296 HOW TO GROW SPECIMEN PLANTS. 



be well shown, and with fine effect, as standards, with 

 an umbrella-shaped head, a mode of growth specially 

 adapted for showing off the drooping flowers. This mode 

 requires much care ; it is very difficult, unless the plant is 

 grown on a wire frame or hoop. 



To grow fuchsias well and effectually the plant should 

 not be hurried. It should be strong in the main shoot, 

 and not be so weak as to require a prop. It should, at 

 the end of the season, be allowed to rest ; as soon as it 

 indicates a desire to grow it should be re-potted, not in too 

 rich a compost, and be pruned with short branches at the 

 bottom, shorter as we go upwards, till they are mere spurs 

 when we get half way up, and tolerably close at the top. 

 By growing the plant gently in the green-house, the 

 branches of the season will be multiplied greatly, and 

 with a very little checking, form a beautiful close cone or 

 pyramid (according as the plant has been pruned), full 

 of foliage and bloom, and with colors in perfection. The 

 fuchsia will also grow well as a bush. We have, to do 

 this, to stop the cutting when it is two inches high, and 

 to continue stopping all growth which is too vigorous, 

 and all early growth, directly two eyes can be left, so 

 that by inducing lateral shoots we secure a bush in 



