POPULAR GARDEN PLANTS. 



491 



varieties, either natural or hybrid, which are 

 generally referred to these two species are 

 numerous. The Polyanthus, P. variabilis, is 

 intermediate in character, but its origin is not 

 known with certainty. However, as some of 

 the forms approach the Cowslip, and some the 



Fig. 598.— Primrose— Eveb'u Arkwright. (§•) 



stalked variety of the Primrose, there seems to 

 be little doubt that it is a fertile hybrid between 

 these two species, if indeed they are entitled 

 to that rank. The colouring is endless in its 

 variations, though limited to various shades 

 and combinations of purple, red, and yellow. 

 There is a curious variety called the Hose-in- 

 hose, remarkable for the calyx being an almost 

 exact counterpart of the corolla. Another race 

 of cultivated varieties belongs to the Primrose, 

 agreeing with that in having the flower-umbels 

 sessile. The flowers are larger, however, in the 

 so-called typical form, and hence it has received 

 the name grandiflora. The varieties in cultiva- 

 tion are more or less double, and range from 

 nearly pure white, yellow, and lilac, to deep 

 crimson " (W. B. Hemsley). 



The Polyanthus is certainly one of the most 



charming of hardy spring-flowering plants, but 

 it receives comparatively small appreciation 

 from the gardeners of the present period. 

 Where Daffodils or Tulips are favourites, 

 there also should Polyanthuses find admirers. 

 They are easily cultivated, they flower freely, 

 and the colours of their flowers are pleasing. 

 A bed of selected sorts, such as may be seen 

 at Hampton Court in June, is a delightful 

 floral picture. The laced varieties are particu- 

 larly rich in colours, velvety crimson, edged or 

 laced with gold, &c. There are numerous 

 named varieties, but for all except exhibition 

 purposes a packet of seeds from a reliable 

 grower will afford plenty of variety and 

 quality. Their cultivation is conducted on 

 the same lines as those detailed above for 

 the Primrose. 



Primula sinensis (fig. 599). — This plant, 

 as its name implies, is a native of China, and 

 has been introduced now some sixty years ; but 

 it is within the last twenty that the greatest 

 advance has been made in raising improved 

 varieties, both double and single. For bouquet- 

 making, the double white kinds are most useful, 

 being available nearly all the year round. The 

 single forms are most serviceable in the con- 

 servatory and greenhouse during the winter 

 and spring months. 



It is usual to raise fresh plants every year, 

 destroying the old ones as soon as they have 

 flowered or have ripened seeds, except in the 

 case of any that may appear to possess some 

 superior quality. The first sowing should 

 be made early in March. The seeds require 

 care in sowing or they will fail to germinate, 

 or not come up well; in all stages, from the 

 seed-pan up to maturity, Primulas cannot bear 

 any approach to stagnant moisture in the soil. 

 The soil for seeds should consist of three parts 

 good sifted loam, one part sand, and one well- 

 rotted leaf-mould, the latter sifted, and the 

 whole mixed together; fill the pans to within 

 an inch of the rim, make moderately firm, and 

 press the surface smooth; give a gentle watering 

 to settle the soil, and then sow the seeds evenly, 

 lightly covering them with fine soil. The 

 pans can then be placed in a cold frame and 

 covered with a pane of glass, shading with 

 paper. Little water will be required until the 

 seedlings are visible, when a little ventilation 

 is necessary, and as they gain strength more 

 air should be admitted, care being taken 

 to shade from bright sunshine. When large 

 enough they should be pricked off into pans, 



