ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL GARDEN PLANTS a 2 ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL GARDEN PLANTS THEIR VALUE AND USES : WITH FULL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THEIR CULTIVATION BY A. E. SPEEE, F.R.H.S. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY THE AUTHOR LONDON JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET, W. 1911 INTRODUCTION ANNUALS and Biennials are plants with limited lives. An Annual is a plant that is raised from seed, which germinates, grows, comes to maturity, seeds and dies (irrespective of frost), all within the period of a year. In Nature these seeds are scattered broadcast in the Autumn by the winds and other agents, and quickly germinate, thus reproducing themselves year by year. HARDY ANNUALS are those which need no protec- tion. There are numerous Hardy Annuals that will stand a great amount of frost and bad weather, if, as Nature dictates, they are sown in the Autumn. But this is not the common practice. For one thing a gardener usually is far too busy at that time of the year, digging, sweeping up leaves, potting up geraniums, attending to the glass-houses and frames and many other duties, that he is not justified in spending his time in sowing Annuals when he considers the Spring will do as well. Neither does he wish to risk the Winter when he has enemies enough to contend with. So, in spite of Nature's teachings, he sows in early Spring, when he considers the risks are over. Never- theless, Autumn-sown plants are the best and strongest. In very cold, bleak, and exposed places the practice of sowing in Autumn is not recommended of course, — at least it would be attended with only a small measure vii 306971 viii INTRODUCTION of success ; but the rules of Nature are invariably the right ones, and, using discretion, it is as well to bear them in mind. Having disposed for the present of the Hardy Annuals, we may pass on to those plants known by gardeners as — HALF-HARDY ANNUALS. — The question where to draw the line between the Hardy and some of the Half-hardy Annuals is an open one, subject to the plant being native of a very warm climate, a temperate or cool one; also what must be treated as tender in the North would be considered absolutely hardy in the South. The terms must be used relatively and with judg- ment without going to extremes. Half-hardy Annuals are plants that in their own tropical climes behave just as Hardy Annuals do here ; but in a cool one like ours, subject to frost and other uncongenial conditions, they must be treated in the first stages of growth with more or less artificial heat, according to their several requirements, until they are sufficiently established, and the weather becomes warmer to allow of their being transplanted outdoors. Under this head must be included, for practical purposes, certain plants that are in their own countries not Annuals but true Perennials (i.e., they continue to grow and flower every year), though in this country are usually regarded as Half- hardy Annuals and treated as such. For instance, Petunias and Verbenas. There are numerous Annuals, generally termed Tender or Greenhouse Annuals on account of their delicacy, that are seldom, if ever, a success when transplanted to the open air, INTRODUCTION ix even in the hottest months in our climate. Such plants are outside the scope of this work, and are consequently omitted. BIENNIALS are a class or section of plants that cannot very well be separated from the Annuals, being so nearly alike in habit. However, they have this difference, that they never flower till the second year after sowing, living as half-developed plants through the Winter, after which, like Annuals, they flower and die; hence the name Biennial, which means two years' continuance. Therefore they are never sown in the early Spring, but during the Summer months of June or July as a rule, so as to allow them to get well established before Winter. They may be sown where they are wanted to flower, but are usually transplanted from the seed- beds in Autumn. Example, the Canterbury Bell. Some even require slight protection in a cold frame during Winter, or at least are the better for it. For instance, the Brompton, Queen, and Intermediate Stocks. Under this heading may be mentioned a few plants that in a state of Nature are more or less perennial, though, from the high state of cultivation they receive in a garden, seem to get worn out with the extra amount of flower growth forced upon them, and quickly degenerate or die altogether after the first year. For example, we may take the garden Wallflower, or the Chimney Bellflower (Campanula pyramidalis). The plants sometimes flower a second or even a third year, but miserably compared to their first efforts, and are consequently always regarded by gardeners as Biennials. x INTRODUCTION VALUE AND USES. — It is a common error to under- rate the value of Annuals and Biennials, and the reason assigned for this indifference is that they are short- lived and therefore hardly worth the trouble expended on them. Considering their beauty and gay colouring, the ease with which they can be grown, their rapidity in develop- ment, and the quantity obtained for a small outlay, the advantages (especially in small gardens) would seem to altogether outweigh the disadvantages. More- over, it may be said that many of the varieties are excellent material for cutting from for house decoration, while some are very fragrant. The uses to which they can be put are numerous. The early kinds can be turned to profitable account by filling up the gaps caused by the withering Spring- flowering bulbs, which have already done their duty on the edge of the mixed border. It is a common practice to fill up the spaces in herbaceous beds with Annuals, where it is found there is room still vacant for some- thing to grow, which is easily discerned when the plants that have lain dormant all the Winter begin to break forth into young growth. Some will have failed, and this is a golden opportunity to fill up the space, and not too late either. But for breadth of colour and real effect there is no doubt they look best and grow best in small beds, not a jumble of a dozen varieties, but one or two massed together and well chosen for harmony as well as brilliancy ; for instance, China Asters, Zinnias, and Stocks. Opportunities sometimes suggest them- selves for sowing them in lines or "ribbons," more INTRODUCTION xi particularly the dwarf sorts which make neat edgings, as Dwarf Nasturtiums, or Dwarf French Marigolds (Tagetis signata pumila). Many gardeners trust a good deal to Annuals and Biennials for late Summer and Autumn effects, when such plants as Hollyhocks and Sunflowers, Nicotiana, Alonsoa, Cosmos, Verbena, Chimney Bellflowers, and Petunia among others come in advantageously. CLIMBERS. — Late Summer and Autumn is also the time of year when many of the climbing varieties are at their best, about July, till frost cuts them down. They are used for covering fences, trellis, archways, verandahs, and such like objects. Among the most prominent of these may be mentioned the Canary Creeper (Tropoeolum canariense), Sweet Pea, Tall Nasturtium, Mina lobata, Coboea scandens, Eccremo- carpus, and Ipomoea. "EVERLASTINGS." — These are late-Summer flowers, and natives of warm climates. The best plan for keeping them is to cut the flowers just before they are quite full blown. Then after tying them in small bunches, hang them up on a nail with a piece of string heads downward. The stems will then stiffen and dry up straight, but if put when fresh in a vase upright, the stalks will very soon bend over and hang their heads. In a month or two, when they are quite dry and firm, they can be taken down and used in vases in the ordinary way, but without any water. They will keep a great length of time, and are useful during the Winter months. PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. — This is more important xii INTRODUCTION than most people think, and it is because it is not thoroughly dug over that Annuals are so often a failure. It is a common belief that any kind of scratching with a rake is good enough for such plants. But do not be led into this error. Dig the ground well and add a little manure at the bottom of the "spit." Two feet is none too deep for some — Sweet Peas for instance. Light soil may be dug in February or March, but for heavy soils the Autumn is the best time. This allows the frosts of Winter to disintegrate the lumps, and so bring it into better condition for breaking up before sowing. SOWING THE SEED. — Before putting the seeds in, rake the surface fine and level, incorporating with it a dusting of fine lime. This helps to sweeten the soil, and has a beneficial effect in conjunction with the manure. It is seldom, however, necessary to put any rich manure in the soil where Nasturtiums are to be grown, as it makes them produce too much foliage and very little flower. Directions are given below the description of each family of plants throughout the book as to the time to sow, the depth to put the seeds, when to trans- plant (where necessary), the positions to place them, and other information of like character, so it is only necessary to say here that a good rule in sowing is to remember that large seeds like Nasturtiums and Sun- flowers may be planted 2 ins. below the surface, while \ an inch is enough for most of them ; but some are so exceedingly small — for instance, Portulaca — that enough can be put on a sixpenny piece to produce hundreds of INTRODUCTION xiii plants. Such seeds need only to be dusted over with fine soil, or when sown in pots merely gently pressed down with a flat piece of wood. Never to sow fine seed on a windy day is only common sense, nor when the ground is sodden with much rain, as it sticks to the implements, and cannot be properly raked over. Nor attempt it when frost has made the ground hard. Choose a fine day when the soil is in nice workable condition. As Half-hardy Annuals are sown in frames or in pots in a greenhouse, weather is not of so much consequence ; but see that the pots are well cleaned and brushed out, as if they are left in a dirty condition they not only harbour vermin, but the seedlings are afterwards difficult to turn out without greatly disturbing the roots. THINNING OUT. — By this is meant that when seeds have been sown too thickly — and this is invariably the case — many of the seedlings have to be pulled up, particularly in the case of fine seeds. It is no good only half doing it, it must be done almost ruthlessly with a hardened heart. Each seedling must be allowed plenty of room to grow and expand, and when the size of the full-grown plant is known, it is easy to judge how far apart to leave them. Special note should be made of this in the case of low-spreading things, like Nemophila, for instance. If thinning out is neglected, nothing but disappointment will be the result. The plants will grow tall, attenuated and weak, throwing very little flower, instead of being comely, bushy, and free-flowering. STAKING for climbing plants, like Sweet Peas, xiv INTRODUCTION should be performed directly after sowing, as then there are no roots to break or disturb. After putting in the larger sticks (Hazel for choice) it is as well to add a few small ones after, close to the seeds, for the seedlings to get hold of quickly. The re- mains of a worn-out besom is a handy and economi- cal thing to use for this purpose when cut from the handle. WATERING. — This operation requires more care than is often given to it. In dry weather a little sprinkling does more harm very often than good. The roots are attracted to the surface only to be burnt up by the hot rays of the sun. When watering do it thoroughly, so that it may go down to the roots, and not the roots up to the moisture. Some Annuals, like Sweet Peas, especially if grown for exhibition, require copious watering, and occasionally with a little liquid manure added. Always water after the sun is off the plants ; and it may be added, rain-water saved in a tub is preferable to water from a pipe. It is softer and not so cold. In the case of very minute seeds, when sown in pots, and practically on the surface, instead of watering overhead, it is safer to place the pots in a saucer containing about 2 ins. of water for two hours, which will soak through to the soil. Unless that is done the seeds are liable to float on the water and get washed out. In the case of the Canterbury Bell, a second crop of flowers will result if the seed-pods of the first flowers are removed. GATHERING SEED. — Few amateurs care to sow their INTRODUCTION xv own seed, but for those who would do so a few hints will not be out of place. The plants have to be carefully watched till the seed is in a fit condition to gather, and should be only taken from the finest flowers. Dry weather is essential for the operation, and September is the best month. Put the seed when collected in cardboard boxes and label each one. Keep them open for a time on a sunny shelf, so that they can thoroughly dry, after which they can be put away till required. MULCHING the surface is an excellent plan for pre- venting or checking the evaporation of moisture from the soil. The worst of it is that it is untidy in appear- ance, unless cocoanut fibre is used, and that is expensive when required in large quantities. It is done by placing round the roots a thick layer of manure, grass mowings, and the like. It should be put on after a copious watering or soaking rain. MANURE. — If the ground was properly dug, and stable or farmyard manure put in at the proper time, after-manuring is not often necessary. A dusting of "super," as gardeners call superphosphate of lime, in April is sometimes given as a fillip. If this manure is used, care should be taken not to let it touch foliage. A pinch or two round the roots is all that is necessary, to be washed in by the rain. SEED-PODS should always as far as possible be picked off. This will prevent the plants from weakening them- selves, aod will prolong the flowering season. They cannot undergo the two operations together success- fully. EXPLANATION IN the body of the work, to assist in the proper pronunciation of the names, an accent is placed after the syllable that should be emphasised. For instance, Tropse'olum, not Tropeeo'lum, as it is commonly pro- nounced. Also Gypso'phila, not Gypsophi'la. Nat. Ord. signifies Natural Order. Syn. „ Synonym, or discarded name. fl. pi. „ flore pleno, or double flower. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS COLOUKED PLATES FACING PAGE Cobcea scandens . . , . ' ».'• • • .70 Coreopsis (Tickseed) , ,. . . «.. t« - 75 Dimorphotheca aurantiaca (The Namaqualand Daisy) . * 95 Eccremocarpus scaber «; .,.*.. ,;. ... w .'• • • 97 Eschscholtzia Calif ornica . . . ...•* ._" • ...;?.• • ^^ Scdbiosa (Sweet Scabious) . * . , . *. • 225 BLACK-AND-WHITE PLATES Alonsoa warscewiczii . . » -. * . * . . 7 The Prickly Poppy (Argemone grandiflora) * , . . 22 The Swan Kiver Daisy (Brachycome iberidifolia) < • »: . 30 The Common Marigold (Calendula officinalis) . » -, v- «~ ^ China Aster (Callistephus chinensis) . ,, . « ,, . ,.^ 40 Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) , . . .44 The Cup and Saucer Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium caly- canthemd) . . . '• '.,'.•} . . .44 The Steeple or Chimney Bellflower (Campanula pyramidalis\ White variety, 8j ft. high , . . ,. . . 44 The Feathered Cockscomb (Celosia plumosa) . . ... 50 Corn Flowers (Centaurea cyanus) . . . . .52 Convolvulus tricolor . * j » . . . . 63 Chrysanthemum carinatum burridgeanum and Chrysanthemum carinatum atrococcineum . , . . . . 63 1. Clarkia elegans ; 2. Clarkia pulchella ,v . . .66 The Mexican Aster (Cosmos bipinnatus) . . . .76 Larkspur (Delphinium ajacis) ...... 84 Didiscus coeruleus . . . . . . .92 Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) . * . . . .94 Erysimum arkansanum . . . / > . . .98 xix xx LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FACING PAGE Horned Poppy (1. Glaucium luteum; 2. Glaucium corniculatum phoeniceum) . . . . . . .110 Godetia ......... no Everlasting Flower (Hdichrysum monstrosum) . . . .120 Heliophila araboides . . . . . . .120 Rocket Candytuft (Iberis corcmaria) . . . . .128 Kavlfussia amdloides . . . . . .136 Malope trimestris ... . . . . 142 Chili Nettle (Loasa aurantiaca) '. » . . .152 Loasa hispida .... : . . . .152 An Annual Lupine (Lupinus mutabilis Cruickshanki) . .158 Virginia Stock (Malcolmia maritima) . ,. . . .160 Michauxia tchihatchewi . ' .' . . . . .178 Minalobata . . . . * . . 173 Nemesia strumosa . . . '.* ' . % . 184 Neniophila insignis, and Varieties . . , * . . 185 Chilian Bellflower (Nolana atriplicifolia) . . . .185 Tobacco Plant (Nicotiana affinis) . . . . .186 Evening Primrose ((Enothera biennis) . . . . .192 Phacdia grandiflora ; Phacelia campanularia . . . 207 Phlox Drummondi ....... 208 Cream Cups (Platystemon ccdifornicus) .... 208 Mignonette (Reseda odoratd) ... . . . 214 The Pink Rosette or Swan River Everlasting (Rhodanthe Manylesii) 216 Salpiglossis sinuata , ',, . . . . . . . 220 The Notched Fringe Flower (Schizanthus retusus) . . . 228 Cup Flower (Scyphanthus elegans) « .... 230 Jacobea (Senecio elega/ns), Double and single .... 231 Sphenogyne speciosa ;i * ', . . . . . 231 1. African Marigold (Tagetes erectd); 2. French Marigolds (Tagetes patvla) ; 3. Tagetes signata ..... 236 Canary Creeper (Tropceolum aduncum) ..... 240 Venidium calendulaceum ...... 244 Verbascum olympicum • > . . . . . 245 Vervain ( Verbena) ....... 246 Zinnia elegans , * . . . . . . 254 ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL GARDEN PLANTS ABRO'NIA — Sand Verbena (from Gr. habros, meaning graceful or delicate). The generic name should be pronounced Habronia, strictly speaking. Nat. Ord. Nyctaginacece. Half-hardy succulent plants of a trailing nature, with showy flowers in dense verbena-like clusters, brought from California in 1823, admirably adapted for rock work or hanging baskets, and flowering all summer and autumn, preferring the neighbourhood of the sea-shore. The somewhat glutinous flowers smell of honey in the evening, when they are at their best. A. arena' ria has trailing stems, clustered with masses of pale yellow flowers in August. Syn., A. latifo'lia. A. u'mbella'ta. Bright rose-coloured flowers with white centre, pleasantly scented, on trailing stems during the summer months. Propagate by seed sown yV in. deep in poor light sandy soil out of doors on a border or rockery in April ; or in February and March in temp. 55° to 2 . ABRONIA ABRO'NIA — continued. 65°, and plant out in May in sandy soil. The seed is some little time germinating. ADLU'MIA — Climbing Fumitory or Allegheny Vine (named after Major Adlum, an American). Nat. Ord. Fumariacece. A. cirrho'sa. The only species known is a rampant climbing biennial, that will grow 10 ft. or more in a season. It has slender, twining stems, and quantities of little flesh- white flowers, ^ in. long, which in a south aspect it loves to fling about over shrubs, rustic fences, or anything near it. It blooms in June to September. A native of N. America, intro- duced in 1788. A. cirrho'sa purpu'rea. A variety having purple flowers. Sow seeds i in. deep in open border in April in light soil against a south wall, trellis, or other support. ACROCLI'NIUM (derived from Gr. akros, top, and Mine, a couch, in reference to the conical receptacle). Nat. Ord. Composite^. A. ro'seum. A half-hardy annual plant from S.W. Australia, sometimes classed as Helipterum roseum, one of the so called "Everlastings," the flowers possessing the property of retain- ing their appearance and colour when dried for a considerable length of time, for which reason they are useful as cut flowers for ADONIS 3 ACROCLI'NIUM — continued. A. ro'seum — continued. indoor decoration. Gather before fully open. The plant attains about 2J ft. in height, and blooms from June to the end of September. The star-like flowers, about 1 in. across, vary from rose to pale lavender colour, with greyish-green foliage. Introduced in 1853. A cultivated form distinguished as grandi- flo^a, brought out in 1879, is similar but has finer bloom. There is also a double-flowered variety, which is rather a novelty, and said to be taller and more branched. A. album has white flowers, sometimes double. The double forms are less inclined to close up in damp weather than the single. Sow seed J in. deep in light sandy soil in a temp, of 65° during March, transplanting the seed- lings, with a little ball of earth, at the end of April or May, choosing a sheltered border. Or else, sow in the open ground in a rich sandy soil towards the end of April where it is to grow. This is really the best method, as it resents any root disturbance. As a pot plant it does well, but it is never a very showy flower, and scarcely worth that trouble. ADO'NIS (named after Adonis of the Classics). Nat. Ord. Ranunculacece. A pretty family of plants, having bright flowers, resembling the Buttercup in shape. Most of the 4 ADONIS ADO'NIS — continued. species are perennial rock plants, but the follow- ing are annuals suitable for the mixed border : — A. cestiva'lis, popularly known as Flos Adonis, is l£ ft. high, and produces brilliant scarlet flowers on finely cut foliage, blooming about June. S. Europe, 1629. Syn., A. Miniata. A. autumna'lis, Red Camomile, Red Morocco, com- monly called Pheasant's Eye or Corn Adonis, is found in some parts of England growing wild, though it is supposed by some to be an escape. The flowers are bright crimson, that fable says were stained with the blood of Adonis. They bloom from June to October, about 1J ft. from the ground. A. citri'na is 1 ft. high, with orange flowers. S. Europe, 1819. A. fla'mmea, with scarlet flowers, is a native of Austria. A. Minia'ta. See A. cestiva'lis. Sow the seed TV in. deep in ordinary good soil in the open ground in March or April. ^ETHIO'NEMA (from Gr. aitho, to scorch, and nema, a filament, in reference to the burnt appearance in the stamens). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. JE. Buxbau'mi. A dwarf unassuming annual but seldom seen, only 6 ins. high, having pale rose-coloured flowers. Of small consequence for the garden, but is suitable for the rockery in sandy loam and grit. From the Levant, 1823. AGERATUM 5 ^ETHIO'NEMA — continued. Sow in March in boxes in greenhouse about 65°, and plant out in May ; or outdoors in May. AGERA'TUM — Floss Flower (from Gr. ageratos, not growing old, having reference to the long time the flowers keep their colour). Nat. Ord. Composite. These half-hardy annuals make good plants for bedding out and are generally used for margins, as they flower profusely all summer and late into the autumn, till frost destroys them. They are compact, rarely injured by heavy rains, and seldom exceed 1^ ft. in height, if as much. At the same time they are sometimes made too much use of, the fluffy flowers being rather monotonous in their sameness and regularity. Ageratums, however, are very satisfactory plants to grow and never disappoint. A. Mexico! num is the one best known. It stands about 1 ft., or little more, the terminals being covered with a mass of lavender-blue flowers. From Mexico in 1822. A. Mexico! num albiflo'rum nafnum is a dwarf white variety. A. Mexico! num lufteum, is 1 ft. high, with yellow flowers. There is a dwarf variety of this called nalnum. The garden varieties of Ageratum are called Imperial Dwarf, blue, 6 ins. ; Cupid, 6 ins., deep blue ; Blue Perfection, 9 ins., dark blue; Swanley Blue, 9 ins., very deep blue; 6 AGERATUM AGERA'TUM — continued. A. Mexico! mum lu'teum — continued. Queen, 9 in., silvery grey; Snowflake, 9 ins., white. Sow seed out of doors in a fairly protected border in April or May, and transplant the seed- lings to their flowering positions in June ; or in February and March in shallow boxes in temp. 65° to 70°, and plant out in May. AGROSTE'MMA — (From Gr. agros, a field, and stemma, a wreath). Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacece. This is generally regarded now as a section of the genus Lychnis, from which it only slightly differs. A. cceli-rosa or Rose of Heaven. See LYCHNIS coeli- rosa. The annual Viscarias are also sometimes named Agrostemma. ALKANET. See ANCHUSA. ALLEGHENY VINE. See ADLUMIA. ALONSO'A (called after Z. Alonzo, a Spaniard). Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacece. A genus of half-hardy annual plants of the Snapdragon order. Charming for small beds by themselves or in the mixed border. A. acutifo'lia. Height 3 ft. Slender growing. Scarlet flowers in June. From Peru in 1790. A. albiflo'ra. Height 2 feet. White, yellow in centre. From Mexico, 1877. .4 LOXSOA WA BSCE WICZIL [To face p. 7. ALONSOA 7 ALONSO'A — continued. A. gra'cilis. Height 1 ft. Scarlet. Variety of A. linifolia. A. incisifo'lia. Height 2 ft. With deeply toothed scarlet and black flowers which bloom in June. Native of Chili, 1795. Syn., Celsia urticcefolia. A. tinea' ris (Mask Flower). About 2 ft. A dwarf shrubby plant, having obliquely wheel-shaped scarlet flowers and a black spot at the base, the form suggesting its name. It flowers in June, and is a native of Peru, from whence it came in 1790. Syn., Celsia linearis. A. linifo'lia. Height 1J ft. Flowers, bright scarlet ; foliage, long, slender, and very graceful. From Australia. A. minia'ta. Only 16 ins. high. A compact pyramidal plant with bright scarlet flowers. A. muti'sii. A bush plant 18 ins. high, producing a profusion of chamois-rose flowers. A. myrtifo'lia. Similar to A. insicifolia, with larger flowers and more intense scarlet than the other kinds. A. Warscewi'czii. Height 1J ft. A bright little annual with racemes of small but dazzling orange-red flowers, which appear in July and last till October. It should be grouped 6 ins. apart, and is excellent for cutting from for indoor decoration. Not nearly as well known 8 ALONSOA ALONSO'A — continued. A. Warscewi'czii — continued. as it deserves to be. A native of Central America, 1858. Give slight support with twigs cut from an old besom. Sow seeds ^ in. deep in March in gentle heat, about 60°, in sandy soil, or in April in the open air. They can be easily grown in pots also for the conservatory. Water moderately. ALPINE FORGET-ME-NOT. See MYOSOTIS alpestris. ALPINE WALLFLOWER. See ERYSIMUM ochroleucum. ALTH^E'A — Hollyhock (from Gr. althaia, the wild mallow). Nat. Ord. Malvacece. The few hardy wild species of this family are of small consequence compared to the majestic garden Hollyhock, a cultured descendent of A. ro'sea, a native of China and the East and Southern Europe. A.Jicifo'lia, The Fig-leaved Hollyhock introduced from the Levant in 1597 ; of a bushy habit, 5 ft. high, with single flowers of bright primrose yellow and deeply cut foliage. A distinctly handsome plant. There are also hybrid strains showing many shades of colour. A. ro'sea, the ancestor of all the garden Hollyhocks now grown, is, even in its natural and original form, a fine plant. It has been cultivated for more than three centuries in this country, ALTHAEA 9 ALTH^E'A — continued. A. re/sea — continued. since it was first introduced in 1573 from the Holy Land, whence the name Hollyhock (formerly hollihock, a corruption of the word holy and the Anglo-Saxon hock, the wild mallow). In its original form this biennial plant is single blossomed and pink in colour, and the beautiful double garden varieties are the result of careful selection and crossing, first by Mr Charles Baron, a shoemaker of Saffron-Walden, and latterly by many others. There is no more stately plant than this for making a bold effect if well arranged in a border, so as to make a background for other things not so tall, or grouped in a mass on a large lawn. The colours are numerous. Among others may be mentioned : — A. ro'sea fimbria'ta. A strain with semi- double fringed petals. A. ro'sea Prince of Orange. Distinct orange yellow. A. ro'sea alba. Pure white double. Hollyhocks are increased by division of the roots also ; but it is strongly advised to raise them from seed, as these are usually the best and far less likely to inherit the dread fungus disease (Puccinia malvacearum), to which they are peculiarly liable, than those propagated by other means. In raising them from seeds, the plants are best 10 ALTH^A ALTH^E'A — continued. sown in June or July in a west border. The seeds very quickly germinate. Late in September or in October the young plants should be lifted and potted up and kept in a cold frame till April, when they must be planted out in the open where they are to flower. Another way, and the best for those who have no glass at all, is to sow in the open ground in June or July as follows : — Prepare a seed bed by digging and pulverising the soil deeply and well. Eake smooth and put in the seed 2 or 3 ins. apart and 1 in. deep. In a few days the seedlings will be up, when they will require frequent watering if the weather is hot. When about 3 ins. high they should be gently raised with the spade and the long tap-root severed entirely, which will encourage new fibrous growth. By the end of August or September they will be ready to be transplanted to where they are to flower. The bed for their ultimate reception should have been well prepared beforehand by digging 2 ft. deep at least, leaving the lower soil at the bottom, at the same time adding a liberal supply of good cow manure. Hollyhocks may be treated as half-hardy annuals, that is sown in boxes in January in slight heat, and will flower the same summer when removed to the open ground about April, after being gradually hardened off in a cool frame. Do not crowd them when planting, but allow 3 ft. between each, at the same time putting in a ALYSSUM 11 — continued. good stout stake or bamboo 4 or 5 ft. high. If the staking is done later the roots get disturbed. When in flower, water occasionally with liquid manure. This is important if fine plants are required. It may be mentioned that the author has grown Hollyhocks 12 ft. high, though this is unusual. The ground was virgin soil, and had just been deeply trenched and manured. A good panacea against the ravages of the fungus disease before mentioned is 1 Ib. of tobacco powder and \ oz. sulphate of copper, well mixed together, and dusted over the foliage. ALY'SSUM (from Gr. a, not, and lussa, rage, in reference to its supposed cure for anger). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. A. Mari'timum, popularly known as Sweet Alyssum, is a free blooming hardy little annual, much cultivated in gardens, producing small bunches of white honey-scented flowers, very attractive to bees. It grows about 3 or 4 ins. high, and is useful as a carpet plant or edging, but may often be seen growing on the tops of old walls in our warmer counties. In such places it is perennial, but in gardens it is usually treated as annual. There is a variegated variety besides. Syns., ALYS'SUM halimifo'lium, ANODON'TEA halimifo'lia, KON'IGA mari'tima. Propagate by seeds sown i in. deep outdoors in April, thinning the seedlings out to 6 ins. apart. 12 AMARANTH FEATHERS AMARANTH FEATHERS. See HUMEA elegans. AMARA'NTHUS (from Gr. amarantos, unfading; expres- sing its permanent nature and colour). Nat. Ord. A maranthacece. A curious and striking family of half-hardy annuals, some forms being well known by their drooping flowers, which hang rope-like till they touch the ground a foot or more in length, while others are only grown for the sake of the gorgeous colours of their foliage. These strange flowers retain their colour long after being cut, and in Portugal they are employed to adorn the churches at festivals, much in the same way as "Immor- telles " are used in cemeteries. The foliage of all the Amaranths (or more properly Amarants), is extremely effective, being of blood-red colour or carmine, with, in some cases, an addition of bronzy- green and yellow. Care must be taken, however, in not planting too many of them, but rather have a group here and there as a relief to the green foliage of other plants. The flowers are at their best in August, except as otherwise specified. A. atropurpu'reus grows about 3 ft. high, with deep purplish-red foliage. E. Indies, 1820. A. bi' color, about 2 ft. high, has red and green foliage. E. Indies, 1802. A. caudaftus, popularly known as Love-lies-bleeding, grows about 2J ft. high. It has curious blood- red, rope-like flowers, graceful, but rather melancholy looking. E. Indies, 1596. AMARANTHUS 13 AMARA'NTHUS — continued. A. cauda'tus maafimus is similar to the above, but taller, sometimes reaching 6 ft., and larger in every way. E. Indies, 1820. A. fla'vus, about 4 ft. high, has pale yellow flowers. India. A. Hende'ri, about 3 ft., has a pyramidal habit, the foliage being striking, green, golden-yellow or orange and carmine. A hybrid. A. hypochondri'acus, or Prince's Feather, about 2 ft. high. The flowers are blood-red, the foliage green and purple. Brazil. A. lancecefo'lius, foliage deep red and lanceolate, or spear-shaped. July. E. Indies, 1816. Syn., Eu'xolus linea'tus. A. melancho'licus ru'ber. 1 ft. high. A well-known plant with crimson foliage and flowers ; useful for beds. From Japan. A. melancho'licus tri 'color. 2 ft. high. Foliage reddish- violet and green. E. Indies, 1848. A. olera'ceus. Height 6 ft. Pale red. July. E. Indies, 1764. Syn., Eu'xolus olera'ceus. A. panicula'tus. Height 5 ft. Fine plant. Red, green or yellow, bearing tufts or panicles, as its name denotes. July. Syn., A. specio'sus. A. salicifo'lius, Fountain Plant. Height 2|- ft, Very ornamental long willowy foliage shading to bronze or orange-red. A native of the Philippine Islands, 1871. This may be used with excellent effect. 14 AMARANTHUS AMARA'NTHUS — continued. A. sangui'neus. Height 3 ft. Blood-red, From Bahama in 1775. A. specio'sus. See A. paniculatus. A. tri' color. Height 2 ft. Rich crimson, yellow, green, and white foliage. A good bedding plant. A. tricolor splen'dens, Joseph's Coat. Height l^ft. Highly ornamental foliage plant, having broad leaves of rich crimson, marked with bronze green and yellow, imparting a fine effect to flower beds. Sow seeds TV in. deep in March in hotbed, 65°, and harden off" gradually. Plant out in May to June at least 1 ft. apart for the smaller ones, and more for the taller varieties, in a rich soil. They are easily cultivated and do well at the seaside. AMBERBO'A suave' olens. See CENTAUREA suaveolens. AME'LLIS annum. See KAULFUSSIA. AMERICAN CENTAURY. See SABBATIA. AMMO'BIUM — The Winged Everlasting (from Gr. ammos, sand, and bios, life ; in reference to its partiality to sandy soil). Nat. Ord. Composite. Hardy annual from Australia, known as one of the "Everlastings." The flowers can be cut, dried, and kept a long while, but for that purpose they should be gathered before they are quite fully blown, and hung up in a cool place upside down in a bunch. ANAGALLIS 15 AMMO'BIUM — continued. A. alaftum. Height 2£ ft. This plant has pure white flowers with a yellow centre, that bloom from June to September. A. alal turn grandiflo'rum is similar to the above, but has much larger flowers. An improved garden form. Sow seed out of doors in March or April £ in. deep in enriched light sandy soil, thinning out to 18 ins. apart. ANACY'CLUS au'reus. See ANTHEMIS. ANAGA'LLIS — Pimpernel (from Gr. anagelao, to laugh aloud. Supposed to remove sadness). Nat. Ord. Primulacece. Humble but charming little flowers, suitable for the rockery or a small edging. With the excep- tion of A. indica they are not true annuals, but are usually treated as such. Blooming period June to September. A. coeru'lea is a form of A. linefolia. The little flowers are a lovely blue, about 6 ins. high. A native of Europe. A. grandiflo'ra cocci' nea is another variety of A. linefolia, the same height, but with deep red flowers. Sometimes known as A. sanguined. A. i'ndica is a true hardy annual, 1 ft. high, with small blue flowers. From Nepaul, 1824. A. linefo'lia, a little Portuguese plant, 6 ins. high, having bright blue flowers. 1796. 16 ANAGALLIS ANAGA'LLIS — continued. A. Mone'lli is the Italian Pimpernel, a very beautiful little blue flower, with a touch of crimson at the base of each petal, 9 ins. high. 1648. A. Mone!lli Bre'we'ri, only 3 ins. high, has brilliant coppery-red flowers. A. Mone'lli lilaci'na. Height 1ft. Has lilac blooms. A. Mone'lli Phceni'cea is a little scarlet-flowered plant from Morocco, 1803. A. Mone'lli Phi'lipsi, only 4 ins. high, has rich blue flowers. A. Mone'lli Willmorea'na has bright bluish -purple flowers with a yellow eye. A. sangui'nea. See A. grandiflora coccinea. A. Webbia'na, 6 ins. high, is a pretty little trailing plant with bright blue flowers. Portugal, 1828. A. Wellsia'na, 6 ins. high, is also a trailing plant, with copper-coloured flowers, suitable for a rockery. An English hybrid, 1830. The Pimpernels are easily grown, though all except the hardy A. indica, which can be sown in the open in April, should be raised under glass in pans or boxes in temp. 65° in March or April, just covering the seeds with soil, and planting them out in May or June. ANODO'NTEA halimifolia. See ALYSSUM. ANCHU'SA — Alkanet (from Gr. anchousa, alkanet, a cosmetic). Nat. Ord. Boragenacece. ANCHUSA 17 ANCHU'SA — continued. These are pretty plants, well worth attention, particularly A. italica Dropmore variety, reminding one of the Forget-me-not. A true blue is such an uncommon colour in the garden, that, for this reason, if for no other, they are valuable. With the exception of A. capensis, they are fairly hardy, but will not always survive the winter, and appear to prefer a shady nook rather than bright sun- shine. A. hy'brida. Height 2 ft. White and violet-blue blossoms in July. Italy, 1820. A. ita'lica is really a perennial, but should be treated as biennial. It has tall spikes of intense blue flowers, 3 ft. high, which bees are very fond of. There is a form, A. italica amoena, that is an improvement on the type and a free flowerer. S. Europe, 1810. The now well-known Dropmore variety, of quite recent introduction, has practically ousted all the other forms. It will grow 5 ft. high, and is covered with true-blue flowers an inch across. A noteworthy acquisition to the border, especially in large groups. It does best if treated as a biennial. A. cape' mis, The Cape Forget-me-not. Height 1 ft. Pretty, large, bright blue flowers in June. A biennial from the Cape of Good Hope, 1830. Sow A. hybrida in early spring in ordinary soil B 18 ANCHUSA ANCHU'SA — continued. J in. deep in March in a well-drained sheltered border. The others in May or early June, to flower the following year, but give A. capensis slight protection during the winter, as it is not very robust and liable to suffer from frost. ANNUAL HEATHER. See LINARIA Upartita splendida. ANODO'NTEA halimifolia. See ALYSSUM maritimum. A'NTHEMIS — Chamomile (from Gr. anthemis, a flower). Nat. Ord. Compositce. A family of charming little plants, most of them perennial, but two are annuals and are most effective on a rockery in August. A. aizo'on is only 3 ins. in height, and forms a carpet studded with minute daisy- like flowers in great profusion, white with a yellow centre. N. Greece. A. au'rea has yellow flowers rather taller than the other. Syn., Anacy'clus au'reus. These Chamomiles are easily raised from seed sown outdoors in March or April ; or in February in gentle heat, and pricked out in May when large enough to handle. Give them a sandy loam to grow in and full exposure to the sun. ANTIRRHI'NUM — Snapdragon, Dragon's Mouth, Lions Mouth (from Gr. anti, like, and rhis (rhin) a snout, in reference to the shape of the flower). Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacece. A. ma! jus is a well-known, old-fashioned flower, sometimes to be observed as an indigenous ANTIRRHINUM 19 ANTIRKHI'NUM — continued. A. ma! jus — continued. plant in company with the Wallflower, grow- ing on old ruins in chalk districts. In its cultivated form it is a fine flower and best raised annually, although by nature a per- ennial. If left in the ground long, it generally deteriorates or damps off. There are tall kinds growing 2 to 3 ft. high, a dwarf er strain about 1 to 1J ft., and a very dwarf variety known as Tom Thumbs, only 6 or 8 ins. high. Tom Thumb or Pigmy varieties are largely employed now for bedding as well as edgings. Besides being very dwarf, they are compact and last long in flower, while there is plenty of choice as regards colours. Perhaps the best are Yellow Prince or Yellow Gem, White Queen or Queen of the North, Black Prince, a dark crimson colour, and Crimson King. There are semi-dwarf or intermediate varieties, such as Orange King, a glowing orange self about 18 ins. high, Golden Queen, of deep yellow, Crimson King, Floriosum, deep cherry with white throat, Yellow Queen, Pink Empress, and many others. The tall-growing varieties are fine in their way but are not quite so long flowering. Among them may be mentioned Brilliant, dark scarlet, golden tip and white throat; Yellow King, a fine yellow 2 ft. high ; Queen Victoria, a new pure white with lemon tip; 20 ANTIRRHINUM ANTTRRHI'NUM — continued. A. ma! jus — continued. Coral Queen, a coral red ; Salmon Pink, and others too numerous to catalogue. Snapdragons come fairly true to name and to colour from seed, and may be pretty well distinguished in the seedling stage, the red- flowered kinds having dark red stems, while the yellow or white ones are pale green. Sow the seed 4 in. deep in pans during March on a hotbed. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out into pots, pinch out tops, and harden off gradually in a cool frame. In May they can be planted out in beds. They can also be sown in the open during March for later blooming; or in July and August in the reserve garden for the following spring, but many will succumb during the winter owing to damp. Should the gardener be fortunate enough to possess an old moss-covered stone wall, Snapdragons are one of the things he should grow upon it. A few seeds slipped into niches with the smallest amount of soil will soon germinate and flower. It is surprising under these homely conditions what little their roots require, getting plenty of moisture from the sodden old stones and moss, and flourish amazingly. A'RABIS — Rock or Wall-cress (from Gr. arabis, meaning Arabian, which the more important species are). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. There are few gardens that are without at ARCTOTIS 21 A'RABIS — continued. least one species of this family, and great acquisi- tions they are too. These, however, are usually perennials, but the following species are annuals. Like the perennial varieties they are useful for rock-work or for planting in crevices of old walls, or even in clumps on the margins of borders, where they will flower practically the whole summer till the end of September. A. areno'sa, a native of Southern Europe, has dainty little purplish-rose flowers, 9 ins. high. 1866. A. ve'rna, also from the same locality, is furnished with purple bloom a few inches taller than the above. 1710. Sow the seeds TV in. deep outdoors in March or April. ARCTO'TIS (from Gr. arktos, a bear, and ous, an ear). Nat. Ord. Composites. This family is not as well known as it deserves to be. The species are all beautiful, and most of them are endowed by nature with brilliant colour- ing, the flowers, similar in shape to a Marguerite, 2| to 3 ins. across. As the name denotes, the foliage is usually woolly or tomentose, deeply cut, somewhat fleshy, and of a greyish green, but there are a few exceptions to the rule. All the species are native of the Cape of Good Hope or S.W. Africa, and consequently revel in sunshine. But this, fortunately, does not make them difficult to 22 ARCTOTIS ARCTO'TIS — continued. grow in this country. On the contrary, they are easily managed, a bed of them being quite a feature in the garden in June and July. A. anthemo'ides. See SPHENOGYNE anthemoides. A. argt/ntea has brilliant orange flowers, 1 ft. high. 1774. A. calendula' cece is one of the best. It is, however, now classed as VENIDIUM calendulaceum, which see. A.fastuo'sa is a species 2 ft. high, having orange and red flower. 1795. Syn., A. spinulo'sa. A.fla'ccida, 1 ft. high, has white and red flowers. 1794. A. gra'ndis is one of the finest annuals of recent introduction, and grows luxuriantly. It forms a little branched bush of soft, whitish hairy leaves, above which the daisy -like flowers, 2J ins. across, rise supported on long stems, 18 ins. to 2 ft. high, making them useful for arranging in vases. The upper surface is white with an inner ring of yellow, while the reverse side is pale mauve. It is a moisture- loving plant and will not thrive in dry soils. A native of S.W. Africa. A. leptorhi'za brevisca'pa has very showy, intense yellow flowers and dark centres, the under side tinged with purple. The foliage is grass green, and not woolly like most of the species, except on the undersides. THE PRICKLY POPPY (Argemone grandifiora). [To face p. 22. ARGEMONE 23 ARCTO'TIS — continued. A. leptorhi'za longisca'pa is similar, but longer in the flower stem. A. Shra'deri has pink flowers. 1832. A. sulphu'rea, with lemon-coloured flowers, only 8 ins. high, suitable for edgings. A. virga'ta, 1 ft. high, has yellow flowers. 1816. Sow the seeds yV in. deep in gentle heat in March or beginning of April, and prick out when large enough to handle in boxes or in a cold frame at the end of April, finally planting out in May or June about 1 ft. apart in a deep rich soil. ARGEMO'NE — Demi's Fig or Infernal Fig, Prickly Poppy, Mexican Poppy, Yellow Thistle (from Gr. argema, a disease of the eye which this herb was supposed to cure). Nat. Ord. Papaveracece. This is a small but choice family of Poppy worts, perennial in their native homes, but seldom with- standing an English winter, and always treated as annuals in this damp climate. The satin-like flowers are large, 3£ ins. across, sometimes with bright yellow stamens, and produced in abundance on long stems in July and August. Before the flowers appear, the plants might easily be mistaken for some sort of thistle. They make capital plants for the mixed border. A. Mspida is 2 ft. high, having white flowers and prickly foliage. From California, 1879. A. grandiflo'ra is better known than the above species, with flowers reminding one of the 24 ARGEMONE ARGEMO'NE — continued. A. grandiflo'ra — continued. white Iceland Poppy, but larger. The foliage is Thistle-like, spotted with white and very prickly. Height 3 ft. Mexico, 1827. Syn., A. platycdras. A. Mexica'na. Height 2 ft., has pale yellow blooms. The pods and leaves are prickly, the latter blotched with white. The plant secretes a milky juice, which congeals, becoming yellow by exposure. Mexico in 1592-1597, where it is a troublesome weed. Sow the seed J in. deep in gentle heat, at the end of February or during March, transplanting care- fully with a ball of earth in May in sandy loam. Or sow in the open at the end of March, and thin to 1 ft. apart so as to allow plenty of room. Like all the Poppy tribe they are impatient of removal, but otherwise easily grown. ARNE'BIA — (An Arabic name). Nat. Ord. Boraginacece. This is not an important family, and only two annual species may be mentioned, namely : — A. cornu'ta. This is a rather tender plant, 1J to 2 ft. high, having Marigold -like blooms of rich yellow, with large brown-black blotches which subsequently disappear, the whole becoming yellow. Native of Afghanistan, 1888. A. Gri'ffithi. An uncommon dwarf plant, only 9 ins. high, and not very hardy. The flowers ATHANASIA ANNUA 25 ARNE'BIA — continued. A. Gri'ffithi — continued. are bright orange with black spots. Afghanistan. Sow in pots in 70° of heat in February, and plant out in May in a warm dry border. ASPE'RULA — Woodruff (from L. asper, rough, in refer- ence to the leaves). Nat. Ord. Rubiacece. This is not a very important group for the garden, while most of the species are perennial, but the following are hardy annuals. Being dwarf, they are best used as an edging or else in groups. The plants are erect growing, with small hairy leaves and wiry stems. A. azu'rea seto'sa is a little plant with small heads of mauve-coloured flowers, sweet smelling and long-lasting, and quite happy even in a poor soil or shady places. 12 to 15 ins. high. From the Caucasus, 1867. Syn., A. orientalis. A. tricho'des is a rare annual from Persia, having white flowers in June. 1838. Sow seed 4 in. deep during the autumn to flower early the following summer, or in April in the open border to flower in June. ASTER. CHINA (from Gr. aster, a star). See CALLISTEPHUS hortensis. ASTER tenel'lus. See Felicia tenellus. ATHANA'SIA annua. See LONAS inodora. 26 AUSTRALIAN EVERLASTING AUSTRALIAN EVERLASTING. See HELIPTERUM. AUSTRALIAN MAN'IOC. See HIBISCUS Manihot. AUSTRALIAN STAR FLOWER. See CEPHALIPTERUM Drummondi. BABY'S BREATH. See GYPSOPHILA. BALSAM and BALSAMINA (from Gr. balsamon, the resin of the balsam tree, hence any exudation of aromatic substance). See IMPATIENS. BARTO'NIA (named after Dr Barton, a botanist of Philadelphia). This genus is now classed as MENTZELIA, which see. BEARD-TONGUE. See PENTSTEMON. BEEF-STEAK PLANT. See PERILLA. BEGO'NIA (derives its name from Michael Begon, a French promoter of botany). Nat. Ord. Begoniacece. Begonias are not annuals, but are often treated as such, and have justly become popular bedding- out plants. It would be difficult indeed to mention anything that excels the brilliancy of a bed massed with them. The double and single tuberous-rooted kinds are quite unsurpassed for their profusion of bloom and varied colours. The fibrous-rooted kinds, both double and single, also make splendid beds, and are, if anything, rather more easily raised than the tuberous sorts ; but for general effect they must take second place, as their flowers are not so large. Kaised from seed the colours cannot BEGONIA 27 BEGO'NIA — continued. altogether be relied upon to come true, but the following may be mentioned : — B. Bau'manni hy'brida is dwarf with rose-coloured flowers. B. Erford is 1 ft. high, has dark foliage and rose- carmine flowers. A very good plant for beds. B. hy'brida marmora'ta, The Butterfly. White blotched on crimson ground. B. semplerflo'rens. Fibrous rooted. There are many garden varieties. Vernon, red, bronze foliage. Vernon compac'ta, 5 ins. Zulu King, scarlet, foliage black-red. Vulcan, dark bronzed foliage, flowers orange-carmine. Height, 1 ft. Crimson Gem, Fairy Queen, Duchess of York, etc. B. Worthi'ana. The orange-scarlet flowers have a tendency to hang their heads, but for all that, it is an excellent bedder. Sow the seed, which is very minute, in January, on the surface of fine sifted sandy soil in pans, in a temp, of 70°. A second sowing may be made in February also. Moisten the soil before sowing, and afterwards put a sheet of glass over all. In about two weeks the seedlings should be ready to prick off, and this may be done in pots or shallow boxes, with a small pointed stick, a few inches apart. When they commence to crowd together, pot up singly into 3-in. pots. Gradually harden these off in a cool frame in May, and plant out 12 28 BEGONIA BEGO'NIA — continued. ins. apart in the open at the end of June. Before doing this, however, prepare the beds liberally with leaf-mould or the remains of an old mushroom bed. During the summer they must be kept moderately watered, and it is better if they are not fully exposed to the sun. A mulch or covering of cocoa-nut fibre is beneficial in keeping the roots moist. BELLE DE NUIT. See MIRABILIS. BEL'LIS — The Daisy (from L. bellus, beautiful, pretty). Nat. Ord. Composite. All are perennial, but are easily, if not better, grown as biennials. These daisies are very popular, and on account of their bright colours and compact growth, make capital dwarf edgings. They are at their best in June. B. peren'nis aucubcefo'lia. Red flowers with yellow blotched foliage — rather tender and dislikes foggy places. B. peren'nis fl. pi., The Double Daisy. Florists' varieties, White, Rose, and Crimson. B. peren'nis proli'fera, The Hen - and '- Chickens Daisy. So called because it sends out ten or twelve small flowers from the axils of the leaves, otherwise similar to the double varieties, 3 ins. high. B. rotundifo'lia coerule'scens. See BELLIUM rotundi- folia coerulescens. BLUE DAISY 29 BEI/LIS — continued. Sow seed in June i in. deep in the open in the reserve garden, and transplant in October to where they are to flower the following June. BE'LLIUM — False Daisy (from L. bellis, a daisy). Nat. Ord. Composites. The following species are quite hardy and suitable for edgings or the rock garden. Though not true biennials, they are best treated as such. B. bellidioi'des. Height, 3 ins. White. May to September. From Italy, 1796. B. rotundifo'lium coerule' scens — Blue Daisy. Height 9 ins., pale blue and yellow. Morocco, 1873. Syn., BeVlis rotundifo'lium ccerules'cens. Sow in June i in. deep outdoors in the reserve garden and transplant in October to their flowering quarters. BELVEDERE. See KOCHIA. BINDWEED. See CONVOLVULUS. BITTER BLOOM. See SABBATIA. BLACK-EYED SUSAN. See HIBISCUS africanus major. BLANKET FLOWER. See GAILLARDIA grandiflora. BLEEDING HEART. See CHEIRANTHUS Cheiri. BLITUM. See CHENOPODIUM. BLUE BOTTLE. See CENTAUREA cyannus. BLUE DAISY. See BELLIUM. 30 BLUMENBACHIA BLUMENBA'CHIA (named after J. F. Blumenbach, of Gottingen). Nat. Ord. Loasacece. A quaint family with curious flowers and grace- ful ornamental foliage. From S. America. B. coron'ata grows about 18 ins. high, with quaint orange-red flowers, from July to September. Native of Chili, 1872. Syn., Caiophora coronata. B. Mignis is a trailer with white flowers. July. From Monte Video, 1826. Syn., Loa'sa palma'ta. B. lateri'tia, or Chilian Nettle, is a very rapid climber, making 6 ft. of growth in a season, and an excellent plant for covering trellis- work, etc., quickly. The foliage is pretty but stings when touched. The flowers, about 1 in. across, are orange-red and a very quaint shape. Under glass it is perennial, but for outdoors must be treated as an annual. It flourishes better in partial shade than in full sunshine. From Argentina, 1835. Syn., Loa'sa auranti'aca. B. multifi'da, 1 ft. high, has greenish-red flowers. From Buenos Ayres, 1826. Sow the seed TV in. deep in shallow pans of light soil in temp. 65° in March, and plant out in June in ordinary good soil, facing south. BORA'GO — Borage, also written barrage, burrage, and burridge (probably from mediaeval Latin borra, THE SWAN RIVER DAISY (Brachycome iberidifolia). [To face p. 30. BRACHYCOME 31 BORA'GO — continued. burra, rough hair, in reference to the woolly nature of the growth). Nat. Ord. Boraginacece. B. officinaHis, 2 ft. high. The common borage, so often seen growing in the kitchen garden where it is usually cultivated for flavouring purposes, is really a very elegant plant, the flower clusters being of an unusual blue colour, making it a plant deserving of better treat- ment. The whole growth, foliage and flowers, is covered with a hairy down. A native of Britain. B. officina'lis a!lbiflo'ra is a variety having white flowers. Sow seeds in March i in. deep where they are to grow, thinning out when quite young plants to about 8 ins. apart. BRACHYCO'ME — Swan River Daisy (from Gr. brachus, short, and kome, hair). Nat. Ord. Composite*?. A half-hardy annual and a pretty flower to plant in groups in front of a border. Native of the Swan Eiver district of W. Australia. The flowers appear about the end of June. B. iberidifo'lia. Height 8 to 12 ins. Bright blue to purple Cineraria-like flowers, having a blackish centre with a white halo. The foliage is most elegant and light, more like green hair than leaves. B. iberidifo'lia a'lbiflo'ra. A variety of the former, with white flowers, 6 ins. 32 BRACHYCOME BRACHYCO'ME — continued. B. Sindair'i is a dwarf species with small daisy- like flowers, sometimes sowing itself in light soil. Requires only simple culture. Sow on light hotbed in March or April, \ in. deep in shallow boxes of light soil in temp. 55°, and transplant seedlings outdoors in May, or later, about 6 ins. apart; or they may be sown in the open where they are to grow in April. Ordinary soil on warm sunny border. As the stems are extremely slender, it is an excellent plan to give a little support by putting in a few slender birch twigs cut from an old worn-out besom; otherwise a heavy rainstorm dashes the flowers level with the ground. BRANCHED LARKSPUR. See DELPHINIUM consolidum. BROMPTON STOCK. See MATTHIOLA incana. BUNCH PINK, See DIANTHUS barbatus. BUTTERFLY FLOWER. See SCHIZANTHUS. BROOM- CYPRESS. See KOCHIA scoparia. BROWAL'LIA (from J. Browall (1707-1755), bishop of Abo, in Finland). Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacece. The Browallias are more often seen in green- houses than outdoors, as they make lovely pot plants, but in a warm spot they will thrive well during the summer months when planted out in beds or batches in the border. The verbena-like flowers are very attractive and useful for cutting. CACALIA 33 BROWAI/LIA — continued. B. ela'ta, 18 ins. high, sometimes called the Forget- me-not of the Andes, has violet-blue flowers, and is the best for outdoor planting. 1735. B. ela'ta aflba is a pure white variety of the above. B. spedo'sa, height 18 ins., and B. speciosa major have intense violet-blue flowers, but are more satisfactory under glass. B. ela'ta grandifto'ra is a bushy little plant 18 ins. high, with large white flowers tinged with blue. Peru, 1829. B. Roe'zlii, 18 to 24 ins. high, forming a dense bush with shiny leaves. The light blue, sometimes white, flowers with yellow throat are borne in succession throughout the summer. A native of the Rocky Mountains. The seeds should be sown in March TV in. deep in light soil in temp. 60° to 65°. Pot up as soon as the seedlings can be handled, place on a shelf in the greenhouse and water moderately. Weak manure water is beneficial in May and June when planted out. CACA'LIA — Tassel Flower or Flora's Paint Brush (from Gr. kakos, evil, and lian, very much. Supposed to be injurious to the soil). Nat. Ord. Composite. This hardy annual, though not much grown, is useful and pretty. It is not showy or brilliant, but well adapted for filling vases, having long strong stems and lasting well in water. About c 34 CACALIA CACA'LIA — continued. 18 ins. high. The seeds are said to have been brought from Paris in 1800. C. au'rea is a yellow variety of the type below. C. cocci'nia, the best known of the two forms, has flowers like little red tassels, in terminal clusters, very elegant and light. The Tassel Flower is very easily grown, and only requires to be sown about £ in. deep in April in any ordinary soil to flower in July to end of September ; or else in September, as it will stand the winter. Sometimes it is raised in gentle heat in February and transplanted in May or June, but it does not like root disturbance. CAIO'PHORA laterit'ia and C. corona'ta. See BLUMEN- BACHIA. CALA'MPELIS sca'bra. See ECCREMOCARPUS. CALANDRI'NIA — Rock Purslane (after J. L. Calandrini, a Genoese botanist). Nat. Ord. Portulacece. Many species of this family are perennial, but the following are rather dwarf annuals, some of which are pretty and effective, though many are of little account. (7. oppo'sitifolia and C. umbella'ta, however, are striking rock plants, seeming to prefer a dry soil and sunny aspect. Natives of N. and S. America. C. caule'scens. Eose flowers blooming in August. Mexico, 1827. CALANDRINIA 35 CALANDRI'NIA — continued. C. compre'ssa. Height 6 ins. Eose. August. From Chili in 1826. C. grandifto'ra. Height 1 ft. Is a showy plant with succulent leaves, and likes a very sunny position. Eose-pink, poppy-like flowers. Chili, 1826. C. glandulo'sa. See C. monandra. C. Menzie'sii. Height 6 ins. Has flowers J to 1 in. across of magenta, which rise erect. They close up as the sun's strength diminishes in the latter part of the day. May to October. California, 1831. Syn., C. speciosa. There is a white variety called alba. C. mona'ndra. Height 9 ins. Eed. August. Chili, 1837. Syn., C. glandulosa and parvi- flora. C. oppo'sitifo'lia. Prostrate and distinct, having large thick succulent leaves, and white flowers. It blooms throughout the summer. Oregon and N. California, 1888. C. pa'rvi'flo'ra. See C. monandra. C. procu'mbens. Height 6 ins. Is a spreading little plant with rose-coloured flowers. August. Peru, 1827. C. specio'sa. See C. Menzie'sii. C. umbella'ta. Height 6 ins. A distinct trailing plant with flowers of a bright rosy- violet. It likes sandy peat, and is sometimes perennial 36 CALANDRINIA CALANDRI'NIA — continued. C. umbella'ta — continued. in crevices in the rock garden. July. Peru, 1826. Propagate by seeds sown Tv in. deep in shallow pans or boxes in light soil in temp. 55° to 60° in March, transplanting the seedlings out in June ; or sow in the open in April. Position should be very sunny. Soil moderately rich, sandy, and light. CALCEOLA'RIA — Slipperwort (derives its name from L. calceolarius, pertaining to calceolus, a slipper, from the resemblance of the inflated corolla to a slipper). Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacece. The annual species of this family are few and these rarely seen. They are unassuming and of little consequence, but produce the same slipper- shaped flower so well known in the perennial variety. C. chelidonioi'des. This little plant is of a succulent nature, and grows about 12 to 18 ins. high, neat and compact. The little lemon-yellow flowers are produced in July. Peru, 1852. C. pinna'ta. This has been in cultivation as long ago as 1773, also from Peru, but there are few who would recognise it now. In old books on botany it is described as the wing-leaved slipperwort. The little pouched flowers are yellow but unpretentious, 12 to 18 ins. high. THE COMMON MARIGOLD (Calendula, offidnalis). [To face p. 36. CALENDULA 37 CALCEOLA'RIA — continued. Sow in pots rV in. deep in a mild hotbed in March, when the seedlings will be ready for removal outdoors in a sunny position in May. CALE'NDULA — Marigold (from L. calendce, the first day of the month). Nat. Ord. Compositce. There are few people who do not know the old-fashioned Marigold, with its brilliant, albeit disagreeable-smelling, flowers. Every cottager almost grows it, willingly or unwillingly, as, once it is established, it is not easily eradicated, sowing itself, and often showing a few flowers even in the coldest weather. Formerly it had an economic value, being used to flavour dishes and colour cheeses, though nowadays it is scarcely mentioned in any cookery book. C. aste'rias, The Starred Marigold, seems to have gone out of favour in these days, but is quite distinct from the Common Marigold. The flower is entirely yellow and single. 18 ins. high. August. N. Europe, 1838. C. officina'lis, The Common or Pot Marigold, known also as Gold or Goules in certain districts, grows about 1J ft. high, and has the most intense orange to pale yellow flowers, some- times with a dark centre, sometimes a yellow. There are good varieties cultivated called Orange King, with large double flowers ; Lemon Queen or Sulphur Queen. Also double forms, Meteor, yellow, striped with pale lemon. 38 CALENDULA CALE'NDULA — continued. C. offidnaHis — continued. Prince of Orange, rich orange, striped with pale lemon. C. pluviaflis. See DIMORPHOTHECA pluvialis. The Common Marigold is as easy as any plant to cultivate. Sow in the border about J in. deep and thin out to 1 ft. apart, any time from March to June, in a sunny position in ordinary soil. It may also be sown in autumn for spring flowering. CALIFORNIAN BLUE BELL. See NEMOPHILA. CALIFORNIAN POPPY. See ESCHSCHOLTZIA. CALLIOP'SIS. See COREOPSIS. CALLIRHO'E — Poppy Mallow (from Gr. kallerroe, one of the classic Oceanids). Nat. Ord. Malvacece. These perennials are often treated as half-hardy annuals. They are bright and attractive and very free-flowering, remaining in bloom from July to the end of October, and deserve to be more grown than they are. Natives of N. America. C. digitafta grows about 2J ft. high, producing numerous poppy-like magenta flowers, about 1 J in. across, shading to greenish-white towards the centre, each one branching out on a long slender stalk. The foliage is light and deeply cut. Syn., C. grandiflor' a. C. involucra'ta is a trailing species, not so hardy as the above, having red flowers with a purple tinge. CALLISTEPHUS 39 CALLIRHO'E — continued. C. pedafta grows about 1 ft. high with a trailing habit, bearing flowers of a glowing crimson colour and white centre. Sow the seeds TV in. deep in pans of light soil and leaf mould in temp. 55° to 60° in March, transplanting them in the open in April ; or they may be sown outdoors in April. Ordinary light rich soil, except for C. pedata, which does best on poor ground. The seeds of the last also are best soaked first before sowing. CALLISTEM'MA. See CALLISTE'PHUS. CALLISTE'PHUS — China Aster (from Gr. kallistos, most beautiful, and Stephanos, a crown). Nat. Ord. Composites. Syn., Callistem'ma. China Asters, as they are erroneously termed (having nothing in common with the true Asters or Michaelmas Daisies), are among the best and showiest annuals cultivated. In fact, they may be said to be indispensable where a display is required in late summer. To grow them well, a little trouble is necessary, but the gardener will be well repaid for it, as starved and sickly plants are in no wise to be compared with those that are carefully cultivated. The varieties are extremely numerous, and the names given in catalogues are rather bewildering. Some take a single form, others double, while they range in height from the dwarf and rather stumpy ones of 8 or 9 ins. to the bolder and more graceful 40 CALLISTEPHUS CALLISTE'PHUS — continued. ones of 18 ins. and even 2 feet. The colours are as varied as the forms, and range from pure white through the different shades of pink, crimson, mauve, and purple, — in fact almost every colour except yellow, true blue, or green. The taller varieties are capital to cut from and make handsome bouquets for vases, and for this reason it is as well to grow a batch in the reserve garden for that purpose, instead of depleting the beds of their colour. C. horte'nsis is the original plant from which all the garden varieties have sprung. It is, nevertheless, one of the handsomest and the best for cutting, the blooms being 4 ins. across and of a beautiful pale violet or mauve shade with large yellow centres, supported on long graceful stems about 18 ins. long. China, 1731. Syns., C. chinen'sis, or sinen'sis, and Callistem'ma horten'sis. The principal garden varieties of this are arranged more or less according to their height, the taller ones being best for cutting for vases, the medium for bedding, and the dwarf for small beds or as edgings. The Ray Aster ', a late flowering plant with large double needle-shaped blooms, rose or white. Height 20 ins. Pompon or Lilliput Aster has small flowers, compact and pyramidal. Height 20 ins. CHINA ASTER (Callistephus chinensis). [To face p. 40. CALLISTEPHUS 41 CALLISTE'PHUS — continued. Pceony -flowered Aster. This is one of the very finest, with immense flowers and petals incurved. There are but few side flowers, while the shades and colours are numerous. Height 18 ins. The Emperor Aster. A very large flat-petalled double-flowered variety, sometimes 4 ins. across. Height 18 to 20 ins. It does not bloom quite so freely as some kinds, generally only 4 to 6 only on a plant. The Victoria Aster is one of the finest. The petals curve outwards instead of inwards, as many do, and are as large as the Emperor variety, to which it is closely allied. Height 18 to 21 ins. It forms a compact bush, bearing 12 to 20 blooms of various sizes. Ball or Jewel Aster. Globular, short-petalled, and incurved. Height 20 ins. The Quilled Aster has rolled-up or quilled petals with high centre. Free branching and excellent for cutting. Height 20 to 24 ins. Giant Comet Aster. This class is one of the most elegant, the blooms being loose and wavy like a Japanese Chrysanthemum. Particularly good for vase decoration. Height 18 ins. 42 CALLISTEPHUS CALLISTE'PHUS — continued. Cocar'deau, Cocade or Crown Aster, has large double blooms that are white in the centre, surrounded by some distinct colour, such as carmine, violet, or blue. Height 20 to 24 ins. Ostrich Plume or Feather Aster is a graceful variety with large, loose, feathery flowers, double and semi-double, resembling the Japanese Chrysanthemums in form. One of the best. Height 18 ins. The medium-sized Asters are as follows : — Dwarf Victoria Aster is a smaller form of the Victoria Aster. Height 12 ins. Dwarf Pceony -flowered Aster. A smaller representative of the Pseony-flowered Aster. Height 10 to 12 ins. Dwarf Chrysanthemum-flowered Aster is of compact stiff habit and uniform height, and useful for pots or edging. Height 12 ins. This is a late variety. Comet Aster. A small representative of the Giant Comet. Height 12 ins. Dwarf Ostrich Feather Aster is similar to the Ostrich Feather, but not so tall. Height 10 to 12 ins. The Dwarf Asters are : — Dwarf Bouquet Aster. Quite a miniature, but compact, early, and free-flowering. Very good for potting. Height 9 ins. CAMPANULA 43 CALLISTE'PHUS — continued. Dwarf Comet Aster. Similar to the Comet, but only 8 ins. high. One of the earliest. Propagate by sowing the seeds i in. deep in boxes of light soil in temp. 65° in March. Germina- tion is quick, and in less than a month the seedlings can be pricked off 2 ins. apart into other boxes. If placed near the glass and given plenty of fresh air on fine days, they will be ready to plant out in May or early June. Or they may be sown about the middle of April in a cold frame in drills 6 ins. apart. Select an open, not too sunny, well- drained position. The beds should be well dug and pre- pared with well-decayed manure before planting out. That done, they will require little attention, except a liberal watering at first and in hot weather in the evenings. Sometimes the seedlings become subject to green fly, and when this is the case they should be now and then syringed with 2 oz. of soft soap mixed with 1 oz. of shag tobacco in a gallon .' of warm water. CAMPANULA — Bell Flower (from L. campana, meaning a little bell). Nat. Ord. Campanulacece. The Campanula family is a very large one. It consists principally of perennial plants, but there are, however, several annual and biennial species, some of which are most important acquisitions either for the garden or conservatory. C. a'ttica is a dainty annual that makes, with its 44 CAMPANULA CAMPANULA — continued. C. a'ttica — continued. rich green foliage and elegant little blue bells, quite a carpet if massed together, and lasts some months. An excellent plant for edgings or the rockery. C. at'tica alba is a pure white form of the above. C. Lorefyi is another annual about 1|- ft. high, with purple flowers appearing in June. Italy, 1824. There is a white variety, called alba. C. macrosty'la or Candelabrum Bell Flower is a plant with large flowers, pale violet veined with blue, having in the centre a large style, and quite distinct from any of the other species. It grows about 18 ins. high. It is only a half-hardy annual with us. From Asia Minor, 1877. C. me'dium, or Canterbury Bells. This is a biennial plant and an old favourite both in the garden and as a pot plant. Having been cultivated so long (1597), many varieties have been raised, both single and double, pyramidal and bushy. It produces quantities of large, bell- shaped flowers on a central stem, about 2 ft. high, though it often branches out into quite a little bush if the central stem gets damaged. If the bells are taken off as soon as they wither a second crop will be the result, though not so fine as the first. Said to have come from Germany. CANTERBURY BELLS (Campanula medium). [To face p. 44. THE CUP AND SAUCER CANTERBURY BELLS (Campanula medium calycanthema). [ To face p. 44. [By permission of" The Garden." THE STEEPLE OR CHIMNEY BELLFLOWER (Campanula pyramidalis). (White variety, 8k ft. high.) [To face p. 44. CAMPANULA 45 CAMPANULA — continued. C. me'dium al'bum. White single form. There is also a double one. C. me'dium purpu'rea is the single purple form. There is a double form too. C. me'dium ro'sea is the pale pink form. A beautiful flower. C. me'dium calyca'nthema. This is the Cup and Saucer variety, the largest and most handsome annual variety. The enlarged calyx is coloured like the corolla, the latter placed on the former as on a saucer, giving the appearance of a double inflorescence, about 3 ins. across. Either violet, white, or rose. C. pentago'nia. See SPECULARIA pentagonia. C. pyr'amida'lis, Steeple or Chimney Bellflower. A grand hardy plant, perennial by nature, but treated in this country as a biennial, as it usually dies down after flowering. Some- times it does not flower till the third season after sowing. About May it commences to throw up a tall spike, very often three or four or even more, till July, having attained 4 or 5 ft. of growth (the author had one that was 9 ft.) ; it produces all round the stems quantities of violet bell flowers about 1 in. long. Half a dozen plants or so grouped together make a fine display. Although not adverse to full sunshine, it appears to make stronger plants when placed in semi-shade and becomes less 46 CAMPANULA CAMPANULA — continued. C. pyramida'lis — continued. drawn. It also makes a lovely plant for the conservatory. Bamboo stakes to support it are necessary when it gets very tall. There is a pure white variety equally attractive. C. sibi'rica is a dwarf biennial plant, about 12 ins. high, having pale violet flowers, with the habit of C. me'dium. Siberia, 1783. C. speculum. See SPECULARIA speculum. C. thyrsoi'dea. A biennial of quite distinct form. Yellowish flowers in a dense head. Height 1J ft. Switzerland, 1785. Propagate the annual species by sowing the seed outdoors iV in. deep in March or April in a warm border, and thinning out, though C. macro- styla is better started in warmth during March and hardened off and not planted out till June. The biennials should be sown in June or July in the open, and thinned out to 12 ins. apart, or else in boxes and dibbled out when large enough to handle. In the autumn or late summer these will be ready to plant out where they are to grow, allowing 2 ft. apart in the case of C. pyramidalis, or potted up if intended for the conservatory in good-sized pots. Campanulas all like a light rich soil, and should never feel the want of water. CANARY-BIRD FLOWER. See TROP.EOLUM aduncum. CANARY CREEPER. See TROPCEOLUM aduncum. CANNA 47 CANDELABRUM BELLFLOWER. See CAMPANULA macro- styla. CANDYTUFT. See IBERIS. CANNA — Indian Shot (from L. canna, a reed). Nat. Ord. Scitaminece. It may be said at once, that Cannas are not annuals, but stove herbaceous perennials ; but with care and trouble they may be grown from seed and treated as half-hardy annuals, and planted out in summer to flower the same year. They are most striking and noble plants on account of their fine foliage and erect spikes of bright flowers. It is not necessary, however, to give a list of the twenty or thirty different species and their varieties, as they cannot be depended upon to come quite true from seed, but the following may be chosen : — C. lu'tea. Height 2 ft. Yellow. E. Indies, 1829. October. C. sangui'nea. Height 3J ft. Scarlet. From Costa Rica, 1849. Syn., C. Warszewic'zii. C. specio'sa. Height 3 ft. Red. August. S. America, 1820. C. sulphu'rea. Height 5 ft. Yellow. September. From Laguna in 1828. Syn., C. lagunen'sis. Probably the best to raise from seed are Crozy's Dwarf Hybrids, as they do not take so long to grow as the taller ones. Antonia Crozy, crimson, with dark-coloured leaves. Mme. Crozy, orange red, with a margin of yellow. Francois Crozy and many others. 48 CANNA CANNA — continued. The seed, which is large, must be soaked in warm water for twenty-four hours and then sown J in. deep in pots, thumbs, or sixties, one seed to each pot, filled with sifted cocoa-nut fibre peat and sand. It is a good plan to file through, or nick with a knife, the outer hard skin, avoiding the dent where the germ lies. Water, and place in a bottom heat of temp. 80° in January or February. In less than a week probably the young plants will appear. Pot on into larger pots as they grow, using loam and cow manure with a little peat and sand, and keep in a moderate temperature, watering with a little guano as soon as the flower shows. In four or five months from the time they are sown they are ready to plant out in groups. The position must be a sunny one and sheltered. Keep them watered and syringed. CAN'NABIS — Hemp (from L. cannabis, hemp). Nat. Ord. Urticacece. C. sati'va. This ornamental plant is extensively cultivated in some countries for the purposes of manufacturing cordage, which is made out of the fibre in the skin or rind. It is well known in this country by reason of its rapid growth and stature, reaching about 8 ft., but in warmer climates twice that height is not uncommon. It is only grown in gardens for its foliage, which is light and elegant, and usually in strong clumps in the border. It is a native of Western and Central Asia. CARDUUS 49 C AN'NABIS— continued. Sow the seed in the open where it is to grow in April. A sandy loam on a warm border suits its requirements, and in town gardens it flourishes well. CA'NTUA parviflora. See IPOMOPSIS inconspicua. CANTERBURY BELLS. See CAMPANULA. CAPE FORGET-ME-NOT. See ANCHUSA capensis. CAPE GIANT STOCK. See MATTKIOLA fenestralis. CAPE STOCK. See HELIOPHILA. CARBE'NIA benedicta. See CARDUUS benedictus. CARDUUS — Thistle (L. carduus, a thistle). Nat. Ord. Composite. A large family of thistles, mostly weeds, although the following is a handsome biennial that may be associated with other plants of a like nature. C. benedic'tus, Holy or Blessed Thistle. Height 3 to 4 ft. The foliage is very fine. Large deep- green leaves, marbled with white. The flowers are yellow and bloom in August. Brought from Spain in 1548. Syn., Centau'rea bene- dic'ta, Cni'cus benedic'ta and Carbe'nia bene- dic'ta. Propagate by seeds sown thinly i in. deep in the open in March or April. Ordinary soil is sufficient, and the plants should be well thinned out. D 60 CARPET PLANT CARPET PLANT. See IONOPSIDIUM. CASTOR-OIL PLANT. See RICINUS. CATCHFLY. See SILENE. CELO'SIA — Cockscomb (from Gr. kelos, dry, burnt, in reference to the appearance of some species). Nat. Ord. Amaranthacece. Mostly tropical annuals, and therefore tender and more suited for the greenhouse, but they are frequently planted out in the open air and make brilliant beds in a hot summer. The well-known Crested Cockscomb with its varieties is really an encouraged monstrosity of its original parent, the broad flattened crest being formed by the union of its branches. The Feathered Cockscomb, however, is by far the most effective of the two kinds for putting out in the open, and extensively used in the London Parks. It also lasts a long time in water when cut. * C. crista'ta, The Crested Cockscomb. Height 15 ins. Dark crimson. July. From Asia in 1570. C. crista'ta au'rea. Golden yellow. July. C. crista'ta cocci'nea. Height 4 ft. Magenta. July. India, 1597. C. crista'ta comparcta. Height 2 ft. Dark red. July. Asia, 1570. C. crista'ta ela'ta. Height 2 ft. Dark red. July. Asia, 1570. C. crista'ta fiaves'cens. Height 2 ft. Yellow. July, Asia, 1570, THE FEATHERED COCKSCOMB (Celosia plumosa). [To face p. 50. CELOSIA 51 CELO'SIA — continued. C. plumo'sa grandiflo'r a, The Feathered Cockscomb. Height 1^ ft. Feathery plumes of crimson, pink, or yellow, quite distinct from the crested kind. C. plumo'sa arge'ntea lineafris. Height 1J ft. Eose, silvery on the lower part. C. plumo'sa pyramida'lis, Thompson's magnifica. A new, stiff-looking race, 2 ft. high, having separate colours of yellow, purple, scarlet, crimson, blood-red and salmon, the foliage being of various bronzy colours. One of the best. C. plumo'sa pyramida'lis au'rea. Height l£ ft. A golden yellow variety. C. plumo'sa pyramida'lis cocci' nea. Height 1£ ft. A crimson variety. Propagate by seeds sown TV in. deep in pans of light soil in temp. 75° at the end of February or beginning of March. Keep the seedlings close to glass and moist, transplanting them into thumb pots as soon as they have made three leaves, in compost of two parts fibry loam, one part leaf mould and well-decayed cow manure and sand. Keep near glass until the flowers show. Ee-pot into 5-in. pots, and plunge into hotbed 75° for a time, gradually hardening them off. Syringe fre- quently. Plant out in June in good soil and a sunny position. 52 CELSIA CE'LSIA (named after Professor Celsius, of Upsal). Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacece. C. crdtica, The Cretan Mullein is a fine stately plant, about 5 or 6 ft. high, that should be associated with such flowers as the Foxglove, Hollyhock, and Chimney Campanula, at the back of the mixed border. Though a biennial, it is best treated as a half-hardy annual, because it is not very robust in this country, and is often killed by late frosts if planted out too soon. The tall spikes which it throws up in June and July are a mass of yellow blooms, 1^ ins. across, with two brown spots near the centre of each. It is botanically very like the Verbascums and differs in the flowers only by the absence of the fifth stamen. Native of Crete, 1752. Syn., Verbas'cum lyra'tum. C. linea'ris. See ALONSOA linearis. C. u'rticcefo'lia. See ALONSOA indsifolia. Sow the seeds TV in. deep in pans in gentle heat, say 65° in March, and prick off the seedlings as soon as they are ready to handle into other pans. Shift into small pots later on, kept in cold frame, and plant out about the middle of May. Or it may be sown in July and kept in pots in a frame during the winter and planted out in the following May, thus treating it as a half-hardy biennial. CENTAU'REA — Centaury (from L. centaur eum, herb centaury). Nat. Ord. Composite^. A very large family, many of which are CORN FLOWERS (Centaurea cyanus). [ To face p. 52. CENTAUREA 53 CENTAU'REA — continued. perennial, but some few are annual. The follow- ing are the best known and most important of the latter kind, very easily raised from seed, and not infrequently sowing themselves. They are splendid flowers to cut from, retaining their freshness for some time. Grow them in the border and give them plenty of room and sun. They flower in June and July. C. america'na, The Basket Flower. Height 2 ft. Large-flowering, pale lilac- coloured flowers, 4 ins. across. July. Native of N. America, 1824. C. americafna a'lba. A pure white variety of the above. C. bened'icta. See CABDUUS benedictus. C. crocody'lium. A rare variety, about 18 to 24 ins. high, with rose-pink flowers. Levant, 1777. C. cya'nus, Blue Corn Flower, or Blue Bottle. Height 3 ft. A beautiful well-known native plant. The term Corn Flower Blue is proverbial, but there are white ones and pink. The following are varieties : — C. cya'nus mi'nor. Height 2 ft. A diminutive variety of the type, with the same colours. C. cya'nus compa'cta na'na. Height 9 ins. A dwarf garden form of the type. Of small consequence. 54 CENTAUREA CENTAUR'EA — continued. C. deprdssa. Height 1 ft. The flowers bear a close resemblance to C. cyanus, but brighter in colour, a gentian blue with brownish-red centre. From Caucasus, 1818. C. depre'ssa TO' sea. Height 1 ft. A pink variety of C. depressa. C.fla'va. See C. suaveolens. C. imperia'lis. Height 2|- ft. An improved Sweet Sultan, a recent hybrid between C. moscata and C. odorata Margarita. It has very large, long- stalked, sweet-scented flowers, splendid for cut blooms. There are many varieties of colours, purple, rosy purple, rose, lilac, white, etc. C. moscha'ta. The Purple Sweet Sultan. Height 2 ft. Charming old-fashioned, thistle-shaped flower, pleasantly scented, and excellent for cutting. Native of Persia, 1629. Wedding Bells is a recent variety with beautiful deep mauve flowers. Syn., Amberbo'a moscha'ta. C. odora!ta Margari'ta, The White Sweet Sultan. Height 2 ft. Very fragrant and lasts a long time in water. C. suave'olens, The Yellow Sweet Sultan. Height 1J ft. Pretty lemon-yellow, thistle-like flowers, doing best in light dry soil. A great favourite. From Levant, 1683. There is a new form, white with yellow centre. The Bridegroom having large reflexed radiated CENTAURY 55 CENTAUR'EA — continued. C. suave* 'olens — continued. mauve flowers. The Bride is pure white. Bridesmaid, white with yellow centre. Honeymoon, rich yellow. Syn., Amberbo'a suave' olens, C. odora'ta, and C.fla'va. Propagate by seeds sown \ in. deep where they are to grow in September or April. Those plants that are sown the previous September are, however, the most robust, and being hardy stand the winter well. They resent root disturbance, though it is possible to transplant them if moved with a ball of earth when young. The Sweet Sultan group are partial to a chalky soil, which should be added in the form of lime rubble if possible, where there is a deficiency of it. CENTAURI'DIUM — Nat. Ord. Composite. C. Drummond'ii. Height 3 ft. A bright, half- hardy annual from Texas, introduced in 1877. The flowers are large, somewhat similar to Centaurea, of a lemon yellow, and bloom during the warm months of the year. Syn., Xanthifsma texa'num. Sow seeds J in. deep in pans of light soil plunged in a moderate hotbed in March or April, and planted out in May, or in the open at the end of April in mild weather. CENTAURY. See CENTAUREA. Also ERYTHR.EA. 56 CENTRANTHUS CENTRA'NTHUS (from Gr. kentron, a spur, and anthos, a flower). Nat. Ord. Valerianacece. A small family of the Valerian order, the two mentioned species below being bright, free-bloom- ing hardy annuals. Suitable for planting in sunny borders and rockeries. C. calci'trapa. Height 1 ft. Flowers purple, in June. Portugal, 1623. C. macrosi'phon. Height 1|- ft. Has bright rose- coloured flowers, very like the well-known perennial species so often seen growing on walls in the south of England. Spain. July. C. macrosiphon a'lba is a white variety. There is also a red variety, besides a dwarf form. Sow seeds in March or April -J- in. deep in open ground, thinning out the seedlings to 1 ft. apart. Or else in pans of light soil in temp. 55° at the beginning of March, putting the seedlings out in the open in May. Or they can be sown in September, pricked off into pots for wintering in the green- house, and planted out in spring. CEPHALIP'TERUM Drummon'di — Australian Star Flower (from Gr. kephalis, a little head, and pteron, a wing). Nat. Ord. Composites. This is a newly discovered (1905) plant hailing from West Central Australia. It is said to be unique and beautiful and easily grown. The flowers are perfumed, and possess a pleasing rosy- crimson shade, occasionally nearly white, which are borne in graceful clusters, and when cut will retain CERINTHE 57 CEPHALIP'TERUM — continued. their colour and form, equalling in keeping qualities the so-called "everlastings." About 12 ins. high and the same through. Sow -h in. deep in March in pots placed in a hotbed or greenhouse, and transplant outdoors in May or June. Or else in the open ground in April. CERATOCAU'LOS daluroi'des. See DATURA ceratocaula. CERI'NTHE — Honeywort (from Gr. keros, wax, and anthos, a flower). Nat. Ord. Boraginacece. A small family allied to the Borage group. They are said to be hardy, and come from Greece. Not very much in favour, though most of them are cultivated. The flowering season is July. C. a'spera, The Rough Honeywort. Height 1 ft, has racemes of yellow, tube-like flowers, which are black at the base, and beloved by bees. 1633. C. ma! jor. Height 2j ft. Yellow. 1596. C. mi'nor. Height 2 ft. Yellow and purple flowers, which bend over and are almost hidden by the foliage. 1570. C. reto'rta. Height 2 ft. Yellow flowers tipped with purple and purple foliage. 1825. A pretty flower and as good as any of the others. Propagate by seeds sown TV in. deep in April, where they are to grow ; or better in temp. 60° 58 CERINTHE CERI'NTHE — continued. in March, and transplanted outdoors in May, in a sunny border. CHALK PLANT. See GYPSOPHILA. CHAM^EPEU'CE — Fish-bone or Herring-bone Thistle (from Gr. charmai, on the ground, dwarf, and peuke, the fir). Nat. Ord. Compositce. Highly ornamental, half-hardy biennials, grown for the sake of their low- growing, spiny foliage, which makes a good edging for flower beds. Their flowers, being of little value, should be stopped. C. Casabo'nce. Very squat, dark green foliage, with small golden spines on the margin of the leaves. Native of S. Europe, 1791. Syn., Cni'cus Casabonce. C. diacafntha is similar to the above in habit, but differing in colour, the leaves being a shiny purple-green with silvery veins and spines. Native of Syria, 1800. Syn., Cirsium diacan- thum and Cnicus diacanthus. Seed may be sown ^ in. deep in light sandy soil in temp. 65° in February. But the best results are obtained by sowing in August or September in the open ground, putting the seedlings in pots, wintering them in a frame, and planting out at the end of May. They should be given a warm position and watered sparingly. CHARIE'IS hetero'phylla. See KAULFUSSIA amelloides. CHEIRANTHUS 59 CHEIRA'NTHUS— Wallflower, Wall Gilliflower (from Gr. cheir, a hand, and anthos, a flower). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. These charming old-fashioned, yet always popular, flowers are very welcome in the spring time, not only for their rich colours, but also for their delightful fragrance. A well-arranged bed of Wallflowers is a "thing of beauty " ; but they are just as happy growing on an old wall, and in that position enjoy a long life among the stones and rubble, whereas those in a bed will sometimes, if the situation is exposed, be cut down by frost and cold winds. Naturalised on a wall they are practically perennial, but for bedding out they are always treated as biennials, except the variety Parisian Early. The double German strains are very fine, both the tall and dwarf forms, while of the single kinds there are many to choose from. C. alpi'nus. See ERYSIMUM ochroleucum. C. Che'iri. The common single Blood-Red Wall- flower in old times shared the name of Heartsease; while a dark-red variety was known in the West of England as Bleeding Heart. This was the ancestor of the im- proved garden forms originally brought from the South of Europe as long ago as 1573. The cultivated kinds include : — The improved German strains of double golden yellow and red-brown Wallflowers pro- duce large spikes, some with a branching habit, 60 CHEIRANTHUS CHEIRA'NTHUS — continued. C. Che'iri — continued. and deliriously scented, about 18 ins. high. There is also a dwarfer variety, 1 ft. high. The single-named varieties include : — Belvoir Castle, yellow, a good compact kind, hardier than most, and very suitable for bedding. Covent Garden Blood Red is 18 ins. high, and the one usually seen hawked about in barrows in the London streets, and extensively grown for that purpose. Eastern Queen or Salmon Queen. A single flower, pale apricot or chamois colour, changing to creamy white. Not particu- larly popular on account of its washed- out appearance. About 15 ins. high. Golden Tom Thumb, only 9 ins. high, is bright yellow and single. Harbinger. Height 18 ins. Blood red, a very early bloomer. Old Purple. Height 1 8 ins. Brownish-purple, quite distinct. Single. Primrose Dame. Height 18 ins. Sulphur yellow. Single. Ruby Gem. Height 18 ins. Quite one of the best, the flowers large ruby-violet. Parisian Early is a true annual. An agree- able light brown colour. Will flower from June to October. CHEIRANTHUS 61 CHEIRA'NTHUS — continued. C. Che'iri — continued. VeitcKs Selected Yellow is about the finest strain of bright yellow Wallflower grown. Most robust and of medium height. Vulcan. Velvety brown-crimson, compact and bushy. One of the best. 12 ins. high. Wallflowers are frequently sown as late as July, but to get good " stocky " well-grown plants, it is much better to do so in May, or even in April, \ in. deep on a sunny border in the reserve garden, in 6-in. drills on firm ground. If left undisturbed all the summer, they grow a long straight tap root, making them difficult to move later on. To prevent this and also encourage good fibrous rootlets which will make them flower better later on, they should, in about three weeks' time, be lifted, the tap root severed with a sharp knife, and again replanted in 12-in. drills, 9 ins. apart. By the end of October, they will have become good- sized plants and well rooted, ready to plant out in the beds for spring flowering. In exposed places it is certainly beneficial to protect the beds with Gorse or something of that kind during winter. For wall culture, seeds can be placed in the chinks and crevices, covered thinly with a little soil and kept watered till the young plants appear. Or else small seedlings may be inserted in the holes. Wallflowers also make good pot plants. The variety Parisian Early being a true annual 62 CHEIRANTHUS CHEIRA'NTHUS — continued. will flower in June to October if sown in gentle heat in February, or early in March in a frame and planted out in May ; or in September if sown outdoors in May. CHENOPO'DIUM — Goosefoot (from Gr. chen, a goose, and pous, a foot, in reference to the shape of the leaves). Nat. Ord. Salsolacece. This family is not one that merits much con- sideration, but may be noticed here as including some plants that are more curious than beautiful. C. Atri'plicis is a robust annual from China, whose erect reddish-branched stem, 3 ft. high, and leaves covered with a violet "bloom," entitle it to a place among "foliage" plants. Syn., C. purpuras'cens. C. Bli'tum capita'tum, the Sirawberry-Uite, is not a plant to grow for the sake of its flowers, which are inconspicuous and devoid of any corolla, usually the attractive part of a flower ; but the deficiency is supplied by an ornamental highly-coloured fruited calyx, placed at the foot of the leaf-stalk, suggestive of little strawberries. These are succulent, tasteless, and harmless, and were formerly, it is believed, used in cookery as a colouring matter. Height 2£ ft. May to September. S. Europe, 1680. C. scopa'rium. See KOCHIA scoparia. Sow in the open where they are to grow in March or April in ordinary soil. See p. 74.] CONVOLVULUS TRICOLOR. CHRYSANTHEMUM CARINATUM BURRIDGEANUM and CHRYSANTHEMUM CARINATUM ATROCOCCJNEUM. [To face p. 63 CHRYSANTHEMUM 63 CHICKLING VETCH. See LATHYRUS sativus. CHILIAN BELLFLOWER. See NOLANA. CHIMNEY BELLFLOWER. See CAMPANULA pyramidalis. CHINA ASTER. See CALLISTEPHUS. CHINESE PINK. See DIANTHUS chinensis. CHRYSA'NTHEMUM (from Gr. chrusos, gold, and anthemon, flower). Nat. Ord. Composite. The annual species of this very popular group are showy Daisy or Marguerite- like flowers, and well worth growing. Having long stems as cut flowers for vases they have few rivals, almost arranging themselves. For this purpose alone they should be extensively grown both in the border and the reserve garden. There are many different varieties, some of them double. They are very simple to grow, requiring only good ordinary garden soil, and bloom from July to the end of September. The seedlings vary much, but the following are distinct species : — C. carinaftum. Height 2 ft. "White with yellow band. From Barbery in 1796. Syn., C. tri'color. C. carinaftum atrococcifneum. Height 2 ft. Eich deep scarlet with a yellow inner ring. C. carinaftum Burridgea'num. Height 2 ft. White with crimson and yellow inner rings. C. carina'tum Chameleon. Height 2 feet. New in 1899. Large, light coppery bronze, mixed 64 CHRYSANTHEMUM CHRYSANTHEMUM— continued. C car ina' turn Chameleon — continued. with purplish crimson, the former colouring changing into a clear yellow after a few days. C. carina'tum, Lord Beaconsfield. Height l£ ft. Crimson, and gold edge. C. carina'lum, Evening Star. Like the one below, only it has bright golden yellow flowers. C. carina'tum, Morning Star. Height 1J ft. Pale primrose and golden eye. One of the most satisfactory of the annual Chrys- anthemums to grow. C. carina'tum, The Sultan. Crimson, with golden central ring. C. carina'tum, W. E. Gladstone or Eclipse. Rich crimson. C. corona'rium, Crown Daisy. Height 3 feet. This species is usually double, varying from pale yellow to crimson and purple. S. Europe, 1629. C. Dunnet'tii is a small group of double-flowering Chrysanthemums. White or golden yellow, while there are also double dwarf forms. C. inodo'rum pleni' ssimum. Height 1 J ft. A very free double-white Pyrethrum-like flower. " Bridal Robe " is a good garden variety, excellent for bedding in a mass, 15 ins. high. " Snowball " is another fine form, 2£ ft. high. CIRSIUM DIACANTHUM 65 CHRYSANTHEMUM — continued. C. multicau'le. Height 2 ft. A good border plant with large yellow flowers and branching habit. Algiers. C. myco'nis. A dwarf plant from the Mediterranean. It forms a rosette of leaves on the ground, and throws up yellow flowers singly on stalks, 6 ins. high. July. 1775. C. sdgetum. Height 1J ft. Yellow, the common native Gowan or Corn Marigold of the fields. For the garden it is better to grow the next below. C. se'getum grandiflo'rum. Height 2J ft. An improvement on the former wild sort. C. se'getum pu'milum is a dwarf form, 9 ins. high, forming a compact bushy plant, a mass of yellow bloom. C. tricolor. See C. carinatum and its varieties. Propagate by seeds sown i in. deep in the open, grown where they are to flower, in ordinary soil in April; or in pans of light soil in temp. 65° in March, planting out in May in an open, warm position. The soil should have been previously well and deeply dug, plenty of manure being incor- porated as the ground is turned over. CHRYSE'IS. See ESCHSCHOLTZIA. CHRYSOSTE'MMA. See COREOPSIS. CI'RSIUM diacanthum. See CHAMCEPEUCE. E 66 CLARKIA CLA'RKIA (named after Captain Clark). Nat. Ord. Onagracece. These popular Californian hardy annuals are a decided acquisition to the garden borders, especially the first one mentioned below, when grown in clumps. The flowers are most singular in shape, but at the same time elegant and long-lasting, blooming from the end of June to the end of August. Introduced from N. America about 1825 to 1832. C. e'legans. Height 2J ft. Erect and branching, exhibiting a profusion of beautiful flowers an inch or more across, of varying shades on strong stems. Eather later to bloom than the pukhella varieties. It is splendid for cutting for vases. The new varieties are : — Brilliant double salmon-scarlet ; Salmon Queen, salmon- pink; Carnation-flaked Pink; White Queen, pure white ; Purple King, deep purple, and a dwarf, known as nana rosea, or Tom Thumb Pink, 10 ins. high. C. dlegans flo're-ple'no is a name given to the double-flowering forms of the above. C. integripdtala. Height 1J ft. A variety with rosy flowers. C. integripe'tala alba has single pure white flowers. There is also a double form. C. integripe'tala, Mrs Langtry. White, crimson centre. C. integripe'tala manina'ta, or Morning Glory, has double rosy-purple flowers, edged with white. 1. CLARK I A ELEGANS. 2. CLARKIA PULCHELLA. [To face p. 66. CLAYTONIA 67 CLA'RKIA — continued. C. pulchdlla. Height 1^ ft. Magenta, purple, and other shades. There is a double form, and a dwarf variety only 1 ft. high. Blooms at the beginning of June. The pukhella varieties are not as choice as the elegans tribe. Sow seeds i in. deep in the open ground in March, and thin to 8 ins. apart. Successive sowings may be made in April, May, and June. Or sow the previous September, protecting with branches in frosty weather in exposed situations, and transplant in spring. Ordinary soil, well dug. They generally drop their seed and come up of their own accord in autumn. CLARY. See SALVIA. CLAYTO'NIA (named after Dr John Clayton, a botanist of Virginia). Nat. Ord. Portulacece. The Claytonias are a family of low-growing, humble herbs, suitable for the rock garden in sunny positions, but not of a high decorative order. The two named below are treated as hardy annuals, and flower from June to the end of August. C. perfolia'ta, or Winter Purslane, is a little plant only 6 ins. high, having small spikes or racemes of white flowers, spreading widely where it is once grown. Native of N. America, 1794. Syn., C. cubensis. C. sibi'rica, or Siberian Purslane, is also a dwarf of 6 ins., producing erect little white flowers, 68 CLAYTONIA CLAYTO'NIA — continued. C. sibi'rica — continued. delicately streaked with pink. Siberia, 1768. Syn., C. mrginica. Sow the seeds TV in. deep in the open ground in April. C. sibirica requires a wet, boggy, peaty soil. CLIAN'THUS (from the Gr. Tdeos, glory, and anthos, a flower). Nat. Ord. Leguminosce. These truly magnificent plants may be tried as half-hardy annuals in favoured localities in Irish gardens, or in South Devon and other west country places where the climate is mild, in warm sunny positions, though they are all perennial in their native country. They are, however, more often to be seen in greenhouses or at Horticultural Exhibi- tions in this country than outdoors, but the brilliant colour and general quaintness of the flower clusters are sufficient qualifications to encourage one to give them a trial under the circumstances described. C. Dampie'ri, Dampier's or Glory Pea. This species attains about 2 ft. in height. It pro- duces pendent clusters of brilliant scarlet paplionaceous flowers, each having a conspicu- ous black blotch at the base. Australia, 1852. C. Dampie'ri margina'tus is a variety of the above, having white flower clusters with a red margin, and black blotch as in the first-mentioned species, the foliage being pale green and woolly. 1866. CNICUS 69 CLIAN'THUS — continued. C. puni'ceus, or New Zealand Glory Pea, Parrot's Beak, or Kowi as it is called in the Antipodes. This species is more vigorous than the Australian form, 3 ft. in height. The flower clusters hanging from the axiles of the leaves are the most brilliant crimson colour. N. Zealand, 1832. C, puni'ceus magni'ficus is an improved variety on the last. Syn., Do'nia puni'cea. Sow the seeds singly J in. deep in pots of loam two parts, leaf-mould or peat and sand one part, in temp. 75°, in March. Plant out in May or June, disturbing the roots as little as possible in doing so, and syringe frequently. CLIMBING FUMITORY. See ADLUMIA cirrhosa. CLINTONIA. See DOWNINGIA. CLOUD PLANT. See GYPSOPHILA. CNI'CUS (from L. cnecus, or cnicus, a thistle ; pronounced ni'kus). Nat. Ord. Composite. This is a very large family of the thistle tribe, the majority not being worth growing, but there are a few that are tall and effective in the wild garden or woodland. C. casabonce and C. diacan- thus are synonyms of Chamoepeuce (which see); and C. benedictus is placed under the head of CARDUUS (which see). 70 CNICUS CNI'CUS — continued. C. conspi'cuus, the Scarlet • flowered Thistle, or Mexican Thistle, is a handsome border plant growing some 6 ft. in height or more, the blood-red flowers appearing in September. From Mexico in 1825. Syn., Erythrolcefna conspi'cua. C. erio'phorus is also a fine plant with purple flowers, growing 3 ft. or more. Syn., Cir'sium erio'phorum. Sow the seeds i in. deep in March where they are to grow. — Cup and Saucers (named after Barnardez Cobo, a Spanish botanist of the seventeenth century). Nat. Ord. Pokmoniacece. C. scan'dens. This herbaceous climber, hailing from tropical America, is mentioned here as it is usually treated as a half-hardy annual in this country and sometimes as a half-hardy biennial plant. Being of extraordinarily rapid growth it is exceptionally well suited for growing against trellis work, verandahs, or over arbours and balconies. The dingy purple flowers, without close inspection, are suggestive of the well-known Canterbury Bells in shape and size, but are produced singly on strong stems in July. It must be planted in a sunny position, where it will flower freely, and with protection may survive a mild winter. Under COB^A SCANDENS. (To face p. 70.) COLLINSIA 71 COBJE'A — continued. C. scan' dens — continued. glass it has been known to grow 200 ft. in a season, and will usually attain 10 ft. of growth outdoors during the summer. Mexico, 1792. C. scan' dens o!lba has white flowers. Sow the seeds \ in. deep in sandy soil in pots in temp. 75° during February or March. Plant out in June in not too rich a soil, otherwise it will develop too vigorously at the expense of the flower growth. If treated as a biennial the young plants become established sooner and flower earlier. Sow in July in thumb pots, house from frost during the winter, shift into 4-in. pots in February, using rich soil, and transplant outdoors at the end of May. Water freely during the growing season. COCHLEA'KIA acau'lis. See IONOPSIDIUM acaule. COCKSCOMB. See CELOSIA. COLLIN'SIA — Collins' Flower (named after Zaccheus Collins, an early botanist). Nat. Ord. Scrophu- lariacece. Pretty, shrubby, free-flowering N. American hardy annuals, of very simple culture, attractive for beds or mixed borders, even doing well in town gardens. They should be grouped together. There are several varieties, all of which flower during the summer. 72 COLLINSIA COLLIN'SIA — continued. C. bartsicefo'lia. Height 9 ins. Purple. June. California. There is also a white variety. C. bf color. Height 1 ft. These flowers are pro- duced in whorls or rings round the stem, the lower petals lilac and upper white. Very showy and the best known. California, 1833. C. candidis'sima. Height 9 ins. Pure white ; excellent for edging. C. grandiflo'ra. Height 1 ft. A modest plant, having blue and pink flowers in whorls or rings round the stem. Columbia, 1826. A variety carminata is carmine. C. tinctor'ia. Height 1 ft. Pale pink. California, 1848. C. tincto'ria purpu'rea. Height 9 ins. A recent variety having deep violet flowers of a branch- ing habit. C. ve^na. Height 1 ft. Purple and blue. K America, 1826. C. viola' cea. Height 1 ft. Violet and white. Sow seeds ^ in. deep out of doors in September, March, or April, where they are to grow, thinning out to 3 ins. apart as soon as they are well up. C. verna, however, must be sown in September to flower the next year, and the others bloom earlier if autumn sown. CONVOLVULUS 73 COLLO'MIA (from kolla, glue, in reference to the sticky secretion round the seeds). Nat. Ord. Polemoni- acece. Hardy annuals of compact habit, having large heads of brilliant flowers from July to October. There are several kinds, the ones mostly cultivated being : — C. coccin'ea. Grows to about 12 ins. with clusters of small bright scarlet flowers. From Chili in 1832. Syn., C. lateritia. C. grandiflo'ra. About 2 ft. high. This erect plant supports a compound flower, consisting of a cluster of small trumpet- shaped rose and buff florets. From Columbia, 1826-1831. Propagate by seeds sown |- in. deep where they are to grow in September, or else in March and April, thinning out to 3 ins. apart. It likes a warm position, but produces more bloom on a poor soil than when highly cultivated. COMMON CORN POPPY. See PAPAVER Rhosas. COMMON FOXGLOVE. See DIGITALIS purpurea. COMMON MARIGOLD. See CALENDULA. From Mary, i.e., the Virgin Mary, and gold. Mary's Plant. COMMON YELLOW SUNFLOWER. See HELIANTHUS annum. CONVOLVULUS — Bindweed (from L. convolve, to entwine). Nat. Ord. Convolvulacece. Of the numerous species belonging to this family there is only one (together with its varieties) of any 74 CONVOLVULUS CONVOLVULUS — continued. consequence that is annual. There are others that used to be classed under the name Convolvulus, but these now are placed in the genus IPOMCEA (which see). C. ma' jus. See IPOMCEA purpurea. C. mi'nor is a synonym of C. tricolor. C. Nil. See IPOMGEA hederacea. C. purpur'em. See IPOMCEA purpurea. C. tricolor is a lovely flower, about 2 ins. across, of bright purplish blue, with a white throat divided by five yellow stripes from centre to edge. Height about 12 to 18 ins. C. tricolor albiflo'rus is a variety having white flowers. C. tri' color monstro'sus has deep violet flowers with white centre. C. tri' color mtta'tus is striped with vittae or bands. C. tri' color ros'eus has a white centre, surrounded by a band of purplish-violet rays, divided by five broad yellow stripes from the throat, the margin being of a beautiful rose colour. C. tri'color compac'tus is a dwarf form. C. White Tassel is a name given to a new form of C. tricolor, having double white fringed flowers. The cultivation is of the simplest nature. Sow £ in. deep in September for spring flowering, or in February in heat for planting out in May for early summer flowering, or again in April and May out- doors for later flowering. COREOPSIS. Ticksccd. (To face p. 75.) COREOPSIS 75 COREO'PSIS, also called CALLIOPSIS — Tickseed (from Gr. koris, a bed bug or tick, and opsis resemblance, in allusion to the apparent similarity of the seed and the insect). Nat. Ord. Composite. Syn., CHRYSO- STEMMA. These charming plants are indispensable in every mixed border and should be extensively cultivated, being bright and rich in colour, profuse bloomers, and excellent for cutting for vases. They come from different parts of the N. American continent, and are quite hardy even in town gardens, any ordinary garden soil suiting them. C. aristdsa. Grows to 2 or 3 ft. ; large golden flowers. 1869. C. artemisiwfo'lia. See COSMOS sulphureus. C. Atkinsoniafna. Height 2 to 3 ft. Orange-yellow with brown- spotted centre. C. atrosangui'nea. Height 3 ft. Deep rich crimson- brown flowers. 1823. Syn., C. nigra speciosa. C. bi 'color tinctor'ia. Height 2 to 3 ft. Eich chest- nut-brown with yellow tips. Arkansas, 1823. C. bic'olor splen'dens, gold and maroon. C. Burrid'gi. Height 3 ft. Eich crimson and gold. Syn., Cosmidium Burridgeanum. C. Cardaminifo'lia. Height 2 ft. Deep crimson. C. coronafta. Height 1^ ft. Orange -yellow, and chestnut-brown in the centre. C. diver sifo'lia. See C. Drummondii. 76 COREOPSIS COREO'PSIS — continued. C. Drummond'ii. Height 1£ ft. Has larger and heavier looking foliage, distinguishing it from any other species. Golden-yellow with chest- nut-brown centre. September, 1835. Syn., C. diver sifo'lia. C. filifol'ia. Height 2 ft. A most graceful plant from Mexico. Yellow. Syn., Thelesper'ma filifol'ium. C. grandiflo'ra is perennial, but frequently treated as an annual, and easily flowered the first season. Height 2^ ft. Large yellow flowers, finer than any of the others. C. Marmora'ta. Height l£ ft. Striped and marbled flowers. C. mari'tima. See LEPTOSYNE maritima. C. Stillmann'i. See LEPTOSYNE Stillmanni. C. tinctor'ia. See C. bicolor tinctoria. Seed may be sown in September for spring flowering, J in. deep ; or in March up to June to flower in July to October, in a moist soil for choice. CORN ADONIS. See ADONIS autumnalis. CORNFLOWER. See CENTAUREA cyannus. CORN MARIGOLD. See CHRYSANTHEMUM Segetum. CORN ROSE. See PAPAVER Rhceas. COSMAN'THUS grandiflo'ra. See Phacelia grandiflora. THE MEXICAN ASTER (Cosmos Upinnatus). [To face p. 76. COSMOS 77 COSMI'DIUM Burridgea'num. See COREOPSIS Burridgi. COSMOS, or COS'MEA, Mexican Aster (from Gr. kosmos, beautifying). Nat. Ord. Composite. The following members of this family are very handsome annual plants, exhibiting flowers 3 or 4 ins. across and elegant foliage. Being tall and producing their blooms only at the extremities, they are no mean objects for the back of the flower border or even in a bed by themselves. The blooming period is August to November, or till frost cuts them down. C. atrosanguin'eus. Height 3 ft. This plant has deep crimson - purple Dahlia - like flowers. Mexico, 1861. Syn., C. atropurpureus. C. Upinna'tus. Height 4 to 6 ft. This is one of the best and most vigorous annuals, and splendid to cut from. The large Dahlia-like flowers are a pale crimson-purple colour with bright yellow centres. Mexico, 1799. There are also garden forms that are white and pink. C. sulphur'eus. Height 2^ ft. Is a branched plant, having bright, pale yellow flowers on slender stems and glossy green foliage. Mexico, 1799. Syn., Coreopsis artemisicefolia. "Rainbow" is a recent introduction, with large flowers of pale colours, 6 ft. high. Sow seed in light soil in temp. 65° to 70° in March, and plant out in May in a sunny position, about 18 ins. apart. 78 COTGRAVE COTGRAVE. See DIANTHUS barbatus. CREAM CUPS. See CELSIA Cretioa. CREPIS — HawKs-beard (from L. crepis, an unknown plant). Nat. Ord. Composite. C. barba'ta is a small semi-double Dandelion-like annual from South Europe, 1620-1632. It is useful for the rockery as an edging, or looks pretty sown in a mass in the border. The flowers are of three colours, red, yellow, and white, about 12 ins. high. Syn., Tol'pis barbata. Sow the seed J in. deep in April where required to grow. CROWN DAISY. See CHRYSANTHEMUM coronarium. CUP AND SAUCER CANTERBURY BELL. See CAMPANULA medium calycanthema. CUP AND SAUCERS. See COB.EA. CUP FLOWER. See SCYPHAN'THUS. CU'PHEA (from Gr. kuphos, bending). Nat. Ord. Lythracece. There are several pretty plants of this family that are useful for bedding out, though more often seen in the greenhouse. A few are annual, and the other perennial species may be treated as such, but coming from a warm climate like Mexico they must have a warm sunny position, where they will flower profusely during the hottest months. C. cequipe'tala. See C. ocymoi'des. CUPHEA 79 CI/PHEA — continued. C. em'inens, 6 ins. high, has orange-red and yellow flowers, introduced in 1856. Syn., C. jorul- len'sis. C. ig'nea, Cigar Plant. Height 1 ft. Graceful branching habit with brilliant scarlet and black tubular flowers. This is the kind usually employed for bedding-out. 1845. Syn., C. platycen-tra. There is a white variety called a'lba. C. jorullen'sis. See C. eminens. C. lanceola'ta. Half-hardy annual, 1 J ft. high, with purple flowers. 1796. There is a white variety named a!lba. C. minia'ta. Half-hardy annual, 1 ft. high, with scarlet flowers. C. minia'ta compa'cta. Half-hardy annual, 2£ ft high. Crimson and purple flowers, blooming till late in the summer. C. miniata purpu'rea. Height 1^ ft. A purple variety. 1847. C. ocymoi'des. Half-hardy annual, 2 ft. high, with rich purple-violet flowers. 1859. Syn., C. cequipetala. C. platycen'tra. See C. ig'nea. C. Roe'zlii. Height 2J ft. Vermilion and orange flowers. 1877. C. silenoi'des. Hardy annual, l£ ft. high, has blue flowers. 1836. 80 CUPHEA CU'PHEA — continued. C. strigullo'sa, 1 ft. high, has yellow and red flowers. A tender plant, may be planted in mild localities, but better suited for the greenhouse. C. Zimapan'i. A good hardy annual, l£ ft. high ; has flowers of deep purple, edged with a lighter shade. 1878. Excellent for cutting from, and lasts well in water. Propagate by seeds sown -J- in. deep in boxes of light sandy soil in temp. 75° in March ; prick off seedlings into pots of loam, leaf-mould, or peat and sand, gradually harden off, and plant out in June in a rich dry soil. Water moderately. CURLED MALLOW. See MALVA crispa. CUT-FLOWER. See SCHIZANTHUS. DAH'LIA (named after one Dahl, a Swedish botanist). Nat. Ord. Composite. It does not appear to be generally known among amateur gardeners that Dahlias may be raised like annuals by sowing the seed in the early months and flowering them the same year and at the usual time, about September. But this is so, though it is not the usual practice. Nevertheless, they are such important plants that this fact cannot be passed over. If they do not make quite such large plants the first season, they produce as fine flowers as those from cuttings or division of the roots, and there is always the chance of getting something new, as seedlings are always liable to variation. DAHLIA 81 DAH'LIA — continued. The very large number that have been cultivated and hybridised owe their origin to either of the following wild kinds : — D. cocci' nea, D. Merck'ii, D. Juare'zi, or D. varia'bilis, all natives of Mexico. The variations are now divided into several classes, called Show, Fancy, Pompon, Cactus, Decorative, Single and Tom-Thumb Dahlias. Show and Fancy Dahlias are not so often seen as they used to be, the lighter Cactus and Single forms having become more popular. If they are to be raised from seed, it is useless to give names, as they seldom come true. The Pompon or Bouquet class is small, double, and compact, very prolific flowers of numerous hues. Height about 2| to 3J ft. The Cactus class is nowadays the most popular, being large but light in appearance, with long twisted petals, some 5 ins. across, forming bushes about 5^ ft. high. There are both single and double forms. The Decorative class grows about 3J to 4 ft. high, the blooms being something between a Single Dahlia and a Cactus, the petals being rolled and somewhat pointed, but not so much so as a Cactus. Single Dahlias are coming into favour, as they lend themselves very well for vases in the house. They are bright, light, and elegant, and about 82 DAHLIA DAH'LIA — continued. 2 ins. across, the round petals being centred with a large yellow eye. About 3 to 4 ft. high. Tom Thumb Dahlias. This is a variety not so often seen, though they are capital for bedding out, being only 12 to 18 ins. high. The flowers are small and single, but very prolific and of many colours. Sow seed £ in. deep in light soil in pans in temp. 70° to 75° in February, pot singly in two parts turfy loam, one part decayed manure, and plunge in brisk bottom-heat shaded from sun. Harden off gradually when they should be ready to plant out in June. Apply liquid manure in July to September. Give them an open sunny position in a bed to themselves or in mixed border, and see that they are well staked when planted. This is absolutely necessary. Few flowers are easier to grow, seeming indifferent as to soil, provided they have plenty of elbow room. Of course the little Tom Thumbs do not require the space of the larger varieties, which should have at least 3 or 4 ft. each way. DAISY. See BEL'LIS. DAMASK VIOLET. See HESPERIS. * DAME'S ROCKET. See HESPERIS. DAME'S VIOLET. See HESPERIS. DAMPIER'S PEA. See CLIANTHUS Dampieri. DATURA 83 DANISH FLAG POPPY. See PAPAVER somniferum, variety Danebrog. DATU'KA (from Hind, dhatura, a plant). Nat. Ord. Solanacece. The large trumpet-shaped flowers of the Daturas are remarkably handsome. As they hail from Mexico and other warm climes, they are, however, not hardy in this country, though there is a Datura native of this country, but of little consequence for the garden, namely, D. Stramonium. The seed pods are large, round, and spiny. They flower in August and September till frosts cut them down. D. ceratocau'la, is a plant 2J ft. high, exhibiting large scented flowers 6 ins. long and 4 ins. across and upright. These are white, but slightly striped outside with violet. S. America, 1805. Syn., Ceratocau'los datu- roi'des. Z>. chloran'thaflo'reple'no, about 2 ft. high, produces double pale yellow blooms which are sweet smelling. A good plant for the conservatory too. Mexico, 1845. D. cornmo'pice, or Horn of Plenty, is a form of D. fastuosa, with huge flowers. It is remarkable for being triplicate, that is, having three flowers one within the other, the interior being pure white with violet outside. About 1 J ft. high. A garden form. 84 DATURA DATU'RA — continued. D. fastuo'sa, or The Thorn Apple, is a plant 3 ft. high. The flowers are double, white within, and violet on the outside. D. fastudsa, Huberia'na is another double garden variety, said to be a cross between D. fastuosa and D. chlorantha fl. pi. There are several shades of colouring. D. hu'milis fla'va is a pale yellow species, 2 ft. high. Mexico, 1829. D. Met!el has pure white flowers, often mistaken for the next following, which, however, is longer in the tube. D. meteloi'des, or Wright's Datura, is a handsome plant with large, pure white flowers veined with pale purple on the exterior ; 6 in. long, 4 in. across. It is about 4 ft. high, and makes quite a branching tree-like growth. A hand- some specimen for a sunny sheltered border. California, 1856. Syn., D. WrigMi. D. quercifo'lia. 1| ft. high. Has pale mauve flowers with oak-leaved foliage. Not so hand- some as those mentioned above. Mexico, 1824. D. Wright 'i. See D. meteloides. Sow the seeds, which are fairly large, singly | in. deep in sandy soil in pots in hot-bed about 65° in March. Plant out in light sandy soil in a sunny sheltered border in May. Water sparingly. A little liquid manure applied when the plants are in flower is beneficial. LARKSPUR (Delphinium ajacis). [To Jace p. 84. DELPHINIUM 85 DEAD-MEN'S-BELLS. See DIGITALIS. DELPHINIUM — Larkspur or Rocket (from Gr. delphin, a dolphin, from the spur of the flower being likened to a dolphin). Nat. Ord. Ranunculacece. The annual Larkspurs rank among the beauties of the summer garden, their gaiety for their size being unrivalled, while their variety of colouring, hardiness, and simple culture, and their usefulness as cut flowers, render them great acquisitions. They are not so tall or as stately as their well- known perennial cousins, but are by no means meagre in growth, some species reaching 3 or 4 ft. in height, while others again are dwarf. They flower from the end of June till the end of September, according to the time of sowing. D. Aja'cis, or Rock Larkspur, grows about 18 ins. high in erect spikes of pink flowers. This is one of the original ancestors from which the numerous garden forms have sprung. Switzerland, 1573. D. Aja'cis mi'nus, or Lesser Larkspur, is about 2 ft. high, having double flowers on a single spike. The colours of the garden varieties are white, flesh-colour, pink, mauve, violet, pale violet, blue, blue- grey, chestnut, and white, with many different coloured stripes. D. Aja'cis hyacinthiflo'rum, or Hyacinth-flowered Larkspur, is a dwarf Larkspur. Flowers similar to the above, but the spikes taper more and are further apart. 