Ferula (_Giant Fennel_).--Strong-growing, hardy, herbaceous plants.
F. Gigantea has bright, glistening foliage, changing to a brilliant
orange, and attains a height of 8 ft or 10 ft. F. Tingitana is very
stately and graceful, growing 4 ft. high. They are easily raised
from seed, will grow in any garden soil, and flower in August and
September.
Festuca.--An annual ornamental grass, which is grown best on a loamy
soil. Sow the seed in March, and keep moist till it germinates.
Height, 1 ft.
Feverfew.--This hardy perennial will grow in any soil and ripen its
seed freely. Young plants, obtained by sowing the seed early in
spring, are very useful for edgings; when planted alternately with, or
in proximity to, Lobelia a pretty effect is produced.
Ficaria Grandiflora.--A hardy perennial which thrives well when
planted under the shade of trees. It is increased by separating the
tubers in autumn, and produces its flowers in May. Height, 6 in.
Ficus Elastica (_India-rubber Plant_).--This thrives well in any
light, rich soil, or in loam and peat. Keep it moderately moist
throughout the winter, using tepid water. In summer any of the
artificial manures may be used. Sponge the leaves once a week to free
them from dust, and keep the plant well sheltered from draughts.
Cuttings with uninjured leaves will root in autumn in sand with a
bottom-heat of 65 or 75 degrees; or the cuttings may be taken in
spring, stem-rooting the slips. It flowers in May, and sometimes
attains the height of 20 ft.