CHAPTER XV 



THE PLUMBAGO^ OLEANDER^ AGAPANTHUS, AGERA- 

 TUM, STEVIA AND EUPATORIUM 



The Plumbago 



Plumbago Capensis is one of the best house plants 

 I have ever grown. It is a somewhat rampant grower, 

 but can be kept within bounds by judicious pruning. 

 It blooms ten months out of twelve, and very freely, 

 and on this account it is sure to become a favorite 

 wheresoever introduced. Its flowers are shaped like 

 those of Phlox Dniinmondi. They are borne in loose 

 clusters, and are of a delicate shade of lavender-blue — 

 a very rare color among flowers. Indeed, I know of 

 but one other flower of similar color — the Ageratum. 

 The flowers of the Plumbago are always produced 

 on new growth, therefore in order to keep it in 

 blooming condition it must be kept growing. Cut it 

 back every two or three months, and cut it back well, 

 and you will never lack for plenty of flowering surface 

 if you give manure water once a week to induce 

 development. On account of its peculiar color, it is 

 very useful for bouquet work. It combines well and 

 harmonizes with almost all other colors, and affords 

 a most dehghtful contrast with yellow flowers. 



The Oleander 



This old favorite holds its own against all new- 

 comers, and it is well that it does so, for it has many 

 merits that many of the new ones lack. As a large 

 plant for the center of a bay window, or for use on 