86 DELPHINIUM DELPHIN'IUM — continued. D. consol'idum, or Branched Larkspur. 2 ft. high with blue single flowers. There is a double - flowered variety. This is one of the original parents of the branching group of garden Larkspurs, the variety called candelabrum bears different coloured flowers on pyramidal spikes. The Emperor, comprising three sorts, dark-blue, red-striped, and tri-coloured double flowers, is the last to flower, and about 18 ins. to 3 ft. high. D. ranunculiflo'rum, The Ranunculus-flowered Larkspur. Height 18 ins. Is later in blooming. This is a garden strain, as is also the Stock-flowered variety, which is 3 ft. high and branching, in two colours, scarlet and blue. Blue Butterfly is a new kind, with beautiful blue flowers — an excellent bedder. Sow seeds J in. deep in the open ground where they are intended to bloom in September, March, or April, the seedlings being thinned out to 4 to 6 ins. apart. The branching sorts may be raised in the reserve garden, and transplanted carefully with a ball of earth when 1 ft. high. Ordinary rich soil. DEPTFORD PINK. See DIANTHUS armeria. DEVIL-IN-THE-BUSH. See NIGELLA. DIANTHOI'DES dianthiflo'ra. See GILIA dianthoides. DIANTHUS — The Pink and The Carnation (deduced from Gr. dios, of Jupiter, divine, and anthos, a flower ; DIANTHUS 87 DIANTHUS — continued. or dianthes, meaning double-flowering). Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacece. The species of this large family are mostly perennial, but the following are annual or biennial, or like the well-known Sweet William, a member of this genus, are usually grown from seed and treated as biennial. D. armefria or Deptford Pink. A true annual and a native of England, though rare. The flowers are small and clustered, speckled pink and white, about 12 ins. high. A pretty plant for the rockery in July and August. D. barba'tus, The Bunch Pink, Sweet William, Sweet Johns, Tolmeyners, London-tufts, or Cotgrave. With so many names it is easily inferred this plant has long been popular. It is indeed perennial, but is usually propagated by seed and treated as a biennial, blooming the year after sowing. It is absolutely hardy and vigor- ous, bearing clustered flowers of varied zonal colouring, usually a pink or crimson shade and white, but often of one hue, spotted, streaked, eyed and margined, smooth-edged or indented. A new variety with brilliant colouring is called Pink Beauty. It is a salmon-pink shade and a plant of striking colour when grown in large masses, the foliage being almost hidden by the broad flower clusters in the month of June. 88 DIANTHUS DIANTHUS — continued. The old-fashioned Sweet William was introduced, it is said, as long ago as 1573 from S. Germany. Sow the seeds in April -J- in. deep in light soil outdoors in a sunny spot, transplanting to 10 ins. apart in July or September to where they are to bloom the following year. Although the plants do well in ordinary soil, they are all the better for a little leaf mould and rotten turfs broken up. When the blooms begin to show, give a dressing of guano, and water well in dry weather. A second applica- tion of liquid manure applied just as the flowers begin to open is very beneficial for a fine display. They are rather subject to Black- fly, and should this occur it can soon be got rid off by syringing with essence of quassia diluted. D. Chinen'sis (sometimes spelt sinensis). The Chinese Pink, The Japanese, and Indian Pink. This and its varieties are very floriferous plants of small stature, suitable for beds or groups in the front of the mixed border, and seldom grow above 1 ft. high. The forms and colouring are very variable and easily hybridise. Sometimes they are sown in the spring and treated like half-hardy annuals, while some gardeners prefer to sow them in autumn to flower the following year. Sometimes also, DIANTHUS 89 DIANTHUS — continued. D. Chinen'sis — continued. though not often, they survive to flower a second season. The following are varieties, viz. : D. Chinen'sis Heddewi'gi. This is commonly known as the Japan Pink The flowers are single, crimson, pink, and white. There are several garden varieties of this. Crimson Belle is a good one with rich brilliant crimson flowers. Eastern Queen is also fine, having delicately marbled flowers of salmon-red with rose and pink. D. Chinen'sis Heddewi'gi diadema'tus is a double flowering variety with large blooms of various colours. Mourning Cloak has rich deep crimson blooms, strikingly edged with white. Purity is a pure double white. Fireball is another novelty, having double scarlet-crimson flowers. D. Chinen'sis Heddewi'gi lacinia'tus is a pretty strain, having fringed or frilled edges. There are double and single garden forms. Lucifer is a new variety of dazzling orange- scarlet, the most brilliant of all. Height 12 ins. Salmon Queen, of which there are single and double varieties, is a salmon-red shading to pink. Zonalis has fringed salmon-red petals with a distinct deep purple inner ring. Royal Pinks has large fringed single flowers about 3 ins. 90 DIANTHUS DIANTHUS — continued. D. Chinen'sis Heddewi'gi lacinia'tus — continued. across, of a blood-red colour varying to pink and sometimes to white. About 15 ins. high. Superbisf simus has giant single broad-petalled flowers of beautiful colours. Height 15 ins. D. Chinerisis Atkinso'ni. A biennial garden variety about 6 or 8 ins. high. Its flowers are a brilliant blood-red colour and produced in profusion, though the habit of this form is more straggling than many of them. D. sinen'sis. See D. Chinensis. There is a strain of carnation hybrids between D. Chinensis and D. Caryophyllus, which are commonly called annual carnations, because they grow best from seed and flower within six months of sowing, and though they may last another season they quickly deterio- rate, or else die. Therefore it is far better to treat them as annuals. Among the best are — Margarita. This bears a profusion of clove- scented flowers of varied colours, each one being fringed. Height 18 ins. Grenardin is a double scarlet, and may be depended upon to come true from seed. Sweet scented. Height 15 ins. Riviera Market is a strain of mixed shades. Height 2 ft. DIANTHUS 91 DIANTHUS — continued. D. sinen'sis — continued. Geant de Nice is of great size and rich colour- ing, the flowers being borne on stout stems. Height 2 ft. Vanguard is a new strain of beautifully scented blooms of exquisite shape and varied colour. Sow the seeds rV in. deep in February to March, or, as some recommend, in August or September, in well-drained pots in a compost of loam, leaf-mould, and sand, about £ in. apart, only just covering them with the soil. Place these in a frame with very little heat, and prick off, as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, into boxes, 2 ins. apart, filled with the same compost, and let them remain in the frame as before. As soon as they are 3 or 4 ins. high, transplant where they are to bloom in the summer ; but if autumn sown keep in the frame till the following April, when they will be nice strong plants to place where they are to bloom the same summer. A little lime rubble is an excellent thing to add to the soil when planting out, and allow 12 ins. between each. Pinch out the tops at an early stage to encourage laterals to sprout, thereby obtaining more flowering shoots. D. barbatus is treated specially under its own heading. 92 DIASCIA BARBERS DIAS'CIA Barbetrce (from Gr. diaskeo, to adorn, in allusion to the beauty of the flower). Nat. Ord. Scrophu- lariacece. A charming little annual from S. Africa, resembling Nemesia, to which it is allied. Its spurred coral-pink flowers are freely produced on slender branching stems during the summer months. An excellent plant for small beds or in groups in a border. About 8 ins. high. Sow the seed in pans on a hot-bed in February or March, and plant out in May in light soil in a sunny position. Under exceptional circumstances it has been known to survive a winter and to bloom again the following summer. DIDIS'CUS (from Gr. di, meaning twice, and diskos, a flat disc). Nat. Ord. Umbelliferce. C. cceru'lem is a half-hardy annual which grows about 18 ins. high. It is not particularly showy, but the branched umbels or thick clusters of lavender flowers, 2 ins. across, are neat and pretty, and last well in water when cut. These appear in July and continue to bloom till September. Being a native of Australia, whence it was brought in 1827, it requires a hot summer to bring it to per- fection and full sun striking on it. The edge of the mixed border is the best place for it. Syn., Trachyme'ne ccerulea. Sow in a hot-bed temp. 65°, or in boxes of light soil, in March. Prick off the seedlings into pots, v DIDISCUS CCERULEUS. [To face p. 92. DIGITALIS 93 DIDIS'CUS — continued. and in May transplant them out of doors, 12 ins. apart, in sandy loam and leaf mould. DIGITA'LIS — Foxglove, Finger Flowers, or Dead Men's Bells (from L. digitalis, & finger-stall or thimble, so named by the German botanist L. Fuchs, in reference to the shape of the flowers). Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacece. A beautiful biennial plant, too well known to require much description, and a native of our own country from Cornwall to the Orkneys, but not the Shetlands. It is not adverse to shade, and on that account is a great acquisition in the woodland and other parts of the garden, and it must indeed be a poor soil where it will not grow. It is most effective if grouped together in a mass, single plants not showing themselves off to so much advantage, and if grown in a mixed border should be placed at the back, as they attain 4 to 5 ft. in height, and flower in June and July. D. ambi'gua. Grows 3 ft. or so with beautiful pale yellow flowers, and counted amongst the most beautiful flowers that adorn the Alps of Switzer- land and Tyrol. 1596. Syns., D. grandifto'ra and D. ochroleu'ca. D. au'rea. Height 2 ft. with yellow flowers. From Hungary, 1816. Syns., D. loemga'ta and Z>. fusce'scens. 94 DIGITALIS DIGITA'LIS— -continued. D. eriostac'hya. Height 3 ft. Brown and yellow. Eussia, 1897. D. ferrugin'ea. Height 4 ft. Flowers brownish. Italy, 1597. D. fusees' cens. See D. aurea. D. grandiflo'ra. See D. ambigua. D. lana'ta. Height 2 ft. Yellow. June. Hungary, 1789. D. Iceviga'ta. See D. aurea. D. ochroleu'ca. See D. ambigua. D. purpur'ea. The Common Foxglove of Britain, 4 to 6 ft. Mauve. There are some fine garden varieties of this called gloxiniceflo'ra, on account of their supposed resemblance to the Gloxinia, their throats being spotted and blotched with different shades of purple and maroon or chocolate. D. purpu'rea al'ba. A pure white strain of the above, and one of the handsomest plants grown. Very effective against a dark back- ground. There are also forms more or less spotted with claret colour. D. purpu'rea monstro'sa. A curious form, the terminal flower develops before the others and in an upright position. D. stenoph'ylla. Height 5 ft. Buff colour with yellow centre, foliage white edged. From Smyrna. FOXGLOVE (Digitalis purpurea). [To face p. DIMORPHOTHECA AURANTIACA. The Namaqnaland Daisy. (To face p. 95.) DIMORPHOTHECA 95 DIGITA'LIS — continued. Sow seed A in. deep where they are wanted to grow in April to June, or in a reserve bed, and transplant in the autumn 18 ins. apart in a shaded border, or alongside the woodland walks. After the first planting they usually sow themselves, when the seedlings can be pulled up and trans- planted where required. DIMORPHOTHE'CA (deduced from Gr. dimorphos, having two forms, and theke, a case, box). Nat. Ord. Composite. D. auranti'aca, The Namaqualand Daisy, is a half- hardy annual recently introduced from Nama- qualand, S. Africa, 1907. It produces during summer a profusion of large Marguerite-like flowers of a glossy golden-salmon or orangy colour, with black central ring. Height 12 to 15 ins. "Requires a sunny position. Quite one of the best of the newer annuals, and destined to become popular. A still more recent variety (1910) of the same thing is in store for the public (not in commerce yet). It is a pale apricot shade, and will no doubt become popular too. It has not ^et received a name. D. pluvia'lis, The Great Cape Marigold. An attractive hardy annual from S. Africa. Height 1 to 2 ft. Large single Marguerite-like flowers, white with yellow centre, and mauve on the reverse or under side, blooming all 96 DIMORPHOTHECA D IMORPHOTHE'C A — continued. D. pluvia'lis — continued. July to the end of September. In the even- ing and during cloudy weather it has the property of closing up. Excellent for planting in the mixed border. 1699. Syn., Cale'ndula pluma'lis. Sow the half-hardy species in slight heat in March and prick out. Sow the seeds of D. pluvialis in the open border in April ^ in. deep about 1 ft. apart. The young plants do not care about being disturbed, unless moved very carefully with a ball of earth round the roots. DO'LICHOS La'blab — The Purple Soudanese Bean (from Gr. dolichos, long, with reference to its long twin- ing shoots. Lablab is the Arabic for Convolvulus}. Nat. Ord. Leguminosce. A half-hardy twining plant, best treated as an annual, with rose-violet pea-shaped flowers and ruby coloured seed-pods. Suitable only for a south aspect. Native of the Soudan, 1794. Syns., D. bengalerisis and D. purpur'eus. Sow seeds in heat 65° or 70° in February or March, and plant out in June. Add a little peat, and water freely during summer. It is, however, what gardeners would call a "tricky" plant to rear. DO'NIA puni'cea. See CLIANTHUS puniceus. ECCREMOCARPUS SCABER (To face p. 97.) ECCREMOCARPUS 97 DOWNIN'GIA (named after A. J. Downing, a landscape gardener of New York). Nat. Ord. Campanu- lacece. Frequently called Clinton'ia. These pretty little dwarf annuals, introduced from California in 1827, are well worth growing for hanging baskets, edging beds or borders, or pot culture, and closely resemble the well-known dwarf blue Lobelias, but are brighter. The two varieties are similar in habit. D. e'legans. Only 6 ins. high. Flowers blue and white in June to September. Syn., Clinton'ia e'legans. D. pukhel'la. The same height as the former, with violet-blue, white, and yellow flowers. Syn., Clinton' ia pulchel'la. The varieties are al'ba, white, atropurpur'ea, deep purple, and ru'bra, red. Sow the seeds ^ in. deep in the open ground in April, and thin out to 6 or 8 ins. apart in May ; or sow in February, temp. 55C, in loam, leaf mould, and sand, and plant out in May. Give a little liquid manure on beginning to flower. DRAGON'S MOUTH. See ANTIRRHINUM. ECCREMOCAR'PUS (from Gr. ekkremes, hanging, and karpos, fruit, in allusion to its pendent seed -pods). Nat Ord. Bignoniacece. Known also as Calam'pelis. K sca'ber, or Chilian Glory Flower, is a favourite creeper of elegant and rapid growth, 15 ft. or so high, but unfortunately tender. It is not a true annual, and in the south-west of G 98 ECCREMOCARPUS ECCREMOCAR'PUS — continued. E. sca'ber — continued. England and Ireland it sometimes keeps green all the winter and even flowers then ; but it is best to sow seed each year, because the old plants usually die during the winter even if protected. Its tubular flowers, of a brilliant red-orange colour hanging in loose racemes, are charming, as it rambles up and throws itself over anything within reach. It is at its best in July to September, revelling in the sunshine. A native of Chili and intro- duced in 1825. E. sca'ber au'rea. This is a new form with bright yellow flowers. E. sca'ber carmin'eus is a new form with carmine flowers. Sow the seed tV in deep in pans or pots in March, in gentle heat about 65° to 70°, and plant out at end of May or beginning of June against a pillar, balcony, wall, or trellis in a south aspect, the soil light but good. Or they may be treated as tender biennials and sown during July in small pots, housed during the winter from frost, shifted into 4-in. pots in rich soil in February, and planted out at the end of May. By treating them thus they bloom earlier. EGYPTIAN EOSE. See SCABIOSA. ELEPHANTS' TRUNK PLANT. See MARTYNIA Probos- cidea. ERYSIMUM ARKANSANUM. [To face p. 98. ERYTHR^EA 99 ERYS'IMUM (from Gr. eruo, to draw, in allusion to its supposed property of raising blisters). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. The Wallflower-like Erysimums are extremely free and continuous-flowering biennials, not nearly as often grown as they deserve to be, and if pro- fusely massed together they make a show of bright colour in the spring and early summer, surpassed by few other flowers at that time of year. E. Arkansa'num, The Western Wallflower, 18 ins. in height. A perfectly hardy plant, with erect racemes of mustard-yellow flowers. E. ochroleu'cum helvet'icum, The Alpine Wallflower, forms little bushy plants about 9 ins. high, with pale yellow flowers. A native of the Swiss Alps and the Pyrenees. Syn., Cheir- an'thus alpi'nus. E. Perowskia'num, 18 ins. high, is distinctly the finest of this class. The flowers open and continue blooming for many months, are of the brightest orange colour, and smell sweetly. Pick off the long seed-pods as they form. A native of Afghanistan, 1838. Sow the seed outdoors in June for spring flowering, and afterwards treat the seedlings as for Wallflowers. Or sow in March and April for summer and autumn flowering. ERYTHEMA — Centaury (from Gr. eruthraios, red). Nat. Ord. Gentianacece. A dwarf plant worth growing in the rock garden, of biennial duration. 100 ERYTHR^EA ERYTHR^E'A — continued. E. aggregafta. 4 ins. high. Its pink flowers blossom in July and August. A native of S. Europe, 1824. Sow the seeds A in. deep in July or August, and plant out in the following March or April in sandy loam with an admixture of peat. A sunny but moist rockery is the best place for it. ESCHSCHOL'TZIA, Californian Poppy (named after Dr J. F. von Eschscholtz, a German naturalist). Nat. Ord. Papaveracece. An extremely brilliant, free-blooming family of Californian poppy-like plants, having orange, crimson, rose, or yellow flowers. They are general favourites, though apt to overrun a border unless checked, as they sow themselves very readily. If grouped together they are very gay, especially the orange varieties. t E. cwspito'sa. Height 6 ins. Sulphur yellow. Neat for edgings or rockery. Syn., K tenuifol'ia. E. califor'nica. Pale yellow flowers. Introduced, 1790. Syn., Chryseis crocea. E. califor'nica canicula'ta ro'sea. Eosy white, striped with pale yellow. K califor'nica compac'ta. Bright yellow flowers. Syn., Chryse'is compac'ta. E. califor'nica crofcea. Orange flowers. E. califor'nica cro'cea alba. Pure white flowers. ESCHSCHOLTZIA CALIFORNICA. (To face p. 100.) EUCHARIDIUM 101 ESCHSCHOL'TZIA — continued. E. califor'nica cro'cea fl. pi Orange, double flowers. New, 1879. E. califor'nica cro'cea, Carmine King. Carmine- crimson flowers, erect and compact. New, 1906. E. califor'nica cro'cea, Rose Cardinal. Eosy shade. E. Douglasfii. Syn., E. californica. E. erec'ta compacta, Dainty Queen. Shell-pink, Erect and compact, 1907. E. erec'ta compadta, Rose Carmine. Upright and compact. E. erec'ta compac'ta, Mandarin. Erect habit, deep orange. Very fine. New, 1897. E. erec'ta compac'ta, The Mikado. Orange-crimson. A cross between Mandarin and Carmine King, New, 1908. Probably the best. E. erec'ta mari'tima. Light yellow, deep orange spots, greyish foliage. E. tenuifol'ia. See E. ccespitosa. Sow seeds A in. deep in August or September where they are to flower, and they will come on earlier than if sown in March, and bloom in June and throughout the summer to October. They are not very particular about soil, but like a sunny position. EUCHARI'DIUM (from Gr. eucharis, agreeable). Nat. Ord. Onagracece. 102 EUCHARIDIUM EUCHARI'DIUM — continued. Lovely little hardy annuals, closely allied to Clarkia, native of California, and flowering a few weeks after sowing. There are only three species, with a few garden varieties, none of which exceed 1 ft. in height. Plant in masses in the mixed border. K Brew'eri. Height 8 ins. A tufted little plant with deep reddish -purple flowers with white centres. The best of this group. E. concin'num. Height 9 ins. Has deeply cut bright rose-coloured flowers resembling a prostrate plant of Clarkia. 1836. E. grandifloi^um. Height 1 ft. Kose - purple flowers with white streaks. Not quite as hardy or rich in colour as the first one. E. grandiflor^um al'bum. A white variety of the above. E. grandiflor^um rose'um. A pink variety. Sow seeds in the border in August or September TS- in. deep for early flowering the following year, or March and April for midsummer, or June for autumn flowering. Thin out to 2 or 3 ins. apart as soon as large enough to handle. Soil ordinary. Position sunny. The autumn sown plants are the more robust. EUCNI'DE bartonioi'des. See MENTZELIA bartonioides. EU'TOCA VIS'CIDA. See PHACELIA mscida. EU'XOLUS oleracfeus. See AMARANTHUS oleraceus. FENNEL-FLOWER 103 EVENING PRIMROSE. See (ENOTHERA Uennis. EVERLASTING FLOWERS. The annual plants known as " Everlastings " include the following families, viz., Acrodiriium, Ammo'Uum, Gnaphaflium, Hell- chry'sum, Helip'terum, Lo'nas, Rhodan'the, Wait'zia and Xeran'themum. Although Helichrysum is generally considered the true Everlasting or Immortelle of the French, the peculiar quality with which it is endowed is common to them all, so that they retain their form, colour, and brightness long after being gathered. The fashion for drying them for winter decoration is a thing of the past in this country, though on the Continent they are still used in cemeteries. The time to gather them for preservation is all-important, as if cut when fully expanded they drop in the drying. Pluck the flowers just before they are in full bloom, and hang in a bunch from a nail on the wall, head down wards, in some cool dry shed. Select if possible a sunny day when free of moisture for the operation, and should by any chance the heads fall off, they can be wired in the usual florist's fashion. The Amaran'thus family might also be mentioned, though quite distinct from the others named. In Portugal they are largely used for decorating churches, and last a considerable length of time. FALSE DAISY. See BELLIUM. FEATHER COCKSCOMB. See CELOSIA plumosa. FENNEL-FLOWER. See NIGELLA damascena. 104 FENZLIA FEN'ZLIA diantheflor'a. See GILIA dianthoides. FEVER-FEW. See PYRETHRUM parthenium. FIG-LEAVED HOLLYHOCK. See AurHMAjicifolia. FIG MARIGOLD. See MESEMBRIANTHEMUM. FINGER-FLOWERS. See DIGITALIS. FISHBONE THISTLE. See CHAMOEPEUCE casabonce. FLAX. See LINUM. FLORA'S PAINT BRUSH. See CACALIA. FLOS ADO'NIS. See ADONIS. FLOS-FLOWER. See AGERATUM. FLOWER-OF-AN-HOUR. See HIBISCUS trionum. FORGET-ME-NOT. See MYOSOTIS. FOUNTAIN PLANT. See AMARANTHUS salicifolius. FOUR O'CLOCK. See MIRABILIS. FOXGLOVE. See DIGITALIS. FRENCH HONEYSUCKLE. See HEDYSARUM. FRENCH MARIGOLD. See TAGETES patula. FRENCH POPPY. See PAPAVER somni/erum. FRINGE-FLOWER. See SCHIZANTHUS. FRINGED CANARY FLOWER. See TROP^EOLUM. GAILLAR'DIA, or BLANKET FLOWER (named after M. Gaillard, a French botanist). Nat. Ord. Composites. These flowers are great acquisitions in the GAILLARDIA 105 GAILLAR'DIA — continued. garden, whether the annual or perennial varieties are employed. A great family likeness runs through them all, though the modern hybrid perennials may be reckoned by the dozen, while the annuals are restricted to a few species. They bloom from June to November, and though they may be continuously cut for vases, for which purpose they are unsurpassed, new blossoms come on in quick succession. The flowers as a rule are large and borne on long stalks, and last a long time in water. The colours are generally some shade of yellow or cinnabar -red, or both together, the largest flowers measuring some 4 to 5 ins. across, generally single, but sometimes double. G. ambly'odon. This is a true annual Gaillardia, about 12 to 18 ins. high, with rather small flowers of a blood-red colour. Texas, 1873. G. bi 'color. See G. pulchella. G. corona'ta is a true annual having reddish-brown flowers. G. pulchel'la. 1| ft. high. This plant has blooms of purple-crimson, tipped with yellow. 2 to 3 ins. across or more. From N. America, 1834. Syn., G. Mcolor. G. pukhetla pic'ta. About 12 ins. or a little more in height. The flowers are small, red, edged with yellow. Syn., G. bicotor, var. Drummondii. 106 GAILLARDIA GAILL AR'DI A — continued. G. pulchel'la pic'ta Lorenziafna is a modern form of the above, about 18 ins. high, having double flowerheads of tufted funnel-shaped florets of colours ranging from deep red, purple or claret, to bright or pale yellow. Propagate by seeds sown TB- in. deep in shallow boxes or pans of sandy soil, in temp. 68C, on a hot- bed about the end of February. Sow thinly and prick off into other boxes. As they grow, harden off and plant out of doors in June. To treat them as biennials, sow in June out of doors in the reserve garden, thin out if too close, and transplant in September where they are to flower the follow- ing summer. During the winter, some little protection may be necessary in cold situations, such as covering with branches of gorse. The soil should be deeply dug and manured, but dry and sunny. A damp situation is totally unsuited to them. The best effect is obtained by massing in round clumps 1 ft. apart. A little liquid manure while in flower does them good. Beware of slugs as they are partial to them, and if any are seen or suspected, surround the plants with a ridge of soot. GI'LIA (called after P. S. Gilio, a Spanish botanist). Nat. Ord. Polemoniacece. See also LEPTOSIPHON. A pretty family of hardy annuals and one biennial, that by sowing at different periods may be had in bloom in spring, summer, and autumn, and should be grown in bold groups in the mixed GILIA 107 GI'LIA — continued. border. The flowers are small but produced in great number, and should be grown by those who pursue bee-keeping, as the insects are very partial to them. G. achillecefo'lia mafjor. Height 1J ft. Has blue flowers. A native of California, 1833. There is a white variety called al'ba. Syn., G. multicau'lis. G. androsa'cea. See LEPTOSIPHON androsaceus. G. capitafta. Height 2 ft. Lavender blue. Columbia, 1826. G. coronopifo'lia. Height 2J ft. A strikingly handsome biennial plant, with large spikes of brilliant scarlet flowers and light foliage. Tender out of doors, and best suited for a greenhouse. June. Carolina, 1726. G. densiflor' a. See LEPTOSIPHON densiflorus. G. dianthoi'des. Height 3 or 4 ins. Lilac colour. Useful as a groundwork for taller plants. California, 1833. Syns., Dianthoi'des dianthi- flo^a and Fenz'lia diantheflor* a. G. inconspic'ua. See IPOMOPSIS inconspicua. G. laciniatfa. Height 6 ins. Purple flowers. Chili, 1831. G. liniflor'a. Height 9 ins. White. California, 1833. G. lu'tea. See LEPTOSIPHON luteus. G. micran'tha. See LEPTOSIPHON roseus. 108 GILIA GI'LIA — continued. G. min'ima coeru'lea. Height 6 ins. Blue flowers, useful for carpet work for taller plants and as an edging. (?. multicauVis. See G. achillecefolia. G. nivaflis. 1 ft. high. Snowy white, as its name suggests, with a crimson inner ring and yellow centre. A pretty little plant for edging and rockwork. G. pulchel'la. See IPOMOPSIS elegans. G. ro'sea splen'dens has very showy pink flowers, about 12 ins. high. G. tri'color. Height 1 ft. White edged with purple, dark violet inner ring, and yellow centre. California, 1833. Sow seeds yV in. deep in September out of doors, giving slight protection during winter for early flowering the following year. Sow again in March or April for later flowering, thinning out to 3 ins. apart. Aspect sunny. The biennial G. coronopifolia should be sown in pots in June and kept moist till the seed has germinated, when the seedlings should be potted up singly in forty- eight pots, and not given much water till the flowers show. GILLYFLOWER, GILLIFLOWER, or GILLOFLOWER. A commonplace name for several plants. It was formerly spelt gyllofer and gilofre, from the French giroflee, Italian garofalo, modern Latin gariofilium, corrupted from the Latin Caryophyllum, the Clove- GLAUCIUM 109 GILLYFLOWER — continued. tree. Hence the name Gillyflower is given to the spicy Clove Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). The name is also given to the Stock-gillyflower, more often called the Stock (Matthiola). The Wallflower (Cheiranthus cheiri) also is sometimes termed the Wall Gillyflower. Other flowers besides have the same appellation, such as the Hesperis, Queen's and feathered Gillyflower. GLAU'CIUM — The Horned Poppy (from Gr. glaukos, signifying greyish-green, in reference to the colour of the foliage). Nat. Ord. Papaveracece. This is a family not very often represented in the garden, but nevertheless it is quite worthy of that distinction. It belongs to an order of Poppies and is closely allied to Eschscholtzia. The species are all biennial in habit, but will flower the first summer like annuals if sown in spring, though the plants will not be so large if treated in that way. No protection is required during the winter, but the second season plants are the better for being tied up, as they get very sprawling and untidy looking. The flowers are pretty, but the foliage, which is covered with a silvery bloom, is as decora- tive, and quite noticeable at a little distance. The edge of the mixed border or the "wilderness," as the wild part of a garden is sometimes termed, is the best place for them. A large group with a dark background should be very effective. About 18 ins. to 2 ft. high. 110 GLAUCIUM GLAU'CIUM — continued. G. lu'teum, The Yellow -horned or Seaside Poppy. This is a native of Britain, and not uncommon on some parts of the coast. The flowers are pale yellow. This species is not of much consequence for cultivation. Syn., G. fla'vum. G. lu'teum (fla'vum) tri 'color. This is the best and showiest of all the species. The flowers are large, about 2 or 3 ins. across, of a bright orange- scarlet with yellow and black markings in the centre. Asia Minor. G. cornicula'tum phoeni'ceum, Scarlet-horned Poppy. Showy orange-red flowers blooming in June and July. It has been found growing wild in some parts of England, but it is a doubtful native. S. Europe. G. Fish'eri. Similar to the last, but more brilliant even in colour ; its white woolly foliage is very striking. G. fla'vum is the same as G. luteum. G. ful'vum. Height 2 ft. This has orange- coloured flowers. From S. Europe, 1802. Sow seeds tV in. deep out of doors in June in sunny place, and transplant to flowering quarters in August to flower the following summer. If sown in March, however, they will flower the same year. GLORY PEA. See CLIANTHUS. JL HORNED POPPY. 