114 
ON PLANTS TO FLOWER LATE IN AUTUMN. 
scarcely need name it : is the Chrysanthemum. Beyond this, we shall instance none 
as blooming at their own season, as it is our purpose to show what can be done 
by retarding those which flower at other periods. The Camellia we have shown the 
value of ; next, perhaps, for usefulness, are Pelargoniums — the scarlet and fancy 
kinds ; Heliotropes, shrubby Calceolarias, Aloysia citriodora, several sweet-scented 
leaved Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, China, Hybrid China, and many late-flowering 
Roses, &c. Those we have instanced are specimens of the kind of plants we 
mean. And here it may perhaps be well to introduce a caution, to prevent their 
being spurned in consequence of their commonness. Many other choice plants of a 
similar description, the better kinds of annuals, &c, are quite as appropriate for our 
purpose. And now as to the best method of growing them. They all are, it is at 
once perceptible, things that are cultivated without any difficulty ; but as it is not upon 
the profuseness of the manner in which they flower, nor upon their individual or col- 
lective display of bloom alone, that their interest and beauty depends, but upon the 
extent to which they separately are handsome specimens, in conjunction with their 
being induced to flower only at the period their bloom is required, some skill is 
requisite. 
Not the least important part of the matter is the choosing proper plants to 
commence with : they should not be mere cuttings, nor those old and worn-out, but 
vigorous well-established plants. In the case of the soft-wooded quick-growing 
things, the size it is wished they should attain must regulate the time they are 
commenced to be cultivated, and also the extent of pot-room allowed them. Their 
pots should ever be kept plunged in some suitable situation, and should be rather 
small in proportion to the plants than otherwise. Training consists in dealing with 
them according to their habits, inducing them to become as handsome specimens as 
possible. All their bloom should be plucked off before it comes to maturity, up to 
a certain period, when it may be left to expand as it is wished to employ it. The 
sweet-scented leaved plants mentioned are so distinguished from their possessing 
that property, and are very useful as giving an interesting variety. The Koses 
alluded to are amongst the most valuable things mentioned, and of course, from 
their naturally late-flowering habit, will bear encouraging treatment. 
To prevent disappointment from the extent to which any of the plants men- 
tioned may be expected to flower, we may allude to what every one must understand, 
but which many may overlook. It is the fact that, although the energies of the 
plant are not expended in perfecting flowers, they are considerably drawn upon in pro- 
ducing those which are repeatedly removed ; and farther, are directed to the increase 
of the size of the plant. There are of course many very excellent plants that 
can, by skilful management, be induced to flower in the way we are directing 
attention to, and which we have not instanced: — the Double Chinese Primula, and 
numerous other greenhouse and stove plants. 
