426 On tiic growth of Brugmansia suavcolens. 



Art. IV. On the growth of Brugmansia sitaveohns. By R. 



This fine exotic, too much neglected in collections, on 

 accoLint of its liability to the red spider, uhicli, ^vhile disfigur- 

 ing it, also unfits it for a place among green-house plants, yet 

 is worthy the consideration of the amateur florist, as being so 

 readily cultivated, and so beautiful in inflorescence. An in- 

 dividual plant, raised from a cutting since IMay, 1840, has 

 given, at one time, twelve very large blossoms; and now, in 

 a second stage of bloom, presents three flowers scarcely in- 

 ferior in size. It measures only three feet in greatest height, 

 and has six branches. 



The mode of culture is simply detailed. Cuttings from 

 the extremities of the branches will readily root in a few 

 weeks, without any particular care. Promote a strong growth, 

 and at the end of the summer, a few flower-buds will be 

 formed. Should these expand, they will probably be small, 

 unless blooming in a warm green-house. Tiie protection of 

 a light warm cellar will be sufficient for the winter. After 

 repotting in the ensuing spring into a large sized pot, using 

 leaf mould and sandy loam as compost, plunge into the open 

 border. During the mid summer, especially should it be dry 

 and warm, supply abundance of water. After the buds are well 

 formed, and indeed as late as possible, avoiding frosts, raise 

 the pot and give protection. Great supply of water will now 

 be needed, as the flowers expand. The result will repay the 

 experiment, in the production of a noble plant with highly 

 scented and immaculate blossoms of large dimensions. To 

 lovers of fine and unique plants of easy culture, and who are 

 not possessed of plant structures, w^e can scarcely recommend 

 a belter subject for their skill. Our remarks, too, are intend- 

 ed for such: — to the general florist, or the owner of the green- 

 house or stove, we are aware they are superfluous. Having 

 hitherto seen the depauperated and diseased specimens which 

 usually inhabit our green-house collections, with a straggling 

 flower of tawny hue and droojnng form, we were not a little 

 prejudiced against this Peruvian beauty, until, by almost 

 chance possession and culture, we were inclined to a different 

 opinion. INlany of the blossoms were twelve inches in length, 

 and seven or eight inches across the mouth of the flower; so 

 \\i?i[ \{ size, fragrance, and intrinsic beauty were nuy recom- 

 rnendations or desiderata, the Brugmansm suaveolens can lay 

 claim to all. — R.j Chelmsford, Oct., 1S41. 



