This fine plant is a hybrid production, and was
raised from seed by Mr. Smith, gardener to the
Earl of Liverpool, at Coombe Wood, at the same
time as P. rubescens. He informs us that it was raised
from the seed of P. ignescens that had been impregnated
with one of the strong-growing kinds, perhaps P.jhri-
dum. It is a very free growing sort and an abundant
bloomer, and is a valuable acquisition to our collections
from the size and brilliancy of its flowers. It
thrives well in a mixture of turfy loam and peat, and
a little sand in it to keep it open. Cuttings strike
root readily planted in pots in the same kind of soil,
and placed on a shelf in the greenhouse.
It is but too frequently the practice among nurserymen,
when they are not certain of the plant ordered
by a customer, to put another in its place sooner
than not fill up the order they receive. We are told
that at this time the present plant is often sent instead
of P. pavminum by several nurserymen about London.
In this way the figures in botanical works often bear
the blame due to the infidelity of the nurseryman.