wlf^^JAft^-r^^MU
This book may be kept out
NEW
BOOK OF FLOWERS
BY
JOSEPH BKECK.
NEWLY ELECTROTYPED AND ILLUSTRATED.
NEW- YORK:
ORANGE JUDD & COMPANY,
41 FAUK PiOAV.
3 74-
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by
ORANGE JUDD & CO.,
At the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Southern District of New- York.
LovEJOY & Son,
Elkctkotypeks and Stereotypers.
15 Vandewatcr street N. Y.
INTRODUCTION.
Fifteen years have passed since the author published
his " Book of Flowers." In 1856 a new edition was is-
sued, to which 60 pages were added in an appendix.
The Avork had a large and generous ])atronage, and
many thousands of copies were circulated during the ten
following years.
Time makes great changes in all the pursuits of life,
and in none more than it has in Floriculture during the
last 15 years ; consequently, the book in question had be-
come antiquated like tlie author, and needed revision,
which I hope he does not, extensively.
But when the work was taken in hand, it was deemed
advisable to make a new book, rather than to attempt the
revision of the old one, as it would be like putting new
cloth to an old garment, to try to patch it up. That the
laborous task of writing a new book was considered a ne-
cessity which, at the advanced age of more than three
score years and ten, was not so pleasant to contemplate.
But, having been familiar with the culture of flowers from
childhood, with a general knowledge of most plants known
in this climate, the task was made easy, notwithstanding
the weai'iness of the flesh. And now, after a year's writ-
ing, revising and correcting, "Breck's New Book of
Flowers " is presented to the flower-loving public, who, if
they love flowers as well as the author, will, no doubt, ap-
preciate his labors. He hopes the innocent, improving,
!^ and healthy pleasures to be derived from the art and prac-
- , tice of Floriculture, may be greatly increased by the in-
struction and encourao-ement he has endeavored to cfive.
Lo While much of the book is entirely new, and the ar-
2 rangement greatly improved, some parts of the old work
LiJ
CO
IV INTRODUCTION.
have been embodied in its pages, Avhere it was thought no
improvement could be made.
To the publishers the author is greatly indebted for
many corrections in the botanical portion of the work, in
making it conform to the present state of botanical science.
While this work has been made as simple as possible,
and not encumbered with technical terms, it was thougTit
to be important to give the true scientific name to every
plant as well as the common one.
To all lovers of flowers we would recommend the study
of Botany, especially to all who have time, and almost
every one can find time if there is a will to do it.
A description of hardy and evergreen trees, as in the
old book, has been omitted, as we consider the work as a
Book of Flowers complete without it.
The number of pages exceeds nearly one hundred more
than in the old book.
There may be many interesting ornamental plants known
to some of our readers, that have been omitted.
It has been the object of the writer to confine himself
to such plants as can be cultivated without much difficulty,
in the open ground in this climate.
The author hopes, that his " New Book of Flowers "
will meet with as much favor as the old one has done, and
be instrumental in increasing the pleasure of those, who
take delight in contemj^lating the exquisite beauty which,
a God of Love, has been pleased to bestow upon flowers.
" Who can paint
Like nature ? Can imagination boast,
Amid its gay creation, imes lilie these ?
Or can it mix them willi that matchless skill,
And lose them in eacli other, as appears
In every bud that blows ! "
" In the sweet-scented picture heavenly artis t I
With which, thou paintesl nature's wide-spread hall,
What a delightful lesson thou impartest
Of love to all?"
Boston, March 28, 1866.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The Utility of Flowers . '. 13
The Lily of the Field 22
The Vitality of Seeds, and Remarks on Planting 25
Selection of Flowering-Plants 33
Plants for Bedding. 36
Double Flowers 37
Color of Plants and Flowers 40
Construction of Bouquets 47
Protection of Plants 50
Support and Training: of Plants 52
Laying out the Flower-garden 53
On Lawns 62
Rock- work. 63
Aquarium, Plants for, etc 69
Cultivation of Parlor Plants 72
Potting of Plants 79
Insects injurious to Plants 82
Flowering of Bulbous Roots in Pots and Glasses 93
On the Culture of Perennials, Biennials, and Annuals 96
" " Hardy Deciduous and Evergreen Shrubs 103
Descriptive List of Perennial, Annual, and Biennial-flowers 108
" " Hardy flowering Shrubs, Suitable for the Shrubbery 395
INDEX.
Abronia 110
Achillea. Ill
Aconitum Ill
Acroclinium 112
Actaea.. 161
Adam's Needle 392
Adders' Tongue, Yellow 209
Adlumia 113
Adonis 113
African Hibiscus ,.241
African Rose 309
Afternoon Ladies 291
Ageratum 115
Air 81
Alder, Black 416
Alder-leaved Clethra 405
Alleghany Vine 113
Almond 396
Alonsoa 115
A loxjsia 421
Althaea 116
Althoea 415
Alyssum '. 119
Amaranth 119
Amarantus 119
Amaryllis 121
Amelanchier 395
American Centaury 346
" Cowslip 205
" Holly 416
" Laurel 418
" Woodbine 396
Amethyst, Blue 139
Ametliystea 121
Ammoblum 123
A morpha 395
Ampelopsis 396
Amsonia 123
VI
INDEX.
Amvgdalus 396
AriMgallis 123
Anemone 124
Anemone 361
Anchusa 124
Androscemum 245
Animated Oat 136
Annuals 99
Anthemis 128
Antirrhinum 128
Apios 129
Aquarinm 69
Aquilegia . 130
Arctotis- 132
Argemone 133
Aristolocliia 398
Aimeria 134
Asclepsias 134
Aster 135
'' China 141
Astraiitia 136
Auricul,ji 334
Autumnal Crocus 176
Avena 136
Azalea 398
Balloon Vine 153
Balm, MoMavian 206
" of Gilead .... 207
Balsam , 247
Balsam Apple 291
Pear 292
Baptisia ,...136
Barbai y Box-Thorn 424
Barherrv 401
Bartonia 283
Basil 299
Bean-Hyacinth 205
Beauty of the Night 291
Beil.ling Plants 36
Bedsiraw 218 ,
Bell flower 146 I
Bell-wort 378
Belie de Nuit 291
Bellis 137
Benzoin 400
Berberis 401
Berberry 401
Bergamot 292
Biennials 98
Bigrumia 474
Bindweed 145-171
Birtii-wort 387
Bitter-Sweet, Clinabing 404
Bitter Vetch 302
Black Alder 416
" Cohosh 161
" Snake-root 161
Bladder Senna 406
Biec'liiig Heart 201
Blf)od-root 348
Blue Amethyst 139
" Bottle 155
" Flap 253
Bonpset 210
Houquuts 47
Bouvardia 138
Box 402
Box Edging 59
Brachycoine 138
Bracted Poppy 310
Bramble 466
Briz;i
.138
Brompton Stock 280
Broom 468
Browallia 139
Buckthorn 429
Buffalo Currant 436
" Tree 467
Bugbane 161
Bugloss 124
Bulbous Perennials 97
Bulbous Roots in Pots 93
Glasses 93
Burning Bush 413
Bush Honeysuckle 411
Butter-Cup 337
Butterfly -weed 135
Buxus 402
CacaLia 355
Calampelis 207
Caiandrinia 139
Calceolaria 140
Calendula . 140
California Poppy 209
Calliopsis 173
Callirrhoe 140
Callistephus 141
Caltha 144
Calycanthus 403
Calystegia 145
Campanula 146
Canary Bird Flower 366
Candytuft 245
Canna 151
Canterbury Bells 147
Carolina Allspice 403
Cantua 222
Caper Spurge 211
Cardamine 152
Cardinal Flower 267
Cardiospermuui 153
Carnation 1^)3
Cassia .153
Castor-Oil Plant 345
Catananche 153
Catch fly 355
Caterpillar 283
Ceanothus. 404
Celastrus 404
Celosia 154
Centaurea 155
Centau ry, American 346
Centranthus 156
Cerasus 428
Ceraslium tomentosum 69
Cercis . 405
Chalcedonian Iris .251
Lily... 260
Chamomile 128
Cheiranthus 156
Chclono 157
Ckelone 315
INDEX.
YIt
Chequered Lily 213
Cherry 428
China Aster UI
Chinese Clirysanthemum 157
Primrose 334
Wistaria 478
Chionanthns 405
Christmas Rose ■■ 236
Chrysanihemii in 357
" Chinese 1'7
Chryseis 209
Cimioifuga 161
Ciiiquefoil 331
Clarkia 161
Clematis 163
Cleome 165
Clethra 405
Climbing Bitter-sweet 404
Climbing Fumitory 113
Clintonia 206
Ciove Giily-flower 195
Cobaea 166
Cocks-comb 154
Cohosh, Black 161
Coleus 168
Collinsia 168
CoUomia 169
Colutea 406
Columbine 130
Com frey 359
Coinmelyna 169
Composts 74
Cone-flower. 207
Conoclinum 1 "0
Convallaria 170
Convolvulus 171
Convolvulus 146
Coral Berry 472
Cor chorus 419
Coreopsis.. . 173
Cornel 406
Corn Flag 224
" Poppv 309
" Sedge 224
Cornus 406
Coronilla 406
Corydalis 174
rorydnlis 113-202
Cowslip 332
" American 205
Cranberry Tree 478
Cranesbill 221
Crataegus 408
Crepis.. 175
Crimson Balm 292
Crocus. 175
Crow-foot 337
Crown, Imperial 212
Cuckoo Flower 152
Cuphea 176
Curled Mallow 277
Currant 435
Cydonia 409
Cypress Vine 335
Cvpripedium 177
Cytisus ....410
Dacotah Potato 129
Daffodil 295
Dahlia 178
Daisv , 137
" Swan 138
Dalibarda repens 67
Dame's Violet 239
Daphne 410
Datnra 187
Day-Lily 215-237
Delphinium 1S8
Descriptive List of Flowers 108
Dentzia 411
Devil-in-the-Bush 298
Diamond Jicoides 285
Diamond-Plant 285
Diantlms 193
Dicentra - 201
Discipline des Religieuses 120
Diclytra 201
Dictamnus 202
Didiscus 203
Dielytra 201
Dier villa 411
Digitalis 203
Dirca 413
Dodecatheoii 205
Dog's-tooth Violet 209
Dogwoo'l 406
" Poison 435
Dolichos 205
Downingia. 206
Dracoceplialum 206
Uracocepkalum, 324
Dragon's Head 206
Dri>pw()rt ■ 358
Dutchman's Breeches 202
Pipe 397
Dwatf Almond 396
" Convolvulus 171
Eceremocarpus 207
Eciiinacea 207
Edgings.. 59
Elder 467
Elder-scented Iris.. 252
Elegant Madia. 276
English Cowslip 332
Holly 416
" Iris 252
Ivy 414
Epiga^a repens 66
Epilobium 20S
Erysimum 208
Erythronium 209
Eschscholtzia 209
Enonymus 413
Eupatorium 210
Eupatoriam 1 70
Eupliorbia 211
Entoca 318
Evening Beauty 291
" Primrose 300
Everlasting Flower 234
Pea -256
False Dragon's-head 324
" Indigo 136-395
VIII
INDEX.
False Orchis 324
Fennel-flower 398
Fenzli;i '2'22
Fever Bush 400
Fever- few 160
Fi^o del Inferno 133
Flax 266
Florentine Iris 253
Fiovver-de-Luce 251
Flowers, A rrran£?ing in Vases 47
Color of 40
*' Descriptive List of 108
'• Doable 37
Utility of 13
Flower-garden, To lay out 55
" Situation of 54
Soil for 54
Flowering Almond 396
" Dogwood 407
Flowering Plants, Arrangement of. 32
" Selection of 32
" Raspberry 466
" Spurge 211
Forget-me-not 294
Forefatlier's Cup 350
Four o'clock 290
Foxglove 203
Fragaria tndica 68
Fraxinella 20-i
Fringed Gentian 220
Fringe Tree 405
Fritillaria 212
Persian 213
Fuclisia 214
Fumitory, Climbing = 113
Funkia 215
Gaillardia 216
Galanthus 216
Galium 218
Garden Anemone 125
Balsam 247
" Chamomile 128
Hyacinth 241
•' Poppy 308
Rncket 239
Tulip 371
Gaultlieria 67
Gaura 218
Gazania 219
Gentian 220
Gentiana 220
Georgina 181
Geranium 221-310
German Iris 253
Giant Solomon's Seal 329
Gilia 222
Gilliflower 280
Gladiolus 224
Glaucium 230
Globe Amaranth 232
" Glol)e Crow-foot 370
"■ Flower 370
" Ranunculus 370
Glycine 478
Goal's Beard 359
Godetia 231
Golden Chain 410
Golden Eternal Flower 234
Golden Rod 356
Golden Senecio 354
Golden-striped Lily 264
Gomplirena 232
Gooseberry 435
Grand flowering Malope 276
Grape Hyacinth 292
Grass, Quaking 138
Great Laurel 430
G'"eat Snowdrop , 217
Great Throatw ort 150
Greek Valerian 326
Ground-nut 129
Groundsel 354
Haage's Lychnis 274
Halberd-leaved Rose-Mallow 240
Halesia 414
Hardback 469
Hare-Bell 146
Hawthorn 409
Hearts-ease 387
Heart-seed 153
Heath Pea 302
Iledera 414
Hedgehog ... 263
Helianthus 233
Helichrysum 234
Heliotrope 235
Heliotropium 235
Helipterum 236
Hellebore 236
Helleborus 236
Hemerocallis 237
Hemerocallis 215
Hepatica 67-237
Herb d'amour 343
Hesperis 239
Hibiscus 240-415
High Cranberry 478
Hobble Bush 477
Hollv 416
Hollyhock 116
Holly-leaved Barberry 402
Honesty 271
Honeysuckle 422
False 433
Hoop-petticoat Narcissus 296
Horned Poppv 230
Horn-stalked Datura 187
Horse Mint 292
Houstonia 66
Hyacinth 241
Hyacinth-Bean 205
Hyacinth, Grape 292
H vacinthus 241
Hyacinth, Star 353
Hypericum 245-415
Iberis 245
Ice-Plant 2S5
Ilex 416
Immortal Flower 234
Impatiens 247
Indian Cress 366
" Currant 472
INDEX.
IX
Indian Shot 151
Tobacco 270
Indigo, False 136
Shrub.. 417
Indigo Morning-Glory 250
Indigofera 417
Ink Berry 416
Insects on Garden Plants 82
" House Plants 76
Intermediate Stock 2S0
Ipomsea -249
Ipomoea. . . , 335
Ipomopsis :, ..222
Iris 251
Italian Bugloss 124
Ivy 414
" Poison 435
Ivy-leaved Morning-Glory 250
Jacobea 354
Jacobean Lily 121
Jacob's Ladder. 326
Jamestown Weed 187
Jasmine 417
Jasminum 417
Japan Globe-flower 419
" Lily 261
" Quince.. 409
Jimson Weed 187
Joe Pye Weed 210
Jonquil 295
Joseph's Goat - 119
Judas Tree 405
June-berry 395
Kalmia 418
Kerria 419
Kidney Bean 319
Laburnum 410
Lady's Ear-Drop 214
Lady's Slipper 140-177
Lady's Smock 152
Lamium 254
Lantana 254
Large Bell-flower 325
Lark's-claws 188
Lark's-heel 1S8
Larkspur 188
Lasthenia 255
Lathyrus 256
Laurel 418
Laurus 400
Lavandula 479
Lavatera 257
Lavender 419
Lawns ^ 62
Layers 99
Laying out Flower-garden 54
Leatlier Wood 413
Le Glaieul 224
LeptodactyLon 222
Leptosiphon 222
Leucojum 217
Liglit 81
Ligustrum 420
Lilac 472
Lily 257
'* Chequered 213
" Persian 213
" of the Field , 22
" of the Valley 170
Liiium 257
Limnanthes 265
Linaria 129-265
Linum 266
Lippia 421
L'lris de Constantinople 251
•' de Suse 251
Liver-wort .. 237
Loasa 266
Lobelia 267
Locust Tree 436
London Pride 351
Lonicera 422
Loose Strife 275
Love-grove = 296
Love-in-a-mist 298
Love in a Puff 153
Love Lies Bleeding 120
Lunaria 27 1
Lungwort 284
Lupin 271
Lupinus 271
Lychnis 273
Lycium 424
Lysiraachia 275
Lvthrum 275
Madia 376
Magnolia 424
Mahonia 402
Mallows 277
Malope 276
Malv 277
Many-flowered Sunflower 234
Marigold 359
'• Marsh 144
Pot ....140
Marsh Marigold 144
Martynia 278
Marvel of Peru 290
Maryland Cassia 153
Mathiola 280
Matrimony Vine 424
Maurandia 282
Meadow Lily 263
Meadow-Rue 361
Meadow-sweet 357
Medicago 283
Medick 283
Medusa's Trumpet 296
Melolontha subspinosa 88
Mentzelia 283
Mertensia 284
Mesembryanthemum 2^5
Mexican Cobsea 166
Sage 347
Tiger-flower 303
Mezereum 410
Mignonette 341
Milkweed „ 134
Mimosa 265
Mimulus 288
ilfirabilis , 290
Missouri Currant 436
INDEX.
Mist-flower 170
Mitchella repens 66
Mock Orange 427
Moldavian Balm 206
Momorciica 291
Moiiarda 292
Moneywort 275
Monkey-flower 288
Monkshood Ill
Morning Glory 249
Moss Pink 320
Mountain Laurel 418
Mourning Bride 352
Mullein 379
Mullein Pink 275
Miiscari 292
Musk Plant 289
Myosotis 294
Narcissus 295
Nasturtium 366
Nemophila 296
New Jersey Tea 404
Nicotiana ., 297
Nierembergia 298
Nigella 298
Nine-bark 469
Molana 299
Nun's Whipping Rope 120
Nuphar 71
Nuttall's Weed 174
Nymphaea 70
Oat 136
Ocynnim 299
CEnothera , 300
Opium Poppy SOS
Orange Lily 259
Orchis; 301-324
Oriental Poppy 309
Orobus 302
Oswego Tea 292
Paeonia 303
Pale Corvdalis 174
" Daffodil 295
Palestine Mustard 208
Palma Christ! 345
Pansy 387
Papaver 308
Parlor, Plants for 72-77
Pasque Flower 124
Pea, E verlasting 256
" Heath 302
" Sweet 256
" Wood 302
Peach 890
Pelargonium 310
Pentstemon 313
Peony . . 303
Perennials, Bulbous , 97
" Herbaceous 98
Perilla 316
Periwinkle 384
Persian Fritillary 213
Lilac 473
Lily 213
Petilium 213
Petit Muget 218
Petunia 316
Phacelia 318
Phaseolus 319
Pheasant's Eye 113
Philadelphus. 427
Plilox 320
Physostegia 324
Pickerel-weed 71
Picotee Poppy 308
Pied d'Alouette 188
Pimpernel 123
Pink 193
Pink Mullein 275
Plants, Bedding 36
" Color of 40
" Protection of 50
" Supports for: 52
" Training of 52
" For the Aquarium 69
" For Ornamental Ponds 69
" Cultivation in Parlors 72
" Re-potting 79
Platanthera ,. 324
Platycodon 325
Plum 428
Poet's Narcissus 296
Poison, Dogwood 435
Ivy 435
" Sumach 435
Polemonium 326
Polianihes 326
Polyanthus 332
Polyanthus Narcissus 296
Polygonatum 329
Pompone Lily 260
Pond Lily 70
Pontederia. 71
Poor Man's Weather-glass 123
Poppy 308
" California 209
" Prickly.. 133
Porlulaca 329
Potentilla. 331
Pot Marigold 140
Potting 79
Prickly Poppy 133
Prim 420
Primrose 332
Primrose Peerless 295
Primula 332
Prince's Feather 120
Prinos 416
Privet 420
Protection of Plants 50
Prunus 428
Pulmoiiaria 284
Purple Cone-flower 207
Purple Everlasting 391
Purple- eyed Crepis 175
Purple-leaved Perilla 316
Purslane 329
Pyrethrum 160
Quaking Grass 138
Quamoclit 335
Queen of the Meadows 357-46»
Ragged Robin . 274
INDEX.
XI
Rag- wort 354
Ram's Head 178
Ranunculus 337
Raspbeirv, Flowering 466
Red Balm 292
Red Bud 405
Red Lily 263
Re-pliinting 79
Reseda , 341
Reseue d'Egypte 343
Rhainnus 429
Rhodanthe 343
Rhododendron 430
Rhodora 433
Rhus 433
Ribes 435
Ricinus 345
Robinia 436
Rock Work 63
" " Plants for 66
Rocket, Garden 239
Roots, Division of 99
Rosa 436
Rose 436
Rose A-cacia 437
Rose-bay 430
Rose Bug 88
Rose Chafer 88
Rose Campion 275
Rose-Mallow 240
Rose of Sharon 415
Rose Slug 83
Rubus 466
Rudbeckia 345
Rudbeckia 207
Rue- Anemone 361
Sabbalia 346
Sage 347
Sagittaria 71
Salpiglossis 346
Salvia 347
Sambucus 467
Sanguinaria 348
Sarracenia 350
Saxifraga 68-3;-)!
Saxifrage 351
Scabiosa 352
Scarlet Geranium 310
" Lychnis 273
" Morning Glory 337
" Runner 319
" Tassel Flower 355
Schizantiius 352
Schizopetalon 353
Scilla 353
Scorpion Senna 406
Sea Celandine 230
Sedum 68-354
Seeds, Depth to Sow 29
" Vitality of. 25
Selandiia rosfe 83
Senecio 354
Senna, Wild 153
Sensitive Plant 285
Shad-Bush 395
Sheep Laurel 418
Shepherdia 467
Shooting Star 205
Shot Plant 151
Showy Lady's Slipper 178
Shrubby Althaea 415
Shrubs, Culture of 103
Season for Planting 104
" Soil for 106
Side-saddle-flower 350
Silene 355
Silver-bell Tree 414
Sky-blue Commelyna 169
" Didiscws 203
" Iris. . i 253
Smoke Tree 434
Smooth Lungwort 284
Snails 283
Snake-root, Black 161
Snap-Dragon 128
Sneeze wort Ill
Snow Ball 476
Snowberry 472
Snowdrop 216-414
Soap- won Gentian 220
Solidasio 356
Solomon's Seal 170-329
Sophora 136
Spangled-beau 285
Spanish Iris 252
Spartium 468
Specularia 356
Speedwell 384
Sphoenogyne 357
Spider-wort, 364
Spindle Tree 413
Spiraea 357-469
Spoon Wood 418
Spring Crocus 175
Spurge 211
St. John's-wort 245-415
St. Peter's Wreath 4C9
Stag-iiorn Sumach 433
Staff Tree 404
Star-flower 135
Star Hyacinth 353
Star Petunia 297
Slar-Thisile 155
Starry Morning Glory 250
Sleeple-bush 469
Stock 280
Stone Crop 354
Strawberry Tree. 413
Suckers 99
Sugar Pear 395
Sumach 433
Sun-flower 2:53
Superb Lily 263
Supports for Plants 52
Swan Daisy 138
Sweet Basil 299
Sweet Pea 256
Sweet Rocket 239
Sweet Scabious 352
Sweet Sultan 155
Sweet William 198
Sword Lily 224
XII
INJ)EX.
Symphoiicarpus 472
S'ympliyturn . ;i59
►Syrian Mallow '277
Syiinga 427-472
Squill 3r)3
Squirrel-Corn 202
Swam,') Honeysuckle 308
Swamp Pink 397
Sweet Pepi)er-busli 40.')
Sweet-scented Slirub 403
Sweet Verbena 421
Tagetes 3')9
Tamarix 473
Tamarisk 473
Tartarian Honeysuckle 422
Tassel Flower ... 355
Tecoma 474
Ten Week's Stock 2H0
Thalictrum '601
Thif-tle, Star 155
Thorn Apple 187
Thoroughwort 210
Thready Yucca 392
Thrift 134
Throatwort, Great ITiO
Thunbergia 3f)2
Tinrella 08-302
Tiger-flower :5G3
Tiger Lily 2G0
Tigridia 303
Toad Flax 205
Tobacco. 297
" Indian 270
Tradescanlia 304
Training of Plants 52
Treacle Mustard 20H
Tree, Box 403
" Cranberry 478
" Hibiscus.. . 415
•' Mignonette 342
" Peony 304
Trillium 304
Tritoma 305
Trollius 370
Tro[)ajolu m 300
Trumpet-flower 474
Trumpet Honeysuckle 422
Tubero.se 320
Tulipa 371
T'ulip 371
Turk's Cap Lily 259
Turtle-head 157
Tutsan 245
Two-leaved Lady's Slipper 177
Unicorn Plant 278
Uvularia 37H
Valerian 379
Valeriana 379
Variegated Spurge 2' 2
Venetian Sumach 434
Venus' Looking-glass 350
Verbas(;um 379
Verbena 3S0
Vrrhena 421
Veronica ....384
Vervain 380
Viburnum 470
Vinca 384
Viola 07-380
Violet 380
Virginian Dragon-head 324
Virginian Convolvulus 249
Virginian (Creeper 390
Virgin's Bower 103
Waklenbergia 325
Walks 57
Wall Flower 156
Water 80
Water Lily 70
Wax work. 404
Wayfaring Tree 477
West.jrn Wall-flower 208
Wliale Oil Soa;) 80
White Lily 258
Whitlavia 391
Wliip-poor-will's Sjioe 177
Wicopy 413
Wiegela 411
Wild Senna 153
Willow-herb 208-275
Wind Flower 1 24
Wistaria 478
Wolfsbane 112
Wood Anemone 125
Woodbine 422
Wood Fringe 113
Wood Pea 302
World's Wonder 291
Xerantliemum . . 391
Yarrow ill
Yellow Adder's Tongue... 209
Yellow Horned- Poppy 2.30
Yellow Lady's Slipper 177
Yucca 392
Zau.sc,hneria 392
Zinnia 393
BOOK or ELO¥EES
THE UTILITY OF FLOWERS.
THE IIAITY INFLUENCK OF THE PUJiSUlT OF ilOllTICUL-
TUUE ON THE MIND OF MAN.
" Not useles? arc ye flowers ; though tiiade for i)lc:i.siMC,
Bloomirif.j o'er fields, and wave by day and ni^lit
From every source your saiiotiori bids mo treasure
Harmless delight."— //wrarc Smilh.
Flowers :iro the expression of (Jod's love 1,o iiiun. Ono
of the highest uses, therefore;, which e;ui be wv.ula in cori-
templatirj<^ these beautiful crciations, in ;iil their variety
and splendor, is, that our thoiii^hts and aH'cctions may be
drawn upwards to ITirri who has so l)Onntifiiliy sprc^ad over
the faee of tlie wliole eartli, sueh a vast })rofiisiofi of th(!se
beautiful objects, as tokens of his love to us. The; more
we examine flowers, especially when tin; ey(! is assisttid l>y
the microscope, tin; more we must adoi-e the matchless
skill of the (xreat Su[)reme. Wc; must Ix; un<^rateful in-
deed, not to acknowl(!
elow.
The Saviour of men, while on earth, often retired to the
gardens nbont Jeriis;dem to sfXTid a (juiet honi- with His
disciples, or alone-, and no t look plcusiiiv! in (-ontcm-
]>lating flowers. W(; mH know how He spake of tin; lily:
*' H(;hollanted with a large
mixture of difterent varieties, such as straggling and spread-
ing, tall and short, it is almost im|>ossible to prevent large
portions of the soil from being seen.
I would recommend, not to have the flower beds scat-
tered promiscuously over a lawn, without any connection
with each other, but a simple group of regular beds or
figures of various sizes, such as circles, or ovals neatly cut
2*
34 breck's new book of flowers.
out, and occupying about the centre of tlie lawn; when these
are well kept, the freshness and verdure of the green
turf, giv^es a fine contrast to the flower beds, and adds
very much to the brilliant colors of the flowers themselves.
In some of the beds, I would aim at producing spl'endid
masses of one color, and in others, such as the largest beds,
a mixed and choice collection of animals, which would give
a variegated mass of colors throughout the season : in
other beds by themselves, I would fill up with exotic
flowers, or flowering shrubs, such as are brought forward
under glass for bedding out, such as Heliotropes, Lan-
tanas, Bouvardias, Geraniums, Fuchsias, Ageratums, Ver-
benas, etc.
