Chapter 7

Edraianthus Dalmaticus.--A charming little herbaceous perennial which proves quite hardy in our climate, and well deserves a place in the rockery. Plant in deep, rich loam, and cover the surface of the crown with 1/2 in. of coarse sand. It may be propagated from off-sets, taken with as much root as possible as soon as flowering ceases. Winter the young plants in a cold frame, and do not give them too much water, or they will rot. They will bloom in July and August. Height, 4 in.

Egg-Plant (_Aubergine_).--The fruit of the egg-plant is edible. The seed is sown in March or April in pots of well-drained, light, rich soil, and placed in a cucumber frame or on a hotbed with a temperature of 75 degrees. When the plants are fairly up they are potted off separately, and when they have started into growth the points are pinched out, so as to induce a bushy habit. It is necessary to keep the roots well supplied with water. When the fruit is set, the growth is stopped at the first joint beyond it. They are mostly treated as greenhouse pot-plants, but may be grown in the open if planted on a south border, in ridges like those made for cucumbers, and covered with hand-glasses till established. The Aubergine is a tender annual. Height, 2 ft.

Eggs of Insects, to Destroy.--Into 3 gallons of water stir 1/4 peck of lime, 1/2 lb. of sulphur, and 1/2 lb. of tobacco. When settled, syringe the trees and walls with the clear liquid. More water may be added afterwards.

Eichhornia Crassipes Major.--A pretty and curious plant which may be grown in bowls of water like the Chinese Lily. The stalks are bladders about the size of a greengage, which enable the plant to float. The flowers are soft lilac-rose in colour, and sparkle as if polished, each one being about 2 in. in diameter. A little soil at the bottom of the bowl is beneficial. It will flourish out of doors in summer.

Elder.--_See_ "Sambucus."

Eleagnus.--Effective variegated shrubs which prove perfectly hardy in the south of England. They grow in any ordinary soil, and are increased by cuttings. Height, 10 ft.

Elsholtzia Cristata.--Hardy annuals of great value where there are bees, the flowers being very sweet. Sow in the open in spring. Height, 1 ft.

Empetrum.--Small hardy evergreen shrubs requiring an elevated and exposed position, and a dry, barren soil. They flower in May, and are propagated by layers. Height, 1 ft.

Endive.--Sow at intervals from May till the end of August, but the principal sowing, to stand the winter, should be made the first week in August, giving the plants the protection of a frame. When the early sown ones are 2 in. high transplant them to a rich nursery bed. When 4 in. high lift them carefully, with the soil round the roots, and place them in drills about 3 in. deep and 1 ft. apart each way. Water well immediately after planting, and keep the soil moist.

Epacris.--Pretty Heath-like shrubs. They like a sandy peat soil, and plenty of moisture. The pots in which they grow should be provided with ample drainage and stood in a larger-sized pot, with wet moss between the two. As soon they have done blooming cut them back freely, and when the fresh shoots are 2 or 3 in. long, pot them off, placing them in a close, cool pit for three or four weeks. Gradually harden off, then place them in a sunny situation out of doors, and remove them to the conservatory in October. They only need sufficient heat to keep out the frost. Cuttings of the young wood placed in sand with a little bottom-heat will strike.

Epigaea Repens (_Creeping Laurel_).--This creeper is hardy and evergreen, and its flowers possess a delicious fragrance. It may be grown in loam and sandy peat or in leaf-mould with a little sand added, in a well-sheltered and moist situation; and may be propagated by layers, in the same manner as Carnations. It flowers in April. Height, 6 in.

Epilobium Angustifolium.--An ornamental herbaceous plant which may be grown in any common soil from seed sown in autumn, or may be increased by division of the roots. It puts forth its flowers in July. Height, 4 ft.

Epimedium.--An elegant hardy perennial, suitable for shaded borders or rock-work. The best soil for it is sandy peat. It flowers between April and June, and is increased by dividing the root. Height, 1 ft.

Eragrostis Elegans (_Love Grass_).--One of the best of our hardy, annual, ornamental grasses. Sown in March, it will reach perfection in August or September. Height, 1 ft.

Eranthis Hyemalis.--_See_ "Winter Aconite."

Eremurus Robustus.--This hardy perennial bears tall, handsome spikes of sweetly-scented, peach-coloured flowers in May. It will grow in any ordinary soil, and is easily propagated by young plants from the roots. Height, I ft.

