IOCHROMA

From the forests of Central and South America. These fast-growing, vining shrubs have drooping, tubu- lar or trumpet-shaped flowers in clusters of up to 20 near ends of branches. Blooms from early spring through fallor year-round in frost- free areas. Leaves 58 inches long, 13 inches wide. Fruit is pulpy berries.

Lax growth is best staked up, espaliered, or draped over a fence or wall. Prune selectively to maintain size and shapeand to keep the flowers coming. Avoid pruning in late fall or when cold weather approaches. Hard prun- ing delays bloom. Protect from hard frosts. Cucumber beetles love to eat the leaves.

In addition to the following, specialists offer a number of other species and hybrids.

• Grows to 8 feet or more, with dull dark green leaves.
• Stems and new shoots are covered with soft, grayish down.
• Narrow trumpets are 23 inches long.
• Blossom color of seedlings varies from blues through violets and deep reds to purplish rose and pink.
• All have a metallic sheen.
• Buy plants in bloom to get the color you want, or select named varieties.
• Indigo is glossy violet-blue; 'Peachy Keen' has peachy red flowers; 'Royal Blue' is a lighter, more brilliant blue; 'Royal Queen Purple' has bright purple blooms; and 'Sky King' is a pure light blue.

• To 10 feet or more, with glossy, bright green leaves.
• Brilliant orange-scarlet, tubular flowers with yellow throats look like fuchsia flowers.