iB6 



GARDENERS' MAGAZINE. 



March 



19, ite 



and left the sepals and petals to mostly resemble those of P. Walhchi. 

 Naturally when there are numerous seedlings from one cross, and also 

 when in other establishments the same cross is effected between plants 

 that differ slightly from the originals, there will be some diversity of 

 colouring in the hybrids. This is so in P. Cooksoni, but as a general rule 

 the sepals and petals are light rose, sometimes with a pale salmon hue or 

 yellow brown tint along the middle ; the petals are shorter than the 

 sepals and a trifle broader. The lip is funnel-shaped, and deep yellow 

 on the lower basal portion externally ; on the inner surface the colour is 

 bright yellow at the base and along the disc ; the sides of the throat are 

 marbled with crimson brown. The mouth of the lip is broad, and the 

 reflexing margin is beautifully frilled and crisped ; this area is chiefly 

 deep rose-coloured and spotted with rich carmine purple, each flower 

 measures about five inches across, and ten to twelve are produced on a 

 spike. Mr. Cookson effected the cross in February, 1887 ; the seed was 

 sown' in December of that year, and the seedlings flower when a little 

 over two years of age. A first-class certificate was granted to this orchid 

 by the R.H.S. on March 11, 1890. 



Phaius Cooksoni/E is another of Mr. Cookson's triumphs, and 

 commemorates Mrs. Cookson. This is a fine orchid of the P. Marthae 

 class, and obtained by crossing P. Humbloti with P. grandifolius. The 

 sepals and petals are nankeen yellow, tinted orange. The lip is a 

 wonderful piece of work : side lobes scarlet veined with gold, front lobe 

 deep rose streaked and mottled with crimson. There is a long yellow 

 disk, and the margins of the front lobe are prettily frilled and crisped. 

 P. Cooksonfee was exhibited before the R.H.S. on June 11, 1895, anfi 

 was awarded the prize as the best hybrid orchid of the year. The hybrid 



was figured in the Gardeners' Magazine of June 15, 1895, p. 353. 



P. HYBRIDUS is the title given to an orchid obtained by Mr. Cookson 

 by crossing P. grandifolius with P. Wallichi. The sepals and petals are 

 coppery.-yellow, and the lip is creamy. The flower much resembles that 

 of P. grandifolius, except that the predominant colour is yellow and its 

 shades. 



P. hybridus Gravesii is the result of the reverse cross to P. 

 hybridus. It was also raised by Mr. Cookson, and flowered in the 

 collection of Mr. H. Graves, Orange, New Jersey, and named in compli- 

 ment to its owner by Mr. Rolfe. This has large flowers, and these resem- 

 ble those of P. Wallichi ; they are five inches across, and have cinnamon- 

 brown sepals and petals with a whitish reverse : the lip is whitish, with a 

 rosy front lobe and yellow keel. 



P. MACULATO grandifolius is a Veitchian hybrid of singular beauty, 

 and one whose parentage is recorded in its name. It has bold arching 

 foliage, as in P. grandifolius ; these are deep green, and make a fine con- 

 trast with the flowers. The latter are pale yellow tinged with rose, so far 

 as the sepals and petals are concerned, but the lip is creamy white with 

 a rich crimson-brown base and veinings of this colour on the front lobe. 

 The side lobes are convolute, and the margins of the front lobe frilled in 

 a charming manner. This hybrid gained the highest honour for a new 

 plant from the R.H.S. on October 10, 1891. 



PHAIUS Mar th.e is a charming hybrid, and already a most popular 

 phaius. It is one of Messrs. F. Sander and Co.'s hybrids, trained by 

 crossing P. Blumei with P. tuberculosus. The sepals and petals are pale 

 buff" yellow and of good size and substance. The lip is also pale yellow 

 with a large golden disc ; the lateral areas of the apical lobe are a pretty 

 shade of rosy crimson. Awarded a first-class certificate, R.H.S., on 

 March 13, 1894. In growth P. Martlue is intermediate between its 

 parents, but it has a fine constitution and flowers freely. 



R Norman was described in the issue of March 12, and is figured 

 n the present number. It is a wonderfully beautiful and effective hybrid 

 between P. Blumei Sanderianus and P. tuberculosus. The flowers are 

 large and the sepals and petals are coloured with carmine and rose, while 

 the large and handsome lip has old gold or orange side lobes, and a large 

 spreading apex that has a rose foundation and mottlings of red and 

 crimson. The long disc or keel is golden. P. Norman rosea is from 

 the same seed-pod as the former, and is wonderfully free, quite small 

 plants carrying three spikes. The flowers are scarcely so large as in the 

 type, and differ in having rosy sepals and petals, a more yellow throat to 

 the lip, and a more crimson front lobe. P. Norman aurea is very 

 distinct, though also from the same seed-pod. It has large pale yellow 

 sepals and petals, and a yellow base to the lip. All three are very fine 

 orchids, and the two former gained each an F.C.C. and the latter an 

 A.M. from the R.H.S. on March 8 last. The cross was effected and the 

 plants raised by Mr. N. C. Cookson, and the whole stock of seedlings was 

 purchased from him by Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Heaton, Bradford. 

