Kew a very graceful-looking grass might have been seen isolated on the
turf during the past year or two. It is a comparatively dwarf subject,
and not at all striking in bloom like the Pampas, but withal very
distinct and desirable. It is one of the most elegant grasses, forming
dense tufts of long, soft, smooth, slender leaves, which arch outwards
and downwards in the most graceful manner on every side, and, in the
flowering season, are surmounted by airy, diffuse, purplish or
violet-tinged panicles, rising to a height of from 20 ins. to 3 ft., the
grassy tufts being usually about half that height. This plant is widely
distributed over Southern Europe, Northern Asia, and North America, in
wet meadows and on low banks of streams. Of all the dwarf perennial
grasses it is perhaps the best for isolation on the grass, where its
fine dense and graceful tufts of long hair-like leaves and elegant
panicles form a quite distinct-looking and ornamental object.
[Illustration: Poa fertilis.]
=*Polygonatum multiflorum= (_Solomon’s Seal_).--This, one of the most
graceful of our native plants, is too distinct and pleasing in aspect to
be omitted from an enumeration of ornamental subjects. It is best
suited for a shady position under trees, or the fringes of shrubberies,
or groups of tall and widely-branching plants, where its elegantly
arching stems and pretty pendent flowers would attain greatest
perfection, and exhibit a very marked contrast to the surrounding types
of vegetation. A well-drained, sandy, and peaty soil will be found to
suit it best, and it is well adapted for the wild and semi-wild parts of
the pleasure-ground. Easily multiplied by division of the rootstocks.
=*Polygonum cuspidatum= (_Sieboldi_).--Forms large and noble tufts of
lively green, which increase in beauty from year to year. It grows to a
height of 3½ ft. to 6 ft. and more, the stems being at first erect and
simple, then becoming much branched, the branches arching, and spreading
nearly horizontally at the top. The white flowers, which are disposed in
clusters forming close panicles, are succeeded by handsome rosy-white
fruit. When planted singly, and away from other subjects, its head
assumes a rather peculiar and pretty arching character; and therefore it
is not quite fit for forming centres or using in groups, so much as for
planting singly on the turf, there leaving it to take care of itself and
come up year after year. In this way it would be particularly useful in
the pleasure-ground or diversified English flower-garden. It is also
good for any position in which a bold and distinct type of vegetation is
desired, while of course, when we come to have fine groups of hardy
“foliage-plants” in our gardens, its use will be much extended. The
deeper and better the soil, the finer will its development prove. You
cannot make the soil too deep and good if you want the plant to assume a
very striking character. It runs very much at the root in all
directions horizontally just below the surface of the soil. By cutting
away the runners, and thus concentrating the sap in the central stems,
tufts have been obtained from 9 ft. to 13 ft. high, and as much across.
Japan.
=Polymnia grandis.= (See _Montagnæa heracleifolia_.)
=Polymnia pyramidalis.=--A free, bold, and tall plant, with somewhat of
a sunflower habit, but withal very fine, and making a tall green growth
by the end of July, before many other things used in this way begin to
push. The leaves are not so large as those of the other species, and
differ in shape, being nearly cordate; but the growth is vigorous, and
the habit distinct. It pushes up a narrow pyramidal head of foliage to a
height of nearly 10 ft. in Paris gardens, and will be found to do well
in the south of England. Easily multiplied in spring by division or
cuttings from plants placed in heat in January, or from seed sown in a
pot. The species _Uvedalia_ and _maculata_ are rather coarse herbaceous
plants, fitted for rough places in warm positions, and deep, rich soil.
New Granada.
=*Pontederia cordata.=--One of the handsomest water-plants in
cultivation, combining gracefulness of habit and leaf with beauty of
flower. It forms thick tufts of almost arrow-shaped, erect, long-stalked
leaves from 1½ ft. to more than 2 ft. high, crowned with the handsome
blue flower-spikes, which issue from the leafstalks just below the base
of the leaves. It should be planted in shallow pieces of water.
Multiplied by division of the tufts at any season. N. America.
=Pothos acaulis.=--A noble plant of the Arum family, with huge simple
dark-green leaves, forming a magnificent rosette. It requires stove
treatment in winter and spring, and having made its growth and been
hardened off under cover, it may be placed out in the open air in
sheltered warm places in the southern counties, from the middle of June
to the end of September. It, however, sometimes suffers from cold, and
is on the whole only likely to be of very partial use. Among the other
large Aroids which have been tried in Battersea Park, the best are
_Philodendron macrophyllum_, _P. Simsii_, and _Anthurium Hookeri_. Being
rather tender they all require a very warm and well-sheltered position.
W. Indies.
=*Rhaponticum cynaroides.=--A hardy perennial from the Pyrenees, 3 ft.
or more in height, with a rigid, simple, furrowed stem, and lobed or
entire oblong radical leaves, covered underneath with silvery down.
Flowers solitary, purple, in very large heads. It thrives in a deep,
substantial, moist, but well-drained and free soil. This and, to a
smaller extent, the following species are worthy of a place in full
collections of hardy fine-leaved plants, for borders, the margins of
groups, and, in the case of _R. cynaroides_, for isolation. Both are
easily increased by division.
=*Rhaponticum pulchrum.=--A hardy perennial from the Caucasus, with
numerous simple stems 2 ft. or more in height, and much-divided,
undulating, toothed leaves of an ashy or sea-green colour on the upper
side, and whitish underneath. The flowers are borne in small solitary
purplish heads late in summer. A very suitable subject for embellishing
dry, arid, rocky positions. _R. scariosum_ is another kind, useful for
the same purposes as the preceding species.
*THE RHUBARBS.
The Rhubarbs, from their vigour and picturesqueness, are well worthy of
cultivation among hardy, fine-leaved plants. They are so hardy that they
may be planted in any soil, and afterwards left to take care of
themselves. Their fine leaves and bold habit make them valuable
ornaments for the margins of shrubberies (the best way is to plant one
singly a few feet from the margin of the shrubbery, so that when they
die down in autumn no blank may be seen), and for semi-wild places where
a very free and luxuriant type of vegetation is desired. Though not
particular as to soil, they enjoy it when it is deep and rich, and the
more it is made so the better they will grow.
=Rheum Emodi= is undoubtedly the handsomest and most distinct of the
genus in cultivation. The figure conveys an accurate idea of the outline
of its leaves, and of its aspect when in flower. The large leaves have
their veins red, which distinguishes it from any other species. It has a
large and deep-feeding root, black on the outside, and yellow within.
The flowers are very small, of a yellowish white. It comes up somewhat
later than the common kinds, and is not by any means common, though it
may be found in botanic gardens and nurseries where collections of
herbaceous plants are formed. It may, like all the species, be increased
by division, but a young plant should not be disturbed for several years
after being planted. It is a native of Nepaul.
The palmated rhubarb, _Rheum palmatum_, is immediately distinguished
from its cultivated fellows by its leaves
[Illustration: RHEUM EMODI.
Hardy herbaceous fine-foliaged Type.]
being deeply cut into lobes. It is scarcely so ornamental or imposing as
the fuller-leaved kinds, but is an interesting plant. I have seen it
grown in some Irish gardens for culinary purposes, but do not remember
to have noticed it in English kitchen-gardens. When well grown in deep
and rather light and well-drained earth, the flowering-stem of this
species attains a height of about nine feet. It is a native of Tartary,
and well deserves a place. _Rheum Ribes_ is a somewhat delicate species,
a native of Southern Persia, which may be seen in one or two of our
botanic gardens, and more frequently in those of France; but we fear it
is not hardy enough to thrive well in these islands. The most remarkable
known species is the Himalayan (_R. nobile_), which has its flower-stems
beautifully clothed with large straw-coloured and pink-edged bracts, so
as to form what may be termed a pyramid of leaves; but, as this species
is not in cultivation, we need not describe it further. It would prove a
very welcome addition to our collection of hardy plants.
The common rhubarbs are said by some of our authorities to have chiefly
sprung from _Rheum Rhaponticum_, and some of them have also come from
the wavy-leaved Rheum (_R. undulatum_). In any case, some of the garden
varieties of rhubarb are worth planting for ornamental purposes. They
have been so planted in Hyde Park, but in masses--not the proper way to
employ them. Kinds deserving of notice are _R. australe_, _R.
compactum_, _R. rugosum_, _R. hybridum_, Victoria rhubarb (a garden
variety, with very large leaves and long red stalks), Myatt’s Linnæus,
and Prince Albert (also garden varieties, and splendid ornamental
plants). Mr. Shirley Hibberd says he has found Scott’s Monarch to be
the most imposing and ornamental of all the garden varieties.
=*Rhus Cotinus= (_Venetian Sumach_).--A bushy shrub, about 6½ ft. high,
with simple, smooth, shining green leaves, and a very remarkable
feathery inflorescence of a deep red colour. It requires a dry,
gravelly, warm soil, and will grow in the most arid positions. Where it
thrives the effect of its peculiar inflorescence is very fine and
distinct. It is used with most effect as an isolated specimen, though it
would group very well with such plants as Lindley’s Spiræa. S. Europe.
=*Rhus glabra laciniata.=--This variety of the smooth or scarlet Sumach
is a small shrub with compound leaves, growing from 4 ft. to 7 ft. high,
a native of North America, with finely-cut and elegant leaves, the
strongest being about a foot long when the plants have been established
a year or two. When seen on an established plant, these leaves combine
the beauty of those of the finest Grevillea with that of a fern frond,
while the youngest and unfolding leaves remind one of the aspect of a
finely-cut umbelliferous plant in spring. The variety observable in the
shape, size, and aspect of the foliage makes the plant charming to look
upon, while the midribs of the fully-grown leaves are red, and in autumn
the whole glow off into bright colour after the fashion of American
shrubs and trees. During the entire season it is presentable, and there
is no fear of any vicissitude of weather injuring it. Its great merit is
that, in addition to being so elegant in foliage, it has a very dwarf
habit, and is thoroughly hardy. Plants three years old and undisturbed
for the last two years are not more
[Illustration: RHUS GLABRA LACINIATA.
Hardy deciduous Shrub Section.]
than eighteen inches high. The heads of some are branched, but these are
not less elegant than when in a simple-stemmed state, so that here we
have clearly a subject that will afford a charming fern-like effect in
the full sun, and add graceful verdure and distinction to the
flower-garden. When the flowers show after the plant is a few years old,
they may be pinched off; but this need only be practised in the case of
permanent groups or plantings of it. To produce the effect of a
Grevillea or a fern on a small scale, we should of course keep this
graceful Rhus small and propagate it like a bedding-plant. Like most
other shrubs, it has a tendency to branch; but to fully enjoy the beauty
of the leaves it is best to cut down the plants yearly, as then the
leaves given off from the simple erect stem are much larger and more
graceful. It will, however, be necessary to allow it to become
established before treating it in this way, as it is at present
comparatively new to our gardens. The figure, sketched early in August,
represents a young plant little more than a foot high, which had been
cut down to the ground during the spring of the past year, and proves
that its full beauty may be enjoyed in a very small state. It may be
most tastefully used in association with bedding-plants, or on banks in
or near the rock-garden or hardy fernery, planting it in light sandy
loam. The graceful mixtures and bouquet-*like beds that might be made
with the aid of such plants need not be suggested here, while of course
an established plant, or groups of three, might well form the centre of
a bed. Planting a very small bed or group separately in the
flower-garden, and many other uses which cannot be enumerated here, will
occur to those who have once tried it. Some hardy plants of fine
foliage are either so rampant or so topheavy that they cannot be wisely
associated with bedding-plants. This is, on the contrary, as tidy and
tractable a grower as the most fastidious could desire. It would be a
mistake to put such a pretty plant under or near rough trees and shrubs.
