78 BEDDING PLANTS. 



BEDDING PLANTS. 



(Continued from page 62.) 



Heliotrope.— -Every garden is sure to contain some variety of this favourite, but it is not generally 

 known that one of the best is corymbosum, an old variety of dwarf compact habit. 



Lantana — These are all suitable for the decoration of the borders and beds in summer, but to 

 be kept bushy, they require frequent stopping. The old Sellovii, with rich ruby flowers, makes a 

 beautiful group ; erocea and its varieties have orange-coloured blossoms. Common garden soil suits 

 them ; increased easily by cuttings of young shoots ; only half-hardy, and therefore must be re- 

 potted in autumn. 



Zinum.— One of the most useful of all the summer blooming perennials is the L.flavum, a dwarf 

 evergreen species, with yellow flowers ; it is quite hardy in dry sous. The white New Zealand Flax 

 (X. monogynum) is not quite so hardy, but only perishes in severe frosts. Both the blue and the 

 white varieties of perenne are worth growing, as they are quite hardy, and flower through the 

 summer months. Many of the other species are equally good, but they are very scarce. All may be 

 increased by seed. 



Lobelias.— Less hardy, but far more shewy than the preceding. "Whether in beds or borders they 

 make a splendid appearance. "We can especially recommend the two scarlet varieties, Queen 

 Victoria and Insignis, which are first-rate. The variety multiflora, of the old fulgens, is a very 

 beautiful plant, but not very common. The new varieties, Topaz, violet blue : Vesuvius, violet 

 crimson ; Agathocles, large violet crimson ; and Ajax, violet plum, are all of novel shades of colour, 

 They should always be planted in groups of not less than three plants of a sort, in rich light soil, 

 and be well supplied with water ; see our October number. The dwarf blue Lobelia erinus, and all 

 its varieties, of which the best are compacta, maxima, and racemoides, should on no account be 

 omitted ; they produce a pretty effect as an edging to a bed or group of the tall varieties : half- 

 hardy, and increased by seeds and cuttings, the latter the best for perpetuating any par- 

 ticular kind. 



Lythrum.— One species deserves attention, the L. roseum superbum ; it is a tall growing plant, 

 producing in autumn long spikes of large rose-coloured flowers. It prefers a rich moist soil, and 

 is easily increased by cuttings and seeds. Perfectly hardy. 



Mimulus. — The varieties of M. cardinalis are many of them highly ornamental; especially 

 auranlius, atro-roseus, and coccineus. They are all quite hardy, and in rich loamy soil flower the 

 the greater part of the summer. Increased by cuttings and also by seeds, which will generally give 

 rise to new varieties. M. moschatus, although usually grown in pots, is hardy. 



Morina longifolia. — An ornamental hardy perennial with handsome cut foliage and long spikes of 

 rosy flowers ; it grows about two feet high, and may be easily raised from seeds, but does not usually 

 flower the first season ; plants of it may be purchased at most nurseries. We are almost afraid it is 

 not quite hardy, but is worth a little protection. 



Nuttallia. — These mallow-like plants are now united to the genus Malva, but we use here their 

 old designation. There are several species, but only two to be readily obtained, the N. pedata and 

 N. grandiflora; they require a peaty soil, but are worth any amount of trouble. The flowers of 

 pedata are purple-crimson, those of grandiflora are lighter. Increased by division of the the roots in 

 spring, and by seeds when they can be got. Of grandiflora we hope to give a figure shortly. 



Oenotheras. — Excellent both for beds or smaller patches, and quite hardy. Macrocarpa, with large 

 yellow flowers ; cmspitosa, pale, whitish yellow ; speeiosa, white, and taraxicifolia, also white, are 



