Gardening for the Million · Chapter 12T. Fisher Unwin (12)
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Platycodon (Japanese Balloon Flower).—Hardy and elegant herbaceous plants, requiring a sandy soil. They may be raised either from seeds or from cuttings of the young growth; they flower in July. Height, 1 ft.
Platystemon Californicus.—Pretty hardy annuals which thrive in a sandy soil. They are easily raised from seed sown in March or April, and bring forth their flowers in August. Height, 1 ft.
Pleroma Elegans.—A beautiful evergreen shrub for a greenhouse. Pot in equal parts of loam, peat, and sand. It flowers in July. Cuttings may be struck in peat in a rather warm temperature. Height, 4 ft.
Plumbago.—These pretty evergreens will grow in any soil, and can be propagated in September by cuttings of half-ripened wood having a heal, planted in a sandy soil, and kept near the glass in a greenhouse. They flower in June. Height, 3 ft. P. Occidentalis is a charming greenhouse climber. P. Capensis Alba is a greenhouse evergreen shrub, flowering in November, and growing to a height of 2 ft. P. Larpentae is good for a sunny border, in light soil: it bears terminal clusters of rich violet-purple flowers in September. Height, 1 ft. Plumbagoes require very little attention in winter.
Plums.—Almost any soil will grow this useful fruit. Young trees may be planted at any time, when the ground is friable, from November to March, but the earlier it is done the better. The situation should be somewhat sheltered. In exposed positions protection may be afforded by a row of damson trees. Many varieties are suitable for growing on walls or sheds, where they are trained into fans, as cordons, and other decorative designs; but it must not be overlooked that until the trees are well established a great deal of fruit is necessarily lost by the severe pruning and disbudding which is required to bring the tree into shape. A pyramid-shaped tree is useful, and is easily grown by training one straight, central shoot, which must be stopped occasionally so that fresh side branches may be thrown out, which of course must be kept at the desired length. A bush tree about 7 ft. in height is undoubtedly the best form of growth, and needs but a minimum amount of attention. In pruning wall trees the main object is to get the side-shoots equally balanced, and to prevent the growth advancing in the centre. The bush form merely require the removal of any dead wood and of cross-growing branches. This should be done late in the summer or in the autumn. The trees are frequently attacked by a small moth, known as the Plum Fortrix, which eats its way into the fruit and causes it to fall. In this case the fallen unripe fruit should be gathered up and burned, and the trees washed in winter with caustic potash and soda. For growing on walls the following kinds may be recommended: Diamond, White Magnum Bonum, Pond's Seedling, and Belle de Louvain for cooking; and Kirke, Coe's Golden Drop, and Jefferson for dessert. For pyramids and bushes, Victoria, Early Prolific, Prince Engelbert, Sultan, and Belgian Purple are good sorts. In orchards Plums should stand 20 ft. apart.
Poa Trivalis.—A very pretty, dwarf-growing, variegated grass. Plant in a moist situation in a rich, light, loamy soil. It is increased either by seed or division.
Podocarpus.—See "Cephalotaxus."
Podolepis.—Hardy annuals bearing yellow and red and white flowers. A mixture of loam and peat is most suitable for their growth. They are easily raised from seed sown in March, and bloom from June to August. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Podophyllum Peltatum (Duck's Foot, or May Apple).—Grown chiefly for its foliage and berries, this hardy herbaceous perennial forms a pleasing spectacle when planted in moist soil under trees; it likewise makes a splendid pot-plant. A mixture of peat and chopped sphagnum is what it likes. The pots are usually plunged in wet sand or ashes on a northern border. It is propagated by cutting the roots into pieces several inches in length, with a good bud or crown on each. During May and June the plant produces small white Dog-rose-like flowers. Height, 1 ft.
Poinsettia Pulcherrima.—A stove evergreen shrub which produces lovely crimson bracts in the winter. Plant in sandy loam, give plenty of water to the roots, and syringe the leaves frequently. In early spring cut down the branches to within three or four eyes of the old wood. These cuttings, if laid aside for a day to dry and then planted under glass, will form new plants. It flowers in April. Height, 2 ft.
