THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



habit graceful. It originated at Chelsea from the crossing of S. polyantha with 

 Veitch's Hybrid white with dark blotch. 



Other firms are improving the Streptocarpus, and no one can foresee what the 

 results will be, but already the plants under notice rank among the most useful for 

 the decoration of the conservatory, greenhouse, or drawing-room during the summer 

 months, especially when grown like those exhibited at the Eoyal Horticultural Society 

 in 1896 by Mr. Beckett, of Aldenham House Gardens, Elstree, each bearing from 

 twenty to thirty stems, with four to six flowers on a stem. 



Not only will varieties of the Streptocarpus be grown in large gardens, but they 

 are equally suitable for the amateur with his small greenhouse, in which the plants 

 may be had in flower from April to October, as fresh stems are produced if the old ones 

 are removed when the flowers fade. Moreover, the plants will be quite safe during 

 the winter in a temperature ranging between 38° and 45° ; but they do not require 

 water at that season till the soil gets dry enough to crumble freely when rubbed with 

 the finger ; then sufficient ought to be given to pass to the drainage, not a drop 

 being poured on the foliage or in the centre of the plants, but only on the soil. 

 Damp is the enemy of the plants in winter, and if any decaying parts appear 

 they must be promptly removed. Streptocarpi grow and flower well in cottage 

 windows where they receive plenty of light, as they do not object to a dry 

 atmosphere. They are best kept cool in summer, must never be over-potted, nor must 

 the soil be allowed to become dry when the plants are flowering; they enjoy 

 shade from the sun as its rays become powerful, these having a tendency to scorch the 

 leaves, especially if the plants are dry at the roots. With proper care they will flower 

 well for three or four years, each year becoming stronger under good culture and 

 throwing up flower stems continuously. 



As before stated, any desired number of plants may be raised from seed, from which 

 new varieties will be forthcoming. Streptocarpus seed is very fine and requires special 

 attention in sowing. Drain the pots well, and three-parts fill with a mixture of turfy 

 loam, leaf mould, and sand, which make moderately firm. Then add half as much 

 of the mixture finely sifted and make it perfectly smooth. If in the least dry, give a 

 good watering through a fine-rosed can, and three or four hours afterwards scatter 

 the seeds evenly over the surface and press them gently down, not covering with 

 soil. Lay a square of glass over the pot, tilt it up a little, and shade during the day 

 with thick paper to keep the light and sun from the seed. Place the pot in a tem- 



