Polyanthus
A garden race of Primula, probably derived from a cross between the Primrose and Cowslip. The Polyanthus has been in cultivation for many years, and has proved itself one of the most popular of florists' flowers. The attention, however, now bestowed on it is much less than at an earlier period of its history, and the varieties raised are far less numerous. Good varieties, that were once procurable, are now lost to cultivation, and those of the present day are not generally considered of equal merit-at least, for exhibition purposes. As a hardy garden plant, the Polyanthus is likely to remain a favourite, and deservedly so, for planting on rockeries, in mixed borders, and in spring flower-beds. The vigorous-growing varieties, which may be readily raised from seed, are admirably adapted for naturalizing in pleasure-grounds along the sides of walks, & c. Florists' rules regarding the flowers of a Polyanthus, and the recognised qualities exhibited in them, are very rigid; it is, however, unnecessary to follow them too closely, unless the flowers are required for exhibition. For the last-named purpose, the section known as Gold-laced is most favoured; the flowers are distinguished by having a clear, even margin, or lacing, of gold, then a ground or body-colour, similarly well defined, with a stripe passing through the centre of each division to the eye. The pip, as a single flower is termed, should be large, flat, and round, with the exception of five or six small divisions on the margin.
For general garden decoration, any quantity of seedlings with beautiful flowers may be raised without the florists' conventional rules being adhered to. Seeds should be sown in June, or so soon as they are ripe; they germinate quickly at this season, and form flowering plants by the following spring: if kept in store until spring, a season will be lost. In summer, a prepared border outside is best for the seed; in spring, shallow boxes and a free, sandy soil should be used under glass. When once established, Polyanthuses grow in any ordinary garden soil; but they succeed best where it is rich, and the position somewhat moist and partially shaded. It is important that seeds be saved only from the best flowers procurable, or be obtained from a separate reliable source, as the varieties soon deteriorate, even as ornamental plants, if this is not attended to.
Polyanthuses for exhibition are grown in pots and in cold frames, under treatment somewhat similar to that accorded Auriculas. The season for potting or repotting is August, and a good compost would consist of two parts loam to one of leaf mould and decayed manure. A top-dressing of good soil is recommended in February, particularly for plants that have not been repotted the previous autumn. In addition to propagating from seeds, Polyanthuses may be readily increased by divisions. Good varieties grown in pots may have their side-shoots removed when the annual potting takes place in August; and any that are grown in the open ground, can be readily divided in the autumn, when they are planted out.
Besides the Gold-laced varieties of Polyanthus already referred to, there are others designated respectively Fancy and Hose-in-Hose. Fancy varieties are of various hues, the plants being very floriferous, and of vigorous habit; and some of the Hose-in-Hose flowers are curious and very uncommon. All succeed under similar treatment.