Polemonium (Jacob's Ladder).—Hardy perennial border plants of an ornamental character and of the easiest culture. Any soil suits them, and they merely require sowing in the open either in spring or autumn. P. Richardsoni is most commonly met with, its blue flowers being produced in early autumn. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Polyanthus.—Sow the seed late in autumn in well-drained boxes of light, rich mould; cover it very lightly, place under glass, and water sparingly, but give enough to keep the plants moist. The seed requires no artificial heat to germinate it. The roots should be divided each year as soon as they have flowered, and fresh soil given. The single varieties only are florists' flowers. The Polyanthus is a species of primrose, grows best in a rather shady position in a loam and peat compost, and produces its flowers in May. Height, 6 in.
Polygala Chamaesbuxus.—A hardy evergreen trailing plant requiring a peat soil in which to grow. It may be increased from seed or by division of the roots. May is the time at which it blooms. Height, 6 in.
Polygala Dalmaisiana.—This showy evergreen shrub needs a greenhouse treatment. Soil—three parts peat, one part turfy loam, and a little sand. It flowers in March. To increase it, top the shoots, which will cause it to throw out new ones. Take the new growth off when it is 3 in. long, and place it under glass in a propagating house. Height, 1 ft.
The hardy annual varieties of Polygala are obtained by seed sown in peat. These flower at midsummer. (See also "Solomon's Seal.")
Polygonatum.—These pretty herbaceous plants are quite hardy. The flowers, which are borne in May or June, are mostly white. Plants succeed best in a rich soil. They may be raised from seed, or the roots can be divided. Height, 1ft. to 3 ft.
Polygonum Brunonis (Knotweed).—This strong-growing creeping perennial plant is not particular as to soil so long as it can enjoy plenty of sunshine. The shoots root of themselves and must be kept in check, else they will choke other things. It flowers in August, after which the leaves assume beautiful autumnal tints. Height, 1 ft.
Pomegranate.—This requires a deep, loamy soil and a warm, airy situation. May be propagated by cuttings of the shrubs or the root, putting the cuttings into light, rich soil, or by layers. The double kinds of Punica, or Pomegranate, should be grafted on to the single ones. There is a dwarf kind, bearing scarlet flowers in August, which requires heat.
Poppies.—See "Papaver" and "Stylophorum."
Portulaca.—The seeds of the hardy annual species of this genus may be sown in a sheltered open spot in spring. The half-hardy annuals should be sown thinly in boxes during March and placed in gentle heat. Harden off and plant out in May, as soon as the weather permits, in a light, dry soil where it can get a good amount of sunshine. Its brilliant and striking colour admirably adapts it for small beds, edgings, or rock-work; and it will succeed in dry, hot sandy positions where scarcely any other plant would live. It flowers in June. Height, 6 in.
Potatoes.—Ground intended for Potatoes should be dug deeply in the autumn, thoroughly drained, well manured and trenched, and left rough on the surface during the winter. At the beginning of February stand the tubers on end in shallow boxes, and expose them to the light to induce the growth of short, hard, purple sprouts. Allow one sprout to each tuber or set, rubbing off the rest. They may be planted at any time from the end of February to the end of March in rows 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 ft. asunder, placing the sets 6 in. deep and from 6 to 9 in. apart. As soon as growth appears keep the ground well stirred with the hoe to prevent the growth of weeds, and when the tops are 4 to 6 in. high ridge the earth up about them. Directly flower appears, pick it off, as it retards the growth of the tubers. They should be taken up and stored in October. If short of storage room dig up every other row only, and give the remaining ridges an additional covering of earth. They keep well this way.
