HARDY FLOWERS. 



123 



The introduction ot species and the raising of hybrid 

 Water-lilies has created a new and undying interest in a 

 distinct and beautiful phase of flower gardening. There 

 is no excuse for ugly ponds and lakes when all this 

 wonderful wealth of flowers is available. 

 CEnotheras (Evening Primroses). — The genus CEnothera, 

 or Evening Primrose, comprises about 100 species, some 

 of which are perennials, some biennials, and some annuals. 

 The perennials may be propagated by seed sown in pans 

 of light, porous soil, placed in a cold greenhouse or frame 

 in March and April, the seedlings being planted out in 

 the open border in |une. They may also be increased by 

 cuttings taken off during the summer, and inserted in 

 almost pure sand in a shady position under a bell-glass, 

 air being gradually given as the cuttings become 

 established. The roots maybe divided in the autumn or 

 spring, when rooted suckers may be removed, which will 

 soon form plants. A sunny position, in porous loam, 

 suits these subjects well. They should be mulched and 

 watered in dry weather. Good forms ol the perennial 

 CEnotheras are CE. fruticosa, a very free-blooming yellow ; 

 ( E. marginata, a lovely w hite, sweet-scented, well adapted 

 for the rock garden ; (E. macrocarpa, with large pale 

 yellow flowers; and < H. speciosa, white. ( )l the 

 biennials, perhaps the best known is the giant Evening 

 Primrose, < E. Lamarckiana. The seed of these species 

 should be sown one-sixteenth of an inch deep in a semi- 

 shaded situation in the open during April, the seedlings 

 being well thinned out and planted in their flowering 

 positions in the autumn. The annual species, from which 

 the handsome named varieties of the so-called Godetias 

 have sprung, should be propagated l>v seed being sown 

 thinly in prepared beds where the plants are to bloom. 

 April is the best month to sow, though in warm and 

 favoured situations a late summer sowing will give fine 

 plants for a succeeding year's display. Thin out the 

 seedlings to 6in. apart each way as soon as they can 

 be easily handled. All CEnotheras are benefited by 

 copious supplies of water during parching weather, 

 but the beds in which they grow should be well drained, 

 and their position well exposed to the sun. The 



perennial species are better for lifting and dividing 

 every three years or so. 

 Omphalodes. This is a very charming family of hardy 

 (lowers, belonging to the Borages. There are three 

 species, O. linifolia, O. Lucilia;, and O. verna. The first 

 is an annual, but the other two are perennial. O. Lucilias 

 lias bluish flowers and grey foliage, and is very pretty 

 hanging over a ledge upon the rock garden, but the soil 

 musl be thoroughly well drained. It must be protected 

 from slu^s, which have a strong partiality for the young 

 grow ths. A beautiful flower is ( ). verna, which quite 

 early in the year bears its deep blue flowers, as blue as 

 those of die Gentians on alpine pastures. It is a rock 

 garden plant, and will run freely in cool positions near 

 hedges, shrubs, or hall-shad)' walks. Its flower colouring 

 is intense. Alba is a variety thai is not so fine as the 

 type. Propagate Omphalodes by division or seed. 



Onopordon Acanthium and 0. arabicum (Cot/on 



Thistles) are very picturesque and handsome plants in the 

 woodland, but must not encroach upon choice subjects. 

 The spiny stems clothed with glaucous leafage rise 8ft. and 

 even more in height. Easily raised from seed sown in 

 early summer, and may be regarded as biennials. 

 Orchises. -It is possib'e to cultivate quite a number of 

 these interesting plants, provided their requirements are 

 studied. As a general rule die bed in which these 

 are grown should be at least lift, deep and composed 

 of porous soil. Calcareous loam suits such sorts as 

 ( ). longicornis, O. lactea, O. militaris, O. pallens, 

 O. papilionacea, O. pauciflora, O. purpurea, O. sam- 

 bucina, and < >. undulatifolia, whilst a compost consisting 

 ol two parts leaf-mould, one part peat, and one part 

 loam meets the requirements of O. lalifolia, O. maculata, 

 O. mascula. < ). Morio, and ( ). speclabilis fairly well. 

 O. foliosa (the great Madeira Orchis) will succeed 

 in the latter compost, but is benefited by a rather 

 more shady position than is advisable for the others 

 named, which prefer a sunnier site. These terrestrial 

 Orchids should be planted from September till November, 

 the tubers being placed 2in. below the surface. 

 1 luring the period of growth an abundant supply of 



CENOTHERAS (Evening Primroses) AND OTHER FLOWERS 



