CLIMBING PLANTS. 



377 



iouae climber is well adapted for outside cultivation 

 in summer, and should be placed in a sunny skel- 

 tered position, when its bright deep blue "flowers 

 are produced in profusion for a considerable time. 

 It is readily propagated by cuttings. 



Tecoma radioans. — The Trumpet Flower, 

 sometimes known as Bignonia radicans. A tall, 

 handsome climber, with bright green pinnate leaves, 

 and very showy orange and scarlet flowers, which 

 are produced in the summer months. Rootlets are 

 produced from the joints of the stem, by which it 

 supports itself. It succeeds well against a warm 

 wall or sunny bank. It 

 Juay be propagated by cut- 

 tings. 



Thtmbergia alata 



A handsome annual, which 

 isudceeds well in a sunny 

 situation during the summer 

 months. The slender twin- 

 ing stems should be provided 

 with a few Ught sticks to 

 climb upon. A light rich 

 soil is the most suitable. 



Tropseolum. — Three 

 species of this highly orna- 

 mental genus, with their 

 many varieties, deserve men- 

 tion here. 



T. aduncum. — The Canary 

 Creeper, sometimes known as T. peregrinam, from its 

 rambling habit, and T. Canariense, an erroneous and 

 misleading name. It is a charming plant, and suit- 

 able for covering walls, palings, balconies, rustic 

 arches, and many other similar situations. The 

 leaves are small, with five rounded lobes, and the 

 bright yellow flowers are beautifully fringed. The 

 seeds should be sown in March or April, in good 

 soil, and very shady positions should be avoided. 

 It is a native of New Grenada. 



T. majua. — ^This plant often goes under the 

 name of Nasturtium, and it is one of the best of 

 all plants for the summer coverings of old palings 

 or s imil ar objects. It likes a good soil and a 

 sunny position, and with these requisites little is 

 lequired beyond planting the seeds in March or 

 April, and providing the necessary supports. A few 

 "twiggy branches of trees may be placed for the plant 

 to climb upon, or keep it close to a wooden fence or 

 wall. The plant is grown by some as a kitchen gar- 

 den' herb, the young flower-buds and green fruits 

 being pickled in vinegar, and used instead of Capers, 

 to which some people consider them preferable. 



Thunbebgia alata. 



T. speciosunii.—A. charming and neat little climber-' 

 with small four to six-lobed leaves, and a profusion 

 of crimson-red flowers of peculiar shape, succeeded in 

 the autumn by a crop of striking blue berries, making 

 a brilliant contrast with the bright green foliage. It 

 is seldom, however, seen doing weU in the South 

 of England, while in Scotland it may be seen climb- 

 ing up the gable-ends of buildings in the most 

 luxuriant health. It has a running underground 

 perennial stem, by means of which it spreads, and 

 from which young plants may be obtained. A north 

 wall should be selected, or a position where the sun 

 only shines for a short time in the morning or 

 evening, and good drainage 

 secured, as the plant is very 

 impatient of stagnant water 

 at the roots; a little leaf- 

 mould and sand should also 

 be forked in. During warm 

 weather occasional syring- 

 ings should be given, and 

 copious waterings when ne- 

 cessary; a mulching of light 

 rotten manure should also 

 be given. By these means 

 the roots are kept cool 

 and moist, and red spider 

 kept in check : an insect to 

 which the plant is especially 

 liable. 



The most desirable Tender 

 climbers and creepers will 

 be found treated of under 

 the head of Green-house or Stove Plants. 



In addition to the foregoing and the many 

 climbers enumerated as adapted for window garden- 

 ing, the following plants are often used for the 

 clothing of walls, covering of arbours, &c. : — 



Berleris Barwinii. 



Bignonia ectpriolata, 



Bignonia radicans major. 



Bignonia samguinea. 



Buddleia globosa. 



Ceanothus azureus, and others. 



Cotmeaster Simondsii, and others. 



Sacallonia macrantha, and others. 



Magnolia grandiflora, and others. 



Fyracantha Zelandii, &c. 



Fyrua japoniea — alba rosea — sangtiinea. 



Tecoma grandiflora. 



Wigelia of sorts. 



There is also a golden variegated-leaved variety 

 of the common white Jasminmn officinalis, which is 

 more dwarf and equally fragrant as the plain-leaved 

 and universally-grown one. 



