(Pardanthus Chinensis)is very showy, its orange-yellow flowers,
spotted purple-brown, appearing in June and July. They are quite
hardy. The best time for planting them is October or November,
selecting a sunny position. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Isopyrums--Hardy herbaceous plants of great beauty, nearly related to
the Thalictrums. They will grow in any ordinary soil, but flourish
best in vegetable mould, and in a moist, yet open, situation. They
are readily raised from seed, or may be propagated by division of the
roots in autumn. They flower in July. Height, 1 ft. to 1-1/2 ft.
Ivy (Hedera).--A deep, rich soil suits the common Ivy; the more
tender kinds require a lighter mould. To increase them, plant slips in
a north border in sandy soil. Keep them moist through the autumn,
and plant them out when well rooted. The following are the principal
choice sorts:--Aurea Spectabilis, palmate-leaved, blotched with
yellow; Cavendishii, a slender-growing variety, leaves margined with
white, with a bronzy shade on the edge; Conglomerata, crumpled leaves;
Elegantissima, slender-growing, with silvery variegated leaves; Irish
Gold-Blotch, large leaves, blotched with yellow; Latifolia Maculata,
large white-blotched leaves; Lee's Silver, silver variegated;
Maderiensis Variegata, leaves broadly marked with white; Marmorata,
small leaves blotched and marbled with white; Pupurea, small leaves
of a bright green changing to bronzy-purple; Rhomboides Obovata, deep
green foliage; Rhomboides Variegata, greyish-green leaves, edged with
white; and Silver Queen, a good hardy variety.
Ixias.--Plant out of doors from September to December, in a
sunny, sheltered position, in light, rich, sandy soil. For indoor
cultivation, plant four bulbs in a 5-in. pot in a compost of loam,
leaf-mould, and silver sand. Plunge the pot in ashes in a frame or
cold pit, and withhold water until the plants appear. When making free
growth remove them to the conservatory or greenhouse, placing them
near the glass, and give careful attention to the watering. Ixias are
also known under the name of African Corn Lilies.
J
Jacobaea (Ragwort).--May be raised from cuttings in the same way as
Verbenas, and will grow freely from seeds sown in autumn or spring.
It delights in a rich, light soil. The purple Jacobaea is a great
favourite of the public. Flowers in August. Height, 1 ft.
Jacob's Ladder.--See "Polemonium."
Jasione Perennis (Sheep Scabious).--A hardy perennial which produces
a profusion of heads of blue flowers in June, and continues to bloom
till August. It enjoys a peat soil, and should have the protection of
a frame during the winter. It can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or
division. Height, 1 ft.