LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Slielf.....L3S UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. m 23 18!& THE HOME FLORIST A TREATISE OX THE CULTIVATION, MANAGEMENT AND ADAPTABILITY FLOWERING AND ORNAMENTAL PLANTS, UESIGNED FOR THE USE OK AMATEUR FLORISTS. / J^ ^ 1 ?/ By ELIA« a. long, Af'i'HOR OK "Ornamental Gardeninc, for Americans." REVISED AND ENLARGED. \PR 23 \ f SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, CHAS. A. REESER, Seedsman and Florist, PUBLISHER. 1885. V ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1885, By C. a. REESER, in the office of the librarian of congress, at washington. ao ♦ — ••' «Jm union and ADVEBTI8ER C0"8 PRINT, (W /^ y> "^ . "V^ ROCHESTER, N. Y c^ V o ^ ^ ' 6 V IN DKX. PAGE. Abelia 124 Abulilon 125 Aca'.ypha 126 Achania 127 Achillea 127 Achimenes.. 127 Achyranthus 127 Acroclinium 128 Adam's Needle 308 j.gapanthus 128 Agave 129 Ageratum 129 Agrostemtna 130 Airing House Plants 47 Akebia 130 Allamanda 131 Aloysia 131 Alternanthera 132 Althea 132 Alyssum 133 Amaranthus^ 133 Amaryllis 134 Amateur's Conservatory 55 American Pampas 192 Ammobium 134 Amomum 135 Amorphophallus 13S Ampelopsis 135 Anemone 136 Animated Oats 137 Anthericum 137 Antirrhinum 137 Annuals described 122 Aphis or Green Fly 47 Aquilegia 139 Ardisia 139 Aristolochia 139 Armeria 139 Artillery Plant 281 Asclepias 139 Aspidistra 140 Astiibe 142 Aster 140 Aucuba 228 Azalea 142 Balm 144 Balsam 142 Banana 259 Begonia 144 " Showy Leaf 149 " Tuberous rooted 150 Beginners, advice to 7 Beliis perennis 187 Biennials, what are 123 Bignonia 150 Bonapartia 150 Bougainvillea 150 Boussingaultia 151 Bouvardia 151 Browallia 153 Brugmansia 153 Bryophyllum 154 Bulbs, autumn planting of 32 " culture in glasses, pots, &c. 52 Buttercup 286 Cacalia 154 Cactus 155 Cactus Dahlia 186 Caladium 155 Galandrinia 155 Calceolaria is6 PAGE. Calendula 157 California Poppy 193 Calla 157 Calla, Spotted 288 Calliopsis 158 Calycanthus 159 Camellia 159 Campanula 160 Campsidium 161 Campvlobotrys 161 Canary Bird FIoa er 300 Candytuft 161 Canna 161 Cape Marigold 157 Cape Jasmine 24s Cardinal Flower 253 Carnation 162 Carpet Bag Flower 156 Castor Oil Bean 288 Celosia 165 Centaurea 165 Centradenia 166 Century Plant 129 Cereus 166 Cestrum 167 Cherianthus 307 Chorozema 167 Chrysanthemum 168 Cigar Plant 182 Cineraria 171 Cissus Discolor 171 Citrus Z70 Clarkia 171 Clematis 172 Clerodendron 173 Cocoloba 174 Cockscomb ,. 165 Coix Lachry ma 229 Coleus 174 Columbine 139 Cold Frames 28 Cold Pits for Winter 34 Convolvulus 177 Conservatory, Amateurs 56 Heating 57 PI ans with cost 57 Small 57, 59 Summer Management 63 Winter Management 6i Convallaria 251 Comparative Value of Plants 124 Coral Tree 193 Coreopsis 158 Crape Myrtle 245 Crocus 178 Crotons 179 Crown Imperial 182 Crowfoot 2S6 Cuphea 182 Cups and Saucers 283 Cuttings, Propagation from 35 Cyclamen.' 182 Cyperus... 183 Cypress Vine 239 Cytisus 184 Daffodil 262 Dahlia 185 Daisy 187 Daphne 188 Deutzia 189 Delphinium 188 INDEX. I'AGE. Devil-in-a-busli 264 Dew Plant 256 Dianthus ; 189 Dicentra 190 Dieffenbathia 190 Digitalis. 190 Dracena 191 Drives 19 Dutchman's Pipe 139 Dwarf Morning Glory 177 Easter Lily 134 Echevena 191 Eranthemum 192 Epiphyllum 155 Erianthus 192 Erysimum 193 Erythrina »93 Escholtzia 193 Ethiopian Lily 157 Eucharis 193 Eulalie 193 Euonymus .... 194 Eupatorium 195 Everlasting Flowers 195, 230 Evening Glory 231.1 Fabiana 196 Farfugium ig6 F"erns 196 Feather Grass 229 Fertilizers for pot plants 49 Ferneries 51 Feverfew 197 Ficus 198 Fittonia 229 Flora's Paint Brush 154 Floriculture, open air 21 Floriculture, work of each week. ... 310 Flower Beds, locating 11 Beds for constant cutting. . 24 Designs for 20 Manuring 26 Mixed boders 24 Planting in masses 21 Ribbon beds 23 The soil 25 Flower de Luce ... . 239 Flowering Maple 125 Forget->le-Not 260 Forsythia J98 Fountain Plant 134 Four f)'Clock 258 Fo.t Glove 190 Fritillaria ; 182 Frozen Plants, how to treat 51 Fuchsias 199 Double varieties 201 Single varieties 200 Winter-blooming 203 Funkia 203 Galanthus 203 Gardenia 242, 245 Gazania 204 Geraniums 205 Double 211 Golden Bronze 223 Golden Tricolor 218 Ivy-leaved 216 Lady Washington 274 Scented and ( -ut-leaved 222 Silver-leaved 220 Single or Horseshoe 206 I'AGE. Gesneria 225 Gillyflower 295 Gladiolus 225 Gloxinias 227 Glycine 308 Gnaphalium 227 Godetia 227 Golden Bell 198 Gold Dust Shrub 228 Golden Feather 198 Goldfussia 228 Gomphrena 228 Grading and Leveling 15 Grasses for Drying 228 Gymnostachyum 229 Gynerium .. 229 Gy psophila 230 Habrothamnus 230 Hanging Baskets 38 Plants for 40 Heart's Ease 272 Htdera 240 Helianthus 230 Helichrysum 230 Heliotrope 231 Helipterum 232 Hesperis 232 Heterocentron 232 Hibiscus 232 Hotbeds 28 House, Plant culture about the 42 Hollyhock 234 Honeysuckle 234 Hoya 235 Hyacinth 235 Hydrangea 236 Ice Plant 256 Impatiens 237 India Rubber Tree 198 Insects 47i 63 Angle Worms 49 Aphis or Green Fly 47, 63 Injurious to Roses .. 117 Mealy Bug 47, 64 Red Spider 47, 64 Scale 49, 64 Introduction 6 Ipomcea 238 Iris 239 Isolepsis 240 Ivy 240 Ivy, German or Parlor 203 Ivy, Kenihvorlh 252 Ixora. . 242 Japonica 150 Japanese Chrysanthemum 169 Japanese Maize 242 Jasmine 242 Jerusalem Cherry 294 Jessamine 242 Job's Tears 22g Jonquil 262 Joseph's Coat 134 Justicia 245 KIcinia 245 Lady's Ear Drop 199 Lady in the Green 264 Lady's Slipper 142 Lagerstrttmia 245 Landscape Gardening, Notes of ... 9 Breadth 10 INDEX. Ill PAGE. Landscape Gardening, Flower Beds, designs for 20 Flower Beds, locating 11 Grading and Leveling 15 Planning the Work 13 The Lawn 17 The House 10 Things to be avoided 12 Tree Plantir>g 17 Trees an d Shrubs 1 1 Wallts 13 Walks and Drives 19 What is desirable in a place. . 9 Lantana 245 Larkspur 188 Lathyrus 297 Laurestinus 247 Lavendula 247 Lawn, The 17 Seeding down 18 Sodding 19 Layering, Propagation by 36 Lemon 270 Lemon Verbena 131 Leptosiphon 247 Libonia 248 Liting Plants 32, 33 Lily 248 Lily of the Amazon 193 Lily, Calla or Ethiopica 157 Lily of the Valley 251 Lily, Water 264 Lilium 248 Linaria 252 Linum 252 Lobelia 252 Lonicera 234 Lopezia 253 Lophospermum 253 Lotus 253 Love Lies Bleeding 190 Lupine 254 Lupinus 254 Lychnis 254 Lycopodium 292 Lysimachia 255 Lythrum 255 Madeira Vine 151 Maherni s 255 Maize 242 Manettia 255 Manuring Flower Beds 26 Maranta 25s Mangold 256 Maurandia 256 Melissa 144 Mesembryanthemum 256 Meyenia 257 Mignonette 257 Mildew 64 " On Roses 118 Mimosa 258 Mimulus , 258 Mirabilis 258 Mock Orange 279 Moccasin Flower 156 Moisture, Maintaining 47 Moneywort 255 Monkey Flower 258 Montbretia 259 Moon Flower 239 Morning Glory 177 Mourning Bnde 201 Musa 259 Musk Plant 258 Myosotis 260 Myrsiphyllum 260 Myrtle 262 Myrtus 262 Narcissus 262 Nasturtium . . 299 Nemophila 263 Nierembergia 263 Nerium 265 Nigella 264 Night Blooming Cereus 166 Nymphaea 264 Olea. 265 Oleander 265 Olive 265 Orange 270 Orchids 266 Othonna 270 Oxalis 271 Pseonia 271 Palms. . . 271 Pampas Grass 229 Pampas, American 192 Panicum 272 Pansy 272 Papaver 284 Passion Flower 274 Passiflora 274 Pea Flowering 297 Pelargonium 205, 274 Pentstemon 276 Peperomia 276 Perisirophe 276 Perennials, What are 123 Petunia 276 Philadelphus 279 Phlox 279 Pilea 281 Pilogyne 281 Pinks 281 Pittosporum 282 Planting Roses, a new method of. . 120 Plants, House, managing, etc 42 Description of 40, 122 Do Plants poison the air of rooms 55 Frozen, How to Treat 51 Keeping clean 49 Planning Gardens 13 Plantain Lily 203 Plumbago 282 Poinsettia 282 Polemonium 283 Polyanthus 283 Polyanthus Narcissus 262 Polygonum 283 Pomegranate 283 Pond Lily 264 Poppy 284 Poppy, Californian 193 Portulaca 284 Potentilla 285 Primula 283 Primula 285 Prince's Feather 134 Propagation 35, 63 Protection for House Plants 46 IV INDEX. PAGE. Protection for Roses 119 Pruning House Plants 49 Pruninff Roses 117 Pyrethrum 197 Ragged Robin 254 Ranunculus 286 Reineckia 287 Removal of Matured Flowers 51 Reseda 257 Rhodanthe 287 Rhododendron 287 Rhyncospermum ..... 288 Richardia 288 Ricinus 288 Rivinia 289 Rondelelia 289 Rose Garden, the 116 For Pot-culiure and Winter- blooming 121 Insects Injurious to 117 Mildew and Rust on ti8 New method of Planting 120 Protection during Winter 119 Pruning 117 Rose of Sharon 132 Roses, Cultivation and managem'nt 116 Roses, Pot Fertilizer for 50 Roses ." 65 Bourbon 85, 87 Bengal or China 85, 90 Climbing 68, 79 Hardy 67 Hybrid Perpetual 67, 68 Hybrid Tea 86, no June or Summer 68, 82 Moss f8, 80 Noisette 86, 107 Polyantha 87, 114 Prairie 70 Tea-scented 85, 92 Tender— Monthly 84 Rosemarinus 289 Rosemary 289 Ruellia 289 Russelia 289 Rust on Roses 118 Salvia 290 Salpiglossis 289 Sanchezia 291 Saucer System of Propagation.. .. 38 Saxifraga 291 Scabiosa 291 Schizophragma 237 Sculteiaria 291 Sea Pink 139 Sedum 292 Seed-beds 28 Seeding down Lawns 18 Seeds, Sowing 27 Selaginella 292 Stlettion of Plants 44 Sempervivum .... 293 Scnecio 293 Sensiiive Plant... 258 Slips, Propagation from 35 Smilax 260 Snapdragon 137 Snowdrop 203 Solding 19 Soil The; I'reparation and Treatm't 25 Trenching 26 PAGE. Solanum 293 Sowing Seeds 27, 312 Spirea 294 Spirea Japonica 142 Stephanotis 294 Stevia.. 294 Streptosolen 297 Stock 295 Summer Culture 30 Summer Watering 30 Summer Management of Conserva- tory 63 Sunflower 230 Sweet Alyssum 133 Sweet Pea 297 Sweet-scented Shrub is9 Sweet M'illiam 190 Taberna;montana 298 Tagetes 256 Tecoma 298 Temperature 44 Thunbergia 298 Thyme 299 Tiger Flower 299 Tigridia 299 Torenia 299 Tradescantia 299 Transplanting 30 Trees and Shrubs, locating n Planting 17 Trellises, Plants for 40 Trenching 26 Tritoma 302 Tropajolum 299 Trumpet Creeper 150 Tuberose 301 Tulip 300 Vallota 302 Vases, Garden 38 Plants foi 40 Verbena 303 Veronica 304 Viburnum 305 Viola Tricolor 272 Violet 306 Virginia Creeper 135 Virginian Stock, 305 Walks 19 Wall Flower 307 Wandering Jew 299 Wardian Cases 51 Watering, Summer 30 House Plants 47 Water Lily 264 Wax Plant 235 Weigela 307 Window Boxes 43 Window Plant Culture 42 Wmter-blooming, Roses for 121 Winter Culture of House Plants, . . 44 Winter Flowering, Preparing plants for 31 Winter Managm't of Conservatory 61 Winter Plant Quarters, the 44 Wistaria 308 Woodbine 234 Work arranged by weeks 310 Xeranthemum 308 Yucca 308 Zebra Grass 194 Zinnia 308 Preface to the Revised Edition. When the Home Florist was written, ten years ago, I did not realize that it was destined to fill the useful place in the garden- ing literature of our country, which it has done by the kindness of a most forbearing public, towards its many and conspicuous shortcomings. The original work was written hastily in snatches of time between the pressing duties of a complicated business, and was always far from satisfactory to me, owing to its many faults, mostly due to hasty composition. In the present revision pains have been taken to make amends for past defects, while considerable new matter has also been added. The work now goes forth in the belief that it will more fully than it ever could in the past, meet the demand for information on the subject of flower growing about the home, and adapted to the wants of amateurs. Elias a. Lo>g. Buffalo, N. Y., July 19, 1884. INTRODUCTION. TTIE cultivation of plants for the sake of tlieir beautiful flow- -*■ ers, and other attractions, has from the earliest ages received at- tention wherever civilization has made some progress. Floriculture as an art, however, is so susceptible to influences of climate, soil, heat, cold and other conditions, that, notwithstanding it may claim anticjuity, anything like general jivogress m all lauds has been impeded by reason of this very fact. Whatever knowledge may have beea gained in the art, during one age or in one country, when apulied to another, is found to be practically useful only to the extent in which it finds a state of adaptability in the other. Hence, it may be said that in each nation the practice of Flori- culture is peculiar, and differing from that of every other nation. In our own country the cultivation of plants and flowers has only of late years received any great degree of attention. While from the first it was, of course, realized that the practice must be somewhat distinct from that of other countries, now after some years of practical schooling, we may claim to have adopted a system which is entitled to be considered in the fullest sense, as American. It has been only about twenty years since a general manifestation of interest in Floriculture, by the masses of people, has been apparent, but from a preceptible awakening, about Hiat time, there has been a continual and rapid increase, until now, when we find nearly everybody devoting more or less attention to the culture of flowers. Wliat is felt to be the greatest need of the day in the further promotion of Floriculture, is the more general dissemination of correct knowledge concerning the kinds of plants and fiowers most suitable for the American cultivator, and also regarding their culture, all brought down to such a simple matter as to ho adapted to the wants of inexperienced amateurs. It is with an appreciation of such a need that tlie author and publisher of the present work take pleasure in presenting it to the public, as a book THE HOME FLORIST. of instruction, relative to the proper means of managing many kinds of plants used for the adornment of American homes. It is designed to aid all classes of cultivatoi's, but especially those who aspire to the rearing of a choicer class of plants and flowers than are common in jierhaps the majority of homes where Flori- culture is now receiving attention ; aiming to carry those who adopt its teachings over obstacles which tend to cause failure and discouragement, and to promote an interest in every plant that is cultivated. A good indication of progress in amateur Floriculture is shown at the present time, in the fact that the people are learning that more than only seeds, or bulbs, or plants alone, are required for beautifying gardens and homes with flowers ; that in the best kept gardens judicious selections of some of each should be used for producing the finest results. No matter, scarcely, to how limited an extent the culture of flowers is engaged in, it can be better done, and becomes more interesting, by including in the stock cultivated, perennial greenhouse plants, hardy bulbs, tubers and seed-grown plants — than by limiting the stock to varieties of any one class. Even where the stock must be purchased from the florist and seedsmen, this rule will hold good, no matter how small is the amount to be invested. I have seen gai'dens where none but annuals and other seed-grown plants were employed, which were beautiful during the entire summer season, and I always advise persons who expend but little for floral decorations to de- pend largely on these for their flowers. But where richness of color, exquisite fragrance, and strong contrasts in foliage are sought, some green-house plants and bulbs are also required. Planting even a few scarlet Geraniums, Lantanas, Gladiolus, Heliotropes, Hyacinths and other hardy bulbs, monthly Roses and others along with the seed-grown kinds, will add to the grounds a brilliancy of coloring and afford an abundance of bloom daily from early in the spring until October, and with many, even in November, w^hich w^ould be impossible with seed-grown things alone. It is also a great feat to nicely stock a hanging basket, vase or window box without the use of green-house plants. New beginners sometimes have over-ambitious ideas in regard to selecting stock for their flrst attempts. It is a poor plan for such to invest largely in all kinds of stock found m the catalogues as a first step. Let them begin by selecting sorts that are known 8 THE HOME FLORIST. to be easily grown, and then gain all the information possible relative to treatment, soil, time of sowing, etc., and be sure to devote to these their best attention the se;ison through. Thus it will be found that even a few choice plants, besides the product from half a dozen packets of flower seeds will give far more real enjoyment to the cultivator than a hundred things in a neglected condition, through ignorance of what they need. And let me warn even the most careful new beginners that they must expect to meet with some little difficulties and drawbacks, which, by unpropitious weather, or other causes, always will attend flcri- cultural operations. In these the young florist who has a love for the work and its fruits should find no cause for being discour- aged. The most skilful florist has always something to learn ; and no mistake will be made but you will be wiser for it, and the better prepared for future emergencies. Success, gained at the expense of slight failures and inconveniences, will be enjoyed the more for them afterwards. After each succeeding season's expe- rience you will see the safety of striking out more boldly in pur- chases and plans, and each year w^ill place you higher up that scale to perfection which every cultivator of flowers aspires to. Buffalo, N. Y., October, 1874. E. A. L. THE HOME FLORIST. Notes on Landscape Gardening. As being somewhat distinct from laying out large grounds, parks, etc., the present chapter is devoted to that more limited branch of rural adornment about homes, in which the majority of people outside of the crowded parts of large cities are inter- ested, and the planning of which usually devolves upon tlie own- ers or occupants. That a marked degree of incongruity and dull ness exists in the ground improvements of the majority of Amer- ican homes cannot be denied, but this perhaps arises oftener from lack of useful information, ignorance of correct principles, and through not fully realizing the importance of thoroughly execut- ing work of this nature, than from anj^ real want of appreciation of what is tasteful and elegant in ornamental gardening in the minds of the people. What is Desirable in a Place. — To be most delightful, a place of residence should be surrounded with ground of sufficient area to devote some parts to a fine lawn, othei's to flower beds, shrubbery, trees, etc., in groups or singly, and then the necessary walks and drives, besides it may be arbors, fountains, a conserva- toiy, rockeries, fern gardens, lakelets, etc. The area need not be very extensive to allow of some or all of these and be rendered very attractive, provided tJie arrangement is in good taste, and all operations which contribute to the improvements are thor-i Qughly performed, and the afte? Q^ye ;8 what jt ghould be. lO THE HOME FLORIST. In all cases of improving grounds the house s-hould be considered as the chief feature with wliich we have to deal, and the chief point of vision in a place. When the house is already present, and the grounds have been improved in a measure, perhaps all that may be desirable will be to introduce some new improve- ments, or to remove or alter any features which are found to be objectionable. With homes that are still in contemplation, there is the advantage of being able to arrange the various features at will, giving to each and all ample study and forethought, and then finally deciding upon such a plan as combines the greatest number of excellencies. Largeness of extent is no doubt very desirable in ornamental grounds, but the fact that everything connected with construc- ticjn and maintenance requires a good deal of labor and expense, must never be lost sight of. In every instance it would be better to decide upon a reti'action of area, than to attempt work on a large scale with too small an outlay. Surroundings consisting of a fourth of an acre of land, improved in the most perfect man- ner, will be infinitely more satisfactory and enjoyable to the owner than a half or whole acre, with the same amount of labor and expensa bestowed upon the improvements. There is such a thing, too, as augmenting the appearance of extent in a place, be it large or small, A. garden of any size will always look more limited in breadth without a good open piece of lawn, and one broad glade of grass at least should stretch from the best windows of the house to w ithin a short distance of the boundary at the farthest point, with as little interruption from walks, trees or other objects as possible. Harmony of parts and simplicity of arrangement also maintain the idea of size, for where everything is linked together to form a united whole, there will be none of that division of in- terest which tends to make a place appear still smaller. A place that is laid out in a formal manner— in the geometrical style — where all walks, flower beds and plantings are arranged with a degree of regularity, in which the various lines and parts bear a geometric relation to each other, will, unless very extensive, al- ways look smaller than it really is, and very much less than one treated in a more irregular and natural w%ay. Where the space will at all justify it, the walks, shrubs, flower beds, etc, should be so disposed of as to afford as many different views as possible, THE HOME FLORIST. II Walks, in which graceful and easy curves are introduced, are more pleasing than if made entirely straight, especially in small places, as straight walks or any straight lines reouire length to show them to advantage. Trees and shrubs are alwajs more effective if arranged largely in groups, making the planting heaviest next the boundary fences — in preference to the style of planting in straight lines, parallel with the street, straight walks, etc. The projections, made by curves in winding walks and the points form- ed by angles, are suitable for accommodating groups, hav- ing these extend back from the walk somewhat, but the inner points should be limited to such a distance as will keep the centre of the grass plat open. It will be allowable, however even in a small place, to plant here and there some what centrally, small, irregular groups or single trees or shrubs of fine form and appearance, while in large places stronger grouj^s may be set with a view to breaking the distance and opening new scenes or jiarts in the gi-ounds. Flower beds are most effective if located in outward bends, formed by walks, or in chaste, well-balanced designs, thrown across the 1 ine of a walk or opposite a bay or other Avindow of the dwelling. They may also come in as borders or in the shape of numerous small beds of round or other forms, on each side of walks, or be located at distant points on the lawn, to be viewed fi-om the dwelling or street. Sometimes an excellent effect is created by making a compound bed in the line of the walk, with the walk passing on each side and through it, as shown in Fig. 14. Where thfre is an opportunity of connecting a lawn with a closely fed meadow or jjasture lot, which is almost on the same level, separating the two by means of a wire fence or one con- structed in a depression, either natural or artificial, a place, may be enlarged in appearance. If some groups of ti-ees were to be planted in such a meadow, they might be made to imjiart to it quite a park-like character. It is frequently possible to keep some object outside the grounds in view from a principal window or garden seat, and where, from its attractiveness, it may seem desirable to do so, the planting of trees should be done to effect this. It may be a neighboring vil- lage, a distant mountian peak, or a steeple, or some edifice jjosses- siag an air of romaace, and perhaps the plantings may bo so ar- 12 THE HOME FLORIST. ranged as to give it a beautiful setting between the trees. By Fig. 1 , it will be seen how, if a desirable view is in the direction of ^1 the trees should be planted on each side of the line of vision, to keep the object in sight. Sometime an object in some direction possesses an offensive appearance, making it desirable to shut it from sight. <^a^ In the same figure we will suppose sucli i> j L.:^ the case in the direction of B. It is plainly noticeable liow trees can be thrown across n the line of vision to entirely hide the object. L,,;, . J For this latter purpose, evergreens are to be ^'\ \^ preferred , because ot their being continually \ \^ in foliage. ^ Fia. 1. Thiiij^s to be Avoided. — In the first place let me say, avoid attempting too much by applying the labor and expense necessary to put a place of a certain size in order to one of twice or three times the size, and consequently doing the work one- half or one-third as well. Simplicity is a prime element in beauty, and nothing can be more objectionable, in small places especially, than intricacy of design, or the prevalance of an air of ostentation. Avoid crowd- ing numerous flower-beds or groups of shrubs or trees about the lawn, especially if it be a small one. In deciding upon a plan for your place, avoid the two extremes of exposing it too mucli, or of i-endering it too secluded by plant- ing too many, especially of large grovving trees. Errors are fre- quently committed in planting Hardy Evergreens and Deciduous trees, by not taking ' ' one long look ahead." Many instances have come under my observation w^here Norway Spruce, Pines, or other trees, which, wuth age, grow to large size, have been planted while small close to walks, or perhaps the fence, house, or other trees, in groups, without calculating for their future growth or spread. Such mistakes are not so evident to the planter while the trees are young, but after some years of growth, and after it is too late to remedy the matter, they encroach upon the walks or house or injure other trees, which it is now also noticeable where planted too close. Planting ornamental trees is a work requiring forethought. It is not altogether for the present immediate effect that it is done, but for time far distant as well, and one needs to have the full- THE HOME FLORIST. I3 grown form, size and appearance in his mind's eye at the time of planting, if he would avoid making blunders which never can be corrected. Never locate walks and drives unless there is either a real or ap- parent need of them. Walks may lead to a flower bed in the lawn or to a seat or arbor, or be carried through the outskirts of the grounds, but there should always be a meaning connected with their exist- ence — some objects of interest in close proximity to them, or to be seen from various points along their course. A writer of note has well said that "a walk leading nowhere and ending in nothing is never satisfactory." A practice which should never he allowed in walks and drives is for two bays or two projections on the same side to be seen at once. Use curves, as many as may be desired, but no serpent-like twistings. Avoid, however, making the curves too short ; they should be fair and continuous, and reason- ably direct, otherwise in a i-oadway a horse drawing a carriage would be likely to shave projections and avoid the indentations, and the track of the wheels would soon show the fault of the de- sign. In this country, where we are subject to severe dry spells al- most every Summer, terraces (earth thrown up above the com- mon surface, and made uniformly level, usually), should, as a rule, be avoided, unless means are at hand for watering the grass growing upon them whenever necessary. The same might be said of rockeries, unless they can be constructed in a shady situa- tion, or where they can be readily sprinkled in dry weather. The introduction of miscellaneous ornaments about gardens, such as statuary, groups of stones, artificial basins of water, or other objects of similar nature should be undertaken with cau- tion, for although there are places in which these may be desira- ble, yet it is easy to have more than are compatible with correct taste. A vase filled with vigorous plants seldom appears out of place. Planning' the Work.— The best time to avoid the bad ef- fects which naturally arise from a poor arrangement of orna- mental grounds, is before the work is commenced. How this may be done, is, by making an outline plan of the grounds to be im- proved upon paper, locating existing objects, such as the dwell- ing, outhouses, trees that may be standing on the grounds, the highway, etc., in their correct position on the map, and then with 14 THE HOME FLORIST. a pencil, do the planning throughout upon this, until a satisfac- tory i)lan has been arrived at, which can be transferred to the grounds in j)arts, as the work of improving goes on. It does not require much skill to draw the necessary map for this purpose, as the grounds or their outlines serve to guide the making of it. With a pencil, rubber, and foot-rule (with the inch and the divi- sions of the inch marked upon it) you can get along well enough, as regards drawing instruments. First measure each boundary with a measuring tape— or a ten-foot pole will do (land 8urve5'ors would use a Gunter's chain), representing each in its relative posi- tion on the paper by a line reduced to a certain scale — say an inch to represent sixteen or thirty-two feet on the ground ; then measure the distance the house and other objects are from the boundary line and from each otlier, locating these correctly on the map by the scale adopted. Being such objects as well as the boundary lines will not be changed in the design, their outlines may be drawn with ink on the map, to prevent erasure subse- quently. The map is now ready for locating the various features to be introduced into the plan ; this should be done with a lead pencil, to allow of erasing and changing as often as may be nec- essary, until a plan is found which suits the place and the taste. Every object to be introduced sliould be di"awn by the adopted scale of measurement and located in its correct position, so tliat it can easily be transferred to the ground by measuring when operations are under way, 0(;casionally, as the work of plan- ning progresses, each feature should be viewed from various di- rections by holding the upper surface of the paper nearly in line with the eye; to get a better view of them, as they will appear on the grounds. The reason of this is obvious, when we con- sider that objects upon a landscape or garden are viewed in this way, the beholder standing upon the level of the grounds and not above them. It is well to make several maps and draw a different plan ui>on eac'h, thus securing the means of making comparisons and choos- ing the one which combines the greatest number of good points. Fac-similes of the first map are easily produced for this purpose by laying this one on top of half a dozen or less papers of the same size, and then running the point of a sharp instrument down through the pajiers at the corners of all angles and the various points on the map. This will mark each paper to guide tlie drawing of lines for making fac-similes of the upper one. THE HOME FLORIST. 1 5 Too great care cannot be taken in making various plans and in finally deciding upon one, for any incousiderateness in these re- spects may be the source of regret afterwards. This is work for the leisure hours of Winter, and it should be engaged in early enough, so that each and all distinct features that suggest them- selves may be deliberately pondered over and studied in their re- lation to the whole design, for, bear in mind, when, a plan is once fully decided upon and the work of completion executed, it is done for a long time distant in the future, and will stand as a monument, pointing either to the wise and deliberate or to the reckless action of the projector. Fig. 2. Arranging Stakes to Facilitate Grading. Grading and Levelingr. — After the plan has been completed, the work of grading the surface— generally more or less uneven, is first in order. Grading is one of the distinguishing features of a complete garden, and if nice and evenly done, does more to give to grounds, otherwise well improved, a finished appear- ance than any other one operation. The lawn if properly made will then present the appearance of a carpet of velvety green, and flower beds, shrubs and trees will stand in delightful relief above the surface. The propriety of preserving natural undula- tions, or attempting artificial variety of surface in moderate- sized or small grounds is always questionable ; although in large grounds planted in irregular style these, if softly and approj^riately finished off, may be made to improve the general appearance of the grounds. The work of grading is commenced by passing over the grounds and leveling, being guided only by the eye ; all elevations should be plowed up and the ground from them should be hauled or scraped into the depressions which may exist. It should, however, be observed, that at least six inches of good soil overlay the whole in all places, and where any considerable hills are removed suffi- cient subsoil is also to be removed to be replaced with topsoil to this depth. Wherever walks and drives are to come the ground i6 THE HOME FLORIST. may now be excavated to a proper deptli for filling in with the road material and be used in low places. When this rough grad- ing is completed, drains sliould be laid wherever necessary, after which the work should be planned for finishing the grading to a nicety. To do this it will be necessary to set guide stakes in rows across the grounds, driven down so that the heads be in line and exactly marking where the new surface is to come. How to accomplish driving the guide stakes so that the heads will be in line I shall presently explain. If a heavy rain can be had on the grounds before the work at this stage is advanced, it will be all the better, otherwise it will become necessary, with the finishing work, to leave the ground sufficiently elevated wherever filling in of low places was done, to allow for i^erfect settling. In Fig. 8 we will suppose the ground on j each side of the dwelling slants away tow- ards the bovindaries. The first step to take towards setting the stakes for guiding the work of final grading is to pass along the boundary and drive a stake at each corner of the lot to a depth so that its top will represent the desired new grade in each place. Then similarly drive four corre- sponding stakes around the dwelling, set- each far enough from the corner to enable sighting fi'om it to the next one to it on all sides of the house. After this, stakes are l<'i(/. :5. to be set in rows across each section or slant of the grounds to guide the leveling ; but, as this can only be done over one part at a time, we will illustrate how to proceed by directing the reader through each step of setting the stakes on the wide plot of ground laying to the left of the house in Fig. 3. Let us suppose that the line h in Fig. 2 represents the surface be- tween the corner stakes driven at ^1 b and A c in the upper part of Fig. 3, and that the stakes shown at each end of this sectional cut, with their heads to line C, are these two corner stakes (.1 b, A c. Fig. 3). Now drive a new stake at the side of each of these stakes, but with the heads, we will say. (exactly 18 inches above them. These stakes are for the puri)ose of sighting over to place three or five or more stakes between the two corner ones. One person should sight wliile another drives the stakes ; the former observing and directing the depth they are to be driven. Tliis THE HOME FLORIST. \J sighting is illustrated in Fig. 2. After these intermediate stakes are set, another stake should be driven at the side of each, with the top 18 inches lower than top of the sighting stake, which it is obvious will bring the heads of them in line with the corner stakes just driven, as is shown by dotted line C in Fig. 3, which is tlie line of the desired grade. If the surface is wanted slightly ci'owuing in the center between the corner stakes, by keeping the lower stake at the center less than 18 inches below the top of the sighting stake and gradually increasing the measure between the top of the upper and lower stake as j'ou proceed towards the cor- ner, this may be easily done. We next proceed with the sight- ing and staking operation along the boundary, from the upper corner stake ^4 h, to the lower corner stake A b, and also from A c to ^-1 c, driving the same number of stakes on each, although line Ah A b is much longer than the other. The distance they are to be apart on each line may be arrived at by guess, as it is not material that they be exactly alike. A good way is to set one at what woiild be taken as half way between tlie corner stakes, and then dividing the distance to the corner on each side in the same way, and so on until enough have been placed, being cer- tain, however, that the same number are on each line After this is done, crosslines of stakes are to be run from each stake iu line ^4 b Abto the corresponding stake in line A c A c, in the manner de- scribed in my reference to Fig. 2, commencing at one end of the plot. The other quarter sections around the house are each in turn to be laid out in the manner I have described, after which the work of leveling may finally be completed. With these stakes at ten, fifteen or twenty feet apart each way, it is easy to grade the earth evenly between them. With the completion of grad- ing and the removal of the stakes, we are brought to making walks and drives, and sowing the lawn. The Lawu ; Tree Planting-. — A good lawn, clean and well kept, one which presents a lively green appearance, from early in the Spring until cold weather, is a sight worth witnessing, and one well worth expending a good deal of labor and money upon to obtain. After the ground is shaped to the desired grade, as de- scribed above, then the whole should be trenched or plowed, a sub-soil following in the wake of the common plow to deeply pulverize it. The soil from the first furrow made in plowing will be thrown above the common level, and after the piece is overturned this should be drawn or wheeled into the open l8 THE HOME FLORIST. furrow left by the plow in finishing, that all may become even again. A heavy harrow should then be apijlied until the surface is tiioroughly fined down. It may now be noticed by the care- ful eye that slight undulations still exist here and there about the grounds ; these can be leveled with a shovel or hoe. All stones, roots, etc., should also be removed, so that a smooth sur- face may be obtained ; these will be found useful for filling, in making walks and drives To facilitate the work of tree plant- ing, wluch next should receive attention, small stakes should be set at the points marked on the plan ; the planting should be done carefully and without unnecessary digging or disturbing the graded surface. After this the harrow or, better yet, the rake may again pass over the surface, with afterwards the roller, and the lawu is ready to be sown. For small plats, of course, digging, trenching and raking must be done, instead of plowing, sub-soil- ing and harrowing. Do not fall into the common error of using seed sparingly. Four bushels to the acre is the proper quantity. The Red Top or Blue Grass are about the best, or the " mixtures " of desirable kinds that are furnished by reliable seedsmen. It is well to add a pound or two of Sweet Vernal grass to the acre for the delightful fragrance it emits after being cut ; also a quantity of WJiite Clover, say one or two pounds to the acre. These are usu- ally included in the mixtures prepared by seedsmen. When the seed is sown, a light harrow or rake should be ap- plied, and after that a thorough rolling given, so that the surface may become as smooth as possible. The seed may be sown in the Spring, during April and early May, or even earlier at the South, and will form a good lawn by August, if the jireparation has been good. If not ready to sow before June or July, a sprinkling of oats should be sown at the same time, so that the shade given by the oats will protect the young grass from the sun. But rather than sow during thi' hottest weatlu'r, I pri'fer to put it off uiitil September, whic-h is one of the best of times for the work. Frcijuent mowing of the grass and the weeds, let me add, should be attended to from the fii-st, The weed seed lying dormant in the ground at sowing time, may spring up thickly with the grass, but will finally succumb to the frequent use of the lawn mower or scythe, and some hand dig- ging later, while the grass will improve in strength and appear- ance with each cut<.ing. Mowing every w):>ek or two Vvill not be too often. The grass, if it is very heavy, should be raked ofT THE HOME FLORIST. 19 after each mowing with a lawn rake. Lawns are frequently sown during the Fall months with excellent results. Sometimes after a good sod has formed on the lawn, it is desir- able to remove a tree or shrub from one part of the ground to an- other, or to plant a new one. In fig. 4, 1 show how this can be done, without mutilating or otherwise injuring the sod. Four cuts are made, two or three feet in length, away from the tree, and the sod is rolled back while taking up or planting the tree, and again unfold- ing it into its original position after the soil has been properly leveled. With a little care this operation may be so nicely done as scarcely to leave marks. Sodding. — The edges of grass-sown lawns, bordering on walks, drives , flow- er-beds, etc., should for protection, be sodded one foot wide. Sodding is best Fig. 4. done with turf obtained from an even grassy spot in the meadow, where no weeds are growing. In taking up the sods they should be cut into squares of about one foot by one foot, or into lengtlis of five or six feet and one foot wide, which can be conveniently rolled up for handling them, cutting them about an inch and a half thick. In putting down the sods they should be laid closely and compactly together, beating them smootlily with the back of the spade, so that there will be no crevice between the cut portions or beneath them. This work is best done early in the Spring or late in the Autumn. Walks and Drives.— Good dry roads or walks should be aimed at for about the home, and these when well made and fin- ished impart character and finish to any grounds. The ordinary method of securing the curves which have been decided upon, is by measurement or by setting small stakes on the line of the road, and moving them until the curve seems graceful and pleasant to the eye. We find a very good plan in J. Weideniann's work on Landscape Gardening, published by the Orange Judd Co., for accomplishing this. In the engraving it will be readily seen how, by means of a stout cord and stakes, the curve is secured. After the desired course and width of walks and drives 20 THE HOME FLORIST. are decided upon, the work of making may commence. Excavate from one to two feet, fill in with large stones, upon these put smaller ones, diminishing the Fig. 5. size as the surface is reached, and using coarse gx'avel on top of the stone, and then finish with a coat of finer gravel at the top. Roll well all during tlie process of construction, and tliere will be a road that will sel- dom if ever need mending, and be fit to travel on in any kind of weather. Fi,j. (5. Designs for Flower Beds on tlic Lawn.— With a ten- foot pole, two stakes eighteen inches long, and a cord to connect them, and several dozen small stakes for defining outlines, the following designs may easily be made. In figure 6, ascertain the points of the star by setting five stakes at equal distance from each other on the circle, C\ lay the ten-foot jjolefrom each stake to the I \ second one from it both ways, and mark with / ja pointed stick. For the moon make one / / larjje circle for the outside, and another / smaller on(> with the center a little moved to give the inside shape. To make an oval, first Fi(j . 8 lay out an oblong square of the desired size, placing stakes at the corners. Then set five, seven, or any like number of stakes, on each side, as is shown in figure seven. Now lay the pole against the middle, long-side stake, and the first stake from the corner on the short side, and draw a mark ; then THE HOME FLORIST. 21 move it to tlie stake next the middle on the long side and stake number two on the short side, and draw another mark, proceed in this manner around the enlii-e square, and a well-proportioned oval will finally result. Triangular and other forms are readily made with the pole, stakes and line. Fig- 0. Fig. 10. Designs of Compound Flower Beds. OPEN AIR FLORICULTURE. Planting- in Masses ot Color.— This style of adornment with plants and flowers is one of the most effective that can be adopted for ornamenting the grounds about the home, and it possesses the merit of being simple. It consists of planting beds which are cut in the lawn, or otherwise located, with a single kind of plant, or with various kinds, grouped so thickly that the ground will become entirely concealed, thus forming one or more distinct masses of bloom or color. Or the beds may be of com- pound form, consisting of separate parts, each planted with a distinct color. Sometimes an edging of any beautiful low plant may be set around these masses with good advantage. Certain plants are better than others for masses, these being such as are free bloomers, or that have attractive foliage. Several designs of beds suitable for this style of work are represented herewith, and the reader is referred to the article on " Laying Out Flower Beds in the Lawn," for others. It should not be inferred that beds in the massing style need be either large or costly to be effective. Beds three, or even two 22 THE HOME FLORIST. feet across, if cut in the green lawn, and planted with such valu- able plants for this purpose, as scarlet, or any bright-bedding Geraniums, Coleus or others, say five well-establislu d plants for tiie smaller, and eight for the larger-sized beds, will become amaz- ingly attractive and appear complete in any grounds. Tliose try- ing one or more beds in massing could scarcely fail to be pleased with the result. Fig. 12 is a perspective representation of a round bed planted in three different colors, as shown by the dark and light parts. The centre is occupied by a distinct color, some- what taller than the others. Fig. 9 represents a compound bed of circular outline. The centre bed may be divided into four equal parts, each i)lanted with a distinct color of Phlox Drummondi, or only two coloi-s, as white and scarlet, each color occupying two opposite quarters. Tlie small outside beds might be planted with mixed Pansies, and the large ones respectively with crimson and rose-colored Portulaca. Fig. 10 is a very easily-planned com- Dound bed, more elaborate than the last one described, but, like it, is well adapted for any fair-sized grounds. The former may be about twelve feet in diameter, from outside to outside, and the latter twenty to thirty feet across between extreme points. A star, the body of which is planted with Achryanthes Verschaffelti. and the points with Alternantliera Versicolor, a plant of the same color, makes a very attractive bed. We have often i)lanted round beds with the dark and otlier colored Cannas, placing a row of White Centaureas around tlie elge Avith satisfactory re- sults. There is really no limit to the varied arrangements which may be adopted with pleasing effects in this style of planting. To render the present article on this subject more complete, I give a list of the plants best suited to this purpose. The reader is referred to the description of each kind, which will be found ir other parts of the work. Ageratum, in variety. Abutilon Thompaoni. Achryantlwfi, various Colors. Alyssum and Thyme, variegated Alternanf]ieras, various colors. Arteniesia Stell(( ris. Candytvft , various colors. Canna.s, various colors. Centaarea Candida, and Gym- nocarpa. Coleus, in large variety. Dwarf Convolvulus. Geraniums, in large variety. Golden Feather Feverfew. Heliotrope. Leptosiphon, various colors, Lobelia. Pansies, various colors. Pctnnias, various colors. Phlox Drnnimondi, var. colors. I'orfulaca. various colors. Stocks, various colors. Sedums in variety. Verbenas, various colors. THE HOME FLORIST. 23 liibbou Gardening-. — This method of planting consists of setting plants with contrasting color of flowers or with show-y foliage, in lines on round, oval or squai-e [beds, to produce an effect resembling a ribbon, when %dewed from a distance. To give a correct idea of this matter I illus- trate in Fig. 11 the placing of the plants in position in a circular bed; it will be seen that the work of planting may be guided by striking circles, with a line at- tached to a stake in the centre. I have found in practice that in planting circular or oval ribbon beds it is best to plant the largest or outside circle first ; then commence in the center and finish at the second line from the outside. Fig. 13 represents a long ribbon bed planted with five lines of plants of various colors. A large oval bed, 13 by 18 feet in diameter, might be planted, with the first row next to the grass, with Vari- gated Sweet Alyssum, eight inches Fig. 12. Planting in masses apart, the second from the edge of color. with Alternantheras ten inches apart ; third, Centaurea Candida, fourteen inches apart ; fourth, Coleus Verchaffelti, sixteen inches Fig. 11. A Circular Ribbon Bed. Fig. Vi. A Long Ribbon Bed of Plants. apart; fifth, CaladiumEsculentum, a foot and a half apart ; sixth, Abutilon Thorapsoni, fifteen inches apart ; the center with large Cannas, intermixed with Gladiolus. Such a bed is bound to be exceedingly beautiful for months, provided that the soil and the quality of the plants set out are the best. It will be noticed that the tallest plants occupy the center, while each circle toward the edge contains plants of less height. Where smaller beds are desired, a less number of circles or lines will be necessary ; one might be made with a large scarlet Geranium, Gladiolus or double Zinnia, for the center, with white Feverfew, Centaurea, or white Phlox Drummondi next, and surrounding these. Lark- spur, Heliotrope, or other blue flowers, with yellow Calceolaria 24 THE HOME FLORIST. or Dwarf Nasturtium next, and outside of all a circle of Varie- gated Tliyme, Sweet Alyssuui, Mignonette, or other low-growing plant. A very pretty, long-ribbon bed is made by taking differ- ent colors of the same flower, like Phlox Drummondi, Portulaca, Verbenas, Stocks, and others described as being suitable. With care in sudyiug descriptions of plants, so that good selections may be made, and then a little experience, the work of arranging these beds becomes easy and interesting. Planting Mixed Borders and Beds.— A very common arrangement of flower beds, and one of the best of all, consists in making borders along the walks four or more feet wide, large beds in the lawn, or a center bed in the vegetable garden, and planting promiscuously with a general variety of all kinds and seasons of flowering. Be careful, in planting such beds, to place the tallest growers, such as Hollyhocks, Ricinus, Dahlias, etc., in the background or in the center if the beds are circular, and then setting the smaller growers in front of such. Plants and flowers of different colors should be set to show to the best advantage by contrasts and those flowering at different times, to make the dis- play continual throughout. Fig. 14 illustrates a plan for flower beds in a walk bordered with shrubbery'. Fig. 14. Floxrer Beds in Walk. Flower Beds fe to a great extent. Some things, like Lilies, Carna- tions and Rhododendrons, it is well to mulch witli a coat of straw. Beds are better if so arranged that flowers or plants can be reached in cultivating or picking without treading on the ground. Watering in Summer —Whenever it becomes necessary to resort to watering in dry weather, it is much better to ai)i)ly suffi- cient water to thoroughly soak the soil while about it than to ap- ])Iy a small quantity day by day, a custom very juvvalent among cultivators. In watering i)lants, fust draw tl'.e soil away from the base of the stalk in order to form a sort of basin in which to pour the water; fill this up and let it settle away repeatedly until a ])lenty has been applied, then draw the earth again to the plant, which will prevent the soil from baking in the sun. A tliorough watering of this kind ought to answer for several weeks in the dryest time of Summer. When entire beds are to be watered the soil should he opened by thrusting a digging-fork into it here and there before sprinkling; llien the beds should be passed over again THE HOME FLORIST. 