The Aristolochia are hothouse, greenhouse, and hardy climbing plants.



A diverse race of climbing plants, they are mostly natives of tropical regions. Some of the aristolochias are noted for the extraordinary size and formation of their blooms. The larger flowered varieties, however, all demand a high temperature and extremely careful culture. Aristolochia gigas and Aristolochia Goldeiana will both flower freely in a temperature of 65 degrees to 70 degrees The most valuable greenhouse member of the family is Aristolochia elegans, which will thrive in a normal greenhouse temperature. Elegans is extremely free flowering, and its white purple-marked blooms never fail to attract attention. The hardy species Aristolochia Sipho, commonly known as the Dutchman's Pipe, is a deciduous climber. The pipe-shaped blooms are comparatively tiny, but it is a valuable plant on account of its free-growing propensities and handsome foliage.



Aristolochia elegans demands a fairly rich soil, and a proportion of well-decayed manure should be added to a good loam and sand compost. If it is to be grown to any considerable size, then it is best planted out in a border, but it may also be potted in large tubs and trained up to the pillars or rafters. Aristolochia Sipho grows freely in a deep, well-cultivated, and prefers rather dry soil. It does best on pergolas or trellis work, and will thrive on an east wall in most parts of the country. Planting may be carried out in either autumn or spring.



To propagate take cuttings of the young shoots of Aristolochia elegans which will root readily in a propagating box on the greenhouse bench during the summer months. Cuttings of the hardy species should be taken from the young shoots during the summer months and inserted in a sandy soil in a temperature of 55 degrees to 60 degrees, and this should be very successful with a little care.



The Armeria are hardy rock plants, and can be found all over the place.



Armeria maritima is the well-known British wild plant known popularly as sea pink, or thrift, and it has given rise to a number of good garden varieties. There are also other species and hybrids suitable for cultivation in the rock garden or front of the herbaceous border.



In terms of cultivation you will find that a light sandy soil suits the armerias best, though the larger garden hybrids such as Bee's Ruby may be grown in much richer and heavier ground than will be advisable for the species in general. Armeria caespitosa, the choicest of all the species, should be grown in the moraine in a very stony compost with underground watering from May till September. The best time to plant without a doubt is from October to April.



To propagate you will find the species are best increased by means of seed sown in sandy soil and covered very lightly.



This should be done in March, germination being effected in a cold frame. It is important to note that named forms of armeria must be propagated by division in spring.