is kept constantly moist. Water moderately till growth begins, then
increase the supply. Give a little liquid manure, in a weak state, if
a large quantity of flower-buds appear. When the blooming season is
over, plunge the pots in a shady, well-drained border, and when the
leaves start afresh turn the plants carefully out of the pots, so
as not to injure their roots, and re-pot in fresh soil. C. Persicum
flowers in February, and C. Neapolitanum in April. C. Europeum is a
hard variety, thriving in any situation. It produces sweetly-scented
flowers throughout July and August. It does best when planted under
trees, or in partial shade on rock-work, in well-drained, good loamy
or peaty soil mixed with a fair proportion of brick rubble. Plant the
corms in September 3 in. apart, and 1-1/2 in. deep. Height, 6 in. to 9
in.
Cydonia (Pyrus).--These hardy plants are well adapted for
trellis-work, but are more effective when grown as bushes, and flower
more freely than when trained to the wall, the bloom often lasting to
the winter. They will grow in any soil, and are increased by suckers.
Height, 4 ft. and upwards.
Cyperius Alternifolius.--A stove grass which will grow in any soil,
but requires a plentiful supply of water. It is increased by dividing
the roots. Height, 2 ft.
Cypress (Cupressus).--Among these useful conifers C. Lawsoniana has
no superior as a single specimen for the decoration of the lawn. Of
free growth and perfectly hardy, it succeeds in almost any soil or
situation. C. Fraserii is also hardy, of erect habit, and of a rich
glaucous hue. When it attains a good size it is very ornamental. The
beautiful silver variegated variety Argenteo Variegata deserves a
place in every shrubbery. Nana Alba Maculata is a dwarf globular
plant, the slender branches of which are tipped with white, giving it
the appearance of being partly covered with snow. Pygmea is a compact
dwarf-growing variety suitable for the centre of small beds and for
rock-work. Japan Cypresses are elegant little shrubs, one of the
finest being Retinospora Ericoides, whose peculiar violet-red leaves
contrast charmingly with light green plants. Any of the above may be
increased by cuttings. They succeed best in a rich, deep loam, and are
improved by thinning out the branches where too thick, and pinching
out the stronger shoots where too thin, so as to encourage new growth.
Cypripedium (Hardy Ladies' Slipper Orchid).--This plant is of
the simplest culture and is well adapted for pots, ferneries, or
rock-work. It is most at home in a well-drained yet moist peaty soil,
and kept in a frame or on a shady border, where it will bloom in June.
Protect from frost and heavy rains, but never allow the roots to get
dry. Height, 1 ft.
Cytisus.--Elegant hardy shrubs with finely-cut leaves and terminal
racemes of Pea-shaped flowers in July. They will grow in any soil, and
are readily raised from seed or layers. Height, 3 ft. to 4 ft.