78 HOME FLORICULTURE 



a plant for growing in large pots or tubs, to decorate 

 the porch or veranda, I know of nothing superior. 

 For the summer decoration of the greenhouse or small 

 conservatory, which is likely to be somewhat neglected 

 at this season, it is one of our very best plants. If 

 I were to choose three plants for such use, I would 

 take the Fuchsia, Gloxinia and Hibiscus. These are 

 all summer bloomers, profuse in flowering, beautiful in 

 habit, and of the greatest variety of color, and all are 

 easily grown. 



The Hibiscus delights in a rich soil, made up of 

 loam, woods earth, and some old and thoroughly rotted 

 manure, with sand enough added to make the mass 

 light and porous. Especial care must be taken to give 

 good drainage, as the plant will be pretty sure to drop 

 its leaves and buds if there is stagnant water at its 

 roots. It must be watered regularly. One neglect to 

 do this gives it a check which will injure it for all 

 the season. If you want fine plants, they must be 

 grown on steadily, and anything which interferes with 

 steady growth will prevent success. They are fond of 

 sunshine, but should be protected from the intense heat 

 of the afternoon. They are also fond of a good deal 

 of moisture on their foliage. The leaves are a rich, 

 shining green, and form a fine background for the 

 large and exceedingly brilliant flowers, which are often 

 of the size of a Hollyhock, which flower some varieties 

 resemble. The color of most varieties is a bright, glow- 

 ing scarlet. 



The plant should be dried off gradually in October, 

 to prepare it for winter in the cellar. Bring up in 

 March, repot, and cut back well. Many complain that 

 it drops its buds at the least provocation, and often 

 without any, in fact. I have had plants which would 

 do this, but careful exammation has always shown 

 me that there was some cause, and that I have most 



