Chapter 6

_Indoor Culture_.--Select strong bulbs of the seedling varieties, and plant them in succession, commencing early in autumn, in good, rich, sandy soil. A liberal supply of water is necessary during the blooming season, but perfect drainage must be secured. They grow well in bowls filled with wet moss or sand. Height, 6 in. (_See also_ "Colchicum.")

Crotons.--Fine-foliaged hothouse plants. A mixture of peat and sandy loam suits their growth, and they require a good amount of light to properly colour their leaves, with a night temperature of 70 degrees.

Crowea Saligna.--Charming greenhouse evergreen shrubs, which send forth their purple flowers in September. They grow best in loam and peat. Cuttings may be struck in sand under bell-glasses. Height, 3 ft.

Crown Imperials.--_See_ "Fritillarias."

Crucianella Stylosa.--A hardy perennial. Sow in August or September in a sheltered spot to stand the winter. The seed may also be sown from March to midsummer, and the plants moved in autumn to the place where they are to bloom. Their delicate pink flowers are produced in July. Height, 1 ft.

Cuckoo Flower.--_See_ "Cardamine."

Cucumbers.--A rich, loamy soil is most suitable for their growth. Sow frame varieties in a heat of 75 degrees or 85 degrees during February and March for summer use, and when the plants are of sufficient size transplant to a well-prepared hotbed. Sow again in September for winter use. The hardy or ridge cucumbers (which are not suited for frame or hothouse culture) should be raised in a frame or hot-bed in April, and planted out about the middle of May in a warm border on strawed ridges prepared with good stable manure, placing a hand-glass over each plant until it is well established.

Cunila Mariana (_Dittany_).--This hardy perennial produces heads of pretty purple flowers from July to September. It is not particular as to soil, and can easily be increased by division. Height, 1 ft.

Cuphea.--Shrubs of a rather pretty description. The stove varieties require a sandy loam to grow in, and may be propagated by cuttings. The annuals should be sown on a gentle hotbed, and when strong enough potted off and kept in the greenhouse; they should not be moved into the open before the end of May. The perennial species if sown early make good bedding plants the first year; they need protection in the winter.

Currants.--_Black._--A rich, deep soil and a moist situation, together with partial shade, are most suitable for their growth. They succeed better as bushes than as espaliers or trained to walls. Cuttings of the previous year's growth are taken in autumn and planted firmly 1 ft. by 6 in. apart. In two years shift every alternate plant so as to allow room for expansion, and plant out finally to a distance of 5 ft. In pruning the bushes, remember that the fruit is borne on the young wood, therefore only sufficient should be cut away to allow of the admission of air and sunshine and the further growth of young branches. A portion of the old wood should be removed each year. Mulch the roots, and keep the plants supplied with water in dry seasons. Baldwin's Black, Ogden's Black, Black Naples, Lee's Prolific, James' Prolific, and Old Black are among the best.

_Red and White._--An open, sunny position is needed. The soil that suits them best is a deeply-manured, stiff loam. They are readily raised from cuttings--which should be as long and strong as possible--taken in autumn. Cut away all the eyes except the three uppermost ones, and plant firmly in rows 1 ft. by 6 in. apart. Transplant at the end of the second year to a distance of 5 ft. apart. While the plants are young cut out all the top centre branches, cutting always to an outgrowing bud, so as to give a cylindrical form to the bush. In further pruning leave the leading shoots untouched, but shorten all others to 4 in. or 6 in., and cut out all old, mossy wood. Towards the end of June is a good time for cutting the young wood away. The fruit is produced on spurs. In the autumn of each year carefully dig in a good dressing of half-rotted manure, in such a manner as not to injure the roots. Among the leading red varieties are the following:--Champagne, Cherry, Chiswick Red, Houghton Castle, Raby Castle, and Red Dutch. Of the white fruit the White Dutch and the Cut-leaved White are the leaders. In plantations they should stand from 4 ft. to 6 ft. apart.

Currants, Flowering.--_See_ "Ribes."

Cyanthus Lobatus--A small, but very beautiful procumbent perennial, well adapted to fill moist places on rock-work if the situation is open and sunny. A mixture of vegetable mould and sand suits it, and it is best increased by cuttings placed in moist peat. It flowers in the autumn, the flower-stems being from 6 in. to 1 ft. in length.

