Veronica.--This graceful evergreen, commonly called Speedwell, bears
handsome spikes of autumn flowers, and makes a good conservatory or
sitting-room plant. It stands the winter out of doors in a sheltered
position with a dry sub-soil. The annual varieties may be sown in
autumn for spring flowering. Any light, rich, moist soil suits them.
The hardy perennial kinds are increased by dividing the roots, and
the greenhouse varieties by seeds or cuttings. The different species
flower from July to October. Height, 1 ft. to 10 ft.
Vesicaria Graeca.--A small hardy evergreen shrub, suitable for
rock-work or edgings. It likes a light, dry soil and an open
situation. It may be propagated by seeds, which are freely produced;
but the readiest way to increase it is by cuttings of the side-shoots,
taken as early as possible so as to become well rooted before cold
weather sets in. It flowers from April to June. Height, 6 in. to 8 in.
Viburnum Opulus(_Guelder Rose_, or _Snowball Tree_).--A very elegant
and hardy deciduous shrub, which will grow in any soil, and may be
increased by layers, or by cuttings planted in the shade under glass.
It blooms in June. Height, 12 ft.
Viburnum Tinus (_Laurestinus_).--This well-known and much-admired
evergreen shrub produces masses of white flowers through the winter
months, at which season it is especially ornamental. It is generally
propagated by layers, but where a number of the plants are required
they may be obtained from autumn cuttings planted in the shade and
covered with a hand-glass. Height, 5 ft.
Vicia Pyrenaica.--A hardy and good perennial for rock-work, having
compact tufts of green growth and producing deep crimson flowers in
May and June. It will grow in any soil, and is of easy culture. It is
increased by seed, also by division of the roots. Height, 1 ft.
Vinca (_Periwinkle_).--Many of these are variegated and very showy as
rock-work plants, and will grow in any moist soil, enjoying a shady
situation. They may be raised from seed sown early in spring in a warm
situation, or may be increased by runners, which strike root at the
joints like the Strawberry. They may be planted under the shade of
trees. Many choice greenhouse evergreens bearing fine circular flowers
and shining foliage are also included under the name of Vinca. Height,
2 ft.