Phlox 



There are now several beautiful types, each possessing characteristics 

 of its own, and all producing flowers that are perfect in form and 

 brilliant in colour. The large-flowered section produces splendid bed- 

 ding plants, but the dwarf compact varieties are also highly prized for 

 effective massing and general usefulness. The latter attain a height 

 seldom exceeding six inches, and are therefore eminently suitable for 

 edgings and borders, as well as for bedding. They bloom profusely 

 for a long period, not only in the open ground, but also as pot plants 

 in the greenhouse or conservatory, where they are conspicuous for the 

 richness of their display. 



Sow seed of all the varieties in February or March in well-drained 

 pans or shallow boxes. Any good sifted soil, made firm, will suit 

 them, and every seed should be separately pressed in, allowing about 

 an inch, between each ; then cover with fine soil. This will generally 

 give sufficient space between the plants to save pricking off; but if 

 the growth becomes so strong as to render a transfer necessary, lift 

 every alternate plant, fill the vacant spots with soil, and those left 

 will have room to develop. Pot the plants that are taken out, give 

 them a start in a frame, and shade from direct sunshine. Phloxes 

 should not be coddled; the best results are always obtained from 

 plants which are most sturdy, and have been hardened as far as 

 possible by free access of air from their earliest stage of growth. 

 This does not imply that they are to be rudely transferred from pro- 

 tection to the open air. The change can easily be managed gradu- 

 ally until some genial evening makes it perfectly safe to expose them 

 fully. A space of about two feet each way is required for each plant 

 of the large-flowered class, but a more modest allowance of nine 

 or twelve inches will suffice for the dwarf varieties. Before they 

 are put out the plants must be free from aphis ; if not, fumi- 

 gation should be resorted to once or twice until there is a clearance 

 of the pest. 



PHLOX, PERENNIAL 



Hardy perennial 



Sow in the first week of March in shallow boxes, and put into a 

 moderate heat. In due time prick out into boxes filled with light 

 rich soil, and having hardened them in the usual way, plant out a 

 foot apart in a good bed, and help, if needful, with an occasional 

 watering. 



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