The American Flower Garden Directory

Davièsias, above ten species, principally natives of New South Wales, all yellow papilionaceous flowers. D. ulicìna, D. latifòlia, D. aciculàris, and D. inricssàta, are very fine species, flower and grow freely, and require to be well drained; bloom from April to August.

Diósmas. This genus is now very much divided, and only contains about thirteen species: the generas that they have been given to, are Adenándra, Barosma, Acmadènia, and Agathósma. We will enumerate a few of the finest species of each. D. capitála, D. oppositifólia, D. longifòlia, D. rùbra, and D. teretifòlia, are the most conspicuous, all small white flowers except D. rùbra; foliage small, and all handsome growing evergreens.

Adenándras, eight species. This genus is the most select of those that have been subdivided. A. speciòsa, A. umbellàta, A. álba, A. fragràns, and A. uniflòra, are all splendid flowers: and all white except A. fragràns, which is red. Pots must be well drained.

Barósmas, above ten species. B. serratifòlia, B. pulchèlla, purple, B. fœtidíssima, blush, B. odoràta, white, and B. dioíca, pink, are the finest.

Acmadènias, five species. A. lavigàta, A. púngens, and A. tetragònia, blush, are good species.

Agathósmas, above twenty-five species, many of them very celebrated free flowering shrubby plants. A. accuminàta, A. hybrida, A. Thunbergiàna, A. imbricàta, A. prolífera, A. pátula, and A. pulchélla, which is the finest of the genus, the dried leaves of which the Hottentots use as powder to mix with the grease with which they anoint their bodies. Some travellers assert that it gives them so rank an odour, that they sometimes could not bear the smell of those who were their guides. In fact the foliage of all the five last mentioned generas, if rubbed by the hand while on the plant, has a very strong smell, some of them very agreeable, others disagreeable. They are all heath-like and evergreen small neat growing shrubs. They require while growing luxuriantly to have their young shoots topped to make them bushy; drain all the pots well, and keep them in airy situations, and not crowded with other plants, or they will become slender and unsightly.

Dryándras. This genus is closely allied in character and habits to Bánksia, and contains above sixteen species. D. nívea, has a most beautiful foliage, very long and deeply indented. D.formòsa, has a scent like the fruit of an Apricot. D. nervòsa, D. floribúnda, D. armàta, D. plumòsa, D. Baxtèri, D. nervòsa, and D. falcàta, are the most conspicuous, and all highly desirable plants in collections. They are very delicate of importation; flowers are straw and orange coloured and thistlelike. Seeds in small cones. Treat them the same as directed for Bánksias.

Dillwynias, above twelve species, and plants very little known. D. floribúnda, D. teretifòlia, and D. phylicoides, are desirable plants; flowers small, papilionaceous, and colour yellow. They are very liable to suffer from too much wet; while dormant, therefore, the pots must be effectually drained.

Dampièras, four species. The genus is named in honour of Captain W. Dampier, a famous voyager, has Lobelia-like flowers, either blue or purple. C. purpùrea, C. undulàta, and C. strícta, are the finest; the two former are shrubby; the latter is herbaceous; they all flower freely.

Edwárdsias, about four species, very beautiful foliaged plants and have very curious yellow flowers, but do not flower until the plant becomes large. E. grandiflòra, E. chrysòphylla, and E. meirophylla, are the best, and are tolerably hardy, though doubtful of ever being acclimated. The flowers are leguminose, foliage ovate, pinnate, from eight to forty on one footstalk, and appears to be covered with gold dust. The hardier they are grown, the more visible it will appear.

Elichrysums. This genus is now extinct, and two splendid species of it given to others. E. proliferum is now Phænàcoma prolífera, and has beautiful purple everlasting rayed flowers, and highly esteemed: the foliage round, ovate, smooth, and closely imbricated. E. spectábile is now Aphélexis hùmilis, has pine-like foliage, and large light purple flowers and everlasting; care must be taken that they are not over watered; drain the pots well.

