38 GREENHOUSE FLOWERING PLANTS. 



LASLAI^DEA. 



This genus is now generally included under Pleroma, but 

 the beautiful free-flowering species known in gardens as Lasi- 

 andra maerantha floribunda makes such a fine specimen that 

 it deserves special notice, as with proper treatment it is among 

 the very best of flowers, of an attractive rich violet-purple 

 colour. The plant thrives well in light turfy loam with a 

 sprinkling of bone-meal. In such soil, and in a warm green- 

 house, it makes a vigorous sturdy growth, which, by careful 

 pinching and regulating, eventually forms a grand specimen. 

 The large flowers are freely produced on the ends of the shoots, 

 and a judicious application of clear liquid manure for a fort- 

 night before they begin to open adds to their size, brilliancy, 

 and endurance. The plants flower best when pot-bound, and 

 when they have attained specimen size they will thrive and 

 flower in profusion for years without shifting, if due attention 

 is given to top-dressing, and feeding them with liquid manure 

 when growth is taking place, as well as when they are coming 

 into flower. 



LESCHENATJLTIA. 



This is a beautiful genus of New Holland plants, the shrubby 

 species of which are of great value for exhibition when they 

 are staged in first-class condition. The two best kinds are 

 L. biloha major and L. foifnosa. These plants very much re- 

 semble heaths, but being scarcely so hardy, they require more 

 heat in winter, otherwise a heath-house suits them well. Like 

 most of the New Holland plants, they thrive best in sandy 

 peat. They should not be too much confined in the pots, but 

 be shifted on as they require it, taking care not to give too 

 much water when the plants are newly potted. The same 

 mode of training as that recommended for the Heath suits 

 them well. 



LILIUM. 



This is a geniis of bulbous plants, comprising a large number 

 of species, with splendid flowers, all eminently useful for exhi- 



