78 The Phlox. 



in the case of the annual species. Possibly, too, a double phlox may one 

 day be produced ; and this would be an excellent acquisition. 



Perhaps we have begun at the wrong end of our theme ; for what the 

 amateur will probably most desire to learn is, not how to raise seedlings, 

 but how to choose and cultivate the varieties already known. The follow- 

 ing are twelve excellent sorts ; there are none better among some two 

 hundred which we have cultivated : — 



Duguesdin, bright rosy crimson, very large flower. Rubra siipcrba, de^p 

 blood-red. D' argent, white, with a bright-purple eye. Madame Marseau, 

 white, with a carmine eye, beautifully shaded. Madame Flaiidres, salmon. 

 President Morel, deep purplish-red. La Peine Louise, slaty-purple, shading 

 into a white centre. Triomphe de Twickel, striped red and white. Wilhelm 

 Schule, rosy-purple, white eye. Mrs. Standish, pure white, bright-crimson 

 eye. Madame Sueur, crimson centre, shading into a white edge. Evening 

 Star, purplish-rose, white and crimson eye. 



All these belong to the race of Phlox paniculata ; that is, to the tall, late- 

 blooming phloxes. Their time of flowering is various, extending from the 

 end of July to the beginning of November. Nothing is easier of cultiva- 

 tion. Planted in any good garden-soil enriched with well-rotted manure, 

 or, what is better, with leaf-mould, they will grow vigorously, and produce 

 masses of bloom. They can be transplanted, even when in full flower, by 

 lifting them with a ball of earth attached to the roots. For out-door effects, 

 they rival the hollyhock, and are far more easily managed. They are 

 easily propagated by dividing the root, or by cuttings of the young stems, 

 which strike root with the greatest readiness. When wanted in perfection, 

 they should be taken up every year or two, divided, and reset in soil freshly 

 enriched. 



The summer phlox, Phlox suffruticosa, forms a group distinct from those 

 just mentioned. The varieties of this family bloom in July. They are 

 not so tall or so robust as the autumn phloxes, and are easily distinguished 

 by their long, glossy leaves. Their culture is equally simple; though some 

 of them are better for a little winter protection. Their colors are less 

 vivid, though perhaps more delicate, than those of the former group. 

 Among the best are P^ing Leopold, white, striped with pink ; Alba magtiijica, 

 pure white ; Madame de Brobeques, slate-color, shaded to white ; Speculum, 