3 1 and again ^ith the pot and sprinkler until there is enough. The next day the surface of the bed should be mellowed up with the rake or hoe. This rule of watering very thoroughly each time it is needed, and then not again until really necessary, applies quite as well to watering ijlants in pots at all seasons of the year, either out of doors or in the house and conservatory, as in the open ground. Be on the guard to not over-water pot plants, however, as it is contrary to the nature of most of these to thrive in a heavily saturated soil. The Removal of Matured Flowers. — Every experienced cultivator of plants and flowers probably knows the good effect that the removing of flowers, as soon as they are fully developed, or before the petals fall, causes to a plant, by increasing its gen- eral productiveness, and the size of the future flowers. A stvidy of vegetable physiology discloses, and practical observation fully confirms the fact, that the young flower or bud taxes the vitality of a plant to but a slight degree, as compared with the hardening of the flower stem, which causes the petals to drop, and precedes the ripening of the seed. This is important to observe, particu- laily in cultivating Roses. Verbenas, Pansies, Dahlias, Zinnias, Mignonette, Sweet Pea, Double Petunias, etc. I will add that some plants, like Mignonette, which are usually treated as an- nuals, will live and continue to increase in beauty for years if not allowed to seed. The flowering season of many things like Verbenas, Geraniums and Dahlias may be lengthened almost every Autumn, by cover- ing the plants with mats, etc., on cool nights to protect from the first September frosts. After some quite sharp frosts the weather usually comes off warm and pleasant for some time yet, and it is well to have the benefit of this on the plants. Preparing' Plants for Winter Flowering — It should be borne in mind that in plant culture either in the window or the conservatory in the Winter the natural conditions of heat sun- light, and the lessened length of the days, are adverse to the pro- fuse growth of vegetation, and particularly the production of flower buds; for this reason it is of the greatest importance to have at the outset for this purpose, good plants of strong vitality. "When plants pass into the Winter quarters in a weakened condi- tion from any cause they will be apt to remain weak all Winter. THE HOME FLORIST. Tl-.t> bcT.t way of securing plants foi- Winter flowering, especially rapid growing kinds, is to start with young ones the Spring previ- ous, and jn-epare them during the Summer by giving them a fav- orahh- o])i)ortunity for making a healthy growth in the open air. either in pots plunged to their rims in soil, refuse hops or other material, or by being bedded out. During this time, and until within a month or two of cold weather, practice a system of head- ing them in to cause a compact stocky growth, and also to prevent the exhaustion of plant force by flowering, which, if allowed, would be detrimental to the crop in Winter. For special remarks on the culture of all .suitable varieties, see the direction accom- panying each kind. The plants that were bedded during Summer, such as Carna- tions. Violets, etc., should be taken up and ])otted in September, in order that they may fully recover from the effects of the oper- ation before cold weather sets in. With plants grown for the beauty of their foliage, it is needless to adopt this course of Sum- mer treatment, further than to have them healthy and of fme form, whether the}' be large or small. Some small pots contain- ing pretty plants, placed among the larger ones of a collection will enhance appearances greatly. In the Fall avoid taking plants into their Winter quarters too soon, but gradually inure them to the confined air of the room or bay window by keeping them in- side during cold nights or cool weather, allowing them to be fully expo.sed to the air in partial shade, as under the piazza, or at the side of the house during fine weather. In the case of having a conservatory the plants may be i)laced in it at once, but an abun- dance of air should be allowed to circulate through the structure at all times when the outside temperature will allow. The plants grown in pots should receive their final shift into the pots or boxes they are to occupy during Winter, in September or October. We find tliat a soil made of two or three parts of decomposed turf and one part of well-rotted stable manure, with the addition of a llttli' clean sand, is suited to nearly every plant grown, and is better than '' chip ground," so commonly used. Aiitiiinii Planting: of Hardy Unlbs.— Were the bulbs which are known as the Hardy or Dutcli Bulbs grown by i)lant- ing in the Springtime of the year with the (iladiolas. Tigridia, etc., their culture would be more common, and collections of the choicer varieties, such as are conspicuous for their beauty and THE HOME FLORIST. 33 giaudeur, would be less rare. Planting at the approach of Win- ter is rather contrary to the general rule of garden management, and we are inclined to neglect this only means for securing the flowering of Hyacinths. Tulips, Crocus, etc., early the following Spring, or for improving the collections that may already be grow- ing in our gardens, which consist far too often of inferior varie- ties, considering the trifling outlay which is necessary for obtain- ing a better collection. The planting of the hardy bulbs may be done at any time during the months of September, October and November, or even later, provided the ground remains unfrozen later, which is sometimes the case. To be entirely safe, it is best, perhaps not to defer the worli much after October. Bulbs will succeed in any good gar- den soil ; in order, however, to secure the highest degree of suc- cess in their culture, it is necessary to plant in a soil that is well drained and enriched with thoroughly decayed manure. Hya- cinths require a richer soil than any others. When all plantings have been completed, and before Winter sets in, cover the beds with several inches of leaves, straw or other coarse litter, to pre- vent severe freezing from injuring the bulbs. In situations ex- posed to the wind, a few brush or sticks thrown on will prevent its being blown off. Early in the Spring tliis Fall covering should be removed. Where beds planted with hardy Sjiring-flowering bulbs are required for Summer flowers, Hyacinths, Tulips, etc., may be safely taken up to prepare for planting the comirg Fall, as early as two weeks after the flowers have disappeared, provided the pi-ecaution of covering the bulbs with soil, to allow the foliage to become gradually ripened, is observed. Taking- up Plants in tlie Fall.— Many kinds of bedding plants, such as Geraniums, Veronicas, Stocks, Salvias, Ageratums, Roses, Carnations, etc. can be taken up from the flower-beds at the approach of frosts, and transferred into pots, or even packed thickly in boxes of soil, for use another year, by taking care to have some earth adhering to the roots, and by keeping in a rather dry and cool cellar, or in a good cold pit through the Winter. It must, however, be done at the sacrifice of much autumnal beauty, as all such plants should receive when lifted a severe cutting back of at least one- third or one-half of the shoots. But this is gain after all, for plants like these kept over, in most cases, make a better show the next year than the plants of the present season's striking. Give the jjlants one thorough watering when potted ; after which 34 THE HOME FLORIST. they shoukl lie kept rather dry till Spring, when, after new growth coinniences, water may be given every few days apart in increased quantities as thej' commence making a new growth, Cold Pits for Winter Protection.— A cold pit, made by excavating the soil in some dry spot in the garden, to the depth of two feet and upwards, and of a size suitable to be covered with glass sash, forms one of the most inexpensive and efficient ajj})li- ances that can be introduced into the flower garden. It will answer the purpose of wintering tender Roses, Carnations, and many other plants, much better than a cellar, especially if the latter is too dark, too damp or too warm. A pit also provides the means for keeping up a sviccession of flowers of Alba Fimbriata and other Pinks, Roses, Deutzia, Iberis, Violets, Lily of the Val- ley, etc. , during the Winter in the house or conservatorj% by care- fully taking these up from the garden, and after potting, storing them in the cold pit, until thej' are brought into the heat and bet- ter light, which may be done at intervals during the "Winter and Spring. Indeed, a conservatory can liardly be considered com- pletely equipped without a cold pit near at hand to serve this purpose. Tl:e sash used to cover the pit may be similar to those made for hot-beds, an ordinary size being six feet long, by three and one-half feet wide. The sides against the soil should be ■boarded up or walled up with brick or stone, which should run a foot above the surface at the rear, and nine inches above it oa the front side, the top of the end walls having a regular slope from rear to front, and all finished to give support to the sash. Bank up the part of the wall that projects above the surface, and scat- ter an inch or two of coal ashes or gravel in the bottom of the pit, on which to jjlace the plants. About all the attention a i)it requires after the plants are in, is to ventilate when the weather will allow, and to cover the glass with shutters or mats of straw or other material, sufficient to keep out hard frost in severe cold weather. Aside from one thorough watering when the plants are potted, water should be sparingly given to them during tlie Winter, THE HOME FLORIST. 35 PROPAGATION. Many plants that do not bear seed freely, or which cannot bo increased by division of the roots, are best propagated from cut- tings or layeis of the young growing shoots. The tiorist finds propagation from cuttings about the only practical means of in- creasing the majority of that class of plants commonly known as green-house and bedding plants, in which may be included such valuable house plants as Tender Roses, Geraniums, Fuchsias, Car- nations, Heliotropes and many others of equal importance as out- door decorative plants. As the two methods here alluded to are quite distinct, I shall treat each separately, commencing with that of propagating from cuttings, as this is the more commonly employed of the two. The principal conditions essential to propagation from cuttings are nearly the same with all plants susceptible of being thus per- l)etuated. These are first, the proper condition of the cutting : second, that it be rightly pruned before putting in ; third, that it receive suitable ti-eatment while rooting ; and fourth, that after it is rooted the transplanting from the cutting-box or bed to soil be done at the right time, and then finally, that it be properly at- tended until it becomes a well-established plant. With the generality of kinds the ends of newly formed shoots make the best cuttings, and are much better than old hardened growth. There is a certain time and condition in the growth of plant shoots in which, if a cutting be taken, it will sti'ike root and make a plant better than at any other time. To ascertain this con- dition, and how far back it extends from the growing terminal bud, let us bear in mind that there are different degrees of hardness present in the wood — the yougest part being the softest, while to- ward the base of the shoot it is likely quite hard and fibrous. By taking a cutting off, down in this hardened portion of the shoot, it would be found to root slowly, and in some plants not at all, and at best would make a plant of inferior quality ; while with adopt- ing the opposite extreme, making a short cutting of the succulent young growth only, it would be still less likely to root, if not quickly decay. Now the right place to cut the shoot is at the furthest point in from the end where it is somewhat hardened, 36 THE HOMK FLORIST. and yet sufficiently brittle to snap off with a clean break instead of bending without breaking, or parting with a rough break with the fibers of the bark protruding. Practice will demonstrate that in the difference of one joint there is considerable variation in tlie hardness of the growth ; it is always better to break or cut at a point which is rather soft than at one that has become too hard. A little experience will put tlie careful operator in the way of de- termiug the right place with scarcely a failure. To rightly prune or trim a cutting recjuires that the superfluous leaves be removed, and that tlie base be cut away with a sliarp knife. Cuttings of some plants will callus and form roots at the base, no matter wlietlier it be just be- low a leaf joint or not, while others seem to root best from the leaf joints, and these should accordingly ^r>bo cut off just here. It would be (best, perhaps, for amateurs to cut all just below a joint, as with limited ex- perience they have little o[)portunity for assertaining which varieties do, and which do not, rerovided first, tJiat the temperature which can be maintained in the plant quarters to bt. Tea Rose White Bon Silene 46 THE HOME FLORIST. is known, and then also the degrees of temperature which the vari- ous j)lants suited to Winter culture will best thrive in respectively, Recall to your mind the lowest temperature of previous seasons, as indicated by the thermometer, or if you were without tliis al- most indispensal)le instrument to the plant grower, recollect whether it ever fell to 32"— the freezing point— and allow this knowledge to guide you as to the lowest extreme. Now for guid- ance in making selections suited to your temperature, observe the figures and d for l)eeoining familiar with the entire sub- ject is to carefully discriminate at aU times between tlie various THE HOME FLORIST. 6/ classes into which the family is divided, bearing in mind the dis- tinct habits, adaptability and treatment of each. By such a course there need be no more difficulty in becoming familiar with all the classes and every branch of the subject, than to master an acquaintance with the same number of different kinds of other plants. In the present work there are for instance eight different classes of roses described. By proceeding on the plan suggested, the distinct characteristics as well as the management of all these ought to be as easily mastered as would be the same with any eight different other flowers described in the book. Being desir- ous of rendering all possible aid in this matter, I have paid due at- tention to simplifying it, firstly, by presenting the Hardy and Tender divisions of the family separately, and then describing the classes that are included in each, following up with directions for managing the different kinds in summer and winter. HARDY ROSES. This division of Roses includes the classes known as the Hybrid Perpehial Roses, June or Summer Roses, Climbing Roses, 3Ioss iio.ses, efc, all of which are noted for their hax'diness and easy culture. HYBRID PERrETUAL ROSES.— This is by far the most de- sirable class of hardy Roses for general cultivation, being vigor- ous and robust in habit and producing flowers, usually very fra- grant, and which for immense size, perfect form and gorgeous colors are unequaled. This class is of more recent introduction than some others, having originated from hybridizing the June or Summer Rose with the ever-blooming section. Although the name would indicate the quality of blooming perpetually, only some varieties are strictly deserving of the name, for as a rule they flower freely but once in early summer, after which they canuot be depended upon for more than a few flowers; but as an offset to such mis-aj^plicationof the term "perpetual," the flowers of these more shy-blcoming varieties are likely to be possessed of more than ordinary perfect form, fragrance or color. The more prolific varieties, however, not only produce a wealth of flowers in June and July, but again at intervals during the summer, with usually an increase toward autumn. Although this cla&s is com- paratively hardy in this latitude, it is always best to protect with straw in winter. The remai'ks elsewhere relative to removing 68 THE HOME FLORIST. matured flowers apply with particular stress to Hybrid Perpetual Roses. JUNE OR SUMMER ROSES.— The varieties of this class are all perfectly hardy, free growers, producing an abundant crop of flowei's iu June or early summer, and will thrive in any soil and under almost any circumstances. Specimens of this class are to be found in nearly every old garden in the country. Many of the improved varieties are very desirable. The Hybrid China, Damask and Provence sections belong to this class. HARDY CLIMBING ROSES —This class, of which the Prairie Roses are the principal sorts, are generally vigorous growers with strong thorns and most admirably adapted to covering walls, trellises, arbors, etc. They are well known for their perfect hardi- ness, rapid growth, fine foliage and beautiful and finely-shaped flowers, comprising many different colors. MOSS ROSES. — An elegant and well-known class of Roses, in most varieties producing large clusters of buds, that have indi- vidual!}^ their calyx and sepals entirely covered with a delicate, mossy growth which renders them the perfection of beauty while in a bud or half open state. HYBRID REMONTANT, OR HYBRID PER- PETUAL ROSES. If delicacy describes the Teas, grandeur is the appellation pecu- liarly appropriate to the beauty of the Hybrid Perpetuals. Their flowers are much larger than those of the tender Ro.ses and the prevailing coloring is darker and riclier than any found among the Teas. In growth they are also decidedly stronger and more vigorous. Their liabit is erect and stiff rather than bushy and branching, and they are perfectl}' hardy in all i)arts of the coun- try. Although requiring no protection against the cold, it is well where in everyway convenient, to throw loose branches of trees over them in winter as a shelter from heavy winds. There appears to be an idea somewhat prevalent among amateurs, that these roses are only suitable for jilauting at the north, or that they are not worthy of being grown, where the Teas can be win- tered over without protection. Tiie notion is wholly erroneous. Their attractions arc entirely different, and a collection that lacks them, exhibits but half th3 beauty of the rose. It should be THE HOME PXORIST. 69 well understood that these roses do not as a rule, bloona contmu- ouslj'. In May and June they present a magnificent appearance, the plants being fairly loaded with large, double flowers; a burst of bloom seldom seen on any of the dwarf Teas. July, how- ever, witnesses the last of them until September and October, when most of the varieties, under good treatment, produce a second crop, not nearly so liberal as the first one, but often in- cluding individual flowers of greater perfection. Some kinds bloom almost as constantly as the Teas and Bourbons, but they are few. Abbe Bramerel — Crimson, shaded with velvet}^ purple; a grand rose, full and very double. Abel Carriere — Velvety crimson, with fier}- centre; large, full flowers; fragrant, Achille Oonod — Rosy carmine, full form and large size. Admiral Nelson — Bright crimson, double, cupped form. Alfred Colomb — Carmine crimson, very large, of fine globular form, extremely fragrant. This is truly a magnificent sort. Alfred K. Williams — Carmine red, changing to magenta. Alphonse Fontaine - Bright carmine, shaded with rich, ruby scarlet; a charming sort, large and full. Amelie Hoste- Fink, reverse of petals; darker, large and full, fragrant and beautifvxl. Amelie Planticr — Flowers are a coppery yellow, color changing to yellowish white; medium size and full form. Anna Alexieff -Fixight rose, large and double; free flowering. Anna de Diesbach — Bright rosy carmine; a fine large, showy variety. Antoine Mouton — Bright, glossy pink, reverse of petals, silvery white; flowers of extraordinary size. Aiiguste 3Iie— Clear, waxy rose, large and finely cupped: very fragrant; an e:!fcelleut rose. Baron de Bonstetten — Velvety maroon, shaded with deep crim- son, almost black, fragrant and fine. Baroness Rothsehild— 'Light, clear pink, large cupped form, very symmetrical; much prized as a garden rose. Baronne de Maynard — A very pretty white rose, edge of petals shaded blush. Baronne Prevost — Pure rose, very large and full, free bloomer, fragrant and hardy. 7() THE IIOMK FLORIST. Beauty of TraZ/Ziawt— Bright, rosy crimson, large and fragrant; a free bloomer. Belle Norman de — Clear rose, shaded and clouded with cariiiiue and lilac. Boieldieu—A bright cherry red, circular flower of great size; blooms freely; vigorous. Bonle de Neige — Pure white, medium-sized flowers of perfect form. Captain Christy — Delicate flesh color, deepening toward centre. A most lovely sort. Cardinal Patrizzi — Dark velvety crimson, very attractive; a su- perb rose. Caroline de Sansal — Clear, brilliant rose, merging into ro.sy lilac, edged with bronze. Catherine i?('W— Deep rose color, reverse of petals, silvery pink, full and sweet; a vigorous grower. Charles Darwin — Crimson with violet shadings, very beautiful and distinct. Charles Lefebvre — Brilliant crijuson centime, deep i)ur[)le, large, very full and fragrant; a noble rose. Charles Margotten — Fiery red, shaded with crimson, large, full flowers; an excellent distinct rose. Climbing Jules Margotten -Flowers same as "Jules Margotten," highly commended as a useful pillar rose. Comtesse Cecile de Chabrilliant — Satiny pink, medium size, full and fragrant; a lovely rose. Comtesse de Choiseuil— Color vermilion, lighted with velvety scarlet, large, full, imbricated form; vigorous grower; su- perb. Comtesse de Serenye — Beautiful silvery pink, blush centre, sweet and perfectly formed, of great beauty. Coquette des Alps - Shell tinted white, of delicate appearance and beautiful color. Coquette des Blanches — One of the finest whites, large and full; fragrant. Countess of O.rford — Carmine red, tinged with lihic; a valuable variety. Crown Prince — Bright jturple, crimson centn-; a fine variety. Deanof Windsor — Clear rich vermilion, flowers large and very attractive; free and constant. Dr. Andry — Rich, rosy crimson, large flowers, fine, smooth petals; superb. THE HOME FLORIST. Jl Doctor Hogg — Deep violet, evenly shaded with purple. Doctor Sewell — Bright crimson, tinged with purple; large and full. Duke of Edinhurgli — Rich, velvety crimson, large, full and of good symmetrical form. Duke of Teck —Hvighi crimson scarlet, clear and distinct in its vividness of color; flowers large and very full; pointed, globular shape. Duke of Wellington — Beautiful velvety red, shaded scarlet crim- son; very fine. Earl of Beaconsfield — Cherry rose, medium size, beautiful form. Earl of Pembroke — Velvety crimson; a most beautiful rose. Elise Boelle — White, delicately tinged with pink; medium size; a lovely rose. Empress of India — Dark violet crimson, velvety, globular and fragrant; an imperial rose. Eugenie Verdier — Silvery pink, tinged with fawn; one of the best of the type. Fanny Pit sold— Bright rosy flesh, shaded and edged with violet. i^eZicien i)at'i'd— Deep rose, tinged with purple; full and sweet; very large. Felix Genera — Beautiful lilac rose, large globular flowers, double and deliciously fragrant. Ferdinand de Lesseps — Bright crimson, large and full; very free flowering; a lovely rose. Fisher Holmes — Dark, rich scarlet, elegantly shaded with deep velvety crimson; brilliant and beautiful. Fontenelle —harge flowers of a rich, dark velvety crimson; a good rose. Francois Levet— Soft pink, delicately shaded carmine and blush; delightfully fragrant. Francois Miclielon — Deep rose tinged with lilac, very large, full of fine globular form ; fragrant and free blooming. Gabriel Tournier — Dark rose, large, full and fine shape; a free bloomer. General Washington — Brilliant, dazzling crimson, approaching vermilion; free and constant bloomer; flowers are large and perfectly double. George Moreau— Bright red, shaded with verniilion; very large; full, opening well. Giant of Battles — Deep, fiery crimson, very brilliant and rich medium size, full, well formed, handsome. 72 THE HOME FLOKIsr General Jacqueminot. General Jacqueminot — Brilliant crimson scai'let, very large and attractive; au abundant bloomer; one of the best of the class. Gloire de i)»c7icr— Flowers- verj^ double, beautiful l)rilliaut sea-. let, deepening to dark maroon: fragrant, handsome and desirable . Gloire de Paris — See ''Anna de Dienbach." Glory of Cheshunt — Rich crimson, double, very effective; a de- cided acquisition. Grand Duke Nicliolas—A magnificent rose, color dazzling crim- 8on, brightly flamed with intense scarlet, exceedingly fra- grant, double and ot ])erfect form. Cwsf arc r/u'er?-?/— Cherry red, large, full and very doul)le; very fragrant; a gootl variety. Harrison Weir — Deej) velvety crimson, lirighteiu-l with brilliant Bcarlet; very double and fragrant. THE HOME FLORIST. 73 Heinrich SchulUieis — A graud new rose, flowers very large, of good form, full and very sweet, color very delicate, pinkish rose; a grand show rose. Helen Paul — White, sometimes shaded with pink, large globular flowers, full and sweet. Hippolyte Javiain — Bright rosy carmine; a handsome flower. large, double and globular. Horace Fernet- Crimson, illmnined with scarlet, large, double and beautiful. Few roses have such lovely form. Jacques Lafitte Carmine rose, edged silver rose, reverse of petals, light. J^ea7i Lmbatfd- Crimson maroon, illuminated with scarlet, very dark, rich and fragrant, a lovely rose. Jean Soupert — Fiery crimson, shaded with black; a richly-colored sort. John B rigid - Color a pure glowing crimson, very bright, perfect form, with large even outer petals, sometimes recurved. John Hopjjer — Deep rose, with carmine centre, large and full, semi-globular; a free-blooming standard sort. Jules Cretien — Flowers large and finely-formed, color brilliant, fiery red, shaded with light purple. Jules Margottin — Brilliant carmine, somewhat imbricated ; a very fine rose, being large and attractive, fragrant and a free bloomer. Julius Ccesar Dark cherry red; a free and constant bloomer; large, full and fragrant. La Reine — Beautiful, clear bright rose, fine, full form, large and fragrant; a favorite old variety. La Rosiere — Very deep, velvety crimson, large and full; a good rose of splendid color. Lady Emily Peel — A charming rose, medium size and full form, very sweet, color white, sometimes tinged with blush. L'Enfant du Mont Carmel — Deep crimson, piirple shading, free and constant; very fragrant. Leopold Premier — Deep red, shaded crimson; a fine large rose, very full and sweet, L'Esperance — Cherry red, large, full flat form, fragrant; a good rose. Lord Macaidey — Fiery crimson, large, double, well-formed flowers; fragrant; a good rose. 74 THE HOME FLORIST. Lord Palmersi on— Carmine red, tinged with vermilion; double, well formed; a good variety for the garden. Lord Raglan — A lovely shade of crimson; full and well formed; an old sort much esteemed. Louis /)ore— Strong, vigorous growth ; flowers well formed and produced freely; color briglit cerise red. sliaded ])urple. Louis XIV. — Ricli crimson, double and full, large and fragrant; a Ijeautiful shade. Louis Van Houtte — Crimson mai'oon; full, globular form; free blooming; a decidedly fine crimson variety. LudoHc Letaidd- A fine large rose of vigorous growth, color beautiful pale rose; very double and fragrant. Mabel Morrison -Flesh white, changing to pure white, sometimes tinged with pink; a useful garden sort. Madame Alfred Carj/ere— Flesh white, sbaded with salmon yel- low at base of petals, of climbing habit; good size and very sweet. Madame Alfred de Rongemont — Pure white, delicately shaded and tii:ged with rose; double, good size, very sweet and pretty. Madame Aliee Dureau — Fine bright rose, clear and glossy; a handsome globular flower, large and double. Madame Charles Wood — Brilliant crimson, shaded with purple; large and double; a free bloomer; very fragrint; profuse. Madame Eugene Verdier — Satiny rose; very large, full, globular; a most beautiful variety. Madame Franeois Pettit — Pure white, very full and double; flowers produced in clusters; a good wliite rose. Madame Gabriel Luizet—A beautiful shade of pink; fragrant, large, cupped shape; an elegant sort. Madame Gustave Bonnet— Fure white, sometimes sliglitly tinged with rose; medium size, very double and full. Madame Laffaij-Roi^e col(u-. large, double, cupped form; an ohl and much esteemed rose. Madame Louis Ca ricques—B.oi^y crimson, double, full and fra- grant; very fine; a good rose. Madame Louis Leveque — Carmine rose, large, very full, flat form and fragrant; good in tbe fall. ili/adaHiil/o.s.so?t— Velvety crimson; very bright ami full; a fine sort for bedding. THE HOME FLORIST. 75 Madame Nomaii — White, sometimes shaded centre, medium size, full, globular; arose of exquisite beauty. Madame Oswald de Kerchove — White, tinged with fawn: full, with imbricated form; a lovely sort. Madame. Thevenot— Beautiful, bright violet red, very showy and handsome, flowers large; finely formed, double and sweet. Madame Trotter — A strong, vigorous grower; very hardy; flowers bright brilliant red, full and sweet. Madame Victor Verdier — Rich, bright cherry red, changing to satin rose; large, full and fragrant; a superb rose. Mademoiselle Marie i^ad//— Vermilion red, shaded with crimson; large, very full, of sj^lendid globular form; A-ery fragrant; altogether a most valuable sort. Magna Charta — Bright, clear pink, suffused with carmine; very 4arge, full and globular form; a fragrant, excellent variety. Marechal Vaillant — Crimson, large, full, well formed and fra- grant; a fine rose. Marguerite de St. Amand —Bright rose, very beautiful in the bud state; flowers produced in great jirofusion; excellent. Marie Baumann — Crimson vermilion, shaded carmine, large, full, of exquisite color and form; very fragrant; a charm- ing sort. Marquis de Bocella, -Creamy white and flesh color; centre rosy blush; double and fragrant; a free bloomer. Marquis de Castellane — Carmine rose, a bright and permanent shade; verj^ large, verj^ full and effective; a valuable sort. Marquis of Salisbury— CopYtery rose, shaded with crimson; large, globular form: distinct. Marshall P. Wilder — Vigorous growth, with healthy foliage; flowei'S large, seini-globular, full and well formed, color cherry carmine, fragrant, one of the most constant bloom- ers of the class; beyond question a rose of great merit. Maurice Bernardin — Bright crimson; large, full and fragrant; a very prolific sort; one that is growing in favor. May Quennell — Brilliant magenta carmine, shaded with crimson; large, full, globular form; a handsome rose. Merveille de Lyon — Flowers very large, fvdl, well formed, pure white centre, satiny rose; a magnificent new rose. Monsieur Eugene Delaire — Velvety crimson, lighted with fiery red; large, full, extra. 7^ THE HOME FLORIST. aiMWi« i '*iaMiJm''»t^ at Marshall P. Wildei\ Monsieur E Y. Teas— Carmine crimson; large, fine, globular ft>rm, highly scented; a superb rose. Mrs. Harrij Turner — Dazzling crimson scarlet, vith rich maroon shading; very brilliant; large and full; beautifully imbri- cated. Mrs. L(/.r^j)i— Bright, rosy crimson of the most perfect globular form; very fine. Olga Maria — Pure vv'hite, delicately shaded with amber and blusli; large, full flowers, very double and sweet; a free bloomer. Oxonian — Rosy carmine flowere, very large, cuppeil, vtrv sweet; a free autumn bloomer. THE HOME FLORIST. "J^ Pceonia — One of the finest old roses, very large, full, fragrant; a free bloomer; color clear bi'ight red ; a good garden variety . Paul Jamain—Y elvety crimson, slightly tinged with violet red; large, full and double ; a grand rose. Paul Neyro7i—T>eep rose; very large, very full, somewliat fra- grant; free bloomer; the largest variety known, and avery desirable sort for the garden, PaulRicaut — Bright rosy carmine, darker towards the centre; sweetly fragrant and cup-shaped; a free bloomer. Peach Blossom — Mottled pink, shaded with a beautiful tinge of delicate peach; an elegant color; large and full. Penelope Jlfoyo— Brilliant carmine red, large, well-shaped flowers of great substance. Pierre Notting — Deep crimson, tinged with violet; large, fine globular form, highly scente 1; a most beautiful dark rose Pius the Ninth — Purplish red, changing to violet rose; flat form; very full, free flowering and very hardy. President Lincoln —Scarlet and crimson, shaded with purplish vermilion; very full, fine form; beautiful and fragrant. President Thiers -Flaming red, large-sized flowers, full and globular in shape; one of the darkest colored in the type. President Willennoz — Bright rose, shaded lighter; large and dou- ble, fragrant; very beautifvil. Prince Albert —Dark red, very fine form, good blooiuer; a much- esteemed sort. Prince Camille de Rohan — Rich, dark velvety crimson; large and fine; a good rose of splendid color. Prince de Portia — Velvety vermillion; large, full, well formed; one of the most fragrant; a splendid varirty. Prince Humbert — Brilliant, fiery crimson; full, large, well-form- ed; excellent. Prince of Wales — Satiny pink; a delicate and lovely shade; very large and double. Prince Paid Demidoff— Satiny rose; very full, fine form, and very sweet; a good garden rose. Prince Antoinette Strozzio— Flowers large, full and very double; delightful perfume; soft, rosy pink, shaded crimson. Princess Louise Victoria— Stalmon pink, medium size, fine globu- lar form; a splendid rose. Princess Mathilde— Burgundy crimson; a lovely shade, medium size, double; valuable. THE HOME FLORIS1 Queen of Queens— Tink edges, elegantly tinged with blush; large and full, and of perfect form; grows and flowers f reel v. R. Dudley Baxter — Flowers deep maroon crimson; very rich in color, extra large, full and cupped, free and hardy. Red Dragon — Brilliant crim.son, very bright and striking; large, double and finely cupped flowers. Rev. J. B. M. Camm — Carmine rose, large, semi-globular form; one of the most fragrant and free blooming roses; a superb sort. Rosy Morn — Peach pink, shaded darker; fine large flower of good form and finish; very sweet and full. Royal Standard— Satiny rose, tinged with lilac; a large, well- formed, globular flowei*. Senateur Fa/s.se— Crimson carmine; elegant, large form; free bloomer, highly scented. Sir Garnet Wolseley — Vermilion, shaded crimson; large and full; a splendid sort. Souvenir de Charles Montauld — Dark, rich, crimson maroon; velvety; a bold and striking flower; full and good. Souvenir de la Reiiie d' Angleter re— Bright rose; verj' large and double; a much admired variety. S. Reynolds Hole — Maroon, flushed witli scarlet crimson; medium size, full and well formed; arose of great beaut}'. Sfar o/ ira///(rt//i -Carmine crimson, medium .size, semi-globu- lar; full and fragrant; a good rose. Sultan of Zanzibar — Blackish maroon, edged with scarlet; full and well-formed ; medium size. Sydonie — A charming old variety, much esteemed, rose color; very large and full; a constant bloomer, Thomas Metliven — Red, tinged with velvety crimson; good size, well formed; a fine rose. •- Thomas Mills— Rosy crimson, very large and double; a good variety for the garden. Trioniphe de V Exjiosit ion -Jit^ddisli crimson; very briglit and beautifully shaded. Triomphe des Beaux Arts — Metallic rose, flamed with scarlet; large, very fragrant and full; splendid. Victor Trouillard — Bright crimson, shading to purple; large, full and fragrant; a good old sort. Victor Vcrdier — Bright rose with crimson centre; globular form, good size; a most beautiful rose. THE HOME FLORIST. 79 Vulcain — Rich crimson, double, well- formed ; a rose of splendid color. White Baroness — Pure white; large clipped form, very symmet- rical; except in color identical with Baroness Rothschild. Xavier Olibo — Flowers large and double, of excellent form, color velvety black, shaded with fiery red; a superb rose. PRAIRIE ROSES— HARDY CLIMBING. These are the only climbing roses that are perfectly hardy everywhere, and are consequently of the gi-eatest value. They can be readily trained to the height of twenty or thirty feet, as they grow with great vigor. They bloom only in June and Jul}% but are then objects of the greatest beauty. We have seen Balti- more Belle growing all over the side of a house, where its thou- sands of blooms formed a complete mass of white. At least one of these hardy climbers should be found in every rose garden north of Tennessee. Tlie flowers are produced in large clusters. When it is deshed to cover walls, unsiglitly buildings, etc., with Roses, none will be found to do the work so efficiently as varieties of the Prairie Rose. Baltimore Belle— Fale blush; variegated carmine, rose and white; very double: flowers in beautiful clusters, the whole plant appearing a perfect mass of bloom; one of the very best of the type. Bennefs Seedling— An Ayrshire or Scotch rose and a vigorous runner; flowers are white, very double and fragrant and borne m great profusion. Caroline Goodrich — This new hardy-climbing rose has finely- formed flowers; very double, and its fragrance is most de- licious. The color is the same as that of the well-known General Jacqvieminot. It makes a growth of from twelve to fifteen feet in a season; flowers freely till fall; constant; also known as "Running General Jacqueminot." Champney — A hardy rose, quite double and very fragrant; flowers deep rose, changing to pale rose; desirable. Dundee Rambler— Scotch rose; growth is slender and rapid; flowers small, semi-double. Gem of the Prair/e-^ Light shade of crimson, large, perfectly beautiful form ; the flowers ai'e borne on trusses, number- ing from ten to twenty buds on each. So THE H0ME FLORIST. Gremlls or Seven Sisters — Flowers in large clusters; varies in color from white to crimson. Mrs. Gunnell — Soft, rosy blush, becoming almost white; large clusters; full and double; much admired. 3Irs. Hove y -Blush, changing to while; resembles Baltimore Belle, but is hardier; a valuable climbingrose. Prairie Queen — Flowers very large and of jjeculiar globular form; bright, rosy red, changing to lighter as the flower opens. Pride of Washington — Brilliant amaranth, shaded rose centre; large clusters; very double and fine. RusselVs Cottage — Dark velvety crimson; very double and full; a profuse bloomer, strong grower; desirable. Ten?je.s.see £e?Ze— Flowers bright, beautiful pink; is more slender and graceful in growth than either of the other varieties. Triumphant — An excellent variety; flowers large, very double and compact; color deep rose, changing to pale carmine; beautiful, shaded and variegated. MOSS ROSES. The beautiful mossed buds of these Roses have placed them higher in the popular estimation than any other rose, or indeed than any other flowers, and they have furnished a theme for so many poets that they are familiar to everybod}-. The bushes are not very prepossessing in appearance, forming large, rugged masses, and set with ir numerable small thorns; most of them bloom only in the spring, but sometimes produce a few flowers in tlu' fall. They are as hardy as an oak; no garden is complete without some of these charming roses. Alice Leroy — Fine, clear pink; extra large flowers; fragrant. Aphelis Purpurea — Violet purple; large, fine form, well covered witli moss. Blanche Moreau — Flowers are produced in clusters; large, full and sweet; color pure white. The buds have an abundance of lovely deei> green moss. Captain Jolui Incjrahani — Brilliant carmine; large, full flowers, very double and mossy. Common .Vos.s"— The finest of all (he moss roses; color pale rose; very beautiful in the bud; a grand rose for the garden. Comtesse de il/«?-/«a/.s— Flowers white, sometimes tinged with flesh color; large, double, cupped: one of the best moss roses. THE HOME FLORIST. 8l Moss Rose. Crested Moss — Deep, jjink-colored buds surrounded with a mossy fringe and crest; a fragrant and very beautiful rose. De Luxembourg — Bright crimson scarlet ; large and double ; very sweet and mossy. Elizabeth Rowe — Bright, satiny pink; very large and double: fra- grant and finely mossed. Etna— CrinMion, tinged with purple; delightfully fragrant; very moss3'. Glory of 3Ioss — A magnificent moss ross; very large and double; color deep rosy oarmine; very mossy and fragrant; one of the best of the type. Gracilis — Deep pink buds, surrounded with delicate fringe-like moss; a magnificent and elegant sort; very prolific. Henry Martin — Rich, glossy pink, elegantly tinged with crim- son; large, globular flowers, very full and sweet; finely mossed. Hortense Vernet — Fine, rosy carmine; large, full and sweet; buds beautifully mossed. 82 THE HOME f LORIST. Laneil — Largi', bold flowers, A-ery (loul)l('; full and fragrant; color rich criuison, delicately shaded witli rosy ])Mrj)le; very mossy. Little Gem — A miniature sort; color bright crimson; very small and full; desiiable. Madame Moreaii - Flowers extra large, perfectly full and double: color rich carmine with crimson centre; petals beautifully edged with white; buds are finely mossed. Perpetual Wliite Jl/o.ss— Ends very mossy, color ]inre white, medium size and borne in large clusters; fragrant. Princess Adelaide — One of the best, extra large flowers, very double and fragrant; verj^ mossy; color Inight, rosy pink. Purpurea Rid)ra — Violet purple; large, full form; very double and fragrant; buds lieautifully mosseIi)ic Kitsfcr — Brv^ht, \v\non yeWow, very large and lumtlsoinely Kha])e(l: one of the finest roses; verj' free flowering. Madame Chabaud de St. Mandrier — Extra large, full flowers; color copper^' or buff rose, elegantly tinted and shaded with golilen yellow: ])retty and fragrant. Madame Chedane Gidimiseau — Sulphur yellow, shaded canary; a very free flowering sort; valuable. Madame Ciisin — Violet rose tinged with yellow; a profuse bloom- ing variety; extra. Madame Damaizin — Beautiful salmon rose, changing to amaranth and bright pink; a magnificent flower. Madame Deniiin — Wax white centre, fawn and flesh: flowers large, full and cupped; a distinct and fine rose with beau- tiful musk scent. Madame de St. Joseph — Fawn, shaded salmon; large, full, sweet- scented; highly esteemed. Madame de Vatry — Red, shaded with salmon, of good form, both in bud and flowers, and well scented; a very choice old sort Madame Devaueonx — Beautiful clear canary yellow: delicious tea fragrance; very double and full; a lieautiful sort. Madame de Wiitteville— White, shaded with salmon: outer petals edged with bright rose; large flowers, but not coarse; of peculiar odor; petals evenly arranged. Madame Dnbroca — Growth vigorous; flowers large and double; of fine shape; has a perfect habit; color delicate rose, shading to yellow at base of petals; a new color. Madame Elise Stchegoleff—SiWevy white, beautifully clouded with crimson and tinged with pale yellow; large, fine flowers; very full and sweet. Madame Eugenie Verdier— Very large, finely-formed flowers of good shape; color dark salmon yellow: highly comme::ded. Madame Falcot— Fine, ai)ricot yellow with beautiful butls; tea scented; a constant bloomer; much esteemed. Madame Francois Jo?*??*— Orange yellow, small size; buds of ex- quisite shape; very distinct, both in color and its peculiar fragrance. Madame Francois Levet— Beautiful, creamy yellow, tinged with rosy blush; very large and double: commended. THE HOME FLORIST. lOI Madame Hippolyte Jamain—'Large and very double, fine cup form, white with yellow centre, delicately shaded with pink. tea fragrance, extra fine. Madame Joseph Halphin — Salmon pink, with yellowish centre; an elegant variety. Madame Joseph Schtvartz — White, flushed with rose, changing to flesh white, flowering in clusters; full and well-formed buds. Madame Jules Margottin — Bright pink with crimson centre; large and double; very sweet; full and fine. Madame Jure — Lilac rose, good size and substance, fragrant; a very pretty and desirable sort. Madame Lambard—A fine large rose of elegant form, very full and sweet; color a peculiar shade of silver bronze; buds bright cheiTy red; a valuable variety. Madame Leon de St. Jean — Carmine and orange, changing when open to blush rose tinted with fawn and citron; exceedingly fragrant; an excellent rose. Madame Leone Ferrier — Growth vigorous; flowers large and full; buds perfect and of fine form; color flesh white; excellent. Madame Margottin — This is a great rose, always a favorite; very large, perfectly double flowers, elegantly perfumed; beau- tiful cition yellow with coppery centre; bright foliage. Madame Maurice Kujypenheim — Flowers of elegant form, large and full; color pale canary yellow, faintly tinged with pink, shaded with coppery rose; sweet, handsome and desirable. Madame Melanie Willermoz — Creamy white, thick petals, large, full and fi-agrant; an excellent sort for out-door culture. Madame Paidine Labonte—Sulmon rose, large and full: good in the bud; will give the most bloom planted out of any tea; an old and excellent sort. Madame Remand — Medium size, handsome form, color yellowish white, centre dai'ker; very fragrant. Madame Welehe—Yerj large, double and beautifully formed; soft, pale yellow, shaded in the centre with orange and copper; blooms freely; one of the finest teas. Mademoiselle Cecile Berthod—A grand rose, extra large size, very fragrant, very double; color deep clear yellow. Mademoiselle Lazarine Poizeau—EvighX, daffodil; a very distinct color in roses; prettiest in bud; of delicate habit. I02 THE HOME FLORIST. Mademoiselle Marie ^-l/vua/JfZ— Elegant canary yellow, changing to white, with reddish bulT centre; large, full and fra- grant; rare and elegant. ^ladeiiioiscUe Marie Bitrton — Pale yellow; very free flowering; full and very double; fragrant, a magnificent sort. Mademoiselle Marie Moreau — Pale, silvery white, elegantly flush- ed with crimson and yellow; large, finely formed flowere, full and sweet. Mademoiselle Rachel— A lovely tea rose, pure snow white; the purest white tea rose; makes beautiful buds; a most charming variety ; deliciously fragrant. Marcelin Roda — Pale lemon yellow, deepening toward the centre to golden yellow; lovely buds and flowers; an esteemed sort. Mareehal Robert — Wliite, the centre shaded with flesh; very large and full; a fine sort. Marie Diicher — Salmon rose, large, very full; a free blooming kind of excellent habit. Marie Gxiillot — White, faintly tinged with j'ellow, large, full and splendid form; one of the most beautiful teas. This rose combines perfection in both shape and form. Marie Pare — Beautiful rosy flesh, delicately shaded red, with rich crimson centre; large, full flowers; very sweet. Marie Sisleij — An elegant rose, full and double; delicious tea s:;ent; color an exquisite shade of pale yellow, broadly margined with bright rose; superb. Marie Van Houtte — Pale j'ellow; edge of petals often lined with rose, well formed: of good habit, and in every respect a most charming sort. The finest tea for out-door culture. 3Iarquis de San i ma -harge, j^lo\ni\Ar flowers, very double and sweet; deep coppery yellow with rose ceatre. Melville— Bright pink, changing to silver; roie good form; full and fragrant. Monsieur Furtado — Yellow, medium si7:e, well formed, very full; an excellent sort, of good habit: not nearly so much growu as it deserves. Nina — Silvery white, colored with rosy blush; medium size, full and sweet; a good rose. Niphetos — An elegant tea rose, very large and double: deliciously sweet; color ])ure, snow wliite; highly valued for its lovely buds, which are very large and pointed and borne on long stems. THE HOME FLORIST. 103 'mm Niphetos. Odor at a — Carmine, changing to blush; large flowers, good in bud; one of the most fragrant. Olympe Frcesney — White, shaded yellow; full and large; free bloomer and very sweet. Ophelia — A charming variety with veiy pretty cream-white flower?, changing to pure white when open; fine in bud. Papa Gontier — Growth vigorous; flower large and full; vivid rose shaded with yellow, reverse of petals, purplish red. Paul Nabonnand — An elegant shade of satiny rose, large and lull; a charming free-blooming sort. Perfection de Monplaisir — Canary yellow, medium size, full, very free flowering; a splendid garden i"Ose. I04 THE HOME FLORIST. Perle des Jardins — Canary or golden yellow, large and beauti- fully formed buds, handsome in every stage of develop- ment, from the smallest bud to the open bloom; without doubt the finest dwarf yellow rose cultivated. The plant grows freely and the foliage is a picture in itself, being ex- (^uisitely edged with pink. The flowers have a delicious tea fragrance and are borne in great profusion; in every respect a superb and charming rose. See figure. Perle de Lyon — Yellow, with saffron centre; large, full and very fragrant; arose of fine quality. Premium de Charrissiens — Extra large, full and sweet; bright carmine rose with fawn centre; splendid buds; a good gar- den rose. President — Splendid large flowers and buds; color soft rosy crim- son, changing to brilliant carmine; very fragrant and beau- tiful. Princess of Wales — Color a rich rosy yellow, the centre deeper yellow; very chaste and waxy in appearance; long, pointed buds; very desirable. Red Safrano—See "Safrano a fleur Rouge." i?e(;«7».s -Large, perfect form, full and fragrant; color brilliant carmine with purple and rose shading; good for both house and garden; a splendid rose. Peine de Portugal— Coppery yellow, blending with rose; large, very full; an eminently distinct sort. Peine des Massi'fs — A low, bushy grower and profuse bloomer; flower medium size, full and sweet; color fine salmon yellow. Heine Emma des Pays i?fl.s— Bright yellow shaded with reddish salmon; large, full flowers, very fragrant; an elegant variety. Peine Marie Pia- Splendid large, full flowers, bright scarlet rose, with rich crimson centre; very fragrant and beauti- ful; lovely buds. Peine Olga de Wnrtemhnrg — Large, full and fine; color rosy flesh, delicately tinged with salmon yellow; petals mar- gined with crimson; blooms in clusters. Rosalie- A distinct and charming miniature rose, very pretty in bud; open flowers of good substance; very tree flowering; color a deep pink. Rosa Nabonna lid- iiro\vi\\\\gorous; flowers very large; double and imbricated; delicate rose, vivid in centre; extra fine. THE HOME FLORIST. I05 Royal Tea — "White, faintly tinged with yellow; long, beautiful buds; raediuni size ; full and sweet. Rubens — Rosy flesh, deeiDer at centre; lai-ge, full, well formed: fine in the bud; an excellent variety. Safrano — Saffron and apricot yellow, exceedingly beautiful in the bud; very free flowering; much esteemed; deliciously tea scented. Safrano afleur Rouge— Ylowers bright salmon red, shaded with coppery red; semi-double; has a peculiar scent. Shirley Hibbard — A charming rose of medium size; full and dou- ble; color real Nankeen yellow; very distinct; extra fine. Souvenir cTElise Vardon — Flesh color shaded with rosy salmon; large, full and sweet; highly esteemed. Souvenir de Geoi'ges Sand— Ulegant and valuable; fine, large, full flowers; bright carmine buds, changing when open to red- dish amber, veined with crimson; very fragrant. Souvenir de Germain de St. Pierre— Growth vigorous; flowers large and full, with very large petals; purplish red; unique color in this class; very abundant bloomer. Souvenir de Mudain^, Fernet — Beautiful soft silvery rose, under- laid with yellow; large, full flowers; very handsome when in bud. Souvenir de Marie Tetrey — An elegant rose; large size, full, reg- ular form, very double and sweet; color i^ure white, flushed and tinted with soft, rosy crimson. Souvenir de Paul Neyron — White, beautifully tinged with clear, golden yellow; petals edged with rosy crimson; very dis- tinct and fine tea-scented. Souvenir de Theresa Level — Color fine scarlet, shaded darker; flowers large and freely produced ; a charnaing new rose. Souvenir d'un Ami — Fine delicate rose, shaded with salmon; very large, full and exquisitely fragrant; free bloomer; a i"ose that will jjlease the most exacting. Sunset — A beautiful, highly-colored rose of great merit. The color is a rich, tawny shade of saffron and orange, similar to, but deeper than the coloring of Safrano or Md. Talcot. In size, vigor and productiveness, it is the same as "Ferle des Jardines." The young foliage is of a rich crimson, which contrasts admirably with the orange-tinted safron flowers; exquisitely sweet and in all respects a superb rose. See figure. I06 THE HOME FLORIST. Hulphnreiix — Sulphur yellow, medium size; fine in the bud; fra- grant and profuse. Thcrese Loth— Fine carmine red, with deep rose shading; full and very sweet; free flowering: a good sort. Trionqjhe lie 3Jnan— White, sulTused with pale yellow; large, full, well-shaped flowers; a handsome variety. Triomphe dii Lu.veinbourg— Rosy carmine, finely nerved and shaded with salmon; the buds are very handsome; free in gi'owth and flower; one of the best old sorts. L7?ifg»e— White ground flamed with rose and purple; a beauti- fully colored rose. Vallee de Chamounix— The. coloring of this rose is simply ex- quisite; the base and back of petals is a bright yellow; the centre highly colored with glowing copper and ruse. Vicomtesse de Cazes— An exceedingly lovely rose, very sweet, very free flowering; color clear copper yellow in centre, changing to lighter on reverse of petals. Wliite Bon Silene— This is a sprout from tlie old Bon Silene, pos- sessing the same vigorous growth, the same free flowering qualities, and as hardy in constitution as the parent. The flowers are of pearly whiteness, and it is like gilding re- fined gold to say more in its favor than that it is a counter- part of the red Bon Silene. See figure. White Catherine jlfe/-7>?ef- Identical with "Catherine Mermet," except in color, which is of a pure pearly white; excellent. White Daily — Pure white, medium-sized flowers, which are borne in great profusion; constant; also known as White Tea. White Tea—fiee "White Daily." William Francis Bennett — This new rose is expected to fill a long felt want by taking the place of the old favorite, "General Jacqueminot," which rose it resembles in color, being a deep, rich crimson. Its bud in shai)e is long and slender, like "Niphetos," its size that of "]\Iarechal Niel." its fra- grance like "La France," and is be3-ond doubt the most de- licious of any rose extant. In the superlative sense it pos- sesses size, color, shape, fragrance, vigorous growth and freedom in blooming; will undoubtedly become popular. Yellow Tea— See "Flavescens," THE HOME FLORIST. 