The Polyanthus

The Polyanthus - Though the origin of this beautiful old-fashioned flower is somewhat obscure, it is considered to be a form of the common P. vulgaris with the stems developed. Polyanthuses are not at all sufficiently appreciated, considering the wonderful array of beauty they present, and that for rich and charmingly inlaid coloring they surpass all other flowers of our spring gardens. It would require pages to describe even the good varieties. At one time the Polyanthus was highly esteemed as a florists flower, and none in existence better deserved the attention and regard of amateurs; but nearly all the choice old kinds are now lost, and very few florists really pay any attention to the flower. Thanks to the great facility with which varieties are raised from seed, nobody need be without handsome kinds, especially as raising them will prove interesting amusement for the amateur.

Polyanthuses should be seen in strong colonies in shrubberies and borders. Their cultivation is almost as simple as that of meadow grass. They grow vigorously in almost any garden soil, but best in a soil that is somewhat rich and moist; and though they thrive in the full sun, they enjoy best a partially shaded and sheltered position, and are somewhat impatient of heat and drought. When grown for bedding they are, like the Primroses, removed in early summer from the flower garden to the kitchen garden or nursery, and replaced there when the summer bedding plants have passed away.

There have been lately raised some varieties, a good deal larger in their parts than the type, and these are very easy of culture and very vigorous. There are very few, if any, double varieties, but some varieties are curious and interesting from the duplication of the calyx or-corolla; these are popularly known as "hose-in-hose" Polyanthus. They grow with the same facility as the others. The beautiful Gold-laced Polyanthuses are much prized. The best are those raised years ago, such as Cheshire Favourite, George the Fourth, Formosa, Duke of Wellington, Black Prince, Lancashire Hero, and others, and they are mentioned in most florists catalogues of hardy plants. The common Oxlip is a hybrid more or less intermediate between the Cowslip and the Primrose.

Where soil is prepared for the choicer varieties, any good loam with a free addition of sand, well-rotted leaf-mould, and decomposed cow manure will form an admirable compost. The Polyanthus may easily be raised from seed, which should be sown as soon as ripe, say about the end of June. It will also grow well if the seed is not sown till the following spring, but by sowing immediately nearly a year is gained. With choice kinds it is better to sow the seed in pans or rough wooden boxes, but for ordinary purposes a bed of finely-pulverised soil in the open air will suffice. Sowings in early spring are better made in pans or rough shallow boxes, placed in cold frames, as time will be gained thereby.