Bouvardia longiflora humboldti Rubiaceae
Two-foot tropical shrub to perfume the dream greenhouse in fall and winter. The luxuriant, glossy, evergreen leaves are a fine foil for the celestial white flowers—trumpets with long, slim tubes flaring out into perfect four-pointed stars. Florists grow the larger-flowered variety, ‘Albatross,’ for cutting.
CARE. Full sun, moderate warmth, humidity, humusy soil kept wet except when the plant is resting after bloom.
PROPAGATION. Stem cuttings of new wood with heel (in warmth), root cuttings in early summer.
SPECIAL USES. Greenhouse shrub.
Buxus microphylla japonica Buxaceae Box, Boxwood
Slow-growing boxwood with small, prim, shiny green leaves filling out the plump shrub shape. It is hardy outdoors, but nice in pots and frequently found at plant counters in variety stores.
CARE. Full sun, cool temperatures, average soil mixture kept moist.
PROPAGATION. Stem cuttings of half-ripe wood.
SPECIAL USES. Artificial light, dish gardens, model landscapes, terrariums, indoor bonsai.