107 Noisette. NOISETTE OR EVER-BLOOMING CLIMBERS. This group is naturally of vigorous growth, nearly hardy, and produces large clusters of flowers freely throughout th.e summer and autumn. In fact, their distinguishing characteristic is their I08 THE HOME FLORIST. cluster-blooming habit; in a mild climate they become magnifi- cent climbers; nothing can be finer than a wall covered with Lam- arque. Solfaterre, or Cloth of Gold. Those in the South and Cali- fornia wishing climbing roses should plant them freely. Aimee Vibert, (Scandens) — Pure white, small, double flowers, produced in large clusters; nearly hardy. ^mer/c«— Fawn yellow, changing to coppery yellow; large, full flowers. Augusta— See "Solfaterre." Beaute deV Europe — Deep yellow, reverse of petals, coppery yel- low, flowers very large, full and well made; superb. Beauty of Greenviount — Rosy red, medium size, hardy and vig- orous. Belle Lyonuise — Pale lemon yellow; large globular flowers, very full; a fine sort. Boqiiet d'Or — Orange yellow, with coppery centre; large, full and fine. Caroline Marniesse— Creamy white, small and full; hai'dy; much esteemed. Car Mne Schmitt — Blooms in clusters; flowers full and regular, color coppery rose, passing to buff and white; very pretty and fragrant. Celine Forest ier — Pale yellow, deepening towards the centre; hardy; one of the finest in the class. Chromatella — See "Cloth of Gold."' Claire Carnot—BuS. or orange yellow, with ijeach-blossom cen- tre; delight-ful tea scent; prettj^ and desirable. Climbing Devoniensis — Same as tea rose "Devoniensis," except of climbing, vigorous habit; one of the finest of tlie class. Climbing Hermosa—See "Setiua." Cloth of Gold — Deep golden yellow, with sulphur edges; large, full flcwer; a grand rose for the South. Estella Pradle — Lovely puie wliite buds; flowers medium size: full and sweet; profuse bloomer. Euphrosyne— Pale yellow, orange tinge, a free bloomer ; good grower; very fine sort. Felleviberg — Rosy crijnsou; strong, vigorous grower; hardy. Oloire de Dijo)i — In color a combination of rose, salmon and yel- low; flowers very large, very full; good globular form; a very useful rose. I THE HOME FLORIST. I09 Isabella Gray — Deep, golden jellow, old and much esteemed. James Sprnnt — Deep velvety crimson; large flowers, full and very double; a grand rose. Lamarque — White, with sulphur centre; sometimes pure white; very large, full flowers, fi'agrant, and makes beautiful buds; an excellent rose. Lily Metschersky — Flowers double and well formed ; color violet red; vigoi'ous habit; very free flowering; a chai'ming rose. Madame Berard — A first-class variety; clear salmon pink, beau- tifully shaded, crimson and rose; lai-ge, finely -formed buds and flowers; full and sweet. Madame Celina Noirey— 'Extra, large, very double, full and sweet; color soft, rosy blush, beautifully shaded with deep red ; a splendid sort. Madame Louis Henry — Pale, silver rose, elegantly shaded with buff and salmon; large and full; very fragrant. Madame MiolanCarvalho — Deep, sulphur yellow, large and full; very double and sweet. Madame Trifle — Fawn and yellow; very large and full; a good sort. Marechal Niel — One of the largest, most beautiful roses grown; flowers deep golden yellow, very large, very full, globular form, delightfully fragrant; the finest of all the yellow roses. The buds are of immense size; a rose of great merit; highly esteemed. Marie Levelley — Habit extra vigorous; flowers large, full and of flne form; color vivid rose, shaded and lined with white; a splendid new rose. Musk Cluster— Creamj white; medium size; flowers in large clus- ters, with a delicate musk flavor; vigorous grower; excel- lent. Opliirie — Nasturtium yellow, suffused with coppery red; good size; double; a very distinct sort. Pit aloe — Soft, creamy white, deepening to rosy buff; amber cen- tre, very fragrant; large, double and fine. Pumila — Salmon rose, tinged with coppery red; large, full, sweet and very free bloomer. Reine Marie Henriette — Flowers large, full and of fine form; color beautiful cherry red; a pure shade, verj' double, very sweet; an extra fine sort; sometimes called red flowering "Glou-e de Dijon." no THE HOME FLORISl iJererf'Or— A beautiful pillar rose, hciuK a strong cliinl)er; color orauge yellow or rosy buff; good size, full and sweet; known also as "Golden Chain." iS'efnia— Identical with Herniosa, t'xcept I)eing of a vigorous climbing habit; recommended. Soifdfcnr—Fine, clear snli)liur yellow; large, double, full ;ind fragrant; an excellent climbing rose; valuable. Stcplidtiie ct JifHlolphe — Flowers )nerettily im- bricated; full, sweet, color orange yellow, Hushed with rosy crimson. Tlieri'sc Gciicvay — A lovely rose, beautifully cupped form, full and mi)aiiions among them. They are, in fact, indispensable, as neither the rosarian nor amatevn- can have a complete collection without them, embracing as they roke — Flowers large and of exijuisite form; very full and higldy scented; color soft satiny pink, elegantly sluided with rosy peach; very sweet and distinc-t. Distinction Mauve color, shaded with reddish amber; very pretty and highly scented. Diichessof Connaught — Large, very full and finely-formed; color delicate silvery rose, with bright salmon centre; a charm- ing rose of excellent quality; highly-scented. Duchess of Westyninster - Satiny pink, shaded with rose, some- times carmine rose; large, full flowers; fragrant. Duke of C(mnaug1it Rosy crimson, large, full, well formed: lias charming buds; a fine rose. Hon. George Bancroft — Flowers very large, full and regular; color bright rosy crimson, elegantly tinged and shaded violet very l)eautiful. Julius Fi?«gfer— Salmon pink, large and full form and liabit jier- fect; a magnificent variety. La France — One of the most beautiful of all roses, and is un- equaUnl by any in its delicious fragrance; verj' large, very double and superbly formed. It is difficult to convey an idea of its beautiful coloring, but tbe prevailing color is light silvery pink, shaded with silvery peach. It flowei-s continuously throughout the season, often blooming so freely as to check the growth of the plant, in which case a portion of the buds should be removed: stands first among the roses of our climate. Lady Mary Fitztrilliams—F]o\vers extra large and globidar: (juite full and regidar; very fragrant and beautiful: color dehcate flesh, elegantly tinged with and)er. Madame Ale-vandre Bernai.r— Salmon rose, edged with hhisli: full globular form ; fragrant; very beautiful. Madame Eiieniie Levet— Cherry red, with a copperv shade; a good clear color, well-shaped buds, freely produced: agreeably perfumed. Madam Julie U>(V?//Hni— Flowers extra large; color clear silvery rose, tinged with coijjx'ry yellow, reverse of i)etals: violet crimson; a beautiful rose. riiE HOME FLORIST. 113 La France. Mademoiselle Brigitte Violet — Pale rose shaded with violet; flowers large and full; a pleasing sort. Michael Saunders — Rose, shaded with coppery red; medium size: very full, finely formed; fi'agrant; a very distinct and pleasing sort. Nancy Lee — Satiny rose, of a very delicate and lovely shade; beautiful buds, oi medium size and highly perfumed; a very beautiful rose. Pearl — Rosy flesh, medium size, full; has very ja'etty buds: in every respect an elegant sort. Pierre Guillot — Bright, dazzling crimson; flowers large, very double and sweet: a charming varietv. 114 'J'HE HOME FLORIST. Triomphe dAvgers-Fri'^ht. fiery leil. changing to darkest vel- vety crimson, tinged with jiurple; large, full flowers; dou- ble and extremely fragrant. Viscountess Falmonth — Bright, shining rose: hack of petals bright carmine; flowers extra large and full; of splendid form; very distinct and beautiful. POLYANTHA ROSES. A delightfully unicjue class of Roses. The original Polyantha Rose is a hardy Japanese species with single flowers, and blooms only in the spring. Its seedlings however, have shown a remark- able tendency to vary from the character of the parent, and among them are tiie kinds described below, which produce dou- ble flowers and bloom continuously from early spring imtil win- ter. In habit they are most peculiarly distinct, being the dwarf- est of all roses, with graceful, slender branches and delicate fol- iage. They might be called Fairy Roses, with their miniature and beautiful-shaped flowers, which are borne in immense pani- cles or clusters, elevated considerably above the foliage. It is not unusual for one shoot to bear dozens of flowers; altogether a new departure among Roses and an invaluable one. They will no doubt i)rove to be comparatively hardy in nearly every section of tlie count r}-. Anne Marie de Montravel — A beautiful, pure white, fairy-like rose, very double, perfect flowers, about the size of a 25- cent piece; delightfully sweet-scented and borne in such large clusters that the plant frequently seems to be a mass of flowers. It l)looms profusely from early summer until late fall. Mademoiselle Cecile Brunner — One of the most beautiful and lovely in the class. The flowers are salmon pink, with deep salmon centre, borne in large clusters and'deliciouslv pei'- fumed; an exquisite miniature rose for floral work, l)OU- (luets, etc. ; a vigorous grower and a constant and profuse l)loomer; splendid bedder. Mignonette— One of the most lovely and beautiful miniature roses; the flowers are full and regular, perfectly double, borne in large clusters, and deliciously perfumed; color clear i)ink. changing to white, tinged with ]Kile ruse; it is a vigorous grower, and a constant and profuse bloomer. We THE HOME FLORIST. 115 Polyantha Rose, it6 the iiomk florist. have seen as many as 150 flowers on this variety at one time. It has also survived a temperature of 20 degrees be- low zero witliout any protection. Paquerette — We consider this variety the best of all the Poly- antha Roses. The flowers are pure white, about one inch in diameter, flowering in clusters of from five to fifty blooms; very full, prettily formed, recalling blossoms of the double flowering cherry, and full}' equals the double white Primrose in profuse blooming during the winter. It has a peculiarl}- delicious perfume that is extjuisite; alto- gether a I'ose of charming beauty and gi-eat merit. Perle d'Or — This is a new and striking rose, similar in character and habit of gi-owth to Anne Marie de Montravel. The flowers, however, are larger, and if possible produced in still greater number than those of that valuable variety, but the great difference lies in the color, which is a beautiful light canary yellow, deeper in the centre, with small, white edge; blooms in clusters, numbering often sixty to sixty- five flowei-s each ; medium size, of fine form and lexture; petals are slightly imbricated and overla]) each other, giv- ing the flower a very double appearance; growth bushy, rarely attaining over fifteen inches in height; regarded as one of the finest, most distinct and valuable of the class. CULTIVATION AND MANAGEMENT. The Garden. — Roses, to be most effective, should be planted in a bed by themselves, where it is possible to do so. A dozen Roses scattered about the garden lose their individuality, and are not nearly so attractive as when planted in masses of any shape the grounds may allow or fancy suggest. Any fair, well-drained garden soil will answer for them, although where a choice can be had, a loamy clay is preferal)le; but whatever its character may be, to attain anything like perfection in their culture it should be dug two spades deep and have plenty of rotted stable manure thoroughly incorjxn-ated with it. During summer the surface of the soil should be kci)t loose by cultivation. In planting the hardy varieties, including Hybrid Pcipetuals. which arc to re- main ix-rmanently in the beds, do not plant so close that they will become crowded aftei- attaining to some size; three to tour feet is about right for this division, although the tender sorts will THE HOME FLORIST. I17 do some neai-er. Roses will not thrive in a situation much shaded and like many other plants they do better if not exposed to sweeping winds. Priming'. — Usually the most pleasing form for the Rose is a symmetrical, bushy one, and this can be produced by judi- cious pruning. The proper time to prune those that are entirely hardy is late in the fall, while the varieties that are liable to be frozen back in winter should have the operation deferred until early spring. All strong shoots of the last season's growth should be cut back to three or four eyes, making the cut with an upward slope from directly above an eye. weak growths should be entirely removed. This treatment will cause a vigorous growth of young wood, and tends to increase the size and beauty of the flowers. In pruning climbing Roses, only such shoots as may appear superfluous, and all old wood that can be spared, should be cut away. The varieties of the tender division, the growth of which is almost continual, require pinching back of the strongest new shoots during the season to keep the plants shapely, and all branches after flowering should be cut back suf- ficir'ntly to induce from three or four new flowering shoots to start into growth from the buds which remain. Insects Injurious to Roses. — The most troublesome in- sect enemies of the hardy Roses are the Rose Saw-fly, especially in its caterpillar state— then known as the Rose Sing — and the Rose Chafer or Bug. As the depredations of each of these sometimes assume a serious form, I will endeavor to describe them so that they may be known at their first appearance, and proper reme- dies be applied in time to check their ravages. During the last two weeks of May, and until the middle of June, the Rose Saw- flies make their appearance upon the plants, pair and lay their eggs in the incisions made with their saw^s in the leaves. They are of a shiny black color, about one-fifth of an inch long, and will be found mostly on the under side of the leaves, or flying around from bush to bush. The first young slugs hatch out in a few weeks after the flies appear, usually showing themselves about June 1st, and increasing in number during the month. These are of a pale green color and have an almost transparent, jelly-like appearance. They feed upon the leaves, which soon look as if they had been bvirned, and droj) if the slugs are not de- stroyed Dry slacked lime scattered over the leaves while wet with dew is the most convenient remedy for destroying them, 1 I 8 THE HOME FLORIST, and will often prove effectual; but a more destructive one may be had in fretjuently syringing tlie i)lant with whale oil soaj) dis- solved in water in the proportion of one pound to eight gallons of water. ]\Iany of the female inseets in their beetle state — being more sluggish than the males — can be destroyed with this solution if thoroughly applied by sprinkling or with a syringe every day as they first appear. No pains should be spared to lessen the num- ber as much as possible by this means. The Rose Chafer is a small insect with a slender body, which tapers l)efore and behind, measuring near three-eighths of an inch in length, and entirely covered with ashen-yellow down. They usually appear towards the middle of June, sometimes in large numbers, and remain from four to six weeks, also feeding on some other ])laiits beside the Rose. The usually efhcacious remedies employed in destroy- ing other insects, scarcely effect these at all; and about the only way of destroying them is to pass over the plants daily, shake or brush them into tin vessels containing water, or they may be gathered on sheets and burned. Red Spider and Green-fly are the most common insects met with in cultivating Roses in the win- dow and conservatory, and directions are given for preventing and destroying these in the articles on "The Amateur's Conserv- atory,*' and "Plant Culture in and about the House." Mildew and Kiist,— Mildew is a fungoid growth which shows itself upon the leaves and small twigs of Roses and other plants, both indoors and out at times. It has a gray, mold-like appearance, and seems to be invited bj' anything that causes the growth of the i)lant to be suddenly cliecked. Roses making a vigorous growth in the window or conservatory, if exposed to a strong draft of cold air from the outside, will freijuently be trou- bled with mildew, or by allowing the soil to become dry enough to cause the leaves to droop generally affects them similarly. In Rose culture all sxich unfavorable causes must be strictly guarded against. The ordinary agent, and undoubtedly the best, for erad- icating and also })reventing mddew is floiu- of sulphur, which may be applied by dusting it ui)on the leaves after wetting down the foliage, every few dajs, imtil it is no more to be seen. Rust fre(]uently troubles Roses in the garden by a))pearing upon the leaves. The best way to deal Avith it is to cut off and burn the infected branches, although if bu^,„i: A New Method of Planting. though planted in the open soil. After severe freezing in the fall, the pot and plant are raised, those roots within the pot being, of course, entirely undisturbed, and can be stored in a cold cellar or other convenient place where, entirely jirotected from the sun's rays, and from too severe freezing, the pot and protruding roots should be covered with damp sand or earth. Fig. 2 shows the plant ready for replanting, Avithrtjots and top cut back, as should be done each spring, and then planted out as before as soon as danger of severe freezing is passed. The gi'ouuds should !.(> en- riched each year, and being very rich, the plant at once com- mences a rapid growth, which is essential to an abundant bloom. Each succeeding fall it is to be taken up and treated in the same way, and can be kept many years in good health and vigor. In place of the pot, any Mooden box, having numerous holes in its sides may be used, but. of course, it is not nearly as durable or desirable, for in the damp, warm soil, it decays rapidly, and is liable to become full of insects. Most varieties of Hybrid Perpetual Roses will survive the cold- est winters unprotected, if growing on drained ground. It is, however, a wise policy, to cover all the plants with straw late in autumn, as this is but little trouble, and they g(>nerally flower better, while they are sure to winter safely with such treat nu'ut. This may be done by driving a stake firmly into the ground to each |)lant, and tying it nicely and rather close to it; then some straightened straw is placed around the entire length of the THE HOME FLORIST. 121 plant- it need not be very thick — completing the operation by binding twine or straw bands around the whole in several places throughout its length. An application of stable manure or leaves around the base of the plant will afford all needed protection to the roots. All roses, including the most tender kinds, will stand some freezing without injury, and it is as well to defer protecting them until quite late in the fall, say in November. In the spring, as soon as the frost is out of the ground and growing weather is at hand, all protection should be removed. Roses for Pot Culture aurt Winter Blooming'. — The tender monthly roses are nearly all suitable for pot culture and winter flowering, the Tea-scented section, with its unapproacha- ble bud varieties, being usually preferred. Plants designed for winter blooming should be grown in pots during the previous summer. These should be plunged to the rim in earth or coal ashes, in order to prevent their drying out. Roses under any cir- cumstances are quite susceptible of being injured by becoming too dry, and the condition should always be guarded against in pot culture. In the remarks on page 3l, entitled "Preparatory Treatment of Plants designed for Winter Flowering," directions are given which apply to summer treatment of rofes grown in pots for this purpose. In August the plants should be shifted into larger-sized pots, or planting them into a box will answer quite as well. If they are to be grown in the window, they should now be gradually inured to the changed light and heat by keep- ing them in confinement only a part of the day, in the interven- ing time giving them an airy exposure under the piazza or at the side of the house, lessening this by degrees as the season ad- vances. If to be forced in the conservatory, this means of accli- mation is unnecessary, provided plenty of air is allowed to circu- late through the structure after they have been taken in. Their winter position should be as nmch exposed to sun as possible, and the temperature kept^t between 55" and 60° at night, with an in- crease of 15° higher during the day. Syringe the j)lants fre- quently and never allow them to suffer from dryness at the roots. Before dismissing this subject, I will explain how, by means of a cool greenhouse or a cold pit, the Hybrid Perpetual and many other hardy roses, besides all tender ones, may be taken u^) and made to do a kind of double duty, safely, and with little trouljle, by flowering profusely in the house or conservatory in Marcli or later, and after being returned to the garden tinive there as 122 THE HOME FLORIST. usual. For this purpose any of the plants growing and flowering during summer are suitable without extra treatment. Dig them carefully late in October in this latitude, and prune away the old straggling wood and superfluous shoots, cutting the remaining shoots back to several eyes; then pot into good fresh soil, one- third part of whicii should consist of well-rotted manure, press- ing it down very firmly and give them a thorough watering. After this place the potted roses in a cool greenhouse or cold i)it, where they are to remain until the middle of January and later for a succession. In bringing them in from the cold pit to the window or conservatory for flowering, do not place in too high a tempera- ture at once. A situation indicating 40' or 45" will answer for them at flrst, and from this they might gradually be changed to a temperature of from 50 to 60" at night, and receive treatment as directed for winter blooming plants. Contrary to what might be supposed, thus forcing roses late in the winter does not materi- ally injure the usefulness of tlie plants, for by planting them out again in May, the monthly varieties will flower considerable, and all will regain their usual vigor in time. DESCRIPTION OF ORNAMENTAL AND I'LOWERING PLANTS WITH CULTURAL DIRECTIONS. Plants that are grown for ornament, as well as others, are clas- sified according to tlieir habits, means of reproduction, time t>f flovverjr.g and maturity, etc., into a number of divisions, as named and described herewith. ANNUALS. All those plants that flower the first year from seed, and, after yielding a new crop of seed, die, root and all, are called Annuals. These are sub-divided into several kinds, such as Hardy, Half- Hardy and Tender Annuals. ILirdy AiniKols are those that readily germinate and make their growth lo full matnrity in tlie open air, witlK)Ut the aid of artificial heat, such as Sweet Pea, Nemophila, Candytuft, etc. THE HOME FLORIST. 1 23 Half Hardy and Tender Annuals differ from the Hardy An- nuals in being more tender, on which account most of them should receive the assistance of artificial heat and protection during germination and in the early stages of their growth, al- though nearly all flower well later in the season if the seeds are sown in the open ground after all danger of frost to the young seedling is over. The Poi'tulaca, Phlox Drummondi, Merigold, etc., belong to this division. BIENNIALS flower the second and sometimes the third year after sowing, then ripen their seod and die, root and all. PERENNIALS live and blossom from year to year, and, although some seed free- ly, many do not, and are best increased by layers, cuttings, sep- aration of the roots, etc. This division is sub-divided into Hardy Herbaceous Perennials, and, in our latitude, Tender or Green- house Perennials, each of which include some Bulbous and Tuberous plants. Hardy Herbaceous Perennials are plants like the Pseonies, Hardy Phlox, Hyacinths, Lilies, Lychnis, etc., whose roots continue to live year after year, although the growth above ground dies an- nually, either soon after flowering or in the fall. Most of these kinds are propagated by division of the roots, which may be taken up for this purpose every few years. Many can also be in- creased from seed, others by layering. Tender or Greenhouse Perennials for the most part consist of plants whose entire growth, both plant and root, is continual, and which are, with few exceptions, increased by slips or cuttings taken from growing plants. These plants are usually reared in pots, and belong to a division that, to some extent, is old and well known. The common monthly Eose, Rose, Fish and Horse- shoe Geraniums, the Lady's Ear- Drop, Snake and other Cactus, Oleanders, Rosemary, etc., which all of us have been familiar with from infancy, almost, belong to this division, while many varieties and kinds, quite as easy of cultivation, and greatly im- proved, which have come into general use only within late years are still compai-atively unknown, and receive little attention, ex- cept from professional florists, and the more enthusiastic ama- teurs. To this class of plants we are indebted for many of our 124 THE HOME FLORIST, choicest floral gems, either for cultivation in the house, conserva- tory or garden. Freiiuently members of the same botanical genus vary so much as to be properly arranged in several of the above divisions. Tliis is the case with the Phlox, some species of wliich are Hardy Annuals, and other Hardy Herbaceous Perennials; also with the flowering Pea andotliers. Comparative Value. — In tliis connection it may be well to consider the comparative value and cost of various kinds of flowers, presuming that the reader who purchases stock, desires to make the best investment with any money to be expended. Although the prices of individual pot and other plants range higher than those of single packets of flower seeds, it should be remembered that the former are always of consideraV>le, often of a flowering, size when purchased, while plants still require to be reared from the latter; then, again, when once a plant is pur- chased it can be increased by cuttings, divisions, etc., to any de- sired extent, and the quality of the variety is never materially impaired, because each plant propagated is part of the parent, with a root of its own. With seeds it is different; every experi- enced amateur knows that it is next to impossible to keep up a superior strain or variety with seed unless this is saved from plants grown isolated, after the manner practiced by regular seed growers. The trouble is they are apt to mix and deteriorate whicli may necessitate the purchase of the same kind each spring if it is considered desirable to keep up the stock very pure. Should this be necessary however, with varieties that cannot be saved pure, the outlay to procure superior new seed need not be large each year, and it should be rememliered that many of the better annuals and other seed-grown ])lants can be used with un- equaled effect in producing display in the house or about the grounds. In the descriptions which follow, the division to whicli ( acli sort belongs is named in the parenthesis following the name of the kind. For an explanation of the figures and degrees wliicli follow the name of Greenhouse Perennials, for instance ABUTI- LON, (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45. 85'), see "Temperature," etc., page 44. ABELIA {Oreenhmise Perennial, 32, 45, 85°). A genus of greenliouse shrubs from Japan; they are of slender branching liabit, very attractive and pleasing; of easy culture. THE HOME FLORIST. 125 Abutilon. A. Rupestris — Is of dwarf habit and flowers profusely in autumn or winter; the flowers are produced in compact clusters, white, and of exquisite fragrance; propagated from cut- tings. ABUTILON {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85°). A genvis of plants noted variously for their peculiar bell- shaped flowers of different colors, for the variegated foliage of some varieties, and for the fine drooping habit of others; all are suitable for culture in pots in the house and conservatory, some for bedding and others for planting in vases and hanging baskets, while there is not a delicate or feeble growing variety among them; when bedded out in the summer they can be taken up about September 1st and potted for winter decoration as readily as the average of plants; all should receive an occasional pniu- ing; propagated from cuttings or seed. 126 THE HOME FLORIST. ^4, Mesopotamicum, has calyx of the flower scarlet; petals yel- low; of straggling, slender growth; excellent for training to a stake or trellis. A. Mesopotamicum pictum — A new variety, and one of the finest drooping plants for planting at tlie edge of baskets and vases, or for pot culture; the loaves are narrow, of beautiful shape and rather small, and are richly variegated with golden yellow on green, which rend^'rs the plant exceed- ingly valuable for contrasting with other drooping plants. A. Thoinpsonii — The leaves are distinctly variegated and marbled with bright yellow on dark green ground. Tliis variety is one of the best beddmg and also i^ot plants for inside cul- tivation; it grows vigorously when planted out and the dis- tinctness of its leaf markings. A. saataua —Purplish crimson flowers ; one of the best old sorts. A. Royal Scarlet— Yery dwarf and the darkest colored sort grown. A. YelloiLi Prince — One of the newest dwarf; bright y 'How. A. Prince of Heilbron — Variegated foliage, like Thompsunii, but is much better in its markiugs. A. Arthur Belsham — Clear crimson without markings; the best of its color. A. Ed. Layeillon — Dwarf grower; a splendid bedder, "ith bright golden yellow flowers. -.4. Standard — Dwarf habit; flowers light purplish red; large size, being more expanded than in other sorts. ^4. Robert George — This is an elegant sort, both as to habit and blooming qualities, being upriglit; moderately dwarf, pro- ducing flowers of orange, veined with crimson in great pro- fusion. ^i. Snoiv Storm — A dwarf -growing variety, producing pure wliite flowers; a splendid w inter blooming variety. A. lliompnonii pdena — This new variety has jjcrfectly double flowers that resemble in form a double hollyhock; color rich deep orange, shaded and streaki'd ^\ith crimson; it is a sport from A. Thompsonii, and still retains the beautifully mottled yellow and green foliage of that variety. ACALYPHA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, GO, 9.")='). Handsome greenhouse shrubs with beautiful foliage, being used more each year for bedding purposes; propagated from i-uttings. THE HOME FLORIST. 12/ A. tricolor — Has variegated foliage of green, copper-colored and red, irregularly mottled and blotched. A. marginati — Very pretty bronze-colored leaf with distinct edge of pink or red ; very pretty. ACHANIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85'). A shrub that blooms both summer and winter ; not subject to insects of any kind ; one of the most satisfactory house plants grown ; are iiropagated from cuttings. ^4. lyiolvaviscus—ls remarkable for the beauty of its scarlet flowei's and beautiful green leaves. ACHILLEA (Hardy Perennial). A genus of hardy plants, partly natives, several of which pro- duce attractive flowers during the summer months; they will thrive in any soil; they are increased by division of the roots. A. ageratum — Has golden yellow flowers. A. niillefolmvi — Is a pretty rose-colored variety. A. jitarmica fl. pi. — Produces double pure white flowers; is de- sirable m every collection. It continues to bloom most of the season, throwing up a succession of its pretty little flowers, in corymbs, on stems about one foot high. The foliage is narrow and of a dark shining green color; per- fectly hardy. ACHIMENES {Tender Tuber). Tropical plants for summer blooming; the scaly tubers must be preserved entirely dry during winter. In early spring, pot in peat, sand and a little light soil. They delight in heat, moisture and shade while growing, but in a more cool temperature when in bloom. Excellent for baskets. ACHYRANTHES {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90°). The Achyranthes are plants with beautiful foliage, most of which are excellent for planting in masses and in the ribbon style, their distinct colors forming a striking contrast with Cen- taureas and other white-leaved plants. All are well-suited for planting in the centre of hanging baskets and vases, and also for liouse and winter culture, as they develop their colors even in partial shade and prove to be somewhat hardier than Coleus for 128 THE HOME FLORIST. this purpose. They reach a height of from one to one and a half feet. Any of the varieties may be readily propagated from cut- tings in a warm place. For summer culture the cuttings should be struck in February or March, while to have beautiful medium - sized plants for window culture in the winter or to plant into ferneries— for which purpose they are admii-ably adapted — propa- gate in June or July. A. aureus vet iculatus —Has \ea\es of a light green color, netted with golden yellow, occasionally splaslied with crimson; stalk and leaf -stems light crimson; a beautiful and desira- ble plant. A. Oilsonii — With leaves striped with various shades of carmine; stems of a deep shade of pink; in some resjjects an improve- ment on old Verschaifeltii. being of a more dense and com- pact growth; excellent in every way. -4. Lindenii— An upright dwarf grower, about onr foot higli, completely branched from the root; leaves narrow lanceo- late, of a deep, blood-red color, reflecting varying tints of red and purjile; unsurpassed for bedding. A. Lindenii aureus variegata — A variety in every respect similar to Aureus reticulatus, except that it resembles Lindenii in growth and form of leaf. ACROCLINIUM {Half-hardy Annual). This is one of the several useful everlasting flowers that are readil}' grown from seed. Tiie flowers are of medium size, good form, and are not excelled by any other everlasting in points of delicacy and beautiful tints. It is better to start the young plants in heat and transplant to eight inches apart, then to sow directly wlicre they are to bloom, although there is no great danger of failure by doing so about June 1st. Tlie flowers should be cut for use ill winter before they are fully expanded. A. album — Pure white. -4. roseum — Bright rose. AGAPANTHUS. {Tender Bulb.) An old genus of Liliaceous jdants, belcmging to the greenhouse, and easily grown in light fibrous loam and old manure. During the growing season water must not be neglected. Store away in tlie cellar during winter. Tiiis jiluJit will fre(]uently send U)) a flower stalk tliree feet high, crowned with twenty or tlnrty flowers, 1 THE HOME FLORIST. 1 29 which will open in uuccession. It is a noble ornament on a lawn. ^4. iimhellatus — Numerous large umbels of bright blue flowers, on tall stems. AGAVE— Century Plant {Greenliouf^e Perennial, 32, 4.'5, 90"). This remarkable family of plants belongs to the class knowij as fleshy plants, and which have thick, massive leaves that present but a small amount of surface in proportion to their bulk. In the present instance the plants have no proper stem previous to the time of sending up their flowering shoot, which, as is well known, takes place at an advanced age, although the popular impression that they do not flower until the age of one hundred years is er- roneous. In Central and South America, their native habitats, they flower previous to their twentieth year, but in our green- houses not usually until they have reached three or four times this age. After flowering the plant dies to the ground, but the root sends up a mass of new plants. The leaves are long, thick, and terminate in a point; they diverge upwards and outwards from the centre and together form one of the Uiost efliective pot plants for decorating the grounds in summer and the conservatory or dwelling in winter that can be cultivated. The Agaves are easy to grow, being not at all particular as regards light or heat, in this respect resembling the Cactus, and quite as desirable for house culture. Their growth can be retarded or encouraged by more or less frequently shifting them into larger pots, which, at the most, should not be done of tener than once a year. Their are two varieties in common cultivation — ^4. Americana, with bluish-green leaves, and A. Americana variegata, similar in appearance to the preceding, except that the foliage is striped throughout its length. AGERATUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 75"). The Ageratums are rapid growing, profuse blooming, easily propagated plants, that will thrive with the most ordinary treat- ment; either if bedded out or in pots, and are deserving of a place in every collection. The flowers are produced in compact tuft-like heads, and although no striking colors exist in them, they appear in large numbers continually throughout the summer; are of ex- cellent form and have long convenient stems, which render them useful for working into bouquets. Being almost continually in flower, most of the varieties are valuable for planting in ribbon 130 THE HOME FLORIST. lines or for massing, and the}' are very easily reared from cuttings in large numbers, a fact that sliould not be overlooked. The variety with variegated foliage creates a very pretty effect wlien similarly emplojed. Ageratums can be forced to flower in the winter quite well, eitlier in the dwelling or conservatory, l)ut are not prominently valuable for this purpose, as the red-spider is rather liable to trouble the plants. Young summer ])ropagated plants can easily be kept in a growing condition over winter from wliich to take cuttings for spring stock. A. Imperial dwarf — Is of compact low growth, attaining the height of eiglit inches, and spreading to tlie size of one foot across; it is almost entirely covered with lavender-blue flowers du"ing the greater part of the summer. A. Mexicannm is one of the best for cut flowers; the flowers are of a delicate lavender color, and very freely produced; the plants grow to a height of from eighteen to twenty-four inches. A. Mexicanum variegatum — A beautiful variety of the last-named one, wliich it resembles in habit, but the leaves are varie- gated witli jellow, green and sometimes a faint shade of crimson; suitable for bedding or pot culture. A. Tom TJuDiib— The smallest variety of all, rarely attaining more than six inches in height; flowers of a light porcelain blue color. A. Blaiidie — Pure white; a most valuable sort. A. John Douglas — Dwarf and bushy flowers, azure blue, making it one of the most valuable additions to bedding plants of late introduction. AGROSTEMMA {Hardy Annual). A species of plants that flower freely in the summer. Although perhaps not as valuable as some others, they may be grown easily from seed, and having long stems and rather attractive colors, are so useful and pretty in bouquets and other floral ar- rangements that they should not be passed by. Tlie varieties commonly grown are New Scarlet, of bright color, Cceli Rosa, of a deep rose color, but there are still other good ones. AKEBIA QUINATA. {Hardy Climber). This plant is suitable for large arboi-s or trellises. It will twine around old trees, completely covering the branches from which it THE HOME FLORIST. I3I will hang in graceful festoons. The color of the flower is dark brown; very sweet scented; it is easily propagated from cuttings or by layering. ALLAMANDA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 90°). A splendid genus of greenhouse plants, invaluable for exhibi- tion purposes. They should be grown in equal parts of fibrous loam, peat and sharp sand, vs^ith a little rotted manui-e. Give Strong heat and moisture; propagated from cuttings. A. nerifolia—A compact-growing greenhouse shrub, having large, trumpet-shaped, bright yellow flowers, which are borne in great profusion nearly the entire season. A. Hendersonii — A valuable greenhouse plant, having large, deep yellovv flowers four inches in diameter. It can be trained to climb, or can be grown in bush form, as desired. It blooms nearly the entire season ; a splendid plant. A. Schottii — Produces immense numbers of large, funnel-shaped flowers; golden yellow. ALOYSIA CITRIODORA— Lemon Verbena {Greenhouse Peren- nial, 33, 45, 80 ). A neat growing shi'ub, with elegant light green lanceolate leaves that are deliciously fragrant; in this respect hardly equalled by any other plant in cultivation. It is difficult to describe a fra- grance with words. That of this plant somewhat resembles the oder of lemons, yet besides possesses a sweetness and agree- ableness that is indescribable. Sometimes persons of cultivated tastes may be met to whom the fragrance of such flowers as the Heliotrope, Mignonette, Tuberose, Jasminum, etc., which are prized by nearly every one, are found to be distasteful, but I have yet to find the person who does not like the Lemon Verbena fra- grance. Althougli the Aloysia is a tender perennial; its sheds its leaves in the fail, and enters into a natural state of rest during the winter, in which condition it may be kept over until spring in some moderately dry place, like under the staging of a conserva- tory or on a shelf in the cellar away from frost. The soil about the root should not be allowed to become dust dry, but occasion- ally may be treated to a little water. In March or April the plants should be brought to light and should be watered frequently to induce a new growth for the season. They may also be pruned at 132 THE HOME FLORIST. this time. The Aloysia is suitable either as a pot plant or for bed- dinp^ out, and will ])r(»\e to be one of the easiest of plants to manage; propagated from cuttings. ALTERNANTHERA {Oreenh&use Perennial, 35, 60, 90°). A genus of ornamental plants, with richly -colored leaves in the summer and which are well adapted for pot culture, baskets, vases, and for bedding out in ribbon lines or edging to flower beds. They are of a similar size to, and contrast beautifully with, varie- gated Alyssum and variegated Thyme for bedding jiurposes. Tlie plants grow rapi^ ^ > v -W^ '^Sl' ^ft render it safe to plant tlie tubers out "^ ~ * aii*8BSii<.d!^fejaW iu tiig open ground in the fall along with Ilyacintlis and the other hardy bulbs. By keeiting them out of the gi'ound until early spring, and then at the earliest opportunity i)lanting them in a bed jirepared the fall pre- vious, and which has been kept cov- ered, they will succeed very well, and will flower from April until July. The flowers are produced on erect stems, six to nine inclies high, in both the double and single varie- ties; they are of tlie most brilliant colors with beautiful marks and stripes. The tubers, wliich have a curious appearance, resembling ginger roots, should be planted about six inches apart and three inches deep. xYfter Anemone. THE HOME FLORIST. 1 37 they have produced then- flowers for the season, and the leaves turn yellow, the roots may be taken up, dried in the shade and put away for planting again. Anemone Japonica {Hardy Perennial). — This is a desirable hardy plant, introduced from Japan. There are several varieties: A. rubra— ^ith. red, and A. alba with white flowers being the most commonly cultivated, The flowers of these are nearly two inches in diameter, and are produced in great profusion for a long time during the latter part of the summer and in the autumn; the plants attain a height of two feet. There are different varie- ties of wild or wood Anemones found growing in most parts of the United States and Europe, which are attractive among spring and summer wild flowers ; increased from root cuttings. ANIMATED OATS {Hardy Annual). Among curious things in the vegetable kingdom, the seeds of this plant are prominent and decidedly interesting. What is striking about them is that they have a strong resemblance to in- sects with long cricket-like legs that are bearded and covered with spurs, all pointing in one direction. They will throw them- selves ahead with a darting, springing motion sufficiently life-like in appearance to be deceptive if laid upon a paper which is being agitated; or if the seeds are moistened, so sensitive are their strong beards to alterations of dryness and moisture that they will twist and keep in motion, resembling an insect crawling on tlie ground. Sow in the open ground early in the spring. ANTHERICUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85^). An elegant house plant of easy cultivation. It has a hardy constitution, not as against cold, but as against gases, sudden changes and dryness of the atmosphere in the drawing-room, which makes it a valuable plant for the conservatory or for filling in baskets, jardinieres or rustic designs; propagated by seed or division of the roots. A. vitatum variegatum — Has beautiful dark green leaves, marked with broad stripes of pure white; it throws up long spikes of small, star-shaped flowers. ANTIRRHINUM— Snap Dragon {Hardy Herbaceous Perennial). The Antirrhinum is a hardy perennial that usually survive our winters if protected, although it is not to be entirely relied upon in this respect, as sometimes it will die out. It is, however, so 138 THE HOME FLORIST. AidiiTliiimm. easily grown from seed every year, sown either in the latter part of summer or early in the spring under glass or in the open ground, that there is no necessity of keeping up old plants from year to year. Flowers freely the first season from the seed, and hetlcr the second, if the flowers are removed as fast as they appear the first season. The flowers are bright and attractive, appearing for a long time and even up to cold weather: also easily projiagated from cuttings, and stock plants can be kept over in a cold pit vin- til February or ^larch, and tlien started into growth to form shoots for i)ropagati(>n. Among the Antirrliiuums are the tall (two feet high), dwarf (one foot high) and Tom Thumb (six inches higli) sections, the following being some of the most distinct varieties: A. album— Pure white, both tall and dwarf. A. brill iant— Crimson and white, botli tall and dwarf. delila — Carmine, white throat. fii'^.fl!J—Oriin<^e scarlet, wiiite throat, both tall and dwarf. pujjillon -scar\et, wliite and yi'llow, both tall and dwarf. jvirpureum — Deep bright pnri)le; dwarf. A. striatum— BeautiiuWy striped; tall, dwarf and Tom Thumb. THE HOME FLORIST. I39 AQUILEGIA — Columbine {Hardy Herbaceous Perennial). A genus of plants that flower the fore part of the season, some varieties of which are well known, the old garden Honeysuckle being one of these. They may be propagated by dividing the roots and from seed. A. coeriilea—A most beautiful variety from the Rocky Moun- tains, which is entitled to be universally cultivated. In England I see it is declared to be "not only the Queen of Columbines, but even the most beautiful of all hardy herb- aceous plants." The color is a delicate blue, with distinct white centre, and the remarkably long spurs give the flowers a most singular and beautiful appeai'ance . ARDISIA (Greenhouse Perennial. 33, 50, 80°). Greenhouse evergreen shrubs, with panicles of small white flowers. They enjoy light, fibrous loam, peat and sand, with good drainage; propagated from seeds. A. crenata — Clusters of brilliant scarlet berries during winter. This is a chai-ming house plant and should be more gener- ally cultivated; the berries remain for a long time, giving the plant an elegant appeai'ance; the plants usually fruit when one year old. ARISTOLOCHIA SIPHO— Dutchman's Pipe {Hardy Climber). This vine is suitable for covering walls or trellises. Under fav- orable circumstances it will grow twenty feet in a season; the foliage is large, of a deep rich green ; the flowers are of a brownish color and resemble in shape a pipe ; propagated by seed. ARMERIA {Hardy Perennial). This is the well-known "Sea Pink;" it is perfectly hardy; does well in all situations; flowers bright pink; very useful for bou- quets; blooms through the spring, summer and faU; propagated by division. ASCLEPIAS {Hardy and Tender Perennial, 33, 45, 75'.) A genus of very attractive flowering plants. The following specie is used for bedding out during summer, and for pot cul- ture in winter. Good loam and sand is sutScient; propagated by cuttings. A. Curassavica — A species with scarlet flowers. I40 THE HOME FLORIST. ASPIDISTRA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 50, 80"). Liliaceous plants from China and Japan, with oblong lanceo- ate leaves, easily grown in an ordinary greenhouse, in good turfy loam: propagated by dividing the suckers. They are useful house plants; for the production of well-marked plants of the variegated species the pots in which they are grown should be small. A. lurida varieyato— Leaves with broad white stripes. Aster. ASTER {Hardy Annnat). The Aster is one of the grandest of seed -grown plants. There are tall growing varieties two to three feet in height, and from these different sections are graded in heiglit all tlie way down to the very dwarf ones, not more than eiglit inches high, and which spread out so as to present the appearance of boucjuets of flowers set in the ground. The flowers are of the most attractive, as well as delicate colors, including the purest white, and also pre- THE HOME FLORIST. I4I sent quite a variety of forms, many of which are very large and double to the centre. The seed may be started early in the hot- bed, cold-frame or seed-bed, as no plants transplant more readily, or it may be sown in the open ground directly where they are to flower. Set the large varieties about ten inches apart, and the dwarf er ones from that down to six. The tall varieties should be supported by stakes in the summer to prevent the rain from bend- ing or breaking them down. A. bouquet, newest dwarf —A very fine acquisition; each plant looks like a bouquet of flowers; eight inches. A. bouquet, dwarf pyramidal — Ten inches high; an early and abundant oloomer. A. chrysanthemum-flowered, dwarf, double — A splendid variety of dwarf compact habit, nine inches in height, producing flowers three to four inches across. A. cocardeau, or neiv crown— A. fine flower; very double, the central petals being pure white, sometimes small and quilled; sports occasionally; eighteen inches. A. German, pyradmidal-flowered — Late, branching; good habit; needs no tying. A. German, quilled — Desirable on account of the quilled appear- ance of the flowers; about three feet high. A. hedge hog, or iieedZe— Petals long, quilled and sharply point- ed; very curious and fine; two feet. A. la sup2rb2 — Large flowering class, often more than four inches in diameter, twenty incbes in height. A. poiony-flowered perfection, TriiffauVs Newest — One of the best; very large, beautiful flowers; petals long and a little reflexed: two feet. A. pearl — This is entitled to be called a gem among Asters; is of dwarf, compact, busliy habit, not above fifteen inches in height, closely set with beautiful imbricated, double, globu- lar flowers of good colors. A. rose, improved — A valuable class of Aster, producing very double and large flowers. The blood-red color of this variety is the darkest and most brilliant of all Asters; two feet. A. Victoria — Flowers very double, imbricated, globular and large; the plant is very robust, about two feet high and branching. 142 THE HOME FLORIST. A. Victoria, dwarf — Only one foot high, but very rich flowering, with tiowers three to four inches across. -.4. Emperor, (jiant — Very brilliant and beautiful colors; flowers double and of immense size, often four inches in diameter; two feet. ASTILBE JAPONICA— Spirea Japonica {Hardy Herbaceous Perennial). One of the most beautiful of hardy plants. It blooms in early summer, producing upright spikes of wliite, delicately-formed, fragrant flowers; the foliage is of compound digitate form, and exceedingly attractive, being of a deep, uniform green color ; height of plant two to four feet. By potting the Astilbe at the approach of winter it may be taken into the dwelling or conser- vatory and forced into bloom from January and later, by which Cvourse it succeeds easily and becomes very attractive. Propagated by division of the roots. AZALEA {Greenhouse Shrubby Perennial, 35, 50, 70°). Plants of high value for window and conservatory decoration, being covered with one blaze of beauty in the spring months, and continuing to increase in splendor and tlie profusion of flowers with each year's growth. In the summer they should be moved to the open air, plunging the pots to their rims in soil in some shady place, as against a fence or building, until September, when they should be taken for the winter, either into the conservatory direct, or cellar, or cold-pit, to bring in for flowering at any time between February and May. The most suitable time for re-pot- ting the plants is after their flowering season; they delight in a light soil, containing a good deal of vegetable matter, such as peat or loam from the woods; propagated by cuttings. BALSAM— Lady's Slipper {Tender Annual). Balsams are plants that are readily grown from seed, and which will repay for any time and trouble needed to raise them Their double blossoms of most brilliant colors, fine shape and beau- tiful texture, rank them among the finest of flowers, but unfor- tunately being short stemmed, their use in ordinary bouquets is prec-luded; they can. however, be employed in arranging plate bouquets or upon baskets of moss very well. Tlie pure whit© THE HOME FLORIST. 