weather sets in. It flowers from April to June. Height, 6 in. to 8 in.
Viburnum Opulus(Guelder Rose, or Snowball Tree).--A very elegant
and hardy deciduous shrub, which will grow in any soil, and may be
increased by layers, or by cuttings planted in the shade under glass.
It blooms in June. Height, 12 ft.
Viburnum Tinus (Laurestinus).--This well-known and much-admired
evergreen shrub produces masses of white flowers through the winter
months, at which season it is especially ornamental. It is generally
propagated by layers, but where a number of the plants are required
they may be obtained from autumn cuttings planted in the shade and
covered with a hand-glass. Height, 5 ft.
Vicia Pyrenaica.--A hardy and good perennial for rock-work, having
compact tufts of green growth and producing deep crimson flowers in
May and June. It will grow in any soil, and is of easy culture. It is
increased by seed, also by division of the roots. Height, 1 ft.
Vinca (Periwinkle).--Many of these are variegated and very showy as
rock-work plants, and will grow in any moist soil, enjoying a shady
situation. They may be raised from seed sown early in spring in a warm
situation, or may be increased by runners, which strike root at the
joints like the Strawberry. They may be planted under the shade of
trees. Many choice greenhouse evergreens bearing fine circular flowers
and shining foliage are also included under the name of Vinca. Height,
2 ft.
Vines.--See "Grapes."
Violas.--The hardy perennials are suitable for the front of flower
borders or rock-work, but the smaller species succeed best when grown
in pots in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. The herbaceous kinds are
increased by seed or division of the roots, the shrubby varieties by
cuttings planted under glass, and the annuals by seed sown in the open
in spring. Height, 3 in. to 6 in.
Violets.--Plant the runners or off-sets in May in loam and leaf-mould,
choosing a damp, shady situation. Russian and Neapolitan Violets may
be made to flower throughout the winter and early spring by placing
them in a stove or warm pit. Dog-toothed Violets will grow in any
light soil. Autumn is the best time to plant them, and 1 in. of silver
sand round the roots prevents decay; they are hardy and early, but
will not bloom unless planted 9 in. deep. White Violets like a chalky
soil. One of the best manures for Violets is the ash from bonfires.
They may be multiplied to any extent by pegging down the side-shoots
in April. The common Violet flowers in March and April. Height, 6 in.
Virgilia.--For the most part greenhouse shrubs, requiring to be grown
in a compost of loam, peat, and sand. Young cuttings planted in sandy
loam and covered with glass will strike. The hardy kinds, such as V.
Lutea, grow in any light soil, and are increased by laying down shoots
in autumn or spring. July is the month in which they flower. Height,