Ericas (_Heaths_).--It is useless to attempt to grow these beautiful shrubs unless proper soil is provided. The free-growing kinds thrive best in good black peat and require large pots. The dwarf and hard-wooded kinds must be provided with sandy peat, and the pots thoroughly well drained. They need less water than the free-growing kinds. They all want a good deal of air, and must not be crowded too closely together. Protect from frost and damp. Cuttings off the tender tops of the shoots planted in sand under glass will strike. The cuttings of the stronger-growing kinds should be somewhat longer. As soon as rooted, pot off singly, place in a close frame, and harden off by degrees. The hardy sorts grow in a sandy peat, and may be increased by layers or by cuttings. They bloom at various times. Height, 6 in. to 4 ft. (_See_ "Heaths, Greenhouse.")

Erigeron.--Very handsome hardy perennials, producing a copious display of bloom. They will grow in any soil, and may be increased by division or by seed sown between March and July, or in August or September. They flower at the end of July. Height, 1 ft.

Erinus.--The hardy perennial kinds bloom in March, the greenhouse varieties in May. The latter are very pretty. They all like a sandy soil, and may be increased by seed or by division. Height, 6 in. to 9 in.

Eriogonum.--These pretty, hardy, herbaceous plants bloom in June. They grow best in a compost of loam and peat, and are easily raised from seed. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Eriostemon.--Greenhouse evergreen shrubs. Grow in sandy peat with a little loam added. Cuttings will strike in sand. They flower in May and June. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Erodium.--An extensive genus of very beautiful plants, mostly hardy. They will grow in any soil, and merely require ordinary treatment. The bloom is produced in June or July. Height, 4 in. to 1 ft.

Eryngium.--A very ornamental and beautiful kind of Thistle. They are mostly quite hardy, and will grow in any garden soil, though they thrive best in a light, sandy one. The greenhouse and frame varieties should be grown in pots, so that they can be easily housed in winter. They are readily increased by seed or division, and produce their flowers in July. Height, 1 ft. to 4 ft.

Erysimum.--Flowers of little merit. The herbaceous kinds thrive in common soil, but do best in a mixture of loam and peat. They may be increased by cuttings placed under glass. The annuals and biennials merely need sowing in the open during autumn. They bloom in June and July. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2 ft.

Erythrina Crista Galli (_Coral Plant_).--A showy, summer-blooming greenhouse plant. Place it in turfy loam enriched with old manure. It may be transferred to the garden in the summer, and when the wood is ripe cut it back and keep it dry till spring. Cuttings taken at a joint, with the leaves left on, may be struck in sand.

Erythronium Dens-Canis _(Dog's Tooth Violets_).--_See_ "Violets."

Escallonia.--Handsome, half-hardy, evergreen shrubs, possessing rich glaucous leaves and bunches of tubular flowers. A peat and sandy loam soil suits them best. They may be planted against, and trained to, a south wall, but need protection from frost. The laterals may be cut back fairly close in March to encourage new growth. They may be propagated by layering in the autumn, or by suckers taken in the spring. Height, 3 ft.

Eschscholtzia.--Pretty hardy annuals, especially during August, when they are in flower. Any rich soil suits them. Easily raised from seed sown on a gentle hotbed in spring, and afterwards transplanted to the border. They flower longest if sown in autumn, but the young plants need protection through the winter. Height, 1 ft.

Eucalyptus Citriodora.--A useful window or greenhouse plant, with small, oblong, bright green leaves, furnished with appendages that emit an odour resembling the Lemon-scented Verbena. It is of easy cultivation, growing freely from seed sown in slight heat. Height, 4 ft.

Eucalyptus Globulus.--A greenhouse everlasting tree, commonly known as Blue Gum. It delights in a mixture of peat, loam, and sand. Cuttings, which should not be too ripe, root in sand under glass. It may be grown from seed sown, in a temperature of 65 degrees, from February to April. It flowers in June.

Eucharidium.--Pretty little hardy annuals, nearly allied to the Clarkia. The seed may be sown in autumn for early flowering, or in spring for blooming in July. Height, 1 ft.

Eucomis Punctata.--A fine, autumn-blooming plant, bearing long spikes of fragrant creamy-white flowers and curiously-spotted stems. It may be grown in any rich soil. Height, 2 ft.

