Nearly 100 years ago this charming little plant was imported from North

America; still, it is rarely seen, notwithstanding that rock-gardens

have long been popular. On rockwork it not only thrives well, but

appears to great advantage. No rock-garden should be without it. It is a

rare and beautiful subject, remarkably distinct and pleasing; it is

perfectly hardy, also perennial and herbaceous; but its last-named

characteristic should be qualified, inasmuch as the old leaves remain in

good form and colour until long after the new ones are fully grown, so

that there are always two sets of foliage. Viewed in this light, it may

be called an evergreen plant; moreover, it is one of those plants which

the artist can scarcely do justice to, for though the illustration (Fig.

42) depicts faithfully its neat habit and handsome foliage, the living

plant makes a better impression. I said it was rare, but this is less in

the sense of scarcity than because it is little known and seldom seen;

it is also quite distinct from any other plant, and the only species of

the genus.

Its milk-white flowers, which, though very simple, are richly effective,

are produced on tall, nude stems, 18in. high, round, wiry, and nearly

amber-coloured. They are arranged in a dense spike, 6in. to 8in. long;

the corolla is ¼in. across, and composed of five petals; the calyx has a

short tube and five sepals; the leaves are heart-shaped, nearly round,

evenly toothed, and sometimes glandular; of leathery substance, and

somewhat stiff, smooth, shining, and richly veined or nerved. The leaves

of various ages differ in colour; the old ones are dark green,

conspicuously reticulated; the new, but perfectly-developed ones, are

pale green, with a ray of yellowish-green next the edges; the growing

ones are nearly red, and all the serrated edges are hemmed with a nearly

scarlet line, always brightest at the points of the teeth. This

finely-tinted foliage is elegantly disposed by means of the stalks,

which bend in various ways; they vary in length from 4in. to 8in., and

are all radical; they are round, wiry, and once grooved. The bloom lasts

for several weeks in good form, and the foliage is always beautiful,

more especially in the autumn, when it glows like polished mahogany.

Such a plant can hardly fail to please when well grown, but it must be

so developed.

This lovely plant certainly requires a little special treatment, but

that is easy and simple; in fact, it scarcely can be called special. It

may be put in a few words--damp, but not sour vegetable soil, and very

slight shade. My specimen, from which the drawing was taken, is growing

in a little dip at the base of a small rockery, below the level of the

walk, which acts as a watershed; the soil is nearly all leaf mould--a

small portion of loam, and I ought to add that there is a moderate

quantity of small charcoal incorporated with it, which will doubtless

assist in keeping the soil sweet. There cannot, therefore, be much

difficulty in setting up these conditions; the charcoal may not be

necessary, but an annual top-dressing with it will meet the case of such

plants as grow in low damp situations. The propagation of this species

is very easy in the case of well-grown clumps, which, when dug up in the

autumn and thoroughly shaken, will come asunder into many small and

well-rooted crowns; these only require to be replanted separately, under

similar conditions to those by which they were produced. No attempt

should be made to divide other than perfectly healthy clumps.

Flowering period, July and August.

Galega Officinalis.

OFFICINAL GOAT'S-RUE; _Nat. Ord._ LEGUMINOSÆ.

A grand "old-fashioned" flower. It is 314 years since this plant was

brought from Spain; it is perfectly hardy and herbaceous. Both it and

its varieties are among the most useful subjects of the flower garden;

they grow to shrub-like bushes, have elegant foliage, and an abundance

of bloom, which continues until late autumn. Specimens have a clean and

healthy appearance, and though they grow to the height of 4ft., they

give no trouble, requiring neither tying nor supports. From their large

quantities of flowers they are exceedingly gay; but it is for the

handsome stems in a cut state that they should be most prized. These,

cut 18in. long, and placed singly in pots or vases, are truly noble,

more especially by gaslight.

As will be inferred from the order to which _Galega_ belongs, the

flowers are pea-flower-shaped, about ½in. or more long, and the same

broad. They are of a pleasing, but undecided blue colour, arranged in

long conical racemes, on stout, round stalks, as long as the leaves,

which are pinnate, having a terminal odd one. The leaflets are evenly

arranged in pairs, mostly in six pairs; they are each about 2in. long,

lance-shaped, mucronate, entire, smooth, and glaucous. The floriferous

character of the plant may be inferred from the fact that, after the

raceme fades, there pushes from the axil a peduncle, which, in a short

time, produces many other racemes.

_G. o. alba_, a variety of the above, grows 4ft. high, and is an

abundant bloomer; flowers superb for cutting purposes. For culture, see

_G. Persica lilacina_.

Flowering period, July to September.

Galega Persica Lilacina.

_Nat. Ord._ LEGUMINOSÆ.

This is a lovely species of _Galega_ imported little more than fifty

years ago from Persia. Perfectly hardy; in general form it corresponds

with _G. officinalis_. The following are its distinctions: More dense

racemes of lilac flowers, a foot less tall, leaflets shorter and

broader--in fact, oval, oblong, somewhat twisted or edged up in the

arrangement, and often without the terminal leaflet.

The above Goat's-rues are of the simplest culture; they will do in any

soil, but if they are liberally treated they will repay it. A fat loam

and sunny situation are what they delight in. They may remain year after

year in one position, but I find them to do better in every way if they

are divided the second year; it should be done in summer, so that they

can make a little growth in their new quarters before winter sets in. In

order to carry out this, the older plants (I divide half my stock one

year, the other half the year following) should be cut over near the

ground, though they may be in full bloom. Divide the roots into several

strong pieces, and replant them in soil deeply dug and where they are

intended to flower; they will bloom finely the following season.

Flowering period, July to September.

Gentiana Acaulis.

GENTIANELLA; _Nat. Ord._ GENTIANACEÆ.

A hardy, evergreen creeper, its creeping stems running immediately under

the surface. This is a remarkably beautiful plant, and the wonder is

that it is not grown in every garden. The most attractive features, when

in flower, of this dwarf Gentian are its immensely large blooms and neat

shining green foliage (see Fig. 43). It is easily identified, there

being not another species like it, and certainly very few to equal it

for beauty and service; it forms one of the best edgings for beds and

borders. Many report that it is difficult to grow, which may be the case

in some gardens from one cause or other, whilst in many places it runs

like quick-grass.

[Illustration: FIG. 43. GENTIANA ACAULIS.

(One-fourth natural size.)]

Flowers, dark bright blue, large, long bell-shaped, but not drooping;

tube, five-angular, nearly 3in. long; corolla, five-limbed, and an inch

or more wide; the stems are seldom more than 3in. long, square,

furnished with small opposite leaves, and terminated with one flower on

each. That part of the foliage which sends up the flower is arranged in

rosette form, the leaves being stout, flat, and acutely lance-shaped.

Anywhere or everywhere may this subject be planted; it is always bright,

even in winter, and when there are no flowers upon it it forms a rich

covering for the otherwise bare ground; its blooms will each keep good a

week. They are rarely produced in great numbers at one time, but the

plants will continue for a long while to yield them sparingly.

I find _G. acaulis_ to thrive well at the base of rockwork, as an edging

to a flat bed, and in the gutters of the garden walks--it likes

moisture. To me this is clearly proved by other plants, which, in all

respects but one, are treated the same, the exceptional condition being

that they are planted on the sloping face of rockwork, where they

scarcely grow and never bloom. With reference to soil, rich or silky

loam is best for it, but any kind, if sweet and retentive, will do. Its

propagation may be effected by division of the rooted creeping stems

after they have made four leaves. Very early in spring is a good time to

do this, but neither these nor the old plant, if it has been much

disturbed, will flower the same season after being so mutilated.

Flowering period, May to July.

Gentiana Asclepiadea.

SWALLOW-WORT-LEAVED GENTIAN; _Nat. Ord._ GENTIANACEÆ.

A tall and beautiful alpine species from Austria, very hardy and

herbaceous. It has long had a place in English gardens--fully 250

years--and is described by Parkinson in his "Paradise of Flowers." The

tall stems are very showy, having an abundance of shining dark green

foliage, amongst which nestle the large and bright purple-blue flowers;

it is a subject that looks well at a distance, and, as a rule, flowers

with that quality are of the greatest value for borders and cutting

purposes.

It grows nearly 2ft. high; the stems are round, erect, short-jointed,

and very leafy; the flowers are produced on a third of their length,

they are stalkless, and spring from the axils of the leaves in pairs;

the calyx is ½in. long, tubular, angled, and having fang-shaped

segments; the corolla is also tubular and angled, somewhat bellied, the

divisions being deeply cut and reflexed; the whole flower will be fully

1½in. long. The inside of the corolla is striped with white and various

shades of blue and purple. The leaves are 2in. long, oval, lance-shaped,

distinctly ribbed, somewhat lobed at the base, and stem-clasping, which

gives the pair of leaves a joined or perfoliate appearance; the nodes

are short, or near together, the lower ones being the more distant,

where also the leaves are much smaller; the foliage is a glossy dark

green colour, the whole plant having a sombre but rich effect.

From the fact that the long stems are top-heavy and of a brittle

character, a sheltered position should be given to this plant, or the

wind will snap them off. It ought not to have stakes, as they would mar

its good form. A fat loam and a moist situation will suit this Gentian

to perfection, and it may be planted with other strong herbaceous things

in the borders, where it should be allowed to grow to large specimens.

It is one of the quickest growers of its genus, few species of which can

be grown in too large quantities. When it is needful to increase this

subject, it maybe done more readily than the propagation of some

Gentians--the roots are more easily separated. It should, however, be

carefully done, and early spring is the best time; or if the autumn

should be a dry season and the tops die off early, it may be done then.

Flowering period, July and August.

Gentiana Burseri.

BURSER'S GENTIAN; _Nat. Ord._ GENTIANACEÆ.

A hardy perennial species, of a bold but neat habit, while the flowers

and foliage combine in rendering it a first-class decorative subject. It

is a recent introduction, having been brought from the Pyrenees in 1820;

it is seldom seen in flower gardens, where it certainly deserves to be.

Its flowers are not brilliant, but they are effective from their size,

number, and persistency; they are produced in whorls on stout round

stems 18in. high, but only on the three or four upper joints. Each

flower is 1½in. long, lemon-yellow, tubular, angular, having four to six

segments, widely separated, and furnished with a membrane at each

separation. The segments, and also the tube, are dotted with dark brown

spots; each flower is tightly folded in a somewhat one-sided membranous

calyx and borne erect. They occur in pairs mostly, but with several

pairs in a whorl. They have very short pedicels, and the whorl is

supported by a bract of stem-clasping leaves, cupped, and variously

shaped, as ovate and beaked; there are also supplementary bracteoles.

The leaves of the root very much resemble the plantain leaf, also that

of _G. lutea_, having longish ribbed and grooved petioles or stalks;

they are 5in. to 6in. long, and over 3in. broad, egg-shaped, entire,

veined longitudinally, and slightly wrinkled; they are of a dark green

colour, shining, and of good substance. The leaves of the stems, as

already stated, are stem-clasping, and differ in shape. The flowers keep

in good form for two or three weeks, and otherwise this rigid

bright-foliaged Gentian proves very ornamental.

I find it to do well in vegetable soil in a moist quarter. Most of the

members of this genus enjoy plenty of moisture at their roots, and this

specimen is no exception. A flat stone will form a good substitute for a

damp situation if placed over the roots; besides, such a method of

growing this and others of the tall Gentians will allow of their being

planted on rockwork, or otherwise, near the more frequented walks,

where they must always prove pleasing from their bold and shining

foliage, to say nothing of their striking flowers. The propagation of

this species should be effected by division of the roots, which are very

strong. Each crown should have as much of the more fibrous roots

retained as possible, and the parts to be severed should be cut with a

very sharp knife; it also ripens seed plentifully.

Flowering period, June to August.

Gentiana Cruciata.

CROSS-LEAVED GENTIAN; _Nat. Ord._ GENTIANACEÆ.

