Letter “B”| Flowers Encyclopedia
B
Babianas.—Charming, sweet-scented flowers, suitable for either pot
cultivation or the border. In August or September place five bulbs in a
well-drained 5-in. pot, using rich, light, very sandy soil; cover them
completely, and press the mould down gently. Water very sparingly until
the roots are well formed; indeed, if the soil is moist when the bulbs
are planted, no water will be needed till the new growth appears above
ground. Stand the pots in ashes and cover them with 3 in. of cocoa-nut
fibre. When the flower spikes are formed, give weak liquid manure twice
a week till the flowers open. Keep them in a temperature of 55 degrees.
When the foliage begins to die down gradually, lessen the amount of
moisture given. The bulbs while dormant are best left in the pots. For
cultivation in the open, choose a warm situation, make the soil light
and sandy, adding a good proportion of well-rotted manure, and plant the
bulbs 5 in. deep either in autumn or spring. Height, 6 in. to 9 in.
Bahia Lanata.—A hardy herbaceous plant of easy culture from seed
sown in spring or autumn in any garden soil. It produces bright orange
flowers from June to August. Height, 1 ft.
Bahia Trolliifolia.—This hardy herbaceous perennial will grow in
any kind of soil. It flowers in August, and can be increased by
division. Height, 1 ft.
Balsams.—The seeds of these tender annuals require to be sown in
early spring in a hot-house or a warm frame having a temperature of 65
to 75 degrees. When 2 or 3 in. high, or large enough to handle, prick
off singly into small pots, shade them till they are established, and
re-pot as they advance in strength in a compost of loam, leaf-mould,
sand, and old manure. Give them air when the weather is favourable. The
last shift should be into 24-sized pots. Supply them with an abundance
of liquid manure, admit as much air as possible, and syringe freely.
They must never be allowed to get dry. Secure their stems firmly to
sticks. They will flower in the open early in September. Height, 1-1/2
ft. to 2 ft.
Bambusa.—The dwarf-growing Bamboos Fortunei variegata and
Viridi-striata make graceful edgings to borders or paths. The whole
family like a rich, loamy, damp soil.
Baneberry.—See “Actæa.”
Baptisia Australis.—This ornamental hardy perennial makes a good
border plant, growing in any loamy soil, and producing its blue flowers
in June and July. It can be multiplied by dividing the root. Height, 3
ft.
Barbarea.—See “Rocket.”
Barberries.—Very ornamental hardy shrubs, bearing rich yellow
flowers in spring and attractive fruit in the autumn. Most handsome when
trained to a single stem and the head allowed to expand freely. They are
not particular as to soil, but prefer a rather light one, and succeed
best in a moist, shady situation. Cuttings or layers root freely in the
open. They require very little attention, beyond occasionally cutting
away some of the old branches to make room for new growth. Height, 1-1/2
ft. to 2 ft.
Bartonia aurea.—Beautiful hardy annuals, the flowers of which open
at night and effuse a delightful odour. Sow the seed in autumn on a
gentle hotbed; pot off, and protect in a greenhouse during the winter.
Plant them out in the open in May, where they will flower in June.
Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Bay, Sweet (Laurus Nobilis).—This half-hardy evergreen shrub
likes a sheltered position. Protection from severe frosts is requisite,
especially while it is young. It is more suitable as an isolated
specimen plant than for the border. Increased by layers or by cuttings
of the roots.
Beans, Broad.—A deep, strong loam is most suitable, but good crops
can be obtained from any garden soil. The first sowing should be made in
February or March, and in succession to May. A sowing of Beck’s Green
Gem or Dwarf Fan may even be made in November in rows 2 ft. apart. Other
varieties should be planted in rows 3 ft. apart, sowing the seed 3 in.
deep and at intervals of 6 in. When the plants have done flowering pinch
off the tops, to ensure a better crop; and if the black fly has attacked
them, take off the tops low enough down to remove the pests, and burn
them at once. Seville Longpod and Aquadulce may be recommended for an
early crop, and Johnson’s Wonderful and Harlington Windsor for a main
one.
Beans, French.—The soil should be dug over to a depth of at least
12 in. and liberally enriched with manure. In the open ground the first
sowing may be made about the third week in April, another sowing early
in May, and subsequent sowings for succession every two or three weeks
until the end of July. Plant in rows 2 ft apart, and the seeds 6 to 9
in. apart in the rows. A sharp look-out ought to be kept for slugs,
which are very partial to French Beans when pushing through the soil.
For forcing, sow in pots under glass from December to March.
