MIEABILIS 179 



MI'NA lobata continued. 



This half-hardy annual, though now classed 

 among the Ipomceas, is better known under the 

 name of Mina lobata. It is a most charming 

 climber, and is easily grown provided the summer 

 be a warm one, but if cold and wet it has but a 

 poor chance, being a native of Mexico, whence it 

 came in 1841. 



It requires to be raised in gentle heat and 

 planted out against a trellis, or, if in a border, on 

 pea-sticks, when under favourable conditions it 

 will make 6 to 10 ft. of growth in a season. 



About August it will be a mass of lovely tube- 

 like flowers, produced in double racemes, graduat- 

 ing in colour from vivid scarlet in the terminal 

 buds to orange and yellow, while the fully developed 

 flower is a delicate cream colour. It will continue 

 to flower in profusion till cut down by frost. Syn., 

 Ipomcda versicol'or. 



Propagate by sowing the seeds ^ in. deep 

 during February to March in light sandy soil, in 

 temp. 65 to 70. Prick out the seedlings into pots 

 as soon as ready, and place in a cold frame to 

 gradually harden off". In May they may be trusted 

 in the open ground in a sunny, sheltered position. 

 The soil should be for preference a sandy loam with 

 peat or leaf-mould mixed. 



MIRA'BILIS Man-el of Peru, Belle de Nuit or Four 

 o'Clock (L. mirabilis, to be wondered at or admired). 

 Nat. Ord. Nyctaginacece. 