Eucryphia Pinnatifida.--A dwarf evergreen shrub with flowers resembling a white St. John's Wort. It grows best in a compost of loam and peat, and is propagated by cuttings planted in sand, and subjected to heat.

Eugenia Ugni.--An evergreen shrub which produces white flowers in May, succeeded by round, edible berries. It should be grown in loam and peat. Ripened cuttings may be struck in sand under glass. Height, 4 ft.

Eulalia Japonica.--A hardy perennial Giant Grass. It is very handsome as single specimens on lawns, or used in groups on the margins of shrubberies. The flower panicles in their first stage have erect branches, but as the flowers open these curl over gracefully, resembling a Prince of Wales feather. Height, 6 ft.

Euonymus Radicans Variegata.--A hardy evergreen shrub which, given a sunny situation, will grow in any soil, though a rich, sandy one is preferable. It may be increased by layers, by seed, by cuttings of ripe wood taken early in autumn and planted in the shade, or by dividing strong roots. May is its time to flower. Height, 6 ft. Other varieties of the Euonymus, or Spindle Tree, are equally hardy, and easy to propagate.

Eupatorium Odoratum.--A greenhouse shrub which bears sweet-scented white flowers in August, continuing in bloom for a long while. It may be planted out at the end of May, but must be lifted before the frost comes. When flowering ceases, give less water and prune hard back. It grows well in peat and loam, and is increased by seed or by cuttings of the young shoots in spring in bottom-heat. Pinch back freely until the end of July, leaving all growth after that period. Height, 2-1/2 ft.

Euphorbia.--An elegant class of plants. The stove and greenhouse varieties are generally succulent, and require but little water, while the hardy kinds need plenty of moisture. Any rich, light soil suits them, but for the tender, succulent plants it should be mixed with brick rubbish. Best grown from seed, though the roots may be divided. Height, 2 ft.

Eurya Latifolia Variegata.--A fine, variegated, large-leaved evergreen, very suitable for covering a low wall, or for conservatory decoration. It delights in a compost of loam and peat, and is propagated by cuttings planted in a sandy soil on gentle heat. Height, 2 ft.

Eurybia.--Very pretty flowering shrubs for walls, borders, or rockeries. They require a light, rich soil, and may be increased by seeds sown early in spring on a gentle hotbed. Height, 2 ft.

Eutaxia Myrtifolia.--Pretty evergreen shrubs, suitable for the greenhouse. They thrive best in a mixture of peat and loam, and require the pots to be well drained. To have nice bushy plants they must be pinched back well. Cuttings will strike in sand under glass. They flower in August. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Eutoca.--Exceedingly pretty hardy annuals. Sow the seed in light soil early in spring where it is to flower, and thin out so that the plants have plenty of room. They bloom in July. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Evening Primrose.--_See_ "Oenothera."

Everlasting Peas.--_See_ "Peas, Everlasting."

F

Fabacea.--_See_ "Thermopsis."

Fatsia Japonica.--_See_ "Aralia."

Feather Grass.--_See_ "Stipa Pennata."

Fennel.--Sow the seed in April, cover lightly with fine mould, and when the plants are strong enough set them out 1 ft. apart. Cut off the flower-stalks as soon as they appear, to prevent them running to seed. The bed will last for years. (_See also_ "Ferula.")

Fenzlia.--Elegant half-hardy annuals. Sow the seed on a peat soil. If this be done in autumn, they will flower in April or May; if sown in spring, they will bloom in autumn. Height, 6 in.

Ferns.--Most Ferns delight in a loose soil, an abundance of moisture, and a warm, humid atmosphere. The stove and greenhouse kinds are best cultivated in a mixture of sandy loam and peat. The hardy kinds grow best among rock-work or in a shady border: a light, sandy soil suits them. They may be increased by dividing the roots.

Ferns from Seed.--Collect the spore-fronds towards the end of summer, just as the spore-cases begin to open. Place them on a sheet of paper in a box for a few days, keeping it in a dry place. Most of the spores will fall out, the others may be rubbed out with the hand. These spores will keep good a long time, but are best sown within a year. Fill the pots with good heavy loam, water freely, and apply a coating of charcoal, coarse sand, and sphragnum moss, rubbed through a fine sieve. Damp the surface, sow the spores thinly, and cover with glass. Keep the soil moist by standing the pots for a time each day up to their rim in water. No surface water should be given. Stand the pots in a warm, light place in the greenhouse, but keep them shaded from the sun. When the surface is covered with growth, prick out into pans or boxes, using a rich, light soil. When they are large enough pot them off singly in thumb-pots, re-potting as soon as these are filled with roots.

