VAN HOUTTE'S PHLOX. 
In common with other Phloxes, these only require a moderately rich soil to 
produce vigorous specimens, and they admit of being extensively increased by 
cuttings of the young growing shoots, inserted in sand, and placed in a pit or frame 
with a very trifling bottom-heat. Plants may also be obtained by division of the 
roots. 
Planted rather closely in large beds on a lawn, and the shoots bent down, as 
soon as it can be done without danger of snapping them asunder, and pegged to the 
ground with hooked sticks, they speedily cover the entire surface, and when the 
ends have regained an upright position and expand their flowers, they have an 
imposing appearance. There is, moreover, an additional advantage in pursuing this 
treatment ; for the recumbent posture of the stem encourages the formation of 
lateral shoots, which flower successively, and lengthen the period of the attraction, 
as well as increase the density of the mass. Much of the beauty of such a bed, 
however, depends on the regular distribution of the shoots over the surface. If 
permitted to grow upright, in the usual way, the central shoot should be topped 
to induce them to become bushy, or several plants put in together. 
The present variety was obtained by the London Nurserymen last year from 
M. Van Houtte, of Ghent, but whether it originated with him or not, is unknown, 
A fine specimen which flowered in the herbaceous ground in Messrs. Henderson's 
Nursery at Pine-apple Place, furnished us with the opportunity of supplying our 
readers with a representation. 
