THE HOME FLORIST. 



69 



MYRSYPHYLLUM ASPARAGOIDES SMILAX (Greenhouse Perennial, jj, 45 to 55, ?o ). 



One of the finest climbing plants in existence, for pot culture, hanging baskets, etc., being 

 esteemed for the exceeding grace and delicacy of the vine and its beautiful glossy green foliage. 



Smilax has become conspicuous among plants 

 cultivated by florists for foliage alone, and large 

 beds are now devoted, summer and winter, to 

 cultivating a supply. Each plant is provided 

 with a twine for support, which extends up- 

 ward to the rafters or sash bars of greenhouses, 

 and upon which the numerous shoots twine. 

 After the top has been reached, the entire 

 length is cut away for use, and another twine 

 is fixed, which in turn answers for a support 

 for the new shoots that quickly start again 

 from the root. The stems of foliage are usually 

 sold by the yard, and are greatly in demand 

 for festooning, and for cutting into short lengths 

 to intermix with arrangements of choice flowers. 

 For window cultivation the plants should be 

 trained to strings or trellis, and be kept near 

 the glass. Smilax is closely allied to common 

 garden Asparagus, and like that plant will 

 bear frequent cutting back to the roots. After 

 a large growth has been obtained, the plant 

 should be entirely cut away as soon as the 

 leaves are inclined to turn yellow ; the root 

 should then be given a rest for a month or 

 two by withholding water almost wholly, after 

 which it may be started into a new growth. 

 Will thrive in any soil ; is propagated from 

 seed. 



NARCISSUS (Hardy Bulb). 



An early "spring flowering bulbous family, 

 which embrace numerous forms and colors 

 of flowers, including the well known Daffodil 

 and Jonquil. The flowers appear very early, 

 and are highly ornamental. Nearly all are 

 hardy, and should be planted in the autumn 



r .. r , / XT j.7 77 A ^ -J , lik e tne Hyacinth, etc., but should remain in 



Fig. si. Smilax ( Myrsyphyullum Asparagoides ). ^ Rrounc f until the y form large c i umps> 



when they may be divided and reset. All the kinds are desirable, and some are unequaled for 

 pot culture in winter in the window and conservatory (see " Culture of Hardy Bulbs for Winter 

 Decoration," page 2i).' 



DOUBLE NARCISSUS (Daffodil, etc.), include besides the double yellow Daffodil, varieties 

 of white (Albo pleno odorata; very handsome), light yellow, orange and other colors, all of 

 which are double, and some deliciously fragrant. Very hardy .and desirable in every garden, 

 also useful for forcing. 



S.INGLE NARCISSUS are hardy and of great beauty, including N. Poeticus (Poet's Narcissus), 

 a snowy white variety, in which the projecting cup from the centre is of cream color, delicately 

 fringed with reddish purple. N. Btilbocodium (Hoop-Petticoat Narcissus), having the cup two 

 inches long, and broad at the brim. N. Odorus (known as Great Jonquil), a large yellow variety 

 with powerful fragrance ; and other desirable varieties. 



POLYANTHUS NARCISSUS, an exceedingly handsome division, but not sufficiently hardy in 

 the North to be reliable in the open ground. They will sometimes succeed if planted deep in 

 light, dry soil and heavily protected at the approach of winter. It is in pot culture in winter, 

 however, either in the window or conservatory, that this species can be employed with the 

 greatest advantage by cultivators, and for this purpose nothing can be more satisfactory. There 

 are numerous varieties, which show many colors and shades, from purest white to orange red. 

 The flowers appear in clusters, numbering from six to upwards of a dozen on each. The white 

 flowers of this division have yellow cups, and the yellow, orange cups. There is also a double 

 variety which is very fragrant. 



NARCISSUS JONQUILLA (Jonquil). The Jonquils are well known hardy bulbs, producing 

 both double and single sweet scented flowers which are very attractive. Plant in autumn six 

 inches apart and cover three inches deep. They do not flower so well the first year as the 

 second and third, therefore should only be lifted every third year. 



NASTURTIUM. See Tropaolum. 



