8o THE BOOK OF THE WINTER GARDEN 



Epipkyllums 



Succulent plants, once very popular, but now surpassed 

 by begonias, which are almost as brilliantly flowered, far 

 more profuse and lasting, and quickly grown. From 

 early March to the end of July require an intermediate 

 temperature ; afterwards a rest and dryness until flower, 

 and even then very little moisture is required. 



Cape Heaths 



Erica, — With a few exceptions, these are much less 

 grown than formerly. Young plants well set with 

 flower may be procured at a reasonable rate from nur- 

 series that make a speciality of them. It is well to 

 procure a few thus every autumn, as the plants soon 

 grow out of a useful size. Erica hyemalisy E, h. alba, 

 and E. gracilis, the red heath, are very popular green- 

 house flowers in November and December. To keep 

 them back they should be plunged outside until frost 

 threatens. 



EUCHARISES 



Eucharis grandiflora (£. amazonicd) is the one princi- 

 pally grown. Repot about April, removing offsets, and 

 potting these separately. Eight of the largest bulbs go 

 into a 9-inch pot, placing them thus with the tops an inch 

 below the surface of the good loam that should be used. 

 Keep in a stove from the end of August to the middle 

 of October, during which time an intermediate house is 

 suitable. By removing in October to a warmer tempera- 

 ture, a free winter flowering is encouraged. E Sanderiana, 

 E. Candida, require similar treatment. They give good 

 flowers if planted out beneath the plant benches or stages. 

 If these plants are top dressed annually, and manured 

 freely, annual potting may be dispensed with. 



