THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



coffea. — The Coffee Tree, C. arabica, South Abyssinia, is a stove evergreen 

 shrub, that attains a height of 5 to 15 feet, and produces white, sweet-scented flowers 

 in axillary clusters, during September, which set fruit freely. It may be easily raised 

 from seed, sowing in brisk heat during March, but plants raised from cuttings 

 are the more floriferous. Insert cuttings of firm wood in sandy soil, under a bell-glass, 

 in a temperature of 80°. Pot either seedlings or cutting-raised plants in a mixture of 

 two parts fibrous loam to one of leaf soil, adding sharp sand, and give timely shifts from 

 small pots into larger sizes. An ordinary stove temperature and a moist atmosphere 

 suits the Coffee Tree. 



columnea. — C. Kalbreyeriana is the only species of this genus of stove evergreens 

 that finds favour among British plant -growers. It is of a trailing habit of growth, and 

 proves a good companion for — also requiring the same treatment as — iEschynanthus. 

 See page 270. 



combrettjm. — This genus of stove evergreen climbers comprises two gorgeous 

 species that are well worthy of inclusion in limited collections of plants. C. grandi- 

 florum, Sierra Leone, is a hairy plant, and produces a profusion of short axillary and 

 terminal spikes of scarlet flowers from May to July ; C. purpurea is, however, the more 

 popular. It is of moderately strong growth, producing large sprays of purplish-crimson 

 flowers in July. Combretums are propagated by cuttings, giving preference to stiff 

 side- shoots taken off with a thin heel of old wood attached. Insert them in sand, or 

 very sandy soil, in a temperature of 80°, and cover with glass. When rooted, place 

 them singly in small pots, and keep the plants close and shaded till well-established. 

 Gradually shift into larger sizes, or, what is more to the purpose, plant in narrow borders 

 or well-drained tubs. The soil used may consist of a mixture of equal parts of fibrous 

 loam, peat, and leaf soil, with a free addition of sharp sand. The loam and peat should 

 be in a coarse state for large pots, tubs, or borders. Plant or pot firmly. Supply abun- 

 dance of water to the roots during the growing and flowering season, and moderate 

 quantities during the late autumn and winter months. Train the plants up pillars, and 

 over girders or archways, which they will drape attractively. After the flowering is 

 over, thin out the weaker growths rather severely, shorten the stronger slightly,, 

 and tie all in neatly. In February commence syringing the plants on sunny days, 

 continuing the practice more freely as the days lengthen, and not ceasing till the flowers 

 are expanding. What other cleaning is necessary ought to be done during the resting 

 period of the plants. 



