GREENHOUSE CLIMBERS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1897, 23 March 1880, Page 4

GREENHOUSE CLIMBERS.

Inquiries aro so often made concerning climbers suitable for conservatories that a few remarks on those which we have at present growing and flowering freely may perhaps be acceptable to such as contemplate planting in similar structures. I may mention that during the late severe winter the temperal nre of our conservatory ranged from 40 to 50 degrees, heat only just sufficient to exclude frost, as, being planted principally with permanent plants, such as oranges, camelias, daturas, &0., nothing like a growing temperature is attempted during the winter months. The climbers are planted out in well prepared borders under the stone side stages which support the pot plants that are from time to time introduced. Taking them at the present time the most striking and fragrant are two plants of Bhynchospermum jasminoides, that have clothed the pillars which support them from base to summit, as well as a considerable length of the drooping chains whioh we have festooned with creepers. Such treatment suits this lovely flowering plant much better than pot culture or formal training. Another excellent plant is Teooma or Bignonia jasminoides, the deep green foliage of which looks well at all times, and its flowers, with their light edges and red throats, remind one of those of a Gloxinia. Jasminum azorioum is at present covered with a cloud of delicate bloom, and Tacsonia Van Volxemi is an indispensible]Jolimber,|the brilliant flowers of which wave with the slightest breath of air. Its rapid growth, too, and fine foliage render this plant extremely useful for clothing a lofty roof. Mandevilla suaveolens is a good whiteflowered climber, but unfortunately it is rather liable to bo attacked by insect pests, which in such positions are difficult to exterminate. Metrosideros floribunda, whioh boars singular bottle brush like flowers, of a brilliant description, looks well as a pillar plant. Banksian roses, which under glass maintain their evergreen character, are also suitable for such positions, in which their dark shining foliage is very effective. Amongst acacias some are well adapted for forming climbers ; all of them succeed well under conservatory treatment, and they produce a fine display in spring. Impagoria rosea and alba are quite at home in a cool house, and flower profusely in autumn. The deciduous Bignonia grandiflora is also a fine autumn flowering climber, as are also some of the clematises. We like the brilliant colours of O. Jackmani and similar varieties, and aro gradually introducing them and blending them with the evergreen ones such as C. indivisa lobata ; in fact, many of our brilliant flowered deciduous climbers might be used in such a way as not to leave unsightly bare spots in the winter, when indoor effects are most appreciated. Bor covering bare spaces rapidly we use Cobasa seandens and its variegated form with good results, as in very lofty buildings vigorous growth is required in order to give them a furnished aspect, while choicer plants of slower growth are growing up to replace them.—“ Gardening Illustrated.”