Azara Microphylla—This hardy evergreen shrub, with its fan-like branches and small dark, glossy leaves, is very ornamental and sweet-scented. It is increased by placing cuttings of ripened wood in sand under glass with a little heat. Height, 3 ft.
B
Babianas.—Charming, sweet-scented flowers, suitable for either pot cultivation or the border. In August or September place five bulbs in a well-drained 5-in. pot, using rich, light, very sandy soil; cover them completely, and press the mould down gently. Water very sparingly until the roots are well formed; indeed, if the soil is moist when the bulbs are planted, no water will be needed till the new growth appears above ground. Stand the pots in ashes and cover them with 3 in. of cocoa-nut fibre. When the flower spikes are formed, give weak liquid manure twice a week till the flowers open. Keep them in a temperature of 55 degrees. When the foliage begins to die down gradually, lessen the amount of moisture given. The bulbs while dormant are best left in the pots. For cultivation in the open, choose a warm situation, make the soil light and sandy, adding a good proportion of well-rotted manure, and plant the bulbs 5 in. deep either in autumn or spring. Height, 6 in. to 9 in.
Bahia Lanata.—A hardy herbaceous plant of easy culture from seed sown in spring or autumn in any garden soil. It produces bright orange flowers from June to August. Height, 1 ft.
Bahia Trolliifolia.—This hardy herbaceous perennial will grow in any kind of soil. It flowers in August, and can be increased by division. Height, 1 ft.
Balsams.—The seeds of these tender annuals require to be sown in early spring in a hot-house or a warm frame having a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees. When 2 or 3 in. high, or large enough to handle, prick off singly into small pots, shade them till they are established, and re-pot as they advance in strength in a compost of loam, leaf-mould, sand, and old manure. Give them air when the weather is favourable. The last shift should be into 24-sized pots. Supply them with an abundance of liquid manure, admit as much air as possible, and syringe freely. They must never be allowed to get dry. Secure their stems firmly to sticks. They will flower in the open early in September. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2 ft.
Bambusa.—The dwarf-growing Bamboos Fortunei variegata and Viridi-striata make graceful edgings to borders or paths. The whole family like a rich, loamy, damp soil.
Baneberry.—See "Actæa."
Baptisia Australis.—This ornamental hardy perennial makes a good border plant, growing in any loamy soil, and producing its blue flowers in June and July. It can be multiplied by dividing the root. Height, 3 ft.
Barbarea.—See "Rocket."