Potentilla.—Handsome herbaceous plants with Strawberry-like foliage. They will grow in any common soil, and may be increased by dividing the roots or by seeds treated like other hardy perennials. The shrubby kinds are well adapted for the fronts of shrubberies, and are propagated by cuttings taken in autumn and planted in a sheltered situation. They flower at midsummer. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Potting.—Great attention must be paid to this important gardening operation. It is necessary that the pots used be perfectly clean, and, if new, soaked in water for several hours previously, otherwise they would absorb the moisture from the soil to the detriment of the roots. At the bottom of the pots place a few layers of crocks, and on these some rough mould so as to ensure perfect drainage. For all delicate, hard-wooded plants one-third of each pot should be occupied with drainage, but a depth of 1-1/2 in. is sufficient for others. Lift the plant carefully so as not to break the ball of earth round the roots, and fill in with mould round the sides. In order to supply water readily the pots must not be filled up to the rim. Pot firmly, and in the case of hard-wooded plants ram the earth down with a blunt-pointed stick; soft-wooded ones may be left rather looser. Give shade till the plants have recovered themselves. The soil used for potting should be moist, but not clammy. A rather light, rich loam is most suitable for strong-growing plants; peat for slow-growing, hard-wooded ones, like Ericas, Camellias, etc.; and a mixture of light loam, one-third its bulk of leaf-soil, and silver sand in sufficient quantity to make the whole porous for quick-growing, soft-wooded plants, such as Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, Fuchsias etc.
Pratia Repens (Lobelia Pratiana).—This pretty little creeping perennial is very suitable for the front of rock-work. It requires a well-drained vegetable soil and all the sun it can get. It is self-propagating. Though pretty hardy, it is safer to pot it off in autumn and place it in a cold frame throughout the winter. Flowers are produced in June, and are succeeded till cut off by frost.
Primroses.—See "Primulas," and "Streptocarpus."
Primulas.—This genus embraces the Auricula, the Polyanthus, and the Primrose. The greenhouse varieties are among the most useful of our winter-flowering plants. The seed may be sown at any time from March to July in a pot of two-year-old manure, leaf-mould, or fine, rich mould, but not covering it with the soil. Tie a sheet of paper over the pot and plunge it in a hotbed. Sufficient moisture will be communicated to the seed by keeping the paper damp. When the plants make their appearance remove the paper and place the pot in the shady part of the greenhouse. When they are strong enough to handle, pot off into 4-1/2 in. pots, and stand them near the glass. The roots may be divided as soon as the plants have done flowering. The hardy kinds may be sown in the open. It should be borne in mind that the seed must be new, as it soon loses its germinating properties. These flower in March or April. Height, 6 in.
Prince's Feather.—An ornamental hardy annual, producing tall spikes of dark crimson flowers and purple-tinted foliage. It is not particular as to soil, and merely requires sowing in the open in spring to produce flowers in July. Height, 2 ft.
Privet.—See "Ligustrum."
Prophet's Flower.—See "Arnebia."
Prunella Grandiflora.—A pretty hardy perennial, suitable for a front border or rock-work, bearing dense spikes of flowers from May to August. It grows well in any ordinary soil, and is propagated by division. Height, 6 in.
Pruning.—The main objects to bear in mind in Pruning any kind of bush or tree are to prevent a congested growth of the branches, to remove any shoots that cross each other, as well as all useless and dead wood, and to obtain a well-balanced head. It may be done either in August or in the winter when the sap is at rest, after the worst of the frosts are over, the end of February being usually suitable; but the former period is generally acknowledged to be the better, especially for fruit-trees. The cuts should be clean and level, and when a saw is used should be made smooth with a chisel and covered with grafting wax. In all cases as little wound as possible should be presented. Root-pruning has for its object the suppression of over-vigorous growth and the restoration of old trees to a bearing condition. It consists in taking off all the small fibres, shortening the long roots to within 6 or 8 in. of the stem, and cutting away any bruised or injured roots before the trees are first planted out. The mode of procedure in the case of old or unproductive trees is to open the earth in autumn 3 ft. from the stem of the tree, and to saw through two-thirds of the strongest roots. The opening is then filled in with fresh mould. Should the growth still be too vigorous, the soil must be opened again the following season and the remaining roots cut through, care being taken not to injure the young fibrous roots.
Prunus.—Beautiful early-flowering trees, which will grow in any soil, and can be increased by seeds or suckers.
Ptelia Trifoliata (Hop Tree).—This is very suitable for planting on the borders of still waters, where its long frond-like leaves, which turn to a golden yellow in autumn, produce a fine effect. It blooms in June, and is propagated by layers. Height, 10 ft.
Pulmonarias (Lungworts).—Hardy perennials that require but little attention; may be grown in any common soil, and propagated by division at any time. They flower in April and May. Height, 1 ft.
