3 12 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



These Rhododendrons need the same treatment as their near relatives 

 the Azaleas, which see. All of them flower during the spring months. 



Richardia. The most popular of the Richardias is the Arum Lily 

 (R. cethiopica), also known as Lily of the Nile or Calla. It has hand- 

 some white trumpet-shaped spathes, which are in great demand for 

 wreaths, vases, and similar purposes. The foliage, too, is conspicuous, 

 and good plants form a striking feature in the greenhouse. The flower- 

 ing season varies according to the treatment given, but in a general way 

 these big white spathes are most appreciated in winter and early spring. 

 To obtain them stand the plants out of doors during the summer, and 

 keep them dry for a time. Then about the middle of July shake them 

 clear of the old soil and repot in a mixture of loam and decayed manure, 

 after that giving more water and keeping them out of doors until the 

 autumn frosts threaten danger. It must be borne in mind that the Arum 

 Lily grows naturally in ditches in South Africa, hence a liberal supply 

 of water is essential, except when actually at rest. There is a miniature 

 form known as Little Gem, which is not so free as the type. Two 

 golden-flowered Richardias have been introduced into cultivation of late 

 years, but they need more careful treatment than the Arum Lily. They 

 pass the greater part of the winter in a quite dormant condition, flower 

 in the spring, perfect their growth, and early in autumn go to rest, at 

 which period they must be kept quite dry. 



Ricinus. This is the Castor Oil Plant. Its large, divided leaves 

 make a good show either in the greenhouse or bedded out during the 

 summer months. The plants are readily increased by seeds sown in 

 heat in the spring. Any good soil. 



Roses. The culture of the Rose in pots is dealt with on p. 83. 



Salvia. The best of the Salvias are quick-growing plants that may 

 be placed out of doors during the summer, and treated much in the same 

 way as the Chrysanthemum. They flower during the autumn and early 

 winter. A selection would include : S. Bethelli, pink ; S. Pitcheri, blue ; 

 S. rutilans, red ; and S. splendens, scarlet ; the last-mentioned is a 

 most effective plant, and should be grown more frequently. Of it a 

 variety known as Pride of Zurich has become very popular of late years. 

 It is distinguished from the type by its dwarf er habit, extreme florifer- 

 ousness, and the fact that it may be had in bloom earlier in the season. 

 On this account, it is largely used for summer bedding, but is equally 

 effective in the greenhouse. 



Scarlet Geranium. See Pelargonium. 



Schizanthus. Pretty annuals, the markings of the flowers suggest- 

 ing those on the wings of a butterfly. Sow the seed in gentle heat early 

 in the spring. 



Slipperwort. See Calceolaria. 



Smilax. See Myrsiphyllum. 



Solanum. The bright red berries of Solanum capsicastrum render 

 this a favourite plant for decoration throughout the winter months. It 

 is readily raised from seed early in the year, and when finally potted 

 into five-inch pots may be placed out of doors during the summer, as in 