The following collection and arrangement for a large
oval bed will be found to give a brilliant display of colors
from July to November. In the first row, Mignonette to
be sown all round the border, eighteen inches from the
edging ; after the seed is tlu'ough the ground, plant all the
various colors of Portulaca alternately, one foot apart in
the same row. The second row, three feet from the edg-
ing, plant all the fine mixed colors of Phlox Drummondii,
eight inches from each other. The third row, four feet
from the edging, sow with white Candytuft, planting all the
fine varieties of China Pink three inches apart in the same
row. The fourth row, five feet from the edging, j^lant
with Purple Globe Amaranth eight inches apart, with a
German Ten Week Stock between the Amaranths. The
fifth row, six feet from the edging, plant alternately,
all the various colors of fine double German Asters, six
inches apart in the row. The space remainhig in the
centre, fill with all the diflerent colors of the Petunia,
]^lanting one foot apart amongst the Petunias, bulbs of
all the fine colors of the Hybrid Gladiolus, which, when in
bloom with their long densely flowered racemes of blos-
soms, varying from white to salmon and carmine, scarlet
SELECTION OF FLOWERING PLANTS. 35
and crimson, standing up among the creeping Petunias,
will make a fine display.
The annuals that I have been in the habit of sowing
in separate beds, are as follows : The splendid collection
of German Asters, German Ten Week Stocks, Double
Chinese Pink, all the varieties of Phlox Drummondii, Pe-
tunias, Coreopsis Drummondii, which makes a fine yellow
bed, Purple Globe Amaranths, and Mignonette. I do
not wish any one to imagine that I decry and discard all
the other annuals and tender bedding-out plants, not men-
tioned here, they are all very pretty, and some of them
curious, but they should, in my opinion, only be planted
in borders along side of gravel walks, or amongst flower-
ing fehrubs.
The variety and beauty of many tall growing plants
should secure them a place in every garden of large size,
that has long lines of borders along side of gravel walks,
especially when the borders have a back ground of green
trees and shrubs ; they are then set off with a beautiful
and charming effect. The following is a select list of a
few of the most showy perennials, biennials, and annuals:
The tall growing ones for the back ground, viz.. Dahlias,
Hollyhocks, all the tall growing Phloxes, Digitalis alba
and purpurea. Spiraeas, Delj^hinium elatum, etc., Campa-
nulas and Salvias ; in addition to these there should be
light frames for a few choice climbers, such as the Mau-
randias, purple, white, and pink varieties, Sweet Peas,
Cypress Vine, Tropoeolum of sorts; mixed Morning
Glories; Thunbergias, mixed. Then should come the
plants of middle height to be gradually sloped off with
masses of Petunias, Gladiolus, French and African Mari-
golds, Asters, Balsams, Globe Amaranths, Canterbury
Bells, blue and white. Coreopsis in variety. Delphinium
Sinensis, formosura, etc., all the varieties of Helichrysums
or Eternal Flower, African Hibiscus, Mirabilis in variety,
36 bkeck's new book of flowers.
Dwarf-rocket Lackspur in variety ; all the beautiful Ne-
mophilas, etc. With good taste in their arrangement so
that all the colors are well blended, these flowers will make
a very brillant show through all the summer."
PLANTS FOB, BEDDING.
There is no more pleasing or tasteful arrangement of
certain flowers than disposing of them in masses upon the
margin of a lawn, or in a grass plot in figures cut out in
the grass. These figures should not look stiif and set, as
they will, if laid out in squares, parallelograms, or triangles,
but there should be ease and grace in their appearance.
Figures with gentle curves should be adopted, fern-leaved
shaped scrolls, or any other fanciful form which may be
adopted by a person of taste, and no one should be em-
ployed for laying out these beds, who has not an eye to
the beautiful.
No disposition of plants can be made which will be so
satisfactory and pleasing as flowers massed in this way,
provided the grass be kept smooth and close. — The figures
are first marked out with stakes; the sods carefuly taken
out, and the edges of the beds pared true with a sharp
spade or turf-parer. The space should be filled up with
rich garden mould, and compost, sufl[icient, after it has been
dug and settled, to raise the beds in the centre — so as to
have them crowning. They are then ready for the recep-
tion of the plants. As a general rule, one variety or one color
should be in each bed ; but where there is a limited extent
of ground, two or three colors may be disposed in one
figure, for example red, rose, and white will harmonize, or
purple dark blue, light blue and white ; blue and scarlet,
bright red and yellow ; orange, yellow, sulphur and white,
and many other combinations and shades harmonize. But
blue and yellow should not stand side by side, nor dull
red and yellow. It will be found a very interesting study
DOUBLE FLOWERS. 37
to learn the art of arranging the flowers for the lawn or
garden ; and such as have a correct taste for the colors,
will probably be the most expert. •
The most suitable plants for bedding are the following :
Portidacas ; white, lemon, orange, scarlet, and crimson.
Verbenas ; scarlet, rose, white, purple, and blue. Helio-
tropes ; lilac, and blue. Petunias / pure white, crimson, and
variegated. Eschselioltzia ; orange. Prummond^s Coreop-
sis ; yellow, (reram^/ms / scarlet. Pyrethrmn^ m Y>Q)\\\Aq
Fever-few ; white. 3fexican Ageratum ; pale blue.
Pwarf Coreopsis ; dark brown, brown with yellow edge,
yellow. PrummoncVs Phlox / crimson, scarlet, rose, and
white. Stock Gilly -flowers ; Pwarf Phloxes^ and many
other plants of taller habits appear to great advantage
when planted in masses in the shrubbery border or lawn,
where the latter is extensive.
DOUBLE FLOWERS.
Many botanists do not approve of double flowers or
hybrids : they see no beauty in them, it brings into con-
fusion the regularity of their classification, and therefore
regard them as monsters, as indeed they really are. By
high cultivation, the stamens of the flower are converted
into petals, to the great delight, in most cases, of the florist.
In what estimation, in the eye of the florist, would a single
rose be held, in comparison with a full double perfect
variety, or a single Aster beside an improved Pseony-
flowered one. The fragrance would be the same in the
rose, double or single ; but it would be like going back to
38 beeck's new book of flowers.
barbarism to prefer the single flower ; thus ignoring the
culture and skill of the florist for past generations. Adam
and Eve were put in possession of a truly botanic garden :
God gave wild flowers as he made them, and left it with
them and their successors in horticultural jDursuits, to find
their pleasure in making improvements.
But all flowers are not improved, even in the eye of an
amateur, by the multiplication of the petals.
The eflbrts of man to improve certain flowers are futile.
Being perfect in themselves, any attempt to improve their
beauty is almost impious, and results in failure. Take for
example the white garden lily, a flower so perfect, pure,
and comely, with its parts so distinct and lovely. What
an abortion and failure is the double flower: the upper
leaves of the flower stem are transformed to petals, and
we have the flower contorted into a lengthened assemblage
of green leaves, passing into white, without form or grace,
a ridiculous transformation of beauty into ugliness : it is
a monstrosity indeed, and can only be retained in a collec-
tion for its oddity.
The Petunia is not improved in its double varieties. A
few years since, they were all the rage ; but are now
generally discarded, as the fine improved single varieties
are considered far superior.
The double Campanula media has no merit ; it may be
likened to a nest of tubs or boxes. The large bell is filled
with smaller bells in the same way.
The double Nasturtium or Tropoeolum is another ex-
ample of a failure to improve ; the centre of the flower is
filled up Avith numerous contorted petals, and one not ac-
quainted Avith it would not suppose it to be a Nasturtium.
The Zinnia, one of the most unlikely flowers to be im-
proved, has witliin a few years become quite a favorite in
its double varieties. Instead of tlie rough and stifi" form
of the flower, with the ugly high disk in the centre, it has.
DOUBLE FLOWERS. 39
in its double state, been converted into a flower, that is
graceful, and regular in its shape ; the whole disk is now
filled out full with closely imbricated ]3etals, and is of the
form and nearly the size of a moderate sized Dahlia.
The double Hesperis 'matronalis or Sweet-rocket is one
of the most ornamental flowers of the garden. The prin-
cipal double varieties are the white and purple ; the former
quite hardy, the latter more delicate and hard to keep
through the winter.
The double Stock Gilly-flower.or Mattliiola is far superior
to the single, and constitutes, in its endless varieties, one
of the most desirable ornaments of the flower garden.
As all the strength of the flower is concentrated in its
numerous petals, it produces no seed. It is necessary to
plant one or more single plants, by the side of the double
ones, that they may impregnate the single ones, which
produce the seed from M'hich double flowers are obtained,
and from this seed, if from a good variety of plants, one
half may be expected to be double.
The Double Balsam is well known to all, to be one of
the most showy of the floral tribe. The flowers resemble
Roses or small Camellias.
Double Portulaca haA^e been introduced within a few
years and are great novelties. Thebrilliancy of the colors,
and perfection of shape, are very charming. When cut,
they are often judged to be scarlet, orange, or white roses,
by persons who have not been acquainted with them.
One great drawback to their extensive culture, is the
])aucity of seed they produce, as hardly a capsule of seed
is to be found on a plant. I suppose that by hybridizing,
more seed might be produced ; but one thing is sure, they
can never become troublesome like the single varieties
which fill the ground with seed.
We all know that the Dahlia, Aster, and numerous
others, are wonderfiilly improved in their double varieties.
40 breck's new book of FLO wees.
The genus Dianthus in all its species, except Sweet
William, and a few others, are greatly improved in their
double state. The Carnation and Pink are examples of
the perfection to which flowers may be made to attain.
The Datura and other funnel-shaped as well as salver-
shaped flowers, when double, lose their beautiful simplicity,
and are monsters without beauty or perfection of shape ;
the same may be said of the Tulip, although some of the
varieties are passable. The double Fuchsias, Azaleas and
many other double flowers are no improvement.
A multitude of other flowers might be named, which
have been improved in the double varieties, as the
Pseonia, Camellia, Lychnis, Tuberose, Larkspurs, etc.
ON THE COLOR OF PLANTS AND FLOWERS.
We are often asked why there should be such a diversity
of color in plants of the same species, produced from seed
of one flower when grown in the same soil, or what is the
process by which it is produced, or the cause of any color
in plants. A question more easily asked than answered.
I once put this question to a celebrated chemist, supposing
he might throw some light upon it. The answer was,
" that there were many theories upon the subject, but noth-
ing satisfactory had been discovered, and probably never
would be." It is the secret working of the God of Na-
ture, and unexplainable. In turning over the files of the
Horticultural Journal, published in 1835-6-7-8, I find the
following article upon the subject, from which, as it may
COLOK OF PLANTS AND FLOWERS. 41
be of interest to the Lovers of Flowers, I insert the follow-
ing extracts :
" The curious and striking varieties of color in flowers,
their metamorphoses, the delicate pencilling of the veins in
many, and the beautiful hues of striped petals, which have
from time immemorial attracted the attention even of the
listless observer of nature, have of course not been left un-
examined by the philosopher of every age ; and although
there is sufficient reason to believe that the usual methods
of rigorous examination into cause and effect have been
applied with all the ingenuity that a love of nature, or an
ambition of distinction could suggest, these labors have
not yet led to any very satisfactory theory on the subject
of the cause of color, and its variation of flowers."
" Those who are not conversant with raising varieties of
Tulips from seed should be informed that what is techni-
cally called breaking of a seeding tulip, is the sudden
change which takes place one year in the color of the
flower ; for instance, from a dull purple it will change to a
fine clear white with brilliant red stripes, or from another
dull color to a bright yellow with dark stripes, and this
bulb, with its progeny of bulbs, if properly managed, will
always remain of the same colors. This process often
takes six or twelve years, and cannot apparently be fore-
seen or accelerated, some never break or change at all.
The person who raised or broke the famous tulip Poly-
phemus, told the writer that it was nine years before this
effect was produced."
, " There are also many other curious proceedings of na-
ture on tliis subject, which must have been generally re-
marked ; the flower of Gohma scandens is green the first
day and violet the next — the Hibiscus mutahilis is white
in the morning, pink at noon, and red at night."
"M. DeCandolle, whose opinion on all subjects relating
to the laws of vegetable structure is entitled to the great-
42 breck's new book of flowers.
est attention, has divided the colors of flowers into two
series, the Xanthic, and the Cyanic as follows :
red
orange red.
Xanthic or oxidized series { 'n* *
orange yellow.
yellow.
yellow green.
Color of leaves. Green.
( greenish blue.
I blue.
Cyanic or deoxidized series < ^^^ ^ ^^^'. ,
I violet red.
t red-
founded on a memoir of Messrs. Schubler and Funk, inih-
lished at Tubingen, in Germany, in 1825, where it is stated
that all flo\\^ers may be divided into two classes, one hav-
ing the yellow color for its type ; these are incapable of
passing into blue, but into every shade of red and white ;
the other having the blue color for its type, wliich can also
pass into every shade of red and white, but never into
yellow; thus, for instance, the Potentilla, a little yellow
flower like the butter-cup, which abounds everywhere,
trailing along the ground, has been found of difierent
shades of red, but never blue ; the China Aster which has
every tinge of red, blue, is never yellow ; the Dahlia is
never blue, but often yellow and red."
" It will have been remarked that white is omitted from
these two series. It may be doubted, indeed, whether it
really exists in a state of purity in flowers, and it seems to
be rather some other color reduced to an exceedingly light
tint. Redoute, the French flower-painter, is said to have
availed liimself with great advantage of this fact. He al-
ways j^laced the flower he wished to represent before a
sheet of paper like that on which he had made his draw-
COLOR OF PLANTS AND FLOWERS. 43
ing, and he uniformly found that the flower woukl difi'er
from the paper m bemg more yellow, or more pink, or
more blue, or in some other way. White Campanulas be-
come bhie when they are dried ; infusions of Avhite flow-
ers in alcohol have always a perceptible tinge. Flow^ers
which are white, verging upon yellow, yield infusions wdiich
alkalies bring to a more positive brown ; infusions of those
which are white, tending to blue or red, become light red
by the action of acids, and greenish by the action of al-
kalies."
" Infusions of yelloAV flowers in alcohol are of a clear
yellow, without the flowers losing much color. Acids pro-
duce no other efiect in these infusions than to weaken their
color slightly. Alkalies make them more brilliant or
browner."
" Blue flowers produce, in alcohol, infusions either of a
clear blue, as those of flax, or very dark, as in the case of
the Aconite and the Larkspur. By the addition of acids
they become red, and of alkalies green. Those which are
colored red by acids, will not recover their blueness by the
addition of alkalies, as sometimes happens to infusions of
red flowers. Macaire having seen a red infusion of violets
regain by degrees the natural blue of those flowers, by the
addition of a vegetable alkali, such as quinine or strych-
nine, suspects that the color of the violet depends upon
the combination of their chromule with some alkali.
Schubler and Funk assure us that the infusion of the Blue
Day Lily {Funkia coerulea^) treated with an acid, will
present, in the same glass, all the tints of the colored
spectrum. Blues are among the most changeable colors
in vegetation, passing freely to white, and to diflferent tints
of violet and red."
" From what has now been stated, it appears to result
that modifications of chromule are the cause of the di-
versity of colors ; and that these modifications depend
44 beeck's new book of flowers.
principally upon the degree of oxygenation. In leaves
fully developed the chromule is green ; it gains a tendency
to yellow or red when it is more oxidized, as one per-
ceives by the changes of the color of leaves in autumn, by
the effect of acids ; and it appears to verge to blue when
it is less oxidized. We know that the flower of the Hy-
drangea becomes blue in a soil sufiiciently impregnated
with iron."
" The nature of this work does not admit of a very ex-
tensive discussion of this subject in its pages, but it may
be well to show that plants do contain metallic oxides."
" Dr. Sprengel, in a German publication called Der Land
und Hauswirth^ or the Agricultural and Domestic Econo-
mist, states that in almost all plants analysis discovers more
or less iron, and as the atmosphere does not contain any
sensible quantity, it must be admitted that it is derived
from the soil."
" In Sir Humphrey Davy's Agricultural Chemistry, it is
stated that the only metallic oxides found in plants are
those of iron and manganese, but there is little doubt that
copper exists in the Rose, as may be verified by leaving a
clean linen rag in rose water or in the water in which
rose leaves have been steeped; after some days it will
turn green, and copper may be detected, even when the
rose water has been distilled in glass or new tin vessels.
I remember to have seen a scientific account in some
French publication, of gold being extracted from the sage
plant, although in very small quantities. Iron and manga-
nese would however be sufiicient to produce almost every
variety of color known."
" Immediately after the flower withers, a change in the
juices of most plants takes place, by which change the
fruit or seed is matured ; this is very perceptible in the
eatable fruits, and proceeds until acidity becomes obvious
to the taste; after this saccharine juice is formed — now if
COLOR OF PLANTS AND FLOWERS. 45
iron in a low state of oxidation be the coloring substance
of a flower, it is clear that as soon as the juice of the
plant becomes more acid, a farther oxidation takes place,
this would cause a change in color."
" I would instance the Lilac. Iron in a low state of oxi-
dation combined with manganese and carbonic acid, form
component parts of a mineral called Pearl-spar, which is
of a brilliant white — it may therefore exist in the same
state in the white Lilac ; and the manganese is often found,
particularly in the Tiree marble, to be the cause of lilac
color — as the juices ripen and grow more acid, the iron is
farther oxidized, the flowers fade, turn of a rusty brown,
and finally the seed vessel ripens of a dark brown."
That Iron is able to produce almost every variety of
color we may learn from the fact that the native miner-
als. Phosphate of iron is of all shades of blue. Sulphate
and arseniate of iron, are green, brown, yellowish red,
brownish green. Humboldtine or oxalate of iron is bright
yellow, etc., etc.
Manganese is also found of most colors, from the green-
ish blue of the Horn Mangan to the rose red of the Tiree
marble.
" The amethyst is supposed to be colored by iron and
manganese, the emerald by oxide of chrome; the topaz,
the sapphire and the ruby by iron."
" It is well known to the florist that over manured soil
deepens, or spoils, as he calls it, the colors of his tulips and
other favorites, and that from this deterioration it is difii-
cult to recover them.
" Strong manure contains a large proportion of alkah,
and this always deepens and rather deadens many colors,
particularly of the red and purple tinge, while acids on
the contrary lighten and enliven them ; this consideration
may be experimentally applied to the subject.''
A number of years since I sold to a Tulip amateur a bed
46 breck's new book of flowers.
of choice varieties of tliis flower, which had bloomed in
my own garden the previous year, which I knew to be
very fine. At the time of their flowering in his garden,
he came to me in a great rage, bringing with him a hand-
ful of the Tulips, and accused me of selling him a lot of
inferior bulbs for the very best. They were indeed inferi-
or, except in shape. I examined them, and found the
ground color to be a dull brown, with stripes a few shades
darker. I could not believe they were identical with
those I sold him, but had some suspicions they might be
the same, but had not received proper treatment. He in-
vited me to visit his garden and judge for myself. The
journey of 25 miles I cheerfully undertook, and found to
my surprise, that not only my own Tulips, but also those
obtained from two other sources, were indeed a sad sight,
all pretty much in the same style and worthless. But I
was not surprised when the mode of their cultivation had
been detailed. He had not only prepared his beds with a
large quantity of strong manure, but to cap the climax,
he covered the bed in autumn with four inches of tanner's
hemlock bark as a protection. The leaching of the hem-
lock bark, and heavy manuring, satisfactorily explained
the cause of the disaster, not only to myself, but to the
gentleman also, when we presented the facts before my
friend, Mr. Teschemacker, who afiirmed that their treat-
ment was suflicient cause of their deterioration. The in-
quiry was then made, how the flowers could be brought
back to their original beauty. The answer was, that it
was doubtful whether that could be done, but it was sug-
gested, that the only probable means would be, to form a
compost of virgin soil from a pasture without any manure,
with sand and lime rubbish. — It, however, was not suc-
cessful.
CONSTRUCTrN-G BOUQUETS. 47
THE ART OF CONSTRUCTING BOUaUETS ; ARRANG-
ING FLOWERS IN VASES, Etc
FOREIGN FLOWER FASHIONS.
I have been requested by a number of the readers of
my first "Book of Flowers," should I publish anotlier
work or a new edition of the old one, to give some direc-
tions in constructing bouquets, show^ing how to arrange
the colors, etc. Now this is about as difticiilt a task, as it
would be to direct how a beautiful painting could be
executed ; such an art cannot be communicated by writ-
ing. It requires taste, skill, and ^^ractice to become a good
artist, and to know how the colors should be blended to
form a perfect jDicture. It is somewhat so in arranging
flow^ers in a bouquet. There is very bad taste exhibited
in many of the bouquets that are offered for sale in the
flower shops, which to the eye of an amateur is about as
annoying as discords are to the ear of an educated musi-
cian. I must, however, confess that I cannot communicate
the art of arranging the color of flowers in a bouquet that
would be satisfactory to myself, and must give as a sub-
stitute, some hints which I find in a late London i^aper from
a report of a gentleman who gives an account of what he
saw on a visit to Paris, in an article entitled, " Flowers
and Foreign Flower FashionsP The article is a long one
and I give only the following extracts :
" Much green with a little color is a rule that has a
wide reign ; and also it is remarkable how rarely one sees
one color ; but crimson and buff" roses, violet and pink,
48 breck's new book of flowers.
pale sea green and rose color, or any of these, with white.
This seems the prevailing thing, as much in dress as in
flowers, and as much in rooms as anywhere. But then,
Parisians do compose room, and toilette, and flowers, all
as a sort of picture.
" But to go on to vases and to flowers in general. The
great idea now in arranging them, is to show each flower
separately (not in that horrid way, of all others most ob-
jectionable, when, having a crowd of flowers, each flower
tries to be seen, thus making up a result of a mass of ex-
cited petals, like flices turned up in a crowd) — but where
the view is to let each flower repose quietly and calmly
upon a bed of green. That is, after all, the natural view
of flowers ; but I never saw it done perfectly till a few
days ago, at Paris.
"Bouquets for the hand are not made up abroad like
" the run" of English ones. The prettiest mode this year
is to have a kind of fern shaped spray of green going
down the bouquet between each little group of flowers.
It seems to me that in composing a bouquet, there are five
or six separate bunches of green arranged first separately
— some fern, for example, or sprays of rose leaves (to men-
tion things, that every one has at hand), and then these
sprays are fastened to the centre, formed, one after each
little group of Azaleas or Geraniums. The efiect is ex-
ceedingly good. The flowers would not be mixed much —
perhaps red and white in one place, and only pink in an-
other ; or perhaps blue would be alone here, and next door
to it bufl". The art is, not to seem to think the flowers
unsuited to each other. Flowers for hair and dress are
now very rarely mixed. You have some one flower and
its own buds for all. Then, if more green is wanted,
there are always sprays of ivy, drooping fronds of fern,
long ribbons of delicate grass. As a general thing, how-
ever, one flower with its own leaves is enough for one per-
CONSTRUCTING BOUQUETS. 49
son's ambition ; and the resnlt is once more, much grace
and little heaviness.
*'For actnal use on dinner tables, the prettiest fashion I
have ever seen by fm\ is that of the large open vase sup-
ported on gilt branches, always so arranged as to look
wide and low in proportion to its height.
" The dish or vase, I should mention, was of plain frost-
ed glass, shallow and wide, and rested on twisted supports
of bright and frosted gilding.
" The dish was itself filled up with bright dark green
moss — one of the beautiful green-house lycopods might well
be used here. Lycopodimn denticulatum is, perhaps, best
of all for the purpose, and is easily grown anywhere, in a
shady corner of the green-house, or in a window that will
not suit many flowering plants because of want of sun.
The moss was raised in the centre — not a heap, but curved
upwards. The flowers were as follows : one deep red
Rose, one of the palest Blush white, a spray of white Con-
volvulus, just touched with pink, a cluster of red droop-
ing flowers (I thought of the Rose acacia), one spray of
pale wild Rose, one bright pink Rose, a cluster of white
Acacia, and a drooping branch of the pink Convolvulus.
" It is to be remarked, the colors were all shades of rose
and white. The whole thing was most perfectly bright, and
fresh, and beautiful. Each flower was simply laid down
on the green, fairly round the vase, no attempt being made
to fill up the centre at all. The flowers just touched, and
had each its own green leaves ; the stems, of course, were
just hidden slightly in the moss. I give this to show the
style of thing, but, of course, other flowers can be used
for any of those named. The great thing is, it seems to
me, to have some idea to work to ; and there certainly are
such ideas to be picked up, sown broadcast abroad ; where
nobody is ashamed of trying to make themselves and
everything else look their prettiest !
3
50
" Another thing that struck me was the great nse made of
green m ever^tliing, and the inujiense effect thus produc-.
ed. A stand of flowers would really have very few plants
indeed. There would be green and moss — and perhaps
two plants in flower. Setting off one gem is far more the
fashion than collecting a crowed that detract from each
other's beauty. Eacli flower is thus allowed to be distinct.
And then things are on a large scale. I have passed under
a flower yase often in going to dinner — a tall yase on a
side-table, with really gigantic flowers — Sunflowers and
Dahlias, with great Roses and Gladioli, and with such
large green leaves, and the flowers cut with such long
stalks, that each seemed well detached — and the strange
selection was Oriental, and beautiful in its strangeness.
Of course all things of this kind must suit the rooms they
are in ; but in immense lofty rooms, and with the large
massive style of most of the French furniture, nothing can
be in better taste than some of these brilliant vases. Then
the beautiful feathery grasses are very much used in Paris ;
and nothing can be more graceful, on a large scale, than
are these white plumes."
PROTECTION OF PLANTS.
In our variable climate it is necessary to protect many
of the herbaceous plants before winter sets in, esi^ecially
in the vicinity of Boston and other places upon the sea
coast. Farther back in the country, where the ground is
covered with snow from December to April, it is not so
important, as tlie snow is the best protection they can
have. Many Alpine, Siberian, and other plants from high
PROTECTION OF PLANTS. 51
latitudes, are not hardy when exposed to the vicissitudes
of our winters, but in their own locahties they are snugly
stowed away under deep snow, all ready to burst into
flower as soon as the snows are dissolved, where summer
succeeds winter, without any spring. But when exposed
here to the hot suns of February and March, succeeded
by cold freezing nights, when the ground is bare, by the
process of freezing and thawing, the plants are thrown
out of the ground, and soon perish. Even many quite
hardy herbaceous plants are thus destroyed. The only
remedy to prevent this damage is to give all herbaceous
plants a slight protection, which should be done before the
jDiercing cold winds of December set hi.
Leaves afford the best protection, and of these I prefer
oak leaves, although any other kind will do very well.
A thick covering of manure from the stable is injurious
for many plants. Deep covering Avith any material is to
be avoided. A covering of leaves three or four inches
thick, is sufficient. A little brush laid over the leaves,
will prevent them from being blown off by high winds.
Do not be in a hurry to take off the covering before the
first of April, and if the weather is severe, let it remain a
few days longer. Some of the hybrid Roses, denominated
pillar Roses, are best protected by laying doAvn and cover-
ing Avdth earth, in the same manner as we protect Rasp-
berry canes, but care must be taken to prevent tlie stems
from being broken. When taken up in the spring, strong
stakes or poles should be substantially fastened Into the
ground, to which they should be tied to prevent the action
of the wind, and keep the bushes in shape. Thus treated,
I have seen pyramids of Roses, twenty feet high, which,
without this protection, would have died down to two or
three feet of the ground. Roses will bear any quantity
of manure, and should receive a heavy dressing of stable
or any other coarse material, applied to the roots in No-
52 breck's new book of flowers.
veraber, and spread and dug lightly into the ground in
April. This aiFords the best protection to Roses and
herbaceous Pseonies.
Tree Pseonies, which though very hardy, may have an
additional protection of straw neatly tied over their
tops, the flower buds are sometimes injured without it.
Young Altheas, some of the Spiraeas, and all tender shrubs
may be treated in the same way. The Chinese Wistaria
will receive much benefit by laying down, and covering
with earth, the same as recommended for pillar Roses, as
not unfrequently the flower buds are destroyed by the
severity of the winter, and it is a great disappointment
to loose the bloom of this, the most elegant of all orna-
mental climbing plants.
Having all the plants protected, much relief will be
afibrded to the amateur, as he thinks of his pet flowers,
securely covered and safe from the eflects of the extreme
chancres which so often occur in our climate.
SUPPORTS FOR PLANTS, TRAINING, Etc.
That the plants in a garden may at all times present a
neat and orderly appearance, it is important to give them
proper support and training as the season advances, other-
wise heavy winds and severe storms will create great dis-
order and havoc in the pleasure ground. Stakes and rods,
for this purpose, should be prepared in the winter or
spring, and laid by for use, as they may be required. It
will require some judgment and a little taste to prepare
and affix these supports to plants of difierent habits.
What would be most proper for a Dahlia, would not be
appropriate for a Petunia. A strong stake, the size of a
SUPPORTS FOR PLxVXTS, TRAIXIXG, ETC. 53
hoe-handle, about six feet long, should be 2:>repared for
the Dahlia ; it should be painted, if white, with a dull
brownish green. No rods or supports should be painted
a bright green ; they will not require painting with any
color if they have the bark on. Hazel rods, Buckthorn
trimmings, or any other straight growing stick will an-
swer for one year. Stout painted wire is more durable, and
will answer for many years, if carefully preserved. Put
down Dahlia supports before planting the tubers, as it
can be done then in a more substantial manner than when
the plant has grown a foot or two high. It is then all
ready to tie the plant to as it advances in height. The
best material for tying, is the bass from the West Indies ;
it is the bark of some tree, and is kept by most seedsmen,
and is much used by nurserymen for budding. This is
very strong and pliable if wet, and can be split up very
fine, and looks neat, if all hanging ends be cut off.
