THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



and form, while the colours are of the brightest shades of scarlet, crimson, and yellow. 

 Several flowers are expanded at one time on a spike which is constantly increasing in 

 height ; fresh growths are also produced, and thus, under suitable cultural conditions, 

 Cannas may now be had flowering nearly all the year round. The plants vary con- 

 siderably in height, or from 2 feet to 4 feet, and the foliage likewise differs, some of 



the varieties having purple, and 

 others green, or bronzy leaves 

 in various shades. As yet no 

 rules have been formulated for 

 judging Cannas, but of so much 

 value are the new hybrids that 

 it is hoped horticultural societies 

 will recognise their merits by 

 offering special prizes both for 

 plants and cut spikes of their 

 brilliant flowers. 



Cultural Details. 

 A good variety of hybrid 

 Cannas may be raised from seed, 

 but the choicer named varieties 

 are increased by division of roots 

 just when new growths are 

 forming in the spring. The 

 popular name of the Canna 

 ("Indian Shot") is derived 

 from the extreme hardness of 

 the pea-like seeds. These are 

 soaked in very warm water for several hours till they become soft, and then sown 

 at once in a warm house or frame in the spring. Both seedlings and divided crowns 

 are placed in separate pots and grown in a temperature of 55° to 65° in a light position, 

 for insuring sturdy growth. Allowing the plants to remain in small pots till seriously 

 root-bound is a mistake to be avoided. They must be transferred to larger pots before 

 any such check is received, and from which they may never recover. The growth 



146. Sutton's Large-flowering Dwarf Canna. 



