54 BEDDING PLANTS. 



linate the flowers, and among the resulting progeny will be found some 

 as good, if not better, than the parents. A new race has recently sprung 

 up known as the orchid-flowered Cannas; these have been secured by 

 crossing the Crozy section with the large yellow flowered C. flaccida. 

 The flowers are very large and showy, but the direct cross between the 

 two is not very suitable as a bedder, owing to the soft nature of the 

 segments. There are at present indications of the orchid-flowered section 

 being considerably improved in the substance of the flower, so that in a 

 few years they will be more largely grown. 



Varieties with Ornamental Foliage— Some of the varieties are grown 

 for the foliage alone; these are either slightly variegated or with the 

 leaves dark red. Black Beauty has for several years been by far the 

 best of this class, and likely to remain so. It should never be planted 

 out in a dormant state. 



Raising from Seed— The seed covering is very hard and resists the in- 

 fluence of heat and moisture for a long time under ordinary conditions. 

 Germination may be hastened by soaking the needs in warm water, and 

 also by removing a very small piece of the seed covering. In any case 

 sow early and in a bottom heat of from 75 to 80 degrees. 



Storing— Cannas should be lifted from their Summer quarters just as 

 soon as the foliage is blackened by the first frosts. Before this occurs 

 they should be gone over and labeled correctly, noting the color, size 

 and comparative value of seedlings. Use hanging labels, tying them on 

 firmly as near the ground as possible. Cut off the flowering stem about 

 6 inches from the ground. Put the kinds together. If there be green- 

 house accommodation a position under the benches,- where they won't 

 get much drip, will suit them exactly. If greenhouse accommodation is 

 not available they should be closely packed together in boxes, using dry 

 sand, and stowed away where frost will not affect the rhizomes. 



CH^NOSTOMA HISPIDA— This charming dwarf shrub is not so well 

 known among florists as its merits deserve. It is useful in a number 

 of ways, but principally as a plant for filling boxes or baskets. For 

 rock work, cemeteries or even as a bedding plant it is prettier than a 

 number of the things commonly used for such purposes. It has a pro- 

 cumbent or decumbent habit, according to the position in which it finds 

 itself, and has the great merit of being continually decked with a host 

 of neat little pinkish white star-shaped flowers. It is remarkably quick 

 in making a bushy growth from the seedling or cutting stage. For 

 propagation lift old plants in the Fall; keep in the greenhouse and take 

 cuttings from the young growths early in the Spring. 



CINERARIA MARITIMA and C. CANDIDISSIHA are much used on 

 account of their foliage, v/hich is densely covered with very fine white 

 hairs, so much so that the leaves have a whitish appearance. The most 

 reliable method of propagation is from seed, which should be sown in 

 Autumn. Cuttings may also be taken, avoiding those which are very 

 robust. Give them treatment similar to that recommended for Gazanias. 



C0DI/6UM (Croton)— It is only within recent years that these plants 

 have been used to any extent in the open ground. They succeed well, 



