115 
ON THE TREATMENT OF HOVE A CELSII. 
Perhaps, of all the plants which are grown in our greenhouses, there is none 
more beautiful, or more an object of interest while it is in flower, than this fine old 
evergreen shrub. It blooms so profusely, its blossoms are so gay, and of such a 
brilliant blue, that although they come at a season when all kinds of flowers are 
abundant, both in the houses and the open borders, every person who sees them is 
charmed with their richness, and invariably pauses to contemplate them. This is, 
moreover, much more markedly the case with that variety which has such far larger 
leaves and flowers, and which we first observed, in any quantity, at the nursery of 
Mr. Fairbairn, Clapham ; though we have subsequently noticed it in most of the 
London establishments. 
Such, then, being the extreme attractiveness of the plant, it might be presumed 
that all cultivators would be emulous to bring it to perfection ; and possibly this 
may be the fact. But so peculiar is its habitude, that after it gets above two feet 
in height, (which it will speedily do if in health), the stem and lower branches take 
that bare and leafless appearance, which is now justly deemed a defect in any 
ornamental plant. 
To avoid this peculiarity, we have suggested in a previous page, with reference 
to H. splendens, that pruning should be resorted to ; and this is unquestionably the 
best way of treating small plants, in order to keep them bushy. Still, where large 
specimens exist, or straggling ones of any size, and their unsightliness, in the 
particulars before mentioned, would exclude them from a first-rate collection of 
dwarf and well-managed species, it will be desirable to retain them, and, if possible, 
to bring them into a more pleasing condition. 
About three years ago, we were much interested in an experiment with a large 
plant of H. Celsii, at a private place in the neighbourhood of London. As the 
plant was tall, and devoid of all ornament on its lower portions, it was considered 
advisable to endeavour to reduce so large a specimen to more limited dimensions 
and better proportions. In accomplishing this, the stem was released from the 
stake which supported it, and three or four strong stakes were placed in the soil 
round the plant, as near as practicable to the edge of the pot. The stem of the 
plant was then brought down to a horizontal position, and very carefully twisted 
or coiled round at the base, fastening it securely to all the stakes, where it 
approached them. The operation had to be performed very slowly and cautiously, 
for fear of breaking the stem. 
This process was effected in the spring of one season ; and at the growing 
period of the following year, several shoots were protruded from the lovv^er part of 
the stem ; and these, with others that followed them, ultimately form.ed a low and 
handsome bush. 
