GARDENIA. 139 



at a stove temperature during the summer, after which 

 they will be best at 50 to 55 degrees until the period of 

 growth begins in February, when the temperature should 

 be raised. 



When the plants lose their lower leaves, if rested 

 and then cut back and repotted, a new head can be 

 formed. Young plants are, however, most satisfactory. 

 The thick, waxy leaves of the Ardisia render it little 

 subject to insect attacks, although the scale and mealy 

 bug are sometimes troublesome; they readily yield, how- 

 ever, to the usual remedies. 



the gardenia {Gardenia florida). 



When grown in a warm, moist atmosphere, and 

 kept free from scale, mealy bugs and other insects, this 

 plant, Avith its profusion of white, waxy flowers, with 

 their unequalled fragrance, and shining, green leaves, is 

 certainly worthy of admiration. It is readily propagated 

 from half-hard cuttings under a handglass, or in a propa- 

 gating case, with strong bottom heat. The rooted cut- 

 tings should be potted in fibrous, sandy soil, and should 

 be gradually hardened, but to avoid a check they should 

 be kept at a stove temperature with bottom heat. They 

 like a peaty, fibrous soil with an admixture of sand, and, 

 with proper attention in the way of watering and repot- 

 ting, cuttings struck in the early winter will make 

 strong plants in one season. During their growth, the 

 water supply should not be stinted, and frequent spray- 

 ings should be given. When the growth is completed, 

 they should be allowed to ripen their wood, and then 

 receive a partial rest by restricting their heat and mois- 

 ture. Young plants, at most two years old, should he 

 used, and it will not pay to attempt to recuperate a 

 stunted plant. Gardenias are quite subject to the attack 

 of some of the more common greenhouse insects, such as 

 the red spider and scale, but with proper care they will 



