Garden Notes - Verbena

Verbena

The ordinary bedding Verbena, a hybrid, half-hardy herbaceous plant largely used for summer bedding. Propagation by seeds sown early in spring in a warm greenhouse, or by cuttings taken in autumn and rooted in sand in a cool house or frame. Must have warm, well drained, and moderately rich soil to bring the flowers to perfection. Height 9 inches to 1 foot.

Sweet Woodruff

A hardy perennial plant that is a native of this country. Largely grown in gardens at one time on account of the fragrance of the dried stems and leaves. Propagated by dividing old plants in autumn or spring, or by seeds sown in spring in the open garden. Will thrive in almost any soil. Height 9 inches.

Petunia

A half hardy garden plant that is largely used for summer bedding; the double flowered varieties being grown as greenhouse plants. The bedding varieties are usually propagated by seed sown in a warm greenhouse early in spring, and the double flowered forms by cuttings rooted in sandy soil to a warm greenhouse in early autumn. Must have rich soil. Height 1 foot to 18 inches.

Mallow

A beautiful hardy annual plant that ought to be grown in every garden. Propagated by seed sown in the open in spring. Useful for filling up gaps in the herbaceous border, or may be massed in large beds. Must be sown thinly to give the best results. Likes a deeply cultivated and well manured soil. There is also a white flowered variety. Height 18 inches to a foot.

Primrose

A low growing hardy herbaceous plant that is found wild in the hedge rows and copses of great Britain. Propagated by division of the plants as soon as they have finished flowering, or by seen sown in a frame in spring. Likes rather heavy damp soil and a shady position. There are a number of garden varieties, some with double flowers. Height 6 inches.