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The Perennial Garden: Sweet

Dianthus barbatus, Sweet William. Sweet William is a low-growing hardy perennial or biennial, suitable for use as an edging plant, or as a facer for taller growing perennials such as foxglove. They bloom at the same time and make an attractive combination when planted together in masses. Sweet William can be propagated by division of the roots, in spring or fall, but the best method of propagation is by seed started in early June. The old plants, especially the Newport Pink variety, are apt to revert [58] to an undesirable shade of pink or magenta in the course of a few years. They are very easily grown, and when treated as biennials may be discarded immediately after bloom and their space used for annuals. Varieties. Newport Pink, lovely pink, by far the best. Scarlet Beauty, deep scarlet, Velvety Maroon, wine red, Old Fashioned White.

Dicentra, Bleeding Heart. Bleeding Heart is an old fashioned favorite combining a beautiful, graceful flower of rose pink, with attractive ornamental foliage that remains in good condition all summer provided the plants are not allowed to dry out excessively. It is valued for its early bloom which comes in May.

They are easily cultivated and once established in well-prepared beds give little trouble and should be allowed to remain undisturbed for a number of years, as they are not fond of being transplanted.

Propagation is best done by division in early spring or autumn, but preferably in the autumn, when the plants begin to deteriorate in bloom and become too bushy. They will grow in partial shade, but are best situated in sunny locations.

Varieties. Spectabilis, pink, Formosa and Eximia, lower growing, pink flowers.

Dictamnus, Gas Plant. Dictamnus is one of the most permanent of the hardy perennials. The char- [59] acter of its growth is bold and upright forming a large bushy plant that blooms in late May and early June.

It thrives in sun or shade, and is not overly particular as to its soil requirements; however, it does prefer a heavy soil; when once it becomes well rooted in the garden it can withstand drought and neglect and should be allowed to remain undisturbed for years, as the flowers improve with age. Propagation by seed is easy but slow. Seeds may be sown in the open one inch deep during September, and mulched over winter with leaves or corn fodder, as germination will not take place until the following spring. The seedlings will require two years of growth, before the plants will be ready to be moved into the garden. In the writer's opinion it is better to buy plants, rather than attempt to grow one's own stock, as plants can be purchased for 35 cents apiece or $18.00 a hundred. Varieties. Fraxinella alba, white, Fraxinella, red.