148 



lUMfADRBR -PHIlADaPHIA fA^GAROfNHRHIIHBlBf PLANTS I 



Dreer's Select Gloxinias. 



DREEK'S SELECT GLOXINIAS. 



The following cultural notes have been written by Mr. Eben. 

 E. Rexford expressly for this book: 



"The Gloxinia ought to be one of our common plants be- 

 cause of its great beauty, the profusion of its flowers, and its 

 summer-blooming habit. But it is not common, by any means, 

 .and this fact is attributable almost entirely to the impression 

 that prevails to a great extent that it is a very difficult plant 

 to grow — quite beyond the ability of the amateur, in fact. Such 

 is not the case, however, if one goes at it in the right way. 



It is a plant that is rather particular about the soil it grows 

 in. Pot it in ordinary garden loam, and it will seldom do 

 well. But give it a soil of one part loam, one part turfy matter 

 or leafmold, and one part sharp sand, with a sprinkling of 

 fine bonemeal, and it will flourish luxuriantly, often produc- 

 ing leaves six inches in length and four inches wide, and 

 sometimes larger. These will droop and entirely hide the pot 

 in which the plant grows, and above them it will lift its 

 trumpet-shaped flowers of pure white, red, crimson and 

 purple, some mottled and spotted with contrasting colors in 

 most fantastic fashion, and most of them with a throat of a color m 

 striking contrast with that of the ruffled, overlapping petals. The effect 

 of such richness of color combined with fantastic variegation is simply 

 superb, and the flower-loving person who sees a collection of well-grown 

 Gloxinias will be sure to want to try his or her skill in growing them. 



The pots in which they are grown should be given the best of drainage, 

 and great care should be taking in watering. A soil that becomes sour, 

 or heavy from the excessive use of water will almost invariably cause 

 them to blast or drop their buds. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, 

 but never allow it to become like mud and remain so for any length of 

 time if you want fine Gloxinias. In watering, be very careful to not let 

 any get on their leaves. They will be greatly injured by it. Use a pot 

 with a small spout that can be thrust in among the foliage and deliver the 

 water just where it is needed without its coming in contact with the leaves. 

 Never sprinkle this plant. 



The Gloxinia should be wintered in the manner advised for the Tuberous 

 Begonia." 



Our collection embraces all the popular varieties, ranging in color from 

 the purest white through all the shudes of crimson and purple, spotted and 

 mottled. 15 cts. each; $1.50 per doz. ; S10.00 per 100. 



HELICONIA. 



Stove plants with large ornamental foliage; useful subjects for exhibition 

 purposes. 

 Aurea Striata. large, oblong leaves of deep glossy green, marked by 



curving parallel lines of yellow. $1.00 each. 

 Illustris Rubricaulis. Deep green foliage, with veins ami stems marked 



with bright red. $2.50 each. 



HELIOTROPES. 



Heliotropes are great favorites, principally on 

 account ot their delicious fragrance; they grow 

 freely under glass, and may be planted in the 

 open border during the summer. 

 Albert Deleaux. Golden foliage, mottled 



green; flowers deep lavender. 

 Chieftain. Lilac, large truss. 

 Mme. Bruant. Very dark purple. 

 Mme. de Blonay. Large truss, nearly pure 



white. 

 Picciola. Violet-blue with white eye. 

 The Czar. Deep purple, large flower. 



10 cts. each; $1.00 per doz. Set of 6 sorts, 

 •30 cts. 



HIBISCUS SINENSIS. 



(Chinese Hibiscus.) 



Well-known evergreen tender shrubs which 

 may be either grown in a pot or tub, or planted 

 out during the summer. They flower freely dur- 

 ing the entire summer, and even in the winter if 

 kept in a light, sunny position in the house. As a 

 rule, they flower more freely when grown in a 

 pot or tub, and when grown in this way the roots 

 are kept in confinement and it is easier to handle 

 them in the winter. They can also be kept over 

 winter in a warm cellar or any place where the 

 thermometer does not fall below 50 degrees. In 

 such a position give only enough water to keep 

 alive, never permitting the soil to become dust dry. 

 Aurantiacus. Fine double pure salmon. 

 Qrandiflorus. Very large single rose. 



Miniatus Semi-plenus. The finest and most brilliant semi- 

 double vermilion-scarlet, with flowers 4 inches in diameter. 

 PeachblOW. Large double flowers, of a soft pink, with 



deeper centre. 

 Sub-Violacea. 

 tinted violet. 



15 cts. each; $1.50 per doz.; the set of 5 for 65 cts. 

 The Hardy Hibiscus are offered on page 197. 



HYACINTHIS CANDICANS. 



(Cape Hyacinth. i 



A snow-white summer-flowering Hyacinth, growing 3 to 5 

 feet in height, gracefully surmounted with from "20 to 30 pure 

 white, bell-shaped flowers. 5 cts. each; .".0 cts. per doz.; 



Flowers very large, of a beautiful carmine 



bv mail, 10 cts. per doz. extra. 



H Bl lii I ROPI 



We grow over 300.000 Dahlia roots annually. See list of varieties on page* 13310140. 



