GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY PLANTS 149 



well healed over they may be potted in almost dry sand, in which 

 they root quickly if put in a brisk heat. 



PRIMULA (Primrose). In this place only the sorts used in 

 greenhouses are discussed. (For outdoor sorts see page 211.) 



Primula sinensis has not by any means been left behind in the 

 improvement of florists' flowers. The latest strains put on the market 

 would almost be taken for new species by those who only knew the 

 plants of years ago. P. sinensis, although losing favor in some 

 sections, is a popular Wintei -blooming plant. 



Propagation: The seed may be sown as early as the last of 

 March to have plants in 5- and 6-inch pots in bloom before Christ- 

 mas. Later sowings should also be made, but it should be borne in 

 mind that the plants make their best growth during cool weather. 

 They may be summered in a well-aired and shaded frame. 



Primula obconica has been evolved from the rather inconspicu- 

 ous flower of the type to one worthy of standing alongside those of 

 the finest strains of Primula sinensis. P 0. grandiflora fimbriata 

 are heavily fringed, and range from pure white to deep rose. The 

 largest individual flowers are a little short of being an inch and a 

 half in diameter. The plants are exceedingly floriferous; some in 

 6-inch pots have the foliage almost hidden by bloom. (See p. 1 28.) 



Propagation: To have plants in flower by the first of the year 

 the seeds should be sown as early in the season as possible. Cover 

 the seed very lightly with finely screened sphagnum, moistening 

 the surface whenever it shows signs of becoming dry. As soon as 

 large enough to handle the seedHngs may be either potted off singly, 

 or placed around the edge of a 3- or 4-inch pot previous to giving 

 them their first pots. During the Summer the seedlings should be 

 shaded from the sun and never allowed to get dry. They do not 

 make much headway during the very hot months. The plants will 

 not suffer if given their last shift just as they are coming into bloom. 

 Keep in the coolest house 



P. Forbesii is an interesting species because of the enormous 

 number of flowers produced on even small plants Several plants 

 may be potted together in shallow pans. 



P. malacoides, the Fairy Primrose, was introduced in 1908 from 

 China. It is perennial, but by the florist is treated as an annual. 

 It somewhat resembles P. Forbesii, but is larger flowered and more 

 branchy in growth. The flowers are lilac and rose. (See p. 123.) 



Propagation: It is a most dainty species, blooming in Winter 

 if the seeds are sown in the Spring; or if the seeds are sown in July 



