advance in strength in a compost of loam, leaf-mould, old manure,
and sand. Their final shift should be into 24-sized pots. Give them
abundance of liquid manure, never allowing them to become dry, and
syringe freely. These half-hardy annuals, rising to the height of 3
ft. and bearing fine spikes of flowers in July and August, make fine
pot-plants for table decoration. They may be planted in the open, in
June, choosing a warm, sheltered situation and rich, loamy soil.
Centaurea.--The hardy annual and biennial kinds merely require to be
sown in the open in the autumn. The half-hardy ones must be sown on
a slight hotbed, where they should remain till strong enough to be
planted in the border. Cuttings of the perennials should be inserted
singly in 3-in. pots filled with sandy loam, placed in a shady, cool
frame till established, and then watered very carefully. The different
varieties vary from 6 in. to 2 ft. in height, and flower from June to
August.
Centauridium Drummondi.--A blue hardy annual which may be sown in
the
open in spring.
Centranthus.--Ornamental hardy annuals. Sow in the open border in
March in any good, well-drained soil. They flower in June. Height,
1-1/2 ft.
Cephalaria (Yellow Scabious).--Strong-growing hardy perennials,
suitable for backs of borders. They succeed in any garden soil, and
are propagated by seed or division of root. Height, 3 ft. to 5-1/2 ft.
Cephalotaxus (Podocarpus Koraiana).--Handsome conifers of the Yew
type. These shrubs are quite hardy, and in favoured localities will
produce berries. They succeed best in a damp, shady spot, and may be
increased by cuttings planted in heavy loam.
Cerastium Biebersteini.--A hardy trailing perennial which will grow in
any light soil, and may be increased by suckers. It flowers in June.
Height, 6 in.
Cerasus Padus (Bird Cherry).--An ornamental tree; useful in the
shrubbery in its earlier stages, as it will grow in any soil. It may
be increased by seed, budding, or grafting; flowers in April. Height,
35 ft.
Cerinthe.--Hardy annuals, suitable for any ordinary soil, and needing
merely ordinary treatment. A grand plant for bees. Height, 1 ft.
Cestrums.--Charming conservatory plants, flowering early in spring.
Cuttings may be taken in autumn, placed in small pots in a light
compost of peat and sand, and given a little bottom-heat. The young
plants may be topped to form bushy ones. Re-pot before the roots have
filled the small pots, using two parts loam, one part peat, and one
part sharp sand. C. Parqui is suitable for the open if planted in a
sheltered position.