LESCHENA UL TIA — LIBONIA . 



produces scarlet flowers freely from June to September. It forms a good companion 

 for L. biloba major. Neither can be said to be of easy culture, as they require as much 

 or more care expended on them as do Ericas — but well repay for skilful attention. They 

 are increased by cuttings made from the firm tops of young shoots in the late spring 

 or early summer months, in the same way as Ericas, seo page 184, or they may be 

 covered with a bell-glass. A temperature of 50° to 55° is suitable. From quite small 

 pots move the plants into larger by small shifts, according as they require more root- 

 room. The soil used for potting leschenaultias should consist of two parts of good 

 fibrous peat to one of silver sand. Drain the pots carefully and pot firmly, taking care 

 not to sink the stems. After repotting, which may be done in March or April, keep 

 the plants in the warmest part of the greenhouse, or in a close frame for a fortnight or 

 so, but at all other times they must be kept in a light, airy position. Exposing them 

 to all weathers during the summer is apt to ruin the plants. Never let them become 

 very dry at the roots, and be careful not to make the soil sour by over- watering. Use 

 soft water, or water softened by exposure. Topping the young plants to make them 

 branch, and shortening any irregular growths after flowering, is all the pruning larger 

 plants need. 



LIBONIA. 



Where there is much conservatory decoration to provide for libonias are frequently 

 cultivated extensively, and a few plants, well grown, are a welcome addition to a collec- 

 tion of greenhouse plants. L. floribunda, introduced from Brazil as late as 1862, 

 rapidly grew into favour with plant-growers. This species attains a height of about 

 2 feet, and gives a profusion of scarlet and yellow tubular flowers during the winter. 

 L. Penrhosiensis was the result of crossing L. floribunda with an allied plant, 

 Sericographis Ghiesbreghtiana, and combines in itself the good qualities of both parents. 

 It is more robust in growth, has better foliage than L. floribunda, and produces 

 showy rich crimson flowers freely in winter. 



Both kinds are propagated by cuttings of young shoots, taking these off newly- 

 started old plants in February or March. They root freely in a close frame and a tem- 

 perature of 75° to 80°. Place the newly-rooted plants in small pots, and grow them in 

 gentle heat. If grown sturdily in frames during the summer they branch naturally, 

 and form neat little pyramids, flowering the first season in 5-inch or G-inch pots. They 

 ought to be arranged in the warmest end of a greenhouse during the winter, low tem- 

 peratures causing the leaves to drop prematurely. 



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