200 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



from seed, and are generally inferior to those of plants raised from layers ; still there 

 have been a few improvements, of which the variety known as L. rosea superba may 

 be cited as an instance; but good cultivation also has the effect of improving the 

 size and colouring of the flowers. In purchasing plants it is a safe rule to have them 

 from layers, 



Lapageria alba, a pure white form, is the most valuable of all, the waxy white of 

 the blooms never failing to please, while their value to makers of wreaths, crosses, 

 and other floral ornaments is universally recognised. 



Those who desire to raise seedling lapagerias can do so by sowing in March in pans 

 of sandy peat and leaf soil in a temperature of 55° to 60°, covering with squares of 

 glass, and shading heavily to keep the soil constantly moist till the seedlings appear. 

 It is by layering, however, that lapagerias are principally increased. Early in the year 

 select medium-sized firm growths, and peg these down in a bed or box of sandy peat 

 soil, only about half length of the leaves showing above the surface. If the soil is 

 kept constantly moist and a genial temperature maintained, roots will eventually be 

 emitted from nearly every joint, and a shoot issue from the axil of the leaf. When 

 strongly rooted the plants arc detached, placed singly in small pots, and kept in gentle 

 heat to encourage free growth. For the first two or three years the progress of small 

 plants is usually slow, and for this reason the propagation and preparation of lapagerias 

 is usually left to nurserymen. 



February and March are the best months for repotting these plants. They form 

 coarse roots freely, and soon degenerate if long cramped by want of space. Healthy 

 plants with active roots may receive a liberal shift, and tubs are preferable to large pots. 

 Ample drainage must be provided for carrying away the abundance of water that strong- 

 growing plants must receive during the summer. The compost must also be of a 

 nature that will not quickly run together or become sodden. To three parts of sound 

 fibrous peat and one of fibrous loam roughly broken in pieces, add charcoal in fairly 

 large nodules, broken potsherds and silver sand freely, spreading any loose roots there 

 may be well out into the new soil, which must be pressed into a firm but somewhat 

 yielding mass. Plants required for exhibition may be trained over a roof or wall trellis, 

 taking them down and training to a tall globular trellis when they commence flowering. 

 The specimen (Fig. 95) was grown by Mr. W. Finch for James Marriott, Esq., Coventry. 



The finest plants are had by planting out in well-drained borders, using soil similar 

 to that recommended for pots. Plant in March and keep the old ball of soil and roots 