Cyanus(_Cornflower_).--Very pretty and free-blooming hardy annuals. Sow the seed in the open in autumn for an early display of flowers, or in March for a later one. Thin out to 2 ft. apart. Bloom in July. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Cyclamen.--Charming winter and spring blooming bulbous greenhouse plants, which thrive in a mixture of sandy loam and vegetable mould. They require a moist atmosphere and a uniform temperature not lower than 50 degrees. They may be increased by seed sown in slight heat as soon as it is ripe. Plant the bulbs in October, also in February and March, placing them so that the crown is level with the top of the pots. One full-sized bulb is sufficient for a 6-in. pot, which must be provided with good drainage and placed on a layer of coal ashes that is kept constantly moist. Water moderately till growth begins, then increase the supply. Give a little liquid manure, in a weak state, if a large quantity of flower-buds appear. When the blooming season is over, plunge the pots in a shady, well-drained border, and when the leaves start afresh turn the plants carefully out of the pots, so as not to injure their roots, and re-pot in fresh soil. C. Persicum flowers in February, and C. Neapolitanum in April. C. Europeum is a hard variety, thriving in any situation. It produces sweetly-scented flowers throughout July and August. It does best when planted under trees, or in partial shade on rock-work, in well-drained, good loamy or peaty soil mixed with a fair proportion of brick rubble. Plant the corms in September 3 in. apart, and 1-1/2 in. deep. Height, 6 in. to 9 in.

Cydonia (_Pyrus_).--These hardy plants are well adapted for trellis-work, but are more effective when grown as bushes, and flower more freely than when trained to the wall, the bloom often lasting to the winter. They will grow in any soil, and are increased by suckers. Height, 4 ft. and upwards.

Cyperius Alternifolius.--A stove grass which will grow in any soil, but requires a plentiful supply of water. It is increased by dividing the roots. Height, 2 ft.

Cypress (_Cupressus_).--Among these useful conifers C. Lawsoniana has no superior as a single specimen for the decoration of the lawn. Of free growth and perfectly hardy, it succeeds in almost any soil or situation. C. Fraserii is also hardy, of erect habit, and of a rich glaucous hue. When it attains a good size it is very ornamental. The beautiful silver variegated variety Argenteo Variegata deserves a place in every shrubbery. Nana Alba Maculata is a dwarf globular plant, the slender branches of which are tipped with white, giving it the appearance of being partly covered with snow. Pygmea is a compact dwarf-growing variety suitable for the centre of small beds and for rock-work. Japan Cypresses are elegant little shrubs, one of the finest being Retinospora Ericoides, whose peculiar violet-red leaves contrast charmingly with light green plants. Any of the above may be increased by cuttings. They succeed best in a rich, deep loam, and are improved by thinning out the branches where too thick, and pinching out the stronger shoots where too thin, so as to encourage new growth.

Cypripedium (_Hardy Ladies' Slipper Orchid_).--This plant is of the simplest culture and is well adapted for pots, ferneries, or rock-work. It is most at home in a well-drained yet moist peaty soil, and kept in a frame or on a shady border, where it will bloom in June. Protect from frost and heavy rains, but never allow the roots to get dry. Height, 1 ft.

Cytisus.--Elegant hardy shrubs with finely-cut leaves and terminal racemes of Pea-shaped flowers in July. They will grow in any soil, and are readily raised from seed or layers. Height, 3 ft. to 4 ft.

D

Daffodils.--These will grow in any good, cool, moist, well-drained garden soil if sand be put round their roots, but thrive best in a moderately rich loam. They may remain in the ground for years, for large bulbs produce the finest flowers. When the flowering is over the leaves must be allowed to die down, not cut off. Plant from September to December. The top of the bulb should be about 3 in. below the surface, according to its size; 10 in. apart is a good distance. Daffodils are also suitable for pot culture. Plant three to six bulbs, according to size, in a 4-in. or 5-in. pot, using a compost of two parts fibrous loam, one part leaf-mould, and one part sand. Place the pots on a bed of ashes, and cover with 4 in. of cocoa-nut fibre. As soon as top growth has commenced, remove the plants indoors, and give plenty of light and air to prevent them being drawn. Daffodils likewise make a good display when planted on a lawn.

