34 FLOWERS AND THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



ducing in August a profusion of large bell- shaped 

 flowers, which come green at first, and turn purple after- 

 wards. The root must haye plenty of room, and rather 

 poor soil, to prevent its strength running to leaf instead 

 of to bloom, and the shoots should often be stopped (i.e. 

 the tips pinched off), to make the tree grow thick. It 

 will climb by aid of its own tendrils, if its position gives 

 it the opportunity ; if not, it must be nailed up, or tied 

 with bast. It is propagated by seed, sown in a hot-bed 

 in March, or cuttings of firm side shoots, taken in sum- 

 mer. The root may be protected in the winter. Cobcea 

 scandens variegata is a handsome foliaged climber of 

 more recent introduction. 



The "Wistaria, which used to be called the Grlycene, is 

 beautiful from its profusion of large drooping racemes of 

 bright lavender fragrant flowers in the spring. It 

 requires a rich soil, and it should be watered in dry 

 weather. It flowers well in the outskirts of London, 

 and it will sometimes flower a second time in the year. 

 The young trees are often backward in beginning to 

 flower ; they, and older plants also, will be benefited by 

 the use of liquid manure, taking care to put it down a 

 long way from the stem. The plant is easily propagated. 

 The seed seldom ripens in England, but when it does it 

 grows rapidly. Layers produce abundantly, as a long one 

 laid down will root at every joint. It will also grow from 

 cuttings of the plant and root. It is the Wistaria 

 Sinensis which has fine large pale lavender flowers ; the 

 Wistaria frutescens has a flower which is smaller in size 

 and deeper in colour, and which comes later. There is 

 also a white early flowering variety, which contrasts 

 well with the others, and does best when grafted on 

 the root of these. 



The Maurandya Barclayana is an elegant and delicate 

 climbing plant which often dies in the winter. If it is 

 planted in the open ground, it will not bear being over- 

 grown by more rampant vegetation, but it will often do 

 very well if the root be kept in the pot, as it does not 

 need much room, and it can then be taken in for the 

 winter. The flowers are of a beautiful dark blue. It must 



