Hedychium Gardnerianum.--A hothouse herbaceous plant, delighting in a
rich, light soil, plenty of room in the pots for the roots, and a good
amount of sunshine. In the spring a top-dressing of rich manure and
soot should be given. From the time the leaves begin to expand,
and all through its growing stage, it needs plenty water, and an
occasional application of liquid manure. The foliage should not be cut
off when it dies, but allowed to remain on all the winter. While the
plant is dormant keep it rather dry and quite free from frost. It
may be increased by dividing the roots, but it blooms best when
undisturbed. July is its flowering month. Height, 6 ft.
Hedysarum.--Hardy perennials, requiring a light, rich soil, or loam
and peat. They may be raised from seed, or increased by dividing the
roots in spring. H. Multijugum bears rich purple flowers. Height, 6
in. to 3 ft.
Heleniums.--The Pumilum is a very pretty hardy perennial that may be
grown in any soil, and increased by dividing the roots. It produces
its golden flowers in August. Height, 1-1/2 ft. H. Autumnale is also
easy to grow, but flowers a month later than the Pumilum, and attains
a height of 3 ft. H. Bigelowi is the best of the late autumn-flowering
species, producing an abundance of rich yellow flowers with purple
discs. Flowers in August. Height, 3-1/2 ft.
Helianthemum Alpinum (_Rock Roses_).--These hardy perennials are best
grown in sandy loam and peat, and may be increased by cuttings placed
under glass in a sheltered situation. Bloom in June or July. Height, 1
ft.
Helianthus (_Sunflowers_).--The tall variety is a very stately plant,
suitable for the background or a corner of the border. Well-grown
flowers have measured 16 in. in diameter. The miniature kinds make
fine vase ornaments. They grow in any garden soil, and are easily
increased by seed raised on a hotbed in spring and afterwards
transplanted. The perennials may be propagated by division of the
root. They produce their flowers in August. Height, 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Helichrysum.--Fine everlasting hardy annuals, that grow best in a
mixture of three parts peat and one part sandy loam. May be readily
raised from seed sown in a cold frame in March, or cuttings taken off
at a joint will strike in peat and sand. Bloom during July and August.
For winter decoration the flowers should be gathered in a young state,
as they continue to develop after being gathered. Height, 1 ft. to 6
ft, but most of them are 2 ft. high.
Heliophila.--Pretty little hardy annuals, thriving best in sandy loam
and peat. Sow the seed early in spring in pots placed in a gentle
hotbed, and plant out in May. They flower in June. Height, 9 in.
Heliopsis.--This hardy perennial is useful for cutting purposes, the
flowers being borne on long stalks, and lasting for two or three weeks
in water. It is not particular as to soil, and may be increased by
dividing the roots. Height, 5 ft.
Heliotrope.--Commonly called Cherry Pie. Sow the seed early in spring
in light, rich soil in a little heat, and plant out in May. The best
plants, however, are obtained from cuttings taken off when young,
in the same way as Verbenas and bedding Calceolarias. They are very
sensitive to frost. Flower in June. Height, 1 ft.
Helipterium.--A half-hardy annual, bearing everlasting flowers. It
should receive the same treatment as Helichrysum. Blooms in May or
June. Height, 2 ft.
Helleborus (_Christmas Rose_).--As its name implies, the Hellebore
flowers about Christmas, and that without any protection whatever. The
foliage is evergreen, and of a dark colour. When the plant is once
established it produces flowers in great abundance. The plants of the
white-flowered variety should be protected with a hand-light when the
flower-buds appear, in order to preserve the blossoms pure and clean.
Any deeply-dug rich garden soil suits it, and it is most at home under
the shade of a tree. It prefers a sheltered situation, and during the
summer months a mulching of litter and an occasional watering will be
beneficial. Readily increased by division in spring or seed. Height, 1
ft.
Helonias Bullata.--A pretty herbaceous plant, bearing dense racemes of
purple-rose flowers from June to August. It grows best in peat, in a
moist position. It can be raised from seed or increased by division of
the roots. Height 1-1/2 ft.
Hemerocallis (_Day Lily_).--Old-fashioned plants of great merit.
Planted in large clumps they produce a grand effect. They are easily
grown in any common garden soil, and bloom in July. Height, 3 ft. H.
Kwanso has handsome, variegated foliage.