192 
THE FLOWER GARDEN' 
superior variety yielding larger flowers than the species. Plant 
in autumn or March. Increased by division in March; also 
by seeds as advised for Anthericum. 
Parochetus (Shamrock Pea). — P. communis is a Hima- 
layan perennial, with creeping stems, clover-like leaves and 
blue, pea-like flowers. It belongs to the Pea order (Legu- 
minosse). and is suitable for growing on warm rockeries in 
well-drained, sandy loam. Being somewhat tender it is only 
adapted for outdoor culture in the southern parts of the 
country. Plant in spring. Increased by division of the rooted 
stems in March. 
Pentstemon (Bearded Tongue). — Showy hardy peren- 
nials, belonging to the Foxglove order (Scrophulariaceas). The 
race of Pentstemons grown in gardens are hybrids, and very 
attractive plants. They exist in a great variety of colours, 
are easily grown, and well adapted for growing in beds or 
massing in sunny borders. Varieties are to be obtained bear- 
ing special names from florists, but a very good collection of 
colours may be obtained from a packet of mixed seed sown in 
heat in March, and the seedlings grown on in heat till May, 
then hardened off and planted out. These seedlings will 
flower in August and onwards, when the best kinds may be 
selected and cuttings struck from them in a cold frame, these 
being planted out in April. Except on heavy, cold soils the 
old plants will survive the winter, but the best results are 
always obtained by rearing fresh plants from cuttings yearly. 
Pentstemons require a rich generous soil and to be planted 
out at least a foot apart to form strong plants. Therefore 
fork in plenty of rotten manure before planting. There are 
several pretty species of Pentstemons worthy of a place in 
the mixed border. The best of them are: P. azureus, blue and 
purple, Aug., i ft. , California: P. barbatus (Svn. Chelone bar- 
bata), carmine, summer, 3ft., Mexico; P. b. alba, white; P. b. 
carneus, flesh; P. b. Torreyi, scarlet; P. cobaea,. purple, yellow 
and creamy-white, Sept., 2ft., Texas; P. Hartwegii, scarlet, 
summer, 3ft., Mexico; P. glaber, blue, summer, 1 ft. ; and P. 
ovatus, blue or rosy-purple, summer, 4ft. P. Cobaea is a some- 
what tender species, and can only be successfully grown 
outdoors in the south. The others will succeed in sunny, well- 
drained borders in a rich ordinary soil, enriched with leaf- 
mould and decayed manure. Plant in autumn or spring. In- 
crease by seeds, cuttings, and division. 
Petasites (Winter Heliotrope).— P. fragrans is a hardy 
perennial, which bears racemes of pale lilac, fragrant flowers 
in January and February, and grows about a foot high. _ It 
belongs to the Daisy order. This plant is suitable for growing 
