pots. They are often grafted, but can be 

 propagated by layering. Pruning is not advisable. 



Hibiscus. — There is one winter-flowering species, H. viar- 

 ?)ioratus, with rather long tubular white flowers mottled 

 wnth pink. A native of Mexico, it requires a fairly high 

 temperature, but given that it can be grown without much 

 trouble. It should be cut back a little after flowering, and 

 given less water until the new^ shoots start. The prunings 

 may be used as cuttings. During the summer it may be 

 kept in an airy greenhouse or put outside for a time. The 

 othe'r perennial species should be treated on the same lines. 



Imantophyllum (or Clivia). — A South African genus 

 W'ith long, leathery, strap-shaped evergreen leaves and large 

 heads of handsome yellow^ or orange flowers. /. cyrtanthifloruin 

 and I. Gardeni flower in winter in a suitable temperature, the 

 others in spring or summer. Like all plants of this class, 

 imantophyllums should be heavily watered and frequently 

 syringed in summer, but in winter the soil should be only 

 slightly moist. When over-potted they do not flower so well ; 

 they should, therefore, not be moved until the large fleshy roots 

 burst the pots, when they should be transferred without dis- 



