I CO The Allamanda. 



THE ALLAMANDA. 



We give, this month, an illustration of one of the most ornamental stove- 

 plants. All the allamandas are natives of South America, the larger pro- 

 portion coming from Brazil. It will thus be seen that they with us require 

 stove-culture; and it is only when well grown in heat that they develop their 

 splendid golden flowers. All are low climbers ; though many are of low 

 growth, and are often cultivated as shrubs. 



Generous culture is essential to their successful growth ; but their mag- 

 nificent panicles of gorgeous flowers, which in some species are four inches 

 in diameter, well repay the necessary care. 



They thrive best in rich, loamy soil, with moist heat. 



Cuttings strike freely in sand, in moist bottom-heat. 



The plants flower very young, — often blooming when only a few inches 

 high ; but it is only in large plants that we see the full beauty of the 

 genus. 



The general culture is very simple. During autumn and early winter, 

 the plants should be at rest, and will generally lose their leaves. At this 

 time they should be kept rather dry, and in a cool house, but should 

 never be chilled. After the turn of the year, they should be repotted, 

 pruned into shape, and placed in heat ; giving water freely after they begin 

 to grow. 



Do not allow the growth to be checked, or let them suffer for water. 

 They will soon show flower, and continue blooming during the su*nmer. 

 When bloom is over, and the wood is well ripened, they should be gradually 

 aHowed to go to rest. 



A. Schottii is a fine species, with large, yellow, funnel-shaped flowers ; the 

 lower part contracted, of a deeper yellow, — the upper expanding into a 

 bell-shaped throat. 



A. neriifolia has large panicles of smaller flowers, yellow streaked with 

 orange. 



A. violacea has reddish violet flowers, and, when first introduced, made a 

 sensation in the horticultural world, as it was represented as having blue 

 flowers j but the color is not attractive, and it is desirable only as a species. 