Beans, Runner.—These are not particular as to position or soil,
but the best results are obtained by placing them in a deep rich mould
where they can get a fair amount of sunlight. Sow, from the second week
in May until the first week in July for succession, in rows 6 ft. apart,
thinning the plants out to 1 ft. apart in the rows. Protect from slugs
when the plants are coming through the ground, and support them with
sticks immediately the growth begins to run. Scarlet Runners may be kept
dwarf by pinching off the tops when the plants are about 1 ft. high, and
nipping off the subsequent shoots when 6 in. long.
Beet.—Land that has been well manured for the previous crop is the
best on which to obtain well-shaped roots of high quality. Sow in April
and May in drills 18 in. apart, and thin out the plants to about 9 in.
apart. Take up for use as wanted until November, when the whole crop
should be taken up and stored in dry sand, and in a place where neither
moisture nor frost can reach them. When storing them cut off the tails
and some portion of the crowns, but be careful not to wound any part of
the fleshy root.
Begonias.—A somewhat succulent genus of conservatory plants. They
all require a very rich loamy soil containing a little sand; and heat,
moisture, and shade are essential to their health. Cuttings 2 or 3 in.
long will root readily in spring or summer. Stand the cuttings in the
shade and do not over-water them; or they may be raised from seed sown
in March in a hot-house or frame having a temperature of 65 degrees.
Height, 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Tuberous Begonias should be planted in small pots placed in heat, early
in spring, and at intervals of a fortnight for succession, using a
compost of equal parts of fibrous loam, leaf-mould, and sand. Press the
soil rather firmly so as to promote sturdy growth, and only just cover
the top of the tuber. Water moderately till the plants begin to grow
freely. Gradually harden off, and plant out the last week in May or
early in June, or shift into larger pots for conservatory decoration.
Cuttings may be taken in April. The plants may also be raised from seed
sown in February or March in a temperature of 65 degrees. Before sowing
mix the seed with silver sand, then sprinkle it evenly over a box or pan
of moist, fine, light loam and silver sand; cover with a sheet of glass,
and keep shaded. Transplant into small pots, and pot on from time to
time as the plants increase in size. Plants so treated will flower in
June or July. When the leaves of the old plants turn yellow keep the
roots quite dry, afterwards turn them out of the pots and bury them in
cocoa-nut fibre till January, when they must be re-potted.
Belladonna Lily.—See “Amaryllis.”
Bellis Perennis.—See “Daisies.”
Benthamia.—An ornamental half-hardy shrub. A profuse bloomer, the
flowers of which are followed by edible strawberry-like fruit. Will
succeed in any good garden against a south wall. Easily raised from seed
or by layers. Flowers in August. Height, 3 ft.
Berberidopsis Corallina.—Distinct and very pretty evergreen
climbing shrubs, which prove hardy in the south and west, but need
protection in other places. They are not particular as to soil, and may
be increased by cuttings.
Bergamot (Monardia Didyma).—This hardy perennial will grow
almost anywhere, and may be increased by seed or by division of the
root. It flowers in July. Height, 4 ft.
Beta Cicla.—A hardy annual which succeeds in any common soil. Its
dark crimson and yellow flowers are borne in August. Height, 6 ft. It is
used as spinach. In Germany the midrib of the leaf is boiled and eaten
with gravy or melted butter.
Betonica.—See “Stachys.”
Biennials.—These plants take two years to flower, and then they
die away altogether. The seed of the hardy varieties is sown thinly in
the open border any time between April and June, and the plants
transferred in the autumn to the place where they are intended to bloom.
Seed is also sown in August and September for flowering the following
year. The half-hardy kinds may be sown in May or June. These require
protection during winter, such as is afforded by a cold pit, frame, or
greenhouse, or the covering of a mat or litter.
Bignonia (Trumpet Flower).—This is admirably suitable for a
south wall, but it requires plenty of room. It is propagated by cuttings
placed in sand, or by cuttings of the root. These should be planted out
in the spring, or autumn will do if they are covered with a hand-glass.
Biota.—See “Thuya.”
Bird Cherry.—See “Cerasus.”
Blackberries.—To obtain good crops plant in a poor, dry soil on
raised banks facing south. The bushes should be planted 6 ft. apart.
Bladder Nut.—See “Staphylea.”
Blanket Flower.—See “Gaillardia.”
Bleeding Heart.—See “Dielytra.”
Bocconia Cordata.—Ornamental hardy perennials. They do best on a
loamy soil, and may be increased by suckers taken from established
plants in the summer and placed in rich soil; or by cuttings planted in
sand, in a gentle heat under glass; also by seed sown during the autumn
months. They appear to the greatest advantage when grown as solitary
plants, away from other tall-growing flowers. The variety B. Frutescens
has an exceedingly pretty foliage. August is the month in which they
flower. Height, 6 ft.
