Garden Notes - Rose to Spiraea

Rose

This dwarf Dorothy Perkins is admirably adapted for pot culture. Plants from open ground should be potted in autumn in a compost of turfy loam three parts, decayed manure one part, well mixed with coarse sand and a little bone-meal; 6, 8, or 10 inch pots should be used according to the size plants. If roots are dry soak well in water, and always plant very firmly. The pruning of established plants depends on when flowers are required; prune in October for winter blooming, in December for February , and in January for March and April.

Salvia

These charming autumn and winter flowering plants are easily grown in small greenhouses. They are best raised in April from cuttings set in pots of sandy soil in a frame. Transplant later singly in small pots of compost of equal parts decayed manure, sand, and loam, and set in temperature of 55 to 65 degrees. When rooted pinch out shoots, and in June remove to cold frame and harden. Transfer to 4 ½ inch pots, syringe daily, and water freely. In July nip off points of shoots, and later transfer to 6 or 8 inch pots and give liquid manure. Late in September remove to greenhouse (55 degrees) for blooming.

Schizanthus or Butterfly Flower

These beautiful half-hardy annuals are admirable for greenhouse or window cultivation. Sow seeds in good potting soil early in September, nine or ten seeds in 4 or 5 inch pot, and when up thin to five or six plants in each pot. In November transfer to cool greenhouse near glass, minimum temperature 45 degrees. Water carefully, and pinch out growing points when plants are 3 or 4 inches high. Shift into larger pots in Jan. or Feb., set thin stakes round pots, and connect with thin flower-wire to support plants. Apply weak liquid manure until flowers open, then water only.

Solanum

The attractive dwarf berry-bearing plants, also known as Star Capsicums and Winter Cherries, are well adapted for growing in the greenhouse. Seeds should be sown in early spring in light soil in a temperature of 55 to 65 degrees. Transplant seedlings when 1 inch high, and re-pot as required. Pinch off points when about 4 inches high, and plant out in June. Take cuttings in March, and root in sand in a warm house (60 to 70 degrees). Plant out, and pinch off points as advised above. In September take up carefully and pot, shading until established, and keep in temperature 45 to 55 degrees.

Spiraea

The Spiraeas or Astilbes are most useful and decorative pot-plants invaluable for forcing during spring. Strong clumps should be potted in autumn in a compost of loam and leaf-mould mixed with a little sand. Place pots in cold frame and cover with cocoanut fiber. Remove to slightly heated greenhouse in January, or to cold house the following month, watering moderately at first and freely when growth begins, for they must never be kept short of water. Weak liquid manure should be applied while flowering. Propagation by division of roots in April.