GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 115 



Propagation. Put in cuttings during early Spring; plant in 

 the open border as soon as weather permits, lift and pot in the Fall. 

 Splendid specimens may thus be secured for Winter bloom. 



ERICA (Heath). Several years ago the growing of these 

 plants in this country for commercial purposes was regarded as an 

 impossibility, even by those who were familiar with their culture in 

 Europe. But now, some of the kinds are grown here as well as any- 

 where, simply by studying their needs, and carefully attending to 

 their wants. E. persoluta, E. melanthera, E. gracilis and E. hyemalis 

 are a few of the very many kinds grown. 



Culture, During the Summer months keep the roots cool by 

 plunging the plants in some porous material, never allowing them 

 to get too wet or too dry. It may be stated here that roots of plants 

 are divided into four classes — nutritive, attachment, contractile 

 and storage. In the Ericas the nutritive roots are most abundant 

 next the flower pot, so that an equable condition of moisture is neces- 

 sary to their existence. Avoid manure of any description. 



Propagation Propagation of the several varieties may be 

 effected during April before the active growth of the season gets 

 too far advanced. Have no undesirable vegetable humus or mud in 

 the sand. Secure a good-sized bucket, fill with sand and push the 

 end of the hose to the bottom, allowing the water to run with con- 

 siderable force for a few minutes. This will clean the sand of all 

 impurities. Pans or pots for the cuttings should have perfect drain- 

 age to within 2 or 3 inches from the surface; give about an inch of 

 peat or leafmold and sand at the bottom, covering with an inch or 

 so of sand, which should be made firm. Keep close under glass while 

 rooting at a temperature never above 60 degrees F. 



ERYTHRINA (Coral Tree). The herbaceous species of 

 Erythrina are not ornamental when not in flower. E. Crista-galli 

 and the variety E. laurifolia, together with E. Hendersoni, are the 

 best for outdoor culture. The woody sorts, E. Parcellii and E. 

 marmorata, both varieties of E. indica, have variegated foliage and 

 are greenhouse plants. 



Culture They are best placed in coldframes for the Winter 

 and should get a mulching of stable litter to keep their roots snug. 

 In the colder parts of the country the covering should extend a foot 

 or more up the stems, so that there will be no danger from freezing. 

 So treated they bloom nicely in Summer. In pruning leave as much 

 of the stem as possible, only cutting off enough to enable the sash 



