374 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



root growth to burst the pots. They flower most profusely too when 

 confined at the root ; hence strong tubs are the best receptacles for them- 

 When in luxuriant growth the leaf-growth alone is most ornamental, 

 but when crowned with a profusion of flower trusses they are very im- 

 posing. They will last longer in beauty if not fully exposed all the day 

 to the direct rays cf the sun, a partial shade during the earlier part of the 

 day being preferable. I find that the Agapanthus flowers more profusely 

 if the plants be kept dry through the winter, and even well forward into the 

 spring months. Ours are stored where safe from the frost, and are 

 put outside about the middle of April. Up to that time but little water is 

 given them. When the flower stems appear water is freely given, to 

 encourage their development and the leaf-growth also. The Agapanthus 

 looks well when grouped, or when standing alone, and is particularly 

 appropriate near to the water. The white variety is spoken of as a suit- 

 able companion to the blue, but I have not grown it. I have, however, 

 tried a ' major ' form which is later in flowering, but thus far it is not 

 satisfactory. A strong loamy soil suits them well ; they will remain for 

 years in their tubs, however, without any change, a . manurial stimulant 

 being given them when in active growth. 



Hydrangea hortensis. — For the. late summer this showy plant, when 

 in flower, is a fitting companion to the preceding. With generous treat- 

 ment it is possible to secure quite large specimens. It has a tendency to 

 form what may be termed a low dense bush, but if a little care is bestowed 

 upon it the height may be increased, and it is then more imposing. It is 

 better in all respects if exposed to the sun towards the autumn, in order 

 to mature the wood. It is also most interesting to watch the development 

 of the floral trusses with the expectancy of their assuming the blue rather 

 than the usual pale pink shade. When in tubs it is safer to protect from 

 frost during the winter. 



Bamboos. — When not in too exposed situations these may be used 

 with distinctly good effect. The best kinds, in my opinion, are Phyllo- 

 stackys aurea, P. Castilonis, Arundinaria nitida, and A. anceps. The 

 first named is the variety that is chiefly relied upon on the Continent 

 for this purpose ; its upright and self-supporting style of growth is in 

 its favour for withstanding a breeze, and it is always attractive with its 

 light green foliage. P. Castilonis is not so well known, but I think it 

 bids fair to rival it, being very distinct in the marking of the stems, the 

 nodes being alternately yellow and green. It is of a rather more spreading 

 habit, but quite as handsome. Both of the Arundinarias are light in 

 growth, distinctly graceful in habit, and in every way suitable for growing 

 in tubs. When well supplied with water, and an occasional dose of a 

 phosphatic manurial stimulant, they will last for some years in the 

 same tubs. Loam and peat mixed will be found better than all loam 

 for bamboos in tubs. A sheltered position in the winter is desirable, 

 or they may be advantageously employed to decorate conservatories. 

 Bambusa japonica is at times grown in tubs, but I do not recommend 

 it ; it lacks a distinct character of its own. 



Palms. — To associate with bamboos these are most appropriate, but, 

 as in the case of that family, the choice is limited to a few only. The 

 most common, and one of the most suitable, is Chamarops excclsa, 



