from white to purple. They like a rich soil, and can be raised from
seed sown in March. They also bear division. July and August are their
flowering months. Height, from 1 ft. to 5 ft.
Phyteuma Hallierii.--A very pretty hardy perennial. It will thrive in
any soil, blooms from May to August, and can be readily increased by
seed or division. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Phytolacca Decandra (Virginian Poke).--A very fine herbaceous plant,
bearing bunches of pretty black berries. It requires a rich soil and
plenty of room for its widespreading branches. Cuttings will strike
under glass, or the seed may be sown in autumn. It flowers in August.
Height, 6 ft.
Picotees.--See "Carnations."
Pimelias.--Very beautiful, compact, and free-growing greenhouse
everlasting shrubs. The most suitable soil consists of three parts
sandy peat and one part loam, with good drainage. June or July is
their flowering season. They may be grown from seed or young cuttings
2 in. long, placed in sandy peat, with a little bottom heat. Do not
give too much water. Height, 2 ft. to 4 ft.
Pimpernel.--See "Anagallis."
Pinguicula Grandiflora (Great Irish Butterwort).--This handsome,
hardy bog-plant produces deep violet-blue flowers in August and
September. It may be grown in any damp soil and increased by division.
Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Pinks.--Will live in almost any soil, but if large blooms are required
rich earth is essential. They are increased by pipings taken in May
or June. These should be planted out in October, but must be given a
well-drained position, as too much wet is injurious to them. Do not
set the roots too deep, but let the collar of the plant be on a level
with the soil.
Pinus.--As a tall specimen tree nothing is more graceful than the
Corsican Pine (Pinus Laricio). P. Strobus Nana is a curious dwarf
variety, rarely exceeding 3 ft. in height. The Argentea Aurea is also
of dwarf habit. Its leaves, which are green in summer, change to a
bright golden colour in winter. The Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys) is a
very striking conifer, and does well everywhere. It gets its name from
its leaves being set at regular intervals round the branches, like
the ribs of an umbrella. The Pinus may be increased by layers, or by
sowing the cones in spring, after they have opened out, in rather
sandy soil, covering them lightly.
Piping.--This consists in drawing out the young grass, or shoots, from
the joints of Pinks, etc., from May to July being the time for doing
so. Place them in light, sandy soil, and cover them with a hand-glass.
Towards the end of September they may be planted out in beds or potted
off in rich, light loam. In either case they must not be planted too