An interesting species from Austria, and one of the "old-fashioned"

plants of English gardens, having been cultivated in this country for

nearly 300 years. Gerarde gives a faithful and full description of it,

which I will quote: "Crossewoort Gentian hath many ribbed leaues spred

upon the ground, like unto the leaues of sopewroot, but of a blacker

green colour; among which rise vp weak iointed stalks, trailing or

leaning towarde the grounde. The flowers growe at the top in bundels,

thicke thrust togither, like those of sweete Williams, of a light blew

colour. The roote is thicke, and creepeth in the grounde farre abroade,

whereby it greatly increaseth." Its height seldom exceeds 10in., and it

is to be commended because it is one of the Gentians that are easily

grown, and is handsome withal. It may be planted in either vegetable or

loamy soil--the common border seems to suit it; it spreads much faster

than any of the other Gentians I know, with the exception of _G.

acaulis_, and it is in broad masses one sees it to greatest advantage.

Propagated by division any time.

Flowering period, June and July.

Gentiana Gelida.

ICE-COLD GENTIAN; _Nat. Ord._ GENTIANACEÆ.

This species comes from Siberia, and has been grown in this country for

nearly eighty years. It is a very beautiful species, the whole plant

being handsome; it grows nearly a foot high.

The flowers are produced in terminal clusters, one large flower being

surrounded by a whorl of smaller ones; they are of a rich purplish-blue

inside the corolla, which is rotate; the segments (mitre-shaped) and the

spaces between are prettily furnished with a feathery fringe; the wide

tube is also finely striped inside; the calyx is tubular, having long

awl-shaped segments; the stems are procumbent, firm (almost woody),

short jointed, and thickest near the top. The leaves are of a dark

shining green colour, from 1½in. to 2in. long, smallest at the root end,

and finishing next the flowers with the largest, which are

lance-shaped, the lower ones being heart-shaped; they are closely

arranged in pairs, are sessile, and at right angles with the stem.

It seems to enjoy a shady damp corner in rockwork, where its distinct

forms and neat habit appear to advantage. It should be planted in

vegetable soil, such as peat or well-decayed leaves mixed with sand. It

cannot endure drought at the roots. It is a slow-growing plant, but very

floriferous; the flowers last fully a fortnight in good form, the

weather, however rough or wet, seeming to have no effect on them. In a

cut state it is exquisite, but those who properly value the Gentians,

especially the slow growers, will hardly care to cut away the stems, as,

by doing so, not only will the plant be checked, but next year's growth

will prove reduced in both number and vigour. It is propagated by root

division when in a dormant state. I have also successfully transplanted

this kind after it has made considerable growth, but the roots have been

carefully guarded against dryness.

Flowering period, June to August.

Gentiana Verna.

SPRING ALPINE FELWORT; _Nat. Ord._ GENTIANACEÆ.

A native evergreen creeper. This plant has many synonymous names in old

books. It is now, however, well known by the above Latin name. Let me at

once say that it is a matchless gem. Its flowers are such as to attract

the notice of any but a blind person. It is said to be rare now in this

country, still, I think it is far from being extinct in its wild state.

Be that as it may, it is fortunate that it can be easily cultivated, and

nothing in a garden can give more pleasure. Its flowers are blue--but

such a blue! the most intense, with a large and sharply defined white

eye, and though only ½in. across, one on each stem, and 3in. high, they

are grandly effective. It has a tubular, angled calyx; corolla five-cut.

The leaves are oval, nearly 1in. long, and half as broad; dark shining

green and of leathery substance. The radical leaves are crowded into a

nearly rosette form.

By many this Gentian is considered difficult to grow, but if a proper

beginning is made it proves to be of the easiest management. Very

suitable places may be found for it in, not _on_, rockwork, where good

fat loam forms the staple soil; little corners, not _above_ the ground

level, but on, or better still, _below_ the ground level, are sure to

meet its requirements; on the edge of a border, too, where moisture

collects in the small gutter, has proved a suitable position for it.

But, perhaps, the most successful way of growing it is in pots, for, as

with _Trientalis Europa_ and other root creepers, when so treated more

compact specimens are obtained. It is important to begin with

properly-rooted plants, the crowns of which are often 2in. to 3in. below

the surface; from these spring the numerous, bare, yellow, wiry stems,

too often taken for roots, whereas the main roots are still deeper, very

long for so small a plant, and furnished with silky feeders. Good crowns

potted in rich fibrous loam and plunged in sand, fully exposed, with an

unstinted supply of water, is the substance of the simple treatment my

plants receive the year round; they are still in the 3in. and 4in. pots

in which they were placed three years ago, and during spring they are

covered with flowers. When a pot is lifted out of the sand in which it

is plunged, the fine long silky roots are seen to have made their way

through the hole. Spring is the best time to plant.

Flowering period, April to June.

Geranium Argenteum.

SILVERY CRANE'S-BILL: _Nat. Ord._ GERANIACEÆ.

[Illustration: FIG. 44. GERANIUM ARGENTEUM.

(One-half natural size.)]

A hardy perennial alpine from the South of Europe, introduced in 1699.

It is, therefore, an old plant in this country, and is one of the gems

of the rock garden; very dwarf, but effective, as may be seen by the

illustration (Fig. 44). The foliage is of a distinct and somewhat

conglomerate character, besides being of a silvery-grey colour.

Well-grown specimens of this charming Crane's-bill look remarkably well

against dark stones. Its flowers are large for so small a plant, and

wherever it finds a suitable home it cannot fail to win admiration. In

borders of rich soil it is grown to the height of about six inches, but

in drier situations, as on the upper parts of rockwork, it is more

dwarf.

The flowers are fully an inch in diameter when open, cup-shaped, and

striped in two shades of rose colour; the unopened flowers are

bell-shaped and drooping; they are borne on long naked pedicels, bent

and wiry, oftentimes two on a stem; calyx five-cleft, segments concave;

petals five, equal and evenly arranged. The leaves are produced on long,

bent, wiry stalks, the outline is circular, but they are divided into

five or seven lobes, which are sub-divided and irregular, both in size

and arrangement; they have a silky appearance, from being furnished with

numerous fine hairs or down. The plant continues to flower for many

weeks, but, as may be judged, it is, otherwise than when in flower,

highly attractive. To lovers of ornamental bedding this must prove a

first-rate plant. As an edging to beds or borders of choice things it

would be pleasingly appropriate, and, indeed, anywhere amongst other

dwarf flowers it could not be other than decorative.

It thrives well in a good depth of loam, its long tap-roots going a long

way down. If, therefore, it is planted on rockwork, suitable provision

should be made for this propensity. The propagation of the plant is not

so easy, from the fact that it makes large crowns without a

corresponding set of roots, and its seed is scarce and often taken by

birds before ripened. Moreover, the seedlings do not always come true;

still, it seems the only mode of propagation, unless the old plants have

plenty of time allowed them to spread and make extra roots. Latterly I

have gathered the seeds before the capsules burst--in fact, whilst

green--and, after carrying them in the waistcoat pocket for a few days,

they have been sown in leaf soil and sand, and germinated freely. When

the seedlings have made a few leaves the deteriorated forms may be

picked out readily.

Flowering period, May to July.

Gillenia Trifoliata.

_Syn._ SPIRÆA TRIFOLIATA _and_ S.

TRILOBA--THREE-LEAVED GILLENIA; _Nat. Ord._

ROSACEÆ.

A hardy herbaceous perennial from North America, imported in 1713. The

main features about this plant are its elegant form and rich tints. The

illustration (Fig. 45) may give some idea of the former quality, but to

realise the latter the reader should see a living specimen in the form

of a bold clump. There is a wild beauty about this subject which it is

not easy to describe; as a flower it is insignificant, but the way in

which the flowers are disposed on the slender stems, blending with a

quaintly pretty foliage, neither too large nor dense, renders them

effective in their way. It is, however, only as a whole that it can be

considered decorative, and it should be well grown.

[Illustration: FIG. 45. GILLENIA TRIFOLIATA.

(One-sixth natural size; blossom, full size.)]

Although most nearly related to the spiræas the distinctions from that

genus are very marked, notably the very slender stems and large flowers,

which are produced singly on rather long-bending pedicels, almost as

fine as thread, and, like the stems, of a bright brown (nearly ruddy)

colour. The flowers form a lax panicle, interspersed with a little

foliage. The calyx is a bright brown colour, rather large and

bell-shaped. It contrasts finely with the five long, narrow petals,

which are white, tinted with red; they are also irregular in form and

arrangement, somewhat contorted. The leaves, as implied by the specific

name, are composed of three leaflets; they have very short stalks, and

the leaflets are all but sessile, lance-shaped, finely toothed or

fringed, ribbed, and somewhat bronzed. Perhaps it is most useful in a

cut state; the sprays, even if they have but one or two flowers on them,

are charming for vase work. I may say the calyx is persistent, and after

the petals have fallen they not only increase in size, but turn a fine

red colour, and so render the sprays additionally effective.

To grow this plant well it should have a deep soil; it also loves

moisture, and, as already hinted, partial shade; it is a steady grower,

far from rampant, like the spiræas. This is a capital subject to grow

near or under "leggy" shrubs and trees, where, in semi-shade, it is not

only at home, but proves very attractive. It may be propagated by

division, the best time being early in the year, just before growth

commences.

Flowering period, June to August.

Gynerium Argenteum.

PAMPAS _or_ SILVERY GRASS; _Nat. Ord._

GRAMINEÆ.

This handsome grass is well known, at least, its feathery plumes are,

from the fact of their being imported largely in a dry state for

decorative purposes. It has not been grown long in this country, and,

perhaps, it is not generally known that it endures our climate as an

outdoor plant; in most parts of Great Britain, however, it proves hardy.

As far north as Yorkshire I have seen it in the form of specimens 8ft.

high; my own examples are yet young--two and three years old--and are

only just beginning to flower, at the height of 3ft. to 4ft., diameter

about the same. It is a native of South America, occurring mostly on the

prairies; it is also found in other parts where there are swamps and

high temperatures. This would lead us to have doubts as to its

suitableness for English gardens, but facts prove it to have elastic

qualities in this respect. It proves at all times to be a noble ornament

in gardens of moderate size.

In its growing or green state it is a distinct and pleasing object, but

it is at its greatest beauty when it has ripened its tall and silky

plumes, which glisten in the sunshine and are of a silvery-grey colour,

and when also the very long and narrow grass has become browned and

falls gracefully, more or less curling under the tufts. All its parts

are persistent, and, as a specimen of ripe grass, it is not only

ornamental in itself, but it gives a warm effect to its surroundings

during winter. Under favourable conditions it will grow 10ft. or 12ft.

high, but it is seldom that it attains a height of more than 8ft. or

9ft. As an illustration (Fig. 46) is given, further description is not

needed. I may add that if it is not "laid" by heavy snows, it keeps in

good form until the new grass begins to grow in the following spring.

I find it to do well in light earth, well enriched with stable manure,

the soil having a more than ordinary quantity of sand in it; the

position is such as can have a good supply of moisture, being near walks

that drain to it. In stiffish loam a strong clump was planted three

years ago, but it has never looked healthy. The best positions for it

are well-prepared shrubbery borders; there it contrasts finely with the

greenery, and receives some protection from the high winds. It may be

increased by division of healthy roots, when the grass is ripe, but it

ought not to be cut off.

[Illustration: FIG. 46. GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM.

(One-twentieth natural size.)]

The plumes appear in August, and will keep in good condition till the

weather changes to a wintry character.

Harpalium Rigidum.

_Syn._ HELIANTHUS RIGIDUS--RIGID SUNFLOWER; _Nat.

Ord._ COMPOSITÆ.

One of the most effective and beautiful flowers to be seen in autumn; it

would be hard to mention another at any period of the year that gives

more satisfaction and pleasure than this does, either as a decorative

plant or a cut flower. A bold specimen, 4ft. through, is truly fine, and

not only those who seldom visit a garden, but amateurs well versed in

flowers, are alike charmed with its rich and stately blossoms. Most

people know what a Sunflower is; many of them are coarse and almost

ugly; but though the present subject is of the family, it is supremely

distinct; it is without the formal character in its ray, and also the

herby leafiness of many of its genus, its large, clean, shining, golden

flowers, mounted on slender, ruddy, long, and nearly nude stalks, not

only render it distinct, but impart an elegance to this species, which

is all its own. It grows 4ft. high, is a comparatively new kind in

English gardens, and comes from North America; still, it has become

widely known and appreciated, in fact a universal favourite, so much so

that, although it increases fast, the demand for it is not yet

satisfied; it is, doubtless, a flower for every garden.

