84 Sttbtropical Gardening. 



flowers well before the third year. It is of easy culture 

 in any soil, is increased by division in autumn, winter, or 

 spring, and is best fitted for association with the more 

 vigorous herbaceous plants in rough places. S. of Europe. 

 Caladium esculentum. — This species has, for out- 

 door work, proved the best of a large genus with very 

 fine foliage. It is only in the midland and southern 

 counties of Great Britain that it can be advantageously 

 grown, so far as I have observed ; but its grand outlines 

 and aspect when well developed make it worthy of all 

 attention, and of a prominent position wherever the 

 climate is warm enough for its growth. It may be used 

 with great effect in association with many fine foliage- 

 plants; but Ferdinanda, Ricinus, and Wigandia usually 

 grow too strong for it, and, if planted too close, injure it. 

 This may have been noticed particularly in cases where it 

 was used as a bordering to masses of the strong-growing 

 kinds above named. For all kinds of stonework, vases, 

 etc., it is peculiarly effective and beautiful. This plant, 

 requires, above all others, a thoroughly-drained, light, 

 rich, warm soil. In times of great heat, it should be 

 plentifully watered, and occasionally with liquid manure. 

 The month of May is the best time for planting it out ; 

 and if groups are formed, the plants should have an 

 interval of 2 ft. or 2I ft. between them. The foliage 

 generally arrives at its full beauty and development in 

 August and September. At the approach of cold frosty 

 weather, all the leaves, or all but the central one, 

 should be cut down to within an inch or two from the 

 crown, and a few days afterwards the tubers should be 

 taken up and left on the ground for a few hours to dry : 



