PLANTS FOR HANGING BASKETS 97 



be gradually dried off, and eventually kept quite dry. When 

 they have died down, they may be taken out and stored in 

 a bag of dry sand where they will be safe from frost ; or 

 they may remain in their pots on a greenhouse shelf until 

 the following spring, when the tubers, considerably increased 

 in number, should be taken out and re-potted. 



Asparagus. — See Foliage Plants, p. ii8. 



Begonia. — There are a number of fine species and 

 hybrids which are more or less pendulous, for instance 



B. glaucopJiylla and Fleur de chrysantheme. For cultivation, 

 see p. 134. 



Cactus. — There are many pendent or trailing species, 

 which are best grown in hanging pots or baskets. They not 

 only show to the best advantage in that way, but also are 

 least liable to be injured. See p. 104. 



Campanula. — The most popular species for hanging 

 baskets are C. isophylla (blue or white) and C. fragilis 

 (lilac) ; but there are others scarcely less suitable, such as 



C. carpafka, of which there are a number of fine varieties. 

 For cultivation, see p. 36. 



Dianthus. — Of this large family, one of the best for 

 hanging baskets is Z>. deltoides^ the Maiden Pink, especially 

 the variety called Brilliant. It bears immense quantities 

 of deep rose flowers in summer, and the shoots spread out 

 forming a compact mat, which can be trained all over the 

 moss and wire. Plants raised from seed sown in spring 

 will flower in their second year. After they have flowered, 

 it is best to put them out in the open ground without 

 disturbing the roots, and to soak them with water. At the 

 same time all the pods should be picked off. 



Ferns. — Many ferns are, from their drooping habit, 

 admirably adapted for hanging baskets, especially in a shady 

 position. Strong sunshine is liable to injure the delicate 

 fronds. Ferns need a good deal of moisture ; but if this 

 requirement is attended I to there should be no difficulty in 

 growing them, provided that the air is fairly warm and not 

 too dry, and that the foliage is kept clean. Some of the 

 smaller kinds, such as the Adiantinns, can be arranged so 



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