MANAGEMENT OF A FEW SPECIES OF BIGNONIA AND TECOMA. 
257 
indicated by an arrival at that size beyond which the species rarely or very triflingly 
extends itself. It is a ripeness of this character which we have observed to be 
essential to Bignonias and the like objects. The two or three years passed without 
flowers in order to gain it, are more than compensated by after showiness ; since, 
when a plant has reached what we would call its meridian, or a condition not far 
from it, it will go on annually blooming, in the greatest prodigality, till it is 
literally enfeebled by age. 
To bring a Bignonia, then, to the stage which we have just glanced at, we 
deem it prudent to supply it with all needful nourishment in the way of soil. We 
consequently prefer a somewhat rich loam, with scarcely any heath mould, and 
only a small proportion of sand. With these, and a tolerably wide space for its 
roots, it will grow in great vigour for the first two years, and after it has enlarged 
itself to its average extent, the proximity of the roots to the surface will be alone 
adequate to the suppression of further luxuriance, and the instigation of blooming 
tendencies. 
During the earlier part of its progress, pruning may be exceedingly beneficial, 
as well to cause it to protrude lateral shoots, as to remove the weak extremities of 
its main stems. With those species that send out very long shoots in one season, 
reduction is particularly desirable. The side-branches, too, that are formed prior 
to the maturity of which we have been descanting, should be all shortened, that 
they may not begin flowering too soon. The pruning can be done in the winter 
or late autumn months ; and the plants will rarely require other tendance, except the 
timely fastening of the leading shoots to the rafters or trellis which support them. 
We have hinted at the means by which fertility may be at once occasioned, as 
if they were of an active nature. This is far from being the case. They consist 
simply in leaving the lateral branches untouched. The principal error in the 
management of Bignonias that have gained a flowering state, is the pruning and 
shortening of their side-shoots. These should be left entire, and they will then 
bloom in the following season. 
Such numbers of cases, verifying the preceding direction, have occurred beneath 
our notice, that we believe it equally efficacious with all Bignonias. The only 
deviation from it which is requisite, is for rendering such productiveness permanent, 
Instead of passing over the whole of the lateral shoots, half or a third of them should be 
pruned back, to furnish fresh ones for the ensuing year; and, in the winter previously 
to that year, the old laterals that have flowered so finely, may themselves be cut 
back ; thus, by alternate sets of shoots, having a superior display every summer. 
Those who would be disposed to cavil at the length of this article, will, perhaps, 
relinquish their objections, when they reflect on the important subjects, affecting all 
cultivated plants, which are discussed in it, and which, in truth, constitute the 
main part of its substance. We are ever loth to give much space to isolated topics, 
unless they comprehend principles which are interwoven with the very nature of 
general cultivation. 
vol. ix. — no. cvn. L L 
