I 82 Encyclopaedia of Gardening 



Holly, Ilex (i-lex, from Virgil's Ilex, the name being given owing 

 to the resemblance of the leaves. Ord. Ilicinae). One of our most 

 beautiful evergreens, the Holly does good service in the garden and 

 shines with a bright and cheerful glow in our rooms at Christmas. 

 It will thrive in most soils, but it is a slow grower in its early stages 

 on the best of land, and on poor chalky soil may show only a few 

 inches of fresh growth a year until it is well established. A deep, 

 fertile, moist but drained soil is desirable. The best time for plant- 

 ing is April, when, shifted with a mass of fibrous roots, planted 

 immediately, and watered in, they generally thrive. Propagation 

 is by seeds, but the choice varieties are increased in the nurseries 

 by grafting on common stocks. Cuttings will strike in summer. 

 For pruning, see Evergreens. The following are good varieties: 

 argentea marginata, argentea medio-picta (Silver Milkmaid), aurea 

 medio-picta (Gold Milkmaid), aurea regina (Golden Queen), ferox 

 argentea (Silver Hedgehog), Hodginsii, and 

 Watereriana. All except Hodginsii have 

 variegated leaves. 



Hollyhock (Althaea rosea. Ord. Malvaceae). 

 A grand old favourite, the Hollyhock has 

 suffered in recent years through the attack 

 of a fungus, Puccinia malvacearum, which be- 

 gins on the lower leaves and works its way up 

 the stems, completely disfiguring the plants. 

 An early application of Bordeaux Mixture 

 (which see) is a remedy. Many consider that 

 the disease was induced by excessive vege- 

 tative propagation in bygone years, when 

 HOLLYHOCK DISEASE named varieties were in demand; conse- 

 l' SSSfe on Saves, quently, they now grow Hollyhocks as seed- 

 lings, raising them out of doors in early summer 



and planting out in autumn, the same as Wallflowers. In cold, 

 exposed places the plants ought to be wintered in frames. Propa- 

 gation may also be effected by cuttings in spring, in sandy soil in 

 heat, and by grafting. A deep, fertile, well -drained soil is desirable. 



Holly, Sea. See Eryngium. 



Holm Oak. See Quercus. 



Honesty, Lunaria biennis (luna-ria, from luna, moon, in allusion 

 to the seed vessels. Ord. Cruciferae). The Honesty derives its 

 name from the flat white transparent seed pods which follow the 

 flowers. These pods may be cut in sprays and used for room 

 decoration in winter. The plant is easily raised from seed in late 

 spring, is a hardy perennial, and will thrive in most soils if the site 

 is shady, but prefers a moist, heavy soil. It is attractive when in 

 bloom, for the flowers are borne freely, and are bright rose in colour. 

 There is a white variety. 



Honey Plant. See Hoya. 



Honeysuckle, Lonicera (Ionic-era, after Dr. Lonicer. Ord. Capri- 

 foliaceae). Beautiful and fragrant twiners, suitable for covering 

 walls, pillars, pergolas, trelliswork, and fences. They are hardy 



