FORCING OF HARDY PLANTS. 141 



are likely to be much sought after, if properly brought 

 to the attention of the public. 



A considerable number of the hardy shrubs are well 

 adapted for forcing, but the best results will be obtained 

 from those that naturally flower outside previous to the 

 first of June. We should also select well-grown plants, 

 that have been prepared for the purpose, and be sure that 

 they have a resting period of at least two or three 

 mouths, before they are brought into heat. Deutzia 

 gracilis and D. scabra were among the first to be forced, 

 and are well adapted for it. The various kinds of lilac, 

 {Syringa vulgaris and its varieties, also 8. Persica) Fig. 

 52, force readily. The many varieties of mock orange 

 {Pltiladelpltus coronarius) are also easily forced, as are 

 the snowball ( Viburnum Opulus sterilis) and V. plica- 

 fitin. Spircea Van Houttii and Exochorda grandiflora 

 give good results, hut they should be kept cool and 

 forced slowly. Among the other plants adapted for 

 forcing are Azalea mollis, Kalmia glauca and K. latifolia 

 (Fig. 53), Daphne Cneorum and Andromeda speciosa and 

 A. florilunda. 



The plants may be cheaply imported from Europe, 

 all prepared for forcing, or they may be grown by the 

 florists. Whether the small plants are propagated, or 

 purchased from some nurseryman, they should be 

 planted out in nursery rows and grown for two or three 

 years. In order to secure a mass of fibrous roots that 

 will favor their growth in pots, they should be trans- 

 planted each year. When strong enough for forcing, 

 they should be dug as soon as the leaves drop in the fall, 

 and potted off, using a light, but rich compost. Wet 

 down thoroughly and set in some sheltered place until 

 there is danger of the cracking of the pots by frost, 

 when they should be removed to a deep, cold pit. Here 

 they will require no care, except an occasional watering 

 if they become dry, and airing on warm, or bright, days. 



