The Canadian Horticulturist. 



445 



HARDY PLANTS IN THE WINDOW. 



iR. J05IAH HOOPES gives some excellent points in a recent 

 article in the Weekly Tribune on hardy growths for window 

 culture : Thrifty young shrubs, two or three years old, chosen 

 from among early-bloomers, form as attractive window ornaments 

 as any kind of plants we can select. They are cheap, and adapted 

 to the atmosphere of our living rooms, growing and blooming in 

 pots with the fi-eedom of shrubs in the open ground. Early- 

 blooming hardy herbaceous plants are equally desirable for the 

 purpose, and require even less care. The multitude of enfeebled 

 roses, geraniums, etc., in the winter windows of so many flower- 

 loving people should be replaced by more easily-grown plants, and we would 

 then hear far less complaint of " poor luck with flowers." In selecting shrubs 

 for this purpose, earliness is of greatest importance ; next comes freedom of 

 bloom ; then adaptabilit)' to pot-culture ; and lastly, dwarf compact habit. No 

 plant should be rejected for not conforming to the last requisition, as any shrub 

 can be made denser by systematic pruning, once or twice a year. Young and 

 thrifty shrubs are preferable to those with old, hardened wood, and will produce 

 more bloom as well as prove more sightly in pots. Although most early- 

 blooming shrubs will answer the purpose, the following seem to fill the bill with 

 entire satisfaction, provided the plants have been previously pruned into proper 

 shape ; Deutzia gracilis, the perfection of a house plant, and fine for cut-flowers, 

 as are all the family. The weigelas in variety, especially " Candida," with pure 

 white flowers, and any of the deep-red colored varieties. Forsythia fortuni, with 

 golden yellow bloom, and an improved habit, with very dark green foliage. 

 Philade'phus coronarius, or the " Mock orange," is beautiful, and possesses a 

 delightful fragrance. The double rose, and double white almonds, are among 

 the best plants for the purpose, blooming both early and profusely. The 

 Missouri currant, with its rich, spicy fragrance and bright yellow flowers, is 

 excellent. Spiraea prunifolia, S. Reevesi (both single and double), S. Thunbergi 

 S. Trilobata, etc., are all valuable. And lastly, the syringas or lilacs are all 

 beautiful, although not so readily grown by amateurs as same of the foregoing. 

 Among herbaceous plants, such easily forced species as Astilbe japonica, Dicentra 

 spectabilis, lily of the valley, violets, etc., may be depended upon for a supply of 

 flowers during winter. To obtain best results, the plants should be lifted as 

 soon as matured in autumn, say in November, potted in good light soil, and set 

 away in a cool shaded location, until needed for forcmg. Never use pots of a 

 larger size than is absolutely necessary, and plunging in coal ashes encourages 

 root formation. One may readily enjoy a succession of flowers all winter long 

 by forcing a few at a time, and replenishing as the bloom fades away. Hardy 



