Kalmia Latifolia.--This hardy, dwarf evergreen shrub is deservedly a
great favourite. It produces a wealth of flowers in large clusters. It
requires to be grown in peat or good leaf-mould, and needs pure air.
It is increased by pegging down the lower branches, which soon become
rooted. The flowers are produced from June to August. Height, 2 ft.
Kalosanthes.--Showy greenhouse succulent plants. A light, turfy loam
is suitable for them, and they may be increased by placing cuttings of
the young shoots in a sandy soil on a slight hotbed in spring. Pinch
them back so as to produce a bushy growth, and give support to the
heavy heads of bloom. The cuttings should be left for twenty-four
hours to dry before they are planted. The plants require very little
water, and they flower in July. Height, 6 in. to 1 ft.
Kaulfussia.--Sow this pretty hardy annual in April in the open border,
or in March in slight heat. It may also be sown in autumn for early
flowering. It will succeed in any light soil, blooming in July.
Height, 6 in.
Kennedya Marryattæ.--A greenhouse evergreen twining plant of a very
beautiful order, which thrives best in a compost of sandy loam and
peat. Cuttings of the young wood planted in sand, and having a
bottom-heat, will strike. It produces its flowers in May. Height, 4
ft. Other varieties of Kennedyas range from 2 to 10 ft. They all need
to be well drained and not to stand too near the pipes.
Kerria (_Corchorus_).--Beautiful hardy shrubs, which may be grown in
any garden soil, and can be propagated by cuttings of the young wood,
taken at a joint, and placed under glass. They flower at midsummer.
Height, 4 ft.
Koelreuteria Paniculata.--This is an ornamental tree bearing long
spikes of yellow flowers in July. It will grow in any soil, but
requires a sheltered position, and may be increased by layers or root
cuttings. Height, 10 ft.
Kohl Rabi (_Turnip-rooted Cabbage_).--Though mostly grown as a farm
crop, this vegetable is strongly recommended for garden cultivation,
as it is both productive and nutritious, and is delicious when cooked
while still very small and young. Sow in March, and transplant to
deeply-dug and liberally manured ground, at a distance of 15 in. from
each other.
L
Lachenalia. (_Cape Cowslips_).--Charming greenhouse plants for pot
or basket culture. Pot in December in a compost of fibrous loam,
leaf-mould, and sand; place as near the glass as possible, and never
allow the soil to become dry, but maintain good drainage, and only
give a little water till they have produced their second leaves. No
more heat is required than will keep out the frost.
Lactuca Sonchifolia. (_Sow Thistle-Leaved Lettuce_).--An ornamental,
but not handsome, hardy perennial, with leaves 1 ft. in length and
9 in. in breadth. It is of neat habit and enjoys the sunshine. A
deeply-dug, sandy loam suits it, and it may be increased by seed or
division of the roots. The flowers are produced from September till
frost sets in. Height, 2 ft.