XXII. THE FUCHSIA 



HERE is no more popular 

 plant for culture in the 

 window-garden than the 

 Fuchsia, and yet we seldom 

 see it grown well there. 

 Generally it is a scraggly, 

 sprawling specimen, with 

 few branches and inferior flowers. As usually 

 grown, it is far from being a satisfactory 

 plant, but there is no reason why such 

 should be the case if the grower will give it 

 the care it requires. One reason why it fails to 

 give better satisfaction is it is a misunder- 

 stood plant. An impression prevails that it is 

 a winter-bloomer, and because of this it is 

 neglected in summer, being held in reserve for 

 winter work. When winter comes, and flowers 

 are expected from it, it fails to meet the ex- 

 pectations of the grower, and it is blamed for 

 misbehavior. The explanation of its failure 

 is this : It is not a winter-bloomer, with the ex- 

 ception of two or three varieties. These varie- 

 ties are not as showy as others, and they are not 



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