1873.] FLORIST FLOWERS. 123 



FLORIST FLOWERS. 



THE HOLLYHOCK. 



The Hollyhock — a nati\e of China— was introduced into European gardens 

 three hundred years ago. In our short recollection, with few exceptions, the 

 flowers produced from seed were nothing superior to broad smooth disks of red, 

 maroon, purple, yellow white, and other intermediate hues, crowned by a tuft 

 of stamens. The vast improvement that^has been attained within the last 

 twenty years is fully demonstrated in the numbers of beautifid double flowers 

 realised from every single packet of sound seed. A single variety is now the 

 excei)tion ; for this we have to thank the perseverance and skill of such nursery- 

 men and horticulturists as Messrs Barron, Charter, Paul, Downie, Laiitl, 

 & Laing, Eoake, Parson, and others. 



The Hollyhock is of scarcely less importance to a well-appointed garden than 

 the Dahlia : so inseparable are they, that their names spontaneously come in the 

 same utterance by most peo])le. There are many reasons why they should be 

 spoken of unitedly. For example, their dissimilarity in flower, in leaf, in 

 form, is very wide ; and still how telling the effect when growing in com- 

 bination — how immensely the lofty bearing of the Hollyhock adds to the 

 massive boldness of the Dahlia ! In the flower-garden they are again insepar- 

 able, where they combine in giving efi'ect to clump or line. Nor does the 

 association end here. Together we look for them in the drawing-room ; and cer- 

 tainly never fail to find them side by side on the exhibition table winning 

 similar awards. 



The Hollyhock is a splendid subject to light up the sombre shades that 

 sometimes prevail in the shrubbery, as it is not at all particular as regards 

 aspect or surrounding ; provided that it is not altogether environed, or exclud- 

 ed from sun and air, it will thrive wonderfully. But, though thus accommodat- 

 ing, it would dwindle if planted amongst the roots of an old Ash or the like. It 

 would there be piKered of any sustenance prepared for it by the greedy feeders 

 of the tree. Nor is it satisfactory to have the plants too much overshaded by 

 branches if avoidable ; the drip from such is hurtful to most plants. 



Propagation. — This is accomplished in various ways — viz., by eyes, from cut- 

 tings in the usual form, divisions of the root, and also by seed. Suppose we 

 glance at each briefly, considering first how to raise jjlants from seed. 

 Speaking first of the quality of the seed, permit me to advise that the cultiva- 

 tor's sanguine hopes should not be blasted by piu"chasing spurious trash in the 

 name of genuine quality. Let him buy only fi-om reliable soiu-ces, in order to 

 get superior sorts. 



Early in June is considered to be the best period of the year to sow the seed, 

 which affords ample time to establish strong plants well before winter sets in. 

 Some people sow the seeds on a well-prepared border in the warmest quarter of 

 the garden, and succeed well enough on the whole ; but I would rather advise 

 to sow in boxes, and cover with hand-glasses, or have them placed in a cold 

 frame. The boxes should have holes in their bottom, with open drainage, to 

 allow the water to pass freely ofi". The soil itself should be three parts light 

 rich loam, with sufficient leaf-mould and sand intermixed to make it porous. 

 After scattering on the seeds, a covering of half an inch ought to be sifted over 

 them, then the entire body of the soil moistened through a fine rose. Preserve 

 the soil in the boxes from getting too dry by light shading when the sun is full 

 upon them, and keep them rather close until the seed-leaf is fully expanded, 

 but at the same time guard against allowing the interior of the frame, or 



