236 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



beneficial during the summer. An ordinary greenhouse temperature is suitable for 

 Sollyas. 



sparmannia. — It is doubtful if the value of S. africana is fully realised by the 

 majority of amateur and professional gardeners, though it was introduced from South 

 Africa upwards of a century ago. Properly treated this sparmannia can be grown 

 into large bushes which produce heads of quaint white flowers, with showy yellow 

 filaments, throughout the late autumn and winter months, in either a greenhouse or 

 conservatory. There is a double variety, 8. a. flore-pleno, which some persons consider 

 more desirable than the species. Cuttings of firm young shoots, or short lengths of 

 the same, inserted in small pots of sandy soil, under glass in a temperature of 55° to 65°, 

 produce roots freely in the spring. Top the young plants, and a week later shift them 

 into 6-inch pots. Place them near the glass in a frame or pit till growing strongly. 

 Tbey may be arranged in a sunny position in the open air in summer for the 

 shoots to solidify. The topping results in the formation of plants with three or four 

 growths capable of flowering continuously during the following winter. After flower- 

 ing, both small plants and large bushes should have rather less water than heretofore, 

 and soon afterwards severe pruning ought to take place, all the growths being shortened 

 to within a few inches of the main branches. After receiving more water at the roots, 

 and a few syringings, the plants will re-commence active growth ; they ought then to be 

 turned out of their pots and have a considerable portion of the old soil removed from 

 the roots, shortening some of these, and returning to pots the same size as they were in 

 before. A mixture of two parts loam to one of peat or leaf soil, with a little well- 

 decayed manure and sand, forms a suitable compost. Pot firmly, and arrange the 

 plants in a light position in a greenhouse, giving water somewhat sparingly till the 

 roots have taken possession of the new soil, but afterwards they must have abundance 

 of water, with liquid manure occasionally. Any plants that may be wanted to grow to 

 a larger size may have a liberal shift given them before they become root-bound, tubs 

 answering best for the largest specimens. During the summer arrange the plants in 

 the full sunshine as before, and if the growths, where crowded, are thinned out, those 

 reserved will be further strengthened for flowering. House the plants before autumn 

 frost injures them, and arrange them thinly in a light position. The winter temperature 

 may range from 40° to 50°. 



Staphylea Colchiga. — See Forced Shrubs for Conservatories. 



statice. — The species adapted to greenhouse culture are remarkable for their 