Enkiánthus, only two species, both very fine. E. quinqueflòrus has large ovate accuminate foliage, flowers pink, and pendulous; very handsome. E. reticulátus, the foliage is netted, and the flowers blush; they are liable when dormant to suffer from wet. Be sure to drain the pots well, and sparing in water while in that state.

Epácris, above twelve species, and all very ornamental. E. grandiflòra has been celebrated ever since it was known; the foliage is small, flat, and accuminate; flowers tubular and pendulous, bright crimson, with a tinge of white, and very abundant, in flower from January to June. E. pulchélla is likewise a most beautiful plant; foliage very small and closely set, flowers pure white, and in long spikes, sweet-scented. E. impréssa, foliage impressed, and flowers rose-coloured. E. paludòsa, flowers white, and grows very handsomely. E. purpuráscens rùbra is a good variety, with bright red flowers. They are mostly erect growing plants; flower from March till June, and a rough, turfy, sandy soil is found most congenial. They are natives of the mountainous districts of New South Wales. The pots must be well drained; the roots will run with avidity amongst the potshreds.

Erìcas, heath. There are in cultivation in Europe above five hundred and fifty species and varieties of this magnificent genus. About sixty, years ago it consisted only of a few humble British plants, with the heath of Spain, E. Mediterrànea, which is at present most common in our collections, though in a few years we may expect to see it supplanted by others more splendid.

In their native countries, they are adapted to a great many useful purposes. In the north of Britain, the poorer inhabitants cover their cabins or huts with heath, and build the walls with alternate layers of it and a kind of cement made with straw and clay. They likewise brew ale, and distil a hot spirit from the tender shoots; and it has been known to be used in dyeing, tanning, and many other useful domestic purposes. Encomium on their beauty is not requisite; they are almost as diversified in colour as colour itself. Many are graceful, and most elegant; hundreds are pretty; a few noble and splendid; others grotesque, curious, and odoriferous. To cultivate and propagate them is one of the most delicate branches of horticulture. Nevertheless, it has been said by a scientific writer, that "those who complain of the difficulty of growing the heath are ignorant people who have never had a heath to grow." The most splendid collection in Europe is under the care of Mr. M'Nab, of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, where there are two large houses devoted to their culture; and through the whole year a continued profusion of bloom is kept up. Some of the plants are six feet in diameter, and twelve feet high. The soil used is a coarse sandy peat. Pots drained with potshreds, and pieces of freestone, are put down the sides of the large pots and tubs: where these can be had they are essential to the culture of mountainous plants, preventing them from being saturated with moisture, or from becoming dry, they being retentive of moisture, thus keeping the roots in a medium state; for if once the roots are allowed to get thoroughly dried, no art of the gardener can recover them. This may be the true reason why they are said to be difficult of cultivation.

In the summer season the pots must be kept out of the sun, for in a few hours the pot would become heated, dry the roots, and cause death, or a brownness of foliage which would never again become natural. Too much fire heat will hurt them. They only require to be kept free from frost, need a great deal of air and plenty of light; consequently, should be placed near the glass, that they may have the benefit of all the air that is admitted. Their flowers are as varied in shape as variety or colour, but they all partake of a wax-like nature, and are very persistent. For the finest and most select varieties, see the catalogue at the end of this work.

Eròdiums, Heron's bill. There are about thirty species, all of a Geranium character, and there are among them some very pretty flowering, soft wooded, shrubby, herbaceous, and annual plants. Only a few of them belong to the Green-house, of which E. incarnàtum, E. crassifòlium, and E. laciniàtum, are the finest; culture similar to Gerànium. The flowers of these are scarlet, pentapetalous, and veiny.

Eucalyptus, above fifty species of them, and the tallest growing trees of New Holland; foliage very diversified, generally of a hard glaucous texture. From their rapid growth, they soon grow higher than the loftiest house. The most conspicuous are E. cordàta, E. rostràta, E. radiàta, E. pulvigéra, E. glòbifera, E. pulverulénta, and E. resínefera. In Van Dieman's Land, a manufactory has been established, where a tannin is extracted from many of the species. The last mentioned produces gum, like that which the druggists call Kino. They ought not to be too much fostered, as it would in some degree retard their growth. They are of a very hardy nature. When large, the plants will flower freely, and are similar in flower to Myrtle; many stamina proceeding from a hard nut-like capsule.