Give it the full sun, and good free soil.
=*Rhus vernicifera= is distinct from the preceding, and has fine leaves.
It is a native of Japan, and the source of the best Japan varnish
according to Thunberg. Useful for grouping with the preceding or other
hardy shrubs of like character.
=*Ricinus communis= (_Castor-oil Plant_).--When well grown in the open
air, there is not in the whole range of cultivated plants a more
imposing subject than this. It may have been seen nearly 12 ft. high in
the London parks of late years, and with leaves nearly 1 yd. wide. It is
true we require a bed of very rich deep earth under it to make it attain
such dimensions and beauty; but in all parts, and with ordinary
attention, it grows well. In warm countries, in which the plant is very
widely cultivated, it becomes a small tree, but is much prettier in the
state in which it is seen with us--_i.e._, with an unbranched stem
clothed from top to bottom with noble leaves. Soon after it betrays, a
tendency to develope side-shoots the cold autumn comes and puts an end
to all further progress; and so much the better, because it is much
handsomer in a simple-stemmed state than any other. The same is true of
not a few other large-leaved plants--once they break into a number of
side-shoots their leaf beauty is to a great extent lost. It is as easily
raised from seed as the common bean, requiring, however, to be raised
in heat. It should be sown about the middle of February, and the plants
gradually hardened off so as to be fit to put out by the middle of May.
The Ricinus is a grand plant for making bold and noble beds near those
of the more brilliant flowers, and tends to vary the flower-garden
finely. It is not well to associate it closely with bedding-plants, in
consequence of the strong growth and shading power of the leaves, so to
speak. A good plan is to make a compact group of the plant in the centre
of some wide circular bed and surround it with a band of a dwarfer
subject, say the Aralia or Caladium, and then finish with whatever
arrangement of the flowering plants may be most admired. A bold and
striking centre may be obtained, while the effect of the flowers is much
enhanced, especially if the planting be nicely graduated and tastefully
done. For such groups the varieties of the Castor-oil plant are not
likely to be surpassed. East Indies.
The most notable varieties are _R. c. sanguineus_, the stem,
leaf-stalks, young leaves, and fruit of which are of a blood-red colour;
_R. c. borboniensis_, which in southern climates often attains the
extraordinary height of 26 ft. in one year; _R. c. giganteus_, a very
tall kind from the Philippine Islands.
Other kinds in cultivation are _R. Belot Desfougerès_ (a very tall and
branching kind), _R. viridis_ (of a uniform lively green colour), _R.
insignis_, _R. africanus_, _R. africanus albidus_, _R. minor_, _R.
hybridus_, _R. microcarpus_.
The better and richer the soil, and the warmer the position, the more
vigorous will be the growth of any of the above. Copious watering in
summer is indispensable.
=*Rumex Hydrolapathum.=--A very large native water-plant of a size and
habit sufficiently striking to entitle it to a place amongst ornamental
subjects by the water-side. The radical long-stalked leaves, which are
sometimes 2 ft. or more in length, form erect tufts of a very imposing
character. The flowering-stem is frequently 6 ft. in height, and bears a
very large, dense, pyramidal panicle of a reddish or olive-fawn colour.
The plant is most effective in autumn, when the leaves change to a lurid
red colour, which they retain for some time.
=*Saccharum ægyptiacum.=--A vigorous perennial grass, forming ample
tufts of reed-like downy stems 6½ ft. to 13 ft. high, and clothed with
very graceful foliage, well adapted for ornamenting the margins of
pieces of water, the slopes and other parts of pleasure-grounds, etc.,
in a warm position. In our climate it does not flower, but even without
its fine feathery plumes it is a pretty plant from its foliage and habit
alone. Easily and quickly multiplied by division in spring; the offsets
to be started in a frame or pit. When established they may be planted
out in May or June. N. Africa.
=*Sagittaria sagittifolia.=--A British water-plant, affording the most
remarkable example of the arrow-shaped leaf to be met with among hardy
plants. These leaves stand erect, from 1 ft. to 1½ ft. above the water,
and from the middle of the tuft the flowering-stem rises in August to
the height of 1½ ft. to 2½ ft. The flowers are of a pale rosy-white
colour. There is a variety with double flowers (_S. sagittifolia flore
pleno_), which resemble the flowers of the double Rocket. Both the
double and single kinds should have a place among water or bog plants.
[Illustration: SEAFORTHIA ELEGANS.
Conservatory Palm; standing well in the open air in summer.]
=*Salvia argentea= (_S. patula_).--A handsome biennial about 3½ ft.
high, forming broad spreading rosettes of large, oval, heart-shaped
leaves, densely covered with long silky hairs of a silvery whiteness,
and bearing large panicles of white flowers. An excellent subject for
grouping on grass-plats or the uneven parts of pleasure-grounds. Where
the effect of the foliage only is desired the flower-stems should be
pinched off as soon as they appear; the leaves will then preserve their
freshness and silvery colour throughout the year. A light, sandy, or
gravelly soil is the most suitable. Easily propagated by sowing in
autumn, and keeping the seedlings in a cold frame through the winter,
giving them air as often as possible, and watering very moderately. This
plant is most effective during its first summer, and before it makes an
attempt to flower. S. Europe.
=*Scirpus lacustris= (_Bulrush_).--This giant rush sends up numerous
smooth green stems as thick as the finger at the base, and from 3 ft. to
8 ft. high. In still water the bases of these are covered with leafless
sheaths, but in running water the uppermost sheath produces at its
extremity a leaf of several inches in length, in addition to which
numerous barren tufts of leaves, often of great length, and resembling
those of _Sparganium affine_, are also produced. When in flower, the
stems are crowned with short, umbel-like, chestnut-coloured panicles. It
is very effective on the margins of lakes or streams, associated with
other tall and imposing aquatic plants.
=Seaforthia elegans.=--One of the most beautiful of the Palm family,
from the northern parts of Australia, where it attains a height of about
30 ft., but in this country seldom arrives at more than half its full
size. The leaves are from 2 ft. to 10 ft. in length, and are divided
into numerous narrow leaflets from 1 ft. to 1½ ft. long, and of a dark
green colour. The whole plant is perfectly smooth, and is one of the
finest subjects in cultivation for the conservatory, greenhouse, or
subtropical garden. It may be placed in the open air from the middle or
end of May until the beginning of October. It is too scarce as yet to be
procurable by horticulturists generally, but should be looked for by all
who take an interest in these matters and have a house in which to grow
it. It stands well in the conservatory during the winter, though
generally kept in the stove, where of course it grows beautifully. There
are hardier kinds--the dwarf Fan-palm for example--but on the whole none
of them are so valuable as this.
=Senecio Ghiesbreghtii.=--A handsome Mexican plant with stout, round,
spotted stems, 3 to 4 ft. high, and large oval-oblong, thick,
coarsely-toothed leaves of a light green colour, and slightly rolled
down at the margin. Flowers small, yellow, very numerous, in corymbose
clusters of enormous size. A useful plant for isolation on grass-plats,
or for beds, etc. Young plants are to be preferred for this purpose, as
the old ones are apt to become bare and ragged-looking at the base.
Plant in a mixture of peat soil and free loam at the end of May.
Multiplied by cuttings in winter, struck under glass in a temperate heat
in early spring.
=Senecio Petasites= (_Cineraria platanifolia_).--Another Mexican
species, nearly 3½ ft. high, with a stout, half-shrubby,
slightly-branching stem, and large, dark-green, roughish, lobed leaves.
It requires a substantial, but free and cool soil, and may be multiplied
at almost any season by cuttings. It requires greenhouse protection in
winter, grows freely in the open air planted out in early summer, and is
suitable for beds or groups associated with the medium-sized subjects.
=*Seseli gummiferum.= (_Silvery Seseli_).--An umbelliferous plant with
elegantly-divided leaves of a peculiarly pleasing glaucous or almost
silvery tone. I am not sure whether this plant is perennial or not, and
it is not hardy on cold soils, having perished during several of our
most severe winters, but it is so unique in its way that some persons
might like to grow it, and if so the best position is on dry and sunny
banks, or raised beds or borders. It is one of the few subjects that are
at once fern-like and silvery, and if plentiful enough might be used to
form charming edgings. It is not difficult to raise from seed, which
should be sown soon after being gathered. As it is liable to perish in
winter, perhaps the best way to deal with it would be to put it out
annually at the end of spring, raising it and keeping it in frames for
this purpose; and to secure seeds a few plants might be left in 10 in.
or 12 in. pots, so that the seed might be gathered under cover.
Doubtless, however, continental raisers can supply it. S. Russia.
=*Silphium integrifolium.=--This composite has a rough, vigorous, rigid,
slightly four-angled, grooved stem, from 2 ft. to 4 ft. high, and leaves
from 3 ins. to 5 ins. long, all opposite, lanceolate-ovate, entire,
tapering to a sharp point from a roundish heart-shaped and
partly-clasping base, and covered with a roughish down. The
flower-heads are of a greenish-yellow, on short stalks, in a close,
forking corymb. A variety (_S. læve_) has the leaves and stem smooth, or
nearly so. This and the following kinds are only suited for the rougher
parts of the pleasure-ground, and by wood-walks, etc.; they will be seen
to greatest advantage in rich and deep soil, but will grow in any kind.
Division. N. America.
=*Silphium laciniatum= (_Compass-plant_).--A vigorous perennial with a
stout, round stem, often upwards of 8 ft. in height. The leaves, which
are collected chiefly about the base of the plant, are large, wrinkled,
and deeply-divided into lance-shaped, pointed segments, and fringed with
white hairs. The stem-leaves are few, much smaller, and opposite.
Flowers of a fine yellow with a brownish centre, in large, few,
solitary, short-stalked, horizontal or drooping heads, which have the
peculiarity of facing to the east. Division. N. America.
=*Silphium perfoliatum= (_Cup-plant_).--A robust-growing North American
perennial from 4 ft. to 8 ft. in height, with a square stem and broad,
opposite, oval, lance-shaped, coarsely toothed leaves, 6 ins. to 15 ins.
long, rough on both sides, the upper ones united at their bases; the
lower ones abruptly narrowed into winged leaf-stalks, which are also
united at their bases. Flower-heads about 2 ins. across, with a
greenish-yellow disk and a yellow ray. Does best in a deep, free,
well-drained, sandy soil, but will grow well when the ground is slightly
moist, especially in warm, but not too shady, positions. Division.
=*Silphium terebinthinaceum= (_Prairie-Dock_).--A large kind with smooth
slender stems from 4 ft. to 10 ft. high, panicled at the summit, and
bearing many small heads of light yellow flowers. The leaves are
ovate-oblong, thick and rough, especially beneath, and from 1 ft. to 2
ft. long, on slender stalks. A variety (_pinnatifidum_) has the leaves
deeply cut or pinnatifid. This species is remarkable for its strong
turpentine odour. Division. N. America.
