To cultivate them successfully we must divide them into two classes:—the tuberous rooted, and the shrubby. Each of these will require separate treatment. The following kinds are amongst the best in cultivation, either here, or in English gardens, from whence they can be easily procured.
Tuberous Rooted.
1. B. discolor or Evansiana, native of China, with pinkish white flowers, may be had in bloom from May to October.
2. cinnabarina, from Bolivia, deep pink or cinnabar, from June to October.
3. Martiana, from Brazil, deep pinky rose, from July to October.
4. diptera, Cape of Good Hope, whitish, June to August.
5. Barkeri, Mexico, dull white, February to December.
These require to be kept rather dry and cool in the winter season. No. 5. may be had in flower all the year, by having several pots, and keeping them dry at different periods. Early in spring the tubers may be potted in 6 in. pots, in a soil composed of well-decayed leaf mould, loam, and sand. They require little water till the leaves appear, when they will take an abundance. They may be forwarded in a little heat, but will do pretty well if allowed to come along with the season. They are easily propagated from their tubers, by cuttings, or by seeds.
Shrubby or Fibrous Rooted.
1. B. nitida, native of Jamaica, with pinkish white flowers, and large, thick, shining leaves. May be had in bloom all the year, and made into handsome specimens.