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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e46e6df --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50243 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50243) diff --git a/old/50243-0.txt b/old/50243-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c7a7117..0000000 --- a/old/50243-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7448 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Subtropical Garden, by W. Robinson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Subtropical Garden; - or, beauty of form in the flower garden. - -Author: W. Robinson - -Release Date: October 17, 2015 [EBook #50243] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SUBTROPICAL GARDEN *** - - - - -Produced by Shaun Pinder, Chuck Greif and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - - - - THE SUBTROPICAL GARDEN. - - - - - _Works by the same Author._ - - - =ALPINE FLOWERS FOR ENGLISH GARDENS.= With 70 Illustrations. - - =THE WILD GARDEN=, or our Groves and Shrubberies made beautiful by - the naturalisation of hardy exotic plants. With _Frontispiece_. - - =MUSHROOM CULTURE=: its Extension and Improvement. With - Illustrations. - - - _Nearly Ready._ - - =HARDY FLOWERS; or, HERBACEOUS, BULBOUS, AND ALPINE PLANTS.= This - will be the most comprehensive and practically instructive book - ever published on these plants. With Frontispiece. - - =A CATALOGUE OF CULTIVATED HARDY PERENNIALS, BULBS, ANNUALS=, etc., - including also all British Plants. Prepared for the purpose of - facilitating exchanges, &c., and enumerating nearly 10,000 hardy - exotic and British plants. - - [Illustration: FRONTISPIECE.] - - - - - THE - - SUBTROPICAL GARDEN; - - OR, - - BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE - FLOWER GARDEN. - - BY W. ROBINSON, F.L.S., - AUTHOR OF ‘ALPINE FLOWERS,’ ‘THE WILD GARDEN,’ ‘HARDY FLOWERS,’ ETC. - - WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. - - LONDON: - JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET. - 1871. - - _The right of Translation is reserved._ - - LONDON: - - PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET - AND CHARING CROSS. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -This book is written with a view to assist the newly-awakened taste for -something more than mere colour in the flower-garden, by enumerating, -describing, indicating the best positions for, and giving the culture -of, all our materials for what is called “subtropical gardening.” This -not very happy, not very descriptive name, is adopted from its -popularity only; fortunately for our gardens numbers of subjects not -from subtropical climes may be employed with great advantage. -Subtropical gardening means the culture of plants with large and -graceful or remarkable foliage or habit, and the association of them -with the usually low-growing and brilliant flowering-plants now so -common in our gardens, and which frequently eradicate every trace of -beauty of form therein, making the flower-garden a thing of large masses -of colour only. - -The guiding aim in this book has been the selection of really suitable -subjects, and the rejection of many that have been recommended and tried -for this purpose. This point is more important than at first sight would -appear, for in most of the literature hitherto devoted to the subject -plants entirely unsuitable are named. Thus we find such things as Alnus -glandulosa aurea and Ulmus campestris aurea (a form of the common elm) -enumerated among subtropical plants by one author. Manifestly if these -are admissible almost every species of plant is equally so. These belong -to a class of variegated hardy subjects that have been in our gardens -for ages, and have nothing whatever to do with subtropical gardening. -Two other classes have also purposely been omitted: very tender -stove-plants, many of which have been tried in vain in the Paris and -London Parks, and such things as Echeveria secunda, which though -belonging to a type frequently enumerated among subtropical plants, are, -more properly, subjects of the bedding class. But if I have excluded -many that I know to be unsuitable, every type of the vegetation of -northern and temperate countries has been searched for valuable kinds; -and as no tropical or subtropical subject that is really effective has -been omitted, the result is the most complete selection that is possible -from the plants now in cultivation. - -No pains have been spared to show by the aid of illustrations the beauty -of form displayed by the various types of plants herein enumerated. For -some of the illustrations I have to thank MM. Vilmorin and Andrieux, the -well-known Parisian firm; for others, the proprietors of the ‘Field;’ -while the rest are from the graceful pencil of Mr. Alfred Dawson, and -engraved by Mr. Whymper and Mr. W. Hooper. I felt that engravings would -be of more than their usual value in this book, inasmuch as they place -the best attainable result before the reader’s eye, thus enabling him to -arrange his materials more efficiently. A small portion of the matter of -this book originally appeared in my book on the gardens of Paris, in -which it will not again be printed. For the extensive list of the -varieties of Canna I am indebted to M. Chatè’s “_Le Canna_.” Most of the -subjects have been described from personal knowledge of them, both in -London and Paris gardens. - -W. R. - -_April 3, 1871._ - - - - -CONTENTS. - - -PART I. - - PAGE - -INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 1 - - -PART II. - -DESCRIPTION, ARRANGEMENT, CULTURE, ETC., OF -SUITABLE SPECIES, HARDY AND TENDER, ALPHABETICALLY -ARRANGED 43 - - -PART III. - -SELECTIONS OF PLANTS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES 221 - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - -_Separate plates to face the pages given._ - - - PAGE - -_Frontispiece_--Hardy and -tender Plants in the Subtropical -Garden. - -Cannas in a London park 13 - -Anemone japonica alba 17 - -Group and single specimens -of plants isolated on the -grass 23 - -Portion of plan showing -Yuccas, etc. 25 - -Formal arrangements in -London parks 26 - -Tree Ferns and other Stove -Plants 28 - -Ailantus and Cannas 30 - -Young Conifers, etc. 32 - -Gourds 34 - -Section of raised bed at -Battersea 40 - -Acanthus latifolius 47 - -Aralia canescens 58 - -Aralia japonica 60 - -Aralia papyrifera 61 - -Asplenium Nidus-avis 70 - -Bambusa aurea 72 - -Bambusa falcata 74 - -Berberis nepalensis 79 - -Blechnum brasiliense 80 - -Bocconia cordata 81 - -Buphthalmum speciosum 83 - -Caladium esculentum 84 - -Colocasia odorata 85 - -Canna 86 - -Carlina acaulis 110 - -Caryota sobolifera 111 - -Centaurea babylonica 112 - -Chamædorea 114 - -Chamærops excelsa 116 - -Cycas 120 - -Tree Fern 123 - -Dimorphanthus mandschuricus 124 - -Erianthus Ravennæ 132 - -Ferula communis 136 - -Ficus elastica 139 - -Gynerium argenteum 142 - -Gunnera scabra 144 - -Heracleum 147 - -Malva crispa 153 - -Melianthus major 155 - -Monstera deliciosa 156 - -Montagnæa heracleifolia 157 - -Morina longifolia 158 - -Mulgedium alpinum 159 - -Musa Ensete 160 - -Nicotiana Tabacum 163 - -Onopordum Acanthium 164 - -Poa fertilis 174 - -Rheum Emodi 178 - -Rhus glabra laciniata 180 - -Seaforthia elegans 185 - -Solanum robustum 190 - -Solanum Warscewiczii 195 - -Uhdea bipinnatifida 205 - -Wigandia macrophylla 208 - -Yucca filamentosa 212 - -Yucca pendula 214 - -Yucca filamentosa variegata 217 - - - - -PART I. - - -INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. - - - - -SUBTROPICAL GARDENING. - - - - -INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. - - -The system of garden-decoration popularly known as “Subtropical,” and -which simply means the use in gardens of plants having large and -handsome leaves, noble habit, or graceful port, has taught us the value -of grace and verdure amid masses of low, brilliant, and unrelieved -flowers, and has reminded us how far we have diverged from Nature’s ways -of displaying the beauty of vegetation, our love for rude colour having -led us to ignore the exquisite and inexhaustible way in which plants are -naturally arranged. In a wild state brilliant blossoms are usually -relieved by a setting of abundant green; and even where mountain and -meadow plants of one kind produce a wide blaze of colour at one season, -there is intermingled a spray of pointed grass and other leaves, which -tone down the mass and quite separate it from anything shown by what is -called the “bedding system” in gardens. When we come to examine the -most charming examples of our own indigenous or any other wild -vegetation, we find that their attraction mainly depends on flower and -fern, trailer, shrub, and tree, sheltering, supporting, relieving and -beautifying each other, so that the whole array has an indefinite tone, -and the mind is satisfied with the refreshing mystery of the -arrangement. - -We may be pleased by the wide spread of purple on a heath or mountain, -but when we go near and examine it in detail, we find that its most -exquisite aspect is seen in places where the long moss cushions itself -beside the ling, and the fronds of the Polypody peer forth around little -masses of heather. Everywhere we see Nature judicious in the arrangement -of her highest effects, setting them in clouds of verdant leafage, so -that monotony is rarely produced--a state of things which it is highly -desirable to attain as far as possible in the garden. - -We cannot attempt to reproduce this literally--nor would it be wise or -convenient to do so--but assuredly herein will be found the chief source -of true beauty and interest in our gardens as well as in those of -Nature; and the more we keep this fact before our eyes, the nearer will -be our approach to truth and success. - -Nature _in puris naturalibus_ we cannot have in our gardens, but -Nature’s laws should not be violated; and few human beings have -contravened them more than our flower-gardeners during the past twenty -years. We should compose from Nature, as landscape artists do. We may -have in our gardens--and without making wildernesses of them either--all -the shade, the relief, the grace, the beauty, and nearly all the -irregularity of Nature. - -Subtropical gardening has shown us that one of the greatest mistakes -ever made in the flower-garden was the adoption of a few varieties of -plants for culture on a vast scale, to the exclusion of interest and -variety, and, too often, of beauty or taste. We have seen how well the -pointed, tapering leaves of the Cannas carry the eye upwards; how -refreshing it is to cool the eyes in the deep green of those thoroughly -tropical Castor-oil plants, with their gigantic leaves; how grand the -Wigandia, with its wrought-iron texture and massive outline, looks, -after we have surveyed brilliant hues and richly-painted leaves; how -greatly the sweeping palm-leaves beautify the British flower-garden; -and, in a word, the system has shown us the difference between the -gardening that interests and delights all beholders, as well as the mere -horticulturist, and that which is too often offensive to the eye of -taste, and pernicious to every true interest of what Bacon calls the -“purest of humane pleasures.” - -But are we to adopt this system in its purity? as shown, for example, by -Mr. Gibson when superintendent of Battersea Park. Certainly not. It is -evident, that to accommodate it to private gardens an expense and a -revolution of appliances would be necessary, which are in nearly all -cases quite impossible, and if possible, hardly desirable. We can, -however, introduce into our gardens most of its better features; we can -vary their contents, and render them more interesting by a better and -nobler system. The use of all plants without any particular and striking -habit, or foliage, or other desirable peculiarity, merely because they -are natives of very hot countries, should be tabooed at once, as tending -to make much work, and to return--a lot of weeds; for “weediness” is all -that I can ascribe to many Solanums and stove plants, of no real merit, -which have been employed under this name. Selection of the most -beautiful and useful from the great mass of plants known to science is -one of the most important of the horticulturist’s duties, and in no -branch must he exercise it more thoroughly than in this. Some of the -plants used are indispensable--the different kinds of Ricinus, Cannas in -great variety, Polymnia, Colocasia, Uhdea, Wigandia, Ferdinanda, Palms, -Yuccas, Dracænas, and fine-leaved plants of coriaceous texture -generally. A few specimens of these may be accommodated in many gardens; -they will embellish the houses in winter, and, transferred to the open -garden in summer, will lend interest to it when we are tired of the -houses. Some Palms, like Seaforthia, may be used with the best effect -for the winter decoration of the conservatory, and be placed out with a -good result, and without danger, in summer. Many fine kinds of Dracænas, -Yuccas, Agaves, etc., which have been seen to some perfection at our -shows of late, are eminently adapted for standing out in summer, and are -in fact benefited by it. Among the noblest ornaments of a good -conservatory are the Norfolk Island and other tender Araucarias; and -these may be placed out for the summer, much to their advantage, because -the rains will thoroughly clean and freshen them for winter storing. So -with some Cycads and other plants of distinct habit--the very things -best fitted to add to the attractions of the flower-garden. Thus we may, -in all but the smallest gardens, enjoy all the benefits of what is -called Subtropical Gardening, without creating any special arrangements -for it. - -But what of those who have no conservatory, no hothouses, no means for -preserving large tender plants in winter? They too may enjoy the beauty -which plants of fine form afford. A better effect than any yet seen in -an English garden from tender plants may be obtained by planting hardy -ones only! There is the Pampas grass, which when well grown is -unsurpassed by anything that requires protection. There are the Yuccas, -noble and graceful in outline, and thoroughly hardy, and which, if -planted well, are not to be surpassed, if equalled, by anything of like -habit we can preserve indoors. There are the Arundos, conspicua and -Donax, things that well repay for liberal planting; and there are fine -hardy herbaceous plants like Crambe cordifolia, Rheum Emodi, Ferulas, -and various graceful umbelliferous plants that will furnish effects -equal to any we can produce by using the tenderest exotics. The -Acanthuses too, when well grown, are very suitable for this use. Then we -have a hardy Palm, that has preserved its health and greenness in -sheltered positions, where its leaves could not be torn to shreds by -storms, through all our recent hard winters. - -And when we have obtained these, and many like subjects, we may -associate them with not a few things of much beauty among trees and -shrubs--with elegant tapering young pines, many of which, like Cupressus -nutkaensis and the true Thuja gigantea, have branchlets as graceful as a -Selaginella; not of necessity bringing the larger things into close or -awkward association with the humbler and dwarfer subjects, but -sufficiently so to carry the eye from the minute and pretty to the -higher and more dignified forms of vegetation. By a judicious selection -from the vast number of hardy plants now obtainable in this country, and -by associating with them, where it is convenient, house plants that may -be placed out for the summer, we may arrange and enjoy charms in the -flower-garden to which we are as yet strangers, simply because we have -not sufficiently selected from and utilized the vast amount of vegetable -beauty at our disposal. - -In dealing with the tenderer subjects, we must choose such as will make -a healthy growth in sheltered places in the warmer parts of England and -Ireland at all events. There is some reason to believe that not a few of -the best will be found to flourish much further north than is generally -supposed. In all parts the kinds with permanent foliage, such as the New -Zealand flax and the hardier Dracænas, will be found as effective as -around London and Paris; and to such the northern gardener should turn -his attention as much as possible. Even if it were possible to cultivate -the softer-growing kinds, like the Ferdinandas, to the same perfection -in all parts as in the south of England, it would by no means be -everywhere desirable, and especially where expense is a consideration, -as these kinds are not capable of being used indoors in winter. The many -fine permanent-leaved subjects that stand out in summer without the -least injury, and may be transferred to the conservatory in autumn, -there to produce as fine an effect all through the cold months as they -do in the flower-garden in summer, are the best for those with limited -means. - -But of infinitely greater importance are the hardy plants; for however -few can indulge in the luxury of rich displays of tender plants, or -however rare the spots in which they may be ventured out with -confidence, all may enjoy those that are hardy, and that too with -infinitely less trouble than is required by the tender ones. Those noble -masses of fine foliage displayed to us by tender plants have done much -towards correcting a false taste. What I wish to impress upon the reader -is, that in whatever part of these islands he may live, he need not -despair of producing sufficient similar effect to vary his flower-garden -or pleasure-ground beautifully by the use of hardy plants alone; and -that the noble lines of a well-grown Yucca recurva, or the finely -chiselled yet fern-like spray of a graceful young conifer, will aid him -as much in this direction as anything that requires either tropical or -subtropical temperature. - -Since writing the preceding remarks I have visited America, and when on -my way home landed at Queenstown with a view of seeing a few places in -the south of Ireland, and among others Fota Island, the residence of Mr. -Smith Barry, where I found a capital illustration of what may be easily -effected with hardy plants alone. Here an island is planted with a hardy -bamboo (_Bambusa falcata_), which thrives so freely as to form great -tufts from 16 ft. to 20 ft. high. The result is that the scene reminds -one of a bit of the vegetation of the uplands of Java, or that of the -bamboo country in China. The thermometer fell last December (1870) -seventeen degrees below freezing point, so that they suffered somewhat, -but their general effect was not much marred. Accompanying these, and -also on the margins of the water, were huge masses of Pampas grass yet -in their beauty of bloom, and many great tufts of the tropical-looking -New Zealand flax, with here and there a group of Yuccas. The vegetation -of the islands and of the margins of the water was composed almost -solely of these, and the effect quite unlike anything usually seen in -the open air in this country. Nothing in such arrangements as those at -Battersea Park equals it, because all the subjects were quite hardy, and -as much at home as if in their native wilds. Remember, in addition, that -no trouble was required after they were planted, and that the beauty of -the scene was very striking a few days before Christmas, long after the -ornaments of the ordinary flower-garden had perished. The whole -neighbourhood of the island was quite tropical in aspect; and, as behind -the silvery plumes of the Pampas grass and the slender wands of the -bamboo the exquisitely graceful heads of the Monterey and other -cypresses and various pines towered high in the air, it was one of the -most charming scenes I have yet enjoyed in the pleasure-grounds of the -British Isles. And this, which was simply the result of judiciously -planting three or four kinds of hardy plants, will serve to suggest how -many other beautiful aspects of vegetation we may create by utilising -the rich stores within our reach. - -[Illustration: Clumsy mass of Cannas in a London park.] - -We will next speak of arrangement and sundry other matters of some -importance in connection with this subject. The radical fault of the -“Subtropical Garden,” as hitherto seen, is its lumpish monotony and the -almost total neglect of graceful combinations. It is fully shown in the -London parks every year, so that many people will have seen it for -themselves. The subjects are not used to contrast with or relieve others -of less attractive port and brilliant colour, but are generally set down -in large masses. Here you meet a troop of Cannas, numbering 500, in one -long formal bed--next you arrive at a circle of Aralias, or an oval of -Ficus, in which a couple of hundred plants are so densely packed that -their tops form a dead level. Isolated from everything else as a rule -these masses fail to throw any natural grace into the garden, but, on -the other hand, go a long way towards spoiling the character of the -subjects of which they are composed. For it is manifest that you get a -far superior effect from a group of such a plant as the Gunnera, the -Polymnia, or the Castor-oil plant, properly associated with other -subjects of entirely diverse character, than you can when the lines or -masses of such as these become so large and so estranged from their -surroundings that there is no relieving point within reach of the eye. A -single specimen or small group of a fine Canna forms one of the most -graceful objects the eye can see. Plant a rood of it, and it soon -becomes as attractive as so much maize or wheat. No doubt an occasional -mass of Cannas, etc., might prove effective--in a distant prospect -especially--but the thing is repeated _ad nauseam_. - -The fact is, we do not want purely “Subtropical gardens,” or “Leaf -gardens,” or “Colour gardens,” but such gardens as, by happy -combinations of the materials at our disposal, shall go far to satisfy -those in whom true taste has been awakened--and, indeed, all classes. -For it is quite a mistake to assume that because people, ignorant of the -inexhaustible stores of the vegetable kingdom, admire the showy glares -of colour now so often seen in our gardens, they are incapable of -enjoying scenes displaying some traces of natural beauty and variety. - -The fine-leaved plants have not yet been associated immediately with the -flowers; hence the chief fault. Till they are so treated we can hardly -see the great use of such in ornamental gardening. Why not take some of -the handsomest plants of the medium-sized kinds, place them in the -centre of a bed, and then surround them with the gaily-flowering -subjects? The Castor-oil plants would not do so well for this, because -they are rampant growers in fair seasons, but the Yuccas, Cannas, -Wigandias, and small neat Palms and Cycads would suit exactly. Avoid -huge, unmeaning masses, and associate more intimately the fine-leaved -plants with the brilliant flowers. A quiet mass of green might be -desirable in some positions, but even that could be varied most -effectively as regards form. The combinations of this kind that may be -made are innumerable, and there is no reason why our beds should not be -as graceful as bouquets well and simply made. - -However, it is not only by making combinations of the subtropical plants -with the gay-flowering ones now seen in our flower-gardens that a -beautiful effect may be obtained, but also with those of a somewhat -different type. Take, for instance, the stately hollyhock, sometimes -grown in such formal plantations as to lose some of its charms, and -usually stiff and poor below the flowers. It is easy to imagine how much -better a group of these would appear if seen surrounded by a graceful -ring of Cannas, or any other tall and vigorous subjects, than they have -ever yet appeared in our gardens. - -Consider, again, the Lilies, from the superb, tall, and double varieties -of the brilliant Tiger lily to the fair White lily or the popular L. -auratum. Why, a few isolated heads of Fortune’s Tiger lily, rising like -candelabra above a group of Cannas, would form one of the most brilliant -pictures ever seen in a garden. Then, to descend from a very tall to a -very dwarf lily, the large and white trumpet-like flowers of L. -longiflorum would look superb, emerging from the outer margin of a mass -of - -[Illustration: Anemone japonica alba. Type of fine-flowered herbaceous -plant for associating with foliage-plants.] - -subtropical plants, relieved by the rich green within; and anybody, with -even a slight knowledge of the lily family, may imagine many other -combinations equally beautiful and new. The bulbs would of course -require planting in the autumn, and might be left in their places for -several years at a time, whereas the subtropical plants might be those -that require planting every year; but as the effect is obtained by using -comparatively few lilies, the spaces between them would be so large, as -to leave plenty of room to plant the others. However, it is worth -bearing in mind, that most of the Cannas, by far the finest group of -“Subtropical” plants for the British Isles, remain through the winter in -beds in the open air protected by litter: hence, permanent combinations -of Lilies and Cannas are perfectly practicable. - -Then, again, we have those brilliant and graceful hosts of Gladioli, -that do not show their full beauty in the florist’s stand or in his -formal bed, but when they spring here and there, in an isolated manner, -from rich foliage, entirely unlike their own pointed sword-like blades. -Next may be named the flame-flowered Tritoma, itself almost subtropical -in foliage when well grown. Any of the Tritomas furnish a splendid -effect grouped near or closely associated with subtropical plants. The -lavishly blooming and tropical-looking Dahlia is a host in itself, -varying so much as it does from the most gorgeous to the most delicate -hues, and differing greatly too in the size of the flowers, from those -of the pretty fancy Dahlias to the largest exhibition kinds. -Combinations of Dahlias with Cannas and other free-growing subtropical -plants have a most satisfactory effect; and where beds or groups are -formed of hardy subjects (Acanthuses and the like), in quiet half-shady -spots, some of the more beautiful spotted and white varieties of our own -stately and graceful Foxglove would be charmingly effective. In similar -positions a great Mullein (_Verbascum_) here and there would also suit; -while such bold herbaceous genera as Iris, Aster (the tall perennial -kinds), the perennial Lupin, Baptisias, Thermopsis, Delphiniums, tall -Veronicas, Aconites, tall Campanulas, Papaver bracteatum, Achillea -filipendula, Eupatoriums, tall Phloxes, Vernonias, Leptandra, etc., -might be used effectively in various positions, associated with groups -of hardy subjects. For those put out in early summer, summer and -autumn-flowering things should be chosen. - -The tall and graceful Sparaxis pulcherrima would look exquisite leaning -forth from masses of rich foliage about a yard high; the common and the -double perennial Sunflower (_Helianthus multiflorus, fl. pl._) would -serve in rougher parts, where admired; in sheltered dells the large and -hardy varieties of Crinum capense would look very tropical and beautiful -if planted in rich moist ground; and the Fuchsia would afford very -efficient aid in mild districts, where it is little injured in winter, -and where, consequently, tall specimens flower throughout the summer -months; and lastly, the many varied and magnificent varieties of -herbaceous Peony, raised during recent years, would prove admirable as -isolated specimens on the grass near groups of fine-foliaged plants. -Then again we have the fine Japan Anemones, white and rose, the showy -and vigorous Rudbeckias, the sweet and large annual Datura ceratocaula, -the profusely-flowering Statice latifolia, the Gaillardias, the Peas -(everlasting and otherwise), the ever-welcome African Lily (_Calla_), -the handsome Loosestrife (_Lythrum roseum superbum_), and the still -handsomer French Willow, and not a few other things which need not be -enumerated here, inasmuch as it is hoped enough has been said to show -our great and unused resources for adding real grace and interest to our -gardens. This phase of the subject--the association of tall or bold -flowers with foliage-plants--is so important, that I have bestowed some -pains in selecting the many and various subjects useful for it from -almost every class of plants; and they will be found in a list at the -end of the alphabetical arrangement. - -Many charming results may be obtained by carpeting the ground beneath -masses of tender subtropical plants with quick-growing ornamental -annuals and bedding plants, which will bloom before the larger subjects -have put forth their strength and beauty of leaf. If all interested in -flower-gardening had an opportunity of seeing the charming effects -produced by judiciously intermingling fine-leaved plants with brilliant -flowers, there would be an immediate revolution in our flower-gardening, -and verdant grace and beauty of form would be introduced, and all the -brilliancy of colour that could be desired might be seen at the same -time. Here is a bed of Erythrinas not yet in flower: but what affords -that brilliant and singular mass of colour beneath them? Simply a -mixture of the lighter varieties of Lobelia speciosa with variously -coloured and brilliant Portulacas. The beautiful surfacings that may -thus be made with annual, biennial, or ordinary bedding plants, from -Mignonette to Petunias and Nierembergias, are almost innumerable. - -Reflect for a moment how consistent is all this with the best gardening -and the purest taste. The bare earth is covered quickly with these -free-growing dwarfs; there is an immediate and a charming contrast -between the dwarf-flowering and the fine-foliaged plants; and should the -last at any time put their heads too high for the more valuable things -above them, they can be cut in for a second bloom. In the case of using -foliage-plants that are eventually to cover the bed completely, annuals -may be sown, and they in many cases will pass out of bloom and may be -cleared away just as the large leaves begin to cover the ground. Where -this is not the case, but the larger plants are placed thin enough to -always allow of the lower ones being seen, two or even more kinds of -dwarf plants may be employed, so that the one may succeed the other, and -that there may be a mingling of bloom. It may be thought that this kind -of mixture would interfere with what is called the unity of effect that -we attempt to attain in our flower-gardens. This need not be so by any -means; the system could be used effectively in the most formal of -gardens. - -One of the most useful and natural ways of diversifying a garden, and -one that we rarely or never take advantage of, consists in placing -really distinct and handsome plants alone upon the grass, to break the -monotony of clump margins and of everything else. To follow this plan is -_necessary_ wherever great variety and the highest beauty are desired in -the ornamental garden. Plants may be - -[Illustration: Group and single specimens of plants isolated on the -grass.] - -placed singly or in open groups near the margins of a bold clump of -shrubs or in the open grass; and the system is applicable to all kinds -of hardy ornamental subjects, from trees downwards, though in our case -the want is for the fine-leaved plants and the more distinct hardy -subjects. Nothing, for instance, can look better than a well-developed -tuft of the broad-leaved Acanthus latifolius, springing from the turf -not far from the margin of a pleasure-ground walk; and the same is true -of the Yuccas, Tritomas, and other things of like character and -hardiness. We may make attractive groups of one family, as the hardiest -Yuccas; or splendid groups of one species like the Pampas grass--not by -any means repeating the individual, for there are about twenty varieties -of this plant known on the Continent, and from these half a dozen really -distinct and charming kinds might be selected to form a group. The same -applies to the Tritomas, which we usually manage to drill into straight -lines; in an isolated group in a verdant glade they are seen for the -first time to best advantage: and what might not be done with these and -the like by making mixed groups, or letting each plant stand distinct -upon the grass, perfectly isolated in its beauty! - -Let us again try to illustrate the idea simply. Take an important spot -in a pleasure-ground--a sweep of grass in face of a shrubbery--and see -what can be done with it by means of these isolated plants. If, instead -of leaving it in the bald state in which it is often found, we place -distinct things isolated here and there upon the grass, the margin of -shrubbery will be quite softened, and a new and charming feature added -to the garden. If one who knew many plants were arranging them in this -way, and had a large stock to select from, he might produce numberless -fine effects. In the case of the smaller things, such as the Yucca and -variegated Arundo, groups of four or five good plants should be used to -form one mass, and everything should be perfectly distinct and isolated, -so that a person could freely move about amongst the plants without -touching them. In addition to such arrangements, two or three -individuals of a species might be placed here and there upon the grass -with the best effect. For example, there is at present in our nurseries -a great Japanese Polygonum (_P. Sieboldi_), which has never as yet been -used with much effect in the garden. If anybody will select some open -grassy spot in a pleasure-garden, or grassy glade near a wood--some spot -considered unworthy of attention as regards ornamenting it--and plant a -group of three plants of this Polygonum, leaving fifteen feet or so -between the stools, a distinct aspect of vegetation will be the result. -The plant is herbaceous, and will spring up every year to a height of -from six feet to eight feet if planted well; it has a graceful arching -habit in the upper branches, and is covered with a profusion of small -bunches of pale flowers in autumn. It is needless to multiply examples; -the plan is capable of infinite variation, and on that account alone -should be welcome to all true gardeners. - -[Illustration: Portion of plan showing Yuccas, Pampas grass, Tritomas, -Retinospora, Acanthus latifolius, Arundo Donax variegata, etc., -irregularly isolated on the grass.] - -One kind of arrangement needs to be particularly guarded against--the -geometro-picturesque one, seen in some parts of the London parks devoted -to subtropical gardening. The plants are very often of the finest kinds -and in the most robust health, all the materials for the best results -are abundant, and yet the scene fails to satisfy the eye, from the -needless formality of many of the beds, produced by the heaping together -of a great number of species of one kind in long straight or twisting -masses with high raised edges frequently of hard-beaten soil. Many -people will not see their way to obliterate the formality of the beds, -but assuredly we need not do so to get rid of such effective formality -as that shown in the accompanying figure! - -[Illustration: Formal arrangements in London parks.] - -The formality of the true geometrical garden is charming to many to whom -this style is offensive; and there is not the slightest reason why the -most beautiful combinations of fine-leaved and fine-flowered plants -should not be made in any kind of geometrical garden. - -But in the purely picturesque garden it is as needless, as it is in -false taste, to follow the course here pointed out. Hardy plants may be -isolated on the turf, and may be arranged in beautiful irregular groups, -with the turf also for a carpet, or some graceful spray of hardy -trailing plants. Beds may be readily placed so that no such -objectionable stage-like results will be seen as those shown in the -preceding figure: tender plants may be grouped as freely as may be -desired--a formal edge avoided by the turf being allowed to play -irregularly under and along the margins, while the remaining bare ground -beneath the tall plants may be quickly covered with some fast-growing -annuals like Mignonette or Nolanas, some soft-spreading bedding plants -like Lobelias or Petunias, or subjects still more peculiarly suited for -this purpose, such as the common Lycopodium denticulatum and -Tradescantia discolor. Choice tender specimens of Tree ferns, etc., -placed in dark shady dells, may be plunged to the rims of the pots in -the turf or earth, and some graceful or bold trailing herb placed round -the cavity so as to conceal it; and in this way such results may be -attained as those indicated in the first plate, in those showing the -Dimorphanthus, Musa Ensete, and in the frontispiece. The day will come -when we shall be as anxious to avoid all formal twirlings in our -gardens as we now are to have them perpetrated in them by -landscape-gardeners of great repute for applying wall-paper or -fire-shovel patterns to the surface of the reluctant earth, and when we -shall no more think of tolerating in a garden such a scene as that shown -in the preceding figure, than a landscape artist would tolerate it in a -picture. - -The old landscape-gardening dogma, which tells us we cannot have all the -wild beauty of nature in our gardens, and may as well resign ourselves -to the compass, and the level, and the defined daub of colour and -pudding-like heaps of shrubs, had some faint force when our materials -for gardening were few,[A] but considering our present rich and, to a -great extent, unused stores from every clime, and from almost every -important section of the vegetable kingdom, it is demonstrably false and -foolish. - -[A] “In gardening, the materials of the scene are few, and those few -unwieldy, and the artist must often content himself with the reflection -that he has given the best disposition in his power to the scanty and -intractable materials of nature.”--ALLISON. - -To these observations on arrangement, etc., one good rule may be -added:--Make your garden as distinct as possible from those of your - -[Illustration: Shady and sheltered Dell, with Tree Ferns and other Stove -Plants placed out for the summer.] - -neighbours--which by no means necessitates a departure from the rules of -good taste. - -I wish particularly to call attention to the fine effects which may be -secured, from the simplest and most easily obtained materials, by using -some of our hardy trees and shrubs in the subtropical garden. Our object -generally is to secure large and handsome types of leaves; and for this -purpose we usually place in the open air young plants of exotic trees, -taking them in again in autumn; and, perhaps, as we never see them but -in a diminutive state, we often forget that, when branched into a large -head in their native countries, they are not a whit more remarkable in -foliage than many of the trees of our pleasure-grounds. Thus, if the -well-known Paulownia imperialis were too tender to stand our winters, -and if we were accustomed to see it only in a young and simple-stemmed -condition and with large leaves, we should doubtless plant it out every -summer as we do the Ferdinanda. There is no occasion whatever to resort -to exotic subjects, while we can so easily obtain fine hardy -subjects--which, moreover, may be grown by everybody and everywhere. By -annually cutting down young plants of various hardy trees and shrubs, -and letting them make a clean, simple-stemmed growth every year, we -will, as a rule, obtain finer effects than can be got from tender ones. -The Ailantus, for example, treated in this way, gives us as fine a type -of pinnate leaf as can be desired. Nobody need place Astrapæa Wallichii -in the open air, as I have seen done, so long as a simple-stemmed young -plant of the Paulownia makes such a column of magnificent leaves. The -delicately-cut leaves of the Gleditschias, borne on strong young stems, -would be as pretty as those of any fern; and so in the case of various -other hardy trees and shrubs. Persons in the coldest and least -favourable parts of the country need not doubt of being able to obtain -as fine types of foliage as they can desire, by selecting a dozen kinds -of hardy trees and treating them in this way. What may be done in this -way, in one case, is shown in the accompanying plate, representing a -young plant of Ailantus, with its current year’s shoot and leaves, -standing gracefully in the midst of a bed of Cannas. - -A few words may now be added about some types of vegetation which, -though not included among what are commonly termed subtropical plants, -may yet be judiciously used in combination with them, and go far to -produce very charming effects. - -[Illustration: AILANTUS AND CANNAS - -Suggesting the effects to be obtained from young and vigorous specimens -of hardy fine-leaved trees.] - -Among conifers we find many subjects of the most exquisite grace, and of -a beautiful free and pointed habit, which it is most desirable we should -have associated with vegetation more distinguished for brilliancy than -grace. They are in many cases as elegantly chiselled and dissected as -the finest fern, and it is difficult to find more beautiful masses of -verdure than such plants as Retinospora plumosa and R. obtusa display -when well developed; they are simply invaluable for those who use them -with taste. Apart altogether from our want of a more elegantly -diversified surface in the flower-garden--the best and most practical -way to meet which is by the use of such plants as these and neat and -elegant young specimens of such things as Thujopsis borealis--there is, -in many British gardens, a great gulf between the larger tree and shrub -vegetation and the humbler colouring material, which most will admit -should be filled up, and there is nothing more suitable for it than the -many graceful conifers we now possess. Much as conifers are grown with -us, how few people have any idea of their great value as ornamental -plants for the very choicest position in a garden! We are sometimes too -apt to put them in what is called their “proper place,”--or, at all -events, too far from the seat of interest to thoroughly enjoy them in -winter, when the beauty of their form and their exquisite verdure are -best seen. If the dwarfer and choicer conifers were tastefully disposed -in and immediately around a flower-garden not altogether spoiled by a -profusion of beds for masses of colour, that flower-garden could hardly -fail to look as well in winter as in summer; in fact I have seen places -where, from rather close association of the more elegant types, the best -kind of winter garden was made. Our efforts must tend to prevent a -desert-like aspect at any time of the year; and to this end nothing can -help us more than a judicious selection of conifers. Almost every beauty -of form is theirs. They possess a permanent dignity and interest, always -occupying the ground and embellishing it, displaying distinct tints of -ever-grateful green in spring and summer, waving majestically before the -gusts of autumn, and beautiful when bearing on their deepest green the -snows of winter. Some of the more suitable kinds are named in a list at -the end of this book, but the graceful pines are so commonly grown that -few will have any difficulty in securing proper sorts. - -The Gourd tribe is capable, if properly used, of adding much remarkable -beauty and character to - -[Illustration: Young Conifers and hardy fine-leaved Plants.] - -the garden; yet, as a rule, it is seldom used. There is no natural order -more wonderful in the variety and singular shapes of its fruit than that -to which the melon, cucumber, and vegetable marrow belong. From the -writhing Snake-cucumber, which hangs down four or five feet long from -its stem, to the round enormous giant pumpkin or gourd, the grotesque -variation, both in colour and shape and size, is marvellous. There are -some pretty little gourds which do not weigh more than half an ounce -when ripe; while, on the other hand, there are kinds with fruit almost -large enough to make a sponge bath. Eggs, bottles, gooseberries, clubs, -caskets, folded umbrellas, balls, vases, urns, small balloons,--all have -their likenesses in the gourd family. Those who have seen a good -collection of them will be able to understand Nathaniel Hawthorne’s -enthusiasm about these quaint and graceful vegetable forms when he says: -“A hundred gourds in my garden were worthy, in my eyes at least, of -being rendered indestructible in marble. If ever Providence (but I know -it never will) should assign me a superfluity of gold, part of it shall -be expended for a service of plate, or most delicate porcelain, to be -wrought into the shape of gourds gathered from vines which I will plant -with my own hands. As dishes for containing vegetables they would be -peculiarly appropriate. Gazing at them, I felt that by my agency -something worth living for had been done. A new substance was born into -the world. They were real and tangible existences, which the mind could -seize hold of and rejoice in.” Of course the climate of New England is -much better suited for fully developing the gourd tribe than ours, but -it is satisfactory to know that they may be readily and beautifully -grown in this country. - -[Illustration: Gourds] - -There are many positions in gardens in which they might be grown with -great advantage; on low trellises, depending from the edges of raised -beds, the smaller and medium-sized kinds trained over arches or arched -trellis-work, covering banks, or on the ordinary level earth of the -garden. Isolated, too, some kinds would look very effective, and in fact -there is hardly any limit to the uses to which they might be applied. In -the Royal Botanic Gardens at Dublin, there is a singular wigwam made by -placing a number of dead branches so as to form the framework, and then -planting Aristolochia Sipho all round these. It runs over them, and the -large leaves make a perfect summer roof. A similar tent might be made -with the free-growing gourds, and it would have the additional merit of -suspending some of the most singular, graceful, and gigantic of all -known fruits from the roof. A few words on their culture, and a -selection of kinds, occur at the end of the book. - -Although some Ferns are named in the descriptive part of this book, it -is desirable to allude to the family here. Why do we always put ferns in -the shade, when many of the best and hardiest kinds grow freely in the -full sun if sufficiently moist at the root? Why do we always confine -them to the fernery proper, when there are so many other places that -could be graced by their presence? The very highest beauty of form might -be added to beds of low flowers, by the introduction of such ferns as -the Struthiopteris, Pteris, Lastrea, etc., while they should also be -freely planted in various parts of the pleasure-ground, either alone, or -grouped with the Acanthuses and other hardy fine-leaved plants. Not a -few of the Umbelliferous plants recommended have foliage as finely cut -as any of the Ferns, and would associate very well with them. Even in -cases where the soil might not be suitable for ferns, it would, instead -of confining them to the fernery proper, be much better to arrange for -having small groups or beds of them in places alongside of shady -wood-walks or similar positions. By reference to the Osmunda article, it -will be seen how these have been grown to magnificent proportions. It -may be easily imagined that groups of fine ferns, grown to the -luxuriance there described, would contrast with and relieve groups of -the brilliant flowers in a superb way. - -As the culture of most of the subjects has been sufficiently spoken of -in the descriptive part, it is needless to say much of it here, but a -few general remarks may help to make the matter clearer to the amateur. -It is hoped that the greater number of the hardy subjects enumerated -will sufficiently prove that it is not only those persons who have -streets of glass-houses to whom the luxury of “subtropical gardening” is -accessible. Once placed in suitable soil and position, these hardy kinds -may, as a rule, be left to take care of themselves. - -A great number of subjects, like the Ricinus and the Annuals, may be -considered practically hardy, inasmuch as they only require to be raised -in warm or cool frames, or even (some of them) in the open air. When -once planted out for the summer, they give but little further trouble. - -In the next group may be placed the tender greenhouse kinds; long-lived -subjects, like the Dracænas, American Aloe, etc., which thrive in -greenhouses or conservatories in winter, and are great ornaments there, -and which may be placed in the open air in summer without the least -injury. Next to the hardy group, this is the most important, from the -fact that the subjects are effective at all seasons of the year, and -useful indoors as well as without. They also, unlike the following, may -be enjoyed by every one who possesses any kind of a cool glazed -structure; and even, in some cases, this is not needed, for I have seen -some very fine specimens of Agave americana kept in a large entrance -hall in winter, and put out of doors in May to be taken in again in -October. - -Lastly, we have the least important group of all, and happily also the -most costly, viz., those plants which must be kept through the winter -and spring in warm stoves, such as Ferdinanda, Solanum, etc. Considering -the vast number of hardy and half-hardy plants from which we may -select, this type is not worthy of encouragement in gardens generally, -with the exception of a few fine things, such as Polymnia grandis. They -may, for the sake of convenience, be considered in two sections: those, -like the Polymnia, that should be put out in a young state, and which -make a fresh and handsome growth during the summer months; and those -which, like the Monstera and Anthurium acaule, make no growth whatever -during that season. It need not be said that the first section is by far -the most important: it comprises the Wigandia, and some of the noblest -things used in this way. Plants of the other section can, in the nature -of things, be tried in but few places in this country; they are too -expensive, and they are not the most effective: but some persons no -doubt may take a pleasure in showing what will endure the open air, even -if useless for any other purpose. One general rule may be applied to -these last-named subjects--they should be allowed to make a strong -growth in the hothouse in spring or early summer, and to mature, and, so -to speak, harden off that growth before being placed in the open air -early in June, or even later if the season be unfavourable. - -Speaking generally of all the tender subjects used, it is necessary to -discriminate between kinds that should be planted out in a young state -every year, and those which are valuable in proportion to their age and -size. Some plants are all the better the higher and larger they are -grown; others must be started in a dwarf fresh state every year, or, if -not, their foliage will not possess that pristine freshness which charms -us when they are properly treated. A large plant of Polymnia grandis, -for example, would, if placed in the open air in early summer, speedily -become a far from attractive object, while a young plant of the same -kind, put out on the same day, would soon produce and carry to the end -of the season a mass of fresh and noble leaves. But of course this only -applies to kinds that grow rapidly during the summer months in our -climate. - -With respect to the preparation of the beds for the finer subtropical -plants, a peculiar mode is practised in Battersea Park. Here many of the -beds are raised above the level of the ground, and underneath and around -the mass of light rich soil is a good layer of brick-rubbish, as shown -in the accompanying engraving. The soil is first excavated and thrown -round the margin of the bed; then the brick-rubbish is put in on the -bottom and - -[Illustration: Section of raised bed at Battersea, with brick-rubbish -beneath and around the soil.] - -around the sides also, raising the bed somewhat above the level of the -ground; the cavity in the centre is then filled up, generally with fine -light rich soil, using as much of the soil that was dug out as is fit to -be used, and arranging the remainder round the edge of the raised bed, -covering it neatly with turf. The soil may vary in depth from three feet -to eighteen inches, according to the kinds of plants to be grown in it. -In this way, by presenting a larger surface to the sun, it is considered -that a greater amount of heat is obtained; but I certainly think the -advantages of the method are not so great in this way as is generally -supposed, and that it is quite needless to adopt it in the case of the -great majority of subjects. Its chief merit probably is that it secures -a better drainage. Good drainage is undoubtedly indispensable, and, -still more so, a thoroughly rich and light mass of deep soil, with -abundance of water; without these two last conditions it is hopeless to -expect a free rich growth, which is the great charm of these plants. -Ricinus, Cannas, Ferdinanda, and some of the freer-growing kinds -certainly succeed perfectly without any such arrangement as that above -described. The more delicate kinds, such as the Solanums and Wigandia -macrophylla, would be those most likely to be benefited by it. It is -needless to say, that the numerous fine and hardy subjects enumerated in -Part II. do not require anything of the kind, although they too will, as -a rule, be fine in proportion to the care bestowed in securing for them -a deep and rich body of soil. - -One most essential matter is the securing of as perfect shelter as is -possible. Warm, sunny, and thoroughly sheltered dells should be chosen -where convenient; and, in any case, positions which are sheltered should -be selected, as the leaves of all the better kinds suffer very much from -strong winds, from which they will be protected if judiciously planted -near sheltering banks and trees. Even in quite level districts it will -be possible to secure shelter, by planting trees of various kinds, among -which such graceful conifers as Thujopsis borealis, Thuja gigantea -(true), Cupressus macrocarpa, Cryptomeria elegans, etc., should be -freely used in the foreground, as in beauty of form they are unsurpassed -by any short-lived inhabitants of the summer garden. Except, however, in -the case of the Tree-ferns, and various other things not grown in the -open air but simply placed there for the summer, it is very desirable -not to place the plants in the shade of trees. All the things which have -to _grow_ in the open air should be placed in the full sun. Not a few -hardy subjects will thrive very well without any but ordinary shelter, -as, for example, the Yuccas and Acanthuses; but, judging by the -remarkable way in which the hardy Bamboo thrives when placed in a -sheltered dell, shelter has a considerable influence on the well-being -even of these, as it must have on all subjects with large leaf-surfaces. -But it should not be forgotten that shelter may be well secured without -placing the beds or groups so near trees that they will be robbed, -shaded, or otherwise injured by them. - -W. R. - -_March 1, 1871._ - - - - -PART II. - -DESCRIPTION, ARRANGEMENT, CULTURE, ETC., OF SUITABLE SPECIES, HARDY AND -TENDER, ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED. - - - - -SUBTROPICAL GARDENING. - -PART II. - - -[*]=Acacia Julibrissin.=--A native of Persia, with large and elegant -much-divided leaves, and flowers somewhat like short tinted brushes from -the numerous purple stamens. Though this does not succeed as a standard -tree in all parts of England (where it grows well against walls, and -sometimes flowers), yet doubtless it would do so in some parts of the -south, and I have seen it make presentable standards about Geneva and in -Anjou. But for our purposes it is better that it should not be perfectly -hardy, as by confining it to a single young stem and using young plants, -or plants that have been cut down every year, we shall get an erect stem -covered with leaves more graceful than a fern, and that is the kind of -ornament we want as a graceful object amidst low-growing flowers. The -leaves, like those of some other plants of the pea tribe, are slightly -sensitive. On fine sunny days they spread out fully and afford a -pleasant shade; on dull ones the leaflets fall down. This interesting -phenomenon takes place with other members of the same family--for -instance, the elegant _A. dealbata_ of our conservatories. Seed of _A. -Julibrissin_--or the silk-rose, as it is called by the Persians in -consequence of its silky stamens--is readily obtained, and it is much -better raised from seed, as then you get those single-stemmed and -vigorous young plants which are to the flower-garden what an elegant -fern is to the conservatory or show-house. To succeed with it in the way -above named, it may be protected at the root and cut down every year in -spring, or strong young plants may be put out annually, in much the same -way as those of _A. lophantha_. - -[*] _The names of all hardy species and other kinds easily raised from -seed in spring (the kinds useful in all classes of garden), are preceded -by an asterisk._ - -=Acacia lophantha.=--This elegant plant, though not hardy, is one of -those which all may enjoy, from the freedom with which it grows in the -open air in summer. It will prove more useful for the flower-garden than -it has ever been for the houses, and, being easily raised, is entitled -to a place here among the very best. The elegance of its leaves and its -quick growth in the open air make it quite a boon to the flower-gardener -who wishes to establish graceful verdure amongst the brighter ornaments -of his parterre. It has graceful fern-like leaves and a close and erect -habit, which permits us to closely associate it with flowering plants -without in the least shading them or robbing them. Of course I speak of -it in the young and single-stemmed condition, the way in which it should -be used. By confining it to a single stem and using it in a young state, -you get the fullest size and grace of which the leaves are capable. -Allow it to become old and branched, and it may be useful, but by no -means so much so as when young and without side branches. It may be -raised from seed as easily as a common bedding plant. By sowing it -early - -[Illustration: ACANTHUS LATIFOLIUS (_lusitanicus_). - -Ornamental foliaged herbaceous Section; retaining its leaves till very -late in the year.] - -in the year it may be had fit for use by the first of June; but plants a -year old or so, stiff, strong, and well hardened off for planting out at -the end of May, are the best. It would be desirable to raise an annual -stock, as it is almost as useful for room-decoration as for the garden. -Native of New Holland. - - -ACANTHUS. - -These stout and hardy herbaceous plants are of the greatest importance -in the subtropical garden or the pleasure-ground, their effect being -very good when they are well established. They thrive in almost any -soil, but attain their greatest luxuriance and beauty in deep warm ones. -The best uses for these species are as isolated tufts in the grass, in -the mixed border, or in picturesque groups with other hardy subjects. In -all cases they should be placed in positions where they are not likely -to be disturbed, as their beauty is not seen until they are well -established. All are easily propagated by division. Few herbaceous -genera may be made more useful than this. - -=*Acanthus hirsutus.=--This uncommon species has a narrow spiny leaf, -more in the way of _Morina longifolia_ than the ordinary Acanthuses, and -is dark green in hue. The leaves grow to a length of about 15 ins. or 16 -ins. in ordinary soil. Being distinct, it may be worth growing, though -in point of character or importance it is inferior to the larger kinds. -South of Europe. - -=*Acanthus latifolius.=--The leaves of this are bold and noble in -outline, and the plant has a tendency, rare in some hardy things with -otherwise fine qualities, to retain them till the end of the season -without losing a particle of their freshness and polished verdure. In -fact, the only thing we have to decide about this subject is, what is -the best place for it? Now, it is one of those things that will not -disgrace any position, and will prove equally at home in the centre of -the mixed border, projected in the grass a little from the edge of a -choice shrubbery, or in the flower-garden; nobody need fear its -displaying anything like the seediness which such things as the -Heracleums show at the end of summer. I should not like to advise its -being planted in the centre of a flower-bed, or in any other position -where it would be disturbed; but in case it were determined to plant -permanent groups of fine-leaved hardy plants, then indeed it could be -used with great success. Supposing we have an irregular kind of -flower-garden or pleasure-ground to deal with (a common case), one of -the best things to do with this Acanthus is to plant it in the grass, at -some distance from the clumps, and perhaps near a few other things of -like character. It is better than any kind of Acanthus hitherto commonly -cultivated, though one or two of these are fine. Give it deep good soil, -and do not grudge it this attention, because, unlike tender plants, it -will not trouble you again for a long time. Nobody seems to know from -whence it came. Probably it is a variety of _Acanthus mollis_. The plant -varies a good deal; I have seen specimens of it about a foot high, with -leaves comparatively small and stiff and rigid, as if cast in a mould, -by the side of others of thrice that development, and of the usual -texture. - -=*Acanthus longifolius.=--A fine, distinct, and new species from -Dalmatia and S. Europe, 3½ ft. to 4 ft. high, distinguished from _A. -mollis_ (to which it is allied) by the length and narrowness of its -arching leaves. They are about 2½ ft. long, very numerous, of a bright -green colour, growing at first erect, then inclining and forming a -sheaf-like tuft, which has a very fine effect. The flowers are of a -wine-red colour, becoming lighter before they fall. A specimen in the -gardens of the Museum at Paris, in four years after planting, had -twenty-five blooming-stems rising from the midst of a round mass of -verdure nearly 2½ ft. in height and width. This would be very effective -on the undulating and picturesque parts of landscape-gardens. It does -not run so much at the root as _A. mollis_. It seeds more freely than -the other kinds, and may be readily increased by seeds as well as by -division. Its free-flowering quality makes this species peculiarly -valuable, while it is as good as any for isolation or grouping. - -=*Acanthus mollis.=--A well-known old border-plant from the south of -Europe, about 3 ft. high, with leaves nearly 2 ft. long by 1 ft. broad, -heart-shaped in outline, and cut into angular toothed lobes. The flowers -are white or lilac, the inflorescence forming a remarkable-looking -spike, half the length of the stem. Well adapted for borders, isolation, -margins of shrubberies, and semi-wild places, in deep ordinary soil, the -richer the better. Increased by division of the roots in winter or early -spring. - -=*Acanthus spinosissimus.=--This is in all respects among the finest of -thoroughly hardy “foliage-plants,” growing to a height of 3½ ft., and -bearing rosy-flesh-coloured flowers in spikes of a foot or more in -length. It is perfectly hardy, very free in growth, and is quite -distinct from any of the other species, forming roundish masses of -dark-green leaves, with rather a profusion of glistening spines, by -which it is known immediately from its relatives. As a permanent object, -fit to plant in a nook in the pleasure-ground or on the grass, -associated with the nobler grasses or other plants, there is nothing to -surpass it. I know of no hardy foliage-plant so thoroughly neat in its -habit at all times. It does not often flower; and if it should throw up -a spike, it will perhaps be no loss to cut it off, as its leaves are its -best ornament, though the flowers too are interesting. Never at any time -does it require the least attention; it will stand any exposure; and is, -in a word, invaluable as a hardy ornamental plant. It will thrive best -in good and deep soil. South of Europe. - -=*Acanthus spinosus.=--This species appears to flower well more -regularly than any other. Its leaves are rather narrow, and very deeply -divided into almost triangular segments: they are also covered with -short spines. The flowering-stems are about 3 ft. high, and bear dense -spikes of purplish flowers. Useful for borders, or grouping with the -other kinds and plants of similar character and size. South of Europe. - -=*Adiantum pedatum.=--This fern, which abounds in the woods of Canada -and the United States, is unquestionably one of the most elegant of -those which are able to endure the climate of Britain, and grows from 16 -ins. to 20 ins. high. From the tops of the erect black stems the fronds -branch and spread horizontally in a very graceful and peculiar manner. -The leaflets are slightly wedge-shaped, the upper margin resembling an -arc of a circle. The American Maiden-hair flourishes in a light cool -soil, and in a half-shaded position, or in a coarsely-broken, shallow, -turfy peat soil, covered with a layer of moss to keep it constantly -cool. It is commonly grown in the greenhouse with us, but is especially -adapted for embellishing the low and shady parts of rockwork, and for -ornamenting beds and mounds of peaty soil which have a north aspect or -are sheltered from the full sun. It is propagated by division of the -tufts in autumn or early spring. If done in autumn, the divisions should -be potted and placed under a frame for the winter, as they form new -roots more readily if so treated. There can be no question that, if -planted in rich moist soil in a shady wood, we should have no trouble in -naturalising this graceful fern, the fronds of which are such graceful -objects in the dense woods of the “great country.” - -=Agave americana.=--This and its variegated varieties are plants -peculiarly suited for subtropical gardening, being useful for placing -out of doors in summer in vases, tubs, or pots plunged in the ground, -and also for the conservatory in winter. It forms a large rosette of -thick fleshy leaves of a glaucous ashy-green colour, overlapping each -other at the base, from 4 ft. to 6½ ft. long, and from 6 ins. to 10 ins. -broad, ending in a strong spine, and having numerous spines along the -margin. When the plant flowers, which it does only once, and after -several years’ growth, it sends up a flowering-stem from 26 ft. to -nearly 40 ft. high. The flowers are of a yellowish-green colour, and are -very numerous on the ends of the chandelier-like branches. It will grow -in any moderately dry greenhouse or conservatory in winter, or even in a -large hall, and may be placed out of doors at the end of May and brought -in in October. All the varieties are easily increased from suckers. N. -America. - -=*Agrostis nebulosa.=--This beautiful annual grass forms most delicate -feathery tufts about 1 ft. or 15 ins. in height, terminated when in -flower by graceful panicles of spikelets, which are at first of a -reddish-green colour, and afterwards change to a light red in the upper -part, the remaining two-thirds being of a deep green: the pedicels are -extremely slender and of a violet colour. It forms very handsome -edgings, and is very valuable for bouquets, vases, baskets, room and -table decoration, etc. If cut shortly before the seed ripens, and dried -in the shade, it will keep for a long time. Dyed in various colours it -is much used by makers of artificial flowers. It may be sown either in -September or in April or May. In the former case it will flower from May -to July, in the latter from July to September. The seed, being very -fine, should be only slightly covered. Though small, this deserves a -place in groups of the finer and dwarfer plants, such as _Thalictrum -minus_, and also in herbaceous borders. Spain. - -=*Ailantus glandulosa.=--Much trouble and expense are incurred in the -purchase, growth, and protection of tender plants with fine compound -leaves like this, but which in our climate never display anything like -the fresh vigour, health, spotless appearance, and youthful grace -characteristic of hardy subjects. This is one of the most valuable of -the hardy trees which, if kept in a dwarf state by being planted young -and cut down annually, will furnish as good an effect as any tropical -plant. The Ailantus should be kept in a young state, with a single stem -clothed with its superb pinnate leaves; and we can readily keep it in -this form by planting it young and cutting it down annually, taking care -to prevent it from breaking into an irregular head, as then the symmetry -of the leaf beauty becomes confused and is not at all so effective as -when it is kept to a single stem. Vigorous young plants and suckers in -good soil will produce handsome, arching, elegantly divided leaves 5 ft. -and even 6 ft. long, not to be surpassed by those of any stove-plant. -Under such treatment it could be grown conveniently to about from 4 ft. -to 7 ft. high, and would thus do grandly for association with the larger -class of garden flowers--Gladioli, Dahlias, and Hollyhocks, for -example--while among Cannas and the like it will prove fine. The leaves -are not liable to be attacked by insects--a good point in a plant used -for the purpose I suggest--and they retain their healthy green till the -first frosts in November, when they suddenly drop off. It is propagated -with facility by cuttings of the roots, but is cheap in all nurseries. -China and Japan. - -=*Aira pulchella.=--One of the most ornamental grasses, with numerous -hair-like stems, growing in light elegant tufts 6 ins. to 8 ins. high. -It is useful for forming very handsome edgings, or for interspersing -amongst plants in borders, or growing in vases or pots for -room-decoration. Its delicate panicles give an additional charm to the -finest bouquets. May be sown either in September or in April. S. Europe. - -=*Alisma Plantago.=--A native perennial water-plant, growing nearly 3 -ft. high, and bearing a very handsome pyramidal panicle of rosy-white -flowers from June to September. The leaves are oval-lance-shaped with a -cordate base, and are borne nearly erect on long stalks for some -distance above the surface of the water. A graceful object on the -margins of ponds, lakes, etc., where a plant of it transferred from any -place where it grows will soon increase. - -=Alsophila excelsa.=--A noble tree-fern, native of Norfolk Island, where -it attains a height of 40 ft., crowned with a magnificent circular crest -of bipinnate fronds. These fronds or branches fall off every year, -leaving an indentation in the trunk. It stands well in the open air in -this country in shady, moist, and thoroughly well sheltered places. It -should be put out at the end of May, and taken indoors at the end of -September or early in October, and receive warm-greenhouse or -temperate-house treatment in winter. The same remarks apply to _A. -australis_, and probably others of the family will be found to thrive -well in the open air when sufficiently plentiful to be tried in that -position. - - -*THE AMARANTUSES. - -Among the common annuals of our gardens I know of none more in want of -judicious use and appreciation than these. The few we grow are usually -treated as rough common annuals, and sown so thickly that they never -attain half their true development, or never fulfil any of the graceful -uses for which they are adapted. But the family possesses greater claims -on our attention by reason of the more recent additions to it. The old -“Love lies bleeding” (_A. caudatus_), with its dark-red pendent racemes, -is a very striking object when well grown, but _A. speciosus_ and some -of the more recent varieties are still more so. - -=*Amarantus caudatus.=--A hardy and vigorous-growing species, from 2 ft. -to 3¼ ft. high. Flowers from July to September, dark purplish, very -small, collected in numerous whorls, which are disposed in drooping -spikes so as to form a handsome pendent panicle. There is a variety -which has yellow flowers and is equally hardy. It is advisable to give -this plant plenty of room to spread; otherwise much of its picturesque -effect will be lost; and to use it in positions where its fine and -peculiar habit may be seen to advantage,--as, for example, in large -vases, edges of large beds of subtropical plants, or dotted among -low-growing flowering plants. Although as easily raised as any common -annual, it deserves to be properly thinned out, and each plant isolated -in rich ground, so that it may attain its full size. E. Indies. - -=*Amarantus sanguineus.=--Is distinguished by the blood-red colour of -its leaves, and grows about 3 ft. high. Its purple flowers appear from -July to October, disposed partly in small heads in the axils of the -upper leaves, and partly in slender, flexible spikes which form a -panicle more or less branching. This plant, though a native of the East -Indies, is quite hardy, and seems to do best in light soil with plenty -of leaf-mould and having a warm aspect. It may be sown in hotbeds in -April and pricked out in May, or in the open air at the end of April or -beginning of May, and, like the others, should never be allowed to get -crowded. - -=*Amarantus speciosus.=--A very large kind, well adapted for associating -with subtropical plants, as it grows from 3 ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. -The flowers are very numerous, of a dark crimson purple, and arranged in -large erect spikes, forming a fine plumy panicle. The leaves are -suffused with a reddish tinge. Plants of this species are occasionally -met with having leaves with a light green centre surrounded by wavy -zones of a reddish hue. This colouring disappears at the time of -flowering. It is an effective subject in the autumn months. Culture, the -same as for the preceding kind. Nepaul. - -=*Amarantus tricolor.=--Distinguished by the very handsome and -remarkable colouring of its leaves, which are of a fine transparent -purplish-red, or dark carmine, from the base to the middle. A large spot -of lively transparent yellow occupies the greater part of the upper end -of the leaf, and sometimes covers it altogether, with the exception of -the point, which is mostly green. The leaf-stalk is either of a light -green or yellow colour. Sometimes leaves occur which have the lower half -green and the upper part red. Another variety (_bicolor_) has leaves of -a tender green variously streaked with light yellow. It is rather -delicate, and requires very good soil, and a warm, open aspect. Another -variety (_bicolor ruber_) is hardier than the last-named, and has leaves -which are of a brilliant glistening scarlet when young, gradually -changing to a dark violet-red mixed with green. Another variety -(_ruber_) has a more squat and ramified habit, and leaves of a deep -rose-colour thickly clothing the stems. Other varieties recommended are -_elegantissimus_ (with scarlet leaves), _Gordoni_, _melancholicus -ruber_, and _versicolor_, all having some claims as bedding plants. The -foliage of these varieties is exceedingly ornamental, and rivals the -finest flowers in the richness of its hues. Planted along with -large-leaved subjects, such as the Cannas, Wigandias, Ricinus, Solanums, -etc., the effect is very fine. They may also be advantageously employed -in borders and flower-beds of all sizes, and for fringing the edges of -shrubberies. The varieties of _A. tricolor_ are a little more tender -than the other kinds, and a light soil and a warmer position are -necessary for them. They do well in gardens by the seaside. They should -be sown in April in a hotbed, pricked out in a hotbed, and finally -planted permanently about the end of May. _A. t. giganteus_ is described -as very fine in recent catalogues of the nurserymen. To these may be -added a beautiful new kind, _A. salicifolius_, in the possession of the -Messrs. Veitch, but not yet sent out. It has highly coloured and very -long, narrow, and arching leaves, and is a singularly graceful and -brilliant object. E. Indies. - -=*Andropogon squarrosus= is a hardy East Indian grass, which survives -the winter with but slight protection, making luxuriant tufts seven feet -high, or more, when in flower. It would probably make a beautiful object -in the warmer and milder parts of England and Ireland in good soil, but -it is not a subject which can with confidence be recommended for every -garden. However, all who value fine grasses should try it. Well-drained -and deep-sandy loam. - - -*ARALIAS. - -This genus embraces many plants of very diverse aspects, and few that -are fitted for the open air in our climate; but in the case of _A. -canescens_, and its relative (_A. spinosa_), the Angelica-tree of North -America, we have subjects which thrive perfectly well in our gardens, -and which in the size and beauty of their leaves are far before many -“foliage-plants” carefully cultivated in hothouses at a perpetual -expense. - -=*Aralia canescens.=--The specimen of this species figured was one of a -batch of young plants growing in a London nursery, and sketched in the -summer of 1868. The engraving falls far short of rendering the beauty of -the plant. It is easy to imagine what a graceful effect may be realised -by such an object, either isolated on the turf near the edge of a -shrubbery, or grouped with subjects of similar character. Success with -these plants may be secured by first selecting a sheltered and warm -position, so that their noble leaves may be well developed and not -lacerated by storms when they are fully grown; secondly, by giving them -a deep, free, and thoroughly-drained soil; and thirdly, by confining -them as a rule to a simple and rather dwarf stem, so that the vigour of -the individual may not be wasted in several branches. The effect of a -plant kept to a single stem, as shown in the plate, is always much -superior to that of a branched one. Young plants present this aspect -naturally; but old ones may be cut down, - -[Illustration: ARALIA CANESCENS. - -Deciduous fine-leaved Shrub; hardy everywhere.] - -when they will shoot vigorously. If the effect of a full-grown specimen -be desired, the shrubbery is the place for it. = _A. japonica (Hort.)._ - -=*Aralia edulis.=--This is a vigorous herbaceous perennial, well suited -for those positions in which we desire a luxuriant type of vegetation. -It is perfectly hardy, is of a fresh and vigorous habit, and grows 6, 7, -and even 8 ft. high in good soil, even so early as the end of June. The -leaves attain a length of nearly a yard when the plant is strong, while -the shoots droop a little with their weight, and thus it acquires a -slightly weeping character. It is rare in this country now, but, being -easily propagated, may, it is to be hoped, not long prove so. As it dies -down rather early in autumn, it must not be put in important groups, but -rather in a position where its disappearance may not be noticed. An -isolated position, or one near the margin of an irregular shrubbery, -fernery, or rough rockwork by the side of a wood walk, will best suit -it. Japan. Division. - -=*Aralia japonica.=--A valuable species, quite distinct from any of the -others, with undivided, fleshy, dark-green leaves. It is usually treated -as a green-house plant, but is hardy and makes a very ornamental and -distinct-looking shrub on soils with a dry porous bottom. It grows -remarkably well in the dwelling-house; in fact it is one of the very few -plants of like character that will develop their leaves therein in -winter. Not difficult to obtain, it may be used with advantage in the -flower-garden or pleasure-ground among medium-sized plants--say those -not more than a yard high. It would form striking isolated specimens on -the turf, and is also very suitable for grouping. A native of Japan. = -_A. Sieboldi._ - -[Illustration: Aralia japonica.] - -=*Aralia nudicaulis.=--A very vigorous perennial, with a smooth stem -scarcely rising out of the ground, bearing large leaves with -long-stalked, oval-oblong, pointed, toothed leaflets, and a shorter -naked flower-stem, with from two to seven umbels of blossoms. Roots -several feet long and highly aromatic. Similar uses to those directed -for _A. edulis_. North America. - -=Aralia papyrifera= (_Chinese Rice-paper Plant_).--This, though a native -of the hot island of Formosa, flourishes vigorously with us in the -summer months, and is one of the most valuable plants in its way, being -useful for the greenhouse in winter and the flower-garden in summer. It -is handsome in leaf and free in growth, though to do well it must, like -all the large-leaved things, - -[Illustration: Aralia papyrifera.] - -be protected from cutting breezes. If this Aralia be planted in a dwarf -and young state, it is likely to give more satisfaction than if planted -out when old and tall. The leaves spread widely out near the ground, and -then it is very ornamental through the summer. Prefer therefore dwarf -stocky plants when planting it in early summer. It should have rich, -deep soil and plenty of water during the hot summer months. For the -public gardens of Paris it is kept underground in caves during the -winter; but in private gardens it will doubtless be thought worthy of a -place in the greenhouse throughout that season. In Battersea Park a bed -of _A. papyrifera_, 13 ft in diameter, attained a height of 5 ft, from -cuttings struck in the spring of 1868. The plants were left out all the -next winter, and, although killed to the ground, the thick fleshy roots -next season produced numerous strong shoots or suckers. These were -produced irregularly, and so numerously that they had to be thinned out -in many places; a few spaces only requiring to be filled up. It is -easily increased by cuttings of the root, and is usually planted in -masses, edged with a dwarfer plant; but as a small group in the centre -of a bed of flowers, or even as an isolated specimen in a like position, -it is most excellent. - -=*Aralia racemosa= (_American Spikenard_).--An herbaceous species, with -smooth, widely-branching, diverging stems, about 4 ft. in height, and -pinnate, slightly downy leaves with ovate heart-shaped leaflets. Flowers -numerous, white, in racemose umbels. Thrives best in good soil in shady -or half-shady positions. Similar positions, etc., to those for _A. -nudicaulis_ and _edulis_. N. America. - -=*Aralia spinosa= (_Angelica tree of North America_) is highly useful, -in consequence of its beauty of foliage, among subtropical plants. Like -many of the hardy things, it should not be placed in positions where it -would be necessary to remove it, nor closely associated with tender -plants requiring frequent disturbance of the soil Flowers in autumn, -small, white, in numerous umbels arranged on a much-branched panicle -beset with velvety stellate down. The leaves are twice and thrice -pinnate, with ovate, deeply serrated, smooth leaflets. In most cases it -grows with a single erect stem--the very type we require--and it should -not be allowed to depart from this habit. The stem is fiercely arrayed -with spines. On account of its umbrella-like head this fine thing has -often been planted in exposed open spaces, where it would produce a -distinct feature, but it is better planted where the great leaves will -not be lacerated. It generally grows not more than 10 ft. high; and in -every size from that down to a plant with a stem not more than 18 ins. -high, it may be effectively used in the ornamental garden. It is -propagated by cuttings of the roots. N. America. - -=Aralia macrophylla= is a fine large digitate-leaved species which -stands summer exposure pretty well, but does not make any growth in the -open air; hence it can be but of comparatively slight importance for -this purpose. Norfolk Island. - -=Areca sapida.=--A New Zealand palm from 6½ ft. to nearly 10 ft. high, -with a beautiful crown of bright-green pinnate leaves, which when young -are tinged with a bronze colour: leaflets from 16 ins. to 2 ft. in -length, lance-shaped. The young leafstalks are of a greyish red hue. A -fine palm for placing in the open air in summer, and equally so for the -conservatory in winter and spring. It is of very easy culture, if -supplied with plenty of water. - -=Aristolochia Sipho.=--This well-known huge-leaved plant is capable of -being used with excellent effect where large and distinct foliage is -desired. Generally it is used as a wall plant; but it is far finer when -used to cover bowers or any like structure. I have seen a most effective -object formed by making the framework of a tent loosely with rough -boughs, and then planting the Aristolochia around it. It formed a dense -green and singular-looking wigwam. _A. tomentosa_ is smaller, but -distinct in tone of green, well worthy of a place, and to be employed -in like manner. N. America. - -=*Artemisia anethifolia.=--A hardy perennial species about 4 ft. high, -with a simple round stem, woody at the base, and branching vertically -above, clothed from about a foot above the ground with much-divided -leaves, the segments of which are almost thread-like. Flowers very -numerous, small, in a dense, large, terminal panicle, with erect -branches. Useful in groups, or as isolated specimens in beds or borders. -Division. - -=*Artemisia annua= (_Annual Wormwood_).--An exceedingly graceful kind of -wormwood, with tall stems reaching to a height of 5 ft. or 6 ft. in a -season; the foliage is small and fine, and the flowers inconspicuous but -arranged in not inelegant panicles. The hue of the plant is a peculiarly -fresh and pleasing green, and it forms an elegant object in the centre -of a flower-bed or group with plants of like character. Raised from seed -as easily as any half-hardy annual. - -=*Artemisia gracilis.=--An exceedingly graceful plant, 3 or 4 ft. high, -with leaves cut into very fine hair-like segments, having some -resemblance to fennel or other umbelliferous plants with minutely-cut -leaves, and of a deep grass-green, except in the hearts of the shoots, -where the young leaves are unfolding, where there is a slight hoary -pubescence. The flowers are in compound panicles, quite obscure, of a -pale green, not at all ornamental in the common sense, but forming a not -ungraceful inflorescence. However, the plant is only likely to be grown -for its graceful foliage and habit, and the flowers, which only appear -in autumn, may be pinched off if not admired. Similar positions to -those recommended for the preceding species. Seed. - -=*Arum crinitum.=--The appearance of this plant when in flower is very -grotesque from the singular shape of its broad, speckled, contorted -spathe. The leaves are divided into five or seven deep segments, the -central division being much broader than the others, and the -leaf-stalks, overlapping each other, form a sort of spurious stem a foot -or 14 ins. high, marbled and spotted with purplish-black. The treatment -for this plant is similar to that given for _A. Dracunculus_; but as it -is rather more tender, it will require more care and shelter in winter. -Warm borders, fringes of shrubberies, or beds of the smaller subtropical -plants, will suit it best. The appearance of the flower is almost too -repulsive for the nerves of some persons. Division. S. of Europe. - -=*Arum Dracunculus.=--A strange-looking but handsome plant, with a white -stem curiously marbled with black, about 3 ft. high, and very deeply cut -palm-like leaves, broadly veined and spotted with white. The spathe is -of a pale green colour on the outside and of a deep purple-violet -within, and, as well as the flowers, exhales a powerful carrion odour. -Requires a light, deep, and dry soil, and does best in half-shady -positions. Easily multiplied by division in spring or autumn. It is best -fitted for the fringes of shrubberies, etc., or among the vegetation -that sometimes starts from the bottoms of warm walls. S. of Europe. - -=*Arum italicum.=--This plant, which is a native of the Isle of Wight -and the Channel Islands, resembles the common _A. maculatum_ in habit -and in the shape of its leaves, which are, however, of a dark -bluish-green colour, handsomely spotted with white, and marked with -yellow veinings. Although it is a very hardy plant, and will thrive -almost anywhere in moist soil and a shady position, it will be better to -place it in sheltered positions along the sunny fronts of shrubberies, -amidst low-spreading evergreens, and in cosy spots about the flanks of -rock work and ferneries, to prevent its handsome foliage from being -disfigured by cold wintry winds. One great merit of this is that it may -be used to ornament positions in which few other plants will -thrive,--as, for instance, under trees, groups of shrubs, etc. Easily -multiplied by division in the end of summer and in autumn. S. of Europe. - -=*Arundo conspicua.=--A companion for the Pampas grass, though by no -means equal to it, as has been stated by some writers. In some very fine -deep and free sandy loams it attains a height of nearly 12 ft., but this -is rare. As a conservatory subject it is fine in flower, and it will be -often seen in large conservatories after a few years. A large pot or tub -will be necessary if it is grown indoors. The drooping foliage will -always prove graceful, and it sends up long silvery plumes, drooping -also, and strikingly beautiful. Judging by its different appearance when -freely grown in a tub indoors, and when planted out even in favourable -spots, my impression is that it by no means takes so kindly to our -northern climate as the Pampas grass. However, it is well worth growing, -even in districts where it does not attain a great development. It comes -into flower before the Pampas grass, and may be considered as a sort of -forerunner of that magnificent herb. New Zealand. - -=*Arundo Donax.=--This great reed of the south of Europe is a very noble -plant on good soils. In the south of England it forms canes 10 ft. high, -and has a very distinct and striking aspect. It will grow higher than -that if put in a rich deep soil in a favoured locality; and those who so -plant clumps of it on the turf in their pleasure-grounds will not be -disappointed at the result. Nothing can be finer than the aspect of this -plant when allowed to spread out into a mass on the turf of the -flower-garden or pleasure-ground. It seems much to prefer deep sandy -soils to heavy ones; indeed, I have known it refuse to grow on heavy -clay soil, and flourish most luxuriantly on a deep sandy loam in the -same district. Like all large-leaved plants, it loves shelter. No garden -or pleasure-ground in the southern parts of England and Ireland should -be without a tuft of it in a sheltered spot. But, fine as it is for -effect and distinctness, its variegated variety is of more value for the -flower-garden proper. - -=*Arundo Donax versicolor.=--We have already noticed several fine things -for grouping together, or for standing alone on the turf and near the -margin of a shrubbery-border, and this is as well suited for close -association with the choicest bedding-flowers as an Adiantum frond is -with a bouquet. It will be found hardy in the southern counties, and, -considerably north of London, may be saved by a little mound of -cocoa-fibre, sifted coal-ashes, or any like material that may be at -hand. In consequence of its effective variegation, it never assumes a -large development, like the green or normal form of the species, but -keeps dwarf, and yet thoroughly graceful. It is of course best suited -for warm, free, and good soils, and abhors clay, though it is quite -possible to grow it even on that with a little attention to the -preparation of the ground. But it is in all cases better to avoid things -that will not grow freely and gracefully on whatever soil we may have to -deal with: and it is to those having gardens on good sandy soils, and in -the warmer parts of England, that I would specially recommend this grand -variegated subject. For a centre to a circular bed nothing can surpass -it in the summer and autumn flower-garden, while numerous other charming -uses may be made of it. Not the least happy of these would be to plant a -tuft of it on the green turf, in a warm spot, near a group of choice -shrubs, to help, with many other things named, to fill up the gap that -is now nearly everywhere observed between ordinary fleeting flowers and -the taller tree and shrub vegetation. It is better to leave the plant in -the ground, in a permanent position, than to take it up annually. -Protect the roots in the winter, whether it be planted in the middle of -a flower-bed or by itself in a little circle on the grass. Increased by -placing a shoot or stem in a tank of water, when little plants with -roots will soon start from every joint; they should be cut off, potted, -and placed in frames, where they will soon become strong enough for -planting out. - -=*Arundo Phragmites= (_Common Reed_).--A native marsh-or water-plant, 5 -ft. or 6 ft. high, bearing when in flower a large, handsome, spreading, -purplish panicle. The stems are smooth, simple, very erect, and grow -closely together. The plant is only attractive when in flower, as its -flat, ribbon-like leaves do not of themselves present any very striking -appearance. Useful for the margins of artificial waters, etc., to which -it may be brought from its wild haunts. It should, however, if possible, -be kept in one spot and not allowed to spread too much. - -=*Asclepias Cornuti.=--A handsome hardy perennial from N. America, -sending up from its running, underground rootstock a number of erect, -unbranched stems, from 4 ft. to 6½ ft. high, thickly covered with large -opposite oval leaves. The flowers are of a light rose-colour, and -agreeably fragrant, and are borne in large umbels at the tops of the -stems. The plant does well in almost any kind of soil or position, and -is well adapted for planting in places which do not require much -attention. As it spreads very rapidly at the root, it is better to -exclude it from small beds or gardens, which would soon be overrun by -it. Several other species are in cultivation, the best of which are _A. -speciosa_ (Douglasii), _A. incarnata_, and _A. tuberosa_. - -=*Asparagus Broussoneti= (_Giant Asparagus_).--A vigorous, climbing -asparagus, with a tapering, shrubby stem, 10 or 12 ft. high. The flowers -are small and inconspicuous, and are followed by numerous small red -berries. An excellent subject for tall trellises, rustic bowers, stumps -of trees, tall poles, etc. Canary Islands. - -=Asplenium Nidus-avis.=--This is a remarkable fern, which has been -placed out of doors in the garden in summer, from early in June to -October; but it is not vigorous or hardy enough to be generally -recommended for this purpose. However, as it may have been noticed in -abundance at Battersea Park, I allude to it here. The leaves are rather -broad, pointed, and undulating, nearly 3 ft. long, and form roundish, -spreading, nest-like tufts. It is a favourite subject in places where -large collections of tropical ferns are grown, and in such places a -plant may be tried in the open air in a very warm, shady, and perfectly -sheltered position. E. Indies. - -[Illustration: Asplenium Nidus-avis.] - -=*Astilbe rivularis.=--A large-leaved and striking plant from Nepaul, -with the habit and general appearance of a _Spiræa_, growing to a height -of more than 3 ft., and of a free and graceful habit, which makes it -useful for association with the finer-foliaged herbaceous plants, and -for dotting here and there in the wild or picturesque garden. It keeps -its foliage well through the season, unlike some herbaceous plants, and -is therefore all the more valuable. Flowers late in summer, small, -yellowish-white, in large panicled spikes. The radical leaves are broad, -twice ternate with toothed divisions, and the base of the leaf-stalk is -covered with numerous rough tawny hairs. Being pretty hardy, the -Astilbe usually succeeds well in any cool rich soil, and best in -half-shaded positions. Easily multiplied by division. It is suited for -isolation, borders, fringes of shrubberies, or for groups of hardy -plants. - -*=Astilbe rubra.=--A very pretty and hardy plant, also resembling a. -_Spiræa_ in habit and appearance, and growing from 4 ft. to 6 ft. high. -The leaves are twice ternate, with oblique, heart-shaped leaflets, 1 in. -to 2 ins. long, and with lengthened serrated points. The flowers are -numerous, in dense panicles, and of a rose-colour, appearing late in -summer and in autumn. The same positions, etc., as those for the -preceding kind. North America, Japan, and mountains of Northern India. - -=*Bambusa.=--I wish to call the attention of all horticulturists who -live in the southern and more favoured parts of these islands to the -fact that there are several bamboos and bamboo-like plants from rather -cool countries that are well worth planting. Nothing can exceed the -grace of a bamboo of any kind if freely grown; but if starved in a -crowded house, or grown in a cold dry place, where the graceful shoots -cannot arch forth in all their native beauty, nothing can be more -miserable in aspect. In cold bad soils and exposed dry places in the -British Isles these bamboos have little chance; but, on the other hand, -they will be found to make most graceful objects in many a sheltered -nook in the south and southwestern parts of England and Ireland. We have -some knowledge of the capabilities of one kind in this country. In a -well-sheltered moist spot at Bicton I have seen _Bambusa falcata_ send -up young shoots, long and graceful, like the slenderest of fishing-rods, -while the older ones were branched into a beautiful mass of light -foliage of a distinct type. The same plant grows in the county of Cork -to a height of nearly 20 ft. This is the best known kind we have. At -Paris I was fortunate enough to observe various other kinds doing very -well indeed, although the climate is not so suitable as that of Cork or -Devon. These were _Bambusa edulis_, _aurea_, _nigra_, _Simonii_, -_mitis_, _Metake_, and _viridi-glaucescens_, the first and last of this -group being very free and good. All the others will prove hardy in the -south of England and Ireland, though, as some of them have not yet been -tried there, it requires the test of actual experiment. Those who wish -to begin cautiously had better take _B. Simonii_, _viridi-glaucescens_, -and _edulis_ to commence with, as they are the most certainly hardy, so -far as I have observed. The best way to treat any of these plants, -obtained in summer or autumn, would be to grow them in a cool frame or -pit till the end of April, then harden them off for a fortnight or so, -and plant out in a nice warm spot, sheltered also, with good free -soil--taking care that the roots are carefully spread out, and giving a -good free watering to settle the soil. There are no plants more worthy -of attention than these where the climate is at all favourable, and -there are numerous moist nooks near the sea-side where they will be -found to grow most satisfactorily, as well as in the south. - -=*Bambusa aurea.=--A very hardy and graceful Chinese species, differing -but slightly from _B. viridi-glaucescens_ in size and habit, and forming -elegant tufts with its slender much-branched stems, which attain a -height of from 6½ ft. to 10 ft., and are of a light-green colour when - -[Illustration: BAMBUSA AUREA. - -Thriving in warm and mild southern districts.] - -young, changing into a yellowish hue, and finally becoming of a -straw-yellow when fully grown. The leaves are lance-shaped acute, light -green, and are distinguished from those of _B. viridi-glaucescens_ by -having their under surface less glaucescent, and the sheath always -devoid of the long silky hairs. The preliminary remarks on culture, -etc., will apply to all the species here described. - -=*Bambusa edulis.=--A hardy and vigorous kind, with very elegant -light-green shoots and olive-green stems, attaining a height of 10 ft. -in the neighbourhood of Paris. The leaves are small, and the plant is -not nearly so branching as in some other kinds. - -=*Bambusa falcata= (_Arundinaria falcata_).--A very ornamental species -from Nepaul and the Himalayas, and at present the only kind of bamboo -much planted with us. It grows from 7 ft. to 20 ft. high, and has woody, -twisted, smooth stems of a yellowish-green or straw-colour, knotty, -bearing on one side of each of the knots a bundle of small branches -equally knotty and twisted. The whole plant has a pale yellowish hue, -except in the young spikelets and sheaths, which are occasionally -purplish. The leaves are of a fine delicate green, from 4 ins. to 6 ins. -long, ribbon-like, linear-acute, sickle-shaped, in two rows, -short-stalked, and sheathing. It is hardy over the greater part of -England and Ireland, but only attains full development in the south and -west. I have seen it attain great luxuriance in Devon, and nearly 20 ft. -high near Cork, though in many districts it is stunted. It loves a deep, -sandy, and rich soil, and plenty of moisture when growing fast. - -=*Bambusa Fortunei.=--A pretty dwarf variegated species from Japan, of -which I have not seen the green form in cultivation, with very dwarf, -slender, branching, hollow, half-shrubby stems, seldom growing more than -18 ins. high, and with very short internodes. The leaves are 3½ ins. to -8 ins. long, linear-lance-shaped, abruptly pointed, somewhat rounded at -the base, serrated and often fringed with long hairs on the margin, -downy on both sides; they are distinctly variegated, the transverse -veins being often of a bottle-green colour; stalks very short and hairy. -This kind has proved hardy in our gardens, but it has not the charm of -grace possessed by the other kinds, and is chiefly desirable in -collections of variegated and edging plants. - -=*Bambusa japonica= (_B. Metake_).--A large-leaved and rather dwarf -species from Japan, growing from 4 ft. to 7 ft. high, with erect -thickly-tufted stems, which are entirely covered by the sheaths of the -leaves; the branches are also erect. The leaves are lance-shaped, with a -very sharp point, dark green, persistent, narrowed into a short -leaf-stalk, and nearly a foot long. This species sometimes flowers with -extraordinary profusion at the expense of a portion of the foliage, -which withers away and leaves the naked stems exposed. This may, -however, be prevented to some extent, by placing the plants on mounds -somewhat above the level of the surrounding soil. I have seen it thrive -very freely in the late Mr. Borrer’s garden in Sussex, and in one or two -other places. It loves a peat soil, or a very free moist and deep loam, -and runs a good deal at the root. - -=Bambusa mitis.=--A fine and vigorous kind from Cochin China, somewhat -tenderer than most of the other - -[Illustration: BAMBUSA FALCATA. - -Hardy Bamboo Section; growing 16 to 20 feet high in the milder southern -parts of England and Ireland.] - -kinds enumerated, though no doubt it will be found to thrive in the -milder southern districts; or it may be found useful if grown in the -conservatory in winter and placed out in the open air in summer, as is -sometimes done with _B. arundinacea_, which otherwise could not possibly -be seen out of doors in our climate. Panicle simple, erect, close; -spikes long, imbricated. Leaves rather large, lance-shaped, striated, -clasping the stem, which is woody and tapering; nodes rather distant, -and not very prominent. - -=*Bambusa nigra.