MALCOMIA 63 



{CaryophyllacecE\ a Hardy Annual formerly somewhat popular 

 as Agrostemma Ccela-rosea, and also known as Viscaria 

 oculata. It is usually best managed if sown in March or 

 April where it is to flower, the seedlings being thinned to 

 6 or 8 inches apart as soon as large enough to be easily 

 handled. A native of the Levant, with the popular title of 

 Rose of Heaven, this Annual has no special likes or dis- 

 likes in the matter of soil, but prefers a sunny site to a 

 shaded one. The magenta flowers are not beloved by all. 



MALCOMIA 



u Virginian Stock" 



There are at least half-a-dozen Hardy Annual species of 

 Malcomia in cultivation, but the species best known in 

 gardens is M. maritima {Cruciferce), the Virginian Stock. 

 This plant grows from 6 to 9 inches high, and is obtainable 

 in several colours ; it is a very elegant little plant, particularly 

 showy for its size and suitable for beds or for breadths in the 

 flower border. Several sowings must be made from March 

 to June if a succession of bright flowers is to be maintained, 

 and a September sowing will give an early spring display. 

 The seeds are small and need only be just covered with soil, 

 but sow thinly and thin out to 3 or 4 inches apart. Any 

 good garden soil will suffice, but one of light medium char- 

 acter appears to suit the plant best. Good selections are 

 Crimson King, crimson and purple ; and Fairy Queen, rich 

 crimson ; there are also crimson, mauve and white mixtures. 

 M. bicolor is pink and yellow ; while M. Chia is purple, and 

 M. littorea pink and purple. The generic title is sometimes 

 erroneously spelt Malcolmia. 