Pumilum.—See "Heleniums."
Pumpkins.—Valuable for soups and pies in winter, and in summer the young shoots are an excellent substitute for Asparagus. For their cultivation, see "Gourds."
Punica Granata Nana.—A greenhouse deciduous shrub which flowers in August. The soil in which it is placed should be a light, rich loam. It can be most freely multiplied by layers, and cuttings will strike in sand under glass. Height, 4 ft.
Puschkinia (Striped Squills).—This charming bulbous plant may be grown in any light, rich mould, provided it is drained well. The bulbs may be separated when the clumps get overcrowded, late in summer, after the tops have died down, being the most suitable time to do so. If planted in a warm position it will begin to flower in March, and continue in bloom till May. Height, 8 in.
Pyrethrum.—The greenhouse kinds grow in any rich soil, and young cuttings planted under glass root readily. The hardy kinds are not particular as to soil so long as it is not cold and wet, and are increased by seeds sown in heat in February if wanted for early use, or in the open during March and April for later growth. The crowns may be divided either in autumn or spring: each eye or bud will make a fresh plant. Young plants produced in this way in the autumn require the protection of a frame during the winter. They flower in July. Height varies from 6 in. to 3 ft.
Pyrola.—A handsome hardy plant, suitable for a moist, shady situation. It is raised from seed, or will bear dividing, but is rather hard to grow. Height, 6 in.
Pyrus Japonica.—See "Cydonia."
Q
Quaking Grass.—See "Briza."
Quercus Ilex.—A handsome evergreen Oak, delighting in a deep, loamy soil. It is propagated by seed sown as soon as it is ripe.
Quinces.—Plant in autumn in a moist but well-drained soil. Cuttings of stout stems 6 or 8 in. long, firmly and deeply planted in a shady situation, mulched with leaf-mould, and kept watered in dry weather, will take root; but the surest method of propagation is by layers, pegged down in the soil and detached the following year. A good watering with liquid manure will swell the fruit to a large size. Keep the branches well thinned out and cut them regular, so as to let in light and air and form nicely shaped trees. The pruning should be done as soon as the leaves fall. In orchards they should stand 1 rod apart.
R
Radish.—For an early supply sow on a gentle hotbed under a frame in January, February, and March. For succession sow thinly on a warm and sheltered border early in March. Follow on with sowings in the open till the middle of September. The Black Spanish and China Rose should be sown during August and September for winter use. Lift in November, and store in sand in a cool place. Radishes should be liberally watered in dry weather, and the soil made rich and light some time before sowing commences.
Ragged Robin.—See "Lychnis."
Ragwort.—See "Jacobaea."
Ramondia Pyrenaica.—A pretty dwarf perennial, suitable for moist interstices of rock-work. It should be planted in a slanting position, so that the roots, while absorbing plenty of moisture, will not rot through being continually in stagnant water. Peat soil suits it best. It may be increased by division in spring. If grown from seed it takes two years before flowers are produced. During the height of summer it is in full beauty.
Rampion.—The roots are used in cooking, and also for salads. For winter use sow in April in rows 12 in. apart, covering the seeds lightly with fine mould, and thin out to 4 in. apart. Sow at intervals for a succession.
Ranunculus.—These prefer a good stiff, rather moist, but well-drained loam, enriched with well-rotted cow-dung, and a sunny situation. February is probably the best time for planting, though some prefer to do it in October. Press the tubers (claws downwards) firmly into the soil, placing them 2 or 3 in. deep and 4 or 5 in. apart. Cover them with sand, and then with mould. Water freely in dry weather. Protect during winter with a covering of dry litter, which should be removed in spring before the foliage appears. They flower in May or June. Seeds, selected from the best semi-double varieties, sown early in October and kept growing during the winter, will flower the next season. They may likewise be increased by off-sets and by dividing the root. The claws may be lifted at the end of June and stored in dry sand. The plants are poisonous. Height, 8 in. to 12 in.
Raphiolepis Ovata.—Beautiful evergreen shrubs, producing long spikes of white flowers in June. A compost of loam, peat, and sand is their delight. Cuttings will strike in sand under glass. Height, 4 ft.