When tall plants are in masses, they may be kept in
shape by supports concealed as much as possible by the
foliage, using strong brown twine, fastened to these sup-
ports, to surround the mass, but care must be taken that
the stake or twine be invisible if possible. Morning
Glories and many other climbing plants may be trained
on twine to some object, and will require a little assist-
ance to give them a start, after which they will take care
of themselves ; or in some corner they present a fine ap-
pearance when trained to common bean poles.
Petunias, in a mass, look best when left to themselves,
as they naturally incline to a spreading position requiring
only a little clij^ping w^hen they grow out of shape. A
single plant will make a handsome j^yramid when trained
to a supporting rod with an occasional trimming and tying.
A few plants, well trained and supported, produce a
much finer efiect, than a multitude of them when left to
take care of themselves.
54 beeck's new book of flowers.
LAYING OUT THE FLOWER-GARDEN.
'' And the sinuous paths of lawn and moss,
Which led through the garden along and across ;
Some opened, at once to the sun and the breeze, —
Some lost among bovvers of blossoming trees, —
Were all paved v\ith daisies and delicate bells,
As fair as ihe fabulous asphodels ;
And flowerets which, drooping as day drooped loo,
Fell into pavilions, while, purple, and blue.
To roof the glow-worm from the evening dew."
Situation. — As to the situation of a garden, it is not
always in our power to choose. A level plot, however, is
to be preferred ; for, if there be considerable descent, the
heavy rains will wash away the soil. A southern aspect,
sheltered from the north and west winds, is a projjer situ-
ation for most plants. An inclination to the north, or
west, or any any point between them, should, if possible,
be avoided. It should be situated contiguous to or near
the dwelhng-house, and well exposed to the sun and air,
that the more curious and valuable flowers may be treated
with the best success.
Soil. — The soil should be a deep, rich loam. If not nat-
urally so, it must be made rich and deep by trenching
and manuring, by carting away poor soil and bringing on
good. If naturally heavy, it should be made light with
a more sandy soil; or, if too light, it should be improved
by a mixture of that which is more heavy.
The ground should be trenched two spades deep, or
from twelve to sixteen inches, according to the quality of
the subsoil. If the subsoil is poor, the depth of the
mould must l)o made by carting on such substances as are
most needed to correct tlie bad qualities of the soil. A
comj)ost, made of decomposed green sward from a past-
LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN. 55
ure, and old, rotten manure, would, in most cases, be the
best application to increase the depth of the soil.
If the ground allotted for the flower-garden is inclined
to be wet, or springy, it should be thoroughly drained by
ditches, or drains, so deep underground as not to interfere
with cultivation. A location having a gravelly subsoil
and exposed to drought, should be avoided, if possible.
In a word, what is wanted is a deep, rich soil, natural or
artificial, not too wet, nor too dry.
Laying out the Garden. — In giving directions for lay-
ing out a flower-garden, it must be borne in mind that it.
is not the design of the writer to give elaborate plans for
extensive pleasure grounds ; those who are able or dis-
posed to indulge tiiemselves in this great luxury, will,
probably, consult the professional landscape gardener, or
derive their information from other sources within their
reach, rather than from a work written particularly for
the multitude, whose means may be more or less limited.
" Neatness should be the prevailing characteristic of a
flower-garden, which should be so situated as to form an
ornamental appendage to the house ; and, when circum-
stances will admit, placed before windows exposed to a
southern or south-eastern aspect. The principle on which
it is laid out ought to be that of exhibiting a variety of
colors and forms, so blended as to produce one beautiful
whole. In a smaU flower-garden, viewed from the windows
of the house, this eftect is best produced by beds, or borders,
formed on the side of each other, and parallel to the win-
dows from whence they are seen ; as, by that position, the
colors show themselves to the best advantage. In a re-
tired part of the garden, a rustic seat may be formed, over
and around which honeysuckles, and other sweet and orna-
mental creepers and climbers, may be trained on trelhses,
so as to afibrd a pleasant retirement."
In laying out a flower-garden, it is best to have the
56 breck's new book of flowers.
work all completed by the middle of October, that it may
be in readiness to receive bulbous, and many of the herba-
ceous and other plants, and such shrubs as are hardy
enough to set in autumn.
The work may, therefore, be commenced at any leisure
time during the months of August and September ; or, if it
is more convenient not to commence the work until spring,
it should be accomplished as early as possible. If thus de-
ferred, the proprietor must necessarily be deprived of the
pleasure of having anything in its greatest perfection, ex-
cept annuals, and tender bulbous, or tuberous plants, for
that season. I should, therefore, advise, by all means, to
have the work done in autumn.
The quantity of land to be devoted to the object may
be small; but however limited the space, it is necessary
that some order should be observed in the general ar-
rangement.
As to the style of laying out, it will be difficult to pro-
pose any plan that would be likely to give satisfaction to
all, for most of our readers have a fancy of their own ;
and, though they might be disposed to ask advice, yet
would, probably, after all, follow the guidance of their own
taste, whether it be good or bad. It may not be amiss,
however, to throw out a few hints. And, in the first
place, if any considerable extent is to be improved, — or if
small, and it is desirable to have the business done neatly,
and in a substantial, workmanlike manner, — we should re-
commend that a thorough-bred, intelligent gardener be em-
ployed to execute the work; for the beauty of a garden de-
pends very much upon the manner of laying out, the pro-
per consistency and richness of the soil, the make of the
walks, and laying the edgings, Avhether of box, grass, or
anything else.
The form of the ground may be either square or oblong,
somewhat circular or irregular. The interior part may be
LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN. 57
divided into obloDg four-feet beds, or in the manner of a
parterre, in some fanciful style ; the former being more
convenient, particularly for most of what are called florist's
flowers, but the latter more pleasing to the eye. In either
method, a walk should be carried around the outward
boundary, leaving a border to surround the whole ground.
This outward border wall be the most appropriate place
for choice flowering shrubs, and tall herbaceous biennial
and perennial plants. If the border be a wide one, groups
of ornamental trees, of low growth, may be planted in the
background, especially on the northern and western
quarters, which will greatly protect the plants from cold
winds, particularly if evergreens be planted there. Large
trees sliould not be set so near the garden as to injure it by
their roots or shade. Every fine garden should be well
secured by a fence or hedge, if at all exposed to the public
road. A hedge is far the prettiest, and if well managed,
neat and ornamental.
"The plan of the garden, be it either large or small,
generally pleases when it is so constructed as to give a va-
riety in the design. Formality, though often the leading
feature, seldom gives that ease that is requisite. The
planting of the ground should also bear the nicest consider-
ation ; by which, I mean, that such shrubs and plants should
be selected as will form a pleasing contrast, and be appro-
priate in the difierent places assigned to them."
GARDEN WALKS.
Width of Walks. — ^The main walk, or walks, of a
garden, should be laid out on a liberal scale. Nothing de-
tracts so much from the pleasures of the flower-garden as
contracted walks. When we wish to enjoy the company
of a friend, in the flower-garden, it is much more agree-
able to have him by our side, arm in arm, than to be un-
der the necessity of making the tour of the garden in In-
3*
58 breck's new book of flowers.
dian file. The main walks should, therefore, be calculated
so as to admit two persons to walk comfortably in a social
manner, and, if wide enough for a little one in addition,
so much the better. From five to six feet will not be too
wide for the main avenue. The internal compartments,
of course, should have much narrower walks, the Avidth of
which must be graduated, in a degree, by the size of the
garden.
The walks of the flower-garden should be constructed
of such material as will make firm and dry walking at all
seasons of the year. The best walks are composed of
small stones, oyster-shells, coarse gravel, or broken bricks,
covered with five or six inches of fine gravel. As to the
color of the gravel, or coating, you must be governed by
fancy and convenience ; but as to quality, it should be
coarse and lively, containing a due proportion of light
sandy loam, to make it bind close and firm at all seasons ;
but not so redundant of loam or clay as to stick to the
feet in wet weather, nor so sandy as to be loose and open
in dry weather.
Groimd oyster shells are sometimes used, also granite
chips, from a stone-cutter's, which make fine, hard walks;
but these substances are too brilliant for the eye in a sunny
day, and on that account are objectionable. A redish free-
stone color has a better efiect.
Agreeably to your design, stake out the width of the
walk, and 2:)roceed to level the boundary on each side, cor-
respondhig with the adjacent ground, and form the cavity
of the walk for the reception of tlie gravel, — observing
that the whole space, to make a good and 2)ermanent walk,
should be dug twelve or fifteen inches deep, to allow a
proper depth for gravel, to prevent the weeds from rising
from the ground below, and worms from casting up the
earth thereof. The earth dug out from the cavity of the
walk, may be used to raise and level any hollow j^arts on
LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN. 59
each side, or contiguously situated, which, with the edg-
ing, if of box, should always be completed before you be-
gin to lay the gravel.
The walks being thus laid out, you may first lay any
stony rubbish, — such as broken bricks, small stones, etc.,
— for several inches deep in the bottom, which will drain
off extra moisture, and thereby prevent the surface from
becoming mossy or foul ; the proper gravel is then to be
laid on, six or eight inches thick. As you proceed in lay-
ing, observe to rake off the coarse parts into the bottom,
and to raise the middle of the walk higher than the sides,
in a gradually rounding form, just as much as is sufficient
to carry off the water to each side.
The proportion to be observed is, — a walk of four feet
wide should be one and a half inches higher in the middle
than at the sides, and for every foot of increase in width, add
one-fourth of an inch to the elevation of the centre. Round-
ing the Avalk too much would make it very uneasy to walk
upon, and of an unpleasant appearance. No more gravel
should be laid in one day than can be finished off and rolled
effectually. Clean, hard gravel walks add much to the
beauty and comfort of the garden.
A garden roller is indispensable where there is much
extent of walks, and it should be applied as often as once
a week, and particularly after a rain.
PLANTING BOX AND OTHER EDGING.
The surface of the garden having been levelled, and the
walks dug out, according to the plan, and partially filled
with stones and coarse gravel, the operator may now pro-
ceed to plant the box edgings, or any other plant he may
substitute for that purpose, or grass if that is preferred.
Box, of all other plants, makes the neatest and most
^beautiful edgings. This may be set in September or Octo-
ber, but will require protection, as it is very liable to be
60 bkeck's new book of flowers.
thrown out by the frost, or winter-killed, without it. It
may also be planted in the spring, and also in June ; but
when late planted will require shading and watering.
Box takes root freely from cuttings, and is sometimes
used without root fibres ; but, unless great care is taken,
some of it will fail to grow, thereby making the edging
uneven and full of gaps, and it will be found difficult to
get it into good shape again. If it is to be raised from
cuttings, it should be done in a bed by itself, where it can
have the benefit of shading and watering.
To make neat edgings, you should get some short, bushy
box, and let it be slipped or parted into moderately small
slips, of not more than six or eight inches in length, divid-
ing it in such a manner that each slip shall have more or
less roots upon it, rejecting such as are destitute of them,
for planting by themselves. If any have long, straggling
roots, they should be trimmed ofi", and the plants should be
made pretty much of a length.
It is to be premised that the margins of the beds have
all been properly levelled or graded ; then they should be
trodden lightly and evenly along, to settle them moderately
firm ; if for a straight edging, stretch the line along the
edge of the bed or border; with the spade make up any
inequalities of the surface, according to the line ; then, on
the side of the line next the walk, let a small, neat trench
be cut, about six inches deep, making the side next the
line perfectly perpendicular, turning the earth out toward
the walk or alley.
For a curving margin, a strip of board, an inch wide
and twelve or fifteen feet long, with pegs attached by
screws or nails, at various distances along its length, so
that it can be made fast in the ground, to correspond with
the design, may be used instead of the line ; but some work-
men are so expert, tlmt, having the design transferred to
the ground, they will proceed with accuracy without such
LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN. 61
a guide. At any rate, the trench is to be dug out as di-
rected for a straight line.
The box is to be planted in the trench, close against the
straight side, against the line, or strip of board, placing
the plants so near together as to form immediately a close,
comj^act edging, without being too thick and clumsy, and
with the tops of the plants as even as possible, all at an
equal height, not more than an inch or two above the sur-
iace of the ground ; and, as you proceed in planting, draw the
earth up to the outside of the plants, which will fix them
in their due position ; and when you have planted the row
out, then with your spade cast in the earth almost to the
top of the plants, and tread neatly and closely thereto.
When the edging is j^lanted, let any inequalities of the top
be cut as evenly and neatly as possible, with a pair of
shears.
Grass makes a very neat edging if kept in order, but it
requires so much attention to keep it in its place, so much
edging and cutting, that I would not recommend it. If,
however, it is made use of, it should be obtained from a
pasture or road-side, where it may be easily cut in strips
to suit, of three or more inches wide, according to fancy.
The sward should be fine and tough, so as not to break in
cutting and removing. The mode of laying will suggest
itself to almost any one: — the surface of the grass should
be on a level with the earth, and but slightly raised above
the walk.
Thrift, if neatly planted, makes handsome edgings to
borders or flower-beds. This may be planted as directed
for box, slipping the old plants into small shps and setting
the plants near enough to touch one another to form a tol-
erably close row.
Thyme, Hyssop, Winter-savory, and pinks are frequently
used for edgings, but they are too prone to grow out of
bounds, and therefore not to be recommended.
62
Many other plants are often used for edgings, but there
is nothing that makes so neat and trim an edging as box.
It is a good time to clip old box edgings in June. They
should never be suffered to grow tall, but be kept down low.
It is best to give some protection to box in the winter, by
coarse litter, or by throwing up a few inches of the fine
gravel on one side and the earth of the border on the other.
ON LAAVNS.
ISTo flower-garden can be complete without some grass.
There are but very few, however, wlio can afford the
luxury of an extensive lawn ; but every one wishes for a
few rods, at least, about the house ; this may lie between
the house and garden. When there is but a small surface
to grass over, it may be done with turf, if it can be ob-
tained of a good quality, Avliich is not often the case. The
best w^ay is to begin at the beginning, and do the work
up thoroughly. First, see tliat the ground is well prepared
by deep digging or trenching ; for it is in vain to expect
the lawn to preserve its greenness in summer, unless the
soil is pulverized so that the roots of the grass may pene-
trate two feet deep. After the soil is thus j^i'cpared and
levelled, it should be left to settle a week or ten days ;
then it is to be raked off smooth, and it will be ready for
the seed. The New England Red-top, or Bent-grass, alone,
makes the finest lawn for this climate ; but if it is desirable
to give innnediate effect to the lawn, there sliould be a
mixture of White Clover. Three bushels of Red-top to ten
pounds of White Clover, or four bushels of Red-tojD without
it, is none too much for an acre. This may seem a heavy
seeding, but it is none too much. After sowing the seed,
it should be rolled with a heavy roller.
To have a fine lawn, it is necessary not only to mow it
often, but roll it also, especially after a rain. By doing
thus, a close texture and fine velvety turf may be obtained.
ARTIFICIAL HOCK AVORK. 63
REMARKS ON ARTIFICIAL ROCK WORK.
There are many plants that succeed best when planted
among rocks, and for their accommodation and to show off
their beauties to the greatest advantage, it is common in
large gardens to have an appendage, called a rockery.
This is made of a collection of stones in the rough, or
natural state, laid up without much order, with soil, which
should be concealed as much as possible by the fragments
of rocks.
As some plants succeed best in the shade, a portion of
the rock work should be partly surrounded by trees.
Trilliums, Orchids, Cypripediums, and many other wild
plants found in the woods and swamps, with an appropriate
soil, would succeed very well in such a locality. I find an
excellent article on this subject, written by my late friend
J. E. Teschemacker, Esq., in one of the back numbers of
the Horticultural Journal, which, as it is apj^ropriate, I
insert. He says :
" There are many plants with rather small flowers Avhich
possess exquisite colors and elegant forms ; the charm of
these is in a great measure lost by their being planted in
the bed where the pitiless shower defaces their delicate
tints with earthy splashes, or their distance from the eye
causes their minute yet elegant characters to pass unno-
ticed ; other plants run over the surface of the flower
border to great distances, interfering with their neighbors,
which would look much better hanging pendant from the
crevice of a rock, or covering the sunny bank with their
numerous blossoms.
" Nature, who is always an interesting and instructive
teacher, points out such facts plainly, by often exhibiting
64 breck's new book of flowers.
these her treasures inhabiting and flourishing in the cracks
of her wild mountain scenery, making it as interesting on
a near approach, as it is astonishing at a distance.
Near Boston there are several glens, on a small scale,
where the naked rock is beautifully ornamented by the
Columbine, the Thalictrum, (Meadow-rue) the Violet,
ferns and many other plants of great interest ; they always
appear to me more captivating in these their natural situa-
tions than when formally planted in the parterre.
In Europe, few gardens are considered complete with-
out their compartment of rock work ; and even where
the spot is of the smallest size, a little piece of this device
is frequently seen, filling up and concealing an ugly cor-
ner ; nay, in the immediate vicinity of large towns where
the kitchens occupy the places of the cellars in this coun-
try, the way down is sometimes metamorphosed into a
rocky glen where Polypodiums, Aspleniums and other
ferns flourish — one friend of mine near London has a
2>lace of this kind, where there is a collection of more
than two hundred varieties of fern, many of them natives
of this country, he writes to me — ' This I have turned
into a rocky glen, planted all over with every variety of
fern I could collect, and there are about 200 of them, in
the several interstices between one piece of rock work
and another, all growing beautifully, and presenting a
singular and interesting contrast to the other surround-
ing species of vegetation. I am quite sure that if any
horticulturist who has the least feeling for the beauty of
form were to see it, he would not be long without taking
the hint ; the efiect surpasses much what I expected.'
The nurserymen in the vicinity of London, drive a con-
siderable trade in these rock plants, as they are called,
and generally keep them in small pots in appropriate
mould, so that they may T)e purchased and transplanted
at any time of the year ; so great indeed has been, and I
ARTIFICIAL ROCK WORK. 65
believe is still, the demand for them, that any one ac-
quainted with the subject will know that the Alps, the
Appenines, and every mountainous chain in the moderate
climates have been ransacked for the purpose of adorning
these faint imitations of nature's stupendous piles.
The first and great care in erecting rock work is to see
that it does not resemble a pile of loose stones, the next
that it is not built in a regular form, such as the segment
of a circle or right line, as I have seen recommended in
some works — then that the fragments of rock be of widely
different sizes — for instance, a few small stones may fill a
large interval between heavy masses, but there must
neither be a mass of immense blocks together, nor a num-
ber of small ones piled on each other. It is by no means
requisite that the whole rock work should constitute one
mass ; on the contrary, more variety is produced by hav-
ing it in separate masses, with passages occasionally nar-
row and ruggedly rising, so that it is necessary to climb
over a slight impediment to make the circuit — some
art is required in arranging the crevices, so that the soil
fit for each plant be not washed out by heavy rain, and
the roots laid bare ; the moss which grows on the surface
of barren rocks is excellent for filling the lower part of
these interstices, and in cases where plants that love a
damp soil are cultivated, a garden pot with the hole stop-
ped to hold water, and another with the plant placed in
it, may be easily concealed — where there is water which
might be made to trickle over the rock work this aid is
^not required. Due attention must also be paid to the
aspect. Some flowers only open in the sunshine, others
are only half hardy, for these the south and sheltered side
is appropriate; ferns and many others, love the shade, and
Avill not support the parching rays of the sun, these may
clothe the northern aspect.
I have already made the remark in a former communica-
66 beeck's new book of^ flowers.
tion that the clear and bright atmosphere of this section
of the United States seems particularly adapted for col-
lections of this nature ; for many delightful plants which
luxuriate in the colder yet purer air which prevails in the
higher regions of the Alps, will not bear the humid and
foggy atmosphere of England ; these are often introduced,
but as often perish ; here they would probably be perma-
nent.
I may possibly have enlarged more on this subject than
can be interesting here, where few of these artificial struc-
tures exist, yet as it is almost certain they will be shortly
introduced, and if once introduced, are sure to become com-
mon, especially as the materials both for their erection
and ornament are in plenty, I may be pardoned for en-
deavoring, while opportunity is mine, to create an inter-
est in a pursuit which has afforded me so much pleasure.
I conclude with a list of some of the most showy and
conspicuous plants for this purpose, beginning with those
which are found in this immediate vicinity.
HoilStonia coenil^a, and lon^ifolia, bluish and long-
leaved Houstonia, The former blossoms from middle of
May to the middle of June in clusters so thick, that no stem
can be seen, about three inches high, and may be gathered
plentifully at Cambridge and Dedham, it is only annual ;
the long-leaved variety is perennial, an inch or two taller
thnn the coerulea, but is a much rarer plant, I have only
seen it near the granite quarry at Quincy, it was then in
blossom in August.
Mitchi^lla ripens, the Checkerberry, this is almost too
well known to require description, but its beautiful hairy
white flowers which are extremely fragrant, and the
bright scarlet fruit which succeeds them, would be greatly
ornamental to rock work ; it al)ounds every where.
Epj^a^a rCipcns. — Ground-laurel. I do not know that
this beautiful plant grows any where in this immediate
ARTIFICIAL EOCK WORK. 67
vicinity, but it covers the rocks at Gloucester, Cape Ann,
Plymouth, and a variety of other places, it is held in the
highest estimation in Europe, and well deserves it. The
fruit is rarely seen, nor do I remember a description of it
any where ; it is about the size of a small wood straw-
berry, white, pulpy, with divisions like those of an orange,
the interstices filled with beautiful small black seeds, the
flavor of this pulp is of a most delicate sweetness, which
only remains an instant on the tongue, and appears as if
formed for the food only of an ethereal humming bird.
Gualtheria procumbens. — Partridge berry. This is
more ornamental in its red-berried fruit than in the flower
— it is found every where in the neighborhood.
Dalibarda ripens and fra^rarioides, the white and
yellow Dalibarda, very lively little creeping plants, some-
what resembling the strawberry, but the flowers much
more elegant from the delicacy of the stamens. Dr.
Bigelow says they are found in woods in Princeton and
in Hanover, N. H. ; I have not been to these places, but
found them plentifully creeping over rocks imbedded in
moss in Maine, flowering there in August, here rather ear-
lier. [^DalibarcUafragarioides^'i^ now caWe^Waldsteiiia.^
Hepatica triloba. — Liver-leaf. This beautiful flower
which appears before its leaves in April and May, is found
plentifully at Mount Auburn in all its variety of colors,
blue, white and pink ; it is indispensable in rock work.
Thalictrum anemonoidcs.— Rue-leaved Anemone, and
Anemone nemorosa — Wood Anemone. The first, which is
from 8 to 12 inches high, is found in plenty at Dedham,
the other everywhere in woods ; they are white and
very ornamental.
Viola pedata, and others. — These are well known, and
as they are early, are extremely desirable to satisfy the
impatience of those amateurs who are constantly on the
look-out for signs of the approach of their season of en-
68 beeck's new book of flowers.
joyment. Many other plants of this description abound
near Boston, but I must pass on to those of other chmates.
The first are almost the whole tribe of Saxifrages, one
of which, vernalis^ though not sufiicently showy for our
purpose, is the earliest flower that blows near Boston.
Saxifraga granulata^ which may be purchased here, I re-
commend as most consj)icuous.
The next are a tribe of thick-leaved plants called Sedums
and Semjyervivuins or House-leek, amongst these the yellow
stone-crop and the Sedum ternatum^ both ornamental, are
well known here.
The family of Campanula aflbrd a liberal subscription
towards our design. G. pumila^ white and blue, eriiius
and many others adorn the rocky places bordering the
Me d it err an e an .
Several creeping Geraniums which blossom throughout
the summer are a|)propriate plants. G. sangidneum^ Lan-
castr tense and Wallichiammi are to be had at the nur-
series in this country.
Dianthus montailUS, Mountain pink, with several others
of this tribe, are extremely pretty.
Verl)^lia, of different varieties, eclipsing every other
flow^er by its brilliancy ; this, however, requires protection
in the house during the winter.
Lysimacllia niimmtllaria. — Money Wort. This requires
a damp soil to flourish, but must be kept in subjection, or
it will overrun all the rest.
Lobelia bicolor and crinoides, with several others of
this tribe, small bright blue flowers, very lively.
Tiarijlla COrdifolia, a pretty plant with spikes of elegant
sinfill greenish white flowers, a native of the older woods
in this State.
Fraffaria Illdica, or Chinese Strawberry. The bright
red strawberry-like fruit of this is very ornamental to
the rock in autumn.
PLANTS FOR THE AQUARIUM. 69
Cerastilim tomentosunii, Monse-oarod Chickweed, has a
small Avhite woolly beautiful leaf, and for this genus a
large white flower.
I have given a list of enough for a beginner, and shall
be happy to continue it if these structures at all increase.
There are many other plants, not referred to in this ar-
ticle, which will be found in the body of this work, under
the heads of their respective genera, that are recom-
mended for rock-work.
PLANTS SUITABLE FOR THE AQUARIUM OR
ORNAMENTAL POND.
When a garden is so situated that it can be supplied
with living or running water, a collection of aquatic
plants in an aquarium, in connection with a fish pond,
will be an object of additional interest to the pleasure
ground. But on no account would I advise an append-
age of this sort to a garden, unless it be fed by a stream
of water or spring. A dug-out, even if water can be ob-
tained the year round, without an outlet or inlet, is a
great nuisance, and only fit for raising frogs, musquitoes,
and for the growth of green conferva3 upon its stagnant
surface. With a stream or never failing spring of water,
an aquarium can be made without much expense, if not
on too large a scale. It should be at least three feet
deep, and lined with a substantial stone wall ; it should
have a margin of grass, or be edged with rough or dressed
granite or free-stone, surrounded with a nice gravel walk.
The portion of aquarium designed for most plants, should
be three feet deep, in addition to a good depth of rich
soil, while the bottom of the other section should be laid
70
over with small pebbles, that the fish may be more dis-
tinctly seen ; a few large shells will add to the interest
of the pond. The most interesting aquatic plant of our
country is the well known and universal favorite, the
Nymphciea odorata^ the Water Lily. Its botanical
name signifies "the Nymph or Naiad of the Streams."
Few plants possess more exquisite fragrance than the com-
mon Water Lily. When floating upon the surface of the
water, its open petals spread out to receive the genial
rays of the sun; it is an object of great interest, and may
be truly considered the embodiment of purity and love-
liness. It is generally found in deep water, where its
roots are secured from the frosts in the winter by a sort
of natural hot-bed being thus provided for it. In my ex-
perience, two feet of water is ami)ly sufficient to protect
it. The roots creep through the muddy bottom of ponds
to a great extent. They are very rough, knotted, black-
ish, and as large as a man's arm, and difficult to extract
from the bottom of deej^ water, but when taken up there
is no more trouble. Tie stones to the roots, and throw
them in to the part of the pond prepared for them, and
they will soon establish themselves. There appears to be
two common varieties, one with stout green stems, green
calyx and white within, and the petals without any tint
of pink or purple ; the other has brown stems, more slen-
der ; flowers with brownish green calyx and pinkish white
within, the outer j^etals tinged with red on the under
side. While I resided in Lancaster, Mass., I found a
beautiful variety, in a corner of a pond in that town, with
pink petals, which I transferred to a small pond in my
garden, where it flourished until I left the place. The pond
was afterward drained, and I suppose tlie root was destroy-
ed. Mr. Wm. E. Carter, formerly of the Botanic Garden,
Cambridge, procured from the same pond a root which
flourished many years in the aquarium there, but in clear-
PLANTS FOR THE AtiUARIUIM. 71
ing it out by one of his successors, I understand this rare
variety was destroyed. 1 fear that no more of it can be
obtained, as there was but one spot in the pond where it
was found, and I thought at the time that Mr. Carter and
myself took possession of all the roots.
IV. odorata minor^ is a rare variety with very small flow-
ers and leaves, which I have found in some ponds, but
cannot remember where. These varieties of the white lily
will be sufficient for a small aquarium — but if it be of
larger dimensions, there are a number of other species
of native aquatic plants, which may be introduced.
Nuphar adveiia, or Yellow Water-Lily, has roots
similar to N". odorata j it has a very curious flower, but
the odor of it is the opj^osite of that flower, for the smell
is anything but agreeable.
Poiltederia COrdata, or Pickerel-weed, is found in
shallow water ; its tall spikes of blue flowers are quite
ornamentak For this plant the soil should be raised to
within one foot, or foot and a half, of the surface of the
water.
SagUtaria sagittifolia, is a handsome plant found
about the margin of ponds and brooks in shallow
water. Its white flowers arranged in whorls of three, are
produced in July and August ; the depth of water over
these roots need not be more than 3 or 4 inches. A por-
tion of the soil on the margin may be raised a few inches
above the water level, which will be a suitable place for
the beautiful Lobelia cardinalis^ of our meadows, for the
curious Sarracenia or side-saddle flower, and for many
other bog or swamp plants.