143 Balsam. variety is largely grown by florists for making into wreaths and other designs suitable for funerals by first stemming them with wire on short bits of match stick and inserting these into forms of moss, so that the flowers touch. Frequently no other flowers are used for such work but the double white Balsam, and tlie effect produced is complete. For ordinary culture the seed may be sown in tlie hot-bed, cold-frame, or seed-bed, transplanting the plants finally to a distance of ten or twelve inches apart, after the second set of leaves have started. Few plants are susce2:)tible of such great impi ovement by pinching as is the Balsam. The plants may be trained to one, three or five branches for flowering, and in either case will be more pleasing than if allowed to take their natural course of gi-owth ; or some plants may be trained to each style, thus creating variety in this way. To train to one stalk, simply remove all side shoots as they appear; this will cause 144 THE HOME FLORIST. the central one to grow two or three feet in height, and be perfectly covered with bloom. For three or five shoots, pinch back the termi- nal and all side shoots but the desired number for flowering. The American climate is well adapted to the Balsam, and if it be grown in good ricli soil, flowei-s of great excellence can be pro- duced, although it seems established that some flowers will come only partially double from the best strains of seed. The plant is well suited to pot culture in summer, by having the soil of good loamy quality, well enriched, and giving it a sunny posi- tion and plenty of water. Nothing smaller than a six-inch pot will answer well for this purpose. B. camellia-flou-ered, spotted German— Very double and choice, spotted with white. B. camellia-fou-ered—Fure white. B. camellia-flou-ered, doiible dwarf— Very fine; eight or ten inches in height. B. carnation— Fine double flowers, resembling a Carnation. B. Victoria— Satiny white, spotted with scarlet; exceedingly pretty. B. rose-Jtoicered—Vertectly double. B. extra double dwarf— Yery double; eight inches. BALM— Melissa {Hardy Herbaceous Perennial). Pretty hardy plants with highly fragrant leaves, doing well in the sun or shade. Propagated by cuttings, or by dividing the roots. B. golden— Green leaves with bright yellow blotches. B. silver— Green leaves, blotched with pure white. BEGONIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 36. 55, 80"). An interesting family of plants in their two divisions of flower- ing and showy-leafed sorts. The more free-flowering varieties of the former are indispensable in every florist establislnnent. their liandsome blossoms being valuable for buutiuets. The plants of this section are also very suitable for pot culture in the window, or the out-of-door plant stand, and also for planting in hanging baskets and ferneries, but possess little value for l)t'dding in the garden unless planted in a warm place well protected from winds. During the greater portion of the year the plants are in the different varieties covered with a profusion of graceful, drooping racemes of rose, pink, white and crimson buds and bios- THE HOME FLORIST. 145 Tuberous-rooted Begonid} Flowers. soms that are exceedingly attractive, and having a waxy, coral- like appearance. The plants themselves are of neat, compact habit, with glossy green leaves in some varieties and exquisitely cut ones in others. Both sections of the Begonia family delight in warm, sandy, well-enriched soil; they are readily propagated by cuttings or seed. B. olcucaphi/Uia scandens — An early flowering variety, produc- ing clusters of rich, salmon-colored flowers from the axil of each leaf, the plant being of a lovely drooping habit; it is exceedingly fine for hanging baskets in a warm place. B. hybrida midtiflova—A. remarkably neat and free-flowering variety, with small, ovate, glossy leaves, and many rose pink blossoms; excellent. B. nitida alba— A free-growing, profuse-blooming variety, hav- ing pure white flowers during the winter months. B. palmata— Attractive, palm-shaped leaves. 146 THE HOME FLORIST. B.parviflora — Dwarf; a neat growing plant with white flowers; blooms most profusely in summer,at whicli time its liowers are very useful for bouquets. B. Sax lulei-sonii (Cornl Begonia) — One of the best flowering Be- gonias; the flowers are of a scarlet shade of crimson, borne in profusion for months at a time; leaves slightly edged with scarlet. B. Wello)iieHsis— This valuable plant I consider deserving of more than ordinary notice; it is a rapid, healthy grower, very l)rofuse bloomer, with beautiful foHage, and always presents an attractive appearance, summer and winter. The surface of the leaves show various shades of dark and light green of remarkable richness, and presents a transparent depth of texture, without any gloss whatever, of the most exquisite beauty, being somewhat similar — excei)t in color — to the bloom on the grape. The flowers and buds of a beau- tiful pink color, are produced in clusters by the hundred on an ordinary sized ])lant, with common culture. The leaf stalks and branches of the plant are dark crimson, and suf- ficiently striking to create a marked contrast with the bril- liant green leaves and the pink flowers. Unlike many plants that possess unusual merit in some respects and then have counter-balancing faults, this Begonia is unex- celled by any of the older varieties for freeness of growth and flowering qualities, and the plant naturally assumes a v.'t>l l-pi'oportioned form. B. metallica — A shrubby variety, good grower and free bloomer; leaves triangular, longer than wide; under side of leaves and stems hairy; the surface of a lustrous metallic or bronze color; veined darker; flowers pale peach, covered with glandular red hairs. It is perfectly distinct from any other. The best house Begonia we know, and a perfect companion to the following, with the additional advantage of having lovely foliage. B. rubra— This is one of the finest acquisitions to our winter- flowering plants; the leaves are of tlie darkest gret'n, tlie color of the flowers scarlet rose, glossy and wax-like. This peculiarity is so marked, that when plants are placed singly in a room the glossy appearance of the leaves and flowers give the impression that they are artificial rather than natural. See cut, next page. THE HOME FLORIST. 147 Begonin Rubra, B. WasJiingtonii — A vigorous grower, large leaves; elegant truss of pure white flowers. B. Schmidfii — A new variety with dark metallic green foliage; a profuse bloomer, being covered with white flowers, tinged with pink. B. ricinifolia — Large palmate leaves, showy flowers; a fine bed- ding variety. B. Ricinifolia macalata — Like the above, but with the leaves beautifully mottled bronze. B. sangi(.inea—JJ\:)\^er surface of leaves olive color, underside dark crimson, very fine; flowers nearly white. B. suhpeltata Nigricans — Long, pointed leaf, rich crimson bronze, very beautiful; flowers bright rose. B. incarnata — Vigorous grower; flowers white, edged bi'ight pink. B. Degswellaina — Flowers dark crimson, center pink; very free bloomer; a beautiful vnriety; will please everybody. 148 THE IK)ME FLORIST. B. semperflorens rosea — A most b3autiful Begonia, in habit and form exactly like llie old Semperflorens. The flowers ap- pear in lary;e clusters, and are white, heavily shaded, and bordered with dark carmine-rose. The contrast of these colors with the bright yellow of the stamens, produces a most charming effect; very free; this variety will become one of the most popular shrubby Begonias. B. alba iierfeda grandiflora—llaa beautiful bright green foliage, with large clusters of pure white flowers; this is a choice variety. B. McBetliii — Foliage fern-like; panicles of pure white flowers, produced in the greatest profusion; it is the most persistent bloomer of the Begonias, and supersedes Richardsonii, wliich variety it resembles in foliage. B. foUosa — A handsome basket plant; the foliage is small and delicate and contrasts well with its white bloom. B. robusta — Bright carmine and salmon flowers. Begonia Fuchsioides. THE HOME FLORIST. 149 B. fuchsioides — Free-blooming variety; small scarlet flowers. See cut. B. Goury — New shrubby variety; flowers pure white. B. Bruanti — Foliage bright green; flowers quite large, white, tinged with pink, completely covering the whole plant; shrubby, like the preceding variety. Showy-Leaf Begonias— Of the show-leaf varieties, I will state that lovtrs of the beautiful in Nature's grotesque growths will find in this entke division much to admire. Their large and in- teresting leaves add an effect to collections of plants which can be equaled by nothing else grown. Imagine the larger part of the leaf to be a bright greenish silver hue, with the centre and outer edge a lively deep green in some places, or rather several shades of green, spotted lightly with silver. Then imagine the upper surface of the leaf -ribs to be studded with small crimson hairs, while the extreme edge is fringe-like, and of a crimson scarlet color, as is also the underside, with the veins distinctly prominent and showy, and some idea of the beauty of this entire section can be formed. AH the varieties are suitable for pot cul- ture and for hanging baskets in protected places. They delight in a warm, shady place, and should not be exposed to sweeping drafts of air. In habit and general appearance the first and last- named varieties in the following descriptions are quite similar to the flowei ing section of Begonias, being lipriecht growers, with branches, while the others are prostrate in habit, although the leaves stand well up on long stems. B. argyrostygma Veitchii — Is a handsome variety, the leaves of which are smooth, of medium size, light green and thickly covered "with small, clear silver markings; underside of a crimson color, smooth; white flowers; easy to cultivate. B. £■/ i)ojodo — Has medium sized leaves, distinctly marked and of a peculiar velvety texture. B. insignis — A free grower, leaves of medium size, with a metal- lic lustre. B. luxuriance— Leaves nearly star-shaped, borne on stems a foot long; grotesque. B.Mary Stuart — Large, showy leaves; an old favorite, perhaps the best in cultivation. B. Mrs. Victor Lemoine — Light-colored leaf, with the edges and centre beautifuUy marked like lace, 150 THE HOME FLORIST. B. Queen of Begonias— A good grower. B. Rex — A fine variety; excellent; doscriberl above. B. Silver Queen— A. variety in which tlie silvery color predomin- ates. B. zehrina—A. beautiful upright grower of bold appearance, with thick leathery leaves from four to six inches long and two wide in. their widest parts; of a very dark green color, striped with silvery marks; underside and stems of dark crimson and red colors; a very handsome variety. B. Louis Crcticii — Tlie handsomest of all foliage Begonias; ground color dark green, with silver band, tinted violet crimson, with metallic lustre. BEGONIA— Tuberous Rooted (Tender Tubers). A comparatively new section of this beautiful tribe; flowers ranging through all the shades of crimson, scai'let, rose, orange, etc. They require the same treatment as the fancy-leaved C'ala- diums, Gloxinias, etc ; tiiat is, the tubers are dried off in winter and started again in spring. Excellent for bedding purposes, as they bloom the entire summer season until frost; propagated by division of tubers. See cut, page li~). BIGNONIA RADICANS— Trumpet Creeper (Hardy Climber). A climber sufficiently hardy to withstand our severest weather; trains well over a wall; it is admirable to climb trees, reaching to the topmost branches, and is literally covered with its scarlet, trumpet-shaped flowers. BONAPARTIA JUNCEA (Greenhouse rerennial, 40, 60, 90"). A very scarce genus of plants, with long, graceful, rush-like leaves; very attractive when grown in a vase out-of-doors in the summer. Flowers borne on long spikes. It requires a warm tem- perature in winter; propagated by seeds. BOUGAINVILLEA SPECTABILIS (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90"). Tliis handsome plant is quite easily grown, thriving in almost any temperature that is higher tlian 40 tlegrees. It produces very freely large cone-shaped raci'Mu-s of beautiful rose-colored flowers. Being of climbing habit, it probably has no eijual for training (o the rafters of conservatories or greenhouses. The Bougainvillea THE HOME FLORIST. 151 has proved to be a very valuable plant to force for the bloom during the winter; propagated by cuttings. BOUSSINGAULTIA {Tender Tuber). A native of the Andes. An elegant climbing vine, with round- ish fleshy leaves, long clusters of fragrant whitish flowers and tuberous roots. Will grow in any good garden soil; propagated by division of tubeis. B. Basselloides, (Madeira Vine)— Excellent for trellises, etc. BOUVARDIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 40, 60, 90°). A highly useful class of shrubby plants for the greenhouse and the window, if these are warm and sunny, and also succeed with bedding out, strong plants blooming all summer iu the beds; plants that are properly prepared in pots will also bloom continu- ally during the winter in the conservatory or other suitable place. Thousands of feet of glass are each year devoted to its culture for bouquet flowers in the vicinity of our large cities. The flowers have an exceedingly beautiful, waxy appearance, and are of bright and desirable colors, from the purest white to scarlet. A mellow, open soil is best suited to the Bouvardia. As it requires a high temperature for its growth, the plants should not be bedded out in the latitude of Buffalo before the latter part of May. For winter flowering they should be started the spring previous and gi-own m about flve-inch pots until September, when they may be shifted into a larger size for flowering (observe directions for summer and fall treatment on page 31). Towards spring the flowering and other shoots should be severely pruned back to in- duce a stocky new growth for summer flowering. With the exception of one variety, Bouvardias are readily pro- pagated by cuttings; the old way of increasing them by root cut- tings is being superseded by this method; the one requisite to suc- cess in their propagation is to take the cuttinsrs from plants grown in the open air; cuttings taken in this manner and placed in a frame with very little buttom heat (care being taken as to air and water) will root as easily as Verbenas; the one exception to this metliod is B. Leiantha, which refuses to propagate except from the root. B. Daindsonii —Vvire white flowers, slightly tinted with a delicate blush; large clusters. 152 THE HOME FLORIST. 1 Bouvardia, B. elegans — Light scarlet-carmine : immense truss and flower; very brilliant in color and an exceedingly free bloomer; one of the best. B. Ij'iantha — Dark, dazzling scarlet; flowers completely covering the plant. B. President Gar/ieZd— Double i)iidc. The flowers of this new variety art' llie same in si/.e and formation as the double white, while the color is of a briglit jiiuk, THE HOME FLORIST. 1 53 B. Alfred Neuner — Large, double white flowers, composed of three perfect rows of petals of the purest waxy white color, each flower resembling a miniature tuberose. The trusses are large and perfect, freely and without interruption pro- duced even on the small side shoots, which generally pro- duce no flowers in the single varieties; strong, healthy, vig- orous grower. B. Thomas Mceh an -The new double scarlet; this novelty unites the brilliant red color and profuse blooming qualit}^ of B. Leiantha, with the perfect double flower of B. Alfred Neuner, a variety of decided merit. B. Humholdtii — Flowers of purest white, nearly one-inch in diameter, borne on long foot stalks in loose panicles, bloom- ing from October to June; rich Jass? mine fragrance. B. flavescens—Uhe uncommon and beautiful shade of color of this variety will commend it to all; color light canary yel- low; tnisses of good size and moderately compact. B. rosea midtiflora — This splendid novelty is one of the finest sin- gle varieties. Tlie trusses are very large and compact, and are produced in the greatest profusion ; color bright deep rose. This is a true winter flowering variety of the same class as elegans and Davidsonii. BROWALIA {Half-Hardy Annual). A class of flowers usually grown in the garden, but also quite suitable for pot culture. There are a number of varieties, the colors of which are blue and white. Tlie flowers are not large, but are pretty and distinct, and are freely produced for a long time on a stalk about a foot high. The seed may be sown in the open ground where they are to flower, or in a protected bed, from which they should be transplanted to a distance of twelve inches apart. Also increased from cuttings. BEUGMANSIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85°). Peruvian shiTibs will thrive well either planted in open ground or in the conservatory ; they will also grow well in large pots; when l^lanted out they should be taken up before f i-ost. B. suaveolens — A magnificent plant, growing four to six feet high; leaves large and velvet}- the floweis are huge, trumpet- shaped, double and highly fragrant, and are often twelve I 54 THE HOMF FLORIST. inches long and four to six inches across the mouth; in color, wliitc, with :i ])ale tinpje of lemon: blooms profusely all summer; propagated by cuttings, either of the shoots or roots. BRYOPHYLLUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 80"). This curious plant will grow under the most unfavorable cir- cumstances. By i)lacing a leaf in a damp place it will take root and numerous young plants start up. B. calyciinim. -Very easily grown, producing loose panicles of gi'eenish purple tiowers. BUTTERCUP. (See Ranunculus). CACALIA— Flora's Paint Brush {Half Hardy Annual). Plants grown with the greatest ease from seed, which maybe sown in the o^jen ground in May, or earlier in the hot-bed, or other protected situation, and afterwards transplanting them to the garden. The flowers range from scarlet to yellow in color, are bright and pretty, and somewhat resemble a miniature biiish; in size they are small and produced in clusters on long stems, on which ac-count they are useful for bouquets, althougii not strik- ingly brilliant. The plants attain a height of from eighteen inches to two feet, and are in bloom throughout the summer months. Also do well if sown in the fall. CACTV^ {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 95^). A well-known family of succulent, or flesh\' plants, all of which are natives of the warmer regions of America. They are desira- ble as jjot plants, on account of the remarkably interesting forms of growth which the various species assume, their almost un- exceptionally beautifid flowers which are freely produced in ordi- nary culture, and then the ease with which they are cultivated, eitlier in the window or conservatory. To grow the Cactus well, all that is necessary is to imitate the simjile natural conditions that exist where they grow wild. They are found in tlieir great- est perfection in sections which are subject to severe drouths of long duration, alternate with long wet spells, and accordingly under culture, a course of treatment that provides for a free aji- plication of water for three or four months and then the same largely withheld during the rest of the year suits them n THE HOME FLORIST. I 55 exactly. They may be kept dryest during the winter, but they should not be stood in a place where it is cold. Repotting them frequently is not wanted, and it should be done not oftener than once a year. April is the best time for performing this operation, after which their wet season may begin. They delight in a sandy soil not too rich. The bottom of every pot should be covered with an inch of broken pots or rough gravel for drainage; propa- gated by cuttings. C. Ephiphyllum truncation, or Lobster Cactus — This species when grafted on the pereskia will form a beautiful head, and makes a very desirable plant for the sitting-room and may be in bloom from November to March. Being in flower in the winter it rec^uires a. little more water at this season than other kinds do. CALADIUM ESCULENTUM (Greenhouse biilh, '65, 55, 85°). A beautiful decorative plant of imposing appearance that will accommodate itself to various courses of treatment. As a pot plant, grown in a place sheltered from winds in the summer, it grows to the height of four feet, and with its immense leaves, lends a tropical appearance to collections, which is exceedingly effective. For garden culture the treatment suited to the Dahlia with free manuring and watering never neglected, meets the wants of this plant precisely. It delights in a warm, sandy soil, and may be left out until frosts cut down the foliage before taking up for the winter. As a single specimen pot plant or for the cen- tre of vases, it is almost without a superior, provided it receives a rich soil and much water. If it is kept too dry the growth will be comparatively feeble and it will be subject to attacks of red spider; increased by division of bulbs. Caladtum, Fancy Leaved— (Tender Bulbs)— Tlnnis with splendid foliage and of easy culture. Keep the bulbous roots quite dry during winter, and wiien growth starts, give lieat and moisture. Use turfy loam, peat, manure and sand, with plenty of drainage; increased by division of bulbs. CALANDRINIA {Half-Hardy Annual). Free-growing plants, producing rose, white and other colored flowers freely during the summer, that are desirable in the gar- den considering the slight expense and trouble necessary to rear 156 THE HOME FLORIST, them, although they cannot be classed among very fine flowers. They remain in flower until after frosts, and are frequently ss, in the different varieties, colors unsurpassed in richness and beauty. Good i)lants, if set out in spring, bloom abundantly all siuiuner in the flower garden, and any that are properly prepared. lU)\ver just as freely all during winter in the window or conservatory. For this latter named puiixise they should be gn)wn in the garden until the middle of September, removing all flower buds as they appear up until August. (See Preparatory Treatment of Plants designed for Winter Flowering, page 44.) Some varieties are THE HOME FLORIST. 163 Monthly Carnation Plant in Pot. better adapted for winter flowering than others. President De- graw, Hinzies White, La Purite, President Garfield and Snowdon generally are preferred for this purjiose. In the open ground plant not nearer than one foot apart ; they may be propagated from layers of the branches or from cuttings. C. Astoria — Yellow, striped with carmine and white. C Brussels — One of the very best. Deep cherry-red occasionally striped. C. Chas. Sumner — Beautiful rosy-pink. C. Chester Pride — White, penciled with rosy-carmine. C. Crimson King — Very double, crimson-scarlet. C Edwardsii — White, tinted with pale rose. C. Faragut — Yellow, heavily laced with deep maroon. 164 THE HOMI'! FLORIST. Monthly Carnation Flower. C. George Washington -White, striped and dotted with cherry. C. Grace Wilder — Color, a beautiful, delicate pink, same shade as H. P. Rose Baroness Rothschild ; flowers lar^'e, finely fringed, clove-scented ; dwarf habit and very prolific. C. Hinzies WJtite—Pnre wliite, large, fine flower, supported on stems of good length, making it desirable for cut flowers. C. la Parcte — Low growing, deep -carmine, free bloomer. C. la Purete variegata—Beautihil variegateil, white and scarlet. C. Lord Clyde — White, thicklj' striped with carmine. C. Louis Lenoir— Yery dark maroon. C. Lydia — Yellow, margined with bright deep cherry. C.MissJoliffe — Delicate, rosy-blush, blooms freely. Fine. C. Mrs. McKenzie — Light rose, fringed edges, A splendid large flower, very double, i^id of excellent form. C. Peter Henderson— Vwre white, very large and double. This is one of the most popular flowers for florists' work. Blooms verj' freely. THE HOME FLORIST. 165 C. President DeGraw — One of the finest, pure white, fringed and double. C. President Garfield — A strong, healthy grower; habit of growth quite dwarf and compact ; the flowers are of large size, perfect form, highly fragrant ; of rich vermilion color. C. Snoivdon — Pure white, great bloomer. C. Vesuvius — Rich fiery scarlet, exceedingly double. Large size, a free bloomer, and one of the most valuable varieties. CARPET BAG OR MOCCASIN FLOWER. (See Calceolaria.) CELOSIA — Cockscomb {Half-Hardy Annual). A class of plants desirable in every collection on account of the singular and attractive appearance of the flowers. They possess numerous good colors, scarlet or crimson being the most striking, the flowers with these colors being exceedingly rich and showy. The plants are grown from seed which should be started in heat, and transplanted to the garden after frosts are over, as they are easily killed by freezing. In the hot-bed or window give plenty of air to the young seedlings lest they dampen off or rot to the grounJ. The plants, especially of the dwarf varieties, are well suited to pot culture in the summer, thriving here almost equal to those planted out, if the soil is rich and sandy. Some of the new varieties of late years are attracting considerable attention. CENTAUREA {Greenhouse Perennial, 30, 45, 80°). An interesting and beautiful genus of white-foliaged plants that rank higher perhaps among the various kinds possessing similar attractions than any others, and this too whether grown in pots, baskets or vases, or if bedded out. For the last named purpose they are especially desirable when used for planting at the edge of beds containing Cannas, Caladiums, Ricinus and other tall growers, or for contrasting with Coleus, Achyranthes, etc., in ribbon lines and masses. They are easily gi-own from seed, comparatively hardy, and few plants in our collection are more satisfactory to the cultivator. C. Candida— Is a lovely plant of neat, compact, bushy growth, with exceedingly pretty silver- colored foliage. C. gymnocarpa — Is a variety with attractive cut foliage, of graceful, drooping habit. It is one of the finest plants in cultivation for the center of hanging baskets, vases, etc. , or for bedding out, being also more readily propagated than Candida. i66 THE HOME FLORIST. CENTRADENIA (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 95°). Beautiful, neat i)lants adapted only to window and conservatory culture in jwts, or for planting in ferneries, baskets, etc. They delight in light soil, consideralily enriched with leaf mould and manure. Are projjagated from cuttings. C. (7ra?id//7o7'a— Elegant, narrow, green and crimson colored foli- age, of changable hue. C. rosea — Small fine leaves, of pretty form and color. The plant is ])rofusely covered with small rose-colored flowers during a portion of the year. CENTURY PLANT. (See Agave). Flower of Cereus Grandiflorus. CEREUS GRANDIFLORUS— Night-Blooming Cereus (Green- house Perennial, 35, 50, 95°). The flowers of this noted Cactus, which opens only at night, are of large size, beautiful and sweet-.scented. They begin to open about sundown, and are fully expanded by eleven o'clock. THE HOME FLORIST. 167 The flowei" is from seven to ten inches in diameter; the petals are white ; the outside of sepals a delicate brown and the inside a fine yellow color. Its fragrance perfumes the air to consider- able distance. The plant is of thrifty habit, and as easily grown to flower in the house or conservatory as any Cactus, requiring the treatment described for that family. Ai'e propagated from cuttings. NEW SEEDING CEREUS OR CACTUS. C Alice Wilson— This is an entirely new and beautiful striped flowered Cereus. The flowers are large, about eight inches in diameter, of a brilliant scarlet, with a stripe of bright orange through the center of each petal. It flowers when only six inches high. C. Dr. Regel — This is without a doubt one of the finest of the family. Flowers very large (sometimes measuring twenty inches in diameter), of the purest white. C Exquisite — Orange-salmon, violet tint. C. Hoveyi — One of the most superb sorts, the entire flower being of a clear pinkish-blue violet tint, and eight inches in diameter. It frequently comes into flower when not more than twelve inches in height. C. Orange Gem — Orange, tinted violet. C. Pink (^«een— Beautiful mauve pink. C. refulgens — Scarlet, with deep violet. C. superbum — Salmon, tinted magenta. CESTRUxM {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 50, 90^). Shrubs from Brazil; cultivated for the delicate fragrance of their beautiful flowers, which are borne in clusters; of easy cul- tivation in good loam and sand; excellent for conservatories; propagated from cuttings; they are frequently called "Night Blooming Jasmine." C. anriantiacum—Debp orange yellow. C. parqui — Pure white. CHOROZEMA VARIA (Greenhouse Perennial, 32, 45, 80"). A small slu'ubby plant for pot culture, with dark green Holly- shaped foliage, thriving and flowering freely in any cool place in the winter. The flowers are yellow and crimson, of pea shape and attractive; one of the easiest plants to cultivate; are increased by cuttings. l68 THE HOME FLORIST. I Laciniatuin Chrysanthemum, CHRYSANTHE^nJM (Hardy Perennial). The Chinese Clirj'santhemums are exceedingly handsome late flowering plants, and although about hardy in our latitude, the blossom buds are liable to be injured by hard fall frosts, unless protected. The best way to manage them is to start from cut- tings ; grow them in pots during the summer, or bed and take them up and pot them in September, in either case removing them to the house or conservatory, where their many gorgeous flowers of various colors and tints will expand in succession for a long time. If grown in pots these should be plunged during THE HOME FLORIST. 1 69 the summer to the rim in tlie border; it is necessary to turn them occasionally to prevent the roots that strike through the bottom from growing into the garden soil. As they start in to bud treat them to occasional waterings of liquid manure. After flowering the plants should be cut down and put in a cool part of the con- servatory, in a cold-pit or in a light cellar until spring. They may be inci'eased in number either frona cuttings of young shoots or by division of the roots in the spring. The Chrysanthemums ai-e especially recommended to inexperienced cultivators, for no class of plants are easier to manage, and besides they produce their flowers late in the autumn when all kinds of flowers are scarce. JAPANESE CHRYSANTHEMUMS. These are noted for their varied forms and markings, together with the enormous size to which some of the vaiieties attain. C. Abd-el-Kader — Rich crimson maroon. C Beau Siljaur — Violet carmine, tipped white. C. Bras Rouge— A charming combination of gold and maroon. C. Early Bed Dragon — Dark red, tipped yellow. C. Elaine — Pure white, back of petals tinted. C. Emperor Nicholas— Red, tipped gold. C. Fair Maid of Guernsey — Large wliite. C. Golden Dragon — Golden yellow. C. Gloire de Toulouse— Crimson and white. C. grandijlora Japonica — Lai'ge yellow. C. Hero of Magdala — Purplish red. C. IncomjMrable— Yellow, brown and crimson. C. Javena — Very dark maroon, thread-like petals, very striking. C. laciniafa — The white Japanese fringed flower; a very interest- ing and beautiful variety. C. La Frezure — Amaranth, reverse of petal, white. C. Magnum Bonum— Rosy lilac, with a lighter back; large flower. C. M. Plancheneau — Rosy mauve, shaded silver. C. M. Roux — Beautiful dark crimson, white center. C. Mr. W. Bull — Crimson maroon, shaded yellow. C. Mons. Chas. Huber — Crimson, tipped gold. C. Ne Plus Ultra Nova — Lilac, golden tips. C. Parasol— Golden buff, shaded salmon. C Snow White — Very large, pure white. C. Temple of Solomon — Rich golden yellow. 170 THE HOME FLORIST. LARGE FLOWERING CHRYSANTHEMUMS. C. C. H. Glover— Rich, deep j-ellow. Exquisite form, free bloomer. C. Glori Ifjnidi— Bright yellow, dwarf habit. C. Golden Aurora— lA^ht orange flaaie. C. Golden Star — Fine golden yellow. C. John Lester — Yellow, shaded amber. C John Poore — White, shaded lilac. C Kate Reijnolds — White, tipped yellow. C. La Nymph — Wliite, tipped pink. C. Margaret de York — Suli)hur yellow, fine. C. Mrs. Geo. Glenny — Bright amber. C. Mrs. Stevens — Pure white, finely formed. C. Mrs. George Rundle — Fine white. C Princess Teck — Pure white, large and full. C. Polycarp— hight rosy pmk. C. Prince of Anemones— 'Lilac blush. C. Peter the Great — Light, bright yellow. C. Refulgence— Rich purple maroon. C. Red Gauntlet — Fine dark red. C. Seasti'is - Brownish red, with jellow shading. C. Webb's Queen — Perfect shape, broad petals, pure ivory white. POMPONE OR SMALL FLOWERING CHRYSANTHEMUMS. C. alha ])erfecta — Pure white, bushy habit. C. Brilliant — Bright red. C. Boule de Neige — White, imbricated. C. Boh — Dark brown crimson; fine color; a great favorite. C. Bou(iuet Blanche— Fure white, intermediate late. C. Cite of Flowers— Yelvety crimson, sliaded amaranth. C. Commodore Nut t — Size of silver half dime; rich, old gold color. C. Crimson Perfection — Briglit crimson. C. D((isy — Very small, pure white. C. Figaro — Rich buff, crimson edge. C. La Fahree — Straw yellow, fine. C. Mrs. Campbell — Carmine, tipped with white. C. Mdme Arisfee—doWen yellow. ('. Montgolfier— Rich gold, maroon tipi)ed. C. Model of Perfection— Rich lilac and yellow. C. Mayer Lus^•— Purplisli red, fine. THE HOME FLORIST. I /I C. Pei'le des Beautes — Crimson amaranth, pointed with seal brown. C. Petite Marie — Creamy white, dwarf. C. Robert Kift- Pure white, fine. C. sanguineum — Blood red. C. Serenity — White, tinged with rosy lavender. C (Sjiorrdrop— Sparking white, extra fine. C. Sunray — Deep golden yellow. C. White Eve — Pure white. CIGAR PLANT. See Cuphea Platycentra. CINERARIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 75°). In late winter and early spring, few pot plants present a more attractive appearance than do the Cinerarias when at the height of their beauty, bearing immense crops of bright, handsome flow- ers, in clusters, boldly above the large leaves. They are capital plants for winter culture in a cool greenhouse, or with great care in a windoAv, and are raised from seeds sown annually at any time from July to September. The culture suited to the Herbac- eous Calceolaria (which see) will answer fully for the Cineraria, and any person may expect to be successful with their culture in the conservatory, also in the window, if a cool and regular atmos- phere can be sustained with the admission of plenty of air. They should be kept near the light and must never be crowded as regards root space in the pots. CISSUS DISCOLOR {Greenhouse Perennial, 45, 65, 90"). A climber, the leaves of which are beautifully shaded with dark green, purple and white, the upper surface having a rich, velvet-like appearance. The plant requires a continually high temperature to develop the beautiful coloring of leaves, and there will be little use of attempting its culture unless this can be pro- vided; but with this and other favorable conditions supplied and no plant in cultivation can exceed its rare beauty in the matter of foliage ; propagated from cuttings. CLARKIA {Hardy Annual). Plants of considerable beauty for the garden and easily raised from seed. The seed should be sown directly where the plants are to flower, either early in the spring or in August and Septem- ber. The latter time of sowing is pei'haps the best, by protecting the young seedlings, with a slight covering of straw or litter 172 THE HOME FLORIST. (luring the winter and which must be removed early the follow- ing spring. The flowers in double and single varieties are attrac- tive in form and color. Tliey attain to tlie greatest perfection in tlie spring and autumn, as the hot sun of summer interferes somewhat with their development. CLEMATIS {Hardy Climber). Recently, the improvements made both in the size and coloring of the Clematis have been very decided and marked, and we liave now a wide range of color, varying from white to dark blue and velvety purple. They are perfectly hardy, of rapid growth, attaining a height of twenty feet, and blooming during the greater part of the summer and fall. The effect produced by a well-grown plant when in full bloom, is grand; propagated from cuttings, layering and root grafting. C. Blue Gem — A inost profuse liloomer. continuing in full beauty late into the autumn; flowers large, a most intense rich blue. C. Jean (VArc — Flowers white, large and perfect, with three pale blue stripes on each sepal. The plant is of vigorous habit, elegant in appearance. C, Jaekmanii — Flowers, when fully expanded, are from four to six inches in diameter, intense violet purple, with a ric-h vel- vety appearance, distinctly veined; perfectly hardy. Flow- ers continually from July until cut olf by frosts. C. Lady Caroline Neville — Fine flowers, from six to seven inches in diameter; color delicate blush white, with a broad pur- plisli lilac band in the center of eacli sepal. C. Lucie Lemoine — Fine, double white; the flowers are composed of seventy-five to ninety sepals. In the first period of its flowering the blooms are semi-circular in shape, resemb- ling a gigantic double white Ziimia. C. Miss Bateman — A magnifici-nt i)lant. both in growth and flower. The blooms are large, of good shape. i)ure white; banded with creamy white down the center of each sepal. C. rubella — Flowers of a rich velvety claret, tlie deepest color of any Clematis; generally has six sepals to each flower. C, Standishii — Flowers large, violet blue; May and June. C. Mme. Grange — Flowers large. ])urple violet, with maroon midrib; redder than any other Clematis. THE HOME FLORIST. I73 C. viticella rubra grandiflora — A vigorous free growing variety. Flowers profusely; color, violet red. C. grandiflora — Single white. C. lanuginosa pallida— Fsde violet, with bright red veinings. Very beautiful. C. lanuginosa Candida — Grayish white; very fine. C. The Queen — Of free habit and very beautiful foliage. Flowers of pale lavender. C. Mrs. Baker — French white, with claret bar. C. il/ode.sf a— Delicate lavender; vei'y pretty. C. blanc lilas — "White and lilac in color; very large. C. F7-aneofurtensis— Wine red, with violet shading. C. lanuginosa azurea — Bright azure blue. C. flammula, European Sweet — Flowers white, small and very sweet scented. C. virginiana — Common Virgin's Bower, a native plant of rapid growth, with clusters of small, white flowers, succeeded in autumn by fruit with conspicuous feathery tails. O. coccinea — Fine rosy scarlet; one of the most beautiful of all trailing plants. Its foliage is exceedingly pretty and its flowers graceful and charming. It will delight all. CLERODENDRON {Greenhouse Perennial, 85, 55, 90°). Tropical shrubs, with loose terminal panicles of showy bloom. They should be potted in a mixture of peat, loam and manure, with a little sand. When growing, give strong heat and plenty of water; propagated from cuttings. C. Balfouri— The flowers are of a bright scarlet, encased in a bag-like calyx of pure white. C. speciosum — This variety is dwarfer than the preceding and very free flowering ; the flowers are pure white, encased in a bag- like cal/x of bright scarlet. C/ra(/«Jis— Dwarf plant producing very compact heads of pink- ish-white double flowers of a highly agreeable scent such as is preferred by many to that of either Daphne, Tuberose or the Clove Carnation. This variety can also be increased from root cuttings. COBCEA SCANDENS {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 85°.) An excellent climbing plant grown from seed or increased by cuttings, and which is, perhaps, more generally useful than any 174 THE HOME FLORIST. other one grown, being alike suitable for the conservatory, the window or the open air in summer. The plants produce many largo, bell-shaped flowers and magnificent foliage wlien grown in the open ground, but are rather shy in the former respect in the winter when cultivated in pots, although their growth is satis- factory, and tlie foliage endures the confined heat of the dwelling admirably. When planted in a border, either in the conservatory or in a sheltered place out doors, the growth of well established plants attain to great proportions, having been known to reach an aggregate length of two hundi'ed feet in one season. The seeds requii'e starting in heat and should be set edgewise in the soil of the seed bed. Until the young plants appear, water rather lightly, but never allow the soil to get entirely dry. The Coboea delights in a warm, sandy soil. COCCOLOBA PLATYCLADA (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 50, S^"). A singular looking pot or bedding plant of fern-like, angular growth. It is readily grown, under almost anj' circumstances, and is suitable for cultivating in ferneries, while it is not out of place in a hanging basket. On account of its gi'otes.iue appear- ance, it will be admired where many flowering plants would scarcely attract attention. Propagates from cuttings. COCKSCOMB. (See Celosia.) COLEUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 40, 60, 90"). Tliis popular genus of comparatively recent introduction, pos- sesses the most varied and striking colors imaginable in the foli- age, while unlike miny other plants with remarkable foliage these may be propagated and grown with the greatest ease. There is one, and about only one special condition, that is abso- lutely essential to its well doing, and that is a high temperature. Where this is present, the plants will grow with the greatest freedom, either in the open air, the window or conservatory, and form strong plants of remarkable beauty in a very short sjjace of time. It is on account of their rapid growth, and great beaut\ , that such vigorous varieties as VerscliafTeliii. Setting Sun and others, rank among the best plants for masses in ribbon lines, even though naturally tender. In our dwellings that are heated by anthracite coal stoves or ranges, and in whicli the fire is kept up day and night, the Coleus if grown in pots or l)askets will THE HOME FLORIST. 175 Coleus. usually do very well. Some plants may be raised for winter decoration by striking cuttings in July or August for the pur- pose. Plant into light, rich soil and water moderately during winter, also paying attention to heading back strong growing shoots, to prevent an unshapely appearance. Propagated from cuttings or seed. C. Acme — Foliage large, under good cultivation 10 to 12 inches long and 8 to 10 wide; gi'ound color deep chocolate and ci*eamy white, beautifully veined and striped. C. Fairy Knoll - Carmine rose, rimmed with velvety maroon. C. Garland — New, elegantly colored with purple, cream, gi-een and carmine, deejjly serrated edges, forming miniature leaflets of great beauty. 1-6 THE HOME FLORIST. C. Glory of Autumn— Dee]^ crimson bronze, margined gold. C. Golden Bedder—A grand acquisition for bedding ; bright yel- low ; recommended. C. Hero — Chocolate maroon ; fine bedder. C. Innisfallen—A grand bedding variety ; rich prune color, blotched with garnet ; extra fine. C. J. Burnsham (New)— Yellow and crimson ; spotted. C. Joseph's Coat— The leaves present a gorgeous blending of maroon, yellow, rose, olive and carmine. C. Kentish Fire — Pink, carmine and bronze. C. Kirk .-iZ/ofra^/— Blazing shades of color ; violet, suffused car- mine and rose. C. Kirkpatrick—harge leaf, blotched in the centre like Geranium Happy Thought. C. Mr. Micawher — Olive green, distinctly marked in the centre with violet rose ; beautiful. C Mrs. Humphreys — Light claret, rimmed yellow. C. midticolor—^la.voon and crimson. C. Pieta — Marbled yellow, maroon and crimson. C. President Garfield — A grand variety ; leaves eight to ten inches long, six to eiglit wide, color cliocolate, marbled withbi-iglit rosy carmine. ( '. Queen of the Lawn — Dazzling carmine, rimmed with velvet}' maroon. C. Rocket— Y\o\et, rose centre, black next and olive green serrated edge. ('. i?;;%— Rich crimson maroon , centre dark rose color, beauti- fully fringed edges ; a suberb variety. ('. Sensation — A new and beautiful sort ; edge of leaf chocolate, then a circle of maroon, with large centre of bright red. ('. Setting Sun — Bronze, crimson centre, briglit golden margin: splendid bedding variety. C. Spotted Gem — Yellow grvuind, regularly blotched crimson, green and orange. C. Suez -Blood red, shaded and veined violet, rose and bronze. C. Verschaffeltii — Rich velvet crimson ; best bedder. COLUMBINE. (See Aquilegia.) THE HOME FLORIST. 177 CONVOLVULUS {Hardy Annual). Convolvulus Major (Morning Glory).— One of the best-known climbing plants in cultivation and most excellent for covering trellises, rustic work, cords for shading the veranda, etc., during the summer. There are many varieties of different colors, all of w^hich are more or less attractive. It comes very easily from the seed, which should be sown in the open ground early in the spring. As soon as the young plants stretch forth for support on which to spin, it should be seen that something suitable is provided, as they do not take hold so readily after getting older, besides they be- come entangled with each other. Convolvulus Minor (Dwarf Convolvulus). — Free flowering an- nuals of distinct and rich colors, that are desirable for massing or for individual effect. The seeds germinate readily, and may be sown where they are to flower. Thin out the plants to stand not nearer than fifteen inches apart in rich soil. CORONILLA {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 50, 90°). Pretty flowering shrubs of easy culture, especially adapted for winter blooming; the species have been long under cultivation and is nauch esteemed; propagated from cuttings or seed. C glauca — Splendid fine foliage, and produces bright yellow, pea- shaped flowers in great profusion, which are very fragrant. CRAPE MYRTLE. (See Lagerstroemia.) CRASSULA {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 80"). Succulent greenhouse plants with fleshy stems and leaves, and producing either pink or white flowers. Many of them form curious specimens on account of their forms. For potting use light sandy loam with plenty of drainage; propagated from cut- tings and seeds. C. cordata— Of strong growth, with a profusion of pinkish white flowers. C. portulacca Of strong growth, with thick leaves; flowers white. 1/8 THE HOME FLORIST, ( 'jdssuld. C. perfoUata — A dwarf plant, forming a perfect rosette; blooms about Cbristmas, at which time it throws up long stems, surmounted by large clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers. CROCUS (Hard)j Bulb). Tlie Crocus is an interesting class of bulbous plants, and which produces its flowers in the open air from the month of Marcli and up to the flowering of Hyacintlis. Being thus very early, and also very showy when in bloom, they should have a place in every garden. The flowers are white, blue, yellow and striped, and present a gay appearance, as they appear with few comiianions THE HOME FLORIST. 179 Crocus. Crotons. at their early season of flowering. The bulbs require to be planted in the fall, and should be set about three inches apart and not more than two inches deep. Their culture, in common with other hardy bulbs, is treated on on page 32. The Crocus will also flower well in the house. Directions for cultivation in pots, glasses, etc., is given on page 52. CROTONS {Greenhouse Perennial, 40, 60, 90°). The Crotons are among the finest decorative foliage plants known. The leaves of all are more or less veined and margined, sometimes entirely variegated with shades of yellow, orange and crimson. Some have long narrow leaves, arching gracefully, fountain-fashion. Others broad and short, oak-leaved; some re. curved very much; others twisted, cork-screw like. Crotons love heat, sunshine and moisture; propagated from cuttings. C. andrianum — Neat habit; free growth; foliage colored in a most delightful manner; one of the best. C angustifolium — Leaves loug and narrow, golden yellow. C. acubifniiuin — Foliage dark glossy green, studded with yellow blotches, midrib and veins slightly tinged with pink. C. au7^ea maculat us— Small lenved; neat habit; leaves ovate, ob- long, deep bright green, profusely spotted with yellow. l8o THE HOME FLORIST. C. Bisviark— Leaves almost fiddle-sliaped; base broadest and ovate, the apex swelling out into an ovate form; color ileep green, with broad band of golden yellow along the costa. and yellow markings indicating the course of the lateral vems, with yellow blotches scattered over the surface. C. Camj)f()2)Ji!jn MS— Foliage very narrow and richly mottled with golden yellow; a fine dwarf growing variety, distinct from all otJiers. C. ca.scariV/o— Narrow leaved, hght green, yellow blotched. C. cornutum— Green, with a profusion of spots of rich yellow. C. Disraeli— A lobed variety, with golden yellow ribs and spots. C. Earl of Derby— A remarkable trilobe variety, the stems and mid-rib being a very bright yellow, which diffuses itself over a greater part of the leaf; this, as the plant matures, becomes a bright red. C. elegans— Bright green, striped with golden yellow. C. Eva)^ciamts—^Ye]l distinguished by the peculiar form of its triobated leaves and the depth of coloring pervading the whole plant; newest-formed leaves are light olive green and golden yellow, deepening and changing to bronzy crimson and orange scarlet in the older ones. C. hilliamun — Ribs and veins crimson, dark purple beneath. G. Imperator, or Challenger — Leaves from 12 to 18 inches long. 2 to 3 inches wide, and gracefully arciiing; ground color pale green, much suffused with creamy white, changing to ma- genta. C. interruptum — Long naiTow leaves, spotted with yellow. C. irregulare — Leaves long, marbled with different shades of yel- low, orange and crimson; leaves are irregular in sliape, often changing in form. C. Johannes — Leaves a foot or more long, narrow and jjendulous; ground color, bright shining green; margin and niiil-rib bright orange jellow. C. /onyj/oZ/um— Leaves green, blotched and striped witli golden yellow; very long and graceful; a inagnilicent jylant. ('. Lord Cairns — Leaves trilobate, the middle lobe considerably elongated, with a broader expansion toward the point; ground color bright green; mid-ribs bright yellow, and blotches of same color. (\ maJimnin — Leaves shining green; mid-riband cross-base, from mid-rib to margin, yellow; leaves ovate-acuminate. THE HOME FLORIST. l8l C. inaculatus Katonii — Leaves fiddle-shaped, but very irregular, of an olive-green color, sijotted with rather large golden spots ; comi^act in habit. C. majesticum — Mottled and margined v\ath crimson and yellow. C Moreanus — Mid-rib and margins of leaf clear orange, blade crossed with paralleled bands of the same color upon a deep green ground; robust grower. C. midticoIor—'Lea.ves light green, blotched with yellow, but changing to glossy green, blotched with yellow, reddish yellow and red, the mid-rib crimson. C. Nobilis — Long, pendulous leaves, richly colored with crimson, yellow and green, the former being most prominent in the stem leaves, stalks and mid-rib, where it is banded with yellow. C. oraZtYoZaftti— Oval outline,central golden bar and reticulations. C. Princess of TFaZes— The handsomest of all the narrow-leaved types; fine branching habit; leaves pendulous, arching and slightly twisted; margins undulating; colors are i^ale yel- low, bright carmine, bright magenta and irregular blotches of light green. C. pictimi — Dark green foliage, spotted with rich reddish crimson. C. Queen Ftc^oria— Growth medium ; habit branching ; leaves oblong ; lanceolate ; colors golden yellow, rich magenta, crimson-carmine and green. C. sjj/roZe— Curious spiral twisting leaves, with markings of yel- low. C. nndulatuvi — Edges of leaves undulating, marked and blotched, crimson and yellow, on dark green ground. C. variegatum — Veins broadly margined with golden yellow. C. Veitchii — Leaves attain a length of twelve to fourteen inches, and two and a half inches broad; they are traversed with broad bands of creamy yellow, changing to rose and car- mine purple. C. volutinn — Leaves rolled up from the end like a ram's horn; ground color deep green; mid-rib golden and rays of same color towards the margin. C Wetsmanii — Leaves often twelve inches long and three-quarters of an inch wide; ground color shining white green, striped and mottled with golden yellow. l82 THK HOME TLORIST. C. I^OMU^ii - Leaves from one and a half to two feet in length; deep red underneath, upper surface dark green, densely blotfhed with creamy yellow and bright rosy red. CROWN IMPERIAL {Hardy Bulb). An old-fashioned, early spring-flowering bulb, bearing on a stem, sevei'ai .''eet higli, drooping bell-shaped flowers, which, in their arrangement around the stalk, may be fancied to resemble a crown. There are both double and single varieties, the colors of which ai'e principally yellow and red. They delight in a deej) rich bed, and should not have their bulbs lifted for re-setting oftener than every third year. CUPHEA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 80°). Pretty shrub-like plants adapted to a variety of purposes; they are almost constantly in bloom under fair circumstances. The plants thrive beautifully in hanging baskets or vases, or if planted out in the border where they will, during the season, assume a dense globular form and constantly produce an abundance of flowers. They are also valuable as pot plants for the window, where their free-flowering, and other qualities make them great favorites; propagated from cuttings. C. platijcenira {Cigar Plant)— Tube of flowers scarlet; hp white and crimson. C. Iv/ssopifolia—'Lviixes dark glossy green, flowers bright lilac. C. hilljildiana— Tube of flowers purple; lip and tlnoat darker. CYCLAMEN PERSICUM {Greenhouse Bulb, 35, 55, 75"). Beautiful plants for the window or conservatory, with finely marked foliage, and which produce from autumn until spring a pro "usion of drooping flowers of the most pleasing appearance, on long stems. The soil in which they are grown needs to be v'wh and of a light nature. After the p'.aiits have done flowering they may be plunged in the open ground for the summer and receive a shift into larger pots for another season's growth, in August or Sep- tember. The i)lants are raised from seed, which m;iy be sown at any time from early spring until mid-summer, for flowering the next year. THE HOME Fr.ORIST 183 Cyclamen Persieum. C. persieum gigmiteum— This is a decided improvement over the preceding variety, being of a more robust habit and stronger grower; produces its flowers on stout stems some- what shorter than in old variety, and of immense size, often measuring on well grown bulbs, two inches in diameter. CYPERUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85°). A grass-like plant, throwing up stems to the height of about two feet, surmounted at the top by a cluster or whorl of leaves, diverging horizontally, giving the plant a very curious appear- ance. A splendid plant for the center of baskets, vases, or ward- ian cases, or as a water-plant. C. alteniifolius— An attractive rush-like plant, of a pleasing bright green color. C. alternifolius variegatus - A beautiful form, striped with white. : CYPRESS VINE. See Ipomoea. 