204 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



in the centre, surrounded by filaments, is said to be em- 

 blematical of our Saviour's Passion. This species of flow- 

 er has been in cultivation for more than two centuries, 

 and comprises a numerous family from Asia and other 

 parts. The larger part requires the genial warmth of the 

 green-house to bring them to perfection, while others are de- 

 sirable for the parlor, and can be trained around the window 

 during the summer, giving the room a novel appearance 

 with their beautiful flowers ; in October they can be cut 

 down or twisted around a stick, and placed away until the 

 following spring. 



P. ccerulea is hardy, and will live out of doors with 

 a slight protection. The leaves are composed of five 

 lobes ; the flowers pale greenish white ; the filaments 

 purple at the base, white at the middle, and blue at the 

 tips. It will continue to grow until killed down by the 

 frost. 



P. kermesina is one of the best in cultivation. It is 

 rather tender, but may be brought to flower well dur- 

 ing the summer in the parlor ; the wood is rather slen- 

 der, but free in growth, and abounds with flowers, which 

 are a beautiful crimson, forming a fine contrast with its 

 delicate foliage; the leaves are three-lobed, and the un- 

 der part of the young leaves, of a purple cast. 



P. middletoniana or fragrans, and P. actinia, are 

 delightfully fragrant varieties. These, and many others 

 are very desirable, but to name all would occupy too 

 much space. All the varieties will grow readily from 

 cuttings in the early spring, and also from seed. The 

 pots must be well drained, and should be not less than 

 nine inches for a full grown plant. The soil must be 