1. Glaucium luteum. 2. Glaucium corniculatum phceniceum. [To face p. 110. V GODETIA. [To face p. 110. GODETIA 111 GNAPHA'LIUM — Cudwort (from Gr. Gnaphalion, a downy plant used in stuffing cushions). Nat. Ord. Compositce. G. foe'tidum. An " everlasting " hardy annual, 18 ins. high, similar to Ammobium, except in colour, which is yellow. Sow in March or April in the open ground, J in. deep. Gather the flowers just before they are quite in full bloom, and hang the bunch upside down in a cool, dry place. When quite dry they will last a very long time. GODE'TIA (named after M. Godet, a Swiss botanist). Nat. Ord. Onayacece. The Godetias are delightful and well deserve their popularity. The flowers are produced in such abundance and are always so bright and cheerful looking that it is not surprising they are to be met with in most gardens. But, as is often the fate of annual plants, they are not always given a fair chance. They are frequently half starved, while they should be given the opposite treatment, a dry and manured soil and plenty of air and sunshine. They are more easily transplanted as seedlings than most annuals, which is a great "feather in their cap," while the blooms last well in water when cut for the table. Always plant them in groups and masses, or in "ribbons" along the edge of a bed for fine effect. Native of Western America. G. amoe'na al'ba. Height 1 ft. White flowers. 112 GODETIA GODE'TIA — continued. Crimson Glow. Height 1 ft. Compact, massive, blooming. 1907. Crimson King. Height 1 ft. Brilliant crimson ; one of the best. Double Rose. Something like a double Clarkia. Quite one of the best for cutting, having long stems. Duchess of Albany. Height 1 ft. Pure white. Most effective. Duchess of Albany no! na. Dwarf, pure white and a good bedder. Gloriosa. Dwarf and compact. The deepest crimson Godetia in cultivation. Lady Albemarle. Height 1 ft. Bright crimson with edges of lilac. There is a dwarf compact variety of this. Lady Satin Rose. Height 1 ft. Deep pink. Lindleyia'na. Height 2 ft. Rose-purple with crimson spots. Na'na lacinia'tus. Crimson, fringed at the edges. Quite dwarf. Princess of Wales. Height 1 ft. Euby crimson, pencilled with grey. Sunset. Dwarf and compact ; a novelty, and one of the finest for bedding ; rosy carmine. 1904. G. rubicun'da splen'dens. This is a double Godetia about l£ ft. high or more. The large flowers are crimson, with a large bright purple blotch. Bather straggling in form. GRAMMANTHES 113 GODE'TI A — continued. G. Seha'mini fl. pi. This is quite a new Godetia, with double bright rose-coloured flowers, 2 ft. high. G. Whit'neyi. Height 1J ft. Eose, with crimson spots. G. Whiifneyi ful'gida is a beautiful Godetia of dwarf compact habit, and brilliant flowers of rich scarlet crimson with white eye ; quite one of the best. Sow seeds ^ in, deep in September where they are to flower in the succeeding year, or for an early display in boxes in slight heat, about 60°, in February, pricked off" and planted out after harden- ing off in cold frame in May, 6 ins. apart ; or sow out of doors in March or April, and when up thin out to 6 ins. between plants for later blooming. Ordinary good soil will grow them well in a sunny position, and in dry weather mulch with leaf- mould, charred rubbish, or old potting soil passed through a sieve. GOLDEN FEATHER. See PYRETHRUM parthenium. GOOSEFOOT. See CHENOPODIUM. GOWAN. See CHRYSANTHEMUM segetum. GRAMMAN'THES (from Gr. gramma, writing, and anthos, a flower, on account of the V-shaped marks on the base of each petal). Nat. Ord. Crassulacece. G. gentianoi' des is a very dwarf half-hardy annual from S. Africa, 1788, not more than 3 ins. H 114 GRAMMANTHES GRAMMAN'THES — continued. G. gentianoi' des — continued. high, but a splendid rock plant. It flowers in June to August, and forms tufts of fleshy leaves with a mass of star-shaped blossoms, each one nearly 1 in. across, yellow at first, but becoming deep red when full blown. It thrives where the soil is warm and dry, with an admixture of lime-rubbish. Syns., G. dichoto'ma, and G. retroflea/a. Sow the seeds on the surface or in boxes or pans in temp. 65° in February or March, planting the seedlings outdoors in May. GRAMMATOCAR'PUS volu'bilis. See SCYPHANTHUS elegans. GROUNDSEL. See SENECIO. GROVE- LOVE. See NEMOPHILA. GYPSO'PHILA, Chalk Plant, Cloud Plant, Baby's Breath (from Gr. gupsos, chalk, and phileo, to love, having regard to its partiality to a chalky soil). Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacece. G. ele'gans. This is a charming plant, not on account of any brilliant colouring — on the contrary, it is sombre. Its value lies in the elegant and foaming or cloud-like appearance of its thousand small white flowers which appear in July. Mixed with other flowering plants for colour the effect is beautifully soft. Its height is about 18 ins., which is a useful HEBENSTREITIA 115 GYPSO'PHILA — continued. G. ele'gans — continued. length for cutting, consequently it is much prized for bouquets and table decorations, for which it is principally grown. Crimea, 1828. G. e'legans ro'sea is a pinkish variety of the above. G. muraHis is a little dwarf plant only 6 ins. high, having small pink flowers. It is not of much consequence, and only suitable for rock-work and old stone walls. The seeds being small scarcely want covering with soil. Sow them in April, thinning out to 6 ins. apart. A better result is obtained by adding a little chalk or old mortar rubbish to the soil where there is an absence of it. The taller species is apt to be dashed down and spoilt by heavy rains, unless a few small twiggy supports are put amongst it. HEARTSEASE. See VIOLA. HEBENSTREI'TIA (named after Prof essorj. E. Hebenstreit). Nat. Ord. Selaginacece. H. como'sa serratifol'ia. A recent introduction (1902) from S. Africa, 18 ins. in height. The long erect branching spikes are covered with numbers of curious white flowers, each with small blood-red spots on it. It is half-hardy, but may be sown in the open at the end of April. 116 HEDYSARUM HEDYSA'RUM. Nat. Ord. Leguminosce. H. corona'rium, French Honeysuckle. This is not a climber, as one would suppose, but a showy biennial 2 to 4 ft. high, bearing spikes of red flowers in June to August. It is rather a weedy plant and sows itself to an irritating degree. There is a white flower also. Italy. Sow in spring or summer ^ in. deep for the following year. HELIAN'THUS — Sunflower (from Gr. helios, the sun, and anthos, a flower). Nat. Ord. Composite. These well-known plants, all having yellow flowers, are to be found in most gardens in one form or another, even the cottage garden, and with a dark background, such as a yew hedge or woodland walk, they look very striking. But they can be very easily misused and overdone, and a row of the common tall Sunflower is anything but original or artistic. It would be much wiser to make a bold group instead of spreading them about all over the place as one so often sees. Neither is the giant-flowered kind the prettiest, with its huge dark centre and fringe of comparatively small petals. This is sometimes grown as a crop for economical purposes in drills 18 ins. apart and 2J ft. between the plants, returning about 50 bushels of seed per acre. This is crushed into oil for oilcake, and is also, un crushed, a valuable food for pheasants and poultry. The leaves and haulm have also their use as fodder and for extracting potash. All the HELIANTHUS 117 HELIAN'THUS — continued. Sunflowers are quite hardy and are no trouble to grow, and for newly-made gardens are useful on account of their very rapid growth. They are not particular as to soil, though they do best, like most plants, when it is well manured. H. arinuus, The Common Yellow Sunflower, that may be grown 8 to 10 ft. or even 12 ft. high. This huge annual must be sparingly used, either in a group in the shrubbery, by the margin of a lake or pond, or in the woodland. It flowers in July to September, and is a native of S. America, whence it came as far back as 1596. Syns., H. macrocar'pus, H. lenticula'ris, and H. ova'tus. The varieties are : — H. arinum califor'nicus. Height 6 ft. Single, dark yellow flower. H. arinum calif or' nicusfl. pi. Double. H. arinuusglobo'susfistuldsus. Height 6 ft. Very double, showing no disc. H. arinuus grandiflo'rus Excelsior. Height 5 ft. New; petals long and curled. H. arinuus grandifld rus fl. pi. Height 4 ft. New ; double. H. arinuus sulphur 'eus. Pale yellow. Single. Height 5 ft. H. argophyl'lus. Height 5 ft. From Texas. The whole plant is covered with white soft wool, otherwise it resembles H. annum, with very broad ray florets. 118 HELIANTHUS HELIAN'THUS — continued. H. cucumerifol'ius. A miniature Sunflower with many garden varieties about 3 ft. high, with purple mottling on the stems and much branched. Yellow with dark centre, 3 ins. across. From Texas. H. Damman'ni. A hybrid between H. annum and H. argophyllus. There is a variety of this, H. d. sulphureus, paler in colour. H. exi'lis. 2 ft. high. A slender species with yellow flowers, 2 ins. across and narrow leaves. N. California. H. lenticula'ris. Same as H. annuus. H. macrocar'pus. Same as H. annuus. H. ova'tus. Same as H. annuus. H. petiola'ris. 3 ft. high. Yellow flowers 4 ins. across, the leaves covered with hard hairs. Rather a rare plant. A variety called H. p. canes' cens is covered with white hairs. From Arkansas, 1826. H. scaber^rimus, deep yellow flowers, branching stems, and broad oval-toothed leaves. From California. H. Stel'la. A garden variety, very like H. cucumeri- folius, 8 ft. high with large flowers. There is a variety of this with pale yellow flowers, called Primrose Stella in the catalogues. Seed may be sown 2 ins. deep for the H. annuus, HELICHRYSUM 119 HELIAN'THUS — continued. and less for the others in April where they are to grow, thinning out 2J ft. apart for the more vigorous and larger sorts, and less for others. HELICHRY'SUM — Everlasting Flower, Immortelle Flower, and Gold-Flower (from Gr. helios, the sun, and chrusos, golden). Nat. Ord. Compositce. This is a very large family, but only a few, with their varieties, ,are cultivated. It is one of the so- called " Everlastings," the flowers resisting the usual withering process. They are double and globular and crisp to the touch. The colour is very rich, and keeps a long time after being cut and dried. The flowers appear in July and September, and are the most popular of all the "Everlastings." See EVER- LASTING FLOWERS. H. br achy rhynf chum grows about 1 J ft., with yellow flowers. H. bractea'tumau'reum. Height 3 ft.; with gold en - yellow flowers. From Australia, 1779 or 1799. H. bractea'tum ni'veum. Height 4 ft. White and yellow flowers. From the Swan Eiver, W. Australia, 1837. This is perennial, but should be treated as an annual. H. bracteaftum macran'thum. Pale pink. From the Swan Eiver, W. Australia, 1837. This is perennial, but often perishes during winter, and should therefore be sown annually. H. monstro'sum aVbum is a white variety. Height 120 HELICHRYSUM HELICHRY'SUM — continued. H. monstro'sum atrococcin' eum fl. pi. Double scarlet. Height 2£ ft. H. monstro'sum lu'teum fl. pi. has double yellow flowers. Height 2£ ft. H. monstro'sum ro'seum fl. pi., with rose-coloured flowers. Height 2£ ft. Fireball has large double bright crimson flowers. Height 1J ft. Golden King, or Orange Globe of the catalogues, is a golden-yellow garden variety with an orange centre. Salmon Pink is a new colour. The flowers are a pretty salmon- pink colour, distinct and striking. Silver Queen, or Silver Globe, has large snow-white flowers with an orange centre. Sow the seeds thinly in pans or shallow boxes in light soil in March in temp. 65°, transplanting them in May in light rich soil in a sunny border 6 ins. apart. Or they may be sown out of doors in April under hand-glasses, otherwise if not hastened a little they sometimes only begin to bloom when the frosts commence, and they will not assume their brightest colours; the glasses will also keep the slugs away. Water a little in very dry weather. HELIO'PHILA — Cape Stock (from Gr. helios, the sun, and philos, loving). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. si- HELIPTERUM 121 HELIO'PHILA — continued. Pretty little annuals from S. Africa, but not of much value for making any display. They are also rather short-lived, but may be flowered from June to September by successive sowings. Suitable for the margin of the mixed border when massed together. H. araboi'des. The blue racemes of Forget-me-not flowers grow about 1 ft. to 18 ins. high. The foliage is hairy and of a grey-green shade, the leaves forming like a miniature three-fingered glove. 1768. Syn., H. pilo'sa inci'sa. H. pilo'sa. About 12 ins. high. Very similar to the above, but the blue flowers are said to be about a month later in appearing. 1768. Sow the seeds TV in. deep in the open ground in April in a sunny spot and thin to 6 ins. apart. Make a sowing again in May and another in June to keep up a succession of flowers. HELI'PTERUM — Australian Everlasting, Immortelle- Flower (from Gr. helios, the sun, and pteron, a feather). Nat. Ord. Composites . H. Humboldtia'num. Australian half-hardy annuals, papery looking like the Helichrysum, and lasting a long time after it is cut and dried, though it loses its bright golden colour and turns a metallic green. It is a good pot plant, but when grown in this way requires a very rich compost, half sandy loam and half cow- manure, 9 ins. high. Syn., H. Sandford'ii. 122 HELIPTERUM HELI'PTERUM — continued. H. splen'didum. A newly discovered W. Australian plant (1905). It is described as a glabrous herb, 9 to 12 ins. high ; leaves glaucous, long and linear ; flower-heads erect ; bracts, outer small brown, inner white. H. Mangle' si. See KHODANTHE Manglesi. H. ro'seum. See ACROCLINIUM roseum. Sow the seed thinly i in. deep out of doors in March under a hand glass where they are to grow, as they resent having their roots disturbed, which they probably would have if sown in pots under a frame. The position must be sunny and only water very moderately. HEN-AND-CHICKENS DAISY. See BELLIS perennis proli- fera. HES'PERIS — Rocket, Sweet Rocket, Dame's Rocket, Dame's Violet, Damask Violet or Queen's Gilliflower (from Gr. hesperos, the evening star, having reference to its increased fragrance towards evening). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. Well-known, rather coarse, but sweet-smelling plants. H. matronalis is perennial, but is best treated as an annual, especially the double form, which for some reason or other withers away if left to itself and not transplanted. As annuals, however, they are quite hardy and also very free- flowering, and are an ornament to the mixed border or woodland walk. HESPERIS 123 HES'PERIS — continued. H. matrona'lis, Dame's Violet, grows about 2 ft. high. Its racemes of purplish-pink flowers appear in June. Native of England (though rare) and Europe. H. matrona'lis atba fl. pi. A good old-fashioned double white flower and very sweet scented, thriving in deep rich loam ; but if it is to be kept as a perennial it must be shifted and given fresh soil, otherwise it dies down. It grows 3 ft. high and flowers in June to September. Europe, 1597. H. albiflo'ra has single white flowers in June, and not as attractive as the former double kind. About 4 ft. high. Europe, 1759. H. purpur'eo-ple'na. Height 3 ft. Double purple and not as pretty as the double white. Europe, 1597. There is a dwarf form called Compactness. H. tris'tis, The Night-scented Stock or Rocket, is biennial. It grows about 1 ft. and has purple flowers in May to September. It is best suited for naturalising on old ruins and stone walls and such like places. Austria, 1629. Sow the seed of H. matronalis and its varie- ties out of doors in April J in. deep in a sunny position, transplanting the seedlings where they are to grow in June ; the double kinds under a hand- light or frame in September or October, transplant- ing in March to their flowering quarters. 124 HESPERIS HES'PERIS — continued. To grow H. tristis sow the seeds in chinks of old walls in April to July; or in groups in the border where they are to grow in June to September to flower the following year. Those in the border should be mulched in May or June, the double varieties requiring a little liquid manure in summer. HIBIS'CUS (from L. hibiscum, the mallow). Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. This is a very large family, but mostly shrubs and herbaceous perennials (one of which, H. Manihot, is treated in this climate as a half-hardy annual), while two are strictly hardy annuals. The latter are well worth growing and distinctly pleasing. H. africa'nus ma'jor, or Black-eyed Susan, grows about 2 ft. high. It is an erect growing plant, having showy Mallow-like flowers 1 J ins. across of pale primrose yellow with a dark centre of rich purple maroon. They, however, only expand to their full extent in bright sunny weather. It is best in a light sandy soil. The flowering season is June to the end of September. From Africa in 1826. H. Man'ihot, or Australian Manihoc, always treated as a half-hardy annual, and then not often very successfully, being a difficult plant to deal with. It is a handsome plant reaching 3 or 4 ft. in height, with large blossoms about 3 ins. across HOLLYHOCK 125 HIBIS'CUS — continued. H. Man'ihot — continued, of sulphur yellow and conspicuous dark maroon centre. It flowers about July to September, and was brought from the E. Indies in 1712. H. Trio'num, Flower -of -an -hour, Good -night at noon, Good-night at nine, Venice Mallow, or Bladder Ketmia. A weed in many sub- tropical climates, but the flowers are pretty. The colour of the flower is sulphur yellow with a dark purple eye, but not so large as H. Africanus, and the plant grows about 1J ft. in height. Unfortunately the flowers last only a very short time, hence the name it has attained, though a variety has been pro- duced, the flowers of which will remain open nearly all day in sunny weather. However, fresh blooms quickly succeed the faded ones. It should be planted in groups in the border to make an effect. It flowers in July to September, and is quite hardy. Introduced from Italy in 1596. Sow the seed of the first and last |- in. deep in the open ground where the plants are to bloom, and thin out to 6 or 8 ins. apart. They like a sunny position. H. Manihot must be sown in February in well-drained pots on sandy peat under a hand-glass in temp. 75°, and planted out in May in good rich soil. HOLLYHOCK. See ALTHAEA rosea. 126 HOLOGYNE GLABRATA HO'LOGYNE glabrata. See LASTHENIA glabrata. HOLY THISTLE. See CARDUUS benedictus. HONESTY. See LUNARIA biennis. HONEYWORT. See CERINTHE. HOP. See HUMULUS japonica. HORN-OF-PLENTY. See DATURA cornucopia. HORNED POPPY. See GLAUCIUM. HI/ME A or Amaranth Feathers (called after Lady Hume). Nat. Ord. Compositce. H. el'egans is an Australian plant and one of the most handsome biennials in cultivation. It has been grown to the height of 8 ft., and for this reason may be used as a most stately centre in a bed, or in pots on a terrace, or else in a group at the back of a border. Its leaves have a peculiar fragrance which is very delightful. The feathery plumes or panicles are a reddish-brown or rose colour, produced in July to October. There are some varieties distinguished as : — H. el'egans al'ba, which is white, and H. el'egans purpure'a, having dark purplish- brown flowers. Sow the seed in June or July on the surface of well-drained pans, sprinkling lightly over with very fine soil. Give a single watering and place in a hotbed at about 55°, and keep shaded. As soon as the seedlings appear, place the pans close to the HUMULUS 127 HU'MEA — continued. glass and gradually harden off in a cooler atmosphere. Pot singly in small pots, mixing some leaf-mould with the soil, and keep growing in a cold frame and shaded. By end of August they should be strong enough to stand out and soon after repotted into larger pots. Plunge these into ashes, where they should remain well watered till the winter, when they must be kept in a cool house. During winter they must be repotted again in 12-in. pots, and will soon make fine plants to bed out in June with some rotten manure under and round them. They will probably require staking. HU'MULUS — Hop (from L. humus, the ground ; because, unless supported it spreads over the ground). Nat. Ord. Urticacece. H. japon'icus. This, the Japanese Hop, must not be confused with the common hop which is a perennial plant, and will not be treated of here. But the Japanese Hop is a vigorous twining annual growing 10 or 18 ft. in a season, and most useful for covering verandah posts, trellis work, pergolas, and such like things with its light green foliage. It is easily grown and frequently sows itself after it is once planted. H. japon'icus variega'tus is a variegated form of the above, the foliage being marked with creamy white. 128 HUMULUS HU'MULUS — continued. Propagate by sowing the seeds % in. deep in pots in greenhouse in April, or out of doors in May. Water freely in dry weather. IBE'RIS — Candytuft (from Iberia, an ancient name for Spain, where the species abounds). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. The annuals of this group, for there are many perennials, are very hardy and effective, and quite an acquisition to the garden. They are all most profuse bloomers, and make an uncommonly pretty bed if massed together or as an edging. 7. umbel- lata is the great favourite. /. corona'ria, the Rocket Candytuft, grows 12 to 16 ins. high, with pure white spikes of bunched bloom. An improved garden variety of this is called Giant-flowered White, White Rocket, or Giant Snowflake, in the catalogues. The Hyacinth-flowered is probably the finest type of all. There is a dwarf spreading kind called Little Prince or pumila. Height 4 ins. White. /. umbella'ta grows about 1 ft., the flowers being purple. There are several varieties of this, viz. : — /. umbella'ta atropurpur' ea. Dark crimson. 1 ft. high. 7. umbella'ta, Rose Cardinal. Bright rose. 1 ft. high. ROCKET CANDYTUFT (Iberis coronaria). [To face p. 128. IMPATIENS 129 IBE'RIS — continued. I. umbella'ta na'na purpur'ea. Dwarf purple. 9 ins. high. /. umbella!ta na'na ros'ea. Dwarf rose. 9 ins. high. /. umbella'ta na'na al'ba. Dwarf white. 9 ins. high. Propagate the seeds by sowing them in August or September in open ground -§- in. deep, to flower in May to July of the following year ; or in March to May, to flower later in the summer. Those sown in September are usually the finest. Give them a rich soil and thin out to 6 ins. apart. ICE PLANT. See MESEMBRYANTHEMUM Crystallinum. ICELAND POPPY. See PAPAVER nudicaule. IMMORTELLES. See HELICHRYSUM, HELIPTERUM, and XERANTHEMUM. IMPA'TIENS — Balsam or Touch-me-not (from L. impatiens, impatient, referring to the elasticity of the valves of the seed-pods which discharge their seeds when ripe or when touched). Nat. Ord. Geraniacece. The common Balsam, /. glandulifera, and other species like it, are handsome annuals but seed too freely to be welcome, soon overrunning a border or shrubbery if care is not taken. Fortunately they are easily pulled up by the roots, but a group may be left here and there during this operation, as it is certainly an ornament in moderation. The I 130 IMPATIENS IMPA'TIENS — continued. Garden Balsam, however, is quite a different plant and a most desirable "bedder." 7. coccin'ea. See I. balsamina. L crista'ta. Height 2 ft. Yellow flowers. 7. glanduli'fera. The common Balsam, 4 or 5 ft. high. Numerous flowers, varying from white to rose. 7. longicor'nu. Similar in habit, but yellow and brown underneath and rose above. India, 1830. 7. Roy'lei is not so tall, and has deep rose flowers. 7. balsami'na, Garden Balsam, also called in the United States Ladies Slipper. This is a beautiful flower, often seen in the greenhouse, and effective in summer and autumn if planted out in beds in the open. It must be treated as a half-hardy annual and placed in a warm sunny position in rich soil. The rosette-like flowers of many colours and shades grow on the main stem on very short stalks, hence one garden strain is called camellia-flowered. The cultivation is a very simple process. The type plant has scarlet flowers, grows 2 ft., and was introduced from tropical Asia. Syn., Impatiens coccinea. The following are garden strains : — Double Camellia-flowered Balsam. Large and very double ; blooms of numerous colours, from white to dark crimson. It varies in height from 18 to 9 ins. IONOPSIDIUM 131 IMPA'TIENS — continued. Large-flowered Miniature or Dwarf Balsam. Height 9 ins. ; of many colours. These flowers are excellent for bedding as well as pots in the conservatory. Rose-flowered Balsam. This is double and rose- like ; in some ten varieties of colour. To propagate /. balsamina sow the seeds |- in. in pots of sandy soil in temp. 70° during March or April. Pot off into larger pots as they increase in size, using a compost of equal parts of loam, leaf- mould, and sand. Keep near the glass, unshaded, so as not to get them drawn. Still continue repotting as they grow larger, and apply liquid manure when they show flower. Plant out in June in a sunny position and water freely. The hardy-annual sorts are merely sown where they are to grow in April. INDIAN CORN. See ZEA. INDIAN CRESS. See TROP^OLUM majus. INDIAN PINK. See DIANTHUS chinensis. INDIAN SHOT. See CANNA. IONOPSI'DIUM — Violet Cress, Carpet Plant (from Gr. ion, meaning violet, opsis, like, and idion, diminutive). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. I. acau'le is a very dwarf plant, only 3 ins. high. It would hardly be thought that a plant so diminutive could possibly be any use in a garden. Such, however, is not the case. Its 132 IONOPSIDIUM IONOPSI'DIUM — continued. I. acau'le — continued. flowers, of course, are useless for cutting, but they are borne in such profusion and so soon after sowing too (about two months) that it is quite an acquisition for filling up spots here and there that have been forgotten and left bare. On the rockery, for instance, or near the margin of a border, there are always little places that can be found for it. It will even grow in a hard gravel path, so little does it care where it rears its tiny lilac-blue flowers, so bright and simple. Its life is short, but the self-sown seeds quickly germinate and a second crop quickly follows. A native of Portugal, 1845. Syn., Cochlea! ria acau'lis. I. acau'le al'bum is a form of the above with white flowers, but probably more uncommon. Sow the seeds where they are to grow in April and May for blooming in June and July, or in September for early spring flowering. Only just cover them with fine soil and thin out to 1 in. apart. Water frequently. IPOM^EA, also written IPOMEA — Morning Glory or Star Glory (from Gr. ips, a worm, and homoios, like). Nat. Ord. Convolvulacece. This is a very large family of the Convolvulus order, comparatively few being in cultivation. These are very slender and rapid climbers, often growing 6 or 10 ft. in a season, with beautiful, fragile, trumpet-shaped flowers blooming from IPOM^A 133 IPOMLEA — continued. June to September, and are most useful for quickly covering posts, trellises, tree- stumps, verandahs, and the like. They are too ephemeral to cut, though /. rubro ccerulea is sometimes used for that purpose. /. purpur'ea, a general favourite, may be taken as the type, of which there are several varieties. The flowers are purple and pink. Syns., Con- vol'vulus purpur'eus, Convol'vulus mafor, and Pharbi'tis his'pida. From tropical America. /. purpur'eafl. pi. Double white flowers. Height 10ft. /. purpur'eafl. pi. Burrid'geii is crimson. 7. purpur'eafl. pi. Dick'soni is deep blue. /. purpur'eafl. pi. tri' color. Eed, blue, and white. /. hedera'cea, the Ivy-leaved Morning Glory. Very like the above type, but has leaves like ivy and smaller flowers of deep blue with red stripes. N. America. Syns., 7. Nil, Convolvulus Nil, Pharbi'tis barba'ta, and Pharbi'tis hrfdera, Pharbi'tis puncta'ta, Pharbi'tis tri'loba, and Pharbi'tis diver sifol'ia. I. hedera'cea atroviolafcea. Dark violet and white. 7. hedera'cea grandiflor'a has light blue flowers. 7. hedera'cea Hu'beri or Japon'ica. A beautiful plant with exquisite flowers of deep blue, shading to white towards the centre. Eather tender for out of doors. Japan. 134 IPOM^A IPOMJEA — continued. I. hedera'cea limba'ta. Dark blue, bordered with white. N. Australia, 1868. Syn., Pharbitis limbata. I. ru'bro coeru'lea has sky-blue flowers and grows about 8 ft. high in a genial situation. This is one of the prettiest climbers where the con- ditions are suitable to its requirements. Mexico, 1823 or 1880. /. ver'sicolor is better known under its synonym of Min'a loba'ta (which see). Sow the seeds of 7. purpur'ea and varieties •J in. deep in pots in temp. 65° in March ; harden off and plant out in June in a warm sunny place against a post or trellis. Water occasionally in hot, dry weather. The ivy -leaved forms are rather more hardy, and may be sown out of doors in April in light rich soil. /. ru'bro Gwru'lea requires special care and must be raised in heat. Sow in February in 65° and pot up. Plant out in June. It is only under very favourable conditions that this plant will succeed, and then only in mild climates and a warm situa- tion. When it does succeed it is about the best of the species mentioned. It is not a true annual, but must be treated as such in this country. IPOMOP'SIS (from Gr. ipos, a trap, and opsis, sight). Nat. Ord. Polemoniacece. Pretty Calif ornian biennials having feathery foliage and graceful spikes covered with flowers JASIONE 135 IPOMOP'SIS — continued. opening in succession that grow to a height of 2^r ft. or a little more. They are not often seen in gardens, but are worth a place on a warm border in a light dry soil. /. ele'gans is the best known, the flowers, which bloom in July, being scarlet. N.