CHAPTER XXV 



THE ABUTILON, BEGONIA AND ROSE 



The Abutilon 



Chinese Bell Flower, so called because of the 

 shape of their pendent flowers ; also known as Flower- 

 ing Maple, because of the resemblance of its foliage 

 to that of our native Maple. An excellent plant for 

 the house or greenhouse, because of its sturdy habit, 

 profuse flowering qualities and the beauty of its blos- 

 soms. Requires about the same care as the Geranium. 

 Can be grown as a small tree, by training as advised 

 in the remarks on the Chrysanthemum. The follow- 

 ing are among the most distinct sorts : 



Boule de Neige — Pure white. 



Royal Scarlet — Rich scarlet. Very fine. 



Rosaeflora — Bright rose. 



Splendens — Red. 



Infanta Eulalia — Pink, Great bloomer. 



Golden Fleece — Yellow. Free flowering. 



A list of varieties having beautifully variegated 

 foliage will be found in the chapters devoted to the 

 description of Decorative Plants. 



Begonia 



Everybody grows this plant, and almost everybody 

 succeeds with it, because it is one of the plants that 

 needs no coaxing or humoring. Give it a soil con- 

 taining considerable leaf mold or turfy matter, or one 

 of loam and sand, drain its pots well, and keep it out 

 of the hot sun, and you will be sure to get plenty 



