ROGK-GARDEN PRIMULAS 165 



and potted up singly into small pots in rich sandy soil. 

 They should be kept close for a time in a hand-light or 

 frame. It is easily raised from seed. 



P. involucrata. A Himalayan plant, suitable for 

 more boggy conditions than those already named. As 

 with many others of this family, the best results are obtained 

 from young plants, but at the same time P, involucrata 

 is a perennial. It makes tufts of small leaves and bears 

 umbels of creamy white flowers on stems about six inches 

 high from April to July. 



P. Littoniana. One of the most remarkable plants in 

 the Primula family. The flower-stems rise to a height of 

 two feet, and bear bright red spikes that are very attrac- 

 tive before the flowers expand. After a time the flowers 

 begin to open, and vary in colour from lilac to deep purple. 

 The contrast of colours is very effective. It likes a shady 

 place in deep rich soil with plenty of moisture. Its 

 home is Yunnan in China, and July its flowering season. 



P. japonica. This handsome Japanese plant is well 

 known, and one of the most effective for growing in moist, 

 shady places. It varies in colour from deep crimson to 

 pure white and blooms in May. 



P. luteola. A marsh-loving species from the Caucasus, 

 with large leaves and tall stems, bearing whorls of yellow 

 flowers. It may be grown along with P. japonica. 



P. pulverulenta. Closely allied to P. japonica, but 

 of more graceful habit, with larger and more richly 

 coloured flowers on white, mealy stems. It is native of 

 China, and flowers in April and May. 



