82 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



proved l)y our seedsmen, must stand in the front rank of 

 choice Annuals. I have tried repeatedly, but without success, 

 to cross the Salpi^lossis with the garden strains of Petunias, 

 these latter bein^ closely allied and of little more than annual 

 duration. 



The colours found in Salpiglossis are pale yellow, deep 

 gold, red, crimson, scarlet, rose, carmine, blue, purple, and 

 violet. In some catalogues certain colours are offered separ- 

 ately, and in others named varieties are listed, but a first- 

 rate mixed strain is quite good for bedding purposes, though 

 the separate colours are perhaps the best for pot culture. 

 Sow the seeds thinly in moderate heat, about 65°, and cover 

 them lightly. Early transference of the seedlings to pots 

 or boxes is essential to the best results. Use rich, light soil, 

 harden off the plants, and plant out early in June, selecting 

 an open and sunny site, A good bed of Salpiglossis is a 

 thing of beauty and a joy for a long time in a fairly good 

 summer. 



A few light, twiggy sticks set among the plants will serve 

 to prevent damage from winds and heavy rains, and if they 

 are not more than 15 or 18 inches high they will not be 

 noticeable at flowering time. 



SAPONARIA 



" Soapwort" 



Two species of Saponaria {CaryophyllacecB) are Hardy 

 Annuals, and the closely-tufted habit of 6". calabrica renders 

 it a useful subject for the Rock garden or for edging. Sown 

 in Autumn, the white and rosy-carmine varieties are fine for 

 Spring flowering, while Spring sowings flower later. S. 

 Vaccaria is 2 feet high, and has rose-pink flowers, but there is 

 also a white variety. Varieties of S. Vaccaria have a graceful 

 habit and are useful for cutting, hence a September and an 

 April sowing should be made. Thin S. calabrica to 4 inches 

 apart, and S. Vaccaria to i foot apart. 



