When the above is done, arrange all the plants in proper order, and syringe them clean; but if there are any of the Green-fly, they must be fumigated previous to syringing. Take an opportunity, on the first fine day, to wash out all the pavement of the house, which should be made dry before the evening if the nights are cold. Thus every part of the house will be in order before the hurry of the garden commences.
OF ENARCHING OR GRAFTING BY APPROACH, also termed ABLACTATION
In this method of grafting, the scion is not separated from the parent plant until it is firmly united with the stock; consequently, they must stand contiguously. We intend the following method to apply directly to Caméllias, as they are the principal plants in the Green-house that are thus worked. The criterion for the operation is, just as the plants begin to grow, either in spring or mid-summer. Place the stock contiguous to the plant where the graft or enarch is to be taken from. If the branches, where the intended union is to take place, do not grow at equal heights, a slight stage may be erected to elevate the pot that holds the lower. Take the branch that is to be enarched, (the wood of last or previous year is the most proper,) and bring it in contact with the stock; mark the parts where they are to unite, so as to form a pointed arch. In that part of the branch which is to rest against the stock, pare off the bark and part of the wood to about two or three inches in length, and in the side of the stock which is to receive the graft, do the same, that the inside rind of each may be exactly opposite, which is the first part where a union will take place. Bind them firmly and neatly together with strands of Russia matting, and protect the joint from the air by a coat of close composition; clay of the consistency of thick paint, turpentine, or wax, will equally answer. Finish by fastening the grafted branch to the head of the stock or a rod. Many practitioners make a slit or tongue into the enarch and stock, but we find it unnecessary, more tedious, and likewise more danger in breaking. Caméllias are also grafted, and budded, but these two operations require great experience and continued attention, and seldom prove so successful as enarching. When they have perfectly taken, which will be after the first growth is over, begin to separate them by cutting the scion a little at three different periods, about a week apart, separating it at the third time. If the head is intended to be taken off the stock, do it in like manner after the second growth is over. By the above method, many kinds can be grown on the same stock. The same plan applies to all evergreens.
Flower Garden
MARCH
It is expected that all the pruning is finished. If not, get all expeditiously done, according to directions given in the preceding months, likewise all digging, and that which was dug in the autumn, point over, or half dig, that all may have a neat appearance. This must not be done when the ground is too much imbibed with moisture, as that would harden the soil. Break it well with the spade, leaving it one or two days before the surface is raked smooth, that all may be ready to receive the seeds or plants that are intended to be sown or planted. As soon as the frost is entirely gone, uncover all plants or shrubs that have been protected; preserving carefully such articles as will answer the same purpose next year. The frost disappears generally from the middle to the end of this month. Cut off all decayed shoots, or such as have been hurt by the frost. The Lagerstræmias will flower in greater perfection if they are cut closely; that is, where the wood of last year is cut to within a few eyes of the wood of the previous year, at the same time having regard to the shape that the plant is required to take. Cut off the injured part of any of the evergreens that have had their foliage much injured by the severity of winter, leaving the part that is green, which is essential to the support of these kinds of plants.
Such work as can be done in this month, should not be delayed, such as hoeing, digging, raking, and clearing away all decayed leaves, and litter of every description that have been brought or blown in the garden, during autumn or winter.
BOX EDGINGS
May be planted any time this month, or beginning of next, which in most seasons will be preferable. We will give a few simple directions how to accomplish the work. In the first place, dig over the ground deeply where the edging is intended to be planted, breaking the soil fine, and keeping it to a proper height, viz. about one inch higher than the side of the walk; but the taste of the operator will best decide according to the situation. Rake the surface even, and tread it down with the feet, or beat it with the spade. Where it gives most, continue to add, keeping the surface at the desired height. If the edging is to be in a direct line, either on a level or inclined plane, you may be correctly and simply regulated by making the desired level at each end of the line. Take three rods about four feet long each, having a piece of one foot to cross at one end, two of these pieces painted black, the other white. Have a black one at each end of the line on the level, take the white one for the centre, going along the line, and about every twenty feet, level a spot to the exact height, which will be seen by looking over the top of the rods from one end. Having found the level, drive in a peg to it, so that no mistake may occur; beat and level between them, leaving a smooth surface. This being done, strain the line, and with the spade proceed to cut out the trench perpendicularly on the side next the walk, six, eight, ten, or twelve inches deep, according to the length of the plants. Afterwards take the plants, and cut the tops even, with the knife or shears, at the same time shortening the roots. Then with the left hand next the line, plant forward, keeping the tops of the plants level, and from one to two inches above ground, keeping the plants close according to the required thickness. Put in the earth as you proceed, and tread it firm, then rake the surface even, and with the spade beat it smooth. If the weather sets in very dry, the box will be the better of a few waterings. Sometimes boxwood is planted without roots, but it seldom gives satisfaction; not growing equally.