The flowers are 4in. across, glistening golden yellow, and formed of a

deep ray and small disk; the florets of the ray are 1½in. long and more

than ½in. broad, they are incurved at their points, but reflexed at

their edges, and are handsomely ribbed or pleated; they are arranged in

two or three rays in each flower, and irregularly disposed; the florets,

being well apart, not only seem to give the bloom body, but also an

artistic informality and lightness. The florets of the disk are

chocolate colour, whence issue twirled filamentary forms, which impart

to the centre of flower the appearance of being netted with a golden

thread. The scaly involucre is formed of numerous small members of a

dark olive-green colour, neatly arranged and firmly clasping the whole

flower. The pedicels are long, round, covered with short stiff hairs,

and thickened at the involucre; the stems are very rough, rigid, hard,

and brown or ruddy on the sunny side, sometimes twisted and nude, with

the exception of a solitary rudimentary leaf. The main stems have many

axillary branches. The leaves of the root are few, 5in. or 6in. long,

and oval. Those of the stems more lance-shaped, sessile, and slightly

dentate, or toothed, lessening in size as they get higher; all the

leaves are very thick, three-veined, and remarkably hispid, being almost

as coarse as sandpaper to the touch. I have also observed another

peculiarity about the leaves, when they have been taken from the plant

for an hour or more, _i.e._, they have a most elastic property. Very

often the leaves may be seen in trios, whence spring three side

branches, surrounding the upright and central one. The habit of the

whole specimen is very rigid, with the exception of the flowers, which

are slightly nodding; the tallest growths need no stakes, and the

species enjoys a happy immunity from insect pests, probably by reason of

its hispid character. As already stated, as a garden subject this is one

of the most useful; it shows grandly in front of evergreens, and

associates well with lilies. In borders of tall perennials, or in

conspicuous but distant situations, such as are visible from the doors

or windows of the house, or as isolated clumps, on or near the lawn,

this fine Sunflower may be planted with satisfactory results; in fact,

it cannot be planted wrong, provided it is kept away from small

subjects. In a cut state it is of such value that it cannot be

overpraised--a branch with four fully blown flowers and others nearly

out, requires no assistance as a table decoration. Its blooms have the

quality of keeping clean, doubtless from the smoothness of the florets.

The cultural requirements are few. Any garden soil will do for it, but

if deeply dug and well enriched with stable manure, so much the better;

it should have a fairly open situation; it is not only a Sunflower in

name and form, but it enjoys sunshine. It is self-propagating, and runs

freely at the roots, immediately under the surface; the thick stolons

form knobby crowns at their extremities, out of and from under which the

roots issue, going straight and deep down, and so forming an independent

plant.

Flowering period, August and September.

Hedera Conglomerata.

CONGLOMERATE IVY; _Nat. Ord._ ARALIACÆ.

I do not introduce this as a flowering subject, but as a dwarf

ornamental shrub; it differs so much from all other species and

varieties of Ivy, and is so beautiful withal, that I trust no further

apology is needed for giving it a place amongst decorative plants and

shrubs. I have not been able to learn its habitat or origin; its stunted

tree-like shape, together with other peculiarities, would indicate that

it is a species; be that as it may, it has long had a place in English

gardens, and yet it is seldom met with--it would be hard to explain why.

On a bit of rockwork I have grown a specimen for nearly five years, and

it was an old shrub when planted, yet it is not more than 2ft. in

diameter and 1ft. high. It is much admired, and many notes have been

taken of it. For rockwork, it is one of the best dwarf evergreen shrubs

I know.

It has very small leaves, densely arranged in flat or one-sided wreaths.

They seldom exceed 1in. in diameter, and are of various forms, as

heart-shaped, sagittate, oval, tri-lobed, and so on. Some are notched,

others slightly toothed, but many are entire. All are waved or

contorted, wrinkled and thickened at the edges, where the younger leaves

show a brown line; the under sides are pale green, and furnished with

short stiff brown hairs, as also are the stout leaf stalks. The upper

side of the foliage is a dark glossy green, with shadings of brown. In

substance the leaves are leathery, inclining to stiffness. The stunted

branches have a cork-like appearance as regards the bark, are diffuse,

curiously bent, and sometimes twisted loosely together. It is of slow

growth, more especially in the upward direction, and though provision

may be made for it to cling and climb, and it has also well-formed roots

on the branchlets, still, it assumes more the tree-shape. I never saw or

heard of its flowering, much less that it ever produced seed; if it does

not seed we are not only deprived of an ornamental feature belonging to

the genus from the absence of berries, but it proves that it is only a

variety of some species.

It may be grown in any kind of sandy soil, and nothing special whatever

is needed. An open sunny situation will favour its form and colour of

foliage; under trees I have found it to produce larger leaves of plainer

shape and more even colour. During the winter it becomes a conspicuous

object on rockwork, where it seems most at home. It may be propagated by

cuttings, and spring is a suitable season to lay them in; in well dug

light soil they soon make plenty of roots.

Helianthus Multiflorus.

MANY-FLOWERED SUNFLOWER; _Nat. Ord._ COMPOSITÆ.

This fashionable flower is glaringly showy. Still, it is not wanting in

beauty; moreover, it belongs to an "old-fashioned" class, and is itself

a species which has been grown for nearly 300 years in English gardens.

It was brought from North America in the year 1597, and during the whole

of its history in this country, it can hardly ever have been more

esteemed than it is to-day; it is very hardy, and in every way a

reliable subject. Everybody knows the Sunflower, therefore no one will

care to read a description of it; still, one or two remarks may,

perhaps, be usefully made in the comparative sense, as this is a

numerous genus. Many of the Sunflowers are annuals, to which this and

others of a perennial character are much superior, not only in being

less trouble and not liable to be out of season from mismanagement in

sowing and planting, as with the annual sorts, but from the fact that

their flowers are of better substance and far more durable; they are

also less in size and more in number--two points of great gain as

regards their usefulness as cut bloom. They are, besides, better

coloured, and the flowering season more prolonged. Well-established

specimens, two or three years old, will, in average weather, last in

good form for fully six weeks. The colour (yellow) is common to the

Sunflowers. This species has flowers which vary much in size, from 2in.

to 6in. across, and they are produced on stems 3ft. to 6ft. high, well

furnished with large heart-shaped leaves of a herb-like character,

distinctly nerved, toothed, and rough.

Flowering period, August and September.

_H. m. fl.-pl._ is, of course, the double form of the above, the disk

being represented by a mass of florets considerably shorter than those

of the ray proper. The flowers are not produced in such large numbers as

with the typical form, neither does the plant grow so tall, but the

foliage is a little larger; these constitute all the points of

difference which I have noticed. These forms of Sunflower are very

effective--nowhere, perhaps, so much as amongst shrubs. The plants lift

well, carrying a good ball that facilitates their being placed in pots

even when in bloom, when, as I have lately seen, they may be used in a

most telling manner with potted shrubs in large halls, corridors, and

public buildings. In such places they get no sun to make them droop, and

a good watering keeps them as fresh as if they had not been disturbed.

Of the usefulness of this flower in a cut state nothing whatever need be

said--who has not tried it? Doubtless, when it becomes unfashionable it

will have fewer patrons, but it will be the same flower, richly

beautiful--æsthetic. No special culture is needed, any kind of garden

soil will suit it; if well enriched, all the better. Any situation will

do but one too densely shaded. Propagated by splitting the roots after

the plants have done flowering, or in spring.

Flowering period, August and September.

Helianthus Orygalis.

GRACEFUL SUNFLOWER; _Nat. Ord._ COMPOSITÆ.

Yet another Sunflower, and one, too, of the common yellow colour, and

not otherwise attractive, as may be seen by the illustration (Fig.

47)--of course, I am now referring to the flower only. There are,

however, features about this species which all must admire; stems 7ft.

high, furnished with bright foliage, in the manner indicated, are not

mean objects, even if topped with but a common yellow composite. This is

a native of North America, and of recent introduction; it is a distinct

species, and for foliage a prince among its fellows. I know not another

to nearly approach it, _H. angustifolius_ being perhaps the nearest, but

that species has never with me proved of more than a biennial character,

and its leaves, though long and narrow, are irregular and herby.

The flowers need not be further described beyond saying that they are

borne on short side shoots, near the top of the main stems, but they

harmonise with the general arrangement of foliage, and, indeed, from

their bract-like leafiness, somewhat enrich it. This is one of the

latest-blooming Sunflowers. The leaves are 5in. to 8in. long, and ½in.

to 1in. wide, the lower half on the stems droop, though they are of good

substance; the upper half bend gracefully, and, from their close

arrangement, all but hide the stem. At the axils of the larger leaves,

tufts of smaller (much smaller) leaves appear, causing the long stems to

be top-heavy. Still, they wave and bend during the strongest winds

without supports or damage. It will be seen that the usefulness of this

plant consists in its distinct form and tallness, and that it is

effective is without doubt. Among low shrubs, or with other tall things,

will prove suitable quarters for it.

[Illustration: FIG. 47. HELIANTHUS ORYGALIS.

(One-eighth natural size; flower, one-fourth natural size.)]

Any kind of soil will do, shelter from the wind being the most

important, and perhaps the only point to study when planting. It is

propagated by root divisions when the tops have withered.

Flowering period, September and October.

Helleborus Abchasicus.

ABCHASIAN HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

This is a native of the Caucasus, and in this climate, where it has been

cultivated about fifteen years, it retains its foliage through the

winter in a green state. It is a free grower, and flowers well, having a

somewhat slender habit. It is sometimes described as having green

flowers, but more often as having purple ones. It may be useful to

remember that there are varieties, and it is likely that, even in the

so-called green flowers, traces of purple will be seen. Not only is it a

fact that this species, like _H. purpurascens_ and _H. niger_, is far

from fixed as regards depth of colour, but it is said to be one of the

parent forms of some of the fine hybrids. These considerations may help

to reconcile the apparently conflicting descriptions as regards bloom

colour.

The flower stems are 12in. to 18in. high, distantly forked twice, and of

a purplish colour. The flowers are produced in threes and fours on each

of the branchlets, are inclined to purple, over 2in. across, and

nodding; sepals oval, waved, and set well apart at the outer ends;

petals scale-like, green, and numerous; anthers a beautiful delicate

yellow; leaves of the flower stems few, small, and of irregular form,

notched, finely serrate, and of a purplish-green shade; in their young

state more especially does the purple prevail on the under surface--they

are, in fact, nearly the colour of the flowers. The radical leaves are

many, nearly a foot in diameter, of a dark green colour, and leathery

substance; the leaflets are rather distant from each other, forming a

noble pedate leaf; they are somewhat one-sided, slightly waved, sharply

and regularly toothed nearly all their length. From this description it

will be inferred that this is one of the most distinct species, and such

is truly the case. Moreover, it has a bold and rich effect. The older

radical foliage, with its long stalks, is for the most part spread on

the ground, when the new erect flower stems, furnished with small leaves

and nodding buds and blossoms, all of a shining purplish colour, form a

peculiar but pleasing contrast, not nearly so marked in any other

species with which I am acquainted. There is a variety called _H. A.

purpureus_, in allusion to the colour of the flowers being a little more

purple.

This Abchasian species and its varieties are not widely distributed;

they are to be obtained, and need no longer be found only in rare

collections. It is desirable in every way for the garden, where it forms

a most ornamental object during winter. Its flowers last for four or

five weeks, and in a cut state they form rich companion bloom to the

white Christmas Rose.

A good fat loam suits them; the position should be rather shady and

moist, but by all means well drained. A top dressing of good rotten

manure, after all have done blooming, about the end of March, is a great

help to them. All the Hellebores may be easily increased by root

divisions, but the stock should be strong and healthy. Roots affected

with the least rot or canker should be discarded, as from their slowness

of growth they will not be worth garden space. Seed may also be raised,

but unless sown as soon as it is ripe germination is less certain, and

always slower in proportion to the length of time it has been kept dry.

I may add that, in February (1883), I noticed a pot, sown with Hellebore

seed in February of 1880; a few were just pushing through the mould. The

seed was sold to me as the produce of 1879. Since 1880 I have sown seed

ripened on plants that were bloomed for indoor decoration, it being

ready about February. From this I had nice little plants in less than

twelve months. But by seed the process of propagation is slow, and not

advisable unless the object is to obtain new varieties--a very easy

matter, by the way, with this family, if the simple rules of

cross-hybridising are applied.

