212 .- HARDY PERENNIAL PLANTS. 



PAEONIA (Paeony, Peony, or Piony) This genus is divided into two 

 sections or sub-genera Shrubby and Herbaceous the last-named sec- 

 tion is subdivided into three groups, with well marked botanical charac- 

 ters. The double-flowering herbaceous kinds, which bloom during the 

 latter part of May and in June, are varieties of P. albiflora. There are 

 hundreds of kinds in cultivation, varying in color from white through 

 the different shades of pink to deep crimson. Their successful culture 

 demands a deep and well-manured soil, with a heavy mulching of 

 manure during the Winter and Spring months. The varieties of the 

 European Pseonies come into flower several weeks in advance of the 

 Chinese varieties. P. officinalis has double rose, red, and pinkish- white 

 forms. P. paradoxa fimbriata has double purple flowers. P. tenuifolia 

 flore-pleno bears medium-sized double flowers, bright crimson in color. 

 The leaves of this species are of a feathery nature. It is one of the most 

 distinct and handsome Pseonies in cultivation. There are several showy 

 European species, some of which have numerous single-flowered varie- 

 ties. They all bloom much earlier than the Chinese Paeonies, and are 

 useful for the embellishment of the herbaceous border and for cutting. 

 P. anomala blooms during the first week in May; this sort is sometimes 

 sold as P. tenuifolia. The leaf divisions are fewer than in that species 

 and broader. P. a. insignis has crimson flowers. P. arietina is the 

 earliest species to flower, expanding in this locality by the end of April. 

 There are about a dozen distinct varieties. P. Witmanniana is another 

 early bloomer. Of P. oflicinalis and P. peregrina there are numerous 

 single-flowered varieties. The Herbaceous Peonies are increased by 

 seeds and by division of the crowns. The seeds are sown as soon as ripe, 

 so that they may germinate the following Spring. They should be 

 sown in a frame, and allowed to remain for a year before transplanting. 

 Old plants are best divided in October; except with rare kinds the 

 divided pieces should be large. Plant deep enough to make certain of 

 the crowns being well beneath the surface. 



PAPAVER (Poppy) In the Herbaceous section of this popular genus 

 P. orieutale and its variety P. o. bracteatum are the most important 

 kinds. There are several forms of each, varying chiefly in the colors of 

 the flowers. Most of them are of different shades of scarlet, and very 

 large. The plants, according to variety, vary in height from iy 2 to 3 

 feet. They bloom during May and June, according to locality. The 

 stock is best increased by seed. When the capsules show signs of ripen- 

 ing they should be carefully watched, as they open at the top, and a 

 slight movement of the atmosphere will displace the seeds. Sow in 

 boxes soon as ripe, but not too thickly, so as to do away with the 

 necessity of pricking off an operation which does not succeed as well 

 as could be wished. The seedlings will make sufficient headway to pass 

 the Winter securely in a cold frame. During March bring into a cool 

 house, and when they show signs of growing pot off into 2y 2 or 3-inch 

 pots, according to size. They should always be planted from pots, as 

 they do not lift well. 



P. nudicaule is a choice species with orange, yellow or white flowers. 

 The double forms are often grown for cut flowers. In the warmer parts 



