62 BEDDIN'G PLANTS. 



Cuphea. — The flowers of these are small, but they are esteemed for the length of time they keep 

 in bloom. Platycentra, miniata, and strigiilosa, are half-hardy perennials ; silenoides and lanceolata 

 are annuals with comparatively large purple flowers. We recommend to the notice of our readers 

 the new C. purpurea, a hybrid between miniata and viscosissima ; seeds of which may be obtained of 

 most of the Florists; Carter, 238, Holborn, and "Waites, 181, Holborn, both possess the variety, 

 which may be treated as a half-hardy annual. 



Delphinium. — The perennial species of this genus are all highly interesting plants, with flowers of 

 the deepest blue, and often a rich metallic lustre. The whole are quite hardy, and of erect habit, but 

 vary in height. We prefer the single-flowered varieties, but tastes proverbially differ. Barlowii is an 

 excellent old dwarf variety ; grand iflorum and its white, pale blue, and double varieties are good and 

 cheap. Of the newer and more expensive kinds, Hendersonii, two feet, Wheeler i, three to four feet, 

 and magnifieim, arc all first-rate plants. 



Dielytra spectabilis. — We have already pressed this remarkable hardy plant on the attention of our 

 readers, and will therefore only repeat that it is one of the most desirable of all herbaceous plants. 

 Easily increased by cuttings, which may be planted in sandy loam, in the shade under a handglass, 

 or in pots ; likes a free rich soil, in which it will grow luxuriantly, and flowers from June to August : 

 it ought now to be procurable everywhere at a low rate. 



Dodecatheon.—AHl the species and varieties of this genus are beautiful dwarf, hardy, perennials, 

 flowering in spring, and well adapted for clumping in the front of the borders or beds. A moist 

 situation and a mixture of peat and loam, suits them best. The best are B. Mcadia, and D. intcgri- 

 foliitm giganteum, but all are desirable. 



Dracocephalum. — The D. speciosum is a fine, erect-growing hardy perennial, producing an 

 abundance of large rosy flowers in summer ; it is really a good plant for the borders. The other 

 species have nearly all flowers of a blue or purple-blue tint; one of the best is a variety of 

 D. argunense, termed eximium ; superbum and altaieum are also desirable species, readily increased 

 by seeds, and succeed in any ordinary soil. 



Funckia grandiflora. — A comparatively new species, with beautiful fragrant white flowers, produced 

 at the end of the summer. It is a first-rate plant, quite hardy, and requires only good garden soil ; 

 cost about Is. 6d. Albo-marginata and ccerulea are two older species, which should also be obtained 

 the first has lilac, and the second blue flowers. 



Fuschias.— Too well known to need further notice ; for the open air the old species and varieties 

 are the best; such as coeeinea, gracilis, and liiecartonii ; the new ghbosa perfecta is a great advance 

 on the original species of that name, and the two miniature varieties, Pet and Darling, are beautiful 

 little plants for bedding. 



Gaillardia.—Skewy hardy perennials, with orange and yellow flowers, of the Composite order. 

 Moderately rich soil suits them best, as they are apt to run to leaf. Aristata and coronata are as 

 good as any we have seen, though there are many varieties. 



Geraniums.— The number of these is so great, that the amateur is likely to be at a loss to select 

 the best. For small gardens, or any other indeed, there are none better than the old Punch, Tom 

 Thumb, Tom Thumb's Master, and Frogmore, which are all of dwarf habit and scarlet flowers. Of 

 the salmon-coloured varieties, Judy and Beauty of the Parterre, are the best ; they are both dwarf, 

 and the latter has handsome foliage. Of the pink ones, Ingram's Princess Alice, Pet Superb, and 

 Tom Thumb's Bride, are three good varieties. Flower of the Day and Henderson's Golden Admi- 

 ration, are scarlets, with handsome variegated foliage, that of the latter edged with yellow. The 

 new Amazon is a fine plant for the centre of a group or bed. Geraniums do best in rather poor soil, 

 and should not be allowed to flower before turning out; up to that period they should be constantly 



stopped. 



( To be concluded in our ncr'.) 