Bog or Marsh Land.—By planting a few of the more distinct species
adapted for such positions, bogs or marshes may be made interesting. The
following plants are suitable:—Arundo Donax, Bambusa Fortunei,
Cypripedium Spectabile, Dondia Epipactis, Drosera Rotundifolia, Gunnera
Scabra, Iris Kaempferi, Iris pseud-Acorus, Juncus Zebrinus, Myosotis
Palustris, Osmunda Regalis, Parnassia Palustris, Pinguicula Vulgaris,
Polygonum Sieboldi, and Sarracenia Purpurea.
Boltonia Asteroides.—This is a hardy perennial which flowers in
September. The same treatment that is given to Asters is suitable for
this plant. Height, 3 ft.
Bomarea.—A useful greenhouse climber, the flowers of which are
valuable for cutting, as they last a long time in water. It thrives best
in a mixture of sand, peat, and loam.
Borago Laxiflora.—This very choice Boragewort is a trailing hardy
biennial. It produces lovely pale pendent flowers from June to August,
will grow in almost any soil, and can be increased by seed or division.
Height, 1 ft.
Borecole, Kale, or Curled Greens.—Sow towards the end of March or
early in April. Plant out as soon as ready in moderately rich soil in
rows 3 ft. apart, and the plants 2 ft. apart in the rows. If the seed is
sown thickly, the young plants must be pricked off into another bed
until ready for planting, as strong, sturdy plants always produce the
best results. They may succeed peas without any fresh manure.
Boronias.—Greenhouse evergreen shrubs. A single plant of B.
Megastigma is sufficient to perfume a good-sized house. B. Drummondi,
Elatior, Heterophylla, and Serrulata are all good plants. The pots
should be filled with sandy peat and be well drained. They are
propagated by cuttings taken at a joint and placed under glass. May is
their flowering month. Height, 2 ft.
Bougainvillea.—A greenhouse evergreen climber, thriving best in a
loamy soil. It flowers in June, and may be increased by cuttings.
Height, 15 ft.
Bousingaultia Basselloides.—A rapidly growing climber, beautiful
both in flower and foliage, the former of which is pure white, produced
in July in elegant racemes from 6 in. to 8 in. long. It is nearly hardy;
very suitable for a cool greenhouse. Any garden soil suits it. Height, 6
ft.
Bouvardias.—Favourite stove plants. They are propagated by pieces
of the thick fleshy roots, about 2 in. long, inserted in light, rich,
sandy soil, and plunged in a bottom-heat. Plant out in May in rich,
light soil, cutting back all the over-vigorous growth, so as to form a
well-balanced plant. At the approach of cold weather they may be taken
up and potted off, using small pots to prevent them damping off. In a
warm greenhouse they will flower all the winter.
Box Edging.—A deep loam suits the box best. Cuttings should be
taken early in autumn. Dig a trench, and make the bottom firm and even.
Set the young plants thinly and at regular intervals, leaving the tops 1
in. above the surface. Tread the soil firmly against them. Cover with 1
in. of gravel to prevent them growing too luxuriantly. The end of June
is a good time for clipping. May be transplanted early in spring or late
in autumn. (See also “Buxus.”)
Brachycome (Swan River Daisy).—Beautiful little half-hardy
annuals bearing cineraria-like flowers that open well in the border in
summer. If well watered in autumn and removed to the greenhouse they
will continue to bloom during early winter. Sow the seed as for ordinary
half-hardy annuals in rich, light mould, covering them sparingly. Bloom
in May. Height, 6 in.
Bravoa Geminiflora (Twin Flower).—This hardy bulbous plant bears
lovely racemes of coral-coloured flowers in July. A rich loam suits it
best. Height, 1 ft.
Briza (Quaking Grass).—There are several varieties of this
ornamental hardy annual grass. Briza Gracillis is slender, and very
pretty both in a green and dried state. Briza Maxima bears large and
handsome panicles. Each variety should be sown in pots, or on a
sheltered bed out of doors, early in spring. Height, 1 ft.
Broccoli.—Requires a heavy, deep, rich soil, and liquid manure
during growth. For earliest crop sow thinly in beds early in March,
giving a little protection if necessary. Successional sowings should be
made to the end of June, to produce a constant supply till Cauliflowers
are ready. Transplant, when large enough to handle, about 2 ft. from
each other. Keep the ground free from weeds, and earth the plants up as
they advance in growth. Sow Purple Sprouting Broccoli in May for late
spring supplies.