Ferraria.--_See_ "Tigridia."

Ferula (_Giant Fennel_).--Strong-growing, hardy, herbaceous plants. F. Gigantea has bright, glistening foliage, changing to a brilliant orange, and attains a height of 8 ft or 10 ft. F. Tingitana is very stately and graceful, growing 4 ft. high. They are easily raised from seed, will grow in any garden soil, and flower in August and September.

Festuca.--An annual ornamental grass, which is grown best on a loamy soil. Sow the seed in March, and keep moist till it germinates. Height, 1 ft.

Feverfew.--This hardy perennial will grow in any soil and ripen its seed freely. Young plants, obtained by sowing the seed early in spring, are very useful for edgings; when planted alternately with, or in proximity to, Lobelia a pretty effect is produced.

Ficaria Grandiflora.--A hardy perennial which thrives well when planted under the shade of trees. It is increased by separating the tubers in autumn, and produces its flowers in May. Height, 6 in.

Ficus Elastica (_India-rubber Plant_).--This thrives well in any light, rich soil, or in loam and peat. Keep it moderately moist throughout the winter, using tepid water. In summer any of the artificial manures may be used. Sponge the leaves once a week to free them from dust, and keep the plant well sheltered from draughts. Cuttings with uninjured leaves will root in autumn in sand with a bottom-heat of 65 or 75 degrees; or the cuttings may be taken in spring, stem-rooting the slips. It flowers in May, and sometimes attains the height of 20 ft.

Fig Palm.--_See_ "Aralia."

Figs.--Though in some parts of our country Figs are cropped on standards, as a rule they require to be trained on a wall having a southern exposure. The soil should be a fairly good loam mixed with old mortar and crushed bones, but no manure is needed. The end of March or the beginning of April is the most favourable time for planting. The trees should be firmly set, and the surface of the soil kept moist until they are established. Manure may be given--preferably in a liquid state--when heavy crops of fruit are being borne. Old and exhausted wood may be cut away in April, but the knife must be used sparingly. The branches should be trained to a distance of 10 in. apart, and the fruit-bearing shoots may be pinched back with the thumb and finger at the end of August. The fruit is borne on the previous year's growth. They may be increased by layers, by suckers, or by cuttings of the young wood placed in sand and plunged in a bottom-heat under glass. Brown Turkey, Black Ischia, Yellow Ischia, White Marseilles, Brunswick, and St John's are all good varieties for open-air cultivation, or for growing in houses.

When grown under glass, Figs may be trained on trellises near the roof of the house, or may be planted in tubs or pots, not allowing too much root-room. At starting the temperature in the day should be about 60 degrees, and at night 55 degrees. More heat can be given as the plants advance, keeping up a moist atmosphere, but taking care not to give too much water to the roots. By pinching off the points of the shoots when they have made five or six leaves a second crop of fruit will be obtained. Use the knife upon them as little as possible. When the fruit begins to ripen admit air, and as soon as it is gathered give liquid manure to the roots every other day to encourage a second crop. When the plants are at rest they need hardly any water.

Filberts and Cob Nuts.--These Nuts will succeed on any soil that is not cold or wet. The bushes should be planted in October, when the leaves have nearly all fallen. Make the soil firm about the roots and give a mulching of stable manure. At the beginning of April the old and exhausted wood may be cut away, as well as any branches that obstruct light and air. Encourage well-balanced heads to the bushes by cutting back any branch that grows too vigorously, and remove all suckers as they make an appearance, except they are required for transplanting. The crop is produced on the small wood. The best method of propagation is by layers in November or any time before the buds swell in spring. The process is simple, it merely requiring a notch to be made in a branch of two or three years' growth, which is then pegged down 2 or 3 in. below the surface. The following autumn it may be cut away from its parent, pruned, and planted. They may also be grown from nuts sown in autumn and transplanted when two years old. In Kent the bushes are kept low and wide-spreading, by which means the harvest is more readily reaped. On a fairly good soil they should stand from 10 to 14 ft. apart. Lambert's Filberts, Frizzled Filberts, Purple Filberts are good varieties, the former two bearing abundantly. Among the best of the Cobs may be mentioned the Great Cob and Merveille de Bollwyller.