72 breck's new book of flowers.
ON THE CULTIVATION OF PLANTS IN THE
PARLOR.
" Descemling snow, the golden leaf and sear,
Are indications of old Time's career ;
The careful florist tends his sheltered plants,
Stiidies tiieir natures, and supplies their wants."
A FEW plants in the house are desirable, or even in-
dispensable to the female portion of the family, or to in-
valids who have a taste for flowers.
A choice collection of plants, in the sitting-room or par-
lor, will add much to the charms of home ; but as we
often see them, weak, straggling, drawn up, crowded to-
gether, and infested with insects, they give pain rather
than pleasure.
The clear sunlight through the window, is far prefer-
able to a congregation of coarse earthen j^ots and sau-
cers, with their sickly occupants. Judging from what we
too often see, cultivators in parlors have very erroneous
ideas of what is necessary for a perfect development of
their plants. In fact, the plants are often killed with too
much kindness ; too much heat, too much water, want of
light and air, or want of water, are the general causes of
the sickly state of plants, to which may be added, unsuit-
able compost or mould. Saucers under the pots, if water
is suffered to stand in them, are injurious, though neces-
sary for the sake of neatness ; never, therefore, suffer the
water to stand in them, nor to be poured into them. The
water should always be given on the surface, but never
unless the surface is dry, and then for most plants, only
in moderate quatitities. Rain water only should be used,
and that of a mild temperature, but not warm. When
PLANTS IX THE PARLOR. 73
water is necessary, it should be applied in the morning
of a mild sunny day.
Manure water may he resorted to, to stimulate the
plants occasionally ; but an over-dose may be injurious,
if not destructive.
It is useless to expend time upon plants in rooms where
the windows face to the north. South, south-east, or
south-west exposures are the best ; of course a south Avin-
dow is the very best, as it admits the sun all day.
Light is more important than great heat ; indeed, plants
are frequently ruined, by keeping the room excessively
hot. The hot, dry air of most sitting-rooms of the present
day is so injurious to the Camellia, (as well as to some other
plants) that it can hardly be made to flower, as the buds
will fall off lono; before the time of flowerino-. But I
have seen as fine blooms of the Camellia in an old-fash-
ioned sitting-room iu the country, as I have in the green-
house. The room was so cold at night that the thermo-
meter would fill nearly to freezing, with a plenty of air
from the old window casements during the day. A good
temperature for the Camellia is a range of 40^^ by night,
to 60° during the day. I do not mean to be imderstood
that this should be the highest i-ange in the sun ; but at
the back side of the room, in the shade. This tempera-
ture will also do for most plants ; some will thrive better
with a higher range, but their cultivation should not be
attempted in a sitting-room.
Where there is too much heat, without a proper expo-
sure to light, the plants will spindle up, and make feeble,
sickly growth, and if they produce flowers, they will be
so weak and pale as to excite the pity of the beholder.
Unless the pots are turned every day, the plants will
grow one-sided; every plant should receive as much light
as possible.
A stand for flowers should have rollers attached to the
4
74 breck's new book of flowers.
legs, so that the plants may be readily turned round to
the light, or wheeled into the middle of the room at night,
when the weather is severe.
COMPOST FOR PLANTS.
The most imjDortant requisite, for the successful cultiva-
tion of plants, is to have a stock of suitable compost for
the various kinrls. A plant in unsuitable mould cannot be
healthy. The following materials should be obtained :
1. Good garden mould.
2. Mould from decayed turf, from a pasture or field.
3. Mould from decayed leaves.
4. Decomposed stable, or cow-yard manure.
5. Sea or river sand, free from salt.
6. Peat, from the meadows, that has been exposed to
frost.
7. Coarse sand or gravel.
8. Broken flower-pots, charcoal, or oyster-shells.
9. Old mortar or i^lastering.
Garden mould will not be needed if there is a supply
of fine decayed turf mould, and will be wanted only in
case of necessity. Turf mould, for a basis, is probably
the best ingredient for a compost for plants. The broken
pots, charcoal, etc., are used for drainage, to be placed in
the bottom of the pot at the time of potting. About
one-fifth of the depth of the pot may be filled with the
broken up drainage materials. A little meadow moss
over this will prevent the mould from washing down.
Leaf mould is not always to be obtained ; but it is a pre-
cious ingredient in a compost, and many plants thrive
much better in it than in anything else. It takes a long
time to decompose leaves so as to be suitable for compost.
To have compost in perfection, the difierent ingredients
should be mixed in advance of the time when they are
wanted. They should be thoroughly mixed together, and
PLANTS IN THE PARLOR. 75
put in heaps, in the shade or under cover, and turned over
every five or six weeks during the summer, as it will be
wanted in August or September, when the plants are re-
potted.
Compost for Camellias, Pelargoniums, Roses, and most
plants may be made of the following ingredients :
1 part river or sea sand.
1 " leaf mould.
1 " well rotted manure from old hot-beds.
1 " peat.
2 " turf or a-arden mould.
Or, if no leaf mould,
1 part sand.
2 " well rotted manure.
1 " peat.
2 " turf or garden mould.
If there is no peat, substitute turf or garden mould.
For Cactuses :
2 parts coarse sand.
8 " leaf and turf mould.
1 " peat, and a little broken plaster.
For Azaleas, Ericas, and most New Holland plants :
4 parts peat.
2 " sand.
1 " garden or turf mould.
1 " Teaf do.
After the plants have done flowering in the spring,
and as soon as the frosts are over, the pot should be
plunged in the ground in a shady place, and watered
sparingly during the summer. The great object during
the summer will be to keep the plants at rest, so that they
may bloom with greater vigor in the winter. They must
not be suflered, however, to dry up, excepting the bulb-
ous roots ; these may remain in the shade without Avater,
as the moisture would start them prematurely.
Washing the leaves of Camellias, Oranges, and some
other plants, with a soft sponge, gives a healthy look to
the plants, and is of great service to them.
76 breck's new book of flowers.
Geraniums, or Pelargoniums, should be cut in very
close, as they will make much fiuer plants, and start with
greater vigor, and give a greater profusion of bloom,
than if this were neglected. It will not be necessary to
repot the Roses quite so early as the Geraniums, Camel-
lias, and some other plants ; they may be kept out much
longer and exposed to severe frosts before they are pot-
ted. The branches should then be reduced to three or
four buds, and the pots stowed away in the cellar for a
couple of months.
Fuchsias may be treated in the same way. When
brought into the room, in January, they will grow with
great vigor, and give a finer bloom than if started earlier.
It is better to keep most of the plants rather cool dur-
ing the months of November and December, and all the
hardier kinds should be kept out of doors as long as pos-
sible. A slight frost will not injure a great majority of
parlor plants ; but a hard frost, although it might not de-
stroy them, would weaken them very much. Geraniums,
Heliotropes, Begonias, Salvias, and others of like tender-
ness, should be housed as soon as even moderate frosts
are expected.
INSECTS.
There is a variety of insects which infest parlor plants,
and, unless looked after rather closely, will destroy their
beauty. The green fly is a great pest to parlor and green-
house plants ; but is easily killed in the green-house, by
filling the house thoroughly with tobacco smoke at the
close of the day, and then shutting it up tight for the
night. For parlor plants, it will be necessary to put them
in large boxes, or barrels, and fill them with smoke, and
cover up tight. This will effectually destroy this destruc-
tive and disgusting insect. By immersing the plants in
a tub of soap-suds they may be freed from the fly. To
PLANTS IX THE PARLOR. 77
do this, a piece of pasteboard should be made to cover
the top of the pot, cutting a side slit for the stem ; then,
holding the hand over the pasteboard, the pot may be in-
verted without disturbing the mould, and, by the immer-
sion, the foliage will be effectually freed from the insect.
The red spider may be detected by examining the
leaves, which look yellow and sickly ; but they are so small
it will require good eyes to see them. This minute, ugly
customer is not so easily got rid of as the green fly. Plants
from neglected green-houses are often infested with it.
The most effectual way of destroying this insect is to give
the plants repeated syringing with sulphur and water, or a
solution of Avhale-oil soap water. The jilants can be taken
out of doors in a mild day, and the operation performed
upon them, remembering that it is important to syringe
the under side of the leaf as well as the uj^per side, as
the red spider will be found in greater abundance there.
There is another insect more difficult to get rid of than
either of those named. It is the mealy bug, which may
be found in the axils of the leaves, and on the stems of
Oranges, Camellias, Heaths, etc. It looks like little
specks of cotton ; but, upon j^icking it off, a disagreeable,
ugly-looking insect will be found imbedded in this glu-
tinous, cottony substance. It is sometimes very trouble-
some in graperies, and requires much care to get rid of it.
It is only to be destroyed by industriously picking it off.
PLANTS SUITABLE FOU PAIILOR CULTURE.
The parlor can be made very gay, during the month
of November and part of December, by a choice collec-
tion of Chrysanthemums. If they are kept out of the mid-
day sun, their beauty will be greatly prolonged.
Some of the new varieties of Pompone, or Button
Chrysanthemums, are very beautiful, and add much in-
terest to a collection. One dozen each of the best large
78 breck's new book of flowers.
varieties, and as many of the new Pompono sorts, will
make up a good assortment. The colors of the last are more
brilliant than those of the others. On some of them the
flowers are not much larger than fine double Daisies, but
are produced in great profusion. After flowering, cut off
the tops of the plants, and stow them away in a dry cel-
lar, where they may remain till spring. For the most
successful mode of cultivation, see page
There is a great variety of plants that succeed well in
the house, besides those already named. The Cactus Fam-
ily embraces a great many varieties, which succeed well
in very warm, dry rooms. The Daphne odora requires
but little care, and is one of the most highly odoriferous
plants in cultivation. The Diosma, Heliotrope, Sweet-
scented Verbena, Double sweet-scented Violets, Jasmines,
Perpetual Pinks, Gardenia, or Cape Jasmine, Sweet-
scented Geraniums, Mahernia odorata. Lemon, Orange,
and many other plants, are highly prized for their delight-
ful odor.
Azalea Indica in its varieties, Acacias of many beauti-
ful sorts. Begonias, Fuchsia, Myrtles, Oleanders, Primu-
las, Daisies, Geraniums (scarlet, rose, and variegated
leaved). Pelargoniums, Verbenas, Oxalis, Stevias, and
many plants, succeed very well in the parlor. I wish it
could be said that the Ericas, or Heaths, so beautiful,
would succeed equally as well ; — they want a moist at-
mosphere, and neither very warm nor very cool.
The double Stocks and Wall-flowers are also suitable for
the parlor, and are very simple in their cultivation. These
are raised from seed, which, if of a good quality, will pro-
duce plants half of which or more will have double flowers.
As they are difiicult to transplant when large, without
severly checking their growth, it is best to pot them in
the smallest sized pots, as soon as they show six or eight
leaves, and, as they advance in growth, shift them into
REPLANTING OR POTTING PLANTS. 79
larger sized ones. When the flower buds show themselves,
it will be easy to detect those that will be single, which
should be rejected. Hyacinths, Polyanthus Narcissus,
and many other bulbous-rooted plants, flourish in the
parlor.
I have named more kinds of plants than are commonly
cultivated in parlors, but the directions given in this
chapter apply equally to small conservatories, connected
with the sitting-room, where professed gardeners are not
employed. For such appendages a greater variety of
plants will be required than for the parlor.
REPLANTING OR POTTING PLANTS.
By the middle of August, or the first of September, the
plants will require to be re-potted ; this must be done with
care and judgment. The following directions are minute
and to the point :
To ascertain if a plant wants fresh potting, turn it care-
fully out of the pot, with the earth attached to it, and ex-
amine the roots. If they are matted about the sides and
bottom of the ball, the plant evidently requires fresh pot-
ting. Then carefully reduce the ball of earth, to about
a third of its original bulk ; single out the matted roots,
and trim away all that are mouldy and decayed. Proba-
bly the same pot may tlien be large enough, but, if it re-
quires a larger one, it should be about two inches broader
for a middle-sized plant; three or four for a large plant.
If the roots are not matted, but the pots are filled with
fibres, keep the ball entire and carefully plant it in a
80
larger pot. At the top of a large pot, an inch, and of a small
one, half an inch, should be left for the reception of wa-
ter, without danger of overflow. A little gravel, charcoal,
or pieces of broken pots should always be placed at the
bottom for drainage.
A plant newly potted must never be exposed to a
strong sun. It should be watered and placed in the shade
immediately, and there remain till it is rooted, which may
be known by its starting to grow.
Plants are frequently destroyed by re-potting, merely
from the careless manner in which it is done. AYhere the
roots spread, plenty of room should be left open, a little
hillock made in the centre of the pot, and the plant be-
ing placed thereon, the roots should be distributed around
it in a regular manner, observing that they are not
twisted or turned up at the ends. The earth should then
be filled in, a little at a time, and the pot gently shaken
to settle the earth to the roots all the way down. When
filled, it should be pressed down with the hand. It is
very common to fill in the earth at once, and press it hard
down, which not only wounds the tender fibres, but often
leaves a hollow space around the lower roots, and de-
prives them of their proper nourishment. But the thing
most necessary to be observed is, that the roots he allowed
their natural course.
All plants should be kept clear of weeds, not for neat-
ness alone, but because these exhaust the nutriment which
should feed the plant.
WATER.
The best water for plants is undoubtedly rain water ;
if this cannot be obtained, river water will do, pond wa-
ter is not so good ; but worst of all is hard spring water.
In winter, and for delicate plants, even in summer, water
should be placed in the sun until it becomes tepid before
it is used.
REPLANTING OR POTTING PLANTS. 81
The water should never be allowed to remain in the
pan under the pot, as it tends to rot the roots. It may be
well to observe that plants should be watered with a rose
on the spout of a watering pot, and the more finely it is
perforated the better, so as to sprinkle the water lightly
over the flowers and leaves, without bending them down
with its weight.
Many persons think it sufficient to water the roots,
which is a great mistake. It materially contributes to
its health and beauty to sprinkle the whole j^lant :
— " Comforting the garden, woods, and flowers
With llie cool spray of artificial sliowers." — Garcilasso.
Of such plants as are succulent, it is generally advised to
water the leaves but seldom, lest a redundancy of moist-
ure should rot them. The best way in watering all
plants, is rather to cast the water at, than to pour it on
them, as it falls more lightly. It will be observed that
more water, as well as more shelter, must be necessary
for potted plants than for those in the open ground.
AIR AND LIGHT.
. Flowers must not be denied the light, towards which
they naturally turn ; the want of it will injure their health
as much as the want of water, air, or warmth.
They must also be allowed air, even those that will not
bear the outer air must have the air of the room fre-
quently freshened by ventilation, to preserve them in
health. Care should be taken not to let plants stand in
a draught, for, when so situated, one strong gust of an
easterly wind will often prove sufficient to destroy them.
4*
82
A DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE INSECTS THAT
ARE INJURIOUS TO PLANTS IN THE
FLOWER-GARDEN.
To give a description of all the insects that infest the
plants of the flower-garden, it would be necessary to
write a volume, so numerous are the voracious tribe that
prey upon the roots, stems, foliage, and flowers of the
floral kingdom. The depredation of insects is one of the
greatest ofl*sets to the pleasures of the garden. To nurse
some favorite plant, watching over it from day to day,
anticipating its opening beauties, and then, just as one's
hopes are upon the point of being realized, to see the
plant suddenly smitten with some mysterious disease, or
as suddenly destroyed by some noxious vermin, — perhaps
dying in a night, like Jonah's gourd, — who can help feel-
ing a little ruflled, or even like justifying good old Jonah,
who thought it " well to be angry for his gourd ? "
The knowledge we j^ossess of the habits of the various
insects is very scanty. We are indebted, mainly, to that
excellent work, " A Treatise on some of the Insects of
New England, which are injurious to Vegetation," by
Dr. T. W. Harris, of Cambridge, Mass., for all that is im-
portant in relation to them, and have freely quoted from
it in the following pages. Dr. Harris' Treatise should be
accessible to every one who has anything to do with the
cultivation of tlic form or garden. His descriptions are
so plain, that almost any person may get all the desirable
information of all those insects of which he treats.
Some of the most annoying insects of the flower-gar-
den, are the Rose Saw-fly, or Rose Slug, and the Rose
Bug.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO PLANTS. 83
Rose Slug. — The Rose Slug has, within a few years,
proved very destructive to the Rose, in the vicinity of
Boston, and probably in other j^arts of the country ; so
much so, that many persons have almost abandoned the
cultivation of this most desirable of all flowers. Several
years since, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society of-
fered the liberal special premium of $100 for an efficient
remedy. An application of diluted whale-oil soap was
discovered, by Mr. David Haggerston, to be a complete
remedy, when seasonably applied, and the premium was
awarded to him. We insert on a subsequent page his
communication to the Society, in which he details the
mode of preparation and application.
The Rose Slug, if not checked in season, destroys the
foliage, and the plants look as if they had been scorched
by fire. We have known delicate growing roses killed
to the ground by these small, but destructive insects.
One great objection to the use of whale-oil soap is the
disagreeable odor it gives to the plant, and, if applied
at the time the roses are in bloom, it spoils them entirely.
When the insect is in the fly-state, it may be found in
great numbers on the under side of the leaves. The
whale-oil soap will destroy it in that state, if it is applied
with a syringe, or garden engine.
If the application is made in season, and followed up,
every two or days, till the roses begin to open their buds,
the slug will either be exterminated, or so far checked as
to preserve the foliage till the bloom is about over, Avhen
a new attack must be made upon the surviving vermin,
which by this time have acquired their full size. It takes
two or three days to rid the plants of the disagreeable
odor, after the application. We give Dr. Harris' descrip-
tion of the insect entire : —
" The Saw-fly of the rose, which, as it does not seem to
have been descrPoed before, may be called Selandria rosce.
84 breck's new book of flowers.
from its favorite plant, so nearly resembles the slug-worm
saw-fly as not to be distinguished therefrom, except by a
practised observer. It is also very much like Selandria
harda^ vitis^ and pi/gmcea, but has not the red thorax of
these three closely allied species. It is of a deep and
shining black color. The first two pairs of legs are
brownish-gray, or dirty white, except the thighs, which
are almost entirely black. The hind legs are black, with
whitish knees. The wings are smoky, and transparent,
with dark-brown veins, and a brown spot near the middle
of the edge of the first pair. The body of the male is a
little more than three-twentieths of an inch long, that of
the female one-fifth of an inch or more, and the wings
expand nearly or quite two-fifths of an inch. These Saw-
flies come out of the ground, at various times, between
the twentieth of May and the middle of June, during
which period they pair and lay their eggs. The females
do not fly much, and may be seen, during most of the
day, resting on the leaves ; and, when touched, they draw
up their legs, and fall to the ground. The males are
more active, fly from one rose-bush to another, and hover
around their sluggish partners. The latter, when about
to lay their eggs, turn a little on one side, un sheath
their saws, and thrust them obliquely into the skin of the
leaf, depositing, in each incision thus made, a single egg.
The young begin to hatch in ten days or a fortnight
after the eggs are laid. They may sometimes be found
on the leaves as early as the first of June, but do not
usually appear in considerable numbers till the twentietli
of the same month. How long they are in coming to
maturity, I have not particularly obseiwed ; but the period
of their existence in the caterpillar state probably does
not exceed three weeks. They somewhat resemble the
young of the Saw-fly in form, but arc not quite so con-
vex. They have a small, round, yellowish head, with a
INSECTS IXJUEIOUS TO PLANTS. 85
black dot on each side of it, and are provided with twen-
ty-two short legs. The body is green above, paler at the
sides, and yellowish beneath ; and it is soft, and almost
transparent, like jelly. The skin of the back is transverse*-
ly wrinkled, and covered with minute elevated points ;
and there are two small, trij^le-pointed warts on the edge
of the first ring, immediately behind the head. These ge-
latinous and sluggish creatures eat the upper surface of
the leaf in large irregular j^atches, leaving the veins of the
skin, beneath, untouched ; and they are sometimes so
thick that not a leaf on the bushes is spared by them, and
the whole fohage looks as if it had been scorched by fire,
and drops ofi" soon afterwards. Tliey cast their skins
several times, leaving them extended and fastened on the
leaves ; after the last moulting, they lose their semi-trans-
parent and greenish color, and acquire an opaque yellow-
ish hue. They then leave the rose-bushes, some of them
slowly creeping down the stem, and others rolling up and
dropping off, especially when the bushes are shaken by
the wind. Havinoj reached the orround, thev burrow to
the depth of an inch or more in the earth, where each one
makes for itself a small oval cell, of grains of earth, ce-
mented with a little gummy silk. Having finished their
transformations, and turned to flies, Avithin their cells,
they come out of the ground early in August, and lay
their eggs for a second brood of young. These, in turn,
perform their appointed work of destruction in the au-
tumn. They then go into the ground, make their earthen
cells, remain therein throughout the winter, and appear,
in the winged form, in the following spring and summer.
" During several years past, these pernicious vermin
have infested the rose-bushes in the vicinity of Boston, and
have proved so injurious to them as to have excited the
attention of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, by
whom a premium of |100, for the most successful mode
86 breck's new book of flowers.
of destroying these insects, was offered, in the summer of
1840. About ten years ago I observed them in gardens
at Cambridge, and then made myself acquainted with
their transformations. At that time they had not reached
Milton, my former place of residence, and have appeared
in that place only within two or three years. They now
seem to be gradually extending in all directions, and an
effectual method for preserving our roses from their at-
tacks has become very desirable to all persons who set any
value on this beautiful ornament of our gardens and shrub-
beries. Showering or syringing the bushes with a liquor,
made by mixing with water the juice expressed from to-
bacco by tobacconists, has been recommended ; but some
caution is necessary in making this mixture of a proper
strength, for, if too strong, it is injurious to the plants ;
and the experiment does not seem, as yet, to have been
conducted with sufficient care to insure safety and success.
Dusting lime over the plants when wet with dew has been
tried, and found of some use ; but this and all other reme-
dies will probably yield in efficacy to Mr. Haggerston's
mixture of w]iale-oil soap and water, in the proportion of
two pounds of the soap to fifteen gallons of water. Par-
ticular directions, drawn up by Mr. Haggerston himself,
for the preparation and use of this simple and cheap appli-
cation, may be found in the ' Boston Courier,' for the 25th
of June, 1841, and also in most of our agricultural and
horticultural journals of the same time. The utility of
this mixture has already been repeatedly mentioned in this
treatise, and it may be applied in other cases with advan-
tage. Mr. Haggerston finds that it effectually destroys
many kinds of insects; and he particularly mentions
plant-lice of various kinds, red spiders, canker-worms, and
a little jum])ing insect, which has lately been found quite
as hurtful to rose-bushes as the slugs or young of the
Saw-fly. The little insect, alluded to, has been mistaken
IXSECTS LNJUEIOTJS TO PLANTS. 87
for a species of Thrips, or rine-fretter ; it is, however, a
leaf-hopper, or species of Tettigonia, much smaller than
the leaf-hopper of the grape-vine {Tettigonia vitis)^ de-
scribed in a former part of this essay, and, like the leaf-
hopper of a bean, entirely of a pale-green color."
" To M. P. Wilder^ Esq.^ Ft-esident of the Massachusetts Horticultural
Society :
" Sir, — Having discovered a cheap and effectual mode of destroying
tlie Rose Slug, I wisli to become a competitor for the premium offered
by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. After very many satisfac-
tory experiments with the following substance, I am convinced it will
destroy the above insect, in either of the states in which it appears on
the plant, as the fly, Avhen it is laying its eggs, or as the slug, when it is
committing its depredations on the foliage.
" Wha-LE Oil Soap, dissolved at the rate of two pounds to fifteen gallons
of boater. I have used it stronger, without injury to the plants, but find
the above mixture effectual in the destruction of the insect. As I find,
from experiments, there is a difference in the strength of the soap, it
will be better for persons using it, to try it diluted as above, and if it
does not kill the insect, add a little more soap, with caution. In corre-
sponding with Messrs. Downer, Austin & Co., on the difference in its
appearance, they say : ' Whale Oil Soap varies much in its relative
strength, the article not being made as soap, but being formed in our
process of bleaching oil. When it is of very sharp taste, and dark ap-
pearance, the alkali predominates, and when light-colored and flat
taste the grease predominales.' The former I have generally used,
but have tried the light-colored, and find it equally effectual, but requir-
ing a little more soap, — say two pounds to thirteen gallons of water.
'■'■ 3Iode of Preparation. — Take whatever quantity of soap you wish to
prepare, and dissolve it in boiling water, about one quart to a pound ; in
this way strain it through a fine wire or hair sieve, which takes out the
dirt, and prevents its stopping the valves of the engine, or the nose of
the syringe, then add cold water, to make it the proper strength,
apply it to the rose-bush, with a hand-engine or syringe, with as much
force as practicable, and be sure that every part of the leaves is well
saturated with the liquid. What falls to the ground, in application, will
do good in destroying the worms and enriching the soil, and, from its
trifling cost, it can be used with profusion. A hogshead of 136 gallons
costs forty-five cents, — not quite four mills per gallon. Early in the
morning, or in the evening, is the proper time to apply it to the plants.
"As there are many other troublesome and destructive insects the
above preparation will dcstro}', as effectually as the Rose Slug, it may be
of benefit to the community to know the different kinds upon which I
have tried it with success.
88 beeck's new book of flowers.
"The Thrips, often called the Vine-Fretter, — a small, light-colored or
spotted fly, quick iu motion, which, in some places, are making the rose,
bush nearl}' as bad in appearance as the effects of the Slug. Aphis^ or
Plant Louse, under the name of Green or Brown Fly ; an insect not
quick in motion, very abundant on, and destructive to, the young shoots
of the Rose, the Peach Tree, and many other plants. The Black Fly, a
very troublesome and destructive insect, that infests the young shoots
of the Cherry and the Snowball Tree. I have never known any positive
cure for the effects of this insect, until this time. Two varieties of in-
sects that are destructive to, and very much disfigure, Evergreens, the
Balsam or Balm of Gilead Fir in particular, one an Aphis, the other very
much like the Rose Slug. The Acarus, or Red Spider, that well-known
pest to gardeners,
"The disease 3Iildcw, on the Gooseberry, Peach, Grape Vine, etc., etc.,
is checked and entirely destroyed by a weak dressing of the solution.
"The above insects are generally all destroyed by one application, if
properly applied to all parts of the foliage. The eggs of most insects
continue to hatch in rotation, during their season. To keep the plants
perfectly clean, it will be necessary to dress them two or three times.
" I remain, Sir,
"Your most obedient Servant,
" DAVID HAGGERSTON.
" Watertown, June 19th, 1841."
The Rose Bug. — " The Rose-chafer, or Rose-bug, as it
is more commonly and incorrectly called, is also a diurnal
insect. It is the Melolontlia suhspinosa of Fabricius, by
whom it was first described, and belongs to the modern
genus Macrodactylus of Latreille. Common as this in-
sect is in the vicinity of Boston, it is, or was a few years
ago, unknown in the northern and western parts of Mas-
sachusetts, in New Hampshire, and in Maine. It may,
therefore, be well to give a brief description of it. This
beetle measures seven-twentieths of an inch in length.
