26 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



on this point. In all probability, however, the parents were Phlox 

 glaberrima suffruticosa, P. maculata pyramidalis and P. paniculata. The 

 first of this trio is, as its varietal name implies, of woody habit and early 

 flowering, while the last two are of a more succulent nature, and flower 

 naturally at a later date. The garden varieties were at one time fairly 

 clearly divided into two sections, known respectively as the suffruticose, 

 or early-flowering set, and the decussate, or late-flowering forms ; but 

 during recent years intercrossing of varieties belonging to both types 

 has been so frequent that the line of demarcation has been almost 

 obliterated. But this need not worry the would-be cultivator of these 

 beautiful and fragrant flowers ; indeed, it is rather useful, inasmuch as 

 the season of flowering of the early set is now blended with, or carried 

 on to, that of the later types, so that we may have our Phloxes in flower 

 from June until well into the autumn. 



Fortunately, the cultivation of herbaceous Phloxes does not present 

 any serious difficulties, though it is doubtful whether the best that is 

 possible is obtained in the majority of Southern gardens. In Northern 

 districts, and Scotland in particular, the plants are grown to perfection, 

 and though the more moist climate may account for some of the success, 

 good cultivation is at the bottom of it all. 



Although we do not all possess the deep rich loam that is the ideal 

 soil for Phloxes, we can, most of us, make that which we have suffi- 

 ciently suitable to grow and flower them well. At Kew, for instance, 

 where the sandy soil is the very antithesis of an ideal one, these herba- 

 ceous Phloxes are grown, if not to perfection, at least sufficiently well 

 to pass muster in the eyes of serious critics. Deep trenching, liberal 

 manuring with, preferably, pig or cow manure, and copious supplies of 

 water and weak liquid manure during the growing season are the key- 

 notes to success with these flowers where the soil is naturally sandy. 

 On the other hand, where heavy clay predominates, the deep trenching 

 and manuring must also be resorted to ; but here let the manure be that 

 from the stables, and mix with the top spit of soil burnt earth, wood 

 ashes, old potting soil, road-scrapings from country roads not much 

 frequented by motors, or, indeed, any other substance that will tend 

 to render the soil porous and warm. Even our ideal loam must be deeply 

 dug and well manured, because it must be confessed that our modern 

 Phlox is a voracious plant and one that likes to live on the fat of the 

 land. 



Planting is best done during the early spring months, particularly 

 where young plants, raised from cuttings, have been purchased in pots. 

 For ordinary purposes it is preferable to rely on pieces taken off the old 

 plants, though this is contrary to the methods advocated by some who 

 make a speciality of the flowers. Such pieces will, however, give results 

 equally as good as, and in some instances even better than, cutting- 

 raised plants, so that it is impossible to see the objection to them. In 

 gardening, as in all else, opinions change. It is now generally admitted 

 that to have good Phloxes, frequent division of the old plants is neces- 

 sary ; indeed, where they thrive well, it is better to do it every other 



