POPULAR GARDEN PLANTS. 
491 
varieties, either natural or hybrid, which are 
generally referred to these two species are 
numerous. The Polyanthus, P. variabilis, is 
intermediate in character, but its origin is not 
known with certainty. However, as some of 
the forms approach the Cowslip, and some the 
Fig. 598.—Primrose—Evelyn Arkwright. ( 3 .) 
stalked variety of the Primrose, there seems to 
be little doubt that it is a fertile hybrid between 
these two species, if indeed they are entitled 
to that rank. The colouring is endless in its 
variations, though limited to various shades 
and combinations of purple, red, and yellow. 
There is a curious variety called the Hose-in¬ 
hose, remarkable for the calyx being an almost 
exact counterpart of the corolla. Another race 
of cultivated varieties belongs to the Primrose, 
agreeing with that in having the flower-umbels 
sessile. The flowers are larger, however, in the 
so-called typical form, and hence it has received 
the name grandiflora. The varieties in cultiva¬ 
tion are more or less double, and range from 
nearly pure white, yellow, and lilac, to deep 
crimson ” (W. B. Hemsley). 
The Polyanthus is certainly one of the most 
I charming of hardy spring-flowering plants, but 
it receives comparatively small appreciation 
from the gardeners of the present period. 
Where Daffodils or Tulips are favourites, 
there also should Polyanthuses find admirers. 
They are easily cultivated, they flower freely, 
and the colours of their flowers are pleasing. 
A bed of selected sorts, such as may be seen 
at Hampton Court in June, is a delightful 
floral picture. The laced varieties are particu¬ 
larly rich in colours, velvety crimson, edged or 
laced with gold, &c. There are numerous 
named varieties, but for all except exhibition 
purposes a packet of seeds from a reliable 
grower will afford plenty of variety and 
quality. Their cultivation is conducted on 
the same lines as those detailed above for 
the Primrose. 
Primula sinensis (fig. 599).—This plant, 
as its name implies, is a native of China, and 
has been introduced now some sixty years; but 
it is within the last twenty that the greatest 
advance has been made in raising improved 
varieties, both double and single. For bouquet¬ 
making, the double white kinds are most useful, 
being available nearly all the year round. The 
single forms are most serviceable in the con¬ 
servatory and greenhouse during the winter 
and spring months. 
It is usual to raise fresh plants every year, 
destroying the old ones as soon as they have 
flowered or have ripened seeds, except in the. 
case of any that may appear to possess some 
superior quality. The first sowing should 
be made early in March. The seeds require 
care in sowing or they will fail to germinate, 
or not come up well; in all stages, from the 
seed-pan up to maturity, Primulas cannot bear 
any approach to stagnant moisture in the soil. 
The soil for seeds should consist of three parts, 
good sifted loam, one part sand, and one well- 
rotted leaf-mould, the latter sifted, and the 
whole mixed together; fill the pans to within 
an inch of the rim, make moderately firm, and 
jwess the surface smooth; give a gentle watering 
to settle the soil, and then sow the seeds evenly, 
lightly covering them with fine soil. The 
pans can then be placed in a cold frame and 
covered with a pane of glass, shading with 
paper. Little water will be required until the 
seedlings are visible, when a little ventilation 
is necessary, and as they gain strength more 
air should be admitted, care being taken 
to shade from bright sunshine. When large 
enough they should be pricked off into pans, 
