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64 REPIN! ORS ANID It 2g sti eiee.
Pvartcaia (aise cron Onder Tame Gt Cae eee
Canadian plent, growing abouteg doot higm ies
, ai % ra r 2 =.
ime Bewers in spring. ~ There are several varetueere
ims popw@ier species, such @S ged. whites fas
ay: rycher ; fin a7 © L , (EP 2¢ a bluish violet:; hic
V arvecy, amender , and Violet Quem, deep violet,
tee: od veers. fe . iage and purplish red: flowers
height, fweve to eyehteen iichés: ye spring ae ~
here i¢ a #aviety called Caroliniana, with.
fiewers than fie type, & rid a httte-taller, joa
Pijosa.. This pretty species: produces) its pus oli
a flowers in «a ry iummer. dt has erect stems, t
tes fifteen inches highs. It kek a warm
Réepians. A ceepeng Species, aud one ot the }
seiul, for wt bein * pymbeac eh iiscparpliah @
spring, nly 2 fet aéiies above the.
See Section B., PartIV. 9) srl
iseasily propagated. tas alse prown under a4
Procumbens, A Wailer; producing lilac,
BAWwoN’S. 17) eT 1t &E cane in early summer; ae
_oelacee: URS Se @ery Close to subutaia, alte gh th ke
api t by sev fete, J deal with: these a -
ae @ a SLi ae & af. a9
tellavia. Am American trailer, prod su
ite: or -witte Howers: in May, graceful anes
Subulata Sebated ).- “Ths * Moss Pink” ig th eb
useful of ai the Pitoxes. It is a arontentey a
and | covers se wah Howersin Ab tee is a tu!
| 2 BOW Er tneiving br altees? oa: aed, be
PHLOXES. 165
a very sandy loam best. The type has pink flowers
with a dark centre, but there are many varieties, such as
Brightness, rose ; Daisy Hill, rose with carmine centre ;
frondosa, rose; G. F. Wilson, mauve; Grandiflora,
rose, crimson eye ; Lilacina, lavender, Nelson, white ;
Newry Seedling, lilac ; The Bride, white, and Vivid, rose.
Wherever there is room a collection of the Moss Pinks
should be grown, for they are brilliant flowers, and will
give charming patches of colour.
CHAPTER XI.
Primulas (Primroses).
It would be difficult to exaggerate the beauty and
value of the Primroses. When we think of the
magnificent Chinese Primulas which adorn our green-
houses in winter, of the lovely natives of our woods
and of the numerous brilliant Alpine species collected
from various parts of the world, we see in the genus
one of the most remarkable of any at the service of the
flower-lover.
The hardy Primulas are numerous, and they are of
great beauty. There are considerable differences among
them, both of structure and requirements. Some
are close, tufty gems of the accepted Alpine type,
others moderately tall. Some are sun-lovers, others
shade-lovers. Some love lime, others granite. These
variations do not rob the genus of its interest,
to many people they augment it. They mean that it
needs detailed study if it is to be grown to the greatest
advantage.
The hardy Primulas are mostly spring bloomers,
coming into flower at the same season when the wild
Primrose is making the banks and dells' gay, but a few
flower in summer.
The rock gardener will pay special attention to this
766
PRIMULAS (PRIMROSES) 167
* most charming genus, and so far as his circumstances
permit, give the various species the particular con-
ditions which they require. He will certainly reap a
rich reward. Some of the species are among the most
precious gems of the Alpine flora, and will delight him
with their radiant beauty. :
Most of the Primulas thrive in ordinary garden
soil if it is not very dry, and practically all in sandy
loam. Those that like lime and peat are specially
mentioned. Droughtis their great bane. Some refuse
to thrive in dry soil, and are merely a shadow
of their true selves. This especially applies to
Japonica and rosea. The pronounced moisture-lovers
like a peaty soil.
Propagation may be effected by seeds or division.
Practically all come readily from seed provided it is
sown directly it is ripe, but they are apt to germinate
slowly, if at all, when old seed is used. Those who
use the previous season’s seed should keep the pans in
hand several months unless they get enough plants
for their purpose quickly. The pans may be put in
a cool greenhouse or frame after sowing, and shaded
with paper.
The tufty Primulas may be divided after flowering,
and the portions are soon re-established it kept moist
and shaded. |
In the following remarks on the principal species of
Primulas such cultural hints as are needed to get the
best results with the different kinds are given.
Acaulis (vulgaris) is the common yellow Primrose
of the woodland. It is so abundant in nature that the
168 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
flower-lover can well afford to pass it over, but he may
like to grow some of the beautiful varieties of it which
are now available. There are both single and double.
Two of the former class are Harbinger, white; and
Miss Massey, crimson.
Of doubles, there are alba flore pleno, white ; Crousset
plena, purple or plum, edged white; Jilacina plena,
double lilac ; Cloth of Gold or lutea flore pleno, double
yellow ; rubra plena, double red ; and several others.
These are best propagated by division. Many flower
lovers will not care to grow the coloured Primroses
under names, but will prefer to raise a stock of plants
from seed of the splendid mixed strains which seedsmen
offer, and increase any special sorts that come in them
by division. Any selected variety thus procured may
be grown in the rock garden, but it is common to
make spring beds of the best mixtures. While these
beautiful hardy coloured Primroses luxuriate in a
moist soil and in a cool position they will grow well
on poor chalky ground if given water in dry weather.
Primula acaulis forms the subject of one of the coloured
plates.
Auyicula is the yellow Alpine parent of the plants
which we grow under the generic name of Awuriculas.
All Auriculas are Primulas. To deal with the culture
and varieties of florists’ Auriculas would be outside
our present scope. They are a florists’ flower, culti-
vated in pots in frames. But attention must be
called to the border Auriculas, which are well worthy
of being grown in spring beds with the best of the
Primroses. Beautiful lemon and pale yellow shades
aS:
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PRIMULAS (PRIMROSES). 169
are found in them, and the flowers are of great size.
Moreover they are sweet scented. Several seedsmen
specialise these lovely hardy Auriculas, which are
much finer and bolder, though admittedly not more
refined, than the show sorts. Good varieties can
always be perpetuated by division.
Bulleyana.—A new species from China, very distinct
and beautiful, with flowers borne in whorls a foot to
eighteen inches high like those of the well-known
species Japonica, but orange yellow in colour. It
will be expensive during its early years in cultivation.
It thrives in gritty loam and likes a cool position.
Cortusoides.—A Siberian species growing nine to
twelve inches high, with purplish rose flowers, easily
raised from seed. Leaf-mould is a good addition to
the soil, and shelter is advisable.
Denticulata, which produces heads of lilac flowers on
a stem about nine inches high in spring is a popular
Himalayan Primrose, and the variety of it called
Cashmeriana, which has golden meal on the under side
of the leaves, is much liked. The flowers are deeper
in colour than the species. Alba has white flowers with
a yellow centre. This set should have light loamy
soil in a sheltered spot.
Cockburmiana is not yet well-known in cultivation,
but it is likely to become popular. It bears scarlet
flowers, fading to orange and mealy flower stems in
whorls. It is a biennial, and should be raised from
seed every year. Loam and leaf mould will suit it.
Farinosa is the charming little “ Bird’s Eye Prim-
rose,’ and is shown in one of the coloured plates in
170 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS
association with Gentiana brachyphylia, and in another
with G. acaulis. It isa native of Britain, and has deep
lilac flowers with a yellow eye, borne on a stem six
inches to a foot high in summer. There is a larger
form called Waret, and a white variety called alba.
Scotica, which bears purple, yellow-eyed flowers in early
summer, is another variety. It is the Scotch Bird’s
Eye. These like moist, cool soil. If grown ona dry
rockery mix leaf mould and chips of sandstone with the
soil. There is a stemless form of farinosa called
acaulis.
Forresti is a modern Chinese species that is likely to
become very popular. The strong stems rise twelve
to fifteen inches high, and bear deep yellow or orange
flowers, very sweet.
Floribunda and its varieties hardly come within our
range, although they are beautiful, as they are green- —
house plants. The same remarks apply to Kewensts,
which is a hybrid between floribunda and verticillata.
Integrifolia is a gem for the rockery, as it forms
dense low tufts, and bears its purplish rose flowers in
great abundance in late spring. It is a native of the
European Alps. Itis the subject of one of the coloured
plates and appears in another with Ranunculus alpesins.
This Primrose is sometimes grown under the name of
Candolleana. It is an easy plant to grow, thriving in
sandy loam, with lime.
Alpina (rhetica) is a May bloomer, with purple
flowers, growing six to eight inches high. It is shown
in one of the coloured plates in association with
viscosa.
PRIMULAS (PRIMROSES). 171
Japonica.—One of the grandest of the Primulas,
producing tall stems of bloom in whorls, ranging in
colour from rose to purple. There are, however,
several distinct varieties ofit, such as carminea, carmine ;
salmonea, reddish salmon ; and sanguinea or splendens,
bright crimson. The Japanese Primrose is easily raised
fromseed. It thrivesin moist peaty soil in a cool damp
place near the base of rockwork.
Littoniana, a new Chinese species (see photograph),
flowers in pyramidal heads, stems 12 to 18 inches
high, colour lilac to purple, with red calyx.
Longiflora, an Alpine species growing a foot high or
a little more, and bearing purplish flowers in May
with mealy calyx, resembles the Bird’s Eye Primrose
both in character and requirements. It is shown in
one of the coloured plates with Gentiana Clusit.
Marginata, an Alpine species only growing a few
inches high, bloomsin April, when it produces charming,
perfumed, rosy crimson flowers. It gets its name from
the silvery margin of the leaf. It likes a loamy soil
with stone chippings. There are several varieties.
Minima is a pretty little European Alpine, with rosy
flowers only an inch or two above the ground. It
appears in one of the coloured plates in association
with Soldanella pusilla. Although very dwarf it has
large flowers, which it produces in summer. It should
be grown in a sunny spot, and well watered in dry
weather in summer.
Pulverulenta is a handsome and striking Primrose.
It bears a considerable resemblance to Japonica, and
when it becomes abundant may be chosen by some
172 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS
growers in preference to that kind. The flowers are
violet and the stems nearly white. Seed is procurable.
Gritty loam suits the plant, and it likes a cool position.
Rosea.—One of the brightest of the dwarf, spring-
flowering Primroses, and one of the most useful for a
cool, shady place. It cannot endure heat and drought.
