Part 8 (1/2)

Cosmos.--Pretty plants, the flowers resembling a single Dahlia. They are mostly hardy, but some need protection. The annuals should be raised on a hotbed in February and be planted out in May. The perennials, too, are brought forward in heat. Some flower in June, others in September. Height, 1 ft. to 3 ft.

Cotoneaster.--Evergreen shrubs which will grow in any soil and are easily increased by layers. C. Hookeriana attains the dimensions of small trees, and produces a profusion of white flowers and bright crimson berries. C. Simonsii is largely used as a hedge. Height, 6 ft.

to 8 ft. C. Rupestris is a small-leaved, prostrate perennial species, bearing white flowers from May to August, followed by red berries.

Height, 3 in.

Cotyledon Chrysantha (_Umbilicus)._--A choice Alpine succulent which thrives in a sandy loam, or in well-drained pots of the same soil. It flowers from May to August, and is multiplied by cuttings, which must be left to dry for a few days in a sunny place. Flowers are produced from May to August. Height, 3 in.

Cowslips.--Well-known hardy perennials. These require the same treatment as Primulas. Plant in a mixture of loam and peat, and divide as soon as the bloom has died off. Height, 6 in.

Cowslips, Cape.--_See_ ”Lachenalia.”

Crambe Cordifolia (_Tournefort, or Sea Cabbage_).--This hardy herbaceous plant is suitable for a wild garden. It likes a good, rich soil, and is easily increased by seed or division. August is its flowering period. Height, 3 ft.

Crane's Bill.--_See_ ”Geranium Argentium.”

Crataegus Pyracantha (_Fire Thorn_).--This hardy, ornamental shrub will grow in any soil. It should be planted early in spring on a south or south-west wall, and may be increased by seeds, by budding, or by grafting. The profuse brilliant orange-coloured berries of the C.

Lelandii (Mespilus) ensures it a place on walls and trellises. A sunny position gives best results. Prune in March.

Creeping Jenny.--_See_ ”Lysimachia Nummularia.”

Crepis (_Hawkweed_).--An interesting hardy annual. It merely requires sowing in spring, and will grow in any soil. The flowers are produced in June. Height, 1 ft.

Cress.--Sow at intervals of a week from March to September in the open ground, and during the winter months in frames. A shady position is most suitable. By these frequent sowings, and by often cutting over such as readily renew a bottom growth, a constant succession of tender shoots is obtained.

Crocus.--Among our earliest spring flowers. These will grow in any garden soil, but prefer rich, sandy earth. Plant in October or November, 3 in. deep and 2 in. apart. Take the roots up every second year, and plant the small off-sets in a nursery bed for two years, when they will be fit for the beds or borders. Protect the bulbs from mice, as they are very partial to them, especially in winter.

_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_ ”Colchic.u.m.”)

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-gla.s.ses. 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.”

Cuc.u.mbers.--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 cuc.u.mbers (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-gla.s.s 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 s.h.i.+ft 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 suns.h.i.+ne 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'