194 CALIFORNIA GARDEN FLOWERS 



Calla. Grateful mention is made of the calla, or "calla lily" as it is 

 commonly called, because of the eminent services of the plant in the 

 demonstration of the ethereal mildness of the California climate. 

 That a plant which in wintry climates must be held as an indoor pet 

 would run wild and grow all the year in some parts of California and 

 attain such colossal size that it would require a barrel instead of a 

 small pot to accommodate its roots, was probably more influential 

 than any other single thing in winning or commanding attention to 

 the salubrity of California. But having accomplished its local life 

 work the calla now seems sinking into grateful memory, for the plants 

 are now as little seen as they were formerly abundant. Its dark 

 green foliage and dazzling white bloom, with golden finger pointing 

 significantly to California are but seldom seen now in gardens to re- 

 mind the pioneer of the ingratitude of the present generation. As for 

 culture the calla is so hardy that it brooks any treatment, even to 

 transplanting in full bloom, although that is cruel. September and 

 October are good months for planting. Callas will grow in any soil 

 and take any water they can get growing in ratio to the supply. In 

 the colder places they will disappear with frost and reappear in Feb- 

 ruary if sun heat invites them, while in frostless places they will dis- 

 appear with drouth and reappear with rains to maintain continuous 

 winter bloom. With neither frost nor drouth they are nearly ever- 

 green. 



Canna. Cannas serve an excellent purpose as a background of 

 tropical foliage of various shades of green or bronze, and the newer 

 strains present flowers of gorgeous hues in midsummer when garden- 

 coloring is deeply appreciated. The improved varieties with most 

 showy flowers are of shorter stature than the older kinds, which are 

 characterized by more foliage hues and freer bloom-shoots of small, 

 brilliant flowers therefore a good border or screen-effect can be 

 secured with the latter in the background. Cannas enjoy high living 

 and the less hardy are apt to disappear under neglect which denies 

 them the food and drink which they require. Although the old kinds 

 will endure for years in place, for good effects taking up the clumps 

 after the top growth disappears, storing in a cool place and re-setting 

 in the spring, just before advancing heat renders the roots active, is 

 desirable. Root-clumps with two or three eyes each should be separ- 

 ated and set at from two to four feet apart, according to the stature 

 of the variety. Interesting results can be had from seed by amateurs 

 who fancy the plant. The seed is very hard and shot-like, whence the 

 old name, "Indian Shot," for the plant. The seeds are difficult to start 

 because of their hard covering and should be put in very hot water, 

 and soaked for several hours before planting. One can pour nearly 

 boiling water upon them several times, soaking them at intervals until 