Raspberries.—A rich, moist, loamy soil is most suitable for their cultivation. Suckers are drawn by the hand from the old roots any time between October and February, and set in groups of three in rows 6 ft. apart. If taken in October, the young plants may be pruned early in November. It is usual to cut one cane to the length of 3 ft., the second one to 2 ft., and the third to within a few inches of the ground. As soon as the year's crop is gathered, the old bearing shoots are cut clean away, the young canes are drawn closer together, and at the end of August the tops of the tall ones are pinched off. When the leaves have fallen all the suckers are drawn out and the canes pruned (about four being left to each root). The canes are then tied and manure applied. About May they are, if necessary, thinned out again, and the suckers that are exhausting both soil and plant removed. They produce their fruit on one-year-old canes, which wood is of no further use. The general way of training them is by tying the tops together, or by training them in the shape of a fan on a south wall, but perhaps the best way is to tic them about equal distances apart round hoops supported by light sticks. Seed may be separated from the fruit, dried, and sown early in February on a gentle hotbed. Prick off into good rich mould, harden off by the middle of May, and plant in rich soil. Train them and keep down suckers. When they are grown tall pinch off the tops. Red Antwerp, Yellow Antwerp, Prince of Wales, Northumberland Filbasket, Carter's Prolific, and White Magnum Bonum are all good sorts.
Red-hot Poker.—See "Tritoma."
Red Scale.—See "Scale."
Red Spiders.—These troublesome pests which appear in the heat of summer, may be got rid of by constantly syringing the plants attacked, and by occasionally washing the walls, etc., with lime or sulphur.
Retinospora Filifera.—A large-growing, hardy evergreen shrub. It may be grown in any light soil, and increased by seed, or by cuttings planted under glass in the shade. It flowers in May.
Rhamnus (Buckthorn).—Fine evergreen shrubs, of hardy habit and quick growth. They may be grown in any soil, but prefer a sheltered situation, and are very suitable for planting near the sea. R. Latifolius has handsome broad leaves. Some, such as R. Alaternus and R. Catharticus, attain large proportions, the former reaching 30 ft. and the latter 10 ft. in height. They may be propagated by layers or by seed.
Rheum Palmatum.—This species of rhubarb makes an effective plant for the back portion of a border. It does well in rich loam, flowering in June, and is increased by dividing the root. Height, 5 ft.
Rhodanthe (Swan River Everlasting).—These beautiful everlasting flowers are half-hardy annuals and are suitable for beds or ribbons, and make most graceful plants for pot culture, placing four plants in a 5-in. pot. They thrive best in fibrous peat or a rich, light soil, and prefer a warm situation. Used largely for winter bouquets, and are perfect gems for pot culture. A succession of bloom may be obtained by sowings made in August, October, and March. The temperature of the seed-pots should be kept at from 60 to 70 degrees, and the soil kept constantly damp with water of the same heat. After potting the seedlings remove them to a cooler house and keep them near the glass. Those sown in March may be planted in the open in June, where they will flower in autumn. Height, 1 ft.
Rhodochiton—This evergreen climber makes a fine plant for trellis-work. It is more suitable for the greenhouse, though it may be grown in the open in summer. A light, rich, well-drained soil is its delight, and it may be propagated by seed or by cuttings under glass. In the greenhouse it should not be placed near the pipes. July is its time for flowering. Height, 10 ft.
Rhododendrons.—Plant in October in peat, or in a compost of sandy, turfy loam, with a good proportion of decayed leaves and charred refuse. The best position for them is a sheltered one where they can get a moderate amount of sunshine to develop the flower-buds. They like plenty of moisture, but the ground must be well drained. If it is desired to shift their position spring is the best time, the next best being October. They are propagated by layers or seeds, and the small wooded kinds by slips torn off close to the stems, planted in sand, and placed under glass in heat. The seed should be sown early in spring in pans of peat soil, and covered very lightly. Place the pans in a frame, and when the soil becomes dry stand the pans in water nearly up to the rims until the surface is moist. Pot off when strong enough to handle, and keep close in the frame till fresh roots are produced, then harden off. Rhododendrons may, when desired, be transplanted in spring, even after the flower-buds are well advanced, if care be taken not to break the ball of earth round their roots. They bloom at the end of May. Height, 4 ft.
