FLOWERINO SIIRUP.S IN POTS 59 



number of plants of H. hortensis^ each with an immense 

 head on a single stem, are grown for market every year. 

 Cuttings of strong, well-ripened shoots are rooted in August 

 or September, kept fairly dry and safe from frost, and potted 

 in rich soil early in spring. The flowers are ordinarily pink, 

 but they can be made blue by means of a little alum or 

 sulphate of iron dissolved in water. Hydrangeas require 

 a great deal of water in summer. They quickly flag if the 

 soil gets dry. As soon as the flowers of H. pmiiculata wither, 

 it should be cut back rather hard in order to induce the 

 growth of strong young wood capable of bearing the new 

 crop of flowers. 



Lilac. — See Syringa (p. 65). 



Mimulus glutinOSUS. — This shrubby mimulus was 

 formerly called Diplacus ghcfiiiosus, a name still given to 

 it in some catalogues. It owes its specific name, glutinosus^ 

 to the sticky exudation on the stems and stalks. The 

 beautiful salmon or orange flowers are produced throughout 

 the season. Like the rest of the genus, it requires a good 

 deal of water in summer, though not as much as some of 

 the herbaceous species. During hot weather a partially 

 shaded position is more suitable than one fully exposed to 

 sunshine. Propagation by cuttings or seed. 



Myrtus (Myrtle). — There are several different species, 

 but the ordinary one is M. communis. Foliage, flowers, and 

 berries are all strongly scented. Not infrequently the plants, 

 though perhaps carefully tended when in flower, are neglected 

 afterwards, with the result that they fail to flower in the 

 following season. They should be induced to make strong 

 growth by frequent watering and spraying, and an occasional 

 dose of fertiliser, and the growth should be ripened by 

 exposure to sunshine and fresh air. As the foliage is ever- 

 green, myrtles do not, like deciduous plants, have a period 

 of complete rest in winter, and must therefore never be 

 allowed to get dry. They are fairly hardy, but should 

 not be exposed to severe frost. They should be syringed 

 frequently to keep them clean, and if they are attacked 

 by scale or red spider, the insects should be washed 



