376 YARD AND GAEDEN 



The suffruticosa group is the first to bloom, but 

 it is the decussata {paniculata) group, later in 

 flowering, that produces the brightest and 

 clearest blossoms. Both divisions will grow 

 either in sun or shade, but they prefer, on the 

 whole, a situation in partial shade. They do 

 best in a deep, rich loam, enriched with well- 

 rotted cow manure, and spaded to a depth of 

 at least two feet. 



The plants should be set out so that the crown 

 is about two inches below the surface of the soil 

 and the earth must be well firmed about the 

 roots. The best season for planting is from the 

 first of October to the last of the month, but 

 spring planting is fairly successful. After 

 planting, mulch before the ground freezes 

 deeply with a covering of leaves, straw or lit- 

 ter to a depth of four inches. If the plants are 

 set out in spring, a lighter mulch should be ap- 

 plied to shade the roots from the sun. 



If a profusion of bloom is wanted, pinch back 

 the stalks of the taller varieties when they have 

 attained a height of twelve or fifteen inches and 

 the dwarf sorts when they have attained half 

 that height. They will then break into two or 

 four secondary stalks and upon these will be 

 borne the clusters of bloom. The Phlox is un- 