1 84 THE HOME FLORIST. CYTISUS RACEMOSUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 80"). Cytisus Raceiuosus is a winter flowering pot plant, suitable for the window or conservatory, and which assumes an irregular bushy form of growtli, which is very attractive. The flowers are small, fragrant and of a pleasing, deep golden yellow, borne on racemes, and for a long time, give the plant a beautiful appear- ance. It is rather difficult to propagate, this being done from cuttings. DAFFODIL. See Narcissus. Da'idid. DAHLIA {Tender Tuher). Well known tuberous ])lants, only suitable for open-air culture, whicli produce flowers of the most sj'mmetrical form, and of bril- liant and good colors, during the sinnnier and autumn months. The plants luxuriate in a moist, rich soil. In dry weather the flowers will l)e finer, and the plants grow better, by receiving a thorough watering occasionally of an evening. Nothing gives thrifty Dahlias a better appearance than to keep them neatly tied to strong stakes about four feet long, driven by eacli jilant. All flowery should be removed as soon as they begin to decay, and THE HOME FLORIST. 185 imperfect buds be cut off. The tubers should be lifted after frosts have killed the stalk, usually in October in our latitude. They should then be properly labeled, and after drying, either in the sun or in an open shed, be packed in sand and kept in a dry, warm cellar during winter or under the benches in the conserva- tory. In the following spring they may be divided into pieces, each with a crown, and planted in the flower beds again. Their flowering season is considerably advanced by starting them in heat in April and keeping them there up to near the first of June, before planting them out; are also readily propagated by cuttings. DAHLIAS— Large Flowering.- D. Amazon— YeWow , margin fringed red. D. Aglea — White, tipped rose. D. Chief — White, edged dark crimson. D. Dom Pedro — Scarlet, tipped white. D. Duchesse de Cambridge — Blush, tipped and edged with dark purple; fine form. D. Dr. J. P. Kirtland — Dark red, very large, good form. D. Frank Smith — Bright red. D. Forget-Me-Not — Crimson, largely tipped white. D. Golden Bedder — Fine yellow. D. Hoofmeister — Yellow, tipped red. D. Helen Potter — Blush white. D. Hercides — Yellow ground, striped and speckled with rich crimson. D. incarnata rosea— White, shaded with bright rose. D. John Bennett — Yellow, deeply edged scarlet. D. John Sladden — Nearly black; fine form. D. Kleiner Knab'i — White, tinged and tipped with rosy purple. D. La Phare — Deep scarlet; free bloomer. D. L'Emancipe — Orange and violet. D. Madam Perignon— Rose and salmon, tipped white. D. Mrs. Wheeler — Rich, deep scarlet; solid, fine flower. D. Mary Eustace— V^hite, with flesh- colored center. D. Mrs. Dodd — Lemon yellow; fine form. D. Niger — Dark maroon; fine form. D. Oblata — Pure white. D. Princesse — White, large, full. D. Queen Victoria — Yellow, red margin. p. Heine de Prusse — Dark cherry, largely tipped with white. 1 86 THE HOME FLORIST. D. Royal Purple — Very free. D. Sambo — Rich maroon, tinted black; D. Summit of Crupton — Dark maroon. D. Tarn O' Shanter—B\n9\\ lilac. D. Yellow 5o?/- Bright golden yellow. DAHLIAS— PoMPONE OR Bouquet. Tliis class includes all the colors of the larger flowering sorts. Being more dwarf and compact in habit of growth, they are very valuable for bedding purposes and cut flowers. D. Dr. Webb — Rich, scarlet, small. D. Exquisite — Orange, scarlet edge. D. Oluwurmchen — Brilliant scarlet. D. Goldfinch — Yellow, scarlet antl white. D. Guiding Star — Pure white; finil)riate(l. D. Harry — Dark red, spotted and tipped white. D. Kleiner Schutze — Deep scarlet, distinctly tipped white. D. Ladies' Jewel — White, with crimson tip. D. Seraph — Buff yellow, tipped orange red. D. Scarlet Gem — Bright scarlet. DAHLIAS— Single. This new section of the Dahlia family has now become exceed- ingl}' fashionable, owing to the value attached to the cut blooms, their airy, butterfly-like forms giving the flower a grace never attained by the finest double sorts. Tlie flowers range from three to five inches in diameter, all having a bright yellow center sur- rounded with petals running through all the shades of scarlet, crimson, rose, yellow, orange, white, lilac, carmine, etc. D. Buttcrfiy—A beautiful shade of pink. D. Ballot — Deep carmine; large and showy. D. Moonstone— "Large, light canary yellow. D. Sandnsky — Orange; immense size; very distinct disc. D. Chancellor — Delicate lilac; large size, free blooming. D. Crichton — Maroon, of a rich velvety shade. D. White Queen — Pure white, lily-like flower, with j'ellow disc. D. Corsage — Intense bright scarlet; very fine. D. Vicarage — Bright vermilion; large. DAHLIAS -Cactus. This new class of Dahlias has opened up an entirely difl"erent section. They are intermediate between the double and single THE HOME FLORIST. 187 varieties, of peculiar and very pleasing form, resembling some- what some of the Japanese Chrysanthemums, and Ave have no doubt there will soon be as many colors as there are now in the other classes. D. Imperial Prince — A variety with plaited flat petals about half an inch wide, somewhat twisted; color rich deep Tj^rian purple; dwarf and early flowering. Z). t7?(are2;i('— A most valuable and very decorative plant for all purposes through the late summer and autumn months; its blossoms are of a rich crimson, and very much resemble in shape and color the well-known Cactus, Cereus Speciosissi- mus; height about 3 feet, very bushy; flowers of very strik- ing appearance, and quite vinlike those of an ordinary dou- ble Dahlia, the florets being flat and not cupped. D. Lyndlmrst — The same style of flower as the preceding variety, excepting that the color is of the brightest scarlet. It com- mences to flower about two weeks earlier. Daisy. DAISY — Bellis Perennis {Hardy Perennial). A pretty little plant for the garden, which, in the better sorts, bear a profusion of perfectly double flowers, of red, white and variegated colors, throughout all but the hottest portioii of the season. The plants are propagated by division and also from the 1 88 THE HOME FLORIST. seed, but are not veiy satisfactory if reared from the latter, as a large proportion always will come single or only semi-double from the best of seed. Set tlie plants about six inches apart, and protect slightly in winter. A few may be potted in tlie fall to flower in a cool place in the window or conservatory during the winter. DAPHNE (Greenhouse and Hardy Perenniah). An extensive genus of small shrubs (mostly evergreen), with very beautiful, fragrant flowers; grcnv in good, turfy loam, with a little sand and manure. Drain the i)ots well. The following variety is much prized : Z). Indica (33, 45, 8")") — An old greenhouse plant, always scarce. It is evergreen, growing three feet high, bearing clusters of small, pinkish-white flowers, exquisitely fragrant; it prop- agates from cuttings. There is also a variety (Z). cneoi urn) which is a hardy trailing evergreen shrub, growing about a foot high, which produces beautiful pink or crimson, deliciously sweet-scented flowers in terminal clusters, in April and May; it is propagated by layers. DELPHINIUM— Larkspur (Hardy Annuals and Perennials). Annual Delphiniums — A class of annuals possessing bright colors and free flowering qualities to an extent that render them worthy of culture in every considerable collection. The dwarf varieties are regarded as the most beautiful, attaining as they do a height of one foot, and throwing u]) a flower shoot that some- what resembles a Hyacinth. These should stand at a distance of six inches from each other, and the tall varieties a foot and a half apart. Sow where they are to bloom. Delphinium Formosum is one of the most desirable hardy per- ennials in cultivation. It blooms more or less freely from July until November, yielding exceedingly attractive flowers. Tlie flowers are large, of a dark blue, with the centre white, shaded with reddish purple and proihiced in s|)ikes. There are a number of other varieties similar to this one excepting in the colors. When the plants of th(> hardy kinds become large they should be divided and reset; they c;in also be grown true from seed, whii-h should be sown in the spring, and will flower the next summer. THE HOME FLORIST. 1 89 DEUTZIA. {Hardy Shrub.) Although a family of hardy shrubs, and one of the best for permanent planting, the varieties Deutzia gracilis, pure wliite, and Deutzia crenata, fl. pi., dou- ble, pure white, serve admirably for pot culture and forcing in the window or conservatory. The plants should be grown in the open ground, and after the leaves have fallen in autumn, be brought into the cold-pit or cel- lar, until New Year's, after wliich time they may be moved to the window or conservatory for flowering. With bearing a profusion of pretty flowers in due time nothing can be hand- somer. Propagated from cut- tings. Deutzia . DIANTHUS {Hardy Perennial). This is an extensive genus of desirable flowering plants, which embrace numerous important kinds, the Carnation, Garden Pink, Sweet William, etc. , being of the number. I shall here treat of those that are generally raised from seed, the other will be found under their respective heads. The species known as D. Chinensis, embracing the old Chinese pink, which has been very nuich im- proved of late years,and the new and su^jerb varieties from Japan, known as D. Heddeungii and D. lacinatus, with the new varieties that have sprung from them by hybridization, are among the most brilliant and useful of garden flowers. They are easily grown from seed in any good soil, and flower freely throughout the season, even up to winter. This they will do for several years, provided they are in suitable condition for surviving the winter. For keeping over it is better to secvire strong, stocky plants by pruning them back somewhat at times, even at the loss of some bloom, for then they will not only winter better, but will produce larger and finer flowers the second season. The seed may 190 THE HOME FLORIS'l. be sown in heat and the young plants transplanted to the garden, if large plants are desired the first year, or by sowing in the gar- den at any time from late spring until September, excellent ])lants may be had for flowering the following year. The plants sliould be set at a distance of from six to twelve inche3 apart. DiANTHUS Barbatl's (Swcet William), useful garden perennials, with double and single flowers of various colors. They have long been in cultivation, but great improvements have been made in the quality of the flowers, as well as in the list of desirable varie- ties. Easily raised from seed, or fine varieties may be perpetuated by dividing the roots after they have flowered. DICENTRA SPECTABILIS— Love Lies Bleeding {Hardy Herbaceous Perennial). One of our most ornamental, spring-flowering hard\- plants, and also excellent for forcing in the window or conservatory. The flowers, which appear in racemes, on long, drooping stems, are of a bright, rosy pink, with a pearly white corolla. As they are produced by liundreds 0:1 large plants in the open air, they serve to render the plant for tlie time one of the most attractive objects the garden can possess. For winter flowering the plants should be taken up in October, be jjotted, and placed in a cold- pit or some place where they may be got at in the winter. Any time after cold weather sets in (the plants should go through at least one freeze), they may be brought indoors, and will flower in about two months afterwards. Increased by division of the roots. DIEFFENBACHIA {Greenhouse Perennials, 45, 60, 95"). A genus of greenhouse plants grown for their strikingly showy foliage. Use peat and loam in etpial parts, with a little sand. Give them a strong heat, and water as well as syringe freiiuently. Propagated by division and by cuttings. D. Bausii—'Sew and rare, charmingly tinted. D. Brasiliensis—'EWgantly mottled with white. D. »o6?7i.s— Deep rich green, marked with irregular large white spots. D. nova sy>.— A species, with leaves long, narrow, light green. D. picta — A handsome plant, striped and spotted witli wliite. DIGITALIS— Fox Glove {Hardy Biennial). A well-known hard}- border plant, flowering in June and July, possessing great beauty. The flowers in the different varietiesare THE HOME FLORIST. I91 purple, crimson, white and spotted, as to color; have a thirable- like shape, and are produced in dense spikes. The plants may be propagated by sowing the seed in the spring or up to the middle of August, and then they fiowex*- the second year, or the roots may be divided and reset annually. DRAGON A (Greenliouse Perennial, 35, 65, 95'). Tropical plants of rare beauty, only suited to pot or Fernery culture in the window or conservatory, but may be introduced outdoors in pots, vases and hanging baskets for summer decora- tion with good effect. The beauty of the plant lies in the leaves, which in color vary from different shades of green to bright crim- son and pink, striped, and as regai-ds shape, are long, narrow and straight, somewhat resembling those of Indian Corn excepting that sometimes they are shorter. They succeed best in a soil consisting of one-third part leaf mould, also containing some sand, and then kept pretty moist. D. draco — Stiff, sword like, green leaves; propagated from seed. D. indivisa — Is of graceful habit and rapid growth; long, narrow leaves of green and bronze; useful as a decorative plant for vase or on the lawn; propagated by seed. D. terminalis—Rich. crimson foliage marked with pink and white; this vari^'ty is extensively grown for baskets, win- dow gardens or the conservatory, the vivid cjoloring of its leaves rendering it at all times attractive ; propagated from the root or from the stem. ECHEVERIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90°). A remarkable class of plants, with thick succulent leaves of grotesque appearance, and suitable for pot culture in the window or conservatory, and also for bedding, some of the varieties be- ing extensively used for carpet beds, also for i-ibbon lines and let- ters in bedding, for which purpose they are admirably adapted. They are prized chiefly for their odd, yet delicate appearance ; few would consider them possessed of any greater beauty than is found in plants of the Cactus famil3^ They are of the easiest culture, and while delighting in moisture generally, should he kept quite dry during the winter; propagated from leaves or cut- tings. 192 THE HOME FLORIST. E. secunda — This variety forms a neat roseate tuft of green loaves, and produces freely for several months in succession, bright scarlet flowers with yellow centres. E. seciinda ghtuca — Similar to the above, with beautiful glaucous green leaves. E. metallica glauca — A variety with larger leaves than the pre- ceding; flowers yellow and red. ERANTHEMUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 45, 60, 95'). A large genus of greenhouse plants, valuable for their hand- some foliage or for winter flowers. Pot in peat and loam in equal parts and add a little sand. Keep up a good heat and naoisture; propagated from cuttings. E. Andersonii — This charming plant is a native of India, and is not surpassed by any other plant in the beauty of its flowers, resembling some of the handsome Orchids ; the spiiies of flowers are borne on quite small plants, the two upper and lateral lobes are pure white, while the Orchid- like lip or lower segment is thickly dotted with crimson. E. atropurpureum -Large dark-puii^lish shining foliage; very fine. E. Eldorado — Another good variety for bedding ; foliage green ; mottled golden yellow. E. laxijloriun — Foliage green, flowers purplish-violet, very profuse. E. marmoratum — Surface of the leaf splashed with grayish-green and creamy white. E. pictuni — Foliage prettily streaked with white. E. pulchellnm — Dark green, wrinkled leaves and bright blue flowers. E. sangninea — A rather scarce species; foliage thick and leatherj-, of a deep crimson maroon. Leaves glossy — looking as if varnished— making a very attractive plant for decorative or bedding purposes. E. tricolor — Like the Croton. Dracena, etc., this plant requires a warm temperature to bring out its beautiful variegations, which run through all tlie shades of pink, purjjle and maroon. It has pi'oved valuable for massing in open ground. ERIANTHUS RAVENN.'E-- American Pampas."— (Harrfy Perennial). This ornamental grass, when in full bloom, attains a height of from nine to twelve feet, oi-casionally having over fifty flower THE HOME FLORIST. I93 spikes on one plant, in two or three seasons, from seed. Perfectly hardy. Also increased by division of the roots. ERYSIMUM {Hardy Annual). Free flowering little annuals, producing flowers of beautiful orange shades, which are esteemed for their sweetness and suit- ability for cutting. Sow the seed where they are to flower. ERYTHRINA CRISTA GALLI-Coral Tuke- {Greenhouse Perennial). A half-hardy shrub, growing about four feet in height, with neat, cut foliage, the stems terminating with spikes of rich scarlet, pea-shaped flowers. Grows freely if planted in a warm situa- tion ; should be treated so as to remain dormant the same as Dahlias in winter. Propagated from cuttings or seed. ESCHOLTZIA — Californian Foppy— {Hardy Annual). The Escholtzia is a desirable garden annual easily grown from seed, and which flowers for a long time during the summer. The flowers are of a splendid yellow color in E. Californica, which is generally considered the best, and po sess a dazzling brilliancy in the sunshine. The dense growth which the plant takes on should be supported by sticks, or a portion of it may lie so close to the ground as to be detrimental to perfect flowering. Sow where they are to flower and thin out to one foot apart. EUCHARIS {Greenhouse Bulb). E. Amazonica — This is the famed "Lily of the Amazon." The flowers are white, star-shaped, exquisitely fragrant and borne in clusters of from four to six, on long stalks, above the foliage. They increase rapidly, but the bulbs should be disturbed as little as possible, repotting when necessary without division. These plants enjoy a warm and moist temperature. If wanted to flower in the winter water should be withheld during the latter part of the summer sufficiently to allow them to rest from August to October. EULALIE {Hardy Perennial). A hardy perennial from Japan, with long, narrow green leaves striped with yellow and white, throwing \v^ stalks four to six feet THE HOME FLORIST. Eucharis. high, terminating with a cluster of flower spikes on which the individual flowers are arranged : the flowers are surrounded with long silky threads, which, when fully ripe, or when placed in a warm room expand, giving the whole head a nu>st graceful and beautiful appearance, not unlike that of an ostrich featlier curled. These drieu flowers are valuable as jiarlor ornaments, as they retain their beauty for a long time. Are propagated by division. E. Japonica variegata — Leaves striped lengthwise with creamy- white. E. Japonica zehnna,o>- Zebra Grass— Leaves striped crosswise with yellow. EUONYMUS (Greenhouse Perennial, 30, 45, 90 ). Very beautiful plants of a shrubby nature, valuable when small for pot culture, ferneries, winter hanging baskets, and in fact for any in-door purpose, as they are of neat, vigonMis habit, with lovely leaves of glossy texture, in some kinds are variegated, and are scarcely equaled for growing in tlie shade. They are hardy south of Oliio. The finest varieties for pot culture are aurea x^ariegata and radicans variegata, wh'uh nre nearly alike, except in their col- oi-s. Tlie leaves of the former are of a rich golden yellow color on a green and in radicam variegata, a l)right pea green, THE HOME FLORIST. 1 95 deeply murgined with freaniy-vvliite, botli having a striking and pretty appearance that is not common. Easily propagated from cuttings. EUPATORIUM (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 75°.) These are plants extensively grov^n by florists for the large crops of pure white flowers they produce in the winter. Tlie flowers are borne in dense clusters on good stems. The plant is vigorous, of upright habit, and requires considerable pot room; of the easiest culture under any circumstances- As it propagates readily; it is best to start young plants early each spring for flowers the following winter ; they should be grown in pots out of doors during the summer in a place protected from wind. Cut down the i)lants after flowering, which will induce a new growth to propagate from. There are three varieties generally cultivated, the flowers of which are Mhite and nearly alike in appearance. E. arboreum, the earliest to flower, E. sulicifolius (very pure white) the next, and E. elegmis the latest, the three varieties together aff"ording a succession of bloom almost through the winter, E. triste— Is of more recent introduction and certainly the best, being quite distinct in foliage, which is more vigorous than in the preceding varieties, its white flowers borne in trusses of immense size in mid-winter make it one of the most desirable plants for culture at that season. EUPHORBIA {Greenhouse Perennial 34, 45, 90°) An extensive genus of plants, of which the following varieties are suitable for greenhouse culture, producing an abundance of flowers, which are suitable for bouquets, etc; they are of easy culture and are propagated from cuttings : E. splendens — A continuous blooming variety, densely covered on the stems with long spines, giving it a curious appear- ance; bright scarlet flowers, with a yellow center; of great value for bouquets. E. Jacquiniflora — Long racemes of orange scarlet flowers, which are very graceful. EVERLASTING FLOWERS. . See Acroclinium, Amobium Heli- chrysum, Helipterum, Gomphrena, Rhodanthe and Xeranthemum. 196 THE HOME FLORIST. FABIANA IMBRICATA {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 50, 90^). One of the prettiest little shrub-like pot plants in cultivation, being of a dense pyramidal habit, witli fine foliage and jn'ofusely covered with white flowers in the spring; excellent for. baskets in summer or winter. Ordinary treatment and a good soil will suit the plant well; propagated by cuttings. FARFUGIUM GRANDE {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90*). A singular looking plant of easy culture in pots in the window or conservatory, the leaves of which are its attractive feature. These, borne on long stems, are large, round, smooth, of a deep green color, and blotched with distinct golden jellow spots, rang- ing from the size of a pin's head to nearly an inch across and dis- tributed with a striking irregularity over the surface. The plants are increased by new shoots starting from the root, and then should be taken oflf and potted. Suitable for planting in baskets, vases, etc., for summer decoration. FERN {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 40 or 50, 80<'). There are many species of Ferns or Brakes found growing in woods and swamp lands, in all parts of our country. These are kinds, the roots of which are perennial, but the tops of most of them die annually. The tender greenhouse species are perennial or evergreen, and are continually attractive, summer and win- ter. This class are among the most attractive plants which can be grown under glass or in the window, and especially in the latter place, with the use of a fernery or plant case. On page 43 this means of growing plants is treated upon, but I may repeat that it exactly suits Ferns and many other plants of similar recpiirements. Ferns are propagated from the spores wliich appear on the leaves, these being sown in earth after the manner of very fine seeds. The plants should be grown in soil largely composed of leaf mould from the woods. We name the following ferns as embracing some of the most suitable varieties for general culture: F. Adiantum Formosum (Maiden Hair Fern) — Jet black stems and light green fronds. F. AUophila Aiistralis (Tree Fern) — A magnificent tree fern of rapid growth. F.Aspleniiim Belangeri — Elegant feather-like fronds; deep green color. THE HOME FLORIST. I97 F. Lygodhnn scandens (Climbing Fern) — A climbing fern from Japan, of a graceful, twining habit, often attaining the height of fifty feet in its native wilds It is easy of cul- ture, treated as other ferns, and is a handsome plant.grown either climbing or drooping; the foliage is finely cut and very beautiful; a splendid house plant, unequaled in beauty. F. Microlcpia hirtha cristata — An elegant crested fern of good habit and growth. F. Nephrodium molle — Long, dark green fronds, upright growth. F. Nephrolepis exaltata (Sword Fern) — Of easy culture, and soon grows to a great size. F. Nephrolepis Duffii — An exquisite miniature variety of the old- fashioned, but ever popular Sword Fern, that commends it- self to every one by its easy growth and graceful appear- ance. F. Nephrolepis Davallioides Furcans—A beautiful and ornamental crested fern of easy culture. F. Platycerium alcicorne (Staghorn Fern) — Resembles a stag horn; of easy culture. jP. Polypodium cureum (Hare's Foot Fernj — An elegant variety. F. Polystichum Angidare—'Long foliage, resembling plumes of feathers; light green color. F. Pteris argyrea — Called by some Silver Fern. A very showy, strong growing Fern, with variegated foliage; fronds large, light green, with a broad band of silvery white down the centre of each; very distinct. F. Pteris serndata (Crow's Foot Fern)— The fronds are pendulous and grass like; of easy culture. F. Pteris tremula (Shaking Fern)— Very large, rich green foliage, beautifully cut. The strongest growing and best Fern for house culture; grows very rapidly and soon makes hand- some specimens; should be found in every collection of house plants. F. Scolopendrinm vulgare (Hart's Tongue) — Very desii-able for pot cuHure, being among the hardiest kinds. FEVERFEW— Pykethei-m {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85"). Very useful plants in several varieties, all of which are nearly hai-dy, of the easiest possible culture and readily propa- gated from cuttings. The double white Feverfew (Pyrethrum 198 THE HOME FLORIST. Parthenium) produces an immense crop of perfectly double, pure white, daisy -like flowers, an inch and upwards across, in clusters, on stems eighteen inches high, the fore part of summer, and then less freely at intervals, until late in the season, on which ac- count it has become an important jjlant in every florist's green- house, and is deserving of general cultivation at tlie hands of amateurs, especiall}' as there need be no failure in managing it, to produce an abundance of bloom. Prince J.?//'fd is a variety similar to the preceding, but of dwarf er habit. Golden Feather Feverfew possesses no merit as a flower- ing plant, but is highly esteemed for its attractive, delicate cut foliage of a greenish golden color, and the dense symmetrical growth it assumes. It is a beautiful plant for massing or plant- ing in ribbon lines, and like the two varieties described above, is very suitable as a pot plant or for planting in vases and Inrge hanging baskets. The flower shoots should be pinched back as the}' appear. All the Feverfews may be taken from the giound in the fall and wintered in a cold-pit. To rear an abundance of stock for bedding, take plants thus secured into heat in February and then make cuttings, or else raise from seeds sown in January, which is a favorite coiu-se with florists. FICUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 90"). A fine plant, verj' popular, not only in the hothouse, but as a decorative plant for the drawing-room or flower garden. Its thick leathery leaves make it especially valuable in consequence of doing perfectly well in the dry air of inhabited rooms; propa- gated from cuttings. F. elastiea (India Rubber Plant)— The old and favorite sort; fine large shining foliage. F. Po;-('cZ?i— Large leaves, beautifully marbled with bright green and white. The plant is of free growth and extremely effective. F. repens — A fine creeper for green and hothouse decoration; it wiU cling tenaciously on a rough surface. FITTONIA. See Gymnostachyum. FORGET-ME-NOT, See Myosotis. FORSYTHIA - Golden Bell (Hardy Shrub). A small geinis of ornamental hardy shrubs, coming iu flower very early. THE HOME FLORIST. I99 F. viridissima — Produces beautiful yellow flowers early in spring; leaves deep green. F. Fortuni — An upright-growing shrub with bright green foliage; flowers bright yellow, dropping before the leaves appear. A fine early flowering shrub. FOUR O'CLOCK. See Mirabilis Jalapa. . FOX GLOVE. See Digitalis. , FUCHSIA— Lady's Ear Drop {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 85"). The Fuchsia is one of that superb class of plants which, to an extent, are indispensable in every good collection. It is a well-known genus, and has for years attracted much attention by its elegant appearance as a pot plant, and more especially, its lovely flowers. The Lady's Ear Drop, as it is commonly called, is asso- ciated with our earliest recollection of window plants, cultivated many years ago, but since that time, like many other things, the florist's arts of improvement have caused wonderful changes in the flowers, and rendering the varieties of to-day immensely superior to those known a score of years ago. The Fuchsia is well adapted for pot culture on the window-shelf or in the con- servatory — some varieties flowering beautifully in the winter. They delight in the winter, not so much in a high temperature as in a Ught place, in which they can frequently be treated to a bit of fresh air. By nature they require a season of rest annually, which should be given the ordinary varieties during the latter part of summer, and the winter-blooming kinds for several months in the spring and summer. During the rest water should be withheld from the plants to an extent that will cause many of the leaves to drop, a little being applied occasionally to prevent the soil from becoming entirely dry. They may be placed in any dry, airy situation, but at no time where it freezes. After resting sufficiently, they should be cut back to encourage the formation of a well-formed plant from the new growth, and should be well supplied with water. As the flower buds appear, plants may re- ceive an occasional watering with liquid manure. Frequently re- potting the plants as needed into larger sizes, and in a soil of the most fertile nature — it may be one-third well-rotted manure— are important in growing the plant to perfection. By paying atten- tion to all these points, a growth of an astonishing magnitude 200 THE HOME FLORIST. Fuchsia. may be had in the time of a few months, by starting with healthy young plants. Excellent as a flowering plant in the centre of hanging baskets and vases in shaded siiuations. and the double varieties are quite suitable for bedding in partially shaded jjlaces that are also protected from sweeping winds; easily propagated from cuttings. SINGLE VARIETIES. F. Aurora superha — Orange scarlet corolla, sepals rich salmon. F. Arabella— White tube and sepals; corolla rose. F. Black Fh'ince — Tube and sepals bright waxy carmine ; sepals large and l)road, with pale green tips, and large, open, pale pink corolla, margined with deep rose: of a very distinct and vigorous, free branching habit. One of the best. THE HOME FLORIST. 20I F. Earl of Beaconsjield—Yigorous growing, free flowering, beauti- ful habit, quite distinct; one of the best hybrid varieties; the blooms arc three inches in length and of great substance ; the tube and sepals are of a light rosy carmine; corolla deep carmine. F. EUzabcfh BlarsJiall — Tube and sepals scarlet; corolla white. F. EnjlancVs Glory — Pink corolla with carmine shade; a beautiful sort. F. Fairy — A miniature variety of clear red color. F. Gracieux — Single light red sepals ; corolla lavender blue; very fine. F. Gov. Baker — Plum corolla; sepals crimson. F. May Qixeen — Beautiful violet rose corolla ; sepals pure white; extra. F. Monarch — Immense flowers; tube and sepals of bright red and great length. F. Prince Imperial — Dwarf; early; e.xtra fine. F. President McMahon — Corolla scarlet; sepals greenish yellow. F. Rose of Denmark— Tube and sepals ivory white; corolla clear pink. F. Rose of Castile— Corolla, rosy pm-ple, with lighter streaks, free bloomer and good grower. F. Syringoeflora — Large truss of flowers resembling in shape a bunch of lilac. F. Sunray — This is an exceedingly novel and interesting plant; its leaves are richly marked in about equal proportions, with bright crimson, creamy white and bronzy green. F. Try me'oh — Tube and sepals bright crimson, with large, open, bell-shaped black corolla, the darkest yet known; fine habit. F. Wave of Life — Foliage bronzy yellow; scarlet tube and sepals; violet blue corolla. DOUBLE VARIETIES. F. Avalanche — Beautiful golden foliage, and dark double violet purple coroUa. F. Champion of the World — Large double flowers; tubes short ; sepals very broad and of great substance, well reflexed and of a most beautiful coral red; corolla most intense bright dark purple. F. Dolly Varden — Very double dark corolla. 202 THE HOME FLORIST. Doable White I'lielisia. F. Elm City — Sepals rich crimson, enclosing corolla forming globular balls; dwarf and compact in habit; extra fine. F. Joseph Eossain — Dark double, violet blue corolla; striped deep scarlet. F. Kingsburyana—A variety of good habit and a most abundant bloomer, producing fine flowers with bright red tube and sepals, the latter rellexed and large; double, open and spreading white corolla. F. Nellie Morton— 'St^w; one of the very finest Fuchsias yet raised, very large and double ; p-,ue white corolla, beautifully reflexed bright scarlet sepals; magnificent. THE HOME FLORIST. 203 F. Nonjmreil — Two double dark corollas; very peculiar and strik- ing. F. Purple rrince— Tube and sepals waxy carmine scarlet; corolla rich violet; double. F. Pnnch — Double violet corolla, sepals red. F. Victor Hugo — Double; flowers very large; sepals red; corolla clear lilac. A new color. WINTER-BLOOMING FUCHSIAS. The following four sorts are the best for winter flowering : F. Carl Halt — A white and red striped variety. F. Mrs. Marshall — Corolla very briglit purplish scarlet. F. Lustre — Waxy white and sepals elegantly reflexed; corolla vivid crimson, tinted with pale orange. F. Speciosa — A well-known variety, producing large flowers two inches in length, tubes and sepals of which are blush, the corolla crimson. Some plants of this variety grown in eight or nine inch pots will produce from three hundred to five hundred flowers from December to May. FUNKIA— The Plantain Lily {Hardy Herhacous Perennial). The White Day Lily (F. alba odora) is an attractive, bulbous garden plant, with luxuriant, broad, veined foliage of a rich, yel- lowish green color, and which grows in an elegant clump one foot high. The flowers are pure white and fragrant, of a pleas- ing appearance, being borne on stems twenty inches high, about mid-summer, opening only in the day. A mass of this beautiful plant growing on the lawn is very handsome. F. ccer- ulea is quite similar to tlie above, excepting that the flowers are light blue, and the foliage of a deep gi-een. F. marginata has elegant variegated leaves, distinctly edged and striped with sul- phur yellow. GALANTHUS — Snowdrop {Hardy Bulbous Perennial). Delightful little pure white flowers, blooming in the open air very early, and sometimes in warm, sunny exposures even before all the snow is gone. There is a double and a single variety. No garden can be considered well stocked, without having, at least, a few clumps of these earliest of all flowers. The bulbs should be planted in the fall months with Hyacinths, Tulips, etc., about two or three inches deep, and if set three inches apart in clumps 204 THE HOME FLORIST. a foot or two across, the effect will be the finest. Reset them once in three years. The Galanthus may also be forced into bloom in the winter in the house. (See page 52.) GARDENIA. See Jasmine. GAZANIA (Greenhouse Perennial, 32, 45, 85°). Summer and autumn flowering bedding plants of low, pros- trate habit; tiie prevailing colors are orange and yellow, with a broad, intensely black velvety ring aroiind the center. Excellent for planting at the edge in hanging baskets and vases for droop- ing over. Propagated from cuttings and layers. S^^lL'i^-^^^^ THE HOME FLORIST. 205 GERANIUMS. GERANIUM— Pelabgonium. {Greenhouse Perennials, 33, 45, 85% except where noted). An extensive, varied and interesting family of plants of great value for pot culture and summer bedding in the open air. Indeed, in such a degree is this true, that a showy flower and window garden quite varied in its character, might be sustained by employing no other plants than those included in the genus. Their require- ments in culture are throughout of the most simple kind, and there is scarcely such a thing as failure in realizing sat- isfaction from cultivating them, even by inexperienced amateurs. All the varieties of the several sections strike root readily from cuttings. August and September are suitable months for propagating, as an abundance of growth is then available, and cuttings struck at this season will make strong plants for next year's use. They will also, ' each year, afford many young cuttings during the winter for propagation. ' Young plants make such a rapid ^^g growth that it is better to provide '— ~ plenty of new stock each fall and win- ter for bedding in the spring, and also for pot culture, than to work much with the old plants. A light place, where air can be introduced to them, is the most suitable one for their winter quarters. Old plants can easily be kept over in a warm cold-pit or light cellar, which is not too damp. (See Pelargonium.) 206 • THE HOME FLORIST. The Geraniums are, perhaps, the most useful and i)opular plants in cultivation. Wherever we go where plants are grown, in any part of the civilized world; in the humble little garden; in the latticed window of the thatched cottage; in splendid palace grounds and national gardens; everywhere do we find the Geran- ium at once useful and beautiful, and entirely eclipsing by its mass of bloom and brilliant coloring, its more aristocratic and costly neighbors. They not only bear beautiful flowers, but the foliage of many varieties is a'most as handsomely colored as the flowers; the leaves of some are loaded with the sweetest per- fumes, while the others are of the most elegant forms, and make a better setting for a button-hole bouquet than any other leaf known. For constancy of bloom the Geranium is unequalled. Small plants, that can be bought very cheap, if put out in May and June, will soon after planting, completelj' fill a bed and will be a mass of flowers, and continue getting better, until blackened by the frosty nights of autumn. While other plants are wilting under the scorching raj's of our summer sun, the Geranium seems to glory in the hottest weather. The Geraniums make excellent winter blooming plants, if not kept too warm; but for this purpose should be grown in pots all summer, and the buds picked off as they appear. ZONALE, SINGLE OR HORSE-SHOE GERANIUMS. This is, perhaps, for all purposes, the most useful class in culti- vation, the plants being easily giown, affording a large variety of colors, embracing all shades from purple and scarlet to white. As bedding plants they are unequalled, being rapid growers,, vig- orous and healthy, bearing the hottest sun admirably and are remarkably free ilowering. Scarcely a more i)leasiug or j-et more simple disposal of plants can be eflfected than to mass the scarlet varieties a foot or more apart, according to size, in a bed upon the lawn, to be viewed from a distance as from a walk or a favorite window in the living room. The plants should not be put into the ground until the weather is quite warm and all dan- ger from frosty nights is over — in the Northern States toward the last of May. Set the plants so that when grown, they will cover the ground. For brilliancy the varieties, Oen. Grant, Gen. 1 THE HOME FLORIST. 207 Sheridan and Queen of the West are the best, being stron^^^^ro. v- ers and immense bloomers. All during the season many large, dazzling heads of bloom are conspicuous over the green, com- pact mass of leaves, affording a continual, never-tiring sight for months, which, for attractiveness, cannot be fully approached by any other plants in cultivation, similarly arranged. The num- ber of plants employed or the size of the bed has less to do with its general effectiveness than the adherence to the principle of using only one variety in the same mass, and also that the plants be nearly uniform in size (see " Planting in masses of color." page 21). Besides the excellent scarlets named, there are others quite as suitable for bedding in masses, but my advice to amateurs is to make their first choice from the above named varieties for this purpose, leaving other colors for subsequent plantings, unless it is desired to plant a compound bed with Geraniums, each part with a distinctly colored variety. As stated before, masses of Geran- iums should be all of one color for the best effects, but a depai*- ture from this rule may be suggested as being, perhaps, quite as satisfactory, and that is to have the general mass one color — say, for instance, scarlet, and then bringing an edging of another color, like white or pink, around the outside of the scarlet. The following varieties are the best for massing: Gen. Grant, bright scarlet; Gen. Sheridan, darker scarlet; Queen of the West, orange- scarlet; Master Christine, pink; White Perfeciion, white; Celes- tial, deep rose, tinged white; Bishop Simpson, salmon; Louis Uhlbach, light yellow; Hoffgartner Eichlev, dark crimson; Ralph, amaranth purple. In massing Geraniums the beds may or may not be edged with plants of other kinds such as have showy foliage, as bsst suits the planter. The ground to be planted with Geraniums should always be slightly raised in the center to- a mound-like form. This class of Geraniums are much used as pot plants, and for planting in the center of hanging-baskets, and vases for which last named purpose there can be nothing better. Indeed some of the best filled vases we have ever seen, were planted with Geran- iums alone. G. Apple Blossom — Beautiful trusses of a pearly white, suffused with rosy-pink. Cr. Alcibiade — Red-salmon, shaded clear violet at center ; pips large; good trusses. G. vlmara?i^/i— Beautiful lilac pink. 208 - THE HOME FLORIST. G. Audiffret-Pasquier— Carmine lake, slightly veined rose upon the upper petals. G. Antonin P/rxisf— Violet-carmine; upper petals marked pur- plish crimson; very fine flowering. G. Bislioj) Siiiq)soa — Large trusses of rich salmon. G. Beaiity of Ki)iysessi)ig— Salmon center, margined with white. G. BtamforcVs glory— Bright, clear scarlet. G. Blonde Beauty— DeeTp flesh color, shading to white. G. Celestial — Deep rose, tinged white; an extra fine sort ft)r bed- ding out, or winter flowering. G. Christine Neilson — Bright rosy pink. G. Cinderella — Bright rosy salmon, flue truss, new color; a beau- tiful variety. G. Challeuiel Lacour — Rich, vivid crimson; immense trusses; very fine. G. Cherry Lijis — Bright cherry; distinct color. G. Dazzle r — Exceedingly rich scarlet, with large white eye; very brilliant. G. Evening Star — This beautiful sort is most attractive, having a white ground with large pink eye. G. Eva — Magenta; fine color. G. Fairy — Salmon, flaked white. G. Favorite — Light pink; immense truss. G. General Sherman — Light crimson ; a fine bedder. G. General Hood — Very large flowers of a deep velvety scarlet color; a beautiful sort. G. General Sheridan — Showj' scarlet; a fine winter flowering gera- nium, and also a flne bedding geranium; always in flower. G. General Grant — Fine scarlet: this variety is used largely for bedding out. G. Gnome— Inwnensely large pips of the most intense glowing scar- let; small white eye; single florets measure full two inches in diameter. G.Guinea — Brilliant orange yellow; the nearest approach toayel- low Zonale yet sent out. G. Harry King— Intense scarlet with large white eye. G. Hoffgartner Eichler — Dark crimson shaded to bright scarlet. G. Illustre Citoyen— Dark orange red, centre whitisli lilac; flowere and trusses large. G. Institntor Deleral— Upper petals currant red; lower petals flame color; magniticeiit. THE HOME FLORIST. 209 G. lanthe — Purplish crimson; fine. G. Jersey Lily — New, tender, rosy salmon, the base of the upper petals marked white; flowers of beautiful form; a truly magnificent variety. G. Jacques Leinhart — Rich scarlet, lined with crimson; of fine form and habit. G. Jealousy — Bright orange scarlet, so much so as to give a decided yellow hue; a beautiful sort. G. Jean Sisley — Fine scarlet, white eye; fine winter bloomer and good bedder. O. Jules Favre — A new and peculiar shade; violet shaded with lilac and light crimson. G. Jacquard — New, orange red; upper petals touched with vio- let; white centre; a fine flower; a beautiful sort, G. Leviathan — A fine sort; bright crimson scarlet, shaded ver- milion; free bloomer; immense trusses five to six inches in diameter. G. La Franche Gazfe— Centre pure white; edge of petals light red. G. La France — Violet purple, with fiery markings at base of up- per petals. G. i' Elysee — Deep orange-colored flowers, graduating to salmon toward the edges. G. Louis UJilbach — Yellowish red in color; a seedling of the Guinea. G. Mrs. Jas. A. Garfield — A new Geranium with the purest white flowers; dwarf and one of the fijiest sorts for pot culture. G. Madame Rampler — Fine, clear white, veined with purple; ex- tremity of the petals snow v/hite. G. Madame Recamier — Large, round flowers of perfect shape; deep rich crimson. G. Master Christine — Bright pink; fine bloomer; one of the best for summer bedding. G. Mrs. Windsor — A beautiful new variety with large trusses of blush white, with a scarlet eye. G. Mrs. Moore — New, pure white, Math a beautiful ring of bright salmon around a small white eye; very tine. G. Mrs. James Vick — White edges, pinkish centre; without an equal for winter. G. Mathilda — Rose pink; fine, \ 2IO ' THE HOME FLORIST. G. Mary Halleck Foote — Bright pale salmon. G. Mazeppa — Pure scarlet; iiuuiense trusses. G. Md. Dauelle — Clear delicate rose; upper petals marked with white. G. Md. Bomage — Very fine scarlet. G. Mey'nnee — Orange, with wliite toward the edges. G. Mariettd P«c/ta— Carmine red, deepened with crimson. G. Maid of Kent — Pure lake-rose or pink. G. Masterpiece — Rosy scarlet; of great size. G. Neidand's Mary — Beautiful dark pink. G. New Life — Scarlet flowers, flaked and striped with salmon and white. G. Othello— Very dark scarlet. G. P. L. Courier — Immense trusses rich vermilion. G. Perseus — Light jiink shaded witli salmon. G. Par Excellence— St-arlet magenta; large trusses. G. Pride— Fine large salmon. G. Princess Maud — New, scarlet, pure white eye; very fine. G. President Garfield — Color lake carmine; upper petals marked orange; a very fine variety. G Queen of the West — Bright orange scarlet; large truss and profuse bloomer. We know- of no finer Geranium for planting out in beds. S. Rose Unique — Lai'ge trusses of an incarnate rose color, rayed with white in the centre, reverse of petals violet. G. Rienzi — Rich scarlet. G. Renonwie— Clear apricot, passing to copper rose, veined centre, large trusses. G. Ralph — One of the best bedding sorts y:t introduced; profuse bloomer; color dark amaranth purple. G. Streak of Luck — A rival of New Life; saimon color striped •with white; very free flowering. G. Scarlet T^.sva'/w.s— Bright scarlet; very free bloomer. G. Salmon Rienzii — A most beautiful salmon of great size; very fine. G. Salmon Leviathan— In the style of Crimson Leviathan hut larger; salmon flowers. G. Sara Bernhart — A splendid new white Geranium: flowers pure white, without even colored stamens; a beatiful sort. G, Sunshine — Vermilion scarlet. G. Thomas Carlyle — Center vermilion, sliading to salmon. THE HOME FLORIST. 211 O. Von Moltke—Ca.v\L soft red, tinted with scarlet and heavily shaded with maroon. Its glossy, velvety color can not be excelled. G. W. K. Harris — Blush, pale red. center; fine, large round flowers. G. Wood Nymph — Bright clear pink, with white markings on upper petals. G. Wilsonii — Light amaranth. G. White Perfection — Pure white ; fine bedder. G. White Vesuvius — Color, white ; round petals ; verj'^ free flow- ering. G. William Ciillen Bryant — The finest shaped single flowered Geranium known. Each floret on strong plants will meas- ure two inches across ; color a soft, rich, pure scarlet. The thickness of petal and size of flower makes it appear as if stamped out of thick velvet. The trusses are large. G. Zuleika — Upper petals shaded crimson, lower petals blush purple. DOUBLE GERANIUMS. The Double Geraniums have now been in cultivation for a num- ber of years, and at the present time include almost every desir- able color, even to pure white. Their general habit and appear- ance is similar to the Single Geraniums. The plants are equally valuable, whether employed for bedding or for growing in pots. The Double Geraniums have been wonderfully improved tlie past few yeai's and are in every way proving formidable rivals to the Single Geraniums, not only as to variety in color, but also in free flowering qualities, and in the dwarf branching habit. So excellent are many of the sorts of the present day, that those who grow flowers for sale depend largely on these for contributing lively colors to their cut flowers and bouquets. When well grown it is not rare to find flowers as large and full as a Carnation . while the colors are brighter than those of that favorite flower. They are very fine for winter blooming, lasting much longer than the single varieties. G. Admiral Seymotir— Rich, dark amaranth. G. Ami Hoste— Dark crimson, bhaded with purple. G. Amazone — Creamy white, free bloomer. G. Asteroid — Deep rich crimson. G. Alba Pcr/ecto— Large, fine, snowy- white flowers ; very free bloomer. 212 THE HOME FLORIST. G. Asa Gray — Salmon-pink flowers, edged with wliite ; one of the best sorts ; a constant bloomer. G. Boasingault — Orange-vermilion, softened with rose. G. Bishop Wood — The upper petals carmine-scarlet, lower petals a violet-rose ; a new color. G. B. K. Bliss — Of all varieties this has the largest flowers and most vivid coloring ; tlie individual flowers are two inches in diameter, of good shape, trusses large; color, a rich tone of ]5ure scarlet. G. Charles Danvin — Rich deep violet-purple, the base of the superior petals marked with a flaming color. G. Commandant Ott — Scarlet-orange, shading into vermilion; habit and form very fine. G. Cybele — A new and flue sort ; has immense trusses of large flowers of a bright salmon-rose color, some of the petals fluted and blotched blush white ; very distinct. G. C. H. Wagner — Brilliant orange-scarlet, with a purple hue on the lower petals. G. Candidissivia — A large, full, finely formed flower of the most snowy whiteness. G. Casimer Perier — Very double flowers of flaming orange, bordered wtth salmon. G. Cabanel — Plant dwarf and a vigorous grower; truss extraor- dinary large ; sj/lierical ; bright carmine color. G. Cheerfidness — A new colt)r ; flesh pink, shaded and mottled rose: extremely double petals somewhat fluted or fringed: a fine and distinct variety. G. Depute Ancelon — Deej) magenta-rose, with a violet cast ; very double and fine. G. Depute Berlet — A beautiful shade pink with a tinge of violet. G. Depute Lajlize — Flowers a dark vermilion purple, large trusses with the pips closely packed. G. Depute Varroy — A bright lake color, deep at edges of i)etals and shading to white at the center ; a beautiful shade. G. Dr. Jacoby — Enormous trusses of large double flowers of clear nankeen salmon ; one of the finest Geraniums in our col- lection . G. Ed. Andre— A beautiful flower, of dark rose, shaded with violet. G. Emit de Girardin — A splendid variety with enormous trusses of rose-colored flowers. THE HOME FLORIST. 21 3 G. Ernest Lauth — A magnificent variety; flowers large, full and well-formed; deep-glowing crimson, illuminated with scarlet. G. Flocon de Niege — Plant dwarf; free flowering; trusses very large; flowers pure white. G. Guillion Mangilli — Splendid large, round truss of rich carmine crimson; prolific bloomer and good bedder. G. Grand ChanceUer Faidherbe — A new sort; very thick and double flowers of a dark soft red, tinted with scarlet and heavily shaded with maroon; very dark and rich, and at the same time very bright; simply a superb variety. G. Gilded (roZd— Bright orange scarlet or flame color; flowers large, of fine form, branching habit, very constant bloomer and one of the best geraniums either for pot culture or for bedding. G, Gnstave Dore—A fine flower of shaded scarlet, reverse buff; very fine. G. General Saussier—Hosy salmon, shaded into violet; a very beautiful color; habit good, G. General Campenon — Large, fine truss, deep purplish red, shaded with violet. G. General Billot— Ijarge truss; extra large florets; its color is lake, tinted with flame. G. George Thorpe — The trusses are of immense size, on very strong foot stalks; the color is of the inost intense light crimson; the habit is branching and the foliage never burns; a grand variety. G. Hoff. Beach — Rich amaranth purple: of fine habit and robust constitution, the foliage wearing well in the hottest weather; the flowers are of good size, the trusses large and freely produced; a good variety for bedding. G. Henry Cannell— The richest, most vivid and dazzling scarlet; florets of great size and perfect form; always in bloom. Its glowing, velvety color cannot be excelled, and it will bed as well as the singles; the best double Geranium grown . G. Iroquois —"New , intense deep scarlet, very large and double flowers; very free flowering. G. Illuminator — Black velvety ci'imson; very double and brilliant; quilted. G. John Fennely — Very double, light salmon, striped with white. 