All the Christmas Roses should be so planted that they may be

conveniently shaded during their blooming time. They mostly flower

during the dullest part of the year, and the blossom, more especially

the white kinds and those with metallic hues, unless protected, become

damaged with mud splashes. Hand-lights or bell-glasses should be freely

used.

Flowering period, January to March.

Helleborus Antiquorum.

ANCIENT HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

In what sense this specific name is applied, or which meaning of the

word is supposed to be exemplified in this plant, I have no means of

being certain. It is very probable that the name is in reference to its

"old-fashioned," but beautiful, flowers; that they are "worthy,"

"dearer, more acceptable," and of "more esteem and account," is likely

to be the verdict of every amateur who grows this kind successfully, for

a more lovely flower could hardly be desired--large, white, softly toned

with pink and grey. Sepals very large, incurved, overlapping each other,

having the appearance of being semi-double, and being of good substance.

The petals are small, short, of a lively green, and numerous. It is a

bold and effective flower, but to see it in its full beauty it should be

gathered spotlessly clean, as grey and pink tints are ugly when soiled.

The leaves accompanying the flowers are of the previous season's growth,

and are produced on slender round stalks, 1ft. to 1½ft. long, and much

thickened at their junction with the leaves. The latter are nearly a

foot across, pedate, or palm-shaped; the segments or leaflets are

sub-divided and of irregular form, but mostly ovate, lance-shaped,

finely and sharply toothed, and of a dull green colour. In a rich and

free loam this kind proves a good grower, and when, in January, it is

putting up its flower stalks, the buds being well developed and coloured

from the time they appear above the earth, furnished with "floral leaf,"

in which respect it differs from the common Christmas Rose, it causes a

pleased surprise that such a pure and delicate looking blossom can

develop and mature in the depth of winter. As a cut flower by many it

would be preferred to the better-known _H. niger_, not only for its

antique tints, but for the fine cup form, which is constant, and the

overlapping, incurved edges of the sepals. Altogether, its form is

distinct, and when used in small glasses as single specimens, or, at

most, accompanied only by a fern frond or a few blades of grass, it is a

charming object.

Cultivation, as for _H. Abchasicus_.

Flowering period, January to April.

Helleborus Bocconi.

BOCCON'S HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

This, by many, is believed to be a species, but as such is

unauthenticated. It is classed as a variety of _H. purpurascens_,

compared with which, however, there are some well-marked distinctions.

It is sometimes called _H. multifidus_, a name that suits it well, as

being descriptive of its irregularly slashed foliage. It has but

recently been brought under cultivation, and was found a native of the

Apennines of Etruria. It proves perfectly hardy in this climate, and

flowers in mid-winter unless the season is very severe. As will be

inferred from its near relationship to _H. purpurascens_, like that

species it has non-persistent foliage, and the flower stems with their

floral leaves appear before the leaves of the root. As a species or

variety, whichever it may be, its more marked features are to be seen in

the form or cut of the leaves.

As a garden flower it is not showy, yet it stands out well in a group;

the nodding cup-shaped bloom is a bright green colour, and, for a time,

the outer sides of the sepals only are seen; but when the flowers are

more fully expanded, the numerous and somewhat long stamens (which are a

creamy-white) seem to nearly fill the cup; to my mind, its greatest

charm is in the fragrant odour which it yields, resembling that of elder

flowers. A single blossom, if plucked dry and when in its prime, scents

a small room; at such a stage, the anthers are loaded with pollen, and

the tubular petals are richly charged with nectar. True, these

last-named qualities are common to the genus, but when they are coupled

with that of a sweet perfume, and produced by an open-air plant in

winter, such a plant, be its blossoms green or red, is too valuable to

be neglected. The flowers are borne on stems 6in. to 12in. high, which

are twice and thrice branched or forked, having six to twelve blossoms

on a stem. The flowers are bright green, nearly 2in. across, cup-shaped,

and drooping. The sepals are somewhat oval, concave, and overlapping;

petals very short, pale green, and evenly arranged; stamens

creamy-white; styles green. The flowers are supported by floral leaves,

which are much divided, in the way of those of _H. purpurascens_, but

the segments are more irregular in shape. The radical leaves have long

stems, and are palmate; divisions lobed. It dies down entirely during

the autumn. Being a vigorous grower and free bloomer, and the flowers

very durable withal, it should be largely grown for the sake of its

sweet-scented blossoms for cutting purposes. There is an allied variety

cultivated under the name of _H. B. angustifolia_ (narrow-leaved).

Assuming that _H. Bocconi_ is a species, this is a variety but slightly

removed from the typical form, inasmuch as the latter is not only much

cut in the floral and radical leaves, but the shape is uncertain. This

form, then, which, at least by its name, claims a specific feature in

the cut of leaf, may be somewhat difficult to identify, more especially

as there are no other dissimilarities of note. Seen, however, as a

well-grown specimen, the feature of narrow foliage is not only manifest,

but the plant is very effective.

Cultivation and flowering period, the same as with _H. Abchasicus_.

Helleborus Colchicus.

COLCHICAN HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

A new species from Asia Minor. This is a strong grower and blooms well.

The flowers vary in size and shade, but it may be said to be distinct in

form and pronounced in colour, the latter being an uncommon feature with

the Hellebores; either growing or cut it is indispensable to a group.

Moreover, it is one of the best flowers of the genus, and would stand

high even in a selection of the best six; it is one that should have a

place in every collection.

It flowers amongst the previous season's foliage on branched stems; the

sepals are somewhat round and flat, which gives the flower a stiff

appearance. Still, from their unusual deep purple colour and the yellow

stamens, together with the manner in which the sepals overlap each

other, the flower is a most effective one; the petals are a bright

green, and blend harmoniously with the yellow and purple parts. The

leaves are very large, pedate, dentate, and distinctly veined. In a

young state the foliage is richly coloured or tinted with "bloom." It

enjoys a rich sandy loam and summer shade.

Cultivation, the same as for _H. Abchasicus_.

Flowering period, January to March.

Helleborus Cupreus.

COPPERY HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

Notwithstanding its peculiar colour, as implied by the name, this is a

pleasing border flower; moreover, the somewhat large flowers are also

numerous; blossoms 3in. across, arranged in clusters of four and six,

and handsomely furnished with new foliage, are no mean things in the

depth of winter. The specific name of this Hellebore, though applicable,

is not so definite as some, inasmuch as the colour to which it refers is

that of several other species and varieties; there may be rather more of

the metallic hue in our subject, but it is so slight as to be outside

the pale of notice to the florist. The Coppery Hellebore is a native of

mid-Europe, and is one of recent introduction into this country, where

it proves hardy but annually dies down. It grows and flowers freely in

January, the flower stalks appearing before the radical foliage, and

attaining a height of nearly a foot.

The flower stems are a palish green, with purplish markings, are twice

branched and furnished with floral leaves; the latter have ample

stipules and seven longish divisions, which are well spread out,

distinctly veined underneath, and coarsely toothed. The flowers are 2in.

to 3in. across, sepals pointed, overlapping for about half their length,

and well expanded; their outsides are of a purplish colour, which

extends along the stalk; the inner surface of the sepals is a yellowish

green, the whole being suffused with a metallic hue or "bloom"; the

stamens and anthers are a creamy white, the petals short and

apple-green. The flowers droop gracefully, and are rendered all the more

pleasing by the floral leaves which immediately support them. The leaves

of the root are large and pedate, the divisions wide apart and unevenly

toothed; the under sides are distinctly veined with purplish-brown when

in a young state. The habit is robust, and the bloom is produced well

above the radical foliage. There is a peculiar beauty about a strong

flowering specimen which would hardly be expected from the above

description, and it is even more difficult for me to do it justice.

In a cut state a whole stem, with its flowers in different stages of

development, is fine. The youngest rosy-purple buds, about the size of a

cob nut; the more opened bell-shaped forms, just showing both the inner

and outer colours of the sepals; these surmounted by the longer-stalked,

fully expanded, but drooping flower, with its tassel-like bunch of

stamens, and all finely interspersed with young leaves of two distinct

colours, according to the side which meets the eye--all go to make it a

charming decoration for indoors, and if cut clean it deserves a place

for the whole week or more during which it remains in good form.

Cultivation, as for _H. Abchasicus_.

Flowering period, January to March.

Helleborus Dumetorum.

BUSHY HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

One of the less showy species. It comes from Hungary, and has been grown

in this country about seventy years. It entirely renews its foliage

yearly, the flower stems appearing before the radical leaves. The

flowers are small, green, and drooping; the sepals are roundish. The

flower stems are twice branched, full-flowered, and furnished with the

"cut floral leaf," which is nearly stalkless and palmate. The root

leaves are very smooth and pedate. The bright green flowers mix well

with others, but where Hellebores are grown in limited varieties this

may be omitted without loss as regards floral beauty.

Cultivation, as for _H. Abchasicus_.

Flowering period, February and March.

Helleborus Foetidus.

STINKING HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

This is a native species, distinct, ornamental, and evergreen. Its name

may, with some, prevent its being planted in the pleasure garden, but

its foetid odour is not perceptible unless sought for. It is mostly

found wild in this country in chalky districts, and it occurs largely in

the southern parts of Europe. Though poisonous, it is a valuable herb.

Its value as a garden subject consists in its dark evergreen foliage,

good habit, and handsome panicles of bloom. The latter is produced under

cultivation in mid-winter. It never fails to flower then if the position

is a sheltered one. In its wild state the flowers appear in March. It

belongs to that section of the Hellebores which have leafy stems and

many flowers; its grows 2ft. high, and never seems to rest, but goes on

making new leaves throughout winter.

The flowers are produced in clusters larger than a man's hand, and are

of a green colour, the sepals edged with brown, which turns to a

purplish tint; they are nearly an inch across, well cupped, and mostly

hang bell-fashion; the leaves are much smaller than those of most

Hellebores, pedate, smooth, of stout substance and dark green colour;

the divisions of the leaves are narrow and numerous. The foliage is

persistent, and keeps green until after the new has appeared; it bends

downwards in a pleasing manner, and the leafy stems have a palm-like

appearance. These, when topped with panicles of flowers, though they be

green ones, are worthy objects for any garden. It is a suitable plant

for mixing with deciduous shrubs; bold specimens of it enliven such

borders by their shining greenery, and they are of greatest service when

most needed, for in such sheltered quarters they are pretty sure to

flower during winter; and the summer shade, if not too dense, will

prove more beneficial to them than otherwise.

Cultivation, ordinary garden soil.

Flowering period, December to April.

Helleborus Guttatus.

SPOTTED HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

This is one of the newer species or varieties; its main distinction is

well implied by the specific name. The flowers are fully 2in. across,

and white; the sepals are spotted with purple; the petals are more

constant than in some species, and of a rich green colour; flowers are

produced on stems having the floral leaf; the buds are a greenish white,

but very beautiful. The foliage is smaller than that of most kinds; the

leaves are radical, rather short-stalked, pedate, and divisions narrow;

they are of a leathery substance and a dark green colour. This is a free

bloomer, a fact which, together with those of its winter-blooming habit

and distinct flowers, renders it a valuable acquisition to the open

garden. Either cut or growing, it is very lasting.

Cultivation, as for _H. Abchasicus_.

Flowering period, January to March.

Helleborus Niger.

BLACK HELLEBORE, _or_ CHRISTMAS ROSE; _Nat. Ord._

RANUNCULACEÆ.

A hardy, herbaceous perennial. It came from Austria in 1597. In favoured

situations it proves evergreen; there is nothing black to be seen about

a growing plant, and it has often puzzled its admirers as to the cause

of its specific name, which is in reference to the black roots of a year

or more old. It would appear, moreover, that this is not the true "Black

Hellebore" of the ancients (see remarks under _H. Orientalis_). This

"old-fashioned" flower is becoming more and more valued. That it is a

flower of the first quality is not saying much, compared with what might

be said for it; and, perhaps, no plant under cultivation is capable of

more improvement by proper treatment (see Fig. 48). Soil, position, and

tillage may all be made to bear with marked effect on this plant, as

regards size and colour of flowers and season of bloom. We took its most

used common name--Christmas Rose--from the Dutch, who called it

Christmas Herb, or Christ's Herb, "because it flowereth about the birth

of our Lord Iesus Christ," and we can easily imagine that its beautiful

form would suggest the other part of its compound name, "rose." In

sheltered parts, where the soil is deep and rich, specimens will grow a

foot high and begin to bloom in December, continuing until March.