Dahlias.--These attractive plants require a deep, friable soil, not over rich. They may be grown from seed sown on a hotbed in March and lightly covered with fine mould. As soon as they are up give all the air which can with safety be given. When the seedlings are large enough pot them off singly in the smallest-sized pots or round the edges of 6-in. ones. Plant them out at the end of May, 1 ft. apart; they will flower at the end of August. Any that turn out very good had better be propagated by cuttings from the young tops, to save the kind in case the roots should die. When flowering is over take up the young bulbs and treat them as directed afterwards for old tubers.

Another way to propagate them is to place the old tubers in soil over a hotbed early in March. When the shoots are a couple of inches high the tubers may be taken up and divided with a sharp knife. Pot off separately. Water them occasionally with liquid manure, made from guano and powdered charcoal, well mixed with rain water, and plant them out early in May. Give them plenty of room, and tie the branches securely to stakes firmly fixed in the soil. When they have become good bushy plants put a layer of half-rotted manure round each plant. As soon as frost turns their foliage brown take them up, cut off the roots, leaving about 6 in. of stem attached, and plunge them into a box of sand, chaff, or ashes, and preserve them from damp, frost, and heat during the winter.

Daisies (_Bellis Perennis_).--These pretty, little hardy perennials are very useful as edgings. To grow them to perfection the ground should be highly manured, and the roots divided every year, planting them out 6 in. apart in a cool, shady situation. October is a suitable time for transplanting. They flower continuously from February to July. Height, 6 in.

Dandelions.--Dandelions on lawns, etc., may be killed by cutting them down as low as possible, and putting a little gas-tar or a pinch of salt on the wound. Or they may be dug up and blanched for mixing with salad. In this case plant six roots in an 8-in. pot, and place an inverted flower-pot over the whole, in order to exclude the light; the plants are sometimes blanched in the open by covering them with old tan or fine ashes. The flowers must be kept picked off, for they soon run to seed, and if unattended to become troublesome.

Daphne.--Beautiful shrubs, mostly evergreens, bearing elegant flowers followed by bright-red poisonous berries. D. Mezereum is the most common variety, and is very suitable for the front of shrubberies. The Chinese variety D. Odorata is too tender for outdoors, but makes a fine ornament for the greenhouse. The dwarf kinds, bearing fragrant pink flowers, are rather tender, but are very useful for rockeries occupying sheltered positions. They all need a peaty soil, and may be increased by grafting on to the common Spurge Laurel. Different varieties flower at various periods, from February to October. Height, 9 in. to 6 ft, but the majority are from 2 ft. to 3 ft. high.

Datura.--Ornamental half-hardy annuals. The seeds of all the species must be sown on a hotbed early in spring. When the plants are strong enough transplant them in the border, where they will bloom more freely than in pots. The seeds of D. Ceratocaula will sometimes remain several years in the ground before they germinate. They flower in July. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Day Flower.--_See_ "Commelina."

Day Lily.--_See_ "Hemerocallis."

Delphinium (_Larkspur_).--The gorgeous spikes of flowers produced by these plants render them invaluable for the border. They like a deep soil, highly enriched. The perennials may be divided at the root in autumn, care being taken not to injure the young fleshy sprouts. The annuals are readily raised from seed. The quickest way to grow the perennial varieties from seed is to sow in a frame with a slight bottom-heat, at any time from March to August; but sowings made in the open from April to June will succeed. Keep the ground moist, and shade from the sun till the plants are up, then transplant to nursery beds for the summer, afterwards transferring them to their final quarters. Flower in June and July. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 6 ft.

Dentaria Digitata (_Toothwort_).--This tuberous hardy perennial grows well in old leaf-mould, and is very suitable for the base portion of rock-work, where it can obtain both shade from the midday sun and moisture. It is readily increased by cutting the roots into pieces about 1-1/2 in. long, and replanting them where they are intended to bloom, putting 1 in. or so of sand round them. They flower in May. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Desfontania Spinosa.--A fine, evergreen wall shrub with holly-like leaves, and long, pendulous scarlet and orange flowers in June. It grows best in a compost of loam, peat, and sand, with a south or west aspect. It is propagated by cuttings under glass. Height, 10 ft.

Desmodium Canadense.--This is a fine border hardy perennial, producing long racemes of rosy-purple flowers in June or July. It prefers a soil of sandy loam and peat, and may be increased by seed or by cuttings planted in sand and subjected to heat. Height, 4 ft.

