Qo 
PENTLANDIA—PEONY, 25 
PENTLANDIA. 
See Urceolina miniata, Page 298. 
PEONY. 
Peonia. 
The Peony has few rivals in the herbaceous border, 
when well treated, which, as is the case with many other 
strong, noble characters, is not always done. Because it 
is strong, it is generally supposed that it will feed and 
care for itself. The reverse is the case, generally, with 
strong growing plants. The stronger they are the more 
food they require to bring out their full development. 
A more neglected plant is not to be found in our gardens 
than the Peony. It is put anywhere, without regard to 
its necessities, in the shade, in the grass, or so near the 
path that it gets trampled under foot. In spite of such 
treatment it will flower. While the Peony will flower 
under unfavorable circumstances, it should have a deep, 
lively loam, rich when the plants are set, and kept so 
ever after. The ground should be mulched in summer 
to keep the roots moist, and some coarse litter should be 
thrown over the plant in winter to prevent severe freez- 
ing, as well as alternate freezing and thawing. The soil 
should be well worked about the plants, the same as fer 
the Rose. With such treatment, the plants, from a dis- 
tance, will seem all flower, instead of presenting an occa- 
sional one. 
Shrubby Peonies.—This genus is divided into 
two distinct classes, Shrubby and Herbaceous, of which 
there are several species, and a large number of varieties. 
The shrubby species and varieties are usually propagated 
by division, or layers; but they may also be grafted on 
the roots of the herbaceous sorts, or struck from cut- 
tings. The grafting may be done any time from the 
beginning of September until the first of March. Select 
good strong tubers of the herbaceous sorts, and take off 
