THE GARDENING WORLD. 
■ i 
March 9, 1907. 
Ghir?a flstef 
Ostrich Plume- 
PRINCE’S FERTMER. 
- 
(Amarantui hypochondriacus). 
The above is practically the name of a 
strain of China Asters having various 
shades of colour such as blue, white, 
azure-blue, pink, and rose, but all agree¬ 
ing in habit, height, and in the form of 
the flower. It may be compared with the 
strain known as Comet, except that the 
long, strap-like florets are more loosely 
arranged, and therefore more artistic and 
suitable for decorative work, especially in 
the cut state. Both the Ostrich Plume 
and Comet types hold the same relation to 
the florist's forms of the China Aster, as 
the Japanese section does to other Chry¬ 
santhemums. 
Ostrich Plume may be treated as a half- 
hardy annual like all the other forms of 
China Aster, and raised in heat during 
the present month. The subsequent 
treatment consists of transplanting the 
seedlings into boxes about 2 in. apart 
each way, and after they take to the fresh 
soil, the’ boxes are placed in cold frames 
to be brought on under genial conditions, 
while air is also given to make the plants 
sturdy. They are finally hardened off-by 
giving ample ventilation for a week, and 
even standing them in a sheltered situa¬ 
tion in the open or drawing the sashes ol 
the frames entirely off night and day. 
After hardening in this way, the plants 
are transferred to the beds or borders 
about the end of May or beginning of 
June. 
-- 
THE ... 
Chinese Lantern Flower. 
C " " *—5 
Physalis. —This is a genus of peren¬ 
nials generally cultivated for their decora¬ 
tive fruit pods or caly'xes. There are P. 
Alkekengi (Winter Cherry), producing 
long slender stems with terminal white 
flowers in summer, and much resembling 
the Abutilon in habit of growth and flower ; 
Physalis Francheti, a Japanese form, with 
beautiful orange-coloured pods, quite a 
gem for decorative purposes ; and Honesty 
(Lunaria biennis) and P. Francheti, which 
require no description for their effective¬ 
ness for vases at Christmas or throughout 
the winter. 
In autumn, when they change colour, 
cut and store in a dry room for future 
use. Sow the seed in spring, and raise 
the plants in the greenhouse. Trans¬ 
plant them to boxes of light soil, and 
harden off out of doors. At the end of 
May plant out on the warm side of a 
wall if obtainable, in their permanent 
quarters. In severe winters cover the 
roots with litter, or even ashes. Physalis 
Bunyardi is a new introduction, more 
vigorous and with larger calyxes than the 
former. This was produced by crossing 
P. Alkekengi and P. Francheti, to the 
credit of Messrs. Bunyard and Co., Maid¬ 
stone. 
Physalis edulis.— This is the Cape 
Gooseberry, and a glass structure is essen¬ 
tial for its maturity. Edulis, as we know, 
denotes edible. I do not suppose it is 
grown for its fruit, it serving a 
China Aster Ostrich Plume. 
double purpose, and being suitable for 
decorative purposes. The plant is pro¬ 
pagated from cuttings or quickly raised 
from seed, preferably sown in spring. 
The back wall of a vinery, or even a cooler 
house, is a favourable place for this if 
planted in good soil. Keep well in hand 
by a good cutting back in spring. The 
fruits are often used as a dessert, some 
relishing its peculiar flavour. 
Wishaw. A. V. Main. 
The botanical name of the above plant 
may prove troublesome to those who have 
not yet made its acquaintance, but the 
popular name, Prince’s Feather, has been 
well known for many years, and the 
plant has been, perhaps, more popular 30 
years ago than recently. It may prac- 
tically be grown for the same pur]>ose as 
Loves-lies-Blecding which was figured 
and described on p. 129. 
Seeds should be sown in heat during 
the present month, the earlier now the 
better in order to get plants well ad¬ 
vanced for garden embellishment during 
our short season. The plant grows 2ft. 
to 3ft. in height according to the richness 
of the soil and the space which the culti¬ 
vator gives it. When grown vigorously 
it keeps branching and producing many 
flower spikes of a rich carmine-red or 
crimson and is very effective. Those who 
cannot afford so much space can still have 
a clump or patch of it of more moderate 
dimensions by planting rather more 
closely. The plants do not last so long 
in beauty if thev are too crowded. The 
bright effect is due to the coloured bracts 
and calyx rather than to petals which 
most people regard as the flower proper. 
These coloured portions are also cf a dry 
nature, comparable to Everlastings, and 
that explains their durability. 
The Most Permanent Colour.— 
Yellow is far the most permanent of any 
colour in flowers. It is the only one not 
affected by sulphurous acid fumes. 
Maclaren and Sons, 
Prince’s Feather (Amarantus hypochondriacus), 
