This class are the most generally cultivated, and they embrace a great
many varieties, which are specially distinguishable by the diversity of
their leaves. Most of them are one-sided, that is, they are larger on
one side of the mid-rib than on the other. Some have fern-like foliage,
others lobated. Some have large palmate leaves, others are spotted and
laced with white. As a class they are very beautiful for their foliage,
but when to this attraction is added beauty of flowers, it will be seen
at once that they are eminently deserving of the prominent position now
given them both in the open border and the window garden.
We will name for the benefit of amateurs some of the most desirable as
given by Mr. Vick: _Fuchsioides_, with its drooping scarlet flowers, is
one of the most desirable of the whole class; the leaves are small, and
of a dark green color, and the small, delicate brilliant flowers are
produced in great profusion. As a winter blooming sort it is
indispensable. _F. Alba_ bears white flowers. _Richardsonii_, a variety
with white flowers and deeply cleft palmate leaves, requires more heat
than the former, therefore well adapted to our warm rooms. _Subpeltata
nigricans_ has large, dark purple leaves, and bears clusters of large
rosy flowers, very ornamental. _Grandiflora rosea_, with light pink
flowers, and _Sandersonii_, scarlet flowers; _Weltoniensis_, of dwarf
habit and small dark green foliage, rich pink flowers, are all fine
winter bloomers. _Argyrostigma picta_ has long, thick leaves, with white
spots. _Metallica_, an elegant plant with bronzy green foliage, and
producing an abundance of pale peach-colored flowers, is of very recent
introduction. _Louis Schwatzer_ has a beautiful marked foliage in the
style of Rex, dwarf habit. _Mons. Victor Lamoine_, leaves marbled like
lace. _Glaucophylla Scandens_ is of quite recent introduction, and the
very best of all for a hanging basket. It is of a drooping habit, and
its bright glossy leaves are very handsome. It bears large panicles of
orange salmon flowers.