68 THE BOOK OF CLIMBING PLANTS 



be gradually exposed to the air of the house. They 

 will generally do well in the stove or greenhouse, and 

 are effective climbers with their large, fine flowers on 

 the roof, wall, pillar or trellis. They are best on a 

 single stem .until of some height. 



Indispensable, also, where climbers are much grown 

 under glass, are the Bougainvilleas, whose showy 

 appearance is in keeping with the most effective of 

 the other occupants of the conservatory or stove. They 

 dislike being confined to a limited space, and are best 

 when allowed to make a free and natural-looking growth 

 on the roof or wall. They are best planted out in a 

 well-drained border in the house filled with a compost 

 composed of about one part of leaf-mould, with three 

 of sound, turfy loam, and a good admixture of sharp 

 sand. The Bougainvilleas are propagated by cuttings 

 of half-ripe wood with a heel, taken off in March, in a 

 good bottom heat, with a glass over them. They are 

 usually rested in winter by restricting the water supply. 

 Pruning is done in January or February, cutting them 

 back in the same way as the Grape Vine, cutting out 

 at the same time any weak or superfluous growths. 

 Speciosa, spectabilis and glabra are the best, the last 

 being generally preferred for pots. 



Clerodendrons are also favourite climbers for the stove 

 or greenhouse, and those of climbing habit always rank 

 high in the estimation of those who care for such plants. 

 Turfy loam, with an equal proportion of peat, and a 

 small quantity of leaf-soil, charcoal and sand will make 

 a good compost. When planted out the supply of water 

 should be reduced in winter and the temperature of the 

 stove kept as low as compatible with the needs of other 

 plants, but not less than sixty degrees. They should 

 be cut back after flowering, and at this season propaga- 

 tion may be effected by taking cuttings of the ripe 

 shoots and striking them under a bell-glass in light soil. 



