390 



MANUAL OF GARDENING 



early spring. Propagated by division, or by seed sown a year before 

 the plants are wanted. Give them rather moist soil. 



The primula of the winter-garden is mostly the P. Sinensis (Chinese 

 Primrose), grown very extensively by florists as a Christmas plant. 

 With the exception of the full double varieties, it is usually grown 

 from seed. There is a popular single form known as P. stellata. The 

 seed of Chinese primulas sown in March or April will make large flower- 

 ing plants by November or December, if the young plants are shifted 

 to larger pots as needed. The seed should be sown on the flat surface 

 of the soil, composed of equal parts loam, leafmold, and sand. The 

 seed should be pressed down lighth^ and the soil watered carefully 

 to prevent the seed from being washed into the soil. Very fine sphag- 

 num moss may be sifted over the seed, or the box set in a moist place, 

 where the soil wifl remain wet until the seeds germinate. When the 

 plants are large enough, they should be potted separately or pricked 

 out into shallow boxes. Frequent pottings or transplantings should 

 be given until September, when they should be in the pots in which 

 the}^ are to bloom. The two essentials to successful growth through 

 the hot summer are shade and moisture. Height, 6 to 8 inches. 

 Bloom in winter and spring. 



At present the "baby Primrose" {Primula Forbesi) is popular. It 

 is treated in essentially the same way as the Sinensis. The obconica 

 {P. obconica) in several forms is a popular florist's plant, but is not 

 much used in window-gardens. The hairs poison the hands of some 

 persons. Culture practicall}'' as for P. Sinensis. 



All primulas are impatient of a dry atmosphere and fluctuating con- 

 ditions. 



Rhododendrons are broad-leaved evergreen shrubs that are admi- 

 rably adapted to producing strong planting effects. Some of them are 

 hardy in the Northern states. 



Rhododendrons require a fibrous or peaty soil and protection from 

 bleak winds and bright suns in summer and winter. A northern or 

 somewhat shady exposure, to break the force of the midday sun, is ad- 

 visable; but the}^ should not be planted where large trees will sap the 

 fertihty and moisture from the ground. They protect each other if 

 grown in masses, and also produce better planting effects. 



