BEDDING PLANTS. 
59 
highbred condition, constitutionally unsuited to bear the vicissi¬ 
tudes of our seasons out of doors. 
Gaillardia picta and a variety of it called grandiflora are very 
showy, and though somewhat straggling in habit, cannot well be 
spared where there is occasion for much variety; their flowers 
are large, deep red, with a yellow centre, and freely produced for 
a long time; they require to be protected in winter, and are 
increased either by seed or cuttings. 
Gazania ringens and unijlora are both strikingly brilliant objects, 
the first has large yellow flowers, with a black centre, and the 
second is entirely yellow; they do not exceed a foot in height, 
and continue to produce a profusion of flowers through the entiie 
summer. Propagation is effected by cuttings, which should be 
taken off and struck in the autumn ; they are easily kept in a pit 
secure from frost. 
j Hydrangea. Both the common hortensis and japonic a form 
good bedding plants, and for vases perhaps it would be difficult 
to select anything more appropriate. In the autumn strong 
cuttings should be chosen and struck, keeping them in small pots 
in a dormant state through the winter; in March they should be 
repotted and encouraged to grow, when the bloom buds will soon 
develop themselves ; plenty of water and liquid manure will be 
wanted at this time, that the flowers may be encouraged as much 
as possible, and when they are well expanded the plants may be 
removed to any desirable position. 
Hydrolea spinosa. A lovely, little, slender-stemmed plant, with 
beautiful bright blue flowers, which it produces very freely when 
treated with a warm position in the garden. It should be planted 
in light soil, and if intermixed with a few large stones, to secure 
drainage and reflect the sun’s rays, the plant will be found to 
thrive in proportion. Through the winter it requires to be nursed 
in the stove or at the warmest part of the greenhouse ; cuttings 
strike readily in March and April, forming nice plants for the 
borders by May. 
Lantana Sdovii. An old plant, much neglected, but deserving 
to be grown for its neatly-compact style of growth and pretty blue- 
lilac blossoms, freely produced through the whole of the summer. 
In winter it requires the usual accommodation, and in spring 
may be propagated with facility. 
