6 4 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



guishcd the Moutan pa3ony from the herbaceous groups by the disk of the former 

 envelopiug the base of the carpels ; that of the latter not presenting this feature. 



The Tree Pseony flowers about May, as also do the varieties of P. officinalis and 

 some others of the herbaceous section, followed in June by the varieties of albifiora 

 and others. The general appearance of the Pseony is too well known to require 

 description. 



The requirements of the florist with regard to the Pseony as an exhibition flower 

 are well represented by the " Eules for Judging " of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. 



sheltered position. Grown in pots for early flowering they form striking plants for the 

 conservatory. 



Herbaceous poeonies look very well in front of shrubberies, among other flowers in 

 large borders, or in beds by themselves. When grown in beds a magnificent effect is pre- 

 sented from a little distance if the colours of the plants are properly arranged. To grow 

 them successfully liquid manure may be applied to the beds in dry weather. 



The tree pseonies are usually propagated in August, by grafting them on the roots 

 of the herbaceous species ; choosing for the purpose scions without flower buds (see 

 illustration (Pig. 31) from Burbidge's " Propagation of Cultivated Plants," Blackwood). 

 The roots should then be potted, plunged into a frame, and kept close until a union is 

 effected. The soil in which the pots are plunged ought to come over the junction of 

 the scion and root. Occasionally, division of the roots may be followed, and layering is 

 sometimes practised. 



In judging these flowers it is recommended that the scale 

 of points should be "Size and fulness of bloom" 2, 

 " Eegularity of guard petals " 1, Compactness and 

 symmetry" 1, "Clearness of colour and freshness" 1, 

 " Average evenness of blooms " 1. 



Fig. 31. Root Grafting of 



PiEONIES. 



The cultivation of the Pseony presents few difficulties. 

 A rich soil deeply trenched and highly manured will grow 

 it to perfection, and poorer soils enriched by the addition 

 of a large quantity of manure will also give good results. 

 The tree pseonies are the better for the protection of a mat 

 during severe frosts, whenever it is seen that they have 

 begun to shoot, the young growths being liable to 

 injury when tender. They should also have a warm and 



