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GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 



14. Primula mdgaris (Common Primrose).— A hardy well- 

 known perennial species, native of Great Britain. It may be 

 used to advantage in many positions. Splendid for naturalizing 

 in the wild garden or woodland, for massing in the herbaceous 

 border, or in the rock garden. It docs equally well in a stiff 

 loam as in a light rich soil. It is easily raised from seeds or by 

 division of the root slock. Height of the flowers about three 

 inches. 



Primula vulgaris varieties.— There are several white and also 

 one or two good blue flowered varieties of P. vulgaris, which 

 go under the garden name of P. acaulc. In regard to hardiness, 

 uses and other qualities, they are equally as desirable as the 

 species, and require the same treatment. They tlower from 

 April 19th till May 28lh. 



15. Primula variabilis (The Polyanthus or Cluster Primroses). 

 —The Polyanthus, supposed to be a cross between the common 

 Primrose (P. vulgaris) and the Cowslip (P. officinalis) has many 

 splendid varieties. They are all hardy and useful for Spring 

 flowering in beds or borders. Whether mixed or planted ni 

 separate colors, they are hard to surpass for naturalizing in the 

 wild garden or woodland. For the rock garden they are excellent, 

 and equally so for pot culture in cold frames and cool green- 

 houses. 



The following varieties are standard. In each case the flowers 

 are umbellate and are held well above the foliage, differing in 

 this respect from the Primrose proper. 



Munstead Giant White.— A plant with large white distinctive 

 flowers, and deep orange eyes. The flowering stems are very 

 strong, and about nine inches long. The plant flowers from 

 April 15th till May 30th. 



Rose in Rose Yellow.— The flowers of this charming variety 

 are of a golden yellow with deep orange eyes. Height aliout nine 

 inches. This is a vigorous variety and excellent for beds and 

 borders. 



Munstead Giant Red. — The large dark red flowers of this 

 variety with their prominent orange eyes are very attractive. 

 The flowering stems are about twelve inches in length. A most 

 vigorous plant, and adapted to all the forcmcntioned uses. It 

 flowers from April 30th until June. 



Ruby Red.— The flowers are of a beautiful ruby red with eyes 

 that are alternately striped with orange and yellow, giving a 

 curious effect. They attain a height of six to nine inches. The 

 flowering period is from April 28lh until June 6th. The leaves 

 are of a medium green. 



Barr's Orange Yellow. — This variety merits attention not only 

 on account of its attractive flowers which are orange yellow 

 with deeper orange eyes, but for the reason it will bear twenty 

 or more flowers to the nmhel. It is one of the best. Its height 

 is from nine to twelve inches. The flowering period is from 

 May 2nd until June. The leaves are of a medium green. 



Gold Laced. — The gold laced varieties are not extremely showy, 

 therefore not so useful as the other varieties. For pot culture 

 or for exhibition purposes, they are interesting. F"or bedding or 

 naturalizing they are of secondary importance. Their height is 

 from six to nine inches. 



WooUer's White. — The pure white flowers of this variety have 

 the usual orange eye. The foliage is light green. The flowering 

 period is during May and June. 



All the Polyanthus varieties may be raised from seeds sown 

 in Spring, or as soon as the seed is ripe. They may also be 

 readily propagated by division during early Fall. 



PRIMULA MALACOIDES 



BEAUTIFUL i.s Primula inalacoidcs, the halt hardy 

 or cool greenhouse .species. Its deHcate pale mauve 

 or lilac flowers, which are delightfully perfumed, 

 are borne tier upon tier on long scapes, the flowers com- 

 prising each tier, with their long pedicils being whorled 

 or verticillately arranged along the flowering axis, form- 

 ing inflorescences which stand well up above the foliage, 

 the deep green of which brings out in bold relief and 

 enhances, if this were possible their delicate tints. The 

 plant is very floriferous. It is, however, the combination 

 of foliage and flowers so harmoniously blended which 

 affords the charm and distinctiveness not surpassed by 

 any other member of the genus. 



For greenhouse cttlture, and when in flower for the 

 dwelling house or for any decorative scheme pertaining 

 thereto, such as grouping with ornamental flowering 

 plants or ferns, or for table decoration, it is eiiually desira- 



ble. The duration of its flowering period is long, it may 

 be said to be almost perpetual. 



Primula malacoides alba, a white variety, is with the 

 exception of color identical with the type, and may be 

 used as a companion to the species in any decorative 

 scheme, while both of these are excellent companions to 

 the old Primula stcHata varieties so well known to florists. 

 It would appear that these lovely primulas will, for a time 

 at least, supersede many of the older kinds. Primula 

 malacoides and its variety alba lay claim to a distinction 

 enjoved by few primulas, if any. in that they are equally 

 as desirable for fillitig baskets as for pot culture. This 

 statement may be doubted by those who have seen the 

 plants when commencing to flower, as the inflorescences 

 grow quite vertically an4 are closely bunched ; ere long, 

 however, they fall gracefially downward in light feathery 

 sprays forming a perfect fountain of bloom, throtigh 

 which the green of the leaves is interspersed in attractive 

 combination. 



frimiila uialacuidcs may be increased by seeds or by 

 division of the root stock. In regard to culture, no factor 

 should discourage or deter any grower. No greenhouse 

 primula is easier to grow. Soil and general requirements 

 are practically the same as those suited to the Chinese 

 primula, P. sinensis, and to P. stcllata.. A fairly light soil 

 composed of fibrous loani one-third, leaf mold and sand 

 two-thirds, screened through a one-inch screen will for 

 potting purposes suffice. A small quantity of bone meal 

 should be added to the compost. 



When sowing the seed, the surface layer of soil in the 

 seed pan shotild be screened very finely. As the seed 

 is small it should be covered very lightly, not more than 

 its own depth in any case. Sow during February, March 

 or April, place the pans in a temperature of 55 to 65 

 degrees, and shade from bright light until germination 

 takes place ; as soon as growth is noticed remove the 

 shading material, and when the seedlings crowd each 

 other, transfer singly to boxes filled with light soil. When 

 sufficiently large transplant into two-inch pots allowing 

 the plants to remain until well established, then repot into 

 fours. 



When sufficient roots have been formed to justify the 

 procedure apply Clay's fertilizer, one ounce to two gal- 

 lons of water once weekly, remove the plants to a shaded 

 cold frame or to a cool shaded part of the greenhouse, 

 afiford plenty of air, and spray the foliage daily in hot 

 weather, not, however, during the hottest part of the day. 

 Early in October take the plants from the frame and 

 repot into six or seven-inch pots, in which they should 

 flower. As soon as established in these continue to afiford 

 liquid manure as advised, until the plants are in full 

 flower. After flowering discard the old plants, with the 

 e.xception of a few which may be experimented with 

 as specimens for another year, or for propagation by 

 division. 



When utilized for filling wire baskets a single plant 

 will adecpiately furnish one of ordinary size. The bas- 

 kets may be filled ere the flowering stage is reached. It 

 is likewise advisable to fill them with plants when in ftill 

 flower, as whatever the method employed the result will 

 be the same. — Exchange. 



\\ h_v not plant nut-bearing trees ? Surely a beech tree 

 gives as much shade as an oak, and a walnut as a maple. 

 Why not nut-bearing trees as the final choice^ 



Horticulture promotes health, furnishes appetizing 

 and invigorating food, is a most delightful means of 

 recreation, cultivates a refined taste, indtices a spirit of 

 cheerfulness, and awakens a sympathy with nature and 

 a love for all the Creator's works. 