=*Silphium trifoliatum.=--This species has a smooth, often glaucous,
rather slender stem, from 4 ft. to 6 ft. high, branching above. Leaves
lance-shaped, pointed, entire or scarcely serrate, short-stalked, in
whorls of three or four, the uppermost ones opposite. Flower-heads
yellow, more than 2 ins. across, on long stalks, and forming loose
panicles. Division. N. America.
=*Silybum marianum= (_Milk-thistle_).--A very robust and
vigorous-growing native biennial, 5 ft. or more in height, of strikingly
handsome appearance, and well deserving to be associated with other
large fine-foliaged plants. Its leaves are of very great size, variously
cut and undulated, tipped and margined with scattered spines, and of a
bright glistening green colour marbled and variegated with broad white
veins. Easily raised from seed, and thrives in almost any kind of
well-drained soil. Additional vigour and development may be thrown into
the foliage by pinching off the flower-stems on their first appearance.
If a few plants are raised in the garden and planted out in rough and
somewhat bare places or banks, etc., this will soon establish itself
permanently.
=Silybum eburneum= is a more tender species, very closely resembling the
above, but with spines which appear as if made of ivory. It is also more
constantly biennial, and in consequence its leaves are almost always in
the rosette stage throughout the first year. It is somewhat tenderer
than _S. marianum_. Algeria.
=The Solanums.=--This family, so wonderfully varied, affords numerous
species that look graceful and imposing in leaf when in a young and
free-growing state. In selecting examples from this great genus we must
be careful, as our climate is a shade too cold for some of the kinds
grown on the continent, and many of them are of too ragged an aspect to
be tolerated in a tasteful garden. Half a dozen species or so are
indispensable, but there is quite a crowd of narrow-leaved and ignoble
ones which may well be passed over.
Most of these plants may be raised from seed, while they are also freely
grown from cuttings, which struck in February will make good plants by
May. All the kinds named are suitable for association with the
larger-leaved plants, though they do not as a rule attain such height
and vigorous development as those of the first rank, like the Ricinus.
As a rule, temperate-house treatment in winter is required, and they
should be planted out about the middle or end of May, in rich fight
soil, a warm position, and perfect shelter. _S. marginatum_, planted in
a very dwarf and young state, furnishes a most distinct and charming
effect: it should be planted rather thinly, so that the leaves of one
plant may not brush against those of another. If some very dwarf plants
are used as a groundwork, so much the better; but the downy and silvery
leaves of this plant are sure to please without this aid. It is very
much better when thus grown than when permitted to assume the bush form.
=Solanum betaceum.=--A small tree from South
[Illustration: SOLANUM ROBUSTUM.
Tender Section; making vigorous growth during the summer months.]
America, which in our climate attains a height of nearly 10 ft. if taken
up in autumn and kept through the winter in a house. The stems are
stout, smooth, and fleshy. The leaves, which resemble those of the Beet,
are of an oval, pointed shape, and of a deep green colour, tinged with
violet in the variety _purpureum_. The flowers are small, rose-colour,
in pendent cyme-like clusters, and are succeeded by fruit of the shape
and size of a fowl’s egg, which become of a fine deep scarlet colour
during the winter. Some varieties have flowers tinged with purple and
fruit striped with brown. May be placed to great advantage in groups in
round beds with dwarfer plants or shrubs at the base, or with climbing
plants ascending the stems, but is much better isolated on slopes, etc.
It is a vigorous grower, and should have rich soil.
=Solanum crinitipes.=--A slow-growing woody species with undivided oval
leaves somewhat more than a foot long: the young stems and flower-stalks
being densely covered with chaffy hairs somewhat like those of a fern.
This I have not seen thrive so well in England as the preceding kind,
but it is well worthy of trial in full collections in the southern
counties. S. America.
=Solanum crinitum.=--A vigorous-growing species from Guiana, 5 ft. or
more in height, with stout stems, set with short strong spines and dense
long hairs. It has very large, soft, hairy, spreading, roundish leaves,
which in good soil attain a length of 2½ ft.: the upper surface of a
tender green colour with violet veinings set with spines, as are also
the leaf-stalks; the under side whitish and more thickly furnished with
spines. The hairs and bark on the upper portion of each petiole are of a
purplish hue, and, on the lower part, of a light pale green, by which
the plant may be readily recognised. The flowers are very large and
white. Berries roundish, villose, and twice or thrice as large as a
cherry. This I have seen attain a very remarkable development in
sheltered warm spots in the south of England. It is fine in medium-sized
groups.
=Solanum hyporhodium.=--A fine branching kind from Venezuela, with a
stout stem about 5 ft. high, and branches armed with short
thinly-scattered spines. The leaves, which attain a length of nearly 2½
ft., are oval, with angular sinuated lobes, the upper surface being of a
fine green colour with white veins, and the under side of a violet-red
and downy. When young the hue of the leaves is exceedingly lively. The
flowers are borne in almost lateral cymes and are of a rosy-white colour
with yellow stamens. This plant is sometimes sold as _S. discolor_ and
_S. purpureum_, but is quite distinct from them.
=Solanum Karstenii.=--This, which is more commonly known as _S.
callicarpum_, is a robust, slightly branching, arborescent shrub about 5
ft. high, covered with long hairs interspersed with spines and of a
general variable greyish-violet hue. The leaves are oval, broad,
angular, heart-shaped at the base, and 2 ft. or more in length. The
flowers are large, of a fine delicate violet colour, and borne in
crowded, almost one-sided clusters. This plant is best isolated, as when
placed in close groups the leaves of the associated subjects are apt to
tear it. Venezuela.
=Solanum lanceolatum.=--This is the best kind for blooming qualities.
The foliage, which is somewhat fluffy and willow-like, possesses no
marked character, but the mauve-coloured flowers are borne abundantly
in clusters, each containing 20 or more blooms: the stamens, being of an
orange colour, add to the effect. There are a dozen or more species that
flower freely but have little beauty of leaf: among the best of these is
_S. Rantonnettii_, which has very pretty dark-purple flowers, more than
an inch across, with an orange centre. It forms a neat bush, and flowers
freely in the southern counties, in warm sunny spots and on light soils.
Mexico.
=Solanum macranthum.=--A fine species from Brazil, confessedly one of
the best kinds in cultivation, and somewhat resembling _Polymnia
grandis_. It grows nearly 7 ft. high in one year, with a stout, simple,
spiny stem of a deep shining green with grayish spots, and sparsely
armed with very strong shortish spines. The leaves are elegant and
deeply cut, some of them over 2½ ft. long, falling gracefully
earthwards, of a light green on the upper surface, with red veinings,
the under side having a reddish hue. The flowers, seldom seen with us,
are of a fine violet colour, and grow in corymbs. It will not attain its
full character and large dimensions in cold places, and should therefore
have as warm positions as possible. Increased by cuttings struck in
February: they are fit to plant out in May.
=Solanum marginatum.=--A vigorous-growing, erect, branching and bushy
species from Abyssinia, 3 ft., or more, in height. The leaves are
somewhat oval, with a bluntly sinuated margin; the upper surface smooth,
of a brilliant green with a white silvery border, and the under side
covered with a white satiny down. The flowers are white, with orange
stamens, pendulous, very numerous, in clusters. For the positions
suited to this plant see the introductory remarks on the genus.
=Solanum Quitoense.=--A half-shrubby native of Peru and the
neighbourhood of Quito, seldom growing higher than 3¼ ft. in
cultivation. The stem is spineless, covered with a soft down, and of a
delicate green colour suffused with violet, which exhibits iridescent
changes. The leaves are broad, stalked, obcordate, with toothed angles,
and of a fine green colour, with violet downy veins. Flowers rather
large, white, tinged with lilac on the top when in bud, in short
clusters. It requires a warm position and a warm season to bring out its
best qualities.
=Solanum robustum.=--A Brazilian species with a vigorous much-branching
stem more than 3 ft. high, and furnished with very sharp and strong
spines and densely-set, long, reddish, viscous hairs. The leaves, which
are very large, are of a rich brown colour on the upper surface and
oval-elliptical in form, with 8 or 9 oval-acute lobes, the upper ones
nearly triangular; and the midrib and principal veins, which are of a
brown colour, are closely set with spines similar to those on the stem.
The flowers are white, with orange stamens, and are borne in unilateral
clusters. The berries are round, of a brown colour, and the size of a
small cherry. As a foliage-plant this is a subject of considerable
merit, and one of those most suitable for our climate. It requires a
warm sunny aspect in a position which will be at the same time airy and
sheltered from strong winds.
=Solanum Sieglingii.=--A large and handsome kind, which forms a small
tree about 13 ft. high after some
[Illustration: SOLANUM WARSCEWICZII.
Tender Section; making noble leaves in the open garden in summer.]
years’ growth. The foliage is of a light-green colour, tinged here and
there with rose, and sparsely armed with spines; the young unfolded
leaves are slightly tinged with violet. Flowers numerous, small and
white, appearing when the plant is two or three years old. A good kind
which has been little tried in England. Venezuela.
=Solanum Warscewiczii.=--A very fine and ornamental kind, resembling _S.
macranthum_, but with a lower and more thickset habit, and branching
more at the base. The leaf-stalks also, and upper branches, are of a red
colour, glandular, and scaly; and the flowers are white and small. The
stem is armed with strong slightly recurved spines, and both the stems
and the petioles of the leaves are covered with a very dense crop of
short stiff brown hairs scarcely rising above the skin. This is one of
the handsomest and best kinds we have.
=Sonchus laciniatus.=--A very graceful composite plant, from Madeira,
with a stout stem, growing to a height of more than 5 ft., and large
deeply-cut leaves with linear-lance-shaped segments. Flower-heads
yellow. When grouped on grass-plats, or open spaces in pleasure-grounds,
the fine foliage of this plant is seen to very great advantage; but
being so slender and delicate the plants must be placed where they may
be seen. It should be planted out at the end of May, and thrives best in
rich, substantial soil, in a warm sunny position. Very numerous
varieties, with the leaves variously divided and of various shades of
green, have been advertised in catalogues under specific names, as _S.
lyratus_, _S. gummiferus_, etc., etc. Many of these are quite as
charming as the type, and are well adapted for the same uses.
=*Sorghum halepense.=--A handsome hardy grass from S. Europe, N. Africa,
and Syria, with an erect stem about 3½ ft. high, and broad flat leaves
more than 1 ft. long, chiefly collected round the base of the plant. It
is most attractive when in flower in the end of summer, the
inflorescence consisting of a dense panicle of purplish awned flowers.
Suitable for isolation, groups, or borders.
=Sparmannia africana.=--A beautiful flowering stove-shrub from 3 ft. to
12 ft. high, very much resembling a Malva in habit, with long-stalked,
heart-shaped, lobed leaves, clothed with soft down, and numerous pretty
white flowers produced in stalked umbels. It thrives freely in the open
air in the south of England, from the end of May to October, if planted
in rich light soil and in warm positions. Cape of Good Hope.
