822 GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



P. spectabilis. — A free-growing species, with light green 

 linear-lanceolate leaves, and large heads of woolly white 

 flowers ; in a -variety called rosea, the flowers are pinkish rose 

 in colour ; both are very ornamental, and well -deserving a 

 place in every collection ; blooming during the months of 

 May and June. Native of New Holland. 



Pleeoma. 



A family of Melastomaceous plants, containing many hand- 

 some species, the best of which are here enumerated ; they 

 are nearly allied to OsbecJda. The soil best adapted for their 

 culture is good fibrous sandy peat, and a small portion of 

 light turfy loam. The greenhouse is far better for them 

 than the stove, but the warmest corner should be selected for 

 them ; but if a house with an intermediate temperature can be 

 used, they will form gorgeous specimens. Cuttings of young 

 wood strike freely in gentle heat. 



P. eUgans. — This is a beautiful ornamental plant, with 

 opposite bright shining green leaves, ovate-acuminate in 

 shape, and producing its large rich blue flowers in great 

 abundance during May and June, and is a plant which no 

 collection should lack. Native of Brazil. 



P. sarmentosa. — A beautiful new species, recently intro- 

 duced from Chili. The flowers are upwards of two inches in 

 diameter, and freely produced, in colour deep violet or violet 

 purple, and very handsome. It is of good habit and easy of 

 culture, and will no doubt be a great acquisition to our green- 

 houses. 



Primula. 



This is a genus comprising many lovely gems, but as the 

 majority of them are hardy plants, they must be left out of 