TENDER ANNUALS
When it is wished to have any of these flower early, if they were not sown as directed last month, on a hotbed, let it be done early in this. Those that were sown and now growing freely, must have plenty of air. In fine days the sashes may be taken off a few hours about mid-day; and where the plants are too thick, thin them out a few inches apart, that the air may circulate amongst them. Have another bed ready to transplant them into about the end of this or beginning of next month. When transplanted, sprinkle them with water, and shade them with mats from the sun, one or two days. By this treatment they will be much stronger for planting into the borders, about the first of May. For the different kinds, see list.
HARDY ANNUALS
May be sown in the borders about the end of the month, when the ground is prepared, and the weather fine, but avoid it at all times if the earth will not pulverise properly. The neatest and most expeditious method is to take a rod about one foot long, and one inch in diameter, rounding at the end, with which end draw a circle of nine inches diameter, from one inch to one eighth of an inch deep, according to the size of the seeds. Many very small seeds will grow best if sown on the surface of fine mould. When sown, cover in with the back of the rake, placing a small twig, or a tally with the name, in the centre of the circle, to prevent mistakes, either in sowing, planting, or hoeing. When they come above ground, the first moist day should be taken to pull up such as are too crowded. Annuals are generally too delicate to bear transplanting, therefore they ought always to be sown where they are intended to remain. A few kinds do best with removing, such as Balsam, Mary-gold, China Aster, Stockgilly, and several others of a free growing, strong-wooded nature. Annuals are such plants as grow from seed, flower, and perfect their productions, and then die, within one year. For hardy sorts, see list. Sow in rows or fancy spots the varieties of sweet pea.
BIENNIALS
Are such as are of two years' duration. Being sown this year they flower, seed, or fruit next year, and soon after decay. The seeds should be sown about the end of this or beginning of next month, either in the spot where they are intended to remain, or in a compartment by themselves, regularly marked, and transplanted when convenient. When they appear above ground, thin them out distinctly, that when they are to be removed, a little earth may adhere to them; and if put where they are to stand, leave only three plants.
PERENNIALS
In every Flower-garden there ought to be a good selection of these plants. They are lasting ornaments, and when judiciously selected, will give yearly gratification. In making a choice, a view should be had to have those that flower abundantly, are of free growth, beauty, and continuation of flower. It would go beyond our limits, to give an extensive description of any, but a few remarks on some of the finest, with their names, are indispensable.
Adònis vernális, is a fine border flower, and will grow in any common soil; flowers large, yellow rayed, having in the rays about twelve petals; leaves much divided, bloom in April and May.
Anemóne, Wind-flower. Several fine species, with flowers from one to three inches in diameter. A. Hallèri, blue; A. pulsatìlla, blue pasque flower; A. alpìna, large white. These are fine plants, and are now given to a genus called Pulsatìlla. A. palmàta flòre-plèno, yellow; A. stellàta versícolor, various coloured; A. pavonìna flòre-plèno, scarlet; A. narcissiflòra, white. Any of these are very desirable.
Antirrhìnums, Snap-dragon. All the varieties of A. màjus are esteemed in the flower borders; the pure white and bright red are very showy. A few of the species, A. mólle and A. sículum, where there is variety required, deserve a situation. The flowers are all large, and similar to the snout of an animal.
Asclèpias. The finest of this genus are native plants, and are highly esteemed in Europe, but frequently rejected with us, because "they are wild plants." A. tuberòsa has beautiful orange flowers, and delight in dry situations. A. rùbra, A. nívea, A. purpuráscens; and A. incarnàta, are the finest of the family. It is best to plant A. tuberòsa in October.
