Chapter 4 No.4

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 foliage. From May to July, when it bears spikes of white flowers, it is very handsome. It does best in a peat border, and may be increased by well-ripened seed or by division. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Xerotes.-Herbaceous plants, which thrive well in any light, rich soil, and are readily increased by dividing the roots. They flower in June. Height, 2 ft.

Yew (Taxus).-For landscape gardening the old gold-striped (Baccata Aurea Variegata) is most effective. The Japanese variety, T. Adpressa, is a pleasing evergreen having dark green leaves and large scarlet berries; it is very suitable for the front of large borders. The Common Yew (Baccata) grows dense and bushy, and is excellent for hedges. The dark green leaves of the Irish Yew (Baccata Fastigiata) make a fine contrast with lighter foliage. Dovastonii is a fine Weeping Yew with long dark green leaves and extra large red berries. There are many other good sorts. The Yew likes shade and moisture, but it is not very particular as to soil, loams and clays suiting it admirably.

Yucca.-This plant, popularly known as Adam's Needle thrives best in dry, sandy loam. It is quite hardy, and does well on rock-work, to which it imparts a tropical aspect, Yucca Recurva has fine drooping leaves, and is suitable for vases, etc. It bears a white flower. Yuccas are mostly evergreen shrubs, are very beautiful, and have the habit of palm-trees. A light, rich soil suits them all. They are increased by suckers from the root. They make handsome plants for lawns, terraces, ornamental vases, the centre of beds, or sub-tropical gardens, and bloom in September. Height, 2 ft.

Zauschneria.-A Californian half-hardy perennial plant which bears a profusion of scarlet tube-shaped flowers from June to October. It grows freely in a sunny position in any dry, light, gravelly, rich soil, and is increased by division of roots or by cuttings. Height, 1 ft.

Zea (Indian Corn).-This is best raised in a hotbed early in spring, but it will germinate in ordinary soil in May. It requires a sunny situation. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Zea Japonica Variegata (Striped Japanese Maize).-A fine half-hardy annual ornamental grass, the foliage being striped green and white, and growing to the height of 3 ft. The cultivation is the same as the foregoing.

Zephyranthes (Swamp Lilies).-Plant on a warm border in a rather sandy, well-drained soil. Give protection in severe weather, and supply with water during the growing season. Take up and divide every second or third year. The flowers are produced in July. Height, 9 in.

Zinnia.-A genus of very pretty annuals, well deserving of cultivation. The seeds must be raised on a gentle hotbed in spring, and planted out in June 1 ft. apart in the richest of loamy soil and warmest and most sheltered position. Height 1 ft. to 1? ft.