Its body is slender, tapers before and behind, and is en-
tirely covered with very short and close ashen-yellow
down. The thorax is long and narrow, angularly widened
in the middle of each side, which suggested the name
subsjyinosa, or somewhat spined ; the legs are slender,
and of a pale-red color; the joints of the feet are tipped
with black, and arc very long, which caused Latreille to
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO PLANTS. 89
call the genus Macrodactylus^ that is, long toe, or long
foot. The natural history of the Rose-chafer, one of the
greatest scourges with Avhich our gardens and nurseries
have been afflicted, was for a long time involved in mys-
tery, but is at last fully cleared up. The prevalence of
this insect on the rose, and its annual appearance coincid-
ing with the blossoming of that flower, have gained for
it the popular name by which it is here known. For
some time after they were first noticed, Rose-bugs ap-
peared to be confined to their favorite, the blossoms of
the rose ; but within thirty years they have prodigiously
increased in number, have attacked at random various
kinds of plants, in swarms, and have become notorious
for their extensive and deplorable ravages. The grape-
vine in particular, the cherry, plum, and apple trees, have
annually suffered by their depredations. Many other
fruit trees and shrubs, garden vegetables and corn, and
even the trees of the forest and the grass of the fields,
have been laid under contribution by these indiscriminate
feeders, by whom leaves, flowers, and fruits, are alike con-
sumed. The unexpected arrival of these insects in
swarms, at their first coming, and their sudden disappear-
ance, at the close of their career, are remarkable facts in
their history. They come forth from the ground during
the second w^eek in June, or about the time of the blos-
soming of the Damask Rose, and remain from thirty to
forty days. At the end of this period the males become
exhausted, fall to the ground, and perish, while the fe-
^males enter the earth, lay their eggs, return to the surface,
and, after lingering a few days, die also. The eggs laid
by each female are about thirty in number, and are depos-
ited from one to four inches beneath the surface of the
soil. They are nearly globular, whitish, and about one-
thirtieth of an inch in diameter, and are hatched twenty
days after they are laid. The young larvae begin to feed
90 breck's new book of flowers.
on such tender roots as are within their reach. Lil^e other
grubs of the Scarabseians, when not eating, they lie upon
the side, with the body curved so that the head and tail
are nearly in contact. They move with difficulty on a
level surface, and are continually foiling over on one side
or the other. They attain their full size in the autumn,
being then nearly three-quarters of an inch long, and
about an eighth of an inch in diameter. They are of a
yellowish-white color, with a tinge of blue towards the
hinder extremity, which is thick and obtuse, or rounded ;
a few short hairs are scattered on the surface of the body ;
there are six short legs, namely, a pair to each of the first
three rings behind the head ; and the latter is covered
with a horny shell of a pale rust color. In October they
descend below the reach of frost, and pass the winter in
a torpid state. In the spring they approach towards the
surface, and each one forms for itself a little cell, of an
oval shape, by turning round a great many times, so as to
compress the earth and render the inside of the cavity
hard and smooth. Within this cell the grub is trans-
formed to a pupa, during the month of May, by casting
off its skin, which is pushed downwards in folds from the
head to the tail. The pupa has somewhat the form of the
perfected beetle ; but it is of a yellowish-white color, and
its short stump-like wings, its attennae, and its legs, are
folded upon the breast, and its whole body is enclosed in
a thin film, that wraps each part separately. During the
month of June this filmly skin is rent, the included beetle
wdthdraAvs from it its body and its limbs, bursts open its
earthen ceh, and digs its way to the surface of the ground.
Thus the various changes, from the egg to the full de-
velopment of the perfected beetle, are completed within
the space of one year.
" Such being the metamorphoses and habits of these in-
sects, it is evident tliat we cannot attack them in the egg,
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO PLANTS. 91
the grub, or the pupa state ; the enemy, in these stages,
is beyond our reach, and is subject to the control only of
the natural but unknown means appointed by the Author
of Nature to keep the insect tribes in check. When they
have issued from their subterranean retreats, and have
congregated upon our vines, trees, and other vegetable
productions, in the complete enjoyment of their propensi-
ties, we must unite our efforts to seize and crush the in-
vaders. They must indeed be crushed, scalded, or burned,
to deprive them of life, for they are not affected by any
of the applications usually found destructive to other in-
sects. Experience has proved the utility of gathering
them by hand, or of shaking them or brushing them from
the plants into tin vessels containing a little water. They
should be collected daily during the period of their visi-
tation, and should be committed to the flames, or killed
by scalding water. The late John Lowell, Esq., states
that, in 1823, he discovered, on a solitary apple-tree, the
Rose-bugs ' in vast numbers, such as could not be describ-
ed and would not be believed if they were described ;
or, at least, none but an ocular witness could conceive
of their numbers. Destruction by hand was out of the
question,' in this case. He put sheets under the tree, and
shook them down, and burned them. Dr. Green, of
Mansfield, whose investigations have thrown much light
on the history of this insect, proposes protecting plants
with millinet, and says that in this way only did he suc-
ceed in securing his grape-vines from depredation. His
remarks also show the utility of gathering them.
' Eighty-six of these spoilers,' says he, ' were known to
infest a single rose-bud, and were crushed w- ith one grasp
of the hand.' Suppose, as was probably the case, that
one-half of them were females ; by this destruction, eight
hundred eggs, at least, were prevented from becoming ma-
tured. During the time of their prevalence, Rose-bugs
92
BRECK S NEW BOOK OF FLOWEES.
are sometimes found in immense numbers on the flowers
of the common white-weed, or ox-eye daisy, {Leucanthe-
mum vulgare,) a worthless plant, which has come
to us from Europe, and has been suffered to overrun our
pastures, and encroach on our mowing lands. In certain
cases it may become expedient rapidly to mow down the
infested white-weed in dry pastures, and consume it, with
the sluggish Rose-bugs, on the spot.
" Our insect-eating birds undoubtedly devour many of
these insects, and deserve to be cherished and protected
for their services. Rose-bugs ai'e also eaten greedily by
domesticated fowls; and when they become exhausted
and fall to the ground, or when they are about to lay
their eggs, they are destroyed by moles, insects, and other
animals, which lie in wait to seize them. Dr. Green in-
forms us, that a species of dragon-fly, or devil's needle,
devours them. He also says that an insect, which he
calls the enemy of the Cut-worm, probably the larva of a
Carabus or predaceous Ground-beetle, preys on the grubs
of the common Dorbug, In France, the Golden Ground
Beetle {Carahus aiiratus) devours the female Dor, or
Chafer, at the moment when she is about to deposit her
eggs. I have taken one specimen of this fine Ground-
Beetle in Massachusetts, and we have several other kinds,
equally predaceous, which probably contribute to check
the increase of our native Melolonthians."
BULBOUS ROOTS IN POTS AND GLASSES. 93
DIRECTIONS FOR FLOWERING DUTCH BULBOUS
ROOTS IN POTS AND GLASSES.
Hyacinths may be jjlanted in pots from the first of
October to the first of November. The soil used, should
consist of one-third each, of white or river sand, vege-
table mould, and rich loam. The pots should measure
about six inches across the top. When the bulbs are
planted, the pots are to be lightly filled with earth ; the
bulb may be placed in the centre, and pressed into the
earth, so that it may be about half covered. After this
the earth should be made solid all around the sides of the
pot, to secure the bulb in place. When the bulbs are
thus potted, they should be removed into a cool place,
in order that they may become well rooted before the
tops shoot up. Much light is not necessary at this pe-
riod ; indeed, the deprivation of light causes them to
root more quickly, than they would otherwise do. For
the first two or three weeks after potting, they may be
placed in a shed or a cellar, or in any other convenient
place, provided it be cool. Little water is also required ;
once watering, immediately after they are planted, being
suflicient, if the situation is tolerably damp where the
pots are placed.
If the stock of bulbs, such as Hyacinths, early Tulips,
Narcissus, etc., be large enough to occupy a small frame,
the pots may be put within it after planting, and they
may be covered a few inches deep with rotten tan, or any
other light material. The pots will soon become filled
with roots, and the shoots produced by bulbs previously
well rooted will be stronger, and the flowers larger, than
if they had been put in a warm and light situation.
94 . breck's new book of flowers.
When they are rooted, a few may be introduced occa-
sionally into the room or window, or on the mantle-piece,
if there be sufficient light. Light is quite essential when
the tops begin to grow. By this means a succession of
flowers may be had during the greater part of the spring.
If it is wished to bloom Hyacinths in water-glasses,
the glass should be filled up with water, but not so high
as to come in contact with the bulb. Too much moisture
before the roots protrude might cause the bulb to decay.
The glasses may be put in a light, but cool situation,
until the roots are grown half the length of the glass, at
least. The longer the roots are before being forced into
flower, the finer the flowers will be ; and when rooted
they may be kept warm or cool, as flowers are required
in succession. The flowers will not put forth, even when
the glasses are filled Avith roots, if they are kept in a cold
l^lace. The water should be changed about twice every
week, and rain or river water is better than spring water.
Although the practice of growing bulbous roots in water
is common, it is by no means preferable to growing them
in earth. There are many failures when bulbs are grown
in water, which are chiefly caused from their being more
liable to rot before they begin to emit roots, than when
grown in soil. Keeping the bulbs quite clear of the
water is a partial, but only a partial, preventive. An-
other cause is, that when the roots have attained some
length, they frequently decay, and the loss of the flowers
is the consequence. Should success attend the growing
and blooming of the greater part of those placed in
water-glasses, the bulbs will be good for nothing after-
wards ; but those grown in pots might be planted the
year following in the garden, and they would make pretty
border flowers for several years.
Similar treatment to that now described is required for
the large-rooted Narcissus, whether in pots or glasses.
BULBOUS ROOTS IN POTS AND GLASSES. 95
To force early Tulips in pots, they should be placed
about three or four in each pot, just within the earth,
which may be of the same sort, and the management the
same as recommended for Hyacinths and Narcissuses.
Crocuses will force well. They should be planted near
together, say from ten to twenty in a pot, according to
its size. Let them root naturally after planting, before
they are forced into flower. They require similar treat-
ment to the preceding.
In order that the bulbous roots, which have been forc-
ed, shall not be quite exhausted, they may be planted in
the garden, with the ball of earth entire, as soon as the
flowering is over, if the weather is favorable. They will
thus mature their roots and leaves, and be strengthened
sufiiciently to bloom again the following season. If bulbs
are neglected Avhen their flowering season is over, they
will not recover such neglect for a considerable time ;
but if carefully placed in the garden till their leaves be-
come yellow, when the root will be matured, they may
then be taken up and kept in a dry, cool place, until they
are wanted the following season for planting.
BRECK S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS.
THE CULTIVATION OF PERENNIALS, BIENNIALS,
AND ANNUALS.
" A flowery crown will I compose —
I'll weave the Crocus, weave the Rose ;
I'll weave Narcissus, newly wet,
The Hyacintli and Violet ;
The Myrtle shall supply me green,
And Lilies laugh in light between ,
That the rich tendrils of my beauty's hair
May burst into their crowning flowers, and light the painted air."
Those plants which do not in their growth form either
trees or shrubs, but which lose their tops, wholly or in
part, every year, the roots continuing to live for several
years successively, are called perennials.
Biennials are those plants that flower the second and
sometimes the third year from the time the seeds are
sown, and then perish, as the Sweet Scabious.
Imperfect Perennials continue three or more years, and
then die, as the Sweet William or Fox Glove, but which,
with a little care in dividing the roots every year, can be
kept many years.
Perennials are hardy, half hardy, and tender. Hardy
perennials stand the coldest winter without protection ;
half-hardy require to be well protected ; and tender
perennials must be kept through the winter in the green-
house.
Perennials are of two kinds, bulbous and herbaceous^
which, difierlng materially from each other in habits, re-
quire, consequently, a different kind of treatment. Such
being the case, a few remarks will be made on each kind
separately.
CULTIVATION OF PEREXNIALS, BIENNIALS, ETC. 97
BULBOUS PERENNIALS.
They are of three kinds, — viz. : hardy, or sucli that
grow in the open border; half-hardy, such as will not
stand out over winter, or requiring a frame or the green-
house; and stove, or those that will not grow to perfec-
tion without artificial heat. Of these last we shall have
nothing to say. Many of the half-hardy are perfected
Avlien planted in the open ground in the spring, and are
sometimes called spring bulbs, as the Gladiolus, etc.
The Anemone and Ranunculus, are half-hardy, requiring
the protection of a frame or otherwise.
Hardy bulbs, with few exceptions, are remarkably easy
of cultivation, and, if planted in proper soil and situation,
seldom fail to produce plenty of offsets and seeds for pro-
pagation.
The best kind of soil for their growth is a hght loam,
rather sandy than otherwise, yet not too light, or the
bulbs will be injured during the heat of summer, and, if
it be adhesive, they invariably grow weakly, and seldom
flower.
As to the depth the different bulbs require to be planted
in the ground, no certain rule can be laid down, as some
species require to be planted from three to five inches,
while others not more than one and a half deep. The
different depths will be given as each variety is described.
Encourage as much as possible the growth of the
leaves, by giving them free exposure to light and air ; for
on the full development of'these depends the flowering of
another year. If the leaves grow strong, a good quantity
of nutriment is stored up in the bulbs and a good bloom
is the consequence.
Never, if it can be avoided, disturb the roots by re-
moval during their growth ; but if obliged to do so, select
a wet day, and take them up with good balls, so as not to
injure the fibrous roots.
5
98 breck's new book of flowers.
The only time to remove them with success, is during
the tune of their dormant state, at which time the offsets
may be separated, and planted where the cultivator may
judge best.
The season of rest, for most bulbs, happens shortly
after they have done flowering. Tulip and Hyacinth bulbs
are generally ripe in about one month from the time of
flowering. As soon as the foliage of the Tulip turns pur-
ple and begins to dry, the bulbs may be taken up ; and,
with the Hyacinth, before the foliage is fully decayed.
As a general rule, when the tops have quiet died down,
the bulbs may be taken up and separated.
With the exception of Tulips, Hyacinths, Narcissus,
and some others, most hardy bulbs, as the Lily tribe.
Crown Imperial, etc., are injured if kept long out of
ground. It is best to plant offsets of bulbs, of every de-
scription, immediately, for if kept long out of ground they
become exhausted and perish. Bulbs that have com-
menced growing, before planting, are always weakened ;
yet ignorant purchasers will frequently select such because
they look more lively. If they have made much growth,
the bulb will not flower at all.
Some tuberous roots are classed with bulbous roots.
Strictly speaking, it is not correct, but for convenience
sake we shall so consider them. The Dahlia and Peony
are, properly, tuberous roots. Directions for cultivating
these will be given when they are described.
HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS AND BIENNIALS.
The mode of cultivating this class of plants is perfectly
easy ; three things chiefly have to be attended to. First,
the manner of propagation. Second^ the most suitable
soil. Thirds the requisite temperature. There are five
methods of propagation practised ; l)y divisions, suckers,
layers, seeds, and cuttings.
CULTIVATION OF PERENNIALS, BIENNIALS^ ETC. 99
Dividing the Roots. — This may be done either with a
knife, if the plant is small, or by a spade, if it is strong
and large. The best time for doing it is when the tops
are just beginning to grow after having been cut down.
The roots may be divided in the spring, or (with some
species) almost any time during the summer, after flower-
ing. The month of August is a proper time for many
kinds, as the divisions will become well rooted before
winter,- and be prepared to flower strongly the next year.
Suckers. — Tlicse may be taken up at any time when
they appear, but the most usual time is when the plant is
beginning to grow.
Seed. — Sow, for the most part, in early spring, in light
soil, and plant out in the following autumn in the situa-
tions where they are to flower. Many of the fine double
and otlier varieties never produce seed.
Layers and Cuttings. — Thrifty, succulent shoots, if
partly cut through, and pegged down, and covered witli
earth, will take root, as is the case with the Pinks and
Carnations. Cuttings of many plants will take root, with
proper care.
Soil. — Different species of plants require rather diff'er-
ent kinds of soil; but a light, rich loam, will suit the
greater number.
Temperature. — Hardy, half-hardy, and green-house
plants require similar care, but they diifer as to the amount
of protection or quantity of heat they need.
ANNUALS.
The plants generally known as annuals, are raised from
the seed, perfect their flowers, mature their seed the same
season, and then perish. There are some flowers, how-
ever, cultivated as annuals, that are such only in a north-
ern climate, being in their own more congenial region pe-
100 beeck's new book of flowers.
rennials or biennials. Among them are the Verbena,
Eschscholtzia, Commeliiia, Mirabihs, and many others.
This class of plants may be kept through the winter in
green-houses or in any light cellar. Annuals are most ap-
propriate for those who are changing their abode from
year to year, as from these alone a fine display may be
kept up the whole season, with the exception of the vernal
months, and this deficiency may be supplied by having a
choice collection of perennials, grown in pots, which can
be plunged in the ground, and thus removed at any time
when it is necessary to change the residence.
No collection of plants can be complete without an
abundance of annuals, as they can be disposed of in such
a way as to succeed the perennials, and keep up a con-
tinuous bloom in all parts of the garden through the
season.
Annuals may be divided as follows : — hardy, half-hardy,
and tender.
Hardy annuals are such as may be sworn in autumn or
very early in the spring, as all the Larkspurs, Clarkia,
Asters, Candytufts, etc. Half-hardy are those which will
not bear a hard frost, and therefore not proper to plant in
the open ground before the middle or last of May, as the
Balsam, Cocks-comb, Marigold, etc. Tender annuals can
hardly be brought to perfection without starting them in
artificial heat, in a hot-bed or otherwise, and are very sen-
sitive to cold, as the Cypress- Vine, Thunbergia, Ice-Plant,
Sensitive-Plant, etc. Many of these, in a very Avarm season,
will succeed tolerably well if planted about the 1st of June ;
but to have them in perfection they should be raised in a
hot-bed, in pots, and turned out into the ground about the-
middle of June.
Before sowing annuals, the soil in which they are to be
grown should be made light and rich, and very finely pul-
verized, as many of the seeds are vei*y small, and require
CULTIVATIOIS- OF PERENNIALS, BIENNIALS, ETC. 101
every advantage and cave to get them up. The small
seeds must receive but little covering, and that of the
finest earth. In sowing these, my practice is to sow them
in patclies six or eight inches square. The soil having been
well prepared, I settle the ground gently with the foot or
a small piece of board, so as to make an even, somewhat
firm, surface. The seeds are then evenly strewed over
the surface. Then take some very fine soil and sift or
strew over them, covering the seed not more than one-
eighth of an inch deep, after which press the soil again
gently with the board. It is now of great importance
that the seeds, as they vegetate, should be protected from
the scorching sun ; an evergreen bough is as good as any-
thing to shade them. The soil must not be permitted to
get dry until the young plants have acquired some
strengtli ; after wdiich they may be left to take their chance
from the effects of sun or dryness. When the plants are
of a proper size, and the weather suitable, they may be
taken up with a transplanting trowel, and set where want-
ed. A small patch of this description will afford plants
enough for any common garden. In removing them, a
number may be taken up together without distui'bing the
roots ; but when the plants have become established, all
may be cut off except the strongest ones. As a general
rule, a single plant gives better satisfaction than when a
number are grown together, except when planted in mas-
ses, or where there is to be a group. The beauty of many
annuals is completely destroyed by huddling them together.
Give every plant room according to its habits. A single
plant, well trained, may be made very beautiful ; while a
number of the same species, grown together, without suf-
ficient room, would be Avorthless.
Larkspur, and many other seeds, should ])e sown where
they are to remain. A bed of Double Rocket Larkspur,
well managed, is almost equal to a bed of Hyacinths, when
102 breck's new book op flowers.
in bloom. This succeeds best when sown late in autumn
or very early in the spring. The seed may be sown in
drills, eight or ten inches ajDart, in beds, and the plants
well thinned out. Larkspur, and many other hardy annual
seeds, if sown late in autumn, lie dormant all winter, and
give much stronger plants than the same kinds of seed
sown very early in the spring, notwithstanding those sown
in the spring may appear above ground as soon as those
sown in autumn. The reason probably is, that the au- '
tumnal sown seeds are so prej^ared, by the action of the
frost, that they start with greater vigor, and consequently
are more robust than the spring sown seeds.
Some seeds are difficult to germinate. Cypress- Vine is
an example, the seeds of which require scalding, to facili-
tate germination ; or, if the hull is carefully taken off with
a penknife, so as not to injure the germ, the object is ef-
fected, and it will innnediately vegetate. The seed of
Gomphrena glohosa (Globe Amaranth) is encased in a
thick coating of woolly substance, which greatly retards
vegetation. If this be taken off with the hull, the germ
will push immediately; or, if the seed is soaked in milk
twenty-four hours before planting, it will soon start ; but,
if planted with the coating on, or Avithout soaking, very
few will appear above ground.
As a general rule, the depth of planting flower seeds is
to be governed by their size. For example, the Sweet Pea
and Lupine may be planted an inch deep, and so in propor-
tion. Annuals have a pleasing effect when planted in masses,
particularly when the pleasure-ground is extensive. For this
purpose, the Verbenas, of various colors, Portulacas, N"e-
mophila, Phlox Drummondii, Coreopsis Driimmondii, Can-
dy-tufts, and many other dwarf plants, are desirable. Beds
of any of these, or others of similar habit, in a well-managed
lawn, are very ornamental. The beds should be either
round, oval, starry, or irregular ; but never square, dia-
DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 103
mond shape, or triangular. Masses of animals may be so
arranged as to make a grand display in the common flow-
er-garden. We have seen the walks of an extensive flow-
er-garden deeply edged with a wide border of crimson and
scarlet Portulacas ; and, throughout the whole garden,
all the annuals, and other plants, in fact, were planted in
masses. We have never seen a better managed garden
than this one. It contained about an acre of ground.
Not more than twenty or thirty kinds of annuals were
cultivated in the garden, and of this class of plants more
than one-half of the ground was filled. They consisted of
every variety of Double Balsams, German Asters, Drum-
monds, Phlox, Coreopsis, Amaranths, Verbenas, Portu-
lacas, Double China Pinks, Petunias, Mignionette, Cocks-
combs, Gilli-flowers, etc.
ON THE CULTURE OF HARDY DECIDUOUS AND
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
" I like a shrubbery too, it looks so fresh ;
And then there is some variety about it.
In spring, the Lilac and the Snowball flower,
And the Laburnum with its golden strings
Waving in the wind ; and when the autumn comes,
Tlie bright red berries of the Mountain-ash,
With pines enough, in winter, to look green,
And show that something lives."
The flower-garden will be incomplete without a shrub-
bery. A collection of shrubs and trees, embracing the
different varieties to be obtained at our nurseries, will add
much to the interest of the pleasure-ground. They should
not be planted at regular distances, or in straight lines, as
in that way they look too set and unnatural ; but, when
grouped together, the various sorts gracefully intermin-
104 breck's new book of flowers.
gled, with the taller species in the background, they
present, at all seasons of the year, an interesting sight.
Shrubs are divided into two classes — Deciduous and
Evergreen. Deciduous shrubs are those which lose their
leaves in autumn. However uninteresting the naked
brandies of this class of slirubs may appeal-, to the care-
less observer, when denuded of their foliage, they are not
devoid of beauty to the lover of nature ; and, when min-
gled with evergreens, are pleasing even in winter. The
twigs of some species are red; others yellow, or various
shades of brown ; and then many are covered with a pro-
fusion of berries, of different colors, which, contrasting
with the evergreens, give a lively look to the shrubbery,
even in the most dreary months.
The culture of hardy shrubs is, in general, simple and
easy. The chief things to be noticed are, — the proper
season for planting, the situation in which the plants will
thrive, the kind of soil best suited to their growth, and
the encouragement to be given to enable them to thrive
afterwards.
The proper season for Planting, — As soon as the leaves
begin to fall, in October, deciduous trees may be planted
with safety, with few exceptions. Althaeas, and some
other sorts liable to be winter-killed, had better not be re-
moved until spring. The spring planting, of all decidu-
ous trees and shrubs, should be done as early as possible,
— as soon as the ground can be worked to advantage, and
before the buds begin to expand.
Evergreens, in general, if carefully taken up, may be
planted with success during most of the spring and sum-
mer, provided dull and dripping weather be taken advan-
tage of for that purpose. There are particular seasons,
however, when they will thrive much more readily
than at others. I have been as successful about the first
of June as at any other time, and have also succeeded in
DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 105
planting, the 1st of July, and in August ; but, as a general
rule, when they commence their growth, the last of May
is the best time. It is indispensable that all large trees
and shrubs be removed with good balls, and that the roots
be uninjured. In planting evergreens, (and the same may
be said of deciduous trees,) whether it be done on a dull
day, a wet day, or a dry day, endeavor to keep the plants
for as short time out of the ground as possible, — if only
a few minutes, so much the better. If any quantity are
to be planted, the plants should be " heeled in," as it is
termed, (that is, the roots covered with earth,) and taken
out, as they are wanted. I have generally been success-
ful, without watering at planting ; but others think it ne-
cessary, and one writer says : —
" In all seasons, situations, and soils, the plants should
be well soaked with water as soon as the earth is put
about the roots. Where the water is not at hand, so that
it may not be easily carried or wheeled by men, a horse
with a water-barrel on wheels should be used. As soon as
the plant has been put into its place the earth should be
filled in, leaving a sufficient hollow round the stem, and as
far as the roots extend, to hold water, which should then
be poured on in sufficient quantity to soak the ground
doAvn to the lowest parts of the roots ; in short, the whole
should be made like a kind of puddle.
" By this practice, which is particularly necessary in
spring and autumn planting, the earth is carried down by
the water, and every crevice among the roots is filled.
Care must always be taken to have as much earth above
the roots of the plants as will prevent their being exposed
when the water has subsided. The best plan is to take
an old birch broom, or anything similar, and, laying it
down near the root, pour the water upon it ; this breaks
the fall of the water, and prevents the roots from being
washed bare of such earth as may adhere to them. In
106 breck's xew book of flowees.
this way time is saved, for the water may be poured out
in a full stream from the pail, a watering-pot, or even
from a spout or pipe in the water-cart or barrel, when the
situation is such tliat this can be brought up to the plant.
"After the first watering is dried up, the earth should
be levelled round the stem of the plant, and as far out as
the water has been put on, but not trod. If the plants
are large, a second watering is sometimes necessary ; but
in ordinary sized, plants, one watering is quite sufficient.
And, after remaining twenty-four hours, more or less, ac-
cording to the nature of the soil, the earth about the stem
and over the roots should be trod as firm as possible, and,
after treading, should be dressed with a rake."
T]ie Situations in lohich the plants loill thrive. — With
regard to the situation in which each shrub should be
planted, little can be said here. To form a correct judg-
ment of this, a knowledge of the natural habits of each is
required. This knowledge may be easily obtained by re-
ferring to a botanical catalogue and other works treating
on the subject. Some shrubs love a dry and elevated sit-
uation, and will not thrive, crowded with others ; some are
rather tender, and must have Avarm and sheltered places;
others are very hardy, and will thrive if planted any-
where ; others, again, will not grow freely, unless they are
placed in low damp ground ; and others, do not flourish if
much exposed to the rays of the sun.
TJie hind of soil best suited for them. — With respect to
soil, hardy shrubs may be divided into two kinds, viz. : —
firsts shrubs requiring common soil ; and second., those
shrubs which require a peculiar soil. A rich, light, hazel
loam, undoubtedly suits the greater part of this first class
of plants, although many of the stronger-growing kinds
will make fine bushes on almost any kind of soil. The
"American plants," Kalmias, Rhododendrons, Androme-
das, etc., etc., will make the finest plants and the best
DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN SHRUBS. l07
show, if they are planted in a soil composed for the most
part of sandy peat; but, in the absence of this, a very
good compost may be made for them of hght hazelly
loam, river sand, and vegetable or leaf mould, equal parts.
This may have a little peat earth mixed with it. After
having taken out the original soil from the proposed bor-
der to about a foot and a half deep, substitute the above
mixture in its place.
To encourage the growth of Shrubs after being plant-
ed.— Whilst the plants are small, constantly keep down all
rank-growing weeds, and clear off all rubbish that would
otherwise retard their growth ; also they receive much
benefit by the surface of the ground being often stirred
with a Dutch hoe, as it prevents the surface baking hard in
dry weather.
Watering shrubs,, except in peculiar situations during
dry summers, appears to be of very little if any benefit ;
on the other hand, it takes up much time, and is the
means of the ground bakmg hard when dried by the sun
again. When they have advanced to a large size, all the
care that is required is to cut ofi" the overhanging branch-
es, so as not to allow them to smother each other, or the
stems of those overhung will become naked and unsightly.
108 breck's new book of flowers.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF PERENNIAL, BIENNIAL,
AND ANNUAL FLOWERS, WITH DIREC-
TIONS FOR THEIR CULTIVATION.
" Not a tree,
A plant, a leaf, a blossom, but contains
A folio volume. We may read, and read,
And read again, and still find something new,
Something to please, and something to instruct."
To cultivate all the sj^ecies and varieties of flowers describ-
ed in this section of the work, will require a greater extent
of land than most of my readers will be disposed to ap-
propriate to a flower-garden, even if they have the time
and requisite skill to devote themselves to its cultivation.
It must be left to the judgment of each one to select
from this list such plants as they have space for, and time
to attend to. There are many other interesting orna-
mental plants which might be noticed, but should I at-
tempt to describe all that are known, it would require a
number of volumes like the present one, to complete the
list.
Such have been the diligence and perseverance of col-
lectors of plants who within the last fifty years, have been
sent out to all parts of the world, under the patronage
of wealtliy hidividuals and associations in Europe, that
. one would suppose that every nook and corner of the
globe had been explored, and that nothing more of interest
could be garnered up to gratify the eye of the florist.
But such is not the fact. Every year brings to light
" something new, something to please, and something to
instruct," in the floral kingdom. But, however rare and
interesting many of these newly discovered plants may be
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 109
to the florist, their vaUie for ornamental purposes cannot
be compared with that of some of the improved old stand-
ard varieties of the flower-garden. The science, skill, and
perseverance, of amateur gardeners and florists, have
transformed many comparatively inferior species of flow-
ering 23lants from a state of simplicity and inelegance, to
tliat of gorgeous magnificence. We can hardly believe
our senses, as we call to mind the great improvements
that have been made in many of the races of ornamental
plants, with which we have for years been familiar.