214 • THE HOME FLORIST. G. J. ('. Rodbard — Brilliant red, upper petals tinged with purple. G. Jennie Reid — Very dwarf; bright scarlet. G. J. H. KUppart — Entirely distinct from any Geranium yet offered; flowers double, of the most dazzling vermilion scarlet, shaded with maliogany at base of petals; trusses very large, often measuring five inches in diameter; of globular shape, resembling a scarlet ball; a remarkably free bloomer, and equaling General Grant as a bedder; a mag- nificent variety; commended. G. J. P. Kirtland — Large, double flowers; color rich deep crim- son dashed with purple; upper petals stained with scarlet. G. Jewel — One of the most beautiful; very dwarf and compact; bright scarlet; very double. G. James Vick — Fine shade of crimson; lower petals changing to violet rose; a new color. G. J. P. Stahl — New, deep soft rose, edged with salmon; a beau- tiful color and one of the finest new geraniums introduced, G. John Heron — Rich plum purple; flowers and trusses larger; habit compact and spreading; a fine bedder and quite an acquisition. G. La Negre — Dark maroon, full and perfect; large trusses; one of the best. G. UAbbe Gregoire— Free flowering; the upper petals are of a fiery amaranth; tbe lower of a capucine red. G. Lemoines Co«»e/i— New. This is by far the most highlj'-col- ored Geranium grown; as nearly as it can be described, the color is a rich amaranthine red; the under petals very strongly marked with purple, producing a very rich and beautiful effect. G. Le P?7o^e -Glowing crimson scarlet; very brilliant, hand- somely-formed flowers, beautiful in its rich coloring. G. M. Hardy — Large flowers, very double; perfect in foi"m; of a delicate rosy pearl color. G. M. Pnteaux Chaiinbault — Plant dwarf and compact in form; spherical trusses; flowers semi-double; fine rose color; ex- cellent for pot culture. G. Mrs. Cope— Rich carmine red, of large size and immense trusses. G. Madame Amelia Ballet — Dwarf habit and remarkably clear; double pure white, in good trusses; the freest flowering dou- ble white yet raised. THE HOME FLORIST. 21 5 Gr. Madavie Thibaut — Flowers very large, of a rich rose color, washed with violet carmine; the upper petals strongly marked white at their bases; one of the best for winter flowering. G. Md. Grangeorge — Bright mauve; upper petals clear white toward the centre; a most beautiful sort. G. Mrs. Charles Pease — Has flowers of an exquisite deep pink color, with upper petals of each flower distinctly marked with pure white, so much so as to make it appear as if one- half the flower is white, producing a novel effect; one of the best for pot culture. G. M. Deriard— Enormous trusses of a magenta red, with a metallic shade; a very free bloomer. G. Minister CoMsfa?is— Flowers very large and full; bright orange shaded with salmon. G. Mary Anderson — Fine vermilion scai'let; a fine new sort. Cr . Mrs. Hayes — Very double flowers of a beautiful light shade of pink or flesh color; very fine. G. Monsieur Buckler — Flowers double, of good size; beautiful bright mahogany color. G. Monsieur Dibos — Flowers well made, in the form of rosettes, porcelain white; centre glossy rose. G. Maiden's Blush — White, finely flaked with rose; a new color. G. Paul St. Victor — Enormous truss, large florets, rosy carmine; foliage fine and compact. G. Phallas — A rich, apricot orange; most vivid in coloring; trusses very large; habit neat and free; fine and distinct bedding variety. G. President Charton — Salmon, brilliant at the centre, white ex- tremities of the petals G. Peter Henderson — Bright orange scarlet, very double; base of petals pure \f hite; a remarkably fine Geranium. G. Queen of Roses Dwarf; beautiful light rose flowers. G. Queen of the Fairies — A bi-color variety of the most perfect shape; rich flesh color, mottled with pearly white. G. Robert George— Deep crimson scarlet of great size; free bloomer. O. Sapier Pompier — Flowers large, very double and finely-shaped; color deep scarlet. G. Sylphide — Flowers delicate, sliglitly tinted with lilac, with a distinct white spot at the base of the petals. 2l6 . THE HOME FLORIST. G. Simon Delaux — Very double, large pips, rich violet purple. G. Souvenir de Castile — A splendid variety; flowere amaranthine red, beautifully toned with violet; a grand sort. G. Soleilett — In form dwarf, free blooming; of a rich violet lake color; very tine. G. Siren — Very large individual florets of pure white. G. The Gliost — Flowers white, finely formed; petals waxy and of great substance. G. Tlie Blonde — Salmon, deeply shaded orange; base of petals white, with a white margin, G. Victor iifwgro— Flowers very large and double, and color a flaming orange touched with the tints from the dawn of day; novel and superb effect. G. William Hamilton — New, a grand variety, rich deep crimson, with very bright maroon shadings; large flowers. G. Ziccot Ma ngenot —Yery large truss, speckled with cream color on a ground of light rose, with tints of carmine. IVY-LEAVED GERANIUMS. A splendid class of climbing or trailing Geraniums, adapted for baskets, vases, rock-work and training on trellises in pot culture. They have thick glossy foliage of a peculiar waxy texture, pos- sessing mostly the Ivy-leaf shape, which of itself would be of sufticient beauty to warrant their cultivation, but they also have the charming attraction of beautiful flowers as well as foliage. They bloom with the greatest freedom during the spring and sum- mer, flowers varying from pure white to dark rose, and the flowers show to delightful advantage, owing to the habit of the plants. The plants are also interesting for bedding, as they grow freely and creep beautifully, if not supjiorted, forming dense masses of glossy green, covered with beautiful flowers. SINGLE-FLOWERED IVY-LEAVED. G. Butterfly— Bright rose, striped crimson. G. Bridal Wreath— Fine, large trusses of pure white flowers; a very distinct variety. G. Innocence — Pure white; excellent. G. r elegante— Xn extremely i)retty variety of bright green foliage, with a broad band of creamy white, often margined with pink; its pure whit© blossoms are produced in dense clus- ters, THE HOME FLORIST. 217 Ivy-Lea ved Geraniiiin G. Mrs. H. Cannell— Large trusses of flowers of a deep mauve purple, perfectly round and produced in great abundance; largest flowered and most distinct ivj'-leaved Geranium grown. G. Princess Alexandria — Blush pink, feathered with violet crim- son; a strong grower; very free flowering, making one of the handsomest basket or vase plants that can be grown. G G DOUBLE FLOWERED IVY-LEAVED. Charm— A very fine large flower of a beautiful bright pink color, with rich crimson marking in the upper petals. G. Candeur — Flowers very double; pure white, of excellent form and habit ; a very beautiful variety. Countess Horace de Choiseid — Plant vigorous; leaves without zones; flowers very large, double and imbricated in good trusses; color bright golden salmon; the brightest colored of all the ivy-leaved varieties; one of the finest hanging- basket plants grown. 2lS THE HOME FLORIST. O. Glorie d' Orleans — A magnificent variety; flowers very large, of light violet red; always in bloom and flowers in clusters. O. Jeanne d'Aic — Flowers very large and double, of the pure.st white; fine habit; free flowering; the best. G. la Rosiere — Flowers of perfect shape, double and of good size; color satin rose; an excellent variety'. O. Madame Diibos — In this variety we have a real advance in double flowering Ivy Geraniums; the flowers are verv large, full, double; in color a deep, beautiful pink; an extra fine sort. O. Monsieur Pasteur — Flowers finely formed, very large petals, fine cherry color, suffused with rose; good habit and fine grower. G. Plutus — A fine variety; produces a fine, large rosette-like flower of a violet rose color. G. Vice-President JoZ?/— Flowers round and finely-formed; petals imbricated; color clear rosy lilac. This variety rivals the well-known zonale Mme. Thibaut in form and color. GOLDEN TRICOLOR AND SILVER-LEAVED AND TRICOLOR GERANIUMS (33, 50, 85^). As their names imply, the chief merit of this section consists in the distinctly margined and variegated foliage, although, with- out an exception, they produce fine flowers. Well-grown speci- mens as i:)ot plants are exceedingly handsome for decorating the parlor or conservatory, but tliey should have a position as near the glass as possible, as tlie colors will be more clearly defined for being thus treated. The different varieties are useful for plant- ing in ribbon beds to contrast with Coleus, Achyranthes, etc., or for edgings to beds of Scarlet Geraniums, and also for planting in baskets and vases. GOLDEN TRICOLOR GERANIUMS. G. Countess of Tyrconnell — Yellow margins with a bright car- mine zone. G. Countess of Craven — Margin of clear golden yellow, with a rich crimson zone. G. Crown Jewel — This has a fine bold leaf and good colors. G. Earl of Derby— Zone dark chestnut red and black; margin of golden yellow. THE HOME FLORIST. 219 Golden Tricolor Geranium. G. Edwina Fitzpatrick — Green, red zone, belted with crimson, edged with golden yellow. (t. Ehor — Broad gold margin, broad zone, tinted with flame red. O. Golden Pheasant — Leaves green; centre bounded by a splendid bronze zone; rich yellow belt. G. Humming Bird — A beautifully-shaped leaf; it is certainly one of the best. G. Jetty Lacy — Bronze gold margin, deep crimson zone; good grower. G. Louisa Smith — Deep yellow, margined with distinct zone of bright red and black. G. Mrs. Pollock — A magnificent variety; the green leaf disc, over- laid by a beautiful bronze red zone, belted with bright crimson and outwardly margined with golden yellow; very fine for the parlor or conservatory during winter and spring. G. Needle Gun — Margined with deep yellow; zone bright and lively. G. Queen of Tricolors — Crimson scarlet zone, with brimstone edge. G. Rosina Said — This is a beautiful tricolor, zone exceedingly bright and clear, with a bright yellow margin. G. Sir Robert Napier — The broadest and darkest zone, indented with brilliant scarlet; flesh-colored flowers; extra. 220 THE HOME FLORIST. O. Sunset— A rich, broad, outer golden belt, tlie inner margin of which is overlaid with a bright carmine red zone and Hame scarlet tints. G. So2)hia Dnmaresque—Golden margin marked by a brilliant flame-tinted scarlet zone. G Socnitcs— Golden leaf marghi; zone flame red upon a bronze belt. G. Star of India— Margin golden yellow; zone flame scarlet. SILVER-LEAVED AND TRICOLOR. O. .4rgMs— Chocolate zone, white and green markings; a strong grower; one of the best. G. Bi/oit— Leaves finely margined with white; scarlet flowers. G. Bvigld Star — A white edge; scarlet flowers. G. Brilliant — Leaves margined with white; bright scarlet flowers. G. Cherub — Leaves deep green, white and orange; flowers carmine. G. Castlernilk — The whitest margined variety; olive green center. G. Countess of Warwick — Vigorous grower; deep green, witli pinkish carminp zone, creamy edge. G. Emjiress Eugenie — A rose zone on a chocolate ground, white margin. G. Floicer of Spring — Leaves margined white; scarlet flowers. G. Fontainhleu — Margined with white; bright carmine zone. G. Freak of Nature — New; a very unique and attractive variety; outside leaves light green, with a large, pure white center; flowers light scarlet, dwarf and spreading. G. Glen Eyre Beauty — A beautiful variety with well-defined zone of dark chocolate and rosy carmine and very pui-e; white margin. O. Happy Thought — A tricolor Geranium, with very dark green foliage, having a light creamy, almost white center, with a dark band about the light zone. It is a beautiful plant, and flowers bright scarlet. G. Little Beauty — Silver margin, with pretty rose-tinted zone. G. Jane — Leaves mai'gined with white; very fine bedder. G. Mountain of Snow—Ihe finest of this class; a vigorous grower, an abundant bloomer, and for ribbon lines of massing is one of the best; the center of the leaf is bright green: the outer iiKii-^in broadly marked with silvery white; one of the whitest leaved sorts; flowers bright scarlet. THE HOME FLORIST. 221 Silver-Leaved Geranium. G. Mrs. John Clutton — A very attractive sort; leaves pale green, with a creamy white edging and a bright crimson zone, which is very brilliant on the young foliage, giving it almost the appearance of flowers. G. Mad. Sallervi— A yery compact variety of Silver Geranium; very fine for massing or bordering; a thrifty, liealthful grower, rarely reaching a height of more than six inches; leaves very small, of a peculiar clear green, edged with pure white. G. Prince Silverwings — A beautiful varietj-, silver tricolor; foli- age green, yellow and white edge, crimson zone. G. Queen of May — Foliage white, green, bronze and pink. 222 THE HOME FLORIST. G. Snowstorm — Oue of the finest in the class of Silver-Leaved Geraniums; the margin of the leaf is very broadlv mar- gined with white; dark green centre and scarlet flowers. G. Silver Cord — Pure white margin, green leaf. G. Silver Pheasant — A vigorous grower and good bedder; leaves margined creamy white; flowera scarlet. SCENTED AND CUT-LEAVED GERANIUMS. The Geranium family affords in this delightful section, a remarkable diversity of sweet- smelling odors in their foliage, resembling fruits, etc., which is not common with any othei class of plants to anything like a similar extent. The Hose, ApXile, Lemon, Orange and Peppermint are sufficiently dis- tinct in fragrance that no im- agination or fancy is retjuired to detect the resemblance to tiie natural fruits, etc., from which they derive their names. The Nutmeg fragrance in the Cut-Leaved Geranium. variety so called is not quite so apparent; neither is that of the Citron and Pennyroyal, yet these each jjossess quite a distinct fragrance which is agreeable and desirable for variety. The Oak-Leaved variety closely resembles the oak leaf in shape; has clearly defined variegations and bears attractive pink flowers with brilliant dark spots on the petals. Ferni folia is a beautiful variety with very thin, finely cut leaves of fern-like texture and of a transparent gieeu color, which ren- ders it of real interest. The Skeleton-Leaved is a very attractive variety with foliage of a skeleton-like appearance, that is to say: the loaves are singularly cut, the fleshy material lying along botii sides of the frame-work of ribs, but generally less than one- eighth of an inch in width in any part. Dr. Living.sto)tc some- what resembles the skeleton-leaved and makes a remarkably prelty plant. Lady Plymouth, besides possessing fragrance, is similar in the form of its foliage to the Rose, with distinctly THE HOME FLORIST. 223 marked edges and variegations of white throughout. This is a beautiful variety for pot culture or for bedding out. Shnibland Pet is a free-growing variety with leaves of sweet fragrance somewhat resembling Rose ; it grows rapidly when bedded, assuming a height of eighteen inches, and bears constantly in summer, hundreds of rich crimson flowers. Little Gem is a dwarf grower and profuse bloomer, with deep green foliage resembling the Rose in form; very desirable as a pot or summer- bedding plant. O. Balm Scented — Has very large foliage; deliciously fragrant. G. Betulin i (Birch-Leaved) — Leaf small, flowers nearly white ; delicious birch fragrance. O. Mrs. TViyZor— Foliage not A^ery fragrant, but beautiful; flowers scarlet, in good clusters, shaped like a small Pelargonium; blooms very freely and constantly. G. Rose Scented -There are two kinds — one the broad leaf variety and the other more finely cut. All the scented and cut-leaved Geraniums are valuable as pot plants, as they are not alone dependent upon bloom to make them attractive, althougli nearly all bear flowers freely, and some are really very desirable on this account. For making bou- quets, and as a back ground for button-hole flowers they are indispensable. Their value as bedding plants seems not to be justly appreciated by cultivators. They are without exception, rapid, liandsome growers, and become, in a short time after bed- ding, exceedingly beautiful. All the varieties propagate readily from cuttings, except the Apple, which is reared from seed. GOLDEN BRONZE GERANIUMS. This class of Geraniums has been greatly improved in the last few years, combining the brightest colored flowers, with beauti- ful foliage. They are admirable bedding plants, attracting all by their bright foliage; even during the heat of summer they pos- sess qualities that are not attained by any other class of Geran- iums. SINGLE-FLOWERED VARIETIES. G, Beauty of Caidderdale—ljight golden yellow foliage, dark chestnut zone, scarlet flowers. G. Black Hawk — Dark brown zone on yellow ground; scarlet flowers. 224 THE HOME FLORIST. I Golden Bronze Geranium. G. Bronze Model — Golden foliage, brown zone, scarlet flowers; extra fine. G Crystal Palace Gem — Fine yellow, with green disc; extra fine bedder. G. Distinction — Very peculiar leaf markings, not a bronze; the leaves are enriched near the edge with a very narrow zone of deep black. Placed here for want of class suitable f and six or nine inches apart; keep tied to stakes, or, if in beds, to twine stretched across the bed. By the middle of October take up the bulbs, leave them to dry for a few days, but not exposed to frosts, remove the to]3S, and store in a moderately warm dry place through the winter for next year's planting. The rapid natural increase of the Gladiolus un- der common cultivation, together witli the slight first cost of superior bulbs, always tends to make their culture satisfactory. G. Adonis — Light clierry, marked with white. G. Annatal Levanneur — Brilliant crimson, with maroon and azure. G. Antonius — Cherry color, tinged with orange. G. Aristole — Rosy lilac, mottled with crimson, yellow and car- mine. G. Berenice — Rose, streaked with carmine and pnrjjle. G. BrencliJeyensis — Deep vermilion scarlet: fine. G. Chus. Dickx'ns — Delicate rose, blaz( d with crimson rose. G. Couranti Fulgens — Brilliant crimson, with yellow. G. Daphne — Light cherry, with darker stripes, stained with car- mine. G. DeAudry — Brilliant. G. Don Juan — Rich, fiery orange, with darker marks and blotches. G. Emma — Clear, deep carmine; dwarf. G. Eugene F(?rc?/er^Rich carmine, with deep crimson spots. G. Fanny Rouguet — Rosy flesh color, with carmine stripe) excel- lent. G. Galatliea — Fine pinkish white, with carmine spots and stains. G. Gandavensis — Red, marked with yellow, amaranth stripe. G. Gem — Rosy lilac, slightly penciled with carmine and yellow. G. Hercules — Fawn and scarlet, with yellow. G. John Bull — White, slightly tinged with lilac, and sometimes of pinkish color; large and excellent. G. Lelia — Peach blossom, stained lilac. G. Lord Byron — Brilliant scarlet, stained with pure white. G. Madame de Vatry — White, with violet crimson tint. G. Madame Hercinque — White, yellow and rosy violet; marbled. G. Madame JTocquin — Blotched and marbled scarlet. G. Madame La Febre — Light pink and rose. G. Madame Victor Verdier — Scarlet and rose, with violet spots. THE HOME FLORIST. 22/ G. Mars — Fine form and color. G. Mazeppa — Kosy orange and red, large yellow stems; late. G. Meteor — Dark brilliant red with wliite stains. G. Meyerbeer — Very brilliant light red, blazed with vermilion, amaranth stain; superb. G. Mons. Fnic/io?i — Light salmon red. G. Nemesis— Rosy scarlet, with yellow and purple. G. Ninon de Endor — Fine rose, flushed with carmine. G. Osiris — Purplish rose, with dark blotches. G. Pallas — Bright rose, shaded with orange. G. Princess de Montrague — Brilliant red ; dwarf. G. Princess of Wales — White, blazed with carminate rose. G. Princess Fred. William — Flesh color, lightly streaked. G. Proserpine — Rosy white, marked with deep rose and crimson. G. Rembrandt — Bright scarlet. G. Stuart Bow — Violet rose, stained deep rose. G. Urania — White, blazed with carminate rose. G. Vesta — White, shaded and marked with carmine pink. (?. Victoria — ^Rosy red, with a slight white centre. GLOXINIAS {Tender Bidb). These are among the handsomest of our summer-blooming greenhouse plants, the rich and varied coloring of the flowers being beautiful in the extreme: flowers 2 inches long by H inches in diameter; upright and pendulous; colors crimson, violet, rose, scarlet, white etc. The bulbs should be started in April, and af- ter blooming all summer, require a season of rest. This can be given by gradually withholding water from them. After they are dried off, tliey may be kept in a warm, dry cellar or under the stage of a greenhouse. GNAPHALIUM LANATUM (Greenhouse Perennial, 33. 45, 90°). A white-leaved plant, of spreading habit, about one foot higli; well adapted for the front lines of ribbon beds, also snitable for use in baskets and vases; propagated from cuttings. GODETIA (Hardy Anyiual), Annuals of good quality, readily grown trom seed, wliich may he sown where tbey are to flower. They thrive in any garden soil, and bloom nearly the entire season. 228 THE HOME FLORIST. GOLDFUSSIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 90°). Natives of India, shrubs with dark green leaves, and spikes of very pretty funnel-shaped flowers, blooming most of the winter in moderate heat and moisture. In good friable soil they will grow luxuriantly; propagated from cuttings. G. anisophylla — Flowers pale lilac, and very abundant. GOMPHRENA— English Clover {Half Hardy Annual). An indispensable class of everlasting flowers, with colors as brilliant and showy as any belonging to this interesting group. Aside from the desirable quality in the flowers of drying and re- taining their forms and colors for years, they are highly useful as summer decorative plants. For this purpose they may be planted singly in the border, or used for massing and ribboning, on ac- count of their free-flowering habit. The flowers are also useful in their fresh state for summer cutting. The colors are white, flesh-color, dark purplish crimson, and orange. Sow the seed in a hot-bed or window-box, quite early, and transplant the young seedlings, the latter part of May, to a foot apart in tiie garden. By removing the cottony husk which envelopes the seed, it will germinate more freely. For drying, do not pick before they are of full size, which will be in August or September. Gomphrenas are also well adapted for pot culture in summer, flowering nearly as freely in tliis way as in the open ground; for this purpose the soil should be rich, and no lack of water allowed at any time. GOLD DUST SHRUB— AucuBA Japonica {Greenhouse Peren- nial, 30, 45, 85°). A beautiful pot plant, prized for its attractive foliage; the leaves, of which are large, smooth, and of a deep green color, exquisitely blotched or speckled with golden yellow. The plant is almost hardy, and will thrive under the most ordinary treatment; very desirable in the window, conservatory or for summer decoration in pots. GRASSES FOR DRYING {Annuttls and Biennials). These seed-grown grasses, though, of course, not brilliant as re- gards colors, are always interesting in the garden and not unde- sirable for cutting with flowers in summer. But, it is for their use with the everlasting flowers for the formation of winter THE HOME FLORIST. 229 bouquets, wreaths and other ornaments that they are particularly valuable. For this purpose they should be cut in a green state and dried in the shade. O. Agrostis nebulosa — Is a most elegant, ornamental grass; fine feathery and very delicate. O Briza maxivia — Is one of the best of the ornamental grasses; perfectly hardy; sow in the open ground any time in the spring. G. Briza minor — Is very small and pretty; sow early. G. Bromns brizaformis — Is much like Briza Maxima, but is only useful the second summer after sowing. G. Coix Lachryma (Job's Tears) — This plant is of no value for drying to be used in the formation of winter bouquets, but is grown for its wonderful bead-like seeds. These appear to be as hard as glass, possessing a glazed surface, and each seed is naturally punctured with a hole, which admits of their being strung like beads; not brilliant, but interesting and easily grown. G. Lagurus ovatus (Hare's Tail Grass) — Has a showy head; ex- cellent. G. Stipa xwnnata (Feather Grass)— A most useful and exceed- inglj' graceful and handsome grass for winter bouquets, flowering the second season. Wherever the seed is sown the rows should be distinctly labeled, for the growth so nearly resembles ordinary grass that it would be in dan- ger of being weeded out, unless guarded by such means. GYMNOSTACHYUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 38, 55, 90"). Beautiful pot plants for the conservatory or for fernery culture in the window, with smooth leaves, richly painted with reticula- tions, which vary from red to rich pink and white, on a deep green ground. A warm, damp, shady place suits them best. Propagated from cuttings. G. argyronera — Distinctly veined with white; creeping habit. G. gigantea — Strong grower, veined with pink; creeping habit. G. Versclwffelti — Beautiful, veined with red; creeping habit. GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM— Pampas Grass. {Half-Hardy Perennial). A highly ornamental reed-like grass from South America, attaining a height of six or seven feet, with magnificent plumes 230 THE HOME FLORIST. of wliite flowers, measuring from one to two feet in length; excellent for massing in lawns, M-bere it presents a noble appear- ance. Its roots can be preserved through the winter by keeping in a cellar or cold frame. Propagated by division. GYPSOPHILA {Hardy Annual and Perennials). Free-flowering, graceful, little plants for the garden. Readily grown from the seed, and bears very small, rose-colored flowers on delicate stems, which present an exceedingly light and airy appearance, somewhat resembling the seeds of grasses. HABROTHAMNUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 85°). The following graceful species are greenhouse plants of easy cultivation. They may be trained as vines or as small trees. Grow in fibrous loam and a little sand; they are among the gay- est of slirul)s, with their iianicles of red and purple flowers, which are borne in profusion. Propagated from cuttings: H. elegans, flowers bright carmine or purpk ; H. coecineus, bright scarlet, tassel-like flowers. Both varieties are good winter bloomers. HANGING BASKET, VASE AND TRELLIS PLANTS. Select list, page 40. HEDERA. See Ivy. HELIANTHUS— Sun Flower {Hardy Annual), A well-known genus of rather coarse, large flowering plants for the garden, which can be rendered useful in mixed collections of tall growing Ricinus, Cannas, etc., in beds in the back-ground. There are double and single varieties, all of which may be grown with the greatest ease by sowing the seed where they are to bloom. There are also some hardy perennial species. HELICHRYSUM— Everlasting Flower {Hardy Annual). Everlasting flowers of great merit for winter bouquets and other indoor decorations, as well as for their beauty in the flower garden in the summer. There are several beautiful and even brilliant colors and shades, including dark purple, yellow, orange, white, bright rose, etc. Some of the colors are not common to the other families of everlastings. The flowers also being very doul)le, should not be overlooked by the cultivator who is seeking good kinds for drying. Cut the flowers before they are fully THE HOME FLORIST. 23 1 expanded, and also cure some of the buds, which make up beau- tifully, and are desirable for variety. The young plants trans- plant readily; the seed may be sown in the hot-bed or in the house in April, afterwards setting the seedlings out at a distance of a foot apart. HELIOTROPE {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 85°). This is an important plant either for pot culture or bedding out. The flowers, which are freely produced, are prized for their delicate colors, they being colors that are rare among choice flowers - but, above all, for their delicious, vanilla-like odor, which has given to the plant a great reputation among fra- grant flowers. The plants make a rapid growth in the open air and bear an immense number of flowers until frost. For winter blooming in the window or conservatory it is best to start with young plants of the spring previous, or some propagated from young shoots in May or June. Such will make strong plants by the first of October, provided they have been brought along in rich soil, and have never become badly pot- bound before receiving a shift into larger pots; and always amply supplied with water. For winter flowers the Heliotrope should be given the most sunny exposure that can be afforded, providing it is sufficiently warm, as they will not tluive in much shade. Wa?h the foliage occa- sionally and see that no red spider attacks the plants. The soil should contain a small portion of sand. The Heliotrope can be grown to a great age by training the shoots to a trellis, but its culture is more satisfactory, with plants that are renewed each year, and then keeping them bushy, by pinching back. H. B. Pfitzer — Lavender rose, shaded. H. Cardinal Richelieu — Bright bluish lavender. H. Caroline des Antoines — Lilac-blue. H. Chieftain — Light blue; exceedingly fine. H. Due de Lavendary — Rich blue, dark eye. H. Florence Nightingale— Ijight lavender. H. Incomparable — Light; Aery fragrant. H. Jtdiette — Dark violet; the darkest sort. H. Mrs. Burgess — Deep lilac. H. Snoio Wreath — Pure white; fragrant; the best of its color. H. Swanley Giant — The color might be termed a carmine rose. The size of the truss is immense, often measuring ten inches in diameter, and of the most exquisite fragrance. 232 THE HOME FLORIST. IIELIPTERUM SANFORDII {Tender Anitual). A choice and distinct everlasting flower, growing less than one foot in height, with large, globular clusters of liriglit golden yel- low, star-like flowers, which, individually, are of small size. Very desirable for winter bouquets, and cutting fresh in summer. Sow in heat and transplant to the garden after all danger of frost. HESPERIS MATRONALIS ALBA PLENO {Hardy Herbacemis Perennial). A fine, hardy, herbaceous plant, with spikes of clear, double white flowers a foot long, produced in earlj' summer, and which are highly esteemed for their fragrance and beauty. HETEROCENTRON {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 45, 90°). A genus of vigorous growing, free blooming plants of easy cul- tivation; they also bed out in the open air with equal facility. Pot in good, light, fibrous soil, with plenty of drainage; they are a fine class of winter blooming i^lants; propagated by cuttings. II. altnim — Long racemes of white flowers, produced freely. H. roseum — Color of the flowers pale rose ; a valuable plant. HIBISCUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90°). The Chinese Hibiscus are among our most gaudy sub-tropical shrubs, with very glossy foliage. They can be grown in tubs and kept for years by wintenng over in a warm dry cellar or pit, or by placing them in a greenhouse at that season will well repay the little care bestowed on them in return for the profusion of brilliant bloom tliey will bear. They are also admirably adapted for bedding in the open border during summer, and under the hottest sun will produce gorgeously colored flowers of enormous size, averaging five or six inches in diameter. They make noble specimen plants and are easily propagated from cuttings. H. anranticnm j)lena —Do\ih\e orange, salmon flowers. H. Coopcri tricolor — Foliage beautifully variegated witli dark green, pink and wliite; flovvei-s crimson. 7/. Collcrii — A remarkably new distinct variety, introduced from the South Sea Islands. Flowers buff yellow, with a crim- son scarlet base, and particularly handsome. H, Denison l-rosea — Large single flowers; clear, transparent rose, changing to purq \\lute, THE HOME FLORIST. '33 Hibiscus. H. grandiflorus — Rich glossy foliage, blooming profusely through the summer, literally covering the plant with scarlet-crim- son single flowers. H. miniatus semi-plena — The finest and most brilliant, semi-dou- ble vermilion scarlet flowers: petals waved and recurved and very handsome. H. magnijicus — Very large flower and of perfect form; color deep magenta, ends of the petals touched with brown; foliage finely toothed. H. rosa sinensis — Flowers red and very large, averaging nearly five inches in diameter. H. rvhra plena — A magnificent double variety, with large red flowers. H. Schizopetalu^—F\ov:ers drooping, with reflected orange-red laciniated petals : a curious and valuable variety. H, siib-i'iolaceous — Flowers enormous ; semi-double, clear car- mine, tinted -with violet ; probably the largest flower in the Hibiscus (Chinensis) family, and anunusuaUy free bloomer. It is a pleasure to recommend this fine plant. >34 THE HOME FLORIST. H. versicolor — A A-ariety combining in its flowers all colors of the whole family, being handsomely striped, crimson, buff rose and white. H. 2;e6/-('/(H.s— Double, outer petals scarlet, edged with yellow; inner petals very irregular, curiously variegated, with creamy-yellow and scarlet. HOLLYHOCK {Hardy Herbaeous Perennial). A well-known and splendid hardy plant for the garden, rank- ing witli the Dahlia for summer decoration, and, from its stately growth and the vai"ied colors of its maguiUcent spikes of flowers, may justly demand a place in every collection where suitable sit- uations for its tall growth are found. It may be perpetuated from the seed, or bj' dividing the roots. The plants flower the second year, from seed sown in the spring or before the flrst of September. To increase it by division, the stalks should be cut down in August, afterwards dividing the roots with a sharp knife. They are impatient of a wet soil and will winter badly unless grown where it is dry, a well drained light rich soil being best suited to them. HONEYSUCKLE— Woodbine Lonicera {Hardy Cliviber). The Honeysuckles are among the most desirable of all our hard climbers. Certain it is that the associations connected with the fragrant Honeysuckle will make them always popular. Among flowers none are more classic in flower-lore. For real home vines, to be near you, clambering over your windows and doorways, there is nothing prettier or more desirabh^ tlian fine, sweet-scented Honeysuckles ; the foliage is pretty, neat and clean, the flowers almost continuous and their fragrance delicious. Propagated from cuttings. H. Chinese Evergreen— This variety blooms nearly all the season and is deliciously fragrant ; flowers bulf-yellow and white; retains its foliage during winter, making it very desirable. H. Aurea reficnhitn or Golden-Lcmrd Hoiicysnckh' — A variety with beautiful variegated foliage; the leaves are netted and veined with clear yellow, flowers yellow and fragrant. This variety is somewhat tender and requires slight pro^ taction. THE HOME FLORIST. 235 H. Hallia)ia—(H.a\Vs Jai)an) — This species is the most constant bloomer of the class, being literally covered all summer with its beautiful yellow and white flowers, which are very fragrant. H. Red Coral or Scarlet Trumpet — This is the old well-known variety ; it is a rapid grower, the flowers are bright red and t lumpet-sh aped . H. European Sweet-scented (Belgian) — A fine liardy grower; flow- ers large and exceedingly sweet; color bluff, yellow and red; a constant bloomer; the finest Honeysuckle; suitable for trellis or pillar. H. Yellow Truvipet (flava) — A flne grower, yellow flowers. HOYA CARNOSA— Wax Plant {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90 ). A pot plant of climbing habit, with finely formed, thick, waxy foliage, and well adapted to window and conservatory cul- ture. The flowers, which are produced in clusters, have a pearly, wax-like appearance, and are star-shaped, with a pink or crimson center. The plants are of easy culture and continue to increase in beauty for years if provided with suitable trellis for supjiort. The Hoya does not require much water, when growing in the window, it should have its foliage cleaned of accumulating dust occasionally. There is also a variegated variety; foliage deep green, broadly bordered and margined with pink and pui'e white. Both varieties easily propagated from cuttings. HYACINTH {Hardy Bulb). The Hyacinth is a well-known genus of those hardy bulbs that are planted in the fall and which flower early in the spring. In common with the Tulip, Crocus, etc., it is adapted for winter flowering in the window or conservatory, and is preferred above all other bulbs for such purposes. The flowers are very fragrant, of beautiful forms, both double and single, possess attractive col- ors, and remain beautiful for a great length of time, either wlien forced or in the open air. In the garden they should he planted six or eight inches apart and four inches deep. On pages 32 and 52 will be found directions for cultivating the Hyacinth, and other bulbs of similar requirments, in the garden and in pots for winter blooming. 2X6 THE HOME FLORIST. Hyacinth, HYDRANGEA {Greenhouse Perennial and Hardy Shrub, 32, 45, tO). A species of woody shrubs, generally hardy throughout the Middle States when protected, with the exception of Pauiculata grandillora, which is perfectly hardy. They do the best in a cool, moist and shady situation; propagated by cuttings. H. Hortcusis variegata — Is a somewhat rare and beautiful variety of the preceding, with the foliage distinctly blotched with clear white upon green. It is readily grown and forms one of the most delightful vai'iegated house plants which caii be cultivated, THE HOME FLORIST. 237 H. Hortensis -Is a well-known pot plant, and much esteemed for its great profusion of elegant but monstrous flower-heads, which pass in rotation through several shades of pink col- ors, and remain upon the plant for months. The plants succeed rather better in a shady place than where it is sunny, on which account they are valuable for house cul- ture. The pot plants require a plentiful suj^ply of water during their season of growth and flowering. Being toler- ably hardy, in the Southern States it may be planted in the open air and remain out during winter with protection, and here it will flower profusely from June to October. H. Thomas Hogg — The immense trusses of flowers are first slightly tinged with green, becoming of the purest white and remaining so a long time; the florets are of good sub- stance and of fine texture, making them very desirable for decorative purposes; the clusters, when well grown, are very large, being fi-om twelve to eighteen inches across. H. Schizophragma hydrangeoides (New Climbing)— A new vari- ety from Japan. Mr. Thomas Hogg describes it as grow- ing in its native wilds to the height of fiftj^ feet, producing corymbs of white flowers similar to the ordinary Hydran- gea. It climbs exactly like Ivy, and one can imagine the effect of a wall or a tree so covered while in full bloom. Eeported to be perfectly hardy. H. paniculata grandiJJora — This is one of the most valuable hardy shrubs in cultivation. It attains a height of three or four feet, and is perfectly hardy in all parts of ohe country. The flowers are white, borne in immense pyramidal pani- cles nearly a foot in length. The plants should be cut back every Spring at least one-half of the last season's growth, as the flowers are borne on new wood and are much finer when the plants are treated in this way. Fine for cemetery decoration. H. Otaksa — A splendid variety from Japan. Flowers large, bright pink, tinted with blue; produced very freely. ICE PLANT. (See Mesembryanthemum.) IBERIS. (See Candytuft.) IMPATIENS SULTANI {Greenhouse Perennial, 40, 55, 90°). This is one of the most distinct and beautiful of -all flowering plants of recent introduction, either as a winter-blooming 238 THE HOME FLORIST. pot-plant, or for bedding in the border in the summer. It is of a compact neat habit of growth, with good constitution, and a i)er- pctual bloomer; the flowers are of a brilliant rosy-scfulet color, of a peculiarly distinct but most etfective hue, about one and a half inches in diameter, and are produced singly or in twos and threes from the axils of the leaves, especially toward the summit of the stems, but so freely that a well-grown specimen ajipears to be quite a ball of flowers. It propagates by cuttings. IPOMCEA (Tender Annual). A splendid family of climbers, uith which the Morning Glory is classed by some, although all the varieties, besides, are more tender than this well-known climber. Our seasons are rather short in the North to derive great satisfaction from the tcLder kinds, unless they are brought forward in heat. By sowing the seed in March or April and cultivating in pots, or transplanting, with great care, to a sheltered situation in the ground after June first, they will amply rei)ay all the care bestowed upon them, and will, by this means, flower profusely until frosts. There will be little use of sowing the seeds in the open ground before the last of May, as the soil must be warm to enable them to germinate. The seeds are hard, and previous to sowing should be soaked in boiling water, and allowed to remain until the water is cold. The Ipomoeas are very desirable plants for cultivation in pots for con- servatory decoration. Under any ciiTumstances, they require a soil well enriched with rotten manure. I. eocciiwa (Star Ipoma^a) — Is a handsome variety of free growth and profuse blooming habits, especially after mild summer. The product consists of small, bright scarlet flowers that are very attractive. This species does quite well ordinarily, by sowing in the open ground, towards the end of May. I. Jiederacea grandiflora — Includes several beautiful varieties, with flowers somewhat similar to the Morning Cilory, but much larger and of the most delicate colors, such as light blue, blue witli a white edge, blue with a purple center, white with pink center, and white shaded with purplish red. They are exceedingly handsome and well repay the care necessary to rear them. THE HOME FLORIST. 239 I. Quamoclit (Cypress Vine) — Is an exceedingly beautiful variety, that, for elegance of foliage, gracefulness of habit, and loveliness of flowers, is without a rival among annual climbing plants, but it is quite tender. There are varieties with scarlet, white and rose-colored flowers, all of which open in the morning, and contrast delightfully with the rich green, delicately cut foliage. IPOMGEA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 80°). I. Mortonii—A. valuable vine or creeper, w^ell suited either for climbing on trellis work or drooping over the sides of bas- kets or vases; flowers pinkish lilac. I. noctiphiton (Evening Glory, or Moon Flower)— As a climber of rapid growth to cover arbors, verandas, old decayed trees or walls, it has no superior. Its flowers are pure w-hite, five inches in diameter, moon-like and as they expand at night have a striking effect : both of the greenhouse varie- ties are propagated by cuttings. IRIS— Flower de Luce {Bulbous Hardy Perennials). Garden plants of elegant habit and beautiful flowers, compris- ing several divisions— those most commonly met with being the English and Sjmnish Iris, wliich are bulbous, and the German Iris, which are the well-known hardy, tuberous perennials, gen- erally going by the name of Flag Lily, and which thrive in any garden soil. English and Spanish Iris. — This division includes numerous varieties, flowering in June, which embrace the most delicate shades of liglit and dark blue, brown, purple, yellow, white and variously striped and spotted flowers of exceedingly handsome appearance. The bulbs should be planted in the Autumn, with Hyacinths, Tulips and other hardy bulbs (see directions, page 32), and need not be taken up oftener than once in three years. These are also desirable for pot culture in winter (see " Culture of Hya- cinths and other Hardy Bulbs for Winter Decoration," page 52). The English varieties are of more robust habits than the Spanish, but in other respects quite similar. German Iris.— These are valuable plants for the garden, being of the easiest culture in any soil, and producing many beautiful flowers in the Spring. There are numerous varieties, of almost as many colors and shades, including yellow, blue, purple, white 240 THE HOME FLORIST. and salmon— some distinctly of one color, and others striped, spotted and tipped with various colors. The tubers grow rapidly and should be taken up once every three or four years, and be re-set. ISOLEPSIS GRACILIS (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 55, 85°). A small genus of very pretty, low-growing, fine, rush-like grasses; they are peculiarly adapted for hanging baskets, vases, window boxes, etc. One variety is plain green, and another sort is green with a bluish or white caste, wliich makes it very effec- tive; increased by division. IVY — Hedera {Hardy and Tender Perennials). Sometimes I think the reason wliy Ivies are not grown in every house is, because ama- teurs have not all become ac- quainted with their perfect adai)tability to house culture. In the first place the Ivy natur- allj" delights in a situation. par- tially or wholh" shaded from the su'.i, which allows of its be- ing giown or trained in any part of the room, and at a dis- tance from the window. Tiien again, wholly unlike most plants, the Ivies are not at all particular as regards tempera- ture, or whether the atmos- phere is dry or damp. Frosts do not affect the plants as they are evergreen, and all the varie- ties are nearly, some quite hardy in the latitude of Buffalo, wliile on the other liand, they will all bear 7.")' or upwards of lu-at with impunity. The plant requires but little attention, is exception- ally free of insects and would continue to thrive for a long time under neglect that would kill most other plants outright. It is true the Ivy ordinarily bears no flowers, but the foliage presents a remarkably bright and glossy appearance, and is of an attrac- tive green color, exce[)t where variegated or l)lotchi'(l; besides in THE HOME FLORIST. 24I the different varieties numerous distinct and interesting forms and variegations exist permanently, on which account we do not mind the lack in this respect. The Ivy is a very tractable cUmber and if planted in a large-sized pot and is kept in the parlor or sitting-i'oom, it may be trauied to cover the side of the room or ceiling, festoon a pillar, climb and train about a window sill, or u^. a wire screen or trellis, and endless other uses. It is also un- equaled as a climber or drooper for hanging baskets. As a rule, the variegated varieties are of slower growth than the others, and not so good for planting where a large space is to be covered with foliage, but for pot culture they are excellent. Propagate easily from cuttings or by layers. H, bicolor — A variety of free growth, the leaves edged with sil- very white. H. canariensis (English Ivy) — An excellent variety for cultiva- tion in the house, being a free grower and very beautiful. H. canariensis viarmarata — Very similar to the above, except that the foliage is distinctly marbled with silvery white and yellow; vigorous. H. clivysocarpa — Exceedingly pretty, with narrow, elongated leaves; a handsome and free grower. H. folia picta — Leaves clearly blotched with golden yellow. H. gracilis — A slender, rapid-growing variety, with attractive narrow-lobed leaves; by pinching back the ends of shoots, to induce a dense growth, it forms a beautiful pot plant without a trellis; also superior as a drooper in baskets, etc. 1±. Helix (Irish Ivy) — The hardiest of all Ivies; leaf similar to Canariensis; will thrive unpi'otected in the North, if planted where the sun in winter cannot strike it. H. japonica argeufea— Silver margmed Japanese; distinct. H. latifolia, maculata — A free-growing variety, mai-bled and blotched in a very attractive manner. H. marginata Cidlissi — Cullis' silver margined; very fine. H. marginata elegant issima — Margined with light yellow. H. palmata (Palm-leaf Ivy) — An attractive and interesting Ivy, with beautifully defined foliage. H. poetica (Poet's Ivy) — A handsome variety, of beautiful form of leaf and growth. H. regneriana — Very large leaves of roundish outline and massive growth. H. rhomba variegata — Silver margined, distinct and beautiful. 242 Tin-: HOME FLORIST. H. conglomerata — A very curious dwarf form of fan-like growth; small crested ; erect foliage. IVY PARLOR, OR GERMAN. See Senecio. IXORA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90°). Among our most splendid flowering plants, requiring a high temperature and moist atmosphere. Care must l)e taken to keep them free from injurious insects, as they are very liahle to the at- tacks of mealy bug and scale. Pot in good sti'ong peat, fibrous loam and a little sand. Shade and water must never be neglected. They produce their handsome flowers in corymbs of a variety of colors; should be more generally grown; propagated from cuttings. 7. blanda — Very conspicuous scarlet flowers. I. cocciiica snperha — Large heads of orange scarlet flo^vers. /. Frazeri — Light orange scarlet; elegant. I. prince})s — Bright scarlet; brilliant. /. regina — Rich violet-salmon color; large trusses. JAPANESE STRIPED MAIZE {Tender Annual). A plant closely allied and quite similar to the common Indian Corn, the foliage of which is beautifully striped throughout its entire length witli Avhite of various widths, rendering the jjlant very efi'ective when grouped with ("an)ias, Helianthus, Holly- hocks, Ricinus, etc., or if planted in ribbon lines. May be started in pots about May 1st, or planted where wanted several weeks later. The plant retains its attractiveness for a long time, as it does not tassel and seed as freely as the common Maize or Indian Corn. JASMINE OR Jessamine {Greenhouse Perennial and Hardy Shrub, 35, 50, 85 ). The Jasmine is a favorite greenhouse or house plant everywhere north, while in the south it is perfectly hardy. It is the idol of the poets and one of the sweetest flowers. Among the species are found e(iually desirable subjects for decorating the greenhouse and tlie out-door border, combining in every instance freedom and elegance with the most delicious fragrance; propagates from cuttings. 1 THE HOME FLORIST. 243 JasnAne, or Gardenia. J, Radicavs — A narrow-leaved variety of the Cape Jasmine; very fragrant double white flowers. J. Mrsutum — Produces its pure white flowers in great abund- ance ; very fragrant. 244 THE HOME FLORIST. J. ijrandijlornm (Catalonian Jasmine) — A plant for pot culture; of climbing habit, with delicately cut foliage, and which is much esteemed for the fragrance of its pure w-liite single flowers. Fine for winter flowering in a warm light window or in the conservatory; it can be trained to a stake or trellis, ov be planted for twining up pillars. The soil in which it is grown should be loose and of a fertile character. J. Maid of Orleans — Very large, creamy white, fragrant flowers. J. Grand Duke of Tuscany— The finest of all double Jasmines for scent, which is quite distinct from any other flower; blos- soms very white and double, resembling white roses, and in flower a long time. J. poetica — Similar to the Catalonian Jessamine; flowers smaller, but borne on larger spikes. The leaves are larger, and it is a stronger grower; makes a most valuable climbing plant, though, if desired, it can be grown in bush form; fragrant. ./, revohitum — A yellow-flowered Jessamine, growing rapidly to tlie height of from ten to twenty feet. A splendid plant for the Southern States, as it is hardy south of Maryland; very fragrant. J. mnltijlorum — The flowers, which are pure white, are borne in clusters. It flowers freely, and as a house i)lant it is un- equaled, blooming constantly from early fall until summer. It requires plenty of light and will thrive in considerable heat, making fine specimens and producing thousands of flowers. J. nndiflorum — Hardy, blooming very early; yellow flowers. J. ojjicinale — Flowers pure white and (juite fragrant ; it grows from four to six feet in height. Tlieconimcm white JasTuine of our gardens. J. Sanibac — Very double, white; very fragrant; hot-house plants. J. frutescens — A hardy shrub, yellow flowers, slender shoots; very free blooming. J. GracilUmuin (New)— Exceedingly floriferous; a flowering slioot is produced from eveiy joint, which terminates in a dense cluster of pure white fragrant flowers, blooming from October to February. J. trifolidta — An imjiroved variety' of the Grand Duke Jasmine style; very free bloomer, very fragrant and double white. THE HOME FLORIST. 