ANNUAL FLOWERING PLANTS 93 



boxes early in the spring and thin to two inches apart 

 each way when the seedlings are an inch or two in height. 

 Perennial poppies. Hardy perennial poppies should be 

 sown out of doors in early spring as soon as the ground 

 is fit to work. The plants disappear in July and August. 

 When the weather gets cool they make a new growth ; 

 they may then be transplanted to their new quarters. 



SALVIA 



Salvia splendens, or scarlet sage, is one of the most 

 widely used of salvias. It is a brilliant red-flowering 

 plant. It should be grown in masses and, if possible, in 

 full sunshine, when it appears at its best. It is most 

 effective with a dark background by way of contrast. 

 The blooming period of plants started in boxes early in 

 the spring is from the middle of July until frost. It may 

 be kept over winter, but the best results may be expected 

 if seeds are sown in boxes in March, so that strong plants 

 may be set out in May. The seedlings should be trans- 

 planted once or twice to make a strong root growth. 

 Out of doors set the plants from a foot to eighteen 

 inches apart. 



The colors of salvias vary with the variety. Salvia 

 patens is a handsome tender perennial with erect spikes 

 of rich blue flowers. Salvia argentea is a hardy perennial 

 that blooms in the spring; the leaves are silvery and 

 the flowers white. Salvia rcemeriana is an annual; the 

 plant is of dwarf habit, with crimson flowers. 



