736 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



a hybrid between T. velutina and T. capensis, has brilliant 

 scarlet flowers. Height when grown in pots, 2^ft. 



Vincas (Periwinkles). — These make very pretty pot-plants, 

 flowering in spring and early summer. Propagate by cuttings 

 of partially ripened shoots in early summer, and grow in a warm 

 pit in loam, sand, and leaf-soil. Sorts : V. oceZlata, V. rosea, and 

 V. r. alba. 



Bulbous and Tuberous Flowering Plants. 



These play an important part in keeping the greenhouse 

 supplied with blossoms; Their name is legion, and it will 

 only be possible in the limited space at our disposal to mention 

 a very few of the best known and most useful species and 

 varieties. For the most part they are easy of cultivation, and 

 do not present the same difficulties as many of the subjects 

 described in the foregoing groups. 



All these plants have a marked resting period, during which 

 time most of them should be kept quite dry, but it is most 

 necessary that the drying should be done gradually, and that 

 the bulbs should not be forced to ripen off before their time. 

 After flowering is finished watering should be continued, and the 



plants allowed to com- 

 plete their growth. When 

 they show signs of dying 

 naturally, the supply of 

 water should be les- 

 sened, till at length they 

 become quite dry; at 

 the same time give full 

 exposure to the sun. 

 Many species benefit by 

 being placed close to 

 the glass and "baked." 

 It is an advantage to 

 have a special shed con- 

 structed for the stowing 

 away of these bulbs and 

 tubers whilst resting. 

 This shed should be • 

 well ventilated and be 

 perfectly dry, having a 

 concrete floor, and pro- 

 vided with sufficient 

 heat to keep out frost 

 and dry up damp. If this is fitted with shelves the pots 

 containing the tubers or bulbs may be placed on them and 

 kept perfectly dry till starting time. For bulbs, &c, that are 



Fig. 483.— Various Achimenes. 



