10 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



ZO^\\L PELARGONIUMS TOE POT CULTUEE. 



BY JOnif WALSH. 



iOW that Zonal Pelargoniums are so extensively grown for 

 the decoration of the conservatory, I feel assured that a 

 tew remarks on the varieties best adapted for that pur- 

 pose will be of considerable value to those who do not 

 enjoy the same facilities for observation as myself. To 

 grow the commoner kinds in pots for decorations is a waste of force, 

 and the selection of varieties for bedding and for pot culture nnust 

 be conducted on different principles. In the ibrmer case a profusion 

 of bloom is of first importance, but in the latter, quality is of more 

 importance than quantity ; and those having flowers of good form 

 are alone suitable. There is no difficulty in obtaining varieties of 

 the highest degree of excellence, for they are now abundant and 

 cheap. In remote districts there is, of course, cous^iderable difficulty 

 in ascertaining which are the best in the several shades of colour, 

 for specimens at exhibitions seldom afford the desired information, 

 as a period of several years is taken up in the production of a 

 specimen, and the variety consequently becomes old, and in many 

 instances superseded, by the time it is exhibited. It may also be said 

 that the best varieties are not always taken in hand at the com- 

 mencement, and that they are i'requeutly exhibited for five or six 

 years consecutively. The varieties which I shall recommend have 

 been selected from a collection comprising between five and six 

 hundred sorts, and tliey may in every case be considered the finest 

 in the respective sliades of colour. There are many others exceed- 

 ingly beautiful, and, when well grown, present a most attractive 

 appearance ; but they are all inferior in some way or other to those 

 which will be enumerated. 



Let us iirst of all take the varieties representing the various 

 shades of red, scarlet, and crimson. EicJiard Cceur de Lion is grand; 

 the flowers are of fine shape, the truss large, and the colour brilliant 

 scarlet. Rienzi has fine circular flowers, nearly three inches in 

 diameter, a good truss, and the colour is a most brilliant scarlet. 

 Corsair is, perhaps, the best of the scarlets, as it is wonderfully 

 bright, very neat in growth, and the large well-formed flowei s are 

 produced in great profusion. This mtist be had. Mr. Stanley is 

 of a dull orange red, and its flowers are produced in immense 

 trusses; it forms a capital contrast to the dark varieties. Jessica 

 belongs to the nosegay section, but the flowers aud trusses are so 

 large and fine, and the colour — deep crimson — so rich, that it is first- 

 rate for pots. It is in the way of "Wellington, but better. JDe 

 JJesseps has bright scarlet flowers of fine form, and can be com- 

 mended for its brilliant colour aud fine quality. A. F. Barron, like 

 the preceding, has large flowers of a dazzling scarlet. Harry King 

 is remarkable for the fine form of the flowers, the immense size of 

 the trusses, and the deep rich scarlet colour ; the flowers have a 

 large pure white eye. Peter SeJbij produces immense trusses of 

 reddish scarlet flowers, and is very attractive ; in habit it is very 



