Stock Streptocarpus Sunflower 



again, for the winter must not find them soft and succulent. There 

 should be hard stems and sturdy growth to carry them through the 

 cold weather. In districts that are specially unfavourable it may be 

 necessary to pot each plant singly in the 6o-size, and plunge these in 

 ashes in a cold frame, or under the shelter of a south wall, until 

 severe weather is past, and they can then be turned out into the 

 borders. 



STREPTOCARPUS 



Cape Primrose. Tender perennial 



THE hybrids are a very striking race, invaluable for greenhouse and 

 conservatory decoration, producing a continuous succession of large 

 trumpet-shaped flowers, embracing colours ranging from pure white, 

 through lavender, purple, violet, rose, and red, to rich rosy-purple. 

 Sow very thinly from January to March in well-drained pots, and a 

 dusting of fine soil will sufficiently cover the seed. Place the pots in 

 a temperature of 60 to 65, and take care that the soil is not allowed 

 to become dry. Prick off the seedlings when large enough to handle, 

 keeping them in the temperature named until the final potting. 

 When established they thrive with ordinary attention in a greenhouse, 

 and they winter well in a temperature ranging between 40 and 50. 

 Seed sown in January and February will produce plants which will 

 come into bloom during the following June and July. 



Streptocarpus Wendlandii is a singularly interesting variety. 

 Only one immense leaf is produced, which frequently attains a width 

 of two feet, with a proportionate length. This leaf is reflexed, com- 

 pletely hiding the pot on one side. From the axis, scapes of elegant 

 violet-blue flowers with white throat are thrown up to a height of 

 eighteen inches. 



The seeds should be sown in a warm greenhouse early in the 

 year. The plants will begin to flower in the winter and continue in 

 bloom for about six months. The temperature which is suitable for 

 Gloxinias will answer for this plant also. 



SUNFLOWER 



Helianthus annuus. Hardy annual 



THE utility of the Sunflower has been alluded to in a former page. 

 Here we have only to regard the plant in its ornamental character, 

 as an occupant of the shrubbery or flower border* 



273 T 



