248 



THE CENTURY BOOK OF GARDENING. 



unnecessary here. P. floribunda is a bright golden yellow 

 species, which blooms almost throughout the year, and 

 is very easily raised from seed. Fogs, however, are fatal 

 to it, even when slight, so that in the neighbourhood of 

 large towns it is hardly wise to grow this flower. But 

 even when a stock is killed it is easy to raise another 

 from seed. P. verticillata sinensis, which flowers in the 

 spring, has its yellow flowers arrayed in whorls, which 



open in succession 

 mealy powder. 

 This is a very 

 bright kind. 

 The two fol- 

 lowing kinds 

 are set out 

 especially as 

 being of unusual 

 value in the 

 greenhouse. 



P. obeoniea.— 



This is the 

 species about 

 which so much 

 discussion takes 

 place occasion- 

 ally, because of 

 t h e injurious 

 nature of the 

 hairs to some 

 sensitive skins. 

 Exag g e rated 

 statements are 

 made, no doubt, 

 some declaring 

 that it produces 

 erysipelas and 

 ci t h e i" d r e a d 

 diseases, but this 

 is probably 

 sheer imagina- 

 t ion. T h e 

 leaves, how- 

 ever, do when 

 they come into 

 c o n t a c t with 

 some skins set 

 up a violent 

 irritation a n d 

 produce unplea- 

 sant results for 

 a time, and in 

 such cases of 

 course the leaves 

 P. obconica is sc 

 possible it should 

 flower lor several 

 in the spring, anc 

 grown on in the 

 flower profusely, 

 mended for th 



the leaves are covered with a curious 



PRIMULA OBCONICA. 



and flowers must not be handled, 

 o useful, however, that wherever 

 be grown, and it remains in 

 months. Seed is easily raised 

 the seedlings when polled and 

 ; greenhouse during the summer 

 Use soil similar to that recom- 

 Chinese Primrose. Seedlings vary 

 olour than 



greatly, some being larger and richer in colon 

 others, but the pretty lilac lint i:. always pleasing, even 

 when very pale. It is interesting to raise seed obtained 

 from a fine strain, as then one may make a selection 

 of the seedlings, choosing those that are very fine to grow 

 on for future use. 



. Stellata, or the Star Primrose, is a flower that should be 

 grown freely by everyone. It is quite a departure, and a 

 relief in a measure from the stifle r types to which one has 

 been accustomed. It blooms profusely, the slender stems 

 being thrown up freely from the leafy base, and bearing 

 innumerable flowers of delicate colours ; the flowers are 

 not small, although not of that fine shape characteristic of 

 other types. It is, however, free in every way, flowering 

 and growth, a delightful plant for decorations or to cut for 

 vases and bowls ; the stem will develop to quite 2ft. in 

 height, branching out, and making a perfect bower of 

 blossom. White, rose, and other shades are represented, 



and as regards culture follow the same rules as given for 

 the management of P. sinensis, of which Stellata is 

 undoubtedly a form. 

 PPOtea,. - This is an extensive class of greenhouse shrubs, 

 natives of South Africa, which fifty years ago were very 

 popular in British gardens, but nowadays are rarely 

 seen. They differ considerably from each other in size, 

 for some form large bushes, and bear their striking flowers 

 on the ends of the branches, while others again are of a 



low, spreading 

 style of growth. 

 The soil best 

 suited for them 

 s principally 

 sandy peat, with 

 the addition of 

 a little loam. 

 They need a 

 light airy green- 

 house, and 

 during the 

 summer may be 

 placed out of 

 doors. Water- 

 ing must be 

 carefully done 

 at all seasons, 

 as though an 

 excess of mois- 

 ture is very 

 detrimental to 

 their welfare, 

 continued 

 drought is just 

 as bad. By far 

 the most strik- 

 i n g of the 

 Proteas is P. 

 cynaroides, 

 which forms a 

 bold bush from 

 4,1. to 6ft. high, 

 usually consist- 

 ing of several 

 unbranched 

 shoots, pushed 

 up from near 

 the base of the 

 plant. These 

 shoots, which 

 are very stout, 

 are clothed 



with dark green leathery leaves, and on the points the 

 blossoms are borne. They are of a pale flesh colour, and 

 are produced in one huge terminal head, surrounded by 

 large bracts, the whole being in shape like a large Globe 

 Artichoke. They expand in spring and early summer, 

 and remain fresh a long time. 



Other kinds are : P. acaulis, 2ft. high, flowers purple ; 

 P. cordata, I ft., red; P. formosa, 6ft., violet; P. 

 grandiflora, I oft., white; P. longifolia, 2ft., brownish; 

 P. mellifera, 6ft., pink; P. speciosa, 6ft., white. 

 Rhododendron. — The plants known in gardens as 

 Indian Azaleas are by botanists referred to the genus 

 Rhododendron, and as they require much the same 

 treatment, the Azaleas will be herein included under the 

 same head. They are particularly valuable for the 

 embellishment of the greenhouse during March and 

 April, and il a few simple facts are borne in mind they 

 are not at all difficult to cultivate. The compost for 

 Azaleas should consist of sandy peat, and in potting it 

 should be pressed down very firmly. The drainage must 

 also be carefully attended to, for the plants will (especially 

 when large) remain in the same pot for years, and keep 

 in good health. After flowering they must be well 

 syringed and encouraged to grow freely, weak soot water 

 occasionally being good for them. Then when the 

 growth is completed, which will be about midsummer, 