Fire Thorn.--_See_ "Crataegus."

Flea Bane.--_See_ "Inula" _and_ "Stenactis."

Flower-Pots, Sizes of.--Various practices prevail at different potteries, but the appended names and sizes are generally adopted. In every case the inside measurement is taken.

Inches Inches SIZES. across Top. Deep.

Thimbles 2 2 Thumbs 2-1/2 2-1/2 Sixties (60's) 3 3-1/2 Fifty-fours (54's) 4 4 Forty-eights (48's) 4-1/2 5 Thirty-twos (32's) 6 6 Twenty-fours (24's) 8-1/2 8 Sixteens (16's) 9-1/2 9 Twelves (12's) 11-1/2 10 Eights (8's) 12 11 Sixes (6's) 13 11 Fours (4's) 15 13 Threes (3's) 17 13 Twos (2's) 18 14

Foam Flower.--_See_ "Tiarella."

Fontanesia Phillyraeoides.--This shrub will grow in any soil, but needs protection in severe weather. It may be propagated by layers or by cuttings planted under glass. August is its time for flowering. Height, 10 ft.

Forget-me-not.--_See_ "Myosotis."

Forsythia.--Any good soil suits these pretty shrubs. F. Suspensa thrives best under greenhouse treatment, but F. Viridissima is quite hardy. The former flowers in March, the latter in February. They may be increased by layers or cuttings. Height, 10 ft.

Foxglove.--_See_ "Digitalis."

Fragaria Indica (_Ornamental Strawberry_).--A rich or peaty mould suits this half-hardy perennial. It may be saved through the winter by protecting the roots, but seed sown in spring will generally fruit the same year. It flowers in July. Height, 1 ft.

Francoa.--Hardy perennials bearing white flowers from June to September. They like a good, warm soil. The only way of raising them is from seed. They require a slight protection in winter. Height, 2-1/2 ft.

Fraxinella (_Dictamnus_).--This ornamental hardy perennial is commonly known as the Burning Bush. It succeeds in any garden soil, and is easily raised from seed, which ripens freely. If the flowers are rubbed they emit a fine odour. It blooms in June. Height, 3 ft.

Freesia.--Remarkably pretty and graceful Cape flowers, possessing a most agreeable perfume. The plants grow about 9 in. high and produce six or eight tubular flowers on a stem. They are easily cultivated in a cool greenhouse, frame, or window, and are invaluable for cutting, the long sprays lasting from two to three weeks in water. The bulbs should be planted early in the spring in rich, very sandy soil, and given the protection of a cold frame in the winter. By successional plantings they may be had in bloom from January to May. Put six to twelve bulbs in a 4-in. or 8-in pot, place in a sunny position in a cold frame, and cover with damp cinder ashes to keep them fairly moist. When growth has begun and the pots are full of roots, remove the covering of ashes, but keep the pots in the frame, giving a little ventilation when the weather is mild, and watering carefully when the soil appears dry. Protect from frost by a covering of mats. For early flowering remove the plants to a warm greenhouse when the flower spikes appear, keeping them as near the glass as possible. When the buds are developed an occasional application of weak liquid manure will prove beneficial.

Fremontia Californica.--A beautiful and somewhat singular wall shrub, with large yellow flowers. Any soil is suitable for it, but a south or west aspect is indispensable.

Fringe Tree.--_See_ "Chionanthus."

Fritillarias (_Crown Imperials, or Snake's Head Lilies_).--Soil, sandy loam, or well-drained, deep, rich mould. Plant in the open ground in autumn; take the bulbs up as soon as the leaves decay, and preserve them in a rather moist place. Increased by off-sets taken from the old roots every third year. They are not so suitable for pot culture as for outdoor decoration. They are quite hardy, and flower in the spring, bearing clusters of pendent bell-shaped flowers surrounded with tufts of fresh green leaves.

F. Meleagris are of dwarf, slender growth, and bear in early spring elegant pendent flowers of various shades netted and marked with darker colours. These are suitable for either the border or pots. Plant in autumn.