Buddlea.--Half-hardy, tall, deciduous greenhouse shrubs, delighting in
a loamy soil mixed with peat. They may be grown out of doors during
the summer, but need the protection of a house in winter.
Bugloss (Anchusa).--This showy plant, bearing large blue flowers in
June, may be increased by division of the roots into as many plants as
there are heads, from slips, or from seed sown in the open border in
spring. It is popularly known as Ox-Tongue.
Bulbocodium Trigynum (Colchicum Caucasium).--A miniature hardy
bulbous plant, which produces in February and March erect flowers
about the size of snowdrops. Set the bulbs in sandy loam or
leaf-mould, choosing a sunny situation. The bulbs may be divided every
other year. Height, 2 in.
Bulbocodium Vernum (Spring Saffron).--This bulb produces early in
spring, and preceding the foliage, a mass of rose-purple flowers close
to the ground. It is perfectly hardy, and valuable for edgings
or rock-work. Plant in autumn in light vegetable mould, and in a
sheltered, well-drained position. It will not grow in stiff, clay
soil. The bulbs may be divided every two years, after the tops have
died down. This dwarf plant flowers from January to March. Height, 6
in.
Buphthalmum Salicifolium (Deep Golden-yellow Marguerite).--Showy
and ornamental hardy perennials. They will grow in any good soil, and
flower from May to September; may be increased by suckers. Height,
1-1/2 ft.
Burning Bush.--See "Dictamnus" and "Fraxinella."
Buxus (Tree Box).--A useful evergreen shrub which may be grown in
any soil or situation. The B. Japonica Aurea is one of the best golden
plants known for edgings to a walk. The closer it is clipped the
brighter it becomes. Increased by suckers or layers.
C
Cabbage.--Sow from February to April for an autumn supply, and in July
and August for spring cutting. As soon as the plants have made four or
five leaves, transplant into soil that has been liberally manured and
trenched, or dug deeply, placing them 18 in. or 2 ft. apart, according
to the kind grown. Keep the soil well broken up, and give a liberal
supply of liquid manure while they are in a growing state. An open
and sunny situation is necessary. Among the best varieties for
spring sowing are Heartwell, Early Marrow, Little Pixie, Nonpareil,
Sugarloaf, and Early Dwarf York. For autumn sowing, Ellam's Dwarf
Early Spring, Defiance, and Enfield Market may be recommended.
Coleworts may be sown in June, July, and August for succession,
placing them about a foot apart, and cutting before they heart.