The Garden Under Glass

THE BEST FLOWERING PLANTS 81 The Soil—an Important Factor Its composition may consist of good fibrous loam, leaf-soil, mushroom manure, charcoal, and sharp sand or morfar rubble, with a sprinkling of Peruvian guano. The other important factors in the successful culture of this brilliant bulb are firm potting, frequent syringing, careful watering and correct drying off. Altogether it may be advanced as an easy subject to grow. Hydrangea Hortensis This is largely grown as a tub plant to be set outside during the summer, but it may also be used to advantage as a pot plant, especially during the first year, when it is grown to produce one large head of bioom in a 6-inch pot. After the flower is off, the plant may, of course, be grown along to produce several heads per plant and may eventu-ally merit the dignity of a tub. Cuttings are best taken in August or early September, choosing well-ripened growths which have not flowered, and putting them singly into small pots in a cool green-house. During the winter the leaves will probably fall °ff, but there need be no apprehension of failure on this score, provided the wood and the bud at the top are sound. In the spring growth will commence and the young plants iuay be shifted alonguntil they reach a 5-inch or 6-inch pot, 111 which they may flower in May or June. After flowering ttie plants may be stood outside until the advent of frost, hese plants will bear a considerable amount of neglect Without greatly showing it, but respond readily to a good rieh soil and high feeding. To render the flowers of a ue colour, “ Cyanol ” is advised. It can be obtained F