COBEA SCANDENS COLEUS. 



6 9 



Cobeas planted two feet apart out-doors will 

 make a close and beautiful screen. A plant taken 

 up in the fall, set out in a box fifteen inches in 

 diameter by twelve inches deep and the summer's 

 growth cut back, will make a luxuriant winter vine. 



COLEUS. 



This name is from the Greek word meaning a 

 sheath ; referring to the manner in which the 

 stamens are united. The Coleus was first offered 

 for sale in this country in 1869. The varied and 

 brilliant colors of its leaves makes it a valuable ac- 

 quisition to the list of ornamental-leaved plants. 

 When grown in perfection few flowers are more 

 effective than its foliage for house or garden deco- 

 ration, Florists are constantly increasing the 

 varieties, each with new combinations of colors. 



To cultivate the Coleus successfully a moist and 

 uniformly warm atmosphere must be provided. 

 They are, however, easily propagated and grow so 

 rapidly that the loss of a plant is readily replaced. 



SOIL AND GENERAL TREATMENT. 



A rich sandy loam is suitable for the Coleus. 



They want a moderate supply of water but no 

 fertilizer whatever. It is sure to injure if not de- 

 stroy them. 



A temperature of not less than 6o° nor more 

 tharu75° is most desirable. They are very tender, 



