GREENHOUSE OR SHRUBBY species grow best in a mixture of light soil and sand, and cuttings of these Stocks root readily under glass.

NIGHT-SCENTED STOCKS.—­See “Mathiola Bicornis.”  If Emperor, Imperial, or Intermediate Stocks are sown in March or April, they will flower in the autumn; if sown in June or July they will flower during the following June, and throughout the summer and autumn.

Stokesia Cyanea.—­A handsome herbaceous perennial which is quite hardy, but owing to the late period at which it flowers its blooms are liable to be cut off by frosts.  It is therefore more suitable for a cool house than the open air, unless the warmest and most sheltered position be assigned to it.  A rich, sandy soil is indispensable for its growth.  It may be increased by dividing the roots in spring.  The flowers are produced from October to December.  Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Stonecrop.—­See “Sedum.”

Strawberries.—­The soil most suitable for the growth of this fruit is a rich, deep, adhesive loam.  July or early in August is the best time to make new beds, but if the ground be not then available runners from the old plants may be planted in peat on a north border and lifted with good balls of earth to their permanent bed in the spring.  Set them firmly in rows 2 ft. apart and 18 in. from plant to plant.  Spread out the roots and avoid deep planting.  Remove from the old plants all runners not required for new beds before they take root, as they exhaust the crown.  In dry seasons liquid manure is highly beneficial.  Some growers give supports to the fruit by means of forked-shaped pegs, while others lay straw down to keep the fruit free from grit.  Keep a sharp look-out for snails and slugs.  King of the Earlies, Auguste Nicaise, Royal Sovereign, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Gunton Park, President, Sir Joseph Paxton, Lord Suffield, Noble, and Samuel Bradley are excellent sorts.  For Ornamental Strawberries, see “Fragaria Indica.”

Strawberry Tree.—­See “Arbutus.”

Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose).—­This plant is a greenhouse perennial, showing great variety of colours, from white to violet and crimson, and is of neat habit.  A light and rather rich soil or vegetable mould suits it best.  Seed sown in February in slight heat will produce plants for flowering in July; that sown in March or April will flower in August and September.  Grow slowly in small pots, and in February put them in their flowering pots.  Give plenty of air and shade them from the sun.  It may also be increased by division, or leaf-cuttings may be taken under a bell-glass.  The plants like plenty of water, but need good drainage.  Height, 9 in.

Streptosolen Jamesoni.—­A good compost for this greenhouse evergreen shrub is two parts sandy loam, one part leaf-mould, and a little silver sand.  During growth it needs a liberal supply of water and to be kept near the glass; only a small amount of moisture should be given in winter.  In March cut it into shape, and re-pot it as soon as new growth starts.  During the summer syringe it frequently to keep off red spider, and during winter maintain a temperature of 55 degrees.