X Xeranthemum.—These charming everlasting annuals retain, in a dried state, their form and colour for several years. They are of the easiest culture, merely requiring to be sown in spring in light, rich soil to produce flowers in July. Height, 2 ft. Xerophyllum Asphodeloides (Turkey’s Beard).—A showy hardy perennial with tufts of graceful, curving, slender Continue reading “Letter X | Flowers Encyclopedia” »

W Wahlenbergia.—The hardy perennial kinds thrive best in pots, the soil in which should be kept moist. The annuals, which are raised on a hotbed in March, may be planted out in May in a warm situation. Waitzia.—Very beautiful half-hardy annuals, but more suitable for the greenhouse than the open flower-bed. They require a sandy Continue reading “Letter W | Flowers Encyclopedia” »

V Vaccineum Myrtillus and V. Uliginosum.—Attractive deciduous shrubs. They require to be grown in peat or very sandy loam. In April or May they produce flowers. They can be increased by dividing the creeping roots. Height, 1-1/2 ft. Vaccineum Vitis-Idæa (Red Whortleberry).—A neat native shrub which, with its flowers and clusters of bright red berries, Continue reading “Letter V | Flowers Encyclopedia” »

U Ulex Europaeus Flore Pleno (Double Furze).—This elegant, hardy, evergreen shrub likes a rich, sandy soil, and may be increased by cuttings planted in a shady border and covered with a hand-glass. Height, 5 ft. Umbilicus Chrysanthus.—This little Alpine plant should occupy a warm, sheltered, and dry situation, and be protected with an overhead screen Continue reading “Letter U | Flowers Encyclopedia” »

Tacsonia.—A beautiful twining shrub belonging to the Passiflora family. It should be provided with a rich soil, and, as the flowers are produced upon the lateral shoots, it requires frequent stopping. Syringe frequently in warm weather to induce a quick growth. It is a quick grower, and, when properly treated, a profuse bloomer, the flowers Continue reading “Letter T | Flowers Encyclopedia” »