Part 25 (1/2)

Rose of Sharon.--_See_ ”Hibiscus Syriacus.”

Rubus.--_See_ ”Blackberries.”

Rudbeckia (_Cone Flower._)--Hardy annuals yielding yellow flowers in July. They are readily grown from seed sown early in spring, and will grow in any garden soil, but naturally succeed best in deeply-worked, well-manured ground. They may be increased by division in October or November, as well as in spring-time. Height, 3 ft.

Ruscus Aculeatus (_Butchers Broom_).--A hardy evergreen shrub which thrives in any rich soil, and may be increased by division of the root. Height, 1 ft.

Ruta Graveolens.--This hardy evergreen shrub is a species of Rue.

It enjoys a good, rich soil, in which it flowers freely in August.

Cuttings may be struck under a hand-gla.s.s. Height, 3 ft.

Ruta Patavina (_Rue of Padua_).--For rock-work this hardy perennial is very useful. It likes a dry yet rich and light soil. At midsummer it produces an abundance of greenish-yellow flowers. It can be raised from seed, or cuttings may be struck under a hand-gla.s.s. Height, 6 in.

S

Saffron, Spring.--_See_ ”Bulbocodium.”

Sage.--This useful herb likes a rich, light soil, and is propagated by division of the root, by cuttings, or by seed.

Saintpaulia Ionantha.--The leaves of this plant spread themselves laterally just over the soil, forming a rosette, in the centre of which spring up large violet-like flowers. It is a continuous bloomer.

A rather light, rich soil or vegetable mould suits it best. The seed, which is very minute, should be sown early in spring, in gentle heat: to prevent it being washed away, the pots may stand up to the rims in water for a while when the ground wants moisture. Height, 1 ft.

St. John's Wort.--_See_ ”Hyperic.u.m.”

Salix Reticulata.--A dwarf creeping plant whose dark green leaves eminently fit it for the rock-work or carpet bedding. It will grow in any soil, but prefers a moist one, and produces unattractive brown flowers in September. Propagated in spring by detaching rooted portions from the parent plant and planting them in moist, sandy loam.

Height, 2 in.

Salpiglossis.--Very beautiful half-hardy annuals which are greatly prized for cut bloom. A light but not over-rich soil suits them best.

The seed may be sown in the open border early in spring, or preferably on a hotbed at the same period. For early flowering raise the plants in the autumn, and winter them in a frame or greenhouse. Flowers are produced in July and August. Height, 2 ft.

Salsafy (_Vegetable Oyster_).--Sow the seed in any good garden soil--deep sandy loam is best--towards the end of April in drills 1 ft. apart, and thin the plants out to a distance of 6 in. from each other. The roots may remain in the ground till required for use, or be lifted in October and stored in the same way as Beet or Carrots. They are prepared for table in the same manner as Parsnips, and are also used for flavouring soups.

Salvia.--Very showy flowers, well worth cultivating, and easily grown in a rich, light soil. The annuals and biennials may be sown in the open early in spring. The herbaceous kinds are increased by dividing the roots; the shrubby varieties by cuttings of the young wood planted under gla.s.s in March; while the stove species require to be placed in heat. They flower in August in the open. Heights vary, according to the kinds, but S. Coccinea and S. Patens, which are most commonly met with in gardens, grow to a height of 2 ft.

Sambucus (_The Elder_).--Useful deciduous shrubs. S. Nigra Aurea has golden foliage, and is suitable for town gardens. The silvery variegated variety (Variegata), is fine for contrasting with others.

They may all be propagated by cuttings or by division. Flower in June.

Sand Wort.--_See_ ”Arenaria.”

Sanguinaria Canadensis (_Bloodroot_).--A hardy perennial, curious both in leaf and flower. It requires a light, sandy soil, shade, and moisture; is propagated by seed sown in July, also by division of the tuberous roots, and it blooms in March. The tubers should be planted 5 in. deep and 3 in. apart. Height, 6 in.

Santolina.--This hardy evergreen shrub grows freely in any soil. It flowers in July, and is increased by cuttings. Height, 2 ft.

Sanvitalia.--Interesting, hardy annual trailers, which may be readily raised from seed sown in March or April, and merely require ordinary treatment. They produce their golden and brown and yellow flowers in July. Height, 1 ft.

Saponaria.--These grow best in a mixture of sandy loam and peat or decayed vegetable soil. The annuals may be sown either in autumn, and wintered in a frame, or in the open in April. The perennials are increased by seed or by division of the root, and young cuttings of the branching species root freely if planted under gla.s.s. S.

Ocymoides, on account of its trailing nature, and S. Calabrica make fine rock-work plants. The leaves of S. Officinalis, or Soap Plant, if stirred in water form a lather strong enough to remove grease spots.