Eupatòrium. There is only one species deserving of cultivation in the Green-house; flowers syngenesious, white, and in large flattened panicles; very sweet-scented. The plant, when growing freely, in the beginning of summer, should be topped, which would make it more bushy; if not, it is apt to grow straggling. Known as E. elegáns, in our collections.

Eutáxia's, two species. E. myrtifòlia is a most beautiful free-flowering evergreen shrub; foliage small, but very neat; flowers leguminose, small, and very many; colour yellow and red; grows freely. The young plants should be frequently topped, or they will grow naked and unsightly. E. pùngens, similar to the other except in foliage. They flower from March to June, and ought to have a place in every Green-house. Culture very easy.

Euchìlus obcordàtus is the only species: Flowers similar to Eutàxia; foliage almost unique, being inverse, cordate; time of flowering from March to June.

Fúchsias, Ladies' ear drop. About twelve species. Several of them elegant and handsome shrubs. F. virgáta and F. cònica are the most splendid of deciduous Green-house shrubs; the nerves of the leaves and young wood of the former are tinged with purplish red; the large pendant flowers which are produced from the axils of the leaves of the young wood continue during the growing season. F. cònica grows strong, foliage green, flowers pendant, corolla more spreading than the other, and when in flower is a complete mass of scarlet blossoms. It flowers all summer. F. coccínea is a common and celebrated plant, and deservedly so. F. microphylla is a neat glowing, small flowering species. F. arbórea, has very large foliage, and rose coloured flowers; a scarce species, but very desirable. F. gràcilis and F. thymifòlia, are both fine; most of the flowers are a bright scarlet, the stamens are encircled with a petal of bright purple, and are of very curious construction; they bear a dark purple berry, and are of the easiest cultivation, but during summer they must be carefully kept in the shade.

Gelsèmium nìtidum, Carolina jessamine, a most beautiful climbing evergreen, flowering shrub. In the months of April and May, it produces many large yellow trumpet-like blossoms of delicious fragrance. If much fostered in growth, it will not flower so freely.

Gnaphàlium, everlasting. This genus has got all the beautiful Cape species taken out of it, and given to Astélma and Helichrysum. Of Astélma there are above ten species, most of them very splendid, everlasting flowers. A. exímia has brilliant red flowers. A. spiràlis, A. speciosíssima, A. frùticans, and A. imbricàtum, are all very fine; pots must be well drained.

Helychrysums, above forty species, chiefly belonging to the Green-house, all everlasting flowers. H. grandiflòrum, H. arbòreum, H. orientàle, H. fràgrans, H. adoratìssimum, H. frùticans, and H. fúlgidum, are all very esteemed species, mostly soft white foliage. The pots should be well drained, and the plants kept in an airy situation, as they suffer from the least damp. If the flowers are cut off before they fade, they will retain for many years all the splendour of their beauty; but if allowed to decay on the plant, they will soon become musty, and all their colour fade.

Gompholòbiums, a genus of very pretty delicate plants, all papilionaceous; flowers generally yellow with a little red; foliage very variable. G. barbígerum, G. polimórfum, G. latifòlium, G. grandiflòrum, and G. venústum, are fine, the pots must be well drained, and care taken that they are not over watered; they grow freely.

Genístas: a few of these are very pretty free flowering shrubs. G. canariénsis, G. tricuspidáta, G. cuspidòsa, and G. umbellàta, are the finest Green-house species. All of them have yellow leguminose flowers in great abundance; leaves small, lanceolate.

