THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



flowering should be kept growing in gentle heat for a few weeks, and when the 

 growth is matured the resting period may commence. 



heliconia. — These Canna-like plants from the tropical regions of the "Western hemi- 

 sphere are not often met with in private collections ; they are principally grown for the 

 ornamental character of their leaves, and are increased by division of the roots in 

 March or April. Pot in a mixture of two parts fibrous loam, one part each of 

 peat and leaf soil, and a sprinkling of sand. A shady position in a plant stove suits 

 them. 



hetereocentron (Heeria). — H. rosea is a somewhat rare flowering sub-shrub. 

 It is of a dwarf branching habit of growth, producing many rose-coloured flowers during 

 the autumn and early winter months. Cuttings of young shoots inserted in sandy 

 soil in gentle heat, during February or March, root freely. Pot in equal parts of sandy 

 loam and peat. Ordinary stove treatment. 



hibiscus. — The heat-loving Hibiscuses, which have sprung mainly from H. rosa- 

 sinensis, a species from China and Japan, are cultivated mostly for the beauty of 

 their flowers, double as well as single. H. r. Cooperi, an old favourite, fast going 

 out of cultivation, is of a branching habit of growth, and has prettily variegated 

 leaves. Among those grown for the beauty of their flowers are brilliantissima, 

 Collieri, cruenta, Dennisoni flore pleno, Lucien Linden, and Van Houttei. This class 

 of Hibiscus can be raised from seed, and also increased by cuttings. Sow the seeds 

 in March in pans or pots of sandy peat, in a temperature of 75°, cover with glass, and 

 shade heavily. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, place them singly in 

 2-inch pots, and grow them in moist gentle heat. Top to make them branch, and 

 gradually shift into larger sizes, using a mixture of equal parts fibrous loam and peat, 

 with the addition of charcoal and sand. Cuttings of firm shoots may be inserted in 

 sandy peat, in a propagating frame or under a bell-glass, in brisk heat in March and 

 April. When rooted, treat as advised in the case of seedlings. Eest the plants during 

 the winter, by keeping them somewhat dry at the roots. In February or March, prune 

 lightly and start into active growth, soon afterwards re-potting. These Hibiscuses 

 are strong-rooting plants, and must have abundance of water and liquid manure. 



Hippeastrtjms. — See Amaryllis (page 289, Vol. I.). 



hoya. — Eeference has already been made to H. carnosa, which succeeds well in 

 greenhouses. H. bella, a popular species from India, is altogether different in its habit 

 of growth, and produces a long succession of charming many -flowered umbels of waxy 



