Verbena.—­This charming half-hardy perennial succeeds best in light, loamy soil.  It seeds freely, and roots rapidly by being pegged down.  It is usual to take the cuttings in February, as spring-struck plants prove best both for growth and flowering.  Place a score of cuttings in a 48-sized pot containing 1/3 of drainage material, covered with 1 in. of rough leaf-mould, then filled to within 1-1/2 in. of the rim with equal parts of loam, leaf-mould, or peat and sand, with 1/3 in. of sand on the top.  Make the soil firm at the base of the cuttings, and water level.  It is, however, more easily obtained from seed raised on a gentle hotbed, and the plants thus raised are more robust and floriferous.  It flowers in July.  Height, 1 ft.

Verbena, Lemon-scented.—­See “Aloysia.”

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.