THE ELORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. -07 



THE CINERARIA. 



(ILOWERHSTG from Christmas to June, and forming 

 handsome specimens for decorative purposes at a com- 

 paratively small expense, both as regards attention and 

 accommodation, and also furnishing a profusion of finely- 

 shaped many-coloured flowers for bouquets (which the 

 Cineraria does), it well deserves to be, as it is, one of the most 

 popular flowers of the day. It is of easy culture, and in most cases 

 is well managed ; but, nevertheless, in some instances (where ample 

 means exist, and also, doubtless, a desire to produce respectable 

 specimens), it exhibits effects of the worst possible treatment. The 

 following hints may enable such growers to produce creditable 

 examples of this extremely useful plant. 



The ordinary method of propagating the Cineraria is by root 

 suckers, which are produced abundantly by plants after blooming 

 when placed in a shady situation and properly attended to with 

 water. The old plants should be broken up as early in August as 

 suckers can be had strong enough ; the latter should be potted 

 singly in four-inch pots, and placed in a shady part of a cold frame 

 till well established, which will be in less than a fortnight. The 

 plants should then be placed near the glass, and receive abundance 

 of air, with a view to secure " stocky " growth. During autumn, 

 and until severe weather occurs, a cold frame will form the most 

 suitable situation for promoting rapid growth ; but some attention 

 will be necessary not to wet the foliage any more than can be 

 helped, and also to avoid cold currents of air, which turn the leaves 

 foxy, and greatly injure the plants. At the same time, however, 

 admit sufficient air to prevent weakly growth. "Water should be 

 applied early in the day, when necessary, giving a good soaking, and 

 air admitted on the sheltered side of the frame, to dry the atmos- 

 phere and foliage. During autumn and winter the Cineraria is 

 somewhat liable to mildew, especially some varieties ; keep, there- 

 fore, a sharp out-look for this enemy, and apply sulphur the moment 

 it appears to the parts affected. Mildew is greatly encouraged by 

 a confined, over-moist atmosphere, which is also very congenial to 

 aphides, which will be sure to make their appearance under such 

 circumstances. As soon as they are perceived, apply tobacco smoke ; 

 but if the plants are kept in good health, neither evil will be very 

 troublesome. As soon as frost is likely to occur, the glass should 

 be protected every night with straw screens, or some efficient cover- 

 ing ; for, remember, the Cineraria will not stand much frost, and 

 neglect in covering may do irreparable damage. With respect to 

 potting, the plants should be allowed plenty of root room until near 

 the period of flowering, and they ought never to be pot-bound 

 during the growing season. Liberal shifts may be given to healthy, 

 thriving plants, but weak varieties should not be over-potted. 

 Specimens may have ten-inch pots at the second shift, which will be 

 tnxfliciently large for the winter, and in March they may be moved 

 into twelve or fifteen-inch pots, according to the sized specimens 



July. 



