SUB-TROPICAL PLANTS. 



227 



Cycas revoluta.— A change from conservatories to 

 a sheltered 'position outside in summer bene- 

 fits rather than injures this distinct cyadaceous 

 plant. 



Cynara.— Cardoon (C. cardunculus) and globe arti- 

 chokes (0. scolymus) are stately plants for pleasure 

 grounds, attaining a height of 3 to 5 feet, and 

 when grown in good soil develop large spiny 

 leaves. Either sow seeds in April, where the 

 plants are to grow, thinning out early and severely, 

 or raise the requisite number of plants under glass 

 from seed, and plant out from pots in May. Seed- 

 lings are more vigorous than plants obtained by 

 dividing old stools in the spring. 



Cyperus natalensis. — An elegant species with 

 gracefidly recurving green leaves and tall branch- 

 ing flower-heads. Height 18 inches to 2 feet. 

 Sow in pans, in heat, early in March, and movo 

 small patches of seedlings into 3-inch pots in pre- 

 ference to using single plants. Ordinary soil. 



DlMORPHANTHUS MANDSCHURICITS.— Height 6 to 8 



feet ; large, handsome, spiny leaves ; good for 

 isolated permanent groups, and also for associ- 

 ating with tender plants. Eequires plenty of 

 room. Increased by cuttings of the roots, 2 inches 

 long, placed singly in small pots, and plunged in 

 brisk bottom heat during March. Ordinary soil. 

 Hardy deciduous shrub from North America. 



Dracaenas. — D. australis, Draco, and indivisa (see 

 page 220) are the best for the open air during the 

 summer, heat-loving species not answering well. 

 The taller plants, or those with clear stems, 4 feet 

 and upwards in length, are the most imposing in 

 appearance, and can be used with good effect in a 

 variety of positions, plunging the pots. See 

 Greenhouse Plants. 



Erythrina.— E. Crista-galli (Brazilian Coral tree) 

 and forms of it are ornamental flowering plants, 

 whether massed together or in mixed beds. Height 

 3 to 4 feet. Cuttings of short, young growths, 

 taken from old root-stocks, may be rooted in 

 brisk heat ; or seed, treated exactly as advised in 

 the case of Acacia lophantha (p. 224). Loamy 

 soil. Greenhouse deciduous shrub. 



Eucalyptus.— E. globulous (Blue Gum tree), Aus- 

 tralia, and E. Gunni (Cider tree of Tasmania) 

 are of quick growth, and effective the same 

 season as raised from seed. Sow in August, 

 place the seedlings singly in small pots, winter in a 

 greenhouse, and give a shift early in the spring. 

 Plant in ordinary sod. Not proof against severe 

 frosts. 



Eulalia japonica.— The striated and zebra-leaved 



forms of the Japanese species are handsome and 

 effective in groups. Height 2 to 3 feet. May be 

 planted permanently in ordinary soil. Division. 

 Hardy grass. 



Farfugium grande ( synonym Ligularia Ksempferi 

 aureo maculata), Japan. — 1 to 2 feet ; forms large 

 yellow blotched or spotted leaves. Division in 

 spring ; plant in masses ; ordinary soil . Green- 

 house herbaceous plant. 



Ferdinandia eminens. — Tall, rapid growth, 6 to 8 

 feet ; elegant green foliage ; suitable for massing 

 or as central plants in large beds. Cuttings of the 

 root stalk in heat. Plant out of small pots about 

 the end of May in rich soil. A Mexican plant 

 that must be winterep in a greenhouse. 



Ferula (Giant Fennel). — F. communis, South of 

 Europe, 5 to 10 feet, and F. tingitana, North 

 Africa, 6 to 8 feet, are both ornamental and 

 suitable for planting in shrubberies. Raised from 

 seeds sown in the autumn on a warm border, 

 transplanting in May, and by division of roots after 

 the tops die down. Hardy herbaceous. 



Ficus elastica. — The familiar indiarubber plant, and 

 ornamental by its large glossy foliage. Plunge 

 the pots over their rims in tho beds. Increased 

 by leaf cuttings in brisk heat in the spring. 

 Winter in a warm greenhouse. 



Funkia Sieboldiana. — A glaucous-leaved Japanese 

 species, producing spikes of pale lilac flowers 

 freely during the summer. Good for bordering, 

 large beds, or massing. Division in spring. Bich 

 garden soil. Hardy herbaceous. 



Gunnera scabra. — This Chilian plant produces grand 

 foliage and curious spikes of flowers. Most 

 effective isolated on lawn. Eequires shelter and 

 rich moist soil. Division in the spring. Protect 

 the crowns in the autumn. 



Gynerium argenteum (Pampas Grass). — Too well 

 known to need description or praise. Plant per- 

 manently on lawns and in other sheltered posi- 

 tions, in rich deep soil. Seed should be sown in 

 gentle heat in February or March. Prepare the 

 seedlings singly in small pots and plant out before 

 they become root-bound. 



Hedyciiitjms (Fragrant Garland Flower). H. auran- 

 tiacum, and H. Gardnerianum, handsome flowering 

 species. Height, 4 to 6 feet. Fine in beds. See 

 Greenhouse Plants. 



Helianthus orgyalis. — North America, 6 to 10 feet. 

 Elegant foliage, small yellow flowers. Sucker 

 growths should be thinned out freely. Division 

 of the roots in March or April. Hardy perennial. 



Heracleum (Giant Cow Parsnips). — H. sibiricum, 



G Q 2 