=--A rather compact-growing Chinese kind, with nearly -solid stems, and thinner leaves than those of any other species. The -stems are smooth and bushy, about 7 ft. high, of a light green, dotted -and striped with purple when young, changing to a glistening black when -fully grown; they branch very much at the top, and sometimes from the -base up. The leaves are oval-oblong, acute, shortly-stalked, with a -hard, dry, persistent sheath; their tender green colour contrasting -finely with the blackish hue of the stems. It is best planted as -isolated specimens near the margins of shrubberies, or on slopes in the -pleasure-ground in warm, sunny, and sheltered positions, in deep, sandy, -and well-drained soil. - -=*Bambusa Quilioi.=--A Japanese species of vigorous growth, with robust -green stems and bright-green leaves, polished above and slightly mealy -beneath, the ligule bearing a little bundle of brownish-grey hairs at -the top. This kind I first saw in the gardens of the Acclimatisation -Society at Paris, where it was thriving vigorously, and I have little -doubt of its proving valuable in Britain. - -=*Bambusa Simonii.=--A handsome, distinct, and vigorous species, which -has grown very freely for some years past in the neighbourhood of Paris. -The stems are numerous and grow as much as 10 ft. high in a season. They -are mealy-glaucous at the joints, and the branchlets are numerous and -rather closely crowded. The leaves are narrow, sometimes nearly a foot -long, and are occasionally striped with white. This species, which was -obtained from China some years since, has thriven very well in the -gardens at Paris, where M. Carrière first drew my attention to it. From -what I have seen it do there I have no doubt it will prove of great -value in the milder southern parts of England and Ireland. - -=*Bambusa violascens.=--A hardy and vigorous kind, intermediate between -_B. nigra_ and _B. viridi-glaucescens_, most resembling the -last-mentioned however. It has blackish-violet much-branched stems, -which assume a yellow tinge with age. The leaves are green above, -bluish-grey beneath, with an elongated ligule surrounded by a bundle of -black hairs. Native of China. - -=*Bambusa viridi-glaucescens.=--A species from Northern China, which has -been proved very hardy and free in the Paris gardens, and will, -probably, in warm parts of our islands, make a more vigorous growth and -prove a more beautiful object than any other kind. The stems, of a -light-yellowish-green, grow from 7 ft. to 12 ft. high, branching from -the base, each branch again branching very much. The leaves are very -numerous, especially at the ends of the branches, of a pale-green, -bluish underneath, sheathing the stem for a considerable length. It -forms a fine object when planted as isolated specimens in sheltered warm -glades in the pleasure-ground, or in snug open spots near wood-walks, -in very deep, rich, light, and well-drained soil. - -=*Bambusa viridis striata.=--Described as a vigorous-growing, hardy -kind, with numerous branches, having its long leaves green on both -sides, and marked with bands, some of a yellowish and others of a deeper -green. It is a native of Japan, and was recommended by MM. Thibaut and -Ketteleer of Paris, but I have had no experience of its growth. - -=*Baptisia australis.=--A handsome hardy perennial from N. America, -forming strong bushy tufts from 3 ft. to 5 ft. high, and from 3 ft. to 6 -ft. across, with sea-green trifoliate leaves which reflect a metallic -lustre. The flowers are of a delicate blue, with wings of a -greenish-white colour, and are borne in long erect spikes. Grows well in -ordinary, deep, well-drained soil, preferring a sandy loam. _B. -exaltata_ and _B. alba_ are closely allied to the preceding species, and -form equally handsome bushes. The foliage of these is of a character to -permit of their being grouped along with some of the finer perennial -foliage-plants with good effect. Division. - -=*Berberis Aquifolium.=--A well-known shrub from N. America, with simple -stems from 3¼ ft. to 6½ ft. high, and very glistening, bright green -leaves, each consisting of 7 or 9 sessile, oval, spiny leaflets. Where -the plant is fully exposed to the sun, the foliage frequently acquires -an agreeable reddish tinge. There are numerous varieties, of which _B. -floribunda_ may be mentioned as very handsome in habit and profuse in -flower, and _B. nitens_, remarkable for the extremely glossy appearance -of the old leaves, which when young are of a rich bronze changing to a -dark green. This variety is of a dwarf and compact habit. It requires a -shady situation and a compost of peat, loam, and sand. Though so very -common, it will be found worth planting in some places among groups of -hardy things, and also for isolation on the turf, its leaves being very -ornamental. - -=*Berberis Bealii.=--This is perhaps the finest of all the hardy -species, whether as regards foliage or flower, while the fruit, in -colour and size, surpasses that of any other kind. The leaflets vary to -a very great degree on the same plant, both in form and size, some being -5 ins. long and 3½ ins. broad, the average size being 3 ins. long by 2 -ins. broad: some again are nearly square, while others are long and -narrow, with a very stiff triangular point. Shade, shelter from gusts of -wind, and rich, well-manured soil are absolutely necessary to do full -justice to the merits of this species. By pruning it to a single stem, -it may be made to assume a very effective palm-like character. It is -easily propagated from seed; a single berry frequently producing three -plants. Being a noble subject for quiet half-shady wood-walks in peat or -moist sandy loam, it should be much planted in the southern and milder -districts. Where it thrives freely, it would prove a fine object on the -margins of shrubberies grouped with the hardy “subtropical” plants, or -indeed in any position. - -=*Berberis japonica.=--A very handsome species, 5 ft. or 6 ft. high, -with very leathery, pinnate, spiny leaves, from 1 ft. to 18 ins. long, -slightly tinged with pink when first opened, then becoming pale green, -and finally changing to dark green blotched with yellow. Flowers yellow, -in large racemes, succeeded by large handsome - -[Illustration: BERBERIS NEPALENSIS. - -Fine-leaved evergreen shrub Section; very effective when well-grown, in -the warmer southern districts.] - -clusters of purple berries. This is also a fine kind for half-shady -walks, and for similar positions and soil to those recommended for _B. -Bealii_. Japan. - -=*Berberis nepalensis.=--The noble habit of this plant makes it -peculiarly valuable, possessing, as it does, the grace of a luxuriant -fern with the rigidity of texture and port of a Cycas. The leaves are -occasionally 2 ft. in length and of a pale green colour, sometimes with -eight pairs of leaflets and an odd one: some of the leaflets 6 ins. long -and nearly 2 ins. broad, with coarse spiny teeth on the margin. The -inflorescence is very striking and beautiful. The Nepaul Barberry is one -of those subjects that are too hardy to perish in our climate, yet which -do not usually attain perfect development in it. It exists about London -in the open air, and flowers in early spring; but the leaves seldom -attain one-fourth of their full development, and the plant scarcely ever -displays its vigorous grace. In mild parts, principally in the south and -south-west, it grows more freely, and when judiciously placed in -sheltered positions, in deep and rather sandy soil, it becomes a -beautiful object. Where it thrives in the open air, it may be most -tastefully used in the more open spots near the hardy fernery, here and -there among “American plants,” or other choice shrubs with simple -leaves, and also isolated in the grass a little way from the margin of -the shrubbery in sheltered spots in the pleasure-ground. It should also, -in places favourable to its growth in the open air, prove very useful as -a hardy “subtropical” plant. Where it does not thrive well in the open -air, it should not be planted. Nepaul. - -=*Beta cicla variegata= (_Chilian Beet_).--Under this name a very showy -plant has recently come into cultivation. When well grown the leaves are -often more than a yard long, and present a vivid and most striking -coloration. Their midribs are 4 ins. or more across, and vary from a -dark deep waxy orange to vivid polished crimson. The splendid hue of the -lower part of the leaf-stalk flows on towards the point, and spreads in -smaller streams through the main veins and ramifications of the great -soft blade of the leaf, which is often 1 ft. and even 15 ins. in -diameter, if the plant be in rich ground. The under sides of the leaves -are most richly coloured, and the habit such that these sides are well -seen. It requires the treatment of an annual--to be raised in a gently -heated frame, and afterwards planted out in very rich ground, though it -may also be kept over the winter in pots. It varies a good deal from -seed, and the most striking individuals should be selected before the -plants are put out. Used sparingly, its effect would perhaps be more -telling than if in quantity, and it is well suited for isolation. Chili. - -=*Bocconia cordata.=--This is a fine plant in free soil, but -comparatively poor in that which is bad or very stiff. It forms handsome -erect tufts from 5 ft. to over 8 ft. high, and is admirably suited for -embellishing the irregular or sloping parts of pleasure-grounds. The -stems grow rather closely together, and are thickly set with large, -reflexed, deeply-veined, oval-cordate leaves, the margins of which are -somewhat lobed or sinuated. The flowers, which are rosy-white and very -numerous, are borne in very large terminal panicles. The flowers are not -in themselves pretty, but the inflorescence, when the plant is well -grown, - -[Illustration: BLECHNUM BRASILIENSE. - -Dwarf tender Tree Fern: in sheltered shady dells during the summer -months.] - -has a distinct and pleasing appearance. The plant is seen to best effect -when isolated, and does well in ordinary garden-soil or free sandy loam. -It attains its greatest size when placed in the angle of two walls which -shelter it from the north and east, which seems to indicate that it does -not like sudden changes of temperature and light. It should not be -stirred too often, nor divided for several years. It will prove a good -thing for associating with other fine hardy plants in bold groups. Seed -or cuttings. China. - -[Illustration: Bocconia cordata.] - -=Bocconia frutescens.=--A vigorous-growing Mexican shrub, 3½ ft. to -nearly 6 ft. high, with few and very brittle branches, large, sea-green, -handsome leaves, and greenish flowers. Very effective when placed on -grass-plats, either in groups, or as isolated specimens. It requires a -somewhat warmer climate than ours to thrive well, though it is sometimes -seen in fair condition in the London parks. A mixture of free sandy loam -and peat, well-drained ground, and an airy position are necessary. -Multiplied by sowing in a hotbed in spring, and may be placed out from -June to the end of September. It is difficult to propagate it by -cuttings. - -=*Brassica oleracea crispa.=--A handsome kind of cabbage nearly 4 ft. -high, with elegantly-cut arching leaves, the divisions of which are -finely curled or frizzled. In autumn and winter it may be advantageously -employed in the embellishment of winter-gardens, the leaves being at -their best during that part of the year. - -A still more striking subject is _B. o. palmifolia_, which attains a -height of 6½ ft., and bears its leaves near the summit of the stem, -having quite a palm-like appearance in the end of the summer and in -autumn. This kind might be used with good effect in various positions, -as its “cabbage” character is not so evident. The fact of their being -cabbages prevents many people from using these really ornamental plants. - -The variegated Kales have been much employed and with a very good result -in the winter-garden at Wardie Lodge in Scotland and in other places: -they lose their beauty early in spring. “To keep them dwarf and compact, -and to bring out their fine colours,” say Messrs. Stuart and Mein, “we -sow at the beginning of March thinly. After the plants are a moderate -size, we transplant them into a poorish soil, in an open space of -ground, but not too closely together. They remain there until they are -wanted for use, when they are removed at any time to the winter-garden. -We plant out into our beds in November, and keep the heads with their -foliage close to the ground. We cut off all the lower rough leaves, -leaving the rich-coloured head or centre, which in all weathers will be -found to stand up neat and trim, even in bright frosty weather. As the -plants are thus much reduced in size, they can be planted much closer in -the beds. We may add that, as in other hybrids, worthless plants will -occasionally make their appearance: these we discard. No plants should -be selected for the beds except those showing pleasing shades of -colour.” - -=Brexia madagascariensis.=--A handsome shrub with a slender erect stem -(which sometimes attains a height of 25 ft. or 30 ft. in its native -country, but with us is seldom seen more than a fourth of that), clothed -with alternate, leathery, long, rather narrow, light-green leaves, -nearly or quite smooth at the margin. It is one of the tropical -stove-plants that have stood well in the open air from June to early in -October, but very few places can spare it for this purpose. It requires -ordinary stove culture during winter and spring, and should only be -placed out after having made a strong growth, and having that growth -hardened off. Madagascar. - -[Illustration: Buphthalmum speciosum.] - -=*Buphthalmum speciosum.=--A hardy, distinct, and vigorous herbaceous -plant, the stems of which are stout, very slightly branching, and about -4 ft. high, with broad, oval-acute leaves mostly clustered around the -base of the plant, the lower ones falling gracefully towards the earth. -The flowers, which have a red or purple disk and yellow rays, are more -than 2 ins. across, and are terminal, solitary, long-stalked, borne in -the axils of the upper leaves, and appear in June, July, or August, -according to the season. The plant seldom flowers well before the third -year. It is of easy culture in any soil, is increased by division in -autumn, winter, or spring, and is best fitted for association with the -more vigorous herbaceous plants in rough places. S. of Europe. - -=Caladium esculentum.=--This species has, for outdoor work, proved the -best of a large genus with very fine foliage. It is only in the midland -and southern counties of Great Britain that it can be advantageously -grown, so far as I have observed; but its grand outlines and aspect when -well developed make it worthy of all attention, and of a prominent -position wherever the climate is warm enough for its growth. It may be -used with great effect in association with many fine foliage-plants; but -_Ferdinanda_, _Ricinus_, and _Wigandia_ usually grow too strong for it, -and, if planted too close, injure it. This may have been noticed -particularly in cases where it was used as a bordering to masses of the -strong-growing kinds above named. For all kinds of stonework, vases, -etc., it is peculiarly effective and beautiful. This plant, requires, -above all others, a thoroughly-drained, light, rich, warm soil. In times -of great heat, it should be plentifully watered, and occasionally with -liquid manure. The month of May is the best time for planting it out; -and if groups are formed, the plants should have an interval of 2 ft. or -2½ ft. between them. The foliage generally arrives at its full beauty -and development in August and September. At the approach of cold frosty -weather, all the leaves, or all but the central one, should be cut down -to within an inch or two from the crown, and a few days afterwards the -tubers should be taken up and left on the ground for a few hours to -dry: - -[Illustration: CALADIUM ESCULENTUM. - -Tender Section; displaying noble leaves during summer in the warmer -parts of the southern counties.] - -[Illustration: COLOCASIA ODORATA. - -Tender stove Section; will endure exposure only during summer in the -warmest parts of the southern counties.] - -they should then be stored on the shelves of a greenhouse, or in a -cellar or other place where they will be sheltered from frost and -moisture. By placing the tubers in a hotbed in March, plants may be -obtained with well-grown leaves for planting out in the open air about -the end of May or the beginning of June. New Zealand. - -=Caladium odorum= (_Colocasia odora_).--A very striking plant, with -stout stems usually from 3 ft. to 8 ft. in height, but growing much -taller in a warm stove. The leaves are erect, very broad, and -heart-shaped, marked with strong veinings, and frequently measure more -than 3¼ ft. in length. The flowers are exceedingly fragrant. It is a -fine subject for isolation on grass-plats, its tall arborescent habit -distinguishing it from all the other species; but it is unfortunately -too tender to thrive in our climate except in sunny sheltered dells in -the southern parts, and should not be planted out until June. E. Indies. - -=*Calla æthiopica= (_Lily of the Nile_).--This well-known plant may be -grown either as an aquatic in pieces of ornamental water, -fountain-basins, etc., or in the open ground in cool, moist soil, and -equally well in positions exposed to the full sun and in those which are -shaded. Being so very distinct in leaf and beautiful in bloom, this old -favourite will be seen to as much advantage grouped with the smaller -fine-leaved plants in beds as ever it has been in our stoves or windows. -S. Africa. - - -*THE CANNAS. - -If there were no plants of handsome habit and graceful leaf available -for the improvement of our flower-gardens but these, we need not -despair, for they possess almost every quality the most fastidious could -desire, and present a useful and charming variety. The larger kinds make -grand masses, while all may be associated intimately with -flowering-plants--an advantage that does not belong to some free-growing -things like the Castor-oil plant. The Canna ascends as boldly, and -spreads forth as fine a mass of leaves as these, but may be closely -grouped with much smaller subjects. The general tendency of most of our -flower-garden plants is to assume a flatness and dead level, so to -speak; and it is the special quality possessed by the Cannas for -counteracting this that makes them so valuable. Even the grandest of the -other subjects preserve this tameness of upper-surface outline when -grown in great quantities: not so these, the leaves of which, even when -grown in dense groups, always carry the eye up pleasantly from the -humbler plants, and are grand aids in effecting that harmony which is so -much wanted between the important tree and shrub embellishments of our -gardens and their surroundings, and the dwarf flower-bed vegetation. -Another good quality of these most useful subjects is their power of -withstanding the cold and storms of autumn. They do so better than many -of our hardy shrubs and plants, so that when the last leaves have been -blown from the Lime, and the Dahlia and Heliotrope have been hurt by -frost, you may see them waving as gracefully and as green as the -vegetation of a temperate stove. Many of the subtropical plants, used -for the beauty of their leaves, are so tender that they go off in -autumn, or require all sorts of awkward protection at that season; but -the Cannas last - -[Illustration: CANNA. - -The most important and generally useful of tender plants for our -climate. Many kinds are hardy if protected in winter.] - -in good trim till the borders must be cleared. All sheltered situations, -places near warm walls, and nice snugly-warmed dells, are suitable -positions for them. They are generally used in huge and ugly masses, -both about Paris and London; but their true beauty will never be seen -till we learn to place them tastefully here and there among the -flowering-plants--just as we place sprigs of graceful fern in a bouquet. -A bed or two solely devoted to them will occasionally prove very -effective; but enormous meaningless masses of them, containing perhaps -several hundred plants of one variety, are things to avoid and not to -imitate. As to culture and propagation, nothing can be more simple: they -may be stored in winter, as readily as potatoes, under shelves in the -houses, in the root-room, or, in fact, anywhere if covered up to protect -them from frost. And then in spring, when we desire to propagate them, -nothing is easier than pulling the roots in pieces, and potting them -separately. Afterwards it is usual to bring them on in heat, and finally -harden them off previous to planting out in the middle of May; but a -modification of this practice is desirable, as some kinds are of a -remarkably hardy constitution, and make a beautiful growth if put out -without so much as a leaf on them. The soil for all Cannas should be -deep, rich, and light. - -In rambling through the suburbs of Paris, I once came upon a tuft of -Canna springing up strongly through a box-edging--pretty good evidence -that it had remained there for some years. Upon inquiring of the -proprietor of the garden I found this was the case, and that he had no -doubt of the hardiness of several other kinds. They were planted not -more than 8 ins. or 10 ins. deep. When we remember that the Cannas are -amongst the most valuable plants we use for giving grace and verdure to -the flower-garden, this surely is a hint worthy of being acted upon, as, -of course, they will prove equally hardy with us. Considering their -diversity of colour and size, their graceful pointed habit and facility -of propagation, we must concede them the first place; but their -capability of being used by anybody who grows ordinary bedding-plants, -and the fact that they may be preserved so very easily through the -winter, enhance their value still more. Cannas, protected by a coating -of litter, have been left out in Battersea Park through severe winters, -and during the unfavourable summer of 1867 attained a height of nearly -12 ft. Where it is desired to change the arrangements as much as -possible every year, it may not be any advantage to leave them in the -ground, and in that case they may be taken up with the bedding-plants, -and stored as simply and easily as carrots. Wherever they are grown as -isolated tufts, in small groups, or in small beds, it will be best not -to take them up oftener than every second or third year. These noble -plants would also adorn the conservatory, which is often as devoid of -any dignified vegetation as the unhappy flower-gardens which are seen -all over the country. Few subjects would be more effective, none more -easily obtained. - - -SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF CANNA. - -In the following list of the species and varieties of Canna, the first -thirteen kinds are considered species: but the finest kinds for garden -use will be found among the Hybrids and Varieties. - -=Canna aurantiaca.=--A vigorous kind, 6½ ft. or more in height, with -large, broadly oval-lance-shaped leaves, of a pale green colour, -slightly waved on the margin. Flowers with rose-coloured outer, and -reddish inner, divisions, the upper lip being of an orange colour and -the lower one yellow dotted with orange. Rhizome tuberous, with long -subterranean shoots. Antilles. - -=Canna discolor.=--One of the finest kinds, and, although it does not -flower regularly in the open air, one of the most valuable on account of -its foliage. The leaves are very large, broadly oval-oblong, the lower -ones tinged with a blood-red hue, and the upper ones veined or streaked -with purple. Stems reddish, stout, growing to a height of more than 6 -ft. Flowers orange-red, with bright-red inner divisions. S. America. - -=Canna edulis.=--A vigorous species, largely cultivated by the Peruvians -for the sake of its edible roots, growing from 6 ft. to 7 ft. high, the -stems tinged with deep purple. Leaves broadly oval-lance-shaped, green -tinged with purple maroon. Flowers large: external divisions purple, -upper internal division scarlet shaded with yellow, the lower one of an -orange-red. S. America. - -=Canna flaccida.=--A species remarkable for the great size of its -flowers, which bear some resemblance to those of _Iris Pseud-acorus_. -They are entirely yellow, flaccid, few in number, and very transitory. -This is not a tall species, seldom exceeding 2 ft. 8 ins. in height. -Leaves oval-lance-shaped, erect, glaucescent. South America. This -species should not be confounded with the _C. flaccida_ of Willdenow -which is found on the shores of the Mississipi. - -=Canna Gaboniensis.=--A species from the Gaboon River, with the habit of -_C. nepalensis_. Rhizomes large and round; stalks green, large; leaves -deep green lightly edged with purple, longish, acuminate; flowers -medium-sized, clear orange; habit fine, special; height 5½ ft. to 6 ft. - -=Canna gigantea.=--A robust kind, growing about 6½ ft. high. Flowers in -summer, large and very handsome; external divisions orange red; internal -ones deep purple-red; spathes reddish. Leaves more than 2 ft. long; -stalks covered with a velvety down. S. America. - -=Canna indica.=--Flowers in summer, tolerably large, irregular, in erect -spikes; external divisions light yellow; upper inner divisions of a -carmine-red; the lower one yellow dotted with carmine. Leaves large, -alternate, oval-lance-shaped; the stalks sheathing at the base. Stems 3 -ft. to 6 ft. high. A variety (_C. i. superba_) has much larger flowers -of a scarlet colour. India. It is not nearly so useful or imposing in -appearance as some of the newer hybrid kinds. - -=Canna iridiflora.=--Flowers in midsummer, large, lively rose-colour, -with a yellow spot on the lip; divisions of the calyx red, erect, -oval-acute; spikes somewhat drooping, issuing several together from the -same spathe. Leaves broadly oval-acuminate, slightly membranous at the -margin, and having some hairs at the lower part of the midrib. Stems 6 -ft. to over 8 ft high. Peru. A somewhat tender species, and although one -of the finest, does not flower freely. To secure its blooming, the -plants should be taken up towards the end of summer, potted, and kept -in a hothouse through the winter. They should be watered moderately, -and, treated in this way, will almost always begin to show flower in the -ensuing spring. - -=Canna limbata.=--This has numerous stems nearly 3 ft. high, and -oblong-lance-shaped, acute leaves. Flowers in long loose spikes issuing -from glaucous spathes tinged with red; outer divisions pale yellow; -upper lip scarlet edged with a yellow margin; lower lip red, with golden -reticulations. Brazil. - -=Canna musæfolia.=--This species was formerly described in the English, -Dutch, and German horticultural journals under the name of _C. excelsa_. -It was named _musæfolia_ by M. Année, who introduced it into France in -1858, from the resemblance of its leaves to those of the Musa or -banana-tree. It reaches a height of more than 8 ft., and has green, -downy stems, and very large, oval, green leaves. Flowers small, -orange-yellow. It is a tender species without rhizomes, and requires to -be kept constantly growing. Peru. - -=Canna nepalensis.=--A variety of _C. glauca_ (according to M. Chaté), -introduced into France by M. Wallich, director of the Botanic Garden at -Calcutta. About 6½ ft. high, with oval-lance-shaped glaucous leaves, -narrowed at both ends. Outer divisions of flower greenish-yellow; inner -ones, sulphur-coloured or light orange. - -=Canna purpurea spectabilis.=--Rhizomes cylindrical. Stalks -medium-sized, purple. Leaves deep greenish purple, fair size. Flowers -small, scarlet. Rather uncommon; habit fine; height 6 ft. to 6½ ft. This -is a very hardy species, and has given rise to all the varieties with -red or striped leaves. - -=Canna Warscewiczii.=--A very early-flowering species, easily raised -from seed, and if sown early in spring, may be used for decorative -purposes the same year. Stems numerous, reaching a height of somewhat -over 3 ft. Leaves oval-elliptical, narrowed at both ends, and deeply -tinged with dark purple. Flowers with brilliant scarlet inner divisions; -outer ones purplish. S. America. There are many handsome varieties of -this species in cultivation. - -=Canna Alfred Dumesnil.=--Rhizomes clouded, elongated. Stalks medium -thickness, deep greenish-purple. Leaves medium-sized, acuminate and -erect, deep green striped with violet-purple. Flowers large, -well-formed, scarlet. Free-flowering; height 3½ ft. to 4 ft. - -=Canna Annei.=--A vigorous kind, with numerous stiff stems, of a -sea-green colour, 6½ ft. high, and large green, glaucescent, oval-acute -leaves, 2 ft. long by 10 ins. wide. Flowers large, well-formed, -salmon-colour, continuing to appear from July until the first frosts. - -=Canna Annei-rosea.=--Flowers late and scantily. Stems numerous, dark -green with a reddish base, attaining a height of nearly 10 ft. Flowers -small, carmine rose-colour. Leaves dark green, very narrow and pointed, -erect, about 2 ft. 4 ins. long. Rootstock long, conical-cylindrical, -reddish. - -=Canna Annei-bicolor.=--A kind with rather thick green stems nearly 6 -ft. high, with a violet-coloured base. Leaves light green, oval-acute. -Flowers few, of medium size, orange-coloured; the two upper petals -reddish. Rootstock of a violet colour. - -=Canna Annei-floribunda.=--Resembles the type in habit and foliage, but -is not so tall, is more free-flowering, and has yellow leaves. - -=Canna Annei-fulgida.=--Stems small, of a dark-red colour, from 3 ft. to -5 ft. high. Leaves deep purple, erect, 20 ins. long and 6 ins. wide. -Flowers large, well-opened, orange-red. Very tender. - -=Canna Annei-marginata.=--Stems of medium size, dark-red colour, and -about 3½ ft. high. Leaves of a deep green with a dark-red margin. -Flowers rather large, orange-red. (Considered an inferior variety.) - -=Canna Annei-discolor.=--Stems five or six in number, vigorous and -erect, of a uniform red hue, from 3 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves -lance-shaped, erect, of a light-red colour, 2½ ft. long and 10 ins. -wide. Flowers late and few, small, rose-coloured, tinged with yellow. -Rootstock conical, very small and short, covered with violet scales. - -=Canna Annei-rubra.=--Rhizomes of good thickness. Stalks medium -thickness, purple. Leaves acuminate, deep green striped with purple, -good size; habit fine. Flowers bright orange, well-formed. One of the -most free-flowering Cannas. Height 6½ ft. - -=Canna atronigricans.=--Stems of medium thickness, seldom exceeding 3¼ -ft. in height. Leaves of a purplish shade passing into dark-red, of a -deeper hue than those of _C. nigricans_. Flowers few, of a golden-brown -colour. Rootstocks small and few, with reddish scales. A very handsome -but tender kind. - -=Canna aurantiaca-splendida.=--Stems green, downy, rather thick, 6½ ft. -to over 8 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, 2 ft. 4 ins. to 2½ ft. long and -1 ft. wide, with very prominent membranes. Flowers in September, -orange, well-formed, and of a good size. Rootstocks small. A very -vigorous-growing variety. - -=Canna aurantiaca-zebrina.=--Stems brown, downy, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. -high. Leaves of a light green, striped with fine violet bands, and 2 ft. -in length by 10 ins. wide. Flowers very few, light red. Rootstocks few -and short. - -=Canna Amelia.=--Stems of a sea-green colour, nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves -oval-acuminate, glaucous, and gracefully recurved. Flowers large, -well-opened, of a golden yellow, spotted with orange-purple on all the -petals. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical. Blooms abundantly and -continuously from July till the first frosts. - -=Canna atropurpurea.=--Stems very small and downy, of a reddish hue, and -not exceeding 3¼ ft. in height. Leaves small, recurved, of an almost -black colour. Flowers rather large, of a reddish golden-brown. -Rootstocks small, cylindrical, closely crowded around the plant. This -variety seeds well and freely. - -=Canna Abbé Rosier.=--Stems green, nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves erect, of a -glaucous sea-green shade. Flowers of medium size, light brown, tinged -with vermilion, not well-formed, and opening badly. Rootstocks conical -and cylindrical. - -=Canna Bonetti.=--Stems vigorous, of a deep-red colour, glaucous towards -the top, and about 8½ ft. high. Leaves deep green, with deep-red veins -and edges, 2 ft. 4 ins. long, and over 8 ins. wide. Flowers rather -large, yellowish-brown, shaded with dark purple, well-formed and -well-opened. Rootstocks thick, elongated. Seeds freely and well. - -=Canna Bonetti-major.=--Very like the preceding, but with much taller -stems and larger leaves and flowers. - -=Canna Bonetti-semperflorens.=--Stems brown, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. -Leaves lance-shaped, deeply tinged and margined with a dark-red shade. -Flowers rather large, of a wine-red colour. A very free bloomer. - -=Canna Bourcier.=--Stems brown, 6½ ft. to nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves -long, lance-shaped, of a deep violet-red colour. Flowers of a brick-red -shaded with salmon-colour. Rootstocks conical, of medium size, -violet-coloured. - -=Canna Bihorelli.=--Stems purple, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves -dark red, with a narrow purple margin. Flowers numerous, light red, in -handsome panicles. Rootstocks conical and rather numerous. - -=Canna compacta-grandiflora.=--Stems brown, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. -Leaves dark red, not well set. Flowers very large, well-formed, of a -salmon-shaded-red, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks conical, rather -large, covered with reddish scales. - -=Canna Chatei-discolor.=--Stems purple, very robust, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 -ft. high. Leaves thick and firm, of a deep green, finely rayed and -margined with purple. Flowers blood-red, well-formed. Rootstocks -conical, of medium size. A very shy bloomer. - -=Canna Chatei-grandis.=--Stems brownish-purple, 6½ ft. high, when not -divided year after year. Leaves at first erect, afterwards deflected -throughout their entire length and spreading very much, 2 ft. 4 ins. -long and 1 ft. wide. Flowers late, crimson, in a handsome panicle. -Rootstocks brown, conical, very short. Ripens its seeds well. - -=Canna Daniel Hooibrenk.=--Rhizomes large. Stalks strong, green. Leaves -large, glaucous-green, acuminate. Flowers large, bright orange. -Free-flowering; fine habit Height over 6 ft. - -=Canna De Candolle.=--Stems green, about 4 ft. high. Leaves green, badly -set. Flowers very numerous, vermilion shaded with carmine. Rootstocks -conical. - -=Canna discolor-floribunda.=--Stems dark red, 3¼ ft. to 4¼ ft. high. -Leaves oblong, 18 ins. long and 10 ins. wide, deep green striped with -purple. Flowers small, orange-red. Rootstocks conical, of medium size. -Ripens its seeds well. - -=Canna Député Hénon.=--Stems green, not exceeding 4 ft. 10 ins. in -height. Leaves of a light glaucous-green, oval, acute, erect. Flowers -large, well-formed, of a pure canary-colour, with a brownish-yellow -base, in numerous spikes, which rise gracefully above the foliage to the -height of about 20 ins. Rootstocks cylindrical, elongated, standing at -some distance from the centre of the tuft. Ripens its seeds well. - -=Canna Edward Morren.=--Rhizomes conical. Stalks green, numerous. Leaves -clear green, longish. Flowers large, well-formed, yellow, very much -spotted with bright nasturtium-colour. Very floriferous. This is the -finest Canna with spotted flowers. Height 5 ft. to 5½ ft. - -=Canna elata-macrophylla.=--Stems reddish below, green and downy above, -more than 8 ft. high. Leaves light green, very large, oval, slightly -waved. Flowers salmon-coloured, small. Rootstocks conical, of medium -size. Seeds freely. - -=Canna expansa.=--Stems thicker than in any other variety, green, -downy, 6 ft to over 8 ft. high. Leaves of enormous size (over 4 ft. long -and from 22 ins. to 2 ft. wide), oval, obtuse, spreading horizontally to -a great distance from the stems. Flowers small, vermilion shaded with -salmon, in panicles. Roots fibrous. Should be planted in a -well-sheltered position to save the huge leaves from being torn by the -winds. Never seeds. - -=Canna expansa-rubra.=--Stems numerous, vigorous, very thick, dark-red, -4 ft. to nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves of a dark-red colour, and resembling -those of the preceding in size, shape, and arrangement. Flowers large, -with rounded divisions, of a dazzling purple colour. Rootstocks very -thick, cylindrical, and much swollen in the upper part. Like the -preceding, requires a sheltered position. - -=Canna elongatissima-rustica.=--Stems deep-green, very thick, 6½ ft. to -over 8 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, very large, of a deep shining -green, with a narrow dark-red margin. Flowers very small, -orange-rose-coloured. Rootstocks very small, conical, with fibrous -roots. A vigorous-growing variety. - -=Canna excelsa-zebrina.=--Stems dark violet-red, downy, rather thick, 6½ -ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves very large, oval, erect, deep-green, -passing into dark-red, rayed with violet-purple. Flowers small, orange. -Rootstocks small, conical. This is the finest striped variety. - -=Canna guayaquilla.=--Rhizomes large, round. Stalks very thick, reddish. -Leaves very wide and large, bordered with purple. Flowers small, -yellowish-orange. Rather uncommon; fine habit; a remarkable kind. Height -over 6 ft. - -=Canna gigantea-major.=--Stems thick and vigorous, of a light-green, -slightly reddish below, 6½ ft. to 8½ ft. high. Leaves very large, of a -light glistening green. Flowers, medium size, pale-red. Rootstocks -whitish, very thick, cylindrical, and swollen. A very hardy variety. - -=Canna gigantea-rubra.=--Stems dark red, 4 ft. to nearly 6 ft. high. -Leaves broad, obtuse, green, shaded with dark-red. Flowers blood-red, in -panicles. Rootstocks conical, very closely crowded together. Resembles -_C. Chatei-grandis_, but is an inferior variety. - -=Canna grandis.=--Stems green, downy, very thick, from nearly 10 ft. to -nearly 12 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, deep green, very large. Flowers -poppy-red, small, but in large panicles. Rootstocks small, with fibrous -roots. - -=Canna grandiflora-floribunda.=--Stems small, from 20 ins. to 3¼ ft. -high, of a light glistening green. Leaves small, light-green and -glistening. Flowers numerous, very large, with rounded divisions, -orange-rose colour, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks yellowish, -numerous, cylindrical, of medium size. A very hardy variety, of great -effect from its brilliant and luxuriant inflorescence. - -=Canna Heliconiæfolia.=--Stems deep green and downy, 6½ ft. to over 8 -ft. high. Leaves green, oval, erect, very firm. Flowers small, orange. -Roots fibrous. Does not seed before the second year. - -=Canna Hostei.=--Stems chestnut-coloured, about 8 ft. high. Leaves -dark-red, lance-shaped. Flowers large, red. Rootstocks dark-red, -conical. - -=Canna involventiafolia.=--Stems green, 8 ft. to nearly 10 ft. high. -Leaves very large, reflexed, of a light green. Flowers few and small. -Rootstocks small, with fibrous rootlets. - -=Canna Imperator.=--Stems vigorous, very thick, green and downy, reddish -below, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. at the close of the season. Leaves -half-opened, lance-shaped, light green, with prominent lateral nerve, 2 -ft. 4 ins. long by 14 ins. wide. Flowers late, very effective, of a -dazzling blood-red. Rootstocks conical, very short. - -=Canna iridiflora-hybrida.=--Stems green, downy, somewhat reddish below, -6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves green, very large. Flowers -well-formed, very large, blood-red. Rootstocks small, with fibrous -roots. Flowers to most advantage in a house, where it is really -magnificent. - -=Canna iridiflora-rubra.=--Stems brown, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. -Leaves deep green shaded with dark red, and with a narrow dark -purplish-red margin. Flowers large, purplish-red. This variety is not so -tender as the preceding one. - -=Canna insignis.=--Stems violet, downy, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. -Leaves oval, extending horizontally, of a tender green, rayed and -margined with purplish-red. Flowers few and small, of an orange-red. -This variety is valuable for its fine foliage. - -=Canna Joseph-Auzende.=--Stems green, 4½ ft. high. Leaves green and -flaccid. Flowers deep carmine, of medium size. Rootstocks yellowish, -small and conical. Not a very good variety. - -=Canna Jean Bart.=--Rhizomes conical; stalks medium thickness, deep -green, elongated. Flowers very large, deep purple; height 5½ ft. to 6 -ft. - -=Canna Jean Vandael.=--Rhizomes cylindrical, longish; stalks medium -thickness, numerous, clear green. Leaves clear green, erect, elongated. -Flowers large, well-formed, garnet-red; height 4 ft. to 4½ ft. - -=Canna Jussieu.=--Stems green, from nearly 4 ft. to 4¼ ft. high. Leaves -small, glaucous-green. Flowers citron, approaching a chamois-colour. -Rootstocks conical cylindrical. (An inferior variety.) - -=Canna Krelagei discolor.=--Stems very thick, from nearly 5 ft. to -nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves broad and thick, dark-red, rayed with -purplish-red. Flowers large, carmine-red, sometimes rayed with white, in -handsome panicles. Rootstocks grey, conical. - -=Canna Liervalii.=--Stems dark-red, 6½ ft. high. Leaves of the same -colour, rayed with purple. Flowers orange-red. Rootstocks dark red, -conical. - -=Canna Lavallei.=--Stems slender, purplish-brown. Flowers very large, -well-formed, vermilion-orange, becoming yellower as they open. -Rootstocks cylindrical. - -=Canna Lemoinei.=--Stems green, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves very -leathery, of medium size, and deep green colour. Flowers bright orange. - -=Canna limbata-major.=--Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. -Leaves large, lance-shaped, narrow, spreading, deep green, 2½ ft. long, -and over 8 ins. wide. Flowers large, orange-red. Rootstocks cylindrical, -narrowed towards the top, closely crowded together. Ripens its seeds -freely. - -=Canna maxima.=--Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves -very large, lance-shaped, acute, light green, becoming darker in the -course of growth, reflexed, from 2½ ft. to 32 ins. long, and 10 ins. to -1 ft. wide, on stalks 6 or 7 ins. long. Flowers small, orange-yellow. -Roots fibrous, without rootstocks. Does not flower before the second -year, and is valuable only for its foliage. - -=Canna Maréchal-Vaillant.=--Stems robust, from 5 ft. to 6 ft. high. -Leaves oblong, lance-shaped, erect, 28 ins. to 32 ins. long, deep green, -striped with purplish-red. Flowers large, elegant, of a pure orange, in -handsome spikes. Rootstocks rather thick, conical and cylindrical, -standing at some distance from the tuft. - -=Canna musæfolia-peruviana.=--Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. -high. Leaves very large, wide, light green. Flowers small, orange. -Rootstocks very small. - -=Canna musæfolia minima.=--Leaves of a whitish green, badly set. Flowers -small, orange-brown. No rootstocks. - -=Canna musæfolia-hybrida.=--Resembles _C. musæfolia_, but the stems and -leaves are thicker and of a deeper green. - -=Canna musæfolia-rubra.=--Stems dark red, 6½ ft. high. Leaves dark -purple-red, oval, very large. Flowers small, salmon-red. Rootstocks very -tender, with fibrous roots. Neglected as too tender and not sufficiently -distinct from several other varieties, such as _C. Chatei-grandis_, etc. - -=Canna musæfolia-perfecta.=--Stems from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves -broad, very firm, of a handsome whitish green. Flowers small, yellow. -Roots fibrous, without rootstocks. - -=Canna metallica.=--Resembles _C. nigricans_, and has never justified -its name. - -=Canna macrophylla-zebrina.=--Stems violet and downy, 4 ft. to over 5 -ft. high. Leaves dark-red, rayed and striped with purple. Flowers red, -with a perennially withered aspect. Rootstocks very small, conical, -closely set round the tuft. This variety is very subject to diseases. - -=Canna metallicoides.=--Stems violet, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves of -medium size, dark-red striped with purple. Flowers medium size, -light-red. Rootstocks small, with fibrous roots. - -=Canna nervosa.=--Stems reddish, 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves deep -green, rayed and margined with purple. Flowers small, blood-red. -Rootstocks conical. - -=Canna nigricans.=--Stems purplish-red, 4¼ ft. to over 8 ft. high. -Leaves lance-shaped, acuminate, erect, of a coppery red, which exhibits -a metallic gleam under sunshine. The old leaves lose their reddish tint, -and assume a duller hue. They are 2½ ft. in length by 10 ins. or 12 ins. -wide. Flowers few and late, of a sad, tawny-yellow colour. Rootstocks -brownish, conical. Seldom seeds. One of the finest kinds. - -=Canna nana-superba.=--Stems green, growing very closely together, and -from 20 ins. to 32 ins. high. Leaves small, of a handsome green. Flowers -large, badly formed, of a brick-red, becoming darker as they open. -Rootstocks grey, small, conical (A very inferior variety.) - -=Canna nepalensis-grandiflora.=--Has the same habit and foliage as the -type (_C. nepalensis_), but is a dwarfer variety with better-shaped -flowers of a sulphur-yellow, sometimes dotted with red. - -=Canna Oriflamme.=--Rhizomes conical, stalks deep green. Leaves good -size, elongated, acuminate, deep green lightly striped. Flowers very -large, deep orange, in panicles which stand up considerably above the -foliage. Height 5 ft. to 5½ ft. - -=Canna Pie IX.=--Stems small, green, slightly reddish below, 3¼ ft. to 4 -ft. high. Leaves small, of a pale glaucous-green, erect, lance-shaped, -acuminate. Flowers large, light yellow with a deep orange claw, very -numerous, in closely-crowded panicles. Rootstocks conical and -cylindrical. Excellent for edgings. - -=Canna Parmentier.=--Stems small, green, 4 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves -glaucous-green, small. Flowers brownish-yellow. Rootstocks grey, conical -and cylindrical. (An inferior variety.) - -=Canna purpurea-hybrida.=--Stems dark-red, from 4½ ft. to over 5 ft. -high. Leaves dark-red, rayed with reddish-purple. Flowers large, -brownish-yellow. Rootstocks small, conical, crowded. A very handsome -variety, but tender. - -=Canna Porteana.=--Stems small, dark-red, 3¼ ft. to 4 ft. high. Leaves -red, with a metallic lustre. Flowers medium-sized, light orange. -Rootstocks grey, small, forming a close, compact tuft. A fine but tender -variety. - -=Canna picturata-fastuosa.=--Stems numerous, green, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. -high. Leaves green, glaucescent, narrow, much pointed, over 2 ft. long -by 6 ins. wide. Flowers large, well-opened, light yellow speckled with -red. Blooms luxuriantly and continuously from the end of July to the -first frosts. Rootstocks white, with grey scales, cylindrical, much -elongated. - -=Canna picturata-nana.=--Stems small, green, from 20 ins. to 2 ft. -high. Leaves very small, of a light green. Flowers large, yellow, -spotted with red. Rootstocks whitish, small, conical. A charming variety -for edgings. - -=Canna Plantieri.=--Stems very thick, reddish below, deep green above, -3¼ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves green, glaucous, lance-shaped, acute. -Flowers large, bright yellow, changing to orange. Rootstocks greyish, -rather thick, conical and cylindrical. A late and shy bloomer. - -=Canna Prémices-de-Nice.=--Stems and leaves like those of _C. Annei_, 3¼ -ft. to 5 ft. high. Flowers very large, bright yellow, sometimes dotted -with salmon-colour. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical, rather shorter -than those of _C. Annei_. A very free-flowering and hardy variety. - -=Canna rubra-superbissima.=--Stems dark purple-red, very thick, from -nearly 6 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves broad, round, purplish-red, with a -metallic lustre. Flowers of medium size, light orange-red. Rootstocks -brownish, very thick, conical, crowded together. One of the finest -metallic-red-leaved Cannas. - -=Canna rubricaulis.=--Stems dark-red, from nearly 6 ft. to 7½ ft. high. -Leaves dark-red, rayed and margined with purple-red. Rootstocks greyish, -small, conical. (Inferior to the preceding variety.) - -=Canna rubra-nerva.=--Stems dark-red, from 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves -long and narrow, lance-shaped, reflexed, dark-red rayed with purple. -Flowers large, of a cinnabar red. Rootstocks dark-red, very long, -conical, and cylindrical. Resembles a weeping willow. - -=Canna rubra-perfecta.=--Stems dark-red, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. -Leaves dark-red, rayed with purple. Flowers of medium size, orange-red. -Rootstocks dark-red, conical. Seeds freely. - -=Canna rotundifolia-vera.=--Stems very thick, green, downy below, from -3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves round, reflexed, of a deep glistening -green. Flowers medium-sized, opening very badly, of a carmine-red. -Rootstocks medium-sized, conical. (A tender variety.) - -=Canna rotundifolia-rubra-major.=--Stems dark-red, numerous, very thick, -vigorous, from 3¼ ft. to 5¼ ft. high. Leaves round, obtuse, spreading -almost horizontally, pale-red, with a dark purplish-red midrib and -border. Rootstocks dark-red, very thick, cylindrical, much swollen -above. - -=Canna rotundifolia-metallica.=--Similar to the preceding, but with -coppery-red leaves which have a metallic lustre. - -=Canna Rendatleri.=--Stems light purplish-red, of medium thickness, -vigorous, rather distant from each other, from nearly 6 ft. to over 8 -ft. high. Leaves much pointed, deep-green tinged with dark-red, badly -set. Flowers numerous, very large, well-opened, salmon-red. Rootstocks -greyish, conical, cylindrical. Ripens its seeds badly. - -=Canna Rodezii.=--Stems small, numerous, from 4 ft. to 6¼ ft. high. -Leaves green, glaucous, lanceolate, acute, very narrow. Flowers large, -marigold-orange. Rootstocks whitish, cylindrical, very slender and long. -A variety desirable for its flowers, but not ornamental in foliage. - -=Canna Thibauti.=--Stems purplish-brown, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. -Leaves broad, thick, dark-red, rayed with purple. Flowers very large, -well-opened, poppy-red, in crowded panicles. Rootstocks white, small, -crowded together. - -=Canna striata.=--Stems green, slender, 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves -small, very narrow, erect, glaucous-green. Flowers yellow, speckled and -rayed with red. Rootstocks small, cylindrical, crowded at the base of -the plant. Inferior to _C. picturata-nana_ of the same colour. - -=Canna Warscewiczioides-Chatei.=--Stems dark-red, thick, from 6½ ft. to -over 7 ft. high. Leaves very large, dark-red. Flowers small, blood-red, -in very large panicles. Rootstocks brown, rather thick, cylindrical. - -=Canna Warscewiczioides-nobilis.=--Stems deep-green, tinged with -dark-red, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves deep-green, rayed and -margined with dark-red. Rootstocks medium-sized, conical, crowded around -the base of the plant. - -=Canna Van-Houttei.=--Stems dark-red, vigorous, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. -high. Leaves lance-shaped, pointed, green, rayed and margined with dark -purplish-red, 2 ft. to 2½ ft. long. Flowers large, well-formed, -poppy-red. Rootstocks grey, long, cylindrical. A very handsome and hardy -variety. - -=Canna zebrina.=--Stems green, tinged with dark-red, small, from 32 ins. -to 3¼ ft. high. Leaves deep-green, rayed and striped with dark-red. -Flowers small, orange tinged with salmon. Rootstocks whitish, conical. A -tardy grower. - -=Canna zebrina-major.=--Stems green tinged with dark-red, downy, of -medium size, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, deep-green, -rayed and striped with dark purplish-red. Flowers very small, red. -Rootstocks brown, rather thick, conical, swollen. - -=Canna zebrina-elegantissima.=--Stems dark-red, vigorous, 4 ft, to 5 ft. -high. Leaves very large, lance-shaped, deep-green, striped with dark -purplish-red. Flowers of medium size, yellowish-brown tinged with -scarlet. Rootstocks greyish, conical, swollen. - -=Canna zebrina-géant.=--Stems deep-green, tinged with violet-red, very -thick, downy. Leaves very large, thick, deep-green, rayed with dark-red. -Flowers large, light-red. Rootstocks whitish, conical, closely crowded -together. Difficult to flower, but very ornamental in foliage. - -=Canna zebrina-violacea.=--Stems violet, downy, slender, about 4 ft. -high. Leaves violet, rayed with purple. Flowers of medium size, -bright-red. Roots fibrous. A very tender variety, with badly-developed -leaves. - -=Canna zebrina-nana.=--Stems green tinged with dark-red, 16 ins. to 20 -ins. high. Leaves small, light-green, rayed and margined with purple. -Flowers of medium size, light-red. Rootstocks small, crowded on one -another. Excellent for large edgings. - -=Canna Ferrandii.=--Stems dark purplish-red, 4 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves -medium-sized, dark-red, margined with purple. Flowers large, blood-red, -very numerous, in handsome panicles. - -=Canna Auguste Ferrier.=--Stems green, very thick, downy, nearly 10 ft. -high. Leaves very large, oval, erect, pointed, deep-green, with narrow -stripes and margin of dark purplish-red. Flowers of medium size, -orange-red. Rootstocks small, but very hardy. A shy bloomer, but of -remarkably fine habit and foliage. - -=Canna Barilletti.=--Stems red, vigorous, nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves -very large, deep-red. Flowers small, orange-red. Rootstocks very small, -conical, with fibrous roots. - -The number of Cannas enumerated is so large that it is desirable to make -a selection from them. A still narrower selection is indicated by -asterisks. - - -A SELECTION OF CANNAS. - - C. Annei - “ -discolor - atronigricans - atropurpurea - *Auguste Ferrier - aurantiaca-splendida - aurantiaca-zebrina - *Amelia - Barilletti - Bihorelli - Bonetti - *Chatei-discolor - “ -grandis - Député Hénon - discolor - *excelsa-zebrina - expansa - “ -rubra - C. *elegantissima rustica - Ferrandii - gigantea - grandiflora-floribunda - iridiflora - “ -hybrida - “ -rubra - insignis - *Imperator - *Krelagei discolor - Lavallei - Liliiflora - limbata - macrophylla - musæfolia - maxima - Maréchal-Vaillant - *nigricans - C. peruviana purpurea - “ robusta - *purpurea spectabilis - *Porteana - *picturata-fastuosa - “ -nana - Pie IX. - Prémices-de-Nice - Rendatleri - rotundifolia-metallica - “ -rubra - Thibauti - Van-Houttei - zebrina-nana - “ -elegantissima - -=*Cannabis sativus= (_Hemp-plant_).--A well-known annual, native of -India and Persia, and largely cultivated in Europe for the sake of its -fibre. In ordinary situations it grows from 4 ft. to 10 ft. high, but in -Italy, under very favourable circumstances, it sometimes grows as high -as 20 ft. In plants growing singly the stem is frequently much branched, -but when grown in masses it is generally straight and unbranched. The -leaves are long-stalked, and composed of from five to seven long, -lance-shaped, sharp-pointed leaflets, radiating from the top of the -stalk, and with the margins cut into sharp saw-like teeth. This -well-known plant is useful where the tenderer subtropical plants cannot -be enjoyed. Single well-grown plants of it look very imposing and -distinct, and are good for the backs of borders or mixed groups. For -these purposes, it should be sown early in April in the open ground. To -get large plants it would no doubt be worth while raising it in frames. -It loves a warm, sandy loam. - -=*Carduuse riophorus= (_Woolly-headed Thistle_).--A remarkably -conspicuous native plant, with a much-branched, furrowed, hairy stem 3 -ft. to 5 ft. high, and very deeply cut and undulated spiny leaves, the -lower ones often 2 ft. long. The flower-heads are very large, of a -purplish-red colour, and surrounded on the under side with a dense white -cottony web. There are few plants more handsome or novel in appearance -than an established one of this. It is suitable for borders, or groups -of hardy fine-foliaged plants, and grows well in any ordinary -garden-soil. Seed. - -=*Carex paniculata.=--A very large sedge, growing somewhat like a dwarf -tree-fern, with strong and thick stems, and with luxuriant masses of -drooping leaves. The roots form dense elevated tufts, frequently -elevated from one to three feet above the surface of the ground; and -when the plant is in flower, it generally exhibits a large and -spreading panicle. The leaves are rough and broad, and the flower-spike -from 3 ins. to 6 ins. long. A few tufts of this are very effective on -the margins of water near groups of picturesque plants. The finer -specimens are of great age, and must be procured from the bogs where the -plant occurs wild. - -=*Carex pendula.=--A very handsome plant, unlike any of the other -British Carices, growing in large round tufts, with numerous -flowering-stems and barren shoots, which attain a height of from 3 ft. -to 6 ft. The leaves are often 2 ft. or more in length, and are chiefly -at the base of the plant. It is most attractive when in flower, from the -graceful disposition of its pendent spikes, which are usually about -half-a-dozen in number, and each from 4 ins. to 7 ins. in length. Very -suitable for the margin of water or for boggy or moist spots. - -[Illustration: Carlina acaulis.] - -=*Carlina acaulis.=--A hardy perennial, rather interesting from its -foliage, which has some resemblance to the leaves of a miniature -Acanthus, and is disposed in a broad, handsome, regular rosette very -close to the ground. Its single yellowish flower, 3 ins. or more across, -is borne on a very short, erect stalk in the centre of the rosette. -Although too dwarf for association with plants of more imposing stature, -it is well worthy of a place on a bank or slope, or on the margins of -low beds or groups, where its pleasing aspect and very distinct habit -will be - -[Illustration: CARYOTA SOBOLIFERA. - -Tender Palm; for summer use in the southern counties only.] - -seen to best advantage. It thrives best in dry, stony, calcareous soil, -and is easily multiplied by sowing. In the mountainous districts of -France the flowers are gathered by the inhabitants, and used as a -substitute for artichokes. Central Europe. - -=Carludovica palmata.=--A very ornamental, palm-like plant, from 4 ft. -to 7 ft. high, with rich dark-green leaves from 2 ft. to 3 ft. broad, -and divided into four lobes, each of which is again divided at the apex -into narrow segments. The leaf-stalks are round, smooth, and without -spines, and are of the same colour as the leaves. This interesting plant -will stand the open air in summer, from early June till October, but -requires warm house treatment in winter, with plenty of water at all -times. Seed. Peru and New Granada. - -=Caryota sobolifera.=--An elegant Palm, with a slender stem and shining -light-green bipinnate leaves. The leaf-stalks, when young, are clothed -with a short, black, scaly tomentum, which falls off as the plant grows -older. It is often confounded with _C. urens_, but may be easily -distinguished from it by the suckers which it produces very freely from -its base. Similar treatment and uses to those given for _C. urens_, with -which it is of much the same value for the open garden. Malacca. - -=Caryota urens.=--An East Indian Palm, with a stout stem, and an elegant -crown of spreading bipinnate leaves, from 3 ft. to 12 ft., or more, in -length, of a dark-green colour, the leaflets being 6 ins. to 9 ins. long -by 2 ins. to 4 ins. wide. When young, it should be potted in equal parts -of loam and vegetable mould, with a little sand; the pot to be well -drained, and water given liberally during the growing season. It is -generally seen in a small state in this country; and though it stands -the open air in summer, from June till the end of September, pretty -well, it can never be of much importance for our open-air gardening. - -=*Cassia marilandica.=--A hardy, graceful perennial, 3½ ft. to 5 ft. -high, with pinnate leaves, resembling those of the Acacia, and slender -stems, bearing yellow flowers, in numerous small clusters in autumn. It -is somewhat late in growth, but once commenced, grows with great -rapidity. It thrives best in a position with a south aspect, and may be -multiplied either by division in spring, or by sowing from April to -June. It should always be planted in a warm, deep, sandy loam, and is -very suitable for borders or association in groups with the finer hardy -subjects, its graceful leaves qualifying it for a place in a group of -hardy foliage-plants. In naturally warm, deep, and well-drained soils it -will prove a noble subject for the back parts of borders. N. America. - -=*Centaurea babylonica.=--Among the Centaureas there are a few subjects -which might be used among hardy fine-leaved plants, but by far the most -distinct and remarkable is the very silvery-leaved _C. babylonica_. This -is quite hardy, and when planted in good ground, sends up strong shoots, -clad with yellow flowers, to a height of 10 ft. or 12 ft. The bloom, -which continues from July to September, is not by any means so -attractive as the leaves; but the plant is at all times picturesque. In -groups, or, still better, isolated, on rough or undulating parts of -pleasure-grounds, it has a very fine effect. A free sandy loam suits it -best. Seed. Levant. - -[Illustration: CENTAUREA BABYLONICA. - -Coarse herbaceous Section; for isolation by wood-walks, etc.] - -=Centaurea Clementei.=--A plant of robust growth (resembling _C. -ragusina_, but much larger in every part), with broad crowns of leaves, -which are deeply serrated and cut into lobes. To the elegance of the -foliage must be added its beauty of colouring, the leaf in a young state -being covered with down as white as snow, and when fully matured and -developed still retaining a silvery appearance. This plant, which I -first saw in M. Boissier’s garden, near Lausanne, I have no experience -of as a hardy plant in this country; but whatever its value in this -respect may be, there can be no doubt that for the summer garden it will -prove as effective as either _C. gymnocarpa_ or _C. ragusina_, both -exceptionally fine and useful plants. The same treatment will suit it. - -=Centaurea dealbata= is a dwarf hardy species from the Caucasus, with -elegant foliage, white underneath, and rosy flowers: suitable among -dwarf hardy subjects. - -=Centaurea gymnocarpa.=--A half-shrubby plant from the South of Europe, -nearly 2 ft. high, with hard, branching, bushy stems, and elegantly cut, -arching leaves, which are covered with a short, whitish-satiny down. A -variety (_C. plumosa_) has the leaves much more divided, and not so -white. This plant is somewhat hardier than _C. ragusina_, but both -require greenhouse treatment in winter. Same soil, positions, and -treatment as for _C. ragusina_. Useful as this is as an edging or -bedding plant, it is when grown as fine single specimens that its beauty -is most seen. - -=Centaurea ragusina.=--This fine and distinct plant, which has lately -become one of the most popular of our flower-garden ornaments, cannot -be passed by in a book on fine-leaved plants. It is so abundantly used -as a bedding and ribbon-plant, etc., that nothing need be said of it in -these respects, but it will be seen to great advantage in single, -well-grown tufts or small groups, as its silvery leaves would contrast -finely with many of the dark green and glossy things recommended for -this purpose. Readily increased by seeds, or by cuttings. Should be -planted out in May. S. Europe. - -=Chamædorea.=--A family of Mexican palms, with smooth, fine green stems, -resembling those of the bamboos, seldom more than 15 ft. or 20 ft. high -and 1 in. or 2 ins. thick, surmounted by tufts of eight or nine pinnate -or almost entire leaves, nearly 8 ft. in length. Among the most -ornamental species are _C. elatior_, _C. elegans_, and _C. -Ernesti-Augusti_. These elegant palms may, with advantage, be placed in -the open air in early summer, in sunny but sheltered nooks, and taken in -at the end of September. Their small, elegant heads particularly fit -them for placing here and there among groups of medium-sized, -fine-leaved plants, or among mixed masses of dahlias, cannas, etc. - -=*Chamæpeuce diacantha.=--A spiny-leaved biennial of remarkable habit, -growing in tufts of six or eight stems, from 2 ft. to nearly 3 ft. high, -which, in the following season, are terminated by dense, spike-like -clusters of purplish blooms. It requires light, well-drained soil and a -warm position, and should seldom be watered. As the stems are not -produced until the second year, the radical rosettes of the first year -may be advantageously used in forming edgings, or on the margins of -groups, for which - -[Illustration: CHAMÆDOREA. - -Slender Palm Type; for placing amidst groups of dwarfer subjects during -the summer months.] - -their light-green, silver-veined leaves are very suitable, or they may -serve to fill a vacant space in the mixed border. Multiplied by sowing -in spring or autumn. The plants require the shelter of a house in -winter, and are only effective for edgings in the young or rosette -stage. - -=*Chamærops excelsa.=--A hardy species, with an erect stem, 20 ft. or 30 -ft. high in its native country, and dark-green, erect, fan-shaped -leaves, deeply cut into narrow segments. The leaf-stalks are from 3 ft. -to 6 ft. long, and are enclosed at the base in a dense mass of rough -fibres, and armed at the edges with small, tooth-like spines. This plant -remains out during the winter in the neighbourhood of Paris, in -sheltered positions, the stem being protected in severe frosts with a -covering of straw, etc., and it is worth a trial in the south with us. - -=*Chamærops Fortunei= (_The Chusan Palm_).--This species is often -confounded with _C. excelsa_, from which, however, it differs in being -of a stouter habit, having a more profuse matted network of fibres -around the bases of the leaves and crown, the segments of the leaves -much broader, and the leaf-stalks shorter and stouter, from 1 ft. to 2 -ft. long, and quite unarmed. It grows 12 ft. or more in height, and has -a handsome, spreading head of fan-like leaves, which are slit into -segments about half-way down. - -It may not be generally known that this palm is perfectly hardy in this -country. A plant of it in Her Majesty’s gardens at Osborne has stood out -for many winters and attained a considerable height. It is also placed -out at Kew, though protected in winter. On the water-side of the high -mound in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent’s Park, it is in even better -health than at Kew, though it has not had any protection for years, and -stood the fearfully hard frost of 1860. If small plants of this are -procured, it is better to grow them on freely for a year or two in the -greenhouse, and then turn them out in April, spreading the roots a -little and giving them a deep loamy soil. Plant in a sheltered place, so -that the leaves may not be injured by winds when they grow up and get -large. A gentle hollow, or among shrubs on the sides of some sheltered -glade, will prove the best place for it. The establishment of a palm -among our somewhat monotonous shrubbery and garden vegetation is surely -worthy of a little trouble, and the precautions indicated will prove -quite sufficient. - -=Chamærops Palmetto= (_Palmetto Palm_).--This is a rather slow-growing -species, but valuable on account of its hardiness. It grows to a height -of about 15 ft., and has glaucous or sea-green, fan-shaped leaves, -divided into long narrow segments. The stem is smooth or without -prickles. It is a very fine object when planted out; and, grown in tubs -in a cool house or conservatory, stands the open air in summer well, and -should be put out at the end of May. - -=*Chenopodium Atriplicis.=--A vigorous-growing Chinese annual, with an -angular, erect, slightly branched, reddish stem, over 3 ft. in height, -the young shoots and leaves covered with a fine rosy violet powder. The -leaves are very numerous, nearly spoon-shaped, and long-stalked. This -plant is very ornamental in foliage, and well adapted for planting on -grass-plats or grouping with - -[Illustration: CHAMÆROPS EXCELSA. - -Hardy Palm: best in sheltered positions.] - -other plants in pleasure-grounds. May be treated as a half-hardy annual. - -=Cineraria maritima.=--A very handsome bushy perennial, with finely-cut -leaves, covered on the under side with a silvery down. It bears numerous -heads of bright yellow flowers in summer. When the effect of its foliage -only is desired, the flowering-stems should be pinched off on their -first appearance. The plant then becomes more leafy and more branching. -Multiplied easily by seeds. Useful on the margins of shrubberies, or -isolated on banks, or on the grass of the pleasure-ground, where it -would form an agreeable variety among the _Acanthuses_ and various other -dark-green subjects recommended for this purpose. - -=Cineraria Acanthifolia= is a fine variety of the preceding, and well -worthy of cultivation. - -=Cladium Mariscus.=--This vigorous native fen-plant grows from 2 ft. to -6 ft. high, and, when in flower, is crowned with dense, close, -chestnut-coloured panicles, which are sometimes 3 ft. in length. The -radical leaves are glaucous, rigid, and often 4 ft. long. Worthy of a -place near such subjects as _Carex pendula_ or the _Typhas_ on the -margin of water. - -=Colea Commersonii.=--A shrub from Madagascar, with very large opposite -leaves, each consisting of pairs of oval-obtuse leaflets. This has been -used in the subtropical garden at Battersea Park, but it is not likely -to be of any practical importance in our outdoor gardening. Indeed it -must be a very fine plant in this way which would produce so good an -effect as young plants of _Ailantus glandulosa_. - -=*Comptonia asplenifolia.=--This is a quaint-looking little shrub, -fern-like in leaf and neat in habit. The leaves are long, and cut into -numerous rounded lobes, somewhat like those of the _Ceterach_; and the -habit of the shrub is spreading and pleasing. It likes peaty soil, and -may be increased by layers, suckers, or seeds. It should be used as an -isolated specimen on the grass, or associated with such things as the -oak-leaved _Hydrangea_ and _Aralia japonica_. A very pretty object in -the woods of New Jersey and many other parts of N. America, where it is -called the Sweet Fern. It would be peculiarly appropriate for similar -positions in this country, when we have it plentiful enough to -naturalise. - -=Cordyline indivisa.=--A magnificent New Zealand plant, with a simple -stem, from 2 ft. to 5 ft. high, and well distinguished by its -excessively thick and leathery leaves, which are from 1 ft. to 5 ft. -long, and 4 or 5 inches broad, lance-shaped, of a dark shining green -colour, the midrib and veins being of a rich deep orange. The flowers -are white, and very densely crowded, in a large drooping panicle. This -fine greenhouse plant may be placed out of doors in summer, from the end -of May till October, with a very good effect; best, perhaps, as an -isolated specimen, the pot being sunk in the grass. - -=Corypha australis.=--A noble Australian palm, over 30 ft. high in its -native country, and forming a very effective subject for the subtropical -garden in summer, from June till October. The leaves are nearly -circular, often more than 5 ft. broad, of a dark green colour, very much -plaited, and divided round the edge into narrow segments, and supported -by spiny leaf-stalks, from 6½ ft. to nearly 10 ft. long. It requires -abundance of water, and should have a warm, sunny, and sheltered -position. Few places, however, can afford to have subjects of this -character in the open air, except where there are large conservatories, -in which it is a relief to get more room in summer. - -=*Crambe cordifolia.=--This is unquestionably one of the finest of -perfectly hardy and large-leaved herbaceous plants. It is as easily -grown as the common Seakale--more easily, if anything; and in heavy rich -ground makes a splendid head of leaves, surmounted in summer by a dense -spray of very small flowers. In planting it, the deeper and richer the -soil the finer the result. It will prove a capital thing for any group -of fine-leaved hardy plants, and may also be planted wherever a bold -though low type of vegetation is desired. - -There is another species, _*C. juncea_, a dwarf kind, with white flowers -and much-branched stems, the ramifications of which are very slender and -elegant. This is also effective, but not so valuable as _C. cordifolia_. - -=*Cucurbita perennis.=--A climbing or trailing plant, well adapted for -covering walls, ruins, trellises, steep slopes, etc. It is a very -vigorous grower, its stems sometimes attaining a length of nearly 40 ft. -in one year; but it will probably never do this in our climate. The -leaves are strong, rough, and of a glaucous colour; and the shoots run -about freely if the plant be in very rich soil. Where a bold trailing -plant for high trellis-work, or rough banks, or shaggy rockwork is -desired, it will be found useful; but withal we cannot give it a place -in the front rank, and the small select garden without any of the -above-mentioned appendages will certainly be better without it. For the -botanical garden and curious collections it is indispensable. It is -strong and lasting when well established, and may be allowed to trail -over rough places, stumps, or similar positions. The flowers have a -rather strong odour of violets, and are succeeded by roundish fruit, the -size of a small orange, of a deep green colour barred and speckled with -white. Requires a deep, light soil, and a warm but airy position. -Seedlings and plants in exposed places should be covered in winter with -litter or leaves. It is easily multiplied in spring by division of the -young tuberous stems, or by sowing in light, substantial, well-drained -soil from April to July, or in pots in a lukewarm hotbed in March and -April. It has not, so far as I am aware, fruited in our climate. - -=Cyathea dealbata.=--This very handsome fern, known in N. Zealand as the -Silver Tree-fern, has a slender, branched, almost black stem, 4 ft. to 8 -ft. high, ending in a fine crown of broadly-oblong twice-divided fronds -of a dark green colour above and milk-white below; the rachis and -midribs when young are covered with brown scales, and afterwards with -pale deciduous down. This plant may be placed in the open air, in the -southern and milder districts, during the summer months from the end of -May till the end of September. - -=Cycas revoluta.=--A graceful and well-known plant, with a very stout -stem, sometimes, though rarely, reaching a height of from 6 ft. to 10 -ft. from the top of which issues a beautiful crown of dark green -pinnate - -[Illustration: CYCAS (_very large and old specimen_). - -Stove Section: suitable for placing in the open air, in warm and -sheltered parts of the country, after a strong growth has been made and -matured indoors.] - -leaves, from 2 ft. to 6 ft. long. It is one of the most valuable of the -greenhouse plants that may be placed in the open air in summer from the -end of May till October, and is particularly graceful in the centre of a -bed of flowering plants, or isolated with the pot or tub plunged to the -rim in the turf, always in a warm and sheltered position. Increased by -seeds, or by separation of the suckers which are occasionally thrown up. - -=*Cynara Scolymus= (_French Artichoke_).--This plant, although chiefly -grown for culinary purposes, possesses sufficient merit as a -foliage-plant to entitle it to a place amongst ornamental subjects. Its -long, deeply-divided leaves, white and downy beneath, its height (4 ft. -to 5 ft.), its purplish flower-heads, and distinct habit render it very -suitable for planting on the irregular and rougher parts of -pleasure-grounds, grass-plats, etc., which are often occupied by -subjects far less striking. - -=*Cyperus longus= (_Galingale_).--The stiff, erect, tapering, triangular -stem of this plant, which is from 2 ft. to 3 ft. high, is crowned by a -handsome loose umbellate panicle of chestnut-coloured flower-spikes, at -the base of which there is an involucrum of three or more unequal -leaves. These are often 1 or 2 feet long, the lower ones arching -gracefully and of a bright shining green, giving the plant a very -distinct and pleasing appearance. The rootstock is thick and aromatic, -and was formerly much used in medicine as a tonic. A rare native plant, -suitable for the bog-bed or the margin of water. - -=Dahlia imperialis= (_Lily-flowered Dahlia_).--The common Dahlia gives -us no more idea of this than the little vernal Scilla of Britain does of -_Scilla peruviana_. The Imperial Dahlia has very large and graceful, -much divided leaves, and flowers of a pure and beautiful French white, -thrown up in a great cone-like mass, and resembling such lilies as _L. -tigrinum Fortunei_, which, instead of merely developing a head of -flowers, shoot up a great candelabrum laden with them. The flowers of -this dahlia do not, like most of the flowers of composite plants, open -so wide as to stare at you with the brazen look of a sunflower, but, on -the contrary, hang pendulous and half open, with some of the modesty of -the white lily. There is little chance of this species producing its -flowers in the open air in this country, but it will, notwithstanding, -be of service both in the flower-garden and conservatory. - -Planted in rich soil, and placed in a warm, sheltered position in the -open air at the end of May, it grows well with us in summer, and, in -consequence of its large and graceful leaves, is an ornament worthy of -being used as a “fine-foliaged” or “subtropical” plant. Just at the time -that it begins to gather together its flowering energies the best of our -season fails, and the plant must soon fail too, if not immediately taken -up and placed in a well-lighted and warm greenhouse. If plunged out in a -large pot or tub during the summer, it may be taken up without injury, -and will in all probability flower under glass in the autumn, and prove -a magnificent ornament. We should have very small hopes of its flowering -well if planted out so that its great roots must be mutilated when being -taken up, and therefore the safe way will be to pot it in a very large -pot, and plunge that in the ground. The roots would probably go through -the pot and enter the ground, but the main mass of them could be taken -up without disturbance, - -[Illustration: TREE FERN. - -For half-shady sheltered dells, in warmer and milder districts, during -the summer months.] - -and then it could if necessary be shifted into a larger pot or small -tub. - -=*Datisca cannabina.=--A distinct and gracefully-habited herbaceous -plant from 4 ft. to 6 ft. high. The long stems are clothed with large -and handsome pinnate leaves, and the yellowish-green inflorescence -appears towards the end of summer. The male plant has long been known as -a very strong, graceful, and effective herb. The female plant, however, -remains green much longer than the male, and when profusely laden with -fruit, each shoot droops and the whole plant improves in aspect. It -should not be forgotten in any selection of hardy plants of free growth -and imposing aspect. From seed will probably be found the best way to -raise it, and then one would be pretty sure of securing plants of both -sexes. - -=Dicksonia antarctica.=--A very noble evergreen tree-fern, with a stout -trunk, which varies considerably in thickness, and attains a height of -30 ft. or more. The fronds, which form a magnificent crown 20 ft. or 30 -ft. across, are lance-shaped, much divided, of a shining dark green on -the upper surface, and paler underneath, from 6 ft. to 20 ft. long, -beautifully arched, and becoming pendulous with age. Perhaps the -hardiest of tree-ferns, and therefore most suitable for placing in the -open air in summer in sheltered shady dells, from the middle of May to -the beginning of October. - -=*Dicentra (Dielytra) eximia.=--A plant with dense and very graceful -foliage, far more so than any other member of the order in cultivation; -and valuable as a flowering plant too, as the brightly-coloured flowers -remain on for a long time in spring and early summer. It generally grows -from 12 ins. to 16 ins. high, forming thick, almost pyramidal, tufts of -pale green, glaucescent, deeply-divided leaves, and bearing handsome -drooping clusters of large, rose-coloured flowers, often flowering twice -in the year. Although not absolutely necessary, it will be all the -better to plant it in light soil. Multiplied by division of the tufts in -spring. It should be associated with dwarf subjects like _Thalictrum -minus_, or be used on the margins of mixed beds of fine-leaved hardy -plants. - -=*Dimorphanthus mandschuricus.=--A magnificent hardy shrub of erect -habit, with very large, much-divided, spiny leaves, which very much -resemble those of the Angelica-tree of North America, and in this -country attaining a height of 6 ft. to 10 ft., which it will probably -much exceed when well established in favourable positions. It is -certainly the most remarkable fine-foliage shrub that has been -introduced into our gardens for years, and is therefore of the highest -importance for the subtropical garden. As to its treatment, it seems to -thrive with the greatest vigour in a well-drained deep loam, and would -grow well in ordinary garden soil. As to position, isolation in some -sheltered but sunny spot will show it to great advantage; but it may -also be grouped with like subjects, always allowing space for the spread -of its great leaves. - -=*Dipsacus sylvestris.=--A rather singular-looking hardy native plant, 5 -ft. to 6 ft. high, with a prickly, leafy, branching stem, and longish -opposite leaves joined together at their bases. The flowers are of a -pretty purplish rose-colour, and are borne in conical heads 3 ins. - -[Illustration: DIMORPHANTHUS MANDSCHURICUS. - -Hardy deciduous shrub Section.] - -or more in length. Suited for the embellishment of rough, uneven ground, -and will grow well in almost any kind of soil. Still more desirable than -the foregoing is _D. laciniatus_; a native of France, the leaves of -which are fringed with silky hairs instead of spines, and which has -always whitish flowers. Both these plants are biennials, and are easily -raised from seed. - - -THE DRACÆNAS. - -Long as this noble family has been known in our gardens, we have yet to -learn a great deal about its use and beauty. Hitherto only allowed to -grace a stove or conservatory now and then, the Dracænas in future will -be among the indispensable ornaments of every garden where grace or -variety is sought. They are among the very best of those subjects which -may be brought from the conservatory or greenhouse in early summer, and -placed in the flower-garden till it is time to take them in again to the -houses in which they are to pass the winter months. And if it were not -necessary to protect them through the winter, it would be almost worth -our while to bring them indoors at that season, so graceful are they, -and so useful for adding the highest character to our conservatories. -The hardier and most coriaceous kinds, like _indivisa_ and _Draco_, may -be placed out with impunity very far north. The brightly coloured kinds, -like _D. terminalis_, have been tried in the open air at Battersea, but -not with success. It would be dangerous to try them in the open air much -farther north, except in very favourable spots. The better kinds are -indicated in the select list of subtropical plants. _D. indivisa_ grows -well in the open air in the south of England and Ireland. - -=Dracæna australis.=--A fine plant, with a stout, branched stem, from 10 -ft. to 40 ft. high; and oblong, lance-shaped, bright green leaves, from -2 ft. to 3 ft. in length and 2 ins. to 4 ins. in breadth, striated with -numerous parallel veins. Flowers white, densely crowded, sweet-scented, -¾ in. across; but these are rarely produced except in large houses in -botanic or other gardens, where there are old or well-established -specimens. This is a useful conservatory species, and may be used out of -doors in summer, like _D. indivisa_, though it is not quite so graceful. -This plant is of very easy culture in ordinary soil. - -=Dracæna cannæfolia.=--A very fine species from New Holland, with a tall -stem, and leaves from 20 ins. to 2 ft. long, the sides of which are -rolled inwards, so as to form a kind of pipe, of a fine sea-green -colour, and supported on stalks a foot or more in length. This is a -valuable species for warm greenhouse or conservatory use, and also for -placing out of doors in the southern counties, though it thrives best -indoors. - -=Dracæna Draco= (_Dragon tree of Teneriffe_).--A large and vigorous -species, native of the Canary Islands, where it attains a great height -and age; the now perished Dragon-tree at Orotava in Teneriffe having -grown, according to Meyen, “70 ft. high and 48 ft. in circumference, -with an antiquity which must at least be greater than that of the -Pyramids.” In this country it is seldom seen more than 10 ft. high. The -stem is tree-like, simple or divided at the top, and often, when old, -becoming much branched, each branch terminated by a crowded head of -lanceolate-linear entire leaves of a glaucous green colour. The flowers -form a large terminal panicle, and are individually small and of a -greenish-white colour. This plant is more graceful and effective when in -a young state, in which it usually occurs in our gardens, than when old -and branched. It thrives well in the greenhouse or conservatory, and in -the midland and southern counties may be placed in the open air from the -end of May to October, while it is a fine object indoors at all seasons. -It is of very easy culture in sandy loam, and requires plenty of pot -room. - -=*Dracæna indivisa.=--A very graceful plant, with leaves from 2 ft. to 4 -ft. long, and 1 in. to 2 ins. in breadth, tapering to a point, pendent, -and dark green. It should not be confounded with the conservatory plant -known as _Cordyline indivisa_, which is too tender to succeed well in -the open air, and somewhat difficult to grow. This species, on the -contrary, is perfectly hardy in the south of England and Ireland. I saw -good specimens of it at Bicton a few years ago, and quite recently as -far north as Woodstock, in the county Kilkenny, in Ireland; a plant also -stood out in a vase for several years in Mr. A. M’Kenzie’s garden at -Muswell Hill, N. _D. indivisa lineata_ is a very fine variety, the -leaves of which are much broader than those of the type, measuring -sometimes 4 ins. across, and coloured with reddish pink at the sheathing -base. Other good varieties are _D. indivisa atro-purpurea_, which has -the base of the leaf and the midrib on the under side of a dark purple; -and _D. indivisa Veitchii_, in which the habit and size of the leaf are -the same as in the species, but in addition it has a sheathing base and -the midrib on the under side is of a beautiful deep red. It would be -difficult to find a plant more worthy of cultivation than this. Where it -does well in the garden or pleasure-ground in the southern parts, it -surpasses any Yucca or other hardy plant that I know in respect of -distinctness and tropical-looking grace; and, this being the case, there -can be little need to plead for it to the many who have gardens in the -counties south of London. In all districts it may be placed in the open -garden in summer with fine effect, the rim of the pots plunged level -with, or a little below, the surface, and the plants either isolated on -the turf, in the centre of a bed of flowering plants, or grouped with -other fine-leaved subjects. In the conservatory it is one of the most -effective and graceful subjects at all seasons, and is of very easy -culture in rich sandy loam. - -The _Dracænas_ are a very numerous family, and many more might be -described; but most of the other kinds have not been proved to possess -any excellence for the flower-garden, while those enumerated are -abundantly sufficient to represent the aspect of this graceful and -stately family. - -=Echeveria metallica.=--This is scarcely high enough to be suitable for -association with the taller plants, but it is so very distinct in -aspect, and has been proved to grow so well in the open air during -several unfavourable seasons, that I must not pass it by. I purposely -exclude from this book many things sometimes found in lists of -“subtropical” plants, but which may be classed most properly with -bedding subjects. But this, although not very large, forms an agreeable -and distinct object, and is very well calculated for producing a -striking effect among dwarf bedding and edging plants. It may be -propagated by the leaves, by cuttings, or by seeds, and requires a dry -greenhouse-shelf in the winter. Light sandy earth, not of necessity very -poor, will suit it best in the open air. It will prove very effective on -the margins of beds and groups of the dwarfer foliage-plants, or here -and there among hardy succulents, and should be planted out about the -middle of May. - -=*Echinops ruthenicus.=--A hardy ornamental plant from S. Russia, with -stems 3 or 4 feet high, much branched in the upper part, and covered -with a silvery down. The leaves are deeply toothed and spiny, of a dark -green above, white and cottony underneath. The flowers are blue, and -borne in almost spherical heads on the tops of the erect branches. The -plant flourishes best in a calcareous soil, but will do well in almost -any well-drained ground. Easily multiplied by seed, division of the -tufts, or by cuttings of the roots in spring. This is the most -ornamental of its distinct family, and is highly suitable for grouping -with the finer herbaceous plants. It would also look remarkably bold and -well if isolated on the turf. - -=*Elymus arenarius.=--This wild British grass--a strong-rooting and most -distinct-looking herb--is capable of adding a striking feature to the -garden here and there, and should be quickly introduced into -cultivation. Planted a short distance away from the margin of a -shrubbery, or on a bank on the grass, and allowed to have its own way in -deep soil, it makes a most striking object. In short, it deserves to -rank high among really hardy fine grasses, the Pampas and the two -Arundos alone surpassing it. I am not quite certain that it is not more -useful than the Arundo, being hardy in all parts of these islands. In -very good soil it will grow 4 feet high; and as it is for the leaves we -should cultivate it, if the flowers are removed they will be no loss. It -is found frequently on our shores, but more abundantly in the north than -in the south. The variety called _geniculatus_, which has the spike -pendulous, is also worthy of culture, and in its case the flowers may -prove worth preserving. It may possibly be useful for covert, and is -certainly so for rough spots in the pleasure-ground and in semi-wild -places. - -=*Elymus condensatus= (_Bunch grass_).--A vigorous perennial grass from -British Columbia, forming a dense, compact, column-like growth, more -than 8 ft. in height, covered from the base almost to the top with long -arching leaves, and crowned in the flowering season with numerous erect, -rigid spikes, each 6½ ins. long, and resembling an elongated ear of -wheat in form. It is a very ornamental plant, and may be associated with -our largest grasses. A very distinct variety has been raised in the -Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens, in which the spikes or ears are much -shorter and broader than those of the original form. For this the name -_Elymus condensatus compactus_ has been suggested. - -=Entelea arborescens.=--A small, branching, light-wooded tree, 5 to 10 -ft. high, with large, alternate, heart-shaped or three-lobed leaves -covered with stellate down, and white flowers, somewhat like those of a -small dog-rose, borne in umbels on the ends of a branching panicle. It -is peculiar to New Zealand, and is the only species of the genus. This -used to grow satisfactorily in the Paris gardens, but I have no -experience of it in this country. It will require greenhouse treatment -in winter, and is of but secondary importance for open-air culture. - -=*Epimedium pinnatum.=--A hardy dwarf perennial from Asia Minor, from 8 -ins. to 2½ ft. high, forming handsome tufts of long-stalked radical -pinnate leaves, and bearing long clusters of yellow flowers. The -handsome leaves remain on the plant until the new ones appear in the -ensuing spring. It is not a good plan to remove them, as they serve to -shelter the buds of the new leaves during the winter, and the plants -flower much better when they are allowed to remain. Cool, moist, peaty -soil, and a slightly-shaded position, will be found most suitable for -this, and the novel appearance of its foliage claims a place for it -among the dwarfer plants, groups of fine-foliaged hardy herbaceous -subjects, Mahonias, etc. - -=*Equisetum Telmateia= (_Giant Horse-tail_).--A British plant of very -noble port and much grace of character when well-developed, growing from -3 ft. to 6 ft. high in favourable soil and positions. The stem is -furnished from top to bottom with spreading whorls of slender, slightly -drooping, quadrangular branches; the whole forming a pyramidal outline -of very distinct and pleasing effect. It is a highly ornamental subject -for planting in the hardy fernery, the artificial bog, shady peat -borders, near cascades, or among shrubs growing best in moist hollows in -vegetable soil. Multiplied by division. - -=*Equisetum sylvaticum= is another native Horse-tail of much dwarfer -size, but of the most exquisite grace when grown; the stem standing from -8 to 15 inches high, and well covered with numerous slender, spreading, -or deflexed compound branches. Very suitable for rockwork, margins of -ornamental water, or any of the positions in which _E. Telmateia_ may be -grown. It also does well and looks very graceful when grown in pots in a -cold frame. Multiplied by division. - -=*Erianthus Ravennæ.=--A highly ornamental grass from S. Europe, -somewhat like the Pampas grass in habit, but smaller in size, and -frequently having violet-tinged leaves. The flowering-stems grow from 5 -ft. to 6½ ft. high; but as it only flowers with us in a very warm -season, it must be valued for its foliage alone. Its dense and handsome -tufts thrive well in light, dry, calcareous soil, in positions with a -south aspect. It thrives but poorly on cold soils, and will probably not -grow well north of London except in peculiarly favourable positions, and -in well-drained free loams. It is fitted for association with such -grasses as _Arundo conspicua_. Multiplied by division of the tufts in -spring or autumn. - -[Illustration: Erianthus Ravennæ.] - -=*Eryngium alpinum.=--A singular-looking plant, from 2 ft. to nearly 3 -ft. high, forming a rather stiff bush, with leathery and very spiny -leaves of a sea-green colour, and bearing numerous roundish heads of -bluish flowers, the stems beneath them being also of a very handsome -blue for some inches down. Suitable for planting in the wilder parts of -pleasure-grounds, for isolation, for borders, or grouping with the -finest and most distinct subjects. - -=*Eryngium amethystinum= is not so tall as the preceding, seldom growing -more than 2½ ft. high. It is remarkable for the beautiful amethystine -bloom which the leaves assume in July, and which they preserve until the -approach of frost. It is suitable for the positions recommended for the -preceding kind. Various other members of this family are useful in like -manner; indeed there is not one of them that is not so, including our -own common Sea Holly, _E. maritimum_. - -=*Erythrina.=--These are very beautiful trees or shrubs, pretty -generally distributed through the tropics of both hemispheres. Some -attain great dimensions, while others are dwarf bushes with woody -rootstocks, and a few have the stems and leaf-stalks beset with -prickles. The leaves are trifoliate, with long stalks, and the leaflets -oval, lance-shaped, or triangular. Many of the species produce beautiful -large pea-flowers, usually of a blood-red or scarlet colour, in terminal -racemes. The varieties of these have proved very hardy and useful in the -summer garden, flowering freely, and showing considerable beauty of -foliage. Two round beds, each of 9 ft., and one oblong bed, 42 ft. by 5 -ft., including _E. ornata_, _Marie Belanger_, _laurifolia_, -_crista-galli_, _profusa_, _Madame Belanger_, _ruberrima_, _Hendersoni_, -stood out last winter uninjured in Battersea Park; and, as many people -know, the common old _Erythrina crista-galli_ will thrive for years -against a warm south wall in a warm soil, if protected about the root in -winter. - -=Eucalyptus.=--Handsome Australian trees and shrubs, of which there are -a vast number of species, many growing to an immense height. The leaves -are of a thick leathery texture, always quite entire, and very variable -in shape. In young plants they are opposite, heart-shaped, pointed, and -covered with a glaucous bloom; as they grow older, they become alternate -and sickle-shaped, the stalks acquiring a peculiar twist, so that the -leaves present their edges to the branches. The most hardy kinds are _E. -globulus_ and _E. Gunni_. Other kinds, however, will no doubt be found -sufficiently hardy. These are most likely to be attractive in the south -of England and Ireland, where a few of the species will be found to -thrive in the open air, as the peculiarly distinct and graceful habit of -the trees is not observed till they are 12 ft. or more above the ground. -Nevertheless some may grow them for the aspect they present after a -single year’s growth in the open air about London, in which case they -should be put out about the middle of May. I was very much struck with -their graceful and singular appearance in California, where they are -being planted in great variety. - -=Farfugium grande.=--A very vigorous-growing perennial, with thick -fleshy stems, from 1 ft. to nearly 2 ft. high, and broad, cartilaginous, -almost heart-shaped leaves, of a light-green colour, variously streaked, -and spotted with yellow in one variety, and with white and rose-colour -in another. It flourishes best in free, substantial, moist soil which -contains a large proportion of vegetable mould, and in a half-shady -position. During the heats of summer it will require frequent watering. -At the approach of winter it should be removed to the conservatory or -cool greenhouse, except in the southern and milder districts, where it -survives an ordinary winter. In the colder parts of the country it is -scarcely worth planting out, it grows so slowly; but where it thrives it -is very ornamental in borders, isolated, or near the margin of beds. -Multiplied by division in spring; the offsets to be potted and kept in -the propagating-house or in a frame until they are well rooted. - -=Ferdinanda eminens.=--This is one of the tallest and noblest -subtropical plants, growing well in the southern and midland counties -when it is supplied with rich soil and abundant moisture. It is also -very much the better for being sheltered. Where the soil is rich, deep, -and humid, and the position warm, it attains large dimensions, sometimes -growing over 12 ft. high, and suspending pairs of immense opposite -leaves. It will in all cases form a capital companion to the Castor-oil -plant, and, though it may not be grown with ease in all parts, it should -be in every collection. It requires to be planted out, in a young state, -about the middle of May, and grows freely from cuttings. Greenhouse -treatment will do in winter. It is better to keep a stock in pots -through the summer to afford cuttings, though the old ones may be used -for that purpose. - - -*FERULAS. - -I wish it were not necessary to write in praise of such very fine plants -as these, so noble in aspect and beautiful in leaf. If 2000 kinds of -herbaceous plants are grown, the first things that show clearly above -the ground in the very dawn of spring (even in January) are their -deep-green and most elegant leaves. In good garden soil they look like -masses of _Leptopteris superba_, that most exquisite of ferns. Their -chief charm will probably be found to consist in their furnishing masses -of the freshest green and highest grace in early spring. The leaf is apt -to lose some of its beauty and fade away early in autumn, but this may -to some extent be retarded by cutting out the flower-bearing shoots the -moment they appear. Not that these are ugly; for, on the contrary, the -plants are fine and striking when in flower. It is indispensable that -the Ferulas, like some other hardy foliage-plants, be planted -permanently and well at first, as it is only when they are thoroughly -established that you get their full effect. At a first view, the best -way to treat them would appear to be so to arrange them that they would -be succeeded by things that flower in autumn, and only begin their rich -growth in early summer; but it will be equally wise to plant them near -the margin of a shrubbery, or wherever it is desired to have a -diversified and bold type of vegetation. We may look forward to the day -when a far greater variety of form will be seen in English gardens than -is at present observable, and these Ferulas are thoroughly well worth -growing for their superb spring and early summer effect. The best -species are - -[Illustration: FERULA COMMUNIS. - -Graceful herbaceous Type; dying down towards the end of summer, and -therefore most desirable for isolation near the margins of shrubberies, -etc.] - -_F. communis_ and _tingitana_. Probably a few others, including _F. -glauca_, _neapolitana_, _nodiflora_, _asparagifolia_, _Ferulago_, and -_persica_, may with advantage be added where much variety is sought, but -the effect of any of the first three cannot be surpassed. Among the -“aspects of vegetation” which we may enjoy in these cold climes, nothing -equals that of their grand leaves, pushing up with the snowdrop. In -semi-wild spots, where spring flowers abound, it will prove a most -tasteful and satisfactory plan to drop a Ferula here and there in a -sunny spot, and leave it to nature and its own good constitution -afterwards. In general aspect these plants are much alike; it is better, -however, to describe some of them individually. - -=*Ferula asparagifolia.