=*Spiræa Aruncus.=--This is a remarkably handsome and effective plant,
from 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high, with elegantly-divided leaves, which bear
some resemblance to the fronds of certain ferns. The flowers are white,
and are disposed above the foliage in graceful, airy plumes. A cool,
peaty soil, and a slightly-shaded position, are best suited for this
plant, and it may be placed with advantage on slopes with a north
aspect, the banks of streams or pieces of water, in glades, and
thinly-planted shrubberies, etc. Division. Siberia.
=*Spiræa Filipendula.=--A hardy, native perennial, with elegant foliage
and handsome flowers. The leaves are mostly radical, very finely cut,
and form a loosely-spreading rosette. The flower-stems rise to a height
of 1½ ft. to 2 ft., and are terminated by dense panicles of rosy-white
flowers. There is a fine variety with double flowers. This plant is
included here only in consequence of the resemblance of its leaves to a
pinnate-leaved fern. By pinching off the flowers it may be used with
good effect as a green, fern-like edging plant, and it is pretty in
borders. Division in winter or spring.
=*Spiræa (Hoteia) japonica.=--A handsome, herbaceous perennial, forming
rich tufts of dark shining green much-divided leaves, which have a
somewhat fern-like appearance. These tufts are usually from a foot to 16
ins. high. The flowers are very freely produced in graceful panicles, of
which the bracts, little flower-stems, and all the ramifications are,
like the flowers, white. It is particularly fond of a sandy peat, or
very sandy loam, a sheltered position, and moist soil. Multiplied by
division of the tufts in spring or the end of summer. Japan.
=*Spiræa Lindleyana.=--A graceful shrub, with erect stems, from 6½ ft.
to nearly 10 ft. high, and large compound leaves, with finely-toothed
leaflets. Flowers late in summer, white, in very large and handsome
terminal panicles. This well-known plant is second to none for its grace
and distinctness, both of foliage and flower. It is a native of the
Himalayas, and easily procured in our nurseries; it should receive far
more attention than the majority of our shrubs do, and should be
employed both in a young and fully-grown state in and near the
flower-garden. Few things, tender or hardy, known in our gardens, afford
a better effect than may be obtained from this.
It is probably one of those plants which would look exceedingly
effective if trained to a single stem and cut down every year, as
recommended for the Ailantus and the Paulownia; but I have had no
experience of it in this way, and its natural habit is sufficiently
graceful.
=Stadmannia Jonghei.=--A tall and stately foliage-plant from Australia,
where it attains the dimensions of a small tree, with dark shining green
pinnate leaves; the divisions oblong-pointed, with serrated margins, and
of a paler colour underneath. Bears the open air of the southern
counties in summer well, if placed in sunny and sheltered spots.
=*Statice latifolia.=--A hardy and very ornamental herbaceous perennial
from Russia, with broad leaves, which form a rosette or tuft more or
less spreading. The flower-stem is more than 2 ft. high, and very much
branched; the branches commencing at from 4 ins. to 8 ins. above the
ground, and forming a large and exceedingly handsome panicle of flowers
of a light-blue colour, tinged with the greyish hue of the numerous
membranous bracts and thin dry calyces. A well-drained, sandy soil, in
an open sunny position, is the best for this plant, which, however,
grows in any ordinary garden-soil, and is admirably adapted for
naturalisation or grouping with the acanthuses, tritomas, etc., the
effect of the inflorescence being very remarkable.
=*Stipa pennata= (_Feather-grass_).--This plant, which at other times is
hardly to be distinguished from a strong, stiff tuft of common grass,
presents, in May and June, a very different appearance, the tuft being
then surmounted by numerous flower-stems, nearly 2 ft. high, gracefully
arching, and densely covered, for a considerable part of their upper
extremity, with long, twisted, feathery awns. It loves a deep, sandy
loam, and may be used with fair effect in groups of small plants, or
isolated; but its flowers continue too short a time in bloom to make it
very valuable away from borders.
=*Struthiopteris germanica.=--One of the most elegant hardy ferns, with
fronds resembling ostrich-plumes in shape, nearly 3 ft. long, and
arranged in a somewhat erect, vase-like rosette. It is particularly
suited for the embellishment of the slopes of pleasure-grounds,
cascades, grottoes, and rough rockwork, the margins of streams and
pieces of water, and will thrive in moist and deep sandy soil, either in
the full sunshine or in the shade. _S. pennsylvanica_ very closely
resembles _S. germanica_, the chief point of difference being the
narrowness of the fertile fronds of the former species. Both kinds will
prove very effective in adding beauty of form to a garden, and should by
no means be confined to the fernery proper. Central Europe.
=*Tamarix.=--These very elegant hardy shrubs may be used with excellent
effect in the flower-garden and pleasure-ground, though they are at
present seldom employed in these places. _T. gallica_ or _anglica_ is
found apparently wild in several parts of the south of England, and
other kinds, such as _germanica_, _parviflora_, _tetrandra_,
_spectabilis_, and _indica_, are also in cultivation. In the
neighbourhood of Paris _T. indica_ thrives very freely, and forms
beautiful hedges, but is cut down by frost during some winters. It would
probably do better in the south of England. The plants have minute
leaves and very elegantly-panicled branches, which gives them a feathery
effect, somewhat like that of the most graceful conifers, and, if
possible, more elegant: the roseate panicles of small flowers are also
very pretty. A finer effect would be obtained from these shrubs by
isolating them on the grass than in any other way.
=*Tanacetum vulgare var. crispum.=--A very elegant variety of the common
tansy, much dwarfer in stature, and with smaller emerald-green leaves,
which are very elegantly cut, and have a crisped or frizzled appearance.
It is quite hardy, and forms an effective ornament on the margins of
shrubberies, near rockwork, etc. It does best fully exposed, and
probably the only way in which it can be benefited after planting--in
deep and rather moist soil it does best, but will grow “anywhere”--is by
thinning out the shoots in spring, so that each remaining one shall have
free room to suspend its exquisite leaves; thinned thus, it looks much
better than when the stems are crowded, and of course, if it is done in
time, they individually attain more strength and dignity. The flowers
should be pinched off before they open. Britain.
=Thalia dealbata.=--This is one of the finest aquatic plants which we
can employ in the embellishment of pieces of water, streams, etc. In a
warm and sheltered position, and on a substantial and rich bottom, it
grows vigorously, sometimes attaining a height of 6 ft. The best mode of
growing it is in pots or tubs pierced with holes, in a mixture of stiff
peat and clayey soil, with a portion of river-mud and sand. In winter
these pots or tubs may be submerged to a greater depth, and the plants
be thus effectually protected. It would not attain the above size out of
doors except in warm places in the southern counties, in which it might
be planted out directly without taking the precautions above described.
It is generally grown in the stove in this country. N. America.
=*Thalictrum minus.=--One of the most elegant-leaved of our native
plants, forming compact, roundish bushes, from a foot to 18 ins. high,
very symmetrical, and of a slightly glaucous hue. It may be grown in any
soil, and requires only one little attention, namely, to pinch off the
slender flower-stems that appear in May and June. Not alone in its
aspect, as a little bushy tuft, does it resemble the “Maidenhair Fern,”
as _Adiantum cuneatum_ is often called, but the leaves are almost pretty
enough to pass, when mingled with flowers, for those of the fern; they
are also stiffer and more lasting than fern-leaves, and are well suited
for mingling with vases of flowers, etc. There are probably several
“forms” or varieties of this plant. It would look very pretty isolated
in large tufts as an edging, or in borders, or in groups of dwarf
subjects. Easily increased by division.
=*The Tritomas.=--So hardy, so magnificent in colouring, and so fine in
form are these plants, that we can no more dispense with their use in
the garden where beauty of form as well as colour is to prevail, than we
can with the noble Pampas grass. They are more conspicuously beautiful,
when other things begin to succumb before the gusts and heavy rains of
autumn, than any plants which flower in the bright days of midsummer. It
is not alone as component parts of large ribbon-borders and in such
positions that these grand plants are useful, but in almost any part of
the garden. Springing up as a bold, close group on the green turf, and
away from brilliant surroundings, they are more effective than when
associated with bedding plants; and of course many such spots may be
found for them near the margins of the shrubberies in most
pleasure-grounds. It is in an isolated group, flaming up amid the
verdure of trees and shrubs and grass, that their dignified aspect and
brilliant colour are seen to best advantage. However, tastefully
disposed in the flower-garden, they will prove generally useful, and
particularly for association with the finer autumn-flowering herbaceous
plants. A most satisfactory result may be produced by associating the
Tritomas with the Pampas grass and the two Arundos, the large _Statice
latifolia_, and the strong and beautiful autumn-flowering _Anemone
japonica alba_, which is peculiarly suited for association with hardy
herbaceous plants of fine habit, and should be in every garden where a
hardy flower is valued.
The Tritomas are not fastidious as to soil, and with a little
preparation of the ground may be grown almost anywhere. They thrive with
extraordinary vigour and freedom where the soil is very sandy as well as
rich and deep, and are readily multiplied by division.
As every garden should be embellished by well-developed specimens or
groups of these fine plants, those who have very poor and thin, or pure
clay soils, would do well to excavate the ground to the depth of 2 ft.
or 3 ft., and fill in with good rich loam. When the soil is deep, no
watering will be required.
=*Tritoma Burchelli.=--This kind is distinguished by the lighter green
of its leaves, by its black-spotted flower-stem, and especially by the
colour of its flowers, which are crimson at the base, passing into
carmine in the middle, and pale-yellow or greenish at the tips. There
is a variety which has the leaves variegated or striped with white, but
it is somewhat tender and rare.
=*Tritoma glauca.=--A dwarfer kind than _T. Uvaria_, with leaves of a
sea-green colour, and very large spikes of scarlet-and-yellow flowers,
which, when in bud, are hidden by long, sea-green bracts, streaked and
rayed with white. There is a scarce variety with recurved leaves (_T. g.
recurvata_), which has somewhat of the habit of a Bromelia. S. Africa.
=*Tritoma præcox.=--A recently-introduced, handsome, hardy perennial,
with very much the habit of _T. Uvaria_. The flower-stem grows from 20
ins. to 2 ft. high, and the flowers, which are produced about the middle
of May, are of a bright-red colour when exposed to the full sun, and of
a bright-yellow when grown in the shade. The leaves are fully 2 ft.
long, sharply keeled, and with toothed edges. S. Africa.
=*Tritoma Uvaria.=--A very ornamental and well-known kind from S.
Africa, forming thick tufts of linear, erect leaves. It is a vigorous
grower, and small specimens have been known in three years to form tufts
from 3 ft. to 4 ft. through, bearing from 50 to 100 flower-spikes. The
flowering-stems are about 3¼ ft. in height, and the flowers are borne in
dense conical clusters at the top. The upper part of the cluster,
containing the young flowers, is of a coral-red colour, the lower part
yellow, all the flowers gradually changing to this colour. Other
varieties in cultivation are--_T. U. grandis_ or _grandiflora_, which is
much taller than the preceding kind, with stouter stems and larger
flower-spikes; _T. U. Rooperi_, which only differs from the type in
being somewhat dwarfer in habit and having softish or flaccid leaves,
frequently falling forward; it also flowers later; and _T. U.
Lindleyana_, which has erect, very rigid leaves, and more
deeply-coloured flowers than the type.
=Tupidanthus calyptratus.=--A noble subtropical plant from Bengal,
standing in the open air from the beginning of June till October without
the slightest injury. The leaves are large, deeply-divided, and of a
dark shining green colour. It requires stove treatment in winter and
spring, and is suitable for beds or planting singly.
=*Typha latifolia= (_Reed-Mace_).--A native aquatic plant, growing in
tufts of 2-rowed flat leaves from 1½ ft. to 2 ft. long, and 1 in. or 1½
in. wide. From the centre of each tuft springs a stem 6 ft. or 7 ft.
high, which in the flowering season is terminated by a close cylindrical
spike 9 ins. long, and of a dark-olive colour, changing to a
brownish-black as it ripens. This is one of the most striking and
ornamental of our British water-plants, and may be used with excellent
effect grouped with such subjects as the Great Water-Dock.
=*Typha angustifolia= resembles the preceding species in all respects
except in the size of its leaves and spike. The leaves are about ½ in.
wide and the spike about ½ in. in diameter, and something shorter than
that of _T. latifolia_. Of the two it is perhaps the more graceful in
aspect.
=Uhdea bipinnatifida.=--This is one of the most useful plants in its
class, producing a rich mass of handsome leaves, with somewhat the
aspect of those of the great cow-parsnips, but of a more refined type.
The foliage has a slightly silvery tone, and the plant continues to grow
fresh and vigorously till late in autumn. It is well suited for forming
rich masses of foliage, not so tall, however, as those formed by such
things as Ricinus or Ferdinanda. It is freely propagated by cuttings
taken from old plants kept in a cool stove, greenhouse, or pit during
the winter months, and placed in heat to afford cuttings freely in early
spring. Under ordinary cutting treatment on hotbeds or in a moist warm
propagating house, it grows as freely as could be desired, and may be
planted out at the end of May or the beginning of June. Mexico.
[Illustration: Uhdea bipinnatifida.]
=Uhdea pyramidata.=--This kind has been less cultivated in England than
the preceding, from which it is distinct in appearance. It is of a
lighter and fresher green, and inclined to grow larger in habit, having
more of the aspect of a Malva in foliage. Useful for the same purposes
as the preceding kind, but not so valuable.
=*Veratrum album= (_White Hellebore_).--A handsome, erect perennial of
pyramidal habit, 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high, with curiously plaited leaves 1
ft. long and 6 ins. to 8 ins. broad, regularly alternating on the stem
and overlapping each other at the base. The flowers, of a
yellowish-white colour, are borne in numerous dense spikes on the top of
the stem, forming a large panicle. The leaves being handsome, it is
worth a place in full collections of fine-foliaged hardy herbaceous
plants, and would look to best advantage in small groups in the rougher
parts of the pleasure-ground and by wood-walks. Thrives best in peaty
soil, and is best multiplied by division, as the seed is very slow and
capricious in germinating, sometimes not starting until the second year,
and it is some years before the seedlings are strong enough to flower.
The root of this plant is exceedingly poisonous. _V. nigrum_ differs
from _V. album_, in having more slender stems, narrower leaves, and
blackish-purple flowers. _V. viridiflorum_ resembles _V. album_ in every
respect, except that its flowers are of a lively green colour. France.
=*Verbascum Chaixii.=--Most of us know how very distinct and imposing
are the larger Verbascums, and those who have attempted their culture
must soon have found out what far-seeding things they are. Of a biennial
character, their culture is most unsatisfactory: they either migrate
into the adjoining shrubbery or disappear altogether. The possession of
a fine perennial species must therefore be a desideratum, and such a
plant will be found in _Verbascum Chaixii_. This is fine in leaf and
stature, and produces abundance of flowers. The lower leaves grow 18
ins. or 20 ins. long, and the plant when in flower reaches a height of 7
ft. or 8 ft., or even more when in good soil. It is a truly distinct
subject, and may, it is to be hoped, ere long be found common in our
gardens and nurseries. Like the preceding, but grown under the name _V.
vernale_, is a kind I saw in the Jardin des Plantes at Paris, and
introduced into cultivation in England; but it is as yet scarce.
=Verbesina gigantea.=--An ornamental shrub from Jamaica, about 6½ ft.
high, forming, when young, a very pleasing subject for decorative
purposes, its round green stems being covered with large, winged,
pinnate leaves of a glistening delicate-green colour, and very elegant
outline. Suitable for rich beds or groups; and should be planted out at
the end of May or early in June. _V. pinnatifida_ is a rough,
half-shrubby species with a winged stem and woolly oval leaves with
lobed or toothed margins; they are larger than those of the preceding
species, growing 3 ft. long by 14 ins. broad in the first year. Both
species require hothouse treatment in winter, and are multiplied by
cuttings in early spring. Young plants are to be preferred for effect,
and will be much the better for as warm and sheltered a position and as
rich and light a soil as can be conveniently given them.
=Wigandia macrophylla= (_caracasana_).--This noble plant, a native of
the mountainous regions of New Granada, is, from the nobility of its
port and the magnificence of its leaves, entitled to hold a place among
the finest plants of our gardens. Under the climate of London it has
made leaves which have surprised all beholders, as well by their size as
by their strong and remarkable veining and texture. It will be found to
succeed very well in the midland and southern counties of England,
though too much care cannot be taken to secure for it a warm sheltered
position, free good soil, and perfect drainage. It may be used with
superb effect either in a mass or as a single plant. It is frequently
propagated by cuttings of the roots, and grown in a moist and genial
temperature through the spring months, keeping it near the light so as
to preserve it in a dwarf and well-clothed condition; and, like all the
other plants in this class, it should be very carefully hardened off
previous to planting out at the end of May. It is, however, much better
raised from cuttings of the shoots, if these are to be had. It may also
be raised from seed. _W. macrophylla_ has the stems covered with short
stinging hairs, and bearing brownish viscid drops, which adhere to the
hand like oil when the stem is touched.
=W. Vigieri= is another fine kind of quick and vigorous growth, and
remarkable habit. In the beginning of September, 1867, I measured a
specimen with leaves 3 ft. 9 ins. long, including the leaf-stalk, and 22
ins. across; the stem, nearly 7 ft. high and 3 ins. in diameter, bearing
a column of such leaves. It is known at a glance from the popular and
older _W. macrophylla_, by the leaves and the stems being covered in a
much greater degree with glossy,
[Illustration: WIGANDIA MACROPHYLLA. (_W. caracasana_).
Tender Section; making noble leaves in the open air in summer.]
slender, stinging bodies. These are so thickly produced as to give the
stems a glistening appearance. _W. urens_ is another species often
planted, but decidedly inferior to either of the foregoing, except in
power of stinging, in which way it is not likely to be surpassed.
=Woodwardia.=--This noble genus of ferns is of great and peculiar use in
the subtropical garden, where their broad and beautifully arching fronds
make very effective objects, especially when planted in a vase, on the
top of a stump, or small mound, a little above the level of the eye. The
principal species are: _W. orientalis_, _W. radicans_, _W. japonica_,
_W. virginica_, and _W. areolata_. Of these _W. orientalis_ and _W.
areolata_ are hardy, and the others nearly so. They may be used as
effectively in the conservatory in winter as in the open garden in
summer.
=Xanthoso sagittæfolium.=--A Brazilian plant with very much the habit
and appearance of _Caladium esculentum_, but not so valuable, having
arrow-shaped leaves, of a dark-green colour, supported on rather slender
stalks. Another equally handsome and large species is _X. violaceum_,
the leaves and leaf-stalks of which are suffused with a delicate violet
hue, slightly inclining to hoariness. Positions and treatment similar to
those recommended for _Caladium esculentum_. They should only be tried
in the warmer parts of the country, and not be placed in the open air
till the beginning of June.
=Yuccas.=--Among all the hardy plants ever introduced into this country,
none surpass for our present purpose the various kinds of Yucca, or
“Adam’s Needle,” as it is commonly called. There are several species
hardy and well suited for flower-garden purposes, and, more advantageous
still, distinct from each other. The effect afforded by them, when well
developed, is equal to that of any hothouse plant that we can venture in
the open air for the summer, while they are green and ornamental at all
seasons. They may be used in any style of garden, may be grouped
together on rustic mounds, or in any other way the taste of the planter
may direct. If we had but this family alone, our efforts to produce an
agreeable effect with hardy plants could not be fruitless. The
free-flowering kinds, _filamentosa_ and _flaccida_, may be associated
with any of our nobler autumn flowering plants, from the Gladiolus to
the great _Statice latifolia_. The species that do not flower so often,
like _pendula_ and _gloriosa_, are simply magnificent as regards their
effect when grown in the full sun and planted in good soil; and I need
not say bold and handsome groups may be formed by devoting isolated beds
to Yuccas alone. They are mostly easy to increase by division of the
stem and rhizome; and should in all cases be planted well and singly,
beginning with healthy young plants, so as to secure perfectly developed
specimens.
=Yucca aloïfolia.=--A fine and distinct species, with a stem when fully
developed as thick as a man’s arm, and rising to a height of from 6 ft.
to 18 ft. Leaves numerous, rigidly ascending, dark-green, with a slight
glaucous bloom, 18 to 21 inches long and broad at the middle, with the
horny margin rolled in for 2 ins. or 3 ins. below the point, and finely
toothed in the remaining portion. Flowers almost pure white, in a vast
pyramidal panicle. This plant is hardy, but the fact is not generally
known. It should be tried on well-drained slopes in good sandy loam.
There are some varieties, of which _T. a. quadricolor_ and _T. a.
versicolor_ have the leaves variously edged with green, yellow, and red.
These fine variegated varieties are also very hardy, but as they are as
yet far from common, it will be best to utilise them in the greenhouse
or conservatory, or place them in the open air during summer. They look
very pretty isolated on the grass, the pots plunged to the rim. S.
America and W. Indies.
=*Yucca angustifolia.=--A somewhat dwarf species, the whole plant, when
in flower, not being more than 2 or 3 ft. high. The leaves are thick and
rigid in texture, from 15 ins. to 18 ins. long and about ¼ in. broad, of
a pale sea-green colour, with numerous white filaments at the edges. The
inflorescence is a simple raceme of white flowers slightly tinged with
yellow. Till more plentiful this had better be grown in warm borders, in
well-drained sandy loam. N. America.
=*Yucca canaliculata.=--The leaves of this species are entire, _i.e._
neither toothed nor filamentous at the margin, and form a dense rosette
on a stem which rises 1 or 2 ft above the ground. Each leaf is from 20
ins. to 24 ins. long, and 2 ins. to 2¼ ins. broad at the middle, very
strong and rigid, and deeply concave on the face. The flowers are of a
creamy white, in a large panicle 4 ft. to 5 ft. high. Fine for isolation
or groups. Till more plentiful should be encouraged in favourable
positions and on warm soils. Mexico.
=*Yucca filamentosa.=--A very common and well-known species, with a
much-branched panicle, 4 ft. to 6 ft. high, and apple-green leaves, from
15 ins. to 21 ins. long by 1½ ins. to 2 ins. broad at the middle,
fringed at the edges with grey filaments 2 or 3 ins. long: the outer
leaves spreading, the central ones erect or slightly recurved. This
species varies very much when raised from seed: one variety (_concava_)
has short, strong, broad leaves, with the face more concave than in the
type; another variety (_maxima_) has leaves nearly 2 ft. long by 2½ ins.
broad, with a panicle 7 ft. to 8 ft. in height. This species flowers
with much vigour and beauty, and is well worth cultivating in every
garden; not only in the flower-garden or pleasure-ground, but also on
the rough rockwork, or any spot requiring a distinct type of hardy
vegetation: and so is its fine though delicate variegated variety. All
the varieties thrive best and flower most abundantly in peaty or fine
sandy soil. N. America.
[Illustration: Yucca filamentosa.]
=*Yucca flaccida.=--A stemless species, somewhat resembling _Y.
filamentosa_, but smaller, with a downy branching panicle 3 ft. to 4
ft. high. Foliage in close rosettes of leaves, 1½ ft. to 2 ft. long, by
about 1½ in. broad at the middle, often fringed with filaments on the
edges: the young ones nearly erect, the old ones abruptly reflexed at
the middle, almost appearing as if broken. This gives such an irregular
aspect to the tufts that it at once distinguishes this kind from any of
the varieties of _Y. filamentosa_. It also flowers more regularly and
abundantly than its relative, and is exceedingly well suited for groups
of the finer hardy plants, for borders, or for being planted in large
isolated tufts. N. America.
=*Yucca glaucescens.=--A very free-flowering kind, with a panicle 3 ft.
to 4 ft. high, the branches of which are short and very downy. Leaves
sea-green, about eighteen inches long, with a few filaments on the
margins. The flowers are of a greenish-yellow colour, and when in bud
are tinged with pink, which tends to give the whole inflorescence a
peculiarly pleasing tone. A very useful and ornamental sort--fine for
groups, borders, isolation, or placing among low shrubs. N. America.
=*Yucca gloriosa.=--A species of large and imposing proportions, with a
distinct habit and somewhat rigid aspect. Flower-stem over 7 ft high,
much-branched, and bearing an immense pyramidal panicle, of large,
almost pure white flowers. Leaves numerous, stiff, and pointed. One of
the noblest plants in our gardens, and suitable for use in almost any
position. It varies very much when grown from seed--a good
recommendation, as the greater variety of fine form we have the better.
The chief varieties in cultivation are _Y. g. longifolia_, _plicata_,
_maculata_, _glaucescens_, and _minor_. The soil for this plant should
be a rich deep loam. N. America.
=*Yucca pendula.=--The best species perhaps, considering its graceful
and noble habit, which is simply invaluable in every garden. It grows
about 6½ ft. high, the leaves being at first erect and of a sea-green
colour, afterwards becoming reflexed and changing to a deep green. Old
and well-established plants of it standing alone on the grass are
pictures of grace and symmetry, from the lower leaves which sweep the
ground to the central ones that point up as straight as a needle. It is
amusing to think of people putting tender plants in the open air, and
running with sheets to protect them from the cold and rain of early
summer and autumn, while perhaps not a good specimen of this fine thing
is to be seen in the place. There is no plant more suited for planting
between and associating with flower-beds. N. America.
=*Yucca rupicola.=--A species somewhat resembling _Y. aloïfolia_, with a
stem from 4 ft. to 7 ft. high, and pale-green leaves 18 ins. to 20 ins.
long, by 1 in. broad at the middle, almost erect and frequently twisted,
the horny margin being broader and the teeth more distinct than in _Y.
aloïfolia_. This is not much in cultivation as yet, and will probably be
difficult to obtain for some time to come. N. America.
=*Yucca Treculeana.=--This species is one of the most remarkable of the
noble genus to which it belongs, from its habit, and especially from the
dimensions to which its foliage attains. Like many plants of its
family,
[Illustration: YUCCA PENDULA.
Hardy evergreen fine-foliaged Type.]
young specimens differ considerably from those which have reached
maturity. Thus, while the former have their leaves bent, generally
inflected, the full-grown plants exhibit them erect, rigid, very long,
and very straight. The stem of this plant is stout, about 10 ins. in
diameter, furnished on all sides with leaves about 4 ft. long, straight,
thick, deeply channeled, acuminate for a considerable length, and ending
in a stiff, very sharp point, very finely toothed on the edges, which
are of a brownish red and scarious. The flower-stalk is very stout,
about 4 ft. long, much branched; the branches erect, from 1 ft. to 1 ft.
8 ins. long, bearing throughout their entire length flowers with long
and narrow petals of a yellowish white, shining, and, as it were,
glazed. It is a hardy and very vigorous plant. It is not rare to see on
the Continent specimens of more than 6½ ft. in diameter. Fine for banks
and knolls, placed singly, or for the boldest groups. It comes from
Texas.
=Zea Mays.=--Were our climate a little warmer, we should find this noble
grass one of the most ornamental, as well as useful, of our plants. But
in countries where it is grown for food they would no more think of
honouring it with a place in the garden than we should of planting the
artichoke in our flower-beds, though far worse things are done every
day. In this country, however, where maize is not to be seen as a field
crop, a tuft of its tropical-looking blades has a good effect among the
“subtropical plants.” Of course it should only be tried in warm
districts, and it should always have sunny and sheltered positions and
rich soil. In light warm soils, deep, and with a free bottom, it
generally thrives very well, if a foot or so of rich and rotten manure
is placed beneath its roots. In some seasons it would here and there
ripen seeds, and in all cases one could gather a few heads of “green
corn.” In warmer countries it is always best to sow maize in the open
ground as soon as the frost permits; but in England it is better to
raise it on a gentle hotbed in April, although occasionally it will
succeed if sown out of doors. Gradually harden off the plants before
they have made more than three or four little leaves, keeping them in a
cool frame very near the glass, so as to keep them sturdy, and finally
exposing them in the same position by taking the lights quite off. This
course is perhaps the more desirable in the case of the variegated
maize. In neither case should the plants be drawn up long in heat, as,
if so, they will not thrive so well. The first few leaves the variegated
kind makes are green, but they soon begin to manifest that striping
which makes it as attractive as any variegated stove-plant we grow.
_Cuzko_ and _Caragua_ are the largest and finest of the green varieties,
and _gracillima_ the smallest and most graceful of all the varieties of
maize. They should be planted out about the middle of May.
The variegated or Japanese maize is a very remarkable and handsome
variety, found by Mr. Hogg in Japan--that great country for variegated
plants. Its beautiful variegation is reproduced true from seed, and it
is almost an indispensable plant in the flower-garden, not growing so
vigorously as the green kinds. It is particularly useful for
intermingling with arrangements of ordinary bedding-plants, for vases,
the outer margins of beds of subtropical plants, and like positions,
where its variegation may be well seen, and where its graceful leaves
will prove effective among subjects of dumpy habit. It should in all
cases have light, rich, warm soil. It has a habit of breaking into
shoots rather freely near the base of the central stem; and where it
grows very freely, this should recommend it for planting in an isolated
manner, or in groups of three or five, on the turf.
[Illustration: Yucca filamentosa variegata.]
PART III.
SELECTIONS OF PLANTS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES IN THE SUBTROPICAL GARDEN.
SUBTROPICAL GARDENING.
SELECTIONS OF PLANTS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES.
_A Selection of the very finest and most distinct Subtropical
Plants, both hardy and tender, suited for use in the climate of
Britain._
Acacia lophantha
Acanthus latifolius
Agave americana
“ “ variegata
Ailantus glandulosa
Aralia canescens
“ japonica
“ papyrifera
“ spinosa
Arundo conspicua
“ Donax
“ “ versicolor
Bambusa falcata
“ japonica
“ Simonii
“ viridi-glaucescens
“ edulis
Berberis Bealii
Beta cicla, var. chilensis
Caladium esculentum
Canna (in var.)
Chamærops excelsa
Crambe cordifolia
Corypha australis
Cycas revoluta
Dimorphanthus mandschuricus
Dicksonia antarctica
Dracæna indivisa
Echeveria metallica
Erythrina (in var.)
Ferdinanda eminens
Ferula (in var.)
Ficus elastica
Gynerium argenteum
Gunnera scabra
Gymnocladus canadensis
Helianthus orgyalis
Heracleum (in var.)
Melianthus major
Monstera deliciosa
Molopospermum cicutarium
Musa Ensete
Onopordon Acanthium
Paulownia imperialis
Phormium tenax
Poa fertilis
Polygonum cuspidatum
Polymnia grandis
Rheum (in var.)
Rhus glabra laciniata
Ricinus (in var.)
Seaforthia elegans
Solanum crinitipes
“ crinitum
“ macranthum
“ marginatum
“ robustum
“ Warscewiczii
Tupidanthus calyptratus
Uhdea bipinnatifida
Verbesina gigantea
Wigandia macrophylla
“ Vigieri
Yucca aloïfolia
“ canaliculata
“ gloriosa
“ pendula
_A Selection of hardy perennials affording the finest effects in the
Subtropical Garden._
Acanthus, in variety
Aralia edulis
“ nudicaulis
Astilbe rivularis
Arundo Donax
“ “ versicolor
Bambusa, in var.
Bocconia cordata
Carex paniculata
“ pendula
Carduus eriophorus
Carlina acaulis
Cassia marilandica
Centaurea babylonica
Crambe cordifolia
Datisca cannabina
Echinops ruthenicus
Eryngium alpinum
“ amethystinum
Gynerium argenteum
Gunnera scabra
Helianthus orgyalis
Hemerocallis fulva
Heracleum (in var.)
Inula Helenium
Melianthus major
Meum athamanticum
Molopospermum cicutarium
Morina longifolia
Panicum bulbosum
“ virgatum
Phytolacca decandra
Polygonum cuspidatum
Rhaponticum cynaroides
“ pulchrum
Rheum (in var.)
Statice latifolia
Tritoma (in var.)
Yucca (in var.)
Cynara Scolymus
_A Selection of the finest tender Subtropical Plants that will succeed
in our climate in summer._
Acacia lophantha
Agave americana
Aralia papyrifera
Asplenium Nidus-avis
Bambusa nigra
Bocconia frutescens
Brexia madagascariensis
Caladium esculentum
Canna (in var.)
Chamærops humilis
“ Palmetto
Cycas revoluta
Dahlia imperialis
Dracæna australis
“ cannæfolia
“ Draco
Echeveria metallica
Ferdinanda eminens
Ficus elastica
“ Chauvieri
Monstera deliciosa
Musa Ensete
Nicotiana virginica
“ wigandioides
Phormium tenax (hardy in the S. of England and Ireland)
Polymnia grandis
Ricinus (in var.)
Seaforthia elegans
Selinum decipiens
Solanum crinitipes
“ crinitum
“ macranthum
“ marginatum
“ robustum
Solanum Warscewiczii
Tupidanthus calyptratus
Uhdea bipinnatifida
Verbesina gigantea
Wigandia macrophylla
“ Vigieri
Zea Mays
“ “ variegata
_A Selection of hardy Plants suited for isolation on the turf of the
Flower-garden and Pleasure-ground._
Acanthus latifolius
“ longifolius
“ mollis
“ spinosissimus
“ spinosus
Aralia canescens
“ japonica
“ spinosa
Astilbe rivularis
Arundo conspicua
“ Donax
“ “ versicolor
Bambusa (in var.)
Bocconia cordata
Canna (hardier kinds)
Crambe cordifolia
Datisca cannabina
Dracæna indivisa (in the southern counties of England and Ireland)
Echinops ruthenicus
Elymus arenarius
“ condensatus
Eryngium alpinum
Eryngium amethystinum
Ferula (any kinds)
Gynerium argenteum
Gunnera scabra
Helianthus orgyalis
Hemerocallis flava
“ fulva and others
Heracleum eminens
Melianthus major
Molopospermum cicutarium
Morina longifolia
Osmunda regalis
Phormium tenax
Phytolacca decandra
Poa fertilis
Polygonum cuspidatum
Rheum Emodi (and other species and varieties)
Statice latifolia
Stipa pennata
Tritoma (any kind)
Yucca (any kind)
_A Selection of Plants useful for the open air in summer and for
embellishing the conservatory in winter._
Agave americana and vars. and other greenhouse species
Brexia madagascariensis
Chamærops excelsa
“ Fortunei
“ humilis
“ Palmetto
Cordyline indivisa
Cycas revoluta
Dracæna australis
“ cannæfolia
“ Draco
“ indivisa, and most of the other greenhouse kinds
Echeveria metallica
Ficus Chauvieri
“ elastica
Jubæa spectabilis
Monstera deliciosa
Musa Ensete
Phormium tenax, and vars.
Phœnix dactylifera and other greenhouse species
Seaforthia elegans
Tupidanthus calyptratus
Yucca aloïfolia variegata, and vars.
Araucaria Bidwillii
“ Cookii
“ excelsa
“ Rulei
Areca sapida
Caryota urens
“ sobolifera
Corypha australis
Latania borbonica
Woodwardias
Half-hardy Palms, in var.
_A Selection of hardy Plants of vigorous habit and distinct
character suited for planting in semi-wild places in
pleasure-grounds or near wood-walks._
Acanthus, in var.
Aralia canescens
“ edulis
“ nudicaulis
Aralia spinosa
Arum Dracunculus
Asclepias Cornuti
Asparagus Broussoneti
Astilbe rivularis
“ rubra
Arundo Donax
“ “ versicolor
“ Phragmites
Bambusa falcata
Bocconia cordata
Buphthalmum speciosum
Carex pendula
“ paniculata
Carduus eriophorus
Centaurea babylonica
Crambe cordifolia
“ juncea
Cucumis perennis
Datisca cannabina
Dipsacus sylvestris
Echinops ruthenicus
Elymus arenarius
Erianthus Ravennæ
Eryngium alpinum
“ amethystinum
Ferulas, in var.
Gunnera scabra
Helianthus orgyalis
“ Maximiliani
“ lætiflorus
“ occidentalis
“ rigidus
“ multiflorus
“ “ fl. pl.
Inula Helenium
Hemerocallis fulva
Heracleum, in var.
Lavatera arborea
“ thuringiaca
“ unguiculata
Hibiscus moscheutos
“ palustris
“ roseus
Althæa, in var.
Ligularia macrophylla
Molopospermum cicutarium
Morina longifolia
Mulgedium alpinum
“ Plumieri
Onopordon Acanthium
Pæonia, in var.
Panicum bulbosum
Papaver bracteatum
“ orientale
Petasites vulgaris
Phytolacca decandra
Poa aquatica
Polygonatum multiflorum
Polygonum cuspidatum
Rhaponticum cynaroides
“ pulchrum
“ scariosum
Rheum, in variety.
Rumex Hydrolapathum
Silphium, in var.
Silybum eburneum
“ marianum
Spiræa Aruncus
Statice latifolia
Tanacetum vulgare crispum
Thalictrum, in var.
Tritoma, in var.
Veratrum album
Verbascum, in var.
Yucca, in var.
Cynara Scolymus
Vernonia noveboracensis
Verbesina persicifolia
Rudbeckia digitata
“ laciniata
“ californica
_A Selection of kinds that will best withstand wind._
Acacia Julibrissin
“ lophantha
Acanthus (all the kinds)
Agave americana
Ailantus glandulosa
Aralia canescens
“ japonica
“ spinosa
Artemisia annua
“ gracilis
Arundo conspicua
“ Donax
Astilbe rivularis
Bambusa falcata
Canna (in variety)
Carlina acaulis
Crambe cordifolia
Cycas revoluta
Datisca cannabina
Dracæna indivisa
Echinops ruthenicus
Elymus arenarius
Eryngium (in variety)
Ferula (in variety)
Ficus elastica
Gynerium argenteum
Kochia scoparia
Meum athamanticum
Molopospermum cicutarium
Osmunda regalis
Panicum bulbosum
“ virgatum
Phormium tenax
Phytolacca decandra
Poa fertilis
Polygonum cuspidatum
Rheum Emodi
Ricinus (in var.)
Tritoma (in var.)
Yucca (in var.)
_Subtropical Plants to raise from seed._
Abutilon (in var.)
Acacia lophantha
“ Julibrissin
Acanthus, in var.
Amarantus, in var.
Aralia nudicaulis
“ papyrifera
“ japonica
“ spinosa
Artemisia annua
“ gracilis
Bocconia cordata
“ frutescens
Calla æthiopica
Canna, in var.
Cannabis sativa
Baptisia australis
“ exaltata
Beta cicla chilensis
Brassica oleracea crispa
Carduus eriophorus
Cassia marilandica
Centaurea, in var.
Cineraria acanthifolia
“ maritima
“ platanifolia
Chamæpeuce Cassabonæ
“ diacantha
Crambe cordifolia
Cyperus longus
Dahlia imperialis
Datura ceratocaula
Datisca cannabina
Dracæna, in var.
Echeveria metallica
Echinops ruthenicus
Dipsacus sylvestris
Erianthus Ravennæ
Erythrina, in var.
Eryngium alpinum
“ amethystinum
Ferdinanda eminens
Ferula, in var.
Astilbe rivularis
“ rubra
Galega officinalis
Gynerium argenteum
Gunnera scabra
Geranium anemonæfolium
Hedychium Gardnerianum
Helianthus orgyalis
Heracleum, in var.
Humea elegans
Inula Helenium
Kochia scoparia
Gourds
Latania borbonica
Lavatera arborea
Lobelia Tupa
Malva crispa
Melanoselinum decipiens
Melianthus major
“ minor
Meum athamanticum
Mulgedium alpinum
“ Plumieri
Musa Ensete
Nicotiana, in var.
Onopordon Acanthium
Panicum bulbosum
“ capillare
“ virgatum
Papaver bracteatum
Phormium tenax
Phytolacca decandra
Polymnia grandis
Rhaponticum cynaroides
“ pulchrum
Rheum, in var.
Ricinus, in var.
Salvia argentea
Seaforthia elegans
Silphium, in var.
Silybum eburneum
“ marianum
Solanum, in var.
Statice latifolia
Stipa pennata
Thalia dealbata
Thalictrum minus
Uhdea bipinnatifida
“ pyramidata
Verbascum Chaixii
Verbesina gigantea
Wigandia macrophylla
“ urens
“ Vigieri
Zea, in var.
Arundo conspicua
_A Selection of annual and biennial Plants useful for the Subtropical
garden._
[In this list annual plants grown for the beauty of the flower only
are usually omitted.]
Adlumia cirrhosa
Amarantus, in var.
Argemone grandiflora
Artemisia annua
Artemisia gracilis
Atriplex hortensis ruber
Cannabis gigantea
“ sativa, and vars.
Chamæpeuce diacantha
“ Cassabonæ
Chenopodium Atriplicis
Cosmos, in var.
Gourds, in var.
Euphorbia variegata
Glaucium, in var.
Helianthus argyrophyllus
Kochia scoparia
Martynia lutea
Nicotiana Tabacum
“ virginica
Ricinus, in var.
Solanum erythrocarpum
Solanum Fontanesianum
“ racemigerum
Tagetes tenuifolia
Silybum eburneum
“ marianum
Chilian beet
Brassica oleracea crispa
Dipsacus sylvestris
Heracleum, in var.
Malva crispa
Onopordon Acanthium
“ tauricum
Zea, in var.
_A selection of Flowers of various classes for association with
Subtropical Plants._
[In this selection the dwarfer bedding-plants, etc., are omitted.
Those selected are chiefly such as would bear more intimate
association with fine-foliaged plants.]
Alstræmeria, in var.
Amaryllis Belladonna, and vars.
Gladioli, in great variety
Sparaxis pulcherrima
Lilium, in great variety
Agapanthus umbellatus, in the milder districts
Arum crinitum
Arum Dracunculus
Asclepias Cornuti
“ Douglasii
“ tuberosa
Calla æthiopica
Crinum capense
“ “ roseum
Erythrina, in var.
Funkia grandiflora
Pancratium illyricum
“ maritimum
Tropæolum speciosum
Acanthus longifolius
Achillea Eupatorium
“ Millefolium roseum
Aconitum, in var.
Ammobium alatum
Anchusa italica
Anemone japonica, and vars.
“ vitifolia
Antirrhinum, fine vars.
Asphodelus luteus
“ ramosus
Aster turbinellus
“ pyrenæus
“ discolor
“ ericoides
“ Novæ Angliæ
“ Novi Belgii
“ coccineus
“ Amellus
“ lævis, and any other tall and ornamental kinds
Campanula pyramidalis
“ persicifolia, and vars.
“ latifolia
“ macrantha
Coreopsis lanceolata
Crambe cordifolia
Delphinium, in great var.
Dictamnus Fraxinella
Digitalis purpurea, in var.
Echinops ruthenicus, and any other showy species
Epilobium angustifolium
“ “ album
Stenactis speciosa
Erodium Manescavi
Eryngium alpinum
“ amethystinum, and other species
Eupatorium ageratoides
“ purpureum
Gaillardia, in var.
Galega officinalis
Hedysarum coronarium
Helenium atropurpureum
Helianthus multiflorus fl. pl.
Hemerocallis flava
“ fulva
“ disticha fl. pl., and others
Hesperis matronalis, fl. pl.
Iris pallida
“ De Bergii
“ ochroleuca
“ germanica, in var. and any other large kind.
Flowering early, they should be associated chiefly
with hardy subjects
Lathyrus latifolius, and vars.
“ grandiflorus
“ tuberosus
Liatris, in var.
Lobella Tupa, on well-drained, deep, and light soils.
Tall herbaceous kinds in great variety
Lupinus polyphyllus, and vars. Largest annual kinds
Lychnis coronaria, in var.
Lythrum roseum superbum
“ virgatum
Michauxia campanuloides
Mirabilis Jalapa, in var.
Monarda, in var.
Morina longiflora
Œnothera, all the tall kinds
Pæonia, in great var.
Poppy, in var.
Pentstemon, in var.
Phlomis Herba-venti
“ tuberosa
“ Russelliana
Phlox, taller kinds, in great variety
Phygelius capensis, in warm districts
Polygonatum multiflorum, with Ferulas and other hardy things
Polygonum orientale
Potentilla, larger kinds in var.
Pyrethrum, choice double and single kinds in great var.
“ uliginosum
Rudbeckia Newmanni
“ hirta
Salvia patens
Saxifraga crassifolia
Schizostylis coccinea
Scabiosa caucasica
Scilla peruviana
Sedum spectabile
“ “ purpureum
Spiræa palmata
“ venusta
Statice latifolia
Stokesia cyanea, on warm soils in the south
Symphytum bohemicum
“ caucasicum
Thermopsis fabacea
Tradescantia virginica, and its varieties
Tigridia Pavonia, and other kinds
Tritoma, all the kinds
Trollius napellifolius
“ asiaticus, and others
Veronica, any tall herbaceous kinds, and in southern
and mild districts the varieties
of the evergreen New Zealand species
Vinca major, on the fringes of beds or groups of hardy kinds
Hollyhock, in var.
Dahlia, show, fancy, pompone, and bedding vars.
Verbascum Thapsus
“ Chaixii
Baptisia australis
Vernonia noveboracensis
Fuchsia, in var.
Datura ceratocaula
Abutilon, in var.
Ageratum, in var.
Petunia, in var.
Chrysanthemum, early-flowering kinds
Amarantus, in var.
Argemone grandiflora
Calliopsis, in var.
Cosmos bipinnatus purpureus
Echinacea angustifolia
“ atropurpurea
Hibiscus, any of the perennial American kinds
Malope, in var.
Matthiola, in var.
Scabiosa atropurpurea, in var.
French and African marigolds
Xeranthemum annuum, and vars.
Zinnia, in great variety
China aster, in var.
Brugmansia sanguinea
_List of Plants for forming mixtures and carpets beneath Subtropical
Plants._
Abronia umbellata
Acroclinium roseum
Ageratum mexicanum, and vars.
Alyssum maritimum
Anagallis indica
Athanasia, in var.
Brachycome iberidifolia
Calandrinia discolor
Calliopsis Drummondi
“ tinctoria
China aster, in var.
Centaurea
Centranthus macrosiphon
Clarkia, in var.
Clintonia, in var.
Collinsia, in var.
Convolvulus tricolor
Erysimum Peroffskianum
Eschscholtzia, in var.
Eucharidium concinnum
Eutoca viscida
Gaillardia picta
Gilia, in var.
Godetia, in var.
Gypsophila, annual kinds
Iberis coronaria
“ umbellata
Ionopsidium acaule
Lantana, in var.
Leptosiphon, in var.
Limnanthes Douglasii, in var.
Linum grandiflorum
Lobelia, the dwarf and annual kinds
Lupinus affinis
Mimulus, in var.
Myosotis palustris
“ dissitiflora
“ sylvatica
Nemesia versicolor
Nemophila, in var.
Nolana, in var.
Omphalodes linifolia
Oxalis corniculata atropurpurea
Oxalis rosea
Petunia, in var.
Portulaca, in var.
Mignonette
Malcolmia maritima
Rhodanthe Manglesii, and vars.
Saponaria calabrica
Schizanthus, in var.
Silene pendula
Sphenogyne speciosa
Tropæolum, the bedding vars.
Verbena, in var.
Viola cornuta
“ lutea
“ odorata
Viscaria oculata
Whitlavia grandiflora
Tradescantia zebrina
Saxifraga, the mossy section
Gnaphalium lanatum
Panicum variegatum
Lycopodium denticulatum
_Trees and Shrubs of remarkable foliage suited for the Subtropical
garden._
[The trees of this Selection will for the most part display much
greater beauty and size of foliage if kept in a dwarf
simple-stemmed condition by being cut down every year. Conifers
are, of course, excepted.]
Hydrangea quercifolia
Comptonia asplenifolia
“ Lindleyana
Paulownia imperialis
Acacia dealbata
“ Julibrissin
“ lophantha
(These are only suited for warm parts of the southernmost counties)
Ailantus glandulosa
Aralia canescens
“ japonica
“ spinosa
Bambusa falcata and others
Berberis Bealii and others
Chamærops excelsa
Dracæna indivisa
Gymnocladus canadensis
Lavatera arborea
Melianthus major
Rhus glabra laciniata and others
Yucca (in var.)
Conifers (in var., small specimens of the most graceful kinds)
Ampelopsis (climbers)
Aristolochia Sipho (climber)
Ficus Carica
Fraxinus excelsior crispa
Magnolia macrophylla
Salisburia adiantifolia
Hedera Regnieriana
Carya alba
“ olivæformis
Catalpa syringæfolia
Pterocarya caucasica
Robinia hispida
Rubus biflorus
“ laciniatus
Colletia (in var.)
Gleditschia (young plants)
Kœlreuteria paniculata
Robinia Pseud-acacia umbraculifera
Tamarix, in var.
Vines (American species)
Juglans cinerea
“ regia
“ “ laciniata
_A Selection of Conifers for association with flower-garden Plants._
Abies pygmæa
Araucaria imbricata
Arthrotaxus cupressoides (selaginoides)
“ laxifolia
Biotia cupressiformis
“ nana
“ orientalis elegantissima
“ orientalis variegata aurea
Cephalotaxus drupacea
Chamæcyparis sphæroidea variegata
“ sphæroidea viridis
Cryptomeria elegans
Cupressus Lawsoniana
“ “ nana
“ “ variegata
“ “ erecta viridis
Cupressus nutkaensis
Dacrydium glaucum
Juniperus chinensis
“ “ variegata
“ excelsa stricta
“ fragrans
“ hibernica
“ tamariscifolia
“ “ variegata
“ virginiana viridis pendula
Retinospora ericoides
“ leptoclada
“ lycopodiodes
“ obtusa
“ “ aurea
“ “ compacta
“ pisifera
“ “ alba variegata
“ “ aurea
Taxus baccata elegantissima
“ “ variegata
Thuja aurea
Thuja gigantea
“ nana
Thujopsis dolabrata
“ lætevirens
_Conifers most suited for the surroundings of the flower-garden and
pleasure-ground--kinds which, though noble and graceful as can be
in many instances, are yet too large for anything but the framing
of the picture, so to speak._
Abies Douglasii
“ Engelmanni
“ Menziesii inverta
“ Hookeriana
“ orientalis
Cephalotaxus Fortunei
Juniperus virginiana glauca
“ “ thurifera
Libocedrus tetragona
Picea amabilis (magnifica)
“ nobilis
“ Nordmanniana
Picea Parsonsi
“ Pinsapo
Pinus Cembra
“ monticola
“ insignis (where it thrives)
Sciadopitys verticillata
Thuja gigantea (true)
“ plicata
“ pyramidalis
Thujopsis Standishii
Sequoia gigantea
“ sempervirens
_A Selection of Gourds._
Amongst the most beautiful are the Turk’s Cap varieties, such as Grand
Mogul, Pasha of Egypt, Viceroy, Empress, Bishop’s Hat, etc; the Serpent
Gourd, Gooseberry Gourd, Hercules’ Club, Gorilla, St. Aignan, Mons.
Fould, Siphon, Half-moon, Giant’s Punchbowl, and the Mammoth, weighing
from 170lb. to upwards of 200lb.; while amongst the miniature varieties
the Fig, Cricket-ball, Thumb, Cherry, Striped Custard, Hen’s-egg, Pear,
Bottle, Orange, Plover’s-egg, etc., are very pretty examples, and very
serviceable for filling vases, etc. All these are well adapted to the
climate of England, and there are many others equally suitable--a fact
sufficiently indicated in one collection shown by Mr. W. Young, which
consisted of 500 varieties, all English grown, the greater number of
which were sown where grown, and came to maturity without the assistance
of glass or any other protection. The ground being manured and dug one
spit deep, the seed was sown the second week in May, and from first to
last many of the plants had no water supplied to them through the
season. Others, by way of experiment, had it in various quantities--the
more water was given, the larger, the freer, and the better the produce.
Sowing in a frame at the end of April, and exposing them to the free air
during the day so as to prevent them being drawn, and then removing the
frame altogether to harden them off before planting out, would be the
best way to secure an early growth of gourds. Sowing in the open ground
under hand-lights would also do, but not so well.
_Ornamental Grasses._
Agrostis nebulosa
Arundo conspicua
“ Donax
“ “ versicolor
“ festucoides
“ Phragmites
Bambusa, in var.
Elymus arenarius
“ condensatus
Erianthus Ravennæ
Gynerium argenteum, and its vars.
Calamagrostis argentea
Poa aquatica
“ fertilis
Saccharum ægyptiacum
“ cylindricum
“ Maddenii
Stipa pennata
Zea Mays
Andropogon argenteus
“ bombycinus
“ formosus
“ Sorghum
“ strictus
“ squarrosus
Chloropsis Blanchardiana
Gymnothrix latifolia
Holcus saccharatus
Erianthus strictus
“ violascens
Chloris myriostachys
Panicum bulbosum
“ altissimum
“ capillare
“ miliaceum
“ virgatum
“ maximum
“ palmifolium
“ gongyloides
Panicum violaceum
Penicillaria spicata
Sorghum cernuum
“ halepense
“ melanocarpum
“ nankinense
“ tataricum
Tripsacum monostachyum
“ dactyloides
Milium nigricans
“ multiflorum
“ effusum
Bromus brizopyroides
Briza gracilis
“ geniculata
“ maxima
“ rufiberbis
Hordeum jubatum
Pennisetum longistylum
Piptatherum multiflorum
Agrostis spica-venti
Setaria germanica
Stipa capillata
Chascolytrum erectum
Leptochloa gracilis
Agrostis Steveni
Echinochloa Zenkowski
Paspalum elegans
_List of Ferns that may be grown with advantage away from the fernery
proper._
[Even should any of these thrive better in shade, it is usually
easy to secure this for them in groups by wood-walks.]
Adiantum pedatum
Asplenium Filix-fœmina and vars.
Dennstœdtia punctilobula
Diplazium thelypteroides
Lastrea Filix-mas and vars.
“ Goldieana
“ “ assurgens intermedia
“ marginalis
“ noveboracensis
“ atrata
“ erythrosora
“ opaca
“ Standishii
Lomaria magellanica, in warm shady places
Onoclea sensibilis
Osmunda cinnamomea
“ Claytoniana
“ gracilis
“ regalis
Osmunda regalis cristata
“ spectabilis
Polypodium hexagonopterum
Polypodium Phegopteris
Polystichum acrostichoides
“ aculeatum
“ angulare
“ vestitum venustum
Pteris aquilina
Scolopendrium vulgare and vars.
Struthiopteris germanica
“ pennsylvanica
Woodwardia areolata
“ aspera
“ japonica
“ orientalis
“ radicans
Cyrtomium caryotideum
“ falcatum
_List of hardy aquatics and bog-plants of bold and distinct habit
suitable for grouping on the margins of lakes, etc._
Nuphar lutea
“ advena
“ pumila
Nymphæa alba
“ odorata
Menyanthes trifoliata
Equisetum Telmateia
Rumex Hydrolapathum
Typha angustifolia
“ latifolia
Carex pendula
“ paniculata
“ Pseudocyperus
Scirpus lacustris
Butomus umbellatus
Poa aquatica
Arundo Phragmites
Cyperus longus
Cladium Mariscus
Pontederia cordata
Acorus Calamus
Iris Pseudacorus
Alisma Plantago
Orontium aquaticum
Lysimachia thyrsiflora
Lythrum Salicaria
Epilobium hirsutum
Calla æthiopica
“ palustris
Hippuris vulgaris
THE END.
LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET
AND CHARING CROSS.