3 o8 THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



the borders and larger pots the compost should be much coarser than can be employed 

 in small pots. Pot somewhat firmly. Long and strong growths are most to be desired, 

 and these should be lightly trained. During the autumn and winter rest the plants 

 in a temperature of 55° to G0°, giving only sufficient water to keep the wood plump. 

 Subjecting either large or small plants to a lower temperature than that given with a 

 view to retarding the flowering period, is a risky proceeding which has ended in the 

 loss of large numbers. 



For ordinary purposes start the plants into growth in January or February, though 

 this may be deferred till March — especially in the case of plants that made their growth 

 late in the previous season. It is the strong, well-ripened young wood that flowers, and 

 only the weakly ends should be cut off at the winter pruning ; but the flowering shoots 

 will be produced with greater regularity if the reserved wood is arched or trained round 

 a trellis. After this light pruning and training introduce the plants into a moist 

 heat of 65° to 70°, and when young shoots have pushed, turn the plants out of the pots, 

 shake the roots nearly clear of soil, lightly shorten them, and return to well-drained pots 

 large enough to hold them without unduly cramping the roots, After this the plant 

 may be formally trained if needed. They must be carefully watered at first, but as the 

 soil becomes well filled with roots, water should be given more freely, with weak liquid 

 manure by way of assistance to the thirsty roots. When the plants are in flower they 

 will remain attractive for several weeks, in a rather dry, intermediate temperature. 

 Directly the flowering is over, give less water for a few days, and then cut them 

 back severely, and return the plants to moist, brisk heat, where they will rapidly 

 develop long and strong growths for flowering the following summer. In the autumn 

 raise the plants well up to the glass for the sunshine and heat to assist in the proper 

 maturation of the wood, and duly rest them in a cool stove or warm greenhouse. 



Shrubby Clerodendrons may be propagated by cuttings formed of short lengths of 

 wood saved at pruning-time, inserted in sandy soil, and plunged in a bottom heat of 70° 

 to 75°. Few, if any, of these cuttings can be flowered the same season as they are 

 rooted, and in any case better results attend the practice of raising plants from seed. 

 Seedlings are the more robust, form the best foliage, and produce the grander panicles 

 of flower. If the plants are flowered in a light position and somewhat dry atmo- 

 sphere they will seed freely, and there should not be any great delay in sowing. When 

 it has to be purchased, new seed should be stipulated for, and sown in February or 

 March. Press the seeds firmly into pans of sandy soil, and cover a quarter of an inch 



