210 
CULTURE OF THE GENUS LAGERSTRCEMIA. 
wood for various purposes. It was introduced into our stoves in 1818, but is now 
rarely seen in collections. 
L. regincB. — This is a magnificent kind, with fine terminal panicles of large rich 
rosy-purple flowers, and very spreading branches. It is a native of the woods of 
the Circars, in the East Indies, and also of Java and Malabar, where it grows 
amongst the rocks, and forms a tree about twenty feet high. It was introduced in 
1792, but has been little cultivated for many years. 
L. speciosa. — The flowers of this species are about the size of those of L. indica, 
rich rose-colour, and disposed in terminal racemes. They are very showy. The 
plant is a native of China, where it grows to a tree, twenty feet or more high ; and 
was introduced into this country in 1826. It is far from being common. 
The cultivation of the above species may be stated as follows : — 
If the plants are intended to be grown in pots, the proper soil for them is two 
parts good sandy loam, one part sandy heath-mould, and one part well rotted leaf- 
mould : let these be well mixed together, but neither broken very fine or sifted. 
The pots must be well drained with plenty of potsherds, and it is advantageous to 
mix a portion of broken pots with the soil. 
It is indispensable that abundance of pot-room be given, as the roots will in no 
case endure cramping ; and it is not improbable but this has been one of the many 
causes of failure in the successful management of these desirable plants. 
Bottom-heat is a very important item in their cultivation ; the pots must 
therefore be set where they will receive a genial warmth either from a flue, hot- 
water pipes, or other vehicle for conveying that requisite. They will not, however, 
flourish long if plunged in a fermenting medium, chiefly because the roots are liable 
to perish from stagnant moisture. They thrive much the best, however, if turned 
out into the open border of a stove near to a flue, hot-water pipe, or any other 
situation where they can enjoy a brisk heat at the roots. In such a position they 
grow with unusual vigour, and produce flowers in the greatest profusion. The only 
soil requisite in such a place, is a good sandy loam. 
During the season of growth they require a high temperature and great humidity. 
Syringe freely every day, and give an abundant supply of water to the roots. 
About the end of June this large proportion of water must be gradually diminished, 
although a good stove heat should still be kept up, and the roots must yet receive 
a liberal supply of water : this will form their flowering season. 
About the end of September or beginning of October, the flowering season will 
be over, then gradually lower the temperatnre, and diminish the quantity of water 
to the roots, until by the beginning of November the plants will be brought into a 
state of rest, when, if they are grown in the borders of the stove, they may be kept 
perfectly dry during the whole of the winter months, that is, from November to 
February. If they are growing in pots, it is requisite to remove the pots from the 
exciting situations in which they were placed to grow, to one more temperate, but 
where however they will receive no moisture, except they show signs of great 
