THE GARDEN WEEK BY WEEK 



June varieties, large in bloom, rich and varied in hue, and re- 

 I~I5 markably free-flowering. Beginning to bloom in spring 

 as small plants from the previous summer's sowing, they 

 grow as they flower, and in rich, holding soil make huge 

 clumps which can be divided after flowering. The New 

 Blue Primrose is a particularly fine variety. The Poly- 

 anthus (Primula Variabilis) is scarcely inferior to the 

 Primrose ; in fact the two plants may be grown in the 

 closest possible association. Very large flowers, and 

 considerable diversity of beautiful colours — cream, prim- 

 rose, yellow, white, rose, lilac, crimson, scarlet, blue, and 

 purple distinguish the Polyanthus. The Ox-lip (Primula 

 Elatior) is represented by several pretty colours. Among 

 the species, Denticulata, lilac ; Japonica, purplish crim- 

 son, best in moist places ; Farinosa (Bird's-eye Primrose), 

 lilac, silvery foliage, an early bloomer ; Pulverulenta, a 

 new violet Chinese species with mealy stems ; Rosea, 

 rosy carmine ; Sikkimensis (Himalayan Cowslip), yellow ; 

 Verticillata (Abyssinian Primrose), citron, very fragrant ; 

 Villosa, rose, nice for the rockery ; and Viscosa, rose, 

 white centre, are all desirable. Seed can be got of 

 several charming varieties in most cases ; thus, Cash- 

 miriana is a fine form of Denticulata ; there are white, 

 rose, carmine, crimson, and striped varieties of Japonica ; 

 there is a large form of Rosea called Grandiflora ; and 

 there are purple and violet varieties of Villosa. The 

 Sieboldii hybrids are beautiful Primulas, and can be 

 bought in mixed colours. The Primroses are so beauti- 

 ful, so varied in habit and colour, so useful alike for 

 beds, borders, and rockwork, so early blooming, so easily 

 grown, that they are well worthy of special study. 



The Self-heal (Prunella Grandiflora) is a purple- 

 flowered dwarf perennial, flowering in early summer. 



The Florists Pyrethrums are frequently grown under 

 250 



