Sanguinaria Canadensis (_Bloodroot_).--A hardy perennial, curious
both in leaf and flower. It requires a light, sandy soil, shade, and
moisture; is propagated by seed sown in July, also by division of the
tuberous roots, and it blooms in March. The tubers should be planted 5
in. deep and 3 in. apart. Height, 6 in.
Santolina.--This hardy evergreen shrub grows freely in any soil. It
flowers in July, and is increased by cuttings. Height, 2 ft.
Sanvitalia.--Interesting, hardy annual trailers, which may be readily
raised from seed sown in March or April, and merely require ordinary
treatment. They produce their golden and brown and yellow flowers in
July. Height, 1 ft.
Saponaria.--These grow best in a mixture of sandy loam and peat or
decayed vegetable soil. The annuals may be sown either in autumn,
and wintered in a frame, or in the open in April. The perennials are
increased by seed or by division of the root, and young cuttings
of the branching species root freely if planted under glass. S.
Ocymoides, on account of its trailing nature, and S. Calabrica make
fine rock-work plants. The leaves of S. Officinalis, or Soap Plant, if
stirred in water form a lather strong enough to remove grease spots.
They bloom in June and July. Height, 6 in. to 2 ft.
Sarracenia.--Curious herbaceous plants, requiring to be grown in pots
of rough peat, filled up with sphagnum moss, in a moderately cool
house having a moist atmosphere. They flower in June, and are
increased by division. Height, from 9 in. to 1 ft.
Sauromatum Guttatum.--This makes a good window or cool greenhouse
plant. Pot the tuber in good loam and leaf-soil, and keep the mould
only just damp until the foliage, which follows the flowers, appears.
When the foliage fails, keep the tubers dry till spring. If grown out
of doors the tubers must be lifted before frost sets in.
Savoys.--Sow the seed in March or April, and when the plants are 2 in.
high remove them to a nursery-bed, selecting the strongest first. Let
them remain till they are about 6 in. high, then transplant them, 18
in. apart, in well-manured soil. Their flavour is greatly improved if
they are frozen before being cut for use.
Saxifrage.--These beautiful Alpine perennials delight in a light,
sandy soil, and are easily propagated by seed or division. It is most
convenient to grow the rare and tender kinds in pots, as they require
the protection of a frame in winter. Saxifraga Sibthorpii is very
suitable for the lower and damper parts of rock-work; it is hardy, and
sheds its seed freely. S. Umbrosa (London Pride) makes a neat border,
and is also useful for rock-work. S. Sarmentosa (Mother-of-Thousands)
is a fine hanging plant for greenhouse or window. They flower in
April. Height, mostly 4 in. to 6 in., but some grow as high as 1-1/2
ft.
Scabious.--Ornamental and floriferous hardy biennials, which grow
freely in common soil. The seed may be sown at any time between March
and midsummer; transplant in the autumn. They bloom in June. Height, 1
ft to 3 ft. (_See also_ "Cephalaria.")
Scale.--Red Scale may be easily overcome with a strong solution of
soft soap applied with a sponge. White Scale is harder to deal with.
Syringe frequently with strong soapsuds heated to 120 degrees. If the
plant is badly attacked it is best to destroy it.
Schizanthus.--Extremely beautiful and showy annuals. A rather poor,
light soil is most suitable for their growth. For early flowering sow
the seed in autumn, and keep the young plants in a frame or greenhouse
throughout the winter. For a succession of bloom sow in the open
border early in the spring. They flower in July and August. Height, 2
ft.
Schizopetalum.--This singular and delightfully fragrant annual
does best in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, or sandy loam and
leaf-mould. Sow the seed in pots in the spring, place in a greenhouse,
and when large enough to handle, plant out in the open border, or it
may be kept in an airy part of the house, where it will bloom in June.
Height, 1 ft.
Schizostylis Coccinea (_Crimson Flag, or Kaffre Lily_).--A most lovely
autumn-blooming plant, producing abundant spikes of Izia-like flowers
about 2 ft. high. It is suitable for pot-culture or planting outdoors,
and is quite hardy. It requires a rich, light soil.
Scillas (_Squills_).--Very useful spring-flowering bulbs. They are
hardy, and do well in any position in light soil. When mixed with
Crocuses and Snowdrops they produce a very charming effect. To get
perfection of bloom they require deep planting. S. Siberica especially
looks well when grown in pots with Snowdrops. Scilla roots are
poisonous. General height, 1 ft.
Scorzonera.--Sow in March in light soil in rows 18 in. apart. Thin
the plants out to about 7 in. one from the other. They may perhaps be
ready for use in August, but to have large roots they should be left
till they are two years old. They may remain in the ground till wanted
for use, or they may be lifted in October and stored like Beet, etc.
This vegetable is scraped and thrown into cold water for a few hours,
then boiled in the same way as Carrots and Parsnips.
Scutellaria.--These plants will grow in any good soil. The hardy
perennials flower in July. The greenhouse varieties merely require
protecting in the winter. They all bear division of the root, and are
easily raised from seed. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Scyphanthus.--An elegant and curious trailer, which is best grown in
a loamy soil. It may be increased from seed sown in April, and it
flowers in August. Height, 2 ft.