8G 
THE ELOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
CLERODENDRON SPLEXDEXS. 
jHERE is hardly a more beautiful plant in cultivation 
than this Clerodendron ; l'or, under good management, 
its large clusters of brilliant scarlet blossoms are pro- 
duced in great profusion, and they last a long time in 
perfection. Unfortunately, it can never be everybody’s 
plant, for it cannot be grown with advantage except where it can 
be furnished with plenty of heat and moisture during the growing 
season. Where there is convenience, however, it is well worth atten- 
tion, and will be found to amply repay any amount of trouble which 
may be bestowed on it. 
It may be readily propagated by cuttings made of short-jointed 
young shoots, selected in a rather firm state, inserted in sandy, peaty 
soil, covered with a bell-glass, and afforded a brisk bottom-heat. It 
may also be increased by grafting it on any of the stronger growing 
varieties ; but, although this plan was at one time much recom- 
mended, it has now, I believe, fallen into disrepute, the plant having 
been found to do quite as well on its own roots. The young plants 
should be potted singly in small pots as soon as they are sufficiently 
rooted to bear handling, and replaced in bottom-heat, in a moist, 
warm situation. 
When well-established, shift into other pots two sizes larger, 
and keep them as near the glass as is convenient, in order ro induce 
the production of strong, short-jointed wood. And during the 
growing season, continue to afford them a brisk bottom-heat eighty- 
tive or ninety degrees, with a warm, moist atmosphere, and all the 
light possible, merely guarding them from the direct rays of the sun 
on the forenoons of bright, warm days. Do not keep them growing 
too late in autumn, however ; rather endeavour to have the cuttings 
rooted early in the season, so as to get strong, well-furnished p'ants 
by autumn, when they should be removed to a drier atmosphere, 
gradually withholding water from the soil, with a view to get the 
wood well ripened. And I may observe that upon this, and the 
plant being allowed a period of rest, future success greatly depends ; 
lor unless the wood is properly ripened, and the natural season of 
rest afforded, there will be no possibility of getting them to break 
strongly or grow vigorously ; but if these particulars have been 
properly attended to, they will grow equally well whether started 
in June or March, and form splendid plants for blooming in a warm 
house during winter. If, however, your young plants are intended 
for blooming in summer, water should be gradually withheld towards 
the middle of October, and they may be removed to their winter 
quarters by the middle of November, which may be a corner of the 
stove, or to any dry situation, where the temperature may average 
from fifty to fifty-five degrees, and no water should be given to the 
soil during the resting season. About March turn them out of their 
pots, and shake away as much of the soil as can be done without 
injuring the stronger roots, and re-pot in not over-large pots, using 
good fresh turfy loam, rich fibry peat, and leaf-soil in about equal 