Brodiaea Coccinea.—Handsome plants for rock-work or the border. On
a dry, light, sandy soil, with plenty of sunshine, their gorgeous spikes
of brilliant scarlet flowers are very attractive in May. The bulbs may
be planted in November, and left undisturbed.
Broom.—Hardy shrubs thriving in almost any soil. Cuttings will
strike if planted in sand under glass. (See also “Genista” and
“Spartium.”)
Broussonetia Papyrifera.—A very effective deciduous shrub, with
large, curiously-cut leaves. It likes an open soil, and is propagated by
cuttings. February is its blooming time. Height, 12 ft.
Browallia.—Very handsome half-hardy annuals; will grow readily
from seed in any garden soil, but prefer a sandy one. They bloom in
July. Height, 2 ft.
Brussels Sprouts.—For a first crop sow early in March, and in
April for succession. Transplant as soon as ready into deeply-trenched,
well-manured soil, about 2 ft. apart. Hoe well, and keep clear from
weeds. For exhibition and early use sow in a greenhouse, or in a frame
over a gentle hotbed, about the middle of February; prick off into a
cold frame, gradually harden off, and plant out in May.
Bryanthus Erectus.—A hardy evergreen shrub, which will grow in any
soil if the situation is shady and damp. It thrives without any
sunshine, but will not endure the constant dropping of moisture upon its
leaves from trees. Cuttings strike readily. April is its flowering time.
Height, 1 ft.
Budding.—Budding consists in raising an eye or bud from one part
of a bush or tree and transplanting it to another part, or to any other
plant of the same species. The process is not only more simple and rapid
than that of grafting, but many leading nurserymen contend that a better
union is effected, without the risk of dead wood being left at the
junction. It may be performed at any time from June to August, cloudy
days being most suitable, as the buds unite better in wet weather. It is
chiefly employed on young trees having a smooth and tender bark. Of the
various systems of budding, that known as the Shield is probably the
most successful. Make a small horizontal cut in the bark of the stock,
and also a vertical one about an inch long, thus forming an elongated T
shape. Next select a branch of the current year’s growth on which there
is a well-formed leaf-bud. Pass a sharp knife 1/2 in. above the bud and
the same distance below it, taking about a third of the wood with the
bud. If in the process of detaching it the interior of the bud is torn
away it is useless, and a fresh bud must be taken. Now hold the bud in
the mouth, and with as little delay as possible raise the bark of the
stock with a knife, insert the bud, and bind it on with raffia. When the
bud begins to grow the binding must be loosened. To prevent the shoots
being torn away by the wind a stake may be tied on to the stock, and the
new shoot secured to it by means of raffia. Fruit trees are sometimes
budded close to the soil on stocks 1-1/2 ft. in height. The buds are
rubbed off the stock as soon as they appear, but the stock is not cut
away until the following spring.
Buddlea.—Half-hardy, tall, deciduous greenhouse shrubs, delighting
in a loamy soil mixed with peat. They may be grown out of doors during
the summer, but need the protection of a house in winter.
Bugloss (Anchusa).—This showy plant, bearing large blue flowers
in June, may be increased by division of the roots into as many plants
as there are heads, from slips, or from seed sown in the open border in
spring. It is popularly known as Ox-Tongue.
Bulbocodium Trigynum (Colchicum Caucasium).—A miniature hardy
bulbous plant, which produces in February and March erect flowers about
the size of snowdrops. Set the bulbs in sandy loam or leaf-mould,
choosing a sunny situation. The bulbs may be divided every other year.
Height, 2 in.
Bulbocodium Vernum (Spring Saffron).—This bulb produces early in
spring, and preceding the foliage, a mass of rose-purple flowers close
to the ground. It is perfectly hardy, and valuable for edgings or
rock-work. Plant in autumn in light vegetable mould, and in a sheltered,
well-drained position. It will not grow in stiff, clay soil. The bulbs
may be divided every two years, after the tops have died down. This
dwarf plant flowers from January to March. Height, 6 in.
Buphthalmum Salicifolium (Deep Golden-yellow Marguerite).—Showy
and ornamental hardy perennials. They will grow in any good soil, and
flower from May to September; may be increased by suckers. Height, 1-1/2
ft.
Burning Bush.—See “Dictamnus” and “Fraxinella.”
Buxus (Tree Box).—A useful evergreen shrub which may be grown in
any soil or situation. The B. Japonica Aurea is one of the best golden
plants known for edgings to a walk. The closer it is clipped the
brighter it becomes. Increased by suckers or layers.
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