Aconítums, Wolfs'-bane, one hundred and twenty-eight distinct species, with several varieties. Many of them are of consequence and beauty; the flower stems rise from one and a half to six feet upright, and strong, furnished with many palmate and digitate leaves, terminated by spikes of blue, yellow, or white flowers, similar to a hood; hence the name of Monk's Hood is often applied to them. They are scarce in collections, but in a few years we have no doubt but many of them will be plentiful. The finest species are A. speciòsum, A. anthòra, A. neúrbergensis, A. amænum, A. napéllus, A. venústum, A. zoóctonum, A. pyramidàle, A. lycóctonum, A. albùm, and A. versícolor. They flower from May to September, and will grow in any common garden soil. The roots of A. napéllus are like small turnips, and are said to be poisonous.
Cáltha palústris flòre-plèno is a good border plant, delights in moist situations, has large cordate, crenated leaves; flowers double yellow; blooming from April till June; and is a desirable plant.
Béllis perénnis horténsis, Daisy. We might almost say with another, "every one knows the Daisy." It is named from being pretty, and is perfectly hardy, though generally kept under cover. They delight to have a shaded situation during summer, to protect them from the sun, which, as it were, scorches the roots. There are many double varieties in the gardens, which flower early. The one called Crown, or Carnation Daisy, is twice the size of the common varieties, and has white and red petals alternately, and very double. Loamy soil, inclined to moisture, is best adapted to their growth.
Campánulas. This genus affords many very ornamental plants for the Flower-garden and Shrubbery, and they flower superbly during the summer, agreeing better with our climate than with that of Europe. Several have two successions of flowers, C. persicifòlia álba plèna; C. persicifòlia cærùlea plèno; C. urticifòlia, white. Of this last there is also a double variety. C. speciòsa; C. glomerata; C. versícolor; with several others, are worthy of a situation in every garden. Their roots are strong, fleshy, and fibrous. They are easy of culture, and will retain their situation in the severest of our winters. C. grandiflòra is now Wahlenbérgia grandiflòra. It has fine blue large flowers; the flower stems are slender, and should be supported as soon as they grow.
Cheiránthus Chéiri vulgàris is the common garden Wall-flower. There are about ten varieties of it, all admired for their various colours and agreeable odour. The common variety survives the mildest of our winters. The most esteemed variety is Hæmánthus, Double bloody. They should all be protected by a frame. C. mutábilis is a beautiful species; it has many shades of colour from lilac to dark purple. The flowers are on extending racemose spikes; blooming from April to June; it requires a light rich soil; is a half shrubby evergreen plant.
Chelònes. This genus belongs entirely to this continent, and possesses many fine species. It is a matter of astonishment that they are not more cultivated and sought for in our collections. C. glábra; C. oblíqua; C. barbàta; C. atropurpùrea; C. pulchélla; C. venústa; and C. speciòsa; are all handsome, and flower from May to September; corolla large, ringent; ventricose flowers in spikes or panicles.
Chrysánthemums. There are few of this genus of any consequence as herbaceous plants, except the varieties of C. sinénse, of which there are about fifty, all desirable; but in small gardens, where there is a deficiency in room, the following are select in colour and quality: Tubulòsum álbum, quilled white; supérbum, superb white; díscolor, large lilac; fúlvum, Spanish brown; atropurpùreum, early crimson; involùtum, curled lilac; fasciculàtum, superb cluster yellow; serotìnum, late pale purple; papyràceum, paper white; Waratáh, yellow Waratah; versícolor, two-coloured red; stellàtum, starry purple; verecúndum, early blush; and mutábile, changeable pale buff. To grow these in perfection, they require rich light soil; and about the end of this month the roots should be lifted, divided, and planted into fresh soil, either by giving them a new situation, or changing the earth they were in. Two or three stems together are quite sufficient. The flowers, by the above treatment, will be much larger, more double, and finer in colour; where they are wanted to grow low and bushy, top them in June, but not later than the first of July. Where the soil is rich, and the plant having only one stem, by topping it, makes a beautiful bush. They are in flower from the first of October until severe frost; thus beautifying our gardens at a season when they would be destitute of one single attraction. If the season is dry, to water them with liquid manure will add to their vigour. They are all natives of China, and greatly esteemed by the Chinese, who only allow a few blooms to come out on the top of each stem, thereby having the flowers much finer.
Clématis, Virgin's-bower. A few species are good herbaceous plants, of upright growth, and blue flowers, C. integrifòlia; C. angustifòlia; and C. erécta; they grow best in light soil.
