Hardy and Half-hardy Plants 49 



frames and protected with the lights to yield a succession. The same 

 treatment is given the forms of G. nanus, which produces long graceful 

 sprays of rose, pink, and blotched flowers with great freedom. These 

 forms have been evolved from such species as trimaculatus, tristis, 

 blandus, cardinalis, &c., kinds which are to be found in botanical collec- 

 tions. The more showy kinds of Gladiolus, like brenchleyensis, Childsi, 

 Lemoinei, nanceianus, and gandavensis are planted in March or April in 

 rich and well -prepared soil 6-8 in. apart in rows, the corms being covered 

 with 3 or 4 in. of soil. The flower spikes appear in August and September, 



Fig. 204. Gladiolus Lemoinei, 



Fig. 205. Gladiolus nanceianus 



and find a good sale amongst florists. After the flowering is over the corms 

 should be lifted, cleaned, and stored away in frostproof, dry, and airy 

 cellars or lofts. The offsets and spawn should be detached from the larger 

 corms and kept separate, planting them out in spring in places by them- 

 selves until they reach the flowering stage. 



Gnaphalium. A large genus closely related to Antennaria, having 

 a few species of garden value. G. lanatum is remarkable for its fine 

 silvery foliage and dwarf habit, and is used as an edging for beds and 

 borders. G. microphyllum is used in the same way, but has very small 

 crinkled silvery leaves. The " Edelweiss " is G. Leontopodium (or Leonto- 

 podium alpinum). It is easily raised from seeds sown in spring, and 

 small plants in pots find a ready sale. 



VOL. II. 



19 



