PELARGONIUM — PEONY 



387 



Washington pelargoniums, the ivy geraniums, the thin-leaved bedders 

 (as Madame Salleroi), and the ''rose" geraniums. 



Cuttings of partially ripened wood of all pelargoniums root very 

 easil}'', grow to blooming size in a short time, and, either planted out 

 or grown in a pot, make fine decorations. The common or fish gera- 

 niums are much more satisfactory when not more than a year old. 

 Take cuttings from the old plants at least once a year. In four or 

 five months the young plants begin to bloom. Plants may be taken 

 up from the garden and potted, but they rarely give as much satisfac- 

 tion as young, vigorous subjects; new plants should be grown every 

 year. Repot frequently until they are in 4- to 5-inch pots; then let 

 them bloom. 



The show pelargoniums have but one period of bloom, usually in 

 April, but they make up in size and coloring. This section is more 

 difficult to manage as house-plants than the common geranium, need- 

 ing more direct light to keep it stocky, and being troubled by insects. 

 Still, all the trouble taken to grow the plants will be well repaid by the 

 handsome blossoms. Take cuttings in late spring, after flowering, and 

 blooming plants may be had the following year. Good results are 

 sometimes secured by keeping these plants two or three years. Cut 

 back after each blooming season. 



For house culture the geraniums need a fertile, fibrous loam, with 

 the addition of a little sand; good drainage is also an essential. 



Peony. — The herbaceous peony has long had a place in the gar- 

 den; it has now been much improved and constitutes one of the very 

 best plants known to cultivation. It is perfectly hardy, and free from 

 the many diseases and insects that attack so many plants. It continues 

 to bloom year after year without renewal, if the soil is well prepared 

 and fertile. Fig. 250. 



Inasmuch as the peony is such a strong grower and produces so 

 many enormous flowers, it must have a soil that can supply abundant 

 plant-food and moisture. The old-fashioned single and semi-double 

 comparatively small-flowered kinds will give good results in any ordi- 

 nary ground, but the newer highly improved sorts must be given better 

 treatment. This is one of the plants that profit by a very rich soil. 

 The place should be very deeply plowed or else trenched; and if the 