Rhubarb.—Seed may be sown thinly during April in drills 1 ft. apart. Thin out the plants 12 in. from each other, and let them grow on till the following April, then plant them out 4 ft. apart in deeply trenched ground into which a good quantity of well-rotted manure has been worked. Large roots may be divided in autumn or early spring; every portion of the root that has a crown will make a fresh plant. When the last of the crop has been pulled, fork in a dressing of old manure. It may be forced out of doors by covering the ground thickly with stable manure, and placing large flower-pots over the plants to bleach them; but if forced in a frame the light need not be excluded. None but the earliest kinds should be selected for forcing.
Rhubarb, Chilian.—See "Gunnera."
Rhus (Sumach).—Lovely shrubs, growing in any ordinary soil. The young shoots of R. Cotinus are clothed with round leaves which change to bright crimson and orange, surmounted with fluffy pink seed-vessels, while R. Glabra Laciniata resembles a tree fern. They may be propagated either by layers or cuttings. Height, 8 ft. to 10 ft.
Rhynchospermum (Trachelospermum) Jasminoides.—A pretty, evergreen, woody climber for the conservatory, which succeeds best in a compost of light loam and peat; is of easy culture, and readily increased by cuttings. It is a fine plant for rafters or trellis, and produces in July deliciously fragrant white flowers at the ends of the branches. Height, 10 ft.
Ribes (Flowering Currants).—Well-known shrubs, growing in any soil, and flowering early in spring. The colours vary from crimson to white. They may be raised from cuttings either in autumn or early spring. Height, 4 ft.
Richardia Aethiopica.—A fine herbaceous perennial with very bold leaves. It needs a good supply of water, and on dry soils should be planted in trenches. A light, rich mould is best for it, and it should have sufficient sun to ripen the wood. Lift it in September and winter in the greenhouse. It is increased from off-sets from the root, and flowers in March. Height, 2 ft.
Ricinus, or Palma Christi (Castor-oil Plant, etc.).—The foliage of these half-hardy annuals is very ornamental. The plants like a rich soil. Sow the seed early in spring in a slight heat, harden off gradually, and put out at the end of May in a warm, sheltered spot. They may also be propagated by cuttings. Height, 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Robinia.—All these shrubs have fine, Fern-like foliage which changes colour in autumn. The Pea-shaped flowers vary in colour from cream to purple, and while in bloom the plants are very handsome. They grow in any soil, flower in May and onwards, and are increased by layers. Height varies, the Rose Acacia (Hispida) reaching 10 ft., while the Locust Tree (Pseudo-Acacia) grows to the height of 40 ft.
Rock Cress.—See "Arabis."
Rocket (Hesperis).—The hardy perennials like a light, rich soil, and need to be frequently divided. The best time to divide them is just after they have done flowering, when they should be potted off, planting them out again in the spring. The annual and biennial kinds merely require to be sown in the open border. Most of the Rockets give forth greater fragrance towards evening. Their flowering season is June. Height, 1 ft. to 1-1/2 ft.
Rock Rose.—See "Cistus" and "Helianthemum."
Rodgersia Podophylla.—A hardy perennial having immense bronze foliage. It thrives best in a moist, peaty soil; flowers from May to July, and may readily be increased either by seed or division. Height, 3 ft.
Rogiera Gratissima.—A pretty evergreen stove shrub, which is often trained to a single stem so as to form a standard. It succeeds in sandy loam and peat. It may be sunk in the flower-border during the height of summer, but must be taken indoors before frost sets in. Cuttings placed in sand under a hand-glass in heat will strike. It flowers in June. Height, 3 ft.
Romneyi Coulteri.—This grand white-flowered Poppy Tree is quite hardy, and will grow in any light, rich soil. It blooms in August and September, and may be increased by seed or by division. Height, 4 ft.
Rose Campion.—A pretty hardy perennial which may be grown from seed sown in autumn, choosing a sheltered site, or in March in a frame or under a hand-glass, transplanting it in the autumn into a light, rich, loamy soil. Height, 2 ft.