202 TJie BoiLvardia. 



In brilliancy of color, they have no superiors ; and, in one species, the deli- 

 cate white flowers are pleasantly fragrant. 



There are not more than half a dozen species in cultivation ; but many 

 varieties have been obtained by skilful hybridization, some of which even 

 excel the species in beauty. 



The general color of the flowers is scarlet : but we find exceptions in 

 B. longiflora, which has white flowers ; while in B. flava, as the name im- 

 plies, the blossoms are yellow. Hybrid varieties also show in their flowers 

 all the various shades between these colors. 



The species generally grown are B. /ongijfora, with white flowers ; B. flava, 

 with }-ellow ; and B. trip/iylla, splendens, and kiant/ia, all with scarlet flowers. 



Of these, B. hngiflora is by far the most beautiful. The plant is a dwarf, 

 bushy shrub, with clear glossy foliage, and few flowered terminal corymbs 

 of clear waxy-white flowers. The individual blossoms are tubular, larger 

 than a white jasmine, and not as large as a single tube-rose, exquisitely 

 fragrant, and very beautiful. 



The flowering season is generally in winter ; but, by a little attention, 

 v/e have had a succession of plants coming into bloom at all seasons. 

 The plant requires only common greenhouse-culture, and would doubtless 

 bloom under parlor-culture ; though we cannot say this from experience. 

 Attention must be given, however, to prevent the soil becoming sour or 

 sodden ; and the pots should always be well drained. The proper soil is 

 rich leaf-mould and silver sand, or light, rich, fibry loam. 



B. fJava is by no means a showy species, and is seldom grown, but is 

 worthy a place in a collection. The flowers are yellow and very pretty, 

 produced in summer. 



B. splendcns is also a summer-bloomer, and has bright-scarlet flowers : 

 il has, however, been thrown into the shade by other and better species. 



B. Iciantha is probably the species most generally grown, as its bright- 

 scarlet flower and winter-blooming qualities universally recommend it. The 

 plant is about a foot higli, bushy, very free-flowering, of good habit, quick 

 growth, and generally healthy, not very particular as to soil, and blooming 

 even if neglected. For cut-flowers it is invaluable, as it comes when flowers 

 are most in request, and combines brilliancy of color with elegance of 

 shape. 