-W. America, 1826. Syn., Gi'lia pukhel'la. I. inconspi'cua. The flowers of this are blue and are a month later than the first mentioned. N. America, 1793. Syn., Caritua parviflor'a. I. super'ba is very similar to /. elegans, while there is a variety /. s. rosea that is dark pink. Propagate by sowing the seeds TV in. deep in May to August in the open where they will flower the following summer, or transplant from the reserve garden in September. It is best to give a little protection during winter. ITALIAN PIMPERNEL. See ANAGALLIS. IVY-LEAVED MORNING GLORY. See IPOM^EA hederacea. JACK- IN- PRISON. See NIGELLA. JACOB^EA. See SENECIO. JAPANESE HOP. See HUMULUS japonicus. JAPAN PINK. See DIANTHUS chinensis (Heddewigii). JASIO'NE — Sheep' s-Ut Scabious (a name used by Theo- phrastus for a plant of the Convolvulus kind). Nat. Ord. Campanulacece. 136 JAS1ONE JASIO'NE — continued. There is only one member of this family that is annual, and that is the native. J. monta'na. A pretty bright purplish- blue tufted flower, about 1 ft. high, which comes out in June. Though native of the British Isles, it is by no means to be despised even in a garden, though it is best kept to the wild or woodland part. Sow TV in. deep in April or September in a sunny position. JOSEPH'S COAT. See AMAKANTHUS tricolor splendens. KAULFUSSIA amelloi'des (called after Dr G. F. Kaulfuss, a German botanist). Nat. Ord. Composites. This is a free-flowering plant of dwarf growth, having purple-blue daisy-like flowers which rise about 9 ins. above the ground. It is a capital little plant for a small bed when massed together or as an edging. S. Africa, 1819. Syns., Chari'eis heterophyl'la and Amel'lm an'nuus. Sow •§- in. deep in a hotbed in March, prick off and plant out in May ; or sow outdoors in April and thin out to 8 ins. apart. These should bloom in June. It is fairly hardy. KOCH'IA tricho'phila — The Mock Cypress or Belvedere and Broom Cypress (named after Prof. W. Koch). Nat. Ord. Chenopodiacece. A remarkable, and till lately, little known plant. Although it is said to have been introduced as long t I KAULFUSSIA AMELLOIDES. [To face p. 136. LASTHENIA 137 KOCH'IA tricho'phila — continued. ago as 1629 from Greece, it only came to be recog- nised by the public through its re-introduction by one of our leading nurserymen about 1901 as a plant of conspicuous merit for decorating the garden border. It is the foliage and not the flowers which attracts attention. These are insignificant, but the foliage is compact, light, and feathery, and in late summer assumes a brilliant crimson colour. It grows about 2 ft. high, and should be planted in groups for effect. Syns., Chenopod'ium swpar'ium and Bli'tum Virgo! turn. K. scopar'ia, a species very inferior to the former. Sow the seed in March in pots, prick off in boxes or separate pots, and plant out in rich soil in a sunny aspect in May or early June. KNOT-WEED. See POLYGONUM. KO'NIGA mari'tima. See ALYSSUM. LA'BLAB. See DOLICHOS Lablab. LADIES'-SLIPPER. See IMPATIENS balsamina. LADY-IN-THE-BOWER. See NIGELLA. LARGE KAMPION. See (ENOTHERA biennis. LARKSPUR. See DELPHINIUM. LASTHE'NIA — (Derivation unknown). Nat. Ord. Composite. L. califor'nica. A modest little annual plant not unlike a small Inula. It is somewhat straggling in growth, but may be made to 138 LASTHENIA LASTHE'NIA — continued. L. califor'nica — continued. look pretty if grown in a good clump in a small bed or on the margin of the mixed border. The small flowers, barely an inch across, are bright mustard-yellow, borne in quantity. It is quite hardy, and if sown in autumn will come into flower at the same time with Aubretia, the two making a good com- bination. About 8 ins. in height. There is a variety known as L. glalra'ta. Very similar to the above, but slightly taller. Syn., Hol'ogyne glabrafta. Sow the seeds £ in. deep in September or October to flower the following spring ; or in March or April for June. LATH'YRUS — Sweet Pea (from Gr. lathuros, a kind of pulse). Nat. Ord. Leguminosce. No words can overrate the value of the Sweet Pea, the most popular annual grown, equally valuable for large or small gardens, and deservedly a great favourite as a cut flower. About 5 ft. high, it is usual to plant it in clumps or as hedges, supported by twiggy stakes. The flower is described as follows : — The " Standard " is the large back petal which may be erect, waved, or slightly "Hooded." The front petals are the "Wings," while the lower part of the flower is called the "Keel." The varieties of this plant are now so very numerous that it is not so necessary to give a LATHYRUS 139 LATH'YRUS — continued. complete list, if indeed such were possible, many of the so-called varieties being so similar that it is very difficult to distinguish the difference between them. L. odora'tus. The common purple and pink variety, and believed to be a native of Sicily and Southern Italy, was introduced in 1700, while the old-fashioned pink and white variety is supposed to have originally come from Ceylon. Appended is a list of some of the best garden varieties : — An asterisk indicates those that are NOT waived. Blush. Mrs Hardcastle Sykes. Cerise. Chrissie Unwin. *Coccinea. Pink. Countess Spencer. *Prima Donna. White. Etta Dyke. Nora Unwin. *Dorothy Eckford. Crimson and Scarlet. The King. *King Edward. *Queen Alexandra. Sunproof Crimson. Rose and Carmine. John Ingman. Marjorie Willis. * Prince of Wales. Yellow and Buff. Clara Curtis. Isobel Malcolm. *James Grieve. Blue. A. J. Cook. *Lord Nelson. Mrs Geo. Charles. Cream Pink, Constance Oliver. Mrs H. Bell. *Queen of Spain. Orange Shades. Earl Spencer. Edrom Beauty. Helen Lewis. St George. *Miss Wilmott. Lavender. Frank Dolby. Mrs C. Foster. 140 LATHYRUS Striped and Flaked. (Red and Rose). Aurora Spencer. Yankee. *Jessie Cuthbertson. (Purple and Blue). Prince Olaf. Fancy. Sybil Eckford. Bicolor. Mrs Andrew Ireland. *Jeannie Gordon. Marbled. *Helen Pierce. LATH'YRUS — continued. *JLady G. Hamilton. Masterpiece. Violet and Purple. Rosie Adams. *Duke of Westminster. Majenta. Menie Christie. Mauve. The Marquis. *Mrs Walter Wright. Maroon and Bronze. *Black Knight. * Hannah Dale. *Tom Bolton. Picotee Edged. Elsie Herbert. Mrs C. W. Breadmore. There is a dwarf or Cupid strain of Sweet Peas, the height of which is scarcely a foot, and therefore well adapted for massing in a bed, or as a pot or hanging basket plant, or as an edging. There are several colours. Yet another class is known as The Bush Sweet Pea. This is intermediate between the tall kinds and the Cupid. The climbing habit is quite absent, and the plant forms a bush 18 ins. high and self-supporting, as the tendrils bind the stems together. The colours are various. L. sati'vus azur^em, the Chickling Vetch, is an elegant little plant with bright blue flowers, that grows about 3 ft. high. It is, however, of small LATHYRUS 141 LATH'YRUS — continued. L. sati'vus azur'eus — continued. consequence in the garden. There is a white variety also. South Europe, 1640. L. tingitalnus, or Tangier Pea, about 3 ft. high, has small dark reddish-purple flowers. 1680. The culture of Sweet Peas must be properly undertaken, otherwise it is useless to try and grow really fine flowers. It is essential to well prepare the ground beforehand by digging deeply, in- corporating at the same time some good stable or cow manure in a light soil, and a good dust- ing of bone meal as well, leaving it for a time quite rough. At the end of February or beginning of March on a dry day, when the soil is in good working order, dress the ground well with old soot and then fork it all over. If it is intended to sow in rows, make the drills 3 ins. deep and 4 ft. apart ; or if in clumps, put the seeds in, in a circle, 8 to 12 ins. apart. Finally rake over and make firm by treading. Some gardeners like to make a trench for them 3 ins. deep, like celery is grown, to collect moisture. Make the ground firm and place strong sticks, hazel for choice, on either side of the drills or round the clumps well away from the seeds, and stick into the ground close to the seeds some little twigs to give the seedlings a lead to the stouter supports. The remains of a worn- out besom cut away from the handle is good material. Protect against birds pecking the seedlings when they come up by putting black 142 LATHYRUS LATH'YRUS — continued. cotton thread about them. Early in the summer give a mulching of manure. This is important, as it keeps the roots moist during the hot weather. A frequent application of liquid stable manure during the flowering season increases the size and quality of the blooms. Another good manure which makes a wholesome change is 1 Ib. of guano to 20 gallons of water. Sulphate of potash, 1 oz. to the gallon of water, is also a good manure. Soot water also helps to brighten the colour of the flowers. Never give liquid manure, however, when the ground is dry. Some people prefer to sow the seeds in pots. In that case the pots must be washed clean and well crocked, otherwise the young roots will stick to the sides and get torn when turned out. Fill the pots with fibry loam 3 parts, leaf mould 1 part, and old decayed manure 1 part, with a little road grit or coarse sand. The seeds can then be put in ^ in. deep, 5 seeds round a 5-in. pot. Label them and water with clean water. The pots can then be put on a shelf in a cool greenhouse or a cold frame. When 3 ins. high put some besom sticks round the pots to help support them, and gradually inure them to the open air. Any time in April the seedling can be shaken out of the pots, separated with as little disturbance of the roots as possible, and dibbled into the ground prepared for them. Exhibitors put them 12 to 18 ins. apart. The seed-pods should always be picked ofi as MA LOPE TRIM EST BIS. [To face p. 142. LAVATERA 143 LATH'YRUS — continued. they form, as the plants cannot undergo two duties successfully. A second sowing may be made in April or even as late as the beginning of June. An autumn sowing is sometimes made for early spring flowering, but it is not always easy to keep the plants alive during a cold winter. The season is a long one, and with attention it is quite easy to have an abundance of flowers till the middle of October. LAVATE'RA (called after two Swiss naturalists of the name of Lavater). Nat. Ord. Malvacece. This is a family of rather coarse-growing plants, a few of which only are fit for the garden, these being mentioned below; the second is a decided acquisition, very gay in a good rich soil, and splendid to cut from. The Convolvulus-like flowers are very similar to those of Malope and are pro- duced in the axils of the leaves. L. arbor'ea variega'ta, or Tree Mallow. This is a handsome biennial plant, the leaves marked with white. It makes a good effect in company with other fine foliaged plants, branching out into a broad, compact head, like a miniature tree, about 6 ft. in height. The flowers are red. L. trimes'tris. This annual grows 3 ft. high in good rich soil. The flowers, which are very abundantly produced in July to September, are rose coloured, and there is a white variety 144 LAVATERA LAVATE'RA — continued. L. trimes'tris — continued. called L. t. alba. It requires plenty of room. Improved forms are rosea splendens, and alba splendens. L. cre'tica. See MALVA mauritiana. The seeds of the biennial species should be sown in May or June to bed out the following year. L. trimestris should be sown -§• in. deep where it is to grow in September or April, on richly prepared ground in a sunny position, allowing 2 ft. or more between each plant. LA'YIA — Tidy-tips Flower (named after Thos. Lay, a naturalist). Nat. Ord. Composites. The three cultivated species of this Californian family are profuse flowering dwarf plants that make a pretty edging. They are all quite hardy annuals and not as often seen as they deserve to be. They are in flower from June to September. L. calliglos'sa grows only 1 ft. high, the yellow flowers smothering the little plant in their profuseness. It differs very little from L. elegans, except that the flowers have no white margin, nor is it quite so spreading. It is also known as Oxyu'ra chrysanthemoi'des. L. chrysanthemoi'des. A synonym of the above. L. el'egans. A charming little sprawling annual about 8 ins. high, the flowers 1J ins. across, of yellow shading into white on the outside and LEPTOSIPHON 145 LA'YIA — continued. L. el'egans — continued. slightly fringed. The foliage has a greyish appearance given it by the numerous little hairs with which it is covered. It lasts well in water and remains in flower for five or six weeks. L. el'egans alfba is a pure white variety of L. elegans. L. glandule! SOL. This is white with a yellow centre. Sow the seeds TV in. deep outdoors in a sunny position in autumn or April, and thin out to 4 ins. apart. LEPTOSI'PHON (from Gr. leptos, delicate, fine, and siphon, a tube, in allusion to the flower). Nat. Ord. Polemoniacece. A charming group of Californian annuals that should rightly come under the head of Gilia, though more often catalogued under the generic name of Leptosiphon. They are quite diminutive and only suitable for rockwork and edgings, but when the tufts are covered with their umbels of little flowers they are most gay and attractive. The foliage is delicate and thread-like. L. androsalceus. 6 ins, high. The flowers, which are larger than many of the other kinds, are a lilac colour. Syn., Gi'lia androsalcea. L. androsa'ceus al'biis is a white variety of the above, with a yellow centre. K 146 LEPTOSIPHON LEPTOSI'PHON — continued. L. densifto'rus, about 9 ins. high. The flowers are a rosy- lilac and larger than the following. Syn., Gi'lia densifto'ra. L. densiflo'rus al'bus is a white variety. L. Zu'teus, about 6 ins. high, is one of the best to grow. The flowers are yellow. Syn., Gi'lia lutea. L. au'reus is a deeper coloured variety of luteus. L. ro'seus, about 5 or 6 ins. high. This little plant is probably the most attractive of any of the species, the flowers being bright carmine. Syn., Gi'lia micran'tha. L. hybri'dus is a name given in catalogues for hybrid varieties consisting of numerous shades from yellow to carmine and white. Sow seeds TV in. deep in March for summer flowering, though on light sandy soils autumn sown plants are recommended as being stronger. The position should be somewhat shady, as if exposed to the full glare of the sun the little plants seem to shrivel up. LEPTO'SYNE (from Gr. leptos, slender). Nat. Ord. Composite^. These pretty Californian flowers are of rather recent introduction, and the daisy-like flowers, which are borne on long stalks, are excellent for vase arrangements. They are sometimes placed under the same head as Coreopsis, which they much resemble. LESSER LARKSPUR 147 LEPTO'SYNE — continued. L. Douglas'i. Height 1 ft. This beautiful little annual has large yellow flowers, but being tender should be started in heat and planted out. L. gigan'tea. This biennial plant attains the height of 5 ft. and is of rapid growth. It bears large Marguerite-like flowers. L. marit'ima. This plant is really perennial and, moreover, rather tender, but it may be treated like a half-hardy annual. The large pale yellow flowers which reach a height of 3 ft. are very decorative. Syn., Coreop'sis mari'- tima. L. Stillman'ni. This is the best known of the species and an early plant to flower, for within five weeks of sowing the golden blooms appear. These are about 1|- ins. across, broad petalled, rising on upright stems 1 ft. to 18 ins. high, and very suitable for cutting. The foliage is finely cut, compact, and bushy. A good subject for a group or small bed. 1873. Syn., Coreop'sis Stillman'ni. Sow the seed of the half-hardy species in temp. 65° in March, gradually harden off and transplant outdoors in May. L. gigantea, though biennial, may be treated the same way to flower the same summer. L. Stillmanni being hardy may he sown outdoors in April in a sunny spot. LESSER LARKSPUR. See DELPHINIUM ajacis minus. 148 LIMNANTHES LIMNANTHES (from Gr. limne, a marsh, and anthos, a flower). Nat. Ord. Geraniacece. L. Douglas'i is a pretty Californian plant of robust and spreading habit, about 6 ins. high. It yields an abundance of delicately scented, five- petalled yellow flowers, 1 in. in diameter, terminating to white at the extremities. It is a favourite plant with those who keep bees, and is valuable as an edging as well as in masses. Few annuals stand the winter better if sown in autumn. 1833. L. Douglas'i al'ba is an entirely white variety. For spring flowering sow the seeds TV in. deep in the open ground in autumn. If sown in March or April a later succession of flowers will result, and continue by subsequent sowings in bloom till October. The soil need not be rich, as it flourishes quite as well in poor, light, and even mossy ground. LINAR'IA — Toadflax (from L. linum, flax, in reference to the leaves). Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacece. The annual Toadflaxes are among our most hardy and attractive flowers, of easy culture, varied and beautiful in broad masses, preferring a hot and sunny situation to too much moisture. There are some biennial species that, however, can generally be flowered the first season. Belonging to the tribe of Antirrhinums they are characterised by a spurred corolla and prominent palate. LINARIA 149 LINAR'IA — continued. L. alpi'na is a biennial species, and a beautiful little rock plant having purple and orange flowers only 3 ins. high. It makes a good plant for the wall garden. July. Alps and Pyrenees, 1750. L. alpi'na ro'sea is a beautiful new variety, pale rose and orange-scarlet blotch. Height 3 ins. L. biparti'ta. The Snapdragon-like flowers are very varied, from white through carmine to deep purple, the latter being sometimes named splen'dida, about 1 ft. high. It is sometimes known as Annual Heather. August. N. Africa, 1815. L. marocca'na is a pretty plant about 9 ins. high, with bunches of purplish long- spurred flowers. It was only brought from Morocco in 1872. It flowers in profusion in a warm spot. L. marocca'na al'ba is a variety of the above, of recent production, and sometimes known as White Pearl. It is entirely white and a good flower to cut from, lasting a long time in water. The plant is only 1 J ins. high, but is a mass of bloom, and for this reason makes a capital edging. L. marocca'na Excelsior is a new Scotch strain of great merit. It contains a mixture of all shades — dark violet, light blue, dark crimson, pink, and yellow. 150 LINARIA LINAR'IA — continued. L. multipuncta'ta is the dwarfest of all ; the flowers black with yellow spots. L. Pere'zi bears small yellow flowers and is of little importance. L. reticula'ta is a fine annual, l£ ft. high, the purple flowers appearing in June. It is a native of Algiers, whence it is said to have been brought in 1788. Its variety L. reticula'ta au'rea purpur'ea is also a charming plant and one of the best of annuals, of varied purple shades mottled with orange. L. Spar^tia. A deep yellow. August. Spain, 1772. L. tritftis is a hardy little plant 6 to 9 ins. high, with yellow flowers mottled with brown, excellent for rockwork or edgings. July. Spain, 1727. Sow the seed outdoors in a sunny spot in patches tV in. deep in April for summer, and in August for spring flowering, thinning out to 3 ins. apart for the small varieties and 12 ins. for the taller. Linarias make good pot plants. LINSEED OIL-PLANT. See LINUM usitatis'simum. LI'NUM — Flax (from L. linum, flax, or old Celtic llin, a thread). Nat. Ord. Linacece. These are well-known and valuable annuals, being free -flowering, fairly hardy, most elegant and easily raised. Not exceeding 2 ft. in height, they LOASA 151 LI'NUM — continued. look best planted in little colonies together on a sunny well-drained border or small bed. L. grandiflor'um may be obtained in three colours, white, called L. g. al'ba; rich crimson, L. g. coccin'eum or ru!brum, known as Scarlet Flax ; and blue, L. g. azu'reum or cceruleum. By successive sowings it may be had in flower from May to October, and as a pot-plant it is useful and effective. Height 12 to 14 ins. A native of N. Africa. L. usitatis'simum, or Linseed Oil-plant. The tenacious and delicate fibre of this is the flax of commerce, while linseed oil is obtained from the seed. Of an unknown origin, it has been in cultivation from time immemorial, and the period of its introduction into England is unknown. The small blue round-petalled flowers are produced on long, slender stems. Sow seeds -§• in. deep at the beginning of April outdoors in ordinary soil where required to flower ; but if in pots, give two parts loam, one part manure and sand ; place in cold frame and keep shaded till the seedlings are up. Support by twigs, and water freely. LION'S MOUTH. See ANTIRRHINUM. LOA'SA (a name probably given by Michael Adanson, 1726 to 1806, a French naturalist, in honour of a Spanish botanist). Nat. Ord. Loasacece. 152 LOASA LOA'SA — continued. The Loasas are an interesting, though not showy, family, remarkable for their very curious pendent reflexed flowers (something like the shape of a cyclamen), and stinging foliage. Being natives of Peru, Chili, Brazil, and other tropical parts of S. America, they are tender in this climate, but otherwise not difficult to grow in a warm and sheltered part of the garden. L. acanthifol'ia is a dwarf plant about 6 ins. high, having singular yellow and red flowers and spiny, deeply cut foliage. End of June to September. Chili, 1822. L. auranti'aca, or Chili Nettle, is the most interest- ing of the group and the most useful. Unlike the other species it is a climber, and when once it makes a start grows rapidly, attaining in a hot summer about 6 or 7 ft. The deeply cut foliage is soon bedecked with numerous bright orange-red flowers, about 1 in. across, and con- tinue from July to September. It flourishes best in partial shade and requires support. Syns., L. lateri'tia, Blumenbach'ia laterit'ia, and Caioph'ora lateritfia. L. hidpida. Height 18 ins. The flowers are 1 in. across, of a bright canary yellow, the centre green and white. July to September. Peru, 1830. L, laterit'ia. See L, auranti'aca. CHILI NETTLE (Loasa aurantiacd). [To face p. 152. WAS A HISPID A. [To face p. 152. LOBELIA 153 LOA'SA — continued. L. ni'tida. Height 2 ft. Flowers bright yellow, dotted with red spots in the centre. Foliage stinging and hairy. Chili, 1822. Syns., L. tri'color. L. tri'color. See L. ni'tida. L. vulcan'ica is a species forming a pyramidal bush with pure white flowers, centred with red and yellow. 18 ins. to 2 ft. high. July and August. Ecuador, 1877. The seed may be sown ^ in. deep in sandy soil in temp. 65° during February and March. Trans- plant singly into 3-in. pots and grow on in 55° till June, when the seedlings may be planted out. Apply liquid manure when in bloom. LOBE'LIA (named after M. Matthias de Lobel, a Flemish botanist). Nat. Ord. Campanulacece. What are so often termed annual Lobelias are the well-known tufted plants with blue flowers so often seen edging " bedded-out " plants. They are not true annuals, however, with the exception of L. gracilis and L. tenuifolia, and if lifted into pots and placed in the greenhouse they will continue flower- ing for a long time during the winter. From these stock plants cuttings may be taken in the spring. In this way the same strain and colour is more surely reproduced than if raised from seed. They are mostly native of the Cape of Good Hope, and since their introduction vhave been very much improved, and a large number of varieties conjured. 154 LOBELIA LOBE'LIA — continued. L. eri'nus. The type of the garden Lobelia grows 6 ins., covered with blue flowers in July. Cape of Good Hope. Introduced 1752. L. eri'nis compacta. Height 6 ins. Very com- pact and shrubby. Blue. L. eri'nis compacta al'ba. A pure white variety. L. eri'nis compacta au'rea has golden foliage and blue flowers. L. eri'nis Barnard? s Perpetual is a fine ultra-marine blue, marked with pure white at the base of the two lower petals. £. eri'nus Low's Triumph is another dark blue form relieved by small white blotches. L. eri'nus Royal Blue. Beautiful dark blue with white eye. L. gra'cilis has a drooping, spreading habit, which makes it more suitable for vases and hanging baskets or rock-work. There are light blue and dark blue varieties. L. pu'mila grandiflora is a dwarf compact plant suitable for edgings. The flowers are a puce colour with white eye. Height 6 ins. L. pu'mila magniftca has dark blue flowers. L. pu'mila Mrs Murphy is white. L. ramo'sa is a taller branched Australian variety, about 9 ins., with large blue flowers. August. Swan Eiver, 1838. L. ramo'sa al'ba has large white flowers. LOBELIA 155 LOBE'LIA — continued. L. ramo'sa Heavenly Blue. Pale bright blue flowers. L. spetio'sa, of spreading habit, is suitable for vases and hanging baskets. The garden varieties are Blue Stone, Emperor William, rich deep blue. Height 6 ins. L. coronopifo'lia is a Cape variety with large blue flowers. About 9 ins. high. July. 1752. L. ilicifo'lia has pink flowers, and has a trailing habit suitable for hanging baskets and vases. These two latter are not so well known. June. 1815. L. tenuifo'lia. This is a true annual and rather tender. The plant grows about 18 ins. high, with none of the tufted habit of the others. The flowers are much larger and a deep cobalt blue. A most excellent pot-plant. Sow the seeds, only just covering them, in autumn in preference to spring They will then flower better, and be stronger plants than those sown in February. Prick off into boxes or pots before winter 1 in. apart, keeping them close to the light in a temperature of 65° to 70°. When they touch one another transplant again 2 ins. apart. Eemove them in May to a cold frame to harden, and plant out in June. A good variety will produce seedlings sufficiently true for ordinary borders, but for formal beds it is better to strike them from cuttings to get uniformity in shade of 156 LOBELIA LOBE'LIA — continued. colour. The two true annuals, Lobelia gracilis and L. tenuifolia, are half hardy and require to be raised in gentle warm in March and potted up. When frosts are over they can be planted out. L/ONAS ino'dora (derivation uncertain). Nat. Ord. Compositce. An uncommon plant from the N. African coast. It may be classed as one of the "everlastings," the flowers having that long-keeping quality peculiar to that class. It bears heads of yellow flowers in dense terminal clusters in July to October, about 12 ins. high. Introduced 1686. Syn., Athana'sia an'nuob. Sow seeds tV in. deep in February in heat about 65°, and plant out in May ; in April out- doors in patches or lines, thinning out to 6 ins. apart. LOPE'ZIA coronafta (called after the Spaniard, Lopez). Nat Ord. Onagracece. This is an annual not often seen nowadays and not at all showy. Its small flowers are exhibited when only 3 ins. high, though the plant grows to 3 ft. when mature, and continues throwing out its little pink and white blooms in succession at the axil of each leaf from July to October. From Mexico, 1805. Sow in the borders in April or on a hotbed in March, and transplant in light soil in May. LUPINUS 157 LOPHOSPER'MUM scan' dens. See MAUEANDYA scandens. LOVE-IN- A-MiST. See NIGELLA. LOVE-LIES-BLEEDING. See AMARANTHUS. LUNA'RIA — Honesty, Money-Flower, or Satin-flower (from L. luna, the mooD, in allusion to the curious seed- pods). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. L. Uen'nis is a well-known biennial plant that is never out of place on the margin of a partially shaded shrubbery, the flowers, which bloom in May to July, being succeeded in autumn by a crop of large, flat, oval, satiny seed-pods, which are generally saved, cleaned, and used for ornamental purposes in the house during winter, in conjunction with Cape Gooseberry. (Physalis). Syn., L. arinua. The flowers, usually of a light purple colour, are borne at the end of small branches all the way up, the topmost reaching about 2 ft. Besides the purple type there is a white form, and latterly, a crimson one has been produced. Native of Europe, 1570. The seeds may be sown ^ in. deep in April and subsequently thinned out to 6 ins., or else trans- planted to flowering quarters for the following spring. LUPINE. See LUPINUS. LUPI'NUS — Lupine (from L. lupus, a wolf). Nat. Ord. Leguminosce. 158 LUPINUS LUPI'NUS — continued. The Annual Lupines are very pretty flowers, and some of the best kinds, such as L. Hybri'dus atfro-coccin'eus, and L. mutalbilis CruickshanKi, are effective additions to the border. There is great variety and their hardiness is beyond question. The pea-like flowers are borne in spikes well above the foliage. The large pods of seeds should be always gathered early to prolong the flowering season. L. dfbus. Height 12 ins. Has white bloom. Levant, 1596. L. al'bo-coccin'eus. Height 18 ins. Crimson and white. L. Dunneifti super'bus. Height 18 ins. Purple and white. L. Hartwe'gii. Height 2J ft. With sky-blue, mauve, and white flowers. Mexico, 1838. L. Hybrid'us at'ro-coccin'eus. Height, 2£ ft. Crimson tipped with white. One of the best. L. lu'teus. Height 2 ft. Yellow bloom. Sicily, 1596. L. Menzie'sii. Height 18 ins. A handsome bush having bright yellow flowers. California, 1857. L. muta'bilis. Height 4 ft. Has white and rose flowers. Columbia. S. America, 1819. AN ANNUAL LUPINE (Lupinus mutaUlis CrutckshanM). [To face p. 158. LYCHNIS 159 LUPI'NUS — continued. L. mutafbilis Cruickshank'i. Height 4 ft. Is a handsome plant having spikes of blue, white, and yellow shaded flowers. Few equal this form. L. na'nus. A dwarf plant, 9 ins. high, with shaded blue flowers. California, 1833. There is a pure white variety called L. n. al'bus. L. pubes'cens. Height 2 ft. A woolly plant with violet and blue bloom. This is a biennial. Quito, 1844. L. subcarno'sus. Height 12 ins. Eich blue and white. Texas, 1835. This is perennial, but should be treated as an annual in this country. Put the large bean-like seeds into the open ground 2 ins. deep about the middle of April to end of May for later flowering, 12 ins. apart, and 18 ins. for the tallest varieties. The first sown should flower in June and July, while mutabilis will last till October. If sown in autumn about begin- ning of October they should bloom in May. L. pubescens being biennial should be sown in July to flower the following summer, though it might flower the same year if sown early. LYCH'NIS (from Gr. lychnis, a plant with a bright red flower; related to lychnos, a lump). Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacece. Z. coe'li-ro'sa, or Rose of Heaven. This is a pretty but uncommon little plant 9 ins. high only, 160 LYCHNIS LYCH'NIS — continued. L. coefli-ro'sa — continued. having small pale rose flowers centred with white. There is also a white form called L. c. al'ba or Burridg'i. L. c. brun'nea has red-brown flowers, and L. c. cardina'lis is magenta colour. Levant, 1713. Syns., Agrostem'ma coe'li-ro'sa and Viscar'ia cae'li- ro'sa and Viscar'ia ocula'ta. L. ccerulea is pale lavender. L. Dunnetfti is rose. L. no! no, is a dwarf strain. L. picfta e'legans is crimson-purple with broad edging of white. L. splen'dens is bright pink. L. Haagea'na hybrids, with large handsome scarlet flowers, 1 ft. high, may be included, as they are best treated as annuals. Sow lightly and thinly where it is required to grow in March or April. MADA'RIA — Mignonette Vine (from the Chilian name, madi, of an uncultivated species). Nat. Ord. Composite^. M. e'legans, 2 ft. high, the only species cultivated, is an erect-growing hardy Californian annual, with heads of yellow daisy-like flowers touched with red round the centre. The first bloom is produced at the summit of the leading stem, others open in succession downwards, the VIRGINIA STOCK (Malcolmia maritima). [To face p. 160. MALCOLMIA 161 MADA'RIA — continued. M. dlegans — continued. laterals exhibiting the same peculiarity. July to September. A warm border in semi-shade suits it best. 1831. Sow seeds ^ in. deep in April in patches, after- wards thinning out 6 to 8 ins. Syn., Ma'dia e'legans. MA'DIA. See MADARIA. MAIDEN PINK. See DIANTHUS deltoides. MAIZE. See ZEA. MALCOLM'IA — Virginian or Virgin Stock (named after William Malcolm, a nurseryman). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. M. marVtima is a well-known dwarf annual gener- ally used for edgings or grown in patches. It is only 6 to 9 ins. high, and generally sows itself without any trouble, self-sown or autumn- sown seedlings producing the best flowers, which, though small, are borne in quantity all the summer. There are several varieties of pink and white, but the cultivated sorts, Crimson King and Fairy Queen, rose-colour, are the best to grow. Native of the Mediter- ranean, 1713. Sow in September for spring flowering where required to grow •$* in. deep ; or in March or April for later flowering. Thin out to 3 ins. apart. L 162 MALLOW MALLOW. See MALVA. MA'LOPE (pronounced Malopy). From the L. malope, mentioned by Pliny as a Greek form of malva, the Mallow). Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. This plant and its varieties is a handsome border annual belonging to the Mallow family. Too often it is seen only as a half-starved or spindly thing of no beauty. But if the soil is well dug and manured before sowing the results are most charming, the flowers, rather like the Convol- vulus in shape, being produced in great abundance during the months of June to September. A group of Malope is excellent material for a small bed, or, if grown for cutting, a hedge of it in the reserve garden is both effective and useful. Its home is round the Mediterranean. M. tri'fida, or Three- Idbed Malope, is the type, of a purplish-pink shade, introduced 1710. But this plant has given place to the following garden variety and its forms, namely : — M. tri'fida grandiflor'a. This, if well grown, is 2 ft. high with rosy flowers. There is one called atba, which is pure white ; another ro' sea, white touched with pink ; Crimson King, bright red ; and na'na al'ba, dwarf white. Prepare bed by deep digging and manuring. Sow \ in. deep in April or May and thin to 18 ins. apart. Water frequently, and give some stimulant when in flower. MARIGOLD 163 MALVA — Mallow (from L. mollis, soft, in allusion to the emollient qualities of the plant). Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. This is a large family and most of the species are perennial, but the two mentioned below are annuals, though they have small claim to special mention except as ornamental foliaged plants. They are fairly hardy and may be planted in a warm border. M. critfpa, The Curled Mallow, is a tall plant some 4 to 6 ft. high, having large, broad crimped leaves and white flowers, appearing in June or July. Syria, 1573. M. mauritia'na is also a tall plant, about 4 or 5 ft. high, producing magenta-blue flowers in July. Crete, 1723. Syn., Lavatefra cre'tica. Sow seeds J in. deep in sandy soil in pans placed in a cool frame either in March or in April and afterwards potted off singly. Plant out in ordinary rich soil in May or June, allowing plenty of room for growth. MARIGOLD. The name, derived from Mary, i.e., the Virgin Mary, and gold (compare the dutch word goudUoem and German goldblume, literally gold-flower, and Gaelic lus Mairi, marigold, literally "Mary's plant " ), is given to several genera indiscriminately, viz., Calen'dula officina'lis, the Common or Pot- marigold, so called because formerly used in cooking and other economic purposes ; the species 164 MARIGOLD MARIGOLD — continued. of Tage'tes, the African or French marigolds (though hailing from South America and Mexico), and Dimorphothe' ca pluvia'lis, the great Cape Marigold. (See under their respective headings.) MARTYN'IA — Unworn Plant, or Elephants Trunk Plant (named after Dr John Martyn, sometime Professor of Botany at Cambridge). Nat. Ord. Pedalinece. A small tribe of pretty half-hardy annuals from Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and the warm parts of N. America. It may be characterised as branching in habit, covered with clammy hairs and bearing at the top roundish leaves and short racemes of purplish or yellow tube-like flowers spreading 1J ins. in length. It takes its name of Unicorn Plant or Elephant's Trunk from the very curious shaped seed-pod (particularly M. proboscidea), which is a woolly, wrinkled capsule armed with two long hook-like appendages. A warm, sunny position is essential. The principal species are : — M. an'nua. Syn., M. probos' cidea. M. fra'grans, 2 ft. high, has sweet-smelling mauve flowers streaked with yellow. July. Mexico, 1840. M. lousia'na, Syn., M. probos' cidea. M. lu'tea, 1^ ft. high, has yellow flower clusters in July. Brazil, 1825. M. probos' cidea, about 10 ins. high, is the most robust member of the family, with heavily- MATTHIOLA 165 MARTYN'IA — continued. M. probos'cidea — continued. scented flowers of pale blue in July. Mexico, 1737-1738. Syns., M. arinua and M. lousia'na. Sow the seeds 1 in. deep singly in small pots in light soil in temp, of 60° to 70° in March ; harden off and transplant the seedlings in a rich light soil in a sunny position outdoors in June, 1 ft. apart. It is advised to mulch round the plants after planting. Give plenty of water in dry weather. MARVEL OF PERU. See MIRABILIS. MASK FLOWER. See ALONSOA linearis. MATTHI'OLA — Stock and Stock Gillyflower (named after an Italian physician and botanist, Pier Antonio Matthioli). Nat. Ord. Cruciferce. As all gardeners know, stocks are among the choicest flowers grown, not only for their extreme gaiety of colouring, but also for their delicious scent. It is impossible to overestimate their worth as magnificent "bedders," both the annual and the biennial forms. The form of the flower is too well known to require much description, and it is always worth while to get the best selected seed from first- class seedsmen. M. an'nua and Ten- Week Stocks. The wild plant which grows in the south of Europe, and intro- duced in 1731, is the ancestor of that beautiful annual section known as Ten- Week Stocks. The habit is somewhat branching, with a large central spike of bloom, 18 ins. high, sometimes 166 MATTHIOLA MATTHI'OLA — continued. M. arinua — continued. single, sometimes double. The latter are by far the finest, though in sowing them a small percentage of singles is sure to crop up ; but this is almost impossible to avoid. The colours range from pure white to blush rose, carmine, mauve, and purple. A very fine strain is known as Pyramidal Ten-Week Stocks. This is one of the finest annuals in cultivation. The plants should be placed 12 ins. apart. Another strain is called The Bouquet. This is more dwarf, and particu- larly useful for pots in the conservatory. The Giant Perfection Ten- Week Stock is a splendid strain too. It is branching, and has large spikes of flowers of many colours. Princess Alice is a magnificent variety with large white trusses. Another variety is known as the Rocket Ten-Week. This grows 2 ft. high, is branching, and produces large trusses of bloom. One of the finest for cutting from. Yet another, the German Dwarf Ten-Week. This is com- pact, a free bloomer, and good bedder. 12 ins. high, and of many shades of colour. M. bico^nis is a dwarf annual, only 12 ins. high, having lilac-coloured flowers, which close up in the daytime and open at night, at which time they exhale a strong perfume which is very delicious. S. Europe, 1768. Syn., M. tristis. MATTHIOLA 167 MATTHI'OLA — continued. M. grce'ca, or Wallflower-leaved Stock, is an annual, and quite a contrast to any other variety, having glossy deep-green foliage very like a Wallflower. The double white flower spikes are similar to the type, but are scarcely more than 12 ins. high. A native of the Greek Archipelago. A variety of this, known as All the Year Round, is double white, compact, and vigorous, and a good bedder, with glossy leaves. 12 ins. high. M. fenestra'lis is a biennial plant. 1 ft. high. From Crete in 1759, with purplish flowers. It has been improved by cultivation, and now pro- duces many colours. See Brompton Stocks. M. inca'na, or the wild Hoary Shrubby Stock of the Isle of Wight, is the common ancestor of the valuable Brompton and Queen Stocks. These are very similar and both biennials. They may be distinguished by the roughness of the under side of the leaf in the Queen Stock, while the Brompton is smooth, and there are other slight differences. The Queen Stock is perhaps rather the better of the two for exposed situations, and sometimes proves to be almost perennial. There are a dozen shades and colours among the Bromptons, but not quite so many among the Queen Stocks. These are generally scarlet, white, or purple, usually single, but sometimes double. Beauty of Nice, flesh-pink; Queen 168 MATTHIOLA MATTHI'OLA — continued. M. inca'na — continued. Alexandra, rose-lilac ; and Crimson King, bright crimson, are fine varieties. They are both branching and rather tall, about 2 ft. During the winter, if autumn sown, the seedlings are sometimes a little difficult to keep, so that a sheltered border should be chosen in the seed bed. The Cocardeau, or Cape Giant Stock, is a variety of Brompton Stock, and a descend- ant and improved form of M. fenestralis (which see). It bears large trusses of bloom in autumn ; in some half-dozen colours. 18 ins. high. M. sinua'ta and Intermediate Stocks. The so-called Intermediate strain of Stocks takes its source from M. sinuata, which is a wild English plant, and not worth cultivating itself. But its descend- ants are most valuable. They are biennials, shrubby, exceedingly fragrant, and not quite as tall as the Brompton and Queen Stocks (before mentioned), about 18 ins. high. They may be had in bloom practically all the spring, summer, and autumn, according as they are sown. For pot culture they are the best variety. The colours are crimson, scarlet, purple, and white, and much grown for Covent Garden Market. An excellent hardy Scotch variety of the Intermediate Stock is that called East Lothian Intermediate. The climate of the North is exactly suited to it, where it is extensively MATTHIOLA 169 MATTHI'OLA — continued. M. sinuafta — continued. cultivated. It is more branching than the true Intermediate, and on this account is scarcely so suited for pot culture. The colours are scarlet, purple, and white, and, if spring sown, comes in after the Ten- Week Stocks are over, in August and September, and, by later sowing, about July and August, comes into bloom in the early months of spring. The Emperor strain of this Stock is an excellent plant for pot culture in the autumn, being large flowering, and taller than the other Intermediates. M. tricuspida'ta is a small annual species with pale mauve flowers, hailing from Barbary, 1739. Of little consequence in the garden. M. tris'tis. See M. bicornis. To grow the garden Stocks it will be noted that some are annual only, while others, the autumn and winter varieties, are biennial. The annual Ten- Week Stocks and the Wallflower-leaved Stock should be sown in pans -iV in. deep in temp. 60° in light soil in March. As soon as large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out in fresh pans and keep in cool frame but out of frost, to harden off. In May they should be ready to plant out, 12 ins. apart, the soil having previously been made fairly rich. A little lime is a good thing to add when planting. They will be in full bloom at the end of June and 170 MATTHIOLA MATTHI'OLA — continued. in July. Without artificial heat they may be raised in a cold frame or even outdoors in April, trans- planting in June. They will, however, be a month later in flowering. M. bicornis is a hardy annual that can be sown in the open in April. The biennial Brompton and Queen Stocks should be sown outdoors ^ in. deep in a seed bed in July, and transplanted in September to flower the following spring and summer, 12 or 14 ins. apart ; or better wintered in a cold frame if position is exposed. Cocardeau should be sown in spring for autumn. The Intermediate Stocks to flower in autumn should be treated as annuals and sown J in. deep in March or April and transplanted out in June. For spring flowering sow in well -drained pots in cold frame in June on an east or west border. When 3 ins. high transplant in beds in rows 6 ins. apart. In September pot off singly in loam, leaf- mould, and sand. Before frost commences place in cold frame plunged in ashes. When all danger from frost is over, plant out where they are to bloom. MAURAN'DYA or MAURANDIA (named after Dr Maurandy, a botanist of Carthagena in Spain). Nat. Ord. Scroph ulariacece. These tender climbing perennials cannot stand our winters, so that they are obliged to be treated as half-hardy annuals. They will grow with great luxuriance 10 ft. high in a season when trained MECONOPSIS 171 MAURAN'DYA — continued. against balconies, verandahs, or trellis-work, supporting themselves by their twisted petioles, situated in a southern aspect. In the absence of these advantages, they may be displayed by train- ing them up ordinary pea-sticks, on which they will produce abundance of flowers from June till frost cuts them down. From Mexico and Texas. M. Barclayafna has violet Foxglove-like flowers. 1825. M. Barclay a! na alba is a white variety. M. Barclay a' na atro-ccerulea grandiflora is a garden variety with dark blue flowers. M. coccin'eum. With light crimson-violet flowers. M. erubesfcens has rose-coloured flowers. 1830. M. scaridens has purplish-rose flowers. Syn., Lophosper'mum scan' dens. Sow the seeds A in. in pots of light soil, placing them in temp. 65° in March. Transplant singly into small pots and wait for June before planting out in a rich sandy loam together with a little peat or leaf- mould. A better way still, perhaps, is to treat these plants as biennials. They come into flower sooner, but require more trouble and take up room in the glass-house during winter. Sow during July in thumb pots and keep them safe from frost during winter. In February shift into 4-in. pots in good rich soil and plant out in May. MECONOP'SIS (from Gr. mekon, a poppy, and opsis, like). Nat. Ord. Papaveracece. 172 MECONOPSIS MECONOP'SIS — continued. This includes some beautiful and extremely interesting species, among them two newly intro- duced plants from Central Asia, which have created quite a stir in the horticultural world, viz., M. integrifolia and M. punicea. They are all of biennial growth and die after flowering, though sometimes it is two or three years before some of them arrive at the flowering stage. A well-drained, sunny, sheltered border or rockery is recommended for them, but they are all quite hardy. M. aculea'ta is a charming plant about 18 ins. high, having hairy foliage and large satiny blue flowers with bright yellow centres, several growing on a stalk. N.-W. India, 1864. M. integrifo'lia. This was brought before the public notice in 1904. The plants were grown from seed brought from the mountains of N.-E. Thibet at an altitude of 11,000 to 15,000 ft., where millions were seen growing. The flowers are 6 to 7 ins. in diameter, borne well above the foliage, on stout, hairy stems, 2 ft. high, of a bright lemon-yellow colour, shaped something like a Tulip, 4 to 6 being the usual number on a plant, though twice that number was sometimes seen in its native mountains. It is recommended to treat it as a hardy, moisture-loving plant, in peaty or leafy soil and sand, and any coddling in the way of protection is fatal. MECONOPSIS 173 MECONOP'SIS — continued. M. puni'cea. Another remarkable species, dis- covered and introduced at the same time as the before-mentioned plant It was found growing in " damp meadows, amid grass and low shrubs, shaded from the rays of the sun, at an altitude of 11,500 to 12,500 ft. in the N.-W. corner of Szechuen." The flowers are dark scarlet, solitary, and nodding, and are borne on stalks 18 ins. to 2 ft. high. M. nepalen'sis, The Nepaul Poppy. An erect pyramidal plant, 3 ft. high, having fine large golden flowers, 2 or 3 ins. across. Favours a cool, peaty soil. Native of the Himalaya, 1866. M. simplicifo'lia, The Sikkim Poppy, about 1 ft. high, has long narrow leaves with a central stalk carrying one large violet-coloured flower. Native of India, 1855 M. Wallich'i, Wallich's Blue Poppy. One of the finest of this group, rises 4 ft. or more in a stately pyramid of true blue drooping flowers, which open in June, slowly expanding from the bottom upwards, and by the time the top- most are open the lowest have ripened their seed. The leaves are 12 ins. or more in length, and form a rosette round the base of the flower stem. There is still something to learn in the cultiva- tion of these lovely Poppy worts, while the recently 174 MECONOPSIS MECONOP'SIS — continued. introduced species are rarely to be found at present in gardens, though as the seed becomes cheaper it is to be hoped this will soon be altered. Coming as most of them do from the high plateaux of Central Asia and the Himalayas, they must be regarded as hardy, though most tantalising plants to establish, resenting anything like coddling. The seed, which is very minute, should be sown A- in. deep in sandy soil in pans or pots placed in a cold frame in March or April. It germinates in a few weeks, and may be pricked off and planted out 18 ins. apart, as soon as the seeds are large enough to handle, where the plants are to grow. The soil should be open and friable with a large proportion of peat and sand. Good drainage and ample moisture are necessary. During the following winter the plants should be kept as dry as possible, as they are liable to rot off, though this is difficult to accomplish except under pot culture. It is a good plan to place sandstone, broken up firmly, round and underneath the leaves to check damp and rot. By the following spring, with any luck, they will be strong established plants and flower the same summer. MENTZE'LIA (named after C. Mentzel, a Prussian botanist). Nat. Ord. Loasacece. Showy annuals and biennials of N. America, suitable for the mixed border when grown in groups together in full sunshine. MENTZELIA 175 MENTZE'LIA — continued. M. bartonioi'des. A pretty annual plant, 18 ins. high, having abundant elegant pale yellow flowers furnished with quantities of long slender stamens, slightly fragrant, in August. Mexico, 1849. Syns., Eucni'de bartonioi' des and Micro- sper'ma bartonioi' des. M. decapetafla. See M. ornata. M. Icevicau'lis. An annual 1 to 3 ft. high, with a whitish stem, which, with the leaves, is covered with strong hairs. The yellow flowers only expand in sunshine. From California, 1890. M. Lindley'i. Height 1 J ft. Better known under its other name of Barto'nia au'rea. The polished, broad-petalled, golden-yellow cup- shaped flowers, about 1^ ins. across, produced in June, are very showy and free-flowering, but only exhibit their beauty under full exposure to the sun. Introduced from Cali- fornia, 1833-1834. Syn., Barto'nia au'rea. M. nuda. A biennial plant about 3 ft. high, having white flowers similar to M. Icevicaulis, in August. From Missouri, 1811. Syn., Barto'nioi nu'da. M. orna'ta. A biennial about 3 ft. high, having large, fragrant, cream-coloured flowers in July. From Missouri, 1811. Syn., M. decapeta'la and Barto'nia decapeta'la. 176 MENTZELIA MENTZE'LIA — continued. Propagate the annual varieties by seed sown % in. deep in February in temp. 65°, growing the seedlings on in a frame, giving liberal shifts. Soil, fibry loam, and a small quantity of leaf-mould and sand. Plant out in May in a sunny, well-drained border. They may also be sown, but with more risk, in the open in mild weather in April where they are intended to flower, and thinned out at about 1 ft. apart when an inch high. M. Lindletfi, however, may be sown for spring flowering the autumn before, about September, and prefers a sandy soil. The biennials, sow the previous May or early June in the open in the reserve garden, when they will be large enough in the autumn to move to blooming quarters for the next summer. MESEMBRYAN'THEMUM — Fig Marigold (from Gr. mesem- bria, mid-day, and anthemon, flower). Nat. Ord. Ficoidece. Nearly all the species of this numerous family are perennial, but there are a few annuals to note. Being natives of warm climates they are rather tender and revel in the sunshine on an old wall or rockery even in the poorest soil. They generally flower about July till cut down by frost. M. crystalli'num, or Ice Plant, is a dwarf trailing plant covered with icy-looking warts and sometimes used for garnishing ; the star-like flowers are small and white. There is also a pink variety. A native of Greece, 1775. MICHAUXIA 177 MESEMBRYAN'THEMUM — continued. M. glafbrum. A trailing plant with large yellow flowers. 1787. M. tri' color, 3 ins. high, is the best of the annual species, the abundant, large, star-like flowers, deep rose and white with purple-crimson centre, being very effective. There is also a white variety with purple centre. Greece, 1775 or 1794. M. pomeridia'num, 6 ins. high, with yellow flowers. Cape of Good Hope, 1774. Sow the seeds -J- in. deep in pans of sandy soil in temp. 55° to 65° in March, transplanting the seedlings in June outdoors in a sunny position, 6 to 8 ins. apart. Ordinary soil will do, but a compost of sand, peat, lime-rubble or grit with a little old cowdung mixed, suits them admirably. MEXICAN ASTER. See COSMOS. MEXICAN THISTLE. See CNICUS conspicuus. MEXICAN POPPY. See ARGEMONE mexicana. MICHAUX'IA, or Michaux's Bell Flower (named after the French botanist, M. Andre Michaux). Nat. Ord. Campanulacece. M. campanuloi'des. A handsome and most interesting hardy plant throwing up a spike of branched-out, rosy-white flowers, 4 to 5 ft. high. The name, Bell Flower, is misleading, as the florets do not form a bell at all, but have reflexed petals somewhat like a Cyclamen. M 178 MICHAUXIA MICHAUX'IA — continued. M. campanuloi 'des — continued. At a little distance it might easily be taken for some kind of lily. It is a plant that is somewhat " tricky " in its behaviour, and is apt to suddenly damp off and entirely fail, and for this reason is not commonly seen. Though usually considered a biennial, it occasionally takes three years to flower. The numerous flowers appear in July to September. Native of the Levant, 1787. M. Tchihatchew'ii. A species somewhat like the first, producing a tall spike, 3 to 5 ft. high, with abundance of snow-white flowers from a rosette of foliage. Caucasus. Sow the seeds ^ in. deep in pans in April in a cold frame and transplant outdoors in July; or sow outdoors in May or June and transfer them to their flowering quarters in autumn, allowing 18 ins. between each plant. Deep loam and a dry, not too exposed, situation suits them, with a little protection. MICROSPER'MA bartonioi'des. See MENTZELIA bartonioides. MICROSTEPHIUM. See CRYPTOSTEMMA niveum. MIGNONETTE. See RESEDA. MIGNONETTE VINE. See MADARIA. MI'NA lobafta (so named after a Mexican priest). Nat. Ord. Conwlvulacece. [.By permission of " TAe Garden. " A RARE HARDY PLANT (jlftcTicMma tchihatchewi). [To face p. 178 M1NA LOB AT A. [To face ?. 178. MIEABILIS 179 MI'NA lobata — continued. This half-hardy annual, though now classed among the Ipomceas, is better known under the name of Mina lobata. It is a most charming climber, and is easily grown provided the summer be a warm one, but if cold and wet it has but a poor chance, being a native of Mexico, whence it came in 1841. It requires to be raised in gentle heat and planted out against a trellis, or, if in a border, on pea-sticks, when under favourable conditions it will make 6 to 10 ft. of growth in a season. About August it will be a mass of lovely tube- like flowers, produced in double racemes, graduat- ing in colour from vivid scarlet in the terminal buds to orange and yellow, while the fully developed flower is a delicate cream colour. It will continue to flower in profusion till cut down by frost. Syn., Ipomcda versicol'or. Propagate by sowing the seeds ^ in. deep during February to March in light sandy soil, in temp. 65° to 70°. Prick out the seedlings into pots as soon as ready, and place in a cold frame to gradually harden off". In May they may be trusted in the open ground in a sunny, sheltered position. The soil should be for preference a sandy loam with peat or leaf-mould mixed. MIRA'BILIS — Man-el of Peru, Belle de Nuit or Four o'Clock (L. mirabilis, to be wondered at or admired). Nat. Ord. Nyctaginacece. 180 MIRABILIS MIRA'BILIS — continued. A quaint, old-fashioned border plant, perennial by nature, but not very robust in our climate, so is usually treated in this country as a half-hardy annual. The plants are bushy and have a carrot- shaped tuberous root, which should be lifted if it is desired to keep it, just as a Dahlia would be, during the winter. The roots, however, in time become cumbersome to move, and it is hardly worth the trouble, since it is so easily raised from seed. Being natives of Mexico and California, and other warm climes, they require the warmest and most sheltered spot in the garden. M. jala'pa grows about 2^ ft. high. The flowers are about 1 in. across, open in the evening, and vary from white, rose, lilac, yellow, crimson, and purple. W. Indies, 1596. M. longifloijcb is about the same height, but has white tubular flowers with carmine centres, somewhat fragrant, expanding about sunset, but unfortunately withering before the morn- ing. Mexico, 1759. M. multiflor^a is rather dwarfer than M. jalapa. The flower clusters are a crimson-purple colour, and not shy of the sunlight like the other two. California, 1876. Propagate by sowing the seed £ in. deep in pots of light soil in temp, of about 70° in February, transferring to cold frame to harden off, and planting out at the end of May or in June. MYOSOTIS 181 MONEY-FLOWEK. See LUNARIA biennis. MOR'NA ni'vea. See WAITZIA nivea. MORNING GLORY. See IPOM^EA. MOTH MULLEIN. See VERBASCUM Blattaria. MOURNFUL WIDOW. See SCABIOSA. MULLEIN or MULLEN. The derivation of this old word seems to be wrapped in mystery. It would appear to originate from the Anglo-Saxon moleyn, the meaning of which, however, is obscure, many explanations being suggested, among them candle- droppings or candlewick, to which, with a stretch of imagination, the plant is likened. See VERBASCUM. MYOSO'TIS — Forget-me-not (from Gr. mus, a mouse, and ous (otis) an ear, having reference to the leaves). Nat. Ord. Boraginacece. Although there are annual as well as perennial Forget-me-nots, the former are hardly, if ever, cultivated. The perennials, however, are usually treated as biennials, being easily raised from seed, and sown in the summer to flower in the succeeding spring with the Hyacinths and Tulips, either as a ground- work or carpet for the bulbous flowers, or as an edging. A moist soil suits them best, though any ordinary garden soil will grow them. Most of the species are quite hardy and easily reproduce them- selves. 182 MYOSOTIS MYOSO'TIS — continued. M. alpes'tris is the Alpine Forget-me-not, a plant of low, cushion-like growth, and regular in height, at once distinguishing it from other species. The centre bloom is abnormally large. Distinctly a plant for edgings and rockery. The flowers are sky-blue, though occasionally a pink or white variety makes itself apparent. The Swiss Alps, 1818. M. azo'rica', with dark blue flowers and erect growth, 8 ins. high, is later to bloom than most kinds. Coming as it does from the sub- tropical Azores it is rather delicate, and consequently requires a warm, sheltered position. 1846. There is also a pure white variety, while the garden form known as Imperatrice Elizabeth is a lovely plant, and quite worthy of pot culture. M. dissitiflor'a, 6 ins. high, is the best known and earliest Forget-me-not. The sky-blue and yellow-centred flowers are produced in racemes, making their appearance early in the spring. There are several garden forms, viz. : M. d. alba, white ; M. d. atrocoerulea, intense blue ; M. d. elegantissima, M. d. grandi- flora, M. d. splendens, M. d. Weirleigh Sur- prise, and M. d. Victoria. M. pyramida'lis. See below. M. stric'ta ccelesti'na, known as the Pillar Forget-me- not, is a new production, possessing the unusual NEMESIA 183 MYOSO'TIS — continued. M. stric'ta ccelesti'na — continued. merit of forming a pyramid, covered with sky- blue flowers, 12 ins. high. There are white and pink forms known as alba and rosea. It makes an uncommonly pretty pot plant. In some catalogues it is named M. pyramida'lis. Sow the seeds r