40 THE CULTURI-: OF POT- PLANTS 



they should be cut down as soon as the flowers wither. 

 This should also be done if it is desired to propagate them 

 otherwise than by seed, as the young shoots which grow from 

 the base make the best cuttings. If preferred, each may be 

 divided with a sharp knife into a number of different plants. 



Dielytra (or Dicentra), popularly known as the Bleeding 

 Heart. There are three species which are often grown in 

 pots — D. spectabilis^ the commonest, from i to 2 ft. high, 

 with crimson flowers ; D. eximia, i ft. in height, purplish- 

 red ; and D. formosa^ very similar to the last, but only 

 half the height, bright red. An abundant supply of water, 

 with a fertiliser occasionally, should be given during the 

 period of growth. It should be gradually reduced when the 

 foliage begins to change colour, and, after the tops have 

 died down, the soil should only be slightly moist. If repotting 

 is necessary, this can be done in spring. Dielytras, like 

 many other plants, are not improved by being grown con- 

 tinuously in pots. If it can be managed, it is a good plan 

 to have a number in the open ground and to lift a few 

 each year, returning them to the garden after they have 

 finished flowering. 



' Francoa ramosa (Bridal Wreath). — Small white flowers 

 arranged on stems about 2 ft. in height. There are two 

 other species which are worth growing — F. appendiculata 

 (with pale red flowers) and F. so7iciiifolia (pink, blotched with 

 red). All three can easily be grown from seed, and when 

 the plants are too large for their pots they can be divided. 

 They flower in July. They are most satisfactory in a slightly 

 shaded position and, though natives of Chile, are nearly 

 hardy. 



Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose). — White flowers 

 with yellow anthers in winter, but rarely opening as early 

 as Christmas. There are several varieties, one of them with 

 a white edging to the leaves. In the open ground the flowers 

 are soon spoiled by snow and rain, but they last a very long 

 time if, when the buds begin to expand, the plants are potted 

 with as little disturbance of the roots as possible, and brought 

 into a room. Afterwards they should be planted out again. 



