222 DTPLACUS PUNICEUS. 
known propensity of old plants to bloom more freely than young ones, would thus 
seem inverted in this instance, did it not appear probable that the quantity of 
cuttings taken from it must have caused this temporary barrenness. We have, 
however, remarked one circumstance in connexion with this subject, which may 
now be recorded. It is that, in proportion as this plant becomes older, its flowers 
diminish in size ; such plants as are young and luxuriant always bearing the finest 
and most conspicuous blossoms. Of this fact the culturist should not be unmindful; 
providing timeously against the degeneracy of his stock, by maintaining a perpetual 
succession. 
In its natural localities, our plant grows generally to the height of five or six 
feet ; and, being exceedingly bushy, makes a splendid feature in the scenery. But 
in this country, a specimen of such a size is not desirable ; unless it be planted in 
the border of the conservatory, or proves hardy enough to sustain the cold of this 
climate through the winter. We have repeatedly witnessed its fitness for growing 
in the flower-garden as a summer novelty, but have not yet ascertained whether it 
will remain uninjured in that situation the whole year, if moderately sheltered. It 
certainly demands a trial, as no shrub with which we are acquainted is more 
showy, or blooms so prodigally and continuously. 
Managed as a greenhouse plant, the routine of its culture is of the commonest 
kind. For soil, a sandy loam, with an addition of heath-soil of about one-fourth, 
should be preferred. It may be potted as often as seems requisite, and, with merely 
ordinary attention, will flower from June till very late in the autumn. In the 
open ground, or a position in the greenhouse where light is admitted in all its 
natural intensity, the plant will grow much more compact, and the flowers will be 
more numerous, but their dimensions less. 
Propagation may be effected in the easiest manner by cuttings or seeds, the 
latter of which are occasionally matured. 
With regard to the origin of the generic appellation, Mr. Nuttall says, " the 
name dis, two, and plakos, placenta, alludes to the splitting of the capsule, to each 
valve of which is attached a large placenta, and under its edges are found the 
slender subulate seeds." 