Coreópsis, chiefly native plants, and free-flowering; colour principally yellow; flowers rayed. C. tenuifòlia, C. verticilláta, C. díscolor, and C. trípteris, are the finest of the genus, and will grow in any common garden soil.
Delphínums. There are some showy border flowers of these, of strong growth. The leaves are much divided; the flowers in terminale spikes; colour blue, purple, red, white and yellow, with various shades. D. grandiflòrum, with its varieties, are the best of the genus. D. intermèdium, and its varieties, D. elátum, Bee Larkspur, from the ringent part of the flower being very like a bee, and D. montánum, are good varieties, and easily cultivated. When the plants become large, they ought to be divided, and planted in fresh soil. They are in bloom from May to September.
Diánthus. Some of the species of this genus are the most prominent of the Flower-garden, not only for their beauty, but also their fragrance, which is peculiarly grateful, especially in the well known and celebrated pink and carnation, with the Sweet-william, which was esteemed, in the days of old, "for its beauty to deck up the bosoms of the beautiful, and garlands and crowns for pleasure." The finest species are D. barbàtus, and D. barbàtus plèno, Sweet-william; D. discolor D. chinènsis; D. alpínus, D. supérbus; D. caryophyllus, from which have originated the Picotee and the Carnation; D. plumàrius, from which originated the Double Pink; D. fràgrans and D. supérbus. Several of these, although they will stand the severest cold, have to be protected in frames during winter, to have them in the perfection of beauty. For the character of a Pink and Carnation, see May.
Dictámnus. Two species of this genus, D. fraxinélla and D. álbus, have been cultivated and esteemed upwards of two hundred and forty years. A plant of the first of these species, when gently rubbed, emits an odour like that of lemon-peel; and when bruised emits a balsamic scent, which is strongest in the pedicles of the flowers. They have glands of a rusty colour, that exude a viscid juice, or resin, which exhales in vapour, and in a dark place may be seen to take fire. Its flowers are red, those of the other white, in loose terminale spikes; the flower has five petals, clawed and unequal, with glandular dots; in bloom from May to July; delights in sandy loam.
Dodecàtheon. This is a native genus, and commonly called American cowslip. The generic term, a name of the Romans, signifying twelve gods or divinities, is applied with great absurdity to a plant, a native of a world the Romans never saw nor had any idea of, neither resembling, in any particular, the poetical fancy of their writers. The most admired species is D. mèdia; the flowers are in umbels, on a pedicle, from six to twelve inches high; the corolla is rotata reflexa, colour light purple, bottom of petals lake and yellow; blooming in May. The white variety is very much esteemed, and surpasses the preceding. The ground is pure white, the bottom of the petals the same as the other. There is also a spotted variety found on the banks of the Missouri. They delight in brown loam, a half shady situation, inclining to moisture. The foliage soon decays after flowering.
Digitàlis, Fox-glove, about forty species of annuals and herbaceous plants. A few are cultivated in the flower borders, and are very showy. These are D. leucophæa, D. ferrugínea, D. ochroleùca, large yellow; and D. purpuráscens; and are good species. D. purpúrea and D. álba, are very conspicuous biennials; the flowers are solitary, and in long spikes; the corolla of D. purpúrea is campanulate, ventricose, and ringent; the interior is spotted, and is considered the finest of the genus. Delights in poor soil, with a little shade.
Eupatóriums. These generally are native plants, not worthy of notice here, except for two species. E. cœlestínum has syngenesious flowers in flattened panicles, colour fine light blue, blooming from September to November, desirable for its beauty at that season. E. aromàticum may be cultivated for its spicy odour; flowers white, in loose terminale panicles; blooming from August to October. Either of them will grow in common soil.
Gentiánas, a genus of very showy plants, and flower in great abundance. The flowers are tubular and inflated; colour generally blue. A few species are yellow, and some white; flowers in whorls, terminale, or solitary. They grow best in a light rich soil. G. lútea, G. purpúrea, G. septémfida. G. acaúlis is a pretty dwarf growing species, and often used as edgings in flower compartments; the flower dark and light blue; interior of the corolla spotted; has a succession of flower from April to June. We have no doubt of it succeeding in our gardens, but not being plentiful, it has not been perfectly tried. A few years will exhibit it in abundance. G. imbricàta and G. conférta. They are all fine exotics, but many of them may give place to our native species, such as G. Catesbæí; G. ochroleúca; G. incarnàta; with several others, and G. crinàta, which is a biennial, and finely fringed; colour light blue.
Gèum. There are only two species that are worth cultivation, viz. G. quéllyon, once G. coccíneum; and G. hybridum. G. urbànum is sometimes cultivated for its roots, which, when chewed, sweeten the breath. They are all of easy culture. G. quéllyon flowers from May to October, and is a very desirable small plant for the borders, and much esteemed in Europe.
Hemerocállis, Day Lily; two species, H. fúlva and H. gramínea, flower well, and are remarkable among the border flowers for their large yellow or copper coloured corollas, some of them about six inches diameter; bloom from May to July, and will grow in almost any soil. There is a plant known in our gardens as H. cærùlea, which is Fúnkia cærùlea, and has a campanulate corolla, with a cylindrical tube; flowers in spikes; leaves ovate, accuminate.
Hibíscus. There are several herbaceous species very showy and handsome, H. palústris; H. ròseus; H. militàris; H. speciòsus; H. grandiflòrus; and H. púngens. They grow best in moist situations, and where these are not to be had, give them plenty of water, and plant in sandy soil enriched with decayed leaves. The flowers are about six inches in diameter, flowering up the stem, either solitary or in small bunches. H. speciòsus is the most splendid, and deserves a situation in every garden. The roots in winter ought to be covered by litter, tan, or saw dust; but a better method is to lift them, and put them in the cellar, covered with dry earth, and kept from the frost. All the above mentioned species are improved by being protected during winter.
Iris, Flower-de-luce, has many fine species of various shades and colours, I. subiflòra, I. nepalénsis, I. Pallàsii, I. pállida, I. cristàta, I. arenària, I. furcàta, I. germánica, I. florentìna, I. vérna, and I. susiàna. The last is the finest of the herbaceous species; the flowers are striped, blue, brown, and spotted; but we are not certain if it will stand the severity of our winters. The roots of I. florentìna is the orrice root of the druggists. They are all of easy culture in any loamy soil inclining to moisture. The bulbous species will be treated of in September or October. Corolla six-petaled, three erect, and three reclined alternately; proceeding from spathes or sheaths with flowers in succession.
Lìatris is a genus of native plants, containing several fine species, L. squarròsa, large purple heads of beautiful flowers; L. élegans; L. paniculàta. L. macróstachya, now L. spicàta, is a fine large growing species. They have syngenesious purple flowers in long close spikes, differing from other spiked flowering genera by blooming first at the extremity. They grow best in strong heavy soil.
Lychnis. Three species are very desirable in the flower borders. L. chalcedónica has bright scarlet crowned flowers; the double scarlet variety is splendid. There is also a double white variety, L. fúlgens and L. flós-jòvis. They ought to be frequently lifted, and planted afresh, or they will dwindle to nothing. The best time is when they begin to grow. There is a plant known in our collections as Lychnis flós-cucùla, which is now Agrostéma flós-cucùla; it is a fine and showy border plant with double red flowers. They delight in a light sandy rich soil.
Lythrums. A few species flower well, and have small pink blossoms in great profusion, L. alàtum, L. virgàtum, L. diffùsum, and L. lanceolàtum. They will grow in any common garden soil if not too much shaded; and flower from June to September.
Mimùlus, Monkey-flower. A few species may be cultivated. They will grow in any soil or situation. M. lùteus and M. rivulàris are the best. M. moschàtus has a very strong musk scent, to many agreeable. We think it will prove hardy. The two former have large gaping flowers, of a gold yellow, and beautifully spotted with purple in the interior.
Monárdas, a fine native genus and showy. The foliage of several of the species is aromatic, and resembles mint. M. dídyma has long scarlet ringent flowers, in headed whorls; M. kalmiana, flowers very long, and a beautiful crimson, with fragrant leaves. M. Russelliana has red and white flowers; curious and handsome. M. punctata has yellow and red flowers; they grow in any common soil.
Mathíola, is the generic of the Stock-gilly. None of them will survive severe winters; yet many of them are indispensable in the Flower-garden. M. simplicicáulis, Brompton-stock, and its varieties; with M. incàna, Queen-stock, and its varieties, require the protection of a good frame in winter, and about the end of this month, or beginning of next, plant them in good light rich soil to flower, which they will do all summer, if attended to with frequent supplies of water. M. ánnua has about sixteen varieties, valuable for flowering the first year from seed, and are all annuals. They ought to be sown on a gentle hot-bed about the first of this month, and carefully pricked out so as they may be ready to transplant about the end of April or the first of May. Plant them in light rich soil, and they will flower profusely through the season; if it is very dry, they must be watered to keep them growing. The scarlet, white, and purple varieties are the finest; but there are many intermediate sorts all handsome. M. glàbra is the Wall-flower leaved stock, and requires the same treatment as the two former. There are about eight varieties of this, all various in colour. In planting any of these into the open ground, choose cloudy weather, except they have been in pots; in such case, plant at any time in beds, keeping each kind separate.
Œnothèras. The most of them are indigenous, and in Europe they afford a continual ornament to the Flower-garden from April to November, but in our gardens they are entirely neglected. By rejecting these and many others, our Flower-gardens are deprived both of much beauty and interest they might easily possess. These plants delight in light rich soil. Œ. odoràta, sweet scented; Œ. macrocárpa; Œ. mèdia; Œ. latiflòra; Œ. Frazèri; Œ. speciòsa; and Œ. pállida; are all fine native herbaceous plants, mostly with large yellow four-petaled corollas; in bloom from April to September. There are several of them beautiful annual and biennial plants. For the finest, see list.
Phlóx, another American genus, and one of the most handsome in cultivation. It consists of elegant border flowers, valuable for flowering early, and more so for blossoming late in autumn. While the majority of plants blooming late in the season are generally syngenesious, with yellow flowers, these delight us with their lively colours of purple, red, and white. A collection of them properly attended to, would of themselves constitute a beautiful flower garden. It will be difficult to state which are the finest, but the following are select varieties: P. paniculàta; P. acuminàta; P. intermèdia; P. odoràta; P. pyramidàlis; with pyramidàlis álba, which is splendid; P. suavèolens; P. refléxa; P. stolonífera; P. pilòsa; P. divaricàta; P. nivàlis; and P. subulàta. In the spring of 1831, an eminent British collector1 exclaimed, on seeing a patch of P. subulàta in one of the pine barrens of New Jersey, "The beauty of that alone is worth coming to America to see, it is so splendid." Most of the species delight in a rich light sandy loam. When the plants become large, they ought to be divided, and planted in fresh ground.
Prímulas, Primrose. To this genus belong the celebrated Cowslip, Oxlip, Primrose, and the esteemed Aurícula. The double varieties of Primrose have originated from P. vulgàris. These are such as carry their flowers on separate pedicles, rising from the root on a small stem. The double varieties are desirable for their beauty, but require the protection of a frame during winter. They are in colour red, white, yellow, lilac, purple, and crimson. P. elàtior is the Oxlip, from which all the Polyánthuses have been grown. They are in variety innumerable, and are those whose flowers are in umbels, on a scape or flower-stalk, rising from three to nine inches. The rules for judging of their merits are wholly artificial, agreed on from time to time by Florists. The one that is the leading beauty this year would in a few years be far in the rear. The principal character is that the corolla is not notched or fringed; the colours pure and distinct, not running into one another; the tube small; the eye round, and a little prominent. Being surrounded with white, and the ground purple, is a fine character. P. aurícula. From this the highly esteemed varieties have originated. The cultivated aurícula has many admirers, both for its exquisite beauty and fragrance. For the criterion of a fine flower see May. There are several other species worthy of a situation, such as P. cortusoídes, P. dentiflòra, P. suavèolens, P. decòra, with P. scótica and P. farinòsa, both small neat species. A shady situation agrees best with them; and they require loamy soil, free from any kind of manure, except it be fully decomposed. The leaves of P. vèris are recommended for feeding silk worms.
Potentíllas. We mention this genus here as affording several free flowering dwarf plants; not as being certain that any of the most desired species will withstand our winters, being natives of Nepaul; but, from the character of the plant, we think that they are adapted to bear severe cold. They are similar to the strawberry in habit and appearance. P. nepalénsis, or formòsa, has rose-coloured flowers; P. atropurpùrea; P. Russelliàna, scarlet; P. Hopwoodiàna, rose and scarlet; and P. spléndens, yellow, with superb leaves. These are the finest of the genus, and flower from May to September. It will be well to protect them in a frame with the Carnations; they delight in light soil.