218 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



freely during the summer. O. japonicus aureo-variegatus, commonly termed 0. spicatus, 

 has elegant leaves striped with green and yellow, and also produces small spikes of 

 blue flowers in the summer. They are increased by division in the spring, and may be 

 potted in a mixture of three parts loam to one each of leaf soil, fine well-decayed 

 manure, and sand. They are the most serviceable for house and conservatory decoration 

 in 5-inch pots and may be cultivated in frames, greenhouses or windows. 



Oranges. — See Conservatories. 



Passiflora. — See Conservatory Climbers. 



PH.ZENOGOMA. — This small family is represented by a single species, P. prolifera, and 

 its deeper- coloured variety, Barnesi. It is. rarely met with in greenhouses nowadays, 

 but a few extra fine specimens are exhibited at some of the leading horticultural 

 exhibitions every summer. It is of a somewhat loose habit of growth, with small, 

 glabrous leaves, flowers crimson in colour, not unlike an Helichrysum in form and of the 

 same " everlasting " character. It is somewhat difficult to propagate. Cuttings of 

 young side shoots getting firm at the base are inserted in silver sand on the peat, and 

 placed in gentle heat. From quite small pots, the young plants should be slowly shifted 

 into larger sizes, using a mixture of hard and soft peat with a little charcoal and abun- 

 dance of sand. Pot firmly. During the summer, the plants may be grown in a cool, 

 shallow pit, taking care to exclude worms from the pots and also to admit air freely. 

 During the colder part of the year a light staging not far from the glass, in an airy 

 greenhouse, is the proper position for them. Train the young plants to induce them to 

 branch freely. The watering must be done in the same careful manner as recommended 

 for Ericas and other hard- wooded plants. 



philageria— This genus originated in this country and was the result of a cross 

 between Philesia buxifolia and Lapageria. It is a slender shrub and in. habit of growth 

 more nearly resembles a lapageria than anything else, while the flowers partake more 

 nearly of the character of Philesia buxifolia. Unfortunately it is shy flowering and 

 is therefore not much cultivated. Should be grown in peaty soil and a moist cool 

 house. 



philesia. — P. buxifolia (Fig. 101), Chili, is a greenhouse shrub that branches freely 

 and produces flowers red in colour and resembling a lapageria, only they are smaller. 

 Suckers are freely produced by strong plants, and the stock may be increased by 

 division. The compost suitable is a mixture of equal parts of loam and peat, 

 with sharp sand added. During the warmest part of the year the plants should have 



