TENDER BEDDING PLANTS 343 



crimson, or chocolate. The colours include yellow, orange, rose, 

 crimson, and scarlet, while many varieties have spotted flowers. 



There are two great divisions of modern Cannas, namely, the 

 Gladiolus-flowered and the Orchid-flowered. The former is the 

 more important, as it embraces a larger number of beautiful 

 varieties, with long spikes of large flowers; but there are some 

 very fine sorts in the other class. 



Both sections need the same cultural treatment, and the main 

 item is the provision of deep, rich soil. Like the Dahlia and the 

 tuberous Begonia, the Canna loves moisture and abundance of 

 good fare. The soil should be prepared 

 as thoroughly as for Begonias. 



The amateur may begin by buying 

 dormant roots or young growing plants in 

 spring. The root-stocks start into growth 

 readily in a warm house or frame. They 

 may be potted, or plunged in moist cocoa- 

 nut fibre refuse or leaf-mould similarly to 



BegOniaS ; potting is practised as a rule. CANNA ROOT-STOCK AND GROWING 



... CROWN 



Any piece of root-stock with some root A , root-stock; B, root-stock in son ; 

 fibres and a growing crown will make a c> growing crown> 



plant if potted. Growth will start from latent buds on the crown. 

 With water as required, and moderate warmth, the plants will 

 progress rapidly, and they may be planted two feet apart in the 

 beds in May. They should be watered until they are growing 

 freely; afterwards they will look after themselves in heavy soil, 

 but in light soil occasional soakings of water, or liquid manure, 

 may be required throughout the summer. 



The growth will die away in autumn, when the roots may be 

 lifted and stored for the winter. They should be kept in a frost- 

 proof place, and free from drip. 



Cannas may be raised from seed if required. The common 

 name of " Indian Shot," which is applied to the Canna, is derived 



