844 GHEENHOtrSE PLANTS. 



V. purpurea maxima ociilata. — This is a most desirable 

 plant, being much larger than the old T^ purpurea, and of 

 greater substance ; it is of a rich crimson scarlet colour, and 

 has a large white eye, which renders it very distinct. 



Vekontca. 



A genus containing many pretty greenhouse shrubs, of 

 compact growth and hardy constitution. They should Lc 

 potted in a compost consisting of three parts good rich loam, 

 with a little peat and sand added. They produce their 

 flowers during summer and autumn, and are useful for 

 decoration. They are easily increased by cuttings of the 

 half-ripened wood, and also by seeds, when these are obtain- 

 able. Subjoined are a few good varieties. 



V. Andersoni. — A fine ornamental kind, with rich dark 

 green leaves, and large spikes of pretty lilac flowers, which 

 change with age to white. 



V. decussata Devoniana. — This is a fine variety, of close 

 compact habit ; the leaves are larger than those of the 

 species, and of a rich dark green. The flowers are freely 

 produced in large terminal heads, and are pure white. A 

 garden hybrid. 



V. Imperial Blue. — A variety of free-flowering habit, pro- 

 ducing fine trusses of rich deep blue flowers. 



V. IMdensis. — -A plant which contrasts well when grouped 

 with others ; it is a profuse bloomer, producing large spikes 

 of bright rose-coloured flowers, which change with age to 

 white. A garden variety. 



V. speciosa coccinea. — This is a very robust-growing variety, 

 with ample broad green leaves ; the flowers are red, but un- 

 fortunately it does not flower so freely as the other kinds. 

 A garden variety. 



