The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1879-10-09
OrnamentaI-Lea Plants.

have a great many inquiries in my CORE
spondence for descriptions of desirable orna-
mental-leaved plants for the house in winter
for some people, like myself, admire the con-
trasts between the various hues which our
flowers, with proper care, will give us in the
winter, and the handsome foliage of some
plants which produce few or no flowers. In
giving the names of these plants I shall be
governed by the voice of my friends, one Of
whom seems to be constantly jogging my mem
CRY with "Give us the English names, please,
for then we will all understand you" During
my greenhouse experience [ was so much &C
customed to the Latin names they are much
more familiar to me, so if do make an I'M
Intentional slip sometimes, just imagine you
are in the greenhouse talking with me-
Now, which of these ornamental-leaved
plants shall l rank the best? Well, that would
be difficult thing, writing as am doing for
so many people of different tastes. Speaking
personally, | very much admire the Begonias
of the Rex varieties The leaves are covered
with peculiar metallic gloss; sometimes they
are dark green with pink center, edged with
silver, and are really very handsome plants.
They are little peculiar in their habits; will
not bear water on their leaves, although they
like abundance on their roots, neither do they
like removal from one place to another. Let
them have a permanent position, say in the
middle of the window garden. Moist, damp
atmosphere suits them best, and the leaves
must be carefully guarded from dust
Probably next to the Rex Begona in popular
estimation are the fancy foliage Geraniums.
Though | have seen most of the new Gerani-
ums introduced in the last decade, cannot call
to mind one more beautifully marked in the To-
liage than the Mrs. Pollock and some few 9TH
ers of the same type. The ground color of the
Taof iG RI of hor
of crimson, then another zone of green, the
edging being clear yellow. In some we'll grown
specimens the markings are very distinct, and
even more of them than the above, which is
given from small plant now on my desk
as l write AS an ornamental plant for the
parlor nothing yet excels this class of hand
some foliage Ger 4niums. Happy Thoughts an
other desirable Geranium. 1t differs from the
ordinary form of foliage in having large yell
low blotch in the center of the leaf, which is
margined with green. Mountain of Snow. is
silver edged sort of very vigorous growth and
an abundant boomer. Geraniums need plenty
Of light and abundant space between the pots
to spread themselves; they are very accommo-
dating, however, and will grow for almost any
body. Alternantheras are good hoUse-plants,
with beautiful variegated foliage, growing
ABOUT six inches high. The leaves are tinted
with many bright colors, crimson tints predom-
mating, in every conceivable manner They
are Of easy growth and well adapted for win
dow garden. Coleus are deservedly popular
plants. of which there are so many handsome
ones l will not attempt to name them. Pictus
and Multicolor grew this summer, and
thought them very handsome, but even finer
specimens have been produced, about which
l shall speak at some other time, as they are
not yet in general cultivation.
Dracenas, or Dragon Trees, are very orna-
mental-leaved plants, The foliage runs from
dark green to dark crimson. Unlike some
plants this is benefited by frequent reporting,
making the color of the leaves more lasting.
Farfugium has thick, leathery- looking leaves,
blotched with yellow spots. [ have one very
large, thrifty specimen. Smilax has such pretty,
graceful foliage must include it in this list.
would not be without it in my window garden
in winter. 1t will either climb or droop as re-
quired, and, on account of it's wavy forma-
ton, is one of the best plants fol-
vases or hanging baskets I have been sue
cessful this summer in raising some from seed
Some plants have pure white leaves, such as
Cineraria Martina, Glauciums, Gnaphaliums
and others. They are desirable by way of con
trast to the gorgeous colorings and wonderful
markings of Crotons and Marantas.
The above are only few of the handsome
foliage plants which | am acquainted with, We
they are such as any amateur may grow in thu
window and be successful with.
HINsDALE Dupage Co., Ill. Mr.. RENNIE.