Category Archives for Plants
Cobea Scandens
Cobea scandens is an ornamental climbing plant from the tropics of America. It has an exceptionally rapid growth habit, and because of this it can flower from seed in a short period of time – just a few months. It … Continue reading
Succulent Plants in Cultivation
Succulent plants are classed together because they resemble each other in their adaptation to dry conditions, but they do not all belong to the same plant family. There are 24 families in which some degree of succulence is found but … Continue reading
Pests and Diseases of Cacti and Succulents
PESTS Succulent plants do not suffer greatly from pests, but if any insects are found, remove them at once with tweezers or a paint brush. The commonest pest is the mealy bug, a small whitish insect rather like a tiny … Continue reading
How to Propagate Cacti and Succulent Plants
SEED Most succulent plants are easily raised from seed, and if the seed is obtained from a reliable source the plants should be true to type. Do not sow seeds until about May if heat is not available. Sow them … Continue reading
Cacti and Succulents
Plants with green leaves that are left in the sun without water ordinarily flag in a few hours, and die within a few days. Plants that live in a hot, dry climate, however, manage to survive, because they are able … Continue reading
Variegated Shrubs, Climbers and Herbaceous Plants
SHRUBS Buxus sempervirens elegantissima is a dwarf form of box with silver-margined narrow leaves. Plant in any reasonably good soil in spring or autumn. Coma alba elegantissima, 10 ft., s. 12 ft., with its silver-striped leaves, is good in a … Continue reading
Tricolour Shrubs and Trees, Climbers, Herbaceous
SHRUBS AND TREES Acer pseudoplatanus brilliantissimum, up to 100 ft., s. 80 ft., grows slowly and has foliage suffused with pink and cream, which is particularly bright in the young growth. Fuchsia magellanica versicolor, 5 ft., s. 8 ft., is … Continue reading
Silver Shrubs and Herbaceous Plants
SHRUBS Atriplex halimus, 4 to 8 ft., s. 6 ft., has slender silver leaves with a satiny texture, which look attractive with all flowers. It makes a wide spreading bush which can be cut down in spring. Grows well by … Continue reading
Green Foliage: Shrubs, Climbers, Herbaceous
SHRUBS Artemisia abrotanum (southernwood or lad’s love), 3 to 4 ft., s. 3 ft., has fine, dark, grey-green foliage and makes a neat symmetrical bush if cut down each spring. Arundinaria fastuosa, 20 ft., A.murielae, up to 13 ft., and … Continue reading
Golden Shrubs, Climbers, Herbaceous, Annuals
SHRUBS Arundinaria auricoma, a dwarf bamboo which seldom exceeds 3 ft., has brilliantly striped golden foliage, and is slow to increase. Cassinia fulvida (golden heather), up to 6 ft., is a neat evergreen shrub with tiny leaves of burnished gold … Continue reading