Gnídias, about ten species of pretty Green-house shrubs. G. símplex, G. serícea, G. imbérbis, and G. pinifòlia, flower the most freely; flowers straw colour, tubular, and corymbose. G. símplex is sweet-scented, leaves small; the pots must be well drained, and care taken that they do not get either too wet or too dry, for the roots are very delicate. The plants must be kept near the glass, or they will be drawn weak.

Goodènia, a genus of about twelve species, with cordate, serate, alternate foliage. G. stellígera, and G. suáveolens are sweet-scented; G. ovàta and G. grandiflòra are the best. They are principally small shrubs, with terminale or axillary flowers, and flower during summer.

Gortèria personàta is the only species that belongs to this genus, and is an annual. There are several plants in our collections known as Gortèrias, but which properly are Gazània, of which there are five species. G. rìngens, when the flowers are fully expanded, (which will only be while exposed to the sun, closing at night, and opening again with the influence of the sun's rays,) is a great beauty. The rays of the flowers are bright orange, and the centre dark purple. G. pavónia has handsome foliage; flower similar to G. rìngens, except the centre of the flower being spotted, and is thought to be the finest, but does not flower so freely. G. heterophylla is of the same character, except the foliage, which is variable, the colour orange and vermilion. They are half shrubby dwarf growing plants, and during the months of July, August, and September, are liable to damp off at the surface of the earth, from the action of heat, and too much water. Pots must be well drained, and the plants kept partially in the shade. Their flowers are syngenesious, and about two inches in diameter.

Grevílleas, about thirty species. A few of them very handsome in flower and foliage, among which are G. punícea; G. acanthifòlia, (beautiful foliage); G. concínna, very pretty straw and rose-coloured flowers; G. juniperìna, green and straw-coloured; G. lineàris, white flowers. The flowers of the whole are curious, though not very attractive. Some carry their flowers in racemose spikes, others on flowering branches, which are recurved; the petals are very small and rugged; the stile longer than the appendage. They grow freely, flower and ripen seeds; all evergreen dwarf shrubs.

Hàkeas, about forty species, not generally so interesting or attractive as the last genus; flowers all white; construction similar to Grevíllea, but the foliage more varied. H. gibbòsa, H. nítida, H. salígna, H. suavèolens, sweet-scented, H. conculàta, and H. lambérti, are the best, and afford a curious variety of foliage; flower in June. Drain the pots well.

Hemerocállis, Day Lily. Only H. speciòsa of this genus belongs to the Green-house; the flower is spacious, and of copper colour. A native of Jamaica. It has not found its way into our collections. It is herbaceous, and while growing requires much water. The plant known with us as H. japónica is now Fúnkia álba, (and justly, for the most superficial observer could have distinguished it as not belonging to Hemerocállis.) It requires to be much fostered to flower well, and plenty of water. If properly treated, it is a magnificent flower, and continues flowering from July to September. We doubt not it may prove a hardy herbaceous plant, (the same as F. cærùlea,) if protected during the first winter.

Hermánnias, a genus of about forty species, all natives of the Cape of Good Hope, and not worth cultivating. They have yellow cup-like flowers, and are of the easiest cultivation. Several species are in our collections.

Hibbértias, about ten species. Three of them are very fine climbing evergreen shrubs, viz. H. glossulariæfòlia; H. dentàta; H. volùbilis, if closely approached has a disagreeable smell; H. fasciculàta, H. salígna, and H. pedunculàta, are evergreen shrubs; they have pure yellow flowers of five petals, blooming from May to September.

Habránthus, about ten species of small South American bulbs, nearly allied to Amaryllis. H. Andersónii, H. versícolor, and H. robústa are the finest; they are in colour yellow, blue, and lilac. We have very little doubt but these bulbs will do to plant out in the garden in April, and be lifted in October. Keep them from frost. Thus treated, they are very desirable bulbs.

Hòveas, about eight species, pretty plants of New South Wales, blue pea-flowering evergreen shrubs; the finest are H. lineàris, H. rosmarinifòlia, H. longifòlia, and H. Célsii, which is the most superb, and flowers in abundance. They grow and flower freely; the pots should be drained.

