■FofA 



I 



PENTSTEMONS 39 



of April, those that are to be flowered in pots being potted 

 into 6-inch pots a week or two earlier than this, replacing 

 them in the frames until well established. 



Permanent Quarters. 



The ideal site for a bed of Pentstemons is a well- 

 drained position open to a fair amount of sunlight, but 

 sheltered from rough winds. The best soil is a good 

 full-bodied loam into which a good dressing of old, well- 

 rotted manure and some burnt earth or wood ashes have 

 been worked. 



Do not overcrowd the plants. Eighteen inches apart is 

 near enough, and if space can be spared it will be advan- 

 tageous to allow 2 feet per plant. Firm the soil well 

 around the roots, and provide each plant with a neat, 

 inconspicuous, but rigid stake, to which the rising stems 

 can be looped with strands of raffia. Do not simply draw 

 up all the stems in a bundle, but loop each one separately, 

 in such a manner as to merely hold it in position without 

 destroying the natural form and free habit of the plant. 

 During periods of drought Pentstemons require copious 

 supplies of water, and as soon as flower-spikes show 

 well-defined buds feeding may commence. Any of the 

 concentrated fertilisers offered by well-known manufac- 

 turers will serve for top dressing the beds, but always 

 observe the golden rule of giving slight sprinklings at 

 frequent inter>'als rather than a heavy dressing at any 

 one time. 



I Should greenfly, frog-hopper, or any insect pests be 

 present in the garden, spray with Katakilla, Kilzall, Abol, 

 or some other reliable insecticide, before fiower-buds 

 open, and if the foliage shows any sign of discoloration 

 from fungoid pests dust with a powder made of equal 

 parts of flower of sulphur and Limbux. 



These are all the instructions necessary to the success- 

 ful cultivation of Pentstemons in the open garden. It 



