^t ^. p. pll pkarg ^orttf Olaroltna ^tatc dnlkge NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES S00704844 THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE DATE INDICATED BELOW AND IS SUB- JECT TO AN OVERDUE FINE AS POSTED AT THE CIRCULATION DESK. this i Dkte itei f) FEB 0 3 199^ 150M/01 -92-9201 79 due vill be is RECALLED A double border of great charm A Little Book of ^ Perennials By , ALFRED C. HOTTES DEPARTMENT OF HORTICUITtiRE OHIO STATE IINIVERSITY The "LITTLE BOOIC" Series new york, n. y. The a. T. De La Mare Company, Inc. 1923 < COPYRIGHT, 1923, BY THE A. T. DELA MARE COMPANY, INC. NEW YORK, N. Y. CONTENTS CONTENTS J PAGE ^ Preface 10 The Perennial Garden 11 The Perennial Border 13 Garden Operations 17 Insects and Diseases 21 Propagation 23 For Shady Places 27 The Lists of Twenty-Fives 32 Noteworthy Perennials 40-158 Hardy Ferns 90 Ornamental Grasses 97 Herrs 108 Index of Plant Names 1.59-162 Tabular Cultural Index 163-170 11705 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS A double border of great charm Frontispiece PAGE An arbor to frame portions of a perennial border 12 Plan for a backyard perennial border 14 A border cut through an orchard 16 Staking perennials 20 Perennials in a coldframe 24 Plantain or Day Lilies about a pool 27 Attractive groupings of lU'rennials 28 Tiarella cordifolia 30 Allegheny Vine or Adlumia 42 Adonis 43 Monkshood or Aconitum and Anchusa 4G Japanese Anemone and Wild Asters 48 Columbines and Sea Pinks .'50 Arabis or Rock Cress 51 Butterfly Weed or Asclepias 54 False Indigo and English Daisy 59 Plume Poppy or Bocconia 60 Butterfly Bush or Buddleia 62 Canterbury Bells 64 Poppy Mallow, Turtle Head, Clematis and Carpathian Harebell 66 Snow-in-Summer and Coreopsis 69 Shasta Daisy, the giant among fortune tellers 74 Delphinium or Hardy Larkspur 76 Sweet William, an old favorite 78 Clove Pink,, incomparable for edging 79 Bleeding Heart and Gas Plant 80 A mass of Foxgloves we all may have 83 Leopard's Bane, Globe Thistle, Gaillardia and Purple Gone Flower. . 86 A Shaded Nook of Ferns and Plantain Lilies 91 Closed or Bottle Gentian 95 Giant Reed or Arundo 98 Helen's Flower or Helenium 103 Maximilian's Sunflower, one of the choicest late flowers of Fall 105 Lemon Lily and Kansas Gay Feather 107 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 9 PAGE Mallows or Hibiscus and Japanese Iris Ill Tall Hollyhocks to greet us through the open window 113 Coral BeUs and Blue Flax 114 St. John's Wort or Hypericum 115 Lupines and Blue Lobeha 120 Purple Loosetrife or Lythrum 123 Maltese Cross, a form of Lychnis; Bee Balm or Monarda; the blazing ^ Oriental Poppy 126 Iceland Poppy 128 Missouri Evening Primrose or CEnothera 129 Peonies — everybody's flower 131 Types of Peonies 133 Hardy Phlox and Moss Pink or Phlox subulata 137 The rampant growing False Dragon Head; Torrey's Bearded Tongue; Chinese Balloon Flower 140 Plumbago and Knotweed or Polygonum 142 Prhnroses 146 Pyre thrum or Pink Daisy and Matilija Poppy or Romneya 148 The Azure Sage is charming in the Fall months 150 The showy Stonecrop and Aruncus Sylvester or Goat's Beard 153 Meadow Rue or Thalictrum and Globe Flower or Trollius .155 Veronica 157 10 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS PREFACE THIS "Little Book of Perennials" is the second of a series and should serve as a companion to "The Little Book of Annuals." In the "Garden Guide" many of these flowers were mentioned, but there has been a demand to know more about them. The catalogs of the commercial growers of perennials should serve as a supplement to this book for they will deal more especially with the varieties. Each grower will carry his own varieties which he has selected for color, size or habit, and as these varieties are being constantly improved the catalogs are invaluable. An effort has been made to present only the most outstanding perennials, flowers which are either so strong that they almost care for themselves, or so exquisitely charming that they warrant any amount of time in rearing them properly. The author was assisted by Miss Egeva Wiseman in much of the work involved in compiling this book. To her he acknowledges a goodly share of the credit that may come to it. He owes a debt to the many garden lovers who have told him their experiences — their suc- cesses in culture and propagation. He hopes to enjoy the suggestions of his readers and will welcome their corrections, additions and criticisms, Alfred C. Hottes. Columbus, O., February. 1923. THE PERENNIAL GARDEN 11 THE PERENNIAL GARDEN PLANTS which hve year after year in the garden are known as perennials. They include some of the old-fashioned flowers such as Peonies, Phloxes and Larkspurs. It is a comphment to a flower to call it "old-fashioned," for that indicates that the flower was popular with our grandparents and was so worth while that we grow them even today. Each nationahty coming to our shores has brought with it the old favorites of the ancestral home. Here these flowers have often become veritable weeds. The Eglantine, or Sweet Brier Rose, is thought by many to be a wild Rose, but not so. It was intro- duced by the English, perhaps even the Pilgrims. Such also is the case with Bouncing Bet, Tansy and the Orange Day Lily. LIundreds of real wild flowers are seldom considered such because they have been in our gardens for years. The Bee Balm, Kentucky Blue BeU, Llelen's Flower and the Blanket Flower are examples of native flowers found about our own country in woods and gardens. But of the vast array of flowers we should give a Httle thought to their origin. Someone has greatly admired each of our plants where they have transplanted them from the wild forest, the green meadow, the shelving mountain ledge, the rocky brookside, the watery lowlands or the level prairies. Someone has brought these flowers from flowery Japan, tropic Africa, or from the home woodlot. Many have re- sponded to care, but not a few others have had to be carefuUy bred. Men have crossed and recrossed these plants, saved their seeds, fondled their ofl'spring, chosen the best, and finaUy have, perhaps, named them for friends or other men whose work or interest in flowers has earned for them this signal honor. Someone has truly written that the most beautiful gardens are in the mind, not in the soil. The flowers in your own garden are always more interesting than those in the gardens of another. They are the results of your labor; there is the enjoyment of ownership; they are your flowers. Who is there with a flower garden who does not share these blooms with his neighbor ? We should never fear to break up our clumps of plants and give to our friends. Most plants need such division at regular intervals. That garden becomes interesting which is made up 12 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS of plants given you by friends; each of these plants deserves careful culture to bring it to such a state of perfection as will indicate your appreciation of your friend, the giver. A pink Larkspur becomes more than a Larkspur — it is a memory of Mrs. Neighbor or Mr. Sharer. The progressive garden lover should each year add some of the best kinds of plants to his garden. We should note who sells the best, who has contributed to the improvement of your favorite flowers and purchase from them. What are the few cents in initial cost ? Some kinds will increase tenfold in a year. Many seedsmen, flower special- ists and nurserymen, send you their catalogs year after year at consid- erable expense. They are anxious to render you every service. They are encouraged to find that their efl'orts are not in vain and that people are becoming increasingly interested in the better varieties. When you ask for Peony Therese and Iris Isohne, they are pleased. They know that you have passed the stage where "just Peonies and just Iris" are sufiicient, because you are inquiring for some of the improved varieties. An arbor to frame portions of a perennial border. (See page 15) THE PERENNIAL BORDER 13 THE PERENNIAL BORDER PERENNIALS may be planted in any situation except hit and niiss tliroughout a lawn. Pity in plenty should be showered upon the man who must, cut a lawn in which a Peony, a Sw^et WiUiam and a Phlox have been planted in the sod. Furthermore, it is not in conformity with good taste to make small square, circular or star- shaped beds. Someone has described such beds specked about the greensward as "an Itahan pastry cook's idea of the beautiful." Let us then have masses of our garden favorites bordering the driveways, the fences, the law^n and the dooryard, or assign a definite garden area and there plant our flowers. PLANNING A border may be formal or informal; the plants may be set in definite ribbon-fike bands or placed in natural clumps. Generally, the latter method is to be preferred unless we are planning a prim garden of geometrical form on a large estate. Assuming, then, that enough space is available, it is interesting to have two borders separated by a grass, gravel or stone walk. To have the greatest satisfaction the border should be planned on paper. Some persons will say that they are gardeners, not draughtsmen, but no drawing abihty is necessary. The idea of sketching is merely to place the plants properly. HEIGHTS Obviously, the tall plants should be at the back of the border, the dwarf edging plants in the front and those of medium height tucked in between the two extremes. Nevertheless, this rule should not be followed too strictly, otherwise the result will give a border which will be too monotonous. Allow bold groups of tall plants to come to the front of the border. For the best efi'ects in the Springtime some of the earliest dwarf plants may be planted toward the center to give a mass of color throughout the width of the border. WIDTH Having mentioned the word "width" it may be said that the border should be at least 4 feet wide; otherwise the grass roots will THE PERENNIAL BORDER 15 intrude and rob the flowers. The border may be hZ feet or wider, in which case larger masses of flowers may be planted. Nature produces its flowers in profusion and so must we if our borders are to give us the maximum satisfaction. Good, big eyefuls of color are impressive; little dabs of color seem puny and artificial. BACKGROUNDS It is advisable to have a background for our perennials, especially behind the shorter growing sorts. A lattice fence, a border of shrubs or a hedge will serve to set ofl* the colors of the flowers. None but the most robust perennials should be planted directly in front of a hedge or border of shrubs, for the flowers are sure to be robbed of food and moisture. Leave a space of 2 feet between the hedge and the bed of flowers. Shrubs and conifers may be planted here and there in the perennial border to advantage in order to produce bays of tall, green foliage masses. The illustration on page 12 shows various sections of a border framed by the arches of a pergola. When there is a border on both sides of a walk much interest is added by arches across the pathway. There need not be more than one or two in a border 50 feet long. Too many arches would tend to detract from the border of flowers. SEASONS Shall the truth be told or shall the usual advice be given again ? The facts are these: it is extremely difficult to plan a border of any size which shaU display a neat, tidy appearance and at the same time shall be in bloom from April until frost. There will be unsightly spots where some perennial has passed its season and where the neighboring sorts have failed to cover the traces of the earlier sort. However, it is possible by plaiming, care and transplanting to maintain such borders of almost uninterrupted bloom. Some persons prefer to have an entire border giving an attractive Spring, Summer or Fall effect; others have pretty spots for each season. There are optimists, however, who have planted the border for an all-the-year-round effect and who fail to notice the bare spots, so charmed are they by the choice flowers which are at any one time in bloom. They are the same persons who do not say "Every Rose has its thorn"; they say "It is remarkable that some thorns bear Roses." Relative to seasons it must be said that care should be exercised not to have too many of the early flower sorts toward the front unless they retain their foliage until Fall. It is better to plant certain rather permanent foliage plants as an edging. 16 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS A border cut through an orchard. Colors vie with each other and even detract our attention from the building in the background. COLOR The color arrangement should be pleasing. Is this not a trite statement ? And yet, what is pleasing to one is a jar to the tastes of another. Rather love flowers and plant a riot of colors than fear to infringe upon good taste by avoiding to plant. When your taste im- proves you can transplant easily. Read what Wm. Saville says about colors. He was speaking before the Florists' Club of Philadelphia: "It should be the aim in starting (as you enter the border from either end)Xto have flowers of light coloring and foliage plants of gray-glaucous or bluish leaf. As one passes to the center the color is allowed to become stronger and stronger, untU in the center position we have one strong color vying with another. There is a craze (which I have not seen success- fully c£uried out) to have borders aU blue; or graduated from white to pink; to golden; to bronze and up to crimson; but, in my opinion, a mixed border is preferable." W. J. Potter, of the Parks Department, Toronto, in a paper read before The Canadian Horticultural Association once said: "Color planting is more suitable for large gardens, where the eye rests on the whole, or greater pau-t of the scheme. It also includes the choice GARDEN OPERATIONS 17 and use of two colors or combinations, such as pink and blue (light), cream and purple, golden yellow and deep blue, or orange and medium blue; or a gradual blending down from an intense color, using several intermediate shades. The yellow and orange shades always look weU and if separated in good, generous blocks, cannot help but be effective. Blocks of white flowers or green ornamental foliage will act as a foil where it is necessary to use strong colors in heavy masses, reds and scarlets for example, that is if both meet the eye at the same time. The blue Delphiniums, white and pink Hollyhocks afford an example of good tones, but keep the reds and maroons away. Gypsophila and purple Delphinium form an esthetic combination. Place Golden Coreopsis against heavy foliage and deep shadows. Plant Foxgloves among an underground of dwarfer material or among evergreens in g roups. The composite flowers offer many delightful combinations. One cannot err in their use, as the colors, for the most part, can be caUed relative or harmonious. Examples include Heliopsis and CalUmeris incisa, Stokesia and Shasta Daisy. These can be used also with Golden Anthemis. Rudbeckia purpurea and Rudbeckia fulgida or sub- tomentosa harmonize, and so on "ad infinitum." GoUections of Phlox show off to much advantage if separated as to color, the scarlets from the magentas and the pinks from the purples. Use the white forms between." Whole books have been written deahng with color in the garden, but these few remarks must sufTice. Plan a special color garden if your fancy tells you to do so. In any case, avoid buying mixtures of flower seeds; buy packets of colors which harmonize and make your own mixture. Avoid variegated flowers; they appear muddy in the distance. Avoid combining the various reds — the scarlets with the crimsons — unless separated by masses of white flowers or foliage. GARDEN OPERATIONS NOTHING without labor" is the motto of the garden, although it is true that some perennials require but little care. He who loves the garden enough does not think of the labor but remem- bers only the triumph of having lusty, flowering plants. He prepares his soil properly, realizing that the camouflage of having a good surface soil, but a poor soil beneath, fools persons but not plants. He talks little about the bugs; he sprays them. PREPARATION OF THE SOIL Perennials must remain rather permanently in one place and for this reason, if for no other, the soil should be deeply and thoroughly prepared. UsuaUy good soil extends down only about a foot, yet many of our perennials are deep rooting. For example, the leguminous and the mallow plants prefer to strike downward. Most of our plants will sufl'er less from drought in Midsummer if the roots are in the cool, 18 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS moisture-laden soil beneath. Therefore, dig the soil out to a depth of 18 to 24 in. and incorporate some well rotted manure into the dead subsoil. PLANTING Some say it is best to prepare the border in the Fall, leaving the soil rough and subject to the freezing action during the Winter, after which it may be leveled and planted in the Spring. Sweeping statements cannot be made about such diverse plants as are here discussed, but it would seem that with the exception of the most tender sorts, early Fall planting is advisable. There is not as much to be done in the garden in the Fall. The plants, if trans- ferred early enough, will become thoroughly established by Spring and will start into growth earher and produce stronger root systems which should enable them to withstand drought. In Autumn the soil works more easily than in Spring, and retaining its Summer warmth, induces root action. Another point worthy of consideration is the fact that many times the nurseries are unable to supply us with just what we want if we order too late in Spring, as they frequently are sold out of popular varieties. Late Fall planting is to be avoided because the plants should be thoroughly established before freezing, as resting plants do not take hold of the soil. In the descriptions of the perennials found in this little book the best time for transplanting is usually given. The plants with ever- green foliage are usually best moved in Spring, as are also the less hardy sorts. NOURISHMENT FOR PLANTS Plants feed from air as well as soil, but it is within our power to improve the soil nourishment only. It is generally agreed that the physical condition of the soil is more important than its actual chemical nature. A soil in good physical condition is well supplied with decayed manure and is fibrous. It is easily worked and is teeming with bacteria which work to release the plant food which most soil contains. The big function of manure added to soil is to give the soil a good texture and assist in releasing its hidden chemical resources. The three main chemicals needed by plants are nitrates, phosphoric acid and potash. Unless these elements are soluble in water they are not available to the plants. Much of the value of fertilizers is to unlock these elements. Lime Not a Fertilizer. The value of hme to soil is not that it adds plant food, but that it combines with other substances and be- comes useful to plants. It is of great value for other reasons as well. It makes heavy soils looser, it makes sandy soils more compact, it GARDEN OPERATIONS 19 sweetens sour soils and it increases the number of bacteria. There are few gardens which have been cultivated for a period of years thai would not benefit by an application of lime every three or four years. Nitrogen Fertilizers. Animal manures contain nitrogen and are generally beneficial to soils. Well decayed manure is usually ad- vised because plant roots are frequently injured by contact with fresh manure. Manure used as a Winter mulch may be worked into the soil in the Spring, or manure may be placed in water and the manure water may be applied to the plants. Nitrate of soda, ammonium sulphate and such nitrate fertilizers are strong drugs for plants. They add nothing to the physical condi- tion of the soil but do supply a large quantity of nitrogen. Nitrogen causes growth and larger flowers. These chemical fertilizers are dis- solved in water and appHed to plants while they are growing. Too much nitrogen causes excessive growth, delayed flowering and weak- stemmed plants. These chemical nitrogen fertilizers may be applied at the rate of one teaspoon to a gallon of water to make plants greener, more rapid in growth and to increase the size of the flowers; used for this purpose when the plants come into bud. Do not apply too strong nor get the solution upon the leaves of the plants. Remember that it is a drug and should be used accordingly. BoNEMEAL. Bonemeal is one of the best general fertilizers for flowers because it contains not only nitrogen but phosphorus. It is useful for aU sorts of flowers and may be scattered over the soil so that it is white. Cultivate this into the soil and the value of this fertilizer will last through the season. There is no danger in applying too much. Wood Ashes. The third great element, potash, is found in abun- dance in unleached wood ashes. Most sofls contain quite enough potash, but if one has some wood ashes it may be used with benefit about the flower garden. A light covering of the soil, hoed in, will be sufficient. CULTIVATION Perennials usually pay us for care by producing larger blooms borne more continuously throughout the season. Few plants do well in soil which is aUowed to bake in a stifl" crust at the surface of the soil. It is weU to cultivate them with a hoe or smaU tool in such a way that a loose layer of soil surrounds each plant. Air enters the soil, the roots strike more deeply, the weeds are kept in check and less water need be appfied to the plants when there is, what the gardener caUs, a dust mulch about the plants. In fieu of cultivation a mulch of manure or lawn clippings may be placed around the plants. 20 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS WATERING If the soil is properly prepared and cultivated water is only needed in the perennial garden during the most severe droughts. Many plants may be encouraged to bloom a second time if they are watered thor- oughly and fertilized. Water plants leisurely, giving each clump a good, long drink. Merely wetting the surface soil is injurious to the plants because it coaxes the roots to the surface soil and makes them susceptible to the hot sun which will parch these feeding roots. Fur- thermore, the benefits of cultivation are destroyed by daily sprinkling the surface of the soil. STAKING The taller and more slender grow- ing plants need stakes. Too commonly we note stakes in greater evidence than plants. Make them inconspicuous by painting them green, and place them in the centers of the clumps so that the growth may appear perfectly natural, not bundled. Lower growing perennials, such as Achillea The Pearl, which are apt to sprawl about the garden, are best supported by placing twiggy branches of shrubs and trees among the plants into which the shoots may grow. No garden is quite as pretty as it should be when the plants need stakes and do not have them or when the method of supporting the plants is artificial in appearance. SEED PODS AND WITHERED FLOW- ERS The hardest work a plant performs is to produce seed, and so it is ever wise to prevent seeding, thereby continuing the season of bloom. The wise method is to burn the old flowers as they harbor thrips, a minute insect which destroys the beauty of many flowers. Besides this matter of economizing the strength of the plants, gardens going to seed are untidy; they show want of care. Staking perennials. Note the method of tying the heavy cord about the stake first. This in- sures the support from slipping down. INSECTS AND DISEASES 21 PROTECTION Four factors are accountable for the winterkilling of perennials and the main one is not the extreme cold. Drying winds are especially detrimental to those which hold their foliage through the Winter. Water standing upon the crown wiU kill most perennials. The alter- nate freezing and thawing of the soil will cause much damage, because it causes them to be lifted from the soil. Especially is this true of plants set too late or of those plants having few fibrous roots. Except wlien diseases are rampant in the garden, the tops of the plants should not be removed until Spring because they tend to pro- tect the plants by catcliing the snow. Leaves are frequently used as a protecting material but they are harmful and actually smother the plants unless the border is first covered with rough material so that they cannot pack tightly over the crowns of the plants. Evergreen plants, Sweet Williams, Hollyhocks and such plants, are easily pro- tected if evergreen boughs are used. Remember that plants need a parasol as much as they do an overcoat. Manure serves as a good protection. However, it should be well decayed or strawy, not lumpy and compact. The protection is best applied after the ground is frozen. The plants will then remain frozen. A mulch appUed too early will cause the perennials to make a soft growth during the warm days of the Fall. It is well to loosen but not remove the nmlch on the warm days of early Spring. Take off the mulch when the date of the last kilhng frost is passed. INSECTS AND DISEASES PERNICIOUS, vicious, obnoxious and throughly bad are the pests and diseases of our perennial garden. The control of insects and diseases has been mentioned under the plants affected, but here must be stated some general facts and a few standard formulae given for insecticides and fungicides. INSECTS Two big groups of insects bother our flowers: Those which chew holes in the leaves, flowers and stems — the caterpillars, "worms," slugs, cut worms — for these stomach poisons are used; and those which merely pierce through the tissues of plants and suck the juices from them — aphids, Hce, leaf hoppers — for these contact insecticides are used. ,^The,insect^must actually be hit, in which case it is smothered. 22 A LITTLE BOOK OF PEllEJNJNIALS An insecticide which kills chewing mouth-part insects does not necessarily kill those with sucking mouth-parts. STOMACH POISONS FOR INSECTS WHICH EAT Arsenate of Lead. This is the best one. It comes in powder and paste form and is used at the rate of 1 oz. of paste or 14 oz. of powder to 1 gal. of water. Apply as a spray. Soap may be added to help the spray to stick to the plants. The powder may be dusted upon the infested plants. Poison Bait. For cut worms, grasshoppers and insects which are difficult to locate, concoct a delicious death bait for them. Mix about a teaspoon of arsenate of lead, a tablespoon of molasses and a little water to each handful of wheat bran. Place a tablespoonful here and there about the garden just before dark to kill cut worms. There is no danger of killing birds with the bran if it is placed under a shingle or a piece of wood where they cannot reach it. CONTACT INSECTICIDES FOR INSECTS WHICH SUCK Nicotine Extract. Nicotine is death to the Rose lice or any other hce or sucking insects. It is purchased in a concentrated from and should be used according to the directions upon the container in which it is purchased. Soap added to the mixture will help it to adhere to the bodies of the insects. DISEASES Plants are diseased when their normal activities are not func- tioning properly or when they are the prey to fungi and harmful bac- teria. The plants most crowded and not growing properly are most seriously affected. Sunhght and proper air circulation are great pre- ventives. Wet seasons favor diseases. Diseases are more easily pre- vented than cured. It must be remembered that in killing a disease we are confronted with the problem of killing one plant — the disease — without kilHng the plant affected with this disease. Preventing disease consists in refraining from planting any plant in the same spot year after year; it consists further in the destruction by burning of any part of the diseased plant; together with proper spraying. Spraying with a fungicide may kill the fungus, but it never cures the leaf, flower or stem affected. Its value lies in preventing the spread of the disease to other parts of the plant. The control of fungous diseases depends generally upon the use of copper and sulphur. FUNGICIDES Powdered or Flowers of Sulphur. This is useful in controlling mildews, which are surface diseases characterized by a whitish powdery PROPAGATION 23 appearance of the plants. If powdered sulphur is placed in a piece of cheesecloth and sifted over the plants early in the morning when the dew is on the plants, mildew can be checked from spreading. The use of sulphur is more effective when the sun comes out on the day of application, because the heat of the sun vaporizes the sulphur. It may be needless to remark that the sulphur in no case should be burned. Burning sulphur is most destructive of plant and animal life. Bordeaux Mixture. Useful for Peony bud rot, Phlox mildew. Holly- hock rust and many other diseases of perennials. It has the bad fault of leaving a bluish white appearance upon the plants. Its use is there- fore confined to the early stages of growth and may be sprayed upon the soil in March and weekly thereafter until the plants become un- sightly. Some persons believe, however, that a sUghtly white plant is better than a diseased or dead one and always spray with Bordeaux mixture. Bordeaux mixture may be purchased already prepared. It is most easily handled. The amateur who makes his own loses rather than gains. To make this fungicide we use 1 oz. copper sulphate (blue stone) and a little over 1 oz. of hydrated lime to 1 gal. of water. Dis- solve each, the lime and the copper sulphate, in a quart of water before mixing the two. It is better to have too much Ume than too little. Ammoniacal Copper Carbonate. This is used for the same purpose as Bordeaux mixture but is not quite as effective. It does not leave a precipitate upon the fob'age. To make a small quantity, dissolve 5 drams of copper carbonate in as much ammonia as is needed (usually one pint). This stock solution, if bottled, will keep. It is sufficient to make 10 gals, of spray when water is added. PROPAGATION ONE of the most fascinating things of a garden is the propagation of our favorites, whereby we may increase the number of plants to be set in other parts of the garden. We always require a few extra plants to fill in bare spots and we must have some young plants to give to our flower loving friends. Perennials may be easily propagated from seed, division, cuttings and layers. SOWING SEED Annuals are raised from seed because it is the simplest method of raising the plants, and for the same reason some perennials are also 24 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS grown from seed. However, many perennials are not propagated by this method because they are hybrid in nature and do not come true to the variety. Peonies, Irises, Phloxes and scores of others are failures when grown from seed, except for those who are interested in seeing just what the result might be. Furthermore, it takes a long time to get some perennials to bloom when raised from seed. Nevertheless, for the scores which are not good, there are hun- dreds of perennials which are highly successful. TIME TO SOW In order that we may have large plants for our gardens, the seeds are best sown in May, June or July, unless otherwise noted in subse- quent notes under the alphabetical list. Certain plants make little growth when sown late; certain others germinate slowly. Gaillardias, Shasta Daisies, Chinese Larkspur, Platycodon, Hibiscus, Iceland Poppy, Lychnis and some other perennials bloom the first year from seed if sown in early Spring; most other perennials do not. Forget-me-nots, EngUsh Daisies, Hollyhocks, Oriental Poppy, Sweet WilUams and Pansies are best sown in August, otherwise the plants are apt to become too large for convenient handhng in the Spring. THE WAY TO SOW Those persons who would raise perennials from seed should have a coldframe. The well prepared soil in the frame should be several inches above the soil outside the frame so that the frame may have perfect drainage. After sowing the seed thinly in rows it should be covered with sand, leafmold or fine soil, the depth of covering to depend upon the size of the seed. Fine seed should be covered with a piece of burlap but no soil. Large seeds may be safely covered twice their diameter. Perennials in a coldframe. PROPAGATION 25 \\ater the frame with a sprmkliiig can. Cover the frame with the sash and shade it with cloth or whitewash. Raise the sash a few inches when the smi is bright. According to the species the seed will ger- minate in from four days to several months. CARE OF SEEDLINGS Many of the seedlings will be very small but if they are crowded they should be transplanted when they have produced a couple of leaves. Allowing the sash to remain closed during hot weather, keep- ing them shaded on dull days, and letting the seedlings stand too closely will result in damping-off, a disease very destructive to young seedhngs. The smaUer sort of seedhngs and those of the less hardy species of plants should be transplanted to another part of the frame so that they stand 3 inches to 5 inches apart. The seedhngs which are large, rapid growing and hardy may be transplanted to the open soil where they remain for the Winter, providing this is done before September. The hot days of Summer will necessitate frequent watering of the seedlings. Let the watering be thorough. DIVIDING PERENNIALS Usually perennials are more easily propagated by division than by any other means. This is true of certain of the more rampant growers, especially the hardy Asters, the perennial Sunflowers, Heleniums, Achil- leas, Roltonias, Hardy Chrysanthemums, Shasta Daisies and Sweet Wil- hams. Certain other perennials are impatient of being moved and seem to thrive for years without being disturbed; namely, Peonies, Gypsophila, Bleeding Heart, Lupinus, Papaver, Gas Plant, Asclepias, Adonis, Anemone japonica and Tritomas. On the other hand, Phlox, Iris, Columbines, Delphiniums and such other medium-rapid pro- ducers should be divided every three or four years, depending upon the appearance of the clumps. Transplant them when the crowns become woody or hollow and the flowers smaller. Generally speaking, the early flowered sorts should be divided in August and the later blooming plants in the early Spring. Because the new roots of Irises and Peonies are produced in early Fall, it seems wise to transplant these two old favorites during July or August. Delphiniums require careful manipulation when they are divided, for each division should have a good piece of crown and some roots. Difficult subjects should have the soil washed from the roots, so that the cuts may be made in the proper places. In dividing perennials it is not necessary that they be separated into extremely small pieces, otherwise their garden value will be 26 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS destroyed. However, small sinj^le-eye divisions may be set about a foot apart to form a good sized clump, in which case the plants usually present the same appearance as before, except that the flowers will be larger. LAYERS A modification of dividing perennials is to prepare them for division < by covering the plants with sandy soil or clean sand. It is not neces- sary to bury the plants, but merely fill in between the spaces where the branches have become long, traihng and leggy. We have in mind especially the Grass Pinks, Sweet William, Campanula carpatica and Arabis. CUTTINGS Few amateur gardeners avail themselves of a method of increasing perennials by cuttings. When certain of the plants are 6 inches or 8 inches tall, the tops may be cut out and placed in a box of sand to root. Gutting back the plants in this way is not usually detrimental to them but causes branching. Care need be exercised that there are several eyes below the cut so that the parent plant can continue its growth. The easiest sorts that may be grown in this way are: Arabis (Rock Cress) Hollyhock AscLEPiAS (Butterfly Weed) Iberis (Candytuft) Gerastium (Snow-on-the-Moun- Lobelia gSanthemum Lythrum (Loosestrife) Clematis (Virgin's Bower) Perennial Sunflower Dahlia Phlox Delphinium Pinks Helenium (Helen's Flower) Potentilla (Five Finger) FOR SHADY PLAGES 27 FOR SHADY PLACES IN every garden there is some shady spot in which we try to grow flowers. Lists might be suggested which would include certain plants which prefer shade, or those which tolerate shade, or those which prefer shade but an abundance of moisture, or those which require sun in early Spring, but wliich may be shaded later in the year by .sur- rounding plants which grow and overtop these Spring flowers. It must be noted, however, that few plants wifl grow in dense shade: siin for a part of the day seems necessary for obtaining blooms. Usually shade is accompanied by poor and a very dry soil, due to the presence of trees which drink up every drop of available moisture. Beech, Elm, Maple and other surface-rooting trees are the worst ofl'enders. Oak and Hickory roots go deeper and there is usually less trouble in growing plants beneath them. Because we are laboring under these difliculties, it is wise to remove some of the sur- face roots and prepare the soil thoroughly. Plaintain or Day Lilies about a pool. These flowers are especially attractive in shady places. (See page 29.) 28 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS M Attractive groupings of perennials; iipper section, a shady corner; loiver section, a Spring corner; center section, a group of plants of hearty character blooming in the late Summer and Fall. FOR SHADY PLACES 29 GARDEN FLOWERS FOR SHADY PLACES *Dry soil. xxCiood, refined ground cover. tAverage moist soil. -Spring flowering native plants, •i Boggy, very moist soil. , ,. , , o Partial shade. "^^ which deserve a place in xG round cover in rough places. the garden. foALKANET {Anchiisa italica). Deep blue. foANEMONE, Japanese {Anemone japonica). White, pink. t*oAsTER, Hardy {Aster, various). Purple, white. foBALLOON Flower, Chinese {Platycodon grandijlorum). Blue, white. lltoBEE Balm {Monarda, various). Scarlet, purple. *xxBisHOp's Weed {.Egopodium Podagraria). Variegated leaves. *o-Black-eyed Susan {Rudbeckia, several). Yellow, d ark center. foBiEEDiNG Heart {Dicenlra eximia and specfabilis. Carmine. *xxBugle {Ajuga, various). Purple, pink. *oGandytuft {Iberis senipervirens). White. f-CARDiNAL Flower (Lobelia cardinnlis). Cardinal. *-CoLU]MBiNE {Aquilegia, various). Various. *oCrane's-bill {Geranium sanguineum). Rosy-purple. *CoRAL Bells {Heuchera sanguinea). Coral, white. to(]owsLip, English {Primula, various). Various. foDAY Lily {Funkia subcordata and others). Purple, white. *o-Evening Primrose, Missouri {(Enothera missouriensis). Yellow. Ferns : t Christmas Fern (Aspidium acrostichoides). t Cinnamon Fern {Osmunda cinnamomea). t Climbing Fern {Lygodium palmatum). * Interrupted Fern {Osmunda Clayloniana) . t Lady Fern {Asplenium Filix-fcemina). t Maidenhair Fern {Adiantum pedatum) * Polypody', Common {Polypodium vulgare). t Royal Fern {Osmunda regalis). * Sensitive Fern {Onoclea sensibilis). * Spleenwort, Ebony {Asplenium ebeneum). ^-Forget-me-not (A/yo50^is palustris). Light blue. foFoxGLOVE {Digitalis purpurea). Lavender rose. foGAs Plant {Dictamnus albus). Rosy purple, white. *toGAY Feather, Kansas {Liatris pycnostachya) . Rosy purple. IGlobe Flower (Trollius europxus). Golden yellow. *GoLDENROD {SoUdago CcPsia and others). Yellow. \ or *-Harebell {Campanula rotund ijolia). Blue. foKiNG's Spear {Asphodeline lutea) . Yellow. IoLemon Lily (Ilemerocallis flava). Lemon. fxxLiLY-OF-THE-VALLEY {Convallaria majalis). White. tIfoLoosESTRiFE, PuRPLE {Lyt/irum Salicaria). Purple. IoMaltese Cross {Lychnis chalcedonica) . Scarlet. tlloMARSH Mallow (Ilibiscus moscheutos). Various. t*-MEADOW^ Rue {TItalictrum, various).- Purplish white. fMoNKSHOOD {Aconiium, various). Violet, yellow, white. xxf-Moss Pink {Phlox subulala). Rosy lavender. ^^foMuLLEiN Pink {Lychnis coronaria). Bright rose. 30 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS foPANSY (Viola tricolor). Various. foPEA, Perennial {Laihyrus latifolius). Rose, white. foPHEASANT's Eye (Adouis, various). Yellow. JoRed-hot Poker {Kniphofia alooides). Bright scarlet. foSx. John's Wort {Hypericum, various). Yellow. *xxSpeedwell {Veronica rupeslris). Violet. *Spir/EA {Spirsea Aruncus). White. foSpiR^A {Spiraea palmata). Crimson. *xxSpurge, Mountain {Pachysandra terminalis). White. xxfo-STONECROP {SeduTTi, various). Yellow, pink, white. f-SwEET William, Wild {Phlox divaricaia). Lavender. o-Trillium {Trillium, various). White, red. of-ViOLET {Viola, various). Purple, yellow, white, fo- Virginia Cowslip {Mertensia virginica). Blue. toWooDRUFF, Sweet {Asperula odoraia). White. SPRING WILD FLOWERS A characteristic of the once wooded areas of our country is the unending display of Spring flowers. Some persons have wondered why we have many more wild Spring flowers than Summer blooms. These dainty gems must hasten to pro- duce their blossoms before the trees over- head shade them too much. Most of this class of plants do not retain their foliage through the season and are reaUy un- sightly or actually disappear from view in June or July. Every garden of any size should make room for a bed of wild flowers. Lucky is he whose property in- cludes a bit of the natural forest and wealthy beyond esti- mation is he who has a small trickling Tiarella cordifolia, the Foam Flower. Stream. FloWCrS are FOR SHADY PLAGES 31 never more enjoyable than early in Spring. After the Winter we look forward to these denizens of the woods. The true lover of wild flowers does not devastate; by digging some from the forest, he preserves them. WILD FLOWERS Spring blooming native plants which require the sun in Spring but which will tolerate shade in Summer. Excellent for naturalizing. fANEMONE, Rue Anemonella thalictroides JAnemone, Wood Anemone quinquefolia Baiveberry Adxa alba, rubra fBELLwoRT Uvularia grandiflora fxxoBLOOD Root Sanguinaria canadensis IBlue-Eyed Grass Sisyrinchium angusiifolium fBLUET Houstonia coerulea fGoNTONiA Clintonia borealis GoHOCH, Blue Caulophyllum thalictroides fxGoLx's Foot Tussilago Farfara *oCrane's-bill '. Geranium maculatum tlxGREEPiNG Jenny Lysimachia nummularia fDoG-TooTH Violet Erythronium americanum Dutchman's Breeches Dicentra Cucullaria Foam Flower Tiarella cordifolia fGiNGER, Wild Asarum canadense xfGROUND Ivy Nepeta Glechoma fHEPATicA Hepatica triloba, acutiloba JJack-in-a-Pulpit Arissema triphyllum foJACOB's Ladder Polemonium reptans ^Lady Slipper, Pink Cypripedium acaule JLady Slipper, Yellow Cypripedium pubescens *LuPiNE Lupinus perennis ^Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris May Apple Podophyllum peltaium MiTREwoRT Mitella diphylla xxfMvRTLE, Periwinkle Vinca minor xPartridge Berry Mitchella repens *PiPSissEWA Chimaphila umbellata *Saxifrage, Early Saxifraga virginiensis SraN Leaf Pyrola, various toSnooTiNG Star Dodecatheon Media Solomon's Seal Polygonatum biflorum Solomon's Seal, False Smilacina racemosa fSguiRREL's Corn Dicentra canadensis ^oSpiderwort Tradescantia virginica Spring Beauty Claytonia virginica *Star Grass Hypoxis hirsuta TooTHWORT. Deniaria diphylla ITrillium Trillium, various II fTuRTLEHEAD Chelonc glabra JTwiN Leaf Jeffersonia diphylla fViOLET Viola, various IxxoWater Leaf Hydrophyllum tWiNDFLOWER Ancmone, various Wood Betony Pedicularis canadensis 32 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS THE LISTS OF TWENTY-FIVES TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS FOR DRY PLACES Achillea Millefolium roseum (Rosy Milfoil) Ajuga genevensis (Bugle) Anthemis tinctoria (Yellow Mar- guerite) Asclepias tuber OS a (Butterfly Weed) Aster, various (Michaelmas Daisy) CALLIRHOJi INVOLUCRATA (Poppy Mallow) Cassia ]vl^.rilandica (American Senna) Coreopsis lanceolata grandi- FLORA (Tickseed) DiANTHUs BARBATUS (Sweet Wil- liam) EcHiNOPS RiTRO (Globe Thistle) Euphorbia corollata (Flowering Spurge) Gypsophila paniculata (Baby's Breath) Helianthus, various (Perennial Sunflower) Hemerocallis, various (Day Lily) Iris, Bearded Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss) Lychnis coronaria (Mullein Pink) Oenothera missouriensis (Mis- souri Evening Primrose) Opuntia, various (Hardy Cactus) Papaver nudicaule (Iceland Poppy) Phlox, Hardy RUDBECKIA LAGINIATA (Goldcn Glow) Statice latifolia (Sea Lavender) Veronica rupestris (Speedwell) Yucca filamentosa (Adam's Needle) TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS FOR WET PLACES *May be grown in the water. *Arundo Donax (Giant Reed) Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) BoLTONiA ASTER oiDES (Starwort) *Caltha palustris (Marsh Mari- gold) P^uLALiA JAPONICA (Zebra Grass) EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM (BonC- set) EUPATORIUM PURPUREUM (JoC Pye Weed) Ferns Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive Fern) Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern) OsMUNDA cinnamomea (Cinna- mon Fern) Helenium autumnale (Helen's Flower) Hibiscus moscheutos (Marsh Mallow) *1ris pseudacorus (European Yel- low Flag) I. siBiRicA (Siberian Iris) * I. VERSICOLOR (Native Blue Flag) Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) L. SYPHILITICA (Great Lobelia) Lysimachia clethroides (Pep- perbush Loosestrife) Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife) Myosotis palustris (Forget-me- not) *Pontederia cordata (Pickerel Weed) Ranunculus, several (Buttercup) *Sagittaria latifolia (Arrow- head) *Sarracenia purpurea (Pitcher Plant) *Typha latifolia (Gat- tail) THE LISTS OF TWENTY-FIVES 33 TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS FOR ROCK GARDENS A.CHILLEA TOMENTOSA (Woolv Mil- foil) Alyssum saxatile (Gold Dust) Aquilegia, various (Columbine) Arabis alpina (Rock Cress) Armeria maritima and others (Sea Thrift) Campanula carpatica, rotutvdi- FOLiA (Harebells) Cerastium tomentosum (Snow-in- Sununer) Geranhjm, various (Crane's-biU) Geum coccineum (Avens) Heuchera SAN guinea (Coral Bells) Iberis gibraltarica, semper vir- ENS (Candytuft) Iris cristata, pumila, verna (Baby Iris) Myosotis alpestris, sylvatica (Forget-me-not) OENOTHERA missouriensis (Mis- souri Evening Primrose) Papaver nudicaule (Iceland Poppy) Phlox am(ena, divaricata, subu- LATA (Phlox) Plumbago Larpent^e (Leadwort) Primula, various (Primroses, Cow- slips) Saponaria ocymoides (Soapwort) Sedum, various (Stonecrop) Statige latifolia (Sea Lavender) Thalictrum, various (Meadow Rue) Tunica Saxifraga (Tunica) Veronica incana, longifolia, re- pens, RUPESTRis, spiCATA (Speed- Well) Viola cornuta (Tufted Pansy) TWENTY-FIVE BEST PERENNIALS FOR CUT FLOWERS Achillea Millefolium roseum (Rosy Milfoil) A. Ptarmica (The Peari) Anemone japonica (Japanese Anemone) Aster, St. Egwyn (Michaehnas Daisy) Centaurea, various (Cornflowers) Chrysanthemum, Hardy Chrysanthemum maximum (Shasta Daisy) Coreopsis lance olata grandi- flora (Tickseed) Delphinium, hybrids (Larkspur) DiANTHus barbatus (Swect Wil- liam) D. plumarius (Clove Pink) Gaillakdia grandiflora (Blanket Flower) Gypsophila, various (Baby's Breath) Helenium autumn ale, Riverton Beauty (Helen's Flower) H. AUTUMNALE, Rivertou Gem (Helen's Flower) Helianthus multiflorus (Hardy Sunflower) Iris, various (Flag) P^ONiA (Peony) Physostegia virginica (False Dragon Head) Pyrethrum roseum (Pink Daisy) Rudbeckia, various (Coneflower) Salvia azurea grandiflora (Hardy Blue Sage) Sedum'spectabile^ (Showy Stone- crop) Kniphofia alooides (Red-hot Po- ker) ttk Veronica longifolia subsessilis (SpeedweU) TWENTY-FIVE EDGING PLANTS (Less than a foot tall.) -(Egopodium Podagraria (Bishop's Alyssum saxatile Weed) Ajuga reptans (Bugle) gompactum (Gold Dust) Arabis alpina (Rock Cress) 34 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS TWENTY-FIVE EDGING PLANTS (Less than a foot tall.) Continued Armeria maritima (Thrift) Bellis perennis (I^nghsh Daisy) Campanula carpatica (Carpathian Harebell) Cerastium tomentosa (Snow-in- Summer) Crucianella stylosa (Crosswort) DiANTHUS BARBATUS (Sweet Wil- liam) DiANTHUS PLUMARius (Clove Pink) Dicentra eximia (Plumed Bleed- ing Heart) Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue Grass) FiLiPENDULA Ulmaria (Meadow Sweet) Heuchera sanguinea (Coral Bells) Iberis SEMPER virens (Caudutyft) Iris pumila (Dwarf Iris) Papaver nudicaule (Iceland Poppy) Phlox subulata (Moss Pink) Plumbago Larpent/E (Leadwort) Primula veris (Primrose) Sedum, various (Stone Crop) Tunica saxifraga (Tunica) Veronica incana (Hoary Speed- weU) Veronica rupestris (Rock Speed- well) TWENTY-FIVE TALLEST PLANTS (All are above five feet tall) Excellent for bold foliage and flower effects. AuTHyEA ROSEA (Hollyhock) Arundo Donax (Giant Reed) Aster nov^-angli^ (New Eng- land Aster) Aster tataricus (Tartarian Aster) BoccoNiA cord ATA (Plumcd Poppy) BoLTONiA asteroides (Starwoit) Campanula pyramidalis (Chimney Bellflower) Cassia marilandica (American Senna) CePHALARIA MONTANA (Rouud- heads) CiMiciFUGA RACEMOSA (Bugbanc) Delphinium (Larkspur) Eremurus robustus (King's Spear) Erianthus Ravenna (Plume Grass) EulaCia japonica (Zebra Grass) EuPATORiuM PURPUREUM (Joc Pye Weed) Helenium autumnale (Helen's Flower) Helianthus Maximilianii (Maxi- milian's Sunflower) H. ORGYALis (Narrow-leaved Sunflower) Hibiscus moscheutos (Mallow Marvels) Polygonum Sieboldii (Giant Knotweed) RuDBECKiA laciniata (Goldcu Glow) R. maxima (Coneflower) Solidago altissima, various (Gold- enrod) Valeriana officinalis (Garden Heliotrope) Yucca filamentosa (Adam's Needle) MORE THAN TWENTY-FIVE BLUE PERENNIALS Baptisia tinctoria (False Indigo) . Deep blue Anchusa italica, Dropmore va- riety (Italian Borage) . Deep blue Aquilegia ccerulea (Columbine). Deep blue Aster alpinus, tataricus and others. Light blue Campanula carpatica, persici- FOLiA, Medium and others Centaurea MONTANA. Deep blue Clematis Davidiana. Deep blue THE LISTS OF TWENTY-FIVES 35 MORE THAN TWENTY-FIVE BLUE PERENNIALS -Continued Delphinium grandiflorum, Gold iVledal Hybrids, Bellamoum, Deep and light blue EcHiNOPS RiTRO (Globe Thistle). Deep blue EUPATORIUM CtELESTINUM (Mist Flower). Medium blue Eryngium amethystinum (Sea Holly). Deep blue. FuNKiA ctERULEA (Plantain Lily). Deep blue. Iris Pallida Dalmatica, pumila and others. Deep and light blue LiNUM PERENNE (Flax). De-^p blue Lobelia syphilitica (Blue Lo- belia). Deep blue LupiNUS POLYPHYLLUS (Lupine). Deep blue. Mertensia virginica (Virginian Cowslip). Clear blue Myosotis (Forget-me-not). Light blue Nepeta GLEchoMA (Ground Ivy). Light blue Plumbago Larpent/E. Deepest blue POLEMONIUM CCERULEUM, HUMILE and REPTANS (Jacob's Ladder). Light blue PULMONARIA ANGUSTIFOLIA AZU- REA. Clear blue ScABiosA CAUCASICA (PincushioH Flower). Light blue Tradescantia VIRGINICA (SpidcF- wort). Deep blue Veronica rupestris, spicata and others (Speedwell). Deep blue TWENTY-FIVE MOST USED WHITE PERENNIALS FOR GARDEN EFFECT Achillea Ptarmica, The Pearl 2 ft., July-Sept. Anemone japonica, Whirlwind (Japanese Anemone), 2-3 ft.. Fall Aquilegia vulgaris nivea (Col- umbine). 2 ft.. May Arabis alpina (Rock Cress), 1 ft., April Aster ptarmicoides (Michaelmas Daisy), VA ft., Aug. Cerastium tomentosum (Snow-in- Summer), 9 in.. May Campanula carpatica alba (Car- pathian Harebell), 9 in., June- Oct. C. PERSICIFOLIA ALBA (Peach- bells), 2 ft., June-July Chrysanthemum (Shasta Daisy), VA ft., May- July C. ULIGINOSUM (Giant Daisy), 4 ft., Sept.-Oct. Clematis recta (Virgin's Bower), 3 ft., June- July Delphinium grandiflorum alba (Chinese Larkspur), 2 ft., July- Sept. Filipendula ulmaria (Meadow Sweet), l}4 ft., June- July Funkia grandiflora (Plantain Lily), VA ft., July Gypsophila paniculata and acu- tifolia (Baby's Breath), 2-3 ft., June-July Hibiscus oculiroseus (Marvel Mallow, Crimson Eye), 4 ft., July-Sept. Hollyhock, 6-8 ft., June Iberis sempervirens (Hardy Can- dytuft), 1 ft., April Iris sibirica. Snow Queen (Siberian Iris), 3 ft., June Lysimachia clethroides (Loose- strife), 2 ft., July-Sept. Phlox suffruticosa. Miss Lin- gard (Hardy Phlox), 3 ft., June Physostegia virginica alba (False Dragon Head), 3 ft., June-July Valeriana officinalis (Valerian), 4 ft., June- July Veronica virginica (Speedwell), 3-4 ft., July-Aug. Yucca filamentosa (Adam's Needle), :,4 ft., July 36 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS TWENTY-FIVE DAISY-LIKE FLOWERS OF VARIOUS COLORS Anthemis tinctoria (Yellow Mar- guerite). Lemon, yellow Aster l^vis (Smooth-leaved Aster) Lilac lavender A. NOViE-ANGLi^ (New England Aster). Purple A. NOVi-BELGii, St. Egwyn. Pink A. pTARMicoiDES. White. Bellis perennis (English Daisy). Crimson to white BoLTONiA ASTER oiDES (False Star- wort). White B. LATiSQUAMA (False Starwort). Pinkish lavender Chrysanthemum maximum (Shasta Daisy). White C. uliginosum (Giant Daisy). White Coreopsis lance olata grandi- FLORA (Tickseed). Golden DoRONicuM, various (Leopard's- bane). Golden Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower). Rosy purple Erigeron, various (Fleabane). Rosy purple to white Gaillardia aristata (Bleinket Flower). Yellow and crimson Helenium autumnale, Riverton Gem and others. Maroon to gold H. HooPESii (Helen's Flower). YeUow Helianthus Maximilianh (Maxi- milian's Sunflower). Gold H. ORGYALis (Fine-leaved Sun- flower). Gold Heliopsis scabra, Excelsior (Gold- en Sunflower). Gold Inula ensifolia (Elecampane). YeUow Lepachys pinnata (Gray-headed Coneflower). Yellow Pyrethrum roseum (Pink Daisy). Crimson to white RuDBECKiA maxima (Coueflower). Gold R. Newmanii (Coneflower). Gold, purple cone TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS FOR APRIL BLOOM Adonis amurensis (Amoor Pheas- ant's Eye) A. VERNALis (Spring Pheasant's Eye) Alyssum saxatile (Gold Dust) Arabis alpina (Rock Cress) AUBRIETIA DELTOIDEA (PuFplc Rock Cress) Bellis perennis (English Daisy) Caltha palustris (Marsh Mari- gold) Claytonia virginica (Spring Beauty) Daphne Cneorum (Garland Flow- er) Dicentra canadensis (Squirrel Corn) D. Gucullaria (Dutchman's Breeches) DoRONicuM, various (Leopard'a Bane) Erythronium americanum (Yel- low Adder's Tongue) Hepatica triloba (Hepatica) Iberis sempervirens (Hardy Can- tuft) Iris pumila (Baby Iris) Mertensia virginica (Virginia Cowshp) Papaver nudicaule (Iceland Poppy) Phlox divaricata (Wild Sweet Wflliam) P. SUBULATA (Moss Piuk) Primula, various (Cowshp, Prim- rose) Sanguinaria canadensis (Blood- root) Saxifraga cordifolia (Saxifrage) Thalictrum dioicum (Meadow Rue) Trillium, various (Wake Robin) THE LISTS OF TWENTY-FIVES 87 TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS FOR MAY BLOOM Ajuga rkptans (Bugle) Alyssum saxatilk (GoM DusI) Aquilegia, various (Columbine) Bellis perennis (English Daisy) CoNVALLARiA MAjALis (Lily-of-the- Valley) DiANTHUs BARBATUS (Swcct Wil- liam) D. PLUMARius (Glove Pink) DiCENTRA (DiELYTRA) SPEGTABILIS (Bleeding Heart) Epimedium, various (Bishop's Hat) Helenium Hoopesii (Early Helen's Flower) Iberis sempervirens (Hardy Gan- dytuft) This i«i,t)RKNTiNA (Florentine Iris) I. INTERMEDIATE VARS. I. PUMILA (Baby Iris) I. VERNA Mertensia virginica (Virginia Gowslip) Myosotis, various (Forget-me-not) OENOTHERA FRUTicosA (Evening Primrose) P^ONiA M OUT AN (Shrubby Peony) POLEMONIUM CCERULEUM (JaCOb's Ladder) Primula, various (Gowslip) Pyrethrum roseum (Pink Daisy) Sedum acre (Wall Pepper) Trollius europ^us (Globe Flow- er) Viola tricolor (Pansy) TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS FOR JUNE BLOOM Achillea Millefolium roseum (Rosy Milfoil) A. Ptarmica (The Pearl) A. tomentosa (Wooly Yarrow) Campanula Medium (Canterbury BeUs) G, persicifolia (Peach Bells) Chrysanthemum maximum (Shasta Daisy) Coreopsis lance ol at a grandi- FLORA (Tickseed) Delphinium, various (Hardy Lark- spur) Dianthus BARBATUS (Sweet Wil- liam) D. PLUMARIUS (Clove Pink) DiCTAMNUS ALBUS (Gas Plant) Digitalis, various (Foxglove) EcHiNOPS Ritro (Globe Thistle) Geum coccineum (Avens) Hemerocallis, various (Day Lily) Heuchera sanguinea (Coral Bells) Hollyhock Iris, bearded (German Iris) I. siBiRiCA (Siberian Iris) Lychnis, various (Campion) Pentstemon, various (Bearded Tongue) Papayer nudicaule (Iceland Poppy) P. orientals (Oriental Poppy) Peony Pyrethrum roseum (Pink Daisy) TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS FOR JULY BLOOM Achillea filipendulina (Golden Yarrow) A. Millefolium roseum (Rosy MilfoQ) A. Ptarmica (The Pearl) Aconitum napellus (Monkshood) Anghusa italica, Dropmore va- riety (Italian Borage) Anthemis tinctoria (Yellow Mar- guerite) Aruncus SYLVESTER (Spiraea) Chrysanthemum maximum (Shasta Daisy) Cassia marilandica (American Senna) Delphinium, various (Hardy Lark- spur) 38 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS FOR JULY BLOOM— Continued Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) Lychnis, various (Campion) FiLiPENDULA Ulmaria (Meadow Pentstemon, various (Bearded Sweet) Tongue) Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Phlox suffruticosa (Miss Lin- Flower) S^^") Geum coccinuem (Avens) ^"^FlJwevT''^ '''"''"' (Balloon Hemerocallis Thunbergii (Day ScABmsI caucasica (Pincushion ^"y'' - Flower) Heuchera sanguinea (Coral Bells) Stokesia cyanea (Stokes' Aster) Hollyhock Tradescantia virginica (Spider- Iris L/EVIGAta (Japanese Iris) wort) TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS FOR AUGUST BLOOM Achillea, various (see July) (Mil- Heuchera sanguinea (Coral Bells) foil) Hibiscus moscheutos (Mallow Anthemis tinctoria (Yellow Mar- Marvels) guerite) Liatris pycnostachya (Kansas Artemisia, various (Wormwood Gay Feather) and others) ^ /ui iri n Boltonia asteroides (False Star- Linum perenne (Blue Flax) wort) Lobelia, various Caryopteris Mastacanthus (Blue Monarda didyma Cambridge Spir«a) Scarlet, (Bee Balm) Coreopsis LANCEOLATA grandi- p^^^^^ Hardy FLORA (Tickseed) > j Delhipnium, various (Hardy Lark- Physostegia virginica (False spur) ' Dragonhead) Eryngium amethystinum (Sea Platycodon, various (BaUoon Holly) Flower) FuNKiA, various (Plantain Lily) Scabiosa caucasica (Pincushion Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Flower) ,„ i u . Flower) Tritoma uvularia (Ued-hot Gypsophila pantculata (Baby's Poker) Breath) Tunica saxifraga (lunica) Heliopsis Pitcheriana (Golden Veronica longifolia subsessilis Sunflower) (Speedwell) TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS FOR SEPTEMBER BLOOM AcoNiTUM autumnale (Mouks- Chelone glabra (Turtle head) hood) Cimicifuga dahurica (Virginia Anemone japonica (Japanese Snakeroot) Anemone) Eupatorium, various (Boneset and Artemisia lactiflora (Mugwort) others) Aster, various (Michaelmas Daisy) ,o^»-^* /^Riar^Vot Boltonia asteroides (False Star- C^aillardia aristata (Blanket wort) Flower) Chrysanthemum maximum (Shasta Helianthus Maximilianii (Maxi- Daisy varieties) milian's Sunflower) THE LISTS OF TWENTY-FIVES 30 TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS FOR SEPTEMBER BLOOM Continued Hrlianthus orgyalis (Narrow- leaved Sunflower) Helenium, various (Helen's Flow- er) Heliopsis Pitcheriana (Golden Sunflower) Hibiscus moscheutos (Mallow- Marvels) Lathyrus latifolius (Perennial Pea) LlATRIS PYCNOSTACHYA (KaUsas Gay Feather) Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) L. SYPHILITICA (Great Lobelia) Physostegia virginica (False Dragonhead) Polygonum, various (Knotweed) RuDBECKiA, various (Goneflower, Black-eyed Susan) Sedum spectabile (Showy Stone- crop) Stokesia cyanea (Stokes' Aster) Veronica longifolia subsessilis (Speedwell) TWENTY-FIVE PERENNIALS BLOOMING AFTER FROST AcoNiTUM Fischeri (Monkshood) Anemone japonica (Japanese Anemone) Aster, various (Michaelmas Daisy) BoLTONiA ASTEROiDES (False Star- wort) Callirhoe involucrata (Poppy Mallow) Chrysanthemum, Hardy sorts Daphne Cneorum (Garland Flow- er) Delphinium grandiflorum (Lark- spur) Dianthus latifolius atrococ- ciNEUS (Everblooming Sweet Wil- liam) Echinacea purpurea (Purple Goneflower) Eupatorii'M C(ELEstinum (Hardy Ageratuin) Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Flower) Helianthus Maximilianii (Max- imilian's Sunflower) H. orgyalis (Fine-leaved Sun- flower) Lathyrus latifolius (Perennial Pea) Phlox, Hardy sorts Plumbago Larpent^ (Lead Plant) Polygonum amplexicaule (Knot- weed) Salvia azurea grandiflora (Blue Sage) S. farinacea S. uliginosa SoLiDAGO, various (Goldenrod) Stokesia cyanea (Stokes' Aster) Tritoma uvularia (Red-hot Poker) Viola cornuta (Tufted Pansy) 40 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS Achillea— Milfoil, Yarrow The Achilleas have proven themselves some of the most desirable plants for the garden, mainly because of their exceedingly free, yet graceful habits of growth. They range in color from white to cerise, pink and yellow, and are often combined with silvery white foliage. The species Achillea Ptarmica flore-pleno, The Pearl, has double flowers borne in dense heads of purest white. It somewhat resembles the pompon Chrysanthemums. Boule de Neige is not quite as large as The Pearl, but the centers of the flowers are fuller and this makes it appear of purer color. Perry's White has much larger and more com- pact blooms than The Pearl, some of the flowers measuring 1 inch across. A. Millefolium is the common Yarrow, but its variety A. roseum has handsome pink flowers and feathery foliage. The Wooly Milfoil {A. tomeniosa) and the Golden or Fern-leaved Yarrow {A. Filipendulina or Eupalorium) are yellow flowered sorts; the former grows but a foot tall, the latter attains a height of 4 to 5 feet. Uses. AU of the AchiUeas are good to use as cut flowers and for the border. The Pearl is especially good in cemeteries because it takes care of itself in the grass. They are often used in landscape work against a background of shrubbery and some of the dwarfer types are used in rockeries. Culture. They are very easy to grow; in fact they grow so rapidly that the plants should be divided and reset each Spring. Any soil wiU do although they thrive best in rich, weU watered soil where plenty of sunshine is available. Some of the taller Yarrows need a little support. This is best given by sticking a few twiggy branches into the soil, in which case the stems of the Yarrow are held up nicely. Propagation. If the seeds are sown early, the plants will bloom the first year. The large flowering clumps should be divided either in the Spring or Fall. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 41 Aconitum — Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Helmet Flower Under trees, in woodlands and even in semi-wild gardens, the Aconitums, when once established, enhance the statehness and grandeur of a place as only a plant with tall spikes of cool blue flowers can. The flowers themselves are showy, shaped like a helmet or hood, from which the common name Monkshood is derived. The leaves are large and lustrous green, forming a dense mat, which throws long, compact stalks of white, blue, violet-blue, white and Hlac and yeUow flowers. They grow from 3 feet to 6 feet tall and bloom from June or July until November. Species. The coimnon Monkshood {Aconitum Napellus) has large, dark blue flowers and grows 5 feet to 6 feet high. A variety of this one has white flowers with flesh-colored edges and another has decided pink markings on it. A. N. bicolor has white and blue flowers. Wolfsbane (A. Lycodonum) blooms in June and July, is 4 feet high and has soft yellow flowers. A. Wilsonii blooms in September with spikes of pale blue flowers growing 6 feet taU. A. Fischeri is the last one to bloom. It is only 3 feet taU, has pale blue flowers and blooms in October. Uses. The Monkshoods are planted among shrubbery and in borders, especiaUy in combination with Madonna Lihes, white Phlox and Shasta Daisies. Most of the varieties are valuable to fill in vacant spaces in the garden when the earlier blooming plants have past. They are excellent for naturahzing in a woods. Since the roots are poisonous, one should be careful to avoid planting them near a vege- table garden where they might be mistaken for another plant, or where children could get to them. The efl'ect of the glossy leaves is very striking, especiaUy of A. Fischeri. If undisturbed in the woods, they wiU naturalize themselves very easily. Aconitums should always be planted in masses. Culture. Aconitums grow in almost any good garden soil, either in sun or partial shade. When the ground is being prepared for plant- ing, one should dig deeply and use plenty of well-decayed cow manure. Good culture and hberal feeding add greatly. Propagation. It is a rather slow process to raise them from seed since it takes twenty days for the seed to germinate. However, they are easily propagated by division of the roots. They grow best when left undisturbed for years. 42 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Adlumia — Mountain Fringe, Allegheny Vine, Climbing Fumitory This dainty biennial vine, native as it is in our own country, is little known. The leaves are fme^and resemble the fohage of a Maiden- hair fern. These plants are related to the Bleeding Heart and Dutch- man's Breechesj^and the^flowers, which are white or purphsh, are tubular and unmis- takably resemble the Bleeding Heart, al- though they are tiny. Adlumia fungosa {cirrhosa) is the only species cultivated. Uses. Where gracefulness is wanted in a vine, the Adlu- mia supplies the need. It is effectively plant- ed at the base of an evergreen tree upon which it can climb. The growth is so slender and the foli- age so light that there is no danger that the shade which it casts will harm the tree in any way. It merely casts a veil of loveli- ness over a portion of the evergreen. It may be used for trel- Kses and arbors of all sorts because it attains a height of 15 feet. Culture and Propagation. The seed is sown in early Spring. Generally the plants remain low and bushy for the first year. The second year they grow rapidly, produce an abundance of seed and then die. Fortunately the seeds self-sow and when one has started the Adlumias, they generally persist year after year from volunteer plants. The Allegheny Vine or Adlumia, a vine of extreme grace. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 43 The plants do not tolerate open, windswept places and enjoy a rich, rather moist soil, and are best when not exposed to the full sun all day. The seeds are best sown where they are to grow, as the plants transplant witii difficulty. Adonis — Birdseye, Pheasant's Eye h is difficult to find a bright flowered plant which blooms as early as does the Adonis. The flowers are a bright and deep yellow, resem- bling large Buttercups with finely cut, rather ornamental fohage. Adonis amurensis is the first sort to bloom followed by A. ver- nalis (see illustra tion) and A. pyre- naica. The first sort blooms in April, and the last in May or June. All the sorts grow about 1 foot tall. Some of the an- nual sorts are Au- tumn blooming. Uses. Adonis is especially good to use in rock gardens or in the border. Culture. Any good light soil will do and they will grow either in sun or shade, but partial shade is preferred. Propagation. The, best way is by division of the roots. This should be done in August. R is a rather slow method by seed as it takes from three to four years, after transplanting, for this flower to show its true beauty. One may readily see that this plant does not enjoy|being moved. Adonis, not a gypsy, for it does not like to be moved. 44 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS TEgopodium — Bishop's Weed, Goat Weed Wherever one goes, through many gardens and even in some woods this green and yellow variegated plant has spread its roots until it has almost come to be considered a troublesome weed by many people, although in its place it is of great value. The white flower is rather inconspicuous and does not show up well against the light colored leaves, .^gopodium Podagraria is a small creeping plant with white margined leaves. Uses. The Bishop's Weed makes a beautiful border for a bed of shrubs or flowers, if it is not allowed to spread too freely. It grows to best advantage when used to cover waste ground or shady places where grass will not grow. It is well used in the narrow strips of soil between the foundation wall and a sidewalk. Culture. It thrives in any kind of soil. Propagation. By seeds, and division. Ajuga — Bugle Flower For creeping over the soil in shaded places the Bugle Flower is excellent. Two sorts are commonly catalogued. Ajuga reptans rubra has deep purplish-blue flowers and purplish leaves and is prostrate in habit; A. genevensis is more upright in growth and bears flowers vary- ing in color from duU red to white and blue. There is a variegated form of the Bugle Flower in which the leaves are mottled with yeUow. They flower in May. Use. It is an excellent carpet plant and is often used in ceme- teries. When clipped into form it serves as an excellent edging plant. Rockeries are often planted with the Ajuga. The plants will grow beneath trees where a lawn is difiicult to establish. Culture and Propagation. The plants, being of a spreading habit, are easily divided either in Spring or Fall. Seeds grow readily. Alyssum — Madwort, Basket of Gold, Gold Dust, Goldentuft, Rockmadwort The various Alyssums have been known for a long time as one of the best, if not the best, edging plant for borders of all kinds. They have been combined with Darwin Tulips, with Rock Cress (Arabis) and the False Wall Cress (Aubrietia), and also with shrubs, such as the NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 45 Spiraeas and Hydrangeas. Just as soon as Winlor is over, the Alyssum makes preparations to grow, and within a month it presents a mass of yellow flowers. It is in bloom from early Spring through June and grows from 4 inches to 12 inches high. The Basket of Gold {Alyssum saxatile compadum) is of a dwarf, shrubby nature with grayish-green leaves and dense heads of briUiant golden yellow flowers, and is one of the best yellow, low growing plants of early Spring. A. s. variegatum has variegated fohage with yeUow blotches on the leaves. When this plant has finished blooming, it becomes a showy, ornamental one. The Madwort (A. rostratum) has golden-yellow flowers, grows about 12 inches high and blooms somewhat later than the others. There is also a double form with yellow flowers. Uses. The Alyssums are indispensable plants for the rock gar- den, especiaUy where plants are needed to droop over the rocks. They are planted along sidewalks in hanging baskets, and as groups or edges for the border. The annuals, being sweet scented, they are also used for cutting purposes, and are good for Winter blooming. Culture. They are very easy to grow, requiring some limestone, a weU-drained soil and a suimy situation. They spread rapidly and bloom very freely. Propagation. Seeds should be sown in August and wintered over in a fight, airy position until large enough to be planted out, if good-sized plants are desired in the Spring. The double sorts cannot be grown from seeds and must be propagated through cuttings. The roots of the plant can also be divided. Anchusa — Aikanet, Italian Borage, Summer Forget-me-not, Sea Bugloss One of the colors which all amateur gardeners wish is a good, strong blue, one which does not fade easily but which holds its own. Anchusas when planted in large masses, appear as a misty sea of deep blue when in bloom. Although possessing nothing to recommend it as a cut flower, it is a taU growing blue perennial that is deserving of a place in every garden. The plants of Anchusa italica, Dropmore Va- riety, which is the commonest one grown, attains a height of 3 feet to 5 feet, and blooms during June and July. The leaves are very large, heavy and hairy. The flowering branches are sent out in aU directions from the plant and bear large, loose clusters of giant For- get-me-nots of soft turquoise blue. Many have a white eye. The Opal variety is light pinkish blue. The blooming season can be easily 40 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNL\LS Left, The Monkshood or Aconitum, striking plants resembhng Larkspurs; right, Anchusa, a rare deep blue of May. lengthened by cutting down the taller sprays when the flowers begin to fade. This will cause smaller spikes to appear which will continue blooming through September. They are of such beauty and are so attractive in early Spring when so few blue flowers are in sight, that they have proven very popular. The bees also delight in visiting them. Uses. Anchusa s have proven an invaluable plant for the border, and are used in woodlands to a certain extent. A. my osotidi flora is a dwarf variety bearing small flowers and is used eff'ectively in rock gardens, especially in shady nooks, where it blooms all Summer. Culture. Any good garden soil, plenty of sunshine, and a well- drained situation suit them. Most of the plants become fuUy estab- lished during the second or third year. They are moisture-loving plants and should be given copious soakirigs of water during dry spells The plants should be staked during the flowering season. Propagation Seeds and division of the plant. Anchusas self- sow very readily. The roots are very juicy and brittle so that when the plants are dug, they are frequently broken. Each root allowed to remain in the soil will produce a new plant. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 47 Anemone — Japanese Wind Flower There are many kinds of Anemones found growing in the cul- tivated gardens, as well as in the wild of our woods. Some are among the first flowers to bloom along the river banks in the Spring and some bloom even after the early frosts of Autumn have come. AH thrive under cool conditions and in many cases the ground should be covered with leafmold to keep it cool. The early blooming varieties such as the Pasque Flower {Anemone Pulsatilla) grow about 9 inches high and the purpUsh flowers are borne in profusion during April. The Pasque Flower is followed by seed pods covered with silky hairs which stay on the plant for a considerable time. But of all the Anemones, the Japanese Wind Flower (A japonica) is the largest and the best one to grow for our gardens. They begin blooming early in Fall and last until freezing weather cuts them down when only the Cosmos, Dahlias and Chrysanthemums are left. The flowers are pure white, light and dark pink; they grow from "2 feet to 3 feet tall. They seem to thrive best when planted in front of shrubbery, evergreens or walls facing the south where they are protected from the northern winds. Japanese Anemones have a leathery fohage which is dark green on the surface and light green on the under side. The flower spikes grow straight and erect from the center of the plant and bear many large, saucer- shaped flowers with a large center of yellow pollen masses. The good varieties are: Whirlwind, white; Queen Charlotte, pink; Geante des Blanches, white, and Kriemhilde, rose. There are also rosy-reds and crimsons. Us7?]s. Anemones are charming when used as cut flowers espe- cially when combined with the fine ferns or Asparagus plumosus. TM dwarf varieties which bloom in the Spring are used in rock gardens, while the others are used in borders. The Japanese Anemones bloom at a time when flowers are scarce and with slight protection from the early frosts, tliey will bloom two or three weeks after many other plants are killed. Culture. All Anemones like a rich, moist soil, one which is well drained in Winter. The early dwarf varieties will thrive in shady places, but the Japanese Wind Flowers need sunshine. They like lots of water and should be thoroughly soaked with water during a dr^ season. They need some Winter protection, such as a good covering of leaves. If the plants are moved, it should be in the Spring, but it is best to let them grow undistm-bed in the border for a number of years. The ground should be worked deeply and well manured. 48 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Propagation. The seed should he sown in the Spring and the plants spaced at 18 inches apart. The best method is to divide the roots. Save even the smallest roots when the plant is dug, because if they are cut into 2-inch lengths and placed in a sandy soil they will produce little plants. When well started these new plants may be placed in their permanent quarters. Anthemis — Golden Marguerite, Common Chamomile This hardy Marguerite is a sturdy, very easily grown plant. It is about 1 foot ot1}4 feet high, very bushy with finely cut foliage some- what resembling the Pyrethrums, and bears Daisy -like, yellow flowers in great profusion from June until Fall. The colors range from purest white to a rich yellow. Anthemis tindoria Kelwayi is the best one for gardens because it has a particularly long flowering season. Its flowers are yellow. A. montana, a form of A. tindoria, has creamy white flowers. Left, ^Japanese Anemone, one of the charming late flowers; right, wild Asters, a Fall srarden without them being incomplete. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 49 Uses. The golden Marguerites are splendid when planted in masses and are most excellent for hot dry places. Some of the dwarf forms are used in rockwork. They are used for cut flowers to a great extent. Culture. These flowers will grow in almost any kind of soil; in fact, they will succeed in the poorest clay soil. They like a sunny location, although they will bloom in partial shade. The plants should be divided often as they grow and spread very rapidly. It must be frankly admitted that they are apt to overrun a small garden. Propagation. They are easily grown from seed or by division of the roots. Aquilegia — Columbine Doth the rock burst into bloom So the bees seek its perfume ? Is there somewhere in its breast A spirit roving without rest That doth fabricate This wall of slate Into forms so complicate That but a breath Would bring death They are so frail, So thinly frail ? Ah, the wonder that" has run That some sweet alchemy has won — Kissed together stone and sun ! 0 Columbine, the world is thine 1 — L. H. Bailey. The names of this flower are interesting to the garden lover with imagination. It is called Columbine, some say, because the flowers appear like the cap of a court jester; others have suggested that the spurs of the flowers cause them to appear like a ring of doves (Colombo) about a dish. And its name Aquilegia, is it from agui legus, to draw water, or from aquila, an eagle? Both derivations would be apt, for the Aquilegia appears to draw water from the rocks upon which it grows in the wild and the shape of the flower suggests the talons of an eagle. Species. Canada Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). This is the common species native to the Eastern states. The flowers are red and yeUow, and the spurs are medium short. Rocky Mountain Columbine (A. ccerulea) is a most beautiful sort which in its wild form has white petals and usually white sepals and 50 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNL\LS Left, Columbines — the long-spurred sorts being the prettiest; rif/ht, Armeria or Sea Pink; a good edging plant. long blue spurs. It is a native of the Western States and is found at elevations of from 7,000 to 10,000 feet. As a parent it has produced many excellent white, pink and blue varieties. The variety Rose Queen is one of the most charming sorts. A. chrysantha is a yellow sort with long spurs which blooms some- what later than the other sorts. It has been much used as a parent for long-spurred hybrids. Common European Columbine {A. vulgaris). This is a European species with bright lilac flowers, although its white form nivea is most commonly grown. It is a dwarf sort, l3^ feet tall and with stout, curved spurs. This variety has the best foliage of any Columbine, Uses. Most species are excellent for the rock garden, as well as for the herbaceous border, where they make clumps sometimes 2 feet in diameter. It is difficult to arrange Columbines as cut flowers, they seem to strangle each other. When a truly exquisite eff'ect is desired, cut a single truss of bloom and place it in a vase by itself. Culture and Propagation. Aquilegias bloom in from 12 to 15 months from seed; in other words, they rarely o*- never bloom the first year when the seed is sown in the open border. When sown in August of one year they will bloom nicely the next year. The seedhngs prefer a warm, sandy soil. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 51 The seed sometimes germinates irregularly but it is usually ad- visable to sow the seed shortly after it is ripe. The plants make little growth during the hot Summer from Spring-sown seed. Large plants may be divided in September. It might be advisable fov the amateur gardener to buy plants of the various sorts which, if planted together, will cross to form many hybrids. Most Columbines do well in the sun but will stand some shade. Arabis — Rock Cress, Wall Cress The Rock Cress is a small, white, four-petaled flower and its masses of snowy bloom early in the Spring contrast beautifully with the Rasket of Gold {Alyssum sa.ratile compactum) and the blue False Wall Cress {Aubrie- tia). It blooms very soon after the snow disappears and the flowers are so numer- ous that when a plant is in bloom, no foli- age is visible. The fohage is gray and the plant attains a height of 6 inches. It is of a spreading nature and the stems form a dense mat about a foot across which blooms continuously from very early Spring through May. Arabis alpina is the commonest form grown but A. albida is a better bloomer. Roth have white flow- ers. There is a soft pink sort {A. aubrie- tioides) which some- tlmp« vn'infprL'ill^ Arabis or Ruck Cress. Masses of white flowers limes WmierKlllS. ^ rockery or border are attractive. 52 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Uses. It is a splendid rock garden plant, growing where it will droop over the rocks. In borders it should be used to cover bare spots. The flowers are sweet scented and are valuable for cutting pur- poses. It is a neat plant wherever grown. Culture. Any good garden soil will do provided it is loose and open. Arabis is a drought-resistant plant, does not need much water, but requires lots of sun and heat. After blooming the plants should be cut back thus causing them to branch freely and form better plants for the next year's bloom. A auhrietioides is best wintered in a coldframe. Propagation. Rock Cress is propagated by seeds or by dividing the plants. Armeria — Sea Pink, Thrift, Cliff Rose The Sea Pink is a low growing plant which derived its name from the fact that it grows along the seashore and is pink in color There are other colors, such as red, deep rosy pink, hlac and white. It grows in dense, low clumps with numerous, narrow, grass-like leaves, all clustered at the base, from which spring the flowers on stiff, wiry stems from 6 inches to 12 inches high. The Sea Pink {Armeria mari- tima) is the common form. A. Laucheana has crimson flowers while A. cephalotes alba has snowy white flowers. They flower more or less continuously from early Spring until late in Fall. Uses. The Sea Pinks are invaluable when planted in clumps or for edging. They are also used for pot plants and in the rock garden. Culture. They need a free, well-drained, sandy loam and leaf soil. Propagation. The more choice varieties are increased by divid- ing the roots and a good sized plant will furnish hundreds of small divisions. They produce seed and wiU grow readily from seeds. If the seeds are planted in the FaU, they should be kept in the coldframe and removed to the open ground just as soon as it is in a workable con- dition. This will enable the plants to get well established before the hot weather arrives. Artemisia — Wormwood, Mountain Fringe, Old Man, Old Woman, Southern Wood This group of plants, as a whole, are not generaUy valued for their flowers, but all have very ornamental foliage. The plants are almost NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 53 as hardy as Oalis, yet are very attractive when in bloom from August until frost-time. The flowers are borne on long, graceful stems, divided like a plume, and are either light creamy or yellowish-white in color. The foliage is very finely cut and \aries from light gray to dark green. Species. Hawthorn-scented Mugwort. A ladiflora is one of the newest varieties which grows 5 feet high. Its fragrant flowers are produced in late Sunamer and combines well with the Golden Glow, Buddleia, Hardy Asters, Boltonia, Helianthus and many other of the taller Fall blooming perennials. It shows a tendency to disappear like the Auratum Lily does. Southernwood, Old Man (A. Ahrotanum) is one of the old-fashioned border plants. It has yellowish-white flowers and is usually grown for its handsome dark green, pleasant scented leaves. Old Woman {A. Sielleriana) is of creeping habit with silvery white foliage and is one of the showiest of this type of border plants. It grows rapidly and soon covers a large space. A. Purshiana grows about 1/^ feet high and has white foliage. The Summer Fir or Annual Pine (A. saccrorum) is an annual re- cently introduced from China which because of its fine foliage and rapid growth has become popular for foliage masses. Uses. Old Woman is much used for carpeting beds or borders. It is good also for the rock garden. The taller plants are used to fill in the shrubbery or as backgrounds or hedges for the lower growing flowers. The fohage and flowers are sweetly scented and adapt them- selves well to pot culture and as such are as decorative as many of the Acacias which are prized so much. The blooms also make attrac- tive cut flowers and last weU. Culture. Artemisias like soil which is moist, and it must be rather rich in order to produce good blooms. Free watering and soap- suds have been found to agree with them. Propagation. They may be grown from seeds, but are usually propagated by division or by cuttings. Asciepias — Butterfly Weed, Pleurisy Root, Milkweed The common IVIilkweeds arc members of this genus of plants. Asciepias tuberosa, the Butterfly Weed, is one of the showiest and most beautiful of our native plants. The beautiful, flat-topped clus- ters of bright orange-red flowers are followed by long, curious pods 54 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS containing numerous white, feathery seeds. In the wild state the flowers bloom in August, but the flowering season is prolonged if the plants are given good cultiva- tion. In some sections the Butterfly Weed has been large- ly used as a substitute for Geraniums because of some of the intense orange and scarlet shades of the flowers. How- ever, it grows a little taller, from m feet to 2H feet. Uses. The Butterfly Weed is nice for sunny spots in the rockery or border. When found wild they are blooming when many of the surrounding plants are dried up. Culture. These plants are long lived and capable of taking care of themselves without any attention. They freeze out in heavy soil and should have sandy, well drained soil in full sunlight. The Asclepias is a deep rooting plant and dislikes removal very much. One should be careful that it has completed its growth and every root should be saved, if the plants aT'e to be transplanted from one place to another. Transplanting is usually considered difficult, but many persons have reported suc- cess if the hole is filled with sand. Propagation. Raising them from seeds is the most certain method of propagation. Sow only a few seeds in a pot of rather firm soil, and aUow the young plants, which grow slowly, to remain in these pots for at least a year before setting them out. Butterfly Weed or Asclepias tuberosa. These orange-red flowers brighten the dry spots on banks or in the border. Asperula — Sweet Woodruff, Waldmeister Sweet Woodruff" {Asperula odorata) is a small growing, graceful, sweet scented herb. It has small, white flowers and deep green, whorled fohage. The flowers and leaves when dried have an odor like new hay and when laid among clothes, perfume them and keep away insects. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 55 It grows from 6 inches to 8 inches high and the small flowers, appearing among the fohage, make an exceedingly pretty picture, but the foliage itself is not very attractive. Uses. Sweet Woodruff* is fine for cutting purposes, and is used with varieties of the Enghsh Ivy for a ground covering among shrubs and under trees. Dried leaves have a very agreeable aromatic odor. Culture. It will succeed when planted in clumps if given a partially shaded position. Propagation. It is propagated by division and from seeds and increases rapidly. The seeds germinate slowly. Asphodel — King's Spear The classic Asphodel is rarely seen in gardens although its interest- ing, tall and stately spikes of yellow and white flowers are of interest to garden lovers. The Asphodels are variously catalogued as Asphodeline and Asphodelus; the former genus is erect and has leafy stems, the latter is stemless. In Asphodeline lutea the flowers are sweet scented and yellow, the stems 3 feet to 4 feet tall. The plants bloom in June. In Bailey's "Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture" we read that this is the plant mentioned by Homer which grows in the meadows of the dead, where the heroes gathered in Hades. In Greece it is wild and is always associated with waste places and the dead. To us it has no such associations. The name King's Spear, is often used for this plant. There is, however, another perennial, the Eremurus, which is called by that name. Culture. The Asphodels are excellent border plants, where they may be grown in partial shade or sun. They are suited to most garden soils. Propagation. The plants are readily divided in Spring or Fall. Seed is advertised in some catalogs. Aster — Michaelmas Daisy The American who reads English books about gardens is thriUed by the love of the British for Michaelmas Daisies. He immediately hunts his own roadsides and delves into catalogs to acquire some of these lovely flowers. For the wild Asters are truly lovely and are an asset to any garden, many of which bloom at a season when the 50 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS other flowers are failing and the roadsides are parched after our usual Summer droughts. It is a reflection upon our appreciation of our own native flora to read that there are many selected varieties of Asters, most of which have been produced abroad. In the following table w:iU be found an ample assortment of the commoner Michaelmas Daisies, all of which may be grown: ACRis NANUS. 1-13^ fcct. Lavcndcr-blue. Aug.-Sept. Good dwarf. ACUMiNATUs (Sharp-lcavcd A.) 1-3 feet. White. Aug.-Sept. Moist locations. Advance. 4 feet. Lavender. Sept. Free flowering. ALPiNus. % foot. Purplish-blue and white. May-June. Rockery or front of border; very early. Amellus. 2 feet. Rich violet. Aug.-Sept. AMETHYSTiNus. 4-5 feet. Amethyst-blue. Oct. Mass of smaU flowers. Beauty of Golwall. 3-4 feet. Ageratum-blue. Sept. One of best doubles. Glimax. 5 feet. Lavender-blue. Sept.-Oct. A superb form of A. novi-belgii. coRDiFOLius (Heart-leaved A.) 1-4 feet. Light Ulac. Sept. A common wfld sort. ERicomES (Heath A.) 2 feet. White. Sept. SmaU leaves; common, wild. Feltham Blue. 2}^ feet. Blue. Aug.-Sept. One of best. Glen Eyrie. 33^^-4 feet. Bright pink. Sept.-Oct. A pink form of A. novae-angliae. GRANDiFLORUS. 2-2]/^ feet. Bluish-violet. Oct.-Nov. Late; a large flower. L^vis (Smooth-leaved A.) 4 feet. LUac lavender. Oct. Neat habit, graceful. LiL Fardel. 4-5 feet. Mauve. Sept. Showy, form of novae-angliae. MACROPHYLLus (Largc-lcavcd A.) 4 feet. Lavender-violet. Sept. Dry, shady places. MULTiFLORUS (Mauy-flowcrcd A.) 2 feet. White, smaU. Oct.-Nov. Late. Nov^-ANGLI^. (New England A.) 3-5 feet. Purple. Sept.-Oct. Common, showy wfld sort. NOvi-BELGii (N. Y. Aster). 1-3 feet. Blue. Sept.-Oct. Glimax and St. Egwyn are forms of this. Perry's Favorite. 3 feet. Reddish violet. Aug.-Sept. Form of A. AmeUus. PTARMicomES. 3^ foot. White. Aug. Stiff stems for cut flower. St. Egwyn. 23^-3 feet. Pink. Sept.-Oct. One of best. suBGCERULEus. l3^ fcct. Bluish-violct. May- June. Large flowers; protect plants. TATARicus. 5-6 feet. Violet-blue. Oct. Late sort; one of tallest. WmTE Queen. 4 feet. White. Sept.-Oct. Not as good as some. Uses. To see the various sorts of Asters is to suggest a hundred uses for them: tall sorts as backgrounds for lower perennials; tall sorts in front of evergreens; tall sorts for woodlands and roadsides; NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 57 tall sorts for screening fences, ditches; sbor^^r species for bringing a spot of color into the Fall perennial border; all species for cutting and useful for large vases in the home, church or social gathering. GiiLTiTRE No culture is necessary. Plant them and if given extra food and water they repay us; if not they bloom beautifully to shame us for our neglect Of cou'-se, in the garden where neatness is necessary, we do stake the tall sorts. They seem to grow well either in full sun or partial shade. Propagation. Cut up the clumps as often as you think of it. They multiply rapidly and one always has a few plants to give to a friend. Aubrietia — Purple Rock Cress, False Wall Cress Early in the Spring our eyes search for color in the garden. We grow the Rock Cress (Arabis) for white, Golden Alyssum for yellow and Aubrietia for purple, rose and lavender. But as a matter of fact, few persons have grown the Aubrietias because they have not known of them although the catalogs list the plants. Use. They are useful in the front line of a perennial border or for the rock garden. Culture. They prefer the lighter soils and full sun. Transplant in Fall or earliest Spring, for at other times they are impatient c>f t)eing moved. Propagation. Divide the plants in the Fall. If seed is obtain- able, they may be easily started from seed. Baptisia — False Indigo, Wild Indigo The Baptisias are strong growing plants with yellow, white and dark blue flowers which somewhat resemble the Lupine, being pea- shaped. The flowers grow on a spike about 6 inches long. False Indigo {Baptisia ausiralis) grows about 3 feet high, has dark blue flowers and dark bluish-green leaves cut very deeply to form three oval leaflets. Wild Indigo (i5. tincioria) has short leaves and bright yellow flowers. It grows from 2 feet to 4 feet high. These plants bloom from May through July. Uses. These are very striking plants for the border because of the excellent spikes of blue or yellow color. They are also good in the wild garden. 58 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Culture. Baptisias should be planted in full sunlight, otherwise they prove to be shy in blooming. They will stand dry, sandy soils. Propagation. They are usually propagated from seeds and division of the plants which are very woody at the crown. The seeds should be sown as soon as they are gathered and wintered over in the coldframe, where they will germinate the following Spring. Bellis — English Daisy, Herb Margaret The Daisy of Europe is the one of which we speak here. Who has not read the words of Burns and Wordsworth, and having read, who has not admired these charming button -like flowers the more? Let us read again several stanzas of Burns: TO A MOUNTAIN DAISY On turning one down with the plow. Wee, modest, crimson-tippe'd flower, Thou's met me in an evil hour; For I maun crush amang the stoure* Thy slender stem; To spare thee now is past my power, Thou bonnie gem. Gauld blew the bitter biting north Upon thy early, humble birth. Yet cheerfully thou glinted f forth Amid the storm, Scarce reared above the parent earth Thy tender form. ~ *Stoure — means dust. tGlinted — means peeped. With the Tulips in the early days of Spring the English Daisy {Bellis perennis) starts to produce its single or double white, pink, rose and red flowers upon its low plants, for they seldom grow over 3 inches tall. Although they bloom quickly in the Spring, the finest flowers are produced in the Fall when it is cooler. Uses. They are combined with Pansies and Forget-me-nots and are also used as a ground cover for Hyacinths, Tulips, and other bulbs, either in the rock garden, as an edging for borders, or in the early window boxes. Culture. The hot weather is very severe on the English Daisies. They should be planted 6 inches apart each way in cool soil. They should be protected in the Winter and if they are kept in coldframes, will bloom during the Winter as do Pansies and Violets. NOTEWORTHY PKRENNTAT.S :)9 Left, False Indigo or Baptisia, a blue, pea-shaped flower of May; right, English Daisy or Bellis, cheery edging plants. Propagation. The finer English Daisies are propagated by division in the Fall. They grow easily from seed which should be sown in August in coldframes, where they should be kept during the Winter. Bocconia — Plume Poppy, Tree Celandine The Plume Poppy {Bocconia cordata) is perhaps one of the most imposing plants of the hardy border, for it grows from C feet to 10 feet high. The general aspect of the plant is grayish-green in color with very large and deeply cut leaves. The flowers are not very conspicuous but form huge plumes of feathery, small, creamy white blooms. Other varieties have leaves which are silvery under the surface and small white flowers which are red when in bud. The flowering season of the Bocconias is during the Summer months, July and August, but the plumes remain attractive until <^ut by frost. Uses. The silvery foliage counts as white in the garden; hence, the Plume Poppy can be used where white clumps are needed. It seems adapted to wet places, is good as a specimen plant, and is ex- 60 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Plume Poppy or Bocconia. cellent for the rear of borders, or to plant in front of tall shrubbery. It can also be used for the centers of beds of flowers. Culture. The Plume Poppy requires lots of sunlight and a rich soil seems to promote the production of large specimen clumps, but they will grow in any good soil. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 61 Propagation. Bocconia plants grow easily from seed and attain a height of 3 feet to 4 feet the first year. They may be divided and should be confined, because the plants sucker very badly and will soon spread throughout the garden. Boltonia — False Starwort, False Chamomile The Boltonias bloom at the same time and resemble some of the wild Asters of the garden and woodland. The leaves are long and grayish and in these characteristics are roughly distinguished from the perennial Asters, or Michaelmas Daisies. The catalogs commonly list three sorts: B. asieroides, a tall, white sort growing 4 feet to 5 feet tall, blooming in August and September; B. latisquama, which is similar to the former sort but with pinkish lavender flowers; and B. latisquama nana which grows only 2 feet tall. The colors are not strictly the distinguishing characteristics, but as the catalogs usually agree, we shall pass on to add that the flowers of B latisquama are generally larger than those of the first species. Uses. The Boltonias, because of their great height, are highly desirable in large perennial borders because the plants literaUy bear thousands of star-like flowers. They serve excellently as cut flowers. Culture. The plants are of the simplest culture, taking care of themselves when established. Sometimes when the soil is rich, they grow a bit too taU for their strength. Their appearance is then improved by staking. Propagation. The seeds usuaUy grow succ'essfuUy, but the plants are readily divided into pieces in the Spring. Frequent division is advisable as the plants reproduce rapidly. Buddleia — Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac Buddleias have made a great place for themselves in the garden where their abundant bloom, attractive color and delicate fragrance wins our admiration the first time we become accquainted with them. These plants are nearly hardy shrubs, but because of our cold Winters they serve as perennials with us. Species. B. variabilis is a species bearing erect panicles of lilac- colored, fragrant blooms with orange throat markings. The stems of 62 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS ^. .f# ^ : . >«& mm^%^- IsfW'fW^ >;. :%^ -^i'^^V bloom are 12 inches to 15 inches long and 3 inches in diameter. The species was in- troduced by Wilson from China. The plants although froz- en to the ground nearly every Winter, will start up nicely and grow 6 feet to 8 feet tall. The minimum tempera- ture which the roots will stand seems to be about 10 deg. be- low zero. There are several varieties but B. V. var. magnifica, which blooms from June until October, is the best form be- cause of its superior flowering habit. Uses. Buddleias make excellent cut ilowers. As a garden subject they make attractive specimen plants. Besides . their charm- ing^ color and fragrance, they are rightly named the Butterily bush, because they are continually covered with handsome butterllies. Culture. Plant Buddleias in well drained soil, and they will bloom the first year after planting. Many growers seem to believe that protected plants freeze as readily as those given no covering ot any sort. Propagation. The best method of propagation, if a greenhouse is available, is to make cuttings in September and October and grow them through the Winter in the greenhouse, in which case they will be large blooming plants by Springtime. Outofdoors, the Buddleias are readily propagated from young shoots rooted either in sand or water. It is a bit difficult to get the young plants through the first Wmter m the severer cUmates. Butterfly Bush or Buddleia. Superlative adjectives only can describe this lilac flowering plant. A shrub treated in the Northern States as a herbaceous plant- NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 63 Cactus, Hardy — Opuntia, Echinocactus The Cacti, as everyone knows, are plants with thick, fleshy stems covered with spines, for usually there are no leaves. The Opuntias, which are perhaps the most common ones grown in the northern states, have large and flat branches. They have many colored spines and exquisite flowers. The spines are black, brown, purple, yellow or straw colored and white, while the flowers are pale pink and yellow. The Comanche Cactus (0. Camanchica) has large yellow flowers and pur- ple fruit. The Hedgehog Cactus {Echinocactus Simpsonii) is very small and grows into a globe with pale pink flowers. Other hardy Optunias are 0. vulgaris, 0. phspacantha, 0. polyacantha, 0. arenaria and 0. Rafinesquii. Uses. The hardy Cacti are used mostly in the rock gardens, although many of them are used in the borders and in dry, rocky places. Culture. Cacti require a light, open and porous soil, containing lots of leafmold, loam and sand. There should also be enough lime present to keep the soil from souring. They need water in the Summer but not during the Winter. Plant them in full sun. Propagation. They are propagated by seeds and cuttings taken from the old wood rather than the soft stems. Callirhoe — Poppy Mallow The Poppy iVIaUow has long, traihng stems with many saucer- shaped or Poppy-shaped flowers. These flowers are borne in the axils of the leaves and vary in color from rosy crimson to cherry red and rose, with white centers. Callirhoe irivolucrata is the most useful species and blooms all during the Summer and early FaU. The leaves are deeply cut and hairy. Height 6 inches to 8 inches. Uses. The Poppy Mallow is good for small borders, or for the rock garden. Culture. It is of easiest culture, growing rapidly during the Summer months. It thrives in sunny, dry positions, where the roots penetrate to a great depth. Propagation. These plants exhaust themselves easily and should be renewed often. They are propagated by seeds and cuttings. 64 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Campanula — Bellflower, Canterbury Bell, Harebell, Peach Bell, Bluebell There is hardly a group of flowers which possess such rare beauty as does the large genus of Campanulas. There are many sorts, some growing 2 inches high and some from 4 feet to 6 feet high, but all have more or less bell-shaped flowers in lovely colors: white; clear pink, blue, rose, purplish- rose, violet-blue and lavender. All of them are desirable and seem to just fit in their various places from the formal border to the rocky ledges of the woods. Most of them bloom during June and July. The Canterbury Bells {Campanula Medium) and its cup and saucer variety {C. M. caly canthema) are perhaps th- most showy and satisfactore Canterbury Bells; glorious large bells of pink, purple and white. A biennial. of the whole group The flowers are very large, in lovely whitey pink, blue and deep purple. The stalks of bloom are about 2 feet, taU and they are very efl'ective when planted with the early blooming varieties of Phlox. The Peach Bells (C, persicifolia) grows from 2 feet to 3 feet high and its flowers, in blue or white, are more shaUow than beU-shaped. It has narrow leaves and is very graceful. Of this species, Moerheimei is the best white; some sorts are double. The Chimney BeUflower (C. pyramidalis) is the taUest one. It sends up long stalks of porcelain-blue and clear white flowers in August and continues blooming for six weeks. When in fuU bloom, the plant seems to form a perfect pyramid. Of the dwarfer varieties, which are beautiful and useful in rock gardening, the Carpathian HarebeU (C. car- patica) is probably the most popular It grows in dense tufts, not exceed- ing 8 inches in width, and is covered with clear blue flowers borne on wiry stems. The Scotch Harebell, the BluebeU of literature, is the C. rotundifolia. It is an attractive flower having most dainty little bells NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS Q5 of blue which appear during late Spring. This sort is found wild in many of the hills and mountains of our country and possesses a sort of unexcelled daintiness. Uses. The uses are almost as varied as the numerous forms. The dwarfer varieties are especially suited for small borders, for baskets and the rock garden. The tall ones, especially the Chimney Bellflower, are adaptable for pot culture or as specimen plants and make a beauti- ful decoration for the terrace or porch. The other varieties are ex- cellent in the border or to use as cut flowers. Culture. Campanulas should be given full sunhght and should not be crowded in the beds. The taller varieties need staking to pre- vent injury from the high winds. They like a good, rich soil, and in the Spring a little fine manure and some bonemeal should be dug around each plant. Most of the varieties, especially the taller ones, need ^^ inter protection, for if allowed to stand naturally, the heavy snows will flatten the crown of leaves to the groimd, causing it to decay. Forest leaves should be packed between the plants, holding the leaves of the Campanula together with one hand. Evergreen boughs, straw or hay wiU serve for the dwarfer ones. If the flowers are cut imme- diately upon fading, the blooming season can be prolonged for several weeks. Propagation. Most of the Campanulas are biennials. For this reason seed must be sown each year in order to have plants which will bloom the next year. A mistake, commonly made, is in sowing the seed too late. It should be sown any time from May until August, according to the variety, in rich soil which has been carefully prepared, and it should be watered daily. The plants should be hardened gradu- aUy, after they have been wintered over in coldframes, and can be removed to the open ground in May. The rows should be 12 inches apart, with an almost equal amount of space between the plants. Campanulas are also propagated by cuttings and division. Caryopteris — Blue Spiraea This Blue Spiraea is another one of the good, Fall blooming plants. It is shrubby in nature, growing from 3 feet to 4 feet tall with small leaves and clusters of small, rich lavender-blue flowers. It begins blooming in September and continues until cut by the frost. The flowers are arranged in whorls at the axils of the leaves and bloom al- 66 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Upper left. Poppy Mallow or Callirhoe, spreading its mat of color over the soil all Summer; lower left, Turtle Head or Chelone, a wild flower to introduce to the garden; upper right. Clematis, a blue sort which does not produce a vine; lower right, Carpathian Harebell, a Bellflower of use for edging. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 67 most the entire length of the stem. Caryopieris Masiacanthus (incana) is the common species. Uses. This plant is excellent to place in front of tall, white flowered perennials. It is sometimes grown in pots. Culture. It requires protection in the AYinter for it is liable to winterkill in the North, but with protection from the cutting north winds and good drainage, it will live through severe Winters. It re- quires sunshine and a sandy loam. Propagation. The branches root easily in water. It is propa- gated from seeds in the Spring or from cuttings taken from the plant in Sunnner or Fall. Cassia — American Senna, Indian Senna A bold perennial for large masses, Cassia marilandica is an at- tractive addition to the large perennial border. The flowers are pea-hke, yeUow, with a dark center and are borne in large clusters. The leaves are locust-hke; that is, they are finely divided. The plants grow 4 feet to 5 feet taU and bloom in August and September. Uses. Large masses planted among shrubbery or in a wide pereimial border are attractive. It may even be used as a hedge, for the plants are rather woody. Culture. Give the plants sun, and if a moist soil is available, they will be at home in it. Propagation, Cassias produce a large quantity of seed which grows readily if sown as soon as ripe. The woody clumps may be divided with a hatchet. Centaurea — Knapweed, Hardy Cornflower, Hardheads, Mountain Bluet The Centaureas are some of the most graceful flowers to grow in any garden. The flower heads are hke showy, ragged tliistle blooms of bright red, deep purple, golden yellow and blue. They grow from 2 feet to 3/^ feet tall and bloom during the Summer months. Species. The Golden Knapweed {Centaurea macrocephala) is perhaps the showiest of all because the thistle-hke, golden yellow flower heads are very large. The plant itself is an erect and somewhat spindly grower and the stems are stifl". 68 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS The Mountain Bluet (C. montand) has numerous deep blue flowers somewhat resembling the annual Cornflower and grows l3^ feet taU. The Knapweed (C. dealhata) has flowers which are Iflac-pink to white in the center, or a bright red. This species seems to attract the birds when the seed is ripe, thus making it hard to save the seed. C. babylonica is a whitish perennial with yellow flowers which grows at least 3 feet tall. Several of the species are known as Dusty Millers; the fohage is white throughout the Summer. C. cineraria (catalogued as can- didissima) has less divided leaves than the other common species C. gymnocarpa, but the leaves are usuaUy whiter. Uses. Centaureas are used for the perennial border, for pots, baskets and the rock garden. The Golden Knapweed is the largest flowered sort and is most attractive planted among shrubs. Most of these plants produce long stemmed and lasting flowers which are admirable for cutting. The Dusty MiUers have a real place in the garden for there is no contrast so charming as that between the bright colors of most peren- nials and the gray or whitish leaves of these plants. They may be chpped low as edging plants. Culture. Cetaureas are of very easy culture. They bloom best when planted in an open, sunny position, with any good garden soil. Chp back the Dusty Millers to keep them at the desired height and form. The blooms are not valuable. Propagation. They are propagated from seeds, although some of the sorts may be readily divided. The Dusty Miflers are increased both by seeds and cuttings. Cerastium — Snow-in-Summer, Mouse-ear Chickweed Snow-in-Summer is surely a very descriptive name for this low growing, white flowered and silvery fohaged plant. There are myriads of smaU white flowers produced in June from a dense mat of growth. Cerastium tomentosum is the common species and grows about 6 inches high. C. Biehersteinii is very similar but grows a little taller and has larger flowers. C. arvense is a green leaved species and stands the hot Summers better than the other two. Uses. These plants are invaluable for the rockery or as an edgmg for beds and borders. They are also excellent to plant in dry. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 69 sunny places as a carpet covering lor graves or sle(^p l)anks. The leaves are as valuable as the flower. Culture. The plants are very easily grown in any soil. Propagation. They are propagated by seeds, cuttings or divi- sions of the plant. The plant should be divided very early in the season, either with or without roots, and planted deeply in well firmed soil which sould be kept moist until roots have formed. Chelone — Shell Flower, Turtle Head, Snake Head The Chelone is sometimes confused with the Rearded Tongue (Pentstemon), to which it is closely related. It is a late Summer plant, coming into bloom about the middle of August and lasting for six or seven weeks. The Shell Flow^er (Chelone glabra) has clusters of flowers of a light creamy white. The plants grow about 3 feet tall. The Turtle Head (C. Lyonii) has rose-purple flowers which grow from a mass of deep green leaves. The flowers of Chelone are inflated and long, tube-shaped, somewhat resembling the Snapdragon. ^Ei^ j^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^l 1^ K^l 1- ', 1% ^^^H Lift, Snow-in-Summer or Cerastium, snowy masses of white flowers borne upon low plants with white leaves; riyht, Coreopsis, a well-known flower for cutting. 70 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Uses. Because of their season of blooin and their rather attrac- tive colors, they make good plants for the border, or to plant along streams. S. N. Baxter suggests the Shasta Daisy as an effective fore- ground companion plant. Culture. Chelones thrive best in moist or swampy places, in half shade. They are easy of culture. At blooming time, they should be fertihzed or mulched deeply in order to conserve the moisture. Propagation. They are propagated from seeds, cuttings or divisions of the roots made in the Spring. Chrysanthemums, Hardy October and November are the months which marshal in the Chrysanthemums and if these months be cold and rainy, the flowers do not develop well, but if the days are warm and the nights frosty, but not freezing, these flowers are in the height of their glory. "All through the budding Springtime, All through the Summer's heat, All through the Autumn's glory. They hide their blossoms sweet. "But when the earth is lonely, And the bitter north winds blow. With a smile of cheer for the dear old year. The lovely Christ flowers blow." The catalogs are now listing certain varieties such as Cranfordia, Normandie, Ruth Cumming, Mme. August Nonin and Eden, which are known as early flowering varieties. One is more apt to get blooms before freezing weather when these sorts are grown. Some of the earher Pompons of the florists are hardy but only bloom early enough in the most favorable years. Such varieties as Lillian Doty, Garza, Golden Climax, Zenobia and Tiber belong to this group. It is suggested that for the most northern gardens principaUy the earliest sorts be chosen, for it is a great disappointment to have the buds freeze just ajs they start to open. However, the Pompon group wiU actually stand more real freezing than the early flowering varieties. For Shasta Daisy, see p. 74;forPyrethrum,p. 146; also Daisy, p. 74. Culture. Chrysanthemums wiU grow in any garden soil that is rich enough, for they are gross feeders. Buy plants in early Spring or divide old plants and reset each Spring, otherwise, they wiU become too crowded and impoverish the soil. Extra large blooms may be pro- NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS tl duced by feeding with liquid manure when the buds appear. Larger flowers may be secured by pinching ofi* most of the smaller buds on each stem. When the plants make too rank a growth early in the season they may be cut back to cause them to branch and become more compact. If the plants are thoroughly soaked with water once or twice a week during the hot Summer, they will please us by produc- ing better buds and flowers. Protect the plants during the Fall rains and from the frost with a canvas covering. Chrysanthemums have to be supported by tying to stakes or to wires stretched horizontaUy above the bed. Cover with a light mulch during the Winter. The mulch should be more of the nature of a sun shade rather than a warm covering. It is easy to sufl'o- cate the plants. The plants are frequently troubled with mildew which can be prevented from spreading by dusting with sulphur early in the morning when the dew is on the plants. Plants afi'ected with Hce should be sprayed every few days with Black leaf 40 or some other tobacco extract until the bugs are all killed. Propagation. The simplest method of increasing the number of plants is to divide them in Spring. One can make cuttings, how- ever, of the tops of the growing plants. Cimicifuga — Bugbane, Bugwort, Virginia Snakeroot, Black Cohosh To all persons who are familiar with the common wild or native woodland plants, the Snakeroot is weU known. This Snakeroot (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a very tafl, late blooming plant, growing from 4 feet to 8 feet taU and flowering from July or August on. The large leaves are cut very deeply and the flowers, smaU, white, feathery and closely set, are borne on long stalks. Often over 18 inches of the stem is in bloom at one time. C. dahurica has long spikes of creamy-white flowers in September and grows about 6 feet tafl. C. simplex is the latest sort and does not bloom until October, and its graceful stems of white flowers are only 2 feet or 3 feet high. The long flowering stems of aU the Snakeroots droop slightly and give the plant an appearance of dignity and statehness. The buds are hke large pearls. Uses. AU of the Snakeroots are suited to moist and shaded positions, and because of this, they naturalize themselves very easily along the edge of woodlands. The taller species are well suited for 72 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS plantJDg at the back of borders. All are good to use for cut flowers, but C. simplex is especially so, because its flowers last longer when cut. Culture. Snakeroots like moist conditions which are partly shaded, but they will endure the sun. They thrive best in rich, leaf- mold soils. Propagation. They are propagated by division of the plant or by seeds sown as soon as ripe. Clematis — Shrubby Virgin's Bower We shall speak here not of the climbing Clematis, but of the lower growing sorts useful for massing, all of which form dense bushes 2 feet or 3 feet tall. Clematis Davidiana blooms nearly all Summer, has Hyacinth-like, bell-shaped, pale blue or lavender blue flowers in smaU clusters, which are very fragrant. C. heracleaefolia is very simflar but with paler flowers. C. recta has creamy-white, fragrant flowers, opening in June and July. All of the flower clusters are showy and are followed by flufl'y sflken seed heads. The leaves stay a bright dark green all Summer. Uses. Many of the species are desirable for cutting. In the garden they should be planted in masses or used as specimen plants. C. recta is especially valued for large masses of white flowers. Culture. These plants are adapted to partial shade. They pre- fer a loam soil and seem to hke hme. Propagation. They are propagated by division of the plants or by cuttings. Convallaria — Lily of the Valley, May Bells The poet has given the name to the Lily of the Vafley, and the botanist, not as prosaic as usual, has translated the name to the Latin word Convallaria. *'No flower amid the garden fairer grows Than the sweet Lily of the lowly vale." Uses. We must have this favorite with us the year round. In the Winter the florist grows Lily of the Valley in the greenhouse for weddings and for bouquets of various sorts. When they bloom in our gardens we cherish them as highly as any other flower for the NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 73 lapel, the corsage or for the small vase. In the garden they grow in the shady spots where some other flowers become pouty and will not grow. Culture. The cultm'e is of the simplest. Give them shade and enrich the soil with manure applied in the Fall as a mulch. They in- crease rapidly and need to be replanted every three or four years in order that larfre flowers may be obtained. Propagation. When old clumps are dug they naturaUy fall apart and no plant could be easier to propagate. Coreopsis — Tickseed Coreopsis is surely one plant that should be in every garden as it is one of the most popular hardy, yellow flowers. The common name, Tickseed, is very appropriate, because the seed of the plant looks hke a bug; however, the flowers are exceedingly attractive. They first begin to bloom early in June and are a mass of gold until the frost kiUs them. The leaves are fight green and narrow, while the flowers, which look fike a Daisy, are golden yellow in color and measure from 2 inches to 3 inches across. The plant is bushy and spreading and the stems of the flowers are strong, wiry and graceful. Coreopsis lanceolata grandiflora is the species most worthy of cultivation. The plants attain a height of 3 feet and are especially in their golden glory during June. C. verticillata is a smafi flowered species with finely cut fofiage. The plants bloom all Summer and grow 12 feet tall. C. rosea is an interesting little plant, never much taller than a foot, and with rosy -pink flowers and fine leaves. This sort has creeping root stocks. Uses. C. lanceolata grandiflora is invaluable for use as cut flower on account of its long, wiry, leafless stems. All sorts are good in the border where huge clumps are very showy. Coreopsis is nearly always planted in front of Delphiniums, and they combine well with Shasta Daisies. Culture. They are of easiest culture, but prefer sunfight and rich, damp soil. The flowers must be kept picked in order to insure a long blooming period. If planted on the north side, they should have sfight Winter protection, such as coarse straw or Pine boughs. Propagation. They are propagated by seeds and division of the plants. If the seeds are sown very early, the plants will bloom the first year, but if they arc planted in July or August, the plants will bloom the succeeding year. Seeds should be sown every year, since the older plants tend to get woody and do not bloom as well. 74 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Daisies The word "Daisy" was formerly written Day's Eye, and the Daisies are really well named, for there is no season in the gar- den when some sort of Daisy is not in bloom. The Shasta Daisy, Chrysanthemum maxi- mum, is hke a field Daisy seen through a magnifying glass. Most of us like the bright, Daisy-like flowers and we are dehghted with the Shasta Daisy because it blooms so freely and has long stems useful for cutting. As garden subjects they are low growing and are charming for use as edging plants. They are readily propagated, both by seeds and division of the plants. Dampness in the Winter, not cold, injures them. If a light covering of straw is given during the Winter they will be well protected, but a thick covering will do more harm than good. The Giant Daisy {Chrysanthemum uliginosum) has a white flower, but diff'ers from the field Daisy in that the plants are 4 feet to 7 feet taU. They are propagated by seeds or division and it is said that they bloom the first year from seed. They are good background perennials and are also useful for cut flowers. Low, moist places are ideal for this Daisy. They are successfully naturahzed. For Pink Daisy, see Pyrethrum, p. 146, and English Daisy, see Bellis, p. 58. Shasta Daisy, the giant among fortune tellers. INOIEWORJ'HY PERENNIALS 75 Daphne — Garland Flower The Sweet scent of the Daphnes, together with the fact that one sort is evergreen and another blooms in Midwinter, endears the Daphne to the lover of garden gems. These plants are really shrubs, but because of their low growth and general habit, they more closely resemble the herbaceous perennials. Daphne CneorumiGaildind Flower). The bright pink, four-parted, fragrant flowers and evergreen leaves combine to make this plant truly beautiful. The plants are hardly a foot tall and bloom in April and in October. Daphne Mezereum (Spurge Flax), not being evergreen, surprises us by producing lilac-purple flowers any time from February to April. Tliis sort grows 3 feet tall. Uses. The Daphnes are adapted to the border, although the Garland Flower is admirably adapted to a rock garden. Culture. They grow in full sun or partial shade and light soils. Give them protection in Winter. Propagation. One can layer branches of the Garland Flower in the Spring, but the Spurge Flax is not readily propagated by the amateur. Delphinium — Larkspur Old John Parkinson, nearly 300 years ago, wrote "Wee call them in Enghsh Larkes heeles, Larkes spurres, Larkes toes or claws." The Larkspur is surely one of the oldest old-fashioned flowers but it is becoming more popular today than ever. How choice are its colors! How suggestive is the word "lark" in christening this flower, as the lark comes from the sky, so comes also the color of the Larkspur. From the azure of the sky to the deep blues of the ocean depths is its range of blue. But blues are not the only colors; there are the pastel shades, not blue, nor pink, which suggest the combinations of color in Copenhagen pottery. There are the dainty double pink sorts which suggest magnificent brocades. And what gems we find! Deep sapphires, superb amethysts, subtle turquoises and rich garnets. Like tiny peace doves are the white sorts. 7G A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS And in form, how diverse! We see the dolphin in the unopen bud. We note a bee gathering nectar from a bloom and find, instead, that it is the hairy petals at its center. We regard the tall spikes and see them covered by countless horns-of-plenty, some of them pouring gold. Uses. Can a garden be planted without Larkspurs? Foliage flower, habit and all, every garden lover must have them. The tall, the short, the perennial, the annual— they are indispensable in their chosen places. Consider the long season of pleasure at seeing them in full splendor. Day after day in June, July, and often in September, new spikes open their blossoms. Erect and stately against a fence, majestic accents in a mixed border, sturdy and hardy in the cottage garden, as well as modest and delicate in the beds of annuals, the Larkspurs are incomparable. Varieties. The catalogs should be consulted for varieties of Larkspurs; there are many very superior named sorts and in all cases more to be trusted for color and habit than plants grown from seed. The modern race has been greatly improved through years of ef- fort, especially in Eng- land. Recently we in America are develop- ing varieties of our own which are better suited to our climate. Besides the tall sorts, the garden lover should note the Chinese Larkspur fisted in his catalog. This is a true joy as it blooms throughout the Summer, yielding short stems crowded with white, pink or violet flowers. The Chinese Larkspurs dif- fer from most other perennial sorts by having finely divided leaves. The real en- A noble clump of hardy Larkspur thusiast is tomptod by 53 Ifcll •■■-4^ -? f^i"-^^ '^•;1 4 r:'^MM m h ^^m m^^fs^^^^^m ■4 NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 77 n'adin^^ the descriptions in the (•atal()|,^s of certain sorts Hsted as Del- phinium nudicaule, a dwarf orange-scarlet, D. Zalil, a yellow, D. car- dinale, a bright red. These sorts do not have the robust constitution nor the hardiness of the other kinds but they are worth trying. Culture. Delphiniums like plenty of sun. The soil should be rich, deeply prepared, a cool, friable loam. Even hot, sandy soils, if watered and fertilized, will produce excellent results. Moisture will increase the size of the flowers and spikes. Cultivate the plants con- stantly with the hoe. Many of the taller sorts are benefited by being staked. If the plants are cut back after blooming and given a period of rest, during which they are neither watered nor cultivated, then if given bonemeal and an abundance of water, they will send up a second crop of bloom in the Fall. Some persons beheve that this weakens the plants. No seed should be allowed to form to keep the plants in a blooming condition. Troubles. Some of the best sorts are frequently troubled with blight so that they sometimes live only a few years. Dig dry Rordeaux Mixture about the crowns or spray weekly with ammoniacal copper carbonate. In fact, keep the plants covered with this spray from early Spring until Fall. The foliage is blackened by blight. If you suspect that blight is in your soil, use bonemeal as a, fertilizer, but never use manure. Sometimes cut worms and slugs eat the crowns of Delphiniums, so that it is wise to cover the crowns of the plants with ashes at the approach of Winter. Also use a poisoned bait spread at intervals near the plants. Propagation. Larkspur seed over a year old will not grow. Except for D. grandiflorum, the Chinese Larkspur, the seedlings will not produce flowers the first year unless sown in March in a hotbed or sunny window. Usually, however, fresh seed is sown in August, in which case they w ill bloom the next year. Divide the plants every three or four years in order to keep them from exhausting the soil and becoming too compact in growth. The double sorts, which produce no seed, may be rooted from cuttings. Some persons are successful in rooting these in frames during Spring. Samuel N. Raxter in the Florists Exchange advises bury- ing the cuttings in a heap of soil, head first, with only the cut ends exposed. The drying of the wounds for several days causes them to root more easily. 78 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Dianthus — Hardy Pinks, Sweet William, Maiden Pink, Grass Pink, Pheasant's Eye, Chinese Pink, Picotee, Carnation, Clove Pink The Pinks and the Sweet Williams are still one of the old-fashioned favorites for the garden. There are many species and varieties, nearly all of which make dense tufts of grass-like growth. The Sweet William (Di- anthus barbaius) is gorgeous when in bloom. The early English writers used to tell us that the narrow-leaved varie- ties were called Sweet Johns and the broad-leaved sorts Sweet WiUiams. However, the sweetness and beauty of the flowers compensate for the lack of knowledge about their namesakes. The color scheme ranges from purest white to blackest red with an infinite number of variations and com- binations of colors. The pink sort, known as Newport Pink, is a very desirable one with a distinct new color which flo- rists call watermelon-pink or salmony-rose. The Sweet WilMams grow from 1 foot to \}/^ feet tafl and bloom all Sunmier. The flowers are arranged in large clusters of bloom and those which are ringed and spotted are very novel. The Glove or Garden Pinks (/). plumarius) are low growing plants which bloom in early Spring. The single and double flowers have fringed or jagged petals and are very fragrant. The colors range from white to bright scarlet and are very dainty, growing above a dense tuft of gray-green, grass-hke leaves. The Ghinese Pinks {D. chinensis, var Heddewigii) is a biennial; that is, the seeds must be planted every year in order to have flowers the next. They also have a wide range of color and markings and are very popular. The double forms are especially attractive and the petals Sweet William, an old favorite appearing at its best. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 79 Clove Pink. Incomparable for edging. are often deeply and oddly cut. These sorts lack fragrance. They bloom later than the others and last till frost-time. Another interesting sort with flowers much like a Carnation is D. latifoliiis atrococcineus, the Everblooming Sweet WiUiam, which has intense crimson, double flowers. The plants grow 18 inches tall and are constantly in bloom in Summer. Among the dwarf varieties are foimd the Maiden Pink (D. del- toides), a dwarf trailer with rosy-pink or white flowers which open from June to August. Uses. The Pinks are very fragrant and free bloomers. They are good for cutting, and for the rock garden, together with the drawfer sorts. All are good for edgings or to use in borders. Culture. AU of the above Pinks, are of easy culture and except for the Sweet William and the Chinese Pinks, last for many years. All like a warm soil and one that wiU not become too wet at any time. The plants will die out quickly if the soil is not weU drained. They should be divided often, else the plants will choke themselves out. The Sweet William should be treated as a biennial, sowing the seed each year. When not propagated each year the plants and flowers are not as large. 80 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Propagation. These plants often self-sow. They are all readily propagated from seeds sown in rieh soil in April or May, although good sized plants may be grown from seed sown in Midsummer. The double sorts must be propagated from cuttings if they are to come true. Layer- ing has proven the easiest and surest way of propagating the Garden Pinks (D. plumarius). i Dicentra and Dielytra — Includes Bleeding Heart, Squirrel's Corn, Dutchman's Breeches The grace of the Dicentras charms us whether in the woods or the garden. The Bleeding Heart, Dicentra {Dielytra) spedahilis is one of our most showy old-fashioned flowers which everyone loves. It grows from 2 feet to 4 feet tall and spreads out almost the same distance. The leaves, which are alight, transparent green, are very neat, ex- ceedingly graceful and very fern-like. The flowers are heart-shaped, varying from a light pink to a rosy-crimson in color, and are produced in sprays along the stems. Have you ever taken one of these flowers apart to discover many interesting things— the two rabbits, a harp, Right, Bleeding Heart or Dicentra, an old-fashioned flower of quaint charm; left, Gas Plant or Fraxinella, interesting not only for its flowers, but also for its seed capsules. NOTE\yORTHY PERENNIALS 81 i,'randpa's glasses and a bottle? The Bleed ini; Heart is closely related to many of our daintiest woodland flowers. The Squirrel's Corn (D. canadensis) has small tubers resembling a kernel of Corn, the wliite flowers tipped with rose. The Dutchman's Breeches (D. Cucullaria) has white flowers tipped with creamy yellow, the flowers closely resembling their namesake. Both of these sorts are natives. The Plumy Bleeding Heart (D. eximia) is said to have the hand- somest foliage of any border plant. Its flowers are rosy-pink and it is in bloom from May through August. It grows 9 to 12 inches tall and is a most worthy plant. The other Dicentras bloom earher — in April, May and June. The Golden Ear-drops (Z). chrysantha) has golden yellow flowers, but is not so well known as the other native ones. Uses. The Bleeding Heart is fine for the border or margins of shrubbery. It is also grown as a pot plant and it forces so well that it is useful as a window plant. The native or woodland species naturalize beautifuUy along woodland walks, in the rock garden or in beds of ferns. Culture. As soon as the flowers of the Dicentras have finished blooming, the foliage dies down. This makes it difficult to keep track of the various sorts unless they are in locations not easily forgotten. They are very easy of culture, doing weU in either shady or sunny positions, although they are more at home in the shade. They hke a rich, light soil. Propagation. They are propagated from seeds, division of the roots, or from young shoots which start from the soil in early Spiing. These shoots or the roots should be divided just before they start growth. Dictamnus — Gas Plant, Burning Bush, Dittany The Gas Plant is surely one of our most interesting plants. The glossy, leathery leaves are dark green and retain their deep color until late in FaU. The white, pink and purplish-brown flowers are borne on spikes 2 feet to 3 feet high. Both the foliage and flowers are fragrant and when the parts are crushed in the hand, they have the fragrance of a lemon. The Gas Plant begins blooming shortly after Memorial Day, and the seeds ripen about the middle of August. The whole plant gives off" a strong, volatile oil which will give a flash of light if a lighted match is held under the clusters of seed capsules on a sultry 82 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Summer evening. This Gas Plant (Didamnus albus or Fraxinella) is a very strong grower and when once estabhshed, many dozen stalks of bloom can be had to a single plant. Uses. Because of its large trusses of flowers and fascinating odor, the Gas Plant always finds a place in the hardy border, or as a single specimen. They make excellent cut flowers. Culture. The Gas Plant dislikes disturbance very much. When once planted it should be left in the same position always, for as the plants grow older they will then produce many more and taUer flower stems. They require hardly any care, but prefer a rather heavy and moderately rich soil in an open, sunny position. When once established drought does not aff'ect them. Propagation. They are more easily raised from seeds than by root division. The seeds should be sown as soon as they are ripe in the Fall. If the seed is sown in the Spring, pour boiling water over them first, or they will not germinate easily. It takes from two to four years for the flower spikes to appear on young plants. The roots, being very hard, may be divided with difficulty. Doronicum — Leopard's Bane The Leopard's Bane is one of the few hardy plants which blossom very early in the Spring and continues into the Autumn. It grows about 2 feet high and has broad, oblong leaves of a rich, soft green color which appear with the first signs of Spring. The single flowers are produced on long, stiff" stems and resemble a very large yellow Daisy with a yeUow center. In fact, these are the earhest yellow Daisy-like flowers. Doronicum plantagineum excelsum is the most commonly cul- tivated sort. The flowers are 4 inches in diameter and the plants grow 3 feet to 4 feet taU. They begin to bloom in early Spring and continue through the Smimtier. D. caucasicum grows 12 inches to 18 inches tall. The catalogs also include D. austraiacum and D. Clusii as being good sorts. Uses. Because of their long, straight stems, they make exceUent cut flowers and they last for a number of days when placed in water. Because of their rich golden color, they are splendid for the border, for they begin blooming when yeUow flowers are rather scarce. If placed in pots, they can be easily forced into flower during the Winter months for the window garden. They succeed well when planted aniOTig the Spring bulbous flowers and shrubs or in the rock garden, and NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 83 they are equally attractive wlien planted in masses or when used as single plants. Culture. They grow readily anywhere if planted in rich loam and are equally good in shady or sunny positions. Propagation. The plants should be divided soon after they finish flowering. Digitalis — Foxglove, Witches' Thimbles "The Foxglove, in whose drooping bells the bee Makes her sweet music." — B. Cornwall A well grown Foxglove in full flower is a plant of dignity and beauty. The long flowering spikes grow from 3 feet to 6 feet tall, rising high above large clumps of broad, downy leaves. Upon the flowering stalk, the flowers open slowly as the impulse to bloom moves upward. This tends to length- en the blooming sea- son. The flowers are tubular or beU-shaped and hang closely on one side of the stem so that sometimes four rows try to oc- cupy the same posi- tion. This arrange- ment is more ap- parent than real, for the flowers reaUy or- iginate on all sides of the stem, but the short stems somehow twist around so that they all seem to be on one side. These spikes which are so tall and erect, bear the SmaH, thimble- a ma... of Foxgloves we all may have. 84 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS like flowers in many colors — white, lilac, purple, rose and yellow — with odd and various shadings and markings. They bloom in June and July. D. purpurea is the commoner sort and bears purple to white flowers. There is, however an interesting form of D. purpurea, known as Monstrosa, or the Mammoth Foxglove, which has a large saucer- shaped flower surmounting the spike. D. grandi flora (ambigua) is the yeflow^ flowered species. It has smaller, narrower leaves and does not attain the height of D. purpurea. The Wooly Foxglove (D. lanata) is an interesting sort with long, dense spikes of smafl, grayish flowers marked with yellow. This sort does not resemble the other Foxgloves. Uses. They are planted in masses in the garden among the shrubs, in solid beds, in the border, in the orchard or naturahzed on the edge of the woods or along brooks. Wherever they are planted, they give an appearance of strength and dignity. They are exceflent for decorations where tall-spiked flowers are needed. Foxgloves are beautifully combined with Sweet Williams and Hardy Grass Pinks. A whole border of this combination is suggested. Foxgloves need no edging plants as their foliage is most attractive, even at the soil. Culture. Foxgloves succeed well in any garden soil which has been enriched with old manure. They naturalize very readily in half- shaded positions, but will grow in full sunhght if the ground is moist. If the main flow ering stem is cut after it has finished blooming, many others will come up. Liquid manure should be given to the plants during the flowering season. They require a light Winter protection, which must not be given, however, until after a good freezing of the soil. Dry leaves or pine boughs will serve as a sufficient covering for the fohage. Dampness, either from ill-drained soil or too much mulch- ing, will injure the plants quicker than anything else. The leaves must be kept dry and on mild days plenty of air should be given to prevent sweating and heating. Propagation. Foxgloves are propagated most easily from seeds which should be sown every year in order to have blooming plants the next year. The Foxgloves are treated as biennials. The seed should be sown in late Summer or Fall and wintered over in the coldframe. When the plants are once estabfished they should not be disturbed, although new plants can be started by root division. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 85 Echinacea — Purple Cone Flower The bold and hearty character of the Purple Cone Flower makes it a striking plant. The flowers are rosy purple with dark, stifl\ quill- like centers touched with golden crimson. Echinacea purpurea is the common sort and is frequently listed in catalogs under Rudbeckia purpurea. Sometimes when plants are raised from seed objectionable muddy colors are obtained which are not worthy a place in the garden. The plants grow 3 feet to 4 feet tall and bloom from July until frost. The leaves are large and thick. Uses. The drooping character of the rosy-purple petals give them a distinctive character in the border, although the color at best is difficult to combine with other flowers. Culture. They will tolerate dry, sun-baked locations but are better in good soil. Propagation. The easiest method of increasing these plants is to divide the clumps. Echinops — Globe Thistle The Globe Thistle is very interesting if one likes thorny, prickly plants. The leaves are large, deeply cut and very prickly. The stems are silver-white, while the flowers are either white or a grayish metallic- blue. The flower heads are round Uke a ball and are entirely covered with needle-hke thistles. All of the species bloom from June or July through September. Echinops Hiiro has deep steel blue flowers and grows about 3 feet high. E. sphserocephalus is the tallest growing species, attaining a height of from 5 feet to 7 feet with large, white flowers. Uses. All the Globe Thistles are distinctive plants and are well adapted to plant in borders, among shrubbery or to use as bold speci- men plants. The flower heads, which are excellent for cutting, can be dried and will remain attractive for months. They are also suitable for naturahzing in wild gardens. Culture. They are of easiest culture, growing best in a light soil. Propagation. They are propagated by seeds and division. 86 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Upper left, Leopard's Bane or Doronicum, a glorious, Daisy-like flower of April; upper right, Globe Thistle or Echinops, unique and "something different" for the border; lower left, Gaillardia or Blanket Flower, bright and showy flowers in keep- ing with the Fall season; Zouer right, Purple Cone Flower or Echinacea, with its high, quill-like center. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 87 Edelweiss Everyone knows of the fame of the small Edelweiss of the Alps and every tourist who travels through Switzerland learns the mysterious story of how they grow under overhanging chfTs which means the risk of hfe when one wishes to get them. But ideal plants can be grown in our own garde^ns just as easily as any other plant. They are one of the hardiest of plants and withstand severe Winters. The plant is low, growing from 4 inches to 12 inches high, and is densely covered with a whitish wool. The leaves are silvery-gray and lie almost flat on the ground. From the center grows a flower stem which has three or four star-like flowers. The true flowers themselves are small and incon- spicuous, but they are surrounded by this star-like cluster of wooly leaves. This Edelweiss is called Leontopodium (Gnaphalium) alpinum, a sort 6 inches taU, bearing three or four flowers. L. sibiricum has flowers twice the size of the Alpine Edelweiss but without the senti- mental associations. Uses. This is an ideal plant for the rockery. Culture. If these plants are placed where they will be exposed fully to the sun, they wiU be a greenish gray, but they will be a creamy white if planted in partial shade. Any good sandy garden soil will do in which some Umestone has been mixed. If the plant is placed be- tween two rather closely fitting rocks with plenty of sandy soil beneath, it will succeed nearly as well as it does in the Alps. Propagation. They are propagated by seeds sown indoors in early Spring to be placed in the open border about the first of May; or by division of the roots in the FaU. Epimedium — Bishop's Hat, Barrenwort After reading the description of the Epimedium by Miss M. R. Case in "Horticulture," we have decided to abandon all hopes of describing this dainty flower in our own crude words. She writes: "Blossoming under a great Oak, where Maidenhair and Dicksonia ferns grow to perfection, is a dainty herb from Japan known as the Bishop's Hat, from the square, flat shape of its blossoms. "The blossoms are in loose sprays which branch ofi" from the main stems 2 inches below where the main stem divides into the three sprays which bear the leaves. They come in buff" or soft yellow, maiive and white. The one which has done the best at Hillcrest, Epimedium macranthum, gives the bishop a yellow lining to his dark red hat. It is well arranged 88 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS for his grace's comfort, as under the square, flat hat is a little cap to hold it well in place. It is so pretty a hat that we hope it is in the ritual of the floral world for it to be worn in the ceremonies of their service. "The loose spray of blossoms is 6 inches long from where it branches from the main stem. The whole plant is more than a foot in height; the single flower about the size of a dime. The pretty red buds are on the spray with the flowers. "The leaves are a soft yellow green, parallel veined and pointed at the apex. The main stem divides into three sprays for the leaves. The whole plant has an airy, unusual and very pleasing effect. The old leaves persist on the stems through the Winter and have to be gathered with the Spring litter from the gardens. "It should not be confused with the Bishop's Gap, Mitrewort or Mit- ella, which more nearly resembles the Tiarella or Foam Flower. His Grace, the Bishop, is well adorned in Puritan New England." Some of the species are£J. alpinum, with gray, crimson and yellow flowers; E. macranthum, with hlac flowers; E. niveum, with white flowers, and E. Musschianum, with golden yellow blossoms. Uses. There is probably no other flower which lasts so long in water as do the Bishop's Hats. If they are picked close to the ground when the leaves are mature, they wiU last at least two months in water. They are good for pot plants and for the border where they should reaUy be planted in masses in order that their delicate flowers may be appreciated. They are excellent plants for the rockery. Culture. They prefer a moist, sandy loam and partial shade. If planted in the rockery, they must not get too dry. The soil should not be disturbed around them at any time, as it injures the roots. Propagation. They are propagated by dividing the roots. This can be done in either FaU or Spring. Erigeron — Fleabane The Erigeron has Aster-like flowers which are in bloom during the Summer months. The difl'erent species vary in height from 5 inches to 3 feet. The flowers grow from small tufts of leaves, somewhat like the EngUsh Daisy (Bellis) and the blooms of the taller varieties measure 2 inches and !^3^ inches^ across. The colors are violet-blue, bright pur- ple, apricot, rose and rosy lavender and these colored petals surround a golden yellow center. Erigeron speciosus is the commonest cultivated sort. It has bright purple flowers, grows 2 feet tall, and blooms all Summer. E. glabellus is a dwarf sort growing from G inches to 12 inches tall and with NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 89 large, light purple flowers. E. aurandarus is possibly the showiest one with deep orange flowers and is known as the Double Orange Daisy. All of the Erigerons spread to form dense bushes of growth and the flowers are in groups of from three to five to a stem or head. Uses, The Erigerons are fine to use for eut flowers and are used, in the hardy border. The smaller kinds are excellent for rock work and the front of borders. Culture, When planted so that they get some shade during the middle of the day, they will continue to bloom for a longer season. Propagation. The simple method of propagating the Erigerons is to divide the clumps in Spring, Even early Spring-sown seed results in good bloom the first season. Eryngium — Sea Holly, Ivory Thistle This is a prickly plant in every feature — the leaves are prickly, the flower heads are surrounded by spreading, prickly floral bracts and tlie flower head itself is like a small Teazle, The beauty of this plant depends upon the blue-gray effect which it presents. They grow to a lieight of 3 feet and bloom from June to September, Eryngium amethystinum has amethyst-colored flowers and grows at least 2 feet tall, E. planum has numerous small flower heads and shining stems, E. maritimum has whitish or pale blue flowers and grows 1 foot tall, E. Oliierianum grows 3 feet tall and has large flower heads of deep blue flowers. Uses. The Eryngium is most effective when massed on the lawn, and its uses as a cut flower are many. It is very decorative for basket work, or combined in vases with Gladioli, The branches can be dried, so that the flowers are used in Winter bouquets. The plants are used in wild gardens or grouped with the shrubbery. Culture, Eryngiums thrive best in full sun, in light, sandy loam. They withstand dry seasons well and when once established should not be moved often. Propagation. They are raised from seeds, but some have found that certain of the sorts are rather capricious although the plants frequently self-sow their seeds and spread rapidly. Sow the seed as soon as ripe, in which case they germinate the next Spring. The plants are divided with difficulty. 90 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Eupatorium — White Snakeroot, Thoroughwort, Hemp Agrimony, Mist-Flower, Joe-Pye Weed How often we are tempted to praise the beauties of some foreign flower while our excellent native ones pass by with Httle attention. There are many sorts of Eupatoriums and most of them can be found growing wild in our own coimtry. The hardy Ageratum or Mist Flower (Eupatorium or Conoclinium ccelestinum) has myriads of small, fluffy, azure-blue flowers which are in bloom during August and September. The plant reaches a height of 2 feet. The White Snake- root {E. urtic 88 folium or ageratoides) has pure white flowers and grows from 4 feet to 5 feet taU, while the Boneset or Thoroughwort {E. perfoliatum), which also has white flowers, only grows 2 feet or 3 feet tall. The leaves of this sort are in pairs, united at the base about the stem. The Joe-Pye Weed (E, purpureum) is very tall, growing from 4 feet to 10 feet and has large, purple, showy heads of flowers. The leaves are in whorls. Most of them bloom in late Summer or early Autumn with an average height of 3 feet to 5 feet. Uses. The Joe-Pye Weed is found in wet meadows or along streams and will naturahze easily along woodland streams, or moist places in parks. The Mist-Flower and the White Snakeroot are excel- lent for cutting purposes. All Eupatoriums are good in borders with the taller ones in the background, or to naturalize in woodlands. Some of them are exceUent to use with shrubs. Culture. They are of easiest culture, growing in almost any sofl, although a rather hght, weU drained soil and a sunny position will produce large plants with numerous blooms. The Joe-Pye Weed, however, requires a moist situation. These plants increase in profusion of flowers and size of trusses when transplanted from the wild. Propagation. They are propagated from seeds or by division of the clumps. Hardy Ferns — Shield Fern, Hay-scented or Gos- samer Fern, Lady and Male Ferns, Royal Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Cinnamon Fern, Walking Fern, Climbing Fern Almost everybody has a spot in the garden around the home which is so shady that very few plants will grow there and consequently these spots are bare eyesores. Have you ever taken a walk through NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 91 A shaded nock of ferns and Plantain Lilies dense, cool green woods and admired the wealth of ferns growing there so luxuriantly, and wished that you could have them around your own home to lend their quiet and cool atmosphere ? Most of these ferns can be grown easily if one is willing to give a Uttle attention to their care. The Maidenhair Fern {Adiantum pedatum) is perhaps one of the most dehcate of these hardy ferns. It grows from 12 inches to 18 inches high and has long, curved fronds borne on long, slender, black stems. W hen this fern is once well established, it increases very rapidly. The Royal or Flowering Fern {Osmunda regalis) is very stately, growing from 2 feet to 3 feet high. The fronds are large and pale green in color. The Ciimamon Fern {Osmunda cinnamomea) often grows 5 feet high. When its fronds unfold they are covered with a rusty wool, but as they develop they become perfectly smooth. The Hay-scented or Gossamer Fern (Dicksonia punctilohula) grows in masses 18 inches high. It spreads very rapidly. The fronds are large and much divided. The Lady Fern {Asplenium Filix-foemina) and the Male Fern {Lastrea Filix-mas) are two of the best ones for general gardening. 92 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS The Lady Fern grows from 2 feel to 3 feet tall and has Imely cut foliage, while the Male Fern is an evergreen sort growing about 18 inches high. The Walking Fern {Campiosorus rhizophyllus) is a low creeping fern. It grows in little tufts with evergreen fronds which take root when they touch the ground, forming other small plants. The Climbing or Hartford Fern {Lygodium palmatum) is another small, dainty fern. Its slender stalk will grow from 1 foot to 4 feet high, with smaU, palmately cut leaves. The Christmas Fern, Asplenium acrostichoides, is an evergreen sort and is more showy in Winter than in Summer. It is especially at home in rocky places, prefering moisture and shade. The Aspidiums, especially A. marginale and A. spinulosa, are attractive ferns for moist places. A very common fern, the Common Polypody, Polypodium vulgare, although not individually beautiful, is seen to advantage upon the ledges of gorges where it forms dense mats of foliage. There are a great many different species of ferns and if they are carefully studied, almost any corner in any garden can be supplied with a touch of fern. Uses. Since most of these ferns require a shady and moist situa- tion, they can be massed along shady, woodland paths, at the edges of ponds or along the sides of streams. Many are good for planting on the north side of houses and as edges for borders. The small ones are ahnost invaluable for the rock garden or near niiall artificial waterfalls. In the ordinary garden very pretty effects are gained by planting the early flowering bulbous plants among them, because the fronds of the ferns begin to unfurl very early in Spring. Collections of hardy ferns are extremely interesting. Many of the sorts are good for cutting during the Summer. Culture. Very few of these ferns will grow in sunny situations. Try to imitate nature when planting them in your gardens. Shady or semi-shady places aie best, planted underneath trees and around tall shrubbery, where the plants will be more or less protected from the sun and hot, dry winds. Good drainage is absolutely necessary and it is advisable to raise the fern bed 3 inches or 4 inches in order to insure this. Plenty of water should be supphed during the dry Summer months. In preparing the soil, dig as deeply as the roots of the trees will allow. If the soil is clayey or poor, use plenty of decayed leaves, peat, manure and other loose materials. The soil should be very fine, light and porous. When planting the small ferns in the rockery almost NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 93 pure leafmold can be used. None of the ferns should be set deeply in the soil, most of them requiring about an inch of soil covering. Those which grow from crowns should be set on the soil so that the crown is not covered. Ample room should be left between the plants because they spread so readily. The Royal or Flowering Fern can be grown in 2 or 3 inches of still water or in very moist places. The Cinnamon Fern is usually found in mucky soils. The Gossamer Fern is one of the best to grow along walks for it will grow in either sun or shade. Ferns should be reset in the Spring or during the Summer through August. This will give plenty of time for a new set of fronds to come while the roots are getting estabhshed. If they are planted in the Fall they require a good mulching of leaves. The fronds should be cut back when the plants are moved. Propagation. The Ferns are propagated by dividing the root stalks, which are the underground stems from which the upright stems grow. Funkia — Day Lily, Plantain Lily, Corfu Lily Two sorts of flowers have been called Day Lilies — Funkia (or Hosta, as it is sometimes called) and Hemerocallis. Both are old favorites in the garden. The flowers of the latter group are orange and yellow (see HemerocaUis, page 106). Most of the Funkias are grown for their exceUent foliage which is produced in clumps. The one most commonly grown in om* gardens is the Corfu Lily (F. grandiJJora or subcordata). Its leaves are a glossy light green color with spikes of pure white Lily-like flowers It grows about 2 feet high and spreads in a circle about 3 feet across The flowers are very fragrant, appearing during August and September. The Common Day Lily {F. cwrulea) grows \}/2 feet high, blooms during July, and has mauve or blue droop- ing flowers. F. Sieholdiana is one of the strongest growers in this group. It is 2}/2 feet taU, has white flowers tinged with hlac produced in July and has very large, grayish-green leaves. There are some of these Plantain Lilies with variegated foliage, bright green margined in white, of which F. undulata variegaia is one of the best They keep on growing, improving every year as the clumps increase in size. Uses. Funkias are perhaps most useful in the various kinds of borders. The dwarfer variegated kinds are used for edging purposes. They can be used as specimen plants in the lawn, planted near lakes or streams, or grouped around shrubbery Both the fohage and flowers are distinct, beautiful and attractive wherever planted. Some of them are used in rock gardens. They are exceUent plants for the strip of 94 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS soil near the Iiouse in the shade which is common ahout most of our homes. Culture. Before planting the Day Lilies, the ground should be prepared to a good depth and enriched with manure. They grow best in moderately rich soil where a good supply of moisture is available. They will grow either in sunhght or shade, but they grow best in partial shade, even in the northern exposures, where very few other plants will grow. Propagation. The division of the root clumps is the easiest method of propagating the Day Lilies. Some produce seeds which grow readily if planted soon after the seeds ripen. Gaillardia — Blanket Flower The satisfactory Blanket Flowers deserve a place in all gardens. They are showy, bloom under adverse conditions and are easy of cul- ture. The great improvement in colors which has gone on in recent years is marvelous. There are both annual and perennial species, both of which have become so varied in their form and colors that the best test of a perennia' sort is to wait until Spring. If it lives through the Winter and blooms the next year, it is perennial The perennial sorts are catalogued as Gaillardia arisiata {grandiflora) . The flowers are often clear rich yellow or clear wine red, but usually the petals are broadly margined with yellow and the remainder of the flower is some shade of crimson. The centers of the flowers are frequently a deep maroon. Uses. Gaillardias are especially good for the perennial border where they start to flower in June and continue after many other flow- ers are killed by the frost. They are also prized as cut flowers and for tliis purpose should be cut when the flowers are slightly cup-shaped before the petals have reflexed. Without apparent harm the flowers may be kept out of water in carrying them from one place to another. Culture. All persons who have grown GaiUardias know that they bloom even during protracted droughts. They prefer the full sun and a sandy soil. Old plants have a tendency to become "blmd," that is, they grow nicely but produce no flowers. Such clumps should be dug and divided. Propagation. When raised from seed they do not bloom unless started very early. They are easily raised, however, the seed ger- minating in five to eight days. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 95 Gentiana — Gentian TO THE FRINGED GENTIAN Thou blossom bright with Autumn dew, And colored with the Heaven's own blue, That openest, when quiet light Succeeds the keen and frosty night. Thou waitest late, and com'st alone, When woods are bare and birds are flown, And frosts and shortening days portend The aged year is near his end. Then doth thy sweet and quiet eye Look through its fringes to the sky. Blue — blue — as if the sky let fall A flower from its cerulean wall. — Wm. Cullen Bryant There are almost as many Gentians in poems and books about flowers as there are real Gentians in the woods. Two sorts are to be found by much hunting through United States. They are the Closed Gentian (Gen- tiana Andrewsii) and the Fringed Gentian (G. crin- ita). The Closed Gentian is of interest because it blooms from September to November, but the flowers never open, remaining in large, bud-like fonn. The flower stems are \}/2 feet tall and the purplish blue flowers are borne in clus- ters in the axils of the upper leaves. The plants are found growing on damp hillsides and in meadows. The Fringed Gentian is more beautiful and less common. It is the most modest flower of our woods ^^°"^** °'" ^°"*^ *^*"flowers"^ °^ °'"' ''^°'*'* '^''** 96 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS and hides itself away in the open places. The flowers are bluish and have a delicate fringe at the margins of the petals. Unlike the Closed Gentian, they are borne singly upon the apex of the stems. The Gentianella (G. acaulis) is the blue, stemless Gentian of the Alps. The flowers are bell-shaped, large and blue. The plants grow but 6 inches tall and bloom in Spring. In Europe this plant is commonly used as an edging plant. Culture. The Gentians are difficult to transplant and if seed is sown, it should be fresh, otherwise it wiU not grow. The Closed Gentiana may be grown in moist meadows but they should have no lime in the soil. The Fringed Gentiana is a biennial which is extremely difficult to grow. If fresh seed is obtained, sow in pots. The Gentian- ella is the easiest sort to grow, requiring limestone added to the soil. All sorts prefer partial shade. Geranium — Crane's-bill, Herb Robert The plants, usuaUy called Geraniums, are really Pelargoniums and do not come within the scope of this book. The true Geraniums are hardy perennials growing 12 inches to 18 inches tall. They range in color from lilac to rosy-purple. The most commonly cultivated species, Geranium sanguineum, has purple -crimson flowers producing a profu- sion of flowers through the Summer. A white variety is frequently listed. Two wild sorts are worthy of places in the wild garden or moist rockery, namely: G. Robertianum, the Herb Robert, which has tiny magenta flowers and deeply cleft leaves. The plants are encountered frequently in very moist, rocky woods. They are easily distinguished by their peculiar odor. This is a biennial sort but will self-sow itself year after year. G. maculatum, the Spotted Crane's-bill, is far the commoner wild sort. The flowers vary from hght to dark magenta. Both of these species are very hairy. Uses. The smaUer plants are excellent for pot culture or to use as edgings for borders. Many are grown in rockeries, in wliich situa- tions Herb Robert and the spotted Crane's-bill are especially attrac- tive. Sometimes the flowers are cut and used in small basket or vase decorations. Culture. Geraniums do nicely in moist places. The wild sorts will not stand the hot sun. Any good garden soil will do. They thrive best transplanted in the Spring. Propagation. They are fpropagated by sowing the seed during the latter part of Summer, and are usuaUy wintered in coldframes. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 97 Geum — Avens Among our pernicious weeds is one whose seeds are provided with hooks which catch in our clothing when on a Summer walk through the woods. This is a Geum. It is a surprise, therefore, to lind several ex- cellent perennial flowers as its relatives. The common species, Geum coccineum, or chiloense as it is more properly called, grows from 12 inches to 18 inches high with hairy leaves, somewhat resembling those of a Strawberry. The flowers are both double and single and are borne on branched stems in great profusion. The variety, Mrs. W. J. Bradshaw, is the best one to grow. It has very large flowers from Ij^ inches to 8 inches across with large, wavy petals of a bright crimson color. The Geums bloom freely from May through October. G. monianum {Heldreichii) produces orange flowers through the Summer and grows h2 inches tall. Uses. The Geum is a most exceUent flower to use for bouquets. It wilts readily and when the flowers are cut they should be put in warm water. They are also good for borders and rockeries. Culture. Geums will grow in fuU sunUght or partial shade in any garden soil and thrive very well among rocks. Propagation. They are produced from seeds and cuttings. Grasses, Ornamental This unique group of plants is not nearly so weU known nor are the many excellent sorts as often seen as their merits deserve. Only such grasses are here discussed as are hardy, easily grown and will produce striking efl'ects when properly used. Bamboos and Grasses are splendid for tropical effects and particularly to be admired for large beds, for the edging of ponds and streams or for combination in the perennial border. Plant afl sorts in a rich, moist loam in a place pro- tected from strong winds. Propagation. The varieties of grasses with variegated leaves are usually propagated by division rather than seed because, in most cases, the variegations are not propagated true. Propagation by divi- sion is easily done in early Spring. Alerely cut the clumps into pieces 3 inches or 4 inches across. Such divisions when planted a foot apart will, at the end of the season, increase the apparent size of the clump. Many of the grasses, however, are propagated from seed sown in the early Spring. Ornamental grass in its young stages of growth 98 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS appears to be so small that one has a feeling that it need not be given a great deal of space. Crowded grasses do not thrive, so that they should be transplanted when small and given plenty of space to de- velop. Arrhenatherum bulbosum variegatum A dwarf, decorative grass of tufted habit growing only 8 inches high. The green and white leaves retain their clear color throughout the season. It is used where a white edging or border is desired. Arundo Donax — Giant Reed Tliis is the tallest of the ornamental grasses, sometimes growing in rich, deep soil to a height of 20 feet. The long, drooping leaves of a bright green color are produced from the base to the top of the stem, some- what resembling a corn plant, though more graceful. Late in Summer the plant produces showy red- dish brown plumes over a foot long, which turn a silvery gray at maturity. The Giant Reed is useful for the centers of large beds, in the backgrounds of bor- ders or as specimens in the lawn. It re- fuses to be at home in stiff, clayey soil, preferring a deep, sandy loam and a sheltered position. Variegated forms are obtainable; they have leaves striped with Giant Reed or Arundo, one of the tallest grasses. white This latter sort seldom grows over 12 feet tall and is not entirely hardy without protection in the colder climates. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 99 Bamboos The Ramboos form a group of interesting grasses, interesting be- case of their association with many uses to which they are put by the Japanese. Few of our outdoor Ramboos, however, grow so that we can actually use them for fishpoles. They are usually more bushy. Three principal genera of grasses are known as Ramboos, namely: Bambusa, Arundinaria and Phyllostachys. Generally speaking it is wise to protect all of the sorts listed as Ramboos. The choicest and hardiest sorts include the following: Arundinaria auricoma. This grass is an excellent purple-stemmed variety, having green and yellow variegated foliage. It is rather dwarf, growing only 3 feet tall. Arundinaria Foriunei. This is the smallest of the common hardy Ramboos, growing only 18 inches tall and having evergreen foliage, variegated green and white. Although it lacks the grace of the taller varieties, it is often used for edging or in rockeries. Arundinaria japonica (B. Metake). Arrow Ramboo. This hand- some variety from Japan forms dense masses 8 feet to 10 feet high. The leaves remain on the plant in good condition well into Midwinter. This sort is reliable and thrives under trying conditions. Arundinaria Simonii. This sort is distinct and of vigorous growth, the branches being grouped in dense clusters. The narrow, green leaves are occasionally striped with white. It grows 20 feet tall in China although 15 feet is considered to be a good growth in this country. Bambusa palmaia. This is an effective, broad-leaved species form- ing dense clumps 4 feet high. The bright green leaves are often 15 inches long and 3 inches wide. Phyllostachys aurea. Golden Ramboo. This graceful Chinese sort has close jointed canes which are light green when young, but change to a straw yellow when mature. The plants grow 15 feet tall and are covered with small branches which bear soft green foliage. Elymus— Blue Lime Grass Elymus glaums is an excellent grass of spreading habit, with nar- row, bluish-green leaves. It makes an earlier start in Spring than most grasses and grows 3 feet high. 100 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Erianthus — Plume Grass, Hardy Pampas Grass In habit Erianthus Ravennx resembles the Pampas Grass, but it is not as ornamental l)ecause the plumes are not as showy. It grows 5 feet to 10 feet tall. In a sunny location, in well-drained soil, this grass is attractive as a specimen or for use among shrubs. Eulalia or Miscanthus — Japanese Rush The plain green and variegated sorts of Eulaha are of great value in the garden. They grow 5 feet to 7 feet tall. Eulalia japonica has deep green leaves 2 feet to 3 feet long and over an inch wide. E. gracillima has long, drooping leaves, narrower than the former sort and with a stripe of white through the center. E. japonica zebrina, the Zebra grass, has leaves which are variegated, being marked cross- wise with broad, yellowish white bands. Festuca — Blue Fescue This httle tufted grass, Festuca glauca, has silvery-blue foliage and grows only 10 inches tall. The plants are evergreen, but it is advisable to cut the old leaves from the plants early in the Spring before the new crop is produced. It is especially recommended for edging in the perennial border and in the rock garden. Gynerium or Cortaderia — Pampas Grass "What is there growing in the garden or 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," writes Robinson in "Subtropical Gardening." LInfortunately, the plants are rather tender and require mulching in Winter, or they may be taken up and wintered in a cool cellar. The plumes are the handsomest, most graceful of all grasses and the needed care is worth the trouble. Pennisetum — Fountain Grass Most of the Fountain Grasses are annuals, but Pennisetum ja- ponicum is a perennial, grows 3 feet to 4 feet tall, and has fox tail-hke plumes of rich mahogany tipped with white. NOTEWOR'III^ PERENNIALS 101 Phalaris — Ribbon Grass, Gardener's Garter This grass is a favorite of old gardens where it spreads widely. The leaves of Phalaris arundinacea picla are attractively striped with pure white. It is useful as a border for the taller perennial grasses because it grows 2 feet tall. It thrives especially well in wet soil and may be used on the margins of ponds. In soil too rich it loses its vareisration. Uniola — Spike Grass The Spike Grass, Uniola latifolia, has arching leaves an inch wide, and broad, flat spikelets produced in loose drooping clusters. It grows 3 feet tall. Gypsophila — Baby's Breath, Chalk Plant, Gauze Flower, Fairies' Breath The Gypsophila is one of the daintiest of the old-fashioned flowers with a misty grace which is not found in other flowers. The flowers themselves are tiny, white or blush-white and the plants are covered with myriads of these blossoms all during the Summer. The plant grows from 2 feet to 3 feet tall; the fohage is grass-hke, the stems are branched minutely and are wiry, and the general appearance is filmy, gauzy, or misty white. Gypsophila paniculata has single flowers, while G. p. flore-pleno has larger, double, rosette-like flowers and is more satisfactory. G. aciitifolia is frequently cultivated, difl'ering from G. paniculata in its greener and narrower leaves. G. cerastoides and G. repens monslrosa are trailing species blooming in June and July; the former has pinkish tinged flowers. Uses. The Baby's Breath is an excellent cut flower, especially when combined in bouquets or decorations with other flowers which do not have much foliage. The flowers, especially of the double form, can be cut and dried and used during the Winter months. The plants themselves are useful in the hardy border, or as pot plants. The trailing form is useful for edging and for rock gardens. Culture. Gypsophilas endure open, dry places and rather poor soil. The name Gypsophila (Gypsum-loving) seems to indicate its preference for limestone soils. Some gardeners claim tha t cutting the plants back after blooming is detrimental to them. 102 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Propagation. Tliey may bo propagated from seeds or cuttings taken either in the Fall or Spring. The double sorts should be grafted on the roots of the single flowering ones, as about 30 per cent of the seedlings come double from seed. The plants are divided most fre- quently. Heather — Heath The American finds it almost unholy to write of Heather because his remarks may be read by a Scotchman who might wonder by what right an American obtained permission to discuss these bonny plants. There are a number of sorts of Heathers which may be grown in north- ern United States, but many of the European sorts are not hardy enough. Lovers of Heather might easily grow it, if they but knew the sorts to grow. The following sorts are seen thriving in our country: Calluna vulgaris, the true Scotch Heather, has tiny purple flowers and grows 12 inches to 18 inches tall. It blooms late in August and remains in bloom until Fall. There is also a white variety. C. crispa is an excellent sort with pinkish lavender flowers. Erica carnea has pink flowers and is one of the most popular sorts in America. The plants grow 6 inches tall and bloom in April or May. Erica stricta, the Corsican Heath, seldom attains a height of 2 feet and has stiff, upright branches. The flowers are rosy purple appearing in August. Menziesia polifolia, the Irish Heath, has small, oval, dark green leaves and long spikes of large, drooping, white or bright rose bells. It blooms from July to September. The plants attain a height of 6 inches. Bruckenthalia spiculifolia is found listed in some catalogs. It grows 5 inches to 8 inches tall, has heath-like, Hght pmk flowers pro- duced in early June. Uses. Besides their sentiment and interest, the Heaths are ex- tremely dainty for use in the border or rock garden. They are espe- ciaUy at home as an undergrowth for Rhododendron beds. They may be cut, and when placed in vases, wiU last for weeks. Culture. The various Heaths prefer a soil compounded of peat or leafmold. They prefer plenty of moisture in Summer but the soil must be perfectly drained. Our weather conditions are not ideal, due to our hot, dry Summers, but Mr. Wm. Anderson (Lancaster, Mass.) writing in The Gardener's Chronicle of America, says: NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 103 "A situation should be selected where protection is afforded from sweeping winds in February and March. We have some Heather planted on a hillside in the full sun, and exposed to sweeping northwest winds. The tops were killed back some last Winter, but started up again in early Spring and was in full bloom September 6. These plants have been grow- ing in their present location for four years. For the first two years the ground was kept cultivated between the plants, but the growth became so thick that this was discontinued, and since then, thousands of seedlings are beginning to appear under and between the older plants. In another spot a planting was put in two years later, and in a more sheltered location, and has come through the last two severe Winters in good condition." Propagation. The propagation of the Heathers is rather diffi- cult for the amateur. It is best to purchase plants from the dealer. Helenium — Sneezeweed, Helen's Flower The Heleniums are tall growing autumnal plants which are closely related to the Sunflower. The blooming period is from June to the end of September and during this time the plants are covered with flowers Helen's Flower or Helenium. The rich maroon varieties are superb for late Summer or Fall garden effects. 104 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS of mahogany-crimson, coppery-bronze, lemon-yellow, and light and deep rich yellows. The flowers are flat and are borne in large heads or clusters. They grow from 1 foot to 6 feet high. Helenium autumnale, Riverton Gem, grows from 23/2 f^^l to 3 feet high and has flowers of an old gold color, which changes to a blood-red wallflower color when mature. Riverton Beauty grows from 5 feet to 6 feet taU. Its flowers are a rich lemon yellow^ with a purplish-black cone center. Rubrum bears large, loose heads of terra cotta or mahog- any-crimson flowers which do not change as the blooms mature. Superbum has deep, golden yeUow flowers while Striatum has yeUow flowers striped with crimson. AU the above varieties bloom from August through September. H. Hoopesii, a clear, rich yellow sort with slightly drooping rays, blooms early in June and grows only 2 feet tafl. FoUowing the last named species in season of bloom is H. pumilum, another yellow sort, usually growing about 18 inches tall and bear- ing a profusion of flowers through the Summer months. Uses. Heleniums are a very useful as well as popular group of plants for the garden, for their masses of golden-hued colors blend with the autumnal colors and produce efi'ects which are hard to achieve in any other group. Because of their tall growth, Heleniums are used to form the body and main background of large borders and are very attractive when planted among shrubbery. The flowers are very useful for cutting and the blooms remain fresh for a long time when placed in water. The bushes are always covered with large quantities of bloom which remain on the plant in good condition for some time. The cut flowers are useful for interior decoration. Culture. Heleniums are vigorous growing plants which thrive in any soil and even under adverse conditions. They should be trans- planted frequently because they spread rapidly. Propagation. These plants are propagated by seeds sown in July, by division of the roots either in early Spring or Fall, and by cuttings taken in Spring. Helianthus — Perennial Sunflower These bold perennials are so diverse in their habits that it is hoped that the reader will not come to them with prejudice because some of its relatives are coarse and grasping in nature. Some of the NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 10 • sorts are actually dainty. All the sorts are tones of golden yellow and they are usually tall growers. Of the many sorts we shall mention a few of the best. Helianthus Maximilianii is perhaps the tallest one, growing 8 feet and some- times more if the con- ditions are favorable. It is the last one to bloom, flowering as it does in October. Its long stalks are full of small golden yellow flowers. H. orgyalis is sometimes called the Graceful Sun- flower because of its nar- row fohage which droops. It has single, lemon-yellow flowers and is another very tall grower. H. mollis, or the Hairy Sunflower, grows 4 feet tall and has grayish, downy, green leaves, dark stems and pale yellow flowers with dark centers. H. scaherrimus (Woolly Dod) blooms in Sep- tember and has deep yellow flowers with maroon centers. H. decape- talus or H. muUiflorus is one of the most profuse bloomers and, when planted where it may be given a lot of room to spread, is one of the good species, but its powers of usurping garden space eliminates it from the more refined borders. The Autumn Glory {H. angustifolius) has created some comment during the last year. The writer has not seen it, but has heard that it is one of the most graceful small- flowered sorts, that it makes a splendid addition to the small number of plants which bloom after frost . Uses. These are splendid to plant in the back rows of the bor- der, in clumps on the lawn among shrubbery, or to naturahze in the wild flower gardens or along woodland paths. They combine attrac- tively with hardy Asters. The flowers are cut and used for all kinds Qf decorative purposes. Maximilian' Sunflower, one of the choicest late flowers of Fall. 106 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Culture. Because they grow so tall, they should be planted in places where the soil is not only rich, for they are great feeders, but also very deep. The soil should be manured weU every season, because the roots exhaust the soil of food materials very readily. They prefer open, sunny places to partially shady ones, although they like a moist soil. The plants require almost yearly transplantings. Propagation Helianthus is readily propagated from cuttings or division of the root stocks. Heliopsis — Orange Sunflower The Hehopsis is not grown to a great extent because so many more attractive flowers are to be found among the varieties of Hehanthus. This Orange Sunflower is very similar, growing from 2 feet to 3 feet high, with flowers varying in colors from orange to a deep golden yellow. The flowers are either single, like a Daisy, or double, like a Zinnia, and measure 23/^ inches or 3 inches across. Heliopsis Pitcher iana which grows 2 feet to 3 feet is a good variety to grow. It has single flowers of a very thick texture and of a deep golden yellow color. It begins blooming in June and lasts through September and early October. Excelsa is an intense golden sort which does not turn brown in the center. Uses. The Orange Sunflowers have long, stiff" stems which make them valuable for cuttmg. The blooms last a long time, both on the plant or in water. The plants themselves are suited for borders or dry spots. Culture. They are of easy culture, preferring open, sunny situ- ations. Propagation. They are propagated by seeds, cuttings and divi- sion of the root stocks. Hemerocallis — Day Lily During the early Summer months the roadsides, railroad tracks and banks of streams are brightened immensely when the Orange Day LiUes come into bloom. They grow so freely and in so many out of the way places that many people have come to consider them as native plants, but they are wild in Japan and China. This Orange Day Lily NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 107 ^^■--i^-j^^-:^' irttW^^TWl '- '"""'if '. t ••Vt. -'^S-. Le/^ Lemon Lily, with charming fragrance and grace; right, Kansas Gay Feather or Liatris, an unusual flower of Summer. (Hemerocallis fulva) has a gaudy orange yellow color. The plants grow from 3 feet to 5 feet high, have narrow, drooping, grass-like leaves which are very graceful, and the trumpet-shaped flowers are produced on spikes of from six to twelve blooms. Each flower lasts only a very short time, hut new ones bloom every day. The blooming period extends from early June through July for all the varieties. The Lemon Day Lily (H. flava) has clear lemon or canary-yellow col- ored flowers and is the better one of the two to grow in the gardens. It is only 2 feet or 3 feet high and is deh'ghtfully fragrant. H. Mid- dendoj'ffii is a dwarf sort with rich, golden yellow flowers. H. Dumoriieri begins blooming in May and has very showy flowers of a bronze yeUow on the outside and a rich yeUow inside of the petals. There are many new hybrids of the Day Lilies, many of which are superior in color and produce more blooms to the spike. H. Florhami has deep, golden yeUow blooms with Indian-yeUow markings. The petals are beautifully frilled. H. citrina has pale lemon-yellow flow- ers and is a tall grower. H. Kwanso is a double form of the Orange Day Lily. H. Thunbergii, a species from Japan, may be described as a late-blooming Lemon Lily. 108 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Uses. Since they grow and bloom so freely, their uses are many. About the most attractive way of growing them is to let them naturalize themselves along woodland paths, along streams or moist banks. They are excellent for the border or to plant among shrubbery. The flowers are used for cutting purposes. Culture. The Day Lihes are easy to grow, thriving equally well in full sunlight as in partial shade. In fact they can be planted any- where and they will take care of themselves. It is best to divide the clumps every two years, although they are often left for four or five years. They do not need any protection during the Winter. Propagation. They are easily propagated by division of the root stocks. Herbs The home gardener can derive a genuine pleasure in growing herbs when they supply so many of one's wants. This is especially true of a housewife who has her own kitchen garden. Culinary Herbs Borage {Borago officinalis). The large leaves have a fragrant odor and add greatly when served with Lettuce in salads. The leaves are sometimes boiled Hke Spinach. The flowers are used in cool drinks and they also attract the bees. Burnet {Sanguisorha canadensis). The leaves are used in cool drinks and in flavoring soups and salads. Difl {Anethum graveolens). The seeds have a pungent odor. Used for flavoring vinegar to make "difl pickles." Fennel, Florence {Fceniculum duke). The leaf-stalks at the base of the stem are very large. These are fine in salads, the sweet flavor somewhat resembling that of Celery. Fennel, Sweet {Foeniculum vulgare). The leaves are beautiful for garnishes; are also boiled in fish sauces. Lavender (Lavandula vera). The leaves and flowers have a de- lightful perfume and a small bag of the dried flowers gives the flnen a delicate perfume. Oils are also made from the true lavender. Marjoram, Sweet [Origanum Majorana) The leaves and shoots are used for seasoning and are also dried for Winter use. Mint {Mentha piperita). The leaves and stems are used for flavor- ing and for the distiUation of essence of peppermint. NcrjEWORTHY PERENNIALS 109 Sage, Goininon {Salvia ojjicinalis). '\\w Icavos and tups arc used eommonly in the seasoning of the stuffing for fowls and for dressings. Tarragon, True {Artemisia Dracunciilus) . The leaves, either fresh or dried, are used for flavoring soups, pickles and vinegar. The finely chopped fresh leaves add greatly to salads. Thyme {Thymus vulgaris). The leaves are used either fresh or dried for flavorings. This is also a good edging plant for the garden. Medicinal Herbs Boneset {Eupalorium perfoliatum). Tea made from the Boneset leaves is used for fever. Catnip {Nepeta Caiaria). It is a well established fact that cats delight in rolhng among the leaves. The Catnip is said to be a good bee pasture. Feverfew {Chrysanthemum Parthenium). This makes a good blood tonic. Horehound {Marruhium vulgare). The leaves are used as a remedy for colds, for dyspepsia, and also for their tonic effect. Hyssop {Hyssopus ojficinalis). The leaves and tops are used for Hyssop tea. This plant is also grown as a pot plant. Rosemary {Rosmarinus ojjicinalis). Rosemary tea gives rehef to headaches. Tansy {Tanacetum vulgare). Tansy tea is used against worms and is generally used in bitters. Wormwood {Artemisia vulgaris). This is beneficial to poultry and should therefore be planted in every poultry yard. Culture. All the herbs require a rather rich garden soil. If they are being grown for their seeds, the branches should be cut when the seed is ripe before it has a chance to fall away and scatter. When dried properly the seed should be stored. The stems and leaves, if they are to be dried, should be cut on a bright day when the leaves have matured; then tied in small bundles, dried quickly in the shade, and hung in paper bags in the attic until they are needed. They can also be kept in mason jars or tight fitting boxes. The roots should be washed thoroughly before drying. All the herbs except Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage and Wormwood, which are of a shrubby nature, should be cut back to a few inches from the ground and covered with straw or leaves during the Winter. These few plants should be cut to within 6 inches of the ground. All herbs need Winter protection. Propagation. Most herbs are easily raised from seed. Tarragon is propagated by division of the roots. The seed should be sown 110 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS where the plants are to remain, and then the small plants can be thinned out later. It is best to plant them on a dull day and water them carefully. Hesperis — Sweet Rocket, Damask Violet Sweet Rocket is one of our most fragrant flowers which grows al- most wild, as it has escaped from the gardens. Hesperis matronalis has white, flesh or lavender-colored flowers which grow in large clusters. The plants are about 3 feet high and are bushy. AU of the flowers are very sweet scented and this is especially notic ed in the evening. They bloom from June through September. Uses. They are used in the border where they bloom earher than Phlox, which they somewhat resemble. The flowers are used for cutting. The Magenta colored sorts are trying to combine with other flowers, so that the white variety is the one to grow. Culture. They thrive in either sun or partial shade in any good garden soil. Closely related to the Cabbage, they are sometimes affected with the Cabbage worm, in which case, they should be sprayed with arsenate of lead. Propagation. They are grown from seeds and readily self-sow. Heuchera — Fairy Flowers, Alum Root, Coral Bells Heucheras are among the most desirable of the smaller growing plants. There are many varieties worth growing. Of these, Heuchera sanguinea is most often seen. The plants are compact, bushy and grow in tufts, the flower stems growing Ij^ feet or 2 feet high. The ever- green leaves look like those of a Geranium. From a mass of ornamental fohage rise graceful spikes covered with pendent flowers which assume the size of Lily of the VaUey bells, of a bright coral-crunson color. It blooms about the middle of the Summer. Catalogs list white, creamy, purple and rose-colored varieties. H. americana, resembling the Foam Flowers and the Mitreworts, is a native of our woods. Uses. Small clumps of Heucheras are very attractive when planted by themselves among the shrubbery where their dainty beUs wiU not be outshone by other gay flowers. The fohage is tinted with various maroon markings during the Winter and this makes the plants valuable for the borders. The leaves are also used in vases as accom- NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 111 Left, the giant flowers of the Mallows or Hibicus, the largest flowers of the gar- den; right, Japanese Irises, the gorgeous flowers of which rival the other flowers of June. paniments to other flowers, and the sprays of hloom make excellent cut flowers. Heucheras are perhaps most at home when planted in the rockery where they become robust and the foliage completely covers the rocks. Culture. Moist, rich loam is the best soil in which to grow them. Although the plants grow for a long time in one place, the larger plants tend to grow weak very soon. These should be removed and planted elsewhere about every two years. They refuse to thrive in a stiff*, clayey soil. Propagation. The plants are propagated by division in October, or seeds, which should be sown in March if a greenhouse is available. The seedhngs are tiny and need not be transplanted until they attain some size. Hibiscus — Marsh Mallow, Swamp Rose Mallow, Mallow Marvels The perennial Mallows bear some of the largest flowers of any of our perennials and present a gorgeous sight when in bloom. They grow from 3 feet to 8 feet tall and the branches spread out over a great 11^ A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS area. The leaves are large and grayish green in eolor. The llowers resemble a single Hollyhoek bloom, only they are nmch larger, some measuring from 0 inches to 10 inches or 12 inches across. The colors range from white with crimson centers to deep crimson, but most of the colors are soft, causing them to blend with other flowering plants. The plants begin blooming in July, but are at their best during August and September. Altogether these large Mallows present quite a tropical aspect to any planting The Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus Mos- cheutos) grows 4 feet or 5 feet high, and has flowers 6 inches across of a clear rose color with a large dark eye in the center. This is a very showy plant. The Crimson-eye Rose Mallow (//. oculiroseus) has large, pure white flowers with a deep crimson eye. The flowers are extremely large and appear velvety. The Mallow Marvels comprise a group of especially large flowering sorts. Uses. MaUows are hardy and adapt themselves readily to almost any planting. \A'hen grouped in masses the large plants present an extraordinary picture. They may be planted either among slirubs or used as a substitute for them. The plants are too large for the ordinary garden border because they require much room, but they can be used in large beds of mixed flowers. Culture. Mallows prefer a moist soil although they will do equally well in dry soil, sun or partial shade The plants die down to the ground during Winter and are about the last plants to show green shoots in the Spring They grow very rapidly and do not require much care. A hght mulching of the plants is good for Winter. Propagation. They are propagated from seed which will pro- duce blooms the first year if the seeds are sown early enough. The roots are easily divided and one can always be sure that the plants will come true to form if this method is used. Hollyhock— Althaea A constant, old-fashioned garden favorite ! Hollyhocks have been universally admired for hundreds of years They are stately, majes- tic, towering plants that add beauty wherever they are grown. What other plant has so stately a habit or so many clear, lovely colors.:^ In single plants or in masses against wafls or buildings, in groups at the back or rear of the perennial border, interspersed with low shrubbery or in bold masses along drives or walks, they are ahke efl'ective Many fine plants wiU give their fuUest eff'ects the first year, so they are planted to advantage in the newly made garden when the trees and shrubs are low and the general eff'ect is too bare of color and foliage. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS lis There are sin^'les and doubles. The doubles are popular, but the sin^des are always admired because of their simple beauty and individuahty. A group of well grown Hollyhocks in bloom is worth going to see. It is really the color that we look for, because the leaves are large, coarse and grow mostly in clumps at the base of the plant. The long spikes of flowers grow from .5 feet to 8 feet high and there are usually from live to nine blossoms in bloom on each weU grown stalk. The average size is about 2 inches or 3 inches across, but o-inch blooms can be had if good attention is given. The colors range from white to almost black and include shades of pink, flesh, rose-pink, salmon-rose, golden yellow, canary-yeUow, dark red, purple-crimson, dark maroon, white and combinations of practically all these colors with either white centers or white margins. The blooming period is from late June through September. Fringed petaled sorts are catalogued as Allegheny Holly- hocks and are exquisite. There are also annual sorts which may be depended upon to bloom the same year they are sown. Uses. Hollyhocks at the present time have a great landscape value to hide unsightly places, to work in the border, or among the Tall Hollyhocks to greet us through the open window. 114 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS trees and shrubs. They are also used for cut flowers, but wilt very rapidly. Culture. They require a deeply dug, well-drained soil made up of equal portions of good loam and leafmold. Well decayed manure is good also to mix in the soil. They should be planted in a warm place and given plenty of water during dry weather. Propagation. As the seeds ripen in August they should be sown in light soil and the seedhngs grown in coldframes during the Winter. The ground should be well prepared and the plants put in just as early as the ground can be worked. Hollyhocks self-sow very rapidly. Diseases. Hollyhocks, where grown for a number of years in the same place, are troubled with a rust. It causes little trouble, however, among vigorous young plants. A mixture of lime and sul- phur blown under the leaves wiU prevent any serious outbreak. Bordeaux mixture is also effective. Badly infested plants should be dug and burned. Keep down the growth of the Mallow-like weeds. Much of the trouble with the rust is eliminated if the seed is sown as advised in August instead of Spring. Left, Coral Bells or Heuchera, slender spikes of bright bells for the border or rockery; right, Blue Flax or Linum, airy, dancing, blue flowers. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 115 Hypericum — St. John's Wort, Gold Flower Aaron's Beard, Literally speaking, these flowers either seem to be made of gold or to be holding the golden rays of sunlight within their small petaled cups. Real, genuine pleas- ure is derived by growing this plant. The St. John's Wort {Hypericum Moseri- anum) has large, deep, ghstening, golden yellow blossoms, greatly resem- bling a single Rose, filled with numerous yellow sta- mens and red anthers. These flowers are borne very freely at the ends of long, graceful, reddish branches which are cov- ered with oval, shining, smooth, deep green leaves. This plant grows from iH feet to 2 feet tall and the slender, spreading branch- es droop at the ends. The flowers are in bloom from August through October. Aaron's Beard (//. caly- cinum) is a lower growing plant with golden yeUow flowers. Uses. The Hypericums are especially good to use as borders for shrubs or the perennial beds of flowers, or to use in rock gardens. The plants are neat growing for pot culture. The flowers are em- ployed in decorations. Culture. The plants do best in a light, warm, sandy soil. The flowers last longer if they are shaded slightly. AU of the Hypericums are shrubby in nature, the woody growth and some of the leaves re- maining on during the Winter months. New growth starts from the base of the plant. Propagation. They are propagated from seeds, cuttings or division of the roots. St. John's Wort, the large yellow flowers of which, filled with threads of gold, are sure to be enjoyed. 116 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Iberis — Candytuft Candytuft, a low growing evergreen shrub, is in reality one of the best flowers in its class. It grows from 9 inches to 12 inches high and spreads out making low mats which are covered with flat, dense clus- ters of the purest of white flowers. This perennial Candytuft {Iberis sempervirens) comes into bloom the last part of April and lasts through June. /. gibraltarica is the largest of the Candytufts, but is somewhat more straggly in growth. It is very showy because the clusters of white flowers are deeply tinted rose lavender. The foKage of Candytuft is evergreen, which makes the plant attractive throughout the year. This is the larger and showier of the two species, but is not as hardy . Uses. Candytuft, besides being one of the best white flowers for cutting, is also invaluable to use in rock gardens, to cover bare spots, to use in beds. Candytuft, with its evergreen foliage, is one of the best plants grown for edging purposes. Some of the varieties are fra- grant, which makes them more useful as cut flowers. The plants are used in hanging baskets, porch boxes and are grown as pot plants. Culture. The plants form a dense mat and when once estab- lished should not be moved. They do best in the sunshine. A moderately rich soil and plenty of water are the most important re- quirements. If the true /. gibraltarica is grown, it will need careful protection in the northern states. Propagation. Those plants grown from seed, are usually strag- gly the first year. They are easy to raise from seed, which germ- inate in two weeks, but the best plants are obtained from cuttings which root easily. Cuttings should be made in September and win- tered over in a coldframe where they can be kept moist. Iris — Flag It is a peculiarity of an Iris lover that he does not like to have an Iris called a Flag, although most persons call these flowers by that name. With the advent of new varieties the Iris is gaining in popu- larity from year to year. A national society honors this flower and many cities have Iris clubs. The exquisite colors and the unrivaled form have attracted many flower lovers. A collection of the varieties is a veritable rainbow of soft colors. Bearded, or German Iris. The most cultivated group of Irises are the bearded sorts, all of which have thick, fleshy, underground NOTEWORJ'HY PERENNIALS 117 stems rendering their increase most easily accomplished. They are remarkably well adapted to different situations. They do well in hot, dry, sunny places as well as the cooler and damper spots. In the shade they are not at their best. They require frequent transplanting, as the clumps soon become too thick. Japamese Iris. Gorgeously colored and giant ni size the Japanese Iris (/. Ispviqala) will become more popular in the future, for now the Japanese names have been translated and the flower buyer may be sure of the sort he buys from the nurseryman. Unlike most Bearded Irises, the Japanese Iris is a flat bloom, the leaves are narrower and the rhizomes are smaller and more compact. They dehght in water when in bloom but not at other times during the year, Siberian Iris. For themarginsof pools, where the soil is a trifle too damp for other flowers, the Siberian Iris (/. sihirica) thrives. It will not succeed with its roots in water, however. The flowers are rich purple, light lavender, blue or white, and hke the Japanese Iris, these flowers are without the prominent beard found in the Bearded Iris. Water Iris, There are two common sorts of Iris which may be planted directly in the water; namely, the European Wild Flag (/. pseudacorus) and the Blue Flag (/. versicolor). The European Wild Flag has large, yellow flowers, the petals of which are drooping. The flowers appear among the luxuriant leaves. The Blue Flag is a famihar flower to most Americans, for what boy or girl has not gotten wet feet gathering it ? Both of these sorts will thrive in ordinary garden soil without a great (juantity of water. Dwarf Iris. In April, during favorable early Springs, we are dehghted with the various dwarf Irises, Growing about 6 inches tall they supplement the Spring bulbs, EspeciaUy charming are the purple dwarf sorts when planted in front of Emperor Narcissus, /, pumila is the dwarf bearded species; /. verna and /, cristata are beardless sorts. The latter sort is very tiny and has very slender creeping rhizomes. Being sensitive to too much moisture, it grows very well when planted upon little mounds of soil or in perfectly drained spots. Intermediate Iris. Hybridists have crossed the tall Bearded Iris with the dwarf bearded sorts to produce a group intermediate in season and height between the two parents. ' Uses. The use of Iris has been suggested in the foregoing para- graphs. It is an excellent border subject and for home use the flowers are attractively arranged in our rooms. There are wet soil sorts, tall varieties, very early kinds and all types of bloom to attract each of us. 118 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Culture. The simple, let-them-alone, culture of the Iris is grati- fying to the home owner who is not a careful gardener. They do not like water upon their crowns in Winter, except where noted. The bearded sorts are said to Uke lime; the Japanese Iris does not prefer a limestone soil. Propagation. Merely cut up the old clumips to propagate them. Each piece will grow, even if allowed to He about the garden for a week without planting. The Bearded sorts increase rapidly and should be divided every three years. Lavandula — Lavender Sweet Lavender is one of the well-beloved, fragrant plants of the old-fashioned garden. It was a favorite because of its deUcate odor. Lavender {Lavandula vera) grows from 1/^ feet to 3 feet high, has downy, silvery gray foliage and long spikes of blue lavender flowers. It blooms from July through September and produces flowers very freely. There are two dwarf er varieties: L. nana compada with large blue flowers, and the Munstead Lavender with dark blue flowers, both of which grow 12 inches high and bloom several weeks earlier than the type. L. spica, the common Lavender, is dwarf er and has light colored flowers. Uses. Many persons make small sachet bags to put among Hnens by drying the leaves and flowers in the Summertime. Because of the gray foUage, Lavender is used to great advantage in borders. It is also grown for low hedges, or on dry banks and in the rock garden. The flowers are good for cutting. Culture. Lavender requires a sunny situation and hght soil. Slight protection during the Winter months is also needed. Propagation. Young plants are easily started from seeds sown early in the Spring. They should not be sown too deeply, and after the plants appear, they should be kept shaded and moist until real strong. Liatris — Blazing Star, Kansas Gay Feather, Button Snake Root, Devil's Bit Liatris is a rather odd plant and merits a much more general use because it is very desirable and attractive. The Kansas Gay Feather NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 119 {Liatris pycnoslachya) is the one most commonly grown and is one of the choicest ones to grow. It grows in long spikes, 4 feet to 5 feet tall, which are densely covered with slender, grass-Uke leaves of a light green. The small flowers are a light rosy-pm'ple, a color which does not harmonize readily with all other colors. A pecuhar habit of the Liatris is that the succession of bloom is from the top downward, rather than from the lowest blooms up to the highest as in all other spike flowers. They bloom in August and September. The Rutton Snake Root (L. spicata) and L. scariosa are two other fine species, both pro- ducing deep violet-purple spikes of flowers but not growing so taU as the Gay Feather. There are also Hghter shades of pin'ple and white varieties. There is hardly any perennial which will attract as much attention as does the Liatris because it is so different and unusual. Uses. Liatris is a splendid border plant to use at the back of the border, but the color is one which goes with few other flowers and should be subdued with white flowers. The plants have great attrac- tion for butterflies and bees. Culture. Liatrises wiU thrive in places where scarcely anything else wiU grow. They wiU grow in any soil or shade, but prefer a moist soil and partial shade. Propagation. They are propagated from seed sown in the Autumn, or by division of the tuberous roots. Linum — Perennial Flax, Golden Flax Flax is a lovely, airy plant with flowers of yeUow, blue and white. The general height is from 12 inches to 18 inches. The foliage and flowers are very deHcate and graceful and present the appearance of a smafl, feathery bush. Golden Flax {Linum flavum) has transparent, deep, golden yeUow flowers. Linum perenne is the tallest one of the Flax plants and has rather small flowers of a pearly blue. L. p. album is the white flowered variety. The flowers are borne in great numbers all during the blooming season which lasts from May through Sep- tember. They have the capricious habit of blooming every other day. Uses. Flax, especiaUy the yeUow flowered one, is very attractive to combine in plantings of Delphiniums, for both are in bloom at the same time. Flax is a dainty flower for any border because the plants bloom through such a long season. Some of the smaUer plants are grown in pots and in the rock garden. The evergreen leaves and profusion of bloom off'er further reasons for growing the Rlue Flax. VH) A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNL\LS Culture. Flax is very easy of culture, growing readily in any good garden soil in full sunlight. Propagation. It is propagated by seeds and division of the plants. Lobelia Natives of our woods, in bosky places we find two exquisite wild Lobelias, the Cardinal Flower, Lobelia cardinalis, and the Great Lobeha, L. syphilitica, a blue sort. Both sorts vary greatly in height, some growing 3 feet or 4 feet tall, other plants being hardly a foot tall. Some of the European catalogs list sorts of the Cardinal Flower which have bronze colored leaves, but these sorts are not seen in America. They bloom from July to September. Uses. They are at home in damp spots of the gardens, and along the waterside. The Great Lobelia prefers wetter places than the Cardinal Flower. When grown in dry places, they suffer from drought; they often thrive in the ordinary garden soil, but are not as tall as in Left, Lupines, the taU spires of blue, purple, white or pink flowers making points of interest in the border; rif/ht. Blue Lobelia, one of the charming blue natives. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 121 tlie wild places adapted to their cultuie. The Great Lobelia thrives in partial shade or sun but the Cardinal Flower is usually found in partial shade. Propagation. They grow readily from seed which is usually sown in the Fall, in which case the plants are wintered in a coldframe. Lupinus — Lupine If one is looking for a plant a little out of the ordinary, surely the stately Lupines will fill this need, for they are among the most beautiful perennials grown. Lupinus polyphyllus is the most popular species. It grows from '-2 feet to 5 feet in height and has beautiful, long spikes of pea-shaped or butterfly-hke flowers covering at least 12 inches on stems 8 feet or more high. The flowers are a clear, azure-blue, white or pink, with soft green leaves divided into small, flnger-like leaflets, eight to sixteen in number. L.p. Moerheimii is perhaps the handsomest variety with its bright pink, rose and white flowers. The flowering spikes are produced very freely, and a border or mass of these plants when once seen in bloom, present such a showy yet beautiful picture that it is not easily forgotten. The plants tend to spread out while growing. Healthy plants are fairly covered witli the spikes which bloom throughout May and June. Uses. The best efl'ect is gained by planting Lupines in masses in the border or on the banks of ponds or streams where the tall growing spikes cast a stately reflection in the water. Lupines naturalize well in woodlands and partially shaded corners. The tall spikes are hand- some for cutting. Culture. Lupines, when once established, are very easy of culture, and are seldom attacked by insects. They grow in any soil which does not contain lime. The roots are large and long and readily exhaust the soil of its food materials, so each year the ground should be enriched with plenty of stable manure. It is best to grow them in moist situations, but if this is not possible they should be watered well during dry weather. Lupines dislike to be moved so they should be planted and left alone. If the flowering stalks are cut down, the plants may bloom the second time in September. Propagation. Lupines are easily raised from seed and the plants self-sow if the soil is not too dry. The seeds should not be covered deeply when planted and can be sown at any time. The plants can be divided or cuttings can be made by using the rather hardened wood, or side shoots. This should be done in the Spring. 122 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Lychnis — Rose Campion, Mullein Pink, Flower of Jove, Double Ragged Robin, Cuckoo Flower, Corn Cockle, Jerusalem Cross, Maltese Cross, Scarlet Lightning, German Catchfly For the different parts of one's garden there are many good varie- ties of Lychnis. Two of these are known as Agrostemma. Double Ragged Robin and Cuckoo Flower are both common names of Agros- temma, Lynchis Flos-cucuU. This plapt, with narrow, grass-hke, grayish foliage, grows from 12 inches to 18 inches high, forming a tuft, and producing many small, delicate, tassel-like flowers in short sprays of rose or soft pink, which are very attractive to the bees of the neigh- borhood. Ragged Robin is in bloom continuously from May through August. The Mullein Pink, Dusty Miller or Rose Campion (L. or A. coronaria) is a very striking plant. The stems and leaves are a downy, silvery gray and the Pink-like flowers are a cerise scarlet. It grows 2 feet or 23^ feet taU and is in bloom during July and August. The Maltese Cross, Jerusalem Cross or Scarlet Lightning (L. chalcedonica) is a tall, loose growing plant with hairy stems and leaves. The foliage is similar to that of Sweet Wilham and from each plant several straight, strong flower stems rise to a height of 2 feet or 3 feet and have immense heads of vermilion-scarlet flowers. This is one of the most brilliant of the old-fashioned flowers. There are white flowered forms of this species. The German Catchfly (L. Viscaria) grows only about 12 inches high, has dense growing, evergreen foliage and fragrant, deep red flowers. There is a sticky, viscid area below the flowers. L. Haageana has single, orange-scarlet flowers, shaped like those of Maltese Cross, and grows a foot tall. Most of these varieties have double forms which are really as interesting as the single ones. Uses. AU of these varieties are used for cut flowers, in pereimial borders and rock gardens. They make a fine bedding plant because the period of bloom is extended over the Summer months. Culture. Lychnis is very easy of culture. The plants like sandy, weU manured loam in fuU sunlight. Those varieties suitable for the rockeries grow weU in dry soils. These are one of the best groups of plants for withstanding droughts. Propagation. The best method is by division of the plants in Spring, although aU the varieties are easily grown from seed which blooms the second year after being sown. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 123 Lythrum — Purple Loosestrife, Black Blood The coniiiion Piirple Loose- strife {Lythrum Salicaria) grows from 4 feet to 6 feet tall and blooms during the months of July and Augiist. The foliage is willow-like and the tall, erect, graceful spikes produce brightly colored, reddish-pur- ple flowers. The Rose Loose- strife (L. roseum superbum) has rose-colored flower, while Perry's variety has large and glistening cherry-red flowers. Uses. The Loosestrife takes care of itself when planted at watersides, margins of lakes or streams. There is hardly any plant which can equal this when it is naturalized in bogs, swampy woodlands or in wild gardens. Culture. These plants are moisture loving and should be planted in partial shade in low fftj?*,. Purple Loosestrife or Lythrum, unex- excelled for waterside planting. lands or in swamps. Propagation. They are propagated by stem cuttings, by seeds and division of the roots. Lysimachia — Loosestrife, Creeping Jenny or Creeping Charlie, Moneywort, Gooseneck Moneywort, Creeping Jenny and Creeping Charlie are aU common names for Lysimachia Nummularia, which is a prostrate or creeping plant and grows very rapidly. It has very showy yeUow flowers and blooms from May to September. The Loosestrife (L. clethroides) is a very showy and graceful Japanese variety. It grows 3 feet high and produces long, recurved or drooping spikes of pure white flowers from July to September. The leaves take on bright autumnal colors in the 124 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Fall when the flowers are gone. L. pundala is another yellow flowered sort which is attractive. The flowers are produced in whorls around a leafy stalk. Uses. The Loosestrife is useful for cutting for it lasts well when cut, to grow in a border, wild garden or along lake margins. There is hardly any plant which surpasses the Moneywort for covering banks, rustic urns, vases, old stumps, or to grow in hanging baskets. The plants spread very rapidly and are very showy when they are in bloom. This is a good carpeting plant for shady places under trees, but it must be admitted that it spreads rapidly and may become a weed. Culture. All of the varieties prefer moist situations and it is because of this that they grow so splendidly on stream banks or in any kind of waterside plantings. The plants do not require any care. Propagation. Division of the roots, either in late Autunm or early Spring, is the best method of multiplication. Mertensia — Virginia Cowslip, Smooth Lungwort, Kentucky Blue Bells The Virginian Cowslip is one of the lovehest of the early Spring blooming plants. In rambhng through the fields and woods for Violets, large clumps of these flowers can be seen growing at random. Of the many species, this Virginian Cowshp, often wrongly called Blue Bells {Mertensia virginica) is the showiest of all and the one which is most easily grown. The plants grow from 1 foot to 2 feet high, with soft, light green stems and foliage. The flowers are reddish purple when in bud, but as the flowers open, they change to a lovely gentian-blue. They hang in drooping, nodding, graceful clusters and the individual flowers are funnel-shaped. It comes into bloom early; in fact, most of the growth is made before leaves come out on the trees. Uses. The Virginian Cowshp serves its best purpose when al- lowed to naturalize itself in shady places. It combines wefl in borders, or in shaded corners where it can grow as if in its own wild habitat. Culture. Mertensias need moist soil, preferably a rich, deep, loamy soil. Although most of the growth is made in sunlight, for it grows so early in the Spring, yet the plants should be naturalized in shady places and should not be disturbed when once planted. Mer- tensias are nearly always found growing in damp woods. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 1 25 Propagation. New plants are grrown througli division of the old ones. Monarda — Bee Balm, Bergamot, Horse Mint, Oswego Tea The lovely eardinal or scarlet red flowers of the Bee Balm have for years been one of the standbys in the old-fashioned hardy garden. The "Cambridge Scarlet" variety of Monarda didyma is the best one to grow, attaining a height of from 2 feet to 3 feet and blooming all Summer. The whole plant is aromatic, the leaves especially having a "minty" odor. The stems are square-angled, the leaves a dark green and the flowers a vivid scarlet. M. fistulosa has a lavender flower which is more compact, somewhat resembhng that of the common Clover blossoms. Uses. The Bergamot is one of the most striking plants for borders or for massing against a background of shrubs. The flowers are used for cutting and often the leaves have been used in the place of tea. Many persons grow Bergamot just because of its "minty" fohage. It also is quite an attraction to humming birds and bees. Culture. Bergamot forms a thick sod or mat and the plants simply refuse to be crowded out by other plants or weeds. The clumps should be divided in the Spring. Although they will grow in almost any soil or any situation, the plants are especially fine when grown near water or in moist places. The plants are easily established and are of simplest culture. Propagation. Bergamot is easily divided and new plants start readily. This should be done in the Spring. Plants can also be raised from seed. CEnothera — Evening Primrose, Sundrops The Evening Primroses are among the truly beautiful plants which anyone can grow in his garden. The plants grow from 1 foot to 2 feet high, spreading out and j)roducing many satiny. Poppy four-pelalled flowers of white, light rose and varying shades of yeUow. 126 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS ^1 •^6 ^J2 T3 *> |!^1 3 0 0 ? 0 «^« 13 .S 2 u CD* >> V u. 0 01 g-u A bo II NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 127 Species. CEnoiherafruticosa and its varieties, Fraseri and Youngii, have rich, golden yellow flowers produced freely from June through September. It is one of the most commonly seen Evening Primroses, growing 2 feet tall. CE. speciosa is the commoner white sort, of "lazy looking habit;" the unopened buds are drooping. The flowers, as they mature, gradu- aUy turn pink. The leaves are divided. CE. missouriensis. This startling species produces golden flowers, 5 inches across, upon low, trailing plants. The flowers are foUowed by large, winged seed pods, so large for the size of the plant that they seem unnatural. The foliage becomes reddish in the Autumn. This sort is sometimes catalogued as CE. macrocarpa. CE. biennis and CE. Lamarckiana are biennials which have become weeds in most gardens and for this reason they are not greatly admired although they are praised in European catalogs for their height and wealth of yeUow blooms. These plants open their flowers toward evening and close them in the morning, hence their common name. Most of them, however, are open through the day as weU as during the evening. Uses. Evening Primroses are handsome plants for the rockery, for the border and for bedding designs. The flowers are fragrant and therefore are useful as cut flowers. They are beautiful when massed in front of shrubbery or planted in the wild garden, for the clusters of flowers are very fragrant and the bees are always around them. Culture. CEnotheras sometimes become "weeds" because the plants spread fast. They grow weU in any ordinary situation, in weU- drained, moderately rich soil. They need moisture and the soil should be prepared as deeply as it is possible to get good moisture. The clumps need not be transplanted often. Propagation. Many of the species increase by producing small tufted plants at the base of the old ones. When the plants are divided it should be done in early Spring, in March or April. They are easily grown from seeds. Papaver — Oriental Poppy, Iceland Poppy There are Poppies and Poppies, old-fashioned ones and new varieties, and it would almost seem that they grow more dazzling and more gorgeous each year. Perhaps they are grown in a greater number ['>H A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS of gardens and we see their brilliant col- ors everywhere dur- ing the early Summer months, or perhaps, we too have learned the secret of growing these deMcate silken flowers which con- stantly command at- tention. What more startling effect could be gained than by having a mass of Giant Oriental Pop- pies {Papaver orien- tale) stand out boldly .against a dense back- ground of dark ever- greens? The colors of the named varie- ties range all the way from silvery white, through blush and rose pink to salm- on and scarlet-crim- son, each flower sway- ing and nodding on long, graceful stems. The Oriental Poppy blooms during May and June, grows from 23^ feet to 4 feet high and the whole plant, from the heavy, magnificent fohage to the large flower cups and seed pods, makes a majestic subject. The flowers often measure 9 and 10 inches across. Some of them have a black blotch in the center of the petals and all have a great number of purplish-black stamens in the heart of the cup. P. o. bradeafiim is an important variety of a deep crimson-red color. The flowers are surrounded by large, leafy bracts. Gypsophila panicu- lata, Phlox siibulata (white) or golden Alyssmn are good to combine with the Oriental Poppy as a border plant. The Iceland Poppies (Papai^er nudicaiile) are dwarfer plants, grow- ing about VI inches high. They are also favorites in the garden for the satiny petals of white, lemon, yellow and orange are beautifully crinkled and have a dehcious fragrance. They bloom all through the Summer Iceland Poppy, dainty edging plants with lovely colors. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 129 if the flowers are kept well picked, and either single or double flowered plants can be grown. Uses. Poppies make lovely cut flowers, but unless care is exer- cised in cutting them, the petals will drop and they will last no time. The flowers should be cut early in the morning when the buds are tight, allowing them to open up in the water. They will last several days. The giant Oriental Poppies may be cut either early in the morning, or at evening, just as the buds are about to open. They wifl last longer it' the outer green calyx is removed. Poppies are used to a great extent in decorative work where daring color efTects are needed. Both the Oriental and Iceland Poppies are splendid subjects for the perennial border, but should never be planted with other plants unless the colors are carefully chosen. Both are beautiful if planted in large masses by themselves. A good combination may be made with Garden Hehotrope or Valeriana. Culture. Oriental Poppies will grow in any open, sunshiny position in a good, deep loamy soil. They are of easiest culture and recjuire very httle care. During the dry speUs in the early season, they should be watered occasionally, but after they have finished blooming and the leaves begin to die down, they should be let alone for the roots Missouri Evening: Primrose or CEnothera, one of the largest flowers of the gar- den. There are other charming sorts of Evening Primroses. 130 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS seem to enjoy a thorough baking during the hottest months. When the rains begin coming in September, the roots will show signs of growth; then the plants can be safely transplanted. Oriental Poppies should be mulched in the Wintertime. This mulch does not have to be removed in the Spring for the leaves soon cover it. After the plants are once satisfactorily situated they should be allowed to remain imdisturbed for a number of years. The Iceland Poppies are very easily established for they self-sow very readily. If the flowers are cut every day, the plants will produce flowers all during the Summer months. They are extremely hardy and will grow in any soil. Propagation. The Oriental Poppies should be divided in the Fall after the plants have been dormant during the hot months, or in early Spring. The roots may be cut into pieces % inches long and planted in sandy soil, in which case new plants may be obtained. Plants may be grown from seed, which requires a great deal of care. The seeds should be gathered as soon as the pods are ripe and begin to open. They should not be sown too thickly and should be wintered over in the coldframe. As soon as new shoots start in the Spring, pot them up, and after they have attained a good size, plant them out in the open soil from the pots. The Iceland Poppies self-sow readily. Peony Peonies have captivated the world. The "old red Piney," that charming, old-fashioned flower, is hardly as popular as it was in days now past, because the new, lovely and more delicately tinted varieties, which have been recently introduced, are crowding their old relative into the background. Peonies in great masses are now found growing around the smaU cottage out in the viUage or country, along roads and woodland paths, in gardens throughout the large cities and around the mansions of the wealthy where they seem to have truly assumed that aristocratic yet charming air so in keeping with the occasion. There is no other hardy flowering plant which grows in the Northern States and endures the Northern Winters as does the Peony. Massive with- out being coarse, fragrant without being pungent, grand without being gaudy, various in form and color, beyond the possibility of being suc- cessfully superseded, they stand in the first rank of hardy flowers. The genus PsBonia is divided into two sub-heads, the Shrubby or Tree Peonies and the Herbaceous. See index and table p. 168. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 131 Peonies — everybody's flower. Peonies are grown both for their flowers and beautiful foliage. From the time the red shoots first appear early in Spring, when the flowers in an almost endless number of colors are massed on the bushes, and when the glossy green foliage takes on the autumnal tints of vivid carmine, purple, amethyst and orange, Peonies are in great demand. The average height is from 2 feet to 4 feet, each plant spreading out to ahnost the same distance. The flowers are borne either singly or in groups of two or three. There are single blooms very much like a wild Rose, except in size; semi-double flowers and double ones which are a round mass of uneven petals. Some of the flowers are so large and heavy that it often becomes necessary to prop them up so that the Spring rains will not dash them into the mud. The leaves are smooth, dark, glossy and divided. The colors of the flowers range from purest white with a mass of golden stamens in the center through all the shades of pink to the darkest of reds and purples. There are also some pleasing yellow varieties. Many of the newer varieties are delicately rose-scented which makes them very much more valuable because the ofl'ensive odor of the early red "Piney" has been done away with. Some of the varieties do not last very long, but if early and late varieties are planted, a succession of bloom can be had which will last for six or seven weeks. The greater majority of them are in 132 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNL\LS bloom from about the middle of May on through June. The earlier blooming varieties combine well with many bulbs, especially Daffodils. Narcissi, Scillas, Gladioli and Lilies are very charming when planted in among the Peonies, while Michaelmas Daisies, Delphiniums, Gail- lardias and Lobelias make a very suitable background. The Better Peonies In Bulletin No. 7 of the American Peony Society, A. P. Saunders gives the results of a questionnaire which he sent to members. The voting was on the scale of 10. A variety receiving a rating of 10 would be of the highest quahty, 7 fairly good, and below 5 not worthy of cultivation. The following varieties received a grading of 8.5 and above: WHITE 9.9 Le Gygne 8.8 Alsace Lorraine 9.8 Kelway's Glorious Enchantresse 9.4 Mme. Jules Dessert Laura Dessert 9.3 Festiva Maxima 8.7 Albatre 9.2 Elizabeth Barrett Avalanche Browning James Kelway 9.1 Frances Willard 8.6 Prime V ere 9.0 Baroness Schroeder 8.5 Marie Lemoine 8.9 Mme. Emile Lemoine Pleas' Jubilee PINK, ALL SHADES 9.8 Therese 8.7 Claire Dubois 9.7 Solange Mignon 9.4 Tourangelle 8.6 Albert Crousse 9.3 Walter Faxon Reine Hortense 9.2 La Fee Eugenie Verdier M. Jules Elie Judge Berry 9.1 Lady A. Duff La Lorraine Martha Bulloch Mme. Auguste Dessert 9.0 La France 8.5 Germaine Bigot Milton Hill La Perle Raoul Dessert Mme. Emile Galle Rosa Bonheur Maud L. Richardson 8.9 Georgiana Shaylor Octavie Demay Marie Crousse Opal 8.8 Grandiflora Kelway's Queen Loveliness DARK RED 9,2 Philippe Ri voire 8.7 Mary Brand 9.0 Longfellow 8.6 Cherry Hill 8.8 Karl Rosenfield Mikado M. Martin Gahuzac 8.5 Adolphe Rousseau Richard Carvel iNOTEWoinii^ pi:rennials 183 Uses. Peonies can Ix' used in almost any position in any jj^ardon. These plants are equally at home planted as sinfj:le speeimens on the lawn, in tall g:rass, in the woods, or planted in beds and borders with other perennials and bulbous plants, or when massed by themselves. Peonies can be planted along woodland paths, at the ends and edges of shrubbery groups, at the bases of stone walls, or along drives and walks. They are at home in almost any situation, naturaUzing as readily in woodland copses as in formal gardens. They make a rather dense growth and are often used in place of low hedges. As for cut flowers they are absolutely invaluable. If they are cut just as the bud is about to open and are placed in a cool room, the blooms will last many days. Since the newer varieties are sweetly scented, the flowers are now used to a greater extent in homes in vases, bowls and baskets. The stems are long, stiff and are splendid to use for decorative purposes for large functions where large flowers of rich coloring are needed. CuLTi'RE, Peonies abundantly repay good care and nourishment and do not require a great deal of care after they are once estabhshed. Types of Peonies. S. — Single, showing (g), guard petals; (s), stamens; (c), carpels or lobes of pistil. J. — Japanese type; stamens wider than in single. B. — Bomb type. The stamens become narrow petals, called petaloides. SD. — Semi-double. Many petaloides are quite wide and are mixed among the stamens. C. — Crown. The stamens are wider and petal-like. The carpels, which before have remained unchanged, are now petal-like. R. — Rose. In this type there is an entire transformation of the bloom. 13 i A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Preparation of the soil is one of the biggest factors in growing healthy plants. They are heavy feeders and require a deeply prepared soil. The best soil is a heavy loam, one which is not too heavy with clay nor too hght with sand. Stiff yellow clay, a sour soil or an abundance of fresh manure in the soil hinder the proper growth of the roots and plant. The bed should be prepared very deeply, the soil being mixed with well-rotted cow manure. Each plant should be given a space 3 feet in diameter for its development. The soil should be retentive of moisture, yet well drained, for the plants rot out if the ground is so low that the water will stand in pools around the plant during the Winter. The manure should not be mixed among the roots, but clean soil should be next to the roots and then the manure. The roots should be set in the soil so that the top eye is not more than 2 inches or 3 inches from the surface. When the plants have finished blooming in the Summer, work must be begun to insure a good next year's crop. Weeds should be kept dowTi all during the Summer, for they rob the soil of its richness. The first Winter the roots are loose in the soil and will need a good coating of manure as a mulch appKed after the ground is thoroughly frozen. This will prevent the roots from being heaved out of the ground, due to alternate freezing and thawing. The maniu-e should not be allowed to remain about the plants in the Summer but worked into the soil. Diseases are spread by the presence of manure. When once planted. Peonies should be left alone for a number of years, except for dividing and replanting, which should be done every eight or ten years. It has been said that Peonies fade and loose their colors so readily. The deUcate pink varieties fade to a white. This can be remedied by either cutting the stems when the bud is about to open, or by erecting a cheesecloth screen over the plants. This prevents the hot sunhght from bleaching out the color. Although Peonies are free from insects, they are very subject to a pernicious bud rot. Many Peonies which do not seem able to mature their buds are affected with this disease. It can be prevented by avoiding manure about the crowns of the plants and by spraying weekly from the first signs of Spring imtil sometime in May. Bordeaux Mix- ture is the proper spray to use. Many Peonies have two, three or more buds to a single stem. If it is a single variety they should be left as they are because the spray effect of flowers produced is very attractive. But with the large double sorts, all except the largest center bud (terminal) should be removed. This disbudding throws all the strength and food into one NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 185 flower, which is larger, finer and better in color. The buds should be removed when small. Propagation. Peonies are usually propagated by division of the clumps, but it is a slow process, taking from three to five years for characteristic blooms to appear. The tubers or roots resemble those of Rhubarb. The best time to divide them is during September or October. However, they may be divided and transplanted any time from the middle of August until the ground freezes in the Fall. If the plants are well estabhshed they will improve every year. Peonies may be propagated by seeds which are sown as soon as they are ripe in coldframes where they should be kept for a year before transplant- ing. The seed should never be allowed to become throughly dry, for when once thoroughly dried it may take two years or longer for the seeds to germinate. The first blooms are never typical of the plants; it takes from four to eight years to produce characteristic blooms. One must remember that growing Peonies from seed is in- teresting, not practical. Pentstemon — Beard Tongue The Pentstemons are beautiful border plants but do not do as well in the Northern States as in the Southern ones, where the climate is milder and the season of blooming is longer. They are very showy, growing from 2 feet to 4 feet high, are rather bushy and have very long, slender spikes which bear many trumpet-shaped flowers with hairy throats from whence the name "Reard Tongue" comes. The colors range from white, pale rose, azure blue, hlac, coral, scarlet, violet and purple. Pentstemon barbatus Torreyi has slender, deep scarlet-red flowers. The fohage is fight green and the stems are wiry and thin, giving an airy appearance to the whole plant. P. gloxinioides Sensa- tion has Gloxinia-fike flowers of varying colors — rose, filac, cherry, crimson and purple. It grows about 2 feet high and is in bloom nearly all Summer. P. Digitalis has white flowers with a purple throat, grows 2 or 3 feet high and blooms during June and July. The Pentstemons somewhat resemble the Snapdragons, both in flower and in growth. Often the flowers are two-colored, the petals being of one color and the throat of another. The flowers last from June through October. Uses. Pentstemons are very free blooming and are good for cutting purposes. Their graceful growth and variety of colors make them easily adaptable to almost any pereimial border. The dwarfer ones are grown in rockeries. 136 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Culture. A good, deep garden soil mixed with leafmold or sandy loam, in a well drained situation which is somewhat shady, is the best place to grow Pentstemons. They hke plenty of water in the Sum- mertime. Many are hardy, but Sensation requires mulching during the Winter; even then, in the colder climates it freezes out. Good drainage and loose, loamy soil are absolutely necessary to the growth of Pentstemons. Propagation. They are propagated either by division, seed or cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the Autumn, which is also the time to divide the roots. Plants may bloom the first year if the seeds are sown early. The varieties of P. gloxinioides are well treated as annuals, sowing the seed each year. Phlox — Hardy Phlox, Flame Flower, Moss Pink, Wild Sweet William Gardens, both old and new, cannot be what they are unless Phloxes are present in all their brilliant colors to enliven the Summer months just before the Fall flowers come into bloom and after the Spring flowers have finished. Phloxes are old-fashioned favorites and each one holds a bit of sentiment within its dehcate fragrance that makes us reahze that they are wonderful. With the new varieties which have been introduced during the last years, the new effects in colors, the large size and gorgeousness of bloom, they have become a class of flowers unsurpassed. The Hardy Phloxes, which are the ones most commonly grown in all garden^, are divided into two groups, those which bloom early and are known as Phlox sujjruticosa, and those which bloom later, known as P. decus.^ata. It is these two groups which have been improved so much within the last dozen years that they have now become in- valuable assets to any garden. The flowers are borne in large heads or clusters at the tips of long, graceful, leafy stems which grow from 1 3/2 to 3 feet tall. AU of the flowers are very fragrant and the colors of most of the named sorts are clear. Varieties. The following is a partial list of Hardy Phloxes which are wefl worth growing: Elizabeth Cawpbell. This is one of the newer and very popular colors. It has large trusses of brilHant salmon-pink blossoms with a dark crimson eye. It is a rather low and stocky growing plant but is a good, continuous bloomer. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 137 Left, Hardy Phlox, the range of varieties giving an excellent choice of colors; right, the Moss Pink or Phlox subulata, used to edge a walk. Mme. Paul Dutrie. The color is not so intense. The light salmon gradually changes to a pink which is more deUcate and soft. Coquelicot. Flowers are of a most brilUant orange-scarlet with a crimson-red eye. Frail Anton Buchner. These flowers are very large, some being larger than a silver dollar. The entire growth is strong and vigorous. 'Ili(> flowers are of purest white and the trusses are of enormous size. Le Mahdi. The color of this Phlox is a very deep and metaUic l)luish-violet. The trusses are large. Rosenbiirg. The flowers are immense in size, of a deep carmine violet color, with a blood-red eye. G. A. Sfrohlein. The enonnous clusters of this plant have brilhant scarlet-orange flowers with a bright carmine eye. This color does not fade or bleach out in bright sunlight. Bridesmaid. This is a tafl and stately white flowered Phlox with a large, crimson eye. Rynstrom (Rijnstroom). This beautiful colored one is a clear pink- The flowers are also extremely large, some being the size of a silver doflar. 138 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Miss Lingard. This is one of the early sorts. The flowers are white with a dainty lavender eye. It is an indispensable variety. Dwarf Phlox. Almost everyone knows the Moss Pink or Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata). It does not look hke the usual Phlox plant at aU because it is dwarf, spreading in nature, with small, moss-like leaves. As it grows it forms dense mats, 12 inches or more in diameter, which flower very freely. The normal color is pink and in April and early May the clumps are simply covered with myriads of flowers about an inch in diameter. Some of the other dwarf varieties which are good to grow are P. amcena with bright pink flowers; P. divaricata canadensis, (Wild Sweet WiUiam), with very fragrant lavender flowers and P. d. Laphami with larger flowers of a more intense blue-lavender. Uses. The Moss Pink or Phlox subulata grows wild and blooms very early in the Spring. Because of its spreading habit it is usually found growing on the surfaces of rocks, in fields or over dry banks. In the rockery it is often planted in dry corners because it withstands drought so weU, and its dense growth soon makes an admirable ground covering, especially when hundreds of smaU clusters of pink and white flowers come out in the Spring. It is also used as an edging for borders, in cemeteries, on terraces, between stepping stones and in a great many other places. The Hardy Phloxes are aU fragrant and the flowers are splendid for cutting purposes. With the new and striking colors, almost any efl'ect can be carried out in the garden, either by planting them in soHd beds where the colors grade into each other from dark to fight, or in long beds along drives, woodland walks and paths, or in front of shrubbery; or combined with other perennials in hardy borders. By planting care- fully, a succession of bloom, lasting from early April until late in September or October, can be carried out by just using the different varieties of Phloxes. The best eff'ects are gained by planting masses of each color together. Culture. Phloxes need a great amount of moisture and should be watered regularly in dry weather. It is even advised to mulch the plants during the dry Summer months to conserve what moisture is present. They should not be planted in the grass because the grass win get aU the moisture. The soil should be prepared deeply to a depth of about 2 feet; it should be weU drained and moderately rich. Since Phloxes are gross feeders, good, rich soil and plenty of moisture are absolutely necessary for their growth. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 139 The Dwarf Phlox plants should be set about 10 inches or 12 inches apart and the taller Hardy Phloxes about 18 inches apart. Young plants can be set out any time in the Spring. If the shoots are pinched back in June or July the plants wiU become branched and bushy, and will go on blooming until late Autumn. It takes from two to three years to obtain good-sized and well formed plants. They should be divided and transplanted every three or four years or the blooms will begin to deteriorate and the soil will become exhausted. If the first display of flowers is cut back as soon as the blooms are faded, a second crop of bloom will come on before Fall. Phloxes will grow either in full sun or in partial shade. During damp seasons the plants are sometimes attacked with mildew. As soon as the first signs of this appear, the plants can be sprayed with Bordeaux Mixture or if powdered sulphur is dusted on the leaves in the morning when the dew is on them, it will soon check the mildew. The latter is sometimes caused by having the plants too close together so that good air circulation around the lower stems is prevented. Red spiders also attack Phlox. This can best be deter- mined when it is noticed that the lower leaves turn a rusty brown. A forceful sprinkhng with a hose on the under side of the leaves should be apphed. If, however, the attack is very severe, it is best to cut the stalks back near the ground and let new growth start. The plants should be mulched every Winter with well decayed manure. Propagation. Phloxes are propagated by division of the clumps, which should be done every three years, for they tend to weaken in the center; by seeds, which may give many new and interesting colors and types, but usually resulting in magentas and muddy colors; by cuttings made from the stems. Dividing of the clumps should be done in the Fall or in earhest Spring before much growth has been made. Commercial nurseries propagate by root cuttings. The roots are cut into 2 inch pieces early in Spring or Fall and sown in flats, much as seeds are treated. Physostegia — False Dragon Head, American Heather, Obedient Plant, Mexican Heath, Accommodation Flower The False Dragon Head {Physostegia virginiana) is another one of the few August blooming plants. It is extremely beautiful, with spikes of rosy pink, lilac or white flowers which are tube-shaped and similar 140 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNL\LS NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 141 to a tiny Siiap(lra;j:()n hlossu!!!. The buds and llowers grow on the stem as if growing on the four sides of a square. The plant grows about 3 feet or 4 feet high, spreads out and has very pretty foUage surrounding the graceful spikes. It begins blooming in July and lasts through September. The names, Obedient Plant and Accommodation Flower, are derived from the fact that the flowers remain at any angle at which they are turned. Uses. This plant is splendid in a border, but because the flowers are pale, brighter contrasting colors should be worked in around it to bring the pink or lilac color out. The flowers last for a long time and are very useful for cut flowers. They are good in the border be- cause they bloom at a time when many other flowers have flnished. They are especially efl*ective near waterfalls, along stream banks, or when placed in front of dark green shrubs. Culture. Physostegias require a rather moist soil in either sunny or shady places. The plants spread very rapidly and will tend to become a nuisance unless they are divided every year or two. They are of easy culture and should be planted about 2 feet apart in good soil. Propagation. These plants are easily started from seed, or new plants can be had when the plants are divided every year. Platycodon — Chinese Balloon Flower The Chinese Balloon Flower is very closely aUied to the Cam- panulas. It grows erect and the stems are rigid. The flowers have five petals and open out rather flat, but when in bud they look like inflated balloons, from whence the common name is derived. The flowers are both single and double. They are blue and white in color and sometimes will have blue or white veins which makes them appear as if they had been streaked. They begin blooming about the middle of June and last throughout the Summer. The Chinese Bell Flower or Balloon Flower is known as Platycodon qrandiflorum and grows 3 feet taU. P. g. Mariesii has deep blue, bell-shaped flowers, some of them nearly 3 inches across, but it is more dwarf, only growing about 12 inches high. Uses. Platycodons are splendid border plants, for the plants are neat and well formed and they are in bloom all through the Summer months. They are also planted among shrubbery. The flowers can be cut and last well. 142 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Culture. These plants nearly always flower the same season they are planted. They grow readily, sending up long spikes, so that nicely ' shaped bushes are formed in a couple of seasons. Medium sandy loam is the best soil. Do not cut the old stems back in the Fall when the blossoms are gone, but let them die away naturaUy so as not to injure the crown, which should be set about one inch below the surface. Slight Winter protection is beneficial. Propagation. The most successful method is by seeds. The root stalk is fleshy and thick and a great deal of care must be exercised in dividing it. Plumbago — Leadwort Plumbago Larpentse or Ceratostigma plumhaginoides is one of the very late blooming small border plants. Because it is such a persistent blooming plant from July until freezing weather in the Winter, it is very much valued at the time of the year when most other border plants have finished blooming. Plumbago Larpenix grows about 10 inches or 12 inches high and forms a round, ball-hke mass of dark Left, Plumbago, one of the best late blue edging plants; right, Knotweed or Poly- gonum, with its Buckwheat-like flowers. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 143 green, glossy foliage wliich in the Fall months is covered with trusses of lovely cobalt-blue flowers on wiry stems, which last for a long time. Uses. Plumbago Larpentx is especially useful as a rock garden plant because the foliage turns a reddish-bronze in Autumn and lasts so long that, with the deep glossy green foliage of early Spring, it makes a good all-the-year-round plant. This perennial is also used in borders and as an edging plant. Culture. In the colder regions the plants need protection during the Winter. The plants may be taken from the ground and placed in coldframes. They grow well in sunny places and in any good garden soil. Propagation. The plants are usually propagated by dividing the roots in Spring. Polemonium — Jacob's Ladder, Charity, Greek Valerian Jacob's Ladder is a very ornamental and graceful flowering plant of early Spring and Summer. The flowers are blue, or white, flat or beU- shaped, and are borne in spikes; the foHage is very finely cut, much resembUng fern fronds. Polemonium cseruleum or the Greek Valeri£ui is rather bushy with long spikes, about 2 feet high, of sky-blue flowers with golden anthers. P. reptans, a native of our woods, is dwarf, growing 6 inches or 8 inches high, with hght blue flowers which come into bloom early in April, P. humile {Richardsonii) is very dainty and dwarf with small spikes of blue flowers growing from small rosettes of green, fern-hke leaves. All the varieties bloom from April or May on through August or September. Uses. Most of these plants are splendid for rockeries or in low beds and borders. The taller ones are used in front of shrubs. Some are grown as alpine subjects or in wild gardens. The flowers can be cut, and with their deUcate foliage, make up beautifully for vase or basket work. Culture. Polemoniums are very easy to grow, thriving best in dry places where the sofl is rich and well-drained and with some shade. Propagation. These plants are propagated easily from seed sown in the FaU or by dividing the plants. 144 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Polygonum — Knot-Grass, Knot-Weed The Knot Weed is a very ornamental plant for any garden be- cause the foliage is so beautifully tinted in Autumn. Some of the va- rieties grow very high and greatly resemble Bamboo in growth. Poly- gonum sachalinense is one of this type, attaining a height of from 9 feet to 12 feet, with leaves 12 inches long and sprays of greenish-white flowers. The stems are curving or arched. P. affine (Brunonis) is the dwarf variety, growing 6 inches to 18 inches high, with bright, rosy red flowers and beautifully colored foKage. P. amplexicaule grows about 2 feet or 3 feet taU and has deep red flowers which come into bloom very late in September and last until October. P. Sieholdii compadum grows about 15 inches high, has small, glossy green leaves, and the entire plant is covered with small white flowers. Most of the varieties are in bloom from July through August. Uses. The Giant Knot-Weed is used mostly in wild gardens or imder trees, where an immense shrubby perennial is needed. The other varieties are grown in front of shrubs or herbaceous borders. Some of the dwarf ones are used in rockeries. Any of these are very efl"ective when planted in masses, especially along banks of streams or in moist places. Some of the flowers are valued for cutting. Culture. Some Polygonums require a great deal of space, for the plants are very large. They are moisture loving and should be planted in places where the ground is naturally very moist and does not dry out easily. They will grow almost anywhere, in any soil, and need very Mttle attention. Propagation. They are propagated by seeds and division of the plant. Potentilla — Cinquefoil, Five Finger PotentiUas greatly resemble the Strawberry Plant, especially in the manner of growth and the fohage. This is a trailing plant which covers the ground rapidly and sends out roots as it goes along. The flowers are very showy, the colors are very bright, with reds, oranges and yellows predomiQatuig. These flowers are both double and single and are borne in great profusion from June to August. The single blooms look like a Buttercup or a Strawberry flower. Potentilla airosanguinea, a parent of many lovely varieties, has single, rich primson blossoms. Miss Wihnott is cerise, and WiUiam RoUison NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 145 is a combination of orange and mahogany-red with double flowers. There are a great many varieties, nearly all of which have double flowers. Uses. Potentillas are most effective when planted in rock gar- dens where they can grow over large boulders of rock and need not be thinned out every year. They are excellent to plant in bare places where a good ground covering is needed, for these plants grow rapidly and soon form a thick covering. Culture. These plants should be set about 18 inches apart in any garden soil, but they do best when planted in rich, hght, loamy soil. They like exposed places and will need to be thinned out every year. There should be a Hght mulch of leaves placed over the plants during Winter. Propagation. Potentillas send out roots along the trailing stems; hence, new plants are very easily obtained by thinning out. They are also easily grown from seed. Primula — Primrose, English Cowslip, Oxlip, Polyantha Hardy Primroses are showy plants which fit in well with any Spring bedding design. The small flowers are graceful and dainty and the varieties can be so chosen that they will be in bloom from April for a month. Primroses grow from 6 inches to 18 inches high and have light green, hairy leaves. The colors of the hardy sorts range from white to the darkest crimson and yellow. Some of the varieties are double, and others present this appearance because the petals are wavy and crinkled. The hardy sorts of Primroses are derived from Primula elatior, P. veris and P. vulgaris. These are much of one type, the flowers being borne in umbels or clusters of six to twelve flowers. There is, however, another interesting species, P. japonica, the Japanese Primrose, which bears the flowers so that one umbel, or cluster, is above another. The colors vary from rich dark crimson through the inter- mediate tints to white. The petals are of a heavy texture and waved. Almost aU the varieties of Primroses are worth growing and wherever planted, they increase in beauty and interest with each succeeding year. Uses. Primulas make dehghtful subjects for the rock garden, edging a shady border or against old walls. They naturalize readily along streams, woods or shrubbery and are also suited for growing in porch boxes or in pots. The flowers are fragrant and make splendid cut flowers. 14C A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Culture. Primulas are not difficult to grow, yet they reward one for any amount of trouble. One of the first requisites is to keep the soil moist. The plants will die if they are allowed to pass through the dry Summer months without plenty of water. Primroses should be planted in rich, well drained soil in a shaded nook in order to protect the plants from the hot sunshine during the Summer. Shght protection during Winter is needed, such as a fight mulching of leaves and straw. In the Fall, if the crowns of any of the plants are above the surface of the soil, these plants should be taken up and reset. Primroses resent a great deal of cultivation; good, rich soil, partiaUy shaded quarters and plenty of moisture are aU they need. Propagation. Primroses are usually propagated by seeds sown in March in a coldframe or in May to July outdoors in shaded places. The seed should just be scratched into the surface soil and firmed. The plants can also be divided early in Spring or in the FaU. more Pyrethrum — Pink Daisy The form of the Daisy is admired by all, so that it is strange that persons do not grow the lovely Daisies known as Pyrethrums. — ■ ^ ^r . _ .- T- — ''''^^' :i'&^^'~- I IHHH » / , * 3J5^^%i& ^ * ' ^^^I^S^Sa^. \ ^ ' ■ ■• o Primroses. A mass to tempt us to imitate it. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 147 The flowers are bright in color and are borne on long stems. They might be called Spring Chrysanthemmns , for they bloom principally in June. Many of the sorts are attractively doubled. The colors range from deep rich crimson to hght pink and white. They grow 2 feet to 3 feet taU. The proper botanical name is Chrysanthemum coccineum; the catalogs also call them Pyrethrum roseum and hybridum. ^ Uses. The Enghsh are so fond of these flowers that they have many named varieties. Of Pyrethrums The Ladies' Field writes: "Amongst the most satisfactory of all the flowers in the garden we may count double Pyrethrums. They are of almost infinite variety, which time seems powerless to wither, and which custom never stales. Nearly every year sees some new development, the result of skillful raising and discriminating selection. They have many good (juahties to recommend them. These flowers are extremely showy, and are as hardy as they are efi'ective. They are of the easiest possible culture, and as cut flowers they are invaluable, lasting for fuU two weeks in fuU and fresh beauty. This, when one is away from one's own garden and has to barter for flowers for the good contentment of the moment, is a great desideratum. In the borders they last for several months. Pyrethrmns are in their height of beauty in June, but by means of judicious thinning and stopping, and by the entire prevention of the formation of anything Hke seed, they may be kept blossoming all through the Summer. If this be too much trouble, and a continued succession is not wanted, the plants may be cut right down after their Midsummer blossoming, when they wiU spring up again with rejuvenated vigor, and blossom gaily again in the Autumn as vigorously as if it were their first effort for the year." Culture. The Pyrethrums grow nicely, even in partial shade, but they must have perfect drainage. An important point in their culture is alluded to above; they should be prevented from seeding and if cut down directly after they have produced their main crop of bloom, they will bloom profusely late in Summer. Propagation. Sow the seeds or divide the plants in Spring. Romneya — Matilija Poppy, California Tree Poppy White Bush Poppy, Dream of the Desert A glorious miracle! Thus has the Matihja Poppy been described. With its transparent, dehcate, silvery, crinkled flowers which look as if they were made of the finest white silk crepe, would they not indeed present a glorious appearance ? The Matihja Poppy {Romneya Coulleri) is a native of the South- western States, Mexico and Cahfornia in particular, but with proper care, it can be grown equally well in the Northern and Eastern States. The flowers greatly resemble a large, white single Peony. It is as 148 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Left, Pyrethrum or Pink Daisy. Could our illustration but show the colors of these Daisies! Right, Matilija Poppy or Romneya, a glorious miracle of silvery, silk crepe. large, being 4 inches to 6 inches in diameter, and has a mass of golden yellow stamens in the center of the pure white, crumpled petals. The leaves are bluish-green and are very deeply cut. This Poppy is a semi- shrub and grows from 4 feet to 6 feet high, spreading out each year until large clmnps are formed. The flowers come into bloom about the end of June and last until the first of September; they are borne singly on long stems, each stem having from six to twelve or fifteen blooms. The individual flowers last about three days and have a delightful Primrose-fike perfume. Uses. The Matilija Poppy is grown in clumps in parks or gar- dens or in protected semi-wild places. The flowers last well in water and their delightful perfume and delicate satiny beauty make them most acceptable in any room. Culture. These plants should be planted in warm, porous, sandy loam on a southern exposure. The soil should be free from stagnant moisture or water at all times, and especially so during the dormant season in Wintertime. Before the heavy frosts penetrate to the roots, they should be heavily mulched. After the plants are once estabHshed, they should be left strictly alone; even cultivation around the roots seems deterimental. Like herbaceous perennials, the stems die to NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 149 the ground each year and the flowers are borne on tlie new growtli which comes each Spring. Propagation. The Matilija Poppy can be grown from seed, but this is a rather unsatisfactory method. Root cuttings are the surest way. The roots resemble thick prongs to which very few libers are attached. Spring is the best time for transplanting. Rudbeckia — Cone Flower, Golden Glow, Black- Eyed Susan The garden's gold is greatly enhanced in Autumn by the sorts of Rudbeckias, especially the Golden Glow, which is the double form of Rudbeckia laciniata. Everyone knows this common perennial and ad- mires its wealth of bloom. One of the handsomest Coneflowers is R. Newmanii (speciosa) which bears golden yellow single, Daisy-hke flowers with a high purple cone in the center. R blooms from August to September and grows several feet tall. There is an interesting sort which has smooth, gray-green, Cabbage-Uke leaves, known as R. maxima. The plants grow 6 feet to 8 feet tall and bear bright yellow flowers, 4 inches or 5 inches in diameter, upon long, stiff stems. The cone at the center is often 2 inches high. Another grayish sort is R. suhiomeniosa, but in this case the leaves and stems are densely covered with hair. The flowers are brilhant yellow with a chocolate center and are borne in large clusters. This sort also blooms in late Summer and early Fall. The Autumn Sun, /?. nitida, has rich yellow flowers in which the rays are decidedly drooping. R blooms from August to October. R. triloba is a biennial sort with yellow flowers which have orange or purple-brown markings and a black purple cone in the center. R. purpurea, the Purple Coneflower, is discussed under Echinacea. f SES. The showy character of the plants make them especially useful in bold masses for the border. The Golden Glow is valued where there are outbuildings, fences, and unsightly objects to be hidden. All the sorts serve admirably as cut flowers, for the stems are long, and the blooms are lasting. Culture. The plants thrive anywhere, but are especially adapted to sunny plages. When many of the sorts are cut back after flowering, they will send up a second crop of flowers. Propagation. All the sorts, except Golden Glow, may be grown from seed, but the usual method of propagation is by division of the plants in early Spring. Some of the wild Rudbeckias, generally known as Rlack-eyed Susans, are biennials. These are raised from seed, but as they usually self-sow, further seeding is generally unnecessary. 150 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Salvia — Sage Many persons are familiar with the Scarlet Sage and it is of this plant that many persons will think, but we shall speak here of the hardy Sages. Light Blue Salvias. Salvia azurea grandiflora. This species is one of great beauty, bearing hght azure colored flowers in great profusion upon tall, slender spikes. The plants grow from 3 feet to 4 feet tall and bloom from Au- gust until frost. S. farinacea closely resembles the former species, except that the calyx ;enclosing the flowers is a mealy white. It is,' there- fore, a splendid sort, the blue flowers con- trasting with the grayish stems land calyxes. Some per- sons have said that this species resembles the Lavender, but it is, of course, without the fragrance of true Lavender. Some gar- deners advise that this sort be treated as an aimual, sowing the seeds each year. S. uliginosa is also a blue sort, but the throats of the flowers are white. The plants grow 5 feet to 6 feet taU and bloom from July until frost. In general appearance it is similar to S. azurea. Deep Blue or Violet Salvias. S. nemorosa {virgaia nemorosa). The purpUsh-violet flowers are produced in dense clusters in July. The calyxes and stems become reddish. It is wise to cutthe plants back after flowering, in which case they bloom again in Autumn. The Azure Sage is charming in the Fall months. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 151 S. patens is the deepest indigo-blue, a most unusual color but the flowers are not produced in great profusion. It must be treated as an annual. Uses. Most sorts of Salvias are interesting border plants where they make an attractive appearance grown in masses. They are generally good cut flowers as well. Culture. Salvias, although of easy culture, require some at- tention. Except for S. azurea grandiflora they are not perfectly hardy and will need some protection during the Winter. Plant Salvias in the sun and give them from 18 inches to 2 feet on all sides. The roots of S. patens may be dug and wintered in a cool ceUar. Propagation. Some sorts may be divided in the early Spring. S. farinacea, S. patens, and S. uliginosa are raised from seed sown in the early Spring, in which case, they bloom the first year from seed. Scabiosa — Pincushion Flower To those persons who are familiar with the annual sorts of Scabiosa, we need only say that the perennials resemble the annuals, except that the perennials have shorter florets at the center, while in the annual sorts the flowers are made up of florets of more uniform length. Scabiosa caucasica is the commonest perennial with flowers either light hlac blue or white. The plants grow^ 2 feet to 3 feet taU. The leaves are not cut as is the case with the annual sorts. It blooms from June to September. S. japonica grows 1/4 feet tall; the flowers are violet-blue and the leaves are somewhat lobed. S. ochroleuca is a sulphur colored species growing l3^ feet tafl. Uses. The graceful, long, wiry stems of the Pincushion Flower are attractive in the border, rising as they do from a tuft of leaves upon the soil. They are best used in the front of the border. As cut flowers they are long keeping and are easily arranged in vases. Culture. They prefer weU drained locations and a suimy ex- posure. The plants are said to prefer h'mestone soil. They winter over exceUently unless standing in water-logged soil. Propagation. Scabiosas are readily increased from seed or by division of the plants. The strongest plants are best raised from seed. Mr. Cecil Davies writes that "in saving seed, that produced by the central flowers should be chosen." The seeds are best sown in Spring, but the plants sometimes do not bloom until the next year. 152 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Sedum — Stonecrop If there is a rocky spot in your garden you will desire a number of sorts of Sedums, for they are most interesting in habit, leaf and flower. Sedums are wild with us in America, but there are also many sorts in Europe and Asia. Species. Sedum spedabile. Showy Stonecrop. This is one of the handsomest of all Sedums. It has pink or rosy-red flowers pro- duced abundantly in flat clusters. The leaves of this sort, are thick and juicy, as is the case with all Sedums. The flowers open in late Summer and remain in bloom several months. The varieties Brilliant and atropurpureum are superior to the wild sort. iS. acre. Golden Moss. Wall Pepper. This low, tufted perennial spreads over the soil. The leaves are small, attractive, hght green. The flowers, bright yellow in color, completely cover the plants and open in June and July. *S. Sieboldii. This sort has round, gray leaves borne in threes and pink flowers produced in September. The plants grow less than a foot tall. In the Autumn the leaves become pinkish. The following sorts are also good and should be searched for in catalogs if one wishes to grow more of the species: S. album, white flowers, 4 inches to 6 inches taU. S. kamtschaticum, yellow flowers, 4 inches to 6 inches tall. S. reflexum, yellow flowers, 6 inches to 10 inches tall. S. sexangulare (resembles -S. acre but leaves and plants are smaller). S. sioloniferum (spurium). Purple Stonecrop. Pink or white flowers. Trailing. S. ternatum. White flowers. Trailing. Uses. For perennial borders the Stonecrops are dainty and efl'ective edging plants. As a cut flower the Showy Stonecrop is at- tractive. They are entirely at home in the rock garden. For planting in rock steps, between stepping stones and for a ground cover the dwarf sorts are unexcelled. Culture. The Sedmns generally prefer a sandy soil; at least it must be perfectly drained in Winter. Generally the Stonecrop thrives best in sunbeaten places, but many of them may be coaxed to grow in shaded places beneath trees and shrubbery. Propagation. The propagation is simple: each piece of the plant may be rooted and wiU grow into a good plant in a short time. They also grow from seed. NOTEWOirniY PERENNIALS 1.58 Above, the showy Stonecrop, a graceful though sturdy plant for all gardens; below, AruncuE Sylvester or Goat's Beard, forming feathery masses of white flowers. 154 . A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Spiraea — (Includes Aruncus, Astilbe, Filipendula, Ulmaria) There is a large group of herbaceous plants of great beauty known as Spiraeas but which should be properly known by other names. They are characterized by having attractive, airy plumes of flowers, in fact, every garden has a place for a few of them. Aruncus Sylvester (Goat's Beard) grows 5 feet to 7 feet tall and has feathery white flowers produced in smaU spikes, forming large heads of bloom. They bloom from June to July. This is the Spiraea Aruncus found in the catalogs. This sort is especially useful for the borders of streams in half-shaded places. Asiilbe. The Astflbe resembles the Aruncus superficially in the nature of their feathery flower spikes, but generaUy, as seen in the garden, they are not as taU. Perhaps the most popular group for out- door planting is known as A. Arendsii, this being an improved race derived from hybridizing many other species. The varieties found in catalogs bear rose, hlac, salmon-pink and white flowers. Some of the names are: Geres, Juno, Kriemhilde, and Vesta. The names such as japonica, Davidii and grandis are the species of Astilbe which are the parents of the named varieties. Large quantities of A. japonica were formerly imported to the United States for florist use at Easter time. A federal quarantine prohibits these plants now. The plants in the garden bloom in June, July or August. Filipendula. Meadow Sweet. Ulmaria. The commoner species known as the Queen of the Meadows, Filpendula Ulmaria, is a tufted, fern-leaved plant. In late June and during July the plants send up flower stalks 18 inches taU, bearing iftasses of white flowers. The double sort, flore pleno, is more showy than the single. F. purpurea {palmata) and its variety elegans have red and pink flowers produced in large clusters, the crimson flower stems growing 3 feet tall. They bloom from June to August. Use and Gulture. These plants are exquisite for the border, where they lend a misty charm to almost any combination of peren- nials. They are superb pot plants. Filipendula Ulmaria, because of its dwarf growth, is useful as an edging plant. Gut sprays of all sorts add much to a bouquet in the home. They prefer a rich soil and an abundance of water while in bloom; for this reason they are well planted at the waterside. They are at home in half shade. Propagation. The habit of growth by forming dense clumps suggests the easiest method of increasing the plants; that is, by dividing them with a strong knife. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 155 Stokesia — Stoke's Aster, Cornflower Aster Generally we do not think of a China Aster resembling a Corn- flower, but it is true that the Stokesia resembles them both. Stokesia Isevis (cyanea) is a low plant, seldom above iVz feet tall, and with light lavender blue, white, purple and rose colored flowers produced from early July to October. Uses. They are especially recommended for the front of a border and may be used for cut flowers. Culture. Generally it is stated that this plant is sensitive to cold, heavy soils and seems to thrive with drought-resisting subjects, well drained in Winter. It prefers full sun. Propagation. When raised from seed it blooms the first year. Thalictrum — Meadow Rue, Feathered Columbine These graceful, feathery flowers add an airy appearance to the border of perennials. The leaves are fine and resemble the foliage of Left, Meadow Rue or Thalictrum, altogether charming for border or base; right, Globe Flower or Trollius, like a Giant Buttercup of golden yellow. 156 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS tile Columbine. Some sorts are natives of our woods, but the eul- tivated species are superior in the size of their pknny heads. Species. Thalictrum aaiiileqi folium. White flowers, June, 3 feet tall. T. adiantijolium (minus). Yellow flowers, June to July, 1 foot. T. dipterocarpum. Rose-purple, yellow . stamens, August to September, 5 feet. Not perfectly hardy. Best stored during Winter in moss in a cellar. T. glaucum. Golden yellow, June to July, 4 feet. T. Cornuii. Native, white, July to September, 4 to 5 feet. T. dioicum. Native, purphsh and greenish, April to May, 1 to 2 feet. Uses. The Meadow Rues are excellent for the border and, being refined plants, may be planted in the intimate spots of the dooryard. The cut sprays are exquisite for bouquets. T. dipterocarpum is a sort of recent introduction with distinct flowers having petals. Culture. The plants do well in well drained shaded places. T. Cornuti is especially good for moist soil along streams. Propagation. The plants are readily divided, but if seed is obtainable, it may be sown. Trollius — Globe Flower The Globe Flower is a glorified Buttercup; its leaves and flowers resemble the Buttercup in form but are larger. Improved varieties have orange, gold, orange-red and lemon-colored flowers, often double. The commonest species is Trollius europseus, but while all the catalogued species resemble each other in form, the seasons and the colors of the flowers differ. They grow about 'i feet tall and bloom throughout the Summer, starting in late May. Uses. The Globe Flower flourishes, both in sun and shade, and is especially at home in borders in which the soil is a trifle too damp for other plants. They are showy border plants, their neat habit and compact flowers commend them to all. We must add that they grow nicely in the ordinary garden soil, even though it be away from the waterside. Propagation. Although usually propagated from seeds, the plants are tardy in coming into bloom. Old plants may also be divided. NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 157 Veronica — Speedwell When Clirist was laboring beneath the heavy cross, He faltered, and a maiden, St. Veronica, rushed forward to wipe the perspiration from His brow. The impress of His face was found upon her napkin. Such is the story of St. Veronica, and because the markings of some species of Veronica resemble a face, this flower was named after St. Veronica. It is a pretty story and one we recall when looking at this flower. Veronicas are excellent bor- der and rock garden sub- jects. The diversity of the species render them of use in many spots. Species. Veronica longi- folia subsessilis. Japanese SpeedweU. This is, per- haps, one of the most at- tractive of ah blue-violet flowers for the border. The long spikes of bloom are 2 feet tall and are pro- duced through July to late September. V. spicaia grows l3^ feet tall and bears either blue, pink, or white flowers in June. V. incana seldom grows over a foot tall and besides having ame- thyst-blue flowers, it has gray fohage. It blooms in July and August. V. virginica, Culver's Root, is a taU sort, 3 to 5 feet high, producing cliisters of white spikes of bloom throughout July. Often called Leptandra v irg in ica . V. Teucrium rupeslris and V. repens are dwarf, trailing sorts car- peting the soil with green and covered with pale blue flowers in May and June. Uses. As already stated the Veronicas are superb for the peren- nial border and the rock garden. V. Teucrium rupestris and V. repens Veronica. The most showy sort is V. longifolia var. subsessilis, with its tall spikes of violet flowers. 158 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS are also good ground covers for dry banks or graves. The taller sorts are good for cutting, especially V. longifolia subsessilis. Culture. Veronicas are of easy culture; they usually prefer moist soil. Although they grow in poor soil, some fertihzer in the form of bonemeal will increase the size of the spikes. They generally prefer full sun, perhaps with the exception of V. virginica and V. repens. Propagation. The plants are easily divided. Seeds may be sown and some sorts root when the branches touch the soil. Yucca — Adam's Needle and Thread, Spanish Bayonet The stiff, broad, sword-shaped leaves of Yucca filamentosa are familiar to all. In Midsummer the flower stalks, rising to a height of 6 feet, are also famihar. The flowers are white and pendulous. It is a personal opinion of the writer that, except when in bloom, they are stiff, coarse and undeserving of a place in a small garden. It must be admitted, however, that they are remarkably drought-resistant and will thrive where trees rob the soil, so that more dainty plants cannot exist. Uses. When used at all they are best planted as specimens or among shrubbery. Culture. They will exist for a generation, and transplant with difficulty when the plants become old as the roots go deeply. Propagation. Seedlings will bloom when four to five years old. As the plants sucker freely, this furnishes a ready means of propagation. INDEX OF PLANT NAMES 159 INDEX OF PLANT NAMES (Figures in italics indicate illustrations) Page Aaron's Beard (see Hypericum). Achillea 40 Accommodation Flower (see Physos- tegia). Aconitum 41, 46 Actaea 31 Adam's Needle and Thread (see Yucca). Adiantum 91 Adlumia 4S Adonis 43 ^gopodium 44 Ageratum, Hardy (see Eupatorium). Agrimony, Hemp (see Eupatorium). Agrostemma (see Lychnis). Ajuga 44 Alkanet (see Anchusa). Allegheny Vine (see Adlumia). Althaea 112, 113 Alum Root (see Heuchera). Alyssum 44 American Senna (see Cassia). Anchusa 45, 4^ Anemone 31. 47, 48, 163 Anemone, Rue (see Anemonella). Anemone, Wood (see Anemone). Anemonella 31, 163 Anethum 108 Annual Pine (see Artemisia). Anthemis 48 Aquilegia 49, 50 Arabis 51 Arisaema 31, 163 Arraeria 50, 52 Arrhenatherum 98 Artemisia 52, 109 Aruncus 153, 154 Arundinaria 99 Arundo 98 Asarum 31 , 164 Asclepias 53, 54 Asperula 54 Asphodel 55 Asphodeline (see Asphodel). Aspidium 92 Asplenium 91, 92 Aster 48. 55 Aster, Stokes' (see Stokesia); Wild (see Aster). Astilbe 154 Aubrietia 57 Autumn Glory (see Helianthus). Autumn Sun (see Rudbeckia). Avens (see Geum). Baby's Breath (see Gypsophila). Balloon Flower, Chinese (see Platy- codon). Bamboo (see Arundinaria Bambusa and Phyllostachys). Bambusa 99 Baneberry (see Actaea). Baptisia 57, 59 Barrenwort (see Epimedium). Basket of Gold (see Alyssum). Bayonet, Spanish (see Yucca). Page Beard Tongue (see Pentstemon). Beebalm 125 Bellflower (see Campanula). Bellflower, Chinese (see Platycodon). Bellis 58, 59 Bells, Coral (see Heuchera); May (see Convallaria). Bellwort (see Uvularia). Bergamot 125 Birdseye (see Adonis). Bishop's Hat (see Epimedium). Bishop's Weed (see ^gopodium). Black Blood (see Lythrum). Blanket Flower (see Gaillardia). Blazing Star (see Liatris). Bleeding Heart (see Dicentra). Blood, Black (see Lythrum). Blood Root (see Sanguinaria). Blue Bells, Kentucky (see Mertensia). Blue-Eyed Grass (see Sisyrinchium). Blue Spiraea (see Caryopteris) Bluet (see Houstonia). Bluet, Mountain (see Centaurea). Bocconia 59, 60 Boltonia ' 61 Boneset (see Eupatorium and Herbs). Borage (see Herbs). Bruckenthalia 102 Buddleia 61, 62 Bugbane (see Cimicifuga). Bugwort 71 Bugle Flower (see Ajuga). Burnet (see Herbs). Burning Bush (see Dictarrinus). Butterfly Bush (see Buddleia). Butterfly Weed (see Asclepias). Cactus, Hardy (see Opuntia and Echino- cactus). Callirhoe 63, 66 Calluna 102 Caltha 31 Campanula 64, 66 Campion, Rose (see Lychnis). Camptosorus 92 Candytuft (see Iberis). Canterbury Bells (see Campanula). Cardinal Flower (see Lobelia). Carnation (see Dianthus). Caryopteris 65 Cassia 67 Catchfly, German (see Lychnis). Catnip (see Herbs). Caulophyllum 31, 164 Celandine, Tree 59 Centaurea 67 Cerastium 68, 69 Ceratostigma 142 Chalk Plant (see Gypsophila). Chamomile (see Anthemis). Chamomile, False (see Boltonia). Charley, Creeping (See Lysimachia). Charity (see Polemonium). Chelone 31, 66. 69 Chickweed, Mouse-ear (see Cerastium). 160 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Page Chimapliila 31, 165 Chrysanthemum, Hardy 70 Chrysanthemum (see also Pyrethrum). Cimicifuga ' 71 Cinquefoil (see Potentilla). Clavtonia 31, 165 Clematis 66, 72 Clifif Rose (see Armeria). Climbing Fumitory (see Adlumia). Clintonia ^!. 165 Cohosh, Black (see Cimicifuga). Cohosh, Blue (see Caulophyllum). Colt's-foot (see Tussilago). Columbine (see Aquilegia). Columbine, Feathered (see Thalictrum). Common Chamomile (see Anthemisl. Cone Flower (see Rudbeckia); Purple (see Echinacea). Conoclinium 90 Convallaria 72 Coral Bells (see Heuchera). Coreopsis 69, 73 Corn Cockle (see Lychnis). Cornflower (see Centaurea). Cornflower Aster (see Stokesia). Cortaderia (see Gynerium). Cowslip (see Primula). Cowslip, Virginian (see Mertensia). Crane's Bill (see Geranium). Creeping Jenny (see Lysimachia). Cuckoo Flower (see Lychnis). Culver's Root (see Veronica). Cypripedium ^1 . 1 65 Daisies 74 Daisy, English (see P-ellis). Daisy, Pink (see Pyrethrum). Daisy, Shasta 7 '^ Daphne 75 Day Lily (see Hemerocallis ard Funkia). Delphinium 75, 76 Dentaria 31. 165 Devil's Bit (see Liatris). Dianthus 78, 70 Dicentra 31, SO Dicksonia 91 Dictainnus 80, 81 Dielytra (see Dicentra V Digitalis ^-^ Dill (see Herbs). Dittany (see Dictamnus). Dodecatheon 31, 166 Dog-tooth Violet (see Erythronium). Doronicum 82, 86 Dragon Head, False (see Pbysostegia). Dream of the Desert (see P.omneya). Dusty Miller (see Lychnis, Centaurea). Dutchman's Breeches (see Dicentra). Eardrops, Golden (see Dicenira). Echinacea 85 , .S'6' Fchinocactus 63 Eclunops ^S, 86^ Edelweiss 87 Flymus 99 English Daisy (see Bellis). Epimedium 87 Erianthus 100 Erica 102 Erigeron 88 Eryngium 89 Erythronium 31, 166 Page Eulalia 100 Eupatorium 90 Fairies' Breath (see Gypsopiiila). Fairy Flowers (see Ilcuchera). False Chamomile 61 False Dragonhead n9, 140 False Indigo (see Baptisia). False Starwort 61 False Wall Cress 57 h'ennel (see ?Ierbs). P>rns: Christmas (see Aspleniuni); Cinnamon (see Osmunda); Climbing (see Lygodium); Flowering (see Os- m.unda); Gossamer (see Dicksonia); Hartford (see Lygodium); Hay- scented (see Dicksonia); Lady (see ^ Asplenium); Maidenhair (see .Adian- tum); Male (see Lastrea); Polypody (see Polypodium); Royal (see Os- munda); Shield (see Aspidium); Walking (see Cainotosonis). Festuca 100 Feverfew (see Herbs). Filipendula 154 Five Finger (see Potentilla). Flag (see Iris). Flame Flower (see Phlox). Flax (see Linum). Flax, Spurge (see Daphne). Fleabane (see Erigeron). Florence 108 Flower of Jove (see Lychnis). Foam Flower (see Tiarella). Foeiiculum 108 Foxglove (see Digitalis). Fraxinella 80 Funkia 27, 93 Gaillardia 86, 94 Gardener's Garter (see Phalaris). Garland Flower (see Daphne). Gas Plant (see Dictamnus). Gauze F^lower (see Gypsophila). Gay Feather, Kansas (see Liatris). Gentian (see Gentiana). Gentiana Ol Geranium 31, 96 Geum 97 Ginger, Wild (see Asarum) Glor,e Flower loo, 156 Globe Thistle (see Echinops). Gnapl'.alium 87 Goat's Beard (see .Aruncus). Goat Weed (see /Egopodium). Gold Dust (see Ayssum). Gold Flower (see Hypericum). Golden Eardrops 81 Golden Glow (see Rudbeckia). Golden Marguerite (see Anthemis). Golden Moss (see Sedum). Goldentuft (see Alyssum). Gooseneck (see Lysimachia). Grass: Fescue (see Festuca); F"ountain (see Pennisetum); Hardy Pampas (see Erianthus) ; Knot Grass (see Polygonum); Lime (see Elymus); Pampas (see Gynerium) ; Plume (see Erianthus); Ribbon (see Phalaris); Spike (see Uniola). Grasses, Ornamental 97 Ground Ivy (see Nepeta). INDEX OF PL\NT NAMES 161 Page Gynerium 100 Gypsophila 101 Hardheads (see Centaurea). Harebell 64 Heath, Mexican (see Physostegia). Heather, American (see Physostegia). Heather (see Calluna, Erica, Menziesia, Bruckenthalia). Helenium 103 Helen's Flower (see Helenium). Helianthus 104, 105 Heliopsis 106 Helmet Flower (see Aconitum). Hemerocallis 106, 107 Hepatica 31, 167 Herb Margaret (see Bellis). Herb Robert (see Geranium). Herbs 108. 109 Hesperis 110 Heuchera HO, m Hibiscus Ill Hinge Flower (see Physostegia). Hollyhock (see Althaea). Honeysuckle (see Aquilegia). Horebound (see Herbs). Horse Mint 125 Hosta (see Funkia). Houstonia 31, 167 Hydrophyllum 31. 167 Hypericum 115 Hypoxis 31. 167 Hyssop (see Herbs). Iberis 116 Indian Senna (see Cassia). Indigo, False (see Baptisia). Iris Ill, 116 Italian Borage (See Anchusa). Ivory Thistle (see Eryngium). Jack-in-the-Pulpit (see Arisaeuia). Jacob's Ladder (see Polemonium). Jeffersonia 31, 167 Jenny, Creeping (see Lysimachia). Jerusalem Cross (see Lychnis). Joe-Pye Weed (see Eupatorium). King's Spear (see Asphodeline). Knapweed 67 Knot Grass (see Polygonum). Lady Slipper, Pink and Yellow (see Cypripedium). Larkspur (see Delphinium). Lastrea 91 Lavandula 108, 118 Lavender (see Lavandula). Lead Plant or Leadwort (see Plumbago). Leontopodium 87 Leopard's Bane (see Doronicum). Leptandra (see Veronica virginica). Liatras..... 107, 118 Lily: Corfu (see Funkia); Day (see Hemerocallis and Funkia); Lemon (see Hemerocallis) ; of the Valley (see Convallaria) ; Plantain (see Fun- kia). Linum 114, 119 Lobelia 120 Loosestrife (see Lysimachia). Loosestrife, Purple (see Ly thrum). Lungwort, Smooth (see Mertensia). Lupine (see Lupinus). Lupinus 31, 120, 121 Page Lychnis 122, 126 Lygodium 92 Lysimachia 31, 123 Lythrum 123 Madwort (see Alyssum). Mallow, Marsh (?ee Hibicus); Poppy (see Callirhoe); Rose, Swamp (see Hibis- cus); Marvels (see Hibiscus). Maltese Cross (see Lychnis). Marjoram, Sweet (see Herbs). Marrubium 109 Marsh Mallow 1 1 1 Marsh Marigold (see Caltha). Matilija Poppy (see Romneya). May Apple (see Podophyllum). May Bells (see Convallaria). Meadow Rue (see Thalictrum). Meadow Sweet (see Filipendula). Mentha 108 Menziesia 102 Mertensia 124 Michaelmas Daisy (see Aster). Milfoil (see Achillea). Milkweed (see Ascelpias). Mint (see Herbs). Miscanthus 100 Mist Flower (see Eupatorium). Mitchella 31, 168 Mitella 31. 88, 168 Mitrewort (see Mitella). Monarda 125, 126 Moneywort (see Lysimachia). Monk's Hood (see Aconitum). Moss, Golden (see Sedum). Moss Pink (see Phlox). Mountain Bluet (see Centaurea). Mountain Fringe (see Adlumia). Mullein Pink (see Lychnis). Myosotis 32, 35 Myrtle, Periwinkle (see Vinca). Nepeta 109, 168 Obedient Plant (see Physostegia). (Enothera 125, 129 Old Man (see .\rtemisia). Old Woman (see Artemisia). Opuntia 63 Origanum 108 Osmunda 91 Oswego Tea 125 Oxlip (see Primula). Papaver 126, 127. 128 Partridge Berry (see Mitchella). Peach Bell (see Campanula). Pedicularis 31, 169 Pennisetum 100 Pentstemon 135, 1^0 Peony 130, 131, 133 Pepper, Wall (see Sedum). Phalaris 101 Pheasant's Eye (see Dianthus and .\donis). Phlox 136. 137 Phyllostachys 99 Physostegia 139, I40 Picotee 78 Pincushion Flower (see Scabiosa). Pinks (see Dianthus) Pink, Moss (see Phlox). Pink, Mullein (see Lychnis). Pipsissewa (see Chimaphila) 162 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Page IJfi, 141 IJ^2 .31, 169 .31, 143 lJt6 169 H8 Platycodon Pleurisy Root (see Asclepias). Plumbago Plume Poppy (see Bocconia). Podophyllum Polemonium Polyantha (see Primula). Polygonatum 31, 169 Polygonum I42, 144 Polypodium 29 Poppy, California Tree (see Romneya); Poppy, Iceland (see Papaver) Poppy Mallow (see Callirhoe). Poppy, Matiliia 147, H8 Poppy, Oriental (see Papaver). Poppy, Plume (see Bocconia). Poppy, White Bush (see Romneva). Potentilla 144 Primrose, Evening (see (Enothera). Primrose (see Primula). Primula 145, Purple Rock Cress (see Aubrietia). Pyrethrum 146, Pyrola 31, Queen of the Meadows (see Spiraea). Ragged Robin, Double (see Lychnis). Reed, Giant (see Arundo). Rock Cress (see Arabis). Rock Madwort (see Alyssum). Rocket, Sweet (see Hesperis). Romneya 147, Rose Campion (see Lychnis). Rose of Heaven (see Lychnis). Rosemary (see Herbs). Rudbeckia 149 Rue, Meadow (see Thalictrum). Rush, Japanese (see Eulalia). Sage (see Salvia). Salvia 109, 150 Sanguinaria 31, 170 Sanguisorba 108 Saxifraga 31 . 170 Saxifrage, Early (see Saxifraga). Scabiosa 151 Scarlet Lightning (see Lychnis). Sea Bugloss (see Anchusa). Sea Holly (see Eryngium). Sea Pink (see Armeria). Sedum 152, 153 Senna, American and Indian (see Cassia). Shell Flower (see Chelone). Shin Leaf (see Pyrola). Shooting Star (see Dodecatheon), Sisyrinchium 31, 170 Smilacina 31, 170 Snake Head (see Chelone). Snakeroot, Button (see Liatris). Snakeroot, Virginia (see Cimicifuga). Snakeroot, White (see Eupatorium). Sneezeweed (see Helenium). Snow-in-Summer (see Cerastium). Solomon's Seal, False (see Smilacina). Solomon's Seal (see Polygonatum). Southern Wood (see Artemisia). Spanish Bayonet (see Yucca). Speedwell (see Veronica). Spiderwort (see Tradescantia). Spiraea 154 Page Spiraea, Blue (see Caryopteris). Spring Beauty (see Claytonia). Spurge Flax 75 Squirrel's Corn (see Dicentra). Starwort, False (see Boltonia). Star Grass (see Hypoxis) . Stokes' Aster (see Stokesia). Stokesia 155 Stonecrop (see Sedum). St. John's Wort (see Hypericum). Summer Fir (see Artemisia). Summer Forget-me-not (see Anchusa) . Summer Lilac (see Buddleia) Sun, Autumn (see Rudbeckia). Sundrops (see CEnothera). Sunflower (see Helianthus) ; Orange (see Heliopsis). Susan, Black-eyed (see Rudbeckia). Sweet Rocket (see Hesperis). Sweet William (see Dianthus) ; Wild (see Phlox). Sweet Woodruff (see Asperula). Tansy (see Herbs). Tarragon (see Herbs). Thalictrum 155 Thistle, Globe (see Echinops) ; Ivory (see Eryngium) Thimbles, Witches' (see Digitalis). Thrift (see Armeria). Thoroughwort (see Eupatorium). Thyme (see Herbs). Tiarella SO, 31, 170 Tickseed (see Coreopsis). Toothwort (see Dentaria). Tradescantia 31,170 Tree Celandine 59 Trillium 31, 170 Trollius 155, 156 Turtle Head (see Chelone). Tussilaso 31, 170 Twin Leaf (see Jeffersonia). Ulmaria 154 Uniola 101 Uvularia 31, 170 Valerian, Greek (see Polemonium). Veronica lo'7 Vinca 31, 170 Viola 31, 170 Violet, Damask (see Hesperis). Violet (see Viola). Virgin's Bower (see Clematis). Waldmeister (see Asperula). Wall Cress (see Arabis). Wall Cress, False 57 Wall Pepper (see Sedum). Water Leaf (see Hydrophyllum). Weed, Butterfly (see Asclepias). Weed, Joe-Pye (see Eupatorium). Weed, Knot (see Polygonum). Weed, Sneeze (see Helenium). Wild Indigo (see Baptisia). Windfiower (see Anemone). Wolfsbane (see Aconitum). Wood Betony (see Pedicularis). Wormwood (see Herbs and Artemisia). Yarrow (see Achillea). Yucca 158 TABULAR CULTURAL INDEX 163 TABULAR CULTURAL INDEX (For Synonyms See Preceding Index of Plant Names) Species or variety Achillea Eupatorium. . . . Achillea filipendulina. . . . Achillea millefolium ro- seum Achillea Ptarmica Achillea tomentosum Aconitum bicolor Aconitum Fischeri Aconitum Lycoctonum. . Aconitum Xapellus Aconitum Wilsonii Adiantum pedatum Adlumia fungosa Adonis amurensis Adonis pyrenaica Adonis vernalis ^gopodium Podagraria. Agrostemma (see Lych- nis) Ajuga genevensis Ajuga reptans Althsa (see Hollyhock) . Alyssum rostratum Alyssum saxatile Anchusa italica Anchusa myosotidiflora. . Anemone japonica Anemone Pulsatilla Anemone quinquefolia. . . Anemonella thalictroides Anthemis montana Anthemis tinctoria Aquilegia canadensis. . . . Aquilegia chrysantha Aquilegia ccerulea Aquilegia flabellata Aquilegia formosa Aquilegia glandulosa. . . . Aquilegia longissima Aquilegia Skinneri Aquilegia vulgaris Arabis albida Arabis alpina Arissema triphyllum Armeria cephalotes Armeria Laucheana. Armeria maritima Arrhenatherum bulbo- sum Artemisia abrotanum.. . . Artemisia lactiflora Page Height in feet 40 4 to 5 40 4 to 5 40 2 40 IV, 40 41 4 41 3 41 4 41 4 41 6 91 1 to 1,^ 42 15 43 1 43 1 43 1 44 1 122 44 1 44 1 112 44 1 44 I 45 3 to 5 45 1 47 2 to 3 47 H 47 31 yi 48 2 48 l>^to2 49 2 49 2H 49 2H 49 2 49 2 49 1 to IH 49 2 49 1 to2 49 1 to IH 51 Vz 51 Vi 31 1 to VA 52 1 52 1 52 1 98 M 52 2 to 3 52 5 Flowering Period July-Sept. July-Sept. Summer Summer June-July Juno-July Oct. June-July June-Julv Sept. Summer April-May May May July or Aug. May May June April June-July Summer Aug. to Oct. April April April Aug. to Sept. Aug. to Sept. April-May May May May- June May May May May May April April May May-Aug. May- Aug. May-Aug. Aug. Aug.-Oct. Color Yellow Yellow Pink White Yellow White, blue Bluish-violet Yellow Dark blue Pale blue Purplish Yellow Yellow Yellow White Dull red, blue white Purplish blue Yellow Yellow Deep blue Bright blue White, pink Violet White White Creamy white Golden yellow Yellow, scarlet Yellow Blue and white Lilac Yellow and scarlet Blue and white Yellow Greenish orange Lilac, white White White Purple, green Bright pink Pink Pink Leaves green and white Greenish white Creamy white Remarks Same as A. filipendulina The tallest Achillea Pink variety of common Yarrow Double varieties best Edging plant Larkspur-like plant Latest to bloom Common yellow species Larkspur-like plant A tall species Perhaps the most grace- ful hardy fern Dainty biennial climber I Attractive foliage I Do not transplant often Excellent for stubborn situations Good under trees Good under trees Later than next species Excellent border plant One of the real blue flow- ers of the garden Good dwarf plant Excellent Autumn flow- ers Seed heads attractive A dainty native sort A dainty native sort I Good cut flower Our common native Long spurs Long spurs Short spurs Spurs 33-^2 in. -6 in. long One of the best early Spring edging plants The familiar Jack-in- the-Pulpit [Excellent edging plant A grass for edging Old-fashioned favorite Bold perennial 1G4 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNL\LS Tabular Cultural Index — Continued Species or variety Page Height in feet Flowering Period Color Remarks Artemisia Purshiana 52 IH Aug. White leaves Artemisia saccrorum 52 2 Sept.-Oct. White Good annual; foliage fine, fern-like Artemisia stelleriana 52 m Aug. Silvery white leiwes Another old-fashioned , edging plant Aruncus Sylvester 154 5 to 7 June-July White The tallest of the Spiraea's Arundinaria auricoma. . . 99 3 Leaves green and yellow Arundinaria Fortunei — 99 IH Loaves green and white Hardy Bamboos Arundinaria japonica 99 8 to 10 Leaves green Arundinaria Simonii 99 15 Leaves green Arundo Donax 98 20 Leaves green and white The tallest grass Asarum canadense 31 -4 April Purple Leaves of most superb texture Asclepias tuberosa 53 2 July-Aug. Orange Very showy Asperula odorata 54 1 April-May White Dainty border plant Asphodelus luteus 55 4 June Yellow Deserves more attention Aspidium marginale 92 1 A common woods shield fern Aspidium spinulosa 92 1 A fern with finely divided fronds Asplenium acrostichoides 92 1 An evergreen fern Asplenium Filix-foemina 92 2 to 3 Fine foliage fern Astilbe Arendsii 154 1^2 to 2 June-Aug. Various A superior group of Spiraeas Astilbe japonica 154 ] 1 £ June-Aug. White The old favorite of the florist Aubrietia deltoidea 57 Vi April-May Purple Good edging plant Bambusa palmata 99 1 Leaves green Hardy Bamboo Baptisia australis 57 2V2 to 3 June-July Dark blue Pea-like flower Baptisia tinctoria 57 2 June Yellow Bellis perennis 58 /2 May Pink- white Excellent edging plant for early Spring Bocconia cordata 59 etos July-Aug. Greenish-pink A bold, gray-leaved, tall perennial Boltonia asteroides 61 4 to 5 Aug.-Sept. White Resembles wild Aster Boltonia latisquama nana 61 2 Aug.-Sept. Pink Like a dwarf wild Aster Bruckenthalia spiculi- 102 H to ?4 June Light pink One of the heath-like folia plants Buddleia variabilis 61 6 June-Oct. Lilac Good background plant for perennial border Callirhoe involucrata 63 1/2 to K July-Sept. Rosy crimson Trailing mallow-like plant Calluna crispa 102 102 1 to Wi 1 to \\^ Aug.-Sept. Aug.-Sept. Pinkish lavender Purple white Calluna vulgaris Scotch Heather Caltha palustris 31 H April Yellow A common native plant Campanula carpatica 64 1 June-Oct. Blue, white of marshes Excellent edging plant Campanula Medium 64 3 June-July Pink, rurple, white Very large bells Campanula persicifolia... 64 2 June-July Blue, white Graceful border plant Campanula pyramidalis . 64 4 to 6 Sept. Blue Tallest Bellflower Campanula rotundifolia . 64 1 June-Aug. Blue Dainty native plant Camptosorus rhizophyl- 92 A very interesting fern lus which creeps over the rocks Caryopteris Mastacan- thus 65 67 3 to 4 4 to 5 Sept.-Oct. Aug.-Sept. Lavender blue Yellow Protect in Winter Cassia marilandica Massive perennial with ^ pea-like flowers 4 Ca ulophyllum t h a 1 i c - 1 troides 31 1 to 3 April- May Greenish yellow Fruits blue J TABULAR CULTURAL INDEX 165 Tabular Cultural Index — Continued Species or variety Centaurea babylonica. Centaurea Cineraria . . Centaurea dea'.bata. . . . Centaurea gymnocarpa. Centaurea macrocephala. Centaurea montana. . Cerastium arvense. . . . Cerastium Biebersteinii Cerastium tomentosum... Ceratostigma (see Plum bago) Chelone glabra Chelone Lyonii Chimaphila umbellata. . Chrysanthemum, hardy Cimicifuga dahurica.. Cimicifuga racemosa . Cimicifuga simplex. . . Claytonia virginica. .. Clematis Davidiana. . Clematis heracleaefolij Clematis recta Page Clintonia borealis Conoclinium (see Eupa- torium) Convallaria majalis lanceolata Coreopsis grandifiora Coreopsis rosea Coreopsis verticillata. . . Cypripedium acaule Cypripedium pubescens. Daphne Cneorum Daphne Mezereum.. Delphinium hybrids. Dentaria diphylla Dianthus barbatus Dianthus chinensis Hed dewigii Dianthus deltoides Dianthus latifolius atro- cocinneum Dianthus plumarus Dicentra canadensis. Dicentra cuccularia. . Dicentra chrysantha. Dicentra eximia 6S 142 31 70 71 71 71 31 72 72 72 31 90 72 75 Dicentra spectabiiis. . . . Dicksonia punctilobula. Height in feet 78 78 80 Flowering Period VA 3H 2 VA H 2 2 H to H 2 to 3 4 to 8 2 to 3 1 VA Summer July-Sept. Summer July-Aug. May-Sept. June-July June-July June Aug.-Sept. Aug.-Sept. June-Aug. Sept.-Nov. Sept. July-Aug. Oct. April Aug.-Sept. .\ug.-Sept. Summer May- June Color May June-Aug. Aug.-Sept. July-Aug. April-May April-May April-Oct. Feb.-April June-July April May May May May-Oct. May April April April May April-June Yellow White leaves Rose White leaves Yellow Blue, white White White White White Rose Flesh color Various White White White Pinkish lavender Blue Pale blue White Greenish-yellow Remarks White Yello w Rosy pink Yellow Pink Yellow Pink Lilac purple Violet, purple, orange, white White Various Various Rosy pink, white Crimson Various White White, yellow Yellow Pink Rose Commonly called Dusty Miller Finer leaves than Cen- taurea Cineraria Tall, large flowered sort Good border plant Green leaf form Larger flowers than next species Excellent gray-foliaged edging plant Good for wet places Good for wet places Evergreen leaves See Daisy for other spe- cies All suited to moist, shady places .\ dainty native flower Whorls of bell-shaped flowers Large masses of flowers and foliage A wild flower The sweet Lily of the Valley One of the standard gar- den perennials A creeping Coreopsis .\ small flowered sort ITwo showy Lady Slip- J per Orchids A most dainty, fragrant flower One of earliest shrubs of the garden Some of the most strik- ing garden flowers A common wild flower Border plant, ages old Resembles the annual China Pink A dainty rock plant Like a hardy Carnation Indespensable edging plant I Dainty native plants Now used as a substitute for D. spectabiiis One of the old-fashioned favorites A good hardy fern 166 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENMALS Tabular Cultural Index — Continued Species or variety Page Height in feet Flowering Period Color Remarks Dictamnus albus Digitalis grandiflora 81 83 83 83 31 82 82 82 82 85 P3 85 85 99 87 87 87 87 100 102 102 88 88 88 89 89 S9 89 31 100 100 90 90 90 90 100 154 154 80 93 93 93 93 94 95 95 95 2 to 3 3 3 3 to 5 1 to lU 2 ItolJ^ 1 to m 1.4 3 to 4 3 5 to 7 3 1 1 1 1 5 to 10^ '4 H 1 to VA 2 2 1 3 4 5 to 7 5 to 7 2 2 to 3 4 to 10 4 to 5 1 3 IH 1>2' 2 2y2 VA 2 Vi M to 1,4 ?4 to VA June-July June-July June-July June-July April-May March-April June June June July-Oct. Summer July-Sept. July-Aug. April- May May May May April-May Aug. July-Aug. July-Aug. July-Aug. June-Sept. June-Spet. June-Sept. June-Sept.- April Aug.-Sept. Aug.-Sept. Aug.-Sept. Aug.-Sept. June-Aug. June-July July June July July-Aug. Summer May Aug.-Sept. Aug.-Sept. Purple, white Yellow Grayish, marked yellow Purple to white Magenta-pink Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Rosy purple Pink Steel blue White Leaves bluish green Yellow White tinged pur- ple Yellow White Pink Rosy purple Orancre Purple Purple Amethyst Blue Blue Blue Yellow, light pink Blue White Purple White Red to pink White Blue White Lilac Purple Various Blue Blue Blue One of the old garden plants The interesting yellow Foxglove A strange tvpe of Fox- Digitalis purpurea Dodecatheon Media Doronicum austriacum. . Doronicum caucasicum. . Doronicum Clusii Doronicum plantagineum Echinacea purpurea Echinocactus Simpsonii. . glove The favorite Foxglove A favorite Midwest na- tive flower Some of the earliest Daisy-like flowers Strong growing peren- nial for poor soil A globular shaped Cactus Thistle-like flowers Echinops sphaerocephalus Epimedium alpinum Epimedium macranthum Epimedium Musschia- num Attractive grass Rock plants of unusual keeping quality Epimedium niveum Erianthus Ravennae A good specimen grass Heathers of great beauty Erigeron aurantiacus Erigeron glabellum Erigeron speciosus Eryngium amethystinum Eryngium maritimum. . . Eryngium Oliverianum.. Eryngium planum Erythronium american- um . ... Aster-like flowers ■Prickly plants Spotted leaves; showy wild flower Eulalia gracillima Eulalia japonica Eupatorium ccelestinum.. Eupatorium perfoliatum. Eupatorium purpureum. Eupatorium urticsfolium Foliage variegated Like the annual Ager- atum lExcellent for wet places J in a wild garden Dwarf, gray-leaved grass Filipendula purpurea Filipendula Ulmaria Fraxinella (see Dictam- A gracetul, feathery sort Fern-like leaves and dainty flowers Funkia ccerulea Funkia grandiflora Funkia Sieboldiana Funkia undulata varie- Lily-like, shade loving plants Gaillardia aristata Gentiana acaulis Gentiana Andrewsii Gentiana crinita Glorious, Daisy-like flow- ers The pride of the con- noisseur TABULAR CULTURAL LNDEX 167 Tabular Cultural Index — Continued ^pecies or variety Geranium maculatum. . , Geranium Robertianum Geranium sanguineum.. Geum coccineum Geum montanum Gnaphalium (see Leon- topodium) Gynerium argenteum — Gypsophila acutifolia.. . Gypsophila cerastioides. Gypsophila paniculata.. Gypsophila repens Helenium autumnale. . . . Helenium Hoopesii Helenium pumilum Helianthus decapetalus. . Helianthus Maximilianii. Helianthus mollis Helianthus orgyalis Helianthus scaberrimus.. Heliopsis Pitcheriana Hemerocallis Dumortieri. Hemerocallis flava Hemerocallis fulva Hemerocallis Midden- dorfii Hemerocallis Thunbergii. Hepatica acutiloba and triloba Hesperis matronalis. . Heuchera americana.. Heuchera sanguinea. . Hibiscus Moscheutos. Hibiscus oculiroseus. . Hosta (see Funkia)... Houstonia ccerulea. . . Hydrophyllum Hypericum calycinum. . . Hypericum Moserianum Hypoxis hirsuta Iberis gibraltarica. . Iberis sempervirens. Iris barbata Iris cristata Iris interregna , Iris laevigata . . . . Iris pseudacorus. Iris pumila Iris sibirica Iris verna Iris versicolor... Jeffersonia diphylla. Lastrea Filix-mas... Height Page in feet 9(\ 9 96 3/ 96 H 97 1 to m 97 1 87 100 5 to 7 101 2 to 3 101 H 101 2 to 3 JOl V2 103 4 103 2>^ 103 214 104 6 104 6 to 8 104 4 to 5 104 8 to 10 104 5 106 2 to 3 106 2 106 2H 106 3 106 2 106 3 31 Yi 110 3 110 1 110 w? 111 4 to 5 111 4 to 5 93 31 ^'^ 31 VA 115 1 115 VA 31 M 116 1 116 1 116 2 116 K> 116 1 to IM 116 2 A 116 2A 116 H 116 2A 116 A 116 2 31 H to 1 Flowering Period April-Aug. .Tune-Oct. May-July June-July Summer July-Aug. June-July July-Aug. June-July July -Sept. May Aug.-Scpt. Sept. Sept.-Oct. July-Aug. Sept. Aug.-Sept, June-Sept. May-June May-June May-June May-June June-July April June-Sept. May May- July Aug.-Sept. Aug.-Sept. April- May May July-.\ug. J une-July April-July April- June April-June May April Early May Late May May April Late May April May April Lavender Magenta Purple Scarlet Orange Silvery plumes White Pinkish white White White Various Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Orange Lemon Orange Orange Lemon Lavender, pink, white White, lavender White Crimson to white Various White, crimson eyi Light blue White Gold Gold Yellow White White Various Light blue Various Virions Yellow Various Purple, white Blue Blue White Remarks iWild sorts in moist / woods A compact, floriferous species Bright dwarf plants This Pampas grass is not hardy The daintiest and most graceful perennial Superior to, but re- sembling Sunflowers Strong, growing peren- nials which shift for themselves Much like Helianthus Day Lilies succeeding anywhere The common Hepaticas Somewhat resembles Phlox 1 Dainty edging or rock plants Flowers 6 in. or more Dainty wild flower A familiar plant of the woods Neat flowers with a tuft of stamens in the center A wild flower I These hardy Candytufts [ are unrivaled for deg- I ing The popular German liis Intermediate in and height Japanese Iris, flat flowers Plant in water The dainty edging plant Grows nicely in moist soil Can be planted in water Interesting wild flower An evergreen fern 168 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Tabular Cultural Index — Continued Species or variety Lavandula spica Lavandula vera Leontopodium alpinum. . Leontopodium sibiricum Leptandra (see Veronica) , Liatris pycnostachya Liatris scariosa Liatris spicata Linum flavum Linum perenne Lobelia cardinalis Lobelia syphilitica Lupinus perennis Lupinus polyphyllus — Page Lychnis chalcedonica. . . Lychnis coronaria Lychnis Flos-cuculi. . . . Lychnis Haageana Lychnis Viscaria Lygodium palmatum. . . Lysimachia clethroides.. Lysimachia Nummularia. Lysimachia punctata. . . . Lythrum Salicaria Menziesia polifolia. . Mertensia virginica. Miscanthus (see Eulalia) Mitchella repens Mitella diphylla. . . Monarda didyma. . Myosotis alpestris. Myosotis palustris . Nepeta glecoma. . . CEnothera fruticosa CEnothera missouriensis. Oenothera speciosa Opuntia arenaria Opuntia Camanchica. . . Opuntia phaeacantha. . . Opuntia polyantha Opuntia Rafinesquii. . . . Opuntia vulgaris Osmunda cinnamomea. . Osmunda regalis Paeonia albiflora. Paeonia Moutan, 118 118 87 87 157 118 118 118 119 119 120 120 121 121 122 122 122 122 122 92 123 123 123 123 102 124 100 31 31 125 35 32 31 125 125 125 63 63 63 63 63 m 91 32.91 130 Height in feet Flowering Period 1 Yi to y^ July-Aug. Ju'y-Aug. Sept. K to M Sept. 4 to 5 3 to 4 2 to 3 1 ■1^ 1 to 2 lYi to 3 July-Au June- Aug. Various Showy flowers upon Strawberry-like plants Primula (Cowslip) 145 •2 to 3,4 ^. ^Y Various \Favorite old edging Primula japonica 145 32 to h May- J line Crimson, white / plants Pyrethrum roseum 146 2 to 3 May-July Various Exceedingly bright Dai- sies Pyrola americana 31 I2 to h June-July White Leaves round Pyrola elliptica 31 '2 to H June- July White Leaves elliptical Romneya Coulteri 147 4 June-Oct. White Most extraordinary white, silken flowers Rudbeckia laciniata (Golden Glow) 149 5 to 6 July-Sept. Yellow Rudbeckia maxima 149 6 to 8 Aug.-Sept. Yellow These flowers are char- Rudbeckia Newmannii... 149 3 Aug.-Sept. Orange \ acterized by their Rudbeckia nitida 140 2 to 3 July-Sept. Yellow high, cone-like centers Rudbeckia subtomentosa 149 3 July-Sept. Yellow Rudbeckia triloba 149 5 Aug.-Sept. Yellow Salvia a^urea grandiflora. 150 3 to 4 Aug.-Oct. Light blue Salvia farinacea 150 150 3 to 4 23^^ Aug.-Oct. July-Aug. Light blue Deep blue The hardy Sages are Salvia nemorosa !• all interesting Salvia patens 150 1.50 2 ■T to6 July-Oct. July-Oct. Deep blue Light blue 1 Salvia uliginosa J 170 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS Tabular Cultural Index — Continued Species or variety Page 31 31 151 151 151 152 152 152 152 152 152 152 152 152 31 31 154 155 155 155 155 155 155 155 31 31 31 156 31 154 101 31 157 157 157 157 157 157 31 31 .158 Height in feet Flowering Period Color Remarks Sanguinaria candensis. . . Saxifraga virginiensis. . . Scabiosa caueasica Scabiosa japonica Scabiosa ochroleuca Sedum acre 14 1 V^ to 2 lV^to2 iy2 Trailing II Trailing Trailing H l}4 Trailing Trailing 1 lto3 1 3 4 to 5 1 to 2 5 4 A lto3 1 2 1 3 IM 1 9 A 1 H 3 to 5 Trailing A 6 Mar.-April April-May June-Sept. June-Sept. June-Sept. July-Aug. July-A\ig. July-Aug. July-Aug. July-Aug. Sept. Aug.-Sept. July-Aug. July-Aug. June-July May July-Oct. June- July June July-Sept. April-May Aug.-Sept. June-July April-May May-Aug. May May-Aug. April -May April-May July-Aug. July-Sept. May-June June May-June July April April-May June White White Lavender Lavender Yellow Yellow White Yellow Yellow Yellow Pink Rose Purplish-pink White Blue White Lavender, purple, rose, white Yellow White White Purplish and greenish Rose purple Golden yellow White Purplish blue White, red Yellow Yellow Yellow Amethyst blue Violet blue Violet Blue Violet White Purple White, purple, yellow White The old favorite Blood- root A native rock plant These long stemmed flowers are good for cutting Sedum kamtschaticum.... Sedum reflexum Sedum sexangulare Sedum Sieboldii Interesting rock plants, but many sorts are good for the border Sedum spectabile Sedum stoloniferum Sedum ternatum Sisyrinchium angustifo- lium ■ , . , , , , . , The Blue-eyed Grass Smilacina racemosa Spiraea (see Filipendula, Aruncus and Astilbe). Stokesia Isevis A wild plant Resembles a Cornflower Thalictrum adiantifolium Thalictrum aquilegifoli- um and an Aster Thalictrum Cornutii Thalictrum dioicum Thalictrum dipterocar- pum Feathery flowers un- • excelled for graceful effect Thalictrum glaucum Tiarella cordifolia Tradescantia virginica. . . Trillium (various) Trollius europseus Tussilaga Farfara Ulmaria (see Filipendula) A native plant with fuzzy flowers A native plant for the waterside Our favorite wild flowers A glorified Buttercup Sometimes a weed Flat, drooping clusters Uvularia grandiflora Veronica incana Veronica longifolia sub- sessilis of spikelets make this grass attractive A wild flower Whitish leaves The showiest A trailing form Veronica spicata Veronica Teucrium ru- An early, upright form Veronica virginica A tall white A native ground cover Viola (various) Favorite Violets of va- Yucca filamentosa rious sorts Coarse evergreen with graceful flowers PRACTICAL LANDSCAPE GARDENING By ROBERT B. CRIDLAND, Landscape Architect The author freely gave of his great knowl- edge when he wrote this splendid book. On the theory that "every house in a community should contribute toward the enjoyment of the inhabitants thereof, in some little artistic excellence," the w-riter goes about showing how to place the house, grade the landscape and plan and plant intelligently. No pages are wasted in useless talk. Description of Chapter Illustrations 1 — ^The Importance of All Careful Planning:. — Six halftone illustrations show- ing completed results. 2 — Locating the House. — Seven line drawings of studies of house locations on small lots and one showing best exposure for the house in its relation to the sun. 3 — Arrangements of Walks, Drives and Entrances. — Twelve illustrations of approaches or entrances, ten driveways and three walks. 4 — Construction of Walks and Drives. — Twenty-five teaching illustrations of cement, macadam, flagstone, slate and other walks, cement approaches and gutters, bituminous and cement driveways, etc. 5 — Lawns and Their Grading, Con- struction and Upkeep. — Nine line cuts showing correct grading under varying conditions, and three halftone illustrations of charming lawn views properly treated. 6 — Ornamental Planting of Trees and Shrubs. — Twenty-four fine halftones illus- trating suitable backgrounds, base plant- ings, specimen trees for the lawn, boundary plantings, border plantings, etc., together with numerous line cuts showing how to plant and move trees, lay out orna- mental vegetable garden, lawn group- ings, etc. 7 — The Flower Garden. — Seventeen halftones of properly laid out gardens with several planting plans and keys thereto. 8 — Architectural Features. — Eight halftones showing bird bath, fountains and pools, garden seats, pergolas and other features, together with plans for the con- struction of garden houses, entrances, pergolas, etc. 9 — Hardy Borders and Rose Gardens. — Fifteen attractive halftones and plans of borders and Rose gardens. 10 — Wild Gardens and Rock Gar- dens.— Seven illustrations, together with plan sho^sing how to build a dry retaining wall for planting. 11 — Planting Plans. — Nineteen plans showing a variety of artistic arrangements possible on small properties. These plans are keyed and accompanied by planting lists which have been tested in actual practice. PRACTICAL LANDSCAPE GARDENING islan entirely different book from any landscape treatise previously written, because it fits into your wants, considers practicability equally with the laws of art and beauty, and covers every detail. It contains 91 photographic illustra- tions, 67 sketches and 33 plans, 19 of which are planting plans accom- panied by planting keys. 276 pages, size 6x8 in. A. T. DE U MARE CO. Inc. 438 to 448 West 37th St. NEW YORK GARDEN GUIDE THE AMATEUR GARDENERS' HANDBOOK A Twelve Months' Gardening Paper All Under One Cover The very book j'ou have been looking for all these years. Absolutely nothing in print to compare with its fund of diverse information. Throughout its pages expert veteran gardeners tell the amateur in remarkably simple, easily understood language, how to plan, plant and maintain the home grounds, sub- urban garden, or city lot ; how to grow good vegetables and fruit ; how^ to raise beautiful flowers ; how to take care of lawns, porch plants, window boxes, etc. The book gives the How, the When, and the Where — from the pur- chase of the proper tools to reaping the harvest, and 1001 other points. It is of upstanding value to every man or woman interested in gardening, regardless of the amount of land at their disposal. Its chapters cover : Planning the Home Grounds The Vegetable Garden Lawns and Grass Plots Fertilizers Hedges and Fences Transplanting Trees and Shrubs Pruning of Plants The Rose Garden Enemies of Plants Hardy Perennials for the Diseases of Plants Permanent Garden Lawn and Garden Weeds Annuals and Biennials Winter Protection Bulbs and Tuberous-rooted Plant Propagation Plants Greenhouses, Hotbeds and Hardy Garden Ferns Frames The Rock Garden Garden Tools Garden Furniture Calendar of Garden Opera- Window Boxes and Porch tions for the Year Plants Animal Life in the Garden Fruit for the Small Garden Birds in the Garden Bungalow or Mid-Summer Fruits and Vegetables for Gardening Winter The Garden Guide consists of 384 pages ana numerous illustrations, these selected not for their picturesqueness, but as teaching examples, there being a reason for each and every picture presented. A charming cover in four colors depicts a flower garden and lawn view any garden lover would be proud of. A. I • Ll6 LSi iVl2ir6 \yO» InC* NEW YORK, N. Y. Practical Plant Propagation An Exposition of the Art and Science of Increasing Plants as Practised by the Nurseryman, Florist and Gardener By Alfred C. Hottes Second Edition, greatly enlarged Appeals to every one who has to do with seeds and plants, whether ama- teur or professional. A book of this sort has never been of more inter- est to the florist and nur- seryman than at present, as they can no longer look to Europe for their stock of plants. The text is brief and to the point. No lengthy dis- cussions, but facts are tersely stated, so that the busy propagator may get the point quickly and re- turn to the propagation of his plants. All amateurs have an intense desire to propagate those plants which they admire. In this book is told in simple terms how to graft fruit trees, make cuttings and layers, and sow the seeds which are often difficult to germinate. The revised edition is valuable because it includes as added features a thorough discussion of the propagation of conifers, the late work of Dr. Griffiths in raising Easter Lilies from seed, the sowing of vegetable seeds for greenhouse culture, notes on prop- agation of Ericas, palms, Araucarias and many of the excluded plants, besides many additions to the already comprehensive notes on the propagation of shrubs and trees. It makes clearer a thousand little points which the old edition touched upon. Profusely illustrated with halftones and line cuts. Prac- tically every one of the line cuts has been drawn specially for this work. A. T. De La Mare Co. Inc. 438 to 448 West 37th Street New York, N. Y. ■^ -^ -.^ -.■ ^ A A A A