196 SUBTROPICAL PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



Fio. 68. 



cuttings, and requires a dry greenhouse shelf in the winter. 

 Light sandy earth, not of necessity very poor, will suit it 

 best in the open air. It is likely to become one of the 

 most popular of all garden plants. 



Ferdinanda eminens. — This is one of the tallest and 

 noblest subtropical plants, growing well in the southern 

 and midland counties : wherever it is supplied with rich soil 

 and abundant moisture. It is also very much the better 

 for being sheltered, and so are all large and soft-leaved 

 plants. Where the soil is rich, deep, and humid, and the 

 position warm, it attains large dimensions, sometimes grow- 

 ing over twelve feet, and suspending immense pairs of op- 

 posite leaves. It will in all cases form a capital companion 

 to the Castor-oil plant, and, though it may not be grown 

 with such ease in all parts, it should be in every collection, 

 considering that it grows quite as well in the south of 

 England as in the neighbourhood of Paris. It requires to 



be planted out in a 

 young state, and grows 

 freely from cuttings. 

 Greenhouse treatment 

 will do in winter. It 

 is better to keep a stock 

 in pots through the sum- 

 mer to afford cuttings, 

 though the old ones may 

 be used for that purpose. 

 Ficus elastica (India- 

 rubber Plant). — Another 

 fine old plant, for which 

 we have lately found a 

 new use. It is one of 

 those valuable leathery- 

 leaved things that are 

 useful in hothouse, draw- 

 ing-room, or flower gar- 

 den. It not only exists 

 in the open air in summer 

 Ecus elastica. in good health, but makes 



