USEFUL GREENHOUSE PLANTS 157 



the flowers acquire a bluish tinge. The handsome H. paniculata grandi- 

 flora is much used for greenhouse decoration, although quite hardy. 

 This shrub produces huge pyramidal-shaped heads of creamy-white 

 flowers. The Hydrangeas strike root readily in the spring from cuttings 

 of the young shoots treated much in the same way as a Fuchsia. The 

 plants require copious supplies of water during the growing season. 



Imantophyllum. Sturdy growing plants with long, dark green 

 strap-shaped leaves, and large heads of orange red or terra- cotta coloured 

 blossoms, borne in the spring. The foliage is ornamental at all seasons. 

 Seed frequently ripens, from which young plants are readily raised. 

 7. miniatum is the full name. There are several good forms of it. It is 

 surprising that more amateurs do not grow this plant. 



Impatiens. The best-known member of this extensive family is 

 the common Balsam (I. Balsamina\ which is popular either for the 

 greenhouse or for bedding out. The seed should be sown in March, 

 and the seedlings potted oft as soon as sufficiently large. Pots six 

 inches in diameter are a convenient size in which to flower the Balsam, 

 which needs a good light soil, such as equal parts of loam, and well- 

 decayed manure, with a little sand. Seed from good varieties is very 

 necessary in order to obtain superior Balsams. 



India-rubber Plant. See Ficus. 



Indian Shot. See Canna. 



Isolepis gradlis. A pretty little grass-like plant, with dark 

 green leaves that droop around the pot and almost hide it. For 

 edging of groups and similar purposes it is very useful, and easily 

 grown. 



Jasminum. The best greenhouse Jasmine is /. grandiflorum, a 

 larger and bolder plant than the common hardy Jasmine, which it 

 somewhat resembles. The white flowers, tinged with purple, are de- 

 liciously fragrant, and borne throughout the greater part of the year. 



Joseph's Coat. See Amaranthus tricolor. 



Kennedya. Slender climbing plants, suitable for the roof or 

 rafters of the greenhouse, with pea-shaped blossoms. The best is 

 K. Marryattse, which has scarlet flowers borne during the first half of 

 the year. 



Lantana. Dwarf, shrubby plants, with flowers somewhat like 

 those of the Verbena, but rather smaller. Lantanas will bloom through- 

 out the summer, the flowers being white, yellow, pink, scarlet and 

 crimson. These Lantanas can be recommended to the amateur, as they 

 strike readily from cuttings in the spring, grow well with ordinary 

 treatment, and flower continuously throughout the summer. 



Lapageria. The two Lapagerias alba, white, and rosea, pink 

 are among the most beautiful of all greenhouse climbers, their flowers 

 being bell-shaped, and of waxy texture. They need a well-drained 

 soil, principally composed of rough sandy peat, copious supplies of 

 water during the summer, and a position shaded from the sun. They 

 are quite effective whether trained to the roof or to the back wall 

 of the greenhouse. 



Lemon Verbena. See Aloysia citriodora. 