245 CAPE JASMINE— Gardenia Florida. Well known for its deliciovis fragi^ance and the beauty of its flowers, which are white and double; shaped like miniature CamelUas. JONQUIL. (See Narcissus.) JUSTICIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90°). An upright growing pot-plant of free growth, crowned with terminal spikes of flowers nearly the wliole year. The plants are easily grown in any soil, but should be well drained with pot- sherds or gravel, and there should be abundant pot room; propa- gated from cuttings. J. carnea — Produces beautiful spikes of a rosy-pink color. J. hydrangoides — Large flowers; lilac ami white. J. sanguinea — Large spikes of a beautiful dark red. KENILWORTH IVY. (See Linaria.) KLEINIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 45, 80°). A genus of African succulents, with fleshy stems and thick candelabra-like branches; fine for ornamental gardening. They love heat and dislike dampness. Pot in peaty rough loam and sand; propagate from cuttings. K. articulata or Candle Plant— A dwarf, glaucous, bluish-green plant; a great curiosity. LADY'S EAR DROP. (See Fuchsia.) LAGERSTRCEMIA or CRAPE MYRTLE {Greenhouse Perennial, 83, 45, 85'). Neat woody shrubs bearing elegant flowers during Summer. They need tlie protection of a cool greenhouse or even cellar dur- ing winter. Use sandy loam and some peat. Propagated from cuttings. L. Tiidica — A neat little tree bearing exquisitely fringed pink flowers. Petals curiously curved. L. Indica Alba — Same as above, but white flowers. LANTANA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90"). These desirable plants are annually growing in favor, both for bedding purposes and pot culture. They are of robust growth, 246 THE HOME FLORIST. and profuse blooming habits, with flowers of good colors, which qualities, together, render them worthy of a place in every col- lection. The flowers, while somewliat resembling those of the Verbena, are produced on shrub-like plants, and present the most delicate shades of orange, sulphur, creamy white, and other colors which are not found in that plant. The flowers of the Lantana are also interesting from tlie fact of their changing from one distinct color to another on the same plant, as they develop. In the house they should be placed in a light, warm place; are particularly useful for Avirdow culture, as they will thrive in a dryer atmosphere than most plants will stand. By proper pruning, the plants may be grown to handsome shapes. Propagate easily from cuttings. L. alba perfecta -Pure white; verj' fine. L. Comtesse de Biencourt— Flowers bright rose and yellow; c-enter sulphur, dwarf and bushy. L. La P liter cV Or— Small, pure yellow flowers: very dwarf and bushy; very abumlant bloomer. L. Michael ScJimidt— Flowers fresh and sparkling, of a brilliant yellow, passing into jmrple vermilion. L. Toisoii d 'Or —Very free flowering; deep chrome yellow. changing to purplish-red. L. M»e d 'Or -A new variety; orange and crimson flowers, and golden variegated foliage. L. Innocence— Dwurf; light suljihur, changing to pure white. L. Le Pa^rjo^e- Brilliant yellow, with fiery center, changing to a dark scarlet; very beautiful. L. Jacques 3Iinot— Orange, changing to bright orange-yellow ; always in bloom. L. Triomphe de Coinnierce— Bronzy-yellow; red center, tinted with lilac; very dwarf, and an excellent variety. L. Giselle— Yery large flowers; rich purple rose, and light yellow center. L. Reveil Pure white, golden-yellow center; very large trusses and flowers. L. Marechal Alac Malum— The very finest Lantana ever raised; trusses as large as those of Verbenas; flowers bright crim- son and gold. L. Golconda—iidffron, changing to soft orange; very distinct. L. Diadenie-'Ro^.e color, sometimes sliaded with y»'llow in the center; delicate and distinct. THE HOME FLORIST. 247 L. Don Calmet — Lilac, orange center. L. La'lis — Small white flowers ; wonderfully free ; of strong growth. L. Califoniie — Very dwarf, seldom growing more than six or eight inches high; flowers dark rich yellow. L. Jamts — Deep yellow, passing into rose. L. delicatissima — A fine old variety; lilac white eye; one of the best. LAVENDULA CRISTATA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 90°). A neat, compact, pot and bedding plant, also useful in baskets, vases, etc., of the easiest culture. The leaves are of au ashy green, an inch long, nearly round, of a singularly notched appear- ance, seeming to have been shaped in a mould. Propagates from cuttings. LARKSPUR. (See Delphinium.) LAURESTINUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 50, 90°). A shrubby perennial for pot culture, that blooms freely only in the winter and spring. The flowers are pure white, produced in large flattened panicles, and are universally esteemed. The foli- age is deep green, smooth and of jDretty form. It is quite hardy, and in the South will stand the winters with slight protection. The plant always assumes a handsome form, and is seldom troubled with insects. In summer the pots should be moved to the open air. Propagated by cuttings. LEMON. (See Orange and Lemon.) LEMON VERBENA. (See Aloysia Citriodora.) LEPTOSIPHON {Hardy Annual). A charming class of free-blooming annuals of the easiest cul- ture from seed. They are of bushy growth and produce an abundance of small flowers of remarkably distinct colors. Sow the seed where they ai'e to bloom early in the spring, or it may be done the fall previous. L. Aureus -Is less than six inches high and spreads to the width of one foot. Very handsome as an edging plant, being covered with a profusion of exceedingly pretty, little yel- low flowers with dark centers, which give them a singularly rich appearance. 248 THE HOME FLORIST. L. densifloriis en exhibited with over one hundred blooms; its height is only 12 to 20 inches. THE HOME FLORIST. 251 LILY OF THE VALLEY— Convallaria Majallis {Hardy Per- ennial). For a combination of such charming qualities as elegance, purity, grace and fragrance in a small compass, this little flower is without a true ri^■al in the garden, and it has been esteemed as a favorite for ages. The flowers are pure white, bell shaped, and less than one- third of an inch across. They droop gracefully, each on its own curved stalklet, from the side of an upright stem six, and upw-ards, inches long, sup- porting a dozen or more of the flowers. The leaves, which spring from the root, are, in themselves most elegant, being large and smooth, of a luxvu-i- ant green, and furnish an ad- mirable accompaniment to the flowers in choice floral ar- rangements. Flowers may be had easily in the winter in the window and conservatory, by taking up and potting clumps of the roots in the fall, and af- ter subjecting them to several severe freezes, bringing them into a heat of forty-five or fifty degrees, in the night-time, and giving them an abundance of water. In our large cities much Lily of the Valley. attention is paid to forcing this plant in this way, as the flowers are eagerly sought, at remun- erative prices by lovers of choice flowers during all the winter months. The plants are perfectly hardy and succeed well in a shady place, in any garden soil, flowering in May and June. 252 THE HOME FLORIST. They increase rapidly by their slender roots, which spread to a considerable distance. Altogether niaj' be considered one of the most desirable plants in rultivation. LINARIA {Hardy Perennial). Herbaceous plants, of which the well-known jellow Toad-flax is a type. The following species is a neat little vine with numer- ous small white and lilac flowers. Easily grown in light soil from seed. L. C(ymbaZa7na(Kenil worth Ivy) — Suitable for baskets, etc. L. cymbalaria variegnfa — Same as preceding, laithas beautifully variegated foliage of white green and pink. LINUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85°). Where yellow flowers are desired in the winter there is no plant that will give more satisfaction than this one; it is of easy culture and a constant bloomer, being at times literally covered with bright yellow. L. flavuni — Bears large yellow flowers which are two inches in diameter on a bush about one foot in height, of very neat habit. Propagates from cuttings. LIVE FOR EVER. (See Sedum.) LOBELIA {Greenhouse and Hardy Perennials, 33, 45 80°). The Lobelias are universally admired, and the drooping varie- ties are used to an extent, probably, second to no other plant in cultivation, for planting in hanging baskets and similar decora- tive arrangements. Their graceful, drooping and free blooming habit renders them especially valuable for such purposes, as under favorable circumstances, the flowers are produced by hun- dreds for a long time. They are equally desirable as pot plants, forming a dense mass of drooping foliage and flowers over tlie edge of the pot, in a most pleasing manner. The Lobelias are among our most suitable plants for window culture, as they flower quite constantly and do about as well in shady places, as in the full sun, while their delight in an abundance of moisture in the soil, is here easily afforded them. "When bedded out in a partially shaded place they flower during the entire season, so profusely, as to render them very useful, for ribboning or mass- ing in certain places and where low growing plants are desired. THE HOME FLORIST. 253 This is especially true in a wet season, or if the soil is frequently watered. The plants proj^agate from cuttings and seeds. L. cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) — A splendid, hardy native plant, of excellent upright habit ; producing spikes of brilliant scarlet flowers, of a dazzling hue ; excellent either for pot culture or for bedding. L. erinus grandis— 'Large blue; in every way excellent as a drooper for hanging baskets, vases, etc., or for pot culture. L. erinus Paxtonia— Similar to the preceding, but is blue, with a white eye. L. Miss Murphy — a neat dwarf grower ; very beautiful, either as a pot plant or for planting in beds and borders. It grows to a dense globular tuft, six inches in diameter, and can be trimmed to any desired shape. L. alba maxima — Snowy white flowers of drooping spreading habit. LONICERA. (See Honeysuckle.) LOPEZIA (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 80°). This is a genus of very handsome plants from Mexico, valu- able from the fact that they bloom in winter, at wiiich time they are completely covered with small, bright flowers. Propagated by cuttings or from seed. L. rosea — A most profuse and persistent winter-bloomii;g plant; flowers fine rose color. L. alba — Same as preceding but bearing white flowers. LOPHOSPERMUM SCANDENS (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 85°). A vine of rapid growth and beautiful dark green foliage, excel- lent for covering fences or outhouses in summer ; attains a height of twenty feet. It is also valuable for pot culture, and bears a profusion of large rosy purple flowers, somewhat in the shape of Gloxinias. Propagates from cuttings. LOTUS JACOBEUS (Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 85°). This is a great curiosity on account of the dark color of the flowers, which are, perhaps, nearer black than any other flower, and are produced on a graceful plant, having small foliage. They are increased from seed. 254 THE HOMK FLORIST. LUPINUS— Lupine {Hardy Annual). A genus of annuals for the garden that are rather showy, and wliich flower until after hard frosts ; in fait the beds will fre- quently appear at their best late in October and November, after most of the smnmer flowers are past their usefulness. Blue, white and purple are the principal colors, being distinct in some varieties and intermixed with yellow in others. The seed should be Kovvn early where they are to bloom. LYCHNIS {Hardy Perennial). A useful class of hardy gai'den and pot plants, of easy culture and free bloomers, which are throughout, exceedingly showy of flowers. Some of the varieties are easily grown from seed, flow- ering the first season if sown early ; others propagate by division of the roots and still others with difficulty from cuttings. They delight in a rich soil. L. CJialcedonica— Is a tall kind, growing two feet in height, which produces in the variety that is mostly cultivated. ■ lieads of intense light scarlet flowers, and in others white and flesh-colored flowers respectively. The plants of this genus may be propagated from seed or by dividing the roots early in the spring of alternate years ; succeeds best if protected during the winter. L. fimbriata— Has double pink flowers on stalks a foot high ; very showy and desirable and perfectly hardy. L. flos citcidi flore alba pleuo (Double White Lychnis)— Is a valuable summer bloomer in flower from the middle of June until October; flowers pure white, somewhat re- sembling a Carnation ; very highly esteemed by cultiva- tors. Sliould be protected by a covering of straw or leaves at the opening of winter. L.flos cKculi 'pleiio (Ragged Robbin)— Is a well-known hardy plant, flowering in May, with flowers that are crimson and double. L. fuhjeiis—ls a hardy species with scarlet flowers and which grows one and one-half feet high. L. Haageana— Is of dwarfish growth about one foot high, and is readily raised from seed. The flowers are large, single and embrace white, rose, red and vermilion-colored varieties. LYCOPODIUM. (See SelagineUa). THE HOME FLORIST. 255 LYSIMACHIA {Hardy Perennial). Herbaceous perennial plants, which, although hardy, are well fitted for pot culture. They are very readily grown in good turfy loam with a little manure and sand; propagated from seed or from cuttings. L. clethroides — From Japan, with pure white flowers in curving spikes. L. numrmdaria (Moneywort) — For baskets or vases; flowers of golden yellow. LYTHRUM SALICARIA [Hardy Herbaceous Perennial). A Lardy garden plant, growing to the height of three feet, and producing long attractive spikes of rosy-red flowers in the sum- mer; propagates by dividing the roots. MADEIRA VINE. (See Boussingaultia.) MAHERNIA ODORATA [Greenhovse Perennial, 35, 50, 85°). A profuse winter-blooming plant, with golden yellow flowers that emit a strong honeyed fragrance. The plant itself is quite an ornament with its fine cut foliage; jjropagated by cuttings. MANETTIA CORDATA (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 45, 85°). Is one of the most beautiful summer-climbing plants, especially for pot culture and in training on trellis, bearing crimson scarlet flowers in great profusion the entire season; can be dried off in the winter; propagates from the root. MARANTA (Greenhouse Perennial, 3G, 55 to 60, W). Among the most elegant greenhouse plants known to florists. being a valuable class of plants for Wardian cases and ferneries, requiring a warm, moist atmosphere; propagates by division. M. Baraquinii — Silvery gray; centre and margin light green. M. bicolor — Pale green leaves, dark spots, purple underneath. M. eximia—Bwsii-i; upper surface striped with grayish white; under, purplish violet. M. faciata— Bright green; broad bands from mid-rib to margin; purplish beneath. M. leo2)ardina—'Pale green, with oblong blotches of deep green. M. 3Iajestica—T>arl:, glossy green, pinkish lines above, purple be- neath. 256 THE HOME FLORIST. M. Makoyana — An elegant dwarf, markings deep bottle gi-een; underneath, bright wine red. M. MassaiKjecnia — Outer portions olive green; middle, delicate silvery gray. M. luikavs—fihming green, with a white feathery stripe. J\I. pardina — Pale green; brown blotches each side of the mid- rib. M. Porteana — Long bright leaves, white stripes, underside purple. M. pulchella— Yery much like the old Zebrina, although more dwarf. M. Van den Heckii — Dark glossy leaves; mid-rib silvery-white. M. zebn na —Lesives striped above and purple beneath. MARIGOLD— Tagetes {Hcdf Hardy Annual). Well-known free-flowering annuals, with single and double, also quilled flowers, of sulphur, orange, brown and striped colors. They are raised with the greatest ease from seed sown either in heat or where they are to flower. Although there are some very rich and showy varieties, which are attractive wherever em- ployed, yet the plants will never be ranked among the highest in value by cultivators, on account of their rather distasteful fra- grance, but still they are too beautiful to be entirely ignored for such a reason. Tagetes Signata Pumilia — A sjilendid half-hardy annual, forming a dense globular mass from one foot to a foot and a half in diameter, and producing hundreds of bright yellow and orange flowers on the surface of the plant. It is a handsome [)lant for the garden, and as easily grown from seed as are the common Marigolds. MAURANDYA BARCLAY ANA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85 ). Flowers similar to the Snap-dragon, but borne on vigorous, slender vines. A popular summer climber of tiie easiest cultiva- tion, neetling only good loam and a jn-oper siipjiort. They also make splendid climbers for in-door decoration; the colors are vio- let, pink, piuple and white; they are easily grown from seed or from cuttings. MESEMBRYANTHEMUM Including Ice and Dew Plants (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45 to 60, 90'). A genus for the most i»art natives of th^ Cape of Good Hope. There are many varieties, but the several here noticed are J THE HOME FLORIST. 2$/ the most valuable for ordinary cultivation, and these are highly prized wherever introduced. The sorts named are of trail- ing habit, and being free growers they prove to be very desirable for planting in baskets, vases, etc. They are also excellent for pot culture in the window or conservatory, and very handsome if bedded, continuing in flower during most of the season, and growing with great freedom in rich ground. M. chrystallinium (Ice Plant) — This species is noted for the pecu- liar cold, icy appearance the foliage presents, the stems and leaves throughout having a. frost -like coating, which ren- ders the plant very attractive; grown from seed, and should be treated as a tender annual. M. cordifolium (Dew Plant) — Another species possessing the re- markable features of the Ice Plant to a slight extent, but, aside of this, is a stronger and handsomer grower, with rich-looking foliage, and is covered with a profusion of at- tractive small, rosy -pink blossoms almost constantly. This is one of the handsomest droojiing plants in cultivation for hanging baskets, vases, etc., and also as a trailing bedding plant; propagates from cuttings or seed. M. cordifolium variegatuni — Similar to the preceding, but in ad- dition, the foliage is variegated in creamy white and green, which renders it exceedingly pretty for any use to which it is suited. 31. grandiflorum — A variety with round-pointed foliage, produc- ing large pink flowers several inches in diameter, more or less continually from early spring throughout the season. MEYENIA (Greenhouse Shrub, 40, 60, 95°). This is one of the most beautiful greenhouse shrubs. The leaves are dark green, habit of plant roV)Ust and graceful. It is in bloom all through the early spring and summer, at which time it is com- pletely covered with its beautiful gloxinia-shaped flowers; propa- gates from cuttings. M. erecta— Flowers dark blue, getting lighter towards the centre, with a yellow throat. M. erecta alba — Same as preceding, but white flowers. MIGNONETTE— Reseda (Hardy Annual). A deliciously fragrant flower, too well-known to require any special description. It is easily grown from seed, which may be 258 THE HOME FLORIST. sown very early in the spring where the plants are to flower, and then several times later for a succession. The seeds may also be sown late in the fall. Every garden should have a bed for cut- ting from. Some pots may be started in the summer for winter flowering in the window or conservatory. The plants do not transplant well. MIMOSA SENSITIV A— Sensitive Plant {Tender Annual). A remarkable annual cultivated for the curious peculiarity of its delicate pinnate leaves, which suddenly close and droop if touched or shaken. They open and regain their upright position in the course of an hour or two, without the least injury to them- selves or the plant for the surprising transition tlirough wliich they have passed. The ])lant is only suitable for pot culture, and may easily be reared from seed by sowing in a warm window or hot bed. MIMULUS— Monkey Flower {Half Hardy Perennials). Herbaceous plants with sliowy flowers. The following varie- ties make interesting greenhouse plants and require plenty of fresh air and not too mucli heat or moisture. Grow in light soil with a little manure and sand. They are easilj^ raised from seed, cuttings, or by division. 31. moschatns (Musk Plant) — A dwarf plant, with musk odor. M. moschatus tigrinus — Flower golden-yellow, with brown spots. Musk odor. MIRABILIS JALAPA.— Four O'Clock Flower. {Half hardy Annual.) A very ornamental plant of good habit with glossy bright foli- age and fragrant flowers, which mostly open in tlie afternoon, hence its appropriate common name. The plant grows to several feet in height, and blooms profusely after mid-sunmier. The flowers include various colors, such as ditferent shades of red, red striped with white, red and yellow, yellow, lilac striped with white, violet and white, and sjjort into nuuiy attractive variegations. May be raised from seed plantt^d in the Spring where the plants are desired, or the roots may be taken up in the fall and preserved like Dahlias during winter. The plants sliould stand from one to tw o feet apart. THE HOME FLORIST. 259 M. Jalapa folis variegata — A variety of the above, the leaves of which are faintly variegated or niarbled ; several diflferent colors of flowers. M. longiflora alba and violacea — With long, sweet scented flow- ers, in the former, pure white with purple below, and in the latter violet. MONKEY FLOWER. (See Mimulus.) MONTBRETIA CROCOSMLEFLORA {Tender Bulb). The flowers of this plant, relatively speaking, are of large size of an intense orange shade, beautifully formed, and sometning in their arrangement on the stem is suggestive of the Orchid family. A single plant bears several spikes of flowers, each spike having from ten to twelve florets ; it retains its bloom for a long time. The florets are very brilliant in fine cut flower work. The foliage is somewhat similar to the Gladiolus, but radiates like the spars of a fan, the flower spikes also radiating with the foliage. A plant of tlie first order, it flourishes in the open ground, and is also extremely ornamental as a pot plant. It grows to a height of between tAvo and three feet, and is fully three feet across the foliage. It is propagated by offsets. MORNING GLORY. (See Convolvulus.) MUSA OR BANANA 'Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, to 60, 90°.) These make very ornamental and showy plants, always attract- ing notice either from their enormous size or beautifully varie- gated foliage. Some of the sorts bear the Banana of commerce. During the hot summer when planted out they grow rapidly and luxuriantly, producing a tropical effect on the lawn, terrace or flower garden. They can be stored in a light cellar or cool green- house during the winter with a covering of soil, or planted in a tub, watered sparingly. They are increased from suckers. M. Cavendishii— Is a dwarf species, very ornamental ; bearing edible fruit. This is the variety commonly grown in green- houses ; if kept at a high enough temperature fruit much superior to that found in our markets will be produced. M. Ensete— The noblest of all plants is this great Abyssinian banana. The fruit of this variety is not edible, but the leaves are magnificent ; long, broad and massive, of a beautiful green, with a broad crimson mid-rib. 26o THE HOME FLORIST. M. zebrina — The stem of this Banana is slender and the leaves a fine dark green, striped and blotched with bronze, red, pur- ple and chocolate ; very effective. MUSK PLANT. (See Mimulus Moschatus.) MYOSOTIS— FoRQET-ME-NOT {Half Hardy Perennial). An old and well-known genus of garden plants, growing about six inches high, whicli survive our winters with protection. They bear in different varieties blue, yellow and white star-like flt)w- ers with bright centers. The flowers are small, but highly esteemed for their distinctness and perfection of form. They ap- pear in little clusters during the greater jiortion of the season, if the plants are grown in moist soil in a somewhat shaded situa- tion—a condition also most favorable to their growth. Easily raised from seed sown in the early spring or in August. MYRSYPHYLLUM ASPARAGOIDES— Smilax (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45 to 55, 90°.) One of the finest tender climbing plants in existence, and with care suitable for pot culture in the window. The plant is esteemed for the exceeding grace and deUcacy of the vine and its beautiful glossy green foliage. Smilax has become conspicuous among plants cultivated by florists for foliage alone, and large beds are now devoted, summer and winter, to cultivating a supply. Each plant is provided with a twine for support, which extends from the earth to the roof of the greenhouse, and upon this the shoots twine. After the top has been readied, the entire length is cut away for use, and another twine is fixed, which in turn answers for a support for the new shoots that quickly start again from the root. The stems of foliage are usually sold by the yard, and are greatly in demand for festooning, and also for cutting into short lengths to intermix with cut flowers. For window cultivation the plants should be trained to strings or trellis, and be kept near the glass. Smilax is closely allied to the common garden Asparagus, and like that jjlantwiU bear frea\s and petals white, with bright yellow spot in the centre of lip. (T.) Dendrobium Formosum Giganteum — Flowers from four to five inches across; color snow white, with bright yellow on centre of lip. (C.) Dendrobium Nobile— Flowers \nuk and white, with a spot of crimson in the center of the lip. (I.) Dendrobium Pierardii—A beautiful winter-blooming species, with beautiful white and yellow flowers, lasting for three weeks. (T.) Dendrobium Superbiini Giganteum— A showy varietj', with flowers from five to seven inches across ; sepals and petals beautiful rose-purple, the lip the same color, fringed and marked at the base with a pair of rich ])urplish-red spots. (I.) Dendrobium Priundinum — White and pink Howers, produced in two rows along the stem. (T.) Dendrobium \Vardiannm—SeY>a\s and petals white, tipped with magenta, the lower part of the lip rich orange, spotted on each side with crimson. (T.) Dendrobium Suavissimuv}. (C.) Epidcndrum Machroc]iiIum—Se\)a\s and petals brown, the li}) large, pure white, with a i)urple blotch at the base. (C.) Epidendrum VitcUiunm—Se\y,i\s and jietals ric-h orange- scarlet, the lip bright yellow ; lasts in bloom for six weeks. (C.) Laelia Acumiitnta -The sepals and petals are wliite, the lip white with a dark blotch on the upper part. (C.) Laelia .4 nceps— Sepals and petals rose-lilac, the lip a beauti- ful dark purple. THE HOME FLORIST. 269 (I.) Laelia Purpurata — Flowers very large and showy, sepals and petals pure white, the lij) dark crimson-purple. (I.) Limatodes Rosea — A charming winter-flowering species of a beautiful rose color. (C.) Lycaste Ar'oviatica. (C.) Lycaste Omenta — Sepals and petals yellow, with a dark spot in the centre of the lip. (C.) Lycaste Skinneri — The sepals and petals are pure white, tinged at the base with rose ; the lip of the same color, sjDotted with crimson. (C.) Masclevallia Tovarensis — Flowers in pairs, pure white, lasting a long time in perfection. (C.) Odontoglossum Grande — Very large flowers, mottled and striped with brown yellow. (C.) Odontoglossum i^ossn'— White and purple flowers, lasting in beauty a long time. (I.) Oncidium AmpUattnn — Fine large yellow flowers. (I.; Oncidium Caminiopliorum. (I.) Oncidium Ceholleta. Macranthmn. (C.) Oncidium Ornitlioroynchum — Delicate rose-colored flowers, on gracefully drooping spikes. (I.) Oncidium Roseum—A pretty small-flowering species, with colored flowers spotted with red. -(I). Oncidium Volvox. (T). Saccolabium Blumei J[/q/«s— Beautiful large flowers, violet and white in color. (T.) Saccolabium Gidtatum— An elegant species, sepals and petals white spotted with deep rosy purple ; lip small purple. (T.) StanhojMa Ljsignis—Se-pals and petals pale yellow, white spotted with red, the lip nearly white spotted with purple. (C.) Stanlwpea Ocidata—Psle yellow spotted with purple. (C.) Stanhopea Trigrina—Verj large flowers of a pale yellow, barred and blotched with deep chocolate. (I.) Tricopilia Coce«iea— Sepals and petals yellow and reddish brown in color, the lip deep crimson wnth narrow edge of white. (C.) Tricopilia Suavis—^\\ite flowers, spotted with pink. 2 70 THE HOME FLORIST. ORANGE AND LEMON— Citrus (Greenhouse Perenniah, 32, 45 to 55, 90°). Tliese well known fniits of commerce both belong to the genus Cilrus, and are quite identical in many respects. The genus com- prises a great nvuiiber of kinds and varieties, some of which are known as wild and others as cultivated, the former possessing little value, except as stocks upon which to graft the better sorts. Both the Orange and Lemon can easily be cultivated in jiots in the North, and form attractive plants when in health with their rich gloi-sy leaves which are also pleasantly fragrant if chafed. Under favorable circumstances, they may be had to flower and fruit in the window or conservatory, and if the stocks be grafted with the improved varieties the fruit produced will be edible, although such varieties are always more difficult to cultivate than the stronger growing plants produced from seed. The flowers of the Orange are noted for their sweetness and pure white color in some of the kinds. There is an excellent dwarf growing species of the Orange, which is known as the Chinese Dwarf, and embracing several varieties. These dwarf sorts are very suitable for cultiva- tion, being of good habit and producing fruit freely, which, although not edible, renders the plant highly ornamental. They can be perpetuated by cuttings, thus allowing of their purity being maintained to any extent. The genus love a rich soil, and one containing a fair proportion of well decayed turf, taken up from a loamy soil, will suit it as w(>ll as any. For young plants, it may contain a portion of sand until they arrive at a fruiting age. The months of March, and also August, are suitable times for repotting the plants, which may also then be pruned. All stunted or straggling shoots should be well cut back and a general system of pruning be adopted to effect a well shaped head. The Lemon especially, is greatly inclined to irregularity of growth. All the varieties of the Citiiis tribe will bear a good deal of shade, l)ut throughout winter they should have all the light that can be secured for them. The foliage and branches should also receive an occasional cleansing with water and sponge, and insects of no kinle, crunsou eye. P. Mad. de Chambrey—Ijiirge rosy purple, distinct dark eye. P. Mad. de Wendall — Almost pure wliite, crimson eye. P. Mad. Masson — Crimson, petals edged and striped witli piirplislv rose. P. Mad. Pepin — Rose, with salmon centre and crimson eye ; dis' tinct. P. Mad. Van Hontt('—lA\x,\\t ]nnk witli bright crimson eye, p. Mons. Duffe — Brilliant crimson. THE HOME FLORIST. 28 1 P. Naiioleon — Pure white distinctly striped with purple. P. Roi des Roses — Rosy purple with bright crimson eye. P. Startler — Striped rose. P. Venus — Blush with carmine eye. P. Victor Hugo —Striking purplish crimson. Hardy Procumbent Phloxes {Moss Pink).— These differ from the other sections of the family, in being of creeping habit, with small pointed leaves. They produce their pretty flowers in May, at which time the prostrate plants are literally covered with bloom. Of the easiest culture. Propagate by division. P. sulmlata — Pink flowers in immense numbers. P. subulata alba — Pure white, similar in form and growth to the jjreceding variety, and very attractive. PILE A— Artillery Plant {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 80°). Unique plants in their way, with graceful frond-like leaves, which, when in flower, produce a snapping sound if water is thrown upon them. They are useful either as jwt plants or for planting in baskets, vases. Ferneries, etc. , being in either case easy to manage. Propagate from cuttings. PILOGYNE SUA VIS {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 90°). A charming climber, very dense grower; very useful for forming growing festoons between small trees or stakes, etc.; also, fine for the house in winter. PINK, GARDEN OR FLORIST'S {Hardy Perennial). A class of hardy plants for the garden that belong to the genus Dianthus. They much resemble Carnations, but are more dwarf. The flowers are perfectly double, clove scented, and embrace numerous colors in thd different varieties, including pure white, carmine, pink, etc., in some of w^hich striking deej:) rose, maroon, deep carmine and other colors appear in the center of the flower or distinctly on each petal. Some are also beautifully fringed. The plants may be propagated by cuttings or by layers, and will thrive in any garden soil. Pure White Hardy Pinks. P. Sarah Howard — A fragrant, double, pure white, free flowering summer and fall Pink, not entirely hardy, but with slight protection, very desirable; exceedingly valuable for bouquet making. 282 THE HOME FLORIST. P. Alba fimbriata — A double white early spring flowering sort, of good form and substance, being fringed and very fragrant. This one is grown extensively by florists for bouquet flowers; perfectly hardy and unequaled for forcing in pots in the winter, for which purpose any of the ordinary plants from the garden may be taken up and potted in the fall without previous treatment. (For forcing, 33, 50, 80° ) PITTOSPORUM TOBIRA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33,40, 85°). An evergreen winter blooming shi-ub of very easy culture, pro- ducing small white flowers of exquisite fragrance not unlike the orange bloom; there is a variety of same with variegated leaves; propagates by cuttings. PLUMBAGO {Greenhouse Pere.inial, 35, 50 85°). Shrubby greenhouse pot plants, also suitable for bedding out, producing large trusses of flowers during the season. They flower freely in plants six inches high, and are desirable plants in any collection. P. capensis — Azure blue. P. rosea— Beautiful bright rose. P. alba — Pure white. P. larpentea - Deep dark blue. This is entirely hardy and dur- ing the summer is covered with its bright flowei-s. It does not grow over eight to twelve inches in height. POINSETTIA PULCHERRIMA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55 to 65. 100 ). A tropical plant of remarkable habit, and possessed of gor- geous beauty when in bloom. The flower, or rather the floral bracts that siu-round the flower proper, in well grown speci- mens attain a diameter of one foot, and are of the most dazzMng scarlet. The plants require a warm place to develop the flower heads, which appear in December and January, but with this requi'ement supplied, they are of the easiest culture. Sandy soil suits them the best. After their flowering season is over and until spring they should leceive only enougli water to prevent the soil from becoming powder dry. The plants may be set under the staging of the greenhouse during this time. In the spring they may be repotted, afterwards when the weather is hot, plunging the pots in soil in the open ground and leaving them THE HOME FLORIST. 283 here until the time of returning them under glass, which should be in September. There is a double variety of recent introduc- tion which in some respects is superior to the single kind. POLEMONIUM REPTANS {Hardy Perennial). A fine hardy plant of dwarf spreading habit, blooming in early spring; the flowers are borne in clusters ; are bell shaped and of a most beautiful bright blue. POLYGONUM {Greenhouse aud Hardy Perennial, 34, 45, 80"). P. scandens — A neat creeping or trailing plant of easy growth ; has slender stems and small round leaves and bears a pro- fusion of very small waxy white flowers ; splendid for baskets. P. filiforma folia variegatcc (Hardy Perennial) — Entirely hardy variety, the leaves of which are variegated white and green, bearing rosy pink flowers in long racemes, which drop over the foliage, giving a very pleasing effect. It grows to the height of two feet. POLYANTHUS— Primula Elatior, Cups and Saucers {Hardy Perennial). Pretty, early flowering, hardy garden plants that are found in many collections. They flower mostly in May. The flowers ap- pear in trusses on erect stems, and embrace various colors, in- cluding brown witl± yellow eye and delicate yellow edge, rich brown, almost black, either shaded or plain, various combina- tions of crimson, yellow, sulphur, etc. The plants may be in- creased by division, and also from seed. They delight in a light loamy soil and are benefited by a covering of leaves or other material through the winter. POMEGRANATE, DWARF {Almost a hardy Shrub). The fruit-bearing Pomegranate is a native of Asia, and is much cultivated in warm countries. The dwarf, flowering kind is valu- able for pot culture, bearing flowers of leathery substance. It is a deciduous plant, and with pot culture may be stored in a cellar, cold-pit, or under the staging in the conservatory during winter, and until April, when it should be brought to light and started into growth. In tiie Southern States the dwarf Pomegranate is hardy with slight protection. 284 THE HOME FLORIST. P. Double White— liH.rge double white. P. Jos. Viek—A variety which blooms when quite young, the flowers are large and of the most brilliant orange scarlet, grows from four to six feet in height. P. Variegafn— The flowers are very double, yellow, flaked with scarlet, and almost the size of a Hibiscus flower. POPPY— Papa VEB (Hardy Annuals aud Hardy Perennials). Showy and well known border flowers, apt to be despised through ignorance of the really good qualities of the improved varieties. The annual varieties are easily grown from seed, which should be sown where the plants are wanted. Among the perennial sorts P. hracteatum is a scarlet variety. P. croceum orange ; an early and free bloomer. P. orientale (Oriental Pop- py), large, orange red ; flowering the fore part of summer. These are best raised from seed or may be increased by division of the roots. PORTULACA {Half-Havdy Annual). Exceeiingly brilliant and popular low growing annuals of the easiest culture. There are both double and single kinds, in- cluding white, rose, golden, orange, crimson, scarlet, rosy purple aud other colors, besides beautifully striped varieties. The Double Portulacas are of remarkable beauty, being as double and perfect as a Rose. All luxuriate in an exposed sunny situa- tion, and produce througliout tlie summer their distinct and showy flowers in tlie greatest profusion, on which account they possess value for planting in masses or in ribbon lines, as well as for other purposes in adorning the grounds and gar- den. A bed of either the double or single varieties, but espec- ially of the former, forms as attractive an object as can be intro- duced, particularly in all sunny weather. Tlie plants are grown with readiness from seed, wliich may be sown early in the open ground, or in the hot-bed, or pots in the window, and afterwards setting the young seedlings about eight inches apart in the gar- den. The seeds saved from double flowei"s will not all produce perfectly double flowers, although a l:irge enough percentage may be depended upon from tliese to be satisfactory. THE HOME FLORIST. 285 Portulaca. POTENTILLA—CiNQUEFOiL {Hardy Perennial) An extensive genus, mostly natives of the temperate zones, some of which are worthy of cultivation, while many are ranked among weeds. The foliage of nearly all the varieties resembles that of the strawberry somev.hat. There are in cultivation both single and double flowering varieties, with such colors as dark crimson, orange scarlet, blood red, blush and salmon, red shaded with maroon; many are showy, and are produced with little intermission through the entire season. Succeed in any garden soil, and are increased either from seed or by dividing the roots. PRIMROSE— Primula {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 85°). This is a most valuable class of plants for pot culture, either in the conservatory or window. They grow less than one foot in height and produce an immense number of the purest white and other colored flowers during fall, winter and spring. There is a Double White variety, which is extensively gi-own for winter flowers by florists. The flowers are an inch across, perfectly double and of the purest white. This variety is increased with some difficulty by division and from cuttings iu the spring ; is rather impatient of ill-treatment, and will not do as well in the window as the single varieties. It requires a fine, rich soil, containing 28e THE HOME FLORIST. Primroses. considerable sand, and does not bear to be crowded closely amou}^ other plants. In the summer it should be grown under glass, heavily coated with a wash of lime and water. During winter the glass should also be kept slightly whitened over the plants, and as uniform a temperature as possible be maintained. Water may be freely applied, but sprinkling the leaves or flower- stems should be avoided. The Single varieties are reared from seed, which is sown in the summer. These include flowers of white, rose and crimson colors, and also some with finely im- bricated edges. The directions given for managing the Double Primrose are also ai)plicable to the single varieties. PYRETHRU:\I. (See Feverfew). RANUNCULUS (Hordy Perennials). Ranunculus Acris Flore Pleno (Butter Cup, Crowfoot)— A hardy herbaceous perennial that is (piite common. Tiio flowers are double, glossy, of a pretty yellow c-olor, jtroduced on upright stems, two feet high, in June and July. Will thrive in any soil, and when once introduced in a garden, there is no diflSculty in keejv ing it, as it grows freely and propagates by division very easily. THE HOME FLORIST. 287 Ranunculus Asiaticus— Is a section which affords some of the most splendid flowers in cultivation, but, unfortunately, our winters are loo severe to gi-ow them without difficulty in the open ground, on which account their culture is generally precluded, except in the window and conservatory, where they may be grown by observing the directions given for cultivating the Hya- cinth and other Hardy Bulbs, etc., on page 53. REINECKIA CARNEA {Hardy Perennial). This plant has grassy leaves six inches to a foot long; the flowers are rose colored and fragrant. They are very useful plants in aquariums or for margins of fountains; propagates by oifsets. RHODANTHE {Half-Hardy Annual). A beautiful, though somewhat delicate, genus of Everlasting flowers, grown from seed, which must be started in heat, and succeed better growing in pots than if planted out. R. atrosanguinea. — Is a distinct variety, of dwarfish, branching habit, the flowers of which are deep purple and violet, with magenta ray scales. R. macuJata — Rosy purple, with yellow disc; of quite strong growth and large flowers. It. macidata alba — Similar to the preceding, except that the flowers are pure white, with yellow disc. This is the finest, pure white, everlasting in cultivation. R. Manglesii — Bright rosy color, and silvery calyx; rather deli- cate for the open ground, but succeeds finely as a pot plant. RHODODENDRON {Hardy Perennial). The Rhododendron is one of the most valuable of our hardy dec- orative plants. The leaves are broad, glossy and evergreen and the plants wlien growing in groups, or belts, or alone, give a j^leasing effect in the midst of ranter. Did it produce no flowers, it would still be a most desirable hardy plant for every style of lawn planting. In June, when the masses of rich and glossy green are surmounted by scarlet, purple and white clusters, each clus- ter large enough for a bouquet, the display is worthy of any ex- pression of admiration. They bear pruning well, and can be kept down to two feet, or allowed to grow six or eight feet; as standards, they are particularly fine. 2S8 THE HOME FLORIST. They require only a good garden soil, which should be dug at least two feet deep and mixed with some leaf mould or peat; the ground should be mulched during the summer and a protec- tion of leaves and brush be applied during the winter. RHYNCOSPERMUM JASMINOIDES [Greenhouse Perennial, 36, 55, 95 ). A beautiful greenhouse plant, with glossy evergreen foliage, producing masses of pure white Jasmine-like flowers, delightfully fragrant; in bloom about May and June. It is of a climbing habit, and presents a beautiful appearance when properly trained. The flowers are very desirable for bouquets, etc. R. jasminokles anrea variegata— Foliage variegated green, white and carmine. R. jasminoides argentea variegata — Foliage edged with silvery white . RICHARDIA ALBA MACULATA {Tender Bulb) A plant belonging to the same genus as the Calla, with beauti- fullj^ spotted leaves. It flowers during the summer months, either in pots or if planted out in the open border. The flowers are shaped like those of the Calla, and are white, shaded with violet inside. It is a deciduous plant, the root of which should be kept dry in the winter in the cellar or under the bench of the conservatory, and started in the spring like a Dahlia. RICINUS— Castor Oil Bean (Half Hardy Annual). A genus of ornamental seed-grown plants of stately growth, and with picturesque foliage, that are highly useful for planting, either singly or in groups, about the lawn or gaiden, or with other strong-growing plants, possessing striking foliage or flowei-s such as Cannas, Caladiums, Japanese Strii)ed Maize, Hollyhocks, Helianthus, etc. The seeds may be planted in the open gi-ound in May, or may be started a month earlier in pots, in tlie hot- bed or window, thus securing showy plants some weeks earlier. The joung jilants will not bear much moisture or cold, and when brought on inside should be kept near to tlie glass. ROSE. (See pages 65 to 122.) THE HOME FLORIST. 289 RIVINA HUMILIS (Greenhouse Perennial, 36, 55, 95"). Greenhouse evergreen, grown for its beautiful racemes of bright scarlet berries. A plant of some size, is always full of the fruit, which makes it quite attractive; of easy culture; the flowers are white; increased by seed or cuttings. RONDELETIA ANOMALE (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 95°). A genus of greenhouse plants of dwarf habit, requiring a rather warm temperature and frequent syringing. It is a very neat plant, bearing vermilion blooms when quite small and continues in flower during the summer; propagated by cuttings. ROSEMARY — Rosemarianus Officinalis (Greenhouse Peren- nial, 33, 45 to 55, 85"). A common sweet-scented plant, of erect habit, much cultivated as a house plant. It thrives with the most ordinary care, and is generally prized by all who cultivate it. The plants may easily be propagated from cuttings. RUELLIA (Greenhouse Perennials, 35, 50, 90°). A genus of free flowering plants, blooming continuously dur- ing the season , and of easy culture. R. Formosa — Bears scarlet salvia-like flowers in great profusion, making it desirable for bedding. R. macrantha—'H.as beautiful purjilish pink flowers of large size, being several times the size of the preceding variety. RUSSELIA JUNCEA (Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 85°). A splendid basket plant of neat, slender habit, with bright scarlet flowers, which are very conspicuous, a color that is scarce in basket plants. SALPILGLOSSIS (Half -Hardy Annual). Beautiful annuals for the garden, with funnel-shaped flowers, richly colored, veined and marbled. On close examination the blossoms will be found to have a rich, velvety softness seldom seen in other flowers. But for the fact that the plants are of somewhat slender and straggling growth, they would be exceed- ingly desirable. Seed may be sown in the open border. The plants should stand about eight inches apart. THE HOME FLORIST. SALVIA— Sage {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45 to 50, 80"). A family of late summer flowering plants, suitable for the gar- den. Tliey are of robust growth, easily cultivated in any soil, and form very attractive plants when in bloom. Easily increased from cuttings, and most of the varieties from seed. The plants may be lifted in the fall and be cut back severely and potted, and thus kept in a growing condition, eitlier in a light cellar, the window or conservatory, until February, when new stock may be propagated for spring planting. S. officinalis tricolor — A beautiful variegated variety of the common Sage; foliage blotched with white, green and sometimes pink; dwarf, bushy habit; tine for bedding. S. patens — Flowers of the richest and most distinct blue; excel- lent for pot culture. S. sj)k')iclens — A superb fall flowering bedding plant, growing to a height of two to three feet, and completel}' covered with spikes of dazzling scarlet flowers, causing it, wliile in bloom, to be, perhaps, the most attractive plant in the gar- den. A sharp lookout should be kept for the green-fly on this plant in the winter, as no other one is more liable to attacks from this insect. S. sjilendois alba— A white varietj', similar in form of growth and flowers to the preceding. An excellent plant for decorating the conservatory and window in the autumn, if grown in a good -sized pot. S. splendens variegata — Has beautiful white and scarlet flowers. S. amabtZts— Unquestionably the freest flowering of all the Sal- vias. Small plants, set out the first of June last year, were a sheet of bloom all Summer. Color deep violet, shaded porcelain blue and white. A splendid flower to cut for bouquets; it will stand a severe frost. S. rut Hans (Apple-Scented) — Produces very freely neat spikes of magenta-colored flowers, graceful foliage, witli a very agreeable ajiple fragrance. S. bruantii — A dwarf growing variety, producing line, large flowers of a dazzling, velvety red color; extremely attrac- tive. S. rosea — A distincit winter-flowering Salvia, with rich, rose-col- ored flowers, borne in spikes six inches in lengtli. to con- trast with the white, blue and scarlet varieties of Salvia. It is very valual)le. THE HOME FLORIST. 29 1 SANCHEZIA NOBILIS VARIEGATA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50 to 90°). A highly ornamental plant of good habit and vigorous growth, producing large leaves of an intense green, the veins of which are broadly margined with golden yellow. As a handsome, vari- egated plant of easy culture in pots, it is very desirable, particu- larly in a warm conservatory. A light, rich soil suits it the best. SAXIFRAGA SARMENTOSA {GreenJwuse Perennial, 33, 40, 80°). A handsome plant of low habit, leaves nearly round and striped freely with silver bands; blooms white, of great beauty and borne in spikes of nearly 12 inches in height. It is especially adapted for hanging baskets, vases, etc. SCABIOSA— Mourning Bride {Half-Hardy Annual). A garden plant of considerable value, grown from seed. There ctre tall and dwarf kinds, the former attaining a height of two feet; tlie dwarf , one-half as high, but both are of free growth and produce distinct flowers of many colors and shades, from white, through lilac, brick color, dark purple, etc., down to al- most jet black. The flowers are produced on long, straight stems, and, with being neat and pretty, are very useful for cutting for summer bouquets. In flow^er from July to October. The seed may be sown early in the open ground, or started in heat, afterwards setting the seedlings a foot or fifteen inches apart in the garden. S nana ft pi. — A dwarf variety, somewhat distinct, the flow- ers are quite double and globular, extending through all the colors of the tribe. S. Stella ta (Starry Scabiosa) — The petals, or rather seed vessels, of this variety are of peculiar scaly texture, and when dried are useful for an-anging with the Everlastings and dried grasses into winter bouquets. SCUTTELARIA PULCHELLA {Greenhouse Perennial, 36, 50, 90°). A neat greenhouse plant requiring but little care, being of very easy culture. It makes a very desirable winter blooming plant, at which time it produces its dazzling red flowers profusely. The bloom is produced in terminal spikes. Propagated by cuttings. 292 THE HOME 1-LORIST. SEDUM — Stone Crop {Hardy Perennials, principuUy). Mostly garden plants, with thick succulent leaves, and very tenacious of existence; the common Live-for-Ever belonging to the genus. Some of the varieties are of erect habit, and are attractive, while others are of creeping and trailing habit, being useful for cultivating in pots in the window or con- servatory, or for planting in baskets, vases, etc., to droop over the edge. Among the latter S. Seboldii, with grayish green foliage and wiry-like stems, and S. Seboldii variegata, similar to the preceding, except that the leaves are variegated with yellow, are considered the best. Will thrive in any soil and propagate readily by division or from cuttings, which, of some varieties, will root if simply laid where it is damp. SELAGINELLA — Lycopodium {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 90°). Delicate plants of creeping and erect habits, with fine fol- iage, and which delight in warm, moist, partially shaded situ- ations, being, with the Ferns, an unequalled class of plants for fernery culture. Properly treated they are a delight to every cultivator, no matter what may be the extent of his collection. Propagated from cuttings. S. apus -A delicate little moss-like plant with small creeping stems. S. Cunninghamii — Tall, erect, Fern-like; deep green. S. densa — A dense species, resembliog a light green cushion of moss. S. denticulata — A pretty creeping kind; leaves dark green and rounded. S. denticulata aurea — A variety of the preceding marked with bright yellow. S. flabellata — Upright in growth and of a very deep green color. S. involvens — Small, closely-set foliage of a bright green color. S. lepidophjjllum — Dwarf, cushion-like, pale green. S. paradoxa — Very dark green; semi-erect; distinct. S. jiliiiiiosa—ljarge, spreading, erect, f(-rn-like. S. serjiens—0{ creeping habit; bright green, fading towards evening. S. uncinata — Brilliant, metallic, bluish foliage. S. War scewiczii -Ijuri^e, erect, pale green. S. Trt7de«or?t— Delicate bright green; fern-like. THE HOME FLORIST. 