68 PIGTOEIAL PSACTWAL BULB GEOWISG. 



Cbapter XXSV.— Cpdanuns, 



These are undoubtedly amongst the most interesting plants 

 tliat we can grow in our gardens. The hardy species have not 

 the size of those ^yhich are so hirgely cultivated in pots in every 

 greenhouse, but in their marked refinement, the charming leafage, 

 the quaint elegance of the flowers, and in their fragrance, they 

 possess recommendations entitling them to all the attention it is 

 possible to accord. The old-fashioned Cyclamen Persicum Avas 

 decidedly perfumed, and while some of the modern varieties have 

 this attribute, it is in a much less pronounced foim, having been 

 worked out in the process of evolution. This is regrettable, as 

 fragrance in any flower must enhance its interest and charm. 



The hardy species and varieties form delightful colonies in the 

 rock garden, and those especially which bloom very early in the 

 year are practically indispensable, as their places cannot be filled 

 by any other kind of plants that will flourish in our gardens. 

 They may be u^ed in association with various plants, but much 

 care is necessary in this direction, as the foliage of the Cyclamens 

 alone is an ornament and must on no account be smothered by 

 coarser growing subjects. 



Selections of Cyclamens. 



For all practical purposes the greenhouse section is confined 

 to C. Persicum in considerable variet}^, including the normal as 

 well as the large-flowered form, usually designated grandinorum 

 because it has bolder blooms. In the former division we have 

 plenty of range as regards colour and superbl}^ marbled leafage, 

 while in the latter we have glorious flowers, but less conspicuously 

 beautiful foliage. Almost all our leading houses ofler named 

 sorts, and no particularly useful purpose would be served by 

 their enumeration here. Excellent results may be secured by 

 purchasing mixed seeds^ (keeping the two divisions separate, of 

 course), as tliese are generally saved from the finest colours. 



Hardy Cyclamens. 



Atkiusii, pui-ple and white. Xeapolitaiium. red and 

 Coura, purple. white. 

 Europeum, reddisli purple. liederifoliuni. purple. 

 Ibericum, red. repaudum, crimson. 



vernum, dark red. 



* A valuable practical illustration dealing with Cyclamen propagation will 

 be found on page 144 of "Pictorial Practical Gardening." 



