GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 157 



and stopping the main shoot when the desired height has been 

 attained. 



STROBILANTHES. 5. anisophyllus and 5. isophyllus are very 

 neat and useful Winter blooming plants for the warm greenhouse. 

 Flowers are light purple. 



Culture. They require a high temperature, an abundance of 

 mositure and much syringing. 



Propagation. Cuttings should be taken in early Spring. 

 Plant out for the Summer, lifting and potting end of Septem- 

 ber. 



SWAINSONA. Not only is this plant useful for Winter bloom- 

 ing, but early struck cuttings grown in well-drained soil will flower 

 well in Summer and the flowers are always useful for the florist for 

 use in designs. Old cut back plants which have flowered during the 

 previous Winter will also supply an abundance of bloom when 

 planted out. 



Propagation. Cuttings root readily. 



SWEET PEAS. There are numerous methods of growing this 

 popular flower for Winter and Spring bloom; perhaps the greatest 

 success is secured in ground beds. The preparation of the soil is the 

 all-important item. The plant is a gross feeder, and, necessarily, the 

 soil must be rich and deep. Soil troubles are responsible for most of 

 the failures to grow first-class flowers. Three parts good loam and 

 one part well-decayed cow manure with a little lime to a depth of 

 IS inches has proved the best medium for good growth and pro- 

 duction. It is always advisable to be certain of having a little soil 

 from clover or other legume pastures incorporated with the soil 

 in the beds. 



Sweet Peas may be grown nicely following a crop of Tomatoes. 

 There are various methods used in raising the young plants. The 

 seed is sometimes sown in pots and transferred to the beds. The best 

 plan naturally is the one which occasions least disturbance to the 

 roots. Troubles commonly arise because of unfavorable house con- 

 ditions, such as high, moist temperatures, inducing weak growth. 

 It should be borne in mind that the Sweet Pea is not a greenhouse 

 flower; it thrives best in the open in cool climates. In Washington 

 they are past their best by the month of May. In Maine they are 

 in good condition for at least three months later. In Montreal and 

 in Scotland they last till the end of Summer. During warm, sunny 

 weather an abundance of ventilation must be given; a warm and 

 humid condition should be avoided at aU times. The Sweet Pea is 