 This firm exhibited those forms already described, and they hope to 

 have further variations, as several seedlings are as yet unflowered. The 

 first plant flowered at four years of age. Phaius Norman and its forms 

 grow well in an intermediate house, and are remarkable for their robust- 

 ness and freedom of flowering. When in bloom they can be taken with- 

 out fear of harm to a conservatory, where the flowers will last for six 



weeks in perfection. P. tuberculosus was the pollen parent in this case 

 as in most others. 



P. Owenianus is a handsome phaius raised by Messrs. F. Sander 

 and Co., St. Albans, and exhibited by them at the R.H.S. meeting of 

 May 23. 1894, when it gained a F.C.C. This form has for its parents 



WORK FOR THE WEEK. 



COOL ORCHIDS. 



The usual time for repotting Odontoglossum crispum is the**., 



any plants that have passed out of flower, and are in sour mate * 1 * Utumn . W 



he removed from such, or else the new roots will be killed ' must q*dK 



a* tk qttk4l J 



forth. Pots large enough for the development of the next ■ — m 



should be used, with plenty of drainage, and the plants «houM k yean ' 

 material removed from their roots, and any old root/ cut L e al) «e 0I4 

 compost of good fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, and niacin ^ epot * * 

 position, and frequently damp between the pots to keep a m • ♦ shi *» 

 Care must be taken in watering, allowing the compost to b^comTm J^ 05 !*^ 

 before giving water. Semi-established plants should have alirliT* 1 ^ 

 material carefully picked out and be resurfaced with fresh, clean m * * 

 glossum madrense should be repotted or top-dressed,' as neces^*" 0i<m ^ 

 Harryanum, also O. nebulosum, will also require a little new m J 7 '- 1 °- 

 season. O. Andersonianum, in variety, is now making a nice show f 1 



at th* 



spikes, and produces a good effect arranged with the O. crispums ' the V*** 1 

 for a long period in perfection, but this naturally weakens the plants LT* 

 to have unsatisfactory results. The flower-spikes, after they have hen!* J 

 reasonable length of time, should be cut off and placed in water whe^e?K 0pCn 1 

 remain fresh for a further period. The culture of O. Andersonianum 7* 

 differ materially from that of O. crispum, but it is perhaps a rather better ** 

 Dendrobium infundibulum is now in bloom, and its beautiful pure- white se 1 

 petals, and golden-blotched lip, form flowers that last five to six week~i *** 

 fection, and are most useful for cutting. This species greatly resembl r* 

 formosum, but has more slender stems. There are but few dendrobiums whU 

 can be cultivated with much success under cool treatment, but this species li? 

 D. Jamesianum, thrives admirably in the odontoglossum house, suspended fra» 

 the roof, and does best in pans or baskets of small size, allowing sufficient 

 to keep the compost nicely moist during growth, and in winter enough to 

 shrivelling of the pseudo-bulbs. ■ * 10 prcvc * 



Lcelia prsestans is a species that is often grown in an intermediate temperature 

 but it may be grown with equally good results in company with the oSSi 

 glossums, and undoubtedly the flowers that are produced in the autumn are muc 

 better in colour than those seen in a warm house ; it is a dwarf grower, and should 

 be grown in pans or baskets, suspended from the roof, at the warmest end of the 

 house, but as near the glass as possible, and where there is plenty of light. The* 

 plants may now be repotted or top-dressed as each particular case demands ; the 

 usual compost of peat and sphagnum will suffice over good drainage. Keep ihi$ 

 nicely moist, and never allow it to become dry while the plant is growing. Th« 

 same remarks apply to Loelia Dayana and L. pumila. Any plants of Epidcndrw 

 vitellinum that require repotting or top-dressing should be attended to at once; 

 pots are preferable to pans or baskets for their culture, but in any casealW 

 position in the cool house is essential ; do not allow them to become dry at this 

 season, or the flower spikes, which will soon commence to show, may be weakened. 

 Cypripedium villosum and C. Boxalli that have finished flowering ought to be re- 

 potted at once, if this is necessary, using compost as advised for C. insigne in t 

 former calendar. Continue the same care in ventilating as previously advised, and 

 damping down two or three times a day in bright weather. — E. Shill, New Hall 

 Hey Gardens* 



STOVE PLANTS. 



