lightest layer of the finest soil; or it may be sown during March on a
slight hotbed. Keep the young plants shaded from the sun, and as soon
as they can be handled put them into 3-in. pots. Return them to the
hotbed and keep them shaded till established, then gradually harden
them off, and towards the end of May they may be planted in the open,
choosing a sheltered situation. The first flower-stem should be cut
out close to the bottom, but the side-shoots may either be reduced
or not. At the end of September place them in a cool frame to bloom
during the following month. They require to be well supplied with
manure water. As soon as the plants have done flowering, cut them
down, and keep them well supplied with water, and in March shake them
out of their pots and plant each sucker separately. Other sowings may
be made in April and May. To obtain cuttings, when the plants have
flowered cut them down, and when they have again grown large enough
take the cuttings and plant them in pots filled with the above
compost, putting a layer of silver sand on the top. When the cuttings
have made shoots 3 in. long, pinch off the tops to make the plants
grow bushy. Re-pot when the roots are well grown, but before they get
matted, and give occasionally a little liquid manure. Keep a good
look-out for green fly, and as soon as this nuisance appears fumigate
the plants with tobacco paper. An excess of fumigation is injurious.
Those that have bloomed in pots may be planted in the north border of
the garden in July, where they may shed their seed, from which early
plants will be produced. They may also be increased by off-sets. If
the old plants are cut down and kept well watered they will throw
up suckers, which may be separated and potted off into thumb pots,
transplanting into larger ones when required. They must always be
kept shaded from the sun. A cool frame suits them in summer, and being
nearly hardy, should never be subjected to a forcing temperature,
sufficient heat to keep away frost and damp being all that is
necessary.
Cinnamon Plant.--This is a stove or greenhouse plant, and requires a
loam and peat soil. Cuttings of the ripe wood strike freely.
Cissus Orientalis.--Useful climbing plants which delight in a light,
rich soil. They are increased by cuttings planted under glass and kept
in a gentle, moist heat.
Cistus (Rock Rose).--A compost of loam and peat suits these
beautiful evergreen shrubs. They may be increased by layers, ripe
cuttings covered with a hand-glass, or seed. Though the plants are
pretty hardy it is advisable to afford them protection during severe
frosts. June is their flowering month. Height, 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Citrus Japonica.--A greenhouse evergreen tree, requiring a rich loamy
soil. Very little water should be given it while in a growing state.
It is generally budded on an orange or lemon tree and plunged in a
bottom-heat. June is its flowering season. Height, 5 ft.
Cladanthus.--The annuals may be sown in the open in April to flower in
July. The greenhouse evergreens may be propagated by cuttings under
glass. These produce flowers in June.