NOTES ON NEW OR RARE PLANTS. 269 
PLEROMA ELEGANS. 
. This splendid Melastoma-like plant has by some persons been con- 
demned as a shy bloomer, but this has arisen in consequence of a wrong 
treatment having been pursued. We have seen fine bushes of it (uot 
long, unsightly, naked ones) in profuse bloom, and almost covered with 
its blossoms, each as large as a crown-piece, and of a very rich violet- 
purple colour, producing a splendid appearance. 
It has usually been treated as a stove plant; and growing rapidly, 
without frequent stopping it is liable to become naked. It has, how- 
ever, been discovered that it should be treated as a cold greenhouse 
plant ; that it must be kept in a comparatively dormant state in the 
dead season by having a very small portion of moisture to the root, only 
just to save the plant from its leaves withering. ‘The compost should 
consist of loam and peat in equal parts, with a tolerable sprinkling of 
sand, and to have a liberal drainage of a few pieces of broken bones, or 
bits of charcoal, rough turf, &e. When it begins to grow, in spring, 
it should be placed in the most sunny and airy situation in the green- 
house, and near to the glass, till the middle of May. A gradual in- 
crease of water should be given to the roots, and occasional syringing 
over and under the leaves. Whilst it is in its growing state stop the 
VERY rampant shoots to strengthen the weaker, and at an early stage 
of growth such a thinning of the shoots should take place that only 
a due proportion are retained to bloom and regularly form the plant. 
When the plant has about completed its annual growth, less water must 
be given both at the roots and over head, but not so as to allow it to 
flag. At this period it must be taken from the greenhouse and be placed 
in the open air, fully exposed to sun, light, and air, in order that the 
shoots be well ripened, or they will not produce flowers, so that all pos- 
sible operation of the full sun’s rays must be allowed, to have the wood 
fully matured. It is advisable to have the pot plunged in coal-ashes, or 
the pot be placed within another having a space between them, in which 
moss can be pressed, and be moistened occasionally. These precautions 
are necessary to preserve the roots from being scorched by the heated 
sides of the pot. While thus placed in the open air, give only just enough 
water to keep the plant from withering. If wet weather occur, a piece 
of slate or tile being laid over the top of the pot will prevent an undue 
watering of the roots. After the perfecting of the wood, and formation 
of the flower-buds, the plant. may be placed in the greenhouse, duly 
watered, &c., and it will bloom in profusion, so as literally to be covered, 
and be one of the most ornamental objects of the greenhouse. 
CARNATIONS. 
Waututs’s Crapiey Pet.—A first-rate scarlet flake. The petal is 
of fine form and substance, and the white good. The colour is rich, 
and well-defined in its marking. 
Starer’s ConsTeLLATiIon.—A high coloured rich crimson bizarre, 
of good form and substance. 
Bounn’s Lorp Lewisuam.—A brilliant scarlet bizarre, fine form, of 
good substance, and a first-rate flower in all respects. 