Hydrángea horténsis is a well known plant, and much esteemed for its great profusion of very elegant, though monstrous, flowers. They are naturally of a rose colour, but under certain circumstances of culture they become blue. If grown in brown loam with a little sand, they will preserve their original colour; but if grown in swamp earth with a little mould of decayed leaves, they will become blue. The swamp earth and vegetable mould being more combined with aluminous salt than brown loam, is the cause of the change; and, when first found out, (which was merely by chance,) was thought a great wonder. It must have a very plentiful supply of water when in flower, which is produced on the shoots of the previous year. They will neither grow nor flower well if they are not kept constantly in the shade. When kept in the sun, the foliage is very brown; and by being neglected in watering, we have seen the flowers completely scourged. Being tolerably hardy, when the winters are mild, by a little protection in the open air, they will flower profusely; the flowers will be very large, and in bloom from June to October. They are deciduous, soft wooded shrubs.

Hypéricums, St. John's wort, about twenty species. A few of them are very showy, and with few exceptions have yellow flowers. H. monógynum, H. balearicum, H. floribúndum, H. canariénse, H. ægyptìacum, and H. cochinchinense, which has scarlet flowers, are amongst the best, and all of them flower freely; five petals, filaments many in three or five parcels. They are all of very easy cultivation, and bloom generally from April to September.

Ilex, Holly, of I. aquifòlium. There are above one hundred species of them in cultivation in Europe, differing in variegation, margin, shape, and size of the leaves; some are only prickly on the margin of the foliage, others prickly over all the surface. In Europe they are all hardy, but with us few or none of the varieties are so. If they become acclimated, they will be a great ornament to our gardens, being all low evergreen shrubs. The most common and conspicuous varieties are the hedgehog, striped hedgehog, white edged, gold edged, and painted; the flowers are white and small, berries yellow or red; they do not agree with exposure to the sun. J. Cassíne and J. vomitòria have very bitter leaves, and, though natives of Carolina, we have to give them the protection of a Green-house. It is said that at certain seasons of the year the Indians make a strong decoction of the leaves, which makes them vomit freely, and after drinking and vomiting for a few days, they consider themselves sufficiently purified.

Illíciums, Aniseed-tree, three species. I. floridànum, has very sweet-scented, double purple flowers, and the plant grows freely and systematically if properly treated, and deserves the attention of the admirers of flowers. I. parviflòrum has small yellow flowers; I. anisàtum is so very like I. parviflòrum in every respect, as to make us conclude they are the same, were I. anisátum not a native of China, and the other two natives of Florida. When the leaves and capsules of either of them are rubbed, they have a very strong smell of anise; – they grow very freely.

Indigófera; Indigo-tree, about twenty species, belong to the Green-house, and are chiefly pretty free flowering shrubs. I. denudàta, I. amæna, I. austràlis, I. angulàta, I. càndicans, and I. filifòlia, are very fine; flowers papilionaceous, in long panicles; colour various, red, blue, yellow, and pink.

Isopògons, about ten species of Pròtea-like plants, all natives of New Holland. They are very stiff shrubs, with leaves very much divided, and cone-like flowers at the extremity of the shoots. I. formòsus, I. anemonifòlius, I. attenuàtis, and I. polycéphalis, are the finest; flowers are straw, lilac, white, and yellow coloured; the pots must be well drained, and the plants not over-crowded.

Justícias. Only a few of these belong to the Green-house, and are very simple looking flowers. The most beautiful of them belong to the Hot-house. J. nìgricans, small striped flower; J. orchioídes and J. Adhátoda, Malanut, are the only ones that are worth observation, and are very easily cultivated. J. Adhátoda has good looking foliage, but does not flower until the plant becomes large; colour white and light purple.

Jacksònias. A genus consisting of five species. The foliage is varied, and all natives of New South Wales. J. scopària is similar to a plant in our collections, called Vimenària denudata. J. hórrida, and J. reticulàta, are the finest; the small flowers come out of the young shoots, are yellow and papilionaceous; the pots should be well drained.