=--An ornamental perennial, 4 ft. or 5 ft. high, -with very graceful and finely-cut leaves, the radical ones 1 ft. to 2 -ft. long (including the leaf-stalk), repeatedly subdivided: the -divisions very narrow, linear, pointed, and set with hairs; the upper -stem-leaves are reduced to short sheaths, the lowest of which bear a -short pinnate limb. - -=*Ferula communis.=--A very fine and striking hardy perennial, growing -from 6 ft. to 10 ft. or more high, with much-divided, spreading, shining -green leaves, repeatedly subdivided into linear, flaccid segments; the -lower leaves spreading more than 2 ft. each way; the sheaths of the -upper leaves very large. - -=*Ferula Ferulago.=--A very ornamental kind, with striped stems, 6 ft. -to 8 ft. high, and much-divided leaves, with divided spreading leaflets, -which are nearly as broad as those of _F. tingitana_, but longer, and of -a darker green. - -=*Ferula glauca.=--A valuable and imposing foliage-plant, 4 ft. to 6 ft. -or more high, with very much divided leaves, shining above, glaucous -beneath, cut into long, linear, flat segments. The stalks of the upper -leaves are widened above. - -=*Ferula persica.=--A hardy perennial from Persia and the Caucasus, with -a glaucous stem from 3 ft. to 6 ft. high, tapering gradually upwards, -and very handsome, much-divided leaves, with rather distant lance-shaped -leaflets, widening and toothed or cut at the apex. Flowers in umbels, -without any general or partial involucrum. This plant is easily -distinguished by its strong asafœtida odour, and requires warm sandy -soil. - -=*Ferula tingitana.=--A very noble plant, from 6 ft. to 8 ft. high, with -a stout stem and very glistening leaves, which are broader than those of -any other species, and repeatedly subdivided into oblong or lance-shaped -deeply-toothed segments. - -=Ficus Chauvieri.=--A noble species, with a faultless habit, which does -well in the open air, and is the best kind after _F. elastica_. The -leaves are oval-obtuse in outline, of a very dark glistening green, with -pale-yellow veins, and usually have one or more large undulations on the -margin. Useful for the same purposes as the following species. - -=Ficus elastica= (_India-rubber Plant_).--This is one of those valuable -leathery-leaved things that are useful in hothouse, drawing-room, or -flower-garden. It not only exists in the open air in summer in good -health, but makes a good growth under the influence of our weak northern -sun. Never assuming the imposing proportions of other plants mentioned -herein, it is best adapted for select mixed groups, and, in small -gardens, as isolated specimens amongst low bedding plants. It will best -enjoy stove treatment in winter, and is propagated from cuttings. It -should be put out at the end of May. In all cases it is better to use -plants with single stems. - -[Illustration: Ficus elastica.] - -=*Fuchsia.=--The Fuchsia, one of the most beautiful ornaments of the -garden when well grown, is comparatively rarely seen in our -flower-gardens. It is to be regretted that this is the case, for -assuredly there is nothing in cultivation more calculated to improve the -aspect of things therein. Not showy in mass of flower, like many things -common enough now, it is of the highest order of beauty; while the -drooping habit of the shoots of most kinds gives the plant a grace which -is valuable indeed, and which no flower-garden should be without. Even -in dwarf lines, where this drooping tendency is not seen to such -advantage, or, it may be, presents a disadvantage, the Fuchsia is very -valuable; but it is when we use plants with rather tall stems or -pyramids that the full beauty of the Fuschia as a flower-garden plant is -seen. And the right way to manage them is to make them as far as -possible produce _all their growth in the open air_. That is the secret: -start them, nurture them, and make them full of leaves and strong young -growth in the spring, so as to go out strong, and most likely you will -find them very disappointing indeed; but keep them back and do not let -them burst forth into leaf until put in the open air in May, and they -will then go on and retain all the strength they gather, suspending -quantities of graceful blossoms until the leaves have deserted the -trees, when they should be taken up and put in a dry cave, cellar, or -shed for the winter. In a cool position of that kind it would not be -difficult to “keep them back” in spring. And supposing they seemed -inclined to push forth too much before the time had quite arrived when -it would be convenient or desirable to put them in the flower-garden, -there should be no difficulty in placing them in some quiet, sheltered -nook, where they might receive more protection than in the flower-garden -proper, and yet have full opportunity to make growth in the open -air--the great point to be attained. The freest and hardiest kinds -should be chosen for this purpose. In many places refuse plants may be -turned to good account in this way. Given a lot of specimen -Fuchsias--arrived, perhaps, at that stage when they must be parted with -to make way for younger plants and newer kinds--nothing is simpler than -to make of these standards for the flower-garden, by cutting away the -lower and middle side shoots, and leaving the head to form a standard. -Their exceptional grace when placed among fine foliage-plants induces me -to allude to them here. - -=*Funkia Sieboldiana.=--A Japanese plant, remarkable for the elegance of -its leaves, which are large, broadly heart-shaped, of a greyish-green -colour, slightly undulating, and finely marked with regular lines of -prominent ribs. The flowers are of a light lilac or bluish colour, and -are borne in a drooping unilateral cluster at the extremity of a -leafless stem 1 ft. or 16 ins. high. Thrives best in a light, cool, -sandy soil in a sheltered half-shady position. It will also thrive well -in peat. Multiplied by division of the tufts in autumn, once in three or -four years. Useful among the dwarfer herbaceous plants, etc., and -occasionally as a groundwork in beds of shrubs with fine foliage. - -=*Galega officinalis.=--A handsome, hardy, and vigorous-growing plant, 3 -ft. to 5 ft. high, forming graceful tufts of pinnate leaves, and -flowering abundantly and for a long time; the flowers are of a pale -blue, in long, dense clusters or spikes. Although it will grow in almost -any soil, it does best in a deep, free, moist, sandy clay. This not -uncommon herbaceous plant is alluded to here in consequence of its -graceful leaves, which fit it for taking a part in the groups of -handsome hardy subjects so often suggested in this book. - -=Geranium anemonæfolium.=--A handsome perennial from Madeira, with a -simple, woody, erect stem 1 ft. to 14 ins. in height, covered with dry -scales. The leaves, which are of a bright green, smooth, and very much -divided, are chiefly collected at the base of the plant, from which -they extend horizontally on stalks from 20 ins. to 2 ft. long. The -flowers are very numerous, and of a lilac rose-colour. It is a highly -ornamental plant both in foliage and flower, and may be used with good -effect grouped with comparatively dwarf kinds, or occasionally as an -edging to tall subjects. It is best raised in frames and put out early -in May. Multiplied by seed, which it yields freely. - -=*Gynerium argenteum= (_Pampas grass_).--This fine plant is so well -known that there is no excuse for naming it here, except the opportunity -to say a few words as to the splendid use we may make of it in the -branch of gardening we are now discussing. It deserves as much attention -as any plant in cultivation, and yet how rarely is any thorough -preparation made for its perfect development. What is there growing in -garden or in wild more nobly distinct and beautiful than the great -silvery plumes of this plant waving in the autumnal gusts--the burial -plumes as it were of our summer too early dead? What tender plant so -effective as this in giving a new aspect of vegetation to our gardens, -if it be tastefully placed and well grown? Long before it flowers it -possesses more merit for its foliage and habit than scores of things -cultivated indoors for their effect--Dasylirions, etc., for example--and -it would be well worthy of being extensively used if one of its -silken-crested wands were never put forth in autumn. It is not enough to -place it in out-of-the-way spots, but the general scene of every garden -and pleasure-ground should be influenced by it. It should be planted -even far more extensively than it is at present, and given very deep and -good soil either natural or made. The - -[Illustration: GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM. - -Giant hardy evergreen ornamental Grass.] - -soils of very many gardens are insufficient to give it the highest -degree of strength and vigour, and no plant better repays for a thorough -preparation, which ought to be the more freely given when it is -considered that one preparation suffices for many years. If convenient, -give it a somewhat sheltered position in the flower-garden, so as to -prevent as much as possible that ceaseless searing away of the foliage -which occurs wherever the plant is much exposed to the breeze. We rarely -see such fine specimens as in quiet nooks where it is pretty well -sheltered by the surrounding vegetation. It is very striking to come -upon noble specimens in such quiet green nooks; but, as before hinted, -to leave such a magnificent plant out of the flower-garden proper is a -decided mistake. Seed and division. - -=*Gunnera scabra.=--Mr. Darwin met with this in a region where the -vegetation is so luxuriant that the branches of the trees extend over -the sea, somewhat like those of a shrubbery of evergreens over a gravel -walk. “I one day noticed growing on the sandstone cliffs some very fine -plants of the Panke (_Gunnera scabra_), which somewhat resembles the -rhubarb on a gigantic scale. The inhabitants eat the stalks, which are -sub-acid, and tan leather with the roots, and prepare a black dye from -them. The leaf is nearly circular, but deeply indented on its margin. I -measured one which was nearly 8 ft. in diameter, and therefore no less -than 24 ft. in circumference! The stalk is rather more than a yard high, -and each plant sends out four or five of these enormous leaves, -presenting altogether a very noble appearance.” Of a spot in the same -neighbourhood he says: “The forest was so impenetrable that no one who -has not beheld it can imagine so entangled a mass of dying and dead -trunks. I am sure that often for more than ten minutes together our feet -never touched the ground, and we were frequently ten or fifteen feet -above it; so that the seamen, as a joke, called out the soundings!” Yet -I have grown this plant to great size in a cold British bog. Mr. Darwin -does not speak of the inflorescence, which is more remarkable than the -leaves. The little flowers and seeds are seated densely on conical -fleshy masses a few inches long, and these in their turn being seated as -densely as they can be packed on a thick stem, the whole has the -appearance of a compound cone a couple of feet high (on strong plants), -very heavy, and perhaps the oddest-looking thing ever seen in the way of -fructification. This great spike springs from the root itself, the -leaves also springing from the root, as in the case of the rhubarbs. I -had two plants in a wet peat bog--one in deep rich soil, with the crown -well raised above the level, and the whole protected under a couple of -barrowloads of leaf mould; the other left exposed, and not allowed any -particularly good soil. Both plants survived the severest winters, but -the protected and well-fed one grew much the larger. The leaves of the -larger plant used sometimes to grow 4 ft. in diameter, the texture being -of extraordinary thickness and rugosity. I have, however, in the Royal -Gardens at Kew, seen it grown to a larger size than that. The bottom -there is the reverse of bog, while the situation is warmer and more -sheltered than where I grew it. But the Kew people met its wants very -cleverly, by building a little bank of turf around it, so - -[Illustration: GUNNERA SCABRA. - -Hardy herbaceous Section; attaining huge dimensions in deep, rich, moist -soil.] - -as to admit of its absorbing a thorough dose of water now and then, -while in winter it was protected with dry leaves and a piece of -tarpaulin. Similar protection, plenty of water in summer, and a warm and -sheltered position, are all that are necessary for success with this -very striking subject. It is not difficult to obtain, and may be raised -from seed, though that is a slow way. It should be planted in some -isolated spot, and not as a rule in the “flower-garden proper,” as it -must not be disturbed after being well planted, and would associate -badly with the ordinary occupants of the parterre. The plant cannot have -too much sun or warmth, but makes little progress if its huge leaves are -torn by storms. In places with any diversity of surface it will be easy -to select a spot well open to the sun and yet sheltered by surrounding -objects (shrubs, clumps, etc.). The figure shows more the habit of the -plant than the character of its huge compound fleshy spike, on which the -small seeds are thickly scattered. - -=*Gymnocladus canadensis= (_Kentucky Coffee-tree_).--A remarkable hardy -forest tree, which, kept in a young state, will furnish a fine head of -foliage. It has twice-divided leaves, the leaflets of which stand -vertically. On young trees the leaves are more than 3 ft. long, and on -subjects confined to a single stem and cut down every year they would -prove even larger than that. It grows wild in Canada, but more -abundantly and larger in Kentucky and Tennessee, where it used to be -employed as a substitute for coffee--hence the common name. It loves a -rich deep soil, and is propagated by seeds and cuttings of the roots. It -will prove very suitable for planting in similar positions to those -recommended for the Ailantus. - -=Hedychium Gardnerianum.=--A stove herbaceous plant from the East -Indies, growing from 3¼ ft. to 6½ ft. high, with broadly lance-shaped -clasping leaves in two rows, and bearing, in autumn, lemon-coloured -flowers with a strong Jonquille perfume, in terminal spikes nearly a -foot long. Another species, _H. aurantiacum_, has handsome orange -flowers. These handsome plants may have been seen flowering in the open -air in the gardens at Battersea Park, very pleasing and effective in -shady nooks--not planted out but kept in the pots in which they were -grown. They should be put out about the end of May. - -=*Helianthus annuus= (_Sun-flower_).--This common and familiar annual -plant may be usefully employed in adorning the rougher parts of -pleasure-grounds in warm positions, where it will thrive to best -advantage. Although very hardy and capable of being grown in almost any -soils, it prefers those that are substantial and free. - -=*Helianthus orgyalis.=--A very distinct-looking hardy plant, growing 6 -ft. or 8 ft. high. Its distinctiveness arises from the fact that the -leaves are recurved in a peculiarly graceful manner. At the top of the -shoots, indeed, their aspect is most striking, from their springing up -in great profusion and then bending gracefully down. It will form a -capital subject for groups of fine-leaved, hardy plants, or for -isolation by wood-walks, etc. As it is apt to come up rather thickly, -the cultivator will act judiciously by thinning out the shoots when very -young, so that those which remain may prove stronger and better -furnished with leaves. N. America. - -=*Hemerocallis fulva.=--This is one of those fine old plants formerly -grown in almost every garden, but which - -[Illustration: HERACLEUM - -Coarse herbaceous Type; foliage perishing late in summer.] - -has latterly sunk into unmerited neglect, as from its luxuriance, the -height of its stem (nearly 4 ft.), and its fine, large, tawny-orange -flowers, it well deserves a place among vigorous and striking subjects. -It is thoroughly hardy and will thrive in almost any soil, but comes to -greatest perfection in that which is deep, substantial, and moist, and -in almost any position. Multiplied by dividing the tufts once in three -or four years in autumn when the leaves are withered, or in spring. -There is a variety of this species with double flowers, and one with -variegated leaves, both of which are somewhat tender and require -well-drained soil and a sheltered position. - -Other species in cultivation are _H. flava_, _H. disticha_, _H. -graminea_, and _H. Dumortieri_. All these plants are desirable -associates for the hardy fine-leaved plants. - -=*Heracleums= (_Cow-parsnips_).--No perennials rival these plants in -size, and few in distinctness of appearance. The shape and width of -their leaves, the height of their stems, and especially the great size -of their umbels, produce an effect of a very striking character. Planted -singly on slopes in the rougher parts of pleasure-grounds, on or about -ruins, rough wild declivities, or by pieces of water or streams, they -are seen to excellent advantage; their enormous leaves forming great -tufts of vegetation, sometimes nearly 13 ft. in diameter. The period of -their greatest vigour and beauty is from May to the end of July; and -this should be distinctly borne in mind when arranging them, as, once -the great leaves fade away with the heats of early August, they become -very ragged, and soon disappear altogether. They delight in a moist, -deep, clay soil, but will grow vigorously in almost any kind of cool -soil, and even on rubbish-heaps. They are easily multiplied, either from -seed or by division of the tufts early in spring, or after the ripening -of the seed. They usually sow themselves freely. - -=*Heracleum eminens.=--A peculiarly distinct species, easily known by -the blunt or roundish lobes of its trifoliate leaves, which also possess -the advantage of lasting longer than the leaves of other kinds. They are -of a thick texture, and finely covered with velvety down, which gives -them a slightly glaucous appearance, whereby they may also be -distinguished. I have only seen the plant in a young state in Paris -gardens, and cannot say what it is like when fully grown; but it is -probably dwarfer in stature and more compact in habit than most of the -other kinds, and, as the leaves last so much longer in perfection, it is -suited for grouping among choicer subjects. For isolation on the grass, -after the fashion of the Acanthuses, etc., it is particularly well -suited. Seed or division. - -=*Heracleum flavescens.=--A vigorous species, 5 ft. to 6 ft. high, with -deeply-furrowed rough stems, and convex green leaves, with ovate or -oblong serrate divisions. Flowers yellowish, in large umbels. Suitable -for banks of rivers or ponds, where effective foliage is desired. S. -Europe. Seed. - -=*Heracleum persicum.=--A vigorous perennial, of rapid growth and -imposing dimensions, attaining a height of more than 6½ ft., and bearing -whitish flowers in umbels, the upper one of which is more than 16 ins. -across. The stem does not branch much, and the leaves are chiefly -radical and very large. Persia. - -=*Heracleum pubescens.=--This species bears yellowish-white flowers, in -umbels about a foot in diameter, and grows to a height of from 6 ft. to -9 ft. or more. The leaves are very large, roughish on the upper side, -and much divided into elliptical segments, which are pointed and stand -close together. Crimea. - -=*Heracleum villosum.=--A species distinguished by its very downy and -fringed fruit, with robust stems, 6½ ft. high or more. Leaves broad, -much divided, the segments coarsely toothed, covered with a whitish down -on the under side. Flowers in large umbels. Caucasus. - -=*Heracleum Wilhelmsii.=--The leaves of this species are very large, -downy, and wrinkled, much divided, with lance-shaped, acute segments -distant from each other. The stem is more than 6½ ft. high, and bears -whitish flowers, in umbels from 10 ins. to 12 ins. in diameter. Siberia. - -Several other species are in cultivation, the principal of which is _H. -platytænium_, a biennial of very large dimensions, and remarkably -ornamental in habit and foliage. - -=Humea elegans.=--This well-known plant may be very agreeably associated -with many of the subjects mentioned in this book, and is a graceful -object in the centres of beds, etc. To be put out early in May. New -Holland. - -=*Hydrangea quercifolia.=--This is quite distinct in aspect from the -common Hydrangeas, and sufficiently striking to deserve a place where -variety of form is sought. The leaves are, as the name indicates, -somewhat lobed and oak-like in outline. It is best adapted to form a -bush, its natural habit, and is best used singly. I, however, have never -tried to train young plants of it with a single stem; it might be worth -the trial. It is a native of N. America. A rich and somewhat moist soil, -with shelter, will be found to suit it best. Well adapted for isolation. - -=*Inula Helenium.=--A vigorous-growing British plant, about 3 ft. or 4 -ft. high, with a stout stem, branching in the upper part, and large, -oblong-oval leaves, of a delicate green colour. The flowers are yellow, -and are borne in loose clusters. Well suited for planting along with -other large-leaved plants, or as isolated specimens on rough slopes, or -wild places, in free, moist, good soil. Multiplied by division in spring -or autumn, or by seed. - -=*Jubæa spectabilis.=--A very handsome, hardy S. American palm, with a -short, arboreous, smooth stem, which sometimes attains a height of -nearly 40 ft., and spreading pinnate leaves, of a full, deep-green -colour, and from 6 ft. to 12 ft. long, the leaflets being from 1 ft. to -1½ ft. long and about an inch wide, springing in pairs from nearly the -same spot, and standing out in different directions. The leaf-stalks are -very thick at the base, where they are enclosed in a dense mass of -rough, brown fibres, which grow upon their lower edges. The soil for -this plant should be a mixture of two parts of rich loam and two parts -composed of peat, leaf-mould, and sand. This exists in the open air -throughout the winter, near London, but not in such a condition as to -encourage many to try it in this way. Grown in tubs in the conservatory -in winter, and placed in the open air in summer, it will prove very -satisfactory for association with the hardier palms. - -=*Juncus effusus spiralis.=--A very singular-looking rush, forming -spreading tufts of leaves, which, instead of growing, straight, like -those of other kinds, are curiously twisted in a regular corkscrew form. -From its very unusual appearance it is well worthy of cultivation, and -may be planted with advantage on the margins of pieces of water, near -cascades, etc., or in the artificial bog. It is easily multiplied by -division of the tufts. - -=*Kochia scoparia.=--An annual plant of the Goose-foot family, forming a -neat, compact, pointed bush, from 3 to 5 ft. in height. The flowers are -green and insignificant, but the graceful habit of the plant renders it -valuable and effective, placed either singly or in groups, on the slopes -of pleasure-grounds, especially from July to September--the time of its -full development. It should be sown in April and May, in a hotbed, and -afterwards planted out in beds or borders. Southern Europe. - -=*Kœlreuteria paniculata.=--A small sized, hardy, deciduous tree, from -N. China, from 15 ft. to 19 ft. high, and handsome both in foliage and -flower. The leaves are pinnate, and of a dark, glistening-green colour; -the leaflets ovate, and coarsely toothed. Flowers yellow, in terminal, -spreading clusters, and succeeded by large, reddish, pendent, bladdery -capsules, which render the tree conspicuous till late in the autumn. It -does best in rich, moist soil. When planted in a dry and arid position, -the leaves are never so large or glistening, and soon turn yellow and -fall. It is one of the trees which may, as advised for the Ailantus, be -kept in a small state by cutting them down annually, and will, thus -treated, furnish a fine effect. Easily multiplied by seed, layers, and -cuttings. - -=Latania borbonica.=--A well-known, hardy, and favourite palm, -attaining a height of 25 ft., with large, fan-shaped leaves, over 5 ft. -broad, of a cheerful green colour, and with pendent marginal segments. -The leaf-stalks are over 4 ft. or 5 ft. long, and are armed at the edges -for half their length with short reflexed spines. May be placed in the -open air about London and southward in sunny dells in summer, and is a -fine warm-conservatory or stove ornament in winter. - -=*Lavatera arborea.=--This plant, which has the appearance of a small -tree, attains in the southern counties the height of nearly 10 ft. The -stem is simple for some distance, and then branches into a broad, -compact, roundish, and very leafy head. It may be used to adorn warm and -sheltered parts of pleasure-grounds and rough places. In rich -well-drained beds it would prove a worthy companion for the Ricinus and -the Cannas. It is most at home on dry soils, but during the summer -months thrives on all. When planted in the shelter of a south wall it -has been known to live for several years and to have almost woody stems -from 2 ins. to 4 ins. in diameter at the base. Italy. - -=*Ligularia macrophylla= (_Large-leaved L._).--A vigorous perennial, -with an erect stem nearly 3½ ft. high, and very large, glaucous, erect, -long-stalked, oval leaves. The flowers are yellow, and are borne in a -dense long spike at the end of the stem. The most suitable soil for this -plant is that which is free, moist, and somewhat peaty. Multiplied by -careful division in autumn or in spring. It is a useful subject for -grouping with fine-leaved herbaceous plants, but will seldom command a -place in the select flower-garden. Caucasus. - -=*Malva crispa.=--A vigorous-growing annual, 3 to 6½ ft., or more, in -height, growing in an erect, pyramidal bush of densely-crowded, broad -leaves, with a very undulating curled or frizzled margin. The flowers -are small, white, and inconspicuous. Bushes of this are pretty in -groups, beds, or borders. It may be sown in cool frames and put out -early in May, by which means strong plants may be obtained early in the -season. - -[Illustration: Malva crispa.] - -=*Martynia lutea.=--A very pretty annual from Brazil, about 1½ ft. high, -with roundish leaves and handsome yellow flowers, collected in -cylindrical clusters at the angles of the principal branches. It -requires a light, rich, cool soil, a warm position, and frequent -watering in summer. Its large leaves and ornamental bloom make it a -desirable subject for beds, groups, and borders. Increased by seed. - -=*Megaseas.=--Some parts of pleasure-grounds for which there may be a -difficulty in finding any subject that will either thrive in such -places, or that is not too commonplace to be thought of, may be very -advantageously occupied by a few specimens of _Megasea cordifolia_ and -_M. crassifolia_, the large, leathery, persistent leaves of which will, -in such positions, preserve their freshness through the winter, and in -the earliest days of spring be surmounted by dense clusters of very -pleasing rose-coloured flowers. These plants are very hardy perennials, -and will require hardly any care after planting them. They are well -suited for embellishing cascades and rough rockwork, are not fastidious -as to soil, and are easily multiplied by division of the tufts. - -=Melanoselinum decipiens.=--An umbelliferous shrub, from Madeira, with a -round simple stem, bare below, and large spreading compound leaves with -oval toothed segments and sheathing leaf-stalks. Flowers white, borne in -umbels. Should be planted out in May. A useful subject for isolation on -grass-plats, etc., and requiring greenhouse or warm-frame treatment in -winter. Young plants are to be preferred for ornamental purposes. -Multiplied by seed. - -=Melia Azedarach= (_Pride of India_).--A very ornamental tree, but with -us usually seen in a small state. It is a native of India, but is now -naturalised in various parts of S. Europe. It usually grows from 13 ft. -to 17 ft. high, and bears its smooth dark-green pinnate leaves chiefly -clustered together at the ends of the branches. The flowers are of a -lilac colour, and emit an agreeable perfume: they are produced in large -bunches which issue from the axils of the leaves. The fruit is -considered poisonous. Healthy young plants kept to a single stem, and -cut down to within a foot or two of the base annually, form graceful -objects in the ornamental garden, throwing up an erect stout stem -regularly clothed with leaves twice and thrice divided, from 16 ins. to -more than 2 ft. long and from 1 ft. to nearly 18 ins. across. Plant out -in early summer. A substantial, well-manured soil, a shady position, and -frequent waterings in summer are necessary for - -[Illustration: MELIANTHUS MAJOR. - -Herbaceous Type: best treated as a perennial, and protected at the roots -in winter.] - -the development of the ornamental qualities of the Melia. In winter it -requires the shelter of a greenhouse with us. Multiplied by seed or -layers. - -=*Melianthus major.=--This is usually treated as a greenhouse plant, and -is sometimes put out of doors in summer. So grown, however, the full -beauty of the plant has not time to develope; and much the better way is -to treat it as a half-hardy subject, putting it out in some sunny and -sheltered spot, where the roots will not suffer from wet in winter. The -shoots will be cut down by frost, but the root will live and push up -strong stems in spring, forming by midsummer a bush about 3 ft. high, -very distinct and beautiful, with large, pinnate, light sea-green -leaves, which will not suffer from rain storms. I have grown it in this -way to a much more presentable condition than it ever assumes indoors, -where it is usually drawn too much. I used to protect the roots in -winter by placing leaves over them, and then covering all with a -handlight, but have seen the plant survive without this precaution. It -is, however, best to make quite sure by using protection, except where -the soil and climate are particularly favourable. _Melianthus minor_ has -the habit of _M. major_, but is smaller in every respect and flowers -later. Its inflorescence also is different, the flowers being of a -yellowish red, and growing in short clusters. Cape of Good Hope. - -=*Meum athamanticum.=--One of the most elegant and gracefully-cut plants -in an order second to no other for these qualities. The leaves are -divided so finely as to appear as if they were made of vegetable hair, -and the plant is dwarf and neat in habit, from 6 inches to 1 foot high; -easy of growth in ordinary soils, and perfectly hardy and perennial. It -is probable that in dry seasons it might “go off” too soon for -association with autumn-flowering plants, but for rockwork, borders, or -mixed arrangements of any sort it is invaluable. A British plant, easily -increased by division. - -=*Molopospermum cicutarium.=--A very ornamental umbelliferous plant, 5 -ft. or more in height, with large, deeply-divided leaves of a lively -green colour, forming a dense irregular bush. The flowers, which are -insignificant and of a yellowish-white colour, are borne in small -roundish umbels. There is a deep green and fern-like beauty displayed -profusely by some of the umbelliferous family, but I have rarely met -with one so remarkably attractive as this species. Many of the class, -while very elegant, perish quickly, get shabby indeed by the end of -June, and are therefore out of place in the tasteful flower-garden; but -this is firm in character, of a fine rich green, stout yet spreading in -habit, growing more than a yard high, and making altogether a most -pleasing bush. It is perfectly hardy, and easily increased by seed or -division, but rare as yet. Loves a deep moist soil, but will thrive in -any good garden soil. It is a fine subject for isolation or grouping -with other hardy and graceful-leaved umbelliferous plants. Carniola. - -=Monstera deliciosa.=--This very remarkable-looking plant has been found -to bear being placed in the open air with impunity in shady and -sheltered spots from the beginning of June till the end of September. -Its great perforated leaves look so singular that everybody should grow -it who has a stove in which to do so, and it is so - -[Illustration: MONSTERA DELICIOSA - -Tender Section; stands well in the open air in summer in warm and -sheltered spots.] - -[Illustration: MONTAGNÆA HERACLEIFOLIA (_Polymnia grandis_). - -One of the noblest of the tender section, making free growth in the open -air during summer.] - -readily grown and propagated that a plant may soon be spared for placing -in the open air during the warmer months. Although, however, it will -exist in the open air for a few months in warm and sheltered spots in -this country, it is only to be seen to perfection in the stove. Few -subjects possess nobler or more singular foliage, or are more worthy of -a place for effect alone, while its fruit is edible and produced freely -enough when the plant is well-grown. The culture is quite simple--plenty -of rich soil, a high temperature, and abundance of moisture. I have seen -the plant fruit well in what is called an “intermediate house,” but, -where convenient, it is much better to place it in a warm stove. -Wherever rockwork or any picturesque arrangement is attempted in any of -these structures; no nobler plant can be selected for its embellishment. -It crawls over such positions with a snake-like stem, and a trail of -great leathery leaves perforated in many places, as shown in the plate. -Mexico. - -=Montagnæa heracleifolia= (_Polymnia grandis_).--This is second to no -other plant for its dignified and finished effect in the flower-garden, -forming a handsome shrub with large, opposite, much-divided, and -elegantly-lobed leaves, which are often nearly 3 ft. long, presenting -very striking and luxuriant masses of foliage. The stem and leaf-stalks -are spotted with white, and the leaves when young are covered with a -soft white down. Like most large soft-growing things in this way, it is -best planted out in a young state, so as to ensure a fresh and unstinted -growth. Easily multiplied from cuttings, which plants freely produce if -placed in heat in January. It is best planted out at the end of May, -and should be in every collection. Mexico. - -=*Morina longifolia.=--A hardy perennial of handsome and singular -appearance, the large spiny leaves resembling those of certain Thistles, -while the long spikes of whorled flowers, which are from 2 to 3 ft. -high, are almost identical in form with the inflorescence of many of the -Labiate family. It grows well in ordinary well-drained soil, preferring -that which is mellow, deep, and moist. Easily multiplied by sowing the -seed as soon as it ripens, in light, peaty, sandy soil. In our winters -it would be advisable to cover the plants with litter, as it is the -dampness and sudden changes of the atmosphere which appear to injure it -rather than the cold. Being a fine-flowering plant, as well as -remarkable for its leaves, it is excellent for every kind of mixed -border, and also for grouping with the smaller and medium-sized -perennials that have fine foliage or are singular in appearance. Nepaul. - -[Illustration: Morina longifolia.] - -=*Mulgedium alpinum.=--A tall mountain-plant of the Sow-thistle family, -with very broad leaves and stems over 3 ft. high. The flowers are very -numerous, of a dark-blue colour, resembling those of the Chicory, and -are borne erect on the upper parts of the branching stems. A somewhat -shaded position and a very moist deep loam are necessary to the vigorous -growth of this plant, which will prove effective in the rougher parts of -the pleasure-ground. Multiplied by division. Alps. - -=*Mulgedium Plumieri.=--A vigorous herbaceous perennial, 4 ft. to 6 ft. -high, with very large, deeply-cut radical leaves somewhat glaucous -underneath, bearing late in summer large spreading terminal corymbs of -blue flowers. A good subject for association with strong-growing -herbaceous plants in groups, or as isolated tufts by wood-walks, in deep -rich soil. S. of France. - -[Illustration: Mulgedium alpinum.] - -=Musa Ensete.=--The noblest of all the fine-leaved plants yet used in -the flower-garden is _Musa Ensete_--the great Abyssinian Banana, -discovered by Bruce--the stem of which has been known to attain a -diameter of more than 3 ft. at the base, and a height of from 13 ft. to -nearly 20 ft. The huge leaves, borne nearly erect, are oblong in shape -and of a beautiful bright-green colour, with a very stout deep-red -midrib. In the open air they often grow nearly 10 ft. long and nearly 2 -ft. broad. The fruit of this kind is not edible, like that of the Banana -and Plantain (_Musa paradisiaca_ and _M. sapientum_), but the leaves -are magnificent, and they stand the rain and storms of our northern -climes with little laceration, while all the other kinds of Musa become -torn into shreds. It has hitherto been generally grown in stoves; but it -is an interesting and, until recently, little known fact, that the -finest of all the Banana or Musa tribe is also the hardiest and most -easily preserved. When grown for the open air it will of course require -to be kept in a house during winter and planted out the first week in -June. In any place where there is a large conservatory or winter-garden -it will be found most valuable, either for planting therein or for -keeping over the winter, as, if merely housed in such a structure during -the cold months, it will prove a great ornament among the other plants, -while it may be put out in summer, when the attraction is all out of -doors. Other kinds of Musa have been tried in the open air in England, -but have barely existed, making it clear that they should not be so -cultivated in this country. _M. Ensete_ is the only species really worth -growing in this way. Where the climate is too cold to put it out of -doors in summer, it should be grown in all conservatories in which it is -desired to establish the noblest type of vegetation. It also stands the -drought and heat of a dwelling-house remarkably well, and though, when -well developed, it is much too big for any but Brobdingnagian halls, the -fact may nevertheless be taken much advantage of by those interested in -room-decoration on a large scale. The plant is difficult to obtain as -yet, but will, I trust, be soon made abundant by our nurserymen. - -In September, 1868, I saw a fine plant of this Musa - -[Illustration: MUSA ENSETE. - -Noblest of tender Section; thriving in the open air in summer, in the -warmer districts in summer and in the conservatory in winter.] - -that had remained in the open ground in Baron Haussmann’s garden in the -Bois de Boulogne during the preceding winter. It was left in the -position in which it grew during the summer of 1867, and in the month of -November covered with a little thatched shed, the space about the plant -being filled with dry leaves. All the leaves were cut off. In spring the -protection was removed and the plant pushed vigorously. It had, when I -saw it, 16 leaves, not one of which was torn or lacerated, although it -was in an exposed position. It was not more than 5 ft. high, but was -more attractive than much larger individuals of the same species, from -being so compact and untattered in its foliage. As most people who grow -it will have means of keeping it indoors in winter, and as it is so -rare, this mode of keeping it is not likely to be taken advantage of -with us at present; but that it can and has been so wintered is an -interesting fact. - -Other species are: _M. paradisiaca_ (the Plantain); _M. sapientum_ (the -Banana); _M. Cavendishii_, a dwarf-growing kind, seldom exceeding 5 ft. -or 6 ft. in height, and fruiting freely in a stove; _M. superba_, and -_M. zebrina_. These, however, are all properly hothouse kinds, and do -not thrive in the open air. - -=Nelumbium luteum.=--This is perhaps second to none of its fine family -in beauty. In the Paris Garden a plant remained in a fountain-basin, in -a very sheltered position, for several years, flowering yearly. On the -11th of September, 1868, the petals of one of these flowers measured -each 6 ins. in length! and consequently the flower fully spread out was -more than a foot in diameter. The singular-looking disk within these -great fragrant flowers is as interesting as the flower itself, and far -more peculiar. The flowers are of a pale yellow, with a single deep -stain of rosy crimson at the apex of each petal. The leaves push boldly -above the water, are quite round, 12 ins. to 15 ins. in diameter, and of -a peculiar bluish-green. If the hand be placed under one of them, so as -to slightly raise the outer parts of the large plate-like leaf, a hollow -will of course be formed; and if water be poured into this so as to -cover exactly the centre of the stem which supports and feeds the leaf, -a curious result will be noticed. Bubbles of air will rise rapidly one -after another from exactly over the part where the leaf joins its stem. -In this particular leaf this spot is marked by being of a much lighter -green than the remainder of the leaf. This would be well worth trying in -the southern counties on the margin of ponds, etc., where it would be -fine associated with _Nuphar advena_, and the like. It should be put out -early in May. - -=Nelumbium speciosum= (_Sacred Bean_).--An Egyptian water-plant of very -great beauty, with round sea-green leaves from 10 ins. to over a foot in -diameter, some of which float on the surface of the water, while others -are elevated above it at various heights up to 2½ ft. Above the highest -leaves appear the large, solitary, white, rosy-tipped flowers, which are -about 10 ins. broad, and are very fragrant. As the plant is somewhat -tender, it should be grown in tubs, and placed in rather shallow water -(which is more easily warmed by the sun) from the end of May until the -end of September in a position - -[Illustration: NICOTIANA TABACUM. (_Var. macrophylla_). - -Annual Section; forming handsome specimens within a few months after -sowing.] - -sheltered from sudden changes of the atmosphere. A mixture of good loam, -sharp sand, and charcoal seems to answer it best. Multiplied by division -of the rootstocks, or by seed. Wherever there is a contrivance for -heating the water in a small pond or tank in the open air, these two -remarkable plants would be well worth a trial. - -=Nicotiana Tabacum= (_Common Tobacco_).--There are several varieties of -this well-known plant, distinguished by the different length and width -of their oblong lance-shaped leaves and the lighter or deeper colour of -their rosy flowers. A deep, well-drained, light soil, rich in decayed -vegetable matter, is essential to this plant, as is also copious -watering in summer. As it is so readily raised from seed, and grows -luxuriantly in rich soil, I need not say it is a very desirable subject -for association with the Castor-oil plant and the like, and especially -suited for the many who desire plants of noble habit, but who cannot -preserve the tender ones through the winter under glass. It should be -raised in a hotbed, and put out in May. Height, 6 ft. or more. _N. -macrophylla_ is the finest variety. - -=Nicotiana wigandioides.=--A species of recent introduction, with a -simple stem 6 ft. or more high, and very large, broad, woolly leaves -which grow in a somewhat erect position. If placed in a hothouse at the -close of the year, it becomes woody and branching, and assumes an -arborescent habit. Requires good substantial, well-manured soil, and -copious watering. This is a useful plant for grouping with the -medium-sized tender subjects in rich, light, well-drained soils, and -should be planted out about the middle of May. - -=*Nuphar advena.=--A hardy Water-lily from N. America, with broad, -oval-heart-shaped leaves, some floating on the surface of the water, and -some emerging well above it. The flowers are rather large, of a -golden-yellow colour, with scarlet stamens. This plant is as hardy as -our native water-lilies, and is therefore adapted for any position in -which they will grow. In N. America it occurs chiefly in still or -stagnant waters. The bold and large leaves make it peculiarly suitable -for placing near the margin of water in the vicinity of groups of -picturesque plants. - -[Illustration: Onopordum Acanthium.] - -=*Onopordum Acanthium.=--A native biennial plant of bold, habit and -vigorous growth, with stout, branching stems often more than 5 ft. high, -and very large, undulating, spiny leaves, covered with long, whitish, -cobweb-like hairs. Flowers purplish, in large, solitary, terminal heads. -_O. illyricum_ has greener and more deeply-cut leaves, stiffer stems, a -more branching habit, and much more spiny leaves and stems. _O. -arabicum_ grows to the height of nearly 8 ft. with an erect and very -slightly branching habit, and has both sides of the leaves, as well as -the stems, covered with a white down. All these species are very hardy, -and thrive well in ordinary soil. They are particularly adapted for the -rougher and more neglected parts of pleasure-grounds, where they will -sow themselves. - -=*Osmunda regalis.=--This, the largest and most striking of our native -ferns (sometimes attaining a height of 8 ft.), is one of the most -ornamental subjects that can be grown in certain positions. It should be -planted in moist peaty soil in half-shady places, on the banks of -streams, the margins of pieces of water, by cascades, etc. It may also -be planted in the water with good effect. It has been found to do well -exposed to the full sun, when its roots are in a constantly moist, -porous, moss-covered soil, in a position sheltered from strong winds. In -shady positions it would be found to attain great stature if planted in -deep, well-manured soil. The various North American Osmundas should also -be associated with this. There are several varieties to be met with in -gardens, the handsomest of which perhaps is _O. r. cristata_. Popular -and almost universally cultivated as the Osmunda is; however, it is not -at all common to see the Royal Fern and several other Osmundas otherwise -than in a shabby, or at best in a half-developed, condition. Mr. A. -Parsons, of Danesbury, a well-known florist and cultivator of ferns, has -overcome this difficulty, and narrates his marked success in the pages -of the _Florist and Pomologist_. He formed a very large fernery in an -old chalk-pit, and with much success; but, notwithstanding all the care -taken of the Osmundas and allied ferns, they were tried for four seasons -with no satisfactory results, the roots of the surrounding trees -robbing them of both soil and water. “A change was then made: a piece of -ground, of irregular shape, large enough to contain about 20 plants, was -staked out, and the mould, or, more correctly speaking, the chalk, was -removed to the depth of 3 ft.; a bricklayer followed, and put in a floor -of three bricks laid on the flat, set in good Portland cement, and over -that a layer of plain tiles, the sides being made up to the ground-level -with a 4½-inch wall, well built up in the same kind of cement; this made -the whole water-tight, and prevented the roots of the surrounding trees -from penetrating and robbing the ferns of their moisture. The space was -filled up with earth, compounded of good loam, peat, and leaf-mould, in -equal proportions, with about one-fifth of good rotten manure added -thereto; these ingredients were thoroughly mixed and well trodden in, -and then the ferns were planted. In forming this bed, provision was made -for the escape of the surplus water, by introducing into the front wall, -at about 4 ins. from the bottom, a common 3-in. drain-pipe, which -communicated with a small tank, about 3 ft. square, sunk into the chalk, -so that all waste water became absorbed. This method proved to be -eminently successful, the plants far surpassing in size any I have ever -seen under artificial cultivation, and, judging from report, rivalling -their growth in their natural habitats. Last season I could boast of -_Osmunda regalis_ with fronds at least 8 ft. in length, _Osmunda -spectabilis_ 4½ ft., _Osmunda Claytoniana_ 5 ft., _Osmunda cinnamomea_ 3 -ft., and the beautiful _Osmunda regalis_, var. _cristata_, 3 ft. in -length. _Adiantum pedatum_ grew from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in height, and -others were proportionally fine. The plants were not drawn up by being -planted closely together, but were placed at a fair distance apart, and -became handsome and noble specimens. Every spring I apply a dressing of -about two inches of rotten manure to the surface, and just cover it with -mould for the sake of appearance. The artificial swamp is the admiration -of all the visitors here. The plants are always in a healthy and -vigorous state, and have none of that half-starved appearance so -frequently to be seen. The result of my experience induces me to believe -that a more liberal treatment would not be found objectionable in the -cultivation of many more of our native ferns. I intend making the -experiment this season, and may possibly find time to make known what -amount of success I may meet with. In concluding my remarks upon what I -may term ‘growing Osmundas under difficulties,’ I would observe that the -points to be principally attended to are--(1) a deep water-tight and -root-tight tank, the depth of which may, with advantage, be more than in -the case I have described; (2) a rich nutritious soil; (3) a reasonable -amount of water; and (4) a drain to carry off the surplus.” - -=*Pæonia tenuifolia.=--A charming plant, about 1½ ft. or 2 ft. high, -with numerous upright stems almost completely hidden by the dense -finely-cut leaves, producing an effect which very much resembles that -afforded by the foliage of the Ferulas. The flowers are of a deep -crimson, or purplish-red, and about 2½ ins. broad, solitary and erect on -the tops of the stems. It does well in almost any soil or position, and -might with advantage be now and then used as an isolated specimen on -the turf. - -=*Panicum altissimum.=--A very handsome hardy perennial grass, very like -_P. virgatum_, and often confounded with it, although much more elegant -in habit. It forms dense, erect tufts from 2 ft. to 6½ ft. high, -according to climate, soil, and temperature. The leaves are linear, -finely toothed, long, and arching. When in flower the plant presents a -very attractive appearance, the inflorescence consisting of very large -panicles of slender whorled branchlets covered with numerous small -spikelets of flowers, which ultimately assume a tinge of dark -chestnut-red. - -=*Panicum bulbosum.=--A tall and strong species, with a free and -beautiful inflorescence. It grows about 5 ft. high, and the flowers are -very gracefully spread forth. It forms an elegant plant for the -flower-garden in which grace and variety are sought; for dotting about -here and there, near the margins of shrubberies, etc.; and for -naturalisation. - -=*Panicum capillare.=--A hardy annual kind, growing in tufts from 16 -ins. to 20 ins. high, and very ornamental when in full flower, the tufts -being then covered with large, pyramidal panicles, which are borne both -at the ends of the stems and in the axils of the stem-leaves. Grows in -any soil or position, and sows itself. I noticed it in great abundance -in cultivated fields in many parts of Canada and the United States. Well -suited for border beds or isolation, being one of the most graceful -plants in cultivation. It is commonly grown under the name of -_Eragrostis elegans_. - -=*Panicum virgatum.=--A handsome, bold, hardy species from N. America, -growing, in good soil, to a height of nearly 3½ ft. It forms close, -compact tufts of leaves, a foot or more long, which, from July to the -first frosts, are crowned with very large, dense, branching panicles. -The general colour of the plant is a fine lively green, and its graceful -habit renders it an admirable subject for the picturesque flower-garden, -the pleasure-ground, etc., in isolated tufts. It is also fine for -borders. The best mode of multiplying it is by division in the spring, -when vegetation is just commencing. - -=*Papaver bracteatum= (_Great Scarlet Poppy_).--A remarkably -vigorously-growing perennial species from Siberia and N. Russia, with -simple, rough, hairy stems more than 4 ft. high, each terminated by a -single flower 9 ins. broad, and of a bright deep brick-red colour, with -a large black spot at the base of each petal, and 2 or 3 leaf-like -bracts at the base of each flower. The radical leaves, which are very -deeply divided, form a dense broad tuft resting on the ground. A very -ornamental plant for the open parts of pleasure-grounds, flourishing in -almost any kind of well-drained soil. It will prove most effective as an -isolated plant in the rougher parts of the pleasure-ground. A plant of -it would also show to great advantage in a group of green-leaved -subjects like the Ferulas. Very closely resembling the preceding is the -Armenian species _P. orientalis_. It is however smaller in every -respect, and the flowers want the distinguishing bracts. - -=Papyrus antiquorum= (_Egyptian Paper-plant_).--A very graceful reed, or -rather cyperus, which yielded the material used as paper by the ancient -Egyptians. The rootstocks spread horizontally under the mud in places -where the plant grows, continuing to throw up stems as they creep along. -These stems are triangular and grow from 3 ft. to 8 ft. high; they are -quite leafless except at the top, where they bear a large parasol-like -tuft of green, gracefully-arching filaments. Shallow parts of pieces of -water in a warm position are the most suitable places for this plant. It -may, however, also be planted in soil which is kept constantly moist. -Multiplied by division of the rootstocks; the pieces to be planted under -water, if possible. In gardens south of London this fine plant may be -tried in the open air in summer from June till September in warm spots; -if not planted in shallow water, or the artificial bog, it should -receive a very liberal supply of water in summer. - -=*Paulownia imperialis.=--A Japanese tree of moderate size, with a -large, dense, spreading head, and broad, entire or lobed, opposite -leaves covered with hoary down. The flowers are nearly 2 ins. long, in -terminal panicles, and of a purplish-violet colour. Young plants, say of -a year, or in the first spring of their existence as independent plants, -will, if cut down to the ground, make a luxuriant growth during the -current year, and indeed prove more effective than the _Ferdinanda -eminens_. The stem rises quite vertically and with great vigour, and -looks simply a column of noble leaves. Plants growing in an ordinary -nursery-quarter were (Sept. 8, 1868) 7 ft. and 8 ft. high from the -ground, and the leaves from 20 ins. to 22 ins. in diameter. It was -noticeable, too, that those at the top of each shaft were as large as -those half-way up and near the base, which is not usually the case; and -of course every variation of this kind is valuable, as it helps us to -produce variety. Planted in rich ground and treated specially to secure -a subtropical effect, greater dimensions than the above may readily be -obtained, and older plants when cut down may be expected to produce -stronger stems and leaves. They should be cut down every year in winter -or spring, and confined to one stem. - -=*Petasites vulgaris.=--A native plant of vigorous growth and striking -appearance, forming dense spreading tufts of enormous radical leaves, -usually about 2 ft. or 2½ ft. high. The leaves are heart-shaped in -outline, and sometimes 3 ft. in width. A suitable subject for planting -in any position where the soil is moist and deep, as on the margins of -pieces of water or in damp glades. There is a variety (_P. v. niveus_) -which has white, instead of rosy, flowers. This is also quite hardy, but -does best in a slightly shaded position in deep clayey or sandy-clay -soil. - -=Phœnix dactylifera= (_Date Palm_).--A handsome palm with a rugged stem, -and pinnate dark-green leaves from 6 ft. to 12 ft. long; the divisions -linear-lance-shaped, very much pointed, and standing out quite straight. -Easily increased from seed. Suitable for the greenhouse in winter and -the open garden in summer, from the end of May till the beginning of -October. Africa and India. - -=Phormium tenax= (_New Zealand Flax_).--A hardy plant, with something of -the habit of a large Iris, forming tufts of broad, shining, leathery -leaves from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high, gracefully arching at the top. The -flowers, of a lemon colour, are borne in erect loose spikes just above -the foliage. Generally with us it will be found to enjoy greenhouse -temperature, though in genial places in the south and west of England -and Ireland it does very well in the open air. Its best use is for the -decoration of the garden in summer, a few specimens well grown and -plunged in the grass or the centre of a bed giving a most distinct -aspect to the scene. The larger such plants are, the better, of course, -will be the effect. The small ones will prove equally useful and -effective in vases, to which they will add a grace that vases rarely now -possess. It is pre-eminently useful from its being alike good for the -house, conservatory, and hall-decoration in winter. Multiplied by -division of the tufts in summer, and thriving best in a light deep soil. -Wherever indoor decoration on a large scale is practised it is -indispensable, and it should be remarked that, unless for vase -decoration, it requires to be grown into goodly specimens before -affording much effect out of doors; but when grown large in tubs, it is -equally grand for the large conservatory and for important positions in -the flower-garden. In the extreme south of England and Ireland the New -Zealand Flax will thrive in the water as well as on dry land; and where -this is the case it may of course be used with fine effect as an -aquatic. Doubtless, too, the variegated variety of the New Zealand Flax -would be a capital plant to try in the open air in nice situations in -the south and west of England and Ireland, where the green plant -sometimes does so well. In any case it will do finely out of doors for -the summer. - -=*Phytolacca decandra= (_Virginian Poke_).--A vigorous herbaceous -perennial, from 5½ ft. to nearly 10 ft. high, with stems of a reddish -hue, very much branched above; the branches, leaf-stalks, veins of the -leaves, and flower-stalks being also red. The flowers are numerous, in -cylindrical spikes, and are at first white, afterwards changing to a -delicate rose-colour. In autumn the leaves change to a uniform reddish -tinge, which has a fine effect, contrasted with the numerous pendent -purple berries. This is a very hardy plant, requiring hardly any -attention and growing in almost any kind of soil. Multiplied either by -seed or by division. It forms a very free and vigorous mass of -vegetation, and, though perhaps scarcely refined enough in leaf to -justify its being recommended for flower-garden use, no plant is more -worthy of a place wherever a rich herbaceous vegetation is desired; -whether near the rougher approaches of a hardy fernery, open glades near -woodland walks, or any like positions. N. America. - -=*Poa aquatica.=--A stout, rapidly increasing native grass, growing from -4 ft. to 6 ft. high, with broad, flat leaves and the inflorescence in -much-branched handsome panicles, sometimes nearly a foot long. It is not -uncommon in England and Ireland, mostly occurring in wet ditches, by -rivers, and in marshes. It is one of the boldest and handsomest hardy -grasses, for planting by the margins of pieces of artificial water or -streams, associated with such plants as the Typhas, Acorus, bullrush, -great water-dock, etc. - -=*Poa fertilis.=--Just within the main entrance of the Royal Gardens at -Kew a very graceful-looking grass might have been seen isolated on the -turf during the past year or two. It is a comparatively dwarf subject, -and not at all striking in bloom like the Pampas, but withal very -distinct and desirable. It is one of the most elegant grasses, forming -dense tufts of long, soft, smooth, slender leaves, which arch outwards -and downwards in the most graceful manner on every side, and, in the -flowering season, are surmounted by airy, diffuse, purplish or -violet-tinged panicles, rising to a height of from 20 ins. to 3 ft., the -grassy tufts being usually about half that height. This plant is widely -distributed over Southern Europe, Northern Asia, and North America, in -wet meadows and on low banks of streams. Of all the dwarf perennial -grasses it is perhaps the best for isolation on the grass, where its -fine dense and graceful tufts of long hair-like leaves and elegant -panicles form a quite distinct-looking and ornamental object. - -[Illustration: Poa fertilis.] - -=*Polygonatum multiflorum= (_Solomon’s Seal_).--This, one of the most -graceful of our native plants, is too distinct and pleasing in aspect to -be omitted from an enumeration of ornamental subjects. It is best -suited for a shady position under trees, or the fringes of shrubberies, -or groups of tall and widely-branching plants, where its elegantly -arching stems and pretty pendent flowers would attain greatest -perfection, and exhibit a very marked contrast to the surrounding types -of vegetation. A well-drained, sandy, and peaty soil will be found to -suit it best, and it is well adapted for the wild and semi-wild parts of -the pleasure-ground. Easily multiplied by division of the rootstocks. - -=*Polygonum cuspidatum= (_Sieboldi_).--Forms large and noble tufts of -lively green, which increase in beauty from year to year. It grows to a -height of 3½ ft. to 6 ft. and more, the stems being at first erect and -simple, then becoming much branched, the branches arching, and spreading -nearly horizontally at the top. The white flowers, which are disposed in -clusters forming close panicles, are succeeded by handsome rosy-white -fruit. When planted singly, and away from other subjects, its head -assumes a rather peculiar and pretty arching character; and therefore it -is not quite fit for forming centres or using in groups, so much as for -planting singly on the turf, there leaving it to take care of itself and -come up year after year. In this way it would be particularly useful in -the pleasure-ground or diversified English flower-garden. It is also -good for any position in which a bold and distinct type of vegetation is -desired, while of course, when we come to have fine groups of hardy -“foliage-plants” in our gardens, its use will be much extended. The -deeper and better the soil, the finer will its development prove. You -cannot make the soil too deep and good if you want the plant to assume a -very striking character. It runs very much at the root in all -directions horizontally just below the surface of the soil. By cutting -away the runners, and thus concentrating the sap in the central stems, -tufts have been obtained from 9 ft. to 13 ft. high, and as much across. -Japan. - -=Polymnia grandis.= (See _Montagnæa heracleifolia_.) - -=Polymnia pyramidalis.=--A free, bold, and tall plant, with somewhat of -a sunflower habit, but withal very fine, and making a tall green growth -by the end of July, before many other things used in this way begin to -push. The leaves are not so large as those of the other species, and -differ in shape, being nearly cordate; but the growth is vigorous, and -the habit distinct. It pushes up a narrow pyramidal head of foliage to a -height of nearly 10 ft. in Paris gardens, and will be found to do well -in the south of England. Easily multiplied in spring by division or -cuttings from plants placed in heat in January, or from seed sown in a -pot. The species _Uvedalia_ and _maculata_ are rather coarse herbaceous -plants, fitted for rough places in warm positions, and deep, rich soil. -New Granada. - -=*Pontederia cordata.=--One of the handsomest water-plants in -cultivation, combining gracefulness of habit and leaf with beauty of -flower. It forms thick tufts of almost arrow-shaped, erect, long-stalked -leaves from 1½ ft. to more than 2 ft. high, crowned with the handsome -blue flower-spikes, which issue from the leafstalks just below the base -of the leaves. It should be planted in shallow pieces of water. -Multiplied by division of the tufts at any season. N. America. - -=Pothos acaulis.=--A noble plant of the Arum family, with huge simple -dark-green leaves, forming a magnificent rosette. It requires stove -treatment in winter and spring, and having made its growth and been -hardened off under cover, it may be placed out in the open air in -sheltered warm places in the southern counties, from the middle of June -to the end of September. It, however, sometimes suffers from cold, and -is on the whole only likely to be of very partial use. Among the other -large Aroids which have been tried in Battersea Park, the best are -_Philodendron macrophyllum_, _P. Simsii_, and _Anthurium Hookeri_. Being -rather tender they all require a very warm and well-sheltered position. -W. Indies. - -=*Rhaponticum cynaroides.=--A hardy perennial from the Pyrenees, 3 ft. -or more in height, with a rigid, simple, furrowed stem, and lobed or -entire oblong radical leaves, covered underneath with silvery down. -Flowers solitary, purple, in very large heads. It thrives in a deep, -substantial, moist, but well-drained and free soil. This and, to a -smaller extent, the following species are worthy of a place in full -collections of hardy fine-leaved plants, for borders, the margins of -groups, and, in the case of _R. cynaroides_, for isolation. Both are -easily increased by division. - -=*Rhaponticum pulchrum.=--A hardy perennial from the Caucasus, with -numerous simple stems 2 ft. or more in height, and much-divided, -undulating, toothed leaves of an ashy or sea-green colour on the upper -side, and whitish underneath. The flowers are borne in small solitary -purplish heads late in summer. A very suitable subject for embellishing -dry, arid, rocky positions. _R. scariosum_ is another kind, useful for -the same purposes as the preceding species. - - -*THE RHUBARBS. - -The Rhubarbs, from their vigour and picturesqueness, are well worthy of -cultivation among hardy, fine-leaved plants. They are so hardy that they -may be planted in any soil, and afterwards left to take care of -themselves. Their fine leaves and bold habit make them valuable -ornaments for the margins of shrubberies (the best way is to plant one -singly a few feet from the margin of the shrubbery, so that when they -die down in autumn no blank may be seen), and for semi-wild places where -a very free and luxuriant type of vegetation is desired. Though not -particular as to soil, they enjoy it when it is deep and rich, and the -more it is made so the better they will grow. - -=Rheum Emodi= is undoubtedly the handsomest and most distinct of the -genus in cultivation. The figure conveys an accurate idea of the outline -of its leaves, and of its aspect when in flower. The large leaves have -their veins red, which distinguishes it from any other species. It has a -large and deep-feeding root, black on the outside, and yellow within. -The flowers are very small, of a yellowish white. It comes up somewhat -later than the common kinds, and is not by any means common, though it -may be found in botanic gardens and nurseries where collections of -herbaceous plants are formed. It may, like all the species, be increased -by division, but a young plant should not be disturbed for several years -after being planted. It is a native of Nepaul. - -The palmated rhubarb, _Rheum palmatum_, is immediately distinguished -from its cultivated fellows by its leaves - -[Illustration: RHEUM EMODI. - -Hardy herbaceous fine-foliaged Type.] - -being deeply cut into lobes. It is scarcely so ornamental or imposing as -the fuller-leaved kinds, but is an interesting plant. I have seen it -grown in some Irish gardens for culinary purposes, but do not remember -to have noticed it in English kitchen-gardens. When well grown in deep -and rather light and well-drained earth, the flowering-stem of this -species attains a height of about nine feet. It is a native of Tartary, -and well deserves a place. _Rheum Ribes_ is a somewhat delicate species, -a native of Southern Persia, which may be seen in one or two of our -botanic gardens, and more frequently in those of France; but we fear it -is not hardy enough to thrive well in these islands. The most remarkable -known species is the Himalayan (_R. nobile_), which has its flower-stems -beautifully clothed with large straw-coloured and pink-edged bracts, so -as to form what may be termed a pyramid of leaves; but, as this species -is not in cultivation, we need not describe it further. It would prove a -very welcome addition to our collection of hardy plants. - -The common rhubarbs are said by some of our authorities to have chiefly -sprung from _Rheum Rhaponticum_, and some of them have also come from -the wavy-leaved Rheum (_R. undulatum_). In any case, some of the garden -varieties of rhubarb are worth planting for ornamental purposes. They -have been so planted in Hyde Park, but in masses--not the proper way to -employ them. Kinds deserving of notice are _R. australe_, _R. -compactum_, _R. rugosum_, _R. hybridum_, Victoria rhubarb (a garden -variety, with very large leaves and long red stalks), Myatt’s Linnæus, -and Prince Albert (also garden varieties, and splendid ornamental -plants). Mr. Shirley Hibberd says he has found Scott’s Monarch to be -the most imposing and ornamental of all the garden varieties. - -=*Rhus Cotinus= (_Venetian Sumach_).--A bushy shrub, about 6½ ft. high, -with simple, smooth, shining green leaves, and a very remarkable -feathery inflorescence of a deep red colour. It requires a dry, -gravelly, warm soil, and will grow in the most arid positions. Where it -thrives the effect of its peculiar inflorescence is very fine and -distinct. It is used with most effect as an isolated specimen, though it -would group very well with such plants as Lindley’s Spiræa. S. Europe. - -=*Rhus glabra laciniata.=--This variety of the smooth or scarlet Sumach -is a small shrub with compound leaves, growing from 4 ft. to 7 ft. high, -a native of North America, with finely-cut and elegant leaves, the -strongest being about a foot long when the plants have been established -a year or two. When seen on an established plant, these leaves combine -the beauty of those of the finest Grevillea with that of a fern frond, -while the youngest and unfolding leaves remind one of the aspect of a -finely-cut umbelliferous plant in spring. The variety observable in the -shape, size, and aspect of the foliage makes the plant charming to look -upon, while the midribs of the fully-grown leaves are red, and in autumn -the whole glow off into bright colour after the fashion of American -shrubs and trees. During the entire season it is presentable, and there -is no fear of any vicissitude of weather injuring it. Its great merit is -that, in addition to being so elegant in foliage, it has a very dwarf -habit, and is thoroughly hardy. Plants three years old and undisturbed -for the last two years are not more - -[Illustration: RHUS GLABRA LACINIATA. - -Hardy deciduous Shrub Section.] - -than eighteen inches high. The heads of some are branched, but these are -not less elegant than when in a simple-stemmed state, so that here we -have clearly a subject that will afford a charming fern-like effect in -the full sun, and add graceful verdure and distinction to the -flower-garden. When the flowers show after the plant is a few years old, -they may be pinched off; but this need only be practised in the case of -permanent groups or plantings of it. To produce the effect of a -Grevillea or a fern on a small scale, we should of course keep this -graceful Rhus small and propagate it like a bedding-plant. Like most -other shrubs, it has a tendency to branch; but to fully enjoy the beauty -of the leaves it is best to cut down the plants yearly, as then the -leaves given off from the simple erect stem are much larger and more -graceful. It will, however, be necessary to allow it to become -established before treating it in this way, as it is at present -comparatively new to our gardens. The figure, sketched early in August, -represents a young plant little more than a foot high, which had been -cut down to the ground during the spring of the past year, and proves -that its full beauty may be enjoyed in a very small state. It may be -most tastefully used in association with bedding-plants, or on banks in -or near the rock-garden or hardy fernery, planting it in light sandy -loam. The graceful mixtures and bouquet-*like beds that might be made -with the aid of such plants need not be suggested here, while of course -an established plant, or groups of three, might well form the centre of -a bed. Planting a very small bed or group separately in the -flower-garden, and many other uses which cannot be enumerated here, will -occur to those who have once tried it. Some hardy plants of fine -foliage are either so rampant or so topheavy that they cannot be wisely -associated with bedding-plants. This is, on the contrary, as tidy and -tractable a grower as the most fastidious could desire. It would be a -mistake to put such a pretty plant under or near rough trees and shrubs. -Give it the full sun, and good free soil. - -=*Rhus vernicifera= is distinct from the preceding, and has fine leaves. -It is a native of Japan, and the source of the best Japan varnish -according to Thunberg. Useful for grouping with the preceding or other -hardy shrubs of like character. - -=*Ricinus communis= (_Castor-oil Plant_).--When well grown in the open -air, there is not in the whole range of cultivated plants a more -imposing subject than this. It may have been seen nearly 12 ft. high in -the London parks of late years, and with leaves nearly 1 yd. wide. It is -true we require a bed of very rich deep earth under it to make it attain -such dimensions and beauty; but in all parts, and with ordinary -attention, it grows well. In warm countries, in which the plant is very -widely cultivated, it becomes a small tree, but is much prettier in the -state in which it is seen with us--_i.e._, with an unbranched stem -clothed from top to bottom with noble leaves. Soon after it betrays, a -tendency to develope side-shoots the cold autumn comes and puts an end -to all further progress; and so much the better, because it is much -handsomer in a simple-stemmed state than any other. The same is true of -not a few other large-leaved plants--once they break into a number of -side-shoots their leaf beauty is to a great extent lost. It is as easily -raised from seed as the common bean, requiring, however, to be raised -in heat. It should be sown about the middle of February, and the plants -gradually hardened off so as to be fit to put out by the middle of May. -The Ricinus is a grand plant for making bold and noble beds near those -of the more brilliant flowers, and tends to vary the flower-garden -finely. It is not well to associate it closely with bedding-plants, in -consequence of the strong growth and shading power of the leaves, so to -speak. A good plan is to make a compact group of the plant in the centre -of some wide circular bed and surround it with a band of a dwarfer -subject, say the Aralia or Caladium, and then finish with whatever -arrangement of the flowering plants may be most admired. A bold and -striking centre may be obtained, while the effect of the flowers is much -enhanced, especially if the planting be nicely graduated and tastefully -done. For such groups the varieties of the Castor-oil plant are not -likely to be surpassed. East Indies. - -The most notable varieties are _R. c. sanguineus_, the stem, -leaf-stalks, young leaves, and fruit of which are of a blood-red colour; -_R. c. borboniensis_, which in southern climates often attains the -extraordinary height of 26 ft. in one year; _R. c. giganteus_, a very -tall kind from the Philippine Islands. - -Other kinds in cultivation are _R. Belot Desfougerès_ (a very tall and -branching kind), _R. viridis_ (of a uniform lively green colour), _R. -insignis_, _R. africanus_, _R. africanus albidus_, _R. minor_, _R. -hybridus_, _R. microcarpus_. - -The better and richer the soil, and the warmer the position, the more -vigorous will be the growth of any of the above. Copious watering in -summer is indispensable. - -=*Rumex Hydrolapathum.=--A very large native water-plant of a size and -habit sufficiently striking to entitle it to a place amongst ornamental -subjects by the water-side. The radical long-stalked leaves, which are -sometimes 2 ft. or more in length, form erect tufts of a very imposing -character. The flowering-stem is frequently 6 ft. in height, and bears a -very large, dense, pyramidal panicle of a reddish or olive-fawn colour. -The plant is most effective in autumn, when the leaves change to a lurid -red colour, which they retain for some time. - -=*Saccharum ægyptiacum.=--A vigorous perennial grass, forming ample -tufts of reed-like downy stems 6½ ft. to 13 ft. high, and clothed with -very graceful foliage, well adapted for ornamenting the margins of -pieces of water, the slopes and other parts of pleasure-grounds, etc., -in a warm position. In our climate it does not flower, but even without -its fine feathery plumes it is a pretty plant from its foliage and habit -alone. Easily and quickly multiplied by division in spring; the offsets -to be started in a frame or pit. When established they may be planted -out in May or June. N. Africa. - -=*Sagittaria sagittifolia.=--A British water-plant, affording the most -remarkable example of the arrow-shaped leaf to be met with among hardy -plants. These leaves stand erect, from 1 ft. to 1½ ft. above the water, -and from the middle of the tuft the flowering-stem rises in August to -the height of 1½ ft. to 2½ ft. The flowers are of a pale rosy-white -colour. There is a variety with double flowers (_S. sagittifolia flore -pleno_), which resemble the flowers of the double Rocket. Both the -double and single kinds should have a place among water or bog plants. - -[Illustration: SEAFORTHIA ELEGANS. - -Conservatory Palm; standing well in the open air in summer.] - -=*Salvia argentea= (_S. patula_).--A handsome biennial about 3½ ft. -high, forming broad spreading rosettes of large, oval, heart-shaped -leaves, densely covered with long silky hairs of a silvery whiteness, -and bearing large panicles of white flowers. An excellent subject for -grouping on grass-plats or the uneven parts of pleasure-grounds. Where -the effect of the foliage only is desired the flower-stems should be -pinched off as soon as they appear; the leaves will then preserve their -freshness and silvery colour throughout the year. A light, sandy, or -gravelly soil is the most suitable. Easily propagated by sowing in -autumn, and keeping the seedlings in a cold frame through the winter, -giving them air as often as possible, and watering very moderately. This -plant is most effective during its first summer, and before it makes an -attempt to flower. S. Europe. - -=*Scirpus lacustris= (_Bulrush_).--This giant rush sends up numerous -smooth green stems as thick as the finger at the base, and from 3 ft. to -8 ft. high. In still water the bases of these are covered with leafless -sheaths, but in running water the uppermost sheath produces at its -extremity a leaf of several inches in length, in addition to which -numerous barren tufts of leaves, often of great length, and resembling -those of _Sparganium affine_, are also produced. When in flower, the -stems are crowned with short, umbel-like, chestnut-coloured panicles. It -is very effective on the margins of lakes or streams, associated with -other tall and imposing aquatic plants. - -=Seaforthia elegans.=--One of the most beautiful of the Palm family, -from the northern parts of Australia, where it attains a height of about -30 ft., but in this country seldom arrives at more than half its full -size. The leaves are from 2 ft. to 10 ft. in length, and are divided -into numerous narrow leaflets from 1 ft. to 1½ ft. long, and of a dark -green colour. The whole plant is perfectly smooth, and is one of the -finest subjects in cultivation for the conservatory, greenhouse, or -subtropical garden. It may be placed in the open air from the middle or -end of May until the beginning of October. It is too scarce as yet to be -procurable by horticulturists generally, but should be looked for by all -who take an interest in these matters and have a house in which to grow -it. It stands well in the conservatory during the winter, though -generally kept in the stove, where of course it grows beautifully. There -are hardier kinds--the dwarf Fan-palm for example--but on the whole none -of them are so valuable as this. - -=Senecio Ghiesbreghtii.=--A handsome Mexican plant with stout, round, -spotted stems, 3 to 4 ft. high, and large oval-oblong, thick, -coarsely-toothed leaves of a light green colour, and slightly rolled -down at the margin. Flowers small, yellow, very numerous, in corymbose -clusters of enormous size. A useful plant for isolation on grass-plats, -or for beds, etc. Young plants are to be preferred for this purpose, as -the old ones are apt to become bare and ragged-looking at the base. -Plant in a mixture of peat soil and free loam at the end of May. -Multiplied by cuttings in winter, struck under glass in a temperate heat -in early spring. - -=Senecio Petasites= (_Cineraria platanifolia_).--Another Mexican -species, nearly 3½ ft. high, with a stout, half-shrubby, -slightly-branching stem, and large, dark-green, roughish, lobed leaves. -It requires a substantial, but free and cool soil, and may be multiplied -at almost any season by cuttings. It requires greenhouse protection in -winter, grows freely in the open air planted out in early summer, and is -suitable for beds or groups associated with the medium-sized subjects. - -=*Seseli gummiferum.= (_Silvery Seseli_).--An umbelliferous plant with -elegantly-divided leaves of a peculiarly pleasing glaucous or almost -silvery tone. I am not sure whether this plant is perennial or not, and -it is not hardy on cold soils, having perished during several of our -most severe winters, but it is so unique in its way that some persons -might like to grow it, and if so the best position is on dry and sunny -banks, or raised beds or borders. It is one of the few subjects that are -at once fern-like and silvery, and if plentiful enough might be used to -form charming edgings. It is not difficult to raise from seed, which -should be sown soon after being gathered. As it is liable to perish in -winter, perhaps the best way to deal with it would be to put it out -annually at the end of spring, raising it and keeping it in frames for -this purpose; and to secure seeds a few plants might be left in 10 in. -or 12 in. pots, so that the seed might be gathered under cover. -Doubtless, however, continental raisers can supply it. S. Russia. - -=*Silphium integrifolium.=--This composite has a rough, vigorous, rigid, -slightly four-angled, grooved stem, from 2 ft. to 4 ft. high, and leaves -from 3 ins. to 5 ins. long, all opposite, lanceolate-ovate, entire, -tapering to a sharp point from a roundish heart-shaped and -partly-clasping base, and covered with a roughish down. The -flower-heads are of a greenish-yellow, on short stalks, in a close, -forking corymb. A variety (_S. læve_) has the leaves and stem smooth, or -nearly so. This and the following kinds are only suited for the rougher -parts of the pleasure-ground, and by wood-walks, etc.; they will be seen -to greatest advantage in rich and deep soil, but will grow in any kind. -Division. N. America. - -=*Silphium laciniatum= (_Compass-plant_).--A vigorous perennial with a -stout, round stem, often upwards of 8 ft. in height. The leaves, which -are collected chiefly about the base of the plant, are large, wrinkled, -and deeply-divided into lance-shaped, pointed segments, and fringed with -white hairs. The stem-leaves are few, much smaller, and opposite. -Flowers of a fine yellow with a brownish centre, in large, few, -solitary, short-stalked, horizontal or drooping heads, which have the -peculiarity of facing to the east. Division. N. America. - -=*Silphium perfoliatum= (_Cup-plant_).--A robust-growing North American -perennial from 4 ft. to 8 ft. in height, with a square stem and broad, -opposite, oval, lance-shaped, coarsely toothed leaves, 6 ins. to 15 ins. -long, rough on both sides, the upper ones united at their bases; the -lower ones abruptly narrowed into winged leaf-stalks, which are also -united at their bases. Flower-heads about 2 ins. across, with a -greenish-yellow disk and a yellow ray. Does best in a deep, free, -well-drained, sandy soil, but will grow well when the ground is slightly -moist, especially in warm, but not too shady, positions. Division. - -=*Silphium terebinthinaceum= (_Prairie-Dock_).--A large kind with smooth -slender stems from 4 ft. to 10 ft. high, panicled at the summit, and -bearing many small heads of light yellow flowers. The leaves are -ovate-oblong, thick and rough, especially beneath, and from 1 ft. to 2 -ft. long, on slender stalks. A variety (_pinnatifidum_) has the leaves -deeply cut or pinnatifid. This species is remarkable for its strong -turpentine odour. Division. N. America. - -=*Silphium trifoliatum.=--This species has a smooth, often glaucous, -rather slender stem, from 4 ft. to 6 ft. high, branching above. Leaves -lance-shaped, pointed, entire or scarcely serrate, short-stalked, in -whorls of three or four, the uppermost ones opposite. Flower-heads -yellow, more than 2 ins. across, on long stalks, and forming loose -panicles. Division. N. America. - -=*Silybum marianum= (_Milk-thistle_).--A very robust and -vigorous-growing native biennial, 5 ft. or more in height, of strikingly -handsome appearance, and well deserving to be associated with other -large fine-foliaged plants. Its leaves are of very great size, variously -cut and undulated, tipped and margined with scattered spines, and of a -bright glistening green colour marbled and variegated with broad white -veins. Easily raised from seed, and thrives in almost any kind of -well-drained soil. Additional vigour and development may be thrown into -the foliage by pinching off the flower-stems on their first appearance. -If a few plants are raised in the garden and planted out in rough and -somewhat bare places or banks, etc., this will soon establish itself -permanently. - -=Silybum eburneum= is a more tender species, very closely resembling the -above, but with spines which appear as if made of ivory. It is also more -constantly biennial, and in consequence its leaves are almost always in -the rosette stage throughout the first year. It is somewhat tenderer -than _S. marianum_. Algeria. - -=The Solanums.=--This family, so wonderfully varied, affords numerous -species that look graceful and imposing in leaf when in a young and -free-growing state. In selecting examples from this great genus we must -be careful, as our climate is a shade too cold for some of the kinds -grown on the continent, and many of them are of too ragged an aspect to -be tolerated in a tasteful garden. Half a dozen species or so are -indispensable, but there is quite a crowd of narrow-leaved and ignoble -ones which may well be passed over. - -Most of these plants may be raised from seed, while they are also freely -grown from cuttings, which struck in February will make good plants by -May. All the kinds named are suitable for association with the -larger-leaved plants, though they do not as a rule attain such height -and vigorous development as those of the first rank, like the Ricinus. -As a rule, temperate-house treatment in winter is required, and they -should be planted out about the middle or end of May, in rich fight -soil, a warm position, and perfect shelter. _S. marginatum_, planted in -a very dwarf and young state, furnishes a most distinct and charming -effect: it should be planted rather thinly, so that the leaves of one -plant may not brush against those of another. If some very dwarf plants -are used as a groundwork, so much the better; but the downy and silvery -leaves of this plant are sure to please without this aid. It is very -much better when thus grown than when permitted to assume the bush form. - -=Solanum betaceum.=--A small tree from South - -[Illustration: SOLANUM ROBUSTUM. - -Tender Section; making vigorous growth during the summer months.] - -America, which in our climate attains a height of nearly 10 ft. if taken -up in autumn and kept through the winter in a house. The stems are -stout, smooth, and fleshy. The leaves, which resemble those of the Beet, -are of an oval, pointed shape, and of a deep green colour, tinged with -violet in the variety _purpureum_. The flowers are small, rose-colour, -in pendent cyme-like clusters, and are succeeded by fruit of the shape -and size of a fowl’s egg, which become of a fine deep scarlet colour -during the winter. Some varieties have flowers tinged with purple and -fruit striped with brown. May be placed to great advantage in groups in -round beds with dwarfer plants or shrubs at the base, or with climbing -plants ascending the stems, but is much better isolated on slopes, etc. -It is a vigorous grower, and should have rich soil. - -=Solanum crinitipes.=--A slow-growing woody species with undivided oval -leaves somewhat more than a foot long: the young stems and flower-stalks -being densely covered with chaffy hairs somewhat like those of a fern. -This I have not seen thrive so well in England as the preceding kind, -but it is well worthy of trial in full collections in the southern -counties. S. America. - -=Solanum crinitum.=--A vigorous-growing species from Guiana, 5 ft. or -more in height, with stout stems, set with short strong spines and dense -long hairs. It has very large, soft, hairy, spreading, roundish leaves, -which in good soil attain a length of 2½ ft.: the upper surface of a -tender green colour with violet veinings set with spines, as are also -the leaf-stalks; the under side whitish and more thickly furnished with -spines. The hairs and bark on the upper portion of each petiole are of a -purplish hue, and, on the lower part, of a light pale green, by which -the plant may be readily recognised. The flowers are very large and -white. Berries roundish, villose, and twice or thrice as large as a -cherry. This I have seen attain a very remarkable development in -sheltered warm spots in the south of England. It is fine in medium-sized -groups. - -=Solanum hyporhodium.=--A fine branching kind from Venezuela, with a -stout stem about 5 ft. high, and branches armed with short -thinly-scattered spines. The leaves, which attain a length of nearly 2½ -ft., are oval, with angular sinuated lobes, the upper surface being of a -fine green colour with white veins, and the under side of a violet-red -and downy. When young the hue of the leaves is exceedingly lively. The -flowers are borne in almost lateral cymes and are of a rosy-white colour -with yellow stamens. This plant is sometimes sold as _S. discolor_ and -_S. purpureum_, but is quite distinct from them. - -=Solanum Karstenii.=--This, which is more commonly known as _S. -callicarpum_, is a robust, slightly branching, arborescent shrub about 5 -ft. high, covered with long hairs interspersed with spines and of a -general variable greyish-violet hue. The leaves are oval, broad, -angular, heart-shaped at the base, and 2 ft. or more in length. The -flowers are large, of a fine delicate violet colour, and borne in -crowded, almost one-sided clusters. This plant is best isolated, as when -placed in close groups the leaves of the associated subjects are apt to -tear it. Venezuela. - -=Solanum lanceolatum.=--This is the best kind for blooming qualities. -The foliage, which is somewhat fluffy and willow-like, possesses no -marked character, but the mauve-coloured flowers are borne abundantly -in clusters, each containing 20 or more blooms: the stamens, being of an -orange colour, add to the effect. There are a dozen or more species that -flower freely but have little beauty of leaf: among the best of these is -_S. Rantonnettii_, which has very pretty dark-purple flowers, more than -an inch across, with an orange centre. It forms a neat bush, and flowers -freely in the southern counties, in warm sunny spots and on light soils. -Mexico. - -=Solanum macranthum.=--A fine species from Brazil, confessedly one of -the best kinds in cultivation, and somewhat resembling _Polymnia -grandis_. It grows nearly 7 ft. high in one year, with a stout, simple, -spiny stem of a deep shining green with grayish spots, and sparsely -armed with very strong shortish spines. The leaves are elegant and -deeply cut, some of them over 2½ ft. long, falling gracefully -earthwards, of a light green on the upper surface, with red veinings, -the under side having a reddish hue. The flowers, seldom seen with us, -are of a fine violet colour, and grow in corymbs. It will not attain its -full character and large dimensions in cold places, and should therefore -have as warm positions as possible. Increased by cuttings struck in -February: they are fit to plant out in May. - -=Solanum marginatum.=--A vigorous-growing, erect, branching and bushy -species from Abyssinia, 3 ft., or more, in height. The leaves are -somewhat oval, with a bluntly sinuated margin; the upper surface smooth, -of a brilliant green with a white silvery border, and the under side -covered with a white satiny down. The flowers are white, with orange -stamens, pendulous, very numerous, in clusters. For the positions -suited to this plant see the introductory remarks on the genus. - -=Solanum Quitoense.=--A half-shrubby native of Peru and the -neighbourhood of Quito, seldom growing higher than 3¼ ft. in -cultivation. The stem is spineless, covered with a soft down, and of a -delicate green colour suffused with violet, which exhibits iridescent -changes. The leaves are broad, stalked, obcordate, with toothed angles, -and of a fine green colour, with violet downy veins. Flowers rather -large, white, tinged with lilac on the top when in bud, in short -clusters. It requires a warm position and a warm season to bring out its -best qualities. - -=Solanum robustum.=--A Brazilian species with a vigorous much-branching -stem more than 3 ft. high, and furnished with very sharp and strong -spines and densely-set, long, reddish, viscous hairs. The leaves, which -are very large, are of a rich brown colour on the upper surface and -oval-elliptical in form, with 8 or 9 oval-acute lobes, the upper ones -nearly triangular; and the midrib and principal veins, which are of a -brown colour, are closely set with spines similar to those on the stem. -The flowers are white, with orange stamens, and are borne in unilateral -clusters. The berries are round, of a brown colour, and the size of a -small cherry. As a foliage-plant this is a subject of considerable -merit, and one of those most suitable for our climate. It requires a -warm sunny aspect in a position which will be at the same time airy and -sheltered from strong winds. - -=Solanum Sieglingii.=--A large and handsome kind, which forms a small -tree about 13 ft. high after some - -[Illustration: SOLANUM WARSCEWICZII. - -Tender Section; making noble leaves in the open garden in summer.] - -years’ growth. The foliage is of a light-green colour, tinged here and -there with rose, and sparsely armed with spines; the young unfolded -leaves are slightly tinged with violet. Flowers numerous, small and -white, appearing when the plant is two or three years old. A good kind -which has been little tried in England. Venezuela. - -=Solanum Warscewiczii.=--A very fine and ornamental kind, resembling _S. -macranthum_, but with a lower and more thickset habit, and branching -more at the base. The leaf-stalks also, and upper branches, are of a red -colour, glandular, and scaly; and the flowers are white and small. The -stem is armed with strong slightly recurved spines, and both the stems -and the petioles of the leaves are covered with a very dense crop of -short stiff brown hairs scarcely rising above the skin. This is one of -the handsomest and best kinds we have. - -=Sonchus laciniatus.=--A very graceful composite plant, from Madeira, -with a stout stem, growing to a height of more than 5 ft., and large -deeply-cut leaves with linear-lance-shaped segments. Flower-heads -yellow. When grouped on grass-plats, or open spaces in pleasure-grounds, -the fine foliage of this plant is seen to very great advantage; but -being so slender and delicate the plants must be placed where they may -be seen. It should be planted out at the end of May, and thrives best in -rich, substantial soil, in a warm sunny position. Very numerous -varieties, with the leaves variously divided and of various shades of -green, have been advertised in catalogues under specific names, as _S. -lyratus_, _S. gummiferus_, etc., etc. Many of these are quite as -charming as the type, and are well adapted for the same uses. - -=*Sorghum halepense.=--A handsome hardy grass from S. Europe, N. Africa, -and Syria, with an erect stem about 3½ ft. high, and broad flat leaves -more than 1 ft. long, chiefly collected round the base of the plant. It -is most attractive when in flower in the end of summer, the -inflorescence consisting of a dense panicle of purplish awned flowers. -Suitable for isolation, groups, or borders. - -=Sparmannia africana.=--A beautiful flowering stove-shrub from 3 ft. to -12 ft. high, very much resembling a Malva in habit, with long-stalked, -heart-shaped, lobed leaves, clothed with soft down, and numerous pretty -white flowers produced in stalked umbels. It thrives freely in the open -air in the south of England, from the end of May to October, if planted -in rich light soil and in warm positions. Cape of Good Hope. - -=*Spiræa Aruncus.=--This is a remarkably handsome and effective plant, -from 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high, with elegantly-divided leaves, which bear -some resemblance to the fronds of certain ferns. The flowers are white, -and are disposed above the foliage in graceful, airy plumes. A cool, -peaty soil, and a slightly-shaded position, are best suited for this -plant, and it may be placed with advantage on slopes with a north -aspect, the banks of streams or pieces of water, in glades, and -thinly-planted shrubberies, etc. Division. Siberia. - -=*Spiræa Filipendula.=--A hardy, native perennial, with elegant foliage -and handsome flowers. The leaves are mostly radical, very finely cut, -and form a loosely-spreading rosette. The flower-stems rise to a height -of 1½ ft. to 2 ft., and are terminated by dense panicles of rosy-white -flowers. There is a fine variety with double flowers. This plant is -included here only in consequence of the resemblance of its leaves to a -pinnate-leaved fern. By pinching off the flowers it may be used with -good effect as a green, fern-like edging plant, and it is pretty in -borders. Division in winter or spring. - -=*Spiræa (Hoteia) japonica.=--A handsome, herbaceous perennial, forming -rich tufts of dark shining green much-divided leaves, which have a -somewhat fern-like appearance. These tufts are usually from a foot to 16 -ins. high. The flowers are very freely produced in graceful panicles, of -which the bracts, little flower-stems, and all the ramifications are, -like the flowers, white. It is particularly fond of a sandy peat, or -very sandy loam, a sheltered position, and moist soil. Multiplied by -division of the tufts in spring or the end of summer. Japan. - -=*Spiræa Lindleyana.=--A graceful shrub, with erect stems, from 6½ ft. -to nearly 10 ft. high, and large compound leaves, with finely-toothed -leaflets. Flowers late in summer, white, in very large and handsome -terminal panicles. This well-known plant is second to none for its grace -and distinctness, both of foliage and flower. It is a native of the -Himalayas, and easily procured in our nurseries; it should receive far -more attention than the majority of our shrubs do, and should be -employed both in a young and fully-grown state in and near the -flower-garden. Few things, tender or hardy, known in our gardens, afford -a better effect than may be obtained from this. - -It is probably one of those plants which would look exceedingly -effective if trained to a single stem and cut down every year, as -recommended for the Ailantus and the Paulownia; but I have had no -experience of it in this way, and its natural habit is sufficiently -graceful. - -=Stadmannia Jonghei.=--A tall and stately foliage-plant from Australia, -where it attains the dimensions of a small tree, with dark shining green -pinnate leaves; the divisions oblong-pointed, with serrated margins, and -of a paler colour underneath. Bears the open air of the southern -counties in summer well, if placed in sunny and sheltered spots. - -=*Statice latifolia.=--A hardy and very ornamental herbaceous perennial -from Russia, with broad leaves, which form a rosette or tuft more or -less spreading. The flower-stem is more than 2 ft. high, and very much -branched; the branches commencing at from 4 ins. to 8 ins. above the -ground, and forming a large and exceedingly handsome panicle of flowers -of a light-blue colour, tinged with the greyish hue of the numerous -membranous bracts and thin dry calyces. A well-drained, sandy soil, in -an open sunny position, is the best for this plant, which, however, -grows in any ordinary garden-soil, and is admirably adapted for -naturalisation or grouping with the acanthuses, tritomas, etc., the -effect of the inflorescence being very remarkable. - -=*Stipa pennata= (_Feather-grass_).--This plant, which at other times is -hardly to be distinguished from a strong, stiff tuft of common grass, -presents, in May and June, a very different appearance, the tuft being -then surmounted by numerous flower-stems, nearly 2 ft. high, gracefully -arching, and densely covered, for a considerable part of their upper -extremity, with long, twisted, feathery awns. It loves a deep, sandy -loam, and may be used with fair effect in groups of small plants, or -isolated; but its flowers continue too short a time in bloom to make it -very valuable away from borders. - -=*Struthiopteris germanica.=--One of the most elegant hardy ferns, with -fronds resembling ostrich-plumes in shape, nearly 3 ft. long, and -arranged in a somewhat erect, vase-like rosette. It is particularly -suited for the embellishment of the slopes of pleasure-grounds, -cascades, grottoes, and rough rockwork, the margins of streams and -pieces of water, and will thrive in moist and deep sandy soil, either in -the full sunshine or in the shade. _S. pennsylvanica_ very closely -resembles _S. germanica_, the chief point of difference being the -narrowness of the fertile fronds of the former species. Both kinds will -prove very effective in adding beauty of form to a garden, and should by -no means be confined to the fernery proper. Central Europe. - -=*Tamarix.=--These very elegant hardy shrubs may be used with excellent -effect in the flower-garden and pleasure-ground, though they are at -present seldom employed in these places. _T. gallica_ or _anglica_ is -found apparently wild in several parts of the south of England, and -other kinds, such as _germanica_, _parviflora_, _tetrandra_, -_spectabilis_, and _indica_, are also in cultivation. In the -neighbourhood of Paris _T. indica_ thrives very freely, and forms -beautiful hedges, but is cut down by frost during some winters. It would -probably do better in the south of England. The plants have minute -leaves and very elegantly-panicled branches, which gives them a feathery -effect, somewhat like that of the most graceful conifers, and, if -possible, more elegant: the roseate panicles of small flowers are also -very pretty. A finer effect would be obtained from these shrubs by -isolating them on the grass than in any other way. - -=*Tanacetum vulgare var. crispum.=--A very elegant variety of the common -tansy, much dwarfer in stature, and with smaller emerald-green leaves, -which are very elegantly cut, and have a crisped or frizzled appearance. -It is quite hardy, and forms an effective ornament on the margins of -shrubberies, near rockwork, etc. It does best fully exposed, and -probably the only way in which it can be benefited after planting--in -deep and rather moist soil it does best, but will grow “anywhere”--is by -thinning out the shoots in spring, so that each remaining one shall have -free room to suspend its exquisite leaves; thinned thus, it looks much -better than when the stems are crowded, and of course, if it is done in -time, they individually attain more strength and dignity. The flowers -should be pinched off before they open. Britain. - -=Thalia dealbata.=--This is one of the finest aquatic plants which we -can employ in the embellishment of pieces of water, streams, etc. In a -warm and sheltered position, and on a substantial and rich bottom, it -grows vigorously, sometimes attaining a height of 6 ft. The best mode of -growing it is in pots or tubs pierced with holes, in a mixture of stiff -peat and clayey soil, with a portion of river-mud and sand. In winter -these pots or tubs may be submerged to a greater depth, and the plants -be thus effectually protected. It would not attain the above size out of -doors except in warm places in the southern counties, in which it might -be planted out directly without taking the precautions above described. -It is generally grown in the stove in this country. N. America. - -=*Thalictrum minus.=--One of the most elegant-leaved of our native -plants, forming compact, roundish bushes, from a foot to 18 ins. high, -very symmetrical, and of a slightly glaucous hue. It may be grown in any -soil, and requires only one little attention, namely, to pinch off the -slender flower-stems that appear in May and June. Not alone in its -aspect, as a little bushy tuft, does it resemble the “Maidenhair Fern,” -as _Adiantum cuneatum_ is often called, but the leaves are almost pretty -enough to pass, when mingled with flowers, for those of the fern; they -are also stiffer and more lasting than fern-leaves, and are well suited -for mingling with vases of flowers, etc. There are probably several -“forms” or varieties of this plant. It would look very pretty isolated -in large tufts as an edging, or in borders, or in groups of dwarf -subjects. Easily increased by division. - -=*The Tritomas.=--So hardy, so magnificent in colouring, and so fine in -form are these plants, that we can no more dispense with their use in -the garden where beauty of form as well as colour is to prevail, than we -can with the noble Pampas grass. They are more conspicuously beautiful, -when other things begin to succumb before the gusts and heavy rains of -autumn, than any plants which flower in the bright days of midsummer. It -is not alone as component parts of large ribbon-borders and in such -positions that these grand plants are useful, but in almost any part of -the garden. Springing up as a bold, close group on the green turf, and -away from brilliant surroundings, they are more effective than when -associated with bedding plants; and of course many such spots may be -found for them near the margins of the shrubberies in most -pleasure-grounds. It is in an isolated group, flaming up amid the -verdure of trees and shrubs and grass, that their dignified aspect and -brilliant colour are seen to best advantage. However, tastefully -disposed in the flower-garden, they will prove generally useful, and -particularly for association with the finer autumn-flowering herbaceous -plants. A most satisfactory result may be produced by associating the -Tritomas with the Pampas grass and the two Arundos, the large _Statice -latifolia_, and the strong and beautiful autumn-flowering _Anemone -japonica alba_, which is peculiarly suited for association with hardy -herbaceous plants of fine habit, and should be in every garden where a -hardy flower is valued. - -The Tritomas are not fastidious as to soil, and with a little -preparation of the ground may be grown almost anywhere. They thrive with -extraordinary vigour and freedom where the soil is very sandy as well as -rich and deep, and are readily multiplied by division. - -As every garden should be embellished by well-developed specimens or -groups of these fine plants, those who have very poor and thin, or pure -clay soils, would do well to excavate the ground to the depth of 2 ft. -or 3 ft., and fill in with good rich loam. When the soil is deep, no -watering will be required. - -=*Tritoma Burchelli.=--This kind is distinguished by the lighter green -of its leaves, by its black-spotted flower-stem, and especially by the -colour of its flowers, which are crimson at the base, passing into -carmine in the middle, and pale-yellow or greenish at the tips. There -is a variety which has the leaves variegated or striped with white, but -it is somewhat tender and rare. - -=*Tritoma glauca.=--A dwarfer kind than _T. Uvaria_, with leaves of a -sea-green colour, and very large spikes of scarlet-and-yellow flowers, -which, when in bud, are hidden by long, sea-green bracts, streaked and -rayed with white. There is a scarce variety with recurved leaves (_T. g. -recurvata_), which has somewhat of the habit of a Bromelia. S. Africa. - -=*Tritoma præcox.=--A recently-introduced, handsome, hardy perennial, -with very much the habit of _T. Uvaria_. The flower-stem grows from 20 -ins. to 2 ft. high, and the flowers, which are produced about the middle -of May, are of a bright-red colour when exposed to the full sun, and of -a bright-yellow when grown in the shade. The leaves are fully 2 ft. -long, sharply keeled, and with toothed edges. S. Africa. - -=*Tritoma Uvaria.=--A very ornamental and well-known kind from S. -Africa, forming thick tufts of linear, erect leaves. It is a vigorous -grower, and small specimens have been known in three years to form tufts -from 3 ft. to 4 ft. through, bearing from 50 to 100 flower-spikes. The -flowering-stems are about 3¼ ft. in height, and the flowers are borne in -dense conical clusters at the top. The upper part of the cluster, -containing the young flowers, is of a coral-red colour, the lower part -yellow, all the flowers gradually changing to this colour. Other -varieties in cultivation are--_T. U. grandis_ or _grandiflora_, which is -much taller than the preceding kind, with stouter stems and larger -flower-spikes; _T. U. Rooperi_, which only differs from the type in -being somewhat dwarfer in habit and having softish or flaccid leaves, -frequently falling forward; it also flowers later; and _T. U. -Lindleyana_, which has erect, very rigid leaves, and more -deeply-coloured flowers than the type. - -=Tupidanthus calyptratus.=--A noble subtropical plant from Bengal, -standing in the open air from the beginning of June till October without -the slightest injury. The leaves are large, deeply-divided, and of a -dark shining green colour. It requires stove treatment in winter and -spring, and is suitable for beds or planting singly. - -=*Typha latifolia= (_Reed-Mace_).--A native aquatic plant, growing in -tufts of 2-rowed flat leaves from 1½ ft. to 2 ft. long, and 1 in. or 1½ -in. wide. From the centre of each tuft springs a stem 6 ft. or 7 ft. -high, which in the flowering season is terminated by a close cylindrical -spike 9 ins. long, and of a dark-olive colour, changing to a -brownish-black as it ripens. This is one of the most striking and -ornamental of our British water-plants, and may be used with excellent -effect grouped with such subjects as the Great Water-Dock. - -=*Typha angustifolia= resembles the preceding species in all respects -except in the size of its leaves and spike. The leaves are about ½ in. -wide and the spike about ½ in. in diameter, and something shorter than -that of _T. latifolia_. Of the two it is perhaps the more graceful in -aspect. - -=Uhdea bipinnatifida.=--This is one of the most useful plants in its -class, producing a rich mass of handsome leaves, with somewhat the -aspect of those of the great cow-parsnips, but of a more refined type. -The foliage has a slightly silvery tone, and the plant continues to grow -fresh and vigorously till late in autumn. It is well suited for forming -rich masses of foliage, not so tall, however, as those formed by such -things as Ricinus or Ferdinanda. It is freely propagated by cuttings -taken from old plants kept in a cool stove, greenhouse, or pit during -the winter months, and placed in heat to afford cuttings freely in early -spring. Under ordinary cutting treatment on hotbeds or in a moist warm -propagating house, it grows as freely as could be desired, and may be -planted out at the end of May or the beginning of June. Mexico. - -[Illustration: Uhdea bipinnatifida.] - - - -=Uhdea pyramidata.=--This kind has been less cultivated in England than -the preceding, from which it is distinct in appearance. It is of a -lighter and fresher green, and inclined to grow larger in habit, having -more of the aspect of a Malva in foliage. Useful for the same purposes -as the preceding kind, but not so valuable. - -=*Veratrum album= (_White Hellebore_).--A handsome, erect perennial of -pyramidal habit, 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high, with curiously plaited leaves 1 -ft. long and 6 ins. to 8 ins. broad, regularly alternating on the stem -and overlapping each other at the base. The flowers, of a -yellowish-white colour, are borne in numerous dense spikes on the top of -the stem, forming a large panicle. The leaves being handsome, it is -worth a place in full collections of fine-foliaged hardy herbaceous -plants, and would look to best advantage in small groups in the rougher -parts of the pleasure-ground and by wood-walks. Thrives best in peaty -soil, and is best multiplied by division, as the seed is very slow and -capricious in germinating, sometimes not starting until the second year, -and it is some years before the seedlings are strong enough to flower. -The root of this plant is exceedingly poisonous. _V. nigrum_ differs -from _V. album_, in having more slender stems, narrower leaves, and -blackish-purple flowers. _V. viridiflorum_ resembles _V. album_ in every -respect, except that its flowers are of a lively green colour. France. - -=*Verbascum Chaixii.=--Most of us know how very distinct and imposing -are the larger Verbascums, and those who have attempted their culture -must soon have found out what far-seeding things they are. Of a biennial -character, their culture is most unsatisfactory: they either migrate -into the adjoining shrubbery or disappear altogether. The possession of -a fine perennial species must therefore be a desideratum, and such a -plant will be found in _Verbascum Chaixii_. This is fine in leaf and -stature, and produces abundance of flowers. The lower leaves grow 18 -ins. or 20 ins. long, and the plant when in flower reaches a height of 7 -ft. or 8 ft., or even more when in good soil. It is a truly distinct -subject, and may, it is to be hoped, ere long be found common in our -gardens and nurseries. Like the preceding, but grown under the name _V. -vernale_, is a kind I saw in the Jardin des Plantes at Paris, and -introduced into cultivation in England; but it is as yet scarce. - -=Verbesina gigantea.=--An ornamental shrub from Jamaica, about 6½ ft. -high, forming, when young, a very pleasing subject for decorative -purposes, its round green stems being covered with large, winged, -pinnate leaves of a glistening delicate-green colour, and very elegant -outline. Suitable for rich beds or groups; and should be planted out at -the end of May or early in June. _V. pinnatifida_ is a rough, -half-shrubby species with a winged stem and woolly oval leaves with -lobed or toothed margins; they are larger than those of the preceding -species, growing 3 ft. long by 14 ins. broad in the first year. Both -species require hothouse treatment in winter, and are multiplied by -cuttings in early spring. Young plants are to be preferred for effect, -and will be much the better for as warm and sheltered a position and as -rich and light a soil as can be conveniently given them. - -=Wigandia macrophylla= (_caracasana_).--This noble plant, a native of -the mountainous regions of New Granada, is, from the nobility of its -port and the magnificence of its leaves, entitled to hold a place among -the finest plants of our gardens. Under the climate of London it has -made leaves which have surprised all beholders, as well by their size as -by their strong and remarkable veining and texture. It will be found to -succeed very well in the midland and southern counties of England, -though too much care cannot be taken to secure for it a warm sheltered -position, free good soil, and perfect drainage. It may be used with -superb effect either in a mass or as a single plant. It is frequently -propagated by cuttings of the roots, and grown in a moist and genial -temperature through the spring months, keeping it near the light so as -to preserve it in a dwarf and well-clothed condition; and, like all the -other plants in this class, it should be very carefully hardened off -previous to planting out at the end of May. It is, however, much better -raised from cuttings of the shoots, if these are to be had. It may also -be raised from seed. _W. macrophylla_ has the stems covered with short -stinging hairs, and bearing brownish viscid drops, which adhere to the -hand like oil when the stem is touched. - -=W. Vigieri= is another fine kind of quick and vigorous growth, and -remarkable habit. In the beginning of September, 1867, I measured a -specimen with leaves 3 ft. 9 ins. long, including the leaf-stalk, and 22 -ins. across; the stem, nearly 7 ft. high and 3 ins. in diameter, bearing -a column of such leaves. It is known at a glance from the popular and -older _W. macrophylla_, by the leaves and the stems being covered in a -much greater degree with glossy, - -[Illustration: WIGANDIA MACROPHYLLA. (_W. caracasana_). - -Tender Section; making noble leaves in the open air in summer.] - - - -slender, stinging bodies. These are so thickly produced as to give the -stems a glistening appearance. _W. urens_ is another species often -planted, but decidedly inferior to either of the foregoing, except in -power of stinging, in which way it is not likely to be surpassed. - -=Woodwardia.=--This noble genus of ferns is of great and peculiar use in -the subtropical garden, where their broad and beautifully arching fronds -make very effective objects, especially when planted in a vase, on the -top of a stump, or small mound, a little above the level of the eye. The -principal species are: _W. orientalis_, _W. radicans_, _W. japonica_, -_W. virginica_, and _W. areolata_. Of these _W. orientalis_ and _W. -areolata_ are hardy, and the others nearly so. They may be used as -effectively in the conservatory in winter as in the open garden in -summer. - -=Xanthoso sagittæfolium.=--A Brazilian plant with very much the habit -and appearance of _Caladium esculentum_, but not so valuable, having -arrow-shaped leaves, of a dark-green colour, supported on rather slender -stalks. Another equally handsome and large species is _X. violaceum_, -the leaves and leaf-stalks of which are suffused with a delicate violet -hue, slightly inclining to hoariness. Positions and treatment similar to -those recommended for _Caladium esculentum_. They should only be tried -in the warmer parts of the country, and not be placed in the open air -till the beginning of June. - -=Yuccas.=--Among all the hardy plants ever introduced into this country, -none surpass for our present purpose the various kinds of Yucca, or -“Adam’s Needle,” as it is commonly called. There are several species -hardy and well suited for flower-garden purposes, and, more advantageous -still, distinct from each other. The effect afforded by them, when well -developed, is equal to that of any hothouse plant that we can venture in -the open air for the summer, while they are green and ornamental at all -seasons. They may be used in any style of garden, may be grouped -together on rustic mounds, or in any other way the taste of the planter -may direct. If we had but this family alone, our efforts to produce an -agreeable effect with hardy plants could not be fruitless. The -free-flowering kinds, _filamentosa_ and _flaccida_, may be associated -with any of our nobler autumn flowering plants, from the Gladiolus to -the great _Statice latifolia_. The species that do not flower so often, -like _pendula_ and _gloriosa_, are simply magnificent as regards their -effect when grown in the full sun and planted in good soil; and I need -not say bold and handsome groups may be formed by devoting isolated beds -to Yuccas alone. They are mostly easy to increase by division of the -stem and rhizome; and should in all cases be planted well and singly, -beginning with healthy young plants, so as to secure perfectly developed -specimens. - -=Yucca aloïfolia.=--A fine and distinct species, with a stem when fully -developed as thick as a man’s arm, and rising to a height of from 6 ft. -to 18 ft. Leaves numerous, rigidly ascending, dark-green, with a slight -glaucous bloom, 18 to 21 inches long and broad at the middle, with the -horny margin rolled in for 2 ins. or 3 ins. below the point, and finely -toothed in the remaining portion. Flowers almost pure white, in a vast -pyramidal panicle. This plant is hardy, but the fact is not generally -known. It should be tried on well-drained slopes in good sandy loam. -There are some varieties, of which _T. a. quadricolor_ and _T. a. -versicolor_ have the leaves variously edged with green, yellow, and red. -These fine variegated varieties are also very hardy, but as they are as -yet far from common, it will be best to utilise them in the greenhouse -or conservatory, or place them in the open air during summer. They look -very pretty isolated on the grass, the pots plunged to the rim. S. -America and W. Indies. - -=*Yucca angustifolia.=--A somewhat dwarf species, the whole plant, when -in flower, not being more than 2 or 3 ft. high. The leaves are thick and -rigid in texture, from 15 ins. to 18 ins. long and about ¼ in. broad, of -a pale sea-green colour, with numerous white filaments at the edges. The -inflorescence is a simple raceme of white flowers slightly tinged with -yellow. Till more plentiful this had better be grown in warm borders, in -well-drained sandy loam. N. America. - -=*Yucca canaliculata.=--The leaves of this species are entire, _i.e._ -neither toothed nor filamentous at the margin, and form a dense rosette -on a stem which rises 1 or 2 ft above the ground. Each leaf is from 20 -ins. to 24 ins. long, and 2 ins. to 2¼ ins. broad at the middle, very -strong and rigid, and deeply concave on the face. The flowers are of a -creamy white, in a large panicle 4 ft. to 5 ft. high. Fine for isolation -or groups. Till more plentiful should be encouraged in favourable -positions and on warm soils. Mexico. - -=*Yucca filamentosa.=--A very common and well-known species, with a -much-branched panicle, 4 ft. to 6 ft. high, and apple-green leaves, from -15 ins. to 21 ins. long by 1½ ins. to 2 ins. broad at the middle, -fringed at the edges with grey filaments 2 or 3 ins. long: the outer -leaves spreading, the central ones erect or slightly recurved. This -species varies very much when raised from seed: one variety (_concava_) -has short, strong, broad leaves, with the face more concave than in the -type; another variety (_maxima_) has leaves nearly 2 ft. long by 2½ ins. -broad, with a panicle 7 ft. to 8 ft. in height. This species flowers -with much vigour and beauty, and is well worth cultivating in every -garden; not only in the flower-garden or pleasure-ground, but also on -the rough rockwork, or any spot requiring a distinct type of hardy -vegetation: and so is its fine though delicate variegated variety. All -the varieties thrive best and flower most abundantly in peaty or fine -sandy soil. N. America. - -[Illustration: Yucca filamentosa.] - -=*Yucca flaccida.=--A stemless species, somewhat resembling _Y. -filamentosa_, but smaller, with a downy branching panicle 3 ft. to 4 -ft. high. Foliage in close rosettes of leaves, 1½ ft. to 2 ft. long, by -about 1½ in. broad at the middle, often fringed with filaments on the -edges: the young ones nearly erect, the old ones abruptly reflexed at -the middle, almost appearing as if broken. This gives such an irregular -aspect to the tufts that it at once distinguishes this kind from any of -the varieties of _Y. filamentosa_. It also flowers more regularly and -abundantly than its relative, and is exceedingly well suited for groups -of the finer hardy plants, for borders, or for being planted in large -isolated tufts. N. America. - -=*Yucca glaucescens.=--A very free-flowering kind, with a panicle 3 ft. -to 4 ft. high, the branches of which are short and very downy. Leaves -sea-green, about eighteen inches long, with a few filaments on the -margins. The flowers are of a greenish-yellow colour, and when in bud -are tinged with pink, which tends to give the whole inflorescence a -peculiarly pleasing tone. A very useful and ornamental sort--fine for -groups, borders, isolation, or placing among low shrubs. N. America. - -=*Yucca gloriosa.=--A species of large and imposing proportions, with a -distinct habit and somewhat rigid aspect. Flower-stem over 7 ft high, -much-branched, and bearing an immense pyramidal panicle, of large, -almost pure white flowers. Leaves numerous, stiff, and pointed. One of -the noblest plants in our gardens, and suitable for use in almost any -position. It varies very much when grown from seed--a good -recommendation, as the greater variety of fine form we have the better. -The chief varieties in cultivation are _Y. g. longifolia_, _plicata_, -_maculata_, _glaucescens_, and _minor_. The soil for this plant should -be a rich deep loam. N. America. - -=*Yucca pendula.=--The best species perhaps, considering its graceful -and noble habit, which is simply invaluable in every garden. It grows -about 6½ ft. high, the leaves being at first erect and of a sea-green -colour, afterwards becoming reflexed and changing to a deep green. Old -and well-established plants of it standing alone on the grass are -pictures of grace and symmetry, from the lower leaves which sweep the -ground to the central ones that point up as straight as a needle. It is -amusing to think of people putting tender plants in the open air, and -running with sheets to protect them from the cold and rain of early -summer and autumn, while perhaps not a good specimen of this fine thing -is to be seen in the place. There is no plant more suited for planting -between and associating with flower-beds. N. America. - -=*Yucca rupicola.=--A species somewhat resembling _Y. aloïfolia_, with a -stem from 4 ft. to 7 ft. high, and pale-green leaves 18 ins. to 20 ins. -long, by 1 in. broad at the middle, almost erect and frequently twisted, -the horny margin being broader and the teeth more distinct than in _Y. -aloïfolia_. This is not much in cultivation as yet, and will probably be -difficult to obtain for some time to come. N. America. - -=*Yucca Treculeana.=--This species is one of the most remarkable of the -noble genus to which it belongs, from its habit, and especially from the -dimensions to which its foliage attains. Like many plants of its -family, - -[Illustration: YUCCA PENDULA. - -Hardy evergreen fine-foliaged Type.] - -young specimens differ considerably from those which have reached -maturity. Thus, while the former have their leaves bent, generally -inflected, the full-grown plants exhibit them erect, rigid, very long, -and very straight. The stem of this plant is stout, about 10 ins. in -diameter, furnished on all sides with leaves about 4 ft. long, straight, -thick, deeply channeled, acuminate for a considerable length, and ending -in a stiff, very sharp point, very finely toothed on the edges, which -are of a brownish red and scarious. The flower-stalk is very stout, -about 4 ft. long, much branched; the branches erect, from 1 ft. to 1 ft. -8 ins. long, bearing throughout their entire length flowers with long -and narrow petals of a yellowish white, shining, and, as it were, -glazed. It is a hardy and very vigorous plant. It is not rare to see on -the Continent specimens of more than 6½ ft. in diameter. Fine for banks -and knolls, placed singly, or for the boldest groups. It comes from -Texas. - -=Zea Mays.=--Were our climate a little warmer, we should find this noble -grass one of the most ornamental, as well as useful, of our plants. But -in countries where it is grown for food they would no more think of -honouring it with a place in the garden than we should of planting the -artichoke in our flower-beds, though far worse things are done every -day. In this country, however, where maize is not to be seen as a field -crop, a tuft of its tropical-looking blades has a good effect among the -“subtropical plants.” Of course it should only be tried in warm -districts, and it should always have sunny and sheltered positions and -rich soil. In light warm soils, deep, and with a free bottom, it -generally thrives very well, if a foot or so of rich and rotten manure -is placed beneath its roots. In some seasons it would here and there -ripen seeds, and in all cases one could gather a few heads of “green -corn.” In warmer countries it is always best to sow maize in the open -ground as soon as the frost permits; but in England it is better to -raise it on a gentle hotbed in April, although occasionally it will -succeed if sown out of doors. Gradually harden off the plants before -they have made more than three or four little leaves, keeping them in a -cool frame very near the glass, so as to keep them sturdy, and finally -exposing them in the same position by taking the lights quite off. This -course is perhaps the more desirable in the case of the variegated -maize. In neither case should the plants be drawn up long in heat, as, -if so, they will not thrive so well. The first few leaves the variegated -kind makes are green, but they soon begin to manifest that striping -which makes it as attractive as any variegated stove-plant we grow. -_Cuzko_ and _Caragua_ are the largest and finest of the green varieties, -and _gracillima_ the smallest and most graceful of all the varieties of -maize. They should be planted out about the middle of May. - -The variegated or Japanese maize is a very remarkable and handsome -variety, found by Mr. Hogg in Japan--that great country for variegated -plants. Its beautiful variegation is reproduced true from seed, and it -is almost an indispensable plant in the flower-garden, not growing so -vigorously as the green kinds. It is particularly useful for -intermingling with arrangements of ordinary bedding-plants, for vases, -the outer margins of beds of subtropical plants, and like positions, -where its variegation may be well seen, and where its graceful leaves -will prove effective among subjects of dumpy habit. It should in all -cases have light, rich, warm soil. It has a habit of breaking into -shoots rather freely near the base of the central stem; and where it -grows very freely, this should recommend it for planting in an isolated -manner, or in groups of three or five, on the turf. - -[Illustration: Yucca filamentosa variegata.] - - - - -PART III. - -SELECTIONS OF PLANTS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES IN THE SUBTROPICAL GARDEN. - - - - -SUBTROPICAL GARDENING. - - - - -SELECTIONS OF PLANTS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES. - - - _A Selection of the very finest and most distinct Subtropical - Plants, both hardy and tender, suited for use in the climate of - Britain._ - - Acacia lophantha - Acanthus latifolius - Agave americana - “ “ variegata - Ailantus glandulosa - Aralia canescens - “ japonica - “ papyrifera - “ spinosa - Arundo conspicua - “ Donax - “ “ versicolor - Bambusa falcata - “ japonica - “ Simonii - “ viridi-glaucescens - “ edulis - Berberis Bealii - Beta cicla, var. chilensis - Caladium esculentum - Canna (in var.) - Chamærops excelsa - Crambe cordifolia - Corypha australis - Cycas revoluta - Dimorphanthus mandschuricus - Dicksonia antarctica - Dracæna indivisa - Echeveria metallica - Erythrina (in var.) - Ferdinanda eminens - Ferula (in var.) - Ficus elastica - Gynerium argenteum - Gunnera scabra - Gymnocladus canadensis - Helianthus orgyalis - Heracleum (in var.) - Melianthus major - Monstera deliciosa - Molopospermum cicutarium - Musa Ensete - Onopordon Acanthium - Paulownia imperialis - Phormium tenax - Poa fertilis - Polygonum cuspidatum - Polymnia grandis - Rheum (in var.) - Rhus glabra laciniata - Ricinus (in var.) - Seaforthia elegans - Solanum crinitipes - “ crinitum - “ macranthum - “ marginatum - “ robustum - “ Warscewiczii - Tupidanthus calyptratus - Uhdea bipinnatifida - Verbesina gigantea - Wigandia macrophylla - “ Vigieri - Yucca aloïfolia - “ canaliculata - “ gloriosa - “ pendula - - -_A Selection of hardy perennials affording the finest effects in the -Subtropical Garden._ - - Acanthus, in variety - Aralia edulis - “ nudicaulis - Astilbe rivularis - Arundo Donax - “ “ versicolor - Bambusa, in var. - Bocconia cordata - Carex paniculata - “ pendula - Carduus eriophorus - Carlina acaulis - Cassia marilandica - Centaurea babylonica - Crambe cordifolia - Datisca cannabina - Echinops ruthenicus - Eryngium alpinum - “ amethystinum - Gynerium argenteum - Gunnera scabra - Helianthus orgyalis - Hemerocallis fulva - Heracleum (in var.) - Inula Helenium - Melianthus major - Meum athamanticum - Molopospermum cicutarium - Morina longifolia - Panicum bulbosum - “ virgatum - Phytolacca decandra - Polygonum cuspidatum - Rhaponticum cynaroides - “ pulchrum - Rheum (in var.) - Statice latifolia - Tritoma (in var.) - Yucca (in var.) - Cynara Scolymus - - -_A Selection of the finest tender Subtropical Plants that will succeed -in our climate in summer._ - - Acacia lophantha - Agave americana - Aralia papyrifera - Asplenium Nidus-avis - Bambusa nigra - Bocconia frutescens - Brexia madagascariensis - Caladium esculentum - Canna (in var.) - Chamærops humilis - “ Palmetto - Cycas revoluta - Dahlia imperialis - Dracæna australis - “ cannæfolia - “ Draco - Echeveria metallica - Ferdinanda eminens - Ficus elastica - “ Chauvieri - Monstera deliciosa - Musa Ensete - Nicotiana virginica - “ wigandioides - Phormium tenax (hardy in the S. of England and Ireland) - Polymnia grandis - Ricinus (in var.) - Seaforthia elegans - Selinum decipiens - Solanum crinitipes - “ crinitum - “ macranthum - “ marginatum - “ robustum - Solanum Warscewiczii - Tupidanthus calyptratus - Uhdea bipinnatifida - Verbesina gigantea - Wigandia macrophylla - “ Vigieri - Zea Mays - “ “ variegata - - -_A Selection of hardy Plants suited for isolation on the turf of the -Flower-garden and Pleasure-ground._ - - Acanthus latifolius - “ longifolius - “ mollis - “ spinosissimus - “ spinosus - Aralia canescens - “ japonica - “ spinosa - Astilbe rivularis - Arundo conspicua - “ Donax - “ “ versicolor - Bambusa (in var.) - Bocconia cordata - Canna (hardier kinds) - Crambe cordifolia - Datisca cannabina - Dracæna indivisa (in the southern counties of England and Ireland) - Echinops ruthenicus - Elymus arenarius - “ condensatus - Eryngium alpinum - Eryngium amethystinum - Ferula (any kinds) - Gynerium argenteum - Gunnera scabra - Helianthus orgyalis - Hemerocallis flava - “ fulva and others - Heracleum eminens - Melianthus major - Molopospermum cicutarium - Morina longifolia - Osmunda regalis - Phormium tenax - Phytolacca decandra - Poa fertilis - Polygonum cuspidatum - Rheum Emodi (and other species and varieties) - Statice latifolia - Stipa pennata - Tritoma (any kind) - Yucca (any kind) - - - - -_A Selection of Plants useful for the open air in summer and for -embellishing the conservatory in winter._ - - Agave americana and vars. and other greenhouse species - Brexia madagascariensis - Chamærops excelsa - “ Fortunei - “ humilis - “ Palmetto - Cordyline indivisa - Cycas revoluta - Dracæna australis - “ cannæfolia - “ Draco - “ indivisa, and most of the other greenhouse kinds - Echeveria metallica - Ficus Chauvieri - “ elastica - Jubæa spectabilis - Monstera deliciosa - Musa Ensete - Phormium tenax, and vars. - Phœnix dactylifera and other greenhouse species - Seaforthia elegans - Tupidanthus calyptratus - Yucca aloïfolia variegata, and vars. - Araucaria Bidwillii - “ Cookii - “ excelsa - “ Rulei - Areca sapida - Caryota urens - “ sobolifera - Corypha australis - Latania borbonica - Woodwardias - Half-hardy Palms, in var. - - - _A Selection of hardy Plants of vigorous habit and distinct - character suited for planting in semi-wild places in - pleasure-grounds or near wood-walks._ - - Acanthus, in var. - Aralia canescens - “ edulis - “ nudicaulis - Aralia spinosa - Arum Dracunculus - Asclepias Cornuti - Asparagus Broussoneti - Astilbe rivularis - “ rubra - Arundo Donax - “ “ versicolor - “ Phragmites - Bambusa falcata - Bocconia cordata - Buphthalmum speciosum - Carex pendula - “ paniculata - Carduus eriophorus - Centaurea babylonica - Crambe cordifolia - “ juncea - Cucumis perennis - Datisca cannabina - Dipsacus sylvestris - Echinops ruthenicus - Elymus arenarius - Erianthus Ravennæ - Eryngium alpinum - “ amethystinum - Ferulas, in var. - Gunnera scabra - Helianthus orgyalis - “ Maximiliani - “ lætiflorus - “ occidentalis - “ rigidus - “ multiflorus - “ “ fl. pl. - Inula Helenium - Hemerocallis fulva - Heracleum, in var. - Lavatera arborea - “ thuringiaca - “ unguiculata - Hibiscus moscheutos - “ palustris - “ roseus - Althæa, in var. - Ligularia macrophylla - Molopospermum cicutarium - Morina longifolia - Mulgedium alpinum - “ Plumieri - Onopordon Acanthium - Pæonia, in var. - Panicum bulbosum - Papaver bracteatum - “ orientale - Petasites vulgaris - Phytolacca decandra - Poa aquatica - Polygonatum multiflorum - Polygonum cuspidatum - Rhaponticum cynaroides - “ pulchrum - “ scariosum - Rheum, in variety. - Rumex Hydrolapathum - Silphium, in var. - Silybum eburneum - “ marianum - Spiræa Aruncus - Statice latifolia - Tanacetum vulgare crispum - Thalictrum, in var. - Tritoma, in var. - Veratrum album - Verbascum, in var. - Yucca, in var. - Cynara Scolymus - Vernonia noveboracensis - Verbesina persicifolia - Rudbeckia digitata - “ laciniata - “ californica - - -_A Selection of kinds that will best withstand wind._ - - Acacia Julibrissin - “ lophantha - Acanthus (all the kinds) - Agave americana - Ailantus glandulosa - Aralia canescens - “ japonica - “ spinosa - Artemisia annua - “ gracilis - Arundo conspicua - “ Donax - Astilbe rivularis - Bambusa falcata - Canna (in variety) - Carlina acaulis - Crambe cordifolia - Cycas revoluta - Datisca cannabina - Dracæna indivisa - Echinops ruthenicus - Elymus arenarius - Eryngium (in variety) - Ferula (in variety) - Ficus elastica - Gynerium argenteum - Kochia scoparia - Meum athamanticum - Molopospermum cicutarium - Osmunda regalis - Panicum bulbosum - “ virgatum - Phormium tenax - Phytolacca decandra - Poa fertilis - Polygonum cuspidatum - Rheum Emodi - Ricinus (in var.) - Tritoma (in var.) - Yucca (in var.) - - - - -_Subtropical Plants to raise from seed._ - - Abutilon (in var.) - Acacia lophantha - “ Julibrissin - Acanthus, in var. - Amarantus, in var. - Aralia nudicaulis - “ papyrifera - “ japonica - “ spinosa - Artemisia annua - “ gracilis - Bocconia cordata - “ frutescens - Calla æthiopica - Canna, in var. - Cannabis sativa - Baptisia australis - “ exaltata - Beta cicla chilensis - Brassica oleracea crispa - Carduus eriophorus - Cassia marilandica - Centaurea, in var. - Cineraria acanthifolia - “ maritima - “ platanifolia - Chamæpeuce Cassabonæ - “ diacantha - Crambe cordifolia - Cyperus longus - Dahlia imperialis - Datura ceratocaula - Datisca cannabina - Dracæna, in var. - Echeveria metallica - Echinops ruthenicus - Dipsacus sylvestris - Erianthus Ravennæ - Erythrina, in var. - Eryngium alpinum - “ amethystinum - Ferdinanda eminens - Ferula, in var. - Astilbe rivularis - “ rubra - Galega officinalis - Gynerium argenteum - Gunnera scabra - Geranium anemonæfolium - Hedychium Gardnerianum - Helianthus orgyalis - Heracleum, in var. - Humea elegans - Inula Helenium - Kochia scoparia - Gourds - Latania borbonica - Lavatera arborea - Lobelia Tupa - Malva crispa - Melanoselinum decipiens - Melianthus major - “ minor - Meum athamanticum - Mulgedium alpinum - “ Plumieri - Musa Ensete - Nicotiana, in var. - Onopordon Acanthium - Panicum bulbosum - “ capillare - “ virgatum - Papaver bracteatum - Phormium tenax - Phytolacca decandra - Polymnia grandis - Rhaponticum cynaroides - “ pulchrum - Rheum, in var. - Ricinus, in var. - Salvia argentea - Seaforthia elegans - Silphium, in var. - Silybum eburneum - “ marianum - Solanum, in var. - Statice latifolia - Stipa pennata - Thalia dealbata - Thalictrum minus - Uhdea bipinnatifida - “ pyramidata - Verbascum Chaixii - Verbesina gigantea - Wigandia macrophylla - “ urens - “ Vigieri - Zea, in var. - Arundo conspicua - - -_A Selection of annual and biennial Plants useful for the Subtropical -garden._ - - [In this list annual plants grown for the beauty of the flower only - are usually omitted.] - - Adlumia cirrhosa - Amarantus, in var. - Argemone grandiflora - Artemisia annua - Artemisia gracilis - Atriplex hortensis ruber - Cannabis gigantea - “ sativa, and vars. - Chamæpeuce diacantha - “ Cassabonæ - Chenopodium Atriplicis - Cosmos, in var. - Gourds, in var. - Euphorbia variegata - Glaucium, in var. - Helianthus argyrophyllus - Kochia scoparia - Martynia lutea - Nicotiana Tabacum - “ virginica - Ricinus, in var. - Solanum erythrocarpum - Solanum Fontanesianum - “ racemigerum - Tagetes tenuifolia - Silybum eburneum - “ marianum - Chilian beet - Brassica oleracea crispa - Dipsacus sylvestris - Heracleum, in var. - Malva crispa - Onopordon Acanthium - “ tauricum - Zea, in var. - - -_A selection of Flowers of various classes for association with -Subtropical Plants._ - - [In this selection the dwarfer bedding-plants, etc., are omitted. - Those selected are chiefly such as would bear more intimate - association with fine-foliaged plants.] - - Alstræmeria, in var. - Amaryllis Belladonna, and vars. - Gladioli, in great variety - Sparaxis pulcherrima - Lilium, in great variety - Agapanthus umbellatus, in the milder districts - Arum crinitum - Arum Dracunculus - Asclepias Cornuti - “ Douglasii - “ tuberosa - Calla æthiopica - Crinum capense - “ “ roseum - Erythrina, in var. - Funkia grandiflora - Pancratium illyricum - “ maritimum - Tropæolum speciosum - Acanthus longifolius - Achillea Eupatorium - “ Millefolium roseum - Aconitum, in var. - Ammobium alatum - Anchusa italica - Anemone japonica, and vars. - “ vitifolia - Antirrhinum, fine vars. - Asphodelus luteus - “ ramosus - Aster turbinellus - “ pyrenæus - “ discolor - “ ericoides - “ Novæ Angliæ - “ Novi Belgii - “ coccineus - “ Amellus - “ lævis, and any other tall and ornamental kinds - Campanula pyramidalis - “ persicifolia, and vars. - “ latifolia - “ macrantha - Coreopsis lanceolata - Crambe cordifolia - Delphinium, in great var. - Dictamnus Fraxinella - Digitalis purpurea, in var. - Echinops ruthenicus, and any other showy species - Epilobium angustifolium - “ “ album - Stenactis speciosa - Erodium Manescavi - Eryngium alpinum - “ amethystinum, and other species - Eupatorium ageratoides - “ purpureum - Gaillardia, in var. - Galega officinalis - Hedysarum coronarium - Helenium atropurpureum - Helianthus multiflorus fl. pl. - Hemerocallis flava - “ fulva - “ disticha fl. pl., and others - Hesperis matronalis, fl. pl. - Iris pallida - “ De Bergii - “ ochroleuca - “ germanica, in var. and any other large kind. - Flowering early, they should be associated chiefly - with hardy subjects - Lathyrus latifolius, and vars. - “ grandiflorus - “ tuberosus - Liatris, in var. - Lobella Tupa, on well-drained, deep, and light soils. - Tall herbaceous kinds in great variety - Lupinus polyphyllus, and vars. Largest annual kinds - Lychnis coronaria, in var. - Lythrum roseum superbum - “ virgatum - Michauxia campanuloides - Mirabilis Jalapa, in var. - Monarda, in var. - Morina longiflora - Œnothera, all the tall kinds - Pæonia, in great var. - Poppy, in var. - Pentstemon, in var. - Phlomis Herba-venti - “ tuberosa - “ Russelliana - Phlox, taller kinds, in great variety - Phygelius capensis, in warm districts - Polygonatum multiflorum, with Ferulas and other hardy things - Polygonum orientale - Potentilla, larger kinds in var. - Pyrethrum, choice double and single kinds in great var. - “ uliginosum - Rudbeckia Newmanni - “ hirta - Salvia patens - Saxifraga crassifolia - Schizostylis coccinea - Scabiosa caucasica - Scilla peruviana - Sedum spectabile - “ “ purpureum - Spiræa palmata - “ venusta - Statice latifolia - Stokesia cyanea, on warm soils in the south - Symphytum bohemicum - “ caucasicum - Thermopsis fabacea - Tradescantia virginica, and its varieties - Tigridia Pavonia, and other kinds - Tritoma, all the kinds - Trollius napellifolius - “ asiaticus, and others - Veronica, any tall herbaceous kinds, and in southern - and mild districts the varieties - of the evergreen New Zealand species - Vinca major, on the fringes of beds or groups of hardy kinds - Hollyhock, in var. - Dahlia, show, fancy, pompone, and bedding vars. - Verbascum Thapsus - “ Chaixii - Baptisia australis - Vernonia noveboracensis - Fuchsia, in var. - Datura ceratocaula - Abutilon, in var. - Ageratum, in var. - Petunia, in var. - Chrysanthemum, early-flowering kinds - Amarantus, in var. - Argemone grandiflora - Calliopsis, in var. - Cosmos bipinnatus purpureus - Echinacea angustifolia - “ atropurpurea - Hibiscus, any of the perennial American kinds - Malope, in var. - Matthiola, in var. - Scabiosa atropurpurea, in var. - French and African marigolds - Xeranthemum annuum, and vars. - Zinnia, in great variety - China aster, in var. - Brugmansia sanguinea - - -_List of Plants for forming mixtures and carpets beneath Subtropical -Plants._ - - Abronia umbellata - Acroclinium roseum - Ageratum mexicanum, and vars. - Alyssum maritimum - Anagallis indica - Athanasia, in var. - Brachycome iberidifolia - Calandrinia discolor - Calliopsis Drummondi - “ tinctoria - China aster, in var. - Centaurea - Centranthus macrosiphon - Clarkia, in var. - Clintonia, in var. - Collinsia, in var. - Convolvulus tricolor - Erysimum Peroffskianum - Eschscholtzia, in var. - Eucharidium concinnum - Eutoca viscida - Gaillardia picta - Gilia, in var. - Godetia, in var. - Gypsophila, annual kinds - Iberis coronaria - “ umbellata - Ionopsidium acaule - Lantana, in var. - Leptosiphon, in var. - Limnanthes Douglasii, in var. - Linum grandiflorum - Lobelia, the dwarf and annual kinds - Lupinus affinis - Mimulus, in var. - Myosotis palustris - “ dissitiflora - “ sylvatica - Nemesia versicolor - Nemophila, in var. - Nolana, in var. - Omphalodes linifolia - Oxalis corniculata atropurpurea - Oxalis rosea - Petunia, in var. - Portulaca, in var. - Mignonette - Malcolmia maritima - Rhodanthe Manglesii, and vars. - Saponaria calabrica - Schizanthus, in var. - Silene pendula - Sphenogyne speciosa - Tropæolum, the bedding vars. - Verbena, in var. - Viola cornuta - “ lutea - “ odorata - Viscaria oculata - Whitlavia grandiflora - Tradescantia zebrina - Saxifraga, the mossy section - Gnaphalium lanatum - Panicum variegatum - Lycopodium denticulatum - - -_Trees and Shrubs of remarkable foliage suited for the Subtropical -garden._ - - [The trees of this Selection will for the most part display much - greater beauty and size of foliage if kept in a dwarf - simple-stemmed condition by being cut down every year. Conifers - are, of course, excepted.] - - Hydrangea quercifolia - Comptonia asplenifolia - “ Lindleyana - Paulownia imperialis - Acacia dealbata - “ Julibrissin - “ lophantha - (These are only suited for warm parts of the southernmost counties) - Ailantus glandulosa - Aralia canescens - “ japonica - “ spinosa - Bambusa falcata and others - Berberis Bealii and others - Chamærops excelsa - Dracæna indivisa - Gymnocladus canadensis - Lavatera arborea - Melianthus major - Rhus glabra laciniata and others - Yucca (in var.) - Conifers (in var., small specimens of the most graceful kinds) - Ampelopsis (climbers) - Aristolochia Sipho (climber) - Ficus Carica - Fraxinus excelsior crispa - Magnolia macrophylla - Salisburia adiantifolia - Hedera Regnieriana - Carya alba - “ olivæformis - Catalpa syringæfolia - Pterocarya caucasica - Robinia hispida - Rubus biflorus - “ laciniatus - Colletia (in var.) - Gleditschia (young plants) - Kœlreuteria paniculata - Robinia Pseud-acacia umbraculifera - Tamarix, in var. - Vines (American species) - Juglans cinerea - “ regia - “ “ laciniata - - -_A Selection of Conifers for association with flower-garden Plants._ - - Abies pygmæa - Araucaria imbricata - Arthrotaxus cupressoides (selaginoides) - “ laxifolia - Biotia cupressiformis - “ nana - “ orientalis elegantissima - “ orientalis variegata aurea - Cephalotaxus drupacea - Chamæcyparis sphæroidea variegata - “ sphæroidea viridis - Cryptomeria elegans - Cupressus Lawsoniana - “ “ nana - “ “ variegata - “ “ erecta viridis - Cupressus nutkaensis - Dacrydium glaucum - Juniperus chinensis - “ “ variegata - “ excelsa stricta - “ fragrans - “ hibernica - “ tamariscifolia - “ “ variegata - “ virginiana viridis pendula - Retinospora ericoides - “ leptoclada - “ lycopodiodes - “ obtusa - “ “ aurea - “ “ compacta - “ pisifera - “ “ alba variegata - “ “ aurea - Taxus baccata elegantissima - “ “ variegata - Thuja aurea - Thuja gigantea - “ nana - Thujopsis dolabrata - “ lætevirens - - - _Conifers most suited for the surroundings of the flower-garden and - pleasure-ground--kinds which, though noble and graceful as can be - in many instances, are yet too large for anything but the framing - of the picture, so to speak._ - - Abies Douglasii - “ Engelmanni - “ Menziesii inverta - “ Hookeriana - “ orientalis - Cephalotaxus Fortunei - Juniperus virginiana glauca - “ “ thurifera - Libocedrus tetragona - Picea amabilis (magnifica) - “ nobilis - “ Nordmanniana - Picea Parsonsi - “ Pinsapo - Pinus Cembra - “ monticola - “ insignis (where it thrives) - Sciadopitys verticillata - Thuja gigantea (true) - “ plicata - “ pyramidalis - Thujopsis Standishii - Sequoia gigantea - “ sempervirens - - -_A Selection of Gourds._ - -Amongst the most beautiful are the Turk’s Cap varieties, such as Grand -Mogul, Pasha of Egypt, Viceroy, Empress, Bishop’s Hat, etc; the Serpent -Gourd, Gooseberry Gourd, Hercules’ Club, Gorilla, St. Aignan, Mons. -Fould, Siphon, Half-moon, Giant’s Punchbowl, and the Mammoth, weighing -from 170lb. to upwards of 200lb.; while amongst the miniature varieties -the Fig, Cricket-ball, Thumb, Cherry, Striped Custard, Hen’s-egg, Pear, -Bottle, Orange, Plover’s-egg, etc., are very pretty examples, and very -serviceable for filling vases, etc. All these are well adapted to the -climate of England, and there are many others equally suitable--a fact -sufficiently indicated in one collection shown by Mr. W. Young, which -consisted of 500 varieties, all English grown, the greater number of -which were sown where grown, and came to maturity without the assistance -of glass or any other protection. The ground being manured and dug one -spit deep, the seed was sown the second week in May, and from first to -last many of the plants had no water supplied to them through the -season. Others, by way of experiment, had it in various quantities--the -more water was given, the larger, the freer, and the better the produce. -Sowing in a frame at the end of April, and exposing them to the free air -during the day so as to prevent them being drawn, and then removing the -frame altogether to harden them off before planting out, would be the -best way to secure an early growth of gourds. Sowing in the open ground -under hand-lights would also do, but not so well. - - -_Ornamental Grasses._ - - Agrostis nebulosa - Arundo conspicua - “ Donax - “ “ versicolor - “ festucoides - “ Phragmites - Bambusa, in var. - Elymus arenarius - “ condensatus - Erianthus Ravennæ - Gynerium argenteum, and its vars. - Calamagrostis argentea - Poa aquatica - “ fertilis - Saccharum ægyptiacum - “ cylindricum - “ Maddenii - Stipa pennata - Zea Mays - Andropogon argenteus - “ bombycinus - “ formosus - “ Sorghum - “ strictus - “ squarrosus - Chloropsis Blanchardiana - Gymnothrix latifolia - Holcus saccharatus - Erianthus strictus - “ violascens - Chloris myriostachys - Panicum bulbosum - “ altissimum - “ capillare - “ miliaceum - “ virgatum - “ maximum - “ palmifolium - “ gongyloides - Panicum violaceum - Penicillaria spicata - Sorghum cernuum - “ halepense - “ melanocarpum - “ nankinense - “ tataricum - Tripsacum monostachyum - “ dactyloides - Milium nigricans - “ multiflorum - “ effusum - Bromus brizopyroides - Briza gracilis - “ geniculata - “ maxima - “ rufiberbis - Hordeum jubatum - Pennisetum longistylum - Piptatherum multiflorum - Agrostis spica-venti - Setaria germanica - Stipa capillata - Chascolytrum erectum - Leptochloa gracilis - Agrostis Steveni - Echinochloa Zenkowski - Paspalum elegans - - - - -_List of Ferns that may be grown with advantage away from the fernery -proper._ - - [Even should any of these thrive better in shade, it is usually - easy to secure this for them in groups by wood-walks.] - - Adiantum pedatum - Asplenium Filix-fœmina and vars. - Dennstœdtia punctilobula - Diplazium thelypteroides - Lastrea Filix-mas and vars. - “ Goldieana - “ “ assurgens intermedia - “ marginalis - “ noveboracensis - “ atrata - “ erythrosora - “ opaca - “ Standishii - Lomaria magellanica, in warm shady places - Onoclea sensibilis - Osmunda cinnamomea - “ Claytoniana - “ gracilis - “ regalis - Osmunda regalis cristata - “ spectabilis - Polypodium hexagonopterum - Polypodium Phegopteris - Polystichum acrostichoides - “ aculeatum - “ angulare - “ vestitum venustum - Pteris aquilina - Scolopendrium vulgare and vars. - Struthiopteris germanica - “ pennsylvanica - Woodwardia areolata - “ aspera - “ japonica - “ orientalis - “ radicans - Cyrtomium caryotideum - “ falcatum - - - - -_List of hardy aquatics and bog-plants of bold and distinct habit -suitable for grouping on the margins of lakes, etc._ - - Nuphar lutea - “ advena - “ pumila - Nymphæa alba - “ odorata - Menyanthes trifoliata - Equisetum Telmateia - Rumex Hydrolapathum - Typha angustifolia - “ latifolia - Carex pendula - “ paniculata - “ Pseudocyperus - Scirpus lacustris - Butomus umbellatus - Poa aquatica - Arundo Phragmites - Cyperus longus - Cladium Mariscus - Pontederia cordata - Acorus Calamus - Iris Pseudacorus - Alisma Plantago - Orontium aquaticum - Lysimachia thyrsiflora - Lythrum Salicaria - Epilobium hirsutum - Calla æthiopica - “ palustris - Hippuris vulgaris - - THE END. - -LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET - AND CHARING CROSS. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Subtropical Garden, by W. 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Robinson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Subtropical Garden; - or, beauty of form in the flower garden. - -Author: W. Robinson - -Release Date: October 17, 2015 [EBook #50243] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SUBTROPICAL GARDEN *** - - - - -Produced by Shaun Pinder, Chuck Greif and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<p class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="302" height="450" alt="cover" /> -</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" -style="border: 2px black solid;margin:auto auto;max-width:50%; -padding:1%;"> -<tr><td> -<p class="c"><a href="#CONTENTS">Contents.</a></p> - -<p class="c"><a href="#LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS">List of Illustrations</a><br /> <span class="nonvis">(In certain versions of this etext [in certain browsers] -clicking on this symbol <img class="enlargeimage" src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" alt="" title="" height="14" width="18" />, -or directly on the image, -will bring up a larger version of the illustration.)</span></p> - -<p class="c">(etext transcriber's note)</p></td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="cb">THE SUBTROPICAL GARDEN.</p> - -<div class="bbox"> -<p class="c"><i>Works by the same Author.</i><br /> -<small><small><small>/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\</small></small></small></p> - -<p class="hang"><b>ALPINE FLOWERS FOR ENGLISH GARDENS.</b> With 70 Illustrations.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>THE WILD GARDEN</b>, or our Groves and Shrubberies made beautiful by -the naturalisation of hardy exotic plants. With <i>Frontispiece</i>.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>MUSHROOM CULTURE</b>: its Extension and Improvement. With -Illustrations.</p> - -<p class="c"><i>Nearly Ready.</i></p> - -<p class="hang"><b>HARDY FLOWERS; or, HERBACEOUS, BULBOUS, AND ALPINE PLANTS.</b> This -will be the most comprehensive and practically instructive book -ever published on these plants. With Frontispiece.</p> - -<p class="hang"><b>A CATALOGUE OF CULTIVATED HARDY PERENNIALS, BULBS, ANNUALS</b>, etc., -including also all British Plants. Prepared for the purpose of -facilitating exchanges, &c., and enumerating nearly 10,000 hardy -exotic and British plants.</p> -</div> - -<p><a name="front" id="front"></a></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_004_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_004_sml.jpg" width="366" height="494" alt="Image not available: Frontispiece." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Frontispiece.</span> -</div> - -<h1> -<small>THE</small><br /> -<br /> -SUBTROPICAL GARDEN;<br /> -<br /> -<small><small>OR,</small></small><br /> -<br /> -<small>BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE<br /> -FLOWER GARDEN.</small></h1> - -<p class="cb">B<small>Y</small> W. ROBINSON, F.L.S.,<br /> -<small>AUTHOR OF ‘ALPINE FLOWERS,’ ‘THE WILD GARDEN,’ ‘HARDY FLOWERS,’ ETC.</small><br /> -<br /> -<span class="sans">WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.</span><br /> -<br /> -LONDON:<br /> -JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET.<br /> -1871.<br /> -<br /> -<i>The right of Translation is reserved.</i><br /> -<br /> -<small>LONDON:<br /> -PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET<br /> -AND CHARING CROSS.<br /> -</small></p> - -<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2> - -<p class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/barra.png" width="100" height="14" alt="Image not available" /> -</p> - -<p class="nind">T<small>HIS</small> book is written with a view to assist the newly-awakened taste for -something more than mere colour in the flower-garden, by enumerating, -describing, indicating the best positions for, and giving the culture -of, all our materials for what is called “subtropical gardening.” This -not very happy, not very descriptive name, is adopted from its -popularity only; fortunately for our gardens numbers of subjects not -from subtropical climes may be employed with great advantage. -Subtropical gardening means the culture of plants with large and -graceful or remarkable foliage or habit, and the association of them -with the usually low-growing and brilliant flowering-plants now so -common in our gardens, and which frequently eradicate every trace of -beauty of form therein, making the flower-garden a thing of large masses -of colour only.</p> - -<p>The guiding aim in this book has been the selection of really suitable -subjects, and the rejection of many that have been recommended and tried -for this purpose. This point is more important than at first sight -would appear, for in most of the literature hitherto devoted to the -subject plants entirely unsuitable are named. Thus we find such things -as Alnus glandulosa aurea and Ulmus campestris aurea (a form of the -common elm) enumerated among subtropical plants by one author. -Manifestly if these are admissible almost every species of plant is -equally so. These belong to a class of variegated hardy subjects that -have been in our gardens for ages, and have nothing whatever to do with -subtropical gardening. Two other classes have also purposely been -omitted: very tender stove-plants, many of which have been tried in vain -in the Paris and London Parks, and such things as Echeveria secunda, -which though belonging to a type frequently enumerated among subtropical -plants, are, more properly, subjects of the bedding class. But if I have -excluded many that I know to be unsuitable, every type of the vegetation -of northern and temperate countries has been searched for valuable -kinds; and as no tropical or subtropical subject that is really -effective has been omitted, the result is the most complete selection -that is possible from the plants now in cultivation.</p> - -<p>No pains have been spared to show by the aid of illustrations the beauty -of form displayed by the various types of plants herein enumerated. For -some of the illustrations I have to thank MM. Vilmorin and Andrieux, the -well-known Parisian firm; for others, the proprietors of the ‘Field;’ -while the rest are from the graceful pencil of Mr. Alfred Dawson, and -engraved by Mr. Whymper and Mr. W. Hooper. I felt that engravings would -be of more than their usual value in this book, inasmuch as they place -the best attainable result before the reader’s eye, thus enabling him to -arrange his materials more efficiently. A small portion of the matter of -this book originally appeared in my book on the gardens of Paris, in -which it will not again be printed. For the extensive list of the -varieties of Canna I am indebted to M. Chatè’s “<i>Le Canna</i>.” Most of the -subjects have been described from personal knowledge of them, both in -London and Paris gardens.</p> - -<p class="r"> -W. R.<br /> -</p> - -<p><i>April 3, 1871.</i></p> - -<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2> - -<p class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/barradoble.png" width="100" height="13" alt="Image not available" /> -</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><th colspan="2" align="center"><a href="#PART_I">PART I.</a></th></tr> -<tr><td> </td><td><small>PAGE</small></td></tr> -<tr><td>INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_001">1</a></td></tr> - -<tr><th colspan="2" align="center"><a href="#PART_II">PART II.</a></th></tr> - -<tr><td>DESCRIPTION, ARRANGEMENT, CULTURE, ETC., OF -SUITABLE SPECIES, HARDY AND TENDER, ALPHABETICALLY -ARRANGED</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_043">43</a></td></tr> - -<tr><th colspan="2" align="center"><a href="#PART_III">PART III.</a></th></tr> - -<tr><td>SELECTIONS OF PLANTS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_221">221</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<h2><a name="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS" id="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS"></a>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> - -<p class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/barra.png" width="100" height="14" alt="Image not available" /> -</p> - -<p class="c"><i>Separate plates to face the pages given.</i></p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td> </td><td><small>PAGE</small></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top"><i><a href="#front">Frontispiece</a></i>—Hardy and -tender Plants in the Subtropical -Garden.</td><td> </td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Cannas in a London park</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_013">13</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Anemone japonica alba</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_017">17</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Group and single specimens -of plants isolated on the -grass</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_023">23</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Portion of plan showing -Yuccas, etc.</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_025">25</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Formal arrangements in -London parks</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_026">26</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Tree Ferns and other Stove -Plants</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_028">28</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Ailantus and Cannas</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_030">30</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Young Conifers, etc.</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_032">32</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Gourds</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_034">34</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Section of raised bed at -Battersea</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_040">40</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Acanthus latifolius</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_047">47</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Aralia canescens</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_058">58</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Aralia japonica</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_060">60</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Aralia papyrifera</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_061">61</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Asplenium Nidus-avis</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_070">70</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Bambusa aurea</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_072">72</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Bambusa falcata</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_074">74</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Berberis nepalensis</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_079">79</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Blechnum brasiliense</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_080">80</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Bocconia cordata</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_081">81</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Buphthalmum speciosum</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_083">83</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Caladium esculentum</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_084">84</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Colocasia odorata</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_085">85</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Canna</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_086">86</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Carlina acaulis</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_110">110</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Caryota sobolifera</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_111">111</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Centaurea babylonica</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_112">112</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Chamædorea</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_114">114</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Chamærops excelsa</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_116">116</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Cycas</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_120">120</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Tree Fern</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_123">123</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Dimorphanthus mandschuricus</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_124">124</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Erianthus Ravennæ</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_132">132</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Ferula communis</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_136">136</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Ficus elastica</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_139">139</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Gynerium argenteum</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_142">142</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Gunnera scabra</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_144">144</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Heracleum</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_147">147</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Malva crispa</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_153">153</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Melianthus major</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_155">155</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Monstera deliciosa</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_156">156</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Montagnæa heracleifolia</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_157">157</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Morina longifolia</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_158">158</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Mulgedium alpinum</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_159">159</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Musa Ensete</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_160">160</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Nicotiana Tabacum</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_163">163</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Onopordum Acanthium</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_164">164</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Poa fertilis</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_174">174</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Rheum Emodi</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_178">178</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Rhus glabra laciniata</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_180">180</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Seaforthia elegans</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_185">185</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Solanum robustum</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_190">190</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Solanum Warscewiczii</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_195">195</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Uhdea bipinnatifida</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_205">205</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Wigandia macrophylla</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_208">208</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Yucca filamentosa</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_212">212</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Yucca pendula</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_214">214</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">Yucca filamentosa variegata</td><td align="right" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_217">217</a></td></tr> - -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_001" id="page_001"></a>{1}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="PART_I" id="PART_I"></a>PART I.</h2> - -<p class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/barra.png" width="100" height="14" alt="Image not available" /> -</p> - -<h3>INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.</h3> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_002" id="page_002"></a>{2}</span></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_003" id="page_003"></a>{3}</span></p> - -<p class="cb">SUBTROPICAL GARDENING.</p> - -<p class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/barradoble.png" width="100" height="13" alt="Image not available" /> -</p> - -<h3>INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.</h3> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">The</span> system of garden-decoration popularly known as “Subtropical,” and -which simply means the use in gardens of plants having large and -handsome leaves, noble habit, or graceful port, has taught us the value -of grace and verdure amid masses of low, brilliant, and unrelieved -flowers, and has reminded us how far we have diverged from Nature’s ways -of displaying the beauty of vegetation, our love for rude colour having -led us to ignore the exquisite and inexhaustible way in which plants are -naturally arranged. In a wild state brilliant blossoms are usually -relieved by a setting of abundant green; and even where mountain and -meadow plants of one kind produce a wide blaze of colour at one season, -there is intermingled a spray of pointed grass and other leaves, which -tone down the mass and quite separate it from anything shown by what is -called<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_004" id="page_004"></a>{4}</span> the “bedding system” in gardens. When we come to examine the -most charming examples of our own indigenous or any other wild -vegetation, we find that their attraction mainly depends on flower and -fern, trailer, shrub, and tree, sheltering, supporting, relieving and -beautifying each other, so that the whole array has an indefinite tone, -and the mind is satisfied with the refreshing mystery of the -arrangement.</p> - -<p>We may be pleased by the wide spread of purple on a heath or mountain, -but when we go near and examine it in detail, we find that its most -exquisite aspect is seen in places where the long moss cushions itself -beside the ling, and the fronds of the Polypody peer forth around little -masses of heather. Everywhere we see Nature judicious in the arrangement -of her highest effects, setting them in clouds of verdant leafage, so -that monotony is rarely produced—a state of things which it is highly -desirable to attain as far as possible in the garden.</p> - -<p>We cannot attempt to reproduce this literally—nor would it be wise or -convenient to do so—but assuredly herein will be found the chief source -of true beauty and interest in our gardens as well as in those of -Nature; and the more we keep this<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_005" id="page_005"></a>{5}</span> fact before our eyes, the nearer will -be our approach to truth and success.</p> - -<p>Nature <i>in puris naturalibus</i> we cannot have in our gardens, but -Nature’s laws should not be violated; and few human beings have -contravened them more than our flower-gardeners during the past twenty -years. We should compose from Nature, as landscape artists do. We may -have in our gardens—and without making wildernesses of them either—all -the shade, the relief, the grace, the beauty, and nearly all the -irregularity of Nature.</p> - -<p>Subtropical gardening has shown us that one of the greatest mistakes -ever made in the flower-garden was the adoption of a few varieties of -plants for culture on a vast scale, to the exclusion of interest and -variety, and, too often, of beauty or taste. We have seen how well the -pointed, tapering leaves of the Cannas carry the eye upwards; how -refreshing it is to cool the eyes in the deep green of those thoroughly -tropical Castor-oil plants, with their gigantic leaves; how grand the -Wigandia, with its wrought-iron texture and massive outline, looks, -after we have surveyed brilliant hues and richly-painted leaves; how -greatly the sweeping palm-leaves beautify the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_006" id="page_006"></a>{6}</span> British flower-garden; -and, in a word, the system has shown us the difference between the -gardening that interests and delights all beholders, as well as the mere -horticulturist, and that which is too often offensive to the eye of -taste, and pernicious to every true interest of what Bacon calls the -“purest of humane pleasures.”</p> - -<p>But are we to adopt this system in its purity? as shown, for example, by -Mr. Gibson when superintendent of Battersea Park. Certainly not. It is -evident, that to accommodate it to private gardens an expense and a -revolution of appliances would be necessary, which are in nearly all -cases quite impossible, and if possible, hardly desirable. We can, -however, introduce into our gardens most of its better features; we can -vary their contents, and render them more interesting by a better and -nobler system. The use of all plants without any particular and striking -habit, or foliage, or other desirable peculiarity, merely because they -are natives of very hot countries, should be tabooed at once, as tending -to make much work, and to return—a lot of weeds; for “weediness” is all -that I can ascribe to many Solanums and stove plants, of no real merit, -which have been employed under this name. Selection of the most<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_007" id="page_007"></a>{7}</span> -beautiful and useful from the great mass of plants known to science is -one of the most important of the horticulturist’s duties, and in no -branch must he exercise it more thoroughly than in this. Some of the -plants used are indispensable—the different kinds of Ricinus, Cannas in -great variety, Polymnia, Colocasia, Uhdea, Wigandia, Ferdinanda, Palms, -Yuccas, Dracænas, and fine-leaved plants of coriaceous texture -generally. A few specimens of these may be accommodated in many gardens; -they will embellish the houses in winter, and, transferred to the open -garden in summer, will lend interest to it when we are tired of the -houses. Some Palms, like Seaforthia, may be used with the best effect -for the winter decoration of the conservatory, and be placed out with a -good result, and without danger, in summer. Many fine kinds of Dracænas, -Yuccas, Agaves, etc., which have been seen to some perfection at our -shows of late, are eminently adapted for standing out in summer, and are -in fact benefited by it. Among the noblest ornaments of a good -conservatory are the Norfolk Island and other tender Araucarias; and -these may be placed out for the summer, much to their advantage, because -the rains will thoroughly clean and freshen them for winter<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_008" id="page_008"></a>{8}</span> storing. So -with some Cycads and other plants of distinct habit—the very things -best fitted to add to the attractions of the flower-garden. Thus we may, -in all but the smallest gardens, enjoy all the benefits of what is -called Subtropical Gardening, without creating any special arrangements -for it.</p> - -<p>But what of those who have no conservatory, no hothouses, no means for -preserving large tender plants in winter? They too may enjoy the beauty -which plants of fine form afford. A better effect than any yet seen in -an English garden from tender plants may be obtained by planting hardy -ones only! There is the Pampas grass, which when well grown is -unsurpassed by anything that requires protection. There are the Yuccas, -noble and graceful in outline, and thoroughly hardy, and which, if -planted well, are not to be surpassed, if equalled, by anything of like -habit we can preserve indoors. There are the Arundos, conspicua and -Donax, things that well repay for liberal planting; and there are fine -hardy herbaceous plants like Crambe cordifolia, Rheum Emodi, Ferulas, -and various graceful umbelliferous plants that will furnish effects -equal to any we can produce by using the tenderest exotics. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_009" id="page_009"></a>{9}</span> -Acanthuses too, when well grown, are very suitable for this use. Then we -have a hardy Palm, that has preserved its health and greenness in -sheltered positions, where its leaves could not be torn to shreds by -storms, through all our recent hard winters.</p> - -<p>And when we have obtained these, and many like subjects, we may -associate them with not a few things of much beauty among trees and -shrubs—with elegant tapering young pines, many of which, like Cupressus -nutkaensis and the true Thuja gigantea, have branchlets as graceful as a -Selaginella; not of necessity bringing the larger things into close or -awkward association with the humbler and dwarfer subjects, but -sufficiently so to carry the eye from the minute and pretty to the -higher and more dignified forms of vegetation. By a judicious selection -from the vast number of hardy plants now obtainable in this country, and -by associating with them, where it is convenient, house plants that may -be placed out for the summer, we may arrange and enjoy charms in the -flower-garden to which we are as yet strangers, simply because we have -not sufficiently selected from and utilized the vast amount of vegetable -beauty at our disposal.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_010" id="page_010"></a>{10}</span></p> - -<p>In dealing with the tenderer subjects, we must choose such as will make -a healthy growth in sheltered places in the warmer parts of England and -Ireland at all events. There is some reason to believe that not a few of -the best will be found to flourish much further north than is generally -supposed. In all parts the kinds with permanent foliage, such as the New -Zealand flax and the hardier Dracænas, will be found as effective as -around London and Paris; and to such the northern gardener should turn -his attention as much as possible. Even if it were possible to cultivate -the softer-growing kinds, like the Ferdinandas, to the same perfection -in all parts as in the south of England, it would by no means be -everywhere desirable, and especially where expense is a consideration, -as these kinds are not capable of being used indoors in winter. The many -fine permanent-leaved subjects that stand out in summer without the -least injury, and may be transferred to the conservatory in autumn, -there to produce as fine an effect all through the cold months as they -do in the flower-garden in summer, are the best for those with limited -means.</p> - -<p>But of infinitely greater importance are the hardy plants; for however -few can indulge in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_011" id="page_011"></a>{11}</span> luxury of rich displays of tender plants, or -however rare the spots in which they may be ventured out with -confidence, all may enjoy those that are hardy, and that too with -infinitely less trouble than is required by the tender ones. Those noble -masses of fine foliage displayed to us by tender plants have done much -towards correcting a false taste. What I wish to impress upon the reader -is, that in whatever part of these islands he may live, he need not -despair of producing sufficient similar effect to vary his flower-garden -or pleasure-ground beautifully by the use of hardy plants alone; and -that the noble lines of a well-grown Yucca recurva, or the finely -chiselled yet fern-like spray of a graceful young conifer, will aid him -as much in this direction as anything that requires either tropical or -subtropical temperature.</p> - -<p>Since writing the preceding remarks I have visited America, and when on -my way home landed at Queenstown with a view of seeing a few places in -the south of Ireland, and among others Fota Island, the residence of Mr. -Smith Barry, where I found a capital illustration of what may be easily -effected with hardy plants alone. Here an island is planted with a hardy -bamboo (<i>Bambusa falcata</i>), which thrives so freely<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_012" id="page_012"></a>{12}</span> as to form great -tufts from 16 ft. to 20 ft. high. The result is that the scene reminds -one of a bit of the vegetation of the uplands of Java, or that of the -bamboo country in China. The thermometer fell last December (1870) -seventeen degrees below freezing point, so that they suffered somewhat, -but their general effect was not much marred. Accompanying these, and -also on the margins of the water, were huge masses of Pampas grass yet -in their beauty of bloom, and many great tufts of the tropical-looking -New Zealand flax, with here and there a group of Yuccas. The vegetation -of the islands and of the margins of the water was composed almost -solely of these, and the effect quite unlike anything usually seen in -the open air in this country. Nothing in such arrangements as those at -Battersea Park equals it, because all the subjects were quite hardy, and -as much at home as if in their native wilds. Remember, in addition, that -no trouble was required after they were planted, and that the beauty of -the scene was very striking a few days before Christmas, long after the -ornaments of the ordinary flower-garden had perished. The whole -neighbourhood of the island was quite tropical in aspect; and, as behind -the silvery plumes of the Pampas<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_013" id="page_013"></a>{13}</span> grass and the slender wands of the -bamboo the exquisitely graceful heads of the Monterey and other -cypresses and various pines towered high in the air, it was one of the -most charming scenes I have yet enjoyed in the pleasure-grounds of the -British Isles. And this, which was simply the result of judiciously -planting three or four kinds of hardy plants, will serve to suggest how -many other beautiful aspects of vegetation we may create by utilising -the rich stores within our reach.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_025_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_025_sml.jpg" width="244" height="66" alt="Image not available: Clumsy mass of Cannas in a London park." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Clumsy mass of Cannas in a London park.</span> -</div> - -<p>We will next speak of arrangement and sundry other matters of some -importance in connection with this subject. The radical fault of the -“Subtropical Garden,” as hitherto seen, is its lumpish monotony and the -almost total neglect of graceful combinations. It is fully shown in the -London parks every year, so that many people will have seen it for -themselves. The subjects are not used to contrast with or relieve others -of less attractive port and brilliant colour, but are generally set down -in large masses. Here you meet a troop of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_014" id="page_014"></a>{14}</span> Cannas, numbering 500, in one -long formal bed—next you arrive at a circle of Aralias, or an oval of -Ficus, in which a couple of hundred plants are so densely packed that -their tops form a dead level. Isolated from everything else as a rule -these masses fail to throw any natural grace into the garden, but, on -the other hand, go a long way towards spoiling the character of the -subjects of which they are composed. For it is manifest that you get a -far superior effect from a group of such a plant as the Gunnera, the -Polymnia, or the Castor-oil plant, properly associated with other -subjects of entirely diverse character, than you can when the lines or -masses of such as these become so large and so estranged from their -surroundings that there is no relieving point within reach of the eye. A -single specimen or small group of a fine Canna forms one of the most -graceful objects the eye can see. Plant a rood of it, and it soon -becomes as attractive as so much maize or wheat. No doubt an occasional -mass of Cannas, etc., might prove effective—in a distant prospect -especially—but the thing is repeated <i>ad nauseam</i>.</p> - -<p>The fact is, we do not want purely “Subtropical gardens,” or “Leaf -gardens,” or “Colour gardens,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_015" id="page_015"></a>{15}</span> but such gardens as, by happy -combinations of the materials at our disposal, shall go far to satisfy -those in whom true taste has been awakened—and, indeed, all classes. -For it is quite a mistake to assume that because people, ignorant of the -inexhaustible stores of the vegetable kingdom, admire the showy glares -of colour now so often seen in our gardens, they are incapable of -enjoying scenes displaying some traces of natural beauty and variety.</p> - -<p>The fine-leaved plants have not yet been associated immediately with the -flowers; hence the chief fault. Till they are so treated we can hardly -see the great use of such in ornamental gardening. Why not take some of -the handsomest plants of the medium-sized kinds, place them in the -centre of a bed, and then surround them with the gaily-flowering -subjects? The Castor-oil plants would not do so well for this, because -they are rampant growers in fair seasons, but the Yuccas, Cannas, -Wigandias, and small neat Palms and Cycads would suit exactly. Avoid -huge, unmeaning masses, and associate more intimately the fine-leaved -plants with the brilliant flowers. A quiet mass of green might be -desirable in some positions, but even that could be varied most -effectively as regards form.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_016" id="page_016"></a>{16}</span> The combinations of this kind that may be -made are innumerable, and there is no reason why our beds should not be -as graceful as bouquets well and simply made.</p> - -<p>However, it is not only by making combinations of the subtropical plants -with the gay-flowering ones now seen in our flower-gardens that a -beautiful effect may be obtained, but also with those of a somewhat -different type. Take, for instance, the stately hollyhock, sometimes -grown in such formal plantations as to lose some of its charms, and -usually stiff and poor below the flowers. It is easy to imagine how much -better a group of these would appear if seen surrounded by a graceful -ring of Cannas, or any other tall and vigorous subjects, than they have -ever yet appeared in our gardens.</p> - -<p>Consider, again, the Lilies, from the superb, tall, and double varieties -of the brilliant Tiger lily to the fair White lily or the popular L. -auratum. Why, a few isolated heads of Fortune’s Tiger lily, rising like -candelabra above a group of Cannas, would form one of the most brilliant -pictures ever seen in a garden. Then, to descend from a very tall to a -very dwarf lily, the large and white trumpet-like flowers of L. -longiflorum would look superb, emerging from the outer margin of a mass -of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_017" id="page_017"></a>{17}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_029_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_029_sml.jpg" width="229" height="297" alt="Image not available: Anemone japonica alba. Type of fine-flowered herbaceous -plant for associating with foliage-plants." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Anemone japonica alba. Type of fine-flowered herbaceous -plant for associating with foliage-plants.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">subtropical plants, relieved by the rich green within; and anybody, with -even a slight knowledge of the lily family, may imagine many other -combinations equally beautiful and new. The bulbs would of course -require planting in the autumn, and might be left in their places for -several years at a time, whereas the subtropical plants might be those -that require planting every year; but as the effect is obtained by using -comparatively few lilies, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_018" id="page_018"></a>{18}</span> spaces between them would be so large, as -to leave plenty of room to plant the others. However, it is worth -bearing in mind, that most of the Cannas, by far the finest group of -“Subtropical” plants for the British Isles, remain through the winter in -beds in the open air protected by litter: hence, permanent combinations -of Lilies and Cannas are perfectly practicable.</p> - -<p>Then, again, we have those brilliant and graceful hosts of Gladioli, -that do not show their full beauty in the florist’s stand or in his -formal bed, but when they spring here and there, in an isolated manner, -from rich foliage, entirely unlike their own pointed sword-like blades. -Next may be named the flame-flowered Tritoma, itself almost subtropical -in foliage when well grown. Any of the Tritomas furnish a splendid -effect grouped near or closely associated with subtropical plants. The -lavishly blooming and tropical-looking Dahlia is a host in itself, -varying so much as it does from the most gorgeous to the most delicate -hues, and differing greatly too in the size of the flowers, from those -of the pretty fancy Dahlias to the largest exhibition kinds. -Combinations of Dahlias with Cannas and other free-growing subtropical -plants have a most satisfactory effect; and where beds or groups are<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_019" id="page_019"></a>{19}</span> -formed of hardy subjects (Acanthuses and the like), in quiet half-shady -spots, some of the more beautiful spotted and white varieties of our own -stately and graceful Foxglove would be charmingly effective. In similar -positions a great Mullein (<i>Verbascum</i>) here and there would also suit; -while such bold herbaceous genera as Iris, Aster (the tall perennial -kinds), the perennial Lupin, Baptisias, Thermopsis, Delphiniums, tall -Veronicas, Aconites, tall Campanulas, Papaver bracteatum, Achillea -filipendula, Eupatoriums, tall Phloxes, Vernonias, Leptandra, etc., -might be used effectively in various positions, associated with groups -of hardy subjects. For those put out in early summer, summer and -autumn-flowering things should be chosen.</p> - -<p>The tall and graceful Sparaxis pulcherrima would look exquisite leaning -forth from masses of rich foliage about a yard high; the common and the -double perennial Sunflower (<i>Helianthus multiflorus, fl. pl.</i>) would -serve in rougher parts, where admired; in sheltered dells the large and -hardy varieties of Crinum capense would look very tropical and beautiful -if planted in rich moist ground; and the Fuchsia would afford very -efficient aid in mild districts, where it is little injured in winter, -and where, consequently, tall<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_020" id="page_020"></a>{20}</span> specimens flower throughout the summer -months; and lastly, the many varied and magnificent varieties of -herbaceous Peony, raised during recent years, would prove admirable as -isolated specimens on the grass near groups of fine-foliaged plants. -Then again we have the fine Japan Anemones, white and rose, the showy -and vigorous Rudbeckias, the sweet and large annual Datura ceratocaula, -the profusely-flowering Statice latifolia, the Gaillardias, the Peas -(everlasting and otherwise), the ever-welcome African Lily (<i>Calla</i>), -the handsome Loosestrife (<i>Lythrum roseum superbum</i>), and the still -handsomer French Willow, and not a few other things which need not be -enumerated here, inasmuch as it is hoped enough has been said to show -our great and unused resources for adding real grace and interest to our -gardens. This phase of the subject—the association of tall or bold -flowers with foliage-plants—is so important, that I have bestowed some -pains in selecting the many and various subjects useful for it from -almost every class of plants; and they will be found in a list at the -end of the alphabetical arrangement.</p> - -<p>Many charming results may be obtained by carpeting the ground beneath -masses of tender<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_021" id="page_021"></a>{21}</span> subtropical plants with quick-growing ornamental -annuals and bedding plants, which will bloom before the larger subjects -have put forth their strength and beauty of leaf. If all interested in -flower-gardening had an opportunity of seeing the charming effects -produced by judiciously intermingling fine-leaved plants with brilliant -flowers, there would be an immediate revolution in our flower-gardening, -and verdant grace and beauty of form would be introduced, and all the -brilliancy of colour that could be desired might be seen at the same -time. Here is a bed of Erythrinas not yet in flower: but what affords -that brilliant and singular mass of colour beneath them? Simply a -mixture of the lighter varieties of Lobelia speciosa with variously -coloured and brilliant Portulacas. The beautiful surfacings that may -thus be made with annual, biennial, or ordinary bedding plants, from -Mignonette to Petunias and Nierembergias, are almost innumerable.</p> - -<p>Reflect for a moment how consistent is all this with the best gardening -and the purest taste. The bare earth is covered quickly with these -free-growing dwarfs; there is an immediate and a charming contrast -between the dwarf-flowering and the fine-foliaged plants; and should the -last<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_022" id="page_022"></a>{22}</span> at any time put their heads too high for the more valuable things -above them, they can be cut in for a second bloom. In the case of using -foliage-plants that are eventually to cover the bed completely, annuals -may be sown, and they in many cases will pass out of bloom and may be -cleared away just as the large leaves begin to cover the ground. Where -this is not the case, but the larger plants are placed thin enough to -always allow of the lower ones being seen, two or even more kinds of -dwarf plants may be employed, so that the one may succeed the other, and -that there may be a mingling of bloom. It may be thought that this kind -of mixture would interfere with what is called the unity of effect that -we attempt to attain in our flower-gardens. This need not be so by any -means; the system could be used effectively in the most formal of -gardens.</p> - -<p>One of the most useful and natural ways of diversifying a garden, and -one that we rarely or never take advantage of, consists in placing -really distinct and handsome plants alone upon the grass, to break the -monotony of clump margins and of everything else. To follow this plan is -<i>necessary</i> wherever great variety and the highest beauty are desired in -the ornamental garden. Plants may be<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_023" id="page_023"></a>{23}</span></p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 133px;"> -<a href="images/i_035_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_035_sml.jpg" width="133" height="83" alt="Image not available: Group and single specimens of plants isolated on the -grass." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Group and single specimens of plants isolated on the -grass.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">placed singly or in open groups near the margins of a bold clump of -shrubs or in the open grass; and the system is applicable to all kinds -of hardy ornamental subjects, from trees downwards, though in our case -the want is for the fine-leaved plants and the more distinct hardy -subjects. Nothing, for instance, can look better than a well-developed -tuft of the broad-leaved Acanthus latifolius, springing from the turf -not far from the margin of a pleasure-ground walk; and the same is true -of the Yuccas, Tritomas, and other things of like character and -hardiness. We may make attractive groups of one family, as the hardiest -Yuccas; or splendid groups of one species like the Pampas grass—not by -any means repeating the individual, for there are about twenty varieties -of this plant known on the Continent, and from these half a dozen really -distinct and charming kinds might be selected to form a group. The same -applies to the Tritomas, which we usually manage to drill into straight -lines; in an isolated group in a verdant glade they are seen for the -first time to best advantage: and what might not be<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_024" id="page_024"></a>{24}</span> done with these and -the like by making mixed groups, or letting each plant stand distinct -upon the grass, perfectly isolated in its beauty!</p> - -<p>Let us again try to illustrate the idea simply. Take an important spot -in a pleasure-ground—a sweep of grass in face of a shrubbery—and see -what can be done with it by means of these isolated plants. If, instead -of leaving it in the bald state in which it is often found, we place -distinct things isolated here and there upon the grass, the margin of -shrubbery will be quite softened, and a new and charming feature added -to the garden. If one who knew many plants were arranging them in this -way, and had a large stock to select from, he might produce numberless -fine effects. In the case of the smaller things, such as the Yucca and -variegated Arundo, groups of four or five good plants should be used to -form one mass, and everything should be perfectly distinct and isolated, -so that a person could freely move about amongst the plants without -touching them. In addition to such arrangements, two or three -individuals of a species might be placed here and there upon the grass -with the best effect. For example, there is at present in our nurseries -a great Japanese Polygonum (<i>P. Sieboldi</i>), which has never as yet<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_025" id="page_025"></a>{25}</span> been -used with much effect in the garden. If anybody will select some open -grassy spot in a pleasure-garden, or grassy glade near a wood—some spot -considered unworthy of attention as regards ornamenting it—and plant a -group of three plants of this Polygonum, leaving fifteen feet or so -between the stools, a distinct aspect of vegetation will be the result. -The plant is herbaceous, and will spring up every year to a height of -from six feet to eight feet if planted well; it has a graceful arching -habit in the upper branches, and is covered with a profusion of small -bunches of pale flowers in autumn. It is needless to multiply examples; -the plan is capable of infinite variation, and on that account alone -should be welcome to all true gardeners.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_037_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_037_sml.jpg" width="175" height="134" alt="Image not available: Portion of plan showing Yuccas, Pampas grass, Tritomas, -Retinospora, Acanthus latifolius, Arundo Donax variegata, etc., -irregularly isolated on the grass." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Portion of plan showing Yuccas, Pampas grass, Tritomas, -Retinospora, Acanthus latifolius, Arundo Donax variegata, etc., -irregularly isolated on the grass.</span> -</div> - -<p>One kind of arrangement needs to be particularly guarded against—the -geometro-picturesque one, seen in some parts of the London parks devoted -to subtropical gardening. The plants are very often<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_026" id="page_026"></a>{26}</span> of the finest kinds -and in the most robust health, all the materials for the best results -are abundant, and yet the scene fails to satisfy the eye, from the -needless formality of many of the beds, produced by the heaping together -of a great number of species of one kind in long straight or twisting -masses with high raised edges frequently of hard-beaten soil. Many -people will not see their way to obliterate the formality of the beds, -but assuredly we need not do so to get rid of such effective formality -as that shown in the accompanying figure!</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_038_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_038_sml.jpg" width="239" height="113" alt="Image not available: Formal arrangements in London parks." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Formal arrangements in London parks.</span> -</div> - -<p>The formality of the true geometrical garden is charming to many to whom -this style is offensive; and there is not the slightest reason why the -most beautiful combinations of fine-leaved and fine-flowered plants -should not be made in any kind of geometrical garden.</p> - -<p>But in the purely picturesque garden it is as<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_027" id="page_027"></a>{27}</span> needless, as it is in -false taste, to follow the course here pointed out. Hardy plants may be -isolated on the turf, and may be arranged in beautiful irregular groups, -with the turf also for a carpet, or some graceful spray of hardy -trailing plants. Beds may be readily placed so that no such -objectionable stage-like results will be seen as those shown in the -preceding figure: tender plants may be grouped as freely as may be -desired—a formal edge avoided by the turf being allowed to play -irregularly under and along the margins, while the remaining bare ground -beneath the tall plants may be quickly covered with some fast-growing -annuals like Mignonette or Nolanas, some soft-spreading bedding plants -like Lobelias or Petunias, or subjects still more peculiarly suited for -this purpose, such as the common Lycopodium denticulatum and -Tradescantia discolor. Choice tender specimens of Tree ferns, etc., -placed in dark shady dells, may be plunged to the rims of the pots in -the turf or earth, and some graceful or bold trailing herb placed round -the cavity so as to conceal it; and in this way such results may be -attained as those indicated in the first plate, in those showing the -Dimorphanthus, Musa Ensete, and in the frontispiece. The day will come -when<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_028" id="page_028"></a>{28}</span> we shall be as anxious to avoid all formal twirlings in our -gardens as we now are to have them perpetrated in them by -landscape-gardeners of great repute for applying wall-paper or -fire-shovel patterns to the surface of the reluctant earth, and when we -shall no more think of tolerating in a garden such a scene as that shown -in the preceding figure, than a landscape artist would tolerate it in a -picture.</p> - -<p>The old landscape-gardening dogma, which tells us we cannot have all the -wild beauty of nature in our gardens, and may as well resign ourselves -to the compass, and the level, and the defined daub of colour and -pudding-like heaps of shrubs, had some faint force when our materials -for gardening were few,<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> but considering our present rich and, to a -great extent, unused stores from every clime, and from almost every -important section of the vegetable kingdom, it is demonstrably false and -foolish.</p> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> “In gardening, the materials of the scene are few, and -those few unwieldy, and the artist must often content himself with the -reflection that he has given the best disposition in his power to the -scanty and intractable materials of nature.”—<span class="smcap">Allison.</span></p></div> - -<p>To these observations on arrangement, etc., one good rule may be -added:—Make your garden as distinct as possible from those of your<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_029" id="page_029"></a>{29}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_041_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_041_sml.jpg" width="328" height="260" alt="Image not available: Shady and sheltered Dell, with Tree Ferns and other Stove -Plants placed out for the summer." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Shady and sheltered Dell, with Tree Ferns and other Stove -Plants placed out for the summer.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">neighbours—which by no means necessitates a departure from the rules of -good taste.</p> - -<p>I wish particularly to call attention to the fine effects which may be -secured, from the simplest and most easily obtained materials, by using -some of our hardy trees and shrubs in the subtropical garden. Our object -generally is to secure large and handsome types of leaves; and for this -purpose we usually place in the open air young plants of exotic trees, -taking them in again in autumn; and, perhaps, as we never see them but -in a diminutive state, we often forget that, when branched into a large -head in their native countries, they are not a whit more remarkable in -foliage than many of the trees of our pleasure-grounds. Thus, if the -well-known Paulownia imperialis were too tender to stand our winters, -and if we were accustomed to see it only in a young and simple-stemmed -condition and with large leaves, we should doubtless plant it out every -summer as we do the Ferdinanda. There is no occasion whatever to resort -to exotic subjects, while we can so easily obtain fine hardy -subjects—which, moreover, may be grown by everybody and everywhere. By -annually cutting down young plants of various hardy trees and shrubs, -and letting them make a clean,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_030" id="page_030"></a>{30}</span> simple-stemmed growth every year, we -will, as a rule, obtain finer effects than can be got from tender ones. -The Ailantus, for example, treated in this way, gives us as fine a type -of pinnate leaf as can be desired. Nobody need place Astrapæa Wallichii -in the open air, as I have seen done, so long as a simple-stemmed young -plant of the Paulownia makes such a column of magnificent leaves. The -delicately-cut leaves of the Gleditschias, borne on strong young stems, -would be as pretty as those of any fern; and so in the case of various -other hardy trees and shrubs. Persons in the coldest and least -favourable parts of the country need not doubt of being able to obtain -as fine types of foliage as they can desire, by selecting a dozen kinds -of hardy trees and treating them in this way. What may be done in this -way, in one case, is shown in the accompanying plate, representing a -young plant of Ailantus, with its current year’s shoot and leaves, -standing gracefully in the midst of a bed of Cannas.</p> - -<p>A few words may now be added about some types of vegetation which, -though not included among what are commonly termed subtropical plants, -may yet be judiciously used in combination with them, and go far to -produce very charming effects.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_031" id="page_031"></a>{31}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_045_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_045_sml.jpg" width="308" height="331" alt="Image not available: AILANTUS AND CANNAS - -Suggesting the effects to be obtained from young and vigorous specimens -of hardy fine-leaved trees." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">AILANTUS AND CANNAS<br /> - -Suggesting the effects to be obtained from young and vigorous specimens -of hardy fine-leaved trees.</span> -</div> - -<p>Among conifers we find many subjects of the most exquisite grace, and of -a beautiful free and pointed habit, which it is most desirable we should -have associated with vegetation more distinguished for brilliancy than -grace. They are in many cases as elegantly chiselled and dissected as -the finest fern, and it is difficult to find more beautiful masses of -verdure than such plants as Retinospora plumosa and R. obtusa display -when well developed; they are simply invaluable for those who use them -with taste. Apart altogether from our want of a more elegantly -diversified surface in the flower-garden—the best and most practical -way to meet which is by the use of such plants as these and neat and -elegant young specimens of such things as Thujopsis borealis—there is, -in many British gardens, a great gulf between the larger tree and shrub -vegetation and the humbler colouring material, which most will admit -should be filled up, and there is nothing more suitable for it than the -many graceful conifers we now possess. Much as conifers are grown with -us, how few people have any idea of their great value as ornamental -plants for the very choicest position in a garden! We are sometimes too -apt to put them in what is called their “proper place,”—or, at all -events, too far from the seat of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_032" id="page_032"></a>{32}</span> interest to thoroughly enjoy them in -winter, when the beauty of their form and their exquisite verdure are -best seen. If the dwarfer and choicer conifers were tastefully disposed -in and immediately around a flower-garden not altogether spoiled by a -profusion of beds for masses of colour, that flower-garden could hardly -fail to look as well in winter as in summer; in fact I have seen places -where, from rather close association of the more elegant types, the best -kind of winter garden was made. Our efforts must tend to prevent a -desert-like aspect at any time of the year; and to this end nothing can -help us more than a judicious selection of conifers. Almost every beauty -of form is theirs. They possess a permanent dignity and interest, always -occupying the ground and embellishing it, displaying distinct tints of -ever-grateful green in spring and summer, waving majestically before the -gusts of autumn, and beautiful when bearing on their deepest green the -snows of winter. Some of the more suitable kinds are named in a list at -the end of this book, but the graceful pines are so commonly grown that -few will have any difficulty in securing proper sorts.</p> - -<p>The Gourd tribe is capable, if properly used, of adding much remarkable -beauty and character to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_033" id="page_033"></a>{33}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_049_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_049_sml.jpg" width="397" height="273" alt="Image not available: Young Conifers and hardy fine-leaved Plants." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Young Conifers and hardy fine-leaved Plants.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">the garden; yet, as a rule, it is seldom used. There is no natural order -more wonderful in the variety and singular shapes of its fruit than that -to which the melon, cucumber, and vegetable marrow belong. From the -writhing Snake-cucumber, which hangs down four or five feet long from -its stem, to the round enormous giant pumpkin or gourd, the grotesque -variation, both in colour and shape and size, is marvellous. There are -some pretty little gourds which do not weigh more than half an ounce -when ripe; while, on the other hand, there are kinds with fruit almost -large enough to make a sponge bath. Eggs, bottles, gooseberries, clubs, -caskets, folded umbrellas, balls, vases, urns, small balloons,—all have -their likenesses in the gourd family. Those who have seen a good -collection of them will be able to understand Nathaniel Hawthorne’s -enthusiasm about these quaint and graceful vegetable forms when he says: -“A hundred gourds in my garden were worthy, in my eyes at least, of -being rendered indestructible in marble. If ever Providence (but I know -it never will) should assign me a superfluity of gold, part of it shall -be expended for a service of plate, or most delicate porcelain, to be -wrought into the shape of gourds gathered<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_034" id="page_034"></a>{34}</span> from vines which I will plant -with my own hands. As dishes for containing vegetables they would be -peculiarly appropriate. Gazing at them, I felt that by my agency -something worth living for had been done. A new substance was born into -the world. They were real and tangible existences, which the mind could -seize hold of and rejoice in.” Of course the climate of New England is -much better suited for fully developing the gourd tribe than ours, but -it is satisfactory to know that they may be readily and beautifully -grown in this country.</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 124px;"> -<a href="images/i_052_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_052_sml.jpg" width="124" height="238" alt="Image not available: Gourds" /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Gourds</span> -</div> - -<p>There are many positions in gardens in which they might be grown with -great advantage; on low trellises, depending from the edges of raised -beds, the smaller and medium-sized kinds trained over arches or arched -trellis-work, covering banks, or on the ordinary level earth of the -garden. Isolated, too, some kinds would look very effective, and in fact -there is hardly any limit to the uses to which they might be applied. In -the Royal Botanic<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_035" id="page_035"></a>{35}</span> Gardens at Dublin, there is a singular wigwam made by -placing a number of dead branches so as to form the framework, and then -planting Aristolochia Sipho all round these. It runs over them, and the -large leaves make a perfect summer roof. A similar tent might be made -with the free-growing gourds, and it would have the additional merit of -suspending some of the most singular, graceful, and gigantic of all -known fruits from the roof. A few words on their culture, and a -selection of kinds, occur at the end of the book.</p> - -<p>Although some Ferns are named in the descriptive part of this book, it -is desirable to allude to the family here. Why do we always put ferns in -the shade, when many of the best and hardiest kinds grow freely in the -full sun if sufficiently moist at the root? Why do we always confine -them to the fernery proper, when there are so many other places that -could be graced by their presence? The very highest beauty of form might -be added to beds of low flowers, by the introduction of such ferns as -the Struthiopteris, Pteris, Lastrea, etc., while they should also be -freely planted in various parts of the pleasure-ground, either alone, or -grouped with the Acanthuses and other hardy fine-leaved plants. Not a -few of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_036" id="page_036"></a>{36}</span> Umbelliferous plants recommended have foliage as finely cut -as any of the Ferns, and would associate very well with them. Even in -cases where the soil might not be suitable for ferns, it would, instead -of confining them to the fernery proper, be much better to arrange for -having small groups or beds of them in places alongside of shady -wood-walks or similar positions. By reference to the Osmunda article, it -will be seen how these have been grown to magnificent proportions. It -may be easily imagined that groups of fine ferns, grown to the -luxuriance there described, would contrast with and relieve groups of -the brilliant flowers in a superb way.</p> - -<p>As the culture of most of the subjects has been sufficiently spoken of -in the descriptive part, it is needless to say much of it here, but a -few general remarks may help to make the matter clearer to the amateur. -It is hoped that the greater number of the hardy subjects enumerated -will sufficiently prove that it is not only those persons who have -streets of glass-houses to whom the luxury of “subtropical gardening” is -accessible. Once placed in suitable soil and position, these hardy kinds -may, as a rule, be left to take care of themselves.</p> - -<p>A great number of subjects, like the Ricinus<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_037" id="page_037"></a>{37}</span> and the Annuals, may be -considered practically hardy, inasmuch as they only require to be raised -in warm or cool frames, or even (some of them) in the open air. When -once planted out for the summer, they give but little further trouble.</p> - -<p>In the next group may be placed the tender greenhouse kinds; long-lived -subjects, like the Dracænas, American Aloe, etc., which thrive in -greenhouses or conservatories in winter, and are great ornaments there, -and which may be placed in the open air in summer without the least -injury. Next to the hardy group, this is the most important, from the -fact that the subjects are effective at all seasons of the year, and -useful indoors as well as without. They also, unlike the following, may -be enjoyed by every one who possesses any kind of a cool glazed -structure; and even, in some cases, this is not needed, for I have seen -some very fine specimens of Agave americana kept in a large entrance -hall in winter, and put out of doors in May to be taken in again in -October.</p> - -<p>Lastly, we have the least important group of all, and happily also the -most costly, viz., those plants which must be kept through the winter -and spring in warm stoves, such as Ferdinanda, Solanum, etc. Considering -the vast number of hardy and half-hardy<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_038" id="page_038"></a>{38}</span> plants from which we may -select, this type is not worthy of encouragement in gardens generally, -with the exception of a few fine things, such as Polymnia grandis. They -may, for the sake of convenience, be considered in two sections: those, -like the Polymnia, that should be put out in a young state, and which -make a fresh and handsome growth during the summer months; and those -which, like the Monstera and Anthurium acaule, make no growth whatever -during that season. It need not be said that the first section is by far -the most important: it comprises the Wigandia, and some of the noblest -things used in this way. Plants of the other section can, in the nature -of things, be tried in but few places in this country; they are too -expensive, and they are not the most effective: but some persons no -doubt may take a pleasure in showing what will endure the open air, even -if useless for any other purpose. One general rule may be applied to -these last-named subjects—they should be allowed to make a strong -growth in the hothouse in spring or early summer, and to mature, and, so -to speak, harden off that growth before being placed in the open air -early in June, or even later if the season be unfavourable.</p> - -<p>Speaking generally of all the tender subjects<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_039" id="page_039"></a>{39}</span> used, it is necessary to -discriminate between kinds that should be planted out in a young state -every year, and those which are valuable in proportion to their age and -size. Some plants are all the better the higher and larger they are -grown; others must be started in a dwarf fresh state every year, or, if -not, their foliage will not possess that pristine freshness which charms -us when they are properly treated. A large plant of Polymnia grandis, -for example, would, if placed in the open air in early summer, speedily -become a far from attractive object, while a young plant of the same -kind, put out on the same day, would soon produce and carry to the end -of the season a mass of fresh and noble leaves. But of course this only -applies to kinds that grow rapidly during the summer months in our -climate.</p> - -<p>With respect to the preparation of the beds for the finer subtropical -plants, a peculiar mode is practised in Battersea Park. Here many of the -beds are raised above the level of the ground, and underneath and around -the mass of light rich soil is a good layer of brick-rubbish, as shown -in the accompanying engraving. The soil is first excavated and thrown -round the margin of the bed; then the brick-rubbish is put in on the -bottom and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_040" id="page_040"></a>{40}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_058_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_058_sml.jpg" width="294" height="132" alt="Image not available: Section of raised bed at Battersea, with brick-rubbish -beneath and around the soil." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Section of raised bed at Battersea, with brick-rubbish -beneath and around the soil.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">around the sides also, raising the bed somewhat above the level of the -ground; the cavity in the centre is then filled up, generally with fine -light rich soil, using as much of the soil that was dug out as is fit to -be used, and arranging the remainder round the edge of the raised bed, -covering it neatly with turf. The soil may vary in depth from three feet -to eighteen inches, according to the kinds of plants to be grown in it. -In this way, by presenting a larger surface to the sun, it is considered -that a greater amount of heat is obtained; but I certainly think the -advantages of the method are not so great in this way as is generally -supposed, and that it is quite needless to adopt it in the case of the -great majority of subjects. Its chief merit probably is that it secures -a better drainage. Good drainage is undoubtedly indispensable, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_041" id="page_041"></a>{41}</span> -still more so, a thoroughly rich and light mass of deep soil, with -abundance of water; without these two last conditions it is hopeless to -expect a free rich growth, which is the great charm of these plants. -Ricinus, Cannas, Ferdinanda, and some of the freer-growing kinds -certainly succeed perfectly without any such arrangement as that above -described. The more delicate kinds, such as the Solanums and Wigandia -macrophylla, would be those most likely to be benefited by it. It is -needless to say, that the numerous fine and hardy subjects enumerated in -Part II. do not require anything of the kind, although they too will, as -a rule, be fine in proportion to the care bestowed in securing for them -a deep and rich body of soil.</p> - -<p>One most essential matter is the securing of as perfect shelter as is -possible. Warm, sunny, and thoroughly sheltered dells should be chosen -where convenient; and, in any case, positions which are sheltered should -be selected, as the leaves of all the better kinds suffer very much from -strong winds, from which they will be protected if judiciously planted -near sheltering banks and trees. Even in quite level districts it will -be possible to secure shelter, by planting trees of various kinds, among -which such graceful conifers as Thujopsis<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_042" id="page_042"></a>{42}</span> borealis, Thuja gigantea -(true), Cupressus macrocarpa, Cryptomeria elegans, etc., should be -freely used in the foreground, as in beauty of form they are unsurpassed -by any short-lived inhabitants of the summer garden. Except, however, in -the case of the Tree-ferns, and various other things not grown in the -open air but simply placed there for the summer, it is very desirable -not to place the plants in the shade of trees. All the things which have -to <i>grow</i> in the open air should be placed in the full sun. Not a few -hardy subjects will thrive very well without any but ordinary shelter, -as, for example, the Yuccas and Acanthuses; but, judging by the -remarkable way in which the hardy Bamboo thrives when placed in a -sheltered dell, shelter has a considerable influence on the well-being -even of these, as it must have on all subjects with large leaf-surfaces. -But it should not be forgotten that shelter may be well secured without -placing the beds or groups so near trees that they will be robbed, -shaded, or otherwise injured by them.</p> - -<p class="r"> -W. R.<br /> -</p> - -<p><i>March 1, 1871.</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_043" id="page_043"></a>{43}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="PART_II" id="PART_II"></a>PART II.</h2> - -<p class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/barra.png" width="100" height="14" alt="Image not available" /> -</p> - -<p class="c">DESCRIPTION, ARRANGEMENT, CULTURE, ETC., OF SUITABLE SPECIES, HARDY AND -TENDER, ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_044" id="page_044"></a>{44}</span></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_045" id="page_045"></a>{45}</span></p> - -<p class="cb">SUBTROPICAL GARDENING.<br /><br /> -PART II.</p> - -<p class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/barradoble.png" width="100" height="13" alt="Image not available" /> -</p> - -<p><a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[*]</a><b>Acacia Julibrissin.</b>—A native of Persia, with large and elegant -much-divided leaves, and flowers somewhat like short tinted brushes from -the numerous purple stamens. Though this does not succeed as a standard -tree in all parts of England (where it grows well against walls, and -sometimes flowers), yet doubtless it would do so in some parts of the -south, and I have seen it make presentable standards about Geneva and in -Anjou. But for our purposes it is better that it should not be perfectly -hardy, as by confining it to a single young stem and using young plants, -or plants that have been cut down every year, we shall get an erect stem -covered with leaves more graceful than a fern, and that is the kind of -ornament we want as a graceful object amidst low-growing flowers. The -leaves, like those of some other plants of the pea tribe, are slightly -sensitive. On fine sunny days they spread out fully and afford a -pleasant shade; on dull ones the leaflets fall down. This interesting -phenomenon takes place with other members of the same family—for -instance, the elegant <i>A. dealbata</i> of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_046" id="page_046"></a>{46}</span> our conservatories. Seed of <i>A. -Julibrissin</i>—or the silk-rose, as it is called by the Persians in -consequence of its silky stamens—is readily obtained, and it is much -better raised from seed, as then you get those single-stemmed and -vigorous young plants which are to the flower-garden what an elegant -fern is to the conservatory or show-house. To succeed with it in the way -above named, it may be protected at the root and cut down every year in -spring, or strong young plants may be put out annually, in much the same -way as those of <i>A. lophantha</i>.</p> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B_2" id="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2"><span class="label">[*]</span></a> <i>The names of all hardy species and other kinds easily -raised from seed in spring (the kinds useful in all classes of garden), -are preceded by an asterisk.</i></p></div> - -<p><b>Acacia lophantha.</b>—This elegant plant, though not hardy, is one of those -which all may enjoy, from the freedom with which it grows in the open -air in summer. It will prove more useful for the flower-garden than it -has ever been for the houses, and, being easily raised, is entitled to a -place here among the very best. The elegance of its leaves and its quick -growth in the open air make it quite a boon to the flower-gardener who -wishes to establish graceful verdure amongst the brighter ornaments of -his parterre. It has graceful fern-like leaves and a close and erect -habit, which permits us to closely associate it with flowering plants -without in the least shading them or robbing them. Of course I speak of -it in the young and single-stemmed condition, the way in which it should -be used. By confining it to a single stem and using it in a young state, -you get the fullest size and grace of which the leaves are capable. -Allow it to become old and branched, and it may be useful, but by no -means so much so as when young and without side branches. It may be -raised from seed as easily as a common bedding plant. By sowing it -early<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_047" id="page_047"></a>{47}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_066_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_066_sml.jpg" width="272" height="398" alt="Image not available: ACANTHUS LATIFOLIUS (lusitanicus). - -Ornamental foliaged herbaceous Section; retaining its leaves till very -late in the year." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">ACANTHUS LATIFOLIUS (lusitanicus). -<br /> -Ornamental foliaged herbaceous Section; retaining its leaves till very -late in the year.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">in the year it may be had fit for use by the first of June; but plants a -year old or so, stiff, strong, and well hardened off for planting out at -the end of May, are the best. It would be desirable to raise an annual -stock, as it is almost as useful for room-decoration as for the garden. -Native of New Holland.</p> - -<h3>ACANTHUS.</h3> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">These</span> stout and hardy herbaceous plants are of the greatest importance -in the subtropical garden or the pleasure-ground, their effect being -very good when they are well established. They thrive in almost any -soil, but attain their greatest luxuriance and beauty in deep warm ones. -The best uses for these species are as isolated tufts in the grass, in -the mixed border, or in picturesque groups with other hardy subjects. In -all cases they should be placed in positions where they are not likely -to be disturbed, as their beauty is not seen until they are well -established. All are easily propagated by division. Few herbaceous -genera may be made more useful than this.</p> - -<p><b>*Acanthus hirsutus.</b>—This uncommon species has a narrow spiny leaf, more -in the way of <i>Morina longifolia</i> than the ordinary Acanthuses, and is -dark green in hue. The leaves grow to a length of about 15 ins. or 16 -ins. in ordinary soil. Being distinct, it may be worth growing, though -in point of character or importance it is inferior to the larger kinds. -South of Europe.</p> - -<p><b>*Acanthus latifolius.</b>—The leaves of this are bold and noble in outline, -and the plant has a tendency, rare<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_048" id="page_048"></a>{48}</span> in some hardy things with otherwise -fine qualities, to retain them till the end of the season without losing -a particle of their freshness and polished verdure. In fact, the only -thing we have to decide about this subject is, what is the best place -for it? Now, it is one of those things that will not disgrace any -position, and will prove equally at home in the centre of the mixed -border, projected in the grass a little from the edge of a choice -shrubbery, or in the flower-garden; nobody need fear its displaying -anything like the seediness which such things as the Heracleums show at -the end of summer. I should not like to advise its being planted in the -centre of a flower-bed, or in any other position where it would be -disturbed; but in case it were determined to plant permanent groups of -fine-leaved hardy plants, then indeed it could be used with great -success. Supposing we have an irregular kind of flower-garden or -pleasure-ground to deal with (a common case), one of the best things to -do with this Acanthus is to plant it in the grass, at some distance from -the clumps, and perhaps near a few other things of like character. It is -better than any kind of Acanthus hitherto commonly cultivated, though -one or two of these are fine. Give it deep good soil, and do not grudge -it this attention, because, unlike tender plants, it will not trouble -you again for a long time. Nobody seems to know from whence it came. -Probably it is a variety of <i>Acanthus mollis</i>. The plant varies a good -deal; I have seen specimens of it about a foot high, with leaves -comparatively small and stiff and rigid, as if cast in a mould, by the -side of others of thrice that development, and of the usual texture.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_049" id="page_049"></a>{49}</span></p> - -<p><b>*Acanthus longifolius.</b>—A fine, distinct, and new species from Dalmatia -and S. Europe, 3½ ft. to 4 ft. high, distinguished from <i>A. mollis</i> (to -which it is allied) by the length and narrowness of its arching leaves. -They are about 2½ ft. long, very numerous, of a bright green colour, -growing at first erect, then inclining and forming a sheaf-like tuft, -which has a very fine effect. The flowers are of a wine-red colour, -becoming lighter before they fall. A specimen in the gardens of the -Museum at Paris, in four years after planting, had twenty-five -blooming-stems rising from the midst of a round mass of verdure nearly -2½ ft. in height and width. This would be very effective on the -undulating and picturesque parts of landscape-gardens. It does not run -so much at the root as <i>A. mollis</i>. It seeds more freely than the other -kinds, and may be readily increased by seeds as well as by division. Its -free-flowering quality makes this species peculiarly valuable, while it -is as good as any for isolation or grouping.</p> - -<p><b>*Acanthus mollis.</b>—A well-known old border-plant from the south of -Europe, about 3 ft. high, with leaves nearly 2 ft. long by 1 ft. broad, -heart-shaped in outline, and cut into angular toothed lobes. The flowers -are white or lilac, the inflorescence forming a remarkable-looking -spike, half the length of the stem. Well adapted for borders, isolation, -margins of shrubberies, and semi-wild places, in deep ordinary soil, the -richer the better. Increased by division of the roots in winter or early -spring.</p> - -<p><b>*Acanthus spinosissimus.</b>—This is in all respects among the finest of -thoroughly hardy “foliage-plants,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_050" id="page_050"></a>{50}</span> growing to a height of 3½ ft., and -bearing rosy-flesh-coloured flowers in spikes of a foot or more in -length. It is perfectly hardy, very free in growth, and is quite -distinct from any of the other species, forming roundish masses of -dark-green leaves, with rather a profusion of glistening spines, by -which it is known immediately from its relatives. As a permanent object, -fit to plant in a nook in the pleasure-ground or on the grass, -associated with the nobler grasses or other plants, there is nothing to -surpass it. I know of no hardy foliage-plant so thoroughly neat in its -habit at all times. It does not often flower; and if it should throw up -a spike, it will perhaps be no loss to cut it off, as its leaves are its -best ornament, though the flowers too are interesting. Never at any time -does it require the least attention; it will stand any exposure; and is, -in a word, invaluable as a hardy ornamental plant. It will thrive best -in good and deep soil. South of Europe.</p> - -<p><b>*Acanthus spinosus.</b>—This species appears to flower well more regularly -than any other. Its leaves are rather narrow, and very deeply divided -into almost triangular segments: they are also covered with short -spines. The flowering-stems are about 3 ft. high, and bear dense spikes -of purplish flowers. Useful for borders, or grouping with the other -kinds and plants of similar character and size. South of Europe.</p> - -<p><b>*Adiantum pedatum.</b>—This fern, which abounds in the woods of Canada and -the United States, is unquestionably one of the most elegant of those -which are able to endure the climate of Britain, and grows from 16 ins. -to 20 ins. high. From the tops of the erect black stems<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_051" id="page_051"></a>{51}</span> the fronds -branch and spread horizontally in a very graceful and peculiar manner. -The leaflets are slightly wedge-shaped, the upper margin resembling an -arc of a circle. The American Maiden-hair flourishes in a light cool -soil, and in a half-shaded position, or in a coarsely-broken, shallow, -turfy peat soil, covered with a layer of moss to keep it constantly -cool. It is commonly grown in the greenhouse with us, but is especially -adapted for embellishing the low and shady parts of rockwork, and for -ornamenting beds and mounds of peaty soil which have a north aspect or -are sheltered from the full sun. It is propagated by division of the -tufts in autumn or early spring. If done in autumn, the divisions should -be potted and placed under a frame for the winter, as they form new -roots more readily if so treated. There can be no question that, if -planted in rich moist soil in a shady wood, we should have no trouble in -naturalising this graceful fern, the fronds of which are such graceful -objects in the dense woods of the “great country.”</p> - -<p><b>Agave americana.</b>—This and its variegated varieties are plants -peculiarly suited for subtropical gardening, being useful for placing -out of doors in summer in vases, tubs, or pots plunged in the ground, -and also for the conservatory in winter. It forms a large rosette of -thick fleshy leaves of a glaucous ashy-green colour, overlapping each -other at the base, from 4 ft. to 6½ ft. long, and from 6 ins. to 10 ins. -broad, ending in a strong spine, and having numerous spines along the -margin. When the plant flowers, which it does only once, and after -several years’ growth, it sends up a flowering-stem<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_052" id="page_052"></a>{52}</span> from 26 ft. to -nearly 40 ft. high. The flowers are of a yellowish-green colour, and are -very numerous on the ends of the chandelier-like branches. It will grow -in any moderately dry greenhouse or conservatory in winter, or even in a -large hall, and may be placed out of doors at the end of May and brought -in in October. All the varieties are easily increased from suckers. N. -America.</p> - -<p><b>*Agrostis nebulosa.</b>—This beautiful annual grass forms most delicate -feathery tufts about 1 ft. or 15 ins. in height, terminated when in -flower by graceful panicles of spikelets, which are at first of a -reddish-green colour, and afterwards change to a light red in the upper -part, the remaining two-thirds being of a deep green: the pedicels are -extremely slender and of a violet colour. It forms very handsome -edgings, and is very valuable for bouquets, vases, baskets, room and -table decoration, etc. If cut shortly before the seed ripens, and dried -in the shade, it will keep for a long time. Dyed in various colours it -is much used by makers of artificial flowers. It may be sown either in -September or in April or May. In the former case it will flower from May -to July, in the latter from July to September. The seed, being very -fine, should be only slightly covered. Though small, this deserves a -place in groups of the finer and dwarfer plants, such as <i>Thalictrum -minus</i>, and also in herbaceous borders. Spain.</p> - -<p><b>*Ailantus glandulosa.</b>—Much trouble and expense are incurred in the -purchase, growth, and protection of tender plants with fine compound -leaves like this, but which in our climate never display anything like -the fresh vigour, health, spotless appearance, and youthful<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_053" id="page_053"></a>{53}</span> grace -characteristic of hardy subjects. This is one of the most valuable of -the hardy trees which, if kept in a dwarf state by being planted young -and cut down annually, will furnish as good an effect as any tropical -plant. The Ailantus should be kept in a young state, with a single stem -clothed with its superb pinnate leaves; and we can readily keep it in -this form by planting it young and cutting it down annually, taking care -to prevent it from breaking into an irregular head, as then the symmetry -of the leaf beauty becomes confused and is not at all so effective as -when it is kept to a single stem. Vigorous young plants and suckers in -good soil will produce handsome, arching, elegantly divided leaves 5 ft. -and even 6 ft. long, not to be surpassed by those of any stove-plant. -Under such treatment it could be grown conveniently to about from 4 ft. -to 7 ft. high, and would thus do grandly for association with the larger -class of garden flowers—Gladioli, Dahlias, and Hollyhocks, for -example—while among Cannas and the like it will prove fine. The leaves -are not liable to be attacked by insects—a good point in a plant used -for the purpose I suggest—and they retain their healthy green till the -first frosts in November, when they suddenly drop off. It is propagated -with facility by cuttings of the roots, but is cheap in all nurseries. -China and Japan.</p> - -<p><b>*Aira pulchella.</b>—One of the most ornamental grasses, with numerous -hair-like stems, growing in light elegant tufts 6 ins. to 8 ins. high. -It is useful for forming very handsome edgings, or for interspersing -amongst plants in borders, or growing in vases or pots for -room-decoration.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_054" id="page_054"></a>{54}</span> Its delicate panicles give an additional charm to the -finest bouquets. May be sown either in September or in April. S. Europe.</p> - -<p><b>*Alisma Plantago.</b>—A native perennial water-plant, growing nearly 3 ft. -high, and bearing a very handsome pyramidal panicle of rosy-white -flowers from June to September. The leaves are oval-lance-shaped with a -cordate base, and are borne nearly erect on long stalks for some -distance above the surface of the water. A graceful object on the -margins of ponds, lakes, etc., where a plant of it transferred from any -place where it grows will soon increase.</p> - -<p><b>Alsophila excelsa.</b>—A noble tree-fern, native of Norfolk Island, where -it attains a height of 40 ft., crowned with a magnificent circular crest -of bipinnate fronds. These fronds or branches fall off every year, -leaving an indentation in the trunk. It stands well in the open air in -this country in shady, moist, and thoroughly well sheltered places. It -should be put out at the end of May, and taken indoors at the end of -September or early in October, and receive warm-greenhouse or -temperate-house treatment in winter. The same remarks apply to <i>A. -australis</i>, and probably others of the family will be found to thrive -well in the open air when sufficiently plentiful to be tried in that -position.</p> - -<h3>*THE AMARANTUSES.</h3> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">Among</span> the common annuals of our gardens I know of none more in want of -judicious use and appreciation than these. The few we grow are usually -treated as rough<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_055" id="page_055"></a>{55}</span> common annuals, and sown so thickly that they never -attain half their true development, or never fulfil any of the graceful -uses for which they are adapted. But the family possesses greater claims -on our attention by reason of the more recent additions to it. The old -“Love lies bleeding” (<i>A. caudatus</i>), with its dark-red pendent racemes, -is a very striking object when well grown, but <i>A. speciosus</i> and some -of the more recent varieties are still more so.</p> - -<p><b>*Amarantus caudatus.</b>—A hardy and vigorous-growing species, from 2 ft. -to 3¼ ft. high. Flowers from July to September, dark purplish, very -small, collected in numerous whorls, which are disposed in drooping -spikes so as to form a handsome pendent panicle. There is a variety -which has yellow flowers and is equally hardy. It is advisable to give -this plant plenty of room to spread; otherwise much of its picturesque -effect will be lost; and to use it in positions where its fine and -peculiar habit may be seen to advantage,—as, for example, in large -vases, edges of large beds of subtropical plants, or dotted among -low-growing flowering plants. Although as easily raised as any common -annual, it deserves to be properly thinned out, and each plant isolated -in rich ground, so that it may attain its full size. E. Indies.</p> - -<p><b>*Amarantus sanguineus.</b>—Is distinguished by the blood-red colour of its -leaves, and grows about 3 ft. high. Its purple flowers appear from July -to October, disposed partly in small heads in the axils of the upper -leaves, and partly in slender, flexible spikes which form a panicle more -or less branching. This plant, though a native of the East Indies, is -quite hardy, and seems to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_056" id="page_056"></a>{56}</span> do best in light soil with plenty of -leaf-mould and having a warm aspect. It may be sown in hotbeds in April -and pricked out in May, or in the open air at the end of April or -beginning of May, and, like the others, should never be allowed to get -crowded.</p> - -<p><b>*Amarantus speciosus.</b>—A very large kind, well adapted for associating -with subtropical plants, as it grows from 3 ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. -The flowers are very numerous, of a dark crimson purple, and arranged in -large erect spikes, forming a fine plumy panicle. The leaves are -suffused with a reddish tinge. Plants of this species are occasionally -met with having leaves with a light green centre surrounded by wavy -zones of a reddish hue. This colouring disappears at the time of -flowering. It is an effective subject in the autumn months. Culture, the -same as for the preceding kind. Nepaul.</p> - -<p><b>*Amarantus tricolor.</b>—Distinguished by the very handsome and remarkable -colouring of its leaves, which are of a fine transparent purplish-red, -or dark carmine, from the base to the middle. A large spot of lively -transparent yellow occupies the greater part of the upper end of the -leaf, and sometimes covers it altogether, with the exception of the -point, which is mostly green. The leaf-stalk is either of a light green -or yellow colour. Sometimes leaves occur which have the lower half green -and the upper part red. Another variety (<i>bicolor</i>) has leaves of a -tender green variously streaked with light yellow. It is rather -delicate, and requires very good soil, and a warm, open aspect. Another -variety (<i>bicolor ruber</i>) is hardier than the last-named, and has leaves -which are of a brilliant glistening scarlet when young, gradually<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_057" id="page_057"></a>{57}</span> -changing to a dark violet-red mixed with green. Another variety -(<i>ruber</i>) has a more squat and ramified habit, and leaves of a deep -rose-colour thickly clothing the stems. Other varieties recommended are -<i>elegantissimus</i> (with scarlet leaves), <i>Gordoni</i>, <i>melancholicus -ruber</i>, and <i>versicolor</i>, all having some claims as bedding plants. The -foliage of these varieties is exceedingly ornamental, and rivals the -finest flowers in the richness of its hues. Planted along with -large-leaved subjects, such as the Cannas, Wigandias, Ricinus, Solanums, -etc., the effect is very fine. They may also be advantageously employed -in borders and flower-beds of all sizes, and for fringing the edges of -shrubberies. The varieties of <i>A. tricolor</i> are a little more tender -than the other kinds, and a light soil and a warmer position are -necessary for them. They do well in gardens by the seaside. They should -be sown in April in a hotbed, pricked out in a hotbed, and finally -planted permanently about the end of May. <i>A. t. giganteus</i> is described -as very fine in recent catalogues of the nurserymen. To these may be -added a beautiful new kind, <i>A. salicifolius</i>, in the possession of the -Messrs. Veitch, but not yet sent out. It has highly coloured and very -long, narrow, and arching leaves, and is a singularly graceful and -brilliant object. E. Indies.</p> - -<p><b>*Andropogon squarrosus</b> is a hardy East Indian grass, which survives the -winter with but slight protection, making luxuriant tufts seven feet -high, or more, when in flower. It would probably make a beautiful object -in the warmer and milder parts of England and Ireland in good soil, but -it is not a subject which can with confidence be recommended for every -garden. However, all<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_058" id="page_058"></a>{58}</span> who value fine grasses should try it. Well-drained -and deep-sandy loam.</p> - -<h3>*ARALIAS.</h3> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">This</span> genus embraces many plants of very diverse aspects, and few that -are fitted for the open air in our climate; but in the case of <i>A. -canescens</i>, and its relative (<i>A. spinosa</i>), the Angelica-tree of North -America, we have subjects which thrive perfectly well in our gardens, -and which in the size and beauty of their leaves are far before many -“foliage-plants” carefully cultivated in hothouses at a perpetual -expense.</p> - -<p><b>*Aralia canescens.</b>—The specimen of this species figured was one of a -batch of young plants growing in a London nursery, and sketched in the -summer of 1868. The engraving falls far short of rendering the beauty of -the plant. It is easy to imagine what a graceful effect may be realised -by such an object, either isolated on the turf near the edge of a -shrubbery, or grouped with subjects of similar character. Success with -these plants may be secured by first selecting a sheltered and warm -position, so that their noble leaves may be well developed and not -lacerated by storms when they are fully grown; secondly, by giving them -a deep, free, and thoroughly-drained soil; and thirdly, by confining -them as a rule to a simple and rather dwarf stem, so that the vigour of -the individual may not be wasted in several branches. The effect of a -plant kept to a single stem, as shown in the plate, is always much -superior to that of a branched one. Young plants present this aspect -naturally; but old ones may be cut down,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_059" id="page_059"></a>{59}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_079_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_079_sml.jpg" width="308" height="330" alt="Image not available: ARALIA CANESCENS. - -Deciduous fine-leaved Shrub; hardy everywhere." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">ARALIA CANESCENS. -<br /> -Deciduous fine-leaved Shrub; hardy everywhere.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">when they will shoot vigorously. If the effect of a full-grown specimen -be desired, the shrubbery is the place for it. = <i>A. japonica (Hort.).</i></p> - -<p><b>*Aralia edulis.</b>—This is a vigorous herbaceous perennial, well suited -for those positions in which we desire a luxuriant type of vegetation. -It is perfectly hardy, is of a fresh and vigorous habit, and grows 6, 7, -and even 8 ft. high in good soil, even so early as the end of June. The -leaves attain a length of nearly a yard when the plant is strong, while -the shoots droop a little with their weight, and thus it acquires a -slightly weeping character. It is rare in this country now, but, being -easily propagated, may, it is to be hoped, not long prove so. As it dies -down rather early in autumn, it must not be put in important groups, but -rather in a position where its disappearance may not be noticed. An -isolated position, or one near the margin of an irregular shrubbery, -fernery, or rough rockwork by the side of a wood walk, will best suit -it. Japan. Division.</p> - -<p><b>*Aralia japonica.</b>—A valuable species, quite distinct from any of the -others, with undivided, fleshy, dark-green leaves. It is usually treated -as a green-house plant, but is hardy and makes a very ornamental and -distinct-looking shrub on soils with a dry porous bottom. It grows -remarkably well in the dwelling-house; in fact it is one of the very few -plants of like character that will develop their leaves therein in -winter. Not difficult to obtain, it may be used with advantage in the -flower-garden or pleasure-ground among medium-sized plants—say those -not more than a yard high. It would form striking isolated specimens on -the turf, and is also<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_060" id="page_060"></a>{60}</span> very suitable for grouping. A native of Japan. = -<i>A. Sieboldi.</i></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_082_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_082_sml.jpg" width="249" height="241" alt="Image not available: Aralia japonica." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Aralia japonica.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Aralia nudicaulis.</b>—A very vigorous perennial, with a smooth stem -scarcely rising out of the ground, bearing large leaves with -long-stalked, oval-oblong, pointed, toothed leaflets, and a shorter -naked flower-stem, with from two to seven umbels of blossoms. Roots -several feet long and highly aromatic. Similar uses to those directed -for <i>A. edulis</i>. North America.</p> - -<p><b>Aralia papyrifera</b> (<i>Chinese Rice-paper Plant</i>).—This, though a native -of the hot island of Formosa, flourishes vigorously with us in the -summer months, and is one of the most valuable plants in its way, being -useful for the greenhouse in winter and the flower-garden in summer. It -is handsome in leaf and free in growth, though to do well it must, like -all the large-leaved things,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_061" id="page_061"></a>{61}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_083_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_083_sml.jpg" width="269" height="253" alt="Image not available: Aralia papyrifera." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Aralia papyrifera.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">be protected from cutting breezes. If this Aralia be planted in a dwarf -and young state, it is likely to give more satisfaction than if planted -out when old and tall. The leaves spread widely out near the ground, and -then it is very ornamental through the summer. Prefer therefore dwarf -stocky plants when planting it in early summer. It should have rich, -deep soil and plenty of water during the hot summer months. For the -public gardens of Paris it is kept underground in caves during the -winter; but in private gardens it will doubtless be thought worthy of a -place in the greenhouse throughout that season. In Battersea Park a bed -of <i>A. papyrifera</i>, 13 ft in diameter, attained a height of 5 ft, from -cuttings struck in the spring of 1868. The plants were left out all<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_062" id="page_062"></a>{62}</span> the -next winter, and, although killed to the ground, the thick fleshy roots -next season produced numerous strong shoots or suckers. These were -produced irregularly, and so numerously that they had to be thinned out -in many places; a few spaces only requiring to be filled up. It is -easily increased by cuttings of the root, and is usually planted in -masses, edged with a dwarfer plant; but as a small group in the centre -of a bed of flowers, or even as an isolated specimen in a like position, -it is most excellent.</p> - -<p><b>*Aralia racemosa</b> (<i>American Spikenard</i>).—An herbaceous species, with -smooth, widely-branching, diverging stems, about 4 ft. in height, and -pinnate, slightly downy leaves with ovate heart-shaped leaflets. Flowers -numerous, white, in racemose umbels. Thrives best in good soil in shady -or half-shady positions. Similar positions, etc., to those for <i>A. -nudicaulis</i> and <i>edulis</i>. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Aralia spinosa</b> (<i>Angelica tree of North America</i>) is highly useful, in -consequence of its beauty of foliage, among subtropical plants. Like -many of the hardy things, it should not be placed in positions where it -would be necessary to remove it, nor closely associated with tender -plants requiring frequent disturbance of the soil Flowers in autumn, -small, white, in numerous umbels arranged on a much-branched panicle -beset with velvety stellate down. The leaves are twice and thrice -pinnate, with ovate, deeply serrated, smooth leaflets. In most cases it -grows with a single erect stem—the very type we require—and it should -not be allowed to depart from this habit. The stem is fiercely arrayed -with spines. On account of its umbrella-like head this fine thing has<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_063" id="page_063"></a>{63}</span> -often been planted in exposed open spaces, where it would produce a -distinct feature, but it is better planted where the great leaves will -not be lacerated. It generally grows not more than 10 ft. high; and in -every size from that down to a plant with a stem not more than 18 ins. -high, it may be effectively used in the ornamental garden. It is -propagated by cuttings of the roots. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>Aralia macrophylla</b> is a fine large digitate-leaved species which stands -summer exposure pretty well, but does not make any growth in the open -air; hence it can be but of comparatively slight importance for this -purpose. Norfolk Island.</p> - -<p><b>Areca sapida.</b>—A New Zealand palm from 6½ ft. to nearly 10 ft. high, -with a beautiful crown of bright-green pinnate leaves, which when young -are tinged with a bronze colour: leaflets from 16 ins. to 2 ft. in -length, lance-shaped. The young leafstalks are of a greyish red hue. A -fine palm for placing in the open air in summer, and equally so for the -conservatory in winter and spring. It is of very easy culture, if -supplied with plenty of water.</p> - -<p><b>Aristolochia Sipho.</b>—This well-known huge-leaved plant is capable of -being used with excellent effect where large and distinct foliage is -desired. Generally it is used as a wall plant; but it is far finer when -used to cover bowers or any like structure. I have seen a most effective -object formed by making the framework of a tent loosely with rough -boughs, and then planting the Aristolochia around it. It formed a dense -green and singular-looking wigwam. <i>A. tomentosa</i> is smaller, but -distinct in tone of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_064" id="page_064"></a>{64}</span> green, well worthy of a place, and to be employed -in like manner. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Artemisia anethifolia.</b>—A hardy perennial species about 4 ft. high, -with a simple round stem, woody at the base, and branching vertically -above, clothed from about a foot above the ground with much-divided -leaves, the segments of which are almost thread-like. Flowers very -numerous, small, in a dense, large, terminal panicle, with erect -branches. Useful in groups, or as isolated specimens in beds or borders. -Division.</p> - -<p><b>*Artemisia annua</b> (<i>Annual Wormwood</i>).—An exceedingly graceful kind of -wormwood, with tall stems reaching to a height of 5 ft. or 6 ft. in a -season; the foliage is small and fine, and the flowers inconspicuous but -arranged in not inelegant panicles. The hue of the plant is a peculiarly -fresh and pleasing green, and it forms an elegant object in the centre -of a flower-bed or group with plants of like character. Raised from seed -as easily as any half-hardy annual.</p> - -<p><b>*Artemisia gracilis.</b>—An exceedingly graceful plant, 3 or 4 ft. high, -with leaves cut into very fine hair-like segments, having some -resemblance to fennel or other umbelliferous plants with minutely-cut -leaves, and of a deep grass-green, except in the hearts of the shoots, -where the young leaves are unfolding, where there is a slight hoary -pubescence. The flowers are in compound panicles, quite obscure, of a -pale green, not at all ornamental in the common sense, but forming a not -ungraceful inflorescence. However, the plant is only likely to be grown -for its graceful foliage and habit, and the flowers, which only appear -in autumn, may be<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_065" id="page_065"></a>{65}</span> pinched off if not admired. Similar positions to -those recommended for the preceding species. Seed.</p> - -<p><b>*Arum crinitum.</b>—The appearance of this plant when in flower is very -grotesque from the singular shape of its broad, speckled, contorted -spathe. The leaves are divided into five or seven deep segments, the -central division being much broader than the others, and the -leaf-stalks, overlapping each other, form a sort of spurious stem a foot -or 14 ins. high, marbled and spotted with purplish-black. The treatment -for this plant is similar to that given for <i>A. Dracunculus</i>; but as it -is rather more tender, it will require more care and shelter in winter. -Warm borders, fringes of shrubberies, or beds of the smaller subtropical -plants, will suit it best. The appearance of the flower is almost too -repulsive for the nerves of some persons. Division. S. of Europe.</p> - -<p><b>*Arum Dracunculus.</b>—A strange-looking but handsome plant, with a white -stem curiously marbled with black, about 3 ft. high, and very deeply cut -palm-like leaves, broadly veined and spotted with white. The spathe is -of a pale green colour on the outside and of a deep purple-violet -within, and, as well as the flowers, exhales a powerful carrion odour. -Requires a light, deep, and dry soil, and does best in half-shady -positions. Easily multiplied by division in spring or autumn. It is best -fitted for the fringes of shrubberies, etc., or among the vegetation -that sometimes starts from the bottoms of warm walls. S. of Europe.</p> - -<p><b>*Arum italicum.</b>—This plant, which is a native of the Isle of Wight and -the Channel Islands, resembles the common <i>A. maculatum</i> in habit and in -the shape of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_066" id="page_066"></a>{66}</span> its leaves, which are, however, of a dark bluish-green -colour, handsomely spotted with white, and marked with yellow veinings. -Although it is a very hardy plant, and will thrive almost anywhere in -moist soil and a shady position, it will be better to place it in -sheltered positions along the sunny fronts of shrubberies, amidst -low-spreading evergreens, and in cosy spots about the flanks of rock -work and ferneries, to prevent its handsome foliage from being -disfigured by cold wintry winds. One great merit of this is that it may -be used to ornament positions in which few other plants will -thrive,—as, for instance, under trees, groups of shrubs, etc. Easily -multiplied by division in the end of summer and in autumn. S. of Europe.</p> - -<p><b>*Arundo conspicua.</b>—A companion for the Pampas grass, though by no means -equal to it, as has been stated by some writers. In some very fine deep -and free sandy loams it attains a height of nearly 12 ft., but this is -rare. As a conservatory subject it is fine in flower, and it will be -often seen in large conservatories after a few years. A large pot or tub -will be necessary if it is grown indoors. The drooping foliage will -always prove graceful, and it sends up long silvery plumes, drooping -also, and strikingly beautiful. Judging by its different appearance when -freely grown in a tub indoors, and when planted out even in favourable -spots, my impression is that it by no means takes so kindly to our -northern climate as the Pampas grass. However, it is well worth growing, -even in districts where it does not attain a great development. It comes -into flower before the Pampas grass, and may be considered as a sort of -forerunner of that magnificent herb. New Zealand.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_067" id="page_067"></a>{67}</span></p> - -<p><b>*Arundo Donax.</b>—This great reed of the south of Europe is a very noble -plant on good soils. In the south of England it forms canes 10 ft. high, -and has a very distinct and striking aspect. It will grow higher than -that if put in a rich deep soil in a favoured locality; and those who so -plant clumps of it on the turf in their pleasure-grounds will not be -disappointed at the result. Nothing can be finer than the aspect of this -plant when allowed to spread out into a mass on the turf of the -flower-garden or pleasure-ground. It seems much to prefer deep sandy -soils to heavy ones; indeed, I have known it refuse to grow on heavy -clay soil, and flourish most luxuriantly on a deep sandy loam in the -same district. Like all large-leaved plants, it loves shelter. No garden -or pleasure-ground in the southern parts of England and Ireland should -be without a tuft of it in a sheltered spot. But, fine as it is for -effect and distinctness, its variegated variety is of more value for the -flower-garden proper.</p> - -<p><b>*Arundo Donax versicolor.</b>—We have already noticed several fine things -for grouping together, or for standing alone on the turf and near the -margin of a shrubbery-border, and this is as well suited for close -association with the choicest bedding-flowers as an Adiantum frond is -with a bouquet. It will be found hardy in the southern counties, and, -considerably north of London, may be saved by a little mound of -cocoa-fibre, sifted coal-ashes, or any like material that may be at -hand. In consequence of its effective variegation, it never assumes a -large development, like the green or normal form of the species, but -keeps dwarf, and yet thoroughly<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_068" id="page_068"></a>{68}</span> graceful. It is of course best suited -for warm, free, and good soils, and abhors clay, though it is quite -possible to grow it even on that with a little attention to the -preparation of the ground. But it is in all cases better to avoid things -that will not grow freely and gracefully on whatever soil we may have to -deal with: and it is to those having gardens on good sandy soils, and in -the warmer parts of England, that I would specially recommend this grand -variegated subject. For a centre to a circular bed nothing can surpass -it in the summer and autumn flower-garden, while numerous other charming -uses may be made of it. Not the least happy of these would be to plant a -tuft of it on the green turf, in a warm spot, near a group of choice -shrubs, to help, with many other things named, to fill up the gap that -is now nearly everywhere observed between ordinary fleeting flowers and -the taller tree and shrub vegetation. It is better to leave the plant in -the ground, in a permanent position, than to take it up annually. -Protect the roots in the winter, whether it be planted in the middle of -a flower-bed or by itself in a little circle on the grass. Increased by -placing a shoot or stem in a tank of water, when little plants with -roots will soon start from every joint; they should be cut off, potted, -and placed in frames, where they will soon become strong enough for -planting out.</p> - -<p><b>*Arundo Phragmites</b> (<i>Common Reed</i>).—A native marsh-or water-plant, 5 -ft. or 6 ft. high, bearing when in flower a large, handsome, spreading, -purplish panicle. The stems are smooth, simple, very erect, and grow -closely together. The plant is only attractive when in flower, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_069" id="page_069"></a>{69}</span> its -flat, ribbon-like leaves do not of themselves present any very striking -appearance. Useful for the margins of artificial waters, etc., to which -it may be brought from its wild haunts. It should, however, if possible, -be kept in one spot and not allowed to spread too much.</p> - -<p><b>*Asclepias Cornuti.</b>—A handsome hardy perennial from N. America, sending -up from its running, underground rootstock a number of erect, unbranched -stems, from 4 ft. to 6½ ft. high, thickly covered with large opposite -oval leaves. The flowers are of a light rose-colour, and agreeably -fragrant, and are borne in large umbels at the tops of the stems. The -plant does well in almost any kind of soil or position, and is well -adapted for planting in places which do not require much attention. As -it spreads very rapidly at the root, it is better to exclude it from -small beds or gardens, which would soon be overrun by it. Several other -species are in cultivation, the best of which are <i>A. speciosa</i> -(Douglasii), <i>A. incarnata</i>, and <i>A. tuberosa</i>.</p> - -<p><b>*Asparagus Broussoneti</b> (<i>Giant Asparagus</i>).—A vigorous, climbing -asparagus, with a tapering, shrubby stem, 10 or 12 ft. high. The flowers -are small and inconspicuous, and are followed by numerous small red -berries. An excellent subject for tall trellises, rustic bowers, stumps -of trees, tall poles, etc. Canary Islands.</p> - -<p><b>Asplenium Nidus-avis.</b>—This is a remarkable fern, which has been placed -out of doors in the garden in summer, from early in June to October; but -it is not vigorous or hardy enough to be generally recommended for this -purpose. However, as it may have been noticed in abundance at Battersea -Park, I allude to it here. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_070" id="page_070"></a>{70}</span> leaves are rather broad, pointed, and -undulating, nearly 3 ft. long, and form roundish, spreading, nest-like -tufts. It is a favourite subject in places where large collections of -tropical ferns are grown, and in such places a plant may be tried in the -open air in a very warm, shady, and perfectly sheltered position. E. -Indies.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_092_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_092_sml.jpg" width="344" height="193" alt="Image not available: Asplenium Nidus-avis." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Asplenium Nidus-avis.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Astilbe rivularis.</b>—A large-leaved and striking plant from Nepaul, with -the habit and general appearance of a <i>Spiræa</i>, growing to a height of -more than 3 ft., and of a free and graceful habit, which makes it useful -for association with the finer-foliaged herbaceous plants, and for -dotting here and there in the wild or picturesque garden. It keeps its -foliage well through the season, unlike some herbaceous plants, and is -therefore all the more valuable. Flowers late in summer, small, -yellowish-white, in large panicled spikes. The radical leaves are broad, -twice ternate with toothed divisions, and the base of the leaf-stalk is -covered with numerous rough tawny hairs. Being<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_071" id="page_071"></a>{71}</span> pretty hardy, the -Astilbe usually succeeds well in any cool rich soil, and best in -half-shaded positions. Easily multiplied by division. It is suited for -isolation, borders, fringes of shrubberies, or for groups of hardy -plants.</p> - -<p>*<b>Astilbe rubra.</b>—A very pretty and hardy plant, also resembling a. -<i>Spiræa</i> in habit and appearance, and growing from 4 ft. to 6 ft. high. -The leaves are twice ternate, with oblique, heart-shaped leaflets, 1 in. -to 2 ins. long, and with lengthened serrated points. The flowers are -numerous, in dense panicles, and of a rose-colour, appearing late in -summer and in autumn. The same positions, etc., as those for the -preceding kind. North America, Japan, and mountains of Northern India.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa.</b>—I wish to call the attention of all horticulturists who live -in the southern and more favoured parts of these islands to the fact -that there are several bamboos and bamboo-like plants from rather cool -countries that are well worth planting. Nothing can exceed the grace of -a bamboo of any kind if freely grown; but if starved in a crowded house, -or grown in a cold dry place, where the graceful shoots cannot arch -forth in all their native beauty, nothing can be more miserable in -aspect. In cold bad soils and exposed dry places in the British Isles -these bamboos have little chance; but, on the other hand, they will be -found to make most graceful objects in many a sheltered nook in the -south and southwestern parts of England and Ireland. We have some -knowledge of the capabilities of one kind in this country. In a -well-sheltered moist spot at Bicton I have seen <i>Bambusa falcata</i> send -up young shoots, long and graceful, like the slenderest of fishing-rods, -while the older ones<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_072" id="page_072"></a>{72}</span> were branched into a beautiful mass of light -foliage of a distinct type. The same plant grows in the county of Cork -to a height of nearly 20 ft. This is the best known kind we have. At -Paris I was fortunate enough to observe various other kinds doing very -well indeed, although the climate is not so suitable as that of Cork or -Devon. These were <i>Bambusa edulis</i>, <i>aurea</i>, <i>nigra</i>, <i>Simonii</i>, -<i>mitis</i>, <i>Metake</i>, and <i>viridi-glaucescens</i>, the first and last of this -group being very free and good. All the others will prove hardy in the -south of England and Ireland, though, as some of them have not yet been -tried there, it requires the test of actual experiment. Those who wish -to begin cautiously had better take <i>B. Simonii</i>, <i>viridi-glaucescens</i>, -and <i>edulis</i> to commence with, as they are the most certainly hardy, so -far as I have observed. The best way to treat any of these plants, -obtained in summer or autumn, would be to grow them in a cool frame or -pit till the end of April, then harden them off for a fortnight or so, -and plant out in a nice warm spot, sheltered also, with good free -soil—taking care that the roots are carefully spread out, and giving a -good free watering to settle the soil. There are no plants more worthy -of attention than these where the climate is at all favourable, and -there are numerous moist nooks near the sea-side where they will be -found to grow most satisfactorily, as well as in the south.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa aurea.</b>—A very hardy and graceful Chinese species, differing -but slightly from <i>B. viridi-glaucescens</i> in size and habit, and forming -elegant tufts with its slender much-branched stems, which attain a -height of from 6½ ft. to 10 ft., and are of a light-green colour when<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_073" id="page_073"></a>{73}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_095_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_095_sml.jpg" width="286" height="433" alt="Image not available: BAMBUSA AUREA. - -Thriving in warm and mild southern districts." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">BAMBUSA AUREA. -<br /> -Thriving in warm and mild southern districts.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">young, changing into a yellowish hue, and finally becoming of a -straw-yellow when fully grown. The leaves are lance-shaped acute, light -green, and are distinguished from those of <i>B. viridi-glaucescens</i> by -having their under surface less glaucescent, and the sheath always -devoid of the long silky hairs. The preliminary remarks on culture, -etc., will apply to all the species here described.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa edulis.</b>—A hardy and vigorous kind, with very elegant -light-green shoots and olive-green stems, attaining a height of 10 ft. -in the neighbourhood of Paris. The leaves are small, and the plant is -not nearly so branching as in some other kinds.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa falcata</b> (<i>Arundinaria falcata</i>).—A very ornamental species -from Nepaul and the Himalayas, and at present the only kind of bamboo -much planted with us. It grows from 7 ft. to 20 ft. high, and has woody, -twisted, smooth stems of a yellowish-green or straw-colour, knotty, -bearing on one side of each of the knots a bundle of small branches -equally knotty and twisted. The whole plant has a pale yellowish hue, -except in the young spikelets and sheaths, which are occasionally -purplish. The leaves are of a fine delicate green, from 4 ins. to 6 ins. -long, ribbon-like, linear-acute, sickle-shaped, in two rows, -short-stalked, and sheathing. It is hardy over the greater part of -England and Ireland, but only attains full development in the south and -west. I have seen it attain great luxuriance in Devon, and nearly 20 ft. -high near Cork, though in many districts it is stunted. It loves a deep, -sandy, and rich soil, and plenty of moisture when growing fast.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa Fortunei.</b>—A pretty dwarf variegated<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_074" id="page_074"></a>{74}</span> species from Japan, of -which I have not seen the green form in cultivation, with very dwarf, -slender, branching, hollow, half-shrubby stems, seldom growing more than -18 ins. high, and with very short internodes. The leaves are 3½ ins. to -8 ins. long, linear-lance-shaped, abruptly pointed, somewhat rounded at -the base, serrated and often fringed with long hairs on the margin, -downy on both sides; they are distinctly variegated, the transverse -veins being often of a bottle-green colour; stalks very short and hairy. -This kind has proved hardy in our gardens, but it has not the charm of -grace possessed by the other kinds, and is chiefly desirable in -collections of variegated and edging plants.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa japonica</b> (<i>B. Metake</i>).—A large-leaved and rather dwarf -species from Japan, growing from 4 ft. to 7 ft. high, with erect -thickly-tufted stems, which are entirely covered by the sheaths of the -leaves; the branches are also erect. The leaves are lance-shaped, with a -very sharp point, dark green, persistent, narrowed into a short -leaf-stalk, and nearly a foot long. This species sometimes flowers with -extraordinary profusion at the expense of a portion of the foliage, -which withers away and leaves the naked stems exposed. This may, -however, be prevented to some extent, by placing the plants on mounds -somewhat above the level of the surrounding soil. I have seen it thrive -very freely in the late Mr. Borrer’s garden in Sussex, and in one or two -other places. It loves a peat soil, or a very free moist and deep loam, -and runs a good deal at the root.</p> - -<p><b>Bambusa mitis.</b>—A fine and vigorous kind from Cochin China, somewhat -tenderer than most of the other<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_075" id="page_075"></a>{75}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_099_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_099_sml.jpg" width="426" height="452" alt="Image not available: BAMBUSA FALCATA. - -Hardy Bamboo Section; growing 16 to 20 feet high in the milder southern -parts of England and Ireland." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">BAMBUSA FALCATA. -<br /> -Hardy Bamboo Section; growing 16 to 20 feet high in the milder southern -parts of England and Ireland.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">kinds enumerated, though no doubt it will be found to thrive in the -milder southern districts; or it may be found useful if grown in the -conservatory in winter and placed out in the open air in summer, as is -sometimes done with <i>B. arundinacea</i>, which otherwise could not possibly -be seen out of doors in our climate. Panicle simple, erect, close; -spikes long, imbricated. Leaves rather large, lance-shaped, striated, -clasping the stem, which is woody and tapering; nodes rather distant, -and not very prominent.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa nigra.</b>—A rather compact-growing Chinese kind, with nearly -solid stems, and thinner leaves than those of any other species. The -stems are smooth and bushy, about 7 ft. high, of a light green, dotted -and striped with purple when young, changing to a glistening black when -fully grown; they branch very much at the top, and sometimes from the -base up. The leaves are oval-oblong, acute, shortly-stalked, with a -hard, dry, persistent sheath; their tender green colour contrasting -finely with the blackish hue of the stems. It is best planted as -isolated specimens near the margins of shrubberies, or on slopes in the -pleasure-ground in warm, sunny, and sheltered positions, in deep, sandy, -and well-drained soil.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa Quilioi.</b>—A Japanese species of vigorous growth, with robust -green stems and bright-green leaves, polished above and slightly mealy -beneath, the ligule bearing a little bundle of brownish-grey hairs at -the top. This kind I first saw in the gardens of the Acclimatisation -Society at Paris, where it was thriving vigorously, and I have little -doubt of its proving valuable in Britain.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa Simonii.</b>—A handsome, distinct, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_076" id="page_076"></a>{76}</span> vigorous species, which -has grown very freely for some years past in the neighbourhood of Paris. -The stems are numerous and grow as much as 10 ft. high in a season. They -are mealy-glaucous at the joints, and the branchlets are numerous and -rather closely crowded. The leaves are narrow, sometimes nearly a foot -long, and are occasionally striped with white. This species, which was -obtained from China some years since, has thriven very well in the -gardens at Paris, where M. Carrière first drew my attention to it. From -what I have seen it do there I have no doubt it will prove of great -value in the milder southern parts of England and Ireland.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa violascens.</b>—A hardy and vigorous kind, intermediate between -<i>B. nigra</i> and <i>B. viridi-glaucescens</i>, most resembling the -last-mentioned however. It has blackish-violet much-branched stems, -which assume a yellow tinge with age. The leaves are green above, -bluish-grey beneath, with an elongated ligule surrounded by a bundle of -black hairs. Native of China.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa viridi-glaucescens.</b>—A species from Northern China, which has -been proved very hardy and free in the Paris gardens, and will, -probably, in warm parts of our islands, make a more vigorous growth and -prove a more beautiful object than any other kind. The stems, of a -light-yellowish-green, grow from 7 ft. to 12 ft. high, branching from -the base, each branch again branching very much. The leaves are very -numerous, especially at the ends of the branches, of a pale-green, -bluish underneath, sheathing the stem for a considerable length. It -forms a fine object when planted as isolated specimens in sheltered warm -glades in the pleasure-ground, or in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_077" id="page_077"></a>{77}</span> snug open spots near wood-walks, -in very deep, rich, light, and well-drained soil.</p> - -<p><b>*Bambusa viridis striata.</b>—Described as a vigorous-growing, hardy kind, -with numerous branches, having its long leaves green on both sides, and -marked with bands, some of a yellowish and others of a deeper green. It -is a native of Japan, and was recommended by MM. Thibaut and Ketteleer -of Paris, but I have had no experience of its growth.</p> - -<p><b>*Baptisia australis.</b>—A handsome hardy perennial from N. America, -forming strong bushy tufts from 3 ft. to 5 ft. high, and from 3 ft. to 6 -ft. across, with sea-green trifoliate leaves which reflect a metallic -lustre. The flowers are of a delicate blue, with wings of a -greenish-white colour, and are borne in long erect spikes. Grows well in -ordinary, deep, well-drained soil, preferring a sandy loam. <i>B. -exaltata</i> and <i>B. alba</i> are closely allied to the preceding species, and -form equally handsome bushes. The foliage of these is of a character to -permit of their being grouped along with some of the finer perennial -foliage-plants with good effect. Division.</p> - -<p><b>*Berberis Aquifolium.</b>—A well-known shrub from N. America, with simple -stems from 3¼ ft. to 6½ ft. high, and very glistening, bright green -leaves, each consisting of 7 or 9 sessile, oval, spiny leaflets. Where -the plant is fully exposed to the sun, the foliage frequently acquires -an agreeable reddish tinge. There are numerous varieties, of which <i>B. -floribunda</i> may be mentioned as very handsome in habit and profuse in -flower, and <i>B. nitens</i>, remarkable for the extremely glossy appearance -of the old leaves, which when young are of a rich bronze<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_078" id="page_078"></a>{78}</span> changing to a -dark green. This variety is of a dwarf and compact habit. It requires a -shady situation and a compost of peat, loam, and sand. Though so very -common, it will be found worth planting in some places among groups of -hardy things, and also for isolation on the turf, its leaves being very -ornamental.</p> - -<p><b>*Berberis Bealii.</b>—This is perhaps the finest of all the hardy species, -whether as regards foliage or flower, while the fruit, in colour and -size, surpasses that of any other kind. The leaflets vary to a very -great degree on the same plant, both in form and size, some being 5 ins. -long and 3½ ins. broad, the average size being 3 ins. long by 2 ins. -broad: some again are nearly square, while others are long and narrow, -with a very stiff triangular point. Shade, shelter from gusts of wind, -and rich, well-manured soil are absolutely necessary to do full justice -to the merits of this species. By pruning it to a single stem, it may be -made to assume a very effective palm-like character. It is easily -propagated from seed; a single berry frequently producing three plants. -Being a noble subject for quiet half-shady wood-walks in peat or moist -sandy loam, it should be much planted in the southern and milder -districts. Where it thrives freely, it would prove a fine object on the -margins of shrubberies grouped with the hardy “subtropical” plants, or -indeed in any position.</p> - -<p><b>*Berberis japonica.</b>—A very handsome species, 5 ft. or 6 ft. high, with -very leathery, pinnate, spiny leaves, from 1 ft. to 18 ins. long, -slightly tinged with pink when first opened, then becoming pale green, -and finally changing to dark green blotched with yellow. Flowers yellow, -in large racemes, succeeded by large handsome<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_079" id="page_079"></a>{79}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_106_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_106_sml.jpg" width="305" height="362" alt="Image not available: BERBERIS NEPALENSIS. - -Fine-leaved evergreen shrub Section; very effective when well-grown, in -the warmer southern districts." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">BERBERIS NEPALENSIS. -<br /> -Fine-leaved evergreen shrub Section; very effective when well-grown, in -the warmer southern districts.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">clusters of purple berries. This is also a fine kind for half-shady -walks, and for similar positions and soil to those recommended for <i>B. -Bealii</i>. Japan.</p> - -<p><b>*Berberis nepalensis.</b>—The noble habit of this plant makes it peculiarly -valuable, possessing, as it does, the grace of a luxuriant fern with the -rigidity of texture and port of a Cycas. The leaves are occasionally 2 -ft. in length and of a pale green colour, sometimes with eight pairs of -leaflets and an odd one: some of the leaflets 6 ins. long and nearly 2 -ins. broad, with coarse spiny teeth on the margin. The inflorescence is -very striking and beautiful. The Nepaul Barberry is one of those -subjects that are too hardy to perish in our climate, yet which do not -usually attain perfect development in it. It exists about London in the -open air, and flowers in early spring; but the leaves seldom attain -one-fourth of their full development, and the plant scarcely ever -displays its vigorous grace. In mild parts, principally in the south and -south-west, it grows more freely, and when judiciously placed in -sheltered positions, in deep and rather sandy soil, it becomes a -beautiful object. Where it thrives in the open air, it may be most -tastefully used in the more open spots near the hardy fernery, here and -there among “American plants,” or other choice shrubs with simple -leaves, and also isolated in the grass a little way from the margin of -the shrubbery in sheltered spots in the pleasure-ground. It should also, -in places favourable to its growth in the open air, prove very useful as -a hardy “subtropical” plant. Where it does not thrive well in the open -air, it should not be planted. Nepaul.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_080" id="page_080"></a>{80}</span></p> - -<p><b>*Beta cicla variegata</b> (<i>Chilian Beet</i>).—Under this name a very showy -plant has recently come into cultivation. When well grown the leaves are -often more than a yard long, and present a vivid and most striking -coloration. Their midribs are 4 ins. or more across, and vary from a -dark deep waxy orange to vivid polished crimson. The splendid hue of the -lower part of the leaf-stalk flows on towards the point, and spreads in -smaller streams through the main veins and ramifications of the great -soft blade of the leaf, which is often 1 ft. and even 15 ins. in -diameter, if the plant be in rich ground. The under sides of the leaves -are most richly coloured, and the habit such that these sides are well -seen. It requires the treatment of an annual—to be raised in a gently -heated frame, and afterwards planted out in very rich ground, though it -may also be kept over the winter in pots. It varies a good deal from -seed, and the most striking individuals should be selected before the -plants are put out. Used sparingly, its effect would perhaps be more -telling than if in quantity, and it is well suited for isolation. Chili.</p> - -<p><b>*Bocconia cordata.</b>—This is a fine plant in free soil, but comparatively -poor in that which is bad or very stiff. It forms handsome erect tufts -from 5 ft. to over 8 ft. high, and is admirably suited for embellishing -the irregular or sloping parts of pleasure-grounds. The stems grow -rather closely together, and are thickly set with large, reflexed, -deeply-veined, oval-cordate leaves, the margins of which are somewhat -lobed or sinuated. The flowers, which are rosy-white and very numerous, -are borne in very large terminal panicles. The flowers are not in -themselves pretty, but the inflorescence, when the plant is well grown,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_081" id="page_081"></a>{81}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_109_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_109_sml.jpg" width="361" height="320" alt="Image not available: BLECHNUM BRASILIENSE. - -Dwarf tender Tree Fern: in sheltered shady dells during the summer -months." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">BLECHNUM BRASILIENSE. -<br /> -Dwarf tender Tree Fern: in sheltered shady dells during the summer -months.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">has a distinct and pleasing appearance. The plant is seen to best effect -when isolated, and does well in ordinary garden-soil or free sandy loam. -It attains its greatest size when placed in the angle of two walls which -shelter it from the north and east, which seems to indicate that it does -not like sudden changes of temperature and light. It should not be -stirred too often, nor divided for several years. It will prove a good -thing for associating with other fine hardy plants in bold groups. Seed -or cuttings. China.</p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 136px;"> -<a href="images/i_111_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_111_sml.jpg" width="136" height="255" alt="Image not available: Bocconia cordata." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Bocconia cordata.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>Bocconia frutescens.</b>—A vigorous-growing Mexican shrub, 3½ ft. to nearly -6 ft. high, with few and very brittle branches, large, sea-green, -handsome leaves, and greenish flowers. Very effective when placed on -grass-plats, either in groups, or as isolated specimens. It requires a -somewhat warmer climate than ours to thrive well, though it is sometimes -seen in fair condition in the London parks. A mixture of free sandy loam -and peat, well-drained ground, and an airy position are necessary. -Multiplied by sowing in a hotbed in spring, and may be placed out from -June to the end of September. It is difficult to propagate it by -cuttings.</p> - -<p><b>*Brassica oleracea crispa.</b>—A handsome kind of cabbage nearly 4 ft. -high, with elegantly-cut arching<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_082" id="page_082"></a>{82}</span> leaves, the divisions of which are -finely curled or frizzled. In autumn and winter it may be advantageously -employed in the embellishment of winter-gardens, the leaves being at -their best during that part of the year.</p> - -<p>A still more striking subject is <i>B. o. palmifolia</i>, which attains a -height of 6½ ft., and bears its leaves near the summit of the stem, -having quite a palm-like appearance in the end of the summer and in -autumn. This kind might be used with good effect in various positions, -as its “cabbage” character is not so evident. The fact of their being -cabbages prevents many people from using these really ornamental plants.</p> - -<p>The variegated Kales have been much employed and with a very good result -in the winter-garden at Wardie Lodge in Scotland and in other places: -they lose their beauty early in spring. “To keep them dwarf and compact, -and to bring out their fine colours,” say Messrs. Stuart and Mein, “we -sow at the beginning of March thinly. After the plants are a moderate -size, we transplant them into a poorish soil, in an open space of -ground, but not too closely together. They remain there until they are -wanted for use, when they are removed at any time to the winter-garden. -We plant out into our beds in November, and keep the heads with their -foliage close to the ground. We cut off all the lower rough leaves, -leaving the rich-coloured head or centre, which in all weathers will be -found to stand up neat and trim, even in bright frosty weather. As the -plants are thus much reduced in size, they can be planted much closer in -the beds. We may add that, as in other hybrids, worthless plants will -occasionally make their appearance: these we discard. No<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_083" id="page_083"></a>{83}</span> plants should -be selected for the beds except those showing pleasing shades of -colour.”</p> - -<p><b>Brexia madagascariensis.</b>—A handsome shrub with a slender erect stem -(which sometimes attains a height of 25 ft. or 30 ft. in its native -country, but with us is seldom seen more than a fourth of that), clothed -with alternate, leathery, long, rather narrow, light-green leaves, -nearly or quite smooth at the margin. It is one of the tropical -stove-plants that have stood well in the open air from June to early in -October, but very few places can spare it for this purpose. It requires -ordinary stove culture during winter and spring, and should only be -placed out after having made a strong growth, and having that growth -hardened off. Madagascar.</p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 152px;"> -<a href="images/i_113_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_113_sml.jpg" width="152" height="210" alt="Image not available: Buphthalmum speciosum." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Buphthalmum speciosum.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Buphthalmum speciosum.</b>—A hardy, distinct, and vigorous herbaceous -plant, the stems of which are stout, very slightly branching, and about -4 ft. high, with broad, oval-acute leaves mostly clustered around the -base of the plant, the lower ones falling gracefully towards the earth. -The flowers, which have a red or purple disk and yellow rays, are more -than 2 ins. across, and are terminal, solitary, long-stalked, borne in -the axils of the upper leaves, and appear in June, July, or August, -according to the season. The plant seldom<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_084" id="page_084"></a>{84}</span> flowers well before the third -year. It is of easy culture in any soil, is increased by division in -autumn, winter, or spring, and is best fitted for association with the -more vigorous herbaceous plants in rough places. S. of Europe.</p> - -<p><b>Caladium esculentum.</b>—This species has, for outdoor work, proved the -best of a large genus with very fine foliage. It is only in the midland -and southern counties of Great Britain that it can be advantageously -grown, so far as I have observed; but its grand outlines and aspect when -well developed make it worthy of all attention, and of a prominent -position wherever the climate is warm enough for its growth. It may be -used with great effect in association with many fine foliage-plants; but -<i>Ferdinanda</i>, <i>Ricinus</i>, and <i>Wigandia</i> usually grow too strong for it, -and, if planted too close, injure it. This may have been noticed -particularly in cases where it was used as a bordering to masses of the -strong-growing kinds above named. For all kinds of stonework, vases, -etc., it is peculiarly effective and beautiful. This plant, requires, -above all others, a thoroughly-drained, light, rich, warm soil. In times -of great heat, it should be plentifully watered, and occasionally with -liquid manure. The month of May is the best time for planting it out; -and if groups are formed, the plants should have an interval of 2 ft. or -2½ ft. between them. The foliage generally arrives at its full beauty -and development in August and September. At the approach of cold frosty -weather, all the leaves, or all but the central one, should be cut down -to within an inch or two from the crown, and a few days afterwards the -tubers should be taken up and left on the ground for a few hours to -dry:<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_085" id="page_085"></a>{85}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_115_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_115_sml.jpg" width="274" height="266" alt="Image not available: CALADIUM ESCULENTUM. - -Tender Section; displaying noble leaves during summer in the warmer -parts of the southern counties." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">CALADIUM ESCULENTUM. -<br /> -Tender Section; displaying noble leaves during summer in the warmer -parts of the southern counties.</span> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_118_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_118_sml.jpg" width="380" height="302" alt="Image not available: COLOCASIA ODORATA. - -Tender stove Section; will endure exposure only during summer in the -warmest parts of the southern counties." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">COLOCASIA ODORATA. -<br /> -Tender stove Section; will endure exposure only during summer in the -warmest parts of the southern counties.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">they should then be stored on the shelves of a greenhouse, or in a -cellar or other place where they will be sheltered from frost and -moisture. By placing the tubers in a hotbed in March, plants may be -obtained with well-grown leaves for planting out in the open air about -the end of May or the beginning of June. New Zealand.</p> - -<p><b>Caladium odorum</b> (<i>Colocasia odora</i>).—A very striking plant, with stout -stems usually from 3 ft. to 8 ft. in height, but growing much taller in -a warm stove. The leaves are erect, very broad, and heart-shaped, marked -with strong veinings, and frequently measure more than 3¼ ft. in length. -The flowers are exceedingly fragrant. It is a fine subject for isolation -on grass-plats, its tall arborescent habit distinguishing it from all -the other species; but it is unfortunately too tender to thrive in our -climate except in sunny sheltered dells in the southern parts, and -should not be planted out until June. E. Indies.</p> - -<p><b>*Calla æthiopica</b> (<i>Lily of the Nile</i>).—This well-known plant may be -grown either as an aquatic in pieces of ornamental water, -fountain-basins, etc., or in the open ground in cool, moist soil, and -equally well in positions exposed to the full sun and in those which are -shaded. Being so very distinct in leaf and beautiful in bloom, this old -favourite will be seen to as much advantage grouped with the smaller -fine-leaved plants in beds as ever it has been in our stoves or windows. -S. Africa.</p> - -<h3>*THE CANNAS.</h3> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">If</span> there were no plants of handsome habit and graceful leaf available -for the improvement of our flower-gardens<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_086" id="page_086"></a>{86}</span> but these, we need not -despair, for they possess almost every quality the most fastidious could -desire, and present a useful and charming variety. The larger kinds make -grand masses, while all may be associated intimately with -flowering-plants—an advantage that does not belong to some free-growing -things like the Castor-oil plant. The Canna ascends as boldly, and -spreads forth as fine a mass of leaves as these, but may be closely -grouped with much smaller subjects. The general tendency of most of our -flower-garden plants is to assume a flatness and dead level, so to -speak; and it is the special quality possessed by the Cannas for -counteracting this that makes them so valuable. Even the grandest of the -other subjects preserve this tameness of upper-surface outline when -grown in great quantities: not so these, the leaves of which, even when -grown in dense groups, always carry the eye up pleasantly from the -humbler plants, and are grand aids in effecting that harmony which is so -much wanted between the important tree and shrub embellishments of our -gardens and their surroundings, and the dwarf flower-bed vegetation. -Another good quality of these most useful subjects is their power of -withstanding the cold and storms of autumn. They do so better than many -of our hardy shrubs and plants, so that when the last leaves have been -blown from the Lime, and the Dahlia and Heliotrope have been hurt by -frost, you may see them waving as gracefully and as green as the -vegetation of a temperate stove. Many of the subtropical plants, used -for the beauty of their leaves, are so tender that they go off in -autumn, or require all sorts of awkward protection at that season; but -the Cannas last<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_087" id="page_087"></a>{87}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_121_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_121_sml.jpg" width="262" height="410" alt="Image not available: CANNA. - -The most important and generally useful of tender plants for our -climate. Many kinds are hardy if protected in winter." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">CANNA. -<br /> -The most important and generally useful of tender plants for our -climate. Many kinds are hardy if protected in winter.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">in good trim till the borders must be cleared. All sheltered situations, -places near warm walls, and nice snugly-warmed dells, are suitable -positions for them. They are generally used in huge and ugly masses, -both about Paris and London; but their true beauty will never be seen -till we learn to place them tastefully here and there among the -flowering-plants—just as we place sprigs of graceful fern in a bouquet. -A bed or two solely devoted to them will occasionally prove very -effective; but enormous meaningless masses of them, containing perhaps -several hundred plants of one variety, are things to avoid and not to -imitate. As to culture and propagation, nothing can be more simple: they -may be stored in winter, as readily as potatoes, under shelves in the -houses, in the root-room, or, in fact, anywhere if covered up to protect -them from frost. And then in spring, when we desire to propagate them, -nothing is easier than pulling the roots in pieces, and potting them -separately. Afterwards it is usual to bring them on in heat, and finally -harden them off previous to planting out in the middle of May; but a -modification of this practice is desirable, as some kinds are of a -remarkably hardy constitution, and make a beautiful growth if put out -without so much as a leaf on them. The soil for all Cannas should be -deep, rich, and light.</p> - -<p>In rambling through the suburbs of Paris, I once came upon a tuft of -Canna springing up strongly through a box-edging—pretty good evidence -that it had remained there for some years. Upon inquiring of the -proprietor of the garden I found this was the case, and that he had no -doubt of the hardiness of several<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_088" id="page_088"></a>{88}</span> other kinds. They were planted not -more than 8 ins. or 10 ins. deep. When we remember that the Cannas are -amongst the most valuable plants we use for giving grace and verdure to -the flower-garden, this surely is a hint worthy of being acted upon, as, -of course, they will prove equally hardy with us. Considering their -diversity of colour and size, their graceful pointed habit and facility -of propagation, we must concede them the first place; but their -capability of being used by anybody who grows ordinary bedding-plants, -and the fact that they may be preserved so very easily through the -winter, enhance their value still more. Cannas, protected by a coating -of litter, have been left out in Battersea Park through severe winters, -and during the unfavourable summer of 1867 attained a height of nearly -12 ft. Where it is desired to change the arrangements as much as -possible every year, it may not be any advantage to leave them in the -ground, and in that case they may be taken up with the bedding-plants, -and stored as simply and easily as carrots. Wherever they are grown as -isolated tufts, in small groups, or in small beds, it will be best not -to take them up oftener than every second or third year. These noble -plants would also adorn the conservatory, which is often as devoid of -any dignified vegetation as the unhappy flower-gardens which are seen -all over the country. Few subjects would be more effective, none more -easily obtained.</p> - -<h3>SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF CANNA.</h3> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">In</span> the following list of the species and varieties of Canna, the first -thirteen kinds are considered species:<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_089" id="page_089"></a>{89}</span> but the finest kinds for garden -use will be found among the Hybrids and Varieties.</p> - -<p><b>Canna aurantiaca.</b>—A vigorous kind, 6½ ft. or more in height, with -large, broadly oval-lance-shaped leaves, of a pale green colour, -slightly waved on the margin. Flowers with rose-coloured outer, and -reddish inner, divisions, the upper lip being of an orange colour and -the lower one yellow dotted with orange. Rhizome tuberous, with long -subterranean shoots. Antilles.</p> - -<p><b>Canna discolor.</b>—One of the finest kinds, and, although it does not -flower regularly in the open air, one of the most valuable on account of -its foliage. The leaves are very large, broadly oval-oblong, the lower -ones tinged with a blood-red hue, and the upper ones veined or streaked -with purple. Stems reddish, stout, growing to a height of more than 6 -ft. Flowers orange-red, with bright-red inner divisions. S. America.</p> - -<p><b>Canna edulis.</b>—A vigorous species, largely cultivated by the Peruvians -for the sake of its edible roots, growing from 6 ft. to 7 ft. high, the -stems tinged with deep purple. Leaves broadly oval-lance-shaped, green -tinged with purple maroon. Flowers large: external divisions purple, -upper internal division scarlet shaded with yellow, the lower one of an -orange-red. S. America.</p> - -<p><b>Canna flaccida.</b>—A species remarkable for the great size of its flowers, -which bear some resemblance to those of <i>Iris Pseud-acorus</i>. They are -entirely yellow, flaccid, few in number, and very transitory. This is -not a tall species, seldom exceeding 2 ft. 8 ins. in height. Leaves -oval-lance-shaped, erect, glaucescent. South America. This species -should not be confounded with the <i>C. flaccida</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_090" id="page_090"></a>{90}</span> of Willdenow which is -found on the shores of the Mississipi.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Gaboniensis.</b>—A species from the Gaboon River, with the habit of -<i>C. nepalensis</i>. Rhizomes large and round; stalks green, large; leaves -deep green lightly edged with purple, longish, acuminate; flowers -medium-sized, clear orange; habit fine, special; height 5½ ft. to 6 ft.</p> - -<p><b>Canna gigantea.</b>—A robust kind, growing about 6½ ft. high. Flowers in -summer, large and very handsome; external divisions orange red; internal -ones deep purple-red; spathes reddish. Leaves more than 2 ft. long; -stalks covered with a velvety down. S. America.</p> - -<p><b>Canna indica.</b>—Flowers in summer, tolerably large, irregular, in erect -spikes; external divisions light yellow; upper inner divisions of a -carmine-red; the lower one yellow dotted with carmine. Leaves large, -alternate, oval-lance-shaped; the stalks sheathing at the base. Stems 3 -ft. to 6 ft. high. A variety (<i>C. i. superba</i>) has much larger flowers -of a scarlet colour. India. It is not nearly so useful or imposing in -appearance as some of the newer hybrid kinds.</p> - -<p><b>Canna iridiflora.</b>—Flowers in midsummer, large, lively rose-colour, with -a yellow spot on the lip; divisions of the calyx red, erect, oval-acute; -spikes somewhat drooping, issuing several together from the same spathe. -Leaves broadly oval-acuminate, slightly membranous at the margin, and -having some hairs at the lower part of the midrib. Stems 6 ft. to over 8 -ft high. Peru. A somewhat tender species, and although one of the -finest, does not flower freely. To secure its blooming, the plants -should be taken up towards the end of summer,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_091" id="page_091"></a>{91}</span> potted, and kept in a -hothouse through the winter. They should be watered moderately, and, -treated in this way, will almost always begin to show flower in the -ensuing spring.</p> - -<p><b>Canna limbata.</b>—This has numerous stems nearly 3 ft. high, and -oblong-lance-shaped, acute leaves. Flowers in long loose spikes issuing -from glaucous spathes tinged with red; outer divisions pale yellow; -upper lip scarlet edged with a yellow margin; lower lip red, with golden -reticulations. Brazil.</p> - -<p><b>Canna musæfolia.</b>—This species was formerly described in the English, -Dutch, and German horticultural journals under the name of <i>C. excelsa</i>. -It was named <i>musæfolia</i> by M. Année, who introduced it into France in -1858, from the resemblance of its leaves to those of the Musa or -banana-tree. It reaches a height of more than 8 ft., and has green, -downy stems, and very large, oval, green leaves. Flowers small, -orange-yellow. It is a tender species without rhizomes, and requires to -be kept constantly growing. Peru.</p> - -<p><b>Canna nepalensis.</b>—A variety of <i>C. glauca</i> (according to M. Chaté), -introduced into France by M. Wallich, director of the Botanic Garden at -Calcutta. About 6½ ft. high, with oval-lance-shaped glaucous leaves, -narrowed at both ends. Outer divisions of flower greenish-yellow; inner -ones, sulphur-coloured or light orange.</p> - -<p><b>Canna purpurea spectabilis.</b>—Rhizomes cylindrical. Stalks medium-sized, -purple. Leaves deep greenish purple, fair size. Flowers small, scarlet. -Rather uncommon; habit fine; height 6 ft. to 6½ ft. This is a<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_092" id="page_092"></a>{92}</span> very -hardy species, and has given rise to all the varieties with red or -striped leaves.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Warscewiczii.</b>—A very early-flowering species, easily raised from -seed, and if sown early in spring, may be used for decorative purposes -the same year. Stems numerous, reaching a height of somewhat over 3 ft. -Leaves oval-elliptical, narrowed at both ends, and deeply tinged with -dark purple. Flowers with brilliant scarlet inner divisions; outer ones -purplish. S. America. There are many handsome varieties of this species -in cultivation.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Alfred Dumesnil.</b>—Rhizomes clouded, elongated. Stalks medium -thickness, deep greenish-purple. Leaves medium-sized, acuminate and -erect, deep green striped with violet-purple. Flowers large, -well-formed, scarlet. Free-flowering; height 3½ ft. to 4 ft.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Annei.</b>—A vigorous kind, with numerous stiff stems, of a sea-green -colour, 6½ ft. high, and large green, glaucescent, oval-acute leaves, 2 -ft. long by 10 ins. wide. Flowers large, well-formed, salmon-colour, -continuing to appear from July until the first frosts.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Annei-rosea.</b>—Flowers late and scantily. Stems numerous, dark -green with a reddish base, attaining a height of nearly 10 ft. Flowers -small, carmine rose-colour. Leaves dark green, very narrow and pointed, -erect, about 2 ft. 4 ins. long. Rootstock long, conical-cylindrical, -reddish.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Annei-bicolor.</b>—A kind with rather thick green stems nearly 6 ft. -high, with a violet-coloured base. Leaves light green, oval-acute. -Flowers few, of medium size, orange-coloured; the two upper petals -reddish. Rootstock of a violet colour.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_093" id="page_093"></a>{93}</span></p> - -<p><b>Canna Annei-floribunda.</b>—Resembles the type in habit and foliage, but is -not so tall, is more free-flowering, and has yellow leaves.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Annei-fulgida.</b>—Stems small, of a dark-red colour, from 3 ft. to 5 -ft. high. Leaves deep purple, erect, 20 ins. long and 6 ins. wide. -Flowers large, well-opened, orange-red. Very tender.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Annei-marginata.</b>—Stems of medium size, dark-red colour, and about -3½ ft. high. Leaves of a deep green with a dark-red margin. Flowers -rather large, orange-red. (Considered an inferior variety.)</p> - -<p><b>Canna Annei-discolor.</b>—Stems five or six in number, vigorous and erect, -of a uniform red hue, from 3 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves lance-shaped, -erect, of a light-red colour, 2½ ft. long and 10 ins. wide. Flowers late -and few, small, rose-coloured, tinged with yellow. Rootstock conical, -very small and short, covered with violet scales.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Annei-rubra.</b>—Rhizomes of good thickness. Stalks medium thickness, -purple. Leaves acuminate, deep green striped with purple, good size; -habit fine. Flowers bright orange, well-formed. One of the most -free-flowering Cannas. Height 6½ ft.</p> - -<p><b>Canna atronigricans.</b>—Stems of medium thickness, seldom exceeding 3¼ ft. -in height. Leaves of a purplish shade passing into dark-red, of a deeper -hue than those of <i>C. nigricans</i>. Flowers few, of a golden-brown colour. -Rootstocks small and few, with reddish scales. A very handsome but -tender kind.</p> - -<p><b>Canna aurantiaca-splendida.</b>—Stems green, downy, rather thick, 6½ ft. to -over 8 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, 2 ft. 4 ins. to 2½ ft. long and 1 -ft. wide, with very prominent<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_094" id="page_094"></a>{94}</span> membranes. Flowers in September, orange, -well-formed, and of a good size. Rootstocks small. A very -vigorous-growing variety.</p> - -<p><b>Canna aurantiaca-zebrina.</b>—Stems brown, downy, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. -high. Leaves of a light green, striped with fine violet bands, and 2 ft. -in length by 10 ins. wide. Flowers very few, light red. Rootstocks few -and short.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Amelia.</b>—Stems of a sea-green colour, nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves -oval-acuminate, glaucous, and gracefully recurved. Flowers large, -well-opened, of a golden yellow, spotted with orange-purple on all the -petals. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical. Blooms abundantly and -continuously from July till the first frosts.</p> - -<p><b>Canna atropurpurea.</b>—Stems very small and downy, of a reddish hue, and -not exceeding 3¼ ft. in height. Leaves small, recurved, of an almost -black colour. Flowers rather large, of a reddish golden-brown. -Rootstocks small, cylindrical, closely crowded around the plant. This -variety seeds well and freely.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Abbé Rosier.</b>—Stems green, nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves erect, of a -glaucous sea-green shade. Flowers of medium size, light brown, tinged -with vermilion, not well-formed, and opening badly. Rootstocks conical -and cylindrical.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Bonetti.</b>—Stems vigorous, of a deep-red colour, glaucous towards -the top, and about 8½ ft. high. Leaves deep green, with deep-red veins -and edges, 2 ft. 4 ins. long, and over 8 ins. wide. Flowers rather -large, yellowish-brown, shaded with dark purple, well-formed and -well-opened. Rootstocks thick, elongated. Seeds freely and well.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_095" id="page_095"></a>{95}</span></p> - -<p><b>Canna Bonetti-major.</b>—Very like the preceding, but with much taller -stems and larger leaves and flowers.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Bonetti-semperflorens.</b>—Stems brown, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. -Leaves lance-shaped, deeply tinged and margined with a dark-red shade. -Flowers rather large, of a wine-red colour. A very free bloomer.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Bourcier.</b>—Stems brown, 6½ ft. to nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves long, -lance-shaped, of a deep violet-red colour. Flowers of a brick-red shaded -with salmon-colour. Rootstocks conical, of medium size, violet-coloured.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Bihorelli.</b>—Stems purple, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves dark -red, with a narrow purple margin. Flowers numerous, light red, in -handsome panicles. Rootstocks conical and rather numerous.</p> - -<p><b>Canna compacta-grandiflora.</b>—Stems brown, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. -Leaves dark red, not well set. Flowers very large, well-formed, of a -salmon-shaded-red, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks conical, rather -large, covered with reddish scales.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Chatei-discolor.</b>—Stems purple, very robust, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 -ft. high. Leaves thick and firm, of a deep green, finely rayed and -margined with purple. Flowers blood-red, well-formed. Rootstocks -conical, of medium size. A very shy bloomer.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Chatei-grandis.</b>—Stems brownish-purple, 6½ ft. high, when not -divided year after year. Leaves at first erect, afterwards deflected -throughout their entire length and spreading very much, 2 ft. 4 ins. -long and 1 ft. wide. Flowers late, crimson, in a handsome panicle. -Rootstocks brown, conical, very short. Ripens its seeds well.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_096" id="page_096"></a>{96}</span></p> - -<p><b>Canna Daniel Hooibrenk.</b>—Rhizomes large. Stalks strong, green. Leaves -large, glaucous-green, acuminate. Flowers large, bright orange. -Free-flowering; fine habit Height over 6 ft.</p> - -<p><b>Canna De Candolle.</b>—Stems green, about 4 ft. high. Leaves green, badly -set. Flowers very numerous, vermilion shaded with carmine. Rootstocks -conical.</p> - -<p><b>Canna discolor-floribunda.</b>—Stems dark red, 3¼ ft. to 4¼ ft. high. -Leaves oblong, 18 ins. long and 10 ins. wide, deep green striped with -purple. Flowers small, orange-red. Rootstocks conical, of medium size. -Ripens its seeds well.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Député Hénon.</b>—Stems green, not exceeding 4 ft. 10 ins. in height. -Leaves of a light glaucous-green, oval, acute, erect. Flowers large, -well-formed, of a pure canary-colour, with a brownish-yellow base, in -numerous spikes, which rise gracefully above the foliage to the height -of about 20 ins. Rootstocks cylindrical, elongated, standing at some -distance from the centre of the tuft. Ripens its seeds well.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Edward Morren.</b>—Rhizomes conical. Stalks green, numerous. Leaves -clear green, longish. Flowers large, well-formed, yellow, very much -spotted with bright nasturtium-colour. Very floriferous. This is the -finest Canna with spotted flowers. Height 5 ft. to 5½ ft.</p> - -<p><b>Canna elata-macrophylla.</b>—Stems reddish below, green and downy above, -more than 8 ft. high. Leaves light green, very large, oval, slightly -waved. Flowers salmon-coloured, small. Rootstocks conical, of medium -size. Seeds freely.</p> - -<p><b>Canna expansa.</b>—Stems thicker than in any other<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_097" id="page_097"></a>{97}</span> variety, green, downy, -6 ft to over 8 ft. high. Leaves of enormous size (over 4 ft. long and -from 22 ins. to 2 ft. wide), oval, obtuse, spreading horizontally to a -great distance from the stems. Flowers small, vermilion shaded with -salmon, in panicles. Roots fibrous. Should be planted in a -well-sheltered position to save the huge leaves from being torn by the -winds. Never seeds.</p> - -<p><b>Canna expansa-rubra.</b>—Stems numerous, vigorous, very thick, dark-red, 4 -ft. to nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves of a dark-red colour, and resembling -those of the preceding in size, shape, and arrangement. Flowers large, -with rounded divisions, of a dazzling purple colour. Rootstocks very -thick, cylindrical, and much swollen in the upper part. Like the -preceding, requires a sheltered position.</p> - -<p><b>Canna elongatissima-rustica.</b>—Stems deep-green, very thick, 6½ ft. to -over 8 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, very large, of a deep shining -green, with a narrow dark-red margin. Flowers very small, -orange-rose-coloured. Rootstocks very small, conical, with fibrous -roots. A vigorous-growing variety.</p> - -<p><b>Canna excelsa-zebrina.</b>—Stems dark violet-red, downy, rather thick, 6½ -ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves very large, oval, erect, deep-green, -passing into dark-red, rayed with violet-purple. Flowers small, orange. -Rootstocks small, conical. This is the finest striped variety.</p> - -<p><b>Canna guayaquilla.</b>—Rhizomes large, round. Stalks very thick, reddish. -Leaves very wide and large, bordered with purple. Flowers small, -yellowish-orange. Rather uncommon; fine habit; a remarkable kind. Height -over 6 ft.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_098" id="page_098"></a>{98}</span></p> - -<p><b>Canna gigantea-major.</b>—Stems thick and vigorous, of a light-green, -slightly reddish below, 6½ ft. to 8½ ft. high. Leaves very large, of a -light glistening green. Flowers, medium size, pale-red. Rootstocks -whitish, very thick, cylindrical, and swollen. A very hardy variety.</p> - -<p><b>Canna gigantea-rubra.</b>—Stems dark red, 4 ft. to nearly 6 ft. high. -Leaves broad, obtuse, green, shaded with dark-red. Flowers blood-red, in -panicles. Rootstocks conical, very closely crowded together. Resembles -<i>C. Chatei-grandis</i>, but is an inferior variety.</p> - -<p><b>Canna grandis.</b>—Stems green, downy, very thick, from nearly 10 ft. to -nearly 12 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, deep green, very large. Flowers -poppy-red, small, but in large panicles. Rootstocks small, with fibrous -roots.</p> - -<p><b>Canna grandiflora-floribunda.</b>—Stems small, from 20 ins. to 3¼ ft. high, -of a light glistening green. Leaves small, light-green and glistening. -Flowers numerous, very large, with rounded divisions, orange-rose -colour, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks yellowish, numerous, -cylindrical, of medium size. A very hardy variety, of great effect from -its brilliant and luxuriant inflorescence.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Heliconiæfolia.</b>—Stems deep green and downy, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. -high. Leaves green, oval, erect, very firm. Flowers small, orange. Roots -fibrous. Does not seed before the second year.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Hostei.</b>—Stems chestnut-coloured, about 8 ft. high. Leaves -dark-red, lance-shaped. Flowers large, red. Rootstocks dark-red, -conical.</p> - -<p><b>Canna involventiafolia.</b>—Stems green, 8 ft. to nearly 10 ft. high. -Leaves very large, reflexed, of a light<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_099" id="page_099"></a>{99}</span> green. Flowers few and small. -Rootstocks small, with fibrous rootlets.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Imperator.</b>—Stems vigorous, very thick, green and downy, reddish -below, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. at the close of the season. Leaves -half-opened, lance-shaped, light green, with prominent lateral nerve, 2 -ft. 4 ins. long by 14 ins. wide. Flowers late, very effective, of a -dazzling blood-red. Rootstocks conical, very short.</p> - -<p><b>Canna iridiflora-hybrida.</b>—Stems green, downy, somewhat reddish below, -6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves green, very large. Flowers -well-formed, very large, blood-red. Rootstocks small, with fibrous -roots. Flowers to most advantage in a house, where it is really -magnificent.</p> - -<p><b>Canna iridiflora-rubra.</b>—Stems brown, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. -Leaves deep green shaded with dark red, and with a narrow dark -purplish-red margin. Flowers large, purplish-red. This variety is not so -tender as the preceding one.</p> - -<p><b>Canna insignis.</b>—Stems violet, downy, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. -Leaves oval, extending horizontally, of a tender green, rayed and -margined with purplish-red. Flowers few and small, of an orange-red. -This variety is valuable for its fine foliage.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Joseph-Auzende.</b>—Stems green, 4½ ft. high. Leaves green and -flaccid. Flowers deep carmine, of medium size. Rootstocks yellowish, -small and conical. Not a very good variety.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Jean Bart.</b>—Rhizomes conical; stalks medium thickness, deep green, -elongated. Flowers very large, deep purple; height 5½ ft. to 6 ft.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Jean Vandael.</b>—Rhizomes cylindrical,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_100" id="page_100"></a>{100}</span> longish; stalks medium -thickness, numerous, clear green. Leaves clear green, erect, elongated. -Flowers large, well-formed, garnet-red; height 4 ft. to 4½ ft.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Jussieu.</b>—Stems green, from nearly 4 ft. to 4¼ ft. high. Leaves -small, glaucous-green. Flowers citron, approaching a chamois-colour. -Rootstocks conical cylindrical. (An inferior variety.)</p> - -<p><b>Canna Krelagei discolor.</b>—Stems very thick, from nearly 5 ft. to nearly -6 ft. high. Leaves broad and thick, dark-red, rayed with purplish-red. -Flowers large, carmine-red, sometimes rayed with white, in handsome -panicles. Rootstocks grey, conical.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Liervalii.</b>—Stems dark-red, 6½ ft. high. Leaves of the same -colour, rayed with purple. Flowers orange-red. Rootstocks dark red, -conical.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Lavallei.</b>—Stems slender, purplish-brown. Flowers very large, -well-formed, vermilion-orange, becoming yellower as they open. -Rootstocks cylindrical.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Lemoinei.</b>—Stems green, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves very -leathery, of medium size, and deep green colour. Flowers bright orange.</p> - -<p><b>Canna limbata-major.</b>—Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. -Leaves large, lance-shaped, narrow, spreading, deep green, 2½ ft. long, -and over 8 ins. wide. Flowers large, orange-red. Rootstocks cylindrical, -narrowed towards the top, closely crowded together. Ripens its seeds -freely.</p> - -<p><b>Canna maxima.</b>—Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves very -large, lance-shaped, acute, light green, becoming darker in the course -of growth, reflexed, from 2½ ft. to 32 ins. long, and 10 ins. to 1 ft. -wide, on<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_101" id="page_101"></a>{101}</span> stalks 6 or 7 ins. long. Flowers small, orange-yellow. Roots -fibrous, without rootstocks. Does not flower before the second year, and -is valuable only for its foliage.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Maréchal-Vaillant.</b>—Stems robust, from 5 ft. to 6 ft. high. Leaves -oblong, lance-shaped, erect, 28 ins. to 32 ins. long, deep green, -striped with purplish-red. Flowers large, elegant, of a pure orange, in -handsome spikes. Rootstocks rather thick, conical and cylindrical, -standing at some distance from the tuft.</p> - -<p><b>Canna musæfolia-peruviana.</b>—Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. -Leaves very large, wide, light green. Flowers small, orange. Rootstocks -very small.</p> - -<p><b>Canna musæfolia minima.</b>—Leaves of a whitish green, badly set. Flowers -small, orange-brown. No rootstocks.</p> - -<p><b>Canna musæfolia-hybrida.</b>—Resembles <i>C. musæfolia</i>, but the stems and -leaves are thicker and of a deeper green.</p> - -<p><b>Canna musæfolia-rubra.</b>—Stems dark red, 6½ ft. high. Leaves dark -purple-red, oval, very large. Flowers small, salmon-red. Rootstocks very -tender, with fibrous roots. Neglected as too tender and not sufficiently -distinct from several other varieties, such as <i>C. Chatei-grandis</i>, etc.</p> - -<p><b>Canna musæfolia-perfecta.</b>—Stems from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves -broad, very firm, of a handsome whitish green. Flowers small, yellow. -Roots fibrous, without rootstocks.</p> - -<p><b>Canna metallica.</b>—Resembles <i>C. nigricans</i>, and has never justified its -name.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_102" id="page_102"></a>{102}</span></p> - -<p><b>Canna macrophylla-zebrina.</b>—Stems violet and downy, 4 ft. to over 5 ft. -high. Leaves dark-red, rayed and striped with purple. Flowers red, with -a perennially withered aspect. Rootstocks very small, conical, closely -set round the tuft. This variety is very subject to diseases.</p> - -<p><b>Canna metallicoides.</b>—Stems violet, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves of -medium size, dark-red striped with purple. Flowers medium size, -light-red. Rootstocks small, with fibrous roots.</p> - -<p><b>Canna nervosa.</b>—Stems reddish, 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves deep green, -rayed and margined with purple. Flowers small, blood-red. Rootstocks -conical.</p> - -<p><b>Canna nigricans.</b>—Stems purplish-red, 4¼ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves -lance-shaped, acuminate, erect, of a coppery red, which exhibits a -metallic gleam under sunshine. The old leaves lose their reddish tint, -and assume a duller hue. They are 2½ ft. in length by 10 ins. or 12 ins. -wide. Flowers few and late, of a sad, tawny-yellow colour. Rootstocks -brownish, conical. Seldom seeds. One of the finest kinds.</p> - -<p><b>Canna nana-superba.</b>—Stems green, growing very closely together, and -from 20 ins. to 32 ins. high. Leaves small, of a handsome green. Flowers -large, badly formed, of a brick-red, becoming darker as they open. -Rootstocks grey, small, conical (A very inferior variety.)</p> - -<p><b>Canna nepalensis-grandiflora.</b>—Has the same habit and foliage as the -type (<i>C. nepalensis</i>), but is a dwarfer variety with better-shaped -flowers of a sulphur-yellow, sometimes dotted with red.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Oriflamme.</b>—Rhizomes conical, stalks deep<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_103" id="page_103"></a>{103}</span> green. Leaves good -size, elongated, acuminate, deep green lightly striped. Flowers very -large, deep orange, in panicles which stand up considerably above the -foliage. Height 5 ft. to 5½ ft.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Pie IX.</b>—Stems small, green, slightly reddish below, 3¼ ft. to 4 -ft. high. Leaves small, of a pale glaucous-green, erect, lance-shaped, -acuminate. Flowers large, light yellow with a deep orange claw, very -numerous, in closely-crowded panicles. Rootstocks conical and -cylindrical. Excellent for edgings.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Parmentier.</b>—Stems small, green, 4 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves -glaucous-green, small. Flowers brownish-yellow. Rootstocks grey, conical -and cylindrical. (An inferior variety.)</p> - -<p><b>Canna purpurea-hybrida.</b>—Stems dark-red, from 4½ ft. to over 5 ft. high. -Leaves dark-red, rayed with reddish-purple. Flowers large, -brownish-yellow. Rootstocks small, conical, crowded. A very handsome -variety, but tender.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Porteana.</b>—Stems small, dark-red, 3¼ ft. to 4 ft. high. Leaves -red, with a metallic lustre. Flowers medium-sized, light orange. -Rootstocks grey, small, forming a close, compact tuft. A fine but tender -variety.</p> - -<p><b>Canna picturata-fastuosa.</b>—Stems numerous, green, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. -Leaves green, glaucescent, narrow, much pointed, over 2 ft. long by 6 -ins. wide. Flowers large, well-opened, light yellow speckled with red. -Blooms luxuriantly and continuously from the end of July to the first -frosts. Rootstocks white, with grey scales, cylindrical, much elongated.</p> - -<p><b>Canna picturata-nana.</b>—Stems small, green, from<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_104" id="page_104"></a>{104}</span> 20 ins. to 2 ft. high. -Leaves very small, of a light green. Flowers large, yellow, spotted with -red. Rootstocks whitish, small, conical. A charming variety for edgings.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Plantieri.</b>—Stems very thick, reddish below, deep green above, 3¼ -ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves green, glaucous, lance-shaped, acute. -Flowers large, bright yellow, changing to orange. Rootstocks greyish, -rather thick, conical and cylindrical. A late and shy bloomer.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Prémices-de-Nice.</b>—Stems and leaves like those of <i>C. Annei</i>, 3¼ -ft. to 5 ft. high. Flowers very large, bright yellow, sometimes dotted -with salmon-colour. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical, rather shorter -than those of <i>C. Annei</i>. A very free-flowering and hardy variety.</p> - -<p><b>Canna rubra-superbissima.</b>—Stems dark purple-red, very thick, from -nearly 6 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves broad, round, purplish-red, with a -metallic lustre. Flowers of medium size, light orange-red. Rootstocks -brownish, very thick, conical, crowded together. One of the finest -metallic-red-leaved Cannas.</p> - -<p><b>Canna rubricaulis.</b>—Stems dark-red, from nearly 6 ft. to 7½ ft. high. -Leaves dark-red, rayed and margined with purple-red. Rootstocks greyish, -small, conical. (Inferior to the preceding variety.)</p> - -<p><b>Canna rubra-nerva.</b>—Stems dark-red, from 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves -long and narrow, lance-shaped, reflexed, dark-red rayed with purple. -Flowers large, of a cinnabar red. Rootstocks dark-red, very long, -conical, and cylindrical. Resembles a weeping willow.</p> - -<p><b>Canna rubra-perfecta.</b>—Stems dark-red, from 5 ft.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_105" id="page_105"></a>{105}</span> to 6½ ft. high. -Leaves dark-red, rayed with purple. Flowers of medium size, orange-red. -Rootstocks dark-red, conical. Seeds freely.</p> - -<p><b>Canna rotundifolia-vera.</b>—Stems very thick, green, downy below, from 3¼ -ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves round, reflexed, of a deep glistening green. -Flowers medium-sized, opening very badly, of a carmine-red. Rootstocks -medium-sized, conical. (A tender variety.)</p> - -<p><b>Canna rotundifolia-rubra-major.</b>—Stems dark-red, numerous, very thick, -vigorous, from 3¼ ft. to 5¼ ft. high. Leaves round, obtuse, spreading -almost horizontally, pale-red, with a dark purplish-red midrib and -border. Rootstocks dark-red, very thick, cylindrical, much swollen -above.</p> - -<p><b>Canna rotundifolia-metallica.</b>—Similar to the preceding, but with -coppery-red leaves which have a metallic lustre.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Rendatleri.</b>—Stems light purplish-red, of medium thickness, -vigorous, rather distant from each other, from nearly 6 ft. to over 8 -ft. high. Leaves much pointed, deep-green tinged with dark-red, badly -set. Flowers numerous, very large, well-opened, salmon-red. Rootstocks -greyish, conical, cylindrical. Ripens its seeds badly.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Rodezii.</b>—Stems small, numerous, from 4 ft. to 6¼ ft. high. Leaves -green, glaucous, lanceolate, acute, very narrow. Flowers large, -marigold-orange. Rootstocks whitish, cylindrical, very slender and long. -A variety desirable for its flowers, but not ornamental in foliage.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Thibauti.</b>—Stems purplish-brown, from 5 ft.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_106" id="page_106"></a>{106}</span> to 6½ ft. high. -Leaves broad, thick, dark-red, rayed with purple. Flowers very large, -well-opened, poppy-red, in crowded panicles. Rootstocks white, small, -crowded together.</p> - -<p><b>Canna striata.</b>—Stems green, slender, 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves -small, very narrow, erect, glaucous-green. Flowers yellow, speckled and -rayed with red. Rootstocks small, cylindrical, crowded at the base of -the plant. Inferior to <i>C. picturata-nana</i> of the same colour.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Warscewiczioides-Chatei.</b>—Stems dark-red, thick, from 6½ ft. to -over 7 ft. high. Leaves very large, dark-red. Flowers small, blood-red, -in very large panicles. Rootstocks brown, rather thick, cylindrical.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Warscewiczioides-nobilis.</b>—Stems deep-green, tinged with dark-red, -from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves deep-green, rayed and margined with -dark-red. Rootstocks medium-sized, conical, crowded around the base of -the plant.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Van-Houttei.</b>—Stems dark-red, vigorous, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. -Leaves lance-shaped, pointed, green, rayed and margined with dark -purplish-red, 2 ft. to 2½ ft. long. Flowers large, well-formed, -poppy-red. Rootstocks grey, long, cylindrical. A very handsome and hardy -variety.</p> - -<p><b>Canna zebrina.</b>—Stems green, tinged with dark-red, small, from 32 ins. -to 3¼ ft. high. Leaves deep-green, rayed and striped with dark-red. -Flowers small, orange tinged with salmon. Rootstocks whitish, conical. A -tardy grower.</p> - -<p><b>Canna zebrina-major.</b>—Stems green tinged with dark-red, downy, of medium -size, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_107" id="page_107"></a>{107}</span> Leaves oval, erect, deep-green, rayed and -striped with dark purplish-red. Flowers very small, red. Rootstocks -brown, rather thick, conical, swollen.</p> - -<p><b>Canna zebrina-elegantissima.</b>—Stems dark-red, vigorous, 4 ft, to 5 ft. -high. Leaves very large, lance-shaped, deep-green, striped with dark -purplish-red. Flowers of medium size, yellowish-brown tinged with -scarlet. Rootstocks greyish, conical, swollen.</p> - -<p><b>Canna zebrina-géant.</b>—Stems deep-green, tinged with violet-red, very -thick, downy. Leaves very large, thick, deep-green, rayed with dark-red. -Flowers large, light-red. Rootstocks whitish, conical, closely crowded -together. Difficult to flower, but very ornamental in foliage.</p> - -<p><b>Canna zebrina-violacea.</b>—Stems violet, downy, slender, about 4 ft. high. -Leaves violet, rayed with purple. Flowers of medium size, bright-red. -Roots fibrous. A very tender variety, with badly-developed leaves.</p> - -<p><b>Canna zebrina-nana.</b>—Stems green tinged with dark-red, 16 ins. to 20 -ins. high. Leaves small, light-green, rayed and margined with purple. -Flowers of medium size, light-red. Rootstocks small, crowded on one -another. Excellent for large edgings.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Ferrandii.</b>—Stems dark purplish-red, 4 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves -medium-sized, dark-red, margined with purple. Flowers large, blood-red, -very numerous, in handsome panicles.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Auguste Ferrier.</b>—Stems green, very thick, downy, nearly 10 ft. -high. Leaves very large, oval, erect, pointed, deep-green, with narrow -stripes and margin of dark purplish-red. Flowers of medium size, -orange-red.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_108" id="page_108"></a>{108}</span> Rootstocks small, but very hardy. A shy bloomer, but of -remarkably fine habit and foliage.</p> - -<p><b>Canna Barilletti.</b>—Stems red, vigorous, nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves very -large, deep-red. Flowers small, orange-red. Rootstocks very small, -conical, with fibrous roots.</p> - -<p>The number of Cannas enumerated is so large that it is desirable to make -a selection from them. A still narrower selection is indicated by -asterisks.</p> - -<h3>A SELECTION OF CANNAS.</h3> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left" rowspan="18" valign="top">C.</td><td> Annei</td><td align="left" rowspan="18" valign="top" class="bl">C.</td> <td>*elegantissima rustica</td><td align="left" rowspan="15" valign="top" class="bl">C.</td> <td> peruviana purpurea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span> -discolor</td><td align="left"> Ferrandii</td><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span> robusta</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> atronigricans</td><td align="left"> gigantea</td><td align="left">*purpurea spectabilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> atropurpurea</td><td align="left"> grandiflora-floribunda</td><td align="left">*Porteana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">*Auguste Ferrier</td><td align="left"> iridiflora</td><td align="left">*picturata-fastuosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> aurantiaca-splendida</td><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span> -hybrida</td><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span> -nana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> aurantiaca-zebrina</td><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span> -rubra</td><td align="left"> Pie IX.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">*Amelia</td><td align="left"> insignis</td><td align="left"> Prémices-de-Nice</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> Barilletti</td><td align="left">*Imperator</td><td align="left"> Rendatleri</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> Bihorelli</td><td align="left">*Krelagei discolor</td><td align="left"> rotundifolia-metallica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> Bonetti</td><td align="left"> Lavallei</td><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span> -rubra</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">*Chatei-discolor</td><td align="left"> Liliiflora</td><td align="left"> Thibauti</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span> -grandis</td><td align="left"> limbata</td><td align="left"> Van-Houttei</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> Député Hénon</td><td align="left"> macrophylla</td><td align="left"> zebrina-nana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> discolor</td><td align="left"> musæfolia</td><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span> -elegantissima</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">*excelsa-zebrina</td><td align="left"> maxima</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> expansa</td><td align="left"> Maréchal-Vaillant</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span> -rubra</td><td align="left">*nigricans</td></tr> -</table> - -<p><b>*Cannabis sativus</b> (<i>Hemp-plant</i>).—A well-known annual, native of India -and Persia, and largely cultivated in Europe for the sake of its fibre. -In ordinary situations it grows from 4 ft. to 10 ft. high, but in Italy, -under very<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_109" id="page_109"></a>{109}</span> favourable circumstances, it sometimes grows as high as 20 -ft. In plants growing singly the stem is frequently much branched, but -when grown in masses it is generally straight and unbranched. The leaves -are long-stalked, and composed of from five to seven long, lance-shaped, -sharp-pointed leaflets, radiating from the top of the stalk, and with -the margins cut into sharp saw-like teeth. This well-known plant is -useful where the tenderer subtropical plants cannot be enjoyed. Single -well-grown plants of it look very imposing and distinct, and are good -for the backs of borders or mixed groups. For these purposes, it should -be sown early in April in the open ground. To get large plants it would -no doubt be worth while raising it in frames. It loves a warm, sandy -loam.</p> - -<p><b>*Carduuse riophorus</b> (<i>Woolly-headed Thistle</i>).—A remarkably conspicuous -native plant, with a much-branched, furrowed, hairy stem 3 ft. to 5 ft. -high, and very deeply cut and undulated spiny leaves, the lower ones -often 2 ft. long. The flower-heads are very large, of a purplish-red -colour, and surrounded on the under side with a dense white cottony web. -There are few plants more handsome or novel in appearance than an -established one of this. It is suitable for borders, or groups of hardy -fine-foliaged plants, and grows well in any ordinary garden-soil. Seed.</p> - -<p><b>*Carex paniculata.</b>—A very large sedge, growing somewhat like a dwarf -tree-fern, with strong and thick stems, and with luxuriant masses of -drooping leaves. The roots form dense elevated tufts, frequently -elevated from one to three feet above the surface of the ground; and -when the plant is in flower, it generally exhibits<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_110" id="page_110"></a>{110}</span> a large and -spreading panicle. The leaves are rough and broad, and the flower-spike -from 3 ins. to 6 ins. long. A few tufts of this are very effective on -the margins of water near groups of picturesque plants. The finer -specimens are of great age, and must be procured from the bogs where the -plant occurs wild.</p> - -<p><b>*Carex pendula.</b>—A very handsome plant, unlike any of the other British -Carices, growing in large round tufts, with numerous flowering-stems and -barren shoots, which attain a height of from 3 ft. to 6 ft. The leaves -are often 2 ft. or more in length, and are chiefly at the base of the -plant. It is most attractive when in flower, from the graceful -disposition of its pendent spikes, which are usually about half-a-dozen -in number, and each from 4 ins. to 7 ins. in length. Very suitable for -the margin of water or for boggy or moist spots.</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 174px;"> -<a href="images/i_146_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_146_sml.jpg" width="174" height="131" alt="Image not available: Carlina acaulis." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Carlina acaulis.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Carlina acaulis.</b>—A hardy perennial, rather interesting from its -foliage, which has some resemblance to the leaves of a miniature -Acanthus, and is disposed in a broad, handsome, regular rosette very -close to the ground. Its single yellowish flower, 3 ins. or more across, -is borne on a very short, erect stalk in the centre of the rosette. -Although too dwarf for association with plants of more imposing stature, -it is well worthy of a place on a bank or slope, or on the margins of -low beds or groups, where its pleasing aspect and very distinct habit -will be<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_111" id="page_111"></a>{111}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_148_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_148_sml.jpg" width="326" height="506" alt="Image not available: CARYOTA SOBOLIFERA. - -Tender Palm; for summer use in the southern counties only." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">CARYOTA SOBOLIFERA. -<br /> -Tender Palm; for summer use in the southern counties only.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">seen to best advantage. It thrives best in dry, stony, calcareous soil, -and is easily multiplied by sowing. In the mountainous districts of -France the flowers are gathered by the inhabitants, and used as a -substitute for artichokes. Central Europe.</p> - -<p><b>Carludovica palmata.</b>—A very ornamental, palm-like plant, from 4 ft. to -7 ft. high, with rich dark-green leaves from 2 ft. to 3 ft. broad, and -divided into four lobes, each of which is again divided at the apex into -narrow segments. The leaf-stalks are round, smooth, and without spines, -and are of the same colour as the leaves. This interesting plant will -stand the open air in summer, from early June till October, but requires -warm house treatment in winter, with plenty of water at all times. Seed. -Peru and New Granada.</p> - -<p><b>Caryota sobolifera.</b>—An elegant Palm, with a slender stem and shining -light-green bipinnate leaves. The leaf-stalks, when young, are clothed -with a short, black, scaly tomentum, which falls off as the plant grows -older. It is often confounded with <i>C. urens</i>, but may be easily -distinguished from it by the suckers which it produces very freely from -its base. Similar treatment and uses to those given for <i>C. urens</i>, with -which it is of much the same value for the open garden. Malacca.</p> - -<p><b>Caryota urens.</b>—An East Indian Palm, with a stout stem, and an elegant -crown of spreading bipinnate leaves, from 3 ft. to 12 ft., or more, in -length, of a dark-green colour, the leaflets being 6 ins. to 9 ins. long -by 2 ins. to 4 ins. wide. When young, it should be potted in equal parts -of loam and vegetable mould, with a little sand; the pot to be well -drained, and water given liberally<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_112" id="page_112"></a>{112}</span> during the growing season. It is -generally seen in a small state in this country; and though it stands -the open air in summer, from June till the end of September, pretty -well, it can never be of much importance for our open-air gardening.</p> - -<p><b>*Cassia marilandica.</b>—A hardy, graceful perennial, 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high, -with pinnate leaves, resembling those of the Acacia, and slender stems, -bearing yellow flowers, in numerous small clusters in autumn. It is -somewhat late in growth, but once commenced, grows with great rapidity. -It thrives best in a position with a south aspect, and may be multiplied -either by division in spring, or by sowing from April to June. It should -always be planted in a warm, deep, sandy loam, and is very suitable for -borders or association in groups with the finer hardy subjects, its -graceful leaves qualifying it for a place in a group of hardy -foliage-plants. In naturally warm, deep, and well-drained soils it will -prove a noble subject for the back parts of borders. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Centaurea babylonica.</b>—Among the Centaureas there are a few subjects -which might be used among hardy fine-leaved plants, but by far the most -distinct and remarkable is the very silvery-leaved <i>C. babylonica</i>. This -is quite hardy, and when planted in good ground, sends up strong shoots, -clad with yellow flowers, to a height of 10 ft. or 12 ft. The bloom, -which continues from July to September, is not by any means so -attractive as the leaves; but the plant is at all times picturesque. In -groups, or, still better, isolated, on rough or undulating parts of -pleasure-grounds, it has a very fine effect. A free sandy loam suits it -best. Seed. Levant.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_113" id="page_113"></a>{113}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_151_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_151_sml.jpg" width="222" height="422" alt="Image not available: CENTAUREA BABYLONICA. - -Coarse herbaceous Section; for isolation by wood-walks, etc." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">CENTAUREA BABYLONICA. -<br /> -Coarse herbaceous Section; for isolation by wood-walks, etc.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>Centaurea Clementei.</b>—A plant of robust growth (resembling <i>C. -ragusina</i>, but much larger in every part), with broad crowns of leaves, -which are deeply serrated and cut into lobes. To the elegance of the -foliage must be added its beauty of colouring, the leaf in a young state -being covered with down as white as snow, and when fully matured and -developed still retaining a silvery appearance. This plant, which I -first saw in M. Boissier’s garden, near Lausanne, I have no experience -of as a hardy plant in this country; but whatever its value in this -respect may be, there can be no doubt that for the summer garden it will -prove as effective as either <i>C. gymnocarpa</i> or <i>C. ragusina</i>, both -exceptionally fine and useful plants. The same treatment will suit it.</p> - -<p><b>Centaurea dealbata</b> is a dwarf hardy species from the Caucasus, with -elegant foliage, white underneath, and rosy flowers: suitable among -dwarf hardy subjects.</p> - -<p><b>Centaurea gymnocarpa.</b>—A half-shrubby plant from the South of Europe, -nearly 2 ft. high, with hard, branching, bushy stems, and elegantly cut, -arching leaves, which are covered with a short, whitish-satiny down. A -variety (<i>C. plumosa</i>) has the leaves much more divided, and not so -white. This plant is somewhat hardier than <i>C. ragusina</i>, but both -require greenhouse treatment in winter. Same soil, positions, and -treatment as for <i>C. ragusina</i>. Useful as this is as an edging or -bedding plant, it is when grown as fine single specimens that its beauty -is most seen.</p> - -<p><b>Centaurea ragusina.</b>—This fine and distinct plant, which has lately -become one of the most popular of our<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_114" id="page_114"></a>{114}</span> flower-garden ornaments, cannot -be passed by in a book on fine-leaved plants. It is so abundantly used -as a bedding and ribbon-plant, etc., that nothing need be said of it in -these respects, but it will be seen to great advantage in single, -well-grown tufts or small groups, as its silvery leaves would contrast -finely with many of the dark green and glossy things recommended for -this purpose. Readily increased by seeds, or by cuttings. Should be -planted out in May. S. Europe.</p> - -<p><b>Chamædorea.</b>—A family of Mexican palms, with smooth, fine green stems, -resembling those of the bamboos, seldom more than 15 ft. or 20 ft. high -and 1 in. or 2 ins. thick, surmounted by tufts of eight or nine pinnate -or almost entire leaves, nearly 8 ft. in length. Among the most -ornamental species are <i>C. elatior</i>, <i>C. elegans</i>, and <i>C. -Ernesti-Augusti</i>. These elegant palms may, with advantage, be placed in -the open air in early summer, in sunny but sheltered nooks, and taken in -at the end of September. Their small, elegant heads particularly fit -them for placing here and there among groups of medium-sized, -fine-leaved plants, or among mixed masses of dahlias, cannas, etc.</p> - -<p><b>*Chamæpeuce diacantha.</b>—A spiny-leaved biennial of remarkable habit, -growing in tufts of six or eight stems, from 2 ft. to nearly 3 ft. high, -which, in the following season, are terminated by dense, spike-like -clusters of purplish blooms. It requires light, well-drained soil and a -warm position, and should seldom be watered. As the stems are not -produced until the second year, the radical rosettes of the first year -may be advantageously used in forming edgings, or on the margins of -groups, for which<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_115" id="page_115"></a>{115}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_155_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_155_sml.jpg" width="261" height="409" alt="Image not available: CHAMÆDOREA. - -Slender Palm Type; for placing amidst groups of dwarfer subjects during -the summer months." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">CHAMÆDOREA. -<br /> -Slender Palm Type; for placing amidst groups of dwarfer subjects during -the summer months.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">their light-green, silver-veined leaves are very suitable, or they may -serve to fill a vacant space in the mixed border. Multiplied by sowing -in spring or autumn. The plants require the shelter of a house in -winter, and are only effective for edgings in the young or rosette -stage.</p> - -<p><b>*Chamærops excelsa.</b>—A hardy species, with an erect stem, 20 ft. or 30 -ft. high in its native country, and dark-green, erect, fan-shaped -leaves, deeply cut into narrow segments. The leaf-stalks are from 3 ft. -to 6 ft. long, and are enclosed at the base in a dense mass of rough -fibres, and armed at the edges with small, tooth-like spines. This plant -remains out during the winter in the neighbourhood of Paris, in -sheltered positions, the stem being protected in severe frosts with a -covering of straw, etc., and it is worth a trial in the south with us.</p> - -<p><b>*Chamærops Fortunei</b> (<i>The Chusan Palm</i>).—This species is often -confounded with <i>C. excelsa</i>, from which, however, it differs in being -of a stouter habit, having a more profuse matted network of fibres -around the bases of the leaves and crown, the segments of the leaves -much broader, and the leaf-stalks shorter and stouter, from 1 ft. to 2 -ft. long, and quite unarmed. It grows 12 ft. or more in height, and has -a handsome, spreading head of fan-like leaves, which are slit into -segments about half-way down.</p> - -<p>It may not be generally known that this palm is perfectly hardy in this -country. A plant of it in Her Majesty’s gardens at Osborne has stood out -for many winters and attained a considerable height. It is also placed -out at Kew, though protected in winter. On the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_116" id="page_116"></a>{116}</span> water-side of the high -mound in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent’s Park, it is in even better -health than at Kew, though it has not had any protection for years, and -stood the fearfully hard frost of 1860. If small plants of this are -procured, it is better to grow them on freely for a year or two in the -greenhouse, and then turn them out in April, spreading the roots a -little and giving them a deep loamy soil. Plant in a sheltered place, so -that the leaves may not be injured by winds when they grow up and get -large. A gentle hollow, or among shrubs on the sides of some sheltered -glade, will prove the best place for it. The establishment of a palm -among our somewhat monotonous shrubbery and garden vegetation is surely -worthy of a little trouble, and the precautions indicated will prove -quite sufficient.</p> - -<p><b>Chamærops Palmetto</b> (<i>Palmetto Palm</i>).—This is a rather slow-growing -species, but valuable on account of its hardiness. It grows to a height -of about 15 ft., and has glaucous or sea-green, fan-shaped leaves, -divided into long narrow segments. The stem is smooth or without -prickles. It is a very fine object when planted out; and, grown in tubs -in a cool house or conservatory, stands the open air in summer well, and -should be put out at the end of May.</p> - -<p><b>*Chenopodium Atriplicis.</b>—A vigorous-growing Chinese annual, with an -angular, erect, slightly branched, reddish stem, over 3 ft. in height, -the young shoots and leaves covered with a fine rosy violet powder. The -leaves are very numerous, nearly spoon-shaped, and long-stalked. This -plant is very ornamental in foliage, and well adapted for planting on -grass-plats or grouping with<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_117" id="page_117"></a>{117}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_159_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_159_sml.jpg" width="379" height="324" alt="Image not available: CHAMÆROPS EXCELSA. - -Hardy Palm: best in sheltered positions." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">CHAMÆROPS EXCELSA. -<br /> -Hardy Palm: best in sheltered positions.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">other plants in pleasure-grounds. May be treated as a half-hardy annual.</p> - -<p><b>Cineraria maritima.</b>—A very handsome bushy perennial, with finely-cut -leaves, covered on the under side with a silvery down. It bears numerous -heads of bright yellow flowers in summer. When the effect of its foliage -only is desired, the flowering-stems should be pinched off on their -first appearance. The plant then becomes more leafy and more branching. -Multiplied easily by seeds. Useful on the margins of shrubberies, or -isolated on banks, or on the grass of the pleasure-ground, where it -would form an agreeable variety among the <i>Acanthuses</i> and various other -dark-green subjects recommended for this purpose.</p> - -<p><b>Cineraria Acanthifolia</b> is a fine variety of the preceding, and well -worthy of cultivation.</p> - -<p><b>Cladium Mariscus.</b>—This vigorous native fen-plant grows from 2 ft. to 6 -ft. high, and, when in flower, is crowned with dense, close, -chestnut-coloured panicles, which are sometimes 3 ft. in length. The -radical leaves are glaucous, rigid, and often 4 ft. long. Worthy of a -place near such subjects as <i>Carex pendula</i> or the <i>Typhas</i> on the -margin of water.</p> - -<p><b>Colea Commersonii.</b>—A shrub from Madagascar, with very large opposite -leaves, each consisting of pairs of oval-obtuse leaflets. This has been -used in the subtropical garden at Battersea Park, but it is not likely -to be of any practical importance in our outdoor gardening. Indeed it -must be a very fine plant in this way which would produce so good an -effect as young plants of <i>Ailantus glandulosa</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_118" id="page_118"></a>{118}</span></p> - -<p><b>*Comptonia asplenifolia.</b>—This is a quaint-looking little shrub, -fern-like in leaf and neat in habit. The leaves are long, and cut into -numerous rounded lobes, somewhat like those of the <i>Ceterach</i>; and the -habit of the shrub is spreading and pleasing. It likes peaty soil, and -may be increased by layers, suckers, or seeds. It should be used as an -isolated specimen on the grass, or associated with such things as the -oak-leaved <i>Hydrangea</i> and <i>Aralia japonica</i>. A very pretty object in -the woods of New Jersey and many other parts of N. America, where it is -called the Sweet Fern. It would be peculiarly appropriate for similar -positions in this country, when we have it plentiful enough to -naturalise.</p> - -<p><b>Cordyline indivisa.</b>—A magnificent New Zealand plant, with a simple -stem, from 2 ft. to 5 ft. high, and well distinguished by its -excessively thick and leathery leaves, which are from 1 ft. to 5 ft. -long, and 4 or 5 inches broad, lance-shaped, of a dark shining green -colour, the midrib and veins being of a rich deep orange. The flowers -are white, and very densely crowded, in a large drooping panicle. This -fine greenhouse plant may be placed out of doors in summer, from the end -of May till October, with a very good effect; best, perhaps, as an -isolated specimen, the pot being sunk in the grass.</p> - -<p><b>Corypha australis.</b>—A noble Australian palm, over 30 ft. high in its -native country, and forming a very effective subject for the subtropical -garden in summer, from June till October. The leaves are nearly -circular, often more than 5 ft. broad, of a dark green colour, very much -plaited, and divided round the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_119" id="page_119"></a>{119}</span> edge into narrow segments, and supported -by spiny leaf-stalks, from 6½ ft. to nearly 10 ft. long. It requires -abundance of water, and should have a warm, sunny, and sheltered -position. Few places, however, can afford to have subjects of this -character in the open air, except where there are large conservatories, -in which it is a relief to get more room in summer.</p> - -<p><b>*Crambe cordifolia.</b>—This is unquestionably one of the finest of -perfectly hardy and large-leaved herbaceous plants. It is as easily -grown as the common Seakale—more easily, if anything; and in heavy rich -ground makes a splendid head of leaves, surmounted in summer by a dense -spray of very small flowers. In planting it, the deeper and richer the -soil the finer the result. It will prove a capital thing for any group -of fine-leaved hardy plants, and may also be planted wherever a bold -though low type of vegetation is desired.</p> - -<p>There is another species, <i>*C. juncea</i>, a dwarf kind, with white flowers -and much-branched stems, the ramifications of which are very slender and -elegant. This is also effective, but not so valuable as <i>C. cordifolia</i>.</p> - -<p><b>*Cucurbita perennis.</b>—A climbing or trailing plant, well adapted for -covering walls, ruins, trellises, steep slopes, etc. It is a very -vigorous grower, its stems sometimes attaining a length of nearly 40 ft. -in one year; but it will probably never do this in our climate. The -leaves are strong, rough, and of a glaucous colour; and the shoots run -about freely if the plant be in very rich soil. Where a bold trailing -plant for high trellis-work, or rough banks, or shaggy rockwork is -desired, it will be found useful; but withal we cannot give it a place -in the front<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_120" id="page_120"></a>{120}</span> rank, and the small select garden without any of the -above-mentioned appendages will certainly be better without it. For the -botanical garden and curious collections it is indispensable. It is -strong and lasting when well established, and may be allowed to trail -over rough places, stumps, or similar positions. The flowers have a -rather strong odour of violets, and are succeeded by roundish fruit, the -size of a small orange, of a deep green colour barred and speckled with -white. Requires a deep, light soil, and a warm but airy position. -Seedlings and plants in exposed places should be covered in winter with -litter or leaves. It is easily multiplied in spring by division of the -young tuberous stems, or by sowing in light, substantial, well-drained -soil from April to July, or in pots in a lukewarm hotbed in March and -April. It has not, so far as I am aware, fruited in our climate.</p> - -<p><b>Cyathea dealbata.</b>—This very handsome fern, known in N. Zealand as the -Silver Tree-fern, has a slender, branched, almost black stem, 4 ft. to 8 -ft. high, ending in a fine crown of broadly-oblong twice-divided fronds -of a dark green colour above and milk-white below; the rachis and -midribs when young are covered with brown scales, and afterwards with -pale deciduous down. This plant may be placed in the open air, in the -southern and milder districts, during the summer months from the end of -May till the end of September.</p> - -<p><b>Cycas revoluta.</b>—A graceful and well-known plant, with a very stout -stem, sometimes, though rarely, reaching a height of from 6 ft. to 10 -ft. from the top of which issues a beautiful crown of dark green -pinnate<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_121" id="page_121"></a>{121}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_165_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_165_sml.jpg" width="338" height="474" alt="Image not available: CYCAS (very large and old specimen). - -Stove Section: suitable for placing in the open air, in warm and -sheltered parts of the country, after a strong growth has been made and -matured indoors." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">CYCAS (very large and old specimen). -<br /> -Stove Section: suitable for placing in the open air, in warm and -sheltered parts of the country, after a strong growth has been made and -matured indoors.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">leaves, from 2 ft. to 6 ft. long. It is one of the most valuable of the -greenhouse plants that may be placed in the open air in summer from the -end of May till October, and is particularly graceful in the centre of a -bed of flowering plants, or isolated with the pot or tub plunged to the -rim in the turf, always in a warm and sheltered position. Increased by -seeds, or by separation of the suckers which are occasionally thrown up.</p> - -<p><b>*Cynara Scolymus</b> (<i>French Artichoke</i>).—This plant, although chiefly -grown for culinary purposes, possesses sufficient merit as a -foliage-plant to entitle it to a place amongst ornamental subjects. Its -long, deeply-divided leaves, white and downy beneath, its height (4 ft. -to 5 ft.), its purplish flower-heads, and distinct habit render it very -suitable for planting on the irregular and rougher parts of -pleasure-grounds, grass-plats, etc., which are often occupied by -subjects far less striking.</p> - -<p><b>*Cyperus longus</b> (<i>Galingale</i>).—The stiff, erect, tapering, triangular -stem of this plant, which is from 2 ft. to 3 ft. high, is crowned by a -handsome loose umbellate panicle of chestnut-coloured flower-spikes, at -the base of which there is an involucrum of three or more unequal -leaves. These are often 1 or 2 feet long, the lower ones arching -gracefully and of a bright shining green, giving the plant a very -distinct and pleasing appearance. The rootstock is thick and aromatic, -and was formerly much used in medicine as a tonic. A rare native plant, -suitable for the bog-bed or the margin of water.</p> - -<p><b>Dahlia imperialis</b> (<i>Lily-flowered Dahlia</i>).—The common Dahlia gives us -no more idea of this than the little vernal Scilla of Britain does of -<i>Scilla peruviana</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_122" id="page_122"></a>{122}</span> The Imperial Dahlia has very large and graceful, -much divided leaves, and flowers of a pure and beautiful French white, -thrown up in a great cone-like mass, and resembling such lilies as <i>L. -tigrinum Fortunei</i>, which, instead of merely developing a head of -flowers, shoot up a great candelabrum laden with them. The flowers of -this dahlia do not, like most of the flowers of composite plants, open -so wide as to stare at you with the brazen look of a sunflower, but, on -the contrary, hang pendulous and half open, with some of the modesty of -the white lily. There is little chance of this species producing its -flowers in the open air in this country, but it will, notwithstanding, -be of service both in the flower-garden and conservatory.</p> - -<p>Planted in rich soil, and placed in a warm, sheltered position in the -open air at the end of May, it grows well with us in summer, and, in -consequence of its large and graceful leaves, is an ornament worthy of -being used as a “fine-foliaged” or “subtropical” plant. Just at the time -that it begins to gather together its flowering energies the best of our -season fails, and the plant must soon fail too, if not immediately taken -up and placed in a well-lighted and warm greenhouse. If plunged out in a -large pot or tub during the summer, it may be taken up without injury, -and will in all probability flower under glass in the autumn, and prove -a magnificent ornament. We should have very small hopes of its flowering -well if planted out so that its great roots must be mutilated when being -taken up, and therefore the safe way will be to pot it in a very large -pot, and plunge that in the ground. The roots would probably go through -the pot and enter the ground, but the main mass of them could be taken -up without disturbance,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_123" id="page_123"></a>{123}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_170_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_170_sml.jpg" width="325" height="418" alt="Image not available: TREE FERN. - -For half-shady sheltered dells, in warmer and milder districts, during -the summer months." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">TREE FERN. -<br /> -For half-shady sheltered dells, in warmer and milder districts, during -the summer months.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">and then it could if necessary be shifted into a larger pot or small -tub.</p> - -<p><b>*Datisca cannabina.</b>—A distinct and gracefully-habited herbaceous plant -from 4 ft. to 6 ft. high. The long stems are clothed with large and -handsome pinnate leaves, and the yellowish-green inflorescence appears -towards the end of summer. The male plant has long been known as a very -strong, graceful, and effective herb. The female plant, however, remains -green much longer than the male, and when profusely laden with fruit, -each shoot droops and the whole plant improves in aspect. It should not -be forgotten in any selection of hardy plants of free growth and -imposing aspect. From seed will probably be found the best way to raise -it, and then one would be pretty sure of securing plants of both sexes.</p> - -<p><b>Dicksonia antarctica.</b>—A very noble evergreen tree-fern, with a stout -trunk, which varies considerably in thickness, and attains a height of -30 ft. or more. The fronds, which form a magnificent crown 20 ft. or 30 -ft. across, are lance-shaped, much divided, of a shining dark green on -the upper surface, and paler underneath, from 6 ft. to 20 ft. long, -beautifully arched, and becoming pendulous with age. Perhaps the -hardiest of tree-ferns, and therefore most suitable for placing in the -open air in summer in sheltered shady dells, from the middle of May to -the beginning of October.</p> - -<p><b>*Dicentra (Dielytra) eximia.</b>—A plant with dense and very graceful -foliage, far more so than any other member of the order in cultivation; -and valuable as a flowering plant too, as the brightly-coloured flowers<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_124" id="page_124"></a>{124}</span> -remain on for a long time in spring and early summer. It generally grows -from 12 ins. to 16 ins. high, forming thick, almost pyramidal, tufts of -pale green, glaucescent, deeply-divided leaves, and bearing handsome -drooping clusters of large, rose-coloured flowers, often flowering twice -in the year. Although not absolutely necessary, it will be all the -better to plant it in light soil. Multiplied by division of the tufts in -spring. It should be associated with dwarf subjects like <i>Thalictrum -minus</i>, or be used on the margins of mixed beds of fine-leaved hardy -plants.</p> - -<p><b>*Dimorphanthus mandschuricus.</b>—A magnificent hardy shrub of erect habit, -with very large, much-divided, spiny leaves, which very much resemble -those of the Angelica-tree of North America, and in this country -attaining a height of 6 ft. to 10 ft., which it will probably much -exceed when well established in favourable positions. It is certainly -the most remarkable fine-foliage shrub that has been introduced into our -gardens for years, and is therefore of the highest importance for the -subtropical garden. As to its treatment, it seems to thrive with the -greatest vigour in a well-drained deep loam, and would grow well in -ordinary garden soil. As to position, isolation in some sheltered but -sunny spot will show it to great advantage; but it may also be grouped -with like subjects, always allowing space for the spread of its great -leaves.</p> - -<p><b>*Dipsacus sylvestris.</b>—A rather singular-looking hardy native plant, 5 -ft. to 6 ft. high, with a prickly, leafy, branching stem, and longish -opposite leaves joined together at their bases. The flowers are of a -pretty purplish rose-colour, and are borne in conical heads 3 ins.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_125" id="page_125"></a>{125}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_173_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_173_sml.jpg" width="310" height="281" alt="Image not available: DIMORPHANTHUS MANDSCHURICUS. - -Hardy deciduous shrub Section." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">DIMORPHANTHUS MANDSCHURICUS. -<br /> -Hardy deciduous shrub Section.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">or more in length. Suited for the embellishment of rough, uneven ground, -and will grow well in almost any kind of soil. Still more desirable than -the foregoing is <i>D. laciniatus</i>; a native of France, the leaves of -which are fringed with silky hairs instead of spines, and which has -always whitish flowers. Both these plants are biennials, and are easily -raised from seed.</p> - -<h3>THE DRACÆNAS.</h3> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">Long</span> as this noble family has been known in our gardens, we have yet to -learn a great deal about its use and beauty. Hitherto only allowed to -grace a stove or conservatory now and then, the Dracænas in future will -be among the indispensable ornaments of every garden where grace or -variety is sought. They are among the very best of those subjects which -may be brought from the conservatory or greenhouse in early summer, and -placed in the flower-garden till it is time to take them in again to the -houses in which they are to pass the winter months. And if it were not -necessary to protect them through the winter, it would be almost worth -our while to bring them indoors at that season, so graceful are they, -and so useful for adding the highest character to our conservatories. -The hardier and most coriaceous kinds, like <i>indivisa</i> and <i>Draco</i>, may -be placed out with impunity very far north. The brightly coloured kinds, -like <i>D. terminalis</i>, have been tried in the open air at Battersea, but -not with success. It would be dangerous to try them in the open air much -farther north, except in very favourable spots. The better kinds are -indicated in the select list of subtropical<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_126" id="page_126"></a>{126}</span> plants. <i>D. indivisa</i> grows -well in the open air in the south of England and Ireland.</p> - -<p><b>Dracæna australis.</b>—A fine plant, with a stout, branched stem, from 10 -ft. to 40 ft. high; and oblong, lance-shaped, bright green leaves, from -2 ft. to 3 ft. in length and 2 ins. to 4 ins. in breadth, striated with -numerous parallel veins. Flowers white, densely crowded, sweet-scented, -¾ in. across; but these are rarely produced except in large houses in -botanic or other gardens, where there are old or well-established -specimens. This is a useful conservatory species, and may be used out of -doors in summer, like <i>D. indivisa</i>, though it is not quite so graceful. -This plant is of very easy culture in ordinary soil.</p> - -<p><b>Dracæna cannæfolia.</b>—A very fine species from New Holland, with a tall -stem, and leaves from 20 ins. to 2 ft. long, the sides of which are -rolled inwards, so as to form a kind of pipe, of a fine sea-green -colour, and supported on stalks a foot or more in length. This is a -valuable species for warm greenhouse or conservatory use, and also for -placing out of doors in the southern counties, though it thrives best -indoors.</p> - -<p><b>Dracæna Draco</b> (<i>Dragon tree of Teneriffe</i>).—A large and vigorous -species, native of the Canary Islands, where it attains a great height -and age; the now perished Dragon-tree at Orotava in Teneriffe having -grown, according to Meyen, “70 ft. high and 48 ft. in circumference, -with an antiquity which must at least be greater than that of the -Pyramids.” In this country it is seldom seen more than 10 ft. high. The -stem is tree-like, simple or divided at the top, and often, when old, -becoming<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_127" id="page_127"></a>{127}</span> much branched, each branch terminated by a crowded head of -lanceolate-linear entire leaves of a glaucous green colour. The flowers -form a large terminal panicle, and are individually small and of a -greenish-white colour. This plant is more graceful and effective when in -a young state, in which it usually occurs in our gardens, than when old -and branched. It thrives well in the greenhouse or conservatory, and in -the midland and southern counties may be placed in the open air from the -end of May to October, while it is a fine object indoors at all seasons. -It is of very easy culture in sandy loam, and requires plenty of pot -room.</p> - -<p><b>*Dracæna indivisa.</b>—A very graceful plant, with leaves from 2 ft. to 4 -ft. long, and 1 in. to 2 ins. in breadth, tapering to a point, pendent, -and dark green. It should not be confounded with the conservatory plant -known as <i>Cordyline indivisa</i>, which is too tender to succeed well in -the open air, and somewhat difficult to grow. This species, on the -contrary, is perfectly hardy in the south of England and Ireland. I saw -good specimens of it at Bicton a few years ago, and quite recently as -far north as Woodstock, in the county Kilkenny, in Ireland; a plant also -stood out in a vase for several years in Mr. A. M’Kenzie’s garden at -Muswell Hill, N. <i>D. indivisa lineata</i> is a very fine variety, the -leaves of which are much broader than those of the type, measuring -sometimes 4 ins. across, and coloured with reddish pink at the sheathing -base. Other good varieties are <i>D. indivisa atro-purpurea</i>, which has -the base of the leaf and the midrib on the under side of a dark purple; -and <i>D. indivisa Veitchii</i>, in which the habit and size of the leaf are<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_128" id="page_128"></a>{128}</span> -the same as in the species, but in addition it has a sheathing base and -the midrib on the under side is of a beautiful deep red. It would be -difficult to find a plant more worthy of cultivation than this. Where it -does well in the garden or pleasure-ground in the southern parts, it -surpasses any Yucca or other hardy plant that I know in respect of -distinctness and tropical-looking grace; and, this being the case, there -can be little need to plead for it to the many who have gardens in the -counties south of London. In all districts it may be placed in the open -garden in summer with fine effect, the rim of the pots plunged level -with, or a little below, the surface, and the plants either isolated on -the turf, in the centre of a bed of flowering plants, or grouped with -other fine-leaved subjects. In the conservatory it is one of the most -effective and graceful subjects at all seasons, and is of very easy -culture in rich sandy loam.</p> - -<p>The <i>Dracænas</i> are a very numerous family, and many more might be -described; but most of the other kinds have not been proved to possess -any excellence for the flower-garden, while those enumerated are -abundantly sufficient to represent the aspect of this graceful and -stately family.</p> - -<p><b>Echeveria metallica.</b>—This is scarcely high enough to be suitable for -association with the taller plants, but it is so very distinct in -aspect, and has been proved to grow so well in the open air during -several unfavourable seasons, that I must not pass it by. I purposely -exclude from this book many things sometimes found in lists of -“subtropical” plants, but which may be classed most properly with -bedding subjects. But this, although<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_129" id="page_129"></a>{129}</span> not very large, forms an agreeable -and distinct object, and is very well calculated for producing a -striking effect among dwarf bedding and edging plants. It may be -propagated by the leaves, by cuttings, or by seeds, and requires a dry -greenhouse-shelf in the winter. Light sandy earth, not of necessity very -poor, will suit it best in the open air. It will prove very effective on -the margins of beds and groups of the dwarfer foliage-plants, or here -and there among hardy succulents, and should be planted out about the -middle of May.</p> - -<p><b>*Echinops ruthenicus.</b>—A hardy ornamental plant from S. Russia, with -stems 3 or 4 feet high, much branched in the upper part, and covered -with a silvery down. The leaves are deeply toothed and spiny, of a dark -green above, white and cottony underneath. The flowers are blue, and -borne in almost spherical heads on the tops of the erect branches. The -plant flourishes best in a calcareous soil, but will do well in almost -any well-drained ground. Easily multiplied by seed, division of the -tufts, or by cuttings of the roots in spring. This is the most -ornamental of its distinct family, and is highly suitable for grouping -with the finer herbaceous plants. It would also look remarkably bold and -well if isolated on the turf.</p> - -<p><b>*Elymus arenarius.</b>—This wild British grass—a strong-rooting and most -distinct-looking herb—is capable of adding a striking feature to the -garden here and there, and should be quickly introduced into -cultivation. Planted a short distance away from the margin of a -shrubbery, or on a bank on the grass, and allowed to have its own way in -deep soil, it makes a most striking object. In short, it deserves to -rank high among really hardy fine grasses,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_130" id="page_130"></a>{130}</span> the Pampas and the two -Arundos alone surpassing it. I am not quite certain that it is not more -useful than the Arundo, being hardy in all parts of these islands. In -very good soil it will grow 4 feet high; and as it is for the leaves we -should cultivate it, if the flowers are removed they will be no loss. It -is found frequently on our shores, but more abundantly in the north than -in the south. The variety called <i>geniculatus</i>, which has the spike -pendulous, is also worthy of culture, and in its case the flowers may -prove worth preserving. It may possibly be useful for covert, and is -certainly so for rough spots in the pleasure-ground and in semi-wild -places.</p> - -<p><b>*Elymus condensatus</b> (<i>Bunch grass</i>).—A vigorous perennial grass from -British Columbia, forming a dense, compact, column-like growth, more -than 8 ft. in height, covered from the base almost to the top with long -arching leaves, and crowned in the flowering season with numerous erect, -rigid spikes, each 6½ ins. long, and resembling an elongated ear of -wheat in form. It is a very ornamental plant, and may be associated with -our largest grasses. A very distinct variety has been raised in the -Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens, in which the spikes or ears are much -shorter and broader than those of the original form. For this the name -<i>Elymus condensatus compactus</i> has been suggested.</p> - -<p><b>Entelea arborescens.</b>—A small, branching, light-wooded tree, 5 to 10 ft. -high, with large, alternate, heart-shaped or three-lobed leaves covered -with stellate down, and white flowers, somewhat like those of a small -dog-rose, borne in umbels on the ends of a branching panicle. It is -peculiar to New Zealand, and is the only species<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_131" id="page_131"></a>{131}</span> of the genus. This -used to grow satisfactorily in the Paris gardens, but I have no -experience of it in this country. It will require greenhouse treatment -in winter, and is of but secondary importance for open-air culture.</p> - -<p><b>*Epimedium pinnatum.</b>—A hardy dwarf perennial from Asia Minor, from 8 -ins. to 2½ ft. high, forming handsome tufts of long-stalked radical -pinnate leaves, and bearing long clusters of yellow flowers. The -handsome leaves remain on the plant until the new ones appear in the -ensuing spring. It is not a good plan to remove them, as they serve to -shelter the buds of the new leaves during the winter, and the plants -flower much better when they are allowed to remain. Cool, moist, peaty -soil, and a slightly-shaded position, will be found most suitable for -this, and the novel appearance of its foliage claims a place for it -among the dwarfer plants, groups of fine-foliaged hardy herbaceous -subjects, Mahonias, etc.</p> - -<p><b>*Equisetum Telmateia</b> (<i>Giant Horse-tail</i>).—A British plant of very -noble port and much grace of character when well-developed, growing from -3 ft. to 6 ft. high in favourable soil and positions. The stem is -furnished from top to bottom with spreading whorls of slender, slightly -drooping, quadrangular branches; the whole forming a pyramidal outline -of very distinct and pleasing effect. It is a highly ornamental subject -for planting in the hardy fernery, the artificial bog, shady peat -borders, near cascades, or among shrubs growing best in moist hollows in -vegetable soil. Multiplied by division.</p> - -<p><b>*Equisetum sylvaticum</b> is another native Horse-tail<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_132" id="page_132"></a>{132}</span> of much dwarfer -size, but of the most exquisite grace when grown; the stem standing from -8 to 15 inches high, and well covered with numerous slender, spreading, -or deflexed compound branches. Very suitable for rockwork, margins of -ornamental water, or any of the positions in which <i>E. Telmateia</i> may be -grown. It also does well and looks very graceful when grown in pots in a -cold frame. Multiplied by division.</p> - -<p><b>*Erianthus Ravennæ.</b>—A highly ornamental grass from S. Europe, somewhat -like the Pampas grass in habit, but smaller in size, and frequently -having violet-tinged leaves. The flowering-stems grow from 5 ft. to 6½ -ft. high; but as it only flowers with us in a very warm season, it must -be valued for its foliage alone. Its dense and handsome tufts thrive -well in light, dry, calcareous soil, in positions with a south aspect. -It thrives but poorly on cold soils, and will probably not grow well -north of London except in peculiarly favourable positions, and in -well-drained free loams. It is fitted for association with such grasses -as <i>Arundo conspicua</i>. Multiplied by division of the tufts in spring or -autumn.</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 166px;"> -<a href="images/i_182_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_182_sml.jpg" width="166" height="228" alt="Image not available: Erianthus Ravennæ." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Erianthus Ravennæ.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Eryngium alpinum.</b>—A singular-looking plant,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_133" id="page_133"></a>{133}</span> from 2 ft. to nearly 3 -ft. high, forming a rather stiff bush, with leathery and very spiny -leaves of a sea-green colour, and bearing numerous roundish heads of -bluish flowers, the stems beneath them being also of a very handsome -blue for some inches down. Suitable for planting in the wilder parts of -pleasure-grounds, for isolation, for borders, or grouping with the -finest and most distinct subjects.</p> - -<p><b>*Eryngium amethystinum</b> is not so tall as the preceding, seldom growing -more than 2½ ft. high. It is remarkable for the beautiful amethystine -bloom which the leaves assume in July, and which they preserve until the -approach of frost. It is suitable for the positions recommended for the -preceding kind. Various other members of this family are useful in like -manner; indeed there is not one of them that is not so, including our -own common Sea Holly, <i>E. maritimum</i>.</p> - -<p><b>*Erythrina.</b>—These are very beautiful trees or shrubs, pretty generally -distributed through the tropics of both hemispheres. Some attain great -dimensions, while others are dwarf bushes with woody rootstocks, and a -few have the stems and leaf-stalks beset with prickles. The leaves are -trifoliate, with long stalks, and the leaflets oval, lance-shaped, or -triangular. Many of the species produce beautiful large pea-flowers, -usually of a blood-red or scarlet colour, in terminal racemes. The -varieties of these have proved very hardy and useful in the summer -garden, flowering freely, and showing considerable beauty of foliage. -Two round beds, each of 9 ft., and one oblong bed, 42 ft. by 5 ft., -including <i>E. ornata</i>, <i>Marie Belanger</i>, <i>laurifolia</i>, <i>crista-galli</i>, -<i>profusa</i>, <i>Madame Belanger</i>, <i>ruberrima</i>, <i>Hendersoni</i>, stood out last -winter uninjured<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_134" id="page_134"></a>{134}</span> in Battersea Park; and, as many people know, the -common old <i>Erythrina crista-galli</i> will thrive for years against a warm -south wall in a warm soil, if protected about the root in winter.</p> - -<p><b>Eucalyptus.</b>—Handsome Australian trees and shrubs, of which there are a -vast number of species, many growing to an immense height. The leaves -are of a thick leathery texture, always quite entire, and very variable -in shape. In young plants they are opposite, heart-shaped, pointed, and -covered with a glaucous bloom; as they grow older, they become alternate -and sickle-shaped, the stalks acquiring a peculiar twist, so that the -leaves present their edges to the branches. The most hardy kinds are <i>E. -globulus</i> and <i>E. Gunni</i>. Other kinds, however, will no doubt be found -sufficiently hardy. These are most likely to be attractive in the south -of England and Ireland, where a few of the species will be found to -thrive in the open air, as the peculiarly distinct and graceful habit of -the trees is not observed till they are 12 ft. or more above the ground. -Nevertheless some may grow them for the aspect they present after a -single year’s growth in the open air about London, in which case they -should be put out about the middle of May. I was very much struck with -their graceful and singular appearance in California, where they are -being planted in great variety.</p> - -<p><b>Farfugium grande.</b>—A very vigorous-growing perennial, with thick fleshy -stems, from 1 ft. to nearly 2 ft. high, and broad, cartilaginous, almost -heart-shaped leaves, of a light-green colour, variously streaked, and -spotted with yellow in one variety, and with white and rose-colour<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_135" id="page_135"></a>{135}</span> in -another. It flourishes best in free, substantial, moist soil which -contains a large proportion of vegetable mould, and in a half-shady -position. During the heats of summer it will require frequent watering. -At the approach of winter it should be removed to the conservatory or -cool greenhouse, except in the southern and milder districts, where it -survives an ordinary winter. In the colder parts of the country it is -scarcely worth planting out, it grows so slowly; but where it thrives it -is very ornamental in borders, isolated, or near the margin of beds. -Multiplied by division in spring; the offsets to be potted and kept in -the propagating-house or in a frame until they are well rooted.</p> - -<p><b>Ferdinanda eminens.</b>—This is one of the tallest and noblest subtropical -plants, growing well in the southern and midland counties when it is -supplied with rich soil and abundant moisture. It is also very much the -better for being sheltered. Where the soil is rich, deep, and humid, and -the position warm, it attains large dimensions, sometimes growing over -12 ft. high, and suspending pairs of immense opposite leaves. It will in -all cases form a capital companion to the Castor-oil plant, and, though -it may not be grown with ease in all parts, it should be in every -collection. It requires to be planted out, in a young state, about the -middle of May, and grows freely from cuttings. Greenhouse treatment will -do in winter. It is better to keep a stock in pots through the summer to -afford cuttings, though the old ones may be used for that purpose.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_136" id="page_136"></a>{136}</span></p> - -<h3>*FERULAS.</h3> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">I</span> wish it were not necessary to write in praise of such very fine plants -as these, so noble in aspect and beautiful in leaf. If 2000 kinds of -herbaceous plants are grown, the first things that show clearly above -the ground in the very dawn of spring (even in January) are their -deep-green and most elegant leaves. In good garden soil they look like -masses of <i>Leptopteris superba</i>, that most exquisite of ferns. Their -chief charm will probably be found to consist in their furnishing masses -of the freshest green and highest grace in early spring. The leaf is apt -to lose some of its beauty and fade away early in autumn, but this may -to some extent be retarded by cutting out the flower-bearing shoots the -moment they appear. Not that these are ugly; for, on the contrary, the -plants are fine and striking when in flower. It is indispensable that -the Ferulas, like some other hardy foliage-plants, be planted -permanently and well at first, as it is only when they are thoroughly -established that you get their full effect. At a first view, the best -way to treat them would appear to be so to arrange them that they would -be succeeded by things that flower in autumn, and only begin their rich -growth in early summer; but it will be equally wise to plant them near -the margin of a shrubbery, or wherever it is desired to have a -diversified and bold type of vegetation. We may look forward to the day -when a far greater variety of form will be seen in English gardens than -is at present observable, and these Ferulas are thoroughly well worth -growing for their superb spring and early summer effect. The best -species are<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_137" id="page_137"></a>{137}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_187_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_187_sml.jpg" width="290" height="335" alt="Image not available: FERULA COMMUNIS. - -Graceful herbaceous Type; dying down towards the end of summer, and -therefore most desirable for isolation near the margins of shrubberies, -etc." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">FERULA COMMUNIS. -<br /> -Graceful herbaceous Type; dying down towards the end of summer, and -therefore most desirable for isolation near the margins of shrubberies, -etc.</span> -</div> - -<p><i>F. communis</i> and <i>tingitana</i>. Probably a few others, including <i>F. -glauca</i>, <i>neapolitana</i>, <i>nodiflora</i>, <i>asparagifolia</i>, <i>Ferulago</i>, and -<i>persica</i>, may with advantage be added where much variety is sought, but -the effect of any of the first three cannot be surpassed. Among the -“aspects of vegetation” which we may enjoy in these cold climes, nothing -equals that of their grand leaves, pushing up with the snowdrop. In -semi-wild spots, where spring flowers abound, it will prove a most -tasteful and satisfactory plan to drop a Ferula here and there in a -sunny spot, and leave it to nature and its own good constitution -afterwards. In general aspect these plants are much alike; it is better, -however, to describe some of them individually.</p> - -<p><b>*Ferula asparagifolia.</b>—An ornamental perennial, 4 ft. or 5 ft. high, -with very graceful and finely-cut leaves, the radical ones 1 ft. to 2 -ft. long (including the leaf-stalk), repeatedly subdivided: the -divisions very narrow, linear, pointed, and set with hairs; the upper -stem-leaves are reduced to short sheaths, the lowest of which bear a -short pinnate limb.</p> - -<p><b>*Ferula communis.</b>—A very fine and striking hardy perennial, growing -from 6 ft. to 10 ft. or more high, with much-divided, spreading, shining -green leaves, repeatedly subdivided into linear, flaccid segments; the -lower leaves spreading more than 2 ft. each way; the sheaths of the -upper leaves very large.</p> - -<p><b>*Ferula Ferulago.</b>—A very ornamental kind, with striped stems, 6 ft. to -8 ft. high, and much-divided leaves, with divided spreading leaflets, -which are nearly as broad as those of <i>F. tingitana</i>, but longer, and of -a darker green.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_138" id="page_138"></a>{138}</span></p> - -<p><b>*Ferula glauca.</b>—A valuable and imposing foliage-plant, 4 ft. to 6 ft. -or more high, with very much divided leaves, shining above, glaucous -beneath, cut into long, linear, flat segments. The stalks of the upper -leaves are widened above.</p> - -<p><b>*Ferula persica.</b>—A hardy perennial from Persia and the Caucasus, with a -glaucous stem from 3 ft. to 6 ft. high, tapering gradually upwards, and -very handsome, much-divided leaves, with rather distant lance-shaped -leaflets, widening and toothed or cut at the apex. Flowers in umbels, -without any general or partial involucrum. This plant is easily -distinguished by its strong asafœtida odour, and requires warm sandy -soil.</p> - -<p><b>*Ferula tingitana.</b>—A very noble plant, from 6 ft. to 8 ft. high, with a -stout stem and very glistening leaves, which are broader than those of -any other species, and repeatedly subdivided into oblong or lance-shaped -deeply-toothed segments.</p> - -<p><b>Ficus Chauvieri.</b>—A noble species, with a faultless habit, which does -well in the open air, and is the best kind after <i>F. elastica</i>. The -leaves are oval-obtuse in outline, of a very dark glistening green, with -pale-yellow veins, and usually have one or more large undulations on the -margin. Useful for the same purposes as the following species.</p> - -<p><b>Ficus elastica</b> (<i>India-rubber Plant</i>).—This is one of those valuable -leathery-leaved things that are useful in hothouse, drawing-room, or -flower-garden. It not only exists in the open air in summer in good -health, but makes a good growth under the influence of our weak northern -sun. Never assuming the imposing proportions<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_139" id="page_139"></a>{139}</span> of other plants mentioned -herein, it is best adapted for select mixed groups, and, in small -gardens, as isolated specimens amongst low bedding plants. It will best -enjoy stove treatment in winter, and is propagated from cuttings. It -should be put out at the end of May. In all cases it is better to use -plants with single stems.</p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 212px;"> -<a href="images/i_191_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_191_sml.jpg" width="212" height="331" alt="Image not available: Ficus elastica." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Ficus elastica.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Fuchsia.</b>—The Fuchsia, one of the most beautiful ornaments of the -garden when well grown, is comparatively rarely seen in our -flower-gardens. It is to be regretted that this is the case, for -assuredly there is nothing in cultivation more calculated to improve the -aspect of things therein. Not showy in mass of flower, like many things -common enough now, it is of the highest order of beauty; while the -drooping habit of the shoots of most kinds gives the plant a grace which -is valuable indeed, and which no flower-garden should be without. Even -in dwarf lines, where this drooping tendency is not seen to such -advantage, or, it may be, presents<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_140" id="page_140"></a>{140}</span> a disadvantage, the Fuchsia is very -valuable; but it is when we use plants with rather tall stems or -pyramids that the full beauty of the Fuschia as a flower-garden plant is -seen. And the right way to manage them is to make them as far as -possible produce <i>all their growth in the open air</i>. That is the secret: -start them, nurture them, and make them full of leaves and strong young -growth in the spring, so as to go out strong, and most likely you will -find them very disappointing indeed; but keep them back and do not let -them burst forth into leaf until put in the open air in May, and they -will then go on and retain all the strength they gather, suspending -quantities of graceful blossoms until the leaves have deserted the -trees, when they should be taken up and put in a dry cave, cellar, or -shed for the winter. In a cool position of that kind it would not be -difficult to “keep them back” in spring. And supposing they seemed -inclined to push forth too much before the time had quite arrived when -it would be convenient or desirable to put them in the flower-garden, -there should be no difficulty in placing them in some quiet, sheltered -nook, where they might receive more protection than in the flower-garden -proper, and yet have full opportunity to make growth in the open -air—the great point to be attained. The freest and hardiest kinds -should be chosen for this purpose. In many places refuse plants may be -turned to good account in this way. Given a lot of specimen -Fuchsias—arrived, perhaps, at that stage when they must be parted with -to make way for younger plants and newer kinds—nothing is simpler than -to make of these standards for the flower-garden, by cutting away the -lower and middle side<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_141" id="page_141"></a>{141}</span> shoots, and leaving the head to form a standard. -Their exceptional grace when placed among fine foliage-plants induces me -to allude to them here.</p> - -<p><b>*Funkia Sieboldiana.</b>—A Japanese plant, remarkable for the elegance of -its leaves, which are large, broadly heart-shaped, of a greyish-green -colour, slightly undulating, and finely marked with regular lines of -prominent ribs. The flowers are of a light lilac or bluish colour, and -are borne in a drooping unilateral cluster at the extremity of a -leafless stem 1 ft. or 16 ins. high. Thrives best in a light, cool, -sandy soil in a sheltered half-shady position. It will also thrive well -in peat. Multiplied by division of the tufts in autumn, once in three or -four years. Useful among the dwarfer herbaceous plants, etc., and -occasionally as a groundwork in beds of shrubs with fine foliage.</p> - -<p><b>*Galega officinalis.</b>—A handsome, hardy, and vigorous-growing plant, 3 -ft. to 5 ft. high, forming graceful tufts of pinnate leaves, and -flowering abundantly and for a long time; the flowers are of a pale -blue, in long, dense clusters or spikes. Although it will grow in almost -any soil, it does best in a deep, free, moist, sandy clay. This not -uncommon herbaceous plant is alluded to here in consequence of its -graceful leaves, which fit it for taking a part in the groups of -handsome hardy subjects so often suggested in this book.</p> - -<p><b>Geranium anemonæfolium.</b>—A handsome perennial from Madeira, with a -simple, woody, erect stem 1 ft. to 14 ins. in height, covered with dry -scales. The leaves, which are of a bright green, smooth, and very much -divided, are chiefly collected at the base of the plant, from which -they<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_142" id="page_142"></a>{142}</span> extend horizontally on stalks from 20 ins. to 2 ft. long. The -flowers are very numerous, and of a lilac rose-colour. It is a highly -ornamental plant both in foliage and flower, and may be used with good -effect grouped with comparatively dwarf kinds, or occasionally as an -edging to tall subjects. It is best raised in frames and put out early -in May. Multiplied by seed, which it yields freely.</p> - -<p><b>*Gynerium argenteum</b> (<i>Pampas grass</i>).—This fine plant is so well known -that there is no excuse for naming it here, except the opportunity to -say a few words as to the splendid use we may make of it in the branch -of gardening we are now discussing. It deserves as much attention as any -plant in cultivation, and yet how rarely is any thorough preparation -made for its perfect development. What is there growing in garden or in -wild more nobly distinct and beautiful than the great silvery plumes of -this plant waving in the autumnal gusts—the burial plumes as it were of -our summer too early dead? What tender plant so effective as this in -giving a new aspect of vegetation to our gardens, if it be tastefully -placed and well grown? Long before it flowers it possesses more merit -for its foliage and habit than scores of things cultivated indoors for -their effect—Dasylirions, etc., for example—and it would be well -worthy of being extensively used if one of its silken-crested wands were -never put forth in autumn. It is not enough to place it in -out-of-the-way spots, but the general scene of every garden and -pleasure-ground should be influenced by it. It should be planted even -far more extensively than it is at present, and given very deep and good -soil either natural or made. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_143" id="page_143"></a>{143}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_195_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_195_sml.jpg" width="280" height="404" alt="Image not available: GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM. - -Giant hardy evergreen ornamental Grass." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM. -<br /> -Giant hardy evergreen ornamental Grass.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">soils of very many gardens are insufficient to give it the highest -degree of strength and vigour, and no plant better repays for a thorough -preparation, which ought to be the more freely given when it is -considered that one preparation suffices for many years. If convenient, -give it a somewhat sheltered position in the flower-garden, so as to -prevent as much as possible that ceaseless searing away of the foliage -which occurs wherever the plant is much exposed to the breeze. We rarely -see such fine specimens as in quiet nooks where it is pretty well -sheltered by the surrounding vegetation. It is very striking to come -upon noble specimens in such quiet green nooks; but, as before hinted, -to leave such a magnificent plant out of the flower-garden proper is a -decided mistake. Seed and division.</p> - -<p><b>*Gunnera scabra.</b>—Mr. Darwin met with this in a region where the -vegetation is so luxuriant that the branches of the trees extend over -the sea, somewhat like those of a shrubbery of evergreens over a gravel -walk. “I one day noticed growing on the sandstone cliffs some very fine -plants of the Panke (<i>Gunnera scabra</i>), which somewhat resembles the -rhubarb on a gigantic scale. The inhabitants eat the stalks, which are -sub-acid, and tan leather with the roots, and prepare a black dye from -them. The leaf is nearly circular, but deeply indented on its margin. I -measured one which was nearly 8 ft. in diameter, and therefore no less -than 24 ft. in circumference! The stalk is rather more than a yard high, -and each plant sends out four or five of these enormous leaves, -presenting altogether a very noble appearance.” Of a spot in the same -neighbourhood he says: “The forest<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_144" id="page_144"></a>{144}</span> was so impenetrable that no one who -has not beheld it can imagine so entangled a mass of dying and dead -trunks. I am sure that often for more than ten minutes together our feet -never touched the ground, and we were frequently ten or fifteen feet -above it; so that the seamen, as a joke, called out the soundings!” Yet -I have grown this plant to great size in a cold British bog. Mr. Darwin -does not speak of the inflorescence, which is more remarkable than the -leaves. The little flowers and seeds are seated densely on conical -fleshy masses a few inches long, and these in their turn being seated as -densely as they can be packed on a thick stem, the whole has the -appearance of a compound cone a couple of feet high (on strong plants), -very heavy, and perhaps the oddest-looking thing ever seen in the way of -fructification. This great spike springs from the root itself, the -leaves also springing from the root, as in the case of the rhubarbs. I -had two plants in a wet peat bog—one in deep rich soil, with the crown -well raised above the level, and the whole protected under a couple of -barrowloads of leaf mould; the other left exposed, and not allowed any -particularly good soil. Both plants survived the severest winters, but -the protected and well-fed one grew much the larger. The leaves of the -larger plant used sometimes to grow 4 ft. in diameter, the texture being -of extraordinary thickness and rugosity. I have, however, in the Royal -Gardens at Kew, seen it grown to a larger size than that. The bottom -there is the reverse of bog, while the situation is warmer and more -sheltered than where I grew it. But the Kew people met its wants very -cleverly, by building a little bank of turf around it, so<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_145" id="page_145"></a>{145}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_199_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_199_sml.jpg" width="374" height="212" alt="Image not available: GUNNERA SCABRA. - -Hardy herbaceous Section; attaining huge dimensions in deep, rich, moist -soil." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">GUNNERA SCABRA. -<br /> -Hardy herbaceous Section; attaining huge dimensions in deep, rich, moist -soil.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">as to admit of its absorbing a thorough dose of water now and then, -while in winter it was protected with dry leaves and a piece of -tarpaulin. Similar protection, plenty of water in summer, and a warm and -sheltered position, are all that are necessary for success with this -very striking subject. It is not difficult to obtain, and may be raised -from seed, though that is a slow way. It should be planted in some -isolated spot, and not as a rule in the “flower-garden proper,” as it -must not be disturbed after being well planted, and would associate -badly with the ordinary occupants of the parterre. The plant cannot have -too much sun or warmth, but makes little progress if its huge leaves are -torn by storms. In places with any diversity of surface it will be easy -to select a spot well open to the sun and yet sheltered by surrounding -objects (shrubs, clumps, etc.). The figure shows more the habit of the -plant than the character of its huge compound fleshy spike, on which the -small seeds are thickly scattered.</p> - -<p><b>*Gymnocladus canadensis</b> (<i>Kentucky Coffee-tree</i>).—A remarkable hardy -forest tree, which, kept in a young state, will furnish a fine head of -foliage. It has twice-divided leaves, the leaflets of which stand -vertically. On young trees the leaves are more than 3 ft. long, and on -subjects confined to a single stem and cut down every year they would -prove even larger than that. It grows wild in Canada, but more -abundantly and larger in Kentucky and Tennessee, where it used to be -employed as a substitute for coffee—hence the common name. It loves a -rich deep soil, and is propagated by seeds and cuttings of the roots. It -will prove very suitable for planting in similar positions to those -recommended for the Ailantus.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_146" id="page_146"></a>{146}</span></p> - -<p><b>Hedychium Gardnerianum.</b>—A stove herbaceous plant from the East Indies, -growing from 3¼ ft. to 6½ ft. high, with broadly lance-shaped clasping -leaves in two rows, and bearing, in autumn, lemon-coloured flowers with -a strong Jonquille perfume, in terminal spikes nearly a foot long. -Another species, <i>H. aurantiacum</i>, has handsome orange flowers. These -handsome plants may have been seen flowering in the open air in the -gardens at Battersea Park, very pleasing and effective in shady -nooks—not planted out but kept in the pots in which they were grown. -They should be put out about the end of May.</p> - -<p><b>*Helianthus annuus</b> (<i>Sun-flower</i>).—This common and familiar annual -plant may be usefully employed in adorning the rougher parts of -pleasure-grounds in warm positions, where it will thrive to best -advantage. Although very hardy and capable of being grown in almost any -soils, it prefers those that are substantial and free.</p> - -<p><b>*Helianthus orgyalis.</b>—A very distinct-looking hardy plant, growing 6 -ft. or 8 ft. high. Its distinctiveness arises from the fact that the -leaves are recurved in a peculiarly graceful manner. At the top of the -shoots, indeed, their aspect is most striking, from their springing up -in great profusion and then bending gracefully down. It will form a -capital subject for groups of fine-leaved, hardy plants, or for -isolation by wood-walks, etc. As it is apt to come up rather thickly, -the cultivator will act judiciously by thinning out the shoots when very -young, so that those which remain may prove stronger and better -furnished with leaves. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Hemerocallis fulva.</b>—This is one of those fine old plants formerly -grown in almost every garden, but which<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_147" id="page_147"></a>{147}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_204_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_204_sml.jpg" width="335" height="340" alt="Image not available: HERACLEUM - -Coarse herbaceous Type; foliage perishing late in summer." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">HERACLEUM -<br /> -Coarse herbaceous Type; foliage perishing late in summer.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">has latterly sunk into unmerited neglect, as from its luxuriance, the -height of its stem (nearly 4 ft.), and its fine, large, tawny-orange -flowers, it well deserves a place among vigorous and striking subjects. -It is thoroughly hardy and will thrive in almost any soil, but comes to -greatest perfection in that which is deep, substantial, and moist, and -in almost any position. Multiplied by dividing the tufts once in three -or four years in autumn when the leaves are withered, or in spring. -There is a variety of this species with double flowers, and one with -variegated leaves, both of which are somewhat tender and require -well-drained soil and a sheltered position.</p> - -<p>Other species in cultivation are <i>H. flava</i>, <i>H. disticha</i>, <i>H. -graminea</i>, and <i>H. Dumortieri</i>. All these plants are desirable -associates for the hardy fine-leaved plants.</p> - -<p><b>*Heracleums</b> (<i>Cow-parsnips</i>).—No perennials rival these plants in size, -and few in distinctness of appearance. The shape and width of their -leaves, the height of their stems, and especially the great size of -their umbels, produce an effect of a very striking character. Planted -singly on slopes in the rougher parts of pleasure-grounds, on or about -ruins, rough wild declivities, or by pieces of water or streams, they -are seen to excellent advantage; their enormous leaves forming great -tufts of vegetation, sometimes nearly 13 ft. in diameter. The period of -their greatest vigour and beauty is from May to the end of July; and -this should be distinctly borne in mind when arranging them, as, once -the great leaves fade away with the heats of early August, they become -very ragged, and soon disappear altogether. They delight in a moist, -deep, clay soil, but will grow vigorously<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_148" id="page_148"></a>{148}</span> in almost any kind of cool -soil, and even on rubbish-heaps. They are easily multiplied, either from -seed or by division of the tufts early in spring, or after the ripening -of the seed. They usually sow themselves freely.</p> - -<p><b>*Heracleum eminens.</b>—A peculiarly distinct species, easily known by the -blunt or roundish lobes of its trifoliate leaves, which also possess the -advantage of lasting longer than the leaves of other kinds. They are of -a thick texture, and finely covered with velvety down, which gives them -a slightly glaucous appearance, whereby they may also be distinguished. -I have only seen the plant in a young state in Paris gardens, and cannot -say what it is like when fully grown; but it is probably dwarfer in -stature and more compact in habit than most of the other kinds, and, as -the leaves last so much longer in perfection, it is suited for grouping -among choicer subjects. For isolation on the grass, after the fashion of -the Acanthuses, etc., it is particularly well suited. Seed or division.</p> - -<p><b>*Heracleum flavescens.</b>—A vigorous species, 5 ft. to 6 ft. high, with -deeply-furrowed rough stems, and convex green leaves, with ovate or -oblong serrate divisions. Flowers yellowish, in large umbels. Suitable -for banks of rivers or ponds, where effective foliage is desired. S. -Europe. Seed.</p> - -<p><b>*Heracleum persicum.</b>—A vigorous perennial, of rapid growth and imposing -dimensions, attaining a height of more than 6½ ft., and bearing whitish -flowers in umbels, the upper one of which is more than 16 ins. across. -The stem does not branch much, and the leaves are chiefly radical and -very large. Persia.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_149" id="page_149"></a>{149}</span></p> - -<p><b>*Heracleum pubescens.</b>—This species bears yellowish-white flowers, in -umbels about a foot in diameter, and grows to a height of from 6 ft. to -9 ft. or more. The leaves are very large, roughish on the upper side, -and much divided into elliptical segments, which are pointed and stand -close together. Crimea.</p> - -<p><b>*Heracleum villosum.</b>—A species distinguished by its very downy and -fringed fruit, with robust stems, 6½ ft. high or more. Leaves broad, -much divided, the segments coarsely toothed, covered with a whitish down -on the under side. Flowers in large umbels. Caucasus.</p> - -<p><b>*Heracleum Wilhelmsii.</b>—The leaves of this species are very large, -downy, and wrinkled, much divided, with lance-shaped, acute segments -distant from each other. The stem is more than 6½ ft. high, and bears -whitish flowers, in umbels from 10 ins. to 12 ins. in diameter. Siberia.</p> - -<p>Several other species are in cultivation, the principal of which is <i>H. -platytænium</i>, a biennial of very large dimensions, and remarkably -ornamental in habit and foliage.</p> - -<p><b>Humea elegans.</b>—This well-known plant may be very agreeably associated -with many of the subjects mentioned in this book, and is a graceful -object in the centres of beds, etc. To be put out early in May. New -Holland.</p> - -<p><b>*Hydrangea quercifolia.</b>—This is quite distinct in aspect from the -common Hydrangeas, and sufficiently striking to deserve a place where -variety of form is sought. The leaves are, as the name indicates, -somewhat lobed and oak-like in outline. It is best adapted to form a -bush, its natural habit, and is best used singly. I, however, have never -tried to train young plants of it with<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_150" id="page_150"></a>{150}</span> a single stem; it might be worth -the trial. It is a native of N. America. A rich and somewhat moist soil, -with shelter, will be found to suit it best. Well adapted for isolation.</p> - -<p><b>*Inula Helenium.</b>—A vigorous-growing British plant, about 3 ft. or 4 ft. -high, with a stout stem, branching in the upper part, and large, -oblong-oval leaves, of a delicate green colour. The flowers are yellow, -and are borne in loose clusters. Well suited for planting along with -other large-leaved plants, or as isolated specimens on rough slopes, or -wild places, in free, moist, good soil. Multiplied by division in spring -or autumn, or by seed.</p> - -<p><b>*Jubæa spectabilis.</b>—A very handsome, hardy S. American palm, with a -short, arboreous, smooth stem, which sometimes attains a height of -nearly 40 ft., and spreading pinnate leaves, of a full, deep-green -colour, and from 6 ft. to 12 ft. long, the leaflets being from 1 ft. to -1½ ft. long and about an inch wide, springing in pairs from nearly the -same spot, and standing out in different directions. The leaf-stalks are -very thick at the base, where they are enclosed in a dense mass of -rough, brown fibres, which grow upon their lower edges. The soil for -this plant should be a mixture of two parts of rich loam and two parts -composed of peat, leaf-mould, and sand. This exists in the open air -throughout the winter, near London, but not in such a condition as to -encourage many to try it in this way. Grown in tubs in the conservatory -in winter, and placed in the open air in summer, it will prove very -satisfactory for association with the hardier palms.</p> - -<p><b>*Juncus effusus spiralis.</b>—A very singular-looking<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_151" id="page_151"></a>{151}</span> rush, forming -spreading tufts of leaves, which, instead of growing, straight, like -those of other kinds, are curiously twisted in a regular corkscrew form. -From its very unusual appearance it is well worthy of cultivation, and -may be planted with advantage on the margins of pieces of water, near -cascades, etc., or in the artificial bog. It is easily multiplied by -division of the tufts.</p> - -<p><b>*Kochia scoparia.</b>—An annual plant of the Goose-foot family, forming a -neat, compact, pointed bush, from 3 to 5 ft. in height. The flowers are -green and insignificant, but the graceful habit of the plant renders it -valuable and effective, placed either singly or in groups, on the slopes -of pleasure-grounds, especially from July to September—the time of its -full development. It should be sown in April and May, in a hotbed, and -afterwards planted out in beds or borders. Southern Europe.</p> - -<p><b>*Kœlreuteria paniculata.</b>—A small sized, hardy, deciduous tree, from N. -China, from 15 ft. to 19 ft. high, and handsome both in foliage and -flower. The leaves are pinnate, and of a dark, glistening-green colour; -the leaflets ovate, and coarsely toothed. Flowers yellow, in terminal, -spreading clusters, and succeeded by large, reddish, pendent, bladdery -capsules, which render the tree conspicuous till late in the autumn. It -does best in rich, moist soil. When planted in a dry and arid position, -the leaves are never so large or glistening, and soon turn yellow and -fall. It is one of the trees which may, as advised for the Ailantus, be -kept in a small state by cutting them down annually, and will, thus -treated, furnish a fine effect. Easily multiplied by seed, layers, and -cuttings.</p> - -<p><b>Latania borbonica.</b>—A well-known, hardy, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_152" id="page_152"></a>{152}</span> favourite palm, attaining -a height of 25 ft., with large, fan-shaped leaves, over 5 ft. broad, of -a cheerful green colour, and with pendent marginal segments. The -leaf-stalks are over 4 ft. or 5 ft. long, and are armed at the edges for -half their length with short reflexed spines. May be placed in the open -air about London and southward in sunny dells in summer, and is a fine -warm-conservatory or stove ornament in winter.</p> - -<p><b>*Lavatera arborea.</b>—This plant, which has the appearance of a small -tree, attains in the southern counties the height of nearly 10 ft. The -stem is simple for some distance, and then branches into a broad, -compact, roundish, and very leafy head. It may be used to adorn warm and -sheltered parts of pleasure-grounds and rough places. In rich -well-drained beds it would prove a worthy companion for the Ricinus and -the Cannas. It is most at home on dry soils, but during the summer -months thrives on all. When planted in the shelter of a south wall it -has been known to live for several years and to have almost woody stems -from 2 ins. to 4 ins. in diameter at the base. Italy.</p> - -<p><b>*Ligularia macrophylla</b> (<i>Large-leaved L.</i>).—A vigorous perennial, with -an erect stem nearly 3½ ft. high, and very large, glaucous, erect, -long-stalked, oval leaves. The flowers are yellow, and are borne in a -dense long spike at the end of the stem. The most suitable soil for this -plant is that which is free, moist, and somewhat peaty. Multiplied by -careful division in autumn or in spring. It is a useful subject for -grouping with fine-leaved herbaceous plants, but will seldom command a -place in the select flower-garden. Caucasus.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_153" id="page_153"></a>{153}</span></p> - -<p><b>*Malva crispa.</b>—A vigorous-growing annual, 3 to 6½ ft., or more, in -height, growing in an erect, pyramidal bush of densely-crowded, broad -leaves, with a very undulating curled or frizzled margin. The flowers -are small, white, and inconspicuous. Bushes of this are pretty in -groups, beds, or borders. It may be sown in cool frames and put out -early in May, by which means strong plants may be obtained early in the -season.</p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 145px;"> -<a href="images/i_211_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_211_sml.jpg" width="145" height="207" alt="Image not available: Malva crispa." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Malva crispa.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Martynia lutea.</b>—A very pretty annual from Brazil, about 1½ ft. high, -with roundish leaves and handsome yellow flowers, collected in -cylindrical clusters at the angles of the principal branches. It -requires a light, rich, cool soil, a warm position, and frequent -watering in summer. Its large leaves and ornamental bloom make it a -desirable subject for beds, groups, and borders. Increased by seed.</p> - -<p><b>*Megaseas.</b>—Some parts of pleasure-grounds for which there may be a -difficulty in finding any subject that will either thrive in such -places, or that is not too commonplace to be thought of, may be very -advantageously occupied by a few specimens of <i>Megasea cordifolia</i> and -<i>M. crassifolia</i>, the large, leathery, persistent leaves of which will, -in such positions, preserve their freshness through the winter, and in -the earliest days of spring be surmounted by dense clusters of very -pleasing rose-coloured<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_154" id="page_154"></a>{154}</span> flowers. These plants are very hardy perennials, -and will require hardly any care after planting them. They are well -suited for embellishing cascades and rough rockwork, are not fastidious -as to soil, and are easily multiplied by division of the tufts.</p> - -<p><b>Melanoselinum decipiens.</b>—An umbelliferous shrub, from Madeira, with a -round simple stem, bare below, and large spreading compound leaves with -oval toothed segments and sheathing leaf-stalks. Flowers white, borne in -umbels. Should be planted out in May. A useful subject for isolation on -grass-plats, etc., and requiring greenhouse or warm-frame treatment in -winter. Young plants are to be preferred for ornamental purposes. -Multiplied by seed.</p> - -<p><b>Melia Azedarach</b> (<i>Pride of India</i>).—A very ornamental tree, but with us -usually seen in a small state. It is a native of India, but is now -naturalised in various parts of S. Europe. It usually grows from 13 ft. -to 17 ft. high, and bears its smooth dark-green pinnate leaves chiefly -clustered together at the ends of the branches. The flowers are of a -lilac colour, and emit an agreeable perfume: they are produced in large -bunches which issue from the axils of the leaves. The fruit is -considered poisonous. Healthy young plants kept to a single stem, and -cut down to within a foot or two of the base annually, form graceful -objects in the ornamental garden, throwing up an erect stout stem -regularly clothed with leaves twice and thrice divided, from 16 ins. to -more than 2 ft. long and from 1 ft. to nearly 18 ins. across. Plant out -in early summer. A substantial, well-manured soil, a shady position, and -frequent waterings in summer are necessary for<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_155" id="page_155"></a>{155}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_214_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_214_sml.jpg" width="254" height="269" alt="Image not available: MELIANTHUS MAJOR. - -Herbaceous Type: best treated as a perennial, and protected at the roots -in winter." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">MELIANTHUS MAJOR. -<br /> -Herbaceous Type: best treated as a perennial, and protected at the roots -in winter.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">the development of the ornamental qualities of the Melia. In winter it -requires the shelter of a greenhouse with us. Multiplied by seed or -layers.</p> - -<p><b>*Melianthus major.</b>—This is usually treated as a greenhouse plant, and -is sometimes put out of doors in summer. So grown, however, the full -beauty of the plant has not time to develope; and much the better way is -to treat it as a half-hardy subject, putting it out in some sunny and -sheltered spot, where the roots will not suffer from wet in winter. The -shoots will be cut down by frost, but the root will live and push up -strong stems in spring, forming by midsummer a bush about 3 ft. high, -very distinct and beautiful, with large, pinnate, light sea-green -leaves, which will not suffer from rain storms. I have grown it in this -way to a much more presentable condition than it ever assumes indoors, -where it is usually drawn too much. I used to protect the roots in -winter by placing leaves over them, and then covering all with a -handlight, but have seen the plant survive without this precaution. It -is, however, best to make quite sure by using protection, except where -the soil and climate are particularly favourable. <i>Melianthus minor</i> has -the habit of <i>M. major</i>, but is smaller in every respect and flowers -later. Its inflorescence also is different, the flowers being of a -yellowish red, and growing in short clusters. Cape of Good Hope.</p> - -<p><b>*Meum athamanticum.</b>—One of the most elegant and gracefully-cut plants -in an order second to no other for these qualities. The leaves are -divided so finely as to appear as if they were made of vegetable hair, -and the plant is dwarf and neat in habit, from 6 inches to 1 foot<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_156" id="page_156"></a>{156}</span> high; -easy of growth in ordinary soils, and perfectly hardy and perennial. It -is probable that in dry seasons it might “go off” too soon for -association with autumn-flowering plants, but for rockwork, borders, or -mixed arrangements of any sort it is invaluable. A British plant, easily -increased by division.</p> - -<p><b>*Molopospermum cicutarium.</b>—A very ornamental umbelliferous plant, 5 ft. -or more in height, with large, deeply-divided leaves of a lively green -colour, forming a dense irregular bush. The flowers, which are -insignificant and of a yellowish-white colour, are borne in small -roundish umbels. There is a deep green and fern-like beauty displayed -profusely by some of the umbelliferous family, but I have rarely met -with one so remarkably attractive as this species. Many of the class, -while very elegant, perish quickly, get shabby indeed by the end of -June, and are therefore out of place in the tasteful flower-garden; but -this is firm in character, of a fine rich green, stout yet spreading in -habit, growing more than a yard high, and making altogether a most -pleasing bush. It is perfectly hardy, and easily increased by seed or -division, but rare as yet. Loves a deep moist soil, but will thrive in -any good garden soil. It is a fine subject for isolation or grouping -with other hardy and graceful-leaved umbelliferous plants. Carniola.</p> - -<p><b>Monstera deliciosa.</b>—This very remarkable-looking plant has been found -to bear being placed in the open air with impunity in shady and -sheltered spots from the beginning of June till the end of September. -Its great perforated leaves look so singular that everybody should grow -it who has a stove in which to do so, and it is so<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_157" id="page_157"></a>{157}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_217_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_217_sml.jpg" width="332" height="272" alt="Image not available: MONSTERA DELICIOSA - -Tender Section; stands well in the open air in summer in warm and -sheltered spots." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">MONSTERA DELICIOSA -<br /> -Tender Section; stands well in the open air in summer in warm and -sheltered spots.</span> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_220_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_220_sml.jpg" width="242" height="327" alt="Image not available: MONTAGNÆA HERACLEIFOLIA (Polymnia grandis). - -One of the noblest of the tender section, making free growth in the open -air during summer." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">MONTAGNÆA HERACLEIFOLIA (Polymnia grandis). -<br /> -One of the noblest of the tender section, making free growth in the open -air during summer.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">readily grown and propagated that a plant may soon be spared for placing -in the open air during the warmer months. Although, however, it will -exist in the open air for a few months in warm and sheltered spots in -this country, it is only to be seen to perfection in the stove. Few -subjects possess nobler or more singular foliage, or are more worthy of -a place for effect alone, while its fruit is edible and produced freely -enough when the plant is well-grown. The culture is quite simple—plenty -of rich soil, a high temperature, and abundance of moisture. I have seen -the plant fruit well in what is called an “intermediate house,” but, -where convenient, it is much better to place it in a warm stove. -Wherever rockwork or any picturesque arrangement is attempted in any of -these structures; no nobler plant can be selected for its embellishment. -It crawls over such positions with a snake-like stem, and a trail of -great leathery leaves perforated in many places, as shown in the plate. -Mexico.</p> - -<p><b>Montagnæa heracleifolia</b> (<i>Polymnia grandis</i>).—This is second to no -other plant for its dignified and finished effect in the flower-garden, -forming a handsome shrub with large, opposite, much-divided, and -elegantly-lobed leaves, which are often nearly 3 ft. long, presenting -very striking and luxuriant masses of foliage. The stem and leaf-stalks -are spotted with white, and the leaves when young are covered with a -soft white down. Like most large soft-growing things in this way, it is -best planted out in a young state, so as to ensure a fresh and unstinted -growth. Easily multiplied from cuttings, which plants freely produce if -placed in heat in January.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_158" id="page_158"></a>{158}</span> It is best planted out at the end of May, -and should be in every collection. Mexico.</p> - -<p><b>*Morina longifolia.</b>—A hardy perennial of handsome and singular -appearance, the large spiny leaves resembling those of certain Thistles, -while the long spikes of whorled flowers, which are from 2 to 3 ft. -high, are almost identical in form with the inflorescence of many of the -Labiate family. It grows well in ordinary well-drained soil, preferring -that which is mellow, deep, and moist. Easily multiplied by sowing the -seed as soon as it ripens, in light, peaty, sandy soil. In our winters -it would be advisable to cover the plants with litter, as it is the -dampness and sudden changes of the atmosphere which appear to injure it -rather than the cold. Being a fine-flowering plant, as well as -remarkable for its leaves, it is excellent for every kind of mixed -border, and also for grouping with the smaller and medium-sized -perennials that have fine foliage or are singular in appearance. Nepaul.</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 154px;"> -<a href="images/i_222_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_222_sml.jpg" width="154" height="208" alt="Image not available: Morina longifolia." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Morina longifolia.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Mulgedium alpinum.</b>—A tall mountain-plant of the Sow-thistle family, -with very broad leaves and stems over 3 ft. high. The flowers are very -numerous, of a dark-blue colour, resembling those of the Chicory, and -are borne erect on the upper parts of the branching<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_159" id="page_159"></a>{159}</span> stems. A somewhat -shaded position and a very moist deep loam are necessary to the vigorous -growth of this plant, which will prove effective in the rougher parts of -the pleasure-ground. Multiplied by division. Alps.</p> - -<p><b>*Mulgedium Plumieri.</b>—A vigorous herbaceous perennial, 4 ft. to 6 ft. -high, with very large, deeply-cut radical leaves somewhat glaucous -underneath, bearing late in summer large spreading terminal corymbs of -blue flowers. A good subject for association with strong-growing -herbaceous plants in groups, or as isolated tufts by wood-walks, in deep -rich soil. S. of France.</p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 181px;"> -<a href="images/i_223_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_223_sml.jpg" width="181" height="229" alt="Image not available: Mulgedium alpinum." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Mulgedium alpinum.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>Musa Ensete.</b>—The noblest of all the fine-leaved plants yet used in the -flower-garden is <i>Musa Ensete</i>—the great Abyssinian Banana, discovered -by Bruce—the stem of which has been known to attain a diameter of more -than 3 ft. at the base, and a height of from 13 ft. to nearly 20 ft. The -huge leaves, borne nearly erect, are oblong in shape and of a beautiful -bright-green colour, with a very stout deep-red midrib. In the open air -they often grow nearly 10 ft. long and nearly 2 ft. broad. The fruit of -this kind is not edible, like that of the Banana and Plantain (<i>Musa -paradisiaca</i> and <i>M. sapientum</i>),<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_160" id="page_160"></a>{160}</span> but the leaves are magnificent, and -they stand the rain and storms of our northern climes with little -laceration, while all the other kinds of Musa become torn into shreds. -It has hitherto been generally grown in stoves; but it is an interesting -and, until recently, little known fact, that the finest of all the -Banana or Musa tribe is also the hardiest and most easily preserved. -When grown for the open air it will of course require to be kept in a -house during winter and planted out the first week in June. In any place -where there is a large conservatory or winter-garden it will be found -most valuable, either for planting therein or for keeping over the -winter, as, if merely housed in such a structure during the cold months, -it will prove a great ornament among the other plants, while it may be -put out in summer, when the attraction is all out of doors. Other kinds -of Musa have been tried in the open air in England, but have barely -existed, making it clear that they should not be so cultivated in this -country. <i>M. Ensete</i> is the only species really worth growing in this -way. Where the climate is too cold to put it out of doors in summer, it -should be grown in all conservatories in which it is desired to -establish the noblest type of vegetation. It also stands the drought and -heat of a dwelling-house remarkably well, and though, when well -developed, it is much too big for any but Brobdingnagian halls, the fact -may nevertheless be taken much advantage of by those interested in -room-decoration on a large scale. The plant is difficult to obtain as -yet, but will, I trust, be soon made abundant by our nurserymen.</p> - -<p>In September, 1868, I saw a fine plant of this Musa<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_161" id="page_161"></a>{161}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_225_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_225_sml.jpg" width="353" height="325" alt="Image not available: MUSA ENSETE. - -Noblest of tender Section; thriving in the open air in summer, in the -warmer districts in summer and in the conservatory in winter." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">MUSA ENSETE. -<br /> -Noblest of tender Section; thriving in the open air in summer, in the -warmer districts in summer and in the conservatory in winter.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">that had remained in the open ground in Baron Haussmann’s garden in the -Bois de Boulogne during the preceding winter. It was left in the -position in which it grew during the summer of 1867, and in the month of -November covered with a little thatched shed, the space about the plant -being filled with dry leaves. All the leaves were cut off. In spring the -protection was removed and the plant pushed vigorously. It had, when I -saw it, 16 leaves, not one of which was torn or lacerated, although it -was in an exposed position. It was not more than 5 ft. high, but was -more attractive than much larger individuals of the same species, from -being so compact and untattered in its foliage. As most people who grow -it will have means of keeping it indoors in winter, and as it is so -rare, this mode of keeping it is not likely to be taken advantage of -with us at present; but that it can and has been so wintered is an -interesting fact.</p> - -<p>Other species are: <i>M. paradisiaca</i> (the Plantain); <i>M. sapientum</i> (the -Banana); <i>M. Cavendishii</i>, a dwarf-growing kind, seldom exceeding 5 ft. -or 6 ft. in height, and fruiting freely in a stove; <i>M. superba</i>, and -<i>M. zebrina</i>. These, however, are all properly hothouse kinds, and do -not thrive in the open air.</p> - -<p><b>Nelumbium luteum.</b>—This is perhaps second to none of its fine family in -beauty. In the Paris Garden a plant remained in a fountain-basin, in a -very sheltered position, for several years, flowering yearly. On the -11th of September, 1868, the petals of one of these flowers measured -each 6 ins. in length! and consequently the flower fully spread out was -more than a foot in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_162" id="page_162"></a>{162}</span> diameter. The singular-looking disk within these -great fragrant flowers is as interesting as the flower itself, and far -more peculiar. The flowers are of a pale yellow, with a single deep -stain of rosy crimson at the apex of each petal. The leaves push boldly -above the water, are quite round, 12 ins. to 15 ins. in diameter, and of -a peculiar bluish-green. If the hand be placed under one of them, so as -to slightly raise the outer parts of the large plate-like leaf, a hollow -will of course be formed; and if water be poured into this so as to -cover exactly the centre of the stem which supports and feeds the leaf, -a curious result will be noticed. Bubbles of air will rise rapidly one -after another from exactly over the part where the leaf joins its stem. -In this particular leaf this spot is marked by being of a much lighter -green than the remainder of the leaf. This would be well worth trying in -the southern counties on the margin of ponds, etc., where it would be -fine associated with <i>Nuphar advena</i>, and the like. It should be put out -early in May.</p> - -<p><b>Nelumbium speciosum</b> (<i>Sacred Bean</i>).—An Egyptian water-plant of very -great beauty, with round sea-green leaves from 10 ins. to over a foot in -diameter, some of which float on the surface of the water, while others -are elevated above it at various heights up to 2½ ft. Above the highest -leaves appear the large, solitary, white, rosy-tipped flowers, which are -about 10 ins. broad, and are very fragrant. As the plant is somewhat -tender, it should be grown in tubs, and placed in rather shallow water -(which is more easily warmed by the sun) from the end of May until the -end of September in a position<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_163" id="page_163"></a>{163}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_230_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_230_sml.jpg" width="239" height="375" alt="Image not available: NICOTIANA TABACUM. (Var. macrophylla). - -Annual Section; forming handsome specimens within a few months after -sowing." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">NICOTIANA TABACUM. (Var. macrophylla). -<br /> -Annual Section; forming handsome specimens within a few months after -sowing.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">sheltered from sudden changes of the atmosphere. A mixture of good loam, -sharp sand, and charcoal seems to answer it best. Multiplied by division -of the rootstocks, or by seed. Wherever there is a contrivance for -heating the water in a small pond or tank in the open air, these two -remarkable plants would be well worth a trial.</p> - -<p><b>Nicotiana Tabacum</b> (<i>Common Tobacco</i>).—There are several varieties of -this well-known plant, distinguished by the different length and width -of their oblong lance-shaped leaves and the lighter or deeper colour of -their rosy flowers. A deep, well-drained, light soil, rich in decayed -vegetable matter, is essential to this plant, as is also copious -watering in summer. As it is so readily raised from seed, and grows -luxuriantly in rich soil, I need not say it is a very desirable subject -for association with the Castor-oil plant and the like, and especially -suited for the many who desire plants of noble habit, but who cannot -preserve the tender ones through the winter under glass. It should be -raised in a hotbed, and put out in May. Height, 6 ft. or more. <i>N. -macrophylla</i> is the finest variety.</p> - -<p><b>Nicotiana wigandioides.</b>—A species of recent introduction, with a simple -stem 6 ft. or more high, and very large, broad, woolly leaves which grow -in a somewhat erect position. If placed in a hothouse at the close of -the year, it becomes woody and branching, and assumes an arborescent -habit. Requires good substantial, well-manured soil, and copious -watering. This is a useful plant for grouping with the medium-sized -tender subjects in rich, light, well-drained soils, and should be -planted out about the middle of May.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_164" id="page_164"></a>{164}</span></p> - -<p><b>*Nuphar advena.</b>—A hardy Water-lily from N. America, with broad, -oval-heart-shaped leaves, some floating on the surface of the water, and -some emerging well above it. The flowers are rather large, of a -golden-yellow colour, with scarlet stamens. This plant is as hardy as -our native water-lilies, and is therefore adapted for any position in -which they will grow. In N. America it occurs chiefly in still or -stagnant waters. The bold and large leaves make it peculiarly suitable -for placing near the margin of water in the vicinity of groups of -picturesque plants.</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 175px;"> -<a href="images/i_232_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_232_sml.jpg" width="175" height="239" alt="Image not available: Onopordum Acanthium." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Onopordum Acanthium.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Onopordum Acanthium.</b>—A native biennial plant of bold, habit and -vigorous growth, with stout, branching stems often more than 5 ft. high, -and very large, undulating, spiny leaves, covered with long, whitish, -cobweb-like hairs. Flowers purplish, in large, solitary, terminal heads. -<i>O. illyricum</i> has greener and more deeply-cut leaves, stiffer stems, a -more branching habit, and much more spiny leaves and stems. <i>O. -arabicum</i> grows to the height of nearly 8 ft. with an erect and very -slightly branching habit, and has both sides of the leaves, as well as -the stems, covered with a white down. All these<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_165" id="page_165"></a>{165}</span> species are very hardy, -and thrive well in ordinary soil. They are particularly adapted for the -rougher and more neglected parts of pleasure-grounds, where they will -sow themselves.</p> - -<p><b>*Osmunda regalis.</b>—This, the largest and most striking of our native -ferns (sometimes attaining a height of 8 ft.), is one of the most -ornamental subjects that can be grown in certain positions. It should be -planted in moist peaty soil in half-shady places, on the banks of -streams, the margins of pieces of water, by cascades, etc. It may also -be planted in the water with good effect. It has been found to do well -exposed to the full sun, when its roots are in a constantly moist, -porous, moss-covered soil, in a position sheltered from strong winds. In -shady positions it would be found to attain great stature if planted in -deep, well-manured soil. The various North American Osmundas should also -be associated with this. There are several varieties to be met with in -gardens, the handsomest of which perhaps is <i>O. r. cristata</i>. Popular -and almost universally cultivated as the Osmunda is; however, it is not -at all common to see the Royal Fern and several other Osmundas otherwise -than in a shabby, or at best in a half-developed, condition. Mr. A. -Parsons, of Danesbury, a well-known florist and cultivator of ferns, has -overcome this difficulty, and narrates his marked success in the pages -of the <i>Florist and Pomologist</i>. He formed a very large fernery in an -old chalk-pit, and with much success; but, notwithstanding all the care -taken of the Osmundas and allied ferns, they were tried for four seasons -with no satisfactory results, the roots of the surrounding trees<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_166" id="page_166"></a>{166}</span> -robbing them of both soil and water. “A change was then made: a piece of -ground, of irregular shape, large enough to contain about 20 plants, was -staked out, and the mould, or, more correctly speaking, the chalk, was -removed to the depth of 3 ft.; a bricklayer followed, and put in a floor -of three bricks laid on the flat, set in good Portland cement, and over -that a layer of plain tiles, the sides being made up to the ground-level -with a 4½-inch wall, well built up in the same kind of cement; this made -the whole water-tight, and prevented the roots of the surrounding trees -from penetrating and robbing the ferns of their moisture. The space was -filled up with earth, compounded of good loam, peat, and leaf-mould, in -equal proportions, with about one-fifth of good rotten manure added -thereto; these ingredients were thoroughly mixed and well trodden in, -and then the ferns were planted. In forming this bed, provision was made -for the escape of the surplus water, by introducing into the front wall, -at about 4 ins. from the bottom, a common 3-in. drain-pipe, which -communicated with a small tank, about 3 ft. square, sunk into the chalk, -so that all waste water became absorbed. This method proved to be -eminently successful, the plants far surpassing in size any I have ever -seen under artificial cultivation, and, judging from report, rivalling -their growth in their natural habitats. Last season I could boast of -<i>Osmunda regalis</i> with fronds at least 8 ft. in length, <i>Osmunda -spectabilis</i> 4½ ft., <i>Osmunda Claytoniana</i> 5 ft., <i>Osmunda cinnamomea</i> 3 -ft., and the beautiful <i>Osmunda regalis</i>, var. <i>cristata</i>, 3 ft. in -length. <i>Adiantum pedatum</i> grew from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in height, and -others<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_167" id="page_167"></a>{167}</span> were proportionally fine. The plants were not drawn up by being -planted closely together, but were placed at a fair distance apart, and -became handsome and noble specimens. Every spring I apply a dressing of -about two inches of rotten manure to the surface, and just cover it with -mould for the sake of appearance. The artificial swamp is the admiration -of all the visitors here. The plants are always in a healthy and -vigorous state, and have none of that half-starved appearance so -frequently to be seen. The result of my experience induces me to believe -that a more liberal treatment would not be found objectionable in the -cultivation of many more of our native ferns. I intend making the -experiment this season, and may possibly find time to make known what -amount of success I may meet with. In concluding my remarks upon what I -may term ‘growing Osmundas under difficulties,’ I would observe that the -points to be principally attended to are—(1) a deep water-tight and -root-tight tank, the depth of which may, with advantage, be more than in -the case I have described; (2) a rich nutritious soil; (3) a reasonable -amount of water; and (4) a drain to carry off the surplus.”</p> - -<p><b>*Pæonia tenuifolia.</b>—A charming plant, about 1½ ft. or 2 ft. high, with -numerous upright stems almost completely hidden by the dense finely-cut -leaves, producing an effect which very much resembles that afforded by -the foliage of the Ferulas. The flowers are of a deep crimson, or -purplish-red, and about 2½ ins. broad, solitary and erect on the tops of -the stems. It does well in almost any soil or position, and might with -advantage<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_168" id="page_168"></a>{168}</span> be now and then used as an isolated specimen on the turf.</p> - -<p><b>*Panicum altissimum.</b>—A very handsome hardy perennial grass, very like -<i>P. virgatum</i>, and often confounded with it, although much more elegant -in habit. It forms dense, erect tufts from 2 ft. to 6½ ft. high, -according to climate, soil, and temperature. The leaves are linear, -finely toothed, long, and arching. When in flower the plant presents a -very attractive appearance, the inflorescence consisting of very large -panicles of slender whorled branchlets covered with numerous small -spikelets of flowers, which ultimately assume a tinge of dark -chestnut-red.</p> - -<p><b>*Panicum bulbosum.</b>—A tall and strong species, with a free and beautiful -inflorescence. It grows about 5 ft. high, and the flowers are very -gracefully spread forth. It forms an elegant plant for the flower-garden -in which grace and variety are sought; for dotting about here and there, -near the margins of shrubberies, etc.; and for naturalisation.</p> - -<p><b>*Panicum capillare.</b>—A hardy annual kind, growing in tufts from 16 ins. -to 20 ins. high, and very ornamental when in full flower, the tufts -being then covered with large, pyramidal panicles, which are borne both -at the ends of the stems and in the axils of the stem-leaves. Grows in -any soil or position, and sows itself. I noticed it in great abundance -in cultivated fields in many parts of Canada and the United States. Well -suited for border beds or isolation, being one of the most graceful -plants in cultivation. It is commonly grown under the name of -<i>Eragrostis elegans</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_169" id="page_169"></a>{169}</span></p> - -<p><b>*Panicum virgatum.</b>—A handsome, bold, hardy species from N. America, -growing, in good soil, to a height of nearly 3½ ft. It forms close, -compact tufts of leaves, a foot or more long, which, from July to the -first frosts, are crowned with very large, dense, branching panicles. -The general colour of the plant is a fine lively green, and its graceful -habit renders it an admirable subject for the picturesque flower-garden, -the pleasure-ground, etc., in isolated tufts. It is also fine for -borders. The best mode of multiplying it is by division in the spring, -when vegetation is just commencing.</p> - -<p><b>*Papaver bracteatum</b> (<i>Great Scarlet Poppy</i>).—A remarkably -vigorously-growing perennial species from Siberia and N. Russia, with -simple, rough, hairy stems more than 4 ft. high, each terminated by a -single flower 9 ins. broad, and of a bright deep brick-red colour, with -a large black spot at the base of each petal, and 2 or 3 leaf-like -bracts at the base of each flower. The radical leaves, which are very -deeply divided, form a dense broad tuft resting on the ground. A very -ornamental plant for the open parts of pleasure-grounds, flourishing in -almost any kind of well-drained soil. It will prove most effective as an -isolated plant in the rougher parts of the pleasure-ground. A plant of -it would also show to great advantage in a group of green-leaved -subjects like the Ferulas. Very closely resembling the preceding is the -Armenian species <i>P. orientalis</i>. It is however smaller in every -respect, and the flowers want the distinguishing bracts.</p> - -<p><b>Papyrus antiquorum</b> (<i>Egyptian Paper-plant</i>).—A very graceful reed, or -rather cyperus, which yielded the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_170" id="page_170"></a>{170}</span> material used as paper by the ancient -Egyptians. The rootstocks spread horizontally under the mud in places -where the plant grows, continuing to throw up stems as they creep along. -These stems are triangular and grow from 3 ft. to 8 ft. high; they are -quite leafless except at the top, where they bear a large parasol-like -tuft of green, gracefully-arching filaments. Shallow parts of pieces of -water in a warm position are the most suitable places for this plant. It -may, however, also be planted in soil which is kept constantly moist. -Multiplied by division of the rootstocks; the pieces to be planted under -water, if possible. In gardens south of London this fine plant may be -tried in the open air in summer from June till September in warm spots; -if not planted in shallow water, or the artificial bog, it should -receive a very liberal supply of water in summer.</p> - -<p><b>*Paulownia imperialis.</b>—A Japanese tree of moderate size, with a large, -dense, spreading head, and broad, entire or lobed, opposite leaves -covered with hoary down. The flowers are nearly 2 ins. long, in terminal -panicles, and of a purplish-violet colour. Young plants, say of a year, -or in the first spring of their existence as independent plants, will, -if cut down to the ground, make a luxuriant growth during the current -year, and indeed prove more effective than the <i>Ferdinanda eminens</i>. The -stem rises quite vertically and with great vigour, and looks simply a -column of noble leaves. Plants growing in an ordinary nursery-quarter -were (Sept. 8, 1868) 7 ft. and 8 ft. high from the ground, and the -leaves from 20 ins. to 22 ins. in diameter. It was noticeable, too, that -those at the top of each shaft were as large as those half-way<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_171" id="page_171"></a>{171}</span> up and -near the base, which is not usually the case; and of course every -variation of this kind is valuable, as it helps us to produce variety. -Planted in rich ground and treated specially to secure a subtropical -effect, greater dimensions than the above may readily be obtained, and -older plants when cut down may be expected to produce stronger stems and -leaves. They should be cut down every year in winter or spring, and -confined to one stem.</p> - -<p><b>*Petasites vulgaris.</b>—A native plant of vigorous growth and striking -appearance, forming dense spreading tufts of enormous radical leaves, -usually about 2 ft. or 2½ ft. high. The leaves are heart-shaped in -outline, and sometimes 3 ft. in width. A suitable subject for planting -in any position where the soil is moist and deep, as on the margins of -pieces of water or in damp glades. There is a variety (<i>P. v. niveus</i>) -which has white, instead of rosy, flowers. This is also quite hardy, but -does best in a slightly shaded position in deep clayey or sandy-clay -soil.</p> - -<p><b>Phœnix dactylifera</b> (<i>Date Palm</i>).—A handsome palm with a rugged stem, -and pinnate dark-green leaves from 6 ft. to 12 ft. long; the divisions -linear-lance-shaped, very much pointed, and standing out quite straight. -Easily increased from seed. Suitable for the greenhouse in winter and -the open garden in summer, from the end of May till the beginning of -October. Africa and India.</p> - -<p><b>Phormium tenax</b> (<i>New Zealand Flax</i>).—A hardy plant, with something of -the habit of a large Iris, forming tufts of broad, shining, leathery -leaves from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high, gracefully arching at the top. The -flowers,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_172" id="page_172"></a>{172}</span> of a lemon colour, are borne in erect loose spikes just above -the foliage. Generally with us it will be found to enjoy greenhouse -temperature, though in genial places in the south and west of England -and Ireland it does very well in the open air. Its best use is for the -decoration of the garden in summer, a few specimens well grown and -plunged in the grass or the centre of a bed giving a most distinct -aspect to the scene. The larger such plants are, the better, of course, -will be the effect. The small ones will prove equally useful and -effective in vases, to which they will add a grace that vases rarely now -possess. It is pre-eminently useful from its being alike good for the -house, conservatory, and hall-decoration in winter. Multiplied by -division of the tufts in summer, and thriving best in a light deep soil. -Wherever indoor decoration on a large scale is practised it is -indispensable, and it should be remarked that, unless for vase -decoration, it requires to be grown into goodly specimens before -affording much effect out of doors; but when grown large in tubs, it is -equally grand for the large conservatory and for important positions in -the flower-garden. In the extreme south of England and Ireland the New -Zealand Flax will thrive in the water as well as on dry land; and where -this is the case it may of course be used with fine effect as an -aquatic. Doubtless, too, the variegated variety of the New Zealand Flax -would be a capital plant to try in the open air in nice situations in -the south and west of England and Ireland, where the green plant -sometimes does so well. In any case it will do finely out of doors for -the summer.</p> - -<p><b>*Phytolacca decandra</b> (<i>Virginian Poke</i>).—A vigorous<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_173" id="page_173"></a>{173}</span> herbaceous -perennial, from 5½ ft. to nearly 10 ft. high, with stems of a reddish -hue, very much branched above; the branches, leaf-stalks, veins of the -leaves, and flower-stalks being also red. The flowers are numerous, in -cylindrical spikes, and are at first white, afterwards changing to a -delicate rose-colour. In autumn the leaves change to a uniform reddish -tinge, which has a fine effect, contrasted with the numerous pendent -purple berries. This is a very hardy plant, requiring hardly any -attention and growing in almost any kind of soil. Multiplied either by -seed or by division. It forms a very free and vigorous mass of -vegetation, and, though perhaps scarcely refined enough in leaf to -justify its being recommended for flower-garden use, no plant is more -worthy of a place wherever a rich herbaceous vegetation is desired; -whether near the rougher approaches of a hardy fernery, open glades near -woodland walks, or any like positions. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Poa aquatica.</b>—A stout, rapidly increasing native grass, growing from 4 -ft. to 6 ft. high, with broad, flat leaves and the inflorescence in -much-branched handsome panicles, sometimes nearly a foot long. It is not -uncommon in England and Ireland, mostly occurring in wet ditches, by -rivers, and in marshes. It is one of the boldest and handsomest hardy -grasses, for planting by the margins of pieces of artificial water or -streams, associated with such plants as the Typhas, Acorus, bullrush, -great water-dock, etc.</p> - -<p><b>*Poa fertilis.</b>—Just within the main entrance of the Royal Gardens at -Kew a very graceful-looking grass might have been seen isolated on the -turf during the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_174" id="page_174"></a>{174}</span> past year or two. It is a comparatively dwarf subject, -and not at all striking in bloom like the Pampas, but withal very -distinct and desirable. It is one of the most elegant grasses, forming -dense tufts of long, soft, smooth, slender leaves, which arch outwards -and downwards in the most graceful manner on every side, and, in the -flowering season, are surmounted by airy, diffuse, purplish or -violet-tinged panicles, rising to a height of from 20 ins. to 3 ft., the -grassy tufts being usually about half that height. This plant is widely -distributed over Southern Europe, Northern Asia, and North America, in -wet meadows and on low banks of streams. Of all the dwarf perennial -grasses it is perhaps the best for isolation on the grass, where its -fine dense and graceful tufts of long hair-like leaves and elegant -panicles form a quite distinct-looking and ornamental object.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_242_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_242_sml.jpg" width="218" height="154" alt="Image not available: Poa fertilis." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Poa fertilis.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Polygonatum multiflorum</b> (<i>Solomon’s Seal</i>).—This, one of the most -graceful of our native plants, is too distinct and pleasing in aspect to -be omitted from an enumeration of ornamental subjects. It is best -suited<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_175" id="page_175"></a>{175}</span> for a shady position under trees, or the fringes of shrubberies, -or groups of tall and widely-branching plants, where its elegantly -arching stems and pretty pendent flowers would attain greatest -perfection, and exhibit a very marked contrast to the surrounding types -of vegetation. A well-drained, sandy, and peaty soil will be found to -suit it best, and it is well adapted for the wild and semi-wild parts of -the pleasure-ground. Easily multiplied by division of the rootstocks.</p> - -<p><b>*Polygonum cuspidatum</b> (<i>Sieboldi</i>).—Forms large and noble tufts of -lively green, which increase in beauty from year to year. It grows to a -height of 3½ ft. to 6 ft. and more, the stems being at first erect and -simple, then becoming much branched, the branches arching, and spreading -nearly horizontally at the top. The white flowers, which are disposed in -clusters forming close panicles, are succeeded by handsome rosy-white -fruit. When planted singly, and away from other subjects, its head -assumes a rather peculiar and pretty arching character; and therefore it -is not quite fit for forming centres or using in groups, so much as for -planting singly on the turf, there leaving it to take care of itself and -come up year after year. In this way it would be particularly useful in -the pleasure-ground or diversified English flower-garden. It is also -good for any position in which a bold and distinct type of vegetation is -desired, while of course, when we come to have fine groups of hardy -“foliage-plants” in our gardens, its use will be much extended. The -deeper and better the soil, the finer will its development prove. You -cannot make the soil too deep and good if you want the plant to assume a -very striking character. It runs<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_176" id="page_176"></a>{176}</span> very much at the root in all -directions horizontally just below the surface of the soil. By cutting -away the runners, and thus concentrating the sap in the central stems, -tufts have been obtained from 9 ft. to 13 ft. high, and as much across. -Japan.</p> - -<p><b>Polymnia grandis.</b> (See <i>Montagnæa heracleifolia</i>.)</p> - -<p><b>Polymnia pyramidalis.</b>—A free, bold, and tall plant, with somewhat of a -sunflower habit, but withal very fine, and making a tall green growth by -the end of July, before many other things used in this way begin to -push. The leaves are not so large as those of the other species, and -differ in shape, being nearly cordate; but the growth is vigorous, and -the habit distinct. It pushes up a narrow pyramidal head of foliage to a -height of nearly 10 ft. in Paris gardens, and will be found to do well -in the south of England. Easily multiplied in spring by division or -cuttings from plants placed in heat in January, or from seed sown in a -pot. The species <i>Uvedalia</i> and <i>maculata</i> are rather coarse herbaceous -plants, fitted for rough places in warm positions, and deep, rich soil. -New Granada.</p> - -<p><b>*Pontederia cordata.</b>—One of the handsomest water-plants in cultivation, -combining gracefulness of habit and leaf with beauty of flower. It forms -thick tufts of almost arrow-shaped, erect, long-stalked leaves from 1½ -ft. to more than 2 ft. high, crowned with the handsome blue -flower-spikes, which issue from the leafstalks just below the base of -the leaves. It should be planted in shallow pieces of water. Multiplied -by division of the tufts at any season. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>Pothos acaulis.</b>—A noble plant of the Arum family,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_177" id="page_177"></a>{177}</span> with huge simple -dark-green leaves, forming a magnificent rosette. It requires stove -treatment in winter and spring, and having made its growth and been -hardened off under cover, it may be placed out in the open air in -sheltered warm places in the southern counties, from the middle of June -to the end of September. It, however, sometimes suffers from cold, and -is on the whole only likely to be of very partial use. Among the other -large Aroids which have been tried in Battersea Park, the best are -<i>Philodendron macrophyllum</i>, <i>P. Simsii</i>, and <i>Anthurium Hookeri</i>. Being -rather tender they all require a very warm and well-sheltered position. -W. Indies.</p> - -<p><b>*Rhaponticum cynaroides.</b>—A hardy perennial from the Pyrenees, 3 ft. or -more in height, with a rigid, simple, furrowed stem, and lobed or entire -oblong radical leaves, covered underneath with silvery down. Flowers -solitary, purple, in very large heads. It thrives in a deep, -substantial, moist, but well-drained and free soil. This and, to a -smaller extent, the following species are worthy of a place in full -collections of hardy fine-leaved plants, for borders, the margins of -groups, and, in the case of <i>R. cynaroides</i>, for isolation. Both are -easily increased by division.</p> - -<p><b>*Rhaponticum pulchrum.</b>—A hardy perennial from the Caucasus, with -numerous simple stems 2 ft. or more in height, and much-divided, -undulating, toothed leaves of an ashy or sea-green colour on the upper -side, and whitish underneath. The flowers are borne in small solitary -purplish heads late in summer. A very suitable subject for embellishing -dry, arid, rocky positions. <i>R. scariosum</i> is another kind, useful for -the same purposes as the preceding species.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_178" id="page_178"></a>{178}</span></p> - -<h3>*THE RHUBARBS.</h3> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">The</span> Rhubarbs, from their vigour and picturesqueness, are well worthy of -cultivation among hardy, fine-leaved plants. They are so hardy that they -may be planted in any soil, and afterwards left to take care of -themselves. Their fine leaves and bold habit make them valuable -ornaments for the margins of shrubberies (the best way is to plant one -singly a few feet from the margin of the shrubbery, so that when they -die down in autumn no blank may be seen), and for semi-wild places where -a very free and luxuriant type of vegetation is desired. Though not -particular as to soil, they enjoy it when it is deep and rich, and the -more it is made so the better they will grow.</p> - -<p><b>Rheum Emodi</b> is undoubtedly the handsomest and most distinct of the genus -in cultivation. The figure conveys an accurate idea of the outline of -its leaves, and of its aspect when in flower. The large leaves have -their veins red, which distinguishes it from any other species. It has a -large and deep-feeding root, black on the outside, and yellow within. -The flowers are very small, of a yellowish white. It comes up somewhat -later than the common kinds, and is not by any means common, though it -may be found in botanic gardens and nurseries where collections of -herbaceous plants are formed. It may, like all the species, be increased -by division, but a young plant should not be disturbed for several years -after being planted. It is a native of Nepaul.</p> - -<p>The palmated rhubarb, <i>Rheum palmatum</i>, is immediately distinguished -from its cultivated fellows by its leaves<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_179" id="page_179"></a>{179}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_247_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_247_sml.jpg" width="335" height="371" alt="Image not available: RHEUM EMODI. - -Hardy herbaceous fine-foliaged Type." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">RHEUM EMODI. -<br /> -Hardy herbaceous fine-foliaged Type.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">being deeply cut into lobes. It is scarcely so ornamental or imposing as -the fuller-leaved kinds, but is an interesting plant. I have seen it -grown in some Irish gardens for culinary purposes, but do not remember -to have noticed it in English kitchen-gardens. When well grown in deep -and rather light and well-drained earth, the flowering-stem of this -species attains a height of about nine feet. It is a native of Tartary, -and well deserves a place. <i>Rheum Ribes</i> is a somewhat delicate species, -a native of Southern Persia, which may be seen in one or two of our -botanic gardens, and more frequently in those of France; but we fear it -is not hardy enough to thrive well in these islands. The most remarkable -known species is the Himalayan (<i>R. nobile</i>), which has its flower-stems -beautifully clothed with large straw-coloured and pink-edged bracts, so -as to form what may be termed a pyramid of leaves; but, as this species -is not in cultivation, we need not describe it further. It would prove a -very welcome addition to our collection of hardy plants.</p> - -<p>The common rhubarbs are said by some of our authorities to have chiefly -sprung from <i>Rheum Rhaponticum</i>, and some of them have also come from -the wavy-leaved Rheum (<i>R. undulatum</i>). In any case, some of the garden -varieties of rhubarb are worth planting for ornamental purposes. They -have been so planted in Hyde Park, but in masses—not the proper way to -employ them. Kinds deserving of notice are <i>R. australe</i>, <i>R. -compactum</i>, <i>R. rugosum</i>, <i>R. hybridum</i>, Victoria rhubarb (a garden -variety, with very large leaves and long red stalks), Myatt’s Linnæus, -and Prince Albert (also garden varieties, and splendid ornamental -plants). Mr. Shirley<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_180" id="page_180"></a>{180}</span> Hibberd says he has found Scott’s Monarch to be -the most imposing and ornamental of all the garden varieties.</p> - -<p><b>*Rhus Cotinus</b> (<i>Venetian Sumach</i>).—A bushy shrub, about 6½ ft. high, -with simple, smooth, shining green leaves, and a very remarkable -feathery inflorescence of a deep red colour. It requires a dry, -gravelly, warm soil, and will grow in the most arid positions. Where it -thrives the effect of its peculiar inflorescence is very fine and -distinct. It is used with most effect as an isolated specimen, though it -would group very well with such plants as Lindley’s Spiræa. S. Europe.</p> - -<p><b>*Rhus glabra laciniata.</b>—This variety of the smooth or scarlet Sumach is -a small shrub with compound leaves, growing from 4 ft. to 7 ft. high, a -native of North America, with finely-cut and elegant leaves, the -strongest being about a foot long when the plants have been established -a year or two. When seen on an established plant, these leaves combine -the beauty of those of the finest Grevillea with that of a fern frond, -while the youngest and unfolding leaves remind one of the aspect of a -finely-cut umbelliferous plant in spring. The variety observable in the -shape, size, and aspect of the foliage makes the plant charming to look -upon, while the midribs of the fully-grown leaves are red, and in autumn -the whole glow off into bright colour after the fashion of American -shrubs and trees. During the entire season it is presentable, and there -is no fear of any vicissitude of weather injuring it. Its great merit is -that, in addition to being so elegant in foliage, it has a very dwarf -habit, and is thoroughly hardy. Plants three years old and undisturbed -for the last two years are not more<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_181" id="page_181"></a>{181}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_251_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_251_sml.jpg" width="300" height="310" alt="Image not available: RHUS GLABRA LACINIATA. - -Hardy deciduous Shrub Section." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">RHUS GLABRA LACINIATA. -<br /> -Hardy deciduous Shrub Section.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">than eighteen inches high. The heads of some are branched, but these are -not less elegant than when in a simple-stemmed state, so that here we -have clearly a subject that will afford a charming fern-like effect in -the full sun, and add graceful verdure and distinction to the -flower-garden. When the flowers show after the plant is a few years old, -they may be pinched off; but this need only be practised in the case of -permanent groups or plantings of it. To produce the effect of a -Grevillea or a fern on a small scale, we should of course keep this -graceful Rhus small and propagate it like a bedding-plant. Like most -other shrubs, it has a tendency to branch; but to fully enjoy the beauty -of the leaves it is best to cut down the plants yearly, as then the -leaves given off from the simple erect stem are much larger and more -graceful. It will, however, be necessary to allow it to become -established before treating it in this way, as it is at present -comparatively new to our gardens. The figure, sketched early in August, -represents a young plant little more than a foot high, which had been -cut down to the ground during the spring of the past year, and proves -that its full beauty may be enjoyed in a very small state. It may be -most tastefully used in association with bedding-plants, or on banks in -or near the rock-garden or hardy fernery, planting it in light sandy -loam. The graceful mixtures and bouquet-*like beds that might be made -with the aid of such plants need not be suggested here, while of course -an established plant, or groups of three, might well form the centre of -a bed. Planting a very small bed or group separately in the -flower-garden, and many other uses which cannot be enumerated here, will -occur to those<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_182" id="page_182"></a>{182}</span> who have once tried it. Some hardy plants of fine -foliage are either so rampant or so topheavy that they cannot be wisely -associated with bedding-plants. This is, on the contrary, as tidy and -tractable a grower as the most fastidious could desire. It would be a -mistake to put such a pretty plant under or near rough trees and shrubs. -Give it the full sun, and good free soil.</p> - -<p><b>*Rhus vernicifera</b> is distinct from the preceding, and has fine leaves. -It is a native of Japan, and the source of the best Japan varnish -according to Thunberg. Useful for grouping with the preceding or other -hardy shrubs of like character.</p> - -<p><b>*Ricinus communis</b> (<i>Castor-oil Plant</i>).—When well grown in the open -air, there is not in the whole range of cultivated plants a more -imposing subject than this. It may have been seen nearly 12 ft. high in -the London parks of late years, and with leaves nearly 1 yd. wide. It is -true we require a bed of very rich deep earth under it to make it attain -such dimensions and beauty; but in all parts, and with ordinary -attention, it grows well. In warm countries, in which the plant is very -widely cultivated, it becomes a small tree, but is much prettier in the -state in which it is seen with us—<i>i.e.</i>, with an unbranched stem -clothed from top to bottom with noble leaves. Soon after it betrays, a -tendency to develope side-shoots the cold autumn comes and puts an end -to all further progress; and so much the better, because it is much -handsomer in a simple-stemmed state than any other. The same is true of -not a few other large-leaved plants—once they break into a number of -side-shoots their leaf beauty is to a great extent lost. It is as easily -raised from seed as the common bean, requiring,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_183" id="page_183"></a>{183}</span> however, to be raised -in heat. It should be sown about the middle of February, and the plants -gradually hardened off so as to be fit to put out by the middle of May. -The Ricinus is a grand plant for making bold and noble beds near those -of the more brilliant flowers, and tends to vary the flower-garden -finely. It is not well to associate it closely with bedding-plants, in -consequence of the strong growth and shading power of the leaves, so to -speak. A good plan is to make a compact group of the plant in the centre -of some wide circular bed and surround it with a band of a dwarfer -subject, say the Aralia or Caladium, and then finish with whatever -arrangement of the flowering plants may be most admired. A bold and -striking centre may be obtained, while the effect of the flowers is much -enhanced, especially if the planting be nicely graduated and tastefully -done. For such groups the varieties of the Castor-oil plant are not -likely to be surpassed. East Indies.</p> - -<p>The most notable varieties are <i>R. c. sanguineus</i>, the stem, -leaf-stalks, young leaves, and fruit of which are of a blood-red colour; -<i>R. c. borboniensis</i>, which in southern climates often attains the -extraordinary height of 26 ft. in one year; <i>R. c. giganteus</i>, a very -tall kind from the Philippine Islands.</p> - -<p>Other kinds in cultivation are <i>R. Belot Desfougerès</i> (a very tall and -branching kind), <i>R. viridis</i> (of a uniform lively green colour), <i>R. -insignis</i>, <i>R. africanus</i>, <i>R. africanus albidus</i>, <i>R. minor</i>, <i>R. -hybridus</i>, <i>R. microcarpus</i>.</p> - -<p>The better and richer the soil, and the warmer the position, the more -vigorous will be the growth of any of the above. Copious watering in -summer is indispensable.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_184" id="page_184"></a>{184}</span></p> - -<p><b>*Rumex Hydrolapathum.</b>—A very large native water-plant of a size and -habit sufficiently striking to entitle it to a place amongst ornamental -subjects by the water-side. The radical long-stalked leaves, which are -sometimes 2 ft. or more in length, form erect tufts of a very imposing -character. The flowering-stem is frequently 6 ft. in height, and bears a -very large, dense, pyramidal panicle of a reddish or olive-fawn colour. -The plant is most effective in autumn, when the leaves change to a lurid -red colour, which they retain for some time.</p> - -<p><b>*Saccharum ægyptiacum.</b>—A vigorous perennial grass, forming ample tufts -of reed-like downy stems 6½ ft. to 13 ft. high, and clothed with very -graceful foliage, well adapted for ornamenting the margins of pieces of -water, the slopes and other parts of pleasure-grounds, etc., in a warm -position. In our climate it does not flower, but even without its fine -feathery plumes it is a pretty plant from its foliage and habit alone. -Easily and quickly multiplied by division in spring; the offsets to be -started in a frame or pit. When established they may be planted out in -May or June. N. Africa.</p> - -<p><b>*Sagittaria sagittifolia.</b>—A British water-plant, affording the most -remarkable example of the arrow-shaped leaf to be met with among hardy -plants. These leaves stand erect, from 1 ft. to 1½ ft. above the water, -and from the middle of the tuft the flowering-stem rises in August to -the height of 1½ ft. to 2½ ft. The flowers are of a pale rosy-white -colour. There is a variety with double flowers (<i>S. sagittifolia flore -pleno</i>), which resemble the flowers of the double Rocket. Both the -double and single kinds should have a place among water or bog plants.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_185" id="page_185"></a>{185}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_258_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_258_sml.jpg" width="283" height="490" alt="Image not available: SEAFORTHIA ELEGANS. - -Conservatory Palm; standing well in the open air in summer." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">SEAFORTHIA ELEGANS. -<br /> -Conservatory Palm; standing well in the open air in summer.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Salvia argentea</b> (<i>S. patula</i>).—A handsome biennial about 3½ ft. high, -forming broad spreading rosettes of large, oval, heart-shaped leaves, -densely covered with long silky hairs of a silvery whiteness, and -bearing large panicles of white flowers. An excellent subject for -grouping on grass-plats or the uneven parts of pleasure-grounds. Where -the effect of the foliage only is desired the flower-stems should be -pinched off as soon as they appear; the leaves will then preserve their -freshness and silvery colour throughout the year. A light, sandy, or -gravelly soil is the most suitable. Easily propagated by sowing in -autumn, and keeping the seedlings in a cold frame through the winter, -giving them air as often as possible, and watering very moderately. This -plant is most effective during its first summer, and before it makes an -attempt to flower. S. Europe.</p> - -<p><b>*Scirpus lacustris</b> (<i>Bulrush</i>).—This giant rush sends up numerous -smooth green stems as thick as the finger at the base, and from 3 ft. to -8 ft. high. In still water the bases of these are covered with leafless -sheaths, but in running water the uppermost sheath produces at its -extremity a leaf of several inches in length, in addition to which -numerous barren tufts of leaves, often of great length, and resembling -those of <i>Sparganium affine</i>, are also produced. When in flower, the -stems are crowned with short, umbel-like, chestnut-coloured panicles. It -is very effective on the margins of lakes or streams, associated with -other tall and imposing aquatic plants.</p> - -<p><b>Seaforthia elegans.</b>—One of the most beautiful of the Palm family, from -the northern parts of Australia, where it attains a height of about 30 -ft., but in this<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_186" id="page_186"></a>{186}</span> country seldom arrives at more than half its full -size. The leaves are from 2 ft. to 10 ft. in length, and are divided -into numerous narrow leaflets from 1 ft. to 1½ ft. long, and of a dark -green colour. The whole plant is perfectly smooth, and is one of the -finest subjects in cultivation for the conservatory, greenhouse, or -subtropical garden. It may be placed in the open air from the middle or -end of May until the beginning of October. It is too scarce as yet to be -procurable by horticulturists generally, but should be looked for by all -who take an interest in these matters and have a house in which to grow -it. It stands well in the conservatory during the winter, though -generally kept in the stove, where of course it grows beautifully. There -are hardier kinds—the dwarf Fan-palm for example—but on the whole none -of them are so valuable as this.</p> - -<p><b>Senecio Ghiesbreghtii.</b>—A handsome Mexican plant with stout, round, -spotted stems, 3 to 4 ft. high, and large oval-oblong, thick, -coarsely-toothed leaves of a light green colour, and slightly rolled -down at the margin. Flowers small, yellow, very numerous, in corymbose -clusters of enormous size. A useful plant for isolation on grass-plats, -or for beds, etc. Young plants are to be preferred for this purpose, as -the old ones are apt to become bare and ragged-looking at the base. -Plant in a mixture of peat soil and free loam at the end of May. -Multiplied by cuttings in winter, struck under glass in a temperate heat -in early spring.</p> - -<p><b>Senecio Petasites</b> (<i>Cineraria platanifolia</i>).—Another Mexican species, -nearly 3½ ft. high, with a stout, half-shrubby, slightly-branching stem, -and large, dark-green,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_187" id="page_187"></a>{187}</span> roughish, lobed leaves. It requires a -substantial, but free and cool soil, and may be multiplied at almost any -season by cuttings. It requires greenhouse protection in winter, grows -freely in the open air planted out in early summer, and is suitable for -beds or groups associated with the medium-sized subjects.</p> - -<p><b>*Seseli gummiferum.</b> (<i>Silvery Seseli</i>).—An umbelliferous plant with -elegantly-divided leaves of a peculiarly pleasing glaucous or almost -silvery tone. I am not sure whether this plant is perennial or not, and -it is not hardy on cold soils, having perished during several of our -most severe winters, but it is so unique in its way that some persons -might like to grow it, and if so the best position is on dry and sunny -banks, or raised beds or borders. It is one of the few subjects that are -at once fern-like and silvery, and if plentiful enough might be used to -form charming edgings. It is not difficult to raise from seed, which -should be sown soon after being gathered. As it is liable to perish in -winter, perhaps the best way to deal with it would be to put it out -annually at the end of spring, raising it and keeping it in frames for -this purpose; and to secure seeds a few plants might be left in 10 in. -or 12 in. pots, so that the seed might be gathered under cover. -Doubtless, however, continental raisers can supply it. S. Russia.</p> - -<p><b>*Silphium integrifolium.</b>—This composite has a rough, vigorous, rigid, -slightly four-angled, grooved stem, from 2 ft. to 4 ft. high, and leaves -from 3 ins. to 5 ins. long, all opposite, lanceolate-ovate, entire, -tapering to a sharp point from a roundish heart-shaped and -partly-clasping base, and covered with a roughish down. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_188" id="page_188"></a>{188}</span> -flower-heads are of a greenish-yellow, on short stalks, in a close, -forking corymb. A variety (<i>S. læve</i>) has the leaves and stem smooth, or -nearly so. This and the following kinds are only suited for the rougher -parts of the pleasure-ground, and by wood-walks, etc.; they will be seen -to greatest advantage in rich and deep soil, but will grow in any kind. -Division. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Silphium laciniatum</b> (<i>Compass-plant</i>).—A vigorous perennial with a -stout, round stem, often upwards of 8 ft. in height. The leaves, which -are collected chiefly about the base of the plant, are large, wrinkled, -and deeply-divided into lance-shaped, pointed segments, and fringed with -white hairs. The stem-leaves are few, much smaller, and opposite. -Flowers of a fine yellow with a brownish centre, in large, few, -solitary, short-stalked, horizontal or drooping heads, which have the -peculiarity of facing to the east. Division. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Silphium perfoliatum</b> (<i>Cup-plant</i>).—A robust-growing North American -perennial from 4 ft. to 8 ft. in height, with a square stem and broad, -opposite, oval, lance-shaped, coarsely toothed leaves, 6 ins. to 15 ins. -long, rough on both sides, the upper ones united at their bases; the -lower ones abruptly narrowed into winged leaf-stalks, which are also -united at their bases. Flower-heads about 2 ins. across, with a -greenish-yellow disk and a yellow ray. Does best in a deep, free, -well-drained, sandy soil, but will grow well when the ground is slightly -moist, especially in warm, but not too shady, positions. Division.</p> - -<p><b>*Silphium terebinthinaceum</b> (<i>Prairie-Dock</i>).—A large kind with smooth -slender stems from 4 ft. to 10 ft. high, panicled at the summit, and -bearing many small<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_189" id="page_189"></a>{189}</span> heads of light yellow flowers. The leaves are -ovate-oblong, thick and rough, especially beneath, and from 1 ft. to 2 -ft. long, on slender stalks. A variety (<i>pinnatifidum</i>) has the leaves -deeply cut or pinnatifid. This species is remarkable for its strong -turpentine odour. Division. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Silphium trifoliatum.</b>—This species has a smooth, often glaucous, -rather slender stem, from 4 ft. to 6 ft. high, branching above. Leaves -lance-shaped, pointed, entire or scarcely serrate, short-stalked, in -whorls of three or four, the uppermost ones opposite. Flower-heads -yellow, more than 2 ins. across, on long stalks, and forming loose -panicles. Division. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Silybum marianum</b> (<i>Milk-thistle</i>).—A very robust and vigorous-growing -native biennial, 5 ft. or more in height, of strikingly handsome -appearance, and well deserving to be associated with other large -fine-foliaged plants. Its leaves are of very great size, variously cut -and undulated, tipped and margined with scattered spines, and of a -bright glistening green colour marbled and variegated with broad white -veins. Easily raised from seed, and thrives in almost any kind of -well-drained soil. Additional vigour and development may be thrown into -the foliage by pinching off the flower-stems on their first appearance. -If a few plants are raised in the garden and planted out in rough and -somewhat bare places or banks, etc., this will soon establish itself -permanently.</p> - -<p><b>Silybum eburneum</b> is a more tender species, very closely resembling the -above, but with spines which appear as if made of ivory. It is also more -constantly biennial, and in consequence its leaves are almost always<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_190" id="page_190"></a>{190}</span> in -the rosette stage throughout the first year. It is somewhat tenderer -than <i>S. marianum</i>. Algeria.</p> - -<p><b>The Solanums.</b>—This family, so wonderfully varied, affords numerous -species that look graceful and imposing in leaf when in a young and -free-growing state. In selecting examples from this great genus we must -be careful, as our climate is a shade too cold for some of the kinds -grown on the continent, and many of them are of too ragged an aspect to -be tolerated in a tasteful garden. Half a dozen species or so are -indispensable, but there is quite a crowd of narrow-leaved and ignoble -ones which may well be passed over.</p> - -<p>Most of these plants may be raised from seed, while they are also freely -grown from cuttings, which struck in February will make good plants by -May. All the kinds named are suitable for association with the -larger-leaved plants, though they do not as a rule attain such height -and vigorous development as those of the first rank, like the Ricinus. -As a rule, temperate-house treatment in winter is required, and they -should be planted out about the middle or end of May, in rich fight -soil, a warm position, and perfect shelter. <i>S. marginatum</i>, planted in -a very dwarf and young state, furnishes a most distinct and charming -effect: it should be planted rather thinly, so that the leaves of one -plant may not brush against those of another. If some very dwarf plants -are used as a groundwork, so much the better; but the downy and silvery -leaves of this plant are sure to please without this aid. It is very -much better when thus grown than when permitted to assume the bush form.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum betaceum.</b>—A small tree from South<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_191" id="page_191"></a>{191}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_265_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_265_sml.jpg" width="269" height="345" alt="Image not available: SOLANUM ROBUSTUM. - -Tender Section; making vigorous growth during the summer months." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">SOLANUM ROBUSTUM. -<br /> -Tender Section; making vigorous growth during the summer months.</span> -</div> - -<p>America, which in our climate attains a height of nearly 10 ft. if taken -up in autumn and kept through the winter in a house. The stems are -stout, smooth, and fleshy. The leaves, which resemble those of the Beet, -are of an oval, pointed shape, and of a deep green colour, tinged with -violet in the variety <i>purpureum</i>. The flowers are small, rose-colour, -in pendent cyme-like clusters, and are succeeded by fruit of the shape -and size of a fowl’s egg, which become of a fine deep scarlet colour -during the winter. Some varieties have flowers tinged with purple and -fruit striped with brown. May be placed to great advantage in groups in -round beds with dwarfer plants or shrubs at the base, or with climbing -plants ascending the stems, but is much better isolated on slopes, etc. -It is a vigorous grower, and should have rich soil.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum crinitipes.</b>—A slow-growing woody species with undivided oval -leaves somewhat more than a foot long: the young stems and flower-stalks -being densely covered with chaffy hairs somewhat like those of a fern. -This I have not seen thrive so well in England as the preceding kind, -but it is well worthy of trial in full collections in the southern -counties. S. America.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum crinitum.</b>—A vigorous-growing species from Guiana, 5 ft. or more -in height, with stout stems, set with short strong spines and dense long -hairs. It has very large, soft, hairy, spreading, roundish leaves, which -in good soil attain a length of 2½ ft.: the upper surface of a tender -green colour with violet veinings set with spines, as are also the -leaf-stalks; the under side whitish and more thickly furnished with -spines. The hairs and bark on the upper portion of each petiole are of a -purplish hue,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_192" id="page_192"></a>{192}</span> and, on the lower part, of a light pale green, by which -the plant may be readily recognised. The flowers are very large and -white. Berries roundish, villose, and twice or thrice as large as a -cherry. This I have seen attain a very remarkable development in -sheltered warm spots in the south of England. It is fine in medium-sized -groups.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum hyporhodium.</b>—A fine branching kind from Venezuela, with a stout -stem about 5 ft. high, and branches armed with short thinly-scattered -spines. The leaves, which attain a length of nearly 2½ ft., are oval, -with angular sinuated lobes, the upper surface being of a fine green -colour with white veins, and the under side of a violet-red and downy. -When young the hue of the leaves is exceedingly lively. The flowers are -borne in almost lateral cymes and are of a rosy-white colour with yellow -stamens. This plant is sometimes sold as <i>S. discolor</i> and <i>S. -purpureum</i>, but is quite distinct from them.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum Karstenii.</b>—This, which is more commonly known as <i>S. -callicarpum</i>, is a robust, slightly branching, arborescent shrub about 5 -ft. high, covered with long hairs interspersed with spines and of a -general variable greyish-violet hue. The leaves are oval, broad, -angular, heart-shaped at the base, and 2 ft. or more in length. The -flowers are large, of a fine delicate violet colour, and borne in -crowded, almost one-sided clusters. This plant is best isolated, as when -placed in close groups the leaves of the associated subjects are apt to -tear it. Venezuela.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum lanceolatum.</b>—This is the best kind for blooming qualities. The -foliage, which is somewhat fluffy and willow-like, possesses no marked -character,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_193" id="page_193"></a>{193}</span> but the mauve-coloured flowers are borne abundantly in -clusters, each containing 20 or more blooms: the stamens, being of an -orange colour, add to the effect. There are a dozen or more species that -flower freely but have little beauty of leaf: among the best of these is -<i>S. Rantonnettii</i>, which has very pretty dark-purple flowers, more than -an inch across, with an orange centre. It forms a neat bush, and flowers -freely in the southern counties, in warm sunny spots and on light soils. -Mexico.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum macranthum.</b>—A fine species from Brazil, confessedly one of the -best kinds in cultivation, and somewhat resembling <i>Polymnia grandis</i>. -It grows nearly 7 ft. high in one year, with a stout, simple, spiny stem -of a deep shining green with grayish spots, and sparsely armed with very -strong shortish spines. The leaves are elegant and deeply cut, some of -them over 2½ ft. long, falling gracefully earthwards, of a light green -on the upper surface, with red veinings, the under side having a reddish -hue. The flowers, seldom seen with us, are of a fine violet colour, and -grow in corymbs. It will not attain its full character and large -dimensions in cold places, and should therefore have as warm positions -as possible. Increased by cuttings struck in February: they are fit to -plant out in May.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum marginatum.</b>—A vigorous-growing, erect, branching and bushy -species from Abyssinia, 3 ft., or more, in height. The leaves are -somewhat oval, with a bluntly sinuated margin; the upper surface smooth, -of a brilliant green with a white silvery border, and the under side -covered with a white satiny down. The flowers are white, with orange -stamens, pendulous, very<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_194" id="page_194"></a>{194}</span> numerous, in clusters. For the positions -suited to this plant see the introductory remarks on the genus.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum Quitoense.</b>—A half-shrubby native of Peru and the neighbourhood -of Quito, seldom growing higher than 3¼ ft. in cultivation. The stem is -spineless, covered with a soft down, and of a delicate green colour -suffused with violet, which exhibits iridescent changes. The leaves are -broad, stalked, obcordate, with toothed angles, and of a fine green -colour, with violet downy veins. Flowers rather large, white, tinged -with lilac on the top when in bud, in short clusters. It requires a warm -position and a warm season to bring out its best qualities.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum robustum.</b>—A Brazilian species with a vigorous much-branching -stem more than 3 ft. high, and furnished with very sharp and strong -spines and densely-set, long, reddish, viscous hairs. The leaves, which -are very large, are of a rich brown colour on the upper surface and -oval-elliptical in form, with 8 or 9 oval-acute lobes, the upper ones -nearly triangular; and the midrib and principal veins, which are of a -brown colour, are closely set with spines similar to those on the stem. -The flowers are white, with orange stamens, and are borne in unilateral -clusters. The berries are round, of a brown colour, and the size of a -small cherry. As a foliage-plant this is a subject of considerable -merit, and one of those most suitable for our climate. It requires a -warm sunny aspect in a position which will be at the same time airy and -sheltered from strong winds.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum Sieglingii.</b>—A large and handsome kind, which forms a small tree -about 13 ft. high after some<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_195" id="page_195"></a>{195}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_272_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_272_sml.jpg" width="260" height="259" alt="Image not available: SOLANUM WARSCEWICZII. - -Tender Section; making noble leaves in the open garden in summer." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">SOLANUM WARSCEWICZII. -<br /> -Tender Section; making noble leaves in the open garden in summer.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">years’ growth. The foliage is of a light-green colour, tinged here and -there with rose, and sparsely armed with spines; the young unfolded -leaves are slightly tinged with violet. Flowers numerous, small and -white, appearing when the plant is two or three years old. A good kind -which has been little tried in England. Venezuela.</p> - -<p><b>Solanum Warscewiczii.</b>—A very fine and ornamental kind, resembling <i>S. -macranthum</i>, but with a lower and more thickset habit, and branching -more at the base. The leaf-stalks also, and upper branches, are of a red -colour, glandular, and scaly; and the flowers are white and small. The -stem is armed with strong slightly recurved spines, and both the stems -and the petioles of the leaves are covered with a very dense crop of -short stiff brown hairs scarcely rising above the skin. This is one of -the handsomest and best kinds we have.</p> - -<p><b>Sonchus laciniatus.</b>—A very graceful composite plant, from Madeira, with -a stout stem, growing to a height of more than 5 ft., and large -deeply-cut leaves with linear-lance-shaped segments. Flower-heads -yellow. When grouped on grass-plats, or open spaces in pleasure-grounds, -the fine foliage of this plant is seen to very great advantage; but -being so slender and delicate the plants must be placed where they may -be seen. It should be planted out at the end of May, and thrives best in -rich, substantial soil, in a warm sunny position. Very numerous -varieties, with the leaves variously divided and of various shades of -green, have been advertised in catalogues under specific names, as <i>S. -lyratus</i>, <i>S. gummiferus</i>, etc., etc. Many of these are quite as -charming as the type, and are well adapted for the same uses.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_196" id="page_196"></a>{196}</span></p> - -<p><b>*Sorghum halepense.</b>—A handsome hardy grass from S. Europe, N. Africa, -and Syria, with an erect stem about 3½ ft. high, and broad flat leaves -more than 1 ft. long, chiefly collected round the base of the plant. It -is most attractive when in flower in the end of summer, the -inflorescence consisting of a dense panicle of purplish awned flowers. -Suitable for isolation, groups, or borders.</p> - -<p><b>Sparmannia africana.</b>—A beautiful flowering stove-shrub from 3 ft. to 12 -ft. high, very much resembling a Malva in habit, with long-stalked, -heart-shaped, lobed leaves, clothed with soft down, and numerous pretty -white flowers produced in stalked umbels. It thrives freely in the open -air in the south of England, from the end of May to October, if planted -in rich light soil and in warm positions. Cape of Good Hope.</p> - -<p><b>*Spiræa Aruncus.</b>—This is a remarkably handsome and effective plant, -from 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high, with elegantly-divided leaves, which bear -some resemblance to the fronds of certain ferns. The flowers are white, -and are disposed above the foliage in graceful, airy plumes. A cool, -peaty soil, and a slightly-shaded position, are best suited for this -plant, and it may be placed with advantage on slopes with a north -aspect, the banks of streams or pieces of water, in glades, and -thinly-planted shrubberies, etc. Division. Siberia.</p> - -<p><b>*Spiræa Filipendula.</b>—A hardy, native perennial, with elegant foliage -and handsome flowers. The leaves are mostly radical, very finely cut, -and form a loosely-spreading rosette. The flower-stems rise to a height -of 1½ ft. to 2 ft., and are terminated by dense panicles of rosy-white -flowers. There is a fine variety with double<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_197" id="page_197"></a>{197}</span> flowers. This plant is -included here only in consequence of the resemblance of its leaves to a -pinnate-leaved fern. By pinching off the flowers it may be used with -good effect as a green, fern-like edging plant, and it is pretty in -borders. Division in winter or spring.</p> - -<p><b>*Spiræa (Hoteia) japonica.</b>—A handsome, herbaceous perennial, forming -rich tufts of dark shining green much-divided leaves, which have a -somewhat fern-like appearance. These tufts are usually from a foot to 16 -ins. high. The flowers are very freely produced in graceful panicles, of -which the bracts, little flower-stems, and all the ramifications are, -like the flowers, white. It is particularly fond of a sandy peat, or -very sandy loam, a sheltered position, and moist soil. Multiplied by -division of the tufts in spring or the end of summer. Japan.</p> - -<p><b>*Spiræa Lindleyana.</b>—A graceful shrub, with erect stems, from 6½ ft. to -nearly 10 ft. high, and large compound leaves, with finely-toothed -leaflets. Flowers late in summer, white, in very large and handsome -terminal panicles. This well-known plant is second to none for its grace -and distinctness, both of foliage and flower. It is a native of the -Himalayas, and easily procured in our nurseries; it should receive far -more attention than the majority of our shrubs do, and should be -employed both in a young and fully-grown state in and near the -flower-garden. Few things, tender or hardy, known in our gardens, afford -a better effect than may be obtained from this.</p> - -<p>It is probably one of those plants which would look exceedingly -effective if trained to a single stem and cut down every year, as -recommended for the Ailantus<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_198" id="page_198"></a>{198}</span> and the Paulownia; but I have had no -experience of it in this way, and its natural habit is sufficiently -graceful.</p> - -<p><b>Stadmannia Jonghei.</b>—A tall and stately foliage-plant from Australia, -where it attains the dimensions of a small tree, with dark shining green -pinnate leaves; the divisions oblong-pointed, with serrated margins, and -of a paler colour underneath. Bears the open air of the southern -counties in summer well, if placed in sunny and sheltered spots.</p> - -<p><b>*Statice latifolia.</b>—A hardy and very ornamental herbaceous perennial -from Russia, with broad leaves, which form a rosette or tuft more or -less spreading. The flower-stem is more than 2 ft. high, and very much -branched; the branches commencing at from 4 ins. to 8 ins. above the -ground, and forming a large and exceedingly handsome panicle of flowers -of a light-blue colour, tinged with the greyish hue of the numerous -membranous bracts and thin dry calyces. A well-drained, sandy soil, in -an open sunny position, is the best for this plant, which, however, -grows in any ordinary garden-soil, and is admirably adapted for -naturalisation or grouping with the acanthuses, tritomas, etc., the -effect of the inflorescence being very remarkable.</p> - -<p><b>*Stipa pennata</b> (<i>Feather-grass</i>).—This plant, which at other times is -hardly to be distinguished from a strong, stiff tuft of common grass, -presents, in May and June, a very different appearance, the tuft being -then surmounted by numerous flower-stems, nearly 2 ft. high, gracefully -arching, and densely covered, for a considerable part of their upper -extremity, with long, twisted, feathery awns. It loves a deep, sandy -loam, and may be used with fair<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_199" id="page_199"></a>{199}</span> effect in groups of small plants, or -isolated; but its flowers continue too short a time in bloom to make it -very valuable away from borders.</p> - -<p><b>*Struthiopteris germanica.</b>—One of the most elegant hardy ferns, with -fronds resembling ostrich-plumes in shape, nearly 3 ft. long, and -arranged in a somewhat erect, vase-like rosette. It is particularly -suited for the embellishment of the slopes of pleasure-grounds, -cascades, grottoes, and rough rockwork, the margins of streams and -pieces of water, and will thrive in moist and deep sandy soil, either in -the full sunshine or in the shade. <i>S. pennsylvanica</i> very closely -resembles <i>S. germanica</i>, the chief point of difference being the -narrowness of the fertile fronds of the former species. Both kinds will -prove very effective in adding beauty of form to a garden, and should by -no means be confined to the fernery proper. Central Europe.</p> - -<p><b>*Tamarix.</b>—These very elegant hardy shrubs may be used with excellent -effect in the flower-garden and pleasure-ground, though they are at -present seldom employed in these places. <i>T. gallica</i> or <i>anglica</i> is -found apparently wild in several parts of the south of England, and -other kinds, such as <i>germanica</i>, <i>parviflora</i>, <i>tetrandra</i>, -<i>spectabilis</i>, and <i>indica</i>, are also in cultivation. In the -neighbourhood of Paris <i>T. indica</i> thrives very freely, and forms -beautiful hedges, but is cut down by frost during some winters. It would -probably do better in the south of England. The plants have minute -leaves and very elegantly-panicled branches, which gives them a feathery -effect, somewhat like that of the most graceful conifers, and, if -possible, more elegant: the roseate<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_200" id="page_200"></a>{200}</span> panicles of small flowers are also -very pretty. A finer effect would be obtained from these shrubs by -isolating them on the grass than in any other way.</p> - -<p><b>*Tanacetum vulgare var. crispum.</b>—A very elegant variety of the common -tansy, much dwarfer in stature, and with smaller emerald-green leaves, -which are very elegantly cut, and have a crisped or frizzled appearance. -It is quite hardy, and forms an effective ornament on the margins of -shrubberies, near rockwork, etc. It does best fully exposed, and -probably the only way in which it can be benefited after planting—in -deep and rather moist soil it does best, but will grow “anywhere”—is by -thinning out the shoots in spring, so that each remaining one shall have -free room to suspend its exquisite leaves; thinned thus, it looks much -better than when the stems are crowded, and of course, if it is done in -time, they individually attain more strength and dignity. The flowers -should be pinched off before they open. Britain.</p> - -<p><b>Thalia dealbata.</b>—This is one of the finest aquatic plants which we can -employ in the embellishment of pieces of water, streams, etc. In a warm -and sheltered position, and on a substantial and rich bottom, it grows -vigorously, sometimes attaining a height of 6 ft. The best mode of -growing it is in pots or tubs pierced with holes, in a mixture of stiff -peat and clayey soil, with a portion of river-mud and sand. In winter -these pots or tubs may be submerged to a greater depth, and the plants -be thus effectually protected. It would not attain the above size out of -doors except in warm places in the southern counties, in which it might -be planted out directly without taking the precautions above described.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_201" id="page_201"></a>{201}</span> -It is generally grown in the stove in this country. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Thalictrum minus.</b>—One of the most elegant-leaved of our native plants, -forming compact, roundish bushes, from a foot to 18 ins. high, very -symmetrical, and of a slightly glaucous hue. It may be grown in any -soil, and requires only one little attention, namely, to pinch off the -slender flower-stems that appear in May and June. Not alone in its -aspect, as a little bushy tuft, does it resemble the “Maidenhair Fern,” -as <i>Adiantum cuneatum</i> is often called, but the leaves are almost pretty -enough to pass, when mingled with flowers, for those of the fern; they -are also stiffer and more lasting than fern-leaves, and are well suited -for mingling with vases of flowers, etc. There are probably several -“forms” or varieties of this plant. It would look very pretty isolated -in large tufts as an edging, or in borders, or in groups of dwarf -subjects. Easily increased by division.</p> - -<p><b>*The Tritomas.</b>—So hardy, so magnificent in colouring, and so fine in -form are these plants, that we can no more dispense with their use in -the garden where beauty of form as well as colour is to prevail, than we -can with the noble Pampas grass. They are more conspicuously beautiful, -when other things begin to succumb before the gusts and heavy rains of -autumn, than any plants which flower in the bright days of midsummer. It -is not alone as component parts of large ribbon-borders and in such -positions that these grand plants are useful, but in almost any part of -the garden. Springing up as a bold, close group on the green turf, and -away from brilliant surroundings, they are more effective than when -associated<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_202" id="page_202"></a>{202}</span> with bedding plants; and of course many such spots may be -found for them near the margins of the shrubberies in most -pleasure-grounds. It is in an isolated group, flaming up amid the -verdure of trees and shrubs and grass, that their dignified aspect and -brilliant colour are seen to best advantage. However, tastefully -disposed in the flower-garden, they will prove generally useful, and -particularly for association with the finer autumn-flowering herbaceous -plants. A most satisfactory result may be produced by associating the -Tritomas with the Pampas grass and the two Arundos, the large <i>Statice -latifolia</i>, and the strong and beautiful autumn-flowering <i>Anemone -japonica alba</i>, which is peculiarly suited for association with hardy -herbaceous plants of fine habit, and should be in every garden where a -hardy flower is valued.</p> - -<p>The Tritomas are not fastidious as to soil, and with a little -preparation of the ground may be grown almost anywhere. They thrive with -extraordinary vigour and freedom where the soil is very sandy as well as -rich and deep, and are readily multiplied by division.</p> - -<p>As every garden should be embellished by well-developed specimens or -groups of these fine plants, those who have very poor and thin, or pure -clay soils, would do well to excavate the ground to the depth of 2 ft. -or 3 ft., and fill in with good rich loam. When the soil is deep, no -watering will be required.</p> - -<p><b>*Tritoma Burchelli.</b>—This kind is distinguished by the lighter green of -its leaves, by its black-spotted flower-stem, and especially by the -colour of its flowers, which are crimson at the base, passing into -carmine in the middle, and pale-yellow or greenish at the tips. There<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_203" id="page_203"></a>{203}</span> -is a variety which has the leaves variegated or striped with white, but -it is somewhat tender and rare.</p> - -<p><b>*Tritoma glauca.</b>—A dwarfer kind than <i>T. Uvaria</i>, with leaves of a -sea-green colour, and very large spikes of scarlet-and-yellow flowers, -which, when in bud, are hidden by long, sea-green bracts, streaked and -rayed with white. There is a scarce variety with recurved leaves (<i>T. g. -recurvata</i>), which has somewhat of the habit of a Bromelia. S. Africa.</p> - -<p><b>*Tritoma præcox.</b>—A recently-introduced, handsome, hardy perennial, with -very much the habit of <i>T. Uvaria</i>. The flower-stem grows from 20 ins. -to 2 ft. high, and the flowers, which are produced about the middle of -May, are of a bright-red colour when exposed to the full sun, and of a -bright-yellow when grown in the shade. The leaves are fully 2 ft. long, -sharply keeled, and with toothed edges. S. Africa.</p> - -<p><b>*Tritoma Uvaria.</b>—A very ornamental and well-known kind from S. Africa, -forming thick tufts of linear, erect leaves. It is a vigorous grower, -and small specimens have been known in three years to form tufts from 3 -ft. to 4 ft. through, bearing from 50 to 100 flower-spikes. The -flowering-stems are about 3¼ ft. in height, and the flowers are borne in -dense conical clusters at the top. The upper part of the cluster, -containing the young flowers, is of a coral-red colour, the lower part -yellow, all the flowers gradually changing to this colour. Other -varieties in cultivation are—<i>T. U. grandis</i> or <i>grandiflora</i>, which is -much taller than the preceding kind, with stouter stems and larger -flower-spikes; <i>T. U. Rooperi</i>, which only differs from the type in -being somewhat dwarfer<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_204" id="page_204"></a>{204}</span> in habit and having softish or flaccid leaves, -frequently falling forward; it also flowers later; and <i>T. U. -Lindleyana</i>, which has erect, very rigid leaves, and more -deeply-coloured flowers than the type.</p> - -<p><b>Tupidanthus calyptratus.</b>—A noble subtropical plant from Bengal, -standing in the open air from the beginning of June till October without -the slightest injury. The leaves are large, deeply-divided, and of a -dark shining green colour. It requires stove treatment in winter and -spring, and is suitable for beds or planting singly.</p> - -<p><b>*Typha latifolia</b> (<i>Reed-Mace</i>).—A native aquatic plant, growing in -tufts of 2-rowed flat leaves from 1½ ft. to 2 ft. long, and 1 in. or 1½ -in. wide. From the centre of each tuft springs a stem 6 ft. or 7 ft. -high, which in the flowering season is terminated by a close cylindrical -spike 9 ins. long, and of a dark-olive colour, changing to a -brownish-black as it ripens. This is one of the most striking and -ornamental of our British water-plants, and may be used with excellent -effect grouped with such subjects as the Great Water-Dock.</p> - -<p><b>*Typha angustifolia</b> resembles the preceding species in all respects -except in the size of its leaves and spike. The leaves are about ½ in. -wide and the spike about ½ in. in diameter, and something shorter than -that of <i>T. latifolia</i>. Of the two it is perhaps the more graceful in -aspect.</p> - -<p><b>Uhdea bipinnatifida.</b>—This is one of the most useful plants in its -class, producing a rich mass of handsome leaves, with somewhat the -aspect of those of the great cow-parsnips, but of a more refined type. -The foliage has a slightly silvery tone, and the plant continues to grow -fresh and vigorously till late in autumn.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_205" id="page_205"></a>{205}</span> It is well suited for forming -rich masses of foliage, not so tall, however, as those formed by such -things as Ricinus or Ferdinanda. It is freely propagated by cuttings -taken from old plants kept in a cool stove, greenhouse, or pit during -the winter months, and placed in heat to afford cuttings freely in early -spring. Under ordinary cutting treatment on hotbeds or in a moist warm -propagating house, it grows as freely as could be desired, and may be -planted out at the end of May or the beginning of June. Mexico.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_283_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_283_sml.jpg" width="272" height="340" alt="Image not available: Uhdea bipinnatifida." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Uhdea bipinnatifida.</span> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_206" id="page_206"></a>{206}</span></p> - -<p><b>Uhdea pyramidata.</b>—This kind has been less cultivated in England than -the preceding, from which it is distinct in appearance. It is of a -lighter and fresher green, and inclined to grow larger in habit, having -more of the aspect of a Malva in foliage. Useful for the same purposes -as the preceding kind, but not so valuable.</p> - -<p><b>*Veratrum album</b> (<i>White Hellebore</i>).—A handsome, erect perennial of -pyramidal habit, 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high, with curiously plaited leaves 1 -ft. long and 6 ins. to 8 ins. broad, regularly alternating on the stem -and overlapping each other at the base. The flowers, of a -yellowish-white colour, are borne in numerous dense spikes on the top of -the stem, forming a large panicle. The leaves being handsome, it is -worth a place in full collections of fine-foliaged hardy herbaceous -plants, and would look to best advantage in small groups in the rougher -parts of the pleasure-ground and by wood-walks. Thrives best in peaty -soil, and is best multiplied by division, as the seed is very slow and -capricious in germinating, sometimes not starting until the second year, -and it is some years before the seedlings are strong enough to flower. -The root of this plant is exceedingly poisonous. <i>V. nigrum</i> differs -from <i>V. album</i>, in having more slender stems, narrower leaves, and -blackish-purple flowers. <i>V. viridiflorum</i> resembles <i>V. album</i> in every -respect, except that its flowers are of a lively green colour. France.</p> - -<p><b>*Verbascum Chaixii.</b>—Most of us know how very distinct and imposing are -the larger Verbascums, and those who have attempted their culture must -soon have found out what far-seeding things they are. Of a biennial -character, their culture is most unsatisfactory: they<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_207" id="page_207"></a>{207}</span> either migrate -into the adjoining shrubbery or disappear altogether. The possession of -a fine perennial species must therefore be a desideratum, and such a -plant will be found in <i>Verbascum Chaixii</i>. This is fine in leaf and -stature, and produces abundance of flowers. The lower leaves grow 18 -ins. or 20 ins. long, and the plant when in flower reaches a height of 7 -ft. or 8 ft., or even more when in good soil. It is a truly distinct -subject, and may, it is to be hoped, ere long be found common in our -gardens and nurseries. Like the preceding, but grown under the name <i>V. -vernale</i>, is a kind I saw in the Jardin des Plantes at Paris, and -introduced into cultivation in England; but it is as yet scarce.</p> - -<p><b>Verbesina gigantea.</b>—An ornamental shrub from Jamaica, about 6½ ft. -high, forming, when young, a very pleasing subject for decorative -purposes, its round green stems being covered with large, winged, -pinnate leaves of a glistening delicate-green colour, and very elegant -outline. Suitable for rich beds or groups; and should be planted out at -the end of May or early in June. <i>V. pinnatifida</i> is a rough, -half-shrubby species with a winged stem and woolly oval leaves with -lobed or toothed margins; they are larger than those of the preceding -species, growing 3 ft. long by 14 ins. broad in the first year. Both -species require hothouse treatment in winter, and are multiplied by -cuttings in early spring. Young plants are to be preferred for effect, -and will be much the better for as warm and sheltered a position and as -rich and light a soil as can be conveniently given them.</p> - -<p><b>Wigandia macrophylla</b> (<i>caracasana</i>).—This noble<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_208" id="page_208"></a>{208}</span> plant, a native of the -mountainous regions of New Granada, is, from the nobility of its port -and the magnificence of its leaves, entitled to hold a place among the -finest plants of our gardens. Under the climate of London it has made -leaves which have surprised all beholders, as well by their size as by -their strong and remarkable veining and texture. It will be found to -succeed very well in the midland and southern counties of England, -though too much care cannot be taken to secure for it a warm sheltered -position, free good soil, and perfect drainage. It may be used with -superb effect either in a mass or as a single plant. It is frequently -propagated by cuttings of the roots, and grown in a moist and genial -temperature through the spring months, keeping it near the light so as -to preserve it in a dwarf and well-clothed condition; and, like all the -other plants in this class, it should be very carefully hardened off -previous to planting out at the end of May. It is, however, much better -raised from cuttings of the shoots, if these are to be had. It may also -be raised from seed. <i>W. macrophylla</i> has the stems covered with short -stinging hairs, and bearing brownish viscid drops, which adhere to the -hand like oil when the stem is touched.</p> - -<p><b>W. Vigieri</b> is another fine kind of quick and vigorous growth, and -remarkable habit. In the beginning of September, 1867, I measured a -specimen with leaves 3 ft. 9 ins. long, including the leaf-stalk, and 22 -ins. across; the stem, nearly 7 ft. high and 3 ins. in diameter, bearing -a column of such leaves. It is known at a glance from the popular and -older <i>W. macrophylla</i>, by the leaves and the stems being covered in a -much greater degree with glossy,</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_287_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_287_sml.jpg" width="262" height="362" alt="Image not available: WIGANDIA MACROPHYLLA. (W. caracasana). - -Tender Section; making noble leaves in the open air in summer." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">WIGANDIA MACROPHYLLA. (W. caracasana). -<br /> -Tender Section; making noble leaves in the open air in summer.</span> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_209" id="page_209"></a>{209}</span></p> - -<p class="nind">slender, stinging bodies. These are so thickly produced as to give the -stems a glistening appearance. <i>W. urens</i> is another species often -planted, but decidedly inferior to either of the foregoing, except in -power of stinging, in which way it is not likely to be surpassed.</p> - -<p><b>Woodwardia.</b>—This noble genus of ferns is of great and peculiar use in -the subtropical garden, where their broad and beautifully arching fronds -make very effective objects, especially when planted in a vase, on the -top of a stump, or small mound, a little above the level of the eye. The -principal species are: <i>W. orientalis</i>, <i>W. radicans</i>, <i>W. japonica</i>, -<i>W. virginica</i>, and <i>W. areolata</i>. Of these <i>W. orientalis</i> and <i>W. -areolata</i> are hardy, and the others nearly so. They may be used as -effectively in the conservatory in winter as in the open garden in -summer.</p> - -<p><b>Xanthoso sagittæfolium.</b>—A Brazilian plant with very much the habit and -appearance of <i>Caladium esculentum</i>, but not so valuable, having -arrow-shaped leaves, of a dark-green colour, supported on rather slender -stalks. Another equally handsome and large species is <i>X. violaceum</i>, -the leaves and leaf-stalks of which are suffused with a delicate violet -hue, slightly inclining to hoariness. Positions and treatment similar to -those recommended for <i>Caladium esculentum</i>. They should only be tried -in the warmer parts of the country, and not be placed in the open air -till the beginning of June.</p> - -<p><b>Yuccas.</b>—Among all the hardy plants ever introduced into this country, -none surpass for our present purpose<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_210" id="page_210"></a>{210}</span> the various kinds of Yucca, or -“Adam’s Needle,” as it is commonly called. There are several species -hardy and well suited for flower-garden purposes, and, more advantageous -still, distinct from each other. The effect afforded by them, when well -developed, is equal to that of any hothouse plant that we can venture in -the open air for the summer, while they are green and ornamental at all -seasons. They may be used in any style of garden, may be grouped -together on rustic mounds, or in any other way the taste of the planter -may direct. If we had but this family alone, our efforts to produce an -agreeable effect with hardy plants could not be fruitless. The -free-flowering kinds, <i>filamentosa</i> and <i>flaccida</i>, may be associated -with any of our nobler autumn flowering plants, from the Gladiolus to -the great <i>Statice latifolia</i>. The species that do not flower so often, -like <i>pendula</i> and <i>gloriosa</i>, are simply magnificent as regards their -effect when grown in the full sun and planted in good soil; and I need -not say bold and handsome groups may be formed by devoting isolated beds -to Yuccas alone. They are mostly easy to increase by division of the -stem and rhizome; and should in all cases be planted well and singly, -beginning with healthy young plants, so as to secure perfectly developed -specimens.</p> - -<p><b>Yucca aloïfolia.</b>—A fine and distinct species, with a stem when fully -developed as thick as a man’s arm, and rising to a height of from 6 ft. -to 18 ft. Leaves numerous, rigidly ascending, dark-green, with a slight -glaucous bloom, 18 to 21 inches long and broad at the middle, with the -horny margin rolled in for 2 ins. or<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_211" id="page_211"></a>{211}</span> 3 ins. below the point, and finely -toothed in the remaining portion. Flowers almost pure white, in a vast -pyramidal panicle. This plant is hardy, but the fact is not generally -known. It should be tried on well-drained slopes in good sandy loam. -There are some varieties, of which <i>T. a. quadricolor</i> and <i>T. a. -versicolor</i> have the leaves variously edged with green, yellow, and red. -These fine variegated varieties are also very hardy, but as they are as -yet far from common, it will be best to utilise them in the greenhouse -or conservatory, or place them in the open air during summer. They look -very pretty isolated on the grass, the pots plunged to the rim. S. -America and W. Indies.</p> - -<p><b>*Yucca angustifolia.</b>—A somewhat dwarf species, the whole plant, when in -flower, not being more than 2 or 3 ft. high. The leaves are thick and -rigid in texture, from 15 ins. to 18 ins. long and about ¼ in. broad, of -a pale sea-green colour, with numerous white filaments at the edges. The -inflorescence is a simple raceme of white flowers slightly tinged with -yellow. Till more plentiful this had better be grown in warm borders, in -well-drained sandy loam. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Yucca canaliculata.</b>—The leaves of this species are entire, <i>i.e.</i> -neither toothed nor filamentous at the margin, and form a dense rosette -on a stem which rises 1 or 2 ft above the ground. Each leaf is from 20 -ins. to 24 ins. long, and 2 ins. to 2¼ ins. broad at the middle, very -strong and rigid, and deeply concave on the face. The flowers are of a -creamy white, in a large panicle 4 ft. to 5 ft. high. Fine for isolation -or groups. Till<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_212" id="page_212"></a>{212}</span> more plentiful should be encouraged in favourable -positions and on warm soils. Mexico.</p> - -<p><b>*Yucca filamentosa.</b>—A very common and well-known species, with a -much-branched panicle, 4 ft. to 6 ft. high, and apple-green leaves, from -15 ins. to 21 ins. long by 1½ ins. to 2 ins. broad at the middle, -fringed at the edges with grey filaments 2 or 3 ins. long: the outer -leaves spreading, the central ones erect or slightly recurved. This -species varies very much when raised from seed: one variety (<i>concava</i>) -has short, strong, broad leaves, with the face more concave than in the -type; another variety (<i>maxima</i>) has leaves nearly 2 ft. long by 2½ ins. -broad, with a panicle 7 ft. to 8 ft. in height. This species flowers -with much vigour and beauty, and is well worth cultivating in every -garden; not only in the flower-garden or pleasure-ground, but also on -the rough rockwork, or any spot requiring a distinct type of hardy -vegetation: and so is its fine though delicate variegated variety. All -the varieties thrive best and flower most abundantly in peaty or fine -sandy soil. N. America.</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 174px;"> -<a href="images/i_292_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_292_sml.jpg" width="174" height="204" alt="Image not available: Yucca filamentosa." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Yucca filamentosa.</span> -</div> - -<p><b>*Yucca flaccida.</b>—A stemless species, somewhat resembling <i>Y. -filamentosa</i>, but smaller, with a downy<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_213" id="page_213"></a>{213}</span> branching panicle 3 ft. to 4 -ft. high. Foliage in close rosettes of leaves, 1½ ft. to 2 ft. long, by -about 1½ in. broad at the middle, often fringed with filaments on the -edges: the young ones nearly erect, the old ones abruptly reflexed at -the middle, almost appearing as if broken. This gives such an irregular -aspect to the tufts that it at once distinguishes this kind from any of -the varieties of <i>Y. filamentosa</i>. It also flowers more regularly and -abundantly than its relative, and is exceedingly well suited for groups -of the finer hardy plants, for borders, or for being planted in large -isolated tufts. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Yucca glaucescens.</b>—A very free-flowering kind, with a panicle 3 ft. to -4 ft. high, the branches of which are short and very downy. Leaves -sea-green, about eighteen inches long, with a few filaments on the -margins. The flowers are of a greenish-yellow colour, and when in bud -are tinged with pink, which tends to give the whole inflorescence a -peculiarly pleasing tone. A very useful and ornamental sort—fine for -groups, borders, isolation, or placing among low shrubs. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Yucca gloriosa.</b>—A species of large and imposing proportions, with a -distinct habit and somewhat rigid aspect. Flower-stem over 7 ft high, -much-branched, and bearing an immense pyramidal panicle, of large, -almost pure white flowers. Leaves numerous, stiff, and pointed. One of -the noblest plants in our gardens, and suitable for use in almost any -position. It varies very much when grown from seed—a good -recommendation, as the greater variety of fine form we have the better. -The chief<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_214" id="page_214"></a>{214}</span> varieties in cultivation are <i>Y. g. longifolia</i>, <i>plicata</i>, -<i>maculata</i>, <i>glaucescens</i>, and <i>minor</i>. The soil for this plant should -be a rich deep loam. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Yucca pendula.</b>—The best species perhaps, considering its graceful and -noble habit, which is simply invaluable in every garden. It grows about -6½ ft. high, the leaves being at first erect and of a sea-green colour, -afterwards becoming reflexed and changing to a deep green. Old and -well-established plants of it standing alone on the grass are pictures -of grace and symmetry, from the lower leaves which sweep the ground to -the central ones that point up as straight as a needle. It is amusing to -think of people putting tender plants in the open air, and running with -sheets to protect them from the cold and rain of early summer and -autumn, while perhaps not a good specimen of this fine thing is to be -seen in the place. There is no plant more suited for planting between -and associating with flower-beds. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Yucca rupicola.</b>—A species somewhat resembling <i>Y. aloïfolia</i>, with a -stem from 4 ft. to 7 ft. high, and pale-green leaves 18 ins. to 20 ins. -long, by 1 in. broad at the middle, almost erect and frequently twisted, -the horny margin being broader and the teeth more distinct than in <i>Y. -aloïfolia</i>. This is not much in cultivation as yet, and will probably be -difficult to obtain for some time to come. N. America.</p> - -<p><b>*Yucca Treculeana.</b>—This species is one of the most remarkable of the -noble genus to which it belongs, from its habit, and especially from the -dimensions to which its foliage attains. Like many plants of its -family,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_215" id="page_215"></a>{215}</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_295_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_295_sml.jpg" width="322" height="449" alt="Image not available: YUCCA PENDULA. - -Hardy evergreen fine-foliaged Type." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">YUCCA PENDULA. -<br /> -Hardy evergreen fine-foliaged Type.</span> -</div> - -<p class="nind">young specimens differ considerably from those which have reached -maturity. Thus, while the former have their leaves bent, generally -inflected, the full-grown plants exhibit them erect, rigid, very long, -and very straight. The stem of this plant is stout, about 10 ins. in -diameter, furnished on all sides with leaves about 4 ft. long, straight, -thick, deeply channeled, acuminate for a considerable length, and ending -in a stiff, very sharp point, very finely toothed on the edges, which -are of a brownish red and scarious. The flower-stalk is very stout, -about 4 ft. long, much branched; the branches erect, from 1 ft. to 1 ft. -8 ins. long, bearing throughout their entire length flowers with long -and narrow petals of a yellowish white, shining, and, as it were, -glazed. It is a hardy and very vigorous plant. It is not rare to see on -the Continent specimens of more than 6½ ft. in diameter. Fine for banks -and knolls, placed singly, or for the boldest groups. It comes from -Texas.</p> - -<p><b>Zea Mays.</b>—Were our climate a little warmer, we should find this noble -grass one of the most ornamental, as well as useful, of our plants. But -in countries where it is grown for food they would no more think of -honouring it with a place in the garden than we should of planting the -artichoke in our flower-beds, though far worse things are done every -day. In this country, however, where maize is not to be seen as a field -crop, a tuft of its tropical-looking blades has a good effect among the -“subtropical plants.” Of course it should only be tried in warm -districts, and it should always have sunny and sheltered positions and -rich soil. In light warm soils,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_216" id="page_216"></a>{216}</span> deep, and with a free bottom, it -generally thrives very well, if a foot or so of rich and rotten manure -is placed beneath its roots. In some seasons it would here and there -ripen seeds, and in all cases one could gather a few heads of “green -corn.” In warmer countries it is always best to sow maize in the open -ground as soon as the frost permits; but in England it is better to -raise it on a gentle hotbed in April, although occasionally it will -succeed if sown out of doors. Gradually harden off the plants before -they have made more than three or four little leaves, keeping them in a -cool frame very near the glass, so as to keep them sturdy, and finally -exposing them in the same position by taking the lights quite off. This -course is perhaps the more desirable in the case of the variegated -maize. In neither case should the plants be drawn up long in heat, as, -if so, they will not thrive so well. The first few leaves the variegated -kind makes are green, but they soon begin to manifest that striping -which makes it as attractive as any variegated stove-plant we grow. -<i>Cuzko</i> and <i>Caragua</i> are the largest and finest of the green varieties, -and <i>gracillima</i> the smallest and most graceful of all the varieties of -maize. They should be planted out about the middle of May.</p> - -<p>The variegated or Japanese maize is a very remarkable and handsome -variety, found by Mr. Hogg in Japan—that great country for variegated -plants. Its beautiful variegation is reproduced true from seed, and it -is almost an indispensable plant in the flower-garden, not growing so -vigorously as the green kinds. It is particularly useful for -intermingling with arrangements of ordinary bedding-plants,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_217" id="page_217"></a>{217}</span> for vases, -the outer margins of beds of subtropical plants, and like positions, -where its variegation may be well seen, and where its graceful leaves -will prove effective among subjects of dumpy habit. It should in all -cases have light, rich, warm soil. It has a habit of breaking into -shoots rather freely near the base of the central stem; and where it -grows very freely, this should recommend it for planting in an isolated -manner, or in groups of three or five, on the turf.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<a href="images/i_299_lg.jpg"> -<br /> -<img class="enlargeimage" -src="images/enlarge-image.jpg" -alt="" -width="18" -height="14" /> -<br /> -<img src="images/i_299_sml.jpg" width="248" height="203" alt="Image not available: Yucca filamentosa variegata." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">Yucca filamentosa variegata.</span> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_218" id="page_218"></a>{218}</span></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_219" id="page_219"></a>{219}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="PART_III" id="PART_III"></a>PART III.<br /><br /> -<img src="images/barra.png" width="100" height="14" alt="Image not available" /> -<br /> - -SELECTIONS OF PLANTS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES IN THE SUBTROPICAL GARDEN.</h2> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_220" id="page_220"></a>{220}</span></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_221" id="page_221"></a>{221}</span></p> - -<p class="cb">SUBTROPICAL GARDENING.</p> - -<p class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/barradoble.png" width="100" height="13" alt="Image not available" /> -</p> - -<h3><a name="SELECTIONS_OF_PLANTS_FOR_VARIOUS_PURPOSES" id="SELECTIONS_OF_PLANTS_FOR_VARIOUS_PURPOSES"></a>SELECTIONS OF PLANTS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES.</h3> - -<p class="c"><small><small><small>/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\</small></small></small></p> - -<h4><i>A Selection of the very finest and most distinct Subtropical -Plants, both hardy and tender, suited for use in the climate of -Britain.</i></h4> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td> -Acacia lophantha<br /> -Acanthus latifolius<br /> -Agave americana<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> <span class="ditto">“</span> variegata<br /> -Ailantus glandulosa<br /> -Aralia canescens<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> japonica<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> papyrifera<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> spinosa<br /> -Arundo conspicua<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> Donax<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> <span class="ditto">“</span> versicolor<br /> -Bambusa falcata<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> japonica<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> Simonii<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> viridi-glaucescens<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> edulis<br /> -Berberis Bealii<br /> -Beta cicla, var. chilensis<br /> -Caladium esculentum<br /> -Canna (in var.)<br /> -Chamærops excelsa<br /> -Crambe cordifolia<br /> -Corypha australis<br /> -Cycas revoluta<br /> -Dimorphanthus mandschuricus<br /> -Dicksonia antarctica<br /> -Dracæna indivisa<br /> -Echeveria metallica<br /> -Erythrina (in var.)<br /> -Ferdinanda eminens<br /> -Ferula (in var.)<br /> -Ficus elastica<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_222" id="page_222"></a>{222}</span><br /> -Gynerium argenteum<br /> -Gunnera scabra<br /> -Gymnocladus canadensis<br /> -Helianthus orgyalis<br /> -Heracleum (in var.)<br /> -Melianthus major<br /> -Monstera deliciosa<br /> -Molopospermum cicutarium<br /> -Musa Ensete<br /> -Onopordon Acanthium<br /> -Paulownia imperialis<br /> -Phormium tenax<br /> -Poa fertilis<br /> -Polygonum cuspidatum<br /> -Polymnia grandis<br /> -Rheum (in var.)<br /> -Rhus glabra laciniata<br /> -Ricinus (in var.)<br /> -Seaforthia elegans<br /> -Solanum crinitipes<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> crinitum<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> macranthum<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> marginatum<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> robustum<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> Warscewiczii<br /> -Tupidanthus calyptratus<br /> -Uhdea bipinnatifida<br /> -Verbesina gigantea<br /> -Wigandia macrophylla<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> Vigieri<br /> -Yucca aloïfolia<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> canaliculata<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> gloriosa<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> pendula</td></tr> -</table> - -<h4><i>A Selection of hardy perennials affording the finest effects in the -Subtropical Garden.</i></h4> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td> -Acanthus, in variety<br /> -Aralia edulis<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>nudicaulis<br /> -Astilbe rivularis<br /> -Arundo Donax<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>versicolor<br /> -Bambusa, in var.<br /> -Bocconia cordata<br /> -Carex paniculata<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>pendula<br /> -Carduus eriophorus<br /> -Carlina acaulis<br /> -Cassia marilandica<br /> -Centaurea babylonica<br /> -Crambe cordifolia<br /> -Datisca cannabina<br /> -Echinops ruthenicus<br /> -Eryngium alpinum<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>amethystinum<br /> -Gynerium argenteum<br /> -Gunnera scabra<br /> -Helianthus orgyalis<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_223" id="page_223"></a>{223}</span><br /> -Hemerocallis fulva<br /> -Heracleum (in var.)<br /> -Inula Helenium<br /> -Melianthus major<br /> -Meum athamanticum<br /> -Molopospermum cicutarium<br /> -Morina longifolia<br /> -Panicum bulbosum<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> virgatum<br /> -Phytolacca decandra<br /> -Polygonum cuspidatum<br /> -Rhaponticum cynaroides<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span> pulchrum<br /> -Rheum (in var.)<br /> -Statice latifolia<br /> -Tritoma (in var.)<br /> -Yucca (in var.)<br /> -Cynara Scolymus</td></tr> -</table> - -<h4><i>A Selection of the finest tender Subtropical Plants that will succeed -in our climate in summer.</i></h4> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td> -Acacia lophantha<br /> -Agave americana<br /> -Aralia papyrifera<br /> -Asplenium Nidus-avis<br /> -Bambusa nigra<br /> -Bocconia frutescens<br /> -Brexia madagascariensis<br /> -Caladium esculentum<br /> -Canna (in var.)<br /> -Chamærops humilis<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>Palmetto<br /> -Cycas revoluta<br /> -Dahlia imperialis<br /> -Dracæna australis<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>cannæfolia<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>Draco<br /> -Echeveria metallica<br /> -Ferdinanda eminens<br /> -Ficus elastica<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>Chauvieri<br /> -Monstera deliciosa<br /> -Musa Ensete<br /> -Nicotiana virginica<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>wigandioides<br /> -Phormium tenax (hardy in the S. of England and Ireland)<br /> -Polymnia grandis<br /> -Ricinus (in var.)<br /> -Seaforthia elegans<br /> -Selinum decipiens<br /> -Solanum crinitipes<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>crinitum<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>macranthum<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>marginatum<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>robustum<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_224" id="page_224"></a>{224}</span><br /> -Solanum Warscewiczii<br /> -Tupidanthus calyptratus<br /> -Uhdea bipinnatifida<br /> -Verbesina gigantea<br /> -Wigandia macrophylla<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>Vigieri<br /> -Zea Mays<br /> -<span class="ditto">“</span>variegata</td></tr> -</table> - -<h4><i>A Selection of hardy Plants suited for isolation on the turf of the -Flower-garden and Pleasure-ground.</i></h4> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Acanthus latifolius</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>longifolius</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>mollis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>spinosissimus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>spinosus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Aralia canescens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>japonica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>spinosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Astilbe rivularis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Arundo conspicua</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Donax</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span> <span class="ditto">“</span> versicolor</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Bambusa (in var.)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Bocconia cordata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Canna (hardier kinds)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Crambe cordifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Datisca cannabina</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dracæna indivisa (in the southern counties of England and Ireland)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Echinops ruthenicus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Elymus arenarius</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>condensatus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Eryngium alpinum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Eryngium amethystinum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ferula (any kinds)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gynerium argenteum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gunnera scabra</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Helianthus orgyalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hemerocallis flava</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>fulva and others</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Heracleum eminens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Melianthus major</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Molopospermum cicutarium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Morina longifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Osmunda regalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phormium tenax</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phytolacca decandra</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Poa fertilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Polygonum cuspidatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rheum Emodi (and other species and varieties)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Statice latifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Stipa pennata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tritoma (any kind)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Yucca (any kind)</td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_225" id="page_225"></a>{225}</span></p> - -<h4><i>A Selection of Plants useful for the open air in summer and for -embellishing the conservatory in winter.</i></h4> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Agave americana and vars. and other greenhouse species</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Brexia madagascariensis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Chamærops excelsa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Fortunei</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>humilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Palmetto</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cordyline indivisa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cycas revoluta</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dracæna australis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>cannæfolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Draco</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>indivisa, and most of the other greenhouse kinds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Echeveria metallica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ficus Chauvieri</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>elastica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Jubæa spectabilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Monstera deliciosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Musa Ensete</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phormium tenax, and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phœnix dactylifera and other greenhouse species</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Seaforthia elegans</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tupidanthus calyptratus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Yucca aloïfolia variegata, and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Araucaria Bidwillii</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Cookii</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>excelsa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Rulei</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Areca sapida</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Caryota urens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>sobolifera</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Corypha australis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Latania borbonica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Woodwardias</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Half-hardy Palms, in var.</td></tr> -</table> - -<h4><i>A Selection of hardy Plants of vigorous habit and distinct -character suited for planting in semi-wild places in -pleasure-grounds or near wood-walks.</i></h4> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Acanthus, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Aralia canescens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>edulis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>nudicaulis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Aralia spinosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Arum Dracunculus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Asclepias Cornuti</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Asparagus Broussoneti<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_226" id="page_226"></a>{226}</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Astilbe rivularis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>rubra</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Arundo Donax</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span> versicolor</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Phragmites</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Bambusa falcata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Bocconia cordata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Buphthalmum speciosum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Carex pendula</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>paniculata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Carduus eriophorus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Centaurea babylonica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Crambe cordifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>juncea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cucumis perennis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Datisca cannabina</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dipsacus sylvestris</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Echinops ruthenicus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Elymus arenarius</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Erianthus Ravennæ</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Eryngium alpinum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>amethystinum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ferulas, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gunnera scabra</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Helianthus orgyalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Maximiliani</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>lætiflorus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>occidentalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>rigidus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>multiflorus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>fl. pl.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Inula Helenium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hemerocallis fulva</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Heracleum, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lavatera arborea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>thuringiaca</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>unguiculata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hibiscus moscheutos</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>palustris</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>roseus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Althæa, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ligularia macrophylla</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Molopospermum cicutarium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Morina longifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Mulgedium alpinum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Plumieri</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Onopordon Acanthium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pæonia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Panicum bulbosum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Papaver bracteatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>orientale</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Petasites vulgaris</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phytolacca decandra</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Poa aquatica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Polygonatum multiflorum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Polygonum cuspidatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rhaponticum cynaroides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>pulchrum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>scariosum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rheum, in variety.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rumex Hydrolapathum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Silphium, in var.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_227" id="page_227"></a>{227}</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Silybum eburneum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">“ marianum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Spiræa Aruncus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Statice latifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tanacetum vulgare crispum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Thalictrum, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tritoma, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Veratrum album</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Verbascum, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Yucca, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cynara Scolymus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Vernonia noveboracensis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Verbesina persicifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rudbeckia digitata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>laciniata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>californica</td></tr> -</table> - -<h4><i>A Selection of kinds that will best withstand wind.</i></h4> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Acacia Julibrissin</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>lophantha</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Acanthus (all the kinds)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Agave americana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ailantus glandulosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Aralia canescens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>japonica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>spinosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Artemisia annua</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>gracilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Arundo conspicua</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Donax</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Astilbe rivularis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Bambusa falcata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Canna (in variety)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Carlina acaulis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Crambe cordifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cycas revoluta</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Datisca cannabina</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dracæna indivisa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Echinops ruthenicus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Elymus arenarius</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Eryngium (in variety)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ferula (in variety)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ficus elastica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gynerium argenteum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Kochia scoparia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Meum athamanticum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Molopospermum cicutarium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Osmunda regalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Panicum bulbosum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>virgatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phormium tenax</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phytolacca decandra</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Poa fertilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Polygonum cuspidatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rheum Emodi</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ricinus (in var.)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tritoma (in var.)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Yucca (in var.)</td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_228" id="page_228"></a>{228}</span></p> - -<p class="c"><i>Subtropical Plants to raise from seed.</i></p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Abutilon (in var.)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Acacia lophantha</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Julibrissin</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Acanthus, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Amarantus, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Aralia nudicaulis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>papyrifera</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>japonica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>spinosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Artemisia annua</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>gracilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Bocconia cordata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>frutescens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Calla æthiopica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Canna, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cannabis sativa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Baptisia australis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>exaltata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Beta cicla chilensis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Brassica oleracea crispa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Carduus eriophorus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cassia marilandica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Centaurea, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cineraria acanthifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>maritima</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>platanifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Chamæpeuce Cassabonæ</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>diacantha</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Crambe cordifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cyperus longus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dahlia imperialis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Datura ceratocaula</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Datisca cannabina</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dracæna, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Echeveria metallica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Echinops ruthenicus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dipsacus sylvestris</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Erianthus Ravennæ</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Erythrina, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Eryngium alpinum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>amethystinum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ferdinanda eminens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ferula, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Astilbe rivularis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>rubra</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Galega officinalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gynerium argenteum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gunnera scabra</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Geranium anemonæfolium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hedychium Gardnerianum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Helianthus orgyalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Heracleum, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Humea elegans</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Inula Helenium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Kochia scoparia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gourds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Latania borbonica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lavatera arborea<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_229" id="page_229"></a>{229}</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lobelia Tupa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Malva crispa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Melanoselinum decipiens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Melianthus major</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>minor</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Meum athamanticum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Mulgedium alpinum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Plumieri</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Musa Ensete</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Nicotiana, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Onopordon Acanthium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Panicum bulbosum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>capillare</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>virgatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Papaver bracteatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phormium tenax</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phytolacca decandra</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Polymnia grandis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rhaponticum cynaroides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>pulchrum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rheum, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ricinus, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Salvia argentea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Seaforthia elegans</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Silphium, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Silybum eburneum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>marianum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Solanum, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Statice latifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Stipa pennata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Thalia dealbata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Thalictrum minus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Uhdea bipinnatifida</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>pyramidata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Verbascum Chaixii</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Verbesina gigantea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Wigandia macrophylla</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>urens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Vigieri</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Zea, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Arundo conspicua</td></tr> -</table> - -<h4><i>A Selection of annual and biennial Plants useful for the Subtropical -garden.</i></h4> - -<p class="c">[In this list annual plants grown for the beauty of the flower only -are usually omitted.]</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Adlumia cirrhosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Amarantus, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Argemone grandiflora</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Artemisia annua</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Artemisia gracilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Atriplex hortensis ruber</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cannabis gigantea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>sativa, and vars.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_230" id="page_230"></a>{230}</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Chamæpeuce diacantha</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Cassabonæ</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Chenopodium Atriplicis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cosmos, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gourds, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Euphorbia variegata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Glaucium, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Helianthus argyrophyllus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Kochia scoparia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Martynia lutea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Nicotiana Tabacum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>virginica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ricinus, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Solanum erythrocarpum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Solanum Fontanesianum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>racemigerum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tagetes tenuifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Silybum eburneum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>marianum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Chilian beet</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Brassica oleracea crispa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dipsacus sylvestris</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Heracleum, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Malva crispa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Onopordon Acanthium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>tauricum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Zea, in var.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="c"><i>A selection of Flowers of various classes for association with -Subtropical Plants.</i></p> - -<p class="c">[In this selection the dwarfer bedding-plants, etc., are omitted. -Those selected are chiefly such as would bear more intimate -association with fine-foliaged plants.]</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" -style="margin:auto auto;max-width:20em;"> -<tr><td align="left">Alstræmeria, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Amaryllis Belladonna, and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gladioli, in great variety</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Sparaxis pulcherrima</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lilium, in great variety</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Agapanthus umbellatus, in the milder districts</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Arum crinitum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Arum Dracunculus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Asclepias Cornuti</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Douglasii</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>tuberosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Calla æthiopica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Crinum capense</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>roseum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Erythrina, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Funkia grandiflora</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pancratium illyricum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>maritimum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tropæolum speciosum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Acanthus longifolius</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Achillea Eupatorium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Millefolium roseum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Aconitum, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ammobium alatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Anchusa italica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Anemone japonica, and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>vitifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Antirrhinum, fine vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Asphodelus luteus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>ramosus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Aster turbinellus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>pyrenæus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>discolor</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>ericoides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Novæ Angliæ</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Novi Belgii</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>coccineus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Amellus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>lævis, and any other tall and ornamental kinds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Campanula pyramidalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>persicifolia, and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>latifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>macrantha</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Coreopsis lanceolata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Crambe cordifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Delphinium, in great var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dictamnus Fraxinella</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Digitalis purpurea, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Echinops ruthenicus, and any other showy species</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Epilobium angustifolium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>album</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Stenactis speciosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Erodium Manescavi</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Eryngium alpinum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>amethystinum, and other species</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Eupatorium ageratoides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>purpureum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gaillardia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Galega officinalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hedysarum coronarium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Helenium atropurpureum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Helianthus multiflorus fl. pl.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hemerocallis flava</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>fulva</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>disticha fl. pl., and others</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hesperis matronalis, fl. pl.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Iris pallida</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>De Bergii</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>ochroleuca</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>germanica, in var. and any other large kind. Flowering early, they should be associated chiefly with hardy subjects -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_232" id="page_232"></a>{232}</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lathyrus latifolius, and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>grandiflorus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>tuberosus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Liatris, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lobella Tupa, on well-drained, deep, and light soils. Tall herbaceous kinds in great variety</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lupinus polyphyllus, and vars. Largest annual kinds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lychnis coronaria, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lythrum roseum superbum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>virgatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Michauxia campanuloides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Mirabilis Jalapa, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Monarda, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Morina longiflora</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Œnothera, all the tall kinds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pæonia, in great var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Poppy, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pentstemon, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phlomis Herba-venti</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>tuberosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Russelliana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phlox, taller kinds, in great variety</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Phygelius capensis, in warm districts</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Polygonatum multiflorum, with Ferulas and other hardy things</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Polygonum orientale</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Potentilla, larger kinds in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pyrethrum, choice double and single kinds in great var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>uliginosum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rudbeckia Newmanni</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>hirta</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Salvia patens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Saxifraga crassifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Schizostylis coccinea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Scabiosa caucasica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Scilla peruviana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Sedum spectabile</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>purpureum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Spiræa palmata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>venusta</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Statice latifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Stokesia cyanea, on warm soils in the south</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Symphytum bohemicum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>caucasicum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Thermopsis fabacea<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_233" id="page_233"></a>{233}</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tradescantia virginica, and its varieties</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tigridia Pavonia, and other kinds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tritoma, all the kinds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Trollius napellifolius</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>asiaticus, and others</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Veronica, any tall herbaceous kinds, and in southern and mild districts the varieties of the evergreen New Zealand species</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Vinca major, on the fringes of beds or groups of hardy kinds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hollyhock, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dahlia, show, fancy, pompone, and bedding vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Verbascum Thapsus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Chaixii</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Baptisia australis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Vernonia noveboracensis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Fuchsia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Datura ceratocaula</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Abutilon, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ageratum, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Petunia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Chrysanthemum, early-flowering kinds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Amarantus, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Argemone grandiflora</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Calliopsis, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cosmos bipinnatus purpureus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Echinacea angustifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>atropurpurea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hibiscus, any of the perennial American kinds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Malope, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Matthiola, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Scabiosa atropurpurea, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">French and African marigolds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Xeranthemum annuum, and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Zinnia, in great variety</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">China aster, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Brugmansia sanguinea</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="c"><i>List of Plants for forming mixtures and carpets beneath Subtropical -Plants.</i></p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Abronia umbellata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Acroclinium roseum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ageratum mexicanum, and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Alyssum maritimum<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_234" id="page_234"></a>{234}</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Anagallis indica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Athanasia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Brachycome iberidifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Calandrinia discolor</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Calliopsis Drummondi</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>tinctoria</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">China aster, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Centaurea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Centranthus macrosiphon</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Clarkia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Clintonia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Collinsia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Convolvulus tricolor</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Erysimum Peroffskianum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Eschscholtzia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Eucharidium concinnum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Eutoca viscida</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gaillardia picta</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gilia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Godetia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gypsophila, annual kinds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Iberis coronaria</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>umbellata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ionopsidium acaule</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lantana, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Leptosiphon, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Limnanthes Douglasii, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Linum grandiflorum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lobelia, the dwarf and annual kinds</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lupinus affinis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Mimulus, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Myosotis palustris</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>dissitiflora</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>sylvatica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Nemesia versicolor</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Nemophila, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Nolana, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Omphalodes linifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Oxalis corniculata atropurpurea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Oxalis rosea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Petunia, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Portulaca, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Mignonette</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Malcolmia maritima</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rhodanthe Manglesii, and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Saponaria calabrica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Schizanthus, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Silene pendula</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Sphenogyne speciosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tropæolum, the bedding vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Verbena, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Viola cornuta</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>lutea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>odorata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Viscaria oculata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Whitlavia grandiflora</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tradescantia zebrina<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_235" id="page_235"></a>{235}</span> -</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Saxifraga, the mossy section</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gnaphalium lanatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Panicum variegatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lycopodium denticulatum</td></tr> -</table> - -<h4><i>Trees and Shrubs of remarkable foliage suited for the Subtropical -garden.</i></h4> - -<p class="hang">[The trees of this Selection will for the most part display much -greater beauty and size of foliage if kept in a dwarf -simple-stemmed condition by being cut down every year. Conifers -are, of course, excepted.]</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" -style="margin:auto auto;max-width:20em;"> -<tr><td align="left">Hydrangea quercifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Comptonia asplenifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Lindleyana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Paulownia imperialis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Acacia dealbata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Julibrissin</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>lophantha</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> (These are only suited for warm parts of the southernmost counties)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ailantus glandulosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Aralia canescens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>japonica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>spinosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Bambusa falcata and others</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Berberis Bealii and others</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Chamærops excelsa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dracæna indivisa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gymnocladus canadensis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lavatera arborea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Melianthus major</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rhus glabra laciniata and others</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Yucca (in var.)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Conifers (in var., small specimens of the most graceful kinds)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ampelopsis (climbers)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Aristolochia Sipho (climber)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Ficus Carica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Fraxinus excelsior crispa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Magnolia macrophylla</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Salisburia adiantifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hedera Regnieriana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Carya alba</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>olivæformis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Catalpa syringæfolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pterocarya caucasica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Robinia hispida</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rubus biflorus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>laciniatus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Colletia (in var.)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gleditschia (young plants)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Kœlreuteria paniculata<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_236" id="page_236"></a>{236}</span> -</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Robinia Pseud-acacia umbraculifera</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tamarix, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Vines (American species)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Juglans cinerea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>regia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>laciniata</td></tr> -</table> - -<h4><i>A Selection of Conifers for association with flower-garden Plants.</i></h4> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" -style="margin:auto auto;max-width:20em;"> -<tr><td align="left">Abies pygmæa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Araucaria imbricata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Arthrotaxus cupressoides (selaginoides)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>laxifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Biotia cupressiformis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>nana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>orientalis elegantissima</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>orientalis variegata aurea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cephalotaxus drupacea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Chamæcyparis sphæroidea variegata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>sphæroidea viridis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cryptomeria elegans</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cupressus Lawsoniana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>nana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>variegata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>erecta viridis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cupressus nutkaensis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dacrydium glaucum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Juniperus chinensis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>variegata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>excelsa stricta</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>fragrans</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>hibernica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>tamariscifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>variegata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>virginiana viridis pendula</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Retinospora ericoides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>leptoclada</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>lycopodiodes</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>obtusa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>aurea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>compacta</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>pisifera</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>alba variegata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>aurea{237}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Taxus baccata elegantissima</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>variegata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Thuja aurea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Thuja gigantea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>nana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Thujopsis dolabrata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>lætevirens</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="hang"><i>Conifers most suited for the surroundings of the flower-garden and -pleasure-ground—kinds which, though noble and graceful as can be -in many instances, are yet too large for anything but the framing -of the picture, so to speak.</i></p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Abies Douglasii</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Engelmanni</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Menziesii inverta</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Hookeriana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>orientalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cephalotaxus Fortunei</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Juniperus virginiana glauca</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>thurifera</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Libocedrus tetragona</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Picea amabilis (magnifica)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>nobilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Nordmanniana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Picea Parsonsi</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Pinsapo</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pinus Cembra</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>monticola</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>insignis (where it thrives)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Sciadopitys verticillata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Thuja gigantea (true)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>plicata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>pyramidalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Thujopsis Standishii</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Sequoia gigantea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>sempervirens</td></tr> -</table> - -<h4><i>A Selection of Gourds.</i></h4> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">Amongst</span> the most beautiful are the Turk’s Cap varieties, such as Grand -Mogul, Pasha of Egypt, Viceroy, Empress, Bishop’s Hat, etc; the Serpent -Gourd, Gooseberry Gourd, Hercules’ Club, Gorilla, St. Aignan, Mons. -Fould, Siphon, Half-moon, Giant’s Punchbowl, and the Mammoth, weighing -from 170lb. to upwards of 200lb.; while<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_238" id="page_238"></a>{238}</span> amongst the miniature varieties -the Fig, Cricket-ball, Thumb, Cherry, Striped Custard, Hen’s-egg, Pear, -Bottle, Orange, Plover’s-egg, etc., are very pretty examples, and very -serviceable for filling vases, etc. All these are well adapted to the -climate of England, and there are many others equally suitable—a fact -sufficiently indicated in one collection shown by Mr. W. Young, which -consisted of 500 varieties, all English grown, the greater number of -which were sown where grown, and came to maturity without the assistance -of glass or any other protection. The ground being manured and dug one -spit deep, the seed was sown the second week in May, and from first to -last many of the plants had no water supplied to them through the -season. Others, by way of experiment, had it in various quantities—the -more water was given, the larger, the freer, and the better the produce. -Sowing in a frame at the end of April, and exposing them to the free air -during the day so as to prevent them being drawn, and then removing the -frame altogether to harden them off before planting out, would be the -best way to secure an early growth of gourds. Sowing in the open ground -under hand-lights would also do, but not so well.</p> - -<h4><i>Ornamental Grasses.</i></h4> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_239" id="page_239"></a>{239}</span></p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Agrostis nebulosa</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Arundo conspicua</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Donax</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span><span class="ditto">“</span>versicolor</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>festucoides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Phragmites</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Bambusa, in var.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Elymus arenarius</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">“ condensatus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Erianthus Ravennæ</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gynerium argenteum, and its vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Calamagrostis argentea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Poa aquatica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>fertilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Saccharum ægyptiacum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>cylindricum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Maddenii</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Stipa pennata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Zea Mays</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Andropogon argenteus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>bombycinus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>formosus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Sorghum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>strictus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>squarrosus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Chloropsis Blanchardiana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gymnothrix latifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Holcus saccharatus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Erianthus strictus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>violascens</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Chloris myriostachys</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Panicum bulbosum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>altissimum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>capillare</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>miliaceum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>virgatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>maximum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>palmifolium</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>gongyloides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Panicum violaceum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Penicillaria spicata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Sorghum cernuum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>halepense</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>melanocarpum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>nankinense</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>tataricum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Tripsacum monostachyum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>dactyloides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Milium nigricans</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>multiflorum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>effusum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Bromus brizopyroides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Briza gracilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>geniculata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>maxima</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>rufiberbis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hordeum jubatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pennisetum longistylum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Piptatherum multiflorum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Agrostis spica-venti</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Setaria germanica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Stipa capillata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Chascolytrum erectum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Leptochloa gracilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Agrostis Steveni</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Echinochloa Zenkowski</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Paspalum elegans</td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_240" id="page_240"></a>{240}</span></p> - -<h4><i>List of Ferns that may be grown with advantage away from the fernery -proper.</i></h4> -<p class="hang">[Even should any of these thrive better in shade, it is usually -easy to secure this for them in groups by wood-walks.]</p> - - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Adiantum pedatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Asplenium Filix-fœmina and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Dennstœdtia punctilobula</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Diplazium thelypteroides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lastrea Filix-mas and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Goldieana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>“ assurgens intermedia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>marginalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>noveboracensis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>atrata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>erythrosora</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>opaca</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Standishii</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lomaria magellanica, in warm shady places</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Onoclea sensibilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Osmunda cinnamomea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Claytoniana</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>gracilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>regalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Osmunda regalis cristata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>spectabilis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Polypodium hexagonopterum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Polypodium Phegopteris</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Polystichum acrostichoides</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>aculeatum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>angulare</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>vestitum venustum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pteris aquilina</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Scolopendrium vulgare and vars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Struthiopteris germanica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>pennsylvanica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Woodwardia areolata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>aspera</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>japonica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>orientalis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>radicans</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cyrtomium caryotideum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>falcatum</td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_241" id="page_241"></a>{241}</span></p> - -<h4><i>List of hardy aquatics and bog-plants of bold and distinct habit -suitable for grouping on the margins of lakes, etc.</i></h4> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Nuphar lutea</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>advena</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>pumila</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Nymphæa alba</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>odorata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Menyanthes trifoliata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Equisetum Telmateia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Rumex Hydrolapathum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Typha angustifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>latifolia</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Carex pendula</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>paniculata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>Pseudocyperus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Scirpus lacustris</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Butomus umbellatus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Poa aquatica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Arundo Phragmites</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cyperus longus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Cladium Mariscus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pontederia cordata</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Acorus Calamus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Iris Pseudacorus</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Alisma Plantago</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Orontium aquaticum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lysimachia thyrsiflora</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Lythrum Salicaria</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Epilobium hirsutum</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Calla æthiopica</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="ditto">“</span>palustris</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hippuris vulgaris</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="c"> <br /> -<small>THE END.<br /> -<br /> -LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET<br /> -AND CHARING CROSS.</small></p> - -<hr class="full" /> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Subtropical Garden, by W. 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