SOME GOOD HARDY ANNUALS 25 



good soil it flowers well. It may also be used as an edging 

 plant for summer borders, and is then very effective. 



Good Varieties. 

 Collinsia 



bicolor, 9-12 ins. 



candidissima 9 ins. 



grandiflora . . . . . . . . . . 12 ins. 



Convolvulus: Here we refer only to the variety 

 minor. Convolvulus major is a half-hardy climber. The 

 minor variety is, however, one of exceptional beauty ; 

 and if a good Florist's strain be obtained containing mixed 

 colours, large clumps will be a joy all the summer. Good 

 results are obtained if the seed is sown thinly out of doors 

 in late March or early April ; the soil should not be too rich. 

 As soon as they are up thin out 3-6 ins. apart each way and 

 stake the clumps early. The plants may also be grown on 

 the " specimen " system referred to in the last chapter, 

 and give extraordinarily fine results. The flowers resemble 

 single Petunias, and may be had in many colours ; there 

 is a double variety, but I prefer the single. The plants 

 reach a height of 1-2 ft., and should have plenty of water, 

 though they will grow freely even if they do get somewhat 

 dry. There are several named varieties, but it is better 

 to go to a good florist and ask him for a packet of his 

 special strain. My own plants never ceased blooming all 

 the summer. 



Cyanus (Cornflower): The botanical name of this 

 annual is Centaurea Cyanus, and this conceals from us 

 that favourite old annual the Cornflower. I spoke of it 

 in the last chapter, so only add here that it should be sown 

 thinly where it is to grow, in April. Its height is 2 ft. 



Good Variety. 

 Centaurea 



Cyanus minor (old blue) 2 ft. 



Some of the newer varieties, of which there are plenty, 

 may also be tried. The new dwarf is perhaps the best of 

 these. 



Erysimum : This annual has not come up well when 



