Pachysandra.--This early hardy perennial has ornamental foliage and
blooms in April. It will succeed in almost any soil, and may be
increased by suckers from the roots. Height, 1 ft.
Paeonies.--These beautiful flowering plants are mostly hardy enough to
endure our winters. The herbaceous kinds are increased by dividing the
plants at the roots, leaving a bud on each slip. The shrubby species
are multiplied by cuttings taken in August or September, with a piece
of the old wood attached, and planted in a sheltered situation. Tree
Paeonies require protection in winter, and may be propagated by
grafting on to the others, by suckers, or by layers. New varieties are
raised from seed. A rich, loamy soil suits them best. Height, 2 ft.
Palms from Seed.--Soak the seed in tepid water for twenty-four hours,
then put them singly 1 in. deep in 2-in. pots filled with equal parts
of loam, leaf-mould, and sand. Cover the pots with glass and stand
them in the warmest part of a hothouse. Shade from strong sunshine,
and keep the soil just moist. Re-pot as soon as the roots have filled
the old ones.
Pampas Grass.--See "Gynerium."
Pampas Lily of the Valley.--See "Withania."
Pancratium.--A handsome class of plants. Their habit of growth is
somewhat like that of the Amaryllis. They are admirably adapted for
growing in pots in the greenhouse. They may also be planted in the
open ground under a south wall. The bulbs should be placed in a
composition of three parts light, sandy loam and one of vegetable
mould. They are increased by off-sets from the roots, or by seeds, by
which the new varieties are obtained. Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.
Pandanus Veitchi (Variegated Screw Pine).--For table decoration or
vases this is a most useful plant. It requires a warm greenhouse where
a temperature of 60 or 70 degrees can be kept up throughout the year,
and grows well in equal parts of peat and loam with one-sixth part
sand. During the autumn a little liquid manure is beneficial. In the
winter months it should be watered carefully, but in the summer it is
improved by syringing with warm water. It is propagated very easily by
suckers taken off in spring or summer, placed in a temperature of 75
degrees.
Panicum.--Handsome ornamental grasses. They will grow in any soil
or situation. P. Capillare is an annual, suitable for bouquets or
edgings; it is increased by seed. P. Altissimum, an annual, and P.
Sulcatum, a most elegant greenhouse plant, are fine for specimens.
P. Plicatum is highly ornamental and hardy, but is best grown as a
conservatory or window plant; it has a Palm-like appearance, and is
of quick growth. Most of the plants flower in July. They may be
propagated by seed or by division of the roots. Average height, 1-1/2
ft.