Nertera Depressa (_Coral Berry_).--This pretty Moss-like plant is
fairly hardy, and is eminently suited for a sheltered position on the
rockery. The soil should consist of leaf-mould and sand, and overhead
sprinkling with soft water is very beneficial. In cold districts it is
better to grow it in the greenhouse. The flowers are produced in
July, succeeded by orange-coloured berries. It is easily increased by
dividing it early in the spring. Height, 3 in.
Neuvusia Alabamensis.--A tamarix-like shrub, bearing clusters of white
flowers early in spring. Will grow in any soil or situation. Increased
by cuttings placed in sand under glass.
Nicotiana (_Tobacco Plants_).--Very showy half-hardy annuals. N.
Affinis bears long, tubular, sweet-scented, white flowers in July, and
grows to the height of 3 ft. N. Virginica produces immense leaves and
pink flowers, and the plants are 4 to 5 ft. high. The seed is sown
on a hotbed in spring, and when the second or third leaf appears the
plants are put into small pots and placed in a frame till the end of
May, when they are transferred to the border.
Nierembergia (_Cup Flowers_).--These elegant half-hardy annuals
grow well in any light soil, but prefer a mixture of sandy loam and
leaf-mould. Sow the seed in March or April in slight heat, harden off,
and plant out in May as soon as all fear of frost is over. They flower
in July. Height, 9 in. to 1 ft.
Nierembergia Rivularis.--This herbaceous plant is of a creeping
nature; it has deep green ovate foliage and large saucer-shaped white
flowers. It needs a moist position, and is increased by division. The
bloom is produced throughout June, July, and August. Height, 3 in.
Nigella.--These hardy annuals, a species of Fennel-flower, are both
curious and ornamental. Perhaps the best known among them is N.
Hispanica, or Love-in-a-Mist. They only require sowing in the open in
spring--but not before the middle of March--to produce flowers in July
and August. Height, 9 in. to 2 ft.