390 WANUAL OF GARDENING 
early spring. Propagated by division, or by seed sown a year before 
the plants are wanted. Give them rather moist soil. 
The primula of the winter-garden is mostly the P. Sinensis (Chinese 
Primrose), grown very extensively by florists as a Christmas plant. 
With the exception of the full double varieties, it is usually grown 
from seed. There is a popular single form known as P. stellata. The 
seed of Chinese primulas sown in March or April will make large flower- 
ing plants by November or December, if the young plants are shifted 
to larger pots as needed. The seed should be sown on the flat surface 
of the soil, composed of equal parts loam, leafmold, and sand. The 
seed should be pressed down lightly and the soil watered carefully 
to prevent the seed from being washed into the soil. Very fine sphag- 
num moss may be sifted over the seed, or the box set in a moist place, 
where the soil will remain wet until the seeds germinate. When the 
plants are large enough, they should be potted separately or pricked 
out into shallow boxes. Frequent pottings or transplantings should 
be given until September, when they should be in the pots in which 
they are to bloom. The two essentials to successful growth through 
the hot summer are shade and moisture! Height, 6 to 8 inches. 
Bloom in winter and spring. 
At present the “baby Primrose” (Primula Forbes?) is popular. It 
is treated in essentially the same way as the Sinensis. The obconica 
(P. obconica) in several forms is a popular florist’s plant, but is not 
much used in window-gardens. The hairs poison the hands of some 
persons. Culture practically as for P. Sinensis. 
All primulas are impatient of a dry atmosphere and fluctuating con- 
ditions. 
Rhododendrons are broad-leaved evergreen shrubs that are admi- 
rably adapted to producing strong planting effects. Some of them are 
hardy in the Northern states. 
Rhododendrons require a fibrous or peaty soil and protection from 
bleak winds and bright suns in summer and winter. A northern or 
somewhat shady exposure, to break the force of the midday sun, is ad- 
visable; but they should not be planted where large trees will sap the 
fertility and moisture from the ground. They protect each other if 
grown in masses, and also produce better planting effects. 
