ON BEDDING PLANTS. 



207 



flowers, changing to a soft pink with age; it grows from i2in. 

 to I Sin. high, is of stragghng growth, and requires a well-drained 

 soil. 



Myosotis (Forget-me-Not). — These are lovely subjects for 

 spring flowering ; they are of easy cultivation in any damp 

 ordinary garden soil. M. dissitiflora is a well-known bedding 

 variety, growing^ 6in. high, and bearing a succession of clear blue 

 flowers from February 

 (in favourable seasons) 

 onwards throughout the 

 spring. 



Phlox. — ^The dwarf 

 early-flowering varieties 

 are extremely useful for 

 spring display ; of these 

 the two following are 

 the species generally 

 grown : P. amoena, an 

 excellent plant, 6in. 

 high, with bright pink 

 flowers. P. subulata 

 ■ (Fig. 109), with pinkish 

 flowers, having dark 

 centres ; of prostrate 

 habit, seldom rising more than 6in. from the ground ; it is noted 

 for its free-flowering qualities. 



Polyanthus. — ^These are showy subjects for spring bedding, 

 and are useful for growing in beds by themselves, or for mixing 

 with other plants ; they grow to a height of 6in. A packet of 

 mixed seed, procured from any of our nurserymen, will yield an 

 abundance of plants with rich and various-coloured flowers. 

 These plants are fully dealt with in " Florists' Flowers." 



SiLENES. — The species S. pendtila and S. compada are plants 

 largely used for spring bedding ; the former grows upwards of 

 ift. in height, whilst the latter averages 6in. ; both have bright 

 rose-coloured flowers. There are several named forms of conipacta^ 

 including Snow King, with large white flowers, and Amelia, with 

 pretty rose-coloured flowers ; of dwarf and compact habit. 



Violas. — Many of these are indispensable for spring bedding ; 

 they grow only 6in. high, and blossom profusely during the early 

 spring. Distinct varieties must be propagated by cuttings or 

 division. Numerous named varieties are in cultivation, all of 

 which are fine bedding plants. See also the Chapter upon 

 "Florists' Flowers." 



Wallflowers. — These handsome old-fashioned favourites are 

 extremely effective, and are highly appreciated for their massive 

 spikes of large sweet-scented flowers. There are several shades 



Fig. 109. — Phlox subulata. 



