ON GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



731 



and Miniata Splendens. Colours : variations of white, rose, and 

 red. Height i^ft. to 2ft. 



Ericas (Heaths) are a very well-known and justly-prized class 

 of plants; they may be had in blossom from October till 

 midsummer. Most of the species come from 

 the Cape, but they are most difficult plants 

 to grow, and can only be successfully managed 

 when provided with a house to themselves, 

 where they can receive special attention. Still, 

 with judicious treatment, many may be grown 

 with a fair share of success along with other 

 plants. 



Propagate by cuttings of young shoots in 

 spring or early summer in the cool pit, using 

 plenty of sand in the soil, and having a layer 

 half an inch thick on top. Grow in the cool 

 pit or a close frame, and pot in thumb pots 

 at first. Soil : fibrous peat, well broken or 

 chopped, and silver-sand, with plenty of 

 drainage. Pot very firmly and water very 

 carefully. ' When growing they may have 

 plenty, provided the drainage is good. Never 

 allow them to. suffer from want at any time. 

 After flowering some of the free-growing sorts 

 may be pruned a little ; the others should 

 only have just the points of the longest 

 shoots taken out. Grow cool, and give as 

 much air as possible all through the year, 

 only using sufficient heat to keep out frost, 

 or a little in very damp weather. Only shade 

 when the sun is very strong, and from July 

 to the end of September grow outside in 

 full ,sun; it is better, when this is done, to 

 plunge the pots in ashes, to prevent the 

 plants from getting too dry. 



The most useful sorts are : E. Caven- 



dishiana, E. gracilis vernalis, E. hybrida 



(Fig. 477), E. kyemalis, E. Lambertiana, 



E. McNabiana, E. gracilis, E. autumnalis, 



1 E. ventricosa, E. coccinea, vars. minor and 



superba, E. verticillata, E. persoluta alba p IG _ .»s. Erica 



(Fig. 478), and E. Wilmoreana. Large plants persoluta alba. 

 may be grown for years in the same pots. 

 Colours range through white, yellow, pink, red, and purple. 

 Height ift. to 2^ft. 



Eutaxias are useful shrubs, flowering in June and July. Pro- 

 pagate by cuttings of partially-ripened shoots in May. Grow in 



