THE HOME FLORIST. 



73 



from seed, but only a small percentage of even the most carefully saved seed can be de- 

 pended upon to come double. Aside from the great value of the entire family as bedding 

 plants, the double varieties especially are very satisfactory if grown in rich soil in pots, and the 

 stronger growing single varieties are excellent for planting in hanging baskets and vases for trail- 

 ing over the edges. For this purpose the seed should be sown as early as March. For ordi- 

 nary summer decoration the seed may be sown in a hot-bed, cold-frame or prepared seed-bed, 

 transplanting the seedling plants eighteen inches apart in the garden, in May, or sowings may 

 be made where the plants are desired, which will do quite as well, excepting that these will not 

 flower within several weeks as early as the others. 



The most desirable varieties among the double Petunias are : Beauty, rich crimson and white 

 striped ; sometimes sports. Cleopatra, white, blotched with violet crimson. Delicata, laven- 

 der and blush. Afauffn's Blush, light rosy pink ; very beautiful, and a free bloomer. Queen of 

 Whites, pure white ; very double ; somewhat resembling a white Carnation, but larger. Wm. 

 White, crimson and white. Wm. Heines, dark violet crimson. Among the single varieties 

 which may be reared from seed, the following are prominent for their superiority: Countess 

 of E 'lies more, rosy carmine, with white throat; an exceedingly desirable variety, coming true 

 from seed. In the large flowering (Grandiflora) section: Green Margined, crimson color, white 

 throat, green edge. Inimitable, purplish red, spotted and margined with white. Kermesina, 

 large crimson. Maculata, purple and crimson, spotted white. Venosa, beautiful veined variety. 



53- Phlox Drummondii. 



PHLOX (Half- Hardy Annuals and Hardy Perennials). 



This family, in its several divisions, embraces many varieties of garden plants of the highest 

 value to the amateur or commercial florist. Throughout they are of fine habit and vigorous 

 growth, producing flowers of very attractive colors in great profusion, the plants thriving in 

 any garden soil, and with the most ordinary attention. On account of these desirable qualities 

 they are recommendable to cultivators of little experience, as there is scarcely any danger of 

 failure to realize successful results with their cultivation. 



PHLOX DRUMMONDII. Among seed-grown annuals for the garden the Phlox Drummondii 

 stands without a rival for brilliancy of colors and continual display. It is to this class, what the 

 Verbena and Geranium are to tender greenhouse bedding plants, and it is even a most formida- 

 ble rival of these distinct and brilliant flowering plants, when effect is taken into consideration; 

 while with calculating on the small outlay necessary to procure an abundance of seed, the readi- 

 ness with which it is cultivated from seed, and its general attractiveness, either in ordinary beds 

 or in ribbons and masses, it is deserving of attention from cultivators generally as a showy 

 bedding plant of the greatest importance, and also as one of the best for cut flowers, the flowers 

 being produced on conveniently long stems. The different varieties afford many distinct and 

 striking colors, such as pure white, white with purple eye, deep blood purple, brilliant scarlet, 

 beautiful rose color, rose with white eye, dark violet with white eye, red with white eye, crimson 

 striped with white, slate color, and many others, all of which come true to color from seed. 