293 SEMPERVIVUM REPENS {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 40, 80°). May be justly called the miniature banyan tree. Its roots are sent downwards, and becomes stems of the plant for its support, and, when grown in a pan or shallow pot, it is a very interesting plant, and cannot fail to excite the curiosity of all who behold it. SENECIO (Greenhouse Perennial, U, 45, 80°). S. scandens (German or Parlor Ivy) — A ■well known, rapid-grow- ing climbing plant; well adapted for covering trellis work quickly or training in the parlor ; leaves glossy green, flowers yellow, in clusters. S. macroglosis — A variety of this popular plant, which is, per- haps, more valuable than the old sort. It resembles the English Ivy to such a degree that it is often mistaken for it ; the leaves have a metallic lustre, the veins and ribs being of a lighter color. It has the same strong; vigorous growth as the common German Ivy, and for baskets, etc., it is unsurpassed. SENSITIVE PLANT. (See Mimosa Sensitiva.) SMILAX. (See Myrsiphyllum Asparagoides). SNAP-DRAGON. (See Antirrhinum.) SNOWDROP. (See Galanthus.) SOLANUM— Jerusalem Cherry, Etc., {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45 to 55, 90°). A genus of plants including several useful species for pot cul- ture in the window and conservatory and also for bedding. They are of the easiest possible culture, thriving in any soil and under apparently adverse circumstances. All may be easily raised from cuttings, and the free fruiting varieties from seed. S. jasminoides — Possesses a neat climbing habit, and has small, dark green foliage and pure white flowers ; suitable for training to a ti-ellis or pillars in the conservatory. S. pseudo-capsicum fol. far. —Is a dwarf variety of the above. Aside of its other good qualities, the foliage is margined with sulphur yellow to half the depth of the leaves. Whether used as a house plant, for bedding, or for vases or baskets, it is a useful plant. 294 TIIE HOME FLORIST. S. pseudo-capsixytnn — Is the well known Jerusalem Cherry, pro- ducing a large crop of scarlet, cherry-like fruit, from early in the fall until after Christmas. Plants grown from seed are more productive of fruit the first season, than those struck from cuttings, or those several years old. Sow in the spring for full bloom, and bring forward during sum- mer either in ample sized pots, plunged in the open air, or else by planting them in the border and taking up and potting the plants in September. SPIREA {Hardy Herbaceous Perennials and Shrubs). A genus containing species natives of Europe, Asia, and America, and embracing both herbaceous plants and shrubs. They are all hardy, and produce showy flowers, usually in pani- cles, their prevailing colors being white, i)ink, crimson, etc. Of the easiest culture in any garden soil, the herbaceous varieties propagating by division of the roots. The Astilbe Japonica, which is treated upon elsewhere, belongs to this family. S. fiUpendula 2:>leno— Is a highly esteemed species, with deep green foliage of beautiful form, and clusters of pure white bloom, produced in June on stems from one to two feet high. There is also a variety of the last named one with variegated foliage and whitish flowers. S. Reevesiifl. pi. Beautiful pure white flowers. Veiy double, like small Roses, hardy. S. Thwibergia—A pretty wliite-floweiing variety, with narrow linear leaves. Valuable for forcing. STEPHANOTIS FLORIBUNDA {Greenhouse Perennial, 40, 55, 95°). A noble greenhouse climber, can be planted out in the border of the house and trained over the pillars and roof, or can be grown in a pot with a trellis. It produces its waxy white flowers in clusters like Bouvardias, and has a delicious fragrance unsurpassed. Much esteemed by bouquet makers. STEVIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85°). The Stevias, although distinct from the Eupatoriums, are, in points of free-growing and winter flowering (pialities and their general reciuirements <|uite similar to tbatgcnus, being witli them also of the easiest culture and a valuable class of plants for the I THE HOME FLORIST. 295 conservatory, and also useful for window culture. As to their management, follow the directions given for the Eupatoriums. S. compacta — An early flowering species, with large compact heads of pure white flowers; continues in flower nearly all wintei', and longer than any other variety of either Stevia or Eupatorium. S. serrata — A free-flowering species, blooming most freely about the holidays. The flowers are white, fragrant, and ar- ranged loosely and gracefully along the stems, S. serrata nana— A very distinct variety of the well-known win- ter-flowering Stevia Serrata. It never grows over eighteen inches high, and it produces a far denser mass of flowers than the old variety; the flowers are whiter, and it is a great improvement in every respect. A double flower of the StocJc. STOCK — Gillyflower {Half -Hardy Annuals, Biennials and Perennials). A genus of half -shrubby plants grown from seed, which pro- duce spikes of elegant, fragrant, single and double flowers of many desirable aud showy colors, including pure white. The plants are in no respect delicate, being easily grown by almost any one, and in the different sections afford varieties of the great- est value, either for bedding or for pot culture in the window, the conservatory (temperature 33, 45 to 55, 80°) or the open-air plant stand. Stock plants of every kind should be transplanted from the seed pots or beds in which they are started while they are 296 THE HOME FLORIST. quite small, as their slender roots soon extend to such a distance that the plants cannot be taken up without loss of line rootlets, and consequent injury. Ten Week Stocks.— These are important annuals, ranking in general desirability with the Aster, Balsam, Phlox Drummondii, Portulaca, Zinnia, etc. , but are superior to any of these in their admirable adaptability to pot culture for blooming in the winter. The section includes varieties, ranging in growth from one-half to one and one-half feet in heiglit, which embrace a large variety of colors, such as white, bright crimson, carmine, blue, lilac, chamois, rose, blood-red, yellow, violet, purjile and various shades of these, most of which are beautiful, striking and fragrant, and a large percentage of the plants will produce flowers that are perfectly double. They delight in a well-enriclied soil. For summer flowering the seeds may be sown in the hot-bed or cold- frame in April, or the open ground in May, and the plants should stand twelve inches apart. For winter flowering, sow in July, August or September, and cultivate in pt)ts in the open ground until cool autumn weather, when they should be moved under protection, but still treated to an abundance of fresh air as late in the season as possible, and also frequently in winter. During their flowering season in pots, they will be benefited by occa- sional waterings with weak liquid manure. Autumnal or Intermediate Stocks. - This section are prized on account of their flowering late in the autumn and winter, which necessitates that they be grown in pots, and brought into the window or conservatory for blooming. For this purpose the seeds should be sown in the spring. Seeds may also be sown in July or August, for plants to flower in the spring, A large num- ber of bright and desirable colors are embraced. Emperor or Imperial Stocks,— Tliis desirable class of Stocks axe better suited for pot culture than for bedding, and are peren- nial in habit, frequently lasting for several years. If the seetis are sown in the spring they will bloom the following autumn, while for spring flowering they should be sown in July and Au- gust. The colors are white, rose and crimson, and the plants at- tain a height of about eighteen inches. Buompton Stocks. — The Brompton Stocks are biennial in habit, flowering in the winter or spring from seed sown the previous spring, in the window or conservatory. By wintering the THE HOME FLORIST. 297 plants in a place sufficiently cool not to excite them into a free growth and flowering condition, they may be planted into the border early in the spring and will flower handsomely during the summer. If a good quality of seed is sown, more than one-half may be expected to produce double flowers. The flowers vary from straw color to pure white, and rose to deep purple and violet. STREPTOSOLEN JAMESONI (Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 90°) Resembling in growth the Browallias, the leaves being rich, deep green, alternate: of a compact, bushy growth, flowering very profusely in numerous trusses; the flowers are lobed, nearly one inch in diameter, opening bright orange and passing to rich, deep cinnabar-red. It commences to flower early in March, con- tinuing quite full through June and July. SUNFLOWER. (See Helianthus.) SWEET PEA— Lathyrus (Hardy Annuals and Perennials). The flowering annual Peas are desirable and popular plants for the garden; excellent in every way for bouquets and cut flowers, and on the whole may be commended as one of the most essential plants to every collection. The flowers are delightfully fragrant, and yield a great variety of shades and colors, such as white, rose and wdiite, purple and white, scarlet, scarlet striped with white, black, black with light blue, brownish purple, etc. Being a per- fectly hardy annual, the seed may be sown as early in tlie spring as the soil can be prepared. Sow in clumps, groups or drills, placing sticks or other fixtures for the Peas to run upon, and otherwise ti'eat them the same as the common Garden Pea. By cutting the flowers as fast as they bloom and keeping the plants mulched, they will continue prolific all season. Perennial Pea (Everlasting Pea).— A beautiful climbing per- ennial, easily grown from seed. The flowers are red, white, rose-col- ored etc., and are produced in clusters in long succession. An ex- cellent plant for trailing to trellis, or an arbor, and is perfectly hardy. SWEET WILLIAM. (See Dianthus.) 298 THE HOME FLORIST. TABERN^MONTANA CORONA RI A /. pi. {Greenhouse Peren- nial, 35, .05, 95). A stove shrub, bearing in profusion snow -white flowers of delightful fragrance. This is a highly valual>le plant where cut flowers are a requisite, and. should be cultivated in every collection. TAGETES SIGNATA PUMILIA. (See Marigold.) TECOMA JASMIISOIDES (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 80°) In style of growth this somewhat resembles some of the Jas- mine, though belonging to an entirely different family. Its flowers are tubular sha})ed, white, with a beautiful pink throat. It is naturally a climber, but can be grown in bush form by keep ing it well cut back; does well in the sitting room or greenhouse, or bedded out in summer. THUNBERGIA (Tender Annual). Trailing and climbing plants for the conservatory and for win- dow culture, being among our most valuable basket plants in protected situations, and are also suitable for bedding. The flowers are large, round, single and embrace peculiar colors, that are certain to be admired. These are such as yellow, orange and buff, with an intensely dark eye of large size in the center, and there is also a pure white variety. The seeds should be started early, in a warm place. The plants are of slow growth while young, but as warm weather comes on they advance rai)idly and flower constantly for a long time. THUNBERGIA (Greenhouse Peretinial, 36, 50, 95"). These are among our most useful greenhouse climbers requiring but little attention; can be run up the rafters or on trellis. T. Harrisii — An excellent vine for covering trellises, etc. The flowers are tubular m fomi, two inches in length, bright porcelain blue, with a yeUow throat. A free blooming plant of great merit r. /rf»f//vf;<.s— Same as preceding, but with pure wliite flowers of delicious fragrance. Much esteemed. ^ 1 THE HOME FLORIST. 299 THYME — Lemon Scented {Hardy Perennial). This plant is valuable for border decoration and for using in baskets and rustic designs. The leaves are variegated, there being two kinds, gold and silver. TIGRIDIA— Tiger Flower {Tender Bulbous Perennial). A bulbous plant for the garden, producing beautiful and curious large flowers for a long time in the summer. Their colors in the different varieties embrace orange, scarlet and white, with golden variegations, and are distinctly spotted with black. The bulbs may be planted in the open ground in May in warm situations, and should be lifted again early in October. After allowing them to dry, pack in dry sand or sawdust and store away from frosts and mice also, I may add, for these will eagerly devour them if an opportunity occurs. TORENIA ASIATICA {Greenhouse Perennial, 50, 65, 100"). One of the prettiest summer plants for vases or hanging baskets. Flowers blue, of a Gloxinia-like shape. Flowers during the summer months. TRADESCANTIA — Wandering Jew {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 40, 85°). Well known vines which are fine for hanging baskets and vases, or for brackets. Will also grow^ Avell in water making a drooping fringe of from two to four feet long. TR0P.iS10LUM — Nasturtium {Half Hardy Annuals and Green- house Perennials, 35, 50, 90"). A well-known genus, affording plants of strong-growing and free-flowering habits, some of which are of dwarf nature and others climbers. The flowers are attractive and showy in all the varieties, the prevailing colors being dark crimson, brilliant scarlet, dark orange, sulphur spotted with maroon, etc. There is a double flowering variety, of orange scarlet color, which, with Star of Fire and varieties belonging to the Lobbianura section, are mostly cultivated as perennials, being increased by cuttings. 300 THE HOME FLORIST. The varieties which come under the headNasturtium, are grown from seed planted either in the open ground, or in heat, and after- wards set in the garden. Those classed with T. Majus, being climbers of rapid growth, make an excellent covering for old walls, trellises, etc.; while the varieties of T. Minus (Dwarf Nas- turtiums), from their close, compact growth and richly colored flowers, are suitable for bedding purposes. T. Star of Fire — Is an exceedingly useful and easily cultivated variety for pot culture in the conservatory, producing dazzling flowers in the greatest profusion, and climbing freely en a trellis, pillar or rafters, if planted in a large pot. By starting with young plants of this variety in the spring, keeping them in pots, and placing them in a light situation in the conservatory, each plant will produce luin- dreds of flowers from November until spring, of the follow- ing winter. Trop.eolum Peregrinum (Canary Bird flower).— This is a beautiful climber, with finely cut foliage, the flowers of which are a brigiit Canarv-j^ellow, and when half open have a pretty and fanciful likeness to little birds. Tlie plants are well adai)ted for covering trellises, etc. ; and are easily grown fi-om the seed, which may be sown dii-ectly where they are required, or in heat, afterwards transplanting the seedlings. In flower from July until frosts. TULIP {Hardy Bulb). The common Tulip is so well known as not to require any de- scription, sutfice it to say that it is esteemed for its luirdi- ness, ease of culture in any soil, and the amazing brilliancy of its flowers, which are produced early in the spring. Tlie genus com- prises numerous classes, including the early and latc« flowering, both double and single, the Parrot, Due Van Tliol, Bizarres and Byblooms, in different varieties and colors, all of wliii-li arc highly desirable. The gorgeous coloring in many of the improved varieties is remarkable, and a superiority can be claimed for the family in this respect over any otlier garden ])lants. Among the large and most double varieties, as well as the single, are to be found pure white, white striped with rose, intense sciirlet, velvety crimson, rich briglit yellow, glittering red, and many other distinct colors. Tulips should be planted in the autumn, as directed on page 32, at a distance of five or six inches apart, THE HOME FLORIST. 301 Parrot Tulip. giving the tall, late varieties even a little more distance, and all a covering of about five inches of earth. The bulbs ai'e also valu- able for forcing in tlie window or conservatory m the winter, like Hyacinths, Crocus, etc., and special directions for theii" manage- ment here, are given elsewhere. TUBEROSE {Tender Bidh), This is a bulbous plant, far less commonly grown than its mer- its deserve, and producing many beautiful pure white, wax-like, sweet-scented, double flowers, on long, upright stalks. The only difficulty in the way of this flower being generally cultivated, is, that unless the tubers are started early, in artificial heat, our sea- sons in the North are not sufficiently long for it to flower in the open ground. Unlike the Gladiolus, Tigridia, and others, the bulbs also do not produce new bulbs each year for flowering the next. It is true that small bulblets form freely around the old one, with each season's growth, but these must be cultivated one, two or more jears before they will be sufficiently large for flow- ering. The first difficulty in the way of their culture named, may be overcome by starting the bulbs in pots, in a warm place, late in April and turning them into the garden soil the latter part of 302 THE HOME FLORIST. May. Should frost, in September, threaten to destroy the flowers before all are expanded, no plants are easier to take up than these, and the roots may be carefully lifted, potted and removed to the conservatory or a warm, light window, where they can finish blooming. Although the Tuberose requii'es considerable heat to flower well, growing bulbs may be trausplanted, either in the spring or fall, with safety. If it is desired to secure new bulbs for flowering, the young bulblets should, in the fall or si)ring, be removed from the old bulbs and planted in a warm part of the garden, not earlier than the first of June, and then given clean culture until the first of October, This must be repeated each year with all that are desired for flowers, uutil they are strong enough to produce flow- ering shoots. The bulbs of this plant require, during the winter, to be kept in a dry condition, and where it is warm. The tem- perature should not fall far below 45% or else they may receive injury, from the germ of the next season's flowering shoot decay- ing, although the external appearance would never indicate it. The Tuberose is susceptible of being managed to flower in winter by keeping the bulbs dry and starting them at any time, or at intervals for succession up to August 1st; but they require a situ- ation where the thermometer, in the night-time, will indicate at least 60°, and ten or fifteen degrees higher during the day, other- wise any attempt to force them must prove fruitless. TRITOMA UVARI A— Red-hot Poker {nearly Hardy Perennial). This beautiful garden plant throws up. in September, numer- ous strong flower stems four feet in height, which are each sur- mounted with a spike of red and yellow flowers of exceeilingly striking appearance. Although the Tritoma is nearly hardy in this latitude, it is better to take up the plants in autumn and keep them in a cool cellar or cold-pit, covering the roots with earth or sand. Of the easiest culture, and they will thrive in any garden soil. VALLOTA PURPUREA {Tender Bulb). This is a superb sununer flowering bulb for pot culture, and also suitable for bedding. It is easily grown, and in August throws uj) its flowering slioots a foot or more high, each of wliith is surmounted by five to eight lily-like flowers, of a brilliant scarlet color. During its season of growth the plant should be THE HOME FLORIST. 303 abundantly watered, and exposed to tl^.e sun as much as possible. In October water should be gradually withheld, allowing the roots to become fully dry by November, in which condition they should be kept in any dry place, away from the frost, until March, when they may by applying water be started into growth again for another season of flowering. VERBENA {Annual or GreenJiouse Perennial, 33, 45, 80°). The Verbena is in every respect a desirable bedding plant, but of little use for pot culture. In the open air it is a rapid grower, an abundant bloomer, and the flowers in the varieties embrace colors and sliades, varied without end almost, and exceedingly bright and attractive; indeed there is not a dull color to be found among them. Verbenas set out in May require but a warm shower to start them into rapid growth, and tlie plants will, in the hot weather of June, assume a spreading form, and from then on be continually in bloom. By August the upright single stem plant that was set in May, will have extended to three feet across, and will at all times be covered with scores of beautiful, bright and in some varieties, fragrant flowers. Verbenas will thrive in any soil, but, without exception, it should be in a good state of fertility. I would particularly caution inexpe- rienced growers against planting too close in the beds ; three feet is near enough. Do not grow them on the same spot too often, as they do much better on fresh soil. After the jjlant has made some growth, the stems should be pegged down to the ground with hair-pins, or little sticks like matches, four inches long crossed over them. The Verbena is most generally increased from cuttings, although it can be easily raised from seed. The advantage of adopting the former method is, that the splendid named varieties can be maintained pure beyond a doubt from year to year, while it can never be known exactly what colors will come from the seed. Seed grown Verbenas also lack the fine form of the selected, named varieties, each of which is likely to equal the best that could be selected from among thousands growTi from seed. In the winter, stocic plants require a cool, light, airy situation, on which account it is a difficult naatter to keep up healthy ones in a window. Where it is desired to keej) over stock it is far better to start with young jjlants that were propagated from cuttings, in September, than to take up jind keep over the old plants. Propagation for bedding in the spring 304 THE HOME FLORIST Verbt^nas. maj' be done at any time from January until April, but the young plants should be given as much liglit and air as possilile. To grow seedlings, sow in February, March or April, provide plenty of light and air, and never allow them to be crowded. Verbenas, if well hardened, will bear some freezing without its killing them. Verbena Montana. {Hardy Verbena).— This is a pretty, free- growing hardy plant, for the garden. Tlie flowers are simi- lar in form to the tender varieties; of a briglit rose color, chang- ing to lilac, and are produced in great profusion all sumnif r. The plant is of low spreading habit, and very handsome when covered with bloom. VERONICA (Half-Hardy Perenuial 30, 45, 75°). A class of plants blooming during the fall months, that are well adapted for bedding and pot culture. The flowers are borne on spikes from three to five inclies in lengtli, running througli the various shades of purple, rose, lilac and wliite, and are attrac- tive. The plants succeed in any soil, and when growing in the garden may be taken up and preserved in a cold-pit during winter THE HOME FLORIST. 305 Veronica. or may be kept in a cool part of the conservatory. There is a handsome variegated variety which is liighly attractive, either as a pot, basket or vase plant, or for bedding. VIBURNUM, SNOWBALL {Hardy Shrub). The common and well known Snowball shrvib is a strong, hardy grower, covered when in bloom with large balls of pure white flowers, really resembling balls of snow, but much pleasanter for snowballing purposes than real snow. V. plicatum — This is a new variety introduced from Japan and is said to be superior to the old sort, being of dwarfer growth. VIEGINIAN STOCK {Hardy Annual). This beautiful little annual is a native of the shores of the Mediterranean. The seeds may be sown directly where the plants are wanted, early or at any time in the spring. The plants grow six inches high, and embrace in the respective varieties, red, white and rose colored flowers. The flowers are small and distinct; are produced in great profusion on erect stems well above the plant, from early in the season until after frosts. Useful for massing and in ribbon beds, and may also be grown as an edging plant. The plants to flower well should stand not closer than three or four inches apart. 3o6 THE HOME FLORIST. i Snoidndl. VIOLET {Hardy Perennial], Famous spring flowering plants, very highly esteemed for their earliness, and the rich refreshing fragrance of the flow- ers, Avhicli include shades of color from violet to white in the dif- ferent sorts. There are double and single varieties, the for- mer being most highly prized, although they lack somewliat in hardiness. These are forced extensively for winter flowers, in all the large cities whei'e a good demand for cut flow- ers exist. Plants designed for this purpose, are grown in the open ground during the summer, at a foot apart each way. In August these are gone over, and the runners which start into growth about this time are removed by pinching them close to the plants. This operation is repeated every few weeks, and in October the plants are taken up and potted, or if to be forced in tlie conservatory they may be planted directly in the beds. The plants will not bear close confinement, and a crop of flowers can only be expected where the plants are kept cool (32. 45, 75°) and treated to an abundance of fresh air. The double THE HOME FLORIST. 30/ varieties may be wintered with entire safety in a cold-pit, or by receiving protection in the open ground. Out of doors for per- manent, all the violets delight in cool places, and a little shade. Pi'opagate by division and cuttings. V. Belle de Chatenay — New double white "Violet. The flowers are pure white, most delicately perfumed; of immense size, and very double. V. Double Blue — Light blue. V. King of Violets — Large and double, indigo shaded with violet. V. Lackawana — Single dark blue, very fragrant, fine for forcing. V. Marie Louise — Dark blue flowers, larger than the Neapolitan. V, Princess Louise — Double white. V. Queen of Whites — Fine double white, very fragrant . V. White Czar — Producing very large single flowers, sweetly scented. Flowers said to be larger than any other known in this class; strong growth and free flowering. V. Swanley White — In this we have that great desideratum, a pure white Violet, which is never tinged with pink or purple under any conditions. It will be equally valuable as the purple variety Marie Louise, from which it is a sport, for forcing, as its flowers are the same size and are as freely produced as in that variety. Exquisitely fragrant. The Swanley White will be a novel feature in bridal bouquets and other fine floral work. WALL FLOWER— Cherianthus Cheiri (Half Hardy Perennial). This is a well-known plant, of the easiest culture from seed, and suitable for pot or garden culture. It commences flowering in the spring of the second season after sowing; during the pre- ceding winter it should be kept in the cellar, cold-pit, or cool part of the conservatory. There are handsome double and single flowers, very fragrant, with orange and yellow colors predom- inating, and these shaded with red, brown or violet. WAX PLANT. (See Hoya). WEIGELA ROSEA {Hardy Shrub). This is one of the most useful hardy shrubs for borders, etc. It is very ornamental when in flower during June and July. The 3o8 THE HOME FLORIST. flowei-s, which are produced in great abundance, are of a rose color. There is a Variegated Leaved variety which is very hand- some, and a number of other fine kinds. WISTARIA— Chinese Glycine {Hardy Climber). One of the most popular hardy vines, growing rapidly, climb- ing to a heiglit of fifty feet or more, and when in bloom present- ing a truly magnificent appearance. W. Sinensis — The favorite, producing thousands of rich clusters or pendulous racemes of delicate violet-blue blossoms, richly perfumed. W. Sinetisis alba — A white variety of the above. XERANTHEMUM {Hardy Annual). A class of everlasting flowers, possessing much merit for dry- ing for winter decoration. There are white and several shades of light purple flowers, which are double and borne on long sub- stantial stems that retain their strength witli drying. The plants are robust and easily grown from seed, which starts readily and may be sown in heat or where the plants are wanted. YUCCA FILAMENTOSA— Adam's Needle {Hardy Perennial). A tropical-looking plant, with long narrow leaves that remain green the e«tire year. It throws up a strong flower-stem in sum- mer, three to four feet high, bearing a large spike of creamy- white, bell-shaped flowers, which retain their beauty a longtime. ZINNIA, DOUBLE {Half-Hardy Annual). The improved Double Zinnia of the present day is emphatically one of the most valuable annuals that can be grown, and deserv- ing of a place in every flower garden. The plant is robust, free- growing and exceedingly prolific of bloom, and may be easily raised from seed sown under glass, transplanting the plants when small, or the seed may be sown in the open ground, as soon as danger from frost is over. The flowers from good seed are of a beautiful form and texture, perfectly double in the best sorts, and afford white, scarlet, yellow, purple, salmon, violet and other colors in the different varieties. They begin to appear wlien the plants are very young, retain their attractiveness for a long time, THE HOME FLORIST. 309 and increase in number and beauty until hard frosts. While the flowers of the Zinnia, like those of many other choice double seed-grown plants, will not invariably come double, yet enough may be depended upon to produce a large percentage of double blos- soms from the best strains of seed. Let the plants be set six or seven inches apart, in rows twenty inches apart, and then as they come in flower thin out the poorest, and thus retain plenty of those of superior quality. This thinning must be done with cau- tion, and several flowers should be allowed to form on a plant be- fore deciding whether to pull it up or not, for plants which will in season produce the most double flowers, frequently show their first ones only partially double. The Zinnia will thrive in any good garden soil. 3IO THE HOME FLORIST. THE FLOKICULTURAL OPERATIONS OF THE YEAR ARRANGED BY WEEKS. The successful cultivation of plants and flowers depends large- ly on the performance of all the work connected therewith, at the right times, and some kind of a reminder of the various operations as they should occur, is serviceable to cultivators and especially to those who can devote but a small portion of their time to floriculture. The following will be found an arrange- ment of the various operations of the florist during the year, into fifty-two parts, which are respectively adapted to the fifty- two weeks of a year. It is most perfect in its application, to latitudes between 42° and 43% and persons living north and south of this should calculate somewhat upon the difference between their own latitude and this one in making use of tlie arrangement. In dividing a year into fifty-two weekly parts, each week for the sake of convenience may begin on the same day that the first week beginning with January 1 commences on; thus, January 1 falling on Wednesday, so January 8, January 15, and all the dates given below will fall on Wednesday, and so of any other day of the week. The only exception to tliis is after February 29, during a leap-year, and here the difference one day is so slight as to be of little consequence. The matter under each weekly head is designed for the week commencing at tlie date given. Although nearly all the opera- tions named may with safety be performed either at a time ])re- cetling or following the week under which they appear, tho.se printed in italics are of general interest at the seaso7i in which they are given, without reference to the particular week they may be under. The following abbreviations are made use of : W for Window; Con. for Conservatory; O. A. for Open Air; C. P. for Cold-Pit; W. F. for Winter Flowering. THE HOME FLORIST. 31I January 1 — First Week. Read in the preceding pages all about the required temperature, adaptability and culture of each plant included in the collection. Pay strict attention to airing ivhen the weather is mild, watering, destroying insects, etc., in the Con., W. and C. P. — See Dec. 17 and Oct. 15. Give Callas, hardy forcing bulbs, etc., (see list Oct. 8) plenty of water. Fuchsias at rest may be started. Repair at once any glass happening to get hi'oken. January 8 — Second Week. Give plants in W. extra protection during severe nights. Study and decide early what improvements it would be desirable to make about the grounds; also to what extent you will engage in, or in- crease upon floriculture during the coming year. Ascertain the number of plants, etc., required, and govern subsequent propa- gations, the i)rocuring of plants, seeds, etc., accordingly. January 15 — Third Week. Continue to bring in kinds named under Oct. 8, and Roses, etc., under Oct. 29. Tie up Hyacinths and other flowering plants. Keep Pelargoniums near the light. Syringe and wash plants, etc. see Nov. 26. See that dormant Carina and other tubers, etc., named under Oct. 8, are not suffering from any cause. January 22— Fourth Week. Seeds under Feb. 19 may be sown, for early. As bulbs pass out of flower, cut away the flower stalks. Keep the earth in the pots mellow at the top. — See Dec. 17. January 29 — Fifth Week. Make hot-bed sash, etc. — see Dec. 10. Studij to improve plants by pruning. Encourage W. F. Roses, etc . , by occasionally ap- plying liquid manure. February 5— Sixth Week. February is the month for propagating from cuttings, all kirds of common soft-wooded plants in the W. and Con. for adornment during the coming year, and nearly everything will now strike readily, therefore, as fast as suitable growth is afforded make cut- tings and propagate . After Poinsettias have flowered, rest them. Provide seedling Plants named under Aug. 20, and Oct. 29, with an abundance of pot room, air, and light, and they will grow rapidly. February 12 — Seventh Week. Continue to bring in for forcing, kinds named under Oct. 8, and Roses, etc., under Oct. 29. StartT Chrysanthemums to propagate from. Provide an abundance of nianm-e outside for future 312 THE HOME FLORIST. February 19 — Eighth Week. Seeds of Pansy, Verbena, Salvia Splendens, Petunia, Stock, Sweet Alj'Ssum, Mimulus, Manrandia, Ice Plant, Sensitive Plant, Delphinium, Dianthus, Antirrhinum may now be sown to secure stronj? plants for spring and summer flowering. As the season ad- vances platifs will need viore ivater, and should have an increase of air; be ever on guard against insects — see Oct. 15, Dec. 17. Have clean pots and good soil on hand for newly-started plants. February 26— Ninth Week. See that implements, vases, etc., for summer use are in repair. Give all cuttings close attention. Perfect plans as alluded to un- der Jan. 8. Water abundantly all plants that are being forced. Give the Fernery daily attodion—see Dec. 24. See that climbers of all kinds have suitable support. March 5— Tenth Week. See fliat a proper quantity of stock is coming on, either by propagation or otherwise. Propagation from cidtings shoidd still go on for sprhig 2)lants, and Chrysanthemums, Eupatoriums, Stevias, Eoses, Carnations, Violets, Libonia, Laurestinus, Jas- minums, W. F. Fuchsias, Cytisus, Chorozema, Abutilons, etc. , for W. F. be struck. Pinch back the shoots of newly started phtnts to induce a stocky growth. Pot cuttings as soon as possible after they are rooted. Dormant Lemon Verbenas, Richardias. Ges- neras, Mimulus, and the like, may be started to grow. Out door work, such as grading, trenching, etc., shoidd be commenced as early as the soil can be worked, bid beicare of digging stiff, loamy soil when it is wet. March 12 — Eleventh Week. Kinds named under Oct. 8. and Roses, etc., under Oct. 29, may still be brought in. Provide pot plants trith all the room needed for developing good forms now that they ((re grounng fast. See ""As the Season Advances,'^ etc., Feb, 19, also Oct. 15 and Dec. 17. March 19— Twelfth Week. From the time Camellias start into growth until antumn they require to be shaded from the sun; u'ill also need more water, fre- quent syringing and may be pruned if desirable. Attend to air- ing Ferneries, see Dec. 24. Hot-l)eds may be made for general purposes. If Anemone Hortensis tubers have been kept over, plant at first opportunity. Double white Primroses may be prop- agated by cuttings or division, March 26— Thirteenth Week. Seeds of Gomplirena. Cobrea, Aniaranthus, Celosia, Ipomoea, Thunbergia, Canary Pird Flower, Canna. etc., may be sown in heat. Hot-beds should be very carefully aired, iratered and protected ; allow for the admittance of a little air during the night time THE HOME FLORIST. 313 when the weather is mild. Lilies may be started in pots. Olean- ders, Oranges and Lemons, Cactus, Pomegranates, Hydrangeas, may be started into new growth ; repotting if needed. Calceo- larias, Cinerarias, Pelargoniums, may be treated to liquid manure occasionally. Give cutting dose attention ; pot off tchen slightly rooted. Bedding and other plants in pots will do ivell in a good hot-bed. Push out-door ivork as the season tcill alloiv. A good share of the protection applied to beds, plants, etc., in the fall should be removed if not yet done. Sodding may be done as soon as the ground is settled. April 2— Fourteenth Week, Cuttings may still • be made of Verbenas, Petunias, Achyran- thes, Coleus, Salvias, Heliotropes, Fuchsias, German Ivy, etc., for summer decoration, and the kinds named under March 5th for W. F. Seeds of Acroclinum, Aster, Balsam, Browalia, Cacalia, Celosia, Helichrysum, Helipterum, Japanese Maize, Marigold, Petunia; Ricinus, Phlox Drummondii, Portulaca, Scabiosa, Stocks of all kinds, Tropaeolum, Wall Flower, Xeranthemum, Double Zinnia, and those named under Feb. 19 may be sown in heat. If the soil is dry Hardy Perennials may be taken up, divided and reset, as required, and Lilies be planted. April 9— Fifteenth Week. Not much fii'e heat is likely to be needed after this date in the Con. — see ''As the Season Advances," etc., v)ider Feb. 19. Dah- lias, Caladiums, Cannas, Amaryllis, Vallota, and similar things, maybe started in heat. As the soil becomes Jit, Candytuft, Sweet Pea, Convolvulus minor. Mignonette, Clarkia, Sweet Alyssum, Briza, Coix Lachryma, Lupinus, may be sown in the O. A. Overhaul plants remaining in the C. P. and give almost full ex- posure to the air. April 16 — Sixteenth Week. Keep ivatch of the seed-beds, watering when necessary, removing weeds, and thinning and transplanting plants that stand too close. Watch for and destroy all insects in the W., Con., etc., as with warm weather they multiply rapidly— see Dec. 17. If W. plants can be set outdoors during a warm shower they will be benefited. Early hanging baskets may be planted. Sow lawns, if ready. Divide and reset edgings of Statice. Plant out Trito- mas, etc. Secure plenty of loamy turf, manure, refuse hops, etc., for potthig soil. April 23— Seventeenth Week. Start Tuberose bulbs in a warm place. Pot up and shade young Double White Primroses. Cold-frames may be sown with seeds named under April 2, etc. Hot-beds may still be sown. If they have been well aired, Carnations, Pinks, Violets, for W. F., etc. , also Veronicas, Penstemons, and Pansies, may be planted out. Make a planting of Gladiolus, and continue doing so at intervals of ten days or two weeks, until June 15. 314 THE HOME FLORIST. April 30— Eighteenth Week. Give an abundance of air to all plants; attend to pinching back Buch as need it. All plants will need close attention now as regards watering, lest they suffer frt)in drying out — see Feb. 19 and Dec. 17. See "Keep watch of Seed-beds, etc., April 1(5. Mow the lawn as soon as a little growth of grass has been made; repeat every two weeks or oftener, during the season. May 7— Nineteenth Week. If well-hardened, Roses, Verbenas, and the hardiest annuals and other plants may be set out. See " Transplanting." Seeds may be sown in the O. Ai of Animated Oats, Aniaranthus, Amobium, Antirrhinum, Aster. Browalia, Cacalia, Calendula, Calliopsis, Campanula, Agrostemma, Clarkia, Morning Glorj-, Erysimum, Escholtzia, Godetia, Grasses, Gypsophila, Helian- thiis, Kelichrysuni, Leptosiphon, Nemophila, Pansy, Petunia, Phlox Drummondii. Poppy, Portulaca, Salpiglossis, Scabiosa, Ten-week Stock, Tropaeolum, Virginian Stock, Xeranthemum, Double Zinnia besides those named under Aug. 13. The ventila- tors of the Con. may be kept open almost constantly. See tfuit no Red-Spider affect Moses, Fitchsias, etc. This is a very small insect appearing on the under-side of leaves, in large mmibers, and causing them to turn brown and finally to drop — see May 21. Cut away flower stems of bulbs out of bloom, but let the leaves grow. May 14— Twektieth Week. The planting out of all but the most tender plants may go on. Plant out Daiilia tubers. Sow seeds of Solanum in pots, for autumn and winter decoration, and in the oyjen air tender aniuials, such as Balsam, Calandrina, Celosia, Helipterum, Japanese Maize, Marigold and Mirabilis. Keep a lookout for JRose Saw-flies — see "Insects Injurious to Eoses,'' page 117. May 21— Twenty-first Week. The glass of the Con. may be shaded, except over Noisette and other Roses. These shoidd be syringed frequently, as also should Camellias, Fuchsias and other 2>lants kept in duriiig summer. To create moisture for preventing attacks of I-ied Sftider, water should (dso at all times be freely used on the tcalks and about the Con. The ventilators should be kept open, Azaleas may be re- potted and moved out; also Agaves, Caladiums, Dracenas and other ornamental pot plants, designed for the lawn, etc. Winter- flowering Roses, Bouvardia, Jasminums, Poinsettias, and those named March 5, to be grown in pots during summer, should be moved to the O. A. and carefully plunged in soil or otiier sub- stance to prevent their drying out; each one should be jjlaced on a stone, pot-sherd or slate, to prevent angle worms entering through the hole below. House plants may be moved to summer quarters. Vases, hanging baskets, etc., maj"^ be j)ut out, ami new ones still be planted. Fuchsias, Geraniums, Ageratums, Cupheas, THE HOME FLORIST. 315 Petunias, Heliotropes, etc., make handsome pot plants for fall blooming if propagated now, and kept pinched back for eight weeks. Plant out Bouvardia, started Dahlias, Coleus. also Tig- ridia, Amaryllis, Vallota, and sow Ricinus, Acroclinium, Rhod- anthe, Ipomcx?a and oiher tender seeds. If not yet done, W. F. Fuchsiaa should be given a rest. May 28— Twenty-second Week. Tropteolums and Heliotropes, for W. F., may be propagated; also a general collection of such things as will be useful for win- ter decoration, including plants with ornamental foliage, and for Ferneries, also Ivies, and the freest -growing plants named under March 5. New lawns yet to be sown, should be seeded with as little delay as possible. Any of the seeds named under May 7-14, etc., may still be sown in the O. A. Be prepared to destroy Rose Slugs as they appear — See June 18, also July 9. June 4— Twenty-third Week. Planting of Geraniums. Verbenas, and all started bedding plants is still in order. Set out young Tuberose bulblets. Callas should be given a rest of several months when done flowering. Keep Double White Primroses in shade and give plenty of space. June 11 — Twenty-fourth Week. Pinch back Carnations, Bouvardia, and other W. F. plants that require it. After all plants for out-doors have been moved from the Con. it should be thoroughly cleaned for the summer. Wash empty pots. Watch for and destroy Chafers on Pose bushes. June 18 — Twenty-fifth Week. Peg down Verbenas and other trailing bedding plants. See "Slimmer Culture,'" ''Watering Plants," etc.," "Removal of Ma- tured Flowers." Moiv the lawn frequently. Maintain neatness in all parts of the grounds. Water hanging baskets, vases, pot plants, etc., abundantly. Syringe and use ivater freely in the Con., not neglecting Camellias. Provide Sweet Pea, Morning Glory, and all other climbers with support, as needed. June 35— Twenty-sixth Week. Repot, if necessary, Roses, and other W. F. plants named and alluded to under May 21, and keep well watered and plunged. Propagation of plants named and alluded to under May 28 may still go on. As strong young shoots of Perennials, Roses, Shrubs, etc., are formed, layering may be done. July 2— Twenty-Seventh Week. Any building or improvement of Conservatories which is con- templated, also repairing of glass, etc , should be done, to have them ready for plants in Sept. and Oct. Sweet Alyssum, Ten- week Stock, Mignonette, and the other kinds named under Aug. 20, may be soivn for W. F. Candytuft, Mignonette. Phlox, Erisymum, may be sown in O. A. or frames for late blooming. 3l6 THE HOME FLORIST. i^ July 9— Twenty-eighth Week. Keep edgings clipped, and cut the edges of grass borders occa- sionally. Alloio no weeds to groiv either in the tvalks or beds. July 16— Twenty-ninth Week. Layering of Carnations, Pinks, Roses, etc., should receive at- tention ivhere suitable growth is afforded — see June 11 and 18. July 23— Thirtieth Week. Should the season prove dry, Dahlias, Carnations, newly-plant ed trees, etc., will be benefited by mulching. Plants alluded to under May 38 may still be propagated. Seeds of the kinds named under August 13 and 20 may be sown thus early. July 30— Thirty-first Week. Pinch and use the knife freely on monthly Roses aiid all i-ajnd- growing 2)lunts— see "Pviining." For potting soil, see April 16. After they are done flowering give Pelargoniums a rest. For 'Rtist on Roses" — see page 118. August 6— Thirty-second Week. Callas may be started to grow. Keep flowering Dahlias, Glad- iolus, Lilies, etc., tied to stakes. The re-potting of Oleanders, etc., named under March 26, is seasonable, after they have made a growth. Carnations, for early winter flowers should receive their last heading back. August 13— Thirty-third Week. Winter-flowering Fuchsias may be started. Propagation of Greraniums and otlier plants alluded to under Sept. 10 may be be- gun. As they require it re-pot W. F. plants named and aihuled to under May 21. Sow Seeds of Pansy, HoUyliock. Delphinum, Dianthus, Aquilegia, Canterbury Bells, Digitalis, Lychnis, Myosotis, Perennial Poppy, Lobelia Cardinalis, Antirrliinum, and all other Perennials and Biennials — sec June 18, alsuJidy 11. August 20— Thirty-fourth Week. Sow for winter and spring decoration, Calceolaria, Cineraria, CoUea Scandens, Cyclamen, Primula, Smilax, Ten- Week Stock. For drying everlastings gather before fully expanded, tie in small bnnche.s, and hang in the shade. In gathering seed, save that only from the best flowers. August 27— Thirty-fifth Week. Provide pots, potting soil, fuel, etc. Lilium Candithiin may now bo reset. Layering may still be kept up. September 3— Thirty-sixth Week. Givcj Fuchsias rest as they cease to flower. Remove runners, and cut back W. F. Violets— see July 2. THE HOME FLORIST. 317 September 10— Thirty- seventh Week. Bouvardias and others of the more tender plants for winter decoration also Tuberoses not yet done flowering, may be taken up and potted. Propagation of a general stock of tender plants should be engaged in, which are to be increased during the fall and winter for spring and later use. Those named under October 1 may be deferred until then. Repot such W. F. plants named and alluded to under May 21 as require it. September 17 — Thirty-eighth Week. Hardy bulbs named under Oct. 8 may be planted in the O. A. or started for forcing. Be o)i your guard against frosts, and pro- tect for a iveek or two longer, or take in, all W. F. plants, for the window or conservatory. Vases, hanging baskets and the showy pot plants named under May 21, may be left out longer by care- fully protecting in cool and frosty nights. September 24— Thirty-ninth Week. See "Treatment of Plants designed for W. F.," also Roses. Pelargoniums may be cut back and started into growth. Give cuttings close attention daily, and see "■Keep ivatcJi of seed-beds," etc.. April 16. Lift Carnations, Violets and other plants of a similar degree of hardiness, that are designed for winter flower- ing. Propagation should continue to go on with all tender plants. A little fire heat may be needed on cool, frosty nights. — See Oct, 15. The bulbs under Oct. 8, may be planted. October 1— Fortieth Week. Ferneries for winter adornment may be planted. Petunias, Centaureas, Carnations, Pinks, can be propagated better now than earlier; Verbenas strike well yet. Chrysanthemums may be stimulated unth liquid manure. Pot cuttings, soon as they are rooted : thin out, transplant or pot any seedlings ivhich may re- quire it. Sow, for early plants next year, Clarkia, Calliopsis, Candytuft, Erysimum, Mignonette, Nemophila, Perennial and Sweet Pea, Larkspur. October 8— Forty-first Week. Now is the time for planting in the O. A. , or starting in pots, etc., for forcing, the hardy bulbs of Hyacinth, Tulip, Crocus, Narcissus, Jonquil, Lilium Longiflorum, Iris, Crown Imperial, Snowdrop, etc. After sharp frosts, take up, dry and store away for winter, Canna, Caladium, Dahlia, Amaryllis, Gladiolus, Tig- ridia, and Tuberose, bulbs, etc. Commence drying off Vallota. October 15 — Forty-second Week. Give plants in the Con., W. and the C. P., an abundance of air daily as long as the iceather unll admit, and also some later all during the winter. By no chance allow a higher temperature to exist at night than would be suitable in the daytime, neither strive 3l8 THE HOME FLORIST. to keep ashigh (t degree in cJoudy weather nsin clear; never sub- ject plants of any kind, and especially Roses, to strong drafts of air ; open ventilators in the Con. on the side away from the tvind in cold weather. Secure Lemon Verbena plants. Haul, manure, sand, etc., under shelter for winter use. See " Taking Up Plants in the Fall." On Insects, Watering, etc.— See Dec. 17. October 22— Forty-third Week. Take up Feverfews, Penstemons, Veronicas, for stock plants. Oleanders and other hard-wooded plants named under Marcli 2(5, may be placed in winter quarters. Water Callas abundantly. October 29— Forty-fourth Week. Sweet Alyssum, Mignonette, Ten week Stock, Maurandia, Browalia, etc., may be sown for winter and spring decoration. Yoking plants of Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Stevia, Eupator- ium. Pink, Violet, that are too small for flowering, maybekept safely during tvinter at a night temperature o/40° to 45\ Roses, Deutzias, Dicentras, Lily of the Vallej^ Pinks, Daisies, Violets, Astilbe Japonica, for winter and spring forcing, may be taken up, potted and stored in the C. P. or cellar. In taking them in from the C. P., etc., during winter, never commence forcing too rapidly; the same tvith hardy bidbs. November 5 — Forty-fifth Week, Hardy Indbs named under Oct. 8, may be planted in the O. A., as long as the ground remains open, and be started for forcing two months yet. Fall. struck cuttings and seedling jjlants in small pots .should be .shifted as required. Be very particular not to al- low the seedlings, named under Aug. 20, to become jjot-bound. November 12— Forty-sixth Week. At this season the grounds should be cleaned up generally; vases, etc., secured; rubbish and dead i)lants removed; manure applied; beds worked over, etc. The earliest .started Indbs, for forcing, named under Oct. 8 may be brought in. On the care of Ferneries, see page Til and under Dec. 24. November 19— Forty-seventh Week. Protect, by laying down or otherwise, Roses, Shrubs, etc., be- fore the winter sets in severely; mulch the roots for a good dis- tance around. Ft^r airing, temperature, etc., of the Con. and W., see Oct. 15. For wateHng plants, destroying insects, etc., see Dec. 17. November 26— Forty-eighth Week. Improi'e plants by pinchi)ig and pruning. Wash the foliage of Ivies, Wa.r Plant, Camellias and other hou.sr }>lants occasionally, and syringe Hoses in the Con. frequently. Cuttings of such plants OS stock appears .short of .should be made at first opportunity. See "Removal of Matured Flowers," page 31. THE HOME FLORIST. 319 December 3— Forty-ninth Week. As soon as the ground is frozen, a dressing of straw or hay should be applied to beds of fall-planted hardy bulbs. Pansies, and other fall-grown seedlings. Top-dress the lawn with well- rotted manure if the soil has become impoverished. Chrysanthe- mums, after flowering should be cut down and moved to the cellar, under Con. staging or some other similar place. See that Tuberose bulbs are stored in a warm place; also that all bulbs, seeds, tubers, etc. , are secure and safe from frost, mice, etc. December 10 — Fiftieth "Week. Give extra protection to plants in the W. in severe cold nights. Bring in, for forcing, kinds named under Oct. 8 and Roses, etc., under Oct. 29. During the leisiire of winter viake hot-bed sash, mats, rustic work, trellises, etc. December 17— Fifty-first Week. Keep the earth melloro in pots, and the p>ots clean. Should the soil become hard, remove the top and replace with fresh earth. Guard strictly against and destroy all insects. If a plant becomes infested, never allow it to stand among,clean ones. In the Con, fumigate ivith tobacco frequently as a preventive. Aim to water all plants just enough andno more. In the ivinter, as a ride, never vjater except in the forenoon. Provide plants with stakes when- ever they are required. On airing Con. and W. see Oct. 15. December 24— Fifty-second Week. Pay attention to propagating such plarits as are ivanted large or early, or of which stock is scarce. Air the Fernery a little daily, remove decayed leaves or flowers, and if ivater is needed apply it moderately, without fear of harm. As the different Eupatoriums and Stevias pass out of flower, cut down to induce a new growth from which to propagate.