Rhododendrons And Other Evergreen Shrubs

Continue the planting of shrubs selected from the lists given in the preceding chapter. Rhododendrons, the most beautiful of the hardy shrubs, are generally planted in spring, but may be planted now. The following are a few good varieties: John Waterer, crimson, Lady C. Mitford, peach; Old Port, purple; Pink Pearl, pink; and Sappho, marone and white.

Zonal Geraniums

A temperature of 550 will suit these beautiful winter flowers. When the plants lose their first blossoms they may be pinched back so as to get new growth, and fresh flowers will be produced. The following are good varieties: Wordsworth, orange; Gertrude Pearson, pink; Hall Caine, rose; Eucharis, white; Colossus, double crimson; Rosa Bonheur, double pink; Pierre Loti, double rose; King of Denmark, double salmon; and Hermione, double white.

Lilies Of The Valley

The forcing of prepared crowns of the Fortin, Victoria, or other good variety may continue. Clumps may be potted for later flowering.

Marguerites

The useful white and yellow Marguerites may be had in flower during winter if a temperature of 500 can be provided. They will not require much water; indeed, it will suffice if the soil is prevented from becoming quite dry.

Poinsettias

We have seen how these brilliant plants are propagated and grown for winter decoration. They will expand their glowing bracts if put in a warm house. They must not be over-watered; it will suffice if the soil is prevented from becoming quite dry.

The Mezereon (Daphne Mezereum), a deliciously scented shrub that flowers in winter.

Roses

The planting of all kinds of Roses, in soil prepared as advised in the last chapter, may continue Those who have space may provide a beautiful feature in the form of a Rose garden, the beds in which are arranged round a central object, such as an arbour, and each filled with one variety. Arches would span the entrance to each path, and the whole garden might be surrounded by a trellis covered with Roses.

Spiraea Japonica

Clumps of this useful plant may be potted now for blooming in spring. If covered with an inch of soil, there will be no need to plunge them.