Desmodium Pendulaeflorum.--A hardy evergreen shrub, flowering in July. It thrives in sandy loam and peat. Cuttings planted in sand with a little bottom-heat and under glass will strike. Height, 6 ft.

Deutzia.--A beautiful conservatory shrub, bearing in spring a large quantity of flowers resembling the snowdrop. A peaty soil suits it. It is pretty hardy. Height, 3 ft.

Devil-in-a-Bush.--_See_ "Nigella."

Dianthus.--Very beautiful and fragrant flowers. The genus embraces Carnations, Pinks, Picotees, and Sweet Williams. The soil most suitable for them is a light, loamy one, mixed with a little rotten dung and sand. It is well to confine the rarer kind to pots, so as the better to protect them in winter. They are propagated by layers, cuttings, or division of roots. If the cuttings are taken about the middle of June, and placed under glass on a gentle hotbed, they will be ready in about three weeks to plant out in the open. The annuals and biennials merely require sowing where they are intended to bloom. Flower in July. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2 ft.

Dictamnus (_Burning Bush_).--_See_ "Fraxinella."

Dielytra Spectabilis (_Venus's Car, Bleeding Heart, or Lyre Flower_).--One of the most elegant hardy perennials for forcing for table decorations, or cutting for vases. The graceful, pendent branches are laden with beautiful red or purple heart-shaped flowers; these, combined with the delicate green of the foliage, give them a conspicuous place among plants. Out of doors in summer, among shrubs or herbaceous plants, they are exceedingly attractive. Let them be planted in tufty groups in a warm, sheltered border of rich, light soil. They may be increased by division of the root, as in the Dahlia, or by cuttings. Height, 3 ft.

Digitalis (_Foxglove_).--Very showy, hardy, perennial border plants. They will grow in any garden soil, and are readily raised from seed, which, if sown in the autumn, will produce flowers the following June and July. Height, 1 ft. to 3 ft.

Digitata.--_See_ "Callirhoe."

Dimorphantus _(Aralia Sinensis_).--The Dimorphantus Mandschuricus is one of the noblest of deciduous shrubs, the foliage being very large and much divided. Any soil is suitable for its growth, and it may be propagated by cuttings of ripe wood, taken at a joint and planted on a shaded site. It produces its flowers at midsummer. Height, 4 ft. to 6 ft.

Dimorphotheca Ecklonis.--This plant is not perhaps quite hardy, still it may be grown out of doors in a sheltered, sunny situation. It grows well in sandy loam and leaf-mould, and requires a good deal of moisture in the summer months, though from autumn till spring it should be kept on the dry side. During winter it is safest to afford it protection. It is generally raised from cuttings late in summer, which are kept through the winter in small pots in the greenhouse.

Diphylleia Cymosa.--A very pretty bog plant which blooms from June to August. Plant in rich, light soil, and give plenty of water. It is propagated by division. Height, 9 in.

Diplacus Glutinosus _(Hard-wooded Mimulus_).--This elegant greenhouse shrub is an evergreen which delights in a rich, sandy loam. It flowers in June, and is increased by cuttings. Height, 3 ft.

Diplopappus.--Dwarf-growing evergreen shrubs of pretty habit. The golden stems and leaves of D. Chrysophylla render that variety specially attractive. A sandy loam is most suitable for their growth. They require the warmest situation the garden affords, and to be protected during the winter. Cuttings strike readily. They flower in August. Height, 2 ft.

Disbudding--The object of Disbudding is to prevent the growth of branches which, from their position, would be useless to the tree, and would consequently have to be cut away later on. The process is both simple and expeditious. The trees are gone over once a week during the spring, and the useless buds are rubbed off with the thumb, taking off first those which are most unfavourably situated. The work should be done gradually, so as not to give any check to the tree.

The term is also applied to the pinching out of flower-buds, such as those of the Chrysanthemum, so as to give more room and strength to the remaining blooms.

Disemma.--Splendid evergreen climbers, suitable either for the greenhouse or in a sheltered position out of doors. Plant in rich, loamy soil mixed with peat, and, if grown in the open, give protection to the roots during the winter. They flower in July, and may be increased by cuttings planted in sand under glass. Height, 20 ft. to 30 ft.

Dittany.--_See_ "Cunila."

Docks, to Kill.--Cut the weeds down to the ground, and run a skewer dipped in vitriol through the roots.