It only grows about six inches high, and covers itself
with brilliant rosy flowers. There is a large variety
called grandiflora. It is easily grown from seed.
Sitkkimensis.—A handsome species, growing about
eighteen inches high, and bearing pale yellow, drooping,
fragrant flowers in summer. It does best in a boggy »
spot at the base of the rockery. Seed is procurable,
and it may be treated as a biennial, fresh stock being
raised every year.
Steboldu.—A splendid kind, growing about eight
inches high, and bearing long heads of bloom in spring,
with fringed petals. It is rose-coloured, but there are
many varieties of different colours, such as white,
crimson, lavender, heliotrope, lilac, magenta and
carmine. Some are sold under names. They like
gritty loam, with good drainage.
Vaniabtlis is the Polyanthus, the coloured varieties
of which may be considered in connection with what
has been said about coloured Primroses. They can
be bought in separate colours if desired, and raised from
seed.
Veitchi is a Chinese species of modern introduction,
with large leaves, woolly underneath, and bunches of
rosy flowers. It resembles cortusoides, but is finer. It
will succeed in gritty loam.
‘BELLIDIA oe MICHELII.
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(is easily grown from Seed.*
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PRIMULAS (PRIMROSES). 173
Viscosais a charming little Alpine species only growing
three or four inches high, and bearing rosy purple
flowers with white eye in summer. It is shown in one
of the coloured plates with P. alpina and in another
alone. Itisa native of the European Alps, and thrives
in very sandy loam between stones. There are several
varieties of it. Vzllosa is the same thing.
The foregoing are but a few of the members of this
large and interesting genus. Others that are in demand
are Alliont, mauve with white centre ; cafpitata, violet ;
Carmolica, blue with white centre; ciliata, yellow,
silvery foliage ; Clusiana, crimson, white eye ; f/rondosa,
rosy lilac flowers and mealy foliage; glutinosa,
purplish flowers ; /ursuta, rosy purple; involucrata,
white; Kernert, a hybrid between Auricula and
viscosa, rose with yellow eye; Juteola, yellow;
mivalis, lilac ; pubescens alba, white; Parryi, purple ;
Poissom, purple ; spectabils, rosy purple; and
Wulfemana, purple. Most of these will be found in the
catalogues.
CHAPTER XII.
Saxifrages (Rockfoils).
THE dense, mossy growth of many of the Rockfoils
makes them admirable carpeting plants for the rockery,
and this, combined with the charm of their flowers,
causes them to become great favourites with flower-
lovers. Alpine Pinks, Primulas, Aubrietias, Androsaces
and other low gems of the Alps exceed the Rockfoils
in brilliancy, but there is really nothing to equal them
for clothing stones with a close, even mat of green.
They are not only pretty in themselves, but they also
form a suitable ground work for bulbs, hiding the bare
earth at a period when the latter are dormant.
It is not all of the Saxifrages that are suitable for
carpeting. Some of the species have a totally different
habit, possessing broad, leathery leaves and strong
upright growth. The leafage differs in colour as well
asin form. One Rockfoil is like a green moss, another
forms silvery rosettes, a third has reddish leaves almost
as large as Cabbages.
The flowers are rarely brilliant, but invariably pretty,
indeed, when a broad cushion is covered with numbers
of white or pink flowers in spring ; or when the long
slender sprays rise from a cluster of grey tufts, few
things in the rock garden are more admired.
174
SAXIFRAGES (ROCKFOILS). 178
Most of the Saxifrages thrive in ordinary garden
soil, and are propagated by seed or division in spring.
The difference in the habit of the Saxifrages has led
to some attempt at classification. The botanists have
formed more than a dozen different sections, each with
its distinctive title, but the average flower-lover and
hardy plant dealer is satisfied with the more rough
and ready plan of throwing the mossy section into one
group, the encrusted species with foliage in rosettes
into a second, and the broad-leaved into a third.
The following are a few of the best of the Mossy
Saxifrages.
Guildford Seedling.—This precious little Rockfoil
forms a dense mass of green mossy foliage, from
which rise large numbers of pretty rosy flowers. It
blooms in spring.
Hypnotdes.—This is the typical Mossy Saxifrage,
a British plant, forming the closest of carpets, and
never fresher in its lively green than in winter, when
most plants are dingy. It will thrive in almost any
soil, in sun or shade, spreads fast, bears transplanting
at almost any season, and is easily increased by division.
The flowers are white, but there are several varieties
of it, such as purpurea, with red flowers, and rosea,
rose. They bloom in spring.
Decipiens.—Bears flower stems about six inches
high, and abundance of white flowers in May. There
is a variety called grandiflora, and there are others.
Muscoides.—This pretty little species has yellowish
flowers, and the brighter varieties, such as atropur-
purea, deep red; Rhei, rose; and Rhew superba, deep
176 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
rose, are generally grown in preference to it. All form
cushions of dense green foliage.
Trifurcata has somewhat larger flower stems than
the preceding, and may therefore be used for cutting.
The flowers are white, produced in the spring. Cerato-
phylla, the stagshorn Rockfoil, so called owing to the
form of the foliage, is a popular form of trz/urcata.
Wallacet (Camposi).—This has much larger flowers
than the other short-stemmed Mossy Saxifrages,
and is much in request. It is white, and blooms in
spring. It is a splendid sort.
The following are some of the best in the encrusted
section. They produce pretty silvery rosettes, and
long, slender panicles of bloom. They do not, of course,
spread as fast as the mossy section, still, they grow
quite freely in a dry sunny position. They are at their
best in gritty loam between stones.
A1izoon.—Cream flowers spotted with red produced
in panicles six to ten inches long in June. There
are many varieties, amongst the best being Carinthiaca,
white; La Graviana, white flowers on red stems ;
Maly, white ; and Sturmiana, cream, dwarf habit.
Cotyledon.—Produces beautiful white sprays in
May. The variety pyramidalis bears lovely plumes,
and is much better than the species. Both are about
eighteen inches high.
Hostit.—White flowers on reddish stems nine to
twelve inches high, produced in May.
Lingulata.—Long sprays of white flowers in May,
produced very freely from silvery rosettes. Lantoscana
(see photograph) and superba are good forms of it.
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Gecedine, 2 herefore be, used for cuttiig®
: a winks diniced in-the spring. Cenmag
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pre 3 popular form of Me/wrcaia, 2s
Valin mfost®.-—This has much latger flower
na the «: shott-sttmmed Mossy -‘Saxifrages
id # mach in request. It as >white, and Bloomes
fobs’
f Tete Te Some oO thie DEST in. the encruste
produce pretty silvery. rosettes, “gala
Aiendér 3 f blooin. They do not! of course
‘2 CHRYSANTHEMUM ALPINUM théy gros
AND LINARIA) tHE Phey-a are at ‘ha
| Les
See Section B., et with red adel nt
" fren wines iong in june: Them
Tt ex, amongst the best being Carinthiaca
Cyaviena, white flowers. on ted stem
| _ Strrmiana, cream. dwart habit
obey - yoeas beautiful write Sprays. 3
* pyramiadans bears lovely plumes
\ puch better than the specs Both are abou
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j te. flowers ‘On reckae) Sas ning
5 . * cs f ; : 5 ™
iv¢ inothes Migie produced Im Mas
4 Jute Long sprays of © » >. ar ae
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SAXIFRAGES (ROCKFOILS). 177
Longifolia.—A precious species, throwing up lovely
white plumes eighteen inches high in June. It likes
limestone.
Macnabiana.—Long sprays of white flowers spotted
with red in spring.
| Among the remaining Rockfoils the following are
- some of the best :—
_ Apiculata.—A charming little species growing about
_ four inches high, and having pale yellow flowers in
spring.
Aspera bryotdesi—A small dense tufty plant with
roundish rosettes of leaves, bearing creamy flowers
_ in May. It is shown in one of the coloured plates.
_ Burseriana.—A lovely little plant, only about
_ three inches high, and with white flowers towards the
_ end of winter. There is a large variety called major.
Granulata Flore Pleno.—The double meadow
Saxifrage, which grows about a foot high and has
_ white flowers in spring. It will thrive in shade.
Hivculus (MARSH RocxkFoIL).—A_ British species
with yellow flowers, suitable for the bog garden.
Oppositifolia.—Prostrate stems with rose flowers in
spring. The large variety major is a great favourite,
and the white, alba, is also very popular. The
_ variety splendens has brilliant crimson rose flowers.
Sancta.—Forms dense cushions of leaves, and
bears bright golden yellow flowers in April. Very
dwarf.
Sarmentosa (MOTHER OF THOUSANDS).—There are
few who do not know this old plant, with its
mottled roundish leaves and numerous runners. It is
12
178 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
often grown as a window plant, but may be grown out ©
of doors in sheltered places. There is a charming
variety called tricolor superba, which is almost entirely
grown in pots and baskets.
Sibthorpu (Cymbalaria).—A low close grower which
thrives in damp shady spots. It is a_ biennial,
reproducing itself from self-sown seeds.
Umbrosa (LONDON PrRIDE).—Abundant sprays of
pinkish flowers in spring on stems about nine inches
high. A dense grower.
A section of the large-leaved Saxifrages are some-
times called Megaseas. Among them may be named
the following :
Cordtfolia.—Pink flowers in spring on stems about
a foot high. There is a dark variety called purpurea
and a white one called alba.
Crassifolia.—A spring bloomer with pink flowers,
about a foot high.
Ligulata.—Purple flowers in spring on stems a foot
high. There is a pink variety.
Strachey1.—Pink flowers in spring on stems a foot
high. There is a white variety.
The foregoing is a brief survey of the genus Saxifraga,
and will set the beginner in the cultivation of Alpine
plants on the path towards knowledge of the principal
Rockfoils. It is, however, little more than a glance, .
and those who already have some acquaintance with
the genus may be glad to have further notes, embracing
some of the rarer species. These shall be given in
alphabetical order :
SAXIFRAGES (ROCKFOILS). 179
Aizoides.—A native of Britain, forming low tufts
of thick leaves and bearing yellow flowers dotted with
crimson insummer. It is a lover of moisture, and may
be planted in cool soil near water. There is a deeper
coloured variety called aurantiaca. Height about six
inches.
A1zoon (see coloured plate) is a native of the Alps
of Europe and America, and one of the best of the
encrusted section. It forms tufts of silver grey, which
can be divided if propagation is desired. There is no
trouble in its culture, as it will thrive in ordinary soil
onasunny spot. The following are twelve of the best
of the many forms of it which are grown:
Atropurpurea. Malyi.
Carinthiaca. Pectinata.
Churchillr. Robusta.
La Graveana. Sempervivordes,
Major Stabtana.
Cultrata. Sturmeana.
Ajugaefoia is one of the mossy section, a
native of the Pyrenees, with creamy flowers on stems
about a foot high. It may be included in a select
collection. |
Andrewsu is generally supposed to be a garden
hybrid, the result of a cross between the species Geum
ofthe London Pride section, and the encrusted species
Aizoon, which is described above. It is a green-leaved
species, with large white flowers dotted with red. It
enjoys moist soil, and may be propagated by division.
Aspera is a Pyrenean species belonging to the
aizoides class, growing in low tufts of leathery leaves
18 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
and bearing creamy white flowers in May. It forms
runners as it grows. Bryotdes, which is also found on
the Pyrenees, is regarded as a dwarf, non-stoloniferous
form of it. (See coloured plate.)
Aretioides belongs to what botanists call the
Kabschia section, which is of low tufty habit, and
includes such popular kinds as aficulata, Burseriana,
Boydi and Valdensis. Aretioides is a native of the Swiss
mountains, and is a precious little encrusted plant, with
bright yellow flowers on short stems in spring. There
is a paler variety of it called primulina. They do best
in loam with plenty of limestone grit in a rocky chink.
Biflora belongs to the Porphyrion section, the
most prominent representative of which is oppositifolia.
They are dwarf plants, but in the case of the two-
flowered Saxifrage not dense. It bears its purplish
flowers in May, will thrive in gritty soil, and is readily
increased by division. |
Boyd? is an interesting plant of the tufted Kabschia
class to which we have seen that aretioides belongs.
It is supposed to be a hybrid between the latter and
Burseriana. It bears its yellow flowers in spring on
stems only two or three inches high. There is a variety
called alba, which flowers very freely.
Bursertana and its variety major are gems of
the Kabschia section. The former is a native of
Carniola, and bears its creamy flowers on stems only
three or four inches high in winter or early spring.
Its charm is enhanced by the pink-tinted stems. The
plant spreads quickly into broad grey tufts. It likes
eritty limestone or loamy soil, and a little shade in a
it ee
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wd belones “fto.aw hat botaiists call th
ib=chin: Seti. which 48008 Low tulty habit, :
nicies Soe F oe wiars binds es aT Picwata, Burse
Bogii) and ¥aldéasi. Wy cide isa native ofthe Sa
ioditains, and is 4 precious ttle encrusted. plant,’
izht yellow flowers on short stémisan spring. id
ler Variety GLI S called primudina. Theva be
loci with plerty oftimestone prit in a rocky Gam if
%: ova ongs to” the Porphyrion section, “th
| ; SPINOSISSIMUM.— ona
‘plants, butcin the case oof the €
- See Section B., Part IV. ©
y, will thrive in gritty ott, ataiald
livision,
Ati i] terest 1 plant of the tufted: Kabsch
Stoss to which wé-have Seen that areopesee nes
| to be a hybrid between: the: latter at
it heats its yellow flowers. i Spx 9
oa ihre inches high, There 15a . ‘a ‘i eb
1 rf a cial flowers very free by be
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c n 19 eemeed by the pin’ 2 See
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) me
gy mar Tama il AE _
Introductory
THE flower-lover who begins to study the plants which,
following the standard of habit and character already
given, may be fairly described as Alpine, is astonished
to find that the number of species is so considerable as
to elevate them into one of the most important sections
of cultivated plants. Not only is this so, but the rising
popularity of Alpines has led to a good many genera
being specialised by florists, who have obtained varieties
of them, just as others have of Roses and Sweet Peas.
The few will be attracted, the many repelled, by the
task of making personal and intimate acquaintance with
the whole of the Alpine Flora. Life is short, and there
are many calls on time and attention. Many of us
would gladly, if we could, give this one section of plants
alone all our thought. But others call insistently, and
we must content ourselves, willy-nilly, with a knowledge
of the best of the Alpines, leaving the rest to those
people who find no pleasure in discrimination, no
satisfaction in compromises, but can be content only
with the most thorough and painstaking investigation
of every subject which they study.
There is no pretence that every Alpine plant which
may be seen in nature, or whose name is discoverable
in a plant dictionary, is included in the following lists.
But an attempt has been made, not without thought
and care, to describe all the best plants, and so to give
189
190 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
the flower-lover an opportunity of becoming acquainted,
as far asis possible on paper, with the principal members
of this charming class.
Beginners might do well to concentrate their atten-
tion on a limited number of the best genera, such as
are given in selections at the end of the present section.
Many people begin the culture of Alpines with a small
rockery, and they are likely to do better by taking, say,
twenty-five or fifty really good kinds, and doing them
well, than by dallying with several hundreds, which
they cannot accommodate properly, and the particular
requirements of which they have not had opportunities
of becoming acquainted with.
ACAENA MICROPHYLLA.—A small plant that is
often planted for trailing over poor sandy ground. It
is the most generally useful of a small genus that cannot
be given a very prominent position. Mucrophylla is
noteworthy for its heads of reddish spines. They are
not remarkable for beauty, but they have an interest-
ing and distinctive appearance, and they are present
throughout thesummer. The plant may be propagated
by division in winter.
ACANTHOLIMON GLUMACEUM.—tThe most
popular member of a fairly large genus of pretty dwarf
evergreen plants. It forms numerous tufts of narrow
leaves, and bears spikes of rosy flowers in summer,
when rock plants are mostly outof bloom. Propagation
can be effected by selecting young shoots, removing
them with a “heel’’ of old wood after flowering,
~
ee Al a
al a. ———_
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. IgI
and inserting firmly in moist soil. In view of not
improbable failure a few shoots should be layered in
damp gritty soil, first partially severing them and then
pegging them down. Another pretty species is A.
venustum, which has pink flowers and glaucous leaves.
ACHILLEA (YARROW).—Most of the Yarrows
are too vigorous in growth for the rock garden, although
extremely useful in the herbaceous border. Achillea
Ptarmica The Pearl, for example, is a splendid white-
flowered variety, and makes beautiful clumps in the
mixed border, but it is too large for a small rockery.
A. Clavennae may, however, be used with advantage.
It is a dwarf, neat grower, and has silvery foliage.
The white flowers are borne in summer. The Rock
Yarrow, A. rupestris, is worth growing. It has white
flowers, which are produced in May. Both species
enjoy a loamy soil, but will grow in a poorer medium.
Propagation by division in winter. Other Yarrows
worth mentioning are A. tomentosa, downy foliage and
yellow flowers; A. Huteri, green foliage and white
flowers; and A. Aegyptiaca, with yellow and silvery
leaves.
ACIS AUTUMNALIS.—A small bulb, with droop-
ing pink flowers, borne, like those of the Autumn
Colchicum, Sternbergia lutea, certain of the Crocuses
and other bulbous plants, in autumn, after which the
foliage appears. It is not a really high-class rock plant,
but is one of those precious flowers which connoisseurs
love to cherish. It ought to be given a warm site and
a prepared soil of sandy loam, for it could not be relied
on in cold or poor soil.
192 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
ADONIS VERNALIS.—A useful and showy plant,
with finely cut whorled leaves and large yellow flowers.
This is in no sense a choice flower, but it is one that
the rock gardener is very glad to have, because it is one
of those cheerful, breezy, hardy things that will thrive
almost anywhere, and when full of bloom it makes a
very bright patch, for the flowers are both numerous
and large. It is easily propagated by seed, which may
be sown late in spring. Pyrenatca is a finer plant than
vernalis, but too large for small rockeries.
AETHIONEMA PULCHELLUM.—A charming |
plant, well worth planting on any rockery to bloom in
May, whenits purplish flowers are very pretty. Itisone
of the most charming things of its season in the rock
garden at Kew. It thrives in sandy loam and may be
propagated by division in winter. The Aethionemas
are a somewhat numerous genus, widely distributed
innature. > ee,
me Fe
ey Aly, 8 “Ww a
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 205
the most useful. Florentinus, with white flowers, is
one of the most compact. Hirsutus (or laxus) has
white flowers and is fairly compact. Its specific name
derives from its hairiness. Ladamferus, the Gum
Cistus, is one of the most handsome of all, and it is
unfortunate that it is too large for most rockeries. It
: has white flowers, but there is a spotted form called
maculatus. Monspeliensis is a handsome Cistus. It
varies a good deal in height, but is generally too tall.
It is white with yellow blotches. Three of the most
important of the remaining species are salvifolius,
. (Sage-leaved) with white flowers ; vaginatus, with rose
flowers in spring ; and villosus, rose ; but they are all
rather too large for small rockeries.
CNICUS (Cirstum).—This is a genus of Thistle-like
plants, some members of which are used for bedding.
The plant often sold in seed shops and nurseries as
Chamaepeuce Casabonae, and popularly called the
Fish Bone Thistle, is now classed with the Cnicuses by
botanists, while Chamaepeuce diacantha, the Ivory
Thistle, has become Cuicus diacantha. Again, Cirsium
spinosissimum, the subject of one of the coloured plates,
is now called Cmicus spinosissimus. It bears yellow
flowers in summer. The Cnicuses are not front-rank
rockery plants. Most of them, indeed, are too large.
They thrive in ordinary soil, and come readily from
seed.
COLCHICUM (MEADOW SAFFRON).—As an autumn-
blooming plant, with bright purple flowers, the Meadow
Saffron arrests the attention of rock gardeners, for
bloom isscarce at its season. It isa Crocus-like flower,
206 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
but larger than that pretty favourite of late winter, and
differs in coming in advance of its leaves, which only
begin to grow when the flowering is complete. The
disadvantage of this leaflessness at the blooming season
can be overcome by planting it in a dwarf carpeter.
The flowers not only look better thus than on the bare.
soil, but are kept cleaner. The Colchicums grow from
bulbs, or rather corms, which are poisonous. These
should be procured in summer, so that they can be
planted early. They should not be left so late as
Crocuses and Tulips. They may, however, be raised
from seed sown in spring, and in the case of autumnale
at all events this is easy to get. If it is desired to
increase existing plants the clumps may be lifted and
divided as soon as the foliage has decayed. They
enjoy a substantial loamy soil.
By far the best known species of Colchicum is
autumnale, which is often called the Autumn Crocus.
It is a European plant, and is naturalised in many
places. There are a considerable number of varieties
of it, some single, others double. Flower-lovers
generally prefer some of the best of these to the type.
Of the singles there is a white (album), avery dark
(atropurpureum) ; a striped (striatum) ; a pale rose
(pallidum); and a variegated-leaved (folis-variegatis).
Of doubles there are white (album plenum) ,; purple
(purpureum plenum) ; rose (roseum plenum) ; and striped
(striatum plenum).
A pretty species that one rarely sees is Bornmiillert,
purple with white zone. It grows about a foot high.
Byzantinum is also attractive, but comes close to
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 207
autumnale. Sibthorpi is a Grecian species with
tessellated flowers, the colour being purple chequering
white. It is one of the best. Speciosum is, next to
autumnale, the best known of the Meadow Saffrons.
It is a large-flowered species, purplish lilac or purplish
rose in colour, and comes from the Caucasus. A little |
taller than autwmnale, it is nevertheless quite suitable
for the rockery. There are several varieties, of which
the most precious is a pure white (album). Itis a most
beautiful plant. A very large variety called maximum,
and a red (rubrum) are also worth mentioning. This
set enjoy aloamy soil with plenty of sand. Variegatum
is a fairly popular species. It is white or pale rose
chequered with purple. Parkinson1, which is often
grown as a distinct species, is now classed as a variety
of variegatum. There are several other chequered
species besides those named.
COLUMBINE.—See AQUILEGIA.
CONVALLARIA (Lity OF THE VALLEY).—The
great plant in the genus Convallaria is majalis, un-
familiar to most people under its botanical name,
but familiar and dear to all under the popular name of
Lily of the Valley. It would savour of the imaginative
to speak of this as a rock plant, nevertheless it is an
Alpine. When we find it in Great Britain it is in the
heart of the shady wood, not on sun-scorched hillsides,
and so we have grown to regard it as anti-Alpine.
This exquisite and fragrant little flower cannot be
grown successfully on the average sunny rockery, and
if it is to be included in the rock garden at all it must be
in a spot where it escapes the ardent attentions of the
208 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
summer sun. Although a pronounced shade-lover,
however, it does not care for heavy, damp soil, such
as is beloved of the bog and marshy plants. Those
who find it in nature will often notice that the soil is
dry and heathy. It never does better in cultivation
than when planted in sandy, well-drained, friable
loam. Given this, and shade, it will thrive in most
places. When established it grows into thick matted
colonies, and its flowers, though abundant and sweet,
are not ot the quality which satisfies the trained eye
of the flower-lover. The bloom can be improved
greatly by thinning the clumps every year or two,
and spreading a dressing of sandy loamy soil and leaf
mould among those that are left.
As most flower-lovers know, it is necessary to procure
special crowns of Lily of the Valley if forcing under
glass is required, but this is not desirable for the
garden. Itis better to begin with what the bulb-dealer
calls “‘ clumps,” and these may be bought and planted
in autumn. They may not give many flowers the first
year, but they will give plenty in future seasons.
There are many varieties of Lily of the Valley, some
much finer in bloom than the type, and not less sweet.
Fortin is one, and Victoria another. The flower stems
of the former are a foot long under favourable
conditions.
CONVOLVULUS (BINDWEED).—While one must
be careful in admitting the Bindweeds to the garden,
since the more common kinds are apt to become
extremely troublesome, there is no denying the great
beauty of some of the species, and their complete
4
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DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 209
suitability for large rockeries. Their chief use is for
trailing over large stones, which they cover with a
charming mantle of brilliant flowers. The blue rock
Bindweed (mauritanicus), a North African plant, is
particularly beautiful, and the flower-lover who sees
it for the first time draping a large rock is enchanted
with its exquisite beauty. The Bindweeds will thrive
in ordinary garden soil.
The following are a few of the species best suited to
the wants of the rock gardener: althaeoides, a twiner
with pink flowers in late spring, hardy and quite easy
to grow, may be propagated by division or by seeds if
procurable ; Cueorum, with silvery foliage and charm-
ing pink flowers, a delightful plant, but not perfectly
hardy, it should, therefore, have a warm, sheltered
spot ; Incanus, silvery leaves and white flowers, not
hardy ; Lineatus, almost a carpeter, with purplish-red
flowers and silky-grey leaves, not a very free bloomer ;
Mauntamcus, the most beautiful of all, a really
exquisite flower, rich blue in colour, and blooming
very abundantly. It is not absolutely hardy, but as
seed is plentiful and the plant is easily raised, it may
be treated as an annual. The seed could be sown on
a greenhouse shelf, or in a frame in March, and the
plants put out in a warm place early in summer. It
likes a sandy soil. Owing to its graceful, dependent,
yet not rampant, habit, it is often grown in baskets
and vases.
COPTIS TRIFOLIATA (GoLtpd THREAD).—This
_ little plant is listed in some of the catalogues. It is
a tiny evergreen, producing large numbers of slender
14
210 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
stems bearing white flowers in spring. The specific
name comes from the division of the leaves into three
and the popular one from the yellow roots. Itisa
great lover of moisture, and may be planted in peaty
soil in the bog or marsh garden. It is propagated by
division between autumn and spring, or by seeds
sown in spring. There are several other species, but
the only one that need be considered is occidentalis,
which produces white flowers in May. It is taller than
tyifoliata. They should have a sheltered place.
CORIS MONSPELIENSIS.—A pretty but not
largely grown Primulaceous plant, bearing lilac flowers
with orange anthersin June. It enjoys ‘a warm, sunny
spot, and sandy, well-drained soil. It may be raised
from seed under glass in spring, and is best treated as
a biennial, being sown afresh every year.
CORONILLA IBERICA (IBERIAN CROWN VETCBH).
—This is the most popular rockery species of a rather
large genus. It is now called cappadocica by the
botanists, but is generally listed as zberica. It is of
trailing habit, and is therefore suitable for the rock
garden. It bears yellow flowers in umbels in July.
The foliage is glaucous. It will interest lovers of the
Pea family. It is not safe in an exposed place. It
likes a good loamy soil, the more if a little peat is added.
Propagation is by seed. C. varia, with rosy flowers,
is also grown, but this is a stronger plant, not suited
for small rockeries.
CORTUSA.—A small genus of Primulaceous plants,
of which two species are offered in the catalogues :
Matthiolt and pubens. The former bears crimson
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 211
flowers in late spring or early summer, and grows a
foot high, the latter purple flowers. It grows about a
foot and a half high, and has downy leaves. If seed
can be procured, it may be sown in a frame in Spring,
and propagation may also be effected by division
between autumn and spring. Sandy loam, with a
little peat, suits them.
- CORYDALIS (Fumitory).—As already _ stated,
this genus contains members of great value owing to
their graceful foliage, bright flowers and freedom of
growth, but whichare apt to become troublesome if left
unchecked. A notable instance is the yellow Fumitory
C. lutea. This is an undeniably pretty plant, with a
store of vitality which few plants can equal, but in
congenial places it becomes an undoubted weed. This
is particularly the case on limestone. It loves to
establish itself among stones, whether in the rockery or
on walls. It will settle down comfortably in the mouth
of a drainpipe. The stems are thick and succulent,
able, apparently, to make their own moisture. I
allow it to grow under strict supervision, making
drastic reductions at frequent intervals. It sows
itself everywhere and needs more curbing than en-
couraging. It begins to bloom in spring, and goes on
spreading and flowering all the summer. C. nobilis is
a finer plant. It also has ferny foliage, and the yellow
flowers are marked with chocolate. It blooms in late
spring. It does not spread like lutea, and may have
a little cultural care, such as the provision of light loamy
soil and propagation by division. Cheilanthifolia and
thalictrifolia are also pretty, but the latter could only
212 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
be grown on the rockery in a sheltered place, as it is
not hardy. Both have yellow flowers in summer.
COTYLEDON.—Under this genus of succulents
the botanical authorities have now classed Echeverias
and Pachyphytums. They are not important to the
rock gardener, although the British Wall Navelwort,
C. umbilicus, is sometimes grown. The Echeverias are
useful plants, but they are more in demand by the
bedder-out than the rock-gardener, being used a good
deal for planting the raised edges of flower beds.
C. umbilicus grows about six inches high, and bears
yellow flowers in June.
CROCUS, see Chapter V.
CYANANTHUS.—A small genus, of which two
species, 7ucanus and lobatus, stand out as the most
prominent. The former has light blue flowers with a
white throat, the latter purplish blue blossoms. They
are dwarf Himalayan plants, which bloom in August,
and enjoy a peaty soil with plenty of gritinit. They
love sun. Propagation may be effected by seed,
sown in spring, or by cuttings made of the young shoots
in spring. Both should have the protection of a
frame. |
CYCLAMEN.—Those who only know the various
forms of the tender Persian Cyclarfen, which is grown
by florists into such beautiful specimens for warm
greenhouse and conservatory decoration in winter,
exclaim in mingled surprise and pleasure when they
see a happy colony of hardy Cyclamens, such as the
species Coum, Europaeum, Neapolhtanum and Vernum.
They are attractive both in foliage and bloom.
.
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_ ee Bo? A have yellow flowers i a7 sumunes, :
LY LEDON — Under tis genus -of sauce
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roc) gardener ss aithoug ‘h the British Wall Navelw
Cua mbile sas 8 Sc ictimes srown. ‘The Echeverias i
pede plants, but they are moredin demand by.
bed der-ont than the rock-gardener, beg used: a 4
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DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 213
They are admittedly not plants for sunny rockeries,
because they love shelter and shade, nor are they
suitable for marshy ground, as they do not care for
wet soil; but it often happens that a sheltered spot,
not exposed to the fierce heat of the midday sun,
exists in or near a rock garden, and here Cyclamens
could be grown. One sometimes sees them thriving
on a raised rock bed on the north side of a hedge, or
under a tree. Cold winds and heavy hailstorms are
liable to injure the foliage, which should be in full
beauty, in the case of several species, in winter.
There is, too, the bloom to consider, and most of them
flower in autumn or winter. In mild places one may
see them full of flower at the end of September, and
remaining in beauty for several months. In other
localities they will begin to bloom in winter and give
flowers till spring. |
It will be seen that the Sowbreads are different in
their habits from most rock plants, and call for special
treatment, of which they are well worthy, The flower-
lover would be wise to prepare a little rockbed for their
particular accommodation, choosing the site with care,
and setting the stones in a bed of good loam well
lightened and enriched with leaf-mould, dried cow
manure and sand. Mortar rubbish may be added to
supply lime. The tubers may be obtained with the
earliest bulbs. The florists often grow them in pots,
so that they can be planted at almost any period, but
August is a good time. The tubers should be covered
with about an inch of soil. In no case should they be
left about to get dry, for they will be a long time
214 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
recovering from the shock this will give them. Even
when in a dormant state they should be kept in the
soil.
The hardy Cyclamens, like the tender varieties, are
best raised from seed, which may be sown in pots or
pans in spring, and shaded to check evaporation until
germination has taken place. The plants will be best
on a bed of ashes in a frame throughout the summer.
It is quite likely that they will grow slowly, and that
they will not be strong enough to put out till the
following summer, because they have to make their
corms. They must be watered as required, and kept
in a half-shady place, where the conditions are cool
and moist.
The following are a few of the best of the hardy
Cyclamens: Coum is a _ winter-flowering Grecian
species, with round, smooth tubers, green, heart-shaped
leathery leaves, and crimson or purplish-red flowers.
It grows about four inches high. A variety called
album, white with purple eye, is offered by hardy
plantsmen. Atkinsiz is listed in some cases as a distinct
species, and in others as identical with tbericum. It is
probably a garden hybrid of Couwm parentage ; at all
events it belongs to the Coum section. It has purple
and white flowers. Hederaefolium is the Ivy-leaved
Cyclamen, and has the great merits of being hardy and
an abundant bloomer. It forms a large tuber, from
the upper surface and edges of which the roots push.
The flowers are purplish-red, and are produced in
autumn. A white variety (album) is listed. The
leaves are handsomely marked. Ibericum, with red
SSS eee
2 ee
SS ee, oe
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 215.
flowers in winter, resembles Coum. There are several ©
varieties of it in the lists, such as. album, white ;
purpureum, deep purple ; and Wiuttall, white to pink.
Europaeum is a pretty species with purplish-red flowers,
which are borne in autumn and winter. It is a lime-
lover. Repandum of the plant catalogues is probably
the same as verynum, which is a spring bloomer with
purplish-red flowers, and marbled leaves. It must
have a sheltered place, or the foliage will suffer severely
from cold winds.
CYPRIPEDIUM (Lapy’s SLIPPER).—These lovely
Orchids are among the most precious plants of the rock
garden. They are denizens of the woods, and are
hardy enough to thrive in our climate. That they do
not always succeed is probably due to dry soil. Their
great value lies in their suitability for adorning moist
bays in the rock garden. Here, with shelter from
boisterous winds and abundant moisture, they are quite
at home. We have no other flowers in any way like
the Lady’s Slippers, and certainly none more beautiful.
Alike in form, colour, and habit they are delightful.
In most places it will be desirable to prepare a special
compost. Close, dry soil is unsuitable. What they
enjoy best is a mixture of peat and leaf mould, and the
grower should not hesitate to provide it in case of doubt.
He should also see that it is kept moist. Partial shade
is desirable, but not absolutely essential so long as the
soil is moist and flaky. The plants are propagated by
division, but frequent disturbance is bad. Care should
be taken to keep the roots cool and moist at all times
when they are being planted or propagated.
216 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
The following are the most admired species : Calceolus
(see plate) is a British plant, growing about eighteen
inches high, with yellow flowers in summer. It is not
rarely met with wild, so that there is an additional
inducement to grow it. Guttatum is the spotted Lady’s
Slipper, which grows about eight inches high, blooms
late in spring, and produces white flowers marked
with purple. It is a Siberian plant. It likes a shady
place. Macranthum is a splendid species, growing
a foot high and producing rosy purple flowers in
summer. It thrives in coarse loam: and leaf mould.
Spectabile is about the finest of all. It grows about
two feet high and bears rose and white flowers of great
beauty in summer. It is a North American plant,
thriving in coarse loam, leaf mould and peat. There
is a white variety of it called album. Other species
which might be grown by those who want to form a
collection are acaule, with rosy-purple, fragrant flowers
in May, growing only about six inches high ; candidum,
with white flowers in June, one foot high ; califormicum,
eighteen inches high, yellow and white flowers, bloom-
ing in late summer; montanum, purple and white
flowers, one foot high; parviflorum, an American
species, purple, with yellow lip; and pubescens (Iur-
sutum), which grows about two feet high and produces
yellow flowers spotted with brown in summer; a
Canadian and Nova Scotian kind.
DAISIES (BE.xI1s).—The modern varieties of Daisies
are generally used as bedding and edging plants, but
there is no reason why they should not be included in
a large rock garden where there is room for a consider-
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 217
able variety of plants. They make neat clumps and
bloom profusely. They thrive in ordinary soil, if not
dry, and are easily propagated by division after
flowering. The best known species is perennis, but
the flower-lover should get good varieties, such as Rob
Roy, crimson; Bridesmaid, rose; Snowflake, white;
and Alice, light pink. He might also grow thecurious
and pretty Hen-and-chickens.
DAFFODIL.—See Chapter IX.
DAPHNE.—The Daphnes are shrubs, but in some
species sosmall as to be suitable even forasmall rockery.
They are neat, close growers, and in most cases
deliciously sweet. They are not fastidious as to soil,
thriving in gritty loam. They may be planted in
autumn, and will give flowers before the spring opens.
They can be propagated by seeds, but the process is
slow, and it is preferable to take cuttings in autumn,
and put them under a bell glass in a greenhouse. If
they do not go away quickly in spring they can be
accelerated with heat. They should be planted out
as soon as they are nicely established, and should be
given a Sheltered place.
The following are the best Daphnes: Alpina (candida)
a European Alpine, has creamy-white flowers in spring,
and comes into full leaf in summer. It bears red
berries in autumn. It is a lime-lover, and grows about
two feet high. Blagayana is a low Alpine trailer,
rarely growing more than a foot high. It bears
fragrant white flowers in spring. Its habit furthers
propagation by layering, which is effected by pegging
the shoots down in spring, notching them, and separa-
218 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
ting them from the old plants when they have formed
roots. This species is one of the best for the rockery.
Cneorum is one of the most popular, and deservedly so,
as it is an abundant bloomer and is deliciously sweet
when in full bloom in spring. It likes a limestone soil.
It is quite dwarf, growing from six inches to a foot
high, and is therefore suitable for the rockery. The
flowers are pink. It may be propagated by layers.
Mezereum is the well-known “ Mezereon,”’ a splendid
shrub, blooming before winter has passed, and filling
the air with fragrance. It grows somewhat stronger
than the others, and is not suitable, therefore, for small
rockeries. The species has red flowers, but there is a
white variety (alba). Odora (indica) is a delightful
species, being both pretty and sweet, but it is not hardy,
and is generally reserved for indoor cultivation,
together with its varieties, of which alba and Mazel
are very popular. Striata (see coloured plate with
Tnfolum Alpinum) has purple flowers in June.
DARLINGTONIA (CALIFORNIAN PITCHER-PLANT).
—An interesting and handsome plant, with tall,
cylindrical, hollow leaves, terminating in a kind of
hood, the whole forming a pitcher. There is only one
species, Californica, which grows about eighteen inches
high, and bears greenish-yellow flowers in spring. It
likes a moist atmosphere and peaty soil, intermixed
with chopped sphagnum moss. The plant is not quite
hardy, and must have a sheltered, though sunny
place, in a moist bay at the base of the rockery.
DELPHINIUM (PERENNIAL LARKSPUR).—One of
our noblest genera of hardy herbaceous plants, but too
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DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 219
tall for the rockery. One species may, however, be
used for our purpose, and that is the scarlet nudicaule,
which grows about eighteen inches high and blooms in
July. It may be raised from seed, either sown in
winter under glass to be pushed on for blooming the
same year, or in a cold frame in May. A good loamy
soil is liked. There is an orange variety of it called
auvantiacum.
DIANTHUS, see Chapter VI.
DICENTRA or DIELYTRA (BLEEDING HEART
or LyRE FLOWER).—Many owners of greenhouses
buy with their bulbs in autumn clumps of curious
gnarled roots and dormant crowns of the singular and
beautiful plant generally known as Dvtelytra spect-
abilis, but now called by botanists Dicentra spectabilis.
Although much used for forcing it is nearly hardy,
and other species of the genus are entirely so. They
are extremely graceful and beautiful plants, having
elegant fern-like foliage as well as charming pendent
flowers, arranged almost like earrings on the arching
stems. They are fleshy, free-growing herbaceous
plants, suitable for planting on the lower slopes of
large rock gardens. They are easy to grow, as they
will do in ordinary garden soil if planted between
autumn and spring. They should not be put in places
swept by cold, cutting winds in spring. They may
be propagated by division while dormant. The
shade and partial shelter of shrubs are grateful to
them.
The following are the principal species : Canadensis,
the Canadian Fumitory, has glaucous, ferny foliage,
220 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
and white flowers, borne in spring. It only grows
about six inches high. Eximia is a splendid North
American species with beautiful foliage and showy
purplish-red flowers, which are bornein May. It grows
about a foot high. This is the most useful of all, as it
is quite hardy and will grow in almost any soil. The
foliage is suitable for cutting. Formosa grows about
six inches high, and bears purplish-rose flowers in May.
Spectabilis is the famous “ Bleeding Heart ”’ or “ Lyre
Flower.” It is one of the most distinct and beautiful
garden plants that we have, worth growing in sheltered
places in any border, but somewhat too large for some
rockeries. It bears itslovely flowersin May. Florists
offer a white variety (alba), and there is also one with
variegated leaves, but the species should be preferred
to either.
DODECATHEON (AMERICAN CowsLip).—There are
few more graceful rock plants than these charming
American plants. They have a grace quite their
own, although the flowers give a reminder of Cyclamens.
The petals are reflexed. The American Cowslips are
related to the Primulas, but bear little external resem-
blance to the popular species of Primrose. They are
suitable for parts of the rock garden which are more
or less shaded, and may be grown very successfully in
a moist bay where the soil is peaty or contains a good
deal of leaf-mould. In such a position they will estab-
lish themselves readily and soon increase so much as to
call for division, which may be done about mid-winter.
A stock may be raised from seed in the first place,
sowing in spring in pans and placing in a cold frame.
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DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 221
Much the most important species is Meadia, a
somewhat variable plant as to colour of flower, but
typically rosy-purple, and blooming in spring. It
grows about a foot high. There are many varieties,
notably album, white ; giganteum, a larger plant than
Meadia, varying in colour ; and integrifolium, smaller
than the type and with rosy-red flowers. The last
is described as a distinct species by some authorities.
It is a native of the Rockies, and a charming little
plant for the rockery. Lancifolium, with narrower
leaves, is probably also a variety of Meadia, but it is
grown as a distinct species by some experts under the
name of Jeffreyanum. It is somewhat larger than the
type and a fine plant. The flowers are rose with yellow
markings. Clevelandw, growing about a foot high and
producing blue flowers is also a variety of Meadia, but
enjoys a drier soil. |
DOG’S TOOTH VIOLET.—See ERYTHRONIUM.
DONDIA EPIPACTIS (HacgueEtia).—A_ very
early blooming plant, dwarf and tufty in habit and
bearing yellow flowers. It grows vigorously and is
easily propagated by division in autumn. Ordinary
soil.
DRABA (WuITLOw GRAss).—These useful Alpines
form close cushions, thickly studded with small spikes
of bloom in spring, yellow or white in the case of most
of the species. They are such low, weak growers that
they are smothered if planted near coarse, aggressive
things. They should be planted in the sunniest
crevices. They are not fastidious about soil, so long
as it is gritty and well-drained. Propagation may be
222 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
effected by sowing seed under glass in spring, or by
division in autumn or winter.
The following are the principal species: Avzzotdes
is the most popular of all, it forms dense carpets studded
with yellow flowers in March ; a really charming little
plant. Azzoon is also very dwarf, and bears yellow
flowers early in spring ; it is not a fast-spreading plant
like the preceding. Alfinais an Arctic species, dwarf,
and with yellow flowers. Czmnerea, a Siberian plant,
is one of the best of the white species. Cuspidata is
a Spanish Alpine, yellow flowered. Glacialis, a Swiss
Alpine, with yellow flowers, is pretty. Pyrenatca,
with white and purple flowers, is also good.
DRACOCEPHALUM (Dracon’s HEAD).—Most of
these are rather too large for many rockeries, but several
are suitable, as, if rather tall, they are not of coarse,
spreading habit, and may be admitted. The flowers
are not only pretty but quite distinct. They are of
easy culture, succeeding in almost any soil. I find that
they do well in chalky soil. Propagation may be
effected by seed sown under glassinspring. Austriacum,
grandiflorum and Ruyschianum all have blue flowers.
Grandtflorum is the dwarfest, but a place should be
found for Ruyschianum if possible, for it is a beautiful
plant.
DROSERA (SUNDEW).—This is a small genus of
curious plants, having the power of catching and
absorbing flies and other small insects. They are,
therefore, insectivorous. There are several hardy
species, of which rotundifolia, a British plant, the well-
known “‘Sundew,”’is the most familiar. It is a pretty
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 223
as well as an interesting plant, growing about six inches
high. The white flowers are produced in July. Fuh-
formis is a pretty North American species with rosy
purple flowers, which it produces in summer. It has
slender, threadlike leaves. The Droseras are bog
plants and not easy to grow. They like a moist atmo-
sphere as well as moist soil, and this is difficult to provide
in some gardens. Peat is the most suitable soil, and
sphagnum moss should be encouraged to grow in it.
Propagation is by seeds, or division.
DRYAS (MovunTAIn AvENS).—Handsome dwarf
shrubs, suitable for the rock garden. Octopetala is
the best known species. It is an evergreen trailer,
spreading freely in peaty loam with plenty of sand in
it, and bearing numerous white flowers in July. It
likes moist soil and a cool site. See coloured plates
with Gentiana brachyphylia. There is a variety with
woolly leaves, called Janata, and a small one called
minima or nunor. Drummondi is the most familiar
of the others, and it bears yellow flowers in early
summer. They may be propagated by seeds in spring,
division between autumn and spring, or cuttings under
a handlight.
EDELWEISS (LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM).—A Swiss
Alpine, with woolly foliage and silvery flowers, much
sought after by the public, but not of outstanding
value in the rock garden. It is hardy, and thrives in
most soils. I have used it for a rock wall on poor
limestone soil, where it thrives. In wet places it ought
to be protected with a square of glass in winter, or it
will suffer from the rain. It is easily raised from
224 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
seed which may be sown under glass in spring.
It forms the subject of one of the coloured plates,
and appears in another in association with Gentiana
acaulis.
EPIGAEA REPENS (MAy FLowWER).—The visitor to
summer flower shows where hardy plants are well repre-
sented sometimes has his attention attracted by a small
trailing plant with racemes of white, pink-tinted flowers
which emit a delicious spicy odour. It is Epigaea
vepens, the North American “May Flower.” It is
an evergreen plant, pretty as well as fragrant. It is
not much grown in Great Britain, probably because
flower-lovers find it apt to die away from their
rockeries. This is due to sun and drought as a rule.
The May Flower likes coolness and shade. Those who
wish to grow it should give it shade and peaty soil,
well lightened with sand.
EPILOBIUM (WI tow HERsB).—Flower-lovers who
see the Willow Herbs rising three or four feet high at
the waterside have no temptation to think of them as
rockery plants, and certainly so far as such popular
species as angustifolium and hirsutum are concerned
they are quite out of the question. There are, however,
two dwarf species which could be pressed into service,
namely, Dodonae and obcordatum. The former grows
a foot to eighteen inches high, and the latter about
nine inches. The former has purple, the latter rose
flowers. Obcordatum is an excellent rockery plant,
and thrives in ordinary soil. It is a true Alpine.
Propagation may be effected by division between
autumn and spring.
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 225
EPIMEDIUM (BARRENWORT).—This is a somewhat
numerous genus of low, spring-blooming, shade-loving
plants, which rapidly carpet the ground when in a
congenial position. They are graceful alike in foliage
and bloom. Towards the end of summer the leaves
assume pretty tints and are used in floral decorations.
They are among the few Alpines that enjoy shade,
and will thrive under trees. Loam and peat, with
abundance of grit, make a suitable compost for them.
Propagation may be effected by division in early
spring, or by seeds sown under glass in spring. The
following are the best species : Alpzmum, crimson and
yellow ; macranthum, blue and white ; and pinnatum,
yellow.
ERANTHIS (WINTER ACONITE).—Few of the very
early flowers of the year are so pretty as the charming
little “‘ Winter Aconite,’ Evanthis hyemalis, which
bears large pale yellow flowers, surrounded by a green
“ruff.” It will grow in almost any soil, but prefers
a moist one, and is procurable at a cheap rate from
bulb dealers in autumn. There is a less familiar and
somewhat later-flowering species called cilicica, also
yellow.
ERICA (HEATHS).—There is room for a selection of
the best dwarf mountain shrubs in many a rock garden,
and few are so suitable as the Heaths, which are com-
pact in growth, and profuse and beautiful in bloom.
Several of them are British plants. They enjoy a peaty
soil. Carnea, one of the most popular, likes limestone.
Some bloom in autumn, others in winter and spring.
Those with a tufty habit of growth may be propagated
15
226 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
by division between autumn and spring, but this plan
is not suitable for the upright sorts, which must be
increased by means of cuttings inserted in sandy peat
in a frame in autumn. The following are the most
suitable kinds for rockeries : carnea (herbacea) produces
its beautiful rosy purple flowers in February, and only
grows from six inches to a foot high. It is a European
plant. There is a white variety called alba. Cvnerea,
the Scotch Heath, is somewhat taller than the preced-
ing one, yet not a strong grower. It bears reddish-
purple flowers in summer. There are many varieties
of it, such as alba, white ; atropurpurea, dark purple ;
atrosanguinea, dark red; and vosea, rose. Cuzlraris is
a late summer bloomer, with purple flowers. Lusi-
tanica (codonodes), the Portuguese Heath, is too tall
for many rockeries, but it is a beautiful plant, bearing
pink flowers at mid-winter. Mediterranea is also too
large for some, but a fine plant, with purple flowers in
spring. There are several varieties of it. Tetrahx
(Bell Heather) bears light red flowers in late summer,
and grows about a foot high. There is a white variety
(alba), and a red (vubra). Vagans (Cornish Heath)
grows from a foot to three feet high and bears purplish
flowers in summer. There are several varieties of it.
The ‘‘ St. Dabeoc’s Heath,” sometimes offered under
the name of Evica poltfolia and also grown as Daboécia
polifolia and Menzesia polifoha is a beautiful plant,
with distinct purple flowers. There is a lovely white
variety. They are natives of Ireland and bloom late
in summer, when there are few small shrubs to equal
them in beauty. They like a peaty soil.
~—— eee
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 227
ERIGERON (FLEABANE).—There are few more
useful border plants than Fleabanes. They have
flowers much resembling those of the Michaelmas
Daisies, but the majority of the species are dwarfer.
This makes them more suitable for the rockery, and
a few selected sorts may, indeed, be grown in the
Alpine garden with great advantage. They are bright,
pretty flowers, and the foliage of the plant is graceful.
The Fleabanes are among the most easily cultivated of
all plants, as they succeed in most soils and are easily
raised from seed in spring and increased by division in
spring. The best known species is undoubtedly
speciosus, otherwise Stenactis speciosa, and a fine,
handsome, desirable plant it is ; but it is better suited
to the border than the rockery. Alpimus and its
varieties are the best. The species has purple flowers,
as also has its larger variety, grandiflorus. Roylet,
long grown as a species, is now classed as a variety of
alpinus, under the name of semi-barbatus. It is a
beautiful sort, with its purplish-blue, yellow-eyed
flowers. The species aurantiacus, orange; and its
fine variety superbus, varying in colour, are also suitable.
These Fleabanes all bloom in summer.
ERINUS ALPINUS.—A charming little Alpine
growing but a few inches high and covered with
rosy purple flowers in May. It is a pronounced
lime-lover, and will grow on old walls, which it
covers with a moss-like growth. A light dry soil
suits it better than a heavy damp compost. It can
be raised from seed in spring, sown where the plants
are to bloom, and left to its own devices. Thereisa
228 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
white variety called albus, and a carmine one called
carmineus. !
ERITRICHIUM NANUM.—tThis beautiful Borage-
wort, with its blue flowers borne only a few inches high
in June, is a charming addition to any rockery, but it
is not an easy plant to grow. It reminds one of the
Forget-me-nots in bloom, but is by no means so
accommodating as those free-growing plants. It is not
a lime-lover, yet likes the neighbourhood of stones.
It should be provided, if possible, with granite chips
intermixed with peat, loam and leaf mould. A suitable
compost will not avail, however, if it is subjected to
much wet in winter, and it had better be put in a
position where it stands a fair chance of escaping such
an ordeal, and protected with a square of glass in
winter. It may be raised from seed sown under glass
in spring, and subsequently increased by division.
ERODIUM (HEron’s BItL).—The Heron’s bills
resemble the hardy Geraniums, but are more suitable
for the rockery, as they are more compact in growth.
They are easy to manage, and they will thrive in ordinary
soil if not very wet, and may be raised from seed, or
propagated by division, in spring. Chamaedryotdes
(Reichardt) is one of the prettiest. It is quite a minute
plant, with white, pink-veined flowers. Macradenum
has violet flowers, and Manescavi, which is taller,
purple. Both are worth growing. The Heron’s bills
come into flower late in spring.
ERYSIMUM.—A small genus, one member of
which, Peroffskianum, is grown as a hardy annual for
summer blooming. One or two of the perennials are
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DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 229
suitable for the rockery, although not plants of marked
value. Hieracifolium alpinum and rupestre are two
of the best. Both bear yellow flowers in May. They
thrive in ordinary soil, and may be propagated by
seeds sown in spring, or by cuttings.
ERYTHRAEA.—Pretty plants allied to the
Gentians. Dziffusa (Massoni), with pink flowers in
late spring; and Muehlenbergi, also with pink
flowers in spring, are two of the best. The former
likes peat, with partial shade in summer. They
may be raised from seed sown under glass in autumn
or spring.
ERYTHRONIUM (Doc's Tootu VIOLET).—Most
beautiful little bulbous plants, admirably adapted for
the rockery. They bloom in spring. Not the least
pleasing feature of them is the handsome spotted
foliage. Every bulb dealer of standing offers them at
a cheap rate in his autumn catalogue, and as they
are easily grown, no hesitation need be felt with
regard to trying them. It is well to include them in
the first bulb order that is sent off, as they are best
planted early. They will thrive in ordinary soil if it
is friable and well drained ; they do not care for damp,
heavy ground. Propagation is easily effected by taking
offsets when the plants have died down. The best
known species is Dens-Canis, which grows about six
inches high and produces its purple and white flowers
in March. There are several varieties of it. Amen-
canum, common to the Eastern United States, bears
yellow drooping flowers in spring. Gvrandiflorum is
the finest of all. It is an American plant with yellow
230 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
flowers of large size, the leaves free from mottling.
Hartwegi is a very early bloomer, flowers yellow.
Revolutum is a Californian species with pink flowers, and
has a charming variety called Bolanderi, which has
white flowers. Johnsont, classed by some authorities
as a variety of revolutum, has pink flowers, and is
extremely pretty. Giganteum is often confused with
grandiflorum, but it has mottled leaves, while those
of the latter are plain green. Both have yellow
flowers. Giganteum is one of the tallest and has the
merit of blooming freely.
FRITILLARIA (SNAKE’S-HEAD LiLy).—The most
familiar of the Fritillarias is the “‘ Crown Imperial,” a
noble plant, but unsuitable for the rockery, on account
of its large, spreading habit. Meleagris is also well
known. It has curiously chequered flowers, and is a
quaint, though not showy, plant. It grows about a
foot high, and could be put on the rockery, but many
flower-lovers will prefer to give the space to more
interesting kinds, such as armena, with purple flowers,
and its yellow variety, both quite dwarf, flowering in
April ; aurea, with yellow flowers in May ; tubaeformis,
a June bloomer with purple and yellow flowers, and its
varieties Burneti, purple and yellow, and Moggridger,
brown and yellow; and vecurva, scarlet and yellow.
All of these are beautiful Snake’s-heads. The common
Fritillary grows wild in moist places, but all of those
named will thrive on friable soil in the rock garden.
They may be increased by offsets, removed while the
plants are at rest, or raised from seed sown under glass
in spring.
Oe ee — a
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 231
GALAX APHYLLA (Blandfordia Cordata.)\—
A pretty plant growing three to six inches high and
bearing white flowers in July. The leaves are used in
floral decorations. It is a North American perennial
evergreen, of tufty habit, and easily propagated by
division in autumn. It does best in leaf mould, loam
and grit.
GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS _ (CREEPING
WINTER-GREEN or PARTRIDGE BERRY).—A creeping
evergreen shrub, which bears white flowers in July,
and red berries as large as peas throughout the winter.
The oil expressed from the latter is used by perfumers.
It is a North American plant of tufty habit. It likes
moist peat, and is apt to die out on light dry soil. It
may be propagated by seeds or layers.
GENISTA (Rock Broom).—The Genistas are often
confused with the Cytisuses, C. vacemosus, for example,
the neat, dwarf, yellow-flowered shrub so much used
for greenhouses, is often called G. racemosa. They
are particularly useful for hot, dry, sandy soils,
where many plants will not thrive ; but they can,
of course, be grown on better ground. They do not
care for damp clay soil. Propagation may be effected
by seeds or cuttings under glass in spring. AHis-
pamca, with yellow flowers in June; and its dwarfer
variety nana, are as good as any for the purpose
in view. Tinctoria, which bears yellow flowers in
early summer, is also suitable. There is a double
variety. Elatioyr is a tall, Caucasian form of
tinctoria.
GENTIAN.—See Chapter VII.
232 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
GERANIUM (CRANESBILL).—The name “ Gera-
nium ”’ has been so thoroughly usurped by the brilliant
bedding plants called Zonal Geraniums, which are
really Pelargoniums, that its association with rockery
plants may strike uninitiated amateurs as surprising.
The hardy species under consideration now are the true
Geraniums. Several species are British plants, and
they are very showy, but they are such vigorous growers
that they are unsuitable for the rockery. The Alpine
species are not so rampant, and may be introduced
with safety. They are not particular as to soil. A
gritty loam suits them very well. They are propagated
by division between autumn and spring, or by seeds
sown out of doors late in spring. The silver-leaved
Cranesbill, G. argenteum, is one of the most beautiful.
It bears rosy flowers in early summer, on stems only
three or four inches high. It is the better for having
a square of glass set over it in winter. Cinerewm has
pink-veined flowers in summer, and grows six to nine
inches high. Sanguinewm, magenta, has a_ good
variety in lancastriense, which produces rose-veined
flowers in June. There is also a white variety (album),
which many people like. Both are suitable for the
purpose. Wallichanum is a trailing Himalayan
species, which bears purple flowers in summer. The
Geraniums are hardly plants for very small rockeries,
but they are worth including whenever there is a fair
amount of room.
GEUM (AvENsS).—The Geums are popular plants
for the border, growing in almost any soil, and par-
ticularly useful because they begin to produce their
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 233
bright orange flowers in spring, with early herbaceous
things like Leopardsbanes, Feverfews and Columbines.
The Alpine kinds are suitable for the rockery, although
some of the others are too large. Montanum is one of
the best, and it has several pretty varieties, such as
grandiflorum, which is larger ; and maximum or luteum,
with large yellow flowers. Awurantiacum, said to be a
hybrid between montanumand Heldreichi1, resembles the
mountain Avens, but has deep orange flowers. Repftans
is a dwarf high-Alpine species with yellow flowers in
June, liking plenty ofsun. The Geums thrive in chalky
soil. They are easily propagated by division between
autumn and spring, or by seeds sown in a frame in
spring.
GLOBULARIA .—The Alpine species of these pretty
plants form evergreen carpets only a few inches high,
and thrive in sandy peat or loam if they can get plenty
of moisture. They like limestone. They are easily
raised from seed in spring, and may be propagated by
division between autumn and spring. Cordifolia and
nudicaule both have blue flowers, and there is a white
variety of the former. Nana, is, however, dwarfer.
This also has blue flowers.
GY PSOPHILA.—One species of this useful genus,
namely, pamculata, the “‘Gauze flower,” is very
popular for mixing with cut bloom, on account of its
lace-like delicacy and grace of appearance, and another,
vepens, is a useful thing for growing among stones.
It grows about six inches high and has white flowers.
It is a lime-lover, and is easily propagated by cuttings
towards the end of winter. There is a large variety of
234 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
it called monstvosa, and one with pink flowers called
vosea. The species prostrata, which has white flowers
in summer, is also suitable for the rockery.
HABERLEA RHODOPENSIS.—A pretty plant,
somewhat resembling the Pyrenean Violet (Ramondia)
with pale lilac flowers in spring. The plant grows in
dense tufts, and the flower stems are only an inch or
two high, so that it is quite a rockery gem. It likes
peat, and may be given a position between stones
where it is not exposed to the full sun. It may be
raised from seed in spring, or increased by division
in late winter.
HELIANTHEMUMS (Sun RoseEs).—These tough
and wiry little shrubs enjoy considerable favour with
rock gardeners, because they will thrive in dry places,
and bear brightly coloured flowers with much diversity
of hue. They are evergreens, and possess a tenacity
of life which enables them to exist in hot, sandy soils
where most plants would perish. There are very few
species, but there are a large number of forms of the
common yellow trailing species vulgare, both single
and double, all having the habit and taste of their
parent, and only differing in colour and form of flower.
They are somewhat too vigorous for the small, select
rockery. The Sun Roses may be raised from seed
sown out of doors late in Spring.
HEPATICA.—Referred to in its proper genus
Anemone.
HERNIARIA GLABRA.—A _ useful carpeting
plant, forming a dense mass of vivid green. The
flowers are of no importance, but the plant is worth
DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 235
growing, if only to form a groundwork for bulbs. It
is evergreen and is bright both in Summer and Winter.
There is a yellow-leaved variety called aurea. The
Herniarias thrive in almost any firm soil, and may be
propagated by division in Autumn.
HIERACIUM.—Of the Hawkweeds one of the best
is gymnocephalum, which has downy leaves and bears
loose spikes of yellow flowersin July. The Hawkweeds
thrive in almost any soil, and may be increased by
division.
HOUSTONIA CRULEA (BuivEtTs).—A dainty
little American Alpine forming a close carpet of verdure,
studded with little bluish flowers only an inch or two
above the soil in Summer. It is suited by a loamy or
peaty soil, and may be propagated by division between
Autumn and Spring. It is apt to suffer if grown near
luxuriant things like the Rock Cresses, and should be
protected from their encroachments.
HUTCHINSIA ALPINA.—A pretty Alpine of low
growth, which produces a sheet of snowy blossom in
Spring only a few inches above the ground. It will
thrive in ordinary soil if not smothered by coarse
plants. It may be raised from seed in a frame in
Spring, or by division between Autumn and Spring.
HYPERICUM (St. Joun’s Wort).—Most of the
Hypericums are too large for small rock gardens,
although most useful for planting in dry hot borders.
A few are suitable, however, and among them may be
named veptans, a Himalayan species, which bears
prostrate masses of yellow flowers in June. Nummu-
larvum is also a trailer, and Olympicum, which is of
236 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
upright habit, but only grows a little over a foot high,
is suitable. The latter bears large yellow flowers in
Summer. They are propagated by cuttings of ripe
shoots in Summer, struck under glass. Sandy loam is
a suitable soil.
IBERIS (CANDYTUFT).—Few things make a more
pleasing feature of the rockery than a broad patch of
one of the free-growing perennial Candytufts, such as
corifolia or sempervirens. It is true that they have
not brilliant colours to recommend them, but they
produce large numbers of pretty white spikes of bloom.
In congenial quarters they spread into broad masses,
covering the face of large stones. These Candytufts
are not fastidious as to soil; they thrive in gritty
loam, but any fairly light and friable garden soil will
suit them. The evergreen perennial kinds are the
most suitable for the rockery, and these may be raised
in the first place from seed sown out of doors late in
Spring, and increased subsequently by cuttings struck
in sandy soil in a shaded frame. The following are
a few of the best perennial Candytufts :—cortfolia is a
small evergreen species, producing white flowers in
May or June; it is a most abundant bloomer.
Gibraltarica is a larger but less hardy kind; it cannot
be relied on to pass the Winter in cold, exposed places.
It bears white or pink-tinted flowers in May. There
are several good varieties of it, notably Garrexiana,
which is superior to the type; Luttle Gem, very low
and dense ; and superba, which has very large spikes
of bloom. Tenoreana has purplish flowers, which
it bears in June, and therefore gives diversity of colour.
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VII.—A SELECTION oF BoG PLANTs.
Acorus calamus
Butomus wumbellatus
Iris pseud-acorus
Menyanthes trifoliata
288 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS.
Caltha palustris Myosotis palustris
Cardamine pratensis Primula japonica.
Carex pseudo-cyperus i rosea
» riparia variegata Sagittaria sagittifolia (Arrow-
Cyperus longus head)
Cypripedium Calceolus Sarracenia purpurea
os spectabile . Stratiotes alotdes
Hottonia palustris Trollius europaeus
Iris laevigata (Kaempfert) Typha latifolia
VIII.—A SELECTION OF FERNS.
The use of ferns might strike the beginner as fanciful,
inasmuch as it is a recognised point about the rock-
work that it must be in sun, and of ferns that they must
be in shade. Given a small, made rockery, occupying
only a square rod of ground or thereabouts, fully
exposed to sun, ferns may be left out of consideration ;
but in those cases where the culture of Alpines extends
to a real garden there will be spots at the side of
paths approaching the rockery, on shady banks, in
dells or under trees, where ferns would grow, and
where their cool and shady verdure would be a great
charm.
It is a fact that most ferns love shade and moisture,
and the exceptions are few. But those who see them
growing in the stony banks and on the roofs of caves
in Devonshire and Cornwall know that so long as they
receive abundance of humidity they do not need the
bed of peat which is supposed to be another of the
essentials of their culture. I find many thrive in a few
inches of poor soil on a chalk bank where they have
only shade to help them.
SELECTIONS. 289
The following are beautiful kinds :
Adiantum capillus veneris (British Maidenhair)
is pedatum
Asplenium adiantum nigrum (Black Maidenhair)
im marinum
a ruta-muraria
ee trichomanes
Athyrium filix-foemina (Lady fern), many beautiful forms
Ceterach officinarum
Cystopteris fragilis
Lastrea filix-mas (Male fern), many varieties
Osmunda regalis (Royal fern)
Polypodium dryopteris (Oak fern)
Polystichum angulare
ee proliferum
Scolopendrium vulgare (Hart’s tongue fern), many forms
Siruthiopteris germanica (Ostrich fern)
Woodsia alpina
Woodwardia virginica
19
Index.
——__
Acaena microphylla go.
Acantholimon glumaceum, 190.
Achilleas, 191.
Acts autumnalis, 191.
Adonis vernalis, 192.
Aethionemas, 192.
Ajuga veptans, 192.
Alpine Plants, what they are, 17.
in Nature, 22.
in British Gar-
dens, 27.
in Switzerland, 37.
some character-
istics, of, 47.
British, 56.
general remarks
on culture, 97.
for walls, steps
and edgings, 105.
Alyssums, 192.
Andromedas, 193.
Androsaces, 119.
Anemones, 124.
Aniennaria, 194.
Anthemis, 194.
Anthericum, 194.
Anthyllis, 195.
Antirrvhinums, 195.
Aquatics, 110.
Aqutlegias, 130.
Arabis, 196.
Avenaria, 197.
Armeria, 197.
Arnebia, 197.
Artemisia, 198.
A sperula, 198.
A ster, 199.
Astragalus, 199.
A strantia, 199.
Aubrietia, 199.
a? >?
a? a?
290
Bellidiastrum Michelti, 200.
Bog Plants, 287.
Bulbocodium vernum, 200.
Calandrinia umbellata, 201.
Calla, 201.
Caltha, 201.
Campanulas, 134.
Cardamine, 201.
Carpeting plants, 285.
Cerastium, 202.
Chetranthus, 203.
Cistus, 203.
Cnicus, 205.
Colchicum, 205.
Columbines, 130.
Convallaria, 207.
Convolvulus, 208.
Coptis, 209.
Corts, 210.
Coronilla, 210.
Cortusa, 210.
Corydalis, 211.
Cotyledon, 212.
Crocuses, 138.
Cyananthus, 212.
Cyclamen, 212.
Cypripedium, 215.
Daisies, 216.
Daphne, 217.
Darlingtonia, 218.
Delphinium, 218.
Dicentra (Dielytra), 219.
Dianthuses, 143.
Dodecatheon, 220.
Dog’s Tooth Violet, 229.
Dondia, 221.
Draba, 221.
Dyracocephalum, 222.
Drosera, 222.
Dryas, 223.
Edelweiss, 223.
Edgings, Alpines for, 105.
Enemies, 100.
Epigaea, 224.
Eptlobium, 224.
Epimedium, 225.
Evanthts, 225.
Evica, 225.
Erigeron, 227.
Erinus, 227.
Ertirichium, 228.
Evodium, 228.
Erysimum, 228.
Erythraea, 229.
Erythronium, 229.
Ferns, 288.
Fritillaria, 230.
Galax, 231.
Gaultheria, 231.
Gentsta, 231.
Gentians, 149.
Geranium, 231.
Geum, 232.
Globularia, 233.
Gypsophila, 233
Haberlea, 234
Helianthemum, 234
Herniaria, 234.
Hievacium (Hawkweed), 235.
Houstonia, 235.
Hutchinsia, 235.
Hypericum, 235.
Iberis, 236.
Incarvillea, 237.
Ionopsidium, 237.
Irises, 154.
Leucojum (Snowflake), 237.
Lewisia, 238.
INDEX. 291
Libertia, 238.
Limestone, plants for, 286.
Linaria, 239.
Linnaea, 239.
Linum, 240.
Lithospermum, 240.
Lychnis, 241.
Meconopsis, 242.
Menyanthes, 242.
Menztesia, 242.
Mertensia, 242. —
Mitichella, 243.
Modiola, 243.
Mortsia, 243.
Muscari, 243.
Myosotidium, 244.
Myosotis, 244.
Narcisst, 159.
Nievembergia, 245.
Nymphea, 245.
Oenothera, 246.
Omphalodes, 247.
Onobrychis, 247.
Ononis, 247.
Onosma, 247.
Orchises, 248.
Ourisia, 249.
Papaver, 249.
Pentstemon, 249.
Phloxes, 163.
Phyteuma, 250.
Planting, 88.
Polygonum, 251.
Potentilla, 251.
Primulas, 166.
Propagation, 88.
Puschkinia, 251.
Ramondia, 252.
Ranunculus, 252.
Rhexia, 253.
Rhododendron, 253.
Rockeries, how to form, 73.
292 INDEX.
Sanguinaria, 254.
Santolina, 254.
Saponaria, 254.
Sarracenia, 255.
Saxifrages, 174.
Scabiosa, 256.
Schizocodon, 256.
Schizopetalon, 257.
Schizostylis, 257.
Scilla, 257.
Scirpus, 258.
Scutellaria, 258.
Sedum, 259.
Selections, 284.
Sempervivum, 260.
Senecio, 261.
Shade, plants for, 286.
Shortia, 261.
Shrubs for the rock garden, 275.
Sibthorpia, 262.
Silene, 262.
Soil, 80.
Soldanella, 264.
Spigelia, 265.
Steps, Alpines, for, 105.
Sternbergia, 265.
Stones, 80.
The colour plates in this work are from nature studies by Nenke and
Ostermaier, of Dresden.
Thalictrum, 266.
Thymus, 266.
Tiarella, 267.
Trees, plants that will grow
under, 287.
Trifolium, 267.
Trillium, 267.
Top-dressing, IOI.
Trollius, 268.
Tulip, 268.
Tunica, 269.
Veronica, 269.
Vinca, 270.
Viola, 270.
Wahlenbergia, 272.
Waldsteinia, 273.
Walls, Alpines for, 105, 287.
Watering, 103.
Weeds, 98.
Wulfenia, 273.
Zauschneria, 273.
Zephyranthes, 274.
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