The sun has now so much power that shading will be necessary during the 

 middle part of the day for the majority of the occupants of the stove. Where 

 blinds are available they should now be fixed in position, to be lowered on all bright 

 days about half-past ten and drawn up again about two p.m., at the same time 

 giving the house a thorough syringing. Where blinds are not available and where 

 permanent shading is resorted to in the way of Summer Cloud to protect the plants 

 from the strong rays of the sun, something temporary should be arranged for a few 

 weeks as it is too early at present to apply the permanent shade ; mats thrown over 

 the roof, loose pices of tiffany, or, failing these, a light wash of whitening and 

 water will afford a protection from the sun. If a house can be given up to crotofr 

 altogether these will require no shading whatever after they become established in 

 their new pots, affording them plenty of beat and atmospheric moisture, as it is 

 only under such treatment that their brilliant colouring is seen to perfectio*. 

 Marantas are generally impatient of strong sun, and should be arranged in the mo* 

 shady part of the house ; dracsenas should be kept toward the shady end. When 

 all the repotting is done have the gravel, or whatever material the plants stand 

 upon, turned or renewed, and arrange the plants so as to allow each the maxima* 

 of space, and instead of arranging on the dot system try the effect of maamg. 

 Old plants of strobilanthus that were cut down a few weeks ago are P*™* 3 * 

 plenty of cuttings now ; insert these singly in thumb pots containing equal parts 

 of loam and leafsoil with sand added ; if plunged in the propagating case, ke£ 

 shaded and attended to for water with an occasional syringe overhead, they will K 

 rooted in a fortnight, when they can be stood in the body of the house for a lew 

 days before potting on. , 



The earliest tubers of caladiums will be now ready for potting on, m* 

 suitable compost for their successful culture consists of equal parts of turfy I** 

 fibrous peat, and leafsoil (the two former not pulled or broken down too nnei, 

 little well-decayed manure, with a good sprinkling of sharp silver sand. 

 potting, a little discretion is necessary to place the weak growers in sma,l £ P£| 

 and the stronger growers into larger ones. Afford good drainage, a* 

 need a quantity of water during the growing season ; press the compost nrm ) 

 the fingers. The varieties of caladium have increased wonderfully ot iaie > 

 and no collection can be complete without it contains a few, at least, 01 tn 

 kinds. A few that will be found useful are Candidissima, Prince ot v> aies, Vi- 

 tesse de 

 Her Maj 



^ iew mat win oe round useiui arc ^nuiuwoiu.u, Moore, 



Condeixa, Reine de Portugal, John R. Box, Luddemanm, r. > . • 



— jesty, La Lorraine, Alice Van Geert, Botafogo, and Prince ss *°>* ' m 



potting they will be benefited if plunged in a moderate bottom heat ror ^ 



^ vu m ^ ^luctnb, ana exniDitea by them at the K.11.S. meeting ot this will stimulate root action, and reduce the necessity of watering to a ^ K 



May 23, 1 894, when it gained a F.C.C. This form has for its parents until the soil is occupied with roots. Cuttings of Adhatoda vaflca 



1 . Humbloti and P. O weniae, the latter being the pollen parent. It is a fine cydoniaefolia may now be inserted ; they strike readily in attorn ' m w b*e 



hybrid, with purple-brown or crimson-brown sepals and petals, and a lip latter is a usefiil subject for training up pillars in the stove ; the r ow c ^ ; . 



that is a delightful combination of gold, rrimsnn. and magenta : the trinle and purple, and make a splended display towards the end 01 ^ 



that is a delightful combination of gold, crimson, and magenta ; the triple 

 keel is golden, but the prevailing colour of the lip is crimson. This hybrid 

 was two years and ten months old from seed sowing when it flowered. 



P. Owenle came from the St. Albans Nursery, but the parentage 

 does not appear to have been recorded. It somewhat resembles P. 

 bicolor, but has brownish purple sepals and petals. The lip has a chrome 

 yellow base, and a rich bright purple front lobe tinged with crimson. 

 \\hen shown by Messrs. F. Sander and Co. on April 24, 1894, an award 

 of merit was granted. r C H C 



growth. 



r training up [w»m ~- — ' f * su rnmer. 



and purple, and make a splended display towards the end 01 w 



;^fi„ fK^ parlv stages of growth, or it win 



ense win now be P^T^ ^xtm 

 and any repotting or splitting up necessary should be attended w , - ^ 

 thrives better without peat ; a compost of two parts loam, one part 1 ^ ^ 



-1 ft m . r r • - ItmVpn sandstone, • ■ - ^ 



grown in pots, pinch frequently in the early stages ot growu , « 

 a straggling appearance. Adiantum Farleyense will now be pusni s 



good sprinkling of sharp sand, also a few pieces of broken sandstone^ ^ 

 of some good artificial manure will suit it admirably ; attora a r~ ^ 



vi some gooa arunciai manure will sun u auiii««»"v » — V". ~ t svr mge 

 the coolest end of the stove, do not shade too heavily, and a o n ^ jj 



overhead. During mild weather the night temperature ot UK ! sc° ^ ^ *p 

 to 70 degrees, by day 70 to 75 degrees, allowing a fall otnve ucg 



