MIDSUMMER AND AUTUMN FLOWERING SHRUBS. 13 



three buds of the old wood. These will then push forth vigorously at the 

 growing season, and every shoot will produce a panicle of flowers. If these 

 directions are observed the result will be surprising. 

 Next in inportance are the 



Tall Phlox, or Phlox Deeussata. 



These, when properly grown, are unquestionably the finest of autumn flowers, 

 and in the hands of a tasteful cultivator can be made to furnish very satisfac- 

 tory results in garden ornamentation. Latterly, for some unknown reason, 

 they have not been so popular as they formerly were. On the continent of 

 Europe they are at present held in the highest estimation, and new varieties 

 are being constantly raised from seed, many of which I am pleased to say 

 show great progress. The Phlox has many qualities which commend it for 

 the garden. It is of vigorous habit, easy culture and produces in great 

 profusion, during a long season, flowers of fine form and substance and of 

 bright and varied colors. Just as the Roses are fading, the Phlox puts 

 forth her first flowers, producing a fine succession of bloom and prolonging 

 an interesting season at least six weeks. As regards their culture it may be 

 briefly stated that they succeed in any good garden soil, but they are 

 greatly improved by being liberally manured, and an occasional supply of 

 liquid manure during the growing season will greatly increase the size of 

 their trusses. When in flower they should be watered freely every evening. 

 The Phlox usually flowers in July and August, and in order to render it 

 autumnal flowering it is necessary to pinch the shoots about the first of 

 June, and again in July. The plants will then flower in September. For 

 early flowers some of the plants may be left unpinched. When two years 

 old the finest trusses are produced. The third year the plants flower toler- 

 ably well, but they will not keep healthy and thrifty after that. The old 

 plants should then be lifted in the fall, divided and transplanted. But the 

 better plan is to keep up a succession of young plants from cuttings by 

 securing a fresh collection every spring. The following varieties have been 

 chosen from among a hundred, and the collection embraces the choicest of 

 recently introduced sorts : 



Coccinea Deep fiery scarlet ; dark center. 



Emperor of the Russians Bright rosy lilac. 



Gambetta Rose ; vivid red eye. 



Gloire de Puteaux Rose ; distinct white center. 



Lothair Rich salmon color ; crimson eye. 



Madame Alldry Crimson purple ; crimson center. 



Norma Lilac with distinct scarlet eye. 



Oberon Coppery red. 



President Payen Vermilion shaded with lilac. 



Phoceon Lilac rose, with carmine eye. 



Princess Louise White, suffused with crimson ; carmine eye. 



Queen Pure white. 



Richard Wallace White, with violet center. 



Rendatler White, distinct purple center. 