Let us look at the Verbena, hardly known twenty years
ago, now sporting into every conceivable color and shade,
excepting yellow, always in bloom, and never tiring. Or the
Portulaca, with its shining scarlet, purple, yellow, orange,
white, and variegated blossoms, ever bright and beautiful,
making itself perhnps too common, but certainly very gay
and lively, and forming an indispensable appendage to the
flower-garden. But these single varieties are now eclipsed
by the recently introduced double sorts, as large and as
double as a Rose, with all the brilliant colors of the single.
That awkward flower, the single Zinnia, has been trans-
formed into a full double flower, as large and as perfect in
shape, as the Dahlia, with greater brilliancy of color.
"Who would recognize the Aster, the old-fashioned China
Aster, since, by the florists hands, it has been transformed
into the variety called " Pseony-flowered," a class unsur-
passed in brilliancy of color, perfection of shape, and in
size equal to the Dahlia ; or, into the other beautiful va-
rieties of Pompon shape. Imbricated, Bouquet, and many
other styles of beauty, unknown only within a few years ?
Then the Dahlia, the Gilly-flower, Petunia, Balsam,
Chrysanthemum, Phlox, Hollyhock, and other old denizens
of the flower-garden, — how have they been transformed,
their beauties made more beautiful, and their varieties
multiplied!
110 beeck's new book of flowers.
What an unlimited field for future improvements opens
before us ! We shall never arrive at perfection, but great
improvements are yet to be made in many of the new as
well as in the old flowers. We do not hold that the ex-
citement and pleasure incident to the improvement and
cultivation of a flower-garden, Avill wholly remove the ills
and troubles of life ; but it is an occupation that has a ten-
dency to remove many disquitudes of the mind, and gives
employment for many odd moments, that would otherwise
be spent in brooding over some real or imaginary evil.
We think Cowper came near the truth when he said:
" The spleen is seldom felt where Flora reigns ;
The lowering eye, the petulance, the frown,
And sullen sadness, that o'ershade, distort,
And mar the face of beauty, when no cause
For such immeasurable woe appears ;
These Flora banishes, and gives the fair,
Sweet smile and bloom, less transient than her own."
ABRONIA.
[Name from the Greek, signifying delicate.]
Abronia umbellata. — A beautiful annual, with long
trailing stems, bearing clusters of elegant flowers in dense
umbels ; color, delicate lilac, with white centre, highly and
deliciously fragrant.
The seeds are enclosed in a husky covering, and look
very unpromising, but they vegetate freely. They may
be sown as early in the spring as the ground is ready to
receive seed of any kind. It appears to be quite hardy,
and easily cultivated, and has the advantage of sowing it-
self, as there will be found in the spring an abundance
of young plants on the ground where the plants of the last
year were grown. The leaves are light green, of a long
oval shape ; the stem rather succulent or fleshy, two or
three feet in length, lying prostrate on the ground. It
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. Ill
is very pretty when trained to neat sticks, or when left to
its natural mode of growth. Being ever in bloom, endur-
ing light frosts, beautiful and sweet, it will, Ave think, be-
come a great favorite.
ACHILLEA.-YARROW.
[Named after Achilles, a disciple of Chiron, and the first physician wlio used
it for liealing wounds.]
Achillea millefolium. — ^A native, and like the other
species a hardy perennial, common along road sides; I
have found a quite "pretty rose-colored variety of this. A
handsome variety with red flowers, sometimes called A.
rubra ; is in bloom all the season and worthy of a place in
the garden.
A. Ptarmica. — Sneeze-wort, a name given it because the
dried powder of the leaves, snufied up the nostrils, pro-
vokes sneezing. This is a desirable border-flower, particu-
larly in its double variety, as it continues in bloom most
of the season, throwing up a succession of its double
white flowers in corymbs, on stems about one foot high.
The foliage is dark, shining green. It is very hardy, and
easy to cultivate in almost any common soil.
A. aurea, or golden-flowered, has rich golden-yellow
flowers, but not so hardy as the others named. All the
species produce their flowers in corymbs.
ACONITTJM.— Monkshood.
[So called from growing about Aco7ii, a town of Bithynia.]
The species are robust, free-flowering plants, of some
beauty and consequence. The stems rise from 2 to 6 feet
in height, upright, strong, furnished with many digitate
or palmate leaves, and terminated by panicles or loose
112
spikes of blue, purple-blue, and white or yellow flowers.
There are many species, all handsome perennials.
All of them are violent poisons when taken into the
system, but harmless to handle. The root is more active
than the other j^arts of the plant, and has sometimes been
eaten by mistake, with fatal effects, and death has occurred
from eating the young shoots in salad. The plants are
used in medicine.
Aconitum Napellus. — Wolfsbane, or Monkshood.— Is a
well-known inhabitant of the garden, flowering in July
and August. It is increased by parting the roots, which
are of a tuberous character, every piece of which will
grow. This should be done soon after they have finished
flowering; the stalks should be cut down at the same
time. They like shade and moisture.
A» variegatum. — Is a beautiful species, throwing up
spikes with branches, continuing in bloom a long time.
Flowers, light-blue, edged with white ; 3 feet high.
A. Japonicum, from Japan, has dark-blue flowers, in
spikes 3 or 4 feet high ; a handsome plant.
A. Sieboldi, has large blue flowers, which are produced
on spikes two feet high, and one of the latest flowering.
A. rostratum, is a very tall growing species, 4 or 5 feet
high, with dark-purj^le flowers on lax panicles.
A. uncinatum, a North American species, except in fo-
liage resembles A. Japonieum. There are many other
species, all hardy and handsome.
ACROCLINIUM.
Acroclinium roscum, and its varieties atro-roseum and
album, are very pretty half-hardy annuals; with light
rose, dark rose, or pure white flowers. These are '* im-
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 113
mortelles," which flower in August and September, and
quite an acquisition in the composition of winter wreaths
or bouquets.
ADLTJMIA. — Climbing Fumitory.
[A. name given by Rafinesque in lienor of Major Adlum.']
Adlumia cirrhosa. — Climbing Fumitory, Wood Fringe,
Alleghany Vine. — In the older books this plant is called
Corydalis fungosa y' it is an elegant, indigenous, biennial,
climbing vine, growing frequently, in rich ground, from
fifteen to thirty feet, in one season ; with pink and white
flowers, which are pi-oduced in abundance during the three
'summer months ; handsome foliage. Proj^agated from
seed, which should be sown in April. The first year, the
plant makes but little progress ; but the second year, it is
of more vigorous growth. The young plants will do best
to be transplanted where they are to remain in July and
August, but will bear moving in the spring, if done with
much care.
ADONIS.
[Tliis owes its classical name to Adonis, tiie favorite of Venus ; some say its
existence also, maintaining tliat it sprung from his blood when dying. Otliers
again, trace its pedigree to the tears which Venus shed upon her lover's body.]
Adonis autumnalis. — The flowers are globular, dark
blood-red, not very large; it is known by the name of
Pheasant'' s eye^ from the resemblance it has to that bird's
eye. The foliage is many parted and delicate ; the flower
and foliage together are beautiful but not showy ; a hardy
annual which flowers in August and September.
114
bbeck's new book of flowers.
ADLUMIA CIRRHOSA. — CLIMBING FUMITORY.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 115
A. vernaliSj is a liardy perennial border-flower, bloom-
ing in May, of easy culture. The flowers are yellow,
large and rather cup-shape ; one foot high.
AGERATUM.
[A name employed by Dioscovides, and probably applied by him to some
plants similar to what we call "everlasting."]
Ag^ratlim Mexicaniim, is a handsome, half-hardy an-
nual, with light-blue flowers, in compound corymbs. It
continues to bloom through the summer; also through
the winter, when kept in the green-house, and is desirable
for bouquets. There is also one with white flowers, but it
is not so free a bloomer, and one with variegated foliage.
ALONSOA.
[Named by the authors of the Flora Peruviana, after Zanoni Alonzo, at the
time of the publication of that work, Spanish Secretary for the Kingdom of
Santa Fe, and a great patron of Natural History.]
Beautiful green-house plants with scarlet flowers, but
bloom finely in the open ground, when treated like other
tender annuals.
A. incisifolia. — Nettle leaved Alonsoa. — It. has nettle
shaped foliage, but delicate and pretty ; it flowers all the
season.
A. graildiflora has larger flowers, which are also scar-
let ; plants one to two feet high.
116
ALTH^A.
"And from the Nectaries of Hollyhocks
The liumble bee, e'en till he f;tints, will sip."
The humble, or bumble bee, as it is usually called,
revels in this flower and is generally found in great num-
bers extracting the honeyed sweets from its nectaries, to
the great amusement of nauglity boys, who take wicked
delight in confining the poor bee, by infolding it in the
flower for the pleasure of hearing him sing.
Althaea rosea, the Chinese Hollyhock, is a very hand-
some plant in its double varieties, and continues in beauty
during July and August. It flowers the second year
from seed and the year following, and then dies ; but if
the stalks are cut down in August of the second year, by
dividing the roots carefully with a sharp knife and plant-
ing them out in a warm, light soil, they may be continued
from year to year ; or they may be raised from cuttings
of the young stalks, about six inches in length, taken in
summer. They should be inserted half their depth, and,
if a glass be j^laced over them, it will facilitate their root-
ing. Plants so raised, will flower early the following sum-
mer. Seed saved from fine improved double varieties,
will generally produce a large proportion of double flow-
ers ; this is the easiest, and most sure method of obtain-
ing plants. The seed should be sown in May or June,
half an inch deep, and when the plants have put out six
or eight leaves, they should be transplanted to the place
where they are to remain. If the soil is very moist and
wet, they are subject to be much injured or destroyed in
winter ; in that case, it is a safe way to take them early in
autumn, pot them and preserve them in frames until
spring. Only the choicest varieties will pay for this
trouble. The Hollyhock succeeds best when j^lanted in
light, rich soil, that has been well drained. There is no
flower which makes a greater show, when planted in mas-
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 117
ses, than the different varieties in all their numerous col-
ors and shades. Its proper locality is is in the front of
the shrubbery, or in the back ground of the border. A
great improvement has been made in this old-fashioned,
ordinary flower, within a few years, that has brought it
before the 2:»ub]ic under a new phase ; and it now bids
fair to become as poj^ular as many other flowers that have
been taken in hand by the florist. We give the experi-
ence of an European cultivator, found in an English paper,
to show what can be done in the imj)rovement of tliis
flower.
"If I were not afraid of advancing a horticultural
heresy, I should say that many amateurs prefer Holly-
hocks to Dahlias. The Hollyhocks of Belgium and Ger-
many had a great celebrity long before they appeared
among us. The collections of the Prince of Salm Dyck,
and of M. Van Houtte, of Ghent, have been much ad-
mired. In other places varieties have been obtained with
leaves more or less lobed, more or less entire, more or
less palmate, all with flowers large, full, or colored differ-
ently from those of other plants, being sometimes of a
more or less dark mahogany color, at others of a delicate
tint, and varying from the purest white to the darkest
glossy black. Some progress has also been made in the
cultivation of those plants by themselves. Since 1830,
M. Pelissier, jun., a gentleman of Prado, has cultivated
Hollyhocks, and from the seeds of a pink variety has suc-
ceeded in obtaining plants with flowers of a delicate rose
color, and which, in consequence of the extreme delicacy
of their tints, and regularity of form, may serve both to
encourage perseverance and as a good type for seed.
In the following year, from the seeds of joink flowers, he
obtained a beautiful, brilliant, clear, sulphur-colored speci-
men, perfect in every respect. It is from the seeds of
those two plants that he has obtained all the other beau-
118 breck's new book of flowers.
tiful and remarkble varieties which he now possesses, after
a lapse of ten years from his first attempts. As a general
rule, M. Pelissier prefers flowers with six exterior petals,
with entire edges, well open, well set out, of a middling
size, of a pure, clear, brilliant color, and forming a perfect
Anemone. As the flowers expand, M. Pelissier removes
whatever is not comformable to the type he has chosen, or
is not of a marked color, and like a perfect Anemone. It
is by doing this every year that he has obtained twenty re-
markable varieties, tlie names and characteristics of which
have been kindly furnished by him, and are given below."
I omit the names, as these particular varieties cannot be
obtained here, and besides, the named varieties are often
lost, it being very difficult to perpetuate them for any
great length of time. " Delicate rose, very full flower ;
red, very full; pure white, flower full; rose, flower very
full ; dark-yellow, flower very full ; clear red, flower
beautiful, perfection ; cinnamon-colored, shaded, flower
very full ; nankeen-colored, very full ; dark-red, very full ;
dark rose, streaked, flower full, very perfect ; fleshy white,
flower full, beautiful ; clear cherry, full ; clear yellow,
flower very full ; beautiful white, flower well rounded ;
yellow, with a tint of pink, flower very full ; dark violet,
spotted with white ; white, the middle yellow ; very dark-
red, flower very full ; black, flower very full."
Hollyhock seed is imported from France and Germany
every year, from named varieties, in packages of from 10
to 20 fine sorts, from which many kinds equal to those
described above may be obtained. Semi-double and single
flowering plants should be pulled up as soon as their
character is determined, or the seed from the fine double
sorts will be deteriorated by their proximity. As tlie flow-
er-stems begin to advance, they should be strongly staked,
as it is very slovenly to permit the plants to be prostrated
in every direction by storms and wind.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 119
ALYSSUM.
[From Greek, words signifying to prevent rage. The Alyssum passed
among the ancients as a plant which possessed the properties of allaying thirst.]
Alyssum saxatile. — Rock or Golden Alyssiim. — Is a de-
sirable vernal flower, of dwarf habit, proper for rock
work, or to be planted in masses. The flowers are of a
brilliant golden-yellow, completely covering the plant,
which is not more than 8 or 10 inches high; a hardy
perennial. It is a suitable companion for the Phlox stolo-
nifera with its red flowers, P. suhulata with pink flowers ;
all of which appear together in May. Raised by seeds
or by laying the branches as is done with the carnation.
A. maritimum. — Sweet Alyssum. — This is a desirable
hardy annual, flowering from June to November, w^ien
planted in the spring ; and all winter in the green-house
if sown in August. One foot high, with flowers in long
prostrate racemes, which continually extend themselves
during the season, producing flowers until killed by
frost. It is quite efi*ective Avhen planted in masses. The
plants should not be put out nearer than one foot from
each other.
AMARANTHS. —Amaranth.
[From the Greek, meaning unfading Jloiver, as tiie flowers of some species da
not wither.]
A genus of annuals, some of wdiich are ornamental, and
others are coarse and troublesome weeds.
Amarantus tricolor. — This is a tender annual, an old
favorite of the flower-garden, and is in some places called
" Joseph's Coat ;" its only beauty consists in its variegated
leaves. Miller, in ancient times, says : — " There is not a
handsomer plant than this in its full lustre."
Gerarde thus speaks of it : —
120
" It farre exceedeth my skill to describe the beauty and
excellencie of this rare plant, called F lor amor ; and I
thinke the pensil of the most curious painter will be at a
stay, when he shall come to set it downe in his lively col-
ors. But to colour it after my best manner, this I say,
Moramor hath a thicke, knobby root, whereon do grow
many threddie strings ; from which ariseth a thicke stalke,
but tender and soft, which beginneth to divide itself into
sundry branches at the ground, and so vpward, whereup-
on doth grow many leaves, wherein does consist his beau-
ty : for in few words, euerie leafe resembleth in colour
the most faire and beautifull feather of a Parot, especially
those feathers that are mixed with most sundry colours,
as a stripe of red, and a line of yellow, a dash of white,
and a rib of green colour, which I cannot with words set
forth, such are the sundry mixture of colours that I^ature
hath bestowed, in her greatest jolitie, vpon this floure.
The floure doth grow betweene the footstalks of those
leaves and the body of the stalk or trunk, base, and of no
moment in respect of the leaves, being as it were little
chaffie husks of an ouerworne tawny colour ; the seed is
black, and shining like burnished home."
A. hypochondriacus. — Prince's Feather. — A hardy,
Avell-known annual, four or five feet high, with numerous
heads of purplish-crimson flowers, suitable for the shrub-
bery. A. superhus is an improved variety of this ; flowers
dark-red ; three to four feet high ; from June to September.
A. melancbolicus. — Love-lies-bleeding. — This is also a
well-known hardy annual, from three to four feet high,
with blood-red flowers, which hang in pendant spikes,
and, at a little distance, look like streams of blood ; in
July and August. It is sometimes called, in France,
*' Discipline des rdigieuses^'' — the Nun's Whipping Rope.
There is a variety, with straw-colored flowci-s, but it is
too mean-looking for the flower-garden.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWEKS. 121
A. melancliolicus var. ruber, is a new variety, with
blood-red leaves, pyramidical growth, 14^ foot high, of ex-
cellent habit, and will supersede the Perilla.
AMARYLLIS.
[The name of a nymph celebrated by the poet Virgil.]
This is a superb genus, nearly all of the species are
green-house or stove-plants ; some few maybe planted out
in the garden, but none of them will stand the winter.
Amaryllis formosissima, Jacobean Lily, is a flower of
great beauty. It is a tender bulb, but succeeds well
when planted in May, in the open border, in a rich sandy
soil. The top of the bulb should hardly be covered with
earth. The flowers are large and of a very brilliant dark
crimson ; when the sun shines upon them, they look as if
sprinkled with gold. The under petals hang down, the
upper curl up, and the whole flower stands nodding on
one side of a stalk, about a foot high, making a fine ap-
pearance. The bulb rarely produces more than two flow-
ers, and more frequently but one; flowers in June or
July. Upon the approach of freezing weather, the bulbs
must be taken up, and put away in dry saw-dust, secure
from frost. It is a native of South America.
AMETHYSTEA.
Amethystea ceerulea. — A tender annual with pretty
blue flowers, and a variety with white ; grows about 14-
foot high ; not very common in gardens ; in flower from
July to October.
122 breck's new book of flowers.
AMARYLLIS FORMOSIS8IMA.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWEIiS. 123
AMMOBIUM.
CFrom the Greek, meaning to live upon sa7id.]
Ammobilim alatum.— Winged Ammobium.— A pretty,
half-hardy Xew Holland annual, with dry, Avhite, involu-
cral scales, like a Gnaphaliiim. The flowers, when gath-
ered before they fully mature, retain their shape and
brightness, and are fit companions for Helichrysums,
Amaranths, and other everlasting flowers for winter orna-
ments. Height, two feet. The stems have a curious
winched attachment their whole length.
AMSONIA.
[Named after a traveller, Mr. Cliarles Amson.]
Amsonia Tabcrnsemontana. — Broad-leaved Amsonia,
and lias been called A. latifolia^ but the name here given
is the oldest. A hardy perennial, about two feet high,
with leaves somewhat like those of the jDcach and pale-
blue flowers in terminal clusters.
A. salicifolia. — Willow-leaved Amsonia, has narrower
leaves. Both are easily cultivated native plants, which
succeed in almost any soil, and flowers in June.
ANAGALLIS.— Pimpernel.
[From tlie Greek, ^o Zawg-A ; the name expressing the medicinal qualities of
the plant, whicli, by removing obstructions from the liver, removed a cause
of low spirits and despondency. So at least say Piiny and others.]
Anagallis arvensis. — Pimpernel, or Poor mail's weather
glass^ one of the Ilorm horologica^^ opening its flowers
regularly about eight minutes past eight o'clock in the
latitude of England, and closing about three minutes past
two o'clock. It also serves as an hygrometer, for, if rain
fall, or there be much moisture in the atmospere, the flow-
124 breck's new book of flowers.
ers either do not open, or close up again. So says Lou-
don. It is a handsome trailing weed of England, and
is found in some parts of this country.
Anagallis grandiflora carnea^ A. lilacea and A. fruti-
cosa, are j)i*etty annuals.
ANCHUSA.-BUGLOSS.
[Derived from the Greek, mea,mng paint for the skiti ; one of the species hav-
ing been used in early times to stain the skin.]
Anchusa Italica. — Italian Bugloss. — Is a tall-growing
hardy perennial, with coarse, rough leaves, but bearing a
multitude of small briUiant blue flowers all the season.
There is another species with parti-colored red and purple
flowers ; and still another with red flowers. All the species
are tall-growing plants, from two to three feet high.
Easy to cultivate and perfectly hardy, desirable only iu
large collections.
ANEMONE.— Wind-flower.
[From the Greek, aneinos, wind ; some say because the flower opens only
when the wind blows ; others, because it grows in situations much exposed to
wind.]
"Youtli, like a thin Anemone displays
His silken leaf, and in a morn decays."
This poetical allusion is in reference to the fragiUty of
the Anemone, which applies to tlie Wood Anemone of
Europe and this country, and not to A. coronaria, a
florist's flower, which has already been described under
the head of bulbous roots.
Anemone Pulsatilla, Pasque Flower, is an old-fashioned
English }>erc'nni;d ])order-tlo\vcr, easily cultivated, and
descriped )jy Gerade, the herbalist, in his book written
two hundred and flfty years ago, thus: — "It hath many
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 125
small leaves, finely cut or jagged, like those of carrots,
among which rise up naked stalkes roughf, hairie, where-
upon doe grow beautiful floures, bell-fashion, of a bright
delaied purple color; in the bottom whereof groweth a
tuft of yellow thrumbs, and in the middle of the thrumbs
it thrusteth forth a small purple pointell. When the
whole flower is passed, there succeedeth an head or knob,
compact of many gray hairy lockes, and in the solid part
of the knob lieth the seed, flat and hairy, — every seed
having his own small haire hanging at it. The root is
thicke and knobby, of a finger long, running right down,
and therefore not unlike those of the Anemone, which it
doth in all its other parts very notably resemble, and
whereof no doubt this is a kind."
A. nemorosa^ or Wood Anemone, is one of our earliest
flowers in spring, appearing in April, and continuing
through May; found in company with violets and other
vernal flowers, in woods and pastures, and by the side of
walls and fences. It grows in spreading clusters, sending
up its stem, bearing three leaves, which is crowned with
one single white flower, the external part of which is of
a reddish-purple. It requires care in transplanting and to
be set in a shady and moist place. The Rue-leaved Ane-
mone is placed under Thalictrum.
A. hortensis, or Garden Anemone, is the species from
which all the fine varieties of the florist's flowers origin-
ated.
" See I yon Anemones their leaves unfold.
With rubies flaming, and with living gold."
Very little attention has been paid in this section of
the country, to the cultivation of this most beautiful
flower, from the fact, probably, that it will not stand our
winters, unless planted in a frame, or othewise protected.
With this precaution, and some little attention, it will
126 breck's xew book of flowers,
abundantly repay all the labor that may be bestowed up-
on it.
I have succeeded very well, in its cultivation, by keep-
ing the roots out of ground until March, and then plant-
ing them in a bed prepared in the fall, that had been
kept covered till the time of planting. The roots of the
Anemones are solid, flattened masses, like those of ginger,
and are multiplied by dividing them.
More than one hundred and fifty choice varieties are
enumerated in some of the Dutch catalogues of the
present day, classed as follows : — red, or blood color ;
rosy and white, flamed with purple ; sky blue ; purple or
ash color ; rosy, with green, and white, and agate.
A fine double Anemone should stand upon a strong,
elastic and erect stem, not less than nine inches high.
The blossom or corolla, should be at least two and a half
inches in diameter. The outer petals, or guard leaves,
should be substantial, Avell rounded, at first horizontally
extended, and then turning a little upwards, so as to form
a broad, shallow cup, the interior part of which should
contain a great number of long, small petals, imbricating
each other, and rather reverting from the centre of the
blossom. There are a great number of small stamens in-
termixed with these petals, but they are short, and not
easily discernable. The color should be clear and distinct
when diversified in the same flower, or brilliant and strik-
ing if it consists only of one color, as blue, crimson, or
scarlet, etc., in which case the bottom of the broad ex-
terior petals is generaly white ; but the beauty and con-
trast are greatly increased when both the exterior and in-
terior petals are regularly marked Avitli alternate blue and
white, or pink and white stripes, etc., which in the broad
petals should not extend quite to the margin.
Propagation. — By dividing the roots for the fine sorts,
and by seed for new varieties.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 127
Soil and Situation. — The situation should be open, but
not exposed to currents of air. As to the soil to grow
them in, various composts are prescribed by florists.
They require a fresh, strong, rich, loamy soil. Hogg re-
commends fresh loam, with a considerable portion of rot-
ten horse or cow dung. The bed should be dug eighteen
inches deep, and filled with the rich compost, a little
above the level of the walk ; then lay a stratum of good
rich mould, two inches deep, over the compost, on which
to plant the roots, a§ the dung or very rich compost in
contact with the roots would prove injurious rather than
beneficial.
Planting. — After the bed is thus prepared, and Jias
stood long enough to settle, the frame should be placed
upon it. Fall planting is much the best, if the bed can
be kept from very severe frost, or if not kept so warm as
to start the foliage. Late fall or early spring planting is
the best.
The roots should be planted in rows six inches apart,
and the same distance from each other in the rows. A
little care is necessary, in planting, to j^lace the roots
right-side up. By close examination, the eyes, from
which the stems and flowers are to proceed, can be dis-
tinguished, which, of course, must be planted uppermost.
After the roots are placed on the bed, they must be care-
fully covered two inches deep with good sound garden
mould. When the bed is all completed, the surface should
be three or four inches above the walk. They will be in
flower in June, and, if shaded from the sun, will continue
to display their beauties a long time.
Tahing up the Roots. — When the foliage begins to turn
brown and dry, the roots should be taken up and dried
in the shade. When properly dried and kept from mois-
ture, they may be kept out of ground two or three years
without injury.
128 breck's new book of flowers.
ANTHEMIS— Chamomile.
[From a Greek word, signifying a. Jlov:er, on account of the multitude of
flowers with which the plants are covered.]
Anth^mis nobilis* — Garden Chamomile. — Is in consider-
able repute, both in the popular and scientific Materia Me-
dica. The flowers are well known or should be well known
to every housekeeper, on account of their valuable medicin-
al qualities. In its double variety it is quite handsome, and
a mass of it with its pure white flowers, springing from
their bed of mossy-like foliage, are certainly quite charm-
ing. It is easily propagated by dividing the roots. A
bed of Chamomile is improved in its appearance if occa-
sionally rolled or pressed down. The flowers rise from
the bed three or four inches high.
ANTIIIIIHINUM.-SNAP-DRAGOX.
[Derived from words in Greek, which express " similar to a nose."']
The flower bears a perfect resemblance to the snout or
nose of some animal ; by applying the thumb and finger
to the side of the corolla, it opens and shuts, as with a
spring.
Antirrhinum majUS, the Great or Purple Snap-Dragon,
is described by Gerarde in his Herbal, thus : — " This pur-
ple Snap-Dragon hath great and brittle stalks, which di-
videth itself into many ,fragile branches, whereupon do
grow long leaves, sharp-pointed, very greene, like unto
those of wild flax, but much greater, set by couples and
set one opposite against another. The flowers grow at
the top of the stalkes, of a purple color, fashioned like a
frog's mouth, or rather a dragon's mouth, from whence
the women have taken the name Snap-Dragon. The seed
is black, contained in round husks, fiishioned like a calf's
snout, — whereupon some havec ailed it Calf's snout, — or
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 129
in mine opinion it is more like unto the bones of a sheep's
head that hath been long in the water, or the flesh con-
sumed clean away."
Since Gerarde's day, the Snap-Dragon has sported into
many varieties, not only purple, but rosy, crimson, yellow,
red and white, white striped, mottled, tipped, etc. It is
an imperfect perennial, and is apt to die out every few
years, particularly in a moist soil — in fact I have been un-
able to keep it through the winter in some seasons. The
varieties may be propagated from cuttings, or division of
the root. It is raised abundantly from the seed, flowering
the first autumn ; but not so strong as the second year.
Many beautiful varieties are in cultivation. It flourishes
best in a dry, loamy soil ; is in flower in June, July, and
August. Linaria vulgaris^ which grows profusely by
our road sides is a closely related plant ; the flowers,
yellow and orange. This was formerly cultivated in the
garden, but it has a propensity for running about the
ground where it is not wanted, and soon becomes a troub-
lesome weed.
APIOS. — Ground-nut.
[From the Greek word for pear, in allusion to the shape of the tubers.]
Apios tuberosat — Ground-nut, Dacotah Potato. — Indi-
genous and common in rich moist woods and thickets,
produces flowers in axillary, crowded racemes, of a black-
ish-purple color, which would make a pleasing acquisition
to the various ornaments of the border or shrubbery. Its
roots are strings of oblong cylindrical tubers, frequently
known by the name of pig or Indian potatoes; when
roasted or boiled, they are eatable, and said to have made
an ordinary part of the vegetable food of the aborigines.
6*
130 breck's new book of flowers.
The leaves are pinnated, each consisting of from five
to seven ovate accuminate leaves. Stems round, twining
from six to eight feet high, in July and August.
AOTILEGIA.— Columbine.
[From aquila, an eagle. The inverted spurs of the flower have been likened
to the talons of a bird of prey.]
Aquilegia vulgaris, and its varieties, are too well
known to require description. They are all beautiful, and
interesting when planted in beds or masses. They are of
every shade of blue, purple-white, reddish-brown, rose,
striped or variegated, with single, semi-double and full
double flowers. Some of the single sorts are more desir-
able than the double ; particularly the large single blue
and purple varieties, with white centers. In bloom in
June and July. Propagated by dividing the roots, or
from seed from choice varieties. All are perennial.
A. Canadensis, is one of the finest species ; indigenous,
common in rocky situations, flowering early in May and
June. It has pendulous scarlet flowers, yellow inside. I
have seen a 2)ui'e white variety, growing in the crevice or
seam of a rock, but, in my attempt to extricate it, the
root was broken ofi" and ruined, to my great sorrow. I
have also seen a straw-colored variety at the Botanic
Garden, Cambridge. This elegant vernal flower is much
improved when cultivated, the stool increasing in magni-
tude, throwing up many more stems, and the flowers en-
larged. If some florist would undertake the task of
impregnating the flowers of this variety Avith some of
the fine garden species, no doubt, but very satisfactory
results would be obtained.
A. glandlllosa, is a splendid and newly introduced
sj)ccies from Siberia. The plant is more dwarfish in its
AQUILEGIA CANADENSIS.
132 bkeck's new book of flowers.
habits than the common Cohimbine, the leaves are more
finely divided ; it is about one foot high, producing its
beautiful flowers in June. The flowers are large and rich
sky-blue; the inside and margin of the corolla pure
white. It is one of the most desirable of the genus,
propagated from seeds, or dividing the roots soon after
flowering and not in the spring. This splendid species
is lost to me and I cannot obtain it from Europe ; the
seed which has been sent me for this, has proved to be
something else. Many of the Siberian plants are pro-
tected by the deep snows of that climate, and our open
Avinters are fatal to many plants from that region, and I
suppose I lost my bed of this elegant flower on account
of its being half-hardy. It should have been kept in a
frame through the winter.
A. alpina^ is a very handsome species with rich, deep
blue flowers ; which, instead of drooping as in other
species, has its flowers erect.
A. Skinn^rii; raised from imported seed, it has large
red flowers ; the sj)urs are of deep green color, singular
and beautiful, this also is lost in my collection. I do not
know its origin. A. Mcolor, is a beautiful hybrid. Most of
the species and varieties are at home in any good garden
soil
AECTOTIS.
[Named from Greek words, signifying bear, and capsule, because its fruit is
shaggy, lilte a bear.]
Arctotis breyisc4pa, a new annual. I do not know the
origin of this plant, but received it, with other seeds,
from Paris. The flowers are composite, like the Calen-
dula officinalis, or Pot Marigold, and have some resem-
blance to that flower, but the foliage is quite different. The
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 133
flowers are of a brilliant yellow, and open to the sun, but
close at night. There is a succession of flowers through
the season, which makes it a desirable border-plant.
ARGEMONE.— Prickly Poppy.
fFrorn agema, the name by which the cataract of the eye was known, and
was thought to be cured by this plant.]
Ar^emone Mexicana^ is a troublesome weed in the
West Indies, with a fig-shaped capsule, armed with
prickles, and thence by the Spaniards, called JFigo del in-
ferno. The whole plant abounds with a milky juice,
which turns in the air to a fine bright yellow. It has
handsome j^oppy-shaped yellow flowers. It is some-
times found inthe garden, but that is not a proper place
for it, for one cannot touch it without being wounded
with the spines which are upon the leaves as well as the
capsules ; nor break it without soiling the hand, and
when the flower is gathered it is not suitable for the
bouquet. A. grandiflora^ like the last, is an annual in our
climate, but the thick fleshy roots may be taken up in
the fall, kept in the cellar, and planted out in the spring.
It has a very large, showy white flower, with numerous
yellow stamens and quite ornamental ; but, like A.
Mexicana is only to be looked at and not meddled
with. A. ochroleuca^ has pale-yellow flowers. The
leaves, capsules, and the whole plant are armed with
formidable spines ; having had the hands or any part
of the body in contact with the plant, it will be forever
after viewed with feelings far from pleasureable. A. Bar-
clayana is equal to the others in its poAvers of annoy-
ance, but its more showy, brilliant yellow flowers, will,
in some measure, make amends for its repulsiveness. I
cannot recommend this genus of plants, only where
large collections are desired.
134
ARMERIA— Thrift.
This genus contains a number of ornamental plants,
generally well adapted to rock work.
Armeria vulgaris, is the common Thrift of the gar-
den, and next to box most desirable for edgings. It is
rapidly multiplied by divisions of the root. It produces
pink flowers, in little heads or clusters in June and Ju-
ly ; six inches high.
ASCLEPIAS.— Milkweed.
[The Greek name of the ^sculapius of the Latins.]
This genus is mainly North American, many of the
species are well-known as common road-side weeds ;
nearly all are tall-growing perennial plants, some of which
are worthy a place in the garden. We have about fif-
teen or more indigenous species. The flowers of this
genus produce their flowers in umbels ; all are very at-
tractive to butterflies and other beautiful insects, and for
this reason a few of the most ornamental should find a
place in the flower-garden.
Ascl^pias Cornuti, formerly called A. jS^riaca, is a very
common plant, highly odoriferous, especially in the even-
ing. The stems, when broken, give a copious discharge
of milky, viscid juice, and for this reason it is often called
Milk-weed. Parkinson calls the plant Virginian silk, on
account of the great quantity of silk, like cotton, which
the capsules contain. This silky substance is an attach-
ment to the seed by which it may be carried to a great
distance in a windy day. This silk is characteristic of all
the species, and has been used for domestic purposes, such
as filling for pillows, beds, and other uses.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWEKS. 135
A. tuberosa. — Butterfly-weed. — Root large, fleshy,
branchiDg, somewhat fusiform, but it is only by compar-
ison wdth other species that it can be called tuberous ;
stems numerous, growing in bunches from the root, hairy
and dusky red ; flowers numerous, erect, and of a bright
orange color ; blooms in August. This fine ornamental
plant for the garden grows two feet high. A. pur-
picrascens, A. variegata, and others, are also ornamental ;
all the species would be interesting in large collections.
ASTER.
Nearly one hundred si^ecies of Asters, mostly peren-
nials, are described by botanists as indigenous to North
America. Many of them are without much beauty, and
may be considered as weeds. But some of the species
are quite beautiful, and would add much to the interest
of the border or shrubbery, if introduced into the gar-
den. The flowers are star shaped (hence the botanical
name) and it is often j^opularly called the Star-flower.
The color of the flowers varies, in the difierent species,
from white to light-blue, dark blue to purj^le ; some of
them are quite small as in A. multiforus^ and A. diffusus^
w^hich, however, are handsome from the great profusion
of their flowers. A. JVbvce-A?iglice,}iiis large showy purple
flowers. A. puniceus, has fine sky-blue flowers. A col-
lection of the different species may be successfully made
when in flower, if the flower stems are cut off and the
roots planted in good soil. They wdll flower well in the
following autumn and will richly repay all the trouble,
provided there is plenty of room in the garden. I have
found that great improvement can be made in them by
cultivation. The China Aster does not belong to this
genus, but to Callistephus, under which name it will be
found.
136 beeck's new book of floweep.
ASTRANTIA.
LFiom Greek words, signifying f-imilar to a star ; so called in reference to
the beautiful star-like dispositions of the involurum of all the species.]
Astrantia major and A. minor. — Hardy herbaceous
perennials, with pretty green and pink, star-like flowers,
or clusters of flowers ; in bloom most of the season.
The flowers are fine for bouquets.
AVENA.-OAT.
Av^na St^rilis, the Animated Oat, is sometimes grown
as an object of curiosity, on account of its singular hy-
grometrical properties. After the seeds have fallen off
their strong beard is so sensible to alternations of dryness
and moisture in the atmosphere as to keep them in spon-
taneous motion, when they resemble some grotesque in-
sect crawling upon the ground ; or, if when dried, the
seed is moistened in the mouth and then placed upon a
table, will throw itself over as if it had life.
BAPTISIA.— False Indigo.
[From bapto, to dye ; in allusion to the economical properties of some species.
A blue dye may be extracted from the leaves.]
Baptisia australis, formerly Sophora australis, is con-
sidered a handsome border-flower of the easiest culture, is
exceedingly hardy and indigenous to some parts of Nortli
America. It j^roduces its blue flowers in terminal spiked
racemes in June. Leaves ternate, stalked, leaflets cune-
ate-lanceolate , stipules longer than the stalk, lanceolate.
A variety has white flowers ; another, with brown and
yellow. They are hardy perennials of easy culture.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 137
BELLIS— Daisy.
[The name is derived from the Latin word bellus, handsome. The word
Daisy is a compound of day and eye, Day's-eye, in wliicii way it is written by
Ben Johnson.]
Brills perennis. — The Common Daisy. — No flower
has been more frequently celebrated, by English poets
than this. Burns' address to the Mountain Daisy will un-
doubtedly be remembered by many, beginning
" Wee mo'iest crimson tipped flower."
A native of England and Scotland, a well-known peren-
nial, in bloom most of the season, in a cool sheltered
place, but will not succeed in a warm sunny spot.
There are several varieties in the improved cultivated
sorts, as the double red, white, blush, red-quilled, white-
quilled, variegated, etc.
This beautiful little flower will not stand our winters
without protection. It is best kept in a frame, where it
can be j^reserved from the extreme cold weather, but will
require air in pleasant weather.
Daisies may be propagated abundantly, by dividing
the roots ; also from seed, which is imported from Europe.
If seed from double flowers is sown, the product will be
single, semi-double, and a few full double sorts, with a
variety of colors and shades.
The seed should be sown in the green-house or in a
hot-bed, with very little bottom heat ; the young plants
must be very carefully attended to, or all the labor will
be lost.
138 breck's new book of flowers.
BOTTVARDIA.
[Named afier Dr. Charles Bouvard, formerly a Superintendant of the Jardin
du Roi, at Paris.]
The species and varieties are all shrubby green-house
plants, but, when raised from cuttings and planted out in
the oj^en ground, flower all the season ; and small plants,
tliree inches high, will begin to bloom and continue to
grow and blossom until they have attained the height of
two feet by October, forming fine bushy plants ; the flow-
ers are rose, crimson, and scarlet. Their dazzling rich-
ness of color, and pleasing form of flower, make them
the most useful plants we have for cut-flowers or bou-
quets. I think there can be no difiiculty in preserving
the plants by taking up and potting them, after the foli-
age is blackened by frost, and placing them in a dry cellar
through the winter.
The species J^. triphylla and B. versicolor are Mexican
and South American plants ; the former with scarlet, the
other with red flowers. There is no bedding plant more
desirable for the borders than this.
BRACHYCOME.-SwAN Daisy.
Brachycome iberidifolia. — This is a beautiful hardy
annual, in flower from July to September; of dwarf
habit, eight or ten inches high. Flowers, various deli-
cate shades of blue, lilac, and white, with brownish-black
centre. A suitable plant to be grown in masses ; foliage
also delicate.
BRIZA.— Qhaking Grass.
[From a Greek word, to nod. in allusion to the iianging spikelets.]
Briza maxima, is cultivated as a border-flower; the
spikelets of the grass are curious and elegant, and when
dried help to make up a bouquet of immortal flowers.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 139
BROWALLIA.— Blue Amethyst.
[Named by Linnaeas, in honor of John Biowallius.]
Browallia data. — A tender annual from Peru. It
grows one and a half foot high, and bears an abundance
of small brilliant blue flowers, from July to September.
There is also a variety with white flowers.
To have it in 23erfection, it should be sown in hot-beds,
and transplanted into the border in June. The plants
are quite minute when they first make their appearance,
and unless protected from the sun, are liable to be
destroyed. The same be said of nearly all plants with
very fine seed. In the open ground, about the middle of
May, is a suitable time for planting.
CALANDRINIA.
[Named after Calandrini, a German botanist.]
Calandrinia ^randiflora. — Great-flowering. — This is a
half-hardy annual ; grows two feet high ; blooms from
June to October. It is a fine plant for growing in mas-
ses. When the fine, rosy lilac flowers of this A^ery beau-
tiful plant are fully expanded, being produced in vast
profusion, and continuing for so long time in bloom, they
make a pleasing appearance, and nevei* fail to give ample
satisfaction. To have it in its greatest perfection,the seed
should be planted in pots, and placed in a hot-bed early
in the spring. In June the plants should be turned into
the ground. The soil should be a rich sandy loam.
C. discolor is in habit very much like the other; the
foliage is purple on the under side ; it requires the same
treatment. C. JBurridgii^ C, speciosa^ and G. umhellata.,
are all handsome species or varieties, but rather delicate,
and not perhaps desirable except in extensive collections.
140 breck's new book of flowers.
CALCEOLARIA.— Lady's Slipper.
[From calceolus, a slipper, in allusion to the shape of the corolla.)
Calceolaria pinnata. — This species, a native of Peru,
may be raised from seed in a hot-bed in spring, and trans-
planted to the borders with other tender annuals. The
regions of Chili and Peru abound in many splendid spe-
cies, from which very beautiful hybrids have been pro-
duced ; but all are too tender and delicate for out-door
culture, unless planted in a sheltered situation.
CALENDULA.
[So named because it may be found in flower during the calends of each
month, or, which is the same thing, during every month of the year. This can-
nut be the case in our climate.]
Calendula officinalis. — Pot Marigold. — A hardy annu-
al, common to the gardens time out of mind, and form-
erly much used in soups and broths. Flowers deep
orange, and continue all the season. Some of the double
varieties are very handsome. C. ranunculoides siiperba,
and C. sulphur ea., are highly improved varieties ; one with
bright orange, the other with sulphur-colored flowers,
very large and double ; as they are always in bloom, they
are a great addition to the flower-garden.
CALLIRRHOE.
Callirroc pedata, a handsome annual, introduced from
Texas, two feet high, with crimson mallow-shaped flow-
ers. C. veriicillata^ is double the size of C. pedata^ and
very beautiful ; a perennial or biennial.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS.
141
CALLISTEPHUS.— China Aster.
[From the Greek, meaning beautiful crown.]
Callistephus Chin^nsiS. — The China Aster. — Is the on-
ly species with which we are acquainted, and of this the
varieties are almost infinite, embracing in color white,
blue-purple, red, variegated red and white, blue and
CALLIRHOE PEDATA.
white-purple, and white, etc. ; also in variety of shapes as
the Pompon, Chrysanthemum, P^ony, Imbricate, Crown,
Globe, etc. ; of difierent heights as the Tall, Semi-dwarf,
Dwarf, and Pigmy, also in the different arrangements as
142 breck's new book of floweks.
the bouquet, etc. All these varieties, as now cultivated,
have full double-flowers. No others are tolerated. The
improvements that have been made in this flower within
the last dozen years, are wonderful. The French call the
China Aster la Reine Marguerite^ which has been render-
ed in English, the Queen Margaret. By this name they
are sometimes called; also the German Aster ^ from the
improvements which have been made by the florists of
that country. Some of the very finest are called French
Asters or the Trufiaut Pseony Aster, from a Mr. Trufiaut,
a celebrated florist at Versailles, who has produced some
of the most superb varieties, nearly the size of Dahlias,
of most brilliant colors, and very double and full.
These varieties cannot be too highly recommended.
No class of Asters surpasses them in splendor, perfection,
softness, brilliancy and variety of their colors. It would
seem hardly possible that such a wonderful transforma-
tion could be made from the original, inferior, single flow-
er; but Mons. Trufiaut has made this a specialty, and
his perseverance and skill have been crowned with com-
plete success ; he has the honor of introducing a class of
flowers which must stand in the first rank among the or-
namental plants of the flower-garden. His packages of
these grand Asters embrace from ten to twelve varieties.
The flowers are so full and double that they produce very
few seeds, hence they will always command a high price.
The double German Globe Aster forms another distinct
class, embracing all the variety of colors found in the
Pa3ony Aster. The flow^ers are large and very full, of a
globular shape ; plants about two feet high. Boltze's
Miniature, or Pigmy Dwarf Bouquet Pyramidal Asters,
are a great curiosity as well as very beautiful. A bou-
quet of Chrysanthemum-shaped Asters, of five to ten
finely shaped flowers, with very rich colors, and of good
size, spring directly from the ground, not more than six
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOAVERS. 143
inches high, with very little foliage, presenting a very-
pleasing sight when planted in a bed or groups by them-
selves. These varieties are new ; perfected by Mr. Boltz,
of Germany.
Newest Chrysanthemum-flowered Dwarf Double Asters.
— This new tribe of dwarf Asters is highly recommended
as a very important acquisition to tlie flower-garden.
They flower rather later than the other varieties, attain
the height of about ten to twelve inches, and produce
clusters of flowers nearly as large as the Pjeony, flowered
so abundant, that very few leaves are seen ; they sport in-
to all the colors of the other classes.
New Double Corcadeau or Crown Aster. — This class of
Asters have very large flat flowers, with white centres ;
the colors are violet, blue, crimson, and deep scarlet.
The contrast between the rich colors of the outer petals,
and the pure white centre is very fine. The varieties are
very double ; height, two feet.
Double Dwarf Pyramidal Bouquet-flowered Aster. —
This is also an interesting class of about twelve varieties
of colors ; height ten or twelve inches. They produce
immense bouquets of quilled flowers, when planted in
rich soil.
Double Pyramidal-flowered German Aster. — This divi-
sion of Asters grows about two feet high, flowers in pyr-
amids, Chrysanthemum shaped, with all the colors of the
other sorts; some of them are beautifully striped or
ribboned with blue, rose or red, on white ground.
New Giant Emperor Aster. — A beautiful Aster, flowers
of great size, very double, and well up in the centre ;
style of growth very distinct, in about ten distinct colors ;
height one and one-half foot.
Victoria Aster. — Color carmine rose ; an extra fine
double variety of a globular shape, well up in the centre ;
of the size of the Giant Emperor Aster, having a fine
144 breck's new book of flowers.
pyramidal habit of If foot, covered with ten to twenty
flowers ; of this there is as yet but one variety.
Imbricated Pompon Aster. — This class embraces twelve
or more varieties of exquisite shaped flowers, very full
and double, with narrow petals closely imbricated, form-
ing a most perfect pompon.
Asters, styled Borabee, are convex shaped, and are in-
cluded among the Pseony-flowered.
Imbricated, like the Pompons, are closely imbricated
with an immense number of petals, having larger flowers
and more flat and spreading ; some of the varieties have
a rich metallic lustre ; height 1^ foot.
To have Asters in perfection, the ground should be dug
deep and highly manured. For early blooming plants,
the seed should be sown in frames wdth a little bottom
heat in April. But for late-flowering plants, they succeed
full as well when sow^n in the open ground, from the 1st
to the 10th of May. — Asters have the most pleasing efiect
when planted in beds. The tallest growing plants should
be placed one foot to fifteen inches apart; the dwarf-
varieties from six to ten inches. The plants, when cov-
ered with flowers, will require a little support, with light
rods, as a heavy rain or wind often prostrates them unless
thus protected. Asters are in perfection from the middle
of August to the middle of September.
CALTHA.— Marsh Marigold.
[Caltha signifies in Greek a. goblet, and refers to tlie appearance of the flower
when not fully expanded.]
Caltha palustris. — Marsh Marigold. — This is a handsome
indigenous perennial, seen in the early part of May, or-
namenting the margin of brooks and wet places with a
great profusion of its yellow blossoms, by Avhich the
course of a stream may be traced a great distance by the
. DESCRIPTIVE IJST OF FLOWERS. 145
abundant bloom in the green grass. This plant, in its
tender state, is gathered for greens and is brought to
market under the name of Coioslip. It is a plant well re-
membered in our juvenile days as being one of the most
conspicuous May-day flowers, and for wet feet, caused in
gathering it. It is also a native of England, and the
north of Europe, where it makes the same brilliant ap-
pearance in their meadows as it does in our own. The
flower buds, gathered before they expand, are said to be
a good substitute for capers, and their juice, boiled with
alum, stains paper yellow. In Lapland it is the first
flower that announces the approach of spring, although
it does not appear there till the end of May. There is a
double variety which is quite ornamental, and succeeds
very well in garden soil, if not very dry. It flowers
most of the season, and is more dwarfish than the wild
single variety. The flowers are very fiill double, and
have some resemblance to the TroUius. It is propa-
gated by parting the roots ; it likes the shade, and if in a
wet place, so much the better, for its natural place of
growth is —
— " Not the sunny plain.
But where tlie grass is gieen with shady trees,
And brooks stand ready for the kine to quaff,"
C AL YSTEGIA. — Bracted Bindweed.
[From the Greek for calyx and to cover in reference to the bracts which en-
close the calyx.]
Calystegia sepium. — Hedge or Large Bindweed. — A
native species w^hich climbs over fences and bushes in
low grounds. Stem twining, a little angular, smooth ;
leaves large, arrow-shaped ; the upper ones with the
lobes mostly cut off". Flowers large, white or rose color,
blooming in June and Julv. A beautiful perennial, which,
7
146 breck's new book of flowers.
were it not for its ])roi)ensity to fill the whole ground
Avith plants from its abundant suckers, would be very de-
sirable.
Ct pubesccns. — Downy Bindweed. — A Chinese species
with elegant double rose-colored flowers, which was in-
troduced into our gardens a few years ago, but which has
proved a great nuisance. In my garden, it would throw
up young plants at a great distance from the old one ; in
fact, it would establish itself everywhere, and it required
several years of vigilance to eradicate it.
C. spithamae. — Low-Bindweed. — A native perennial
species of dwarf habit, growing in dry sandy woods. It
is about a foot high, with leafy branches which never
twine. From the lower part of the stem arises a long
peduncle (sometimes two) bearing a large white flower of
much beauty. It is found from Maine to Wisconsin and
southward, in rather barren localities, but not very com-
mon. This was formerly called Convolvulus stans, and
the other species were also included in Convolvtilus, from
which they are separated on account of the two broad
leafy bracts which surround the calyx.
CAMPANULA.-Bell-Floweti.
[A diminutive o{ campana, :i bell; on account of the form of the corolla,
which resembles a little boll.]
This is a large genus of plants, mostly handsome, hardy
perennials, with a few annuals ; some of them very beau-
tiful and nearly all suitable for ornamenting the borders.
Campanula rotiindifolia. — Hare-Bell. — An indigenous
species, which is very pretty and worthy of cultivation;
It is found on the banks of the Merrimac river, above
Lowell, and in many other places. It has nearly round,
lieart-kidney, crenate radical leaves, from which the spe-
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS.
147
CAMPANULA ROTUNDIFOLIA.
148 BRECK's new book of FLO^yERS.
cific name is given, and linear entire cauline ones, with
drooping, solitary, fine blue flowers ; those of the English
plants being rather the largest. In flower, in July ; a
perennial one to one and a half foot high. It is known
by the name of Hare-bell in England also, and Sir Walter
Scott speaks of it by that title ;
" What though no rule of courtly grace
To measured mood had trained her pace?
A foot more light, a step more true.
Ne'er from the heath-flower dashed the dew ;
E'en the slight Hare-bell raised its head
Elastic from lier airy Iread."— L«f/j/ of the Lake.
C. Lor^i. — Lore's Bell-flower. — A hardy annual,
of considerable beauty, introduced in 1825, from Mount
Baldo. It is of easy culture, very hardy, produc-
ing seed very abundantly ; it grows about nine inches
high, flowering freely. Some of the blossoms are of a
fine purple-blue color, and others of a pure white. Each
flower is two inches and upwards across. When the
plant is cultivated in masses, the flowers are very showy
and ornamental, and continue in bloom a long time. C.
pentagonia., or five-angled, is another annual with blue or
purple flowers, is also very pretty ; from Turkey, one
foot high.
C. medium. — Canterbury Bells. — This species, with
its varieties, is one of our oldest ornamental plants,
it havino; for a longf time been cultivated in our o-ardens ;
it is, nevertheless, a showy plant, and will doubtless al-
ways be retained as a prominent ornament of the border.
The varieties are rose, blue, and white, double and single.
The double varieties, however, are much inferior to the
single ones, and will be cultivated only for their oddity.
Being biennial, it will be necessary to sow the seeds every
year. The young jDlants must be transplanted to the
place in which they are to flower, in August or Septem-
ber, for if deferred until spring the bloom will be greatly
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 149
weakened ; tlie same holds good with all biennials, and
most seedling perennials.
C. persicaefolia, — Peach-leaved Bell-flower. — This is
one of the finest species, containing a nnmber of beautiful
varieties, with large, showy flowers, more bowl-shaped
than the last. The varieties are single and double blue,
single and double white, maxima^ or large peach-leaved,
etc. All of them are perfectly hardy, with handsome
foliage, which makes them valuable as border flowers.
Stems angular; leaves stiff*; obsoletely crenate-serrate ;
radical ones, oblong-ovate ; cauline ones, lanceolate-line-
ar ; three feet high ; in flower in June and July.
Ct pyramidalis. — Pyramidal Bell-flower. — This is a
grand ornament, when cultivated in perfection, forming
a pyramid from four to six feet high, producing innumer-
able flowers for two or three months, if shaded from the
sun. It was formerly a great favorite in England, but its
popularity has long since passed away to give place to
other more fashionable flowers, which have in their turn
also been succeeded by other rivals more fair. But the
old-fashioned Hollanders are not quite so fickle ; flowers
with them seem to be esteemed, notwithstanding their
antiquity. The Pyramidal Bellflower is said to be in
demand there still, as an ornament to halls, stair-cases,
and for placing before fire-places in the summer season.
Plants raised from seeds are always stronger^ and the
stalks rise higher, and produce a greater number of flowers.
They are to be sown in pots of light earth, soon after be-
ing gathered, protected by a frame during Avinter, and
will come up in the spring. When the leaves decay, in
October, they are to be transplanted to beds of light,
sandy earth, without any mixture of dung, which is a
great enemy to this plant. Here they are to remain two
years, being protected by rotten tan ; they are then to be
150 breck's new book of flowers.
removed to their final destination, in September or Octo-
ber ; and the year following, being the third year from
sowing, they will flower.
Seedling plants, in our climate, will flower the second
year generally, some not until the third. A slight protec-
tion is necessary during winter. Under our fervid sun,
there will be no difficulty in ripening seeds.
C. noMlis. — This is a handsome, low growing peren-
nial, with creeping' roots, with very large drooping bell-
shaped flowers ; one variety a purplish brown, the other
white.
C. Trachelium. — Great Throatwort. — It is a native of
Europe. It has purple or white flowers, blooming in June
and July. A handsome perennial, three to four feet high.
The name of Throatwort was given to these plants, from
a notion that they would cure inflammation and swelling
of the throat. Increased by dividing the roots, or from
seed. It prefers a loamy soil. The Giant Throatwort is
a native of England, is mentioned by Sir Walter Scott^in
the poem of Rokeby :
lie laid him down,
Where purple heath prol'iiselv strown
And Throatwort with its azure bell,
And moss, and tliyme, his cushion swell."
C. Garganica. — A beautiful perennial alpine plant,
with delicate, star-shaped, blue flowers, with distinct
white throat ; indispensable for basket or rock-work.
C. aj?l?rej^atat — Has pale-blue flowers, in a crowded
head. G. grandis^ G. latifolia speciosa^ glomerata^ and
many others, are fine border-flowers, growing from one
to four feet high. There is also a class of dwarf species,
growing from three inches to one foot in height, very ap-
propriate for rock-work, as G.hederacea^ alpina, Gaucasi-
ca^ Garpatica^ jniinila^ rotundifolia^ etc. This genus em-
DESCSIPTIVE LIST OF FLOAVEKS. 151
braces about one hundred species. Several, wliich were
formerly included in it, have been removed to other gene-
ra. See Specularia and Platyeodon.
CANNA.— Shot Plant.
[From a Celtic, word, signifying a cane or reed.'[
The Cannas are mostly tropical plants, from four to
eight feet high, with elegant foliage.
CaEiia patens, Indica, and coccinnea, are found wild
within the tropics on all the continents, and chiefly in
moist woods, or spongy, woody wastes. In Brazil and
other parts of America, they are known by the name of
Wild Plantain, and their leaves are used as envelopes for
many objects of commerce. In Spain and Portugal, the
inhabitants use the seed for making their rosaries ; in the
East Indies, the seeds are sometimes used as shot. The
seeds of most of the species are round, hard, black, shin-
ing, heavy, and about one-eighth of an inch in diameter.
€anna Indica. — Indian Shot. — This is the most
common species, and succeeds well as an annual if the
plants are started in a hot-bed. If the seeds are planted
in i^ots, and plunged in the bed when it has its greatest
heat, the plants will soon appear ; and, if turned into the
ground in June, will make large plants, which will flower
in July and August. In the green-house, it is a perennial,
and may be propagated by dividing the roots.
This is desirable, not only for the beauty of its spikes
of scarlet flowers, but a!so for its elegant foliage. The
leaves are of a rich deep green, three feet long and four
to six inches wide ; a ery handsome as they unfold them-
selves ; the flower-stem rises five or six feet high.
I have cultivated twelve or thirteen of the different
species, all of them characterized by long, broad, and
152 breck's new book of flowers.
handsome foliage, with either scarlet, orange, or yellow
flowers ; but I find C. Lidica the best for this climate.
All the species require a rich garden soil.
CARDAMINE.— Cuckoo Flower.
[An ancient Greek name for Cress.]
Cardamine pratensis. — Cuckoo-flower, or Lady's Smock,
is a native of England and is a common plant in meadows
and brook-sides. The Double Cardamine., is the only va.
riety cultivated or deserving a place in the borders, and
not very common in this country. " This floAver has been
usually described by the poets as of a silvery whiteness,
which shows the season they have chosen for their rural
walks to have been a late one ; as, in its natural state, it
is more or less tinged with purple, but becomes white as
it fades, by exposure to the heat of the sun. The various
shades of these flowers, with the little green leaves that en-
close their unopened buds, have an exceeding pretty eflect
when a quantity of them are collected ; and, if kept in
fresh water, and well su^^plied, they will survive their
gathering for a fortnight or more. The height of the
plant is about one foot. The double varieties are purple
and white ; tliey are increased by parting the roots in au-
tumn. They love the shade, and require a rich moist soil.
It is called ' Lady's Smock,' from the white sheets of flow-
ers they display ; and ' Cuckoo-flower,' because it conies
at the time with the Cuckoo. Shakespeare's Cuckoo
buds are yellow, and supposed to be a species of Ramm-
cidus. Indeed, he expressly distinguishes Jiis Cuckoo bud
from this flower " :
" When daisies pied, and violets bine,
And Lady's-smocks all silver white,
And Cuckoo buds of yellow hue,
Do paint tiic inc;ulows v\ith delight."
descriptive list of flowers. 153
CARDIOSPERMUM-Balloon Vine.
[From Greek words, signifying heart and seed, in allusion to its round seeds,
•which are marked wiih a spot like a heart.]
Cardiosperraura Halicacabum. — Balloon Vine. — Heart-
Seed. — A half-harcly annual from the West Indies ; a
climber. The seed should be sown between the first and
tenth of May, and the plant supported with brush ; four to
six feet high.
The plant is remarkable for its inflated membranous
capsule, from which it is sometimes called Balloon Vine,
or Love in a Puff. The flowers are white and green,
without any claim to beauty.
CASSIA.
Cassia Marilandica. — Maryland Cassia, Wild Senna. —
A hardy, indigenous perennial, four feet high, with yellow
flowers, from August to September. Many of this genus
are beautiful plants, but mostly tender ; some species are
sensitive, and close their leaves in wet weather, or at the
approach of night.
CATANANCHE.
Catananchc ceerulea. — Blue Catananche. — A handsome
perennial, from the south of Europe, one and a half foot
high, with brilliant blue flowers, in July and August. It
has not proved perfectly hardy with me ; but believe it
will stand the winter better in a lighter soil than mine.
It grows about two feet high. Vaillant explains the
meaning of Catananche, by deriving it from two Greek
words, and signifying necessity^ that is to say, a plant
which compels admiration. The name was employed by
Dioscorides, to designate a plant used by the women of
Thessaly, in philtres and love potions.
154 bkeck's new book of flowers.
CELOSIA.— Cocks-comb.
[From a Greek word, signifying burnt, because the flowers of some of the
species appear as if they were singed.]
Celosia cristata. — Cocks-comb. — Is a well-known ten-
der annual, of which there are many varieties, as in the
balsam, and which, like that plant, will attain a large size,
and singular beauty by repeated shiftings. Thunberg
states that in Japan the flowers or crests are frequently
a foot in length or breadth. The following account is in-
serted, to give some idea of what may be done by artifi-
cial means. " Mr. Knight, in October, 1820, sent to the
London Horticultural Society a Cocks-comb, the flower
of which measured eighteen inches in width and seven in
height, from the top of the stalk ; it was thick and full,
and of a most intense purple-red. To produce this, the
great object was to retard the protusion of the flower-
stalk, that it might become of great strength. The com-
post employed was of the most nutritive and stimulating
kind, consisting of one part of unfermented horse-dung,
fresh from the stable, and without litter, one part of
burnt turf, one part of decayed leaves, and two parts of
green turf, the latter being in lumps of about an inch in
diameter, in order to keep the mass so hollow that the
water might escape and the air enter. The seeds were
sown in the spring, rather late, and the plants put first in-
to pots of four inches diameter, and then transplanted to
others a foot in diameter ; the object being not to com-
press the roots, as that has a tendency to accelerate the
flowering of all vegetables. The plants were placed with-
in a few inches of the glass, in a heat of from 70'^ to 100° ;
they were watered with pigeon-dung water, and due at-
tention paid to remove the side branches Avhen very young,
so as to produce one strong head or flower."
The color of the scarlet varieties is highly brilliant.
None of the other colors are so rich. The yellows are
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWEKS. 155
generally rather dull — some of them dirty-looking. The
scarlets and crimsons are the only colors that look well.
There are tlie tall and dwarf varieties, and some that are
somewhat branching ; but these last should be rejected.
To produce fine combs, the soil cannot be made too rich ;
the plants must also be forwarded in a hot-bed. Very
showy plants can be raised by sowing in the open ground
the middle of May, but they cannot be raised in perfec-
tion. The appellation. Cocks-comb, was given it from the
form of its crested head of flowers, resembling the comb
of a cock. Sometimes the heads are divided like a plume
of feathers.
CENTATJREA.— Star Thistle.
[It is said that with this plant, tlie Centaur Ctiiron cured the wound in iiis
foot, made by the arrow of Hercules.]
Centaur^a cyanus, is a popular border hardy annual.
It is known by the common name of Blue-bottle. In
Europe it is a common weed, in cornfields and on gravely
soils, having blue flowers ; but when cultivated, it sports
into varieties of white, purple, pink, parti-colored, etc., and
is a handsome flower.
Ct Americana. — American Centaurea. — Is a handsome
hardy annual, discovered by Nuttall, on the alluvial soil
of the Arkansas and Red rivers. It has large purplish-
lilac flowers, somewhat resembling a large thistle ; it
grows two or three feet high, flowering in August and
September. It is of easy culture, and should be sown the
first of May.
C. Moschata, varieties pupurea and alba, are handsome
border annuals of easy culture, natives of Persia, two feet
high, with fragrant flow^ers ; from July to October. It is
commonly known by the name of Sweet Sultan.
156 breck's new book of flowers.
C. SUaV^Olens. — Yellow Sweet Sultan. — A Imndsome
annual from tlie Levant, one and one-half foot high, with
lively rich yellow flowers ; from July to September. Time
of sowing and culture, the same as the others. C. Cen-
taurium^ Montana^ splendens^ and others, are among the
most ornamental of the perennials. The genus is a very
extensive one, embracing more than one hundred species,
including many thistle-like, weedy-looking 23lants.
CENTRANTHXIS.
[From Greek words, signifying a spur and a flower, in allusion (o the shape
of the corolla.]
This genus comprises several handsome border annuals,
with flowers arranged in corymbs, which are either red,
rose, or white. Centranthus macrosiphon has varieties
with all these colors, about one foot high. There are
also dwarf varieties of the same colors.
CHEIRANTHUS.— Wall Flower.
[So called from the Arabic name of a plant with red, sweet-scented flowers.]
Cheiranthus Cheiri. — Wall Flower. — This is a well-
known plant, which, were it perfectly hardy, would be
more highly esteemed. It is a native of Britain, where it
is hardy; here it is half-hardy, and must be preserved
through the winter in the green-house or in a frame.
Sometimes it can be kept through our winters in favor-
able situations with some protection. It grows one and
one-half foot high, with various colored flowers in its dif-
ferent varieties. Yellow and orange predominate, but these
colors are more or less shaded with rich brownish-red or
violet. There arc also varieties of all these colors with
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 157
double flowers, which are rich and handsome. It is raised
froiii seed ; the plants flowering the spring following.
CHELONE.— Turtle-head.
[A Greek word, signifying a tortoise, to the back of which the helmet of the
present genus has been fancifully compared.]
Chelone glabra, also called C. ohliqua^ is a North
American species with white, rose-colored or purple flow-
ers. The plant formerly called Ghelone harhata^ is a
JPentstemon. Handsome border perennials, of easy cul-
ture in loamy soil, or loam and a little peat.
CHRYSANTHEMUM.— Chinese Chrysanthemum.
[From the Greek words for Gold ^nd flower.]
Chrysanthemum Indicum. — This is one of the hand-
somest autumnal flowers, and easily cultivated in almost
any soil. It stands the winter without covering, but is
best cultivated in pots, where it can receive protection
when in bloom, in severe weather in autumn. In warm
seasons, it flowers well in October and November, in a
sheltered place, in the open ground. The plants may be
cultivated in the garden till they are in bud, when they
may be safely transferred to pots ; but it would be better
to commence their cultivation from the slip or cutting, iq
the spring, and sink the pots into the ground, in a shady
place, until the time of taking up. The varieties are end-
less, early and late, tassel-flowered, quilled, flat-petalled,
pompon, etc., with every shade of light purple, yellow,
white, lilac, blush-brown, red-brown, etc.
For common culture, divide the roots in the spring, and
plant them out, where they are to stand, in a warm ex-
158 breck's new book of flowers.
posure, in good rich loam. As they are coming into bud,
give them occasional waterings with liquid manure.
To produce handsome, dwarf, bushy plants, the follow-
ing course may be adopted, as practised by Youell & Co.,
England, whicli plan, they say, " if carried out, will ensure
dwarf plants from one and one-half to two feet high, cov-
ered with rich dark-green foliage, and carrying blooms
from five to seven inches in diameter. In the last week in
May we select the tops of the strongest shoots for cut-
tings, putting four or five round the edge of a three-inch
pot, and placing them in a gentle warmth. When rooted,
they are potted singly in the same-sized pot, and kept in
a close frame for a few days, until they have become es-
tablished. The tops may then be pinched out, leaving
five or six joints to remain for lateral shoots. After a few
days' hardening oflf, they are then removed to an open sit-
uation, allowing the plants a suflicient distance from
each other to prevent their drawing, care being observed
that they do not suflTer from want of water. About the
third week in July, we shift, for blooming, into seven-inch
pots, using a small handful of coarely-broken bones at the
bottom. The soil we use consists of equal parts of well
decayed (one year old) pig manure, turfy loam, and leaf-
mould, adding half a barrowful of peat, and half ditto of~
road-drift to every four barrows of the above. When
potted, they are placed in rows two feet apart, and they
require but little attention, except watering, for two
months. At the expiration of this period, we commence
watering tAvice a week with liquid manure made with
one bushel of fresh pig manure (free from straw)
to about eighty gallons of water. This will be ready
for use in two or three days. As soon as the plants
show flower-buds, we tie ea<;h shoot to a stick, and train
them fan-shaped. Disbudding ought now to be attended
to, reserving only one, or, at most, two, at the top of
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 159
each shoot ; bat where two are left, it is better to take
out the second bud, and leave the third, to prevent confu-
sion. As soon as the buds show color, the plants are
tlien removed to the f^reen-house or conservatory, giving
plenty of air, and substituting water for liquid manure.
We ought to have mentioned that, where a profusion of
bloom is required, two or three plants may be inserted in
the pots where only one is usually grown. This will af-
ford an opportunity of cutting away the ^veakest shoots,
and reserving the strongest only,"
C. coronarium. — The varieties of this annual species
are hardy garden plants, of some beauty in their full dou-
ble varieties of white and yellow ; two or more feet high ;
in bloom most of the season. Easily raised from seed. ■
The single sorts should be pulled up as soon as the blos-
soms appear. Extra fine double varieties can be raised
from cuttings, and kept through the winter in the green-
house or setting-room.
Of the Dwarf Yellow variety, Yilmorin, of Paris, says : —
" This new variety has been obtained in our own grounds;
it is of a low habit, forming a thick, branchy brush, about
15 inches high on 20 to 24 inches in diameter, and pro-
duces on this reduced space about as many flowers as the
old variety on its much larger plants. As a bedding and
border-plant this new Chrysanthemum will soon be a fa-
vorite and reconquer the place which the tall variety seems
to have been obliged to give up to other plants, more in
consequence of its ancientness than for the superiority of
the merits of its younger comj^etitors."
C. carmatlim, — Tri-colored Chrysanthemum. — Is a
hardy annual from Barbary ; one and one-half foot high ;
in flower all the season. Disk of the flower purplish-
brown, inner circle of the rays yellow, margined with
white, very pretty. Some of the imj^roved varieties of
this flower are C. venustum and JBurridgeanum.
160 beeck's new book of FLO wees.
C. Parthenium. — Fever-few. — A plant much resembling
Chamomile in appearance, having a strong, unpleasant
smell and a bitter taste. The double variety of this plant,
known as the Double Fever-few, is a half-hardy perennial,
which gives a succession of double pure white flowers, re-
sembling Daisies, from June to November; two feet high.
It can hardly be kept through the winter except in frames,*
or as is most common in the green-house or conservatory.
It is raised from cuttings very readily, or from divisions
of the root. When raised from seed, most of the plants
will be worthless, not much better than weeds, as there is
no beauty in the single flowers.
C. carneum. — This is also called Pyrethrum roseum^
but we follow the best authorities and place it with Chry-
santhemum. Within a few years we have received from
France a number of varieties of this species with double
flowers, which are perfectly hardy. One variety has car-
mine, one rose, another with white flowers. There are
also a number of named varieties, all hardy perennials,
propagated by divisions of the root; in flower most of the
summer ; about two feet high. The flowers are as large
and of the shape of that pest of the farmer, the White
Weed, and related to that nuisance, at least as near as
second cousin, but I have not noticed that it has any pro-
pensity to intrude itself upon good society as that plant
has. When propagated from seed, most of the plants
will be single and worthless. Like the Double Fever-few,
the plant has a strong, unpleasant smell
In the winter of 1864-5 it stood without protection.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 161
CIMICIFUGA-BUGBANE.
[From the Greek, signifying to drive away bugs. — A Siberian species being
used as a bugbane.]
Cimicifui^a racemosa. — Black Snake-root. — Black Co-
hosh.— A native plant, not often seen in gardens, but
which, from its stately habit, is worth growing where there
is room for it. The leaves are large and much divided ;
the flower-stalk grows to the height of six or eight feet,
and produces numerous long spikes of small white flow-
ers. The root of this is one of the many things that have
had a reputation as antidotes for snake bites. This is
sometimes called Actma racemosa ; the Actseas have ber-
ry-like fruit, while this has dry pods. Actma spicata of
our woods, is rather showy for its fruit ; there are two
varieties, alba and ruhra^ with white and red berries,
which may find a place in large collections.
CLARKIA.
[Named in honor of Capt. Clark, who discovered it in his expedition, with
Capt. Lewis, to the Columbia river.]
Clarkia pulch^lla. — Beautiful Clarkia. — A handsome
dwarf-plant, eight to twelve inches high, with beautiful
rose or light-purple flowers ; annual, as are all the species.
In bloom from July to September. If the seed is planted
in April or May it will succeed very well, but the plants
will be much stronger from seed sown in August or Sep-
tember. The young plants will stand the winter very
well, if protected with a few leaves. The soil should not
be over-rich or moist, as the plants frequently damp ofl" if
so situated. In a good, rather light loam, it succeeds
best. The varieties of this species are numerous, viz. : —
ivhite^ rose, lilac, with double varieties of the same :
Tom Thumb varieties, marc/inata, etc., integripetala alba,
fimbriata and iyitegripetala.
lG-2
BKECK^S NEW r>OOK OF FLOWEKS.
i\ (^leirailS. — Elegant Clarkia. — Tliis boautiful species
was found in California, by 3lr. Don^las, and was first
raised in the garden of the London Horticultural Society
^--)
^^
CLAUKI.V I'lLCUELLA.
iu 1832. Since then, this and the other species, with their
numerous varieties, have been generally disseminated
throughout Euroi)e and America, or wherever choice
flowers are cultivateil. This plant grows one and one-
half to two feet hiorh, and is raised from seed. All the
DESCKII»TIVE LLST OF FLOWKES. 163
varieties, when grown in large masses, are hignly onia-
mental. The varieties of C. elef/ans are tliose with purple
and rose-colored flowers ; also, double-pui-ple, rose, flesh
color and white. It is sometimes called C. rosea.
C. rhomboidea. — Entire petaled, or C.gauroides. — This
is also an annual, growing about two feet high. The flow-
ers are an inch across, purple and white, near the bottom
of each petal, spotted with white. All the varieties are
fine for bouquets, as the foliage, as well as the flowers, is
delicate and pretty.
CLEMATIS.— ViEGLs's Bower.
[From the Greek, for tendril ; in allusion to the climbing habits of most of
the species.]
The species are mostly climbing shrubs, or herbaceous
perennials, of rapid growth, free bloomers, very ornamen-
tal, and some ai-e highly odoriferous.
Clematis Virginiana is a native plant, well known as a
great climber, growing profusely upon the banks of our
rivers and wet places ; taking possession and covering all
the shrubs in its neighborhood, to which it attaches itself
by its petioles, (which are given ofi", at intervals, in pairs,)
twining round objects for support, and seiwing the pur-
pose of tendrils. The flowers are white, borne in cymes,
and make a handsome appearance the beginning of August.
The most remarkable appearance of this plant is when in
fruit ; the long feathery tails of the fruits separating like
tufts of wool. It grows twenty feet or more in a season,
most of the stem perishes, leaving but a small shrubby
portion. It makes an appropriate covering for an arbor
or wall ; for, whether in flower or fruit, it is ornamental.
C. erecta is strictly an herbaceous plant, growing from
three to four feet high, producing large clusters of white
164 beeck's new book of flowers.
flowers in August. It requires support, as it has the pro-
pensity to attach itself to everything in its neighborliood,
like the last, by its j^etioles.
€. illtCja^rifolia. — Entire-leaved. — A handsome, upright
plant, about two feet high, producing nodding, bell-shap-
ed, blue flowers, most of the season.
C. VitiC(^lla is a much admired species, with blue flow-
ers, Avliicli are produced from June to September, on long
peduncles from the axils of the leaves; rather bell-shaped,
and nodding. Tt is a climber, growing from eight to ten
feet in a season, dying down to the ground, in this climate,
but otherwise hardy. There is a variety with double
flowers, others with brownish-red flowers, and several im-
proved varieties.
ۥ Flanilllllla is a hixuriant climber, having clusters of
small white fragrant flowers, in August and September.
C. florida has large white flowers ; like the last, a luxuri-
ant climber. There is a variety with double flowers.
C. SicboMlD. — Siebold's Virgin's Bower. — This magni-
ficent plant is said to be a variety of C florida^ and, till
lately, treated as a green-house plant, but it has proved
as hardy as the other sorts. The flowers are three or four
inclies in diameter, the outer sepals, or petals, a creamy
white, filled up with others, disposed in many series, the
groundwork of the petals is white, sufi*used with a rich
purple. No plant possesses a stronger claim to a place in
the flower-garden, from its graceful habit, and from the
size and beauty of its blossoms.
Tlie i)lant thrives best in a mixture of loam and peat,
and is increased by layers. It was introduced by Dr.
Siebold, from Japan, a few years since. I have kept it
two winters, by covering it lightly with coarse manure.
C. aziirea grand'iflora^ or Great-flowering Blue Virgin's
Bower, has still larger flowers than the variety Sleboldii.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 165
It has the reputation of being more tender, requiring
greater heat to bring it to perfection. With me, it stood
near the other species two winters, with the same protec-
tion. The flowers are produced only on the old wood ; it
is necessary, therefore, to lay down, and cover the growth
of the season, to insure bloom the next year. The flow-
ers are four or five inches in diameter, of a rich blue, in
July ; a climber, like the last, but not of so robust growth.
C. Sieholdii is certainly the most showy of the genus, but
since the first edition of my " Book of Flowers " was
published, I have found by experience, that it is not so
hardy as G. azurea grandiflora^ which lias proved quite
hardy when the vines are laid down, producing a profusion
of its rich blue flowers. Wherever a lattice is mentioned
by the Poets, it is expected the Clematis will run over it :
" In llie calmness of a cloudless eve,
How gently dies a long, long summer's day,
O'er yon broad woods, as lotii to take its leave,
It sheds at parting its most lovely ray.
And golden lights o'er all the landscape play,
And languid zephyrs waft their rich perfume
Where the wide lattice gives them ojien way.
And breathe a freshness round the twilight room,
From Jasmine, Clematis, and yellow-blossomed broom."
All the climbing species are shrubby, and if laid down and
covered with earth late in autunni, will flower much bet-
ter than the plants exposed in winter.
C. cirrhosa is a beautiful Avhite-flowered, sweet-scented
species. Besides the species and varieties enumerated,
there are many others, esteemed ornamental.
CLEOME.
This is an elegant genus of plants, and very curious in
their structure. The petals range themselves on the upper
side, and the stamens and pistil are protruded a consider-
166 breck's new book of flowers.
able length on slender filaments, forming beautiful airy-
groups.
Cleome ^randiflora is one of the most showy of the
genus. It is easily raised from seed, when planted in the
open ground, in April or May, and blooms abundantly
from July to September ; grows from three to four feet
high. Its spikes, continually increasing in length, are al-
ways surmounted with a crest of beautiful buds and flow-
ers, which are of a pale pink-purple. It is beautiful in
the garden, but withers very quickly when cut.
C. pentaphylla. — This is also a handsome annual, of
the same habit of the last ; about two or three feet high ;
the flowers pure white ; the odor of tlie plant is most of-
fensive.
C. spinosa is a spiny plant, which grows about four feet
high, and bears a spike of beautiful white (sometimes
pinkish) flowers. All the species flourish in any common
garden soil.
However beautiful and curious these plants may be, and
desirable for show, they are repulsive to the smell and un-
pleasant to the touch, and therefore, will not be favorites.
COB^A.— Mexican Cob^a.
[In honor of Bernandez Cobo, a Spanish Jesuit, who wrote upon the subject
of natural history in llie middle of the 17th century.]
Cobaea SCaildcnSt — This is the most rapid growing green-
house plant known, having been found to grow two hun-
dred feet in one summer, in a conservatory. It is a perennial,
but will not stand the winter, and, unless cultivated in a
green-house, is classed with tender annuals. It flourishes
well in the o])en ground, if it is first started in a hot-bed,
in pots, and turned out in June. I have found it to con-
tinue blooming after a number of moderate frosts. The
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS.
167
flowers are large, purple, and bell-sbaped. The foliage is
handsome, and the tendrils, which are fine and silky, will
attach themselves to anything within reach, even a cob-
COLEIJS VERSCHAFFELTII.
web. If located in a warm place, it will cover a large
surface before it is destroyed by the frost. It can be
raised by cuttings, but requires care to keep it through
the winter.
168 beeck's xew book of flowers.
COLETTS.
fol^ns TerschaffVltii. — This is unsurpassed as a leaf-
plaut. Its peculiar and beautiful marking of crimson,
green and bronze, makes a strong and agreeable contrast,
in groups, or along the margin of borders in the flower-
garden. The beauty of the plant consists entirely in the
leaf; the flowers are of no consequence. It is a tender
plant, which must be housed in the winter. It is easily
raised from cuttings, and is sold by dealers in bedding
plants in the spring. If planted out the last of May, or
1st of June, it forms a handsome spreading plant by Sej>
tember, two feet high. The colors are more brilUant when
jilanted in the shade.
I do not know the origin of this beautiful plant, but
from the specific name suppose it was introduced by Mr.
Yerschaff"elt, a German florist.
COLLINSIA.
I'Named for Z. Collins, a Philadelphia Botanist of the last generation.]
Collinsia bicolor. — Two-colored ColUnsia. — A beautiful
hardy annual, with purple and white flowers, which are
numerous and pretty ; in July and August ; one foot high.
C. grandiflora. — Large flowering ColHnsia, — ^This is an-
other beautiful species, with large blue and purple flowers ;
at the same time and height, but more si)reading than the
other. There are also many other ornamental species or
varieties of the same habit, viz : camea alha, candidissi-
ma^ heterophylla^ multicolor^ etc. All are suitable for
planting in masses and easily propagated from seed; sow
Mav 1st.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 160
COLLOMIA.
follODlia COCCinca. — A very lively dower, growing in
heads of bright carmine-red; a desirable dwarf annual,
flowering early in June and July. The seeds have, like
some of the Salvias, the curious property of becoming in-
vested with mucus when moistened with water.
COMMELYNA.
[So named by Plumier, in honor of ilie brothers John and Gasper Commelin,
Botanists and Dutch Merchants.]
rommelyna CCelestis. — Sky-bine Commelyna. — Tender
annual from Mexico, or perennial if the roots are taken up
and housed. The splendid blue flowers of this plant can-
not be excelled, and its j^rofusion of blossoms renders it
deserving of cultivation in every flower-garden. The
plant blooms from the middle of June to October. The
roots are tuberous, and keep well through winter, if taken
up after the blooming season, and preserved like Dahlia
roots. Plants from the old roots grow, in good soil, from
two to three feet high ; those from seeds reach only from
one to two feet. The following is the mode of manage-
ment I have practised; — I fix upon a circular bed, eight
feet in diameter, and in the first week in May I plant four
feet of the center with the old roots, i)lacing the crowns
just under the surface of the soil. The outer portion of the
bed I plant with sjyring-soicn plants, that have been raised
in pots placed in a frame. Both the roots and plants
should be planted about six inches apart. Thus, the cen-
ter of the bed being much higher than the outer part, the
appearance is that of a splendid blue cone of flowers,
scarcely to be excelled in beauty. Seeds are produced in
abundance, and may be had of seedsmen at a small cost.
8
170 breck's new book of flowers.
CONOCLINUM— Mist-flower.
[Name derived from the conical sliape of the disk, on wliicli the florets are
placed.)
Conoclinum CCelestinum. — Sky-blue Conoclinum, Mist-
flower. — A perennial ; two feet high. This is the most
beautiful species. It grows wild, from the Potomac to the
Mississippi. Its flowers, produced very late in autumn,
are of a beautiful suLalt or sky-blue. The roots of this
species are creeping, from which it is easily propagated.
It was formerly called Eupatorium coelestinum.
CONVALLARIA.— Solomon's Seal.
, " No flower amid the garden fairer grows
Than the sweet Lily of ihe lowly vale,
Tiie queen of flowers."
Convallaria inajalis. — Lily of the Valley. — An elegant
and delicate, sweet-scented plant, which for ages has been
a favorite flower, and highly prized. It succeeds well in
the shade in any soil, and soon spreads itself, by its slen-
der, creej^ing roots, beyond the desire of the cultivator.
It flowers in May and June. Gerarde describes it, in his
quaint way, thus : " The Lilly of the Vally hath many
leaves like the smallest leaves of Water Plantaine, among
which riseth vp a naked stalke, halfe a foot high, garnished
witli many white floures, like bels, with blunt and turned
edges, of a strong savour, yet pleasant enoughf, which be-
ing past, there come small, red berries, much like the ber-
ries of asparagus, wherein the seed is contained." That,
which was foi-merly called G. racemosa^ will be found un-
der Smilacina and C, multlflora is now Polygonatum —
which see.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. ITl
CONVOLVULUS— Bindweed.
[From coiwolvo, to entwine.]
Convolvulus arvensis. — This is a perennial from Europe,
with small nearly white flowers. The leaves arrow or
heart-shaped with acute lobes. Stems numerous, climbing ;
on account of its twining propensity, covering bushes and
fences in its neighborhood, it is called Bind-weed. In
Britain it is one of the greatest pests to gardeners and
farmers. It is worse tlian the Hedge Bind-weed ; for that,
for the sake of climbing, confines its ravages to the bor-
ders of the field and garden, while this wanders over the
whole ground, and is with difiiculty rooted out. And
yet it must be acknowledged that this little red and white
flower is extremely beautiful ; and, if it were a little more
modest, would, doubtless, be a general favorite. As it is,
it must sufier the consequence of its impertinence, not on-
ly in being avoided, but positively turned out. Like the
Calystegias, notwithstanding its great beauty, it must not
be encouraged in the garden.
C. tricolor. — D«'arf Convolvulus. — This is C. minor
of the catalogues ; a native of Spain and Portugal ; the
flowers are often pure white, but sometimes variegated
with blue and yellow, or blue and white ; the most beau-
tiful kind is a bright blue, fading by delicate gradations
to a pure white in the centre. It resembles the blue at-
mosphere, relieved by fleecy clouds on a fine summer day.
'' When on high
Through clouds of fleecy white, laughs the cerulean sky."
Kor is the form of this flower less beautiful than the
color, either wlien spread out in full beauty to the mid-day
sun, or when, at the approach of night, it closