HOW TO GROW SPECIMEN PLANTS. 305 



dred species of Hibiscus are pretty plants, but not gen- 

 erally grown. 



Allamandas, Kennedia, Stephanotus, Combretum, Rhyn- 

 cospermum, and a host of other hard and soft-wooded 

 climbers, grow to perfection on balloon trellises, and if 

 the foliage is kept in good health, are pictures of beauty. 



Pelargoniums and Geraniums need only to be grown 

 slowly, and to be properly pinched to make side shoots, 

 and are among the finest plants for specimens. 



Orchids need great care, and the growth is slow ; but 

 well grown, are most splendid when in bloom. Nothing 

 can surpass well-grown plants of Cypripedium, Cattleya, 

 Lselia, Stanhopea, Oncidium, and hosts of others. The 

 Cyclamen, in perfection, is most beautiful, and many of 

 the Cape bulbs, in profuse flower and foliage, are very 

 pretty. 



We need not now explore the widely extended region 

 of variegated-leafed and ornamental-foliaged plants. Those 

 who have seen the Cyanophyllum, Rhopalas, Cordylines, 

 Crotons, the many beautiful Caladia, arid the unap- 

 proachable and unique Alocasia Metallica, need not be 

 told what magnificent plants are given us for specimens, 

 and to those who have not seen them, no words can 

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