The individual flowers last a long time in perfection, either on the

plant or in a cut state; they vary somewhat in their colour, some being

more brown on the outer side of the sepals, and others much suffused

with pink; but under glass, whether in the shape of a bell glass in the

open garden, or a greenhouse, they mature to a pure white; their form is

somewhat like that of a single rose, but may be more properly compared

to a flower of its own order--the single pæonia. It is composed of five

sepals, and is 2in. to 3in. across, being white or rose-coloured; these

sepals form a corolla-like calyx; the petals are very short and tubular,

nestling down amongst the tassel-like bunch of stamens; the flowers are

produced on stout leafless scapes, having one or two bracteæ; for the

most part the flowers are in ones or pairs, but sometimes there may be

seen three, and even four, on a scape. The leaves are radical, having

stout, round stalks; they are large and pedate in shape, stout, and of

leathery substance. The habit of the plant is neat, growing into rounded

tufts.

[Illustration: FIG. 48. HELLEBORUS NIGER.

(One-quarter natural size.)]

In suitable quarters it proves a quick grower, whilst in ungenial

situations it will hardly increase, though it is seldom killed. As it

happens that its flowers are produced at a most unfavourable time for

keeping them clean, they should be covered with some kind of glass

shelters, or, where the soil is retentive, the roots may be lifted with

large balls of earth to them, and be placed in a cool greenhouse well up

to the light. It would, however, be a mistake to adopt this plan where

the soil is loose, and during the lifting operation will fall from the

roots; and it is also a mistake to expect flowers from newly-planted

roots. Where its fine bloom is required at Christmas, good roots should

have been planted fully a year previously. Doubtless many an amateur

will herein recognise his failing point when expecting Christmas Roses

from roots planted only a month before, and sometimes less. True, the

buds are there, and fine ones, too, perhaps, but the plants, unless

transferred with a good ball, suffer a check which it will take at least

a year to outgrow. It is a good plan to grow this flower in good-sized

pots, which should be plunged in a shady part of the garden all the

year, with the exception of the blooming period; but even with pots well

grown and showing plenty of buds, the mistake is often made of suddenly

placing them in heat, immediately over hot pipes or flues, the heat from

which shrivels the buds and foliage too. Though the Hellebores are

amongst our best flowers for forcing, it should be done gently in an

atmosphere constantly kept humid.

As a cut bloom, the Christmas Rose vies with the eucharis and

pancratium. For vase work, or used about the person, it is a flower that

wins the greatest admiration, and it is no unusual thing for cut flowers

to last indoors quite a fortnight.

_H. n. angustifolius_ (narrow-leaved Hellebore) has smaller flowers than

the type. The divisions of the leaves or leaflets are narrower, whence

its name. The foliage is of a pale or apple green, whereas that of the

type is very dark. It was introduced in the same year as its reputed

parent. As a foliage plant it is very handsome, the leaves bending

gracefully, and the whole specimen having a neat appearance.

_H. n. maximus_ is the largest Christmas Rose, and is a truly grand

variety; the flowers are 4in. and 5in. across. The illustration (Fig.

49) is one-fourth natural size. The scapes are very stout, and produce

several flowers, which are held well above the foliage; like those of

the type, they, too, are tinted with a pink colour, which passes away

when the flowers are a week or so old. The foliage is remarkably bold,

having thick, round, and beautifully marked stalks. Well-established

specimens have a shrub-like effect, being nearly 2ft. high, and richly

furnished to the ground. The half-blown buds of this variety are

exquisitely beautiful, and vary somewhat in form according to their age;

some resemble a nearly blown tulip, and others a rosebud. As

buttonholes, backed with a frond of maidenhair, they are charming. A

whole scape, having one fully-blown flower and several buds, is the most

perfect and beautiful decoration imaginable for a lady's hair. This

variety is at its best in the month of December, being a little earlier

than the typical form.

[Illustration: FIG. 49. HELLEBORUS NIGER MAXIMUS.

(One-quarter natural size.)]

All these kinds should be grown in moist and rather shady quarters;

under trees not too densely foliaged will suit them; the soil should be

a deep rich loam. I may mention that all my Hellebores are grown under

"nurses," _i.e._, suitable small trees. I use walnut. About eighteen

species and varieties are planted under six small trees, 4ft. high. The

reasons why I use walnut are, that they leaf late in spring and lose

their leaves early in autumn, so affording the greater amount of light

during the flowering time of the Hellebores, and screening them in

summer from the sun with their ample but not over thick foliage; a cut

under the trees once a year with a sharp spade keeps them dwarf and

prevents their making too many strong roots. Without saying that

Hellebores should be grown in this way, it will serve to show how they

may be conveniently shaded. Nothing could well look more happy under

such treatment, and, once properly planted, they give no further trouble

than a mulching of rotten manure in spring, when all the kinds have

finished flowering. Christmas Roses are easily raised from seed,

provided it is sown as soon as ripe, but plants so raised are two or

three years before they flower. The quicker method of increase is by

division of the roots. This can only be done successfully when the old

stock is in robust health. Pieces of roots taken from old and unhealthy

specimens will remain in the ground for twelve months as immovable as

stones, whereas the least bits of clean young growths will form nice

blooming plants the first year.

Flowering period, December to March.

Helleborus Odorus.

SWEET-SCENTED HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

Like all the Hellebores, excepting the white-flowered _H. niger_ and its

varieties, this has, until very recently, been much neglected,

notwithstanding that its name implies the rare and desirable quality of

a sweet odour; moreover, it is of easy culture, very hardy, and a free

bloomer. It is a native of Hungary, and was introduced to English

gardens in 1817. It is like _H. purpurascens_, only its flowers are

green; it even more strongly resembles our native _H. viridis_. All its

foliage is renewed annually. It belongs to the section having stems

few-flowered, forked, and bearing floral leaves. It grows 9in. to 12in.

high.

The flowers are green, small, nodding, and scented. The sepals are

nearly round, and overlap each other. The flowers are produced at long

intervals on the twice-branched, stout, pale green stems; they are

supported by prettily-cut leaves, having lance-shaped segments, finely

serrated, also having large stipules. The radical leaves are palmate,

covered with a fine down on the under surface. The segments are oblong,

undivided, and at the base quite entire, but finely toothed near the

top. The bloom lasts a long time, either cut or in the growing state.

There is nothing very distinct to the eye about this species, but it is

to be commended for the sweetness of its flowers.

Like other Hellebores, it should be grown in a shady place, where there

is a good depth of rich sandy loam. Propagated by division of healthy

stock at almost any period.

Flowering period, February to March.

Helleborus Olympicus.

OLYMPIAN HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

This comes from a Grecian habitat, as the specific name denotes; still

it is perfectly hardy in this climate, and it deserves a place in every

garden. It is not so old in English gardens as some kinds, and may not

be much known; at any rate, it is seldom met with; but, from the fact

of its coming into bloom in the first month of the year, and having

finely-formed purple flowers, it is a desirable companion to the white

Christmas Rose; it is variously stated to have white and purple flowers,

both statements being authorised; they are produced in spare clusters on

stems a foot high; the buds are charming objects, of a ruddy-brown

colour, and the size of a big filbert; they are rather close together,

and supported by a "cut floral leaf." The leaves are well divided and

almost palm-shaped, the leaflets being ovate and toothed. It is a free

grower, and never fails to bloom well too.

Cultivation and flowering period, the same as with _H. niger_.

Helleborus Orientalis.

EASTERN HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

Sometimes also called the Lenten Rose, as it may often be seen in flower

during Lent, though it is no uncommon thing for it to bloom in January

in favoured situations and mild winters. This is a very old species

which has long been known to botanists, but it has only recently been

introduced into this country. It is a native of the Levant, is plentiful

on mountains and near Thessalonica and Constantinople. It has gone under

the name of _H. officinalis_, and as such was, as it still is, the shop

Hellebore of the East. As a garden flower it is to be recommended as one

of the best of the genus; the colour is often a fine rose variously

tinted, and the blooms are of good size. It is, however, a species

respecting which there is still considerable misconception. One

authority says the leaves die off and again appear with the flowers;

another classes it with the group "leaves not annually dying"; then one

says, "the greenish-white blossoms are tinted at the margin with

purple"; another, that the flowers are "rose-coloured"; whilst botanical

descriptions, usually so taunting to the florist as regards

blossom-colour, are no exceptions in this case. "Sepals oval, coloured,"

does not point out very clearly the information desired. Many of the

species of Hellebore are known to produce flowers varying more or less

in colour; and we also know that an individual blossom, during the long

period in which the sepals keep good, often changes its tints and

colours, but we are scarcely prepared to hear that a species has

greenish-white flowers, whilst we have always seen a rosy or rosy-purple

one produced. Still, the information from another source, that _H.

orientalis_ is a species intermediate between _H. niger_ and _H.

viridis_, would seem to favour the greenish-white as the typical colour;

be that as it may, it is most likely that the more desirable

rosy-flowered variety will prevail in flower gardens, that being the

general recognised colour of the type, and moreover, one which renders

it pleasingly distinct in the whole genus. There are hybrid kinds which

have been raised from this species crossed with _H. viridis_ and,

perhaps, others, and some of them have greenish-white flowers; but they

should not be confounded with the species under notice. These varieties

have received such names as _H. orientalis elegans_, _H. o.

viridescens_, and _H. o. punctatus_. If hybrids are to be honoured with

specific names, it will require much care to avoid confusion, and it is

just possible that some such causes have led to the various descriptions

above referred to. The type under notice is fairly distinct, and the

amateur having a slight acquaintance with the Hellebore family will have

little difficulty in making it out.

The flowers are produced on forked stems, and are accompanied by

finely-cut floral leaves, nearly sessile and palmate; the radical leaves

are large, pedate, downy underneath, having long stalks, and remaining

green throughout winter. The habit is to push the stout flower stems

well up above the foliage, sometimes as high as 18in.; the flowers are

very durable, at least the major parts--as the sepals--are, the stamens

and petals falling somewhat sooner than those of most species; if

different positions are given to a few specimens, flowers may be had

from Christmas to Lent, according to amount of shelter or exposure

therein obtained for the plants.

There are facts connected with this plant, as other than a garden

subject, which can hardly fail to be generally interesting. "This is the

Black Hellebore of the ancients," so that, though _H. niger_ bears the

name and is known to be largely possessed of properties similar to those

of the oriental species, it is proved to be wrongly applied. So much was

claimed by ancient doctors for the Black Hellebore as a medicine in

mania, epilepsy, dropsy, and other ills to which mortals are heirs, that

naturally the true plant was sought with much zeal. Dr. Woodville

laments the want of proper descriptions of plants and the consequences,

and in his "Botany," p. 51, points out some ridiculous errors made in

reference to the Black Hellebore previous to 1790; he gives the names of

many plants which had been mistaken for it and actually employed, and he

assumes that at the time of his writing all such errors had not only

been discovered, but corrected, by what he then described as, and we now

call by the name of, _H. niger_, being the true Black Hellebore; and

after all, the potent herb of the ancients has been identified in a

plant (a near relation, it is true) other than the white Christmas

Rose--it may be some time before we come to think of our present subject

as the true Black Hellebore, especially when an otherwise popular

species bears the name.

Cultivation, as for _H. niger_.

Flowering period, December to April.

Helleborus Purpurascens.

PURPLISH HELLEBORE; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

A native of Podolia and Hungary, introduced sixty to seventy years ago.

It belongs to the section whose flowers appear before the root leaves,

having branched flower stalks and the cut floral leaf. It is a dwarf

kind, and varies very much; I have now an established specimen in bloom

at the height of 3in., and others at 8in. or 9in. It also differs in the

depth of bloom-colour; some of its flowers may be described as

purplish-green and others as greenish-purple, slaty and dove-coloured;

others have a tinge of red more visible. The flowers are few, on

twice-forked stems, are 2in. or more across, and commonly, as the name

implies, of a purplish colour; the inner surface of the sepals is a

slaty shade, the purple prevailing on the outer surface; the form of the

flower is nearly round and slightly cupped, from the nearly round or

kidney shaped sepals, which neatly overlap each other, and are also

incurved at the edges; the petals are very short and green; the stamens

and anthers of a creamy white; the floral leaf is nearly stalkless;

segments unevenly toothed. The radical leaves are "pubescent on the

under surface, palmate, with the segments cuneated at the base, and from

three to five lobed at the apex." The habit is robust and free blooming;

the flowers slightly droop, and, though the colours are not showy, they

are attractive from the way in which they are borne on the straight

stems and the absence of the larger leaves. It is a desirable species

for the garden; a few specimens grown amongst a mass of the "winter

aconite" are enough to make one forget that it is winter.

Cultivation, as for _H. niger_.

Flowering period, February to April.

Hepatica Angulosa.

_Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

This is a very distinct species. It comes from North America, and is

twice the size of _H. triloba_ in all its parts; the leaves are more

cut, and very woolly; the flowers are bright mauve, and 1½in. across.

All the Hepaticas are slow growers, but _H. angulosa_ is the more

vigorous. Some say they should be grown in peat, but I never saw them so

fine in peat as in strong loam, well drained and manured; they are the

better with slight shade. I do not object to peat, as possibly it may be

more suitable than the natural soil of some gardens. Still, if I had to

make up a compost for Hepaticas, I should freely use strong loam on a

well-drained site. With me they have been in flower nearly three months,

commencing in February.

It seems desirable to increase these fine spring flowers, but they are

most impatient of being disturbed, and, after all, the increase can

exist in no finer form than in big clumps, though when they are to be

propagated the roots should be divided before the new leaves are

produced, which is during the blooming period. A deeply-dug and

well-manured plot should be prepared for them, and their long roots

should not be doubled up in the least; they both need and deserve great

care.

Flowering period, February to April.

Hepatica Triloba.

_Syns._ ANEMONE TRILOBA _and_ ANEMONE HEPATICA; _Nat.

Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

[Illustration: FIG. 50. HEPATICA TRILOBA.

(One-third natural size.)]

The well-known common Hepatica, of which there are so many beautiful

varieties. It is a hardy perennial, one of the "old-fashioned" flowers

of English gardens, and is said by some to be a British species; anyhow,

it was well known and admired in this country 300 years ago.

Well-established specimens form neat tufts of three-lobed leaves on long

stems, which are not evergreen in this climate, though the Hepaticas are

known to be so in North America, one of their most extensive habitats.

Here, under cultivation, they produce much finer flowers, and more of

them. The cut (Fig. 50), however, shows the foliage in more perfect form

than it is commonly seen to be in this climate during the period of

bloom, when the old is usually sered, and the new scarcely visible. The

varieties of _H. triloba_ differ only in the colour and form of their

flowers, there being blue, purple, white, and pink. Of the first and

last named there are double varieties as well.

Cultivation, the same as for _H. angulosa_.

Flowering period, February to April.

_H. t. splendens_ is a charming Windflower, and one which, from its

extra brilliancy, is sure to become a favourite, as, indeed, the whole

genus _Anemone_ is. It is a new variety of _H. triloba_, and is yet

somewhat scarce, differing from the more generally known kinds of the

same species in only two points, so that, beyond the mention of them, no

other description is needful: (1) Its flowers are single red, but so

much deeper in colour, brighter, and of better substance, as to be quite

distinct, and merit the name "_splendens_." (2) It flowers earlier than

the commoner red kind. This handsome seedling of the common Hepatica is

very suggestive of what can be done by raising seed from

carefully-selected sorts, and within the last few years something has

been done in that direction, so that in a little time we may expect to

see other good varieties. I may add that seedlings are three years

before they bloom, and even longer before a proper idea can be formed of

their qualities.

Cultivation, the same as for _H. angulosa_.

Flowering period, February to March.

Hesperis Matronalis Flore-pleno.

DOUBLE SWEET ROCKET, _or_ DAMES' VIOLET; _Nat. Ord._

CRUCIFERÆ.

There are several double forms of this very popular old flower, such as

purple, ruby, and pure white, the last named being by far the greatest

favourite. A few years ago it was said to be very scarce, and in some

parts of the country it certainly was so, but when the present taste for

the good old flowers became general, it was not only found, but quickly

propagated, so that now the double white Sweet Rocket may be had

everywhere, and certainly no more beautiful flower can occupy the garden

borders, its perfume being strong and deliciously fragrant. The parent

plant of these double kinds is widely distributed over Europe; all are

perfectly hardy.

They vary in height from 12in. to 18in., branching candelabra-like, the

flowers being produced in terminal spikes, arranged in the way of, and

very much resembling, the double stocks--in fact, the Hesperis used to

be called "Queene's Gilloflower." The leaves may be briefly described as

oval, lance-shaped, toothed, and veined; dark green, and often spotted

or blotched. Gerarde's description, too, may be given, as it is always

pleasant to recognise the old plants of 300 years ago: "Dames' Violets

hath great large leaues of a darke greene colour, somewhat snipt about

the edges; among which spring up stalks of the height of two cubites,

set with such like leaves; the flowers come foorth at the toppe of the

branches--like those of the Stock Gilloflower, of a verie sweete smell."

These desirable flowers have a long blooming period, and their

cultivation is simple; there is, however, one special point to be

observed, otherwise these double kinds will die off. It should be

remembered that they produce no seed, and propagation must be carried

out by divisions of the roots and cuttings; old plants, too, have a

habit of forming their perennial crowns nearly out of the soil, so that

the roots going down from them are often bare and unestablished; the

older parts, too, are frequently attacked by ground vermin. No doubt

these causes would tend greatly to the former scarcity of the finer

kinds, but all the difficulties, if they can be called such, may be

overcome by the very simple process of either putting in cuttings like

wallflower slips during summer, or, as soon as the old plants are past

their best bloom, dividing and replanting the various parts deeper,

whereby all of them, however small, will make good plants the following

season.

This mode of keeping up the stock will be found to make the plants

vigorous and free blooming, and also will prove a remedy for the

complaint so often given expression to in such words as "I lost all my

double Sweet Rockets; I cannot keep them above two years."

Flowering period, June to August.

Heuchera.

ALUM-ROOT; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

This is a small genus of hardy perennials suitable for the decoration of

the English garden from their bold and finely-shaped leaves, which are

well marked with various pleasing tints, also because of their perpetual

verdure and neat habit. It takes its name from J. H. de Heucher, a

botanist. The species, as many of them as are known, are from American

habitats; nearly all have been introduced within the last sixty years;

the well-known _H. Americana_, however, is an old plant in English

gardens, having been cultivated for 223 years. The order, as given

above, together with the illustration figuring one of the species (see

Fig. 51), will give some idea of the usefulness of the genus, especially

when it is remembered that in the depth of winter the foliage is fresh,

and even in a growing state.

The flowers are of little value for ornamental purposes; they are very

small and numerous, and are arranged in panicles or racemes, on rather

tall and mostly leafless stems, round, and somewhat wiry; calyx, petals,

and stamens have a mixed appearance, the whole flower being of a dingy

colour, often resembling some of the panicled bloom of meadow grass,

when seen at a short distance; the calyces, however, are persistent,

they crown the capsules; these and the naked stems, from their durable

nature, mar the beauty of the foliage for several weeks, unless cut off.

The plants are more ornamental without the flowers, as they impart a

seedy appearance; at no time does the foliage show to more advantage

than in January, when most herbaceous plants are dormant, and when their

handsome tufts are alike beautiful, either bedewed with fogs,

crystallised with hoar-frost, or glittering in the sunshine. As a genus,

_Heuchera_ is sometimes placed after _Saxifraga_ and before that of

_Tiarella_; the latter it much resembles, as well as the genera

_Mitella_ and _Tellima_. Anyone knowing these will at once admit the

usefulness of the plants under notice.

Not only do they make good edgings or lines to borders, but the leaves

in a cut state are of great service for table decoration, doing duty

repeatedly around dishes, &c., either with or without flowers; after

being so used, if placed in water, they may be kept a fortnight in good

form. I am told that the leaves are sold in Covent Garden Market for

similar purposes. I have seen them used in the autumn with the large

white anemone, and in winter with the Christmas rose, one flower

arranged and tied on the face of a single leaf. These placed round

dishes, &c., have a pretty effect.

They grow freely in any kind of soil, excepting stiff clay, and are

readily increased by division of the crowns. This may be done any time,

but, perhaps, spring is the best.

The Heucheras bloom from May to August.

Heuchera Americana.

AMERICAN HEUCHERA; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

The flowers of this species are a dull or reddish purple. The foliage is

rough and clammy; the form of leaf resembles that of _H. glabra_ (see

Fig. 51), but the colour is a lighter green. All the genus are of an

astringent nature, but this species is remarkably so, and in its native

country has earned for the family the name of "Alum-root."

For cultivation and flowering period see _Heuchera_.

Heuchera Cylindrica.

CYLINDRICAL-SPIKED HEUCHERA; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

This is much in the way of _H. Richardsoni_, with the distinction

indicated by the name, the flowers being arranged evenly round the spike

like a cylinder.

For cultivation and flowering period see _Heuchera_.

Heuchera Drummondi.

DRUMMOND'S HEUCHERA; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

A tall kind, with leaves of handsome shape (heart-shaped and lobed) and

greener than most varieties.

Cultivation and flowering period are described under _Heuchera_.

Heuchera Glabra.

SMOOTH HEUCHERA; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

[Illustration: FIG. 51. HEUCHERA GLABRA.

(One-sixth natural size.)]

This was introduced in 1824 from North America. The foliage is bold and

abundant; the illustration (Fig. 51) not only gives a good idea of the

form and habit of foliage, but fairly represents the whole genus, as

seen during the late (1882) season. This species has dull pinkish

flowers; the scapes have a few leaves; root leaves are 2in. to 5in. in

diameter, heart-shaped, lobed, toothed, smooth, and of a dark

bronzy-green colour. The leaf stalks are long and slender; the habit

very neat.

Cultivation and flowering period are described under _Heuchera_.

Heuchera Lucida.

SHINING-LEAVED HEUCHERA; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

A very dwarf species, not more than 3in. or 4in. high; the foliage a

clear bright green, nearly kidney-shaped, lobed, and roundly toothed.

The fresh appearance of its prostrate leaves, which are 2in. across,

forms a pleasing object in mid-winter.

Cultivation and flowering period, as given under _Heuchera_.

Heuchera Metallica.

_Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

This was presented to me in 1881 by a lady, who informed me that it was

introduced by the late Miss Hope. It is a beautiful plant; the hues

somewhat justify the name, but to the touch the leaves are more like a

soft fabric, as cloth or velvet. The flowers are of no value, but the

foliage is bloom of no mean order, so much so, that everyone stops to

admire this handsome plant.

Cultivation and flowering period, as given under _Heuchera_.

Heuchera Micrantha.

SMALL-FLOWERED HEUCHERA; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

From Columbia. Flowers a yellowish-green; leaves nearly round, bluntly

lobed, crenate or round toothed, the teeth horned or pointed; the colour

is inclined to auburn during autumn, but it varies, and for a botanical

description it would be hard to state a particular colour. The gardener,

however, will find in this a most useful plant, where different forms

and tints of foliage are desirable. Into the sub-tropical garden it may

be introduced with good effect. I may add that the leaf stalks are 9in.

to 12in. long, also of a rich brown colour, and the leaves are 3in. to

5in. across.

Cultivation and flowering period, as described under _Heuchera_.

Heuchera Purpurea.

_Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

This seems to be a less known or newer variety. If the name has

reference to the colour of the foliage, it is not inappropriate. The

bold leaves are a dark green, shading to a bronze, then a purple, the

whole having a soft downy effect. It is a charming kind.

Cultivation and flowering period, the same as for the _Heuchera_.

Heuchera Ribifolia.

CURRANT-LEAVED HEUCHERA; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

This is another dwarf kind, producing such leaves as the name denotes.

Of this species the only useful feature for a garden seems to be its

habit of neatly carpeting the ground under deciduous trees. It has also

a remarkably fresh appearance during winter.

Cultivation and flowering period, as for other _Heucheras_.

Heuchera Richardsoni.

RICHARDSON'S HEUCHERA; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

A taller variety than _H. Drummondi_. The most striking distinctions are

the pale green colour of the young leaves contrasting with the bronzed

appearance of the older ones, and the larger size of its flowers, which,

however, are green.

Cultivation and flowering period, as for other species.

Houstonia Coerulea.

BLUETS; _Nat. Ord._ GENTIANACEÆ.

[Illustration: FIG. 52. HOUSTONIA COERULEA.

(Natural size.)]

Hardy and evergreen. This pretty little shining plant never exceeds a

height of 3in. Like most species of this order, both flowers and foliage

have much substance and endure for a long time in perfection, but its

neat form and bright parts most commend it--it almost sparkles in both

leaf and flower. This species, as implied by the specific name, bears a

blue flower, but there is a variety (_H. c. alba_ or _H. albiflora_)

which bears white flowers, from a specimen of which the illustration

(Fig. 52) is drawn, and, as the colour of the flower is the only

dissimilarity, a description of the typical form will in all other

respects apply to both.

The flowers, which are produced singly on slender stems 2in. high, are

composed of a four-toothed calyx; corolla, four petals, or four-toothed

and funnel-shaped; when fully expanded each flower is ½in. across, and

shows a distinct yellow eye. The leaves of the root are spathulate,

those of the stems opposite and lanceolate; all the parts are shown of

the natural size in the illustration.

All the known Houstonias are natives of North America; still, our

winters seem to kill strong plants. From an impression that the plants

were destroyed by insects amongst their roots and foliage, I had several

tufts lifted, well shaken out, and divided in the autumn; they were

replanted in leaf soil and sand and kept rather moist. When planting

them, all amongst the roots was thickly strewn with dry silver sand, so

as to leave no space for the lodgment of vermin; the results were fine,

fresh, green tufts throughout the following winter, which, however, was

not severe; still, the plants not so treated dwindled and were

unhealthy, whereas the others were finely in bloom, the subject of the

drawing being one of them. These minute plants do well and look well

wedged between large stones on rockwork, where they flower nearly all

the year round; they also form pretty pot specimens under cold frame

treatment; and they may be used with good effect for surfacing the pots

in which other hardy but tall and bare stemmed things--such as

lilies--are grown.

The mode of propagation has been indicated by the above autumnal

treatment.

Flowering period, April to July.

Hutchinsia Alpina.

_Syn._ LEPIDIUM ALPINUM; _Nat. Ord._ CRUCIFERÆ.

An alpine species, from South Europe, which may be said to be evergreen

in this climate, and, according to my experience of it, flowering

throughout the year. Though found in some gardens to be difficult to

establish, when it finds a suitable home it becomes a pretty addition.

This alpine seldom exceeds 2in. in height. The flowers are a glistening

white and very small, produced in numerous heads, and they are very

enduring; the calyx is concave and falls off; the four petals are

inversely ovate; the little leaves are deeply lobed, of a pale shining

green colour, with plenty of substance; its habit is spreading or

creeping. Neither slugs nor any other pests seem to meddle with it. It

may be transplanted at any time, and the mode of propagation may be

gathered from the following remarks.

Probably because its name implies its alpine character, some may be

misled to plant it on rockwork; whether that be so or not, I so tried

it, and found it would not grow in such a situation. A bed of dwarf and

moisture-loving subjects was being planted, in which a bit of this

Hutchinsia was dibbled, and it found a home in the moist vegetable soil.

For two or three years I do not remember to have seen it, or the

seedlings, without flowers; its pretty, dwarf, rue-like foliage grew so

thickly that it threatened to kill the edging of gentianella and such

things as _Polemonium variegatum_, the double cuckoo-flower, and the

little _Armeria setacea_; it also filled the walks, and its long wiry

roots have been eradicated with difficulty. From this it will be seen

how much depends, with some plants, on the position in which they are

placed.

Hydrangea Paniculata Grandiflora.

LARGE-PANICLED HYDRANGEA; _Nat. Ord._ SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

This dwarf shrub is perfectly hardy and deciduous; it comes from Japan,

and is one of the best hardy things I have come across for some time. It

is quite a new introduction, and has many fine qualities; the fact of

its producing immense clusters of white flowers, 12in. long and 12in. in

circumference, as well-established plants, is enough to induce its

extended cultivation; but when it is stated that its clusters are

numerous and durable, that the shrub begins to flower in summer and

continues in great beauty until damaged by frosts, it will doubtless be

recorded on the lists of desiderata of those who do not possess it. The

usefulness of such a subject is notable not only to the gardener who has

a keen eye to artistic effect, but to the lover of showy flowers (see

Fig. 53).

The flowers are male and female kinds, and, as is usual with the genus,

the fruitful ones are interspersed with unfruitful, being shorter in the

stalks and nearly covered over by the latter, which are much larger; in

fact, they are not the true flowers from a botanist's point of view, but

with the florist it is exactly the opposite; their colour is white, more

or less tinted with pink, which, if the autumn season proves fine and

dry, becomes purple. As the name denotes, the bloom is arranged in

massive panicles, pyramidal form, 6in. to 12in. long, and 4in. to 8in.

in diameter. They slightly bend with the great weight, but are otherwise

well supported by the woody stems. The latter are somewhat short, seeing

they carry such large clusters. The leaves are oval, subcordate

(varying), distinctly ribbed, and finely toothed, also varying much in

size. The habit of the shrub is much branched, of strong growth, and

very floriferous. The flowering shoots issue from the hard wood of the

previous season's growth. In the shrubbery it is very attractive, its

flowers out-numbering, out-measuring, and out-lasting most of its

neighbours. Kept dwarf, what a grand bedder it would make! Grown in pots

it is a first-class indoor subject. It has that rare quality, even when

in small pots, of being adapted for the company of large ferns, palms,

&c., from the great size of its panicles, and I need scarcely say that

for cutting purposes it is valuable, more especially in decorations

which are not closely viewed.

[Illustration: FIG. 53. HYDRANGEA PANICULATA GRANDIFLORA.

(One-tenth natural size); blossom, natural size.]

The culture of this shrub is very simple; it does best in rich loam. The

situation should be sunny, that it may well ripen its wood. In order to

have clusters of large size, it should be closely pruned, like roses, by

which treatment the bush may also be kept in the desired form. Its

propagation is by cuttings; they should be of fairly well-ripened wood

of the last season's growth. The degree of ripeness, like that of such

things as roses and fuchsias, may vary according to the method by which

the cuttings are to be treated. Half-ripened shoots will root well in a

little heat; the harder wood will root equally well, but more slowly, in

the open in sandy loam.

Flowering period, July to end of September.

Hypericum Calycinum.

LARGE-CALYXED ST. JOHN'S WORT, _or_ ROSE OF SHARON;

_Nat. Ord._ HYPERICACEÆ.

A very ornamental deciduous shrub, but often green throughout the

winter. This I claim the privilege of introducing amongst herbaceous

perennials; it is a well-known and favourite "old-fashioned" flower, in

fact, a native of Ireland. The old name for it was "Cup St. John's

Wort." In July it is in splendid form, and, familiar as we are with it,

it never fails to win admiration. How charming are its large, shining,

golden blossoms, nestling amongst the bright but glaucous foliage! the

bundled tassels composed of numerous filamentary stamens glistening like

threads of gold; and though often seen one can never tire of it. As a

flower, it is distinct in form, showy, and richly effective.

It grows to the height of 1ft. or 18in.; the flowers are 4in. across, of

a rich golden-yellow colour, and produced singly on the very leafy stems

which, at the base or at their more woody parts, are square, the upper

parts being nearly round. Short flower-stalks issue from the side and

near the top, a small new growth being produced in juxtaposition with

the blossom, the said growth being composed of half-a-dozen or so

smaller-sized leaves of a pale apple-green, charmingly suffused with a

glaucous hue. The calyx of five sepals is very large, whence the

specific name, and each sepal is nearly round and cupped, whence the old

common name, "Cup St. John's Wort"; the five petals are 2in. long and

widely apart; stamens very numerous, long, thready, and arranged in

tufts. These are very beautiful, and form the most conspicuous part of

the flower; like the other seed organs, and also the petals, they are of

a rich, glistening, yellow colour. The leaves are closely arranged in

pairs, opposite, and nearly sessile; they are 2in. to 3in. long, and

about 1in. broad, oval-oblong, blunt, smooth, and leathery. When young,

they are as above described, but when older, they are of a dark, shining

green colour, and somewhat reflexed. The under sides are finely

reticulated or veined, and sometimes the foliage is spotted with brown.

The habit of the shrub is neat, the short stems being numerous and

semi-prostrate, forming dense, even masses of verdant foliage.

Such a subject as this cannot be too highly esteemed on the score of the

merits already set forth; but there are other good qualities which I

will briefly refer to presently. There can be little doubt that the fine

parts and many uses, decorative and otherwise, of most of the

"old-fashioned" flowers have much to do with the high and continued

esteem in which they are held. Not one of the least recommendations of

this St. John's Wort is that it can be grown with great success under

the shade of trees. It is one of the very few subjects that will bloom

freely in such situations. It is, therefore, very valuable; besides, as

regards its period of flowering, it comes in nicely after the vincas are

over. These two genera are, perhaps, the best hardy flowering shrubs we

possess for planting in the shade of trees. I scarcely need add that for

more open situations, as rockwork and borders, it is in every way

suitable.

To the lover of cut flowers this must prove one of the most

satisfactory, not only because of its beauty, but also because they are

produced for fully three months--into September--and they are sweetly

scented, like wallflowers. A flower-topped stem forms a perfect and

unique decoration for a lady's hair; sprays in small vases are

exquisite, whilst a bowlful for the table (without any other flower) is

very fine indeed--let the reader try these simple styles of decoration.

Also, mixed with other flowers, it is one of the most telling; none of

the yellow exotics can excel it. It is now before me, with a few sprays

of the pink sweet pea and a bold spike of the white variety of

goat's-rue; the blend is both delicate and effective. As a cut flower it

can hardly be misused, provided it is not crowded.

Its culture is simple. Any sort of garden soil suits it, but it prefers

a sandy loam. A winter top dressing of stable litter will help to

produce greater luxuriance and a longer succession of flowers. It

quickly and broadly propagates itself by means of its creeping roots;

these may be at any time chopped off, with a sharp spade, in strong

pieces, which, if planted in deeply-dug loam, will make blooming

specimens for the following season.

Flowering period, July to September.

Iberis Correæfolia.

_Nat. Ord._ CRUCIFERÆ.

This is a hybrid and much improved variety of the well-known evergreen

and shrubby Candytuft, often called "Everlasting Candytuft." A more

pronounced remove from its parents could hardly be found in any plant or

shrub than is this. There are evident improvements in colour, size, and

habit, both in foliage and flowers. It is also a robust grower and

perfectly hardy, in these respects being very different from _I.

Gibraltarica_. None of the shrubby Candytufts can compare with this for

usefulness and beauty; it comes into flower in May, and is in its

greatest beauty in early June. It remains in fine form for fully four

weeks. At first the flowers seem small, but later they form broad masses

of dazzling whiteness, the corymbs being the size of a crown piece. Not

only is this wholly distinct from its relatives, but it is one of the

most useful flowers and evergreen shrubs which can be introduced to a

garden. It cannot be planted wrong as regards either soil or situation.

It forms a rich surfacing subject, all the year round, to other tall

plants, as lilies, &c. It looks well as a front specimen in the

shrubbery, makes an effective and neat appearance at the angles of

walks, or as an edging it may be cut and trimmed as a substitute for a

grass verge; it thrives on sunny or almost sunless outhouse tops, and on

rockwork it is superb; moreover, it grows fairly well in reeky towns,

and though its white flowers may be soiled the day they open, its bright

green leaves and dense habit render it a pleasing object.

The flowers are arranged in flat heads at first, but as the stems become

elongated and the succession of buds open, a long round cluster is

formed by the old flowers remaining (as they do for weeks), such heads

or spikes sometimes being 3in. long. There is much substance in the

petals, which causes them to glisten in strong light; the flower stems

are produced 5in. or 6in. above the foliage, their total height rarely

exceeding a foot. The leaves are numerous, of a dark shining green

colour; in length 1½in., and over ¼in. broad near the ends; their shape

is spathulate, obtuse, entire, and smooth; the new set of foliage

contrasts pleasingly with the old, and its growth is completed during

the flowering period; the woody and slender branches are numerous and

procumbent.

Besides the positions already mentioned, in which this shrub may

usefully be planted, there is none more so, perhaps, than that of rough

or unsightly corners, where, if it is provided with a little loam, it

will soon adapt its form to the surroundings. The flowers in a cut state

are not only sweet-smelling, but very useful where white bloom is needed

in quantity, as for church decorations. _I. correæfolia_ can scarcely be

said to need cultural treatment, but it is useful to bear in mind that

it may be much more finely bloomed if generously treated, which simply

consists in nothing more than giving it a sunny place and sandy loam,

well enriched with old manure. Specimens so treated, which were cuttings

only two years ago, are now 2ft. in diameter, and covered densely with

large flowers; and how lovely some of the pretty weeds which have sprung

up amongst the bushes, and mingle their flowers among the masses of

white, appear--such as Spring Beauty (Claytonia), pink flowers; the

Maiden Pink (_Dianthus deltoides_), rose; Self-heal (_Prunella

pyrenaica_), purple; and the forget-me-nots! This comparatively new

Candytuft is as easily increased as grown, by either layers or cuttings;

the latter may be put in almost any time, early spring being the best;

if put in in June, no better quarters can be given than under the shade

of shrubs, where the soil is sandy loam.

Flowering period, middle of May to middle of June.

Iris Foetidissima.

GLADDON, GLADWIN, _or_ SPURGE-WORT; _Nat. Ord._

IRIDACEÆ.

A British species, occurring largely in some parts, in shady woods and

swampy places near the sea. It is evergreen and of a pleasing form

throughout the year. Its flowers are of a dull colour, and not likely to

be much esteemed, more especially when in midsummer there are so many

beautiful kinds around; still, it merits a place in our gardens. Its

handsome berry-like seeds, which are so attractively conspicuous in

December, are much more desirable than its flowers, ready as they are

for our use at Christmas time.

It grows 2 ft. high, and is a water-loving plant, but may be easily

grown in the more moist parts of the garden. The large pod is

three-cornered; the husks having turned brown, become divided, and

expose to view the large, orange-coloured seeds, which, later, turn to a

reddish-brown. They are held in the husks for many weeks and strong

winds do not displace them; they are very effective amongst the dark

green foliage, and may be cut if desired, as they often are, for indoor

decoration. They may be used in a hundred different ways, but never do

they show to more advantage than when cut with long stems and placed in

a vase with some of their own dark green sword-shaped leaves; these

last-named, by the way, may be appropriated throughout the winter as a

dressing for other flowers. There need be no difficulty in growing this

species, for if the soil is not naturally moist in summer, a thick

dressing of rotten stable manure will meet the case. As a matter of

fact, my specimen is grown in a bed fully exposed to the sun; the soil

is well drained, and stone-crops are grown in the next bed to it; no

water is ever given to established plants, and still the Gladwin is well

fruited; the soil is deeply tilled, and there is a thick covering of

manure. It is easily propagated by division of the roots in autumn or

early spring.

Flowering period, June to August.

Isopyrum Gracilis.

SLENDER ISOPYRUM; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEÆ.

This is a hardy herbaceous plant, of great beauty. The flowers are not

showy, but their great numbers and arrangement render them of importance

in what may be termed a fine-foliaged subject. The Isopyrums are very

nearly related to the thalictrums or rues, and this one greatly

resembles the maidenhair-like section, one of which it is often taken

for. There is, however, an important botanical difference between the

two genera: the thalictrums have no calyx, and the Isopyrums have.

Still, as the flowers of both are very small, that feature is not very

observable. As a decorative plant it may be classed with the

maidenhair-like rues, and the illustration may be said to give a fair

idea of three or four species.

[Illustration: FIG. 54. ISOPYRUM GRACILIS.

(One-eighth natural size; 1, leaflet, full size.)]

The Isopyrum under notice grows 12in. or 15in. high, and produces its

dark brown flowers on slender, well-branched stems, forming feathery

panicles, which have a graceful appearance. The flowers are very small,

and composed of a five-cleft calyx, five equal petals, and numerous

long, pendent seed-organs; the stems are elegantly furnished with the

fine-cut foliage. The leaves are large, but the leaflets small, as may

be seen by the one given, full size, in the drawing (Fig. 54), being

somewhat cordate, lobed, and dentate; they have hair-like stalks, which

add to their elegance of arrangement, and their glaucous colour further

enhances their effectiveness.

This light and diffuse subject may be usefully planted to relieve other

kinds; in beds or lines it looks well, having a lace-like effect; as a

cut flower or spray it nearly equals maidenhair, and for mixing with

large flowers, it perhaps excels. Either cut or in the growing state it

is very durable. It may be grown in average garden soil, but to have it

fine, it should be given vegetable soil and a moist situation, not

shaded. It is propagated by seeds or division of the roots in autumn.

Flowering period, July and August.

Jasminum Nudiflorum.

NUDE-FLOWERED JASMINE; _Nat. Ord._ JASMINACEÆ.

[Illustration: FIG. 55, JASMINUM NUDIFLORUM.

(One-third natural size.)]

This was brought to this country from China a little less than forty

years ago, and, as proof of its sterling worth, it is already in

extensive use. The whole genus is a favourite one; but there is a

special and most attractive feature about this species that is sure to

render it desirable to all--it flowers freely in mid-winter, and it does

so in the open garden. Like many of the genus, this species comes from a

very warm climate, and for a time it was grown in glasshouses as a

tender shrub, where it flowered during the winter months. It is now

found to be a perfectly hardy subject, not only withstanding our most

trying seasons without the least injury, but also proving true to the

month of December as the period when it begins to produce its numerous

golden flowers. It is a climbing deciduous shrub, though it has neither

the habit of clinging nor twining.

The shrub produces bloom when only 18in. high, but it often grows to as

many feet, and even taller. The flowers are borne singly at the joints

from which the leaves have fallen, and as the latter were opposite, the

blossom appears in pairs on the new twigs. In the bud state they are

drooping, and are marked with a bright chestnut tint on the sunny side.

The calyx is ample, almost leafy, but these parts are hidden when the

flower opens and becomes erect. The form of the Jasmine blossom is well

known; in size this one is rather larger than a full-blown violet, and

quite as sweetly scented, which is saying very much, but the colour is

yellow; the petals are of good substance and shining; the flowers last a

long time, even during the roughest weather, they open most during

sunshine, but do not wait for it, and they remain open until they fade.

The leaves, which are produced in early spring, are very small and

ternate; leaflets of unequal size, ovate, downy, and of dark green

colour. The wood is very pithy, square, with sharp corners, and having

the appearance almost as if winged; the younger branchlets are dark

bronze green. The habit of the shrub is rampant, climbing, much

branched, and very floriferous. The green leafless sprigs of bloom are

very serviceable in a cut state for vase decoration, especially if mixed

with dry grasses or well-foliaged flowers; the sweet odour, too, reminds

one of spring time. Specimens growing against the house or other walls,

either nailed or in a trellis, have a happy effect in winter, from the

slender whip-like growths hanging down and being well bloomed. From the

dark green colour and great number of branchlets, although leafless, a

well-grown example has quite the effect of an evergreen.

It enjoys a sunny position, but I have it doing well in a northwest

aspect; it may be used in bush form in almost any situation. Neither is

it particular as to soil, but I should not think of planting a

winter-blooming subject in stiff or retentive loam--that of a sandy

nature is more likely to be productive of flowers. It is easily

propagated from cuttings of the young wood; if they are taken in late

summer, when the leaves are falling, they will root quickly. Before the

strong west winds of autumn occur, it should be pruned, in order to

prevent its being torn from the wall; if the prunings are laid in sandy

loam, between shrubs, they will be sufficiently rooted for planting out

by the following spring.

Flowering period, December to April.

Kalmia Latifolia.

BROAD-LEAVED KALMIA; _Nat. Ord._ ERICACEÆ.

[Illustration: FIG. 56. KALMIA LATIFOLIA.

(One-third natural size.)]

An evergreen shrub, very hardy in our climate. It comes from North

America, and from its dwarf character and free-blooming habit, it is not

only one of the most useful shrubs, but may be freely planted in

connection with herbaceous subjects, where it will help to redeem the

deadness of beds and borders during winter (see Fig. 56). Like the

rhododendron, it grows to various heights, according to the soil or

situation in which it may be planted, but 18in. to 2ft. is the size at

which it may often--perhaps most often--be seen producing its wealth of

flowers. There are many fine flowering shrubs, but they do not gain the

esteem in which this is held. Its large clusters of delicate flowers,

surmounting dark shining foliage, and which seem almost too pure and

beautiful to withstand the vicissitudes of the open garden, are its

winning points; moreover, the flowers last several weeks in perfection.

The flowers are arranged in broad panicles; the pedicels and five-cleft

calyx are a bright brown colour, and furnished with short stiff hairs.

The salver-shaped corolla, which is white, pleasingly tinted with red,

has a short tube and five divisions, curiously cornered; the flower is

fully ¾in. across, and in its unopened state is hardly less pretty than

when blown. The leaves are borne on stout woody branches, have short

stalks, and a bent or contorted habit; they are thick, leathery,

shining, smooth, and of a dark green colour on the upper side;

underneath they are a yellowish-green. In form they are elliptical and

entire, being 3in. to 4in. long. Healthy specimens are well furnished

with foliage; otherwise it is spare, and when that is the case the

flowering is rarely satisfactory.

As this subject requires to be grown in moist vegetable soil, such as

leaf mould or peat, it is useless to plant it where these conditions do

not exist; moreover, the rule with species of the order _Ericaceæ_ is to

require a pure, or approximately pure, atmosphere. Doubtless these

conditions will debar many from growing this shrub successfully; but I

may add, where its requirements can be afforded, not only should it be

freely planted, but it will probably thrive without any further care.

As a cut flower it is exquisite, if taken with a good stem and a few

leaves; to many it may appear odd when I say it is too good to cut, but

there are others who will comprehend me. The flowers can nowhere show to

more advantage than on the bush, and it seems a pity to take its

strongest branches for the sake of transferring the blossom.

It is a slow-growing subject, but easily propagated by layering the

lower branches; no matter how old or hard the wood has grown, if pegged

well down they will soon become rooted.

Flowering period, June to August.

Lactuca Sonchifolia.

SOW THISTLE-LEAFED LETTUCE; _Nat. Ord._ COMPOSITÆ.

This is one of the few ornamental species of a somewhat numerous genus;

it is, moreover, perennial and hardy in this climate--characteristics

not common to the family. It came from Candia, in 1822, since which time

it has been grown in English gardens, more or less, as a decorative

plant; it is of unusual form, especially in the foliage. I think it

would scarcely be called handsome; but the flowers, which are a fine

pale blue, and of the form usual to the order, are too good to be

overlooked, and their value is enhanced by the fact of their being

produced so late in the year.

In speaking of the flower as a subject of the pleasure garden, it is

unnecessary to describe it beyond saying that it is of a rich but pale

blue colour, and over 1in. across, produced on stalks nearly 2ft. high,

in lax panicles. The leaves are large--about 1ft. long and 9in.

wide--have a stout mid-rib, are pinnate, and most curiously lobed. The

leaflets, moreover, are fantastically shaped, being again lobed, also

toothed and bent in various ways. The teeth have spine-like points, and

the only uniform trait about their form seems to be that the edges are

turned backwards. The upper surface is a pale green colour, the under

side grey, almost white. It is of rather neat habit, and though I have

not grown it in lines, it is only needful to see one good specimen in

order to be certain of its effectiveness when so planted; it would be

singularly distinct.

It enjoys sunny quarters and deep but light or sandy loam. With me it

does well on a raised bed of light earth; its long tap roots will save

it from drought during the driest summer, when its fleshy and

fast-growing foliage would lead one to think that it could not endure a

dry time. It is readily increased by division of the roots or seed.

Flowering period, September to strong frosts.