NOTES ON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. 255 



until September. All of the varieties have yellow blossoms in great 

 abundance. 



PKOPAGATIOX. 



If the weather is moist you can sow seeds as soon as they ripen under 

 a screen or sow early in the spring when they will blossom the first year. 

 You can also use root divisions. 



There are annuals in this family called Calliopsis. These are not 

 generally used however as the perennials are most satisfactory. They 

 bloom the first year from seed. 



The Bocconia (Plume Poppy). 



These are very showy plants, with large semi-tropical leaves and tall 

 grey plumes. They often grow four to six feet tall. 



They continue in bloom a long time. As they are tall, strong growing 

 plants they must be put in the background. They are inclined to spread 

 and must be kept within bounds. This can easily be done with the hoe, 

 however. Cut them off a few times and they will soon take the hint 

 that they are not wanted. 



There are two kinds, Bocconia Cordata, the sort commonly grown, and 

 the Bocconia Microcarpa, entirely distinct from the former. It has very 

 large striking foliage and the flowers are of a bronzy tint. They grow 

 eight and ten feet tall and are among the most imposing plants we have. 



PBOPAGATION. 



This is a little too easy. You grow them from seed planted early in 

 the spring and from stalons or offshoots from the roots. 



DiELYTKA (Bleeding Heart). 



This was found growing in Notth China by a Mr. Fortune and was 

 sent to the London Horticultural Society in 1846. It is a native of 

 Siberia. As it is increased rapidly from root divisions it has spread all 

 over the country and has become a great favorite. In good rich soil it 

 grows about two feet tall and produces charming sprays of exquistely 

 beautiful flowers. If they are planted in such a way the sun can strike 

 them they become ethereally beautiful. The roots are very hardy but 

 the plant will often be killed to the ground, flowers and all by an un- 

 timely frost. But they usually spring up again with an entirely new 

 foliage and a new set of flowers. Of course, the second ones are not as 

 fine or profuse as the first. When they have a fair chance they are on 

 hand for Decoration day. Placed in a bouquet with other flowers 

 they are very effective. Roots can readily be divided either in the fall or 

 eaiiy in the spring. Plant in good rich ground and they will multiply 

 rapidly. A small plant soon becomes a large stool. They can be used in 

 a border, for a rookery, or they can be planted in the shade. Of course 

 they will not bloom so early or so bountifully as in the open, yet flowers 

 and foliage are very fine in contrast with ornamental shrubs. 