Dodecatheon.--A hardy perennial, which is very ornamental when in flower. It grows best in a loamy soil, and is easily increased by dividing the roots. Blooms in May. Height, 1 ft.

Dog's-Tooth Violets.--_See_ "Violets."

Dolichos Lablab.--Half-hardy annuals. The seed should be sown in spring in pots placed in heat, and kept in the hothouse till May, when the plants may be set out in a sheltered position, placing sticks for them to run up, in the like manner to Beans. Flower in July. Height, 6 ft.

Dondia Epipactis.--A very pretty and extremely hardy little perennial, suitable for either pot culture or rock-work. It thrives in peat or leaf-mould, and likes a moist position. Strong clumps may be divided in February, but it is rather shy at being moved. It flowers in May. Height, 6 in.

Doronicum (_Leopards Bane_).--An ornamental hardy perennial. It will grow in any garden soil, and may be propagated from seed sown either in the autumn or spring, or by dividing the root. It produces its flowers in May. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Draba.--Pretty dwarf Alpine plants which bloom during April and May; very suitable for rock-work. They flourish in a compost of loam and peat, and may be propagated by seed or division. Height, 1-1/2 in. to 3 in.

Dracaena Indivisa.--A stove evergreen shrub much valued for its foliage and as a table plant. It requires a light, loamy soil and plenty of light. Cuttings stuck in tan or peat and sand, and provided with strong heat, will strike. It flowers in June. Height, 3 ft.

Dracocephalum (_Dragon's Head_).--Ornamental plants, mostly bearing lilac or blue flowers. Many of the half-hardy kinds are grown in pots, so that they may the more readily be removed to the greenhouse in winter. The perennials are propagated by dividing the roots. The annuals are increased from seed sown in March or early in April. They like a rich, light soil, and come into bloom in June and July. Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.

Dracophyllum.--Greenhouse evergreen shrubs of an ornamental character. The pots should be filled with an equal mixture of sand and peat. They are propagated by planting the young shoots in sand, covering them with a hand-glass, and plunging them in heat. They flower in June. Height, 2 ft.

Dragon's Head.--_See_ "Dracocephalum."

Dryas Octopetala (_Mountain Avens_).--A prostrate, creeping perennial which bears white Anemone-like flowers from July to September. It thrives in peat, and is increased by seeds, cuttings, or division. Not being quite hardy, protection should be afforded during winter. Height, 6 in.

Dutchman's Pipe--_See_ "Aristolochia."

E

Earwigs, to Trap.--An inverted flower-pot, containing a little dry moss or hay, placed on a stick, forms a good trap for these pests. They will also congregate in any hollow stems of plants that may be laid about. They may be destroyed by shaking them into boiling water.

Eccremocarpus (_Calampelis_).--These climbing half-hardy perennials will grow in any garden soil, a light, loamy one being preferable. Sow the seed in autumn on a slight hotbed, pot off, and winter in a greenhouse. The plants will be ready to turn out on a warm south wall in April or May. Cut them down in the autumn, and cover the roots with dry leaves: they will shoot up again in the spring. The foliage is dark and Clematis-like; the flowers are borne in clusters, are tube-shaped, and bright orange-scarlet in colour. They are increased by cuttings.

Echeveria.--Choice greenhouse evergreen shrubs. They grow best in a sandy loam, with a little peat, mixed with pulverised brick rubbish. Water must be given cautiously. Young plants may be taken off the parent in October and pressed firmly, but without bruising them, in light, rich soil. Cuttings should be left for a few days to dry before planting. They flower in autumn. In winter keep them in a cold frame, and as dry as possible. Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.

Echinacea Purpurea (_Purple Cone Flower_).--A stately hardy perennial, very pretty when in flower, but hardly suitable for cutting purposes. It likes a rich, light, loam soil and plenty of sunshine. The roots may be divided in spring, after growth has fairly started. It blooms during September and October. Height, 2-1/2 ft.

Echinops (_Globe Thistle_).--Coarse perennial plants, of stiff growth. Any soil suits them, and they may be increased by dividing the roots. They bloom in July. Height, 4 ft.

Echium Creticum.--A scarlet-flowering hardy annual which should be grown wherever bees are kept. Sow in spring in any garden soil. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Edelweiss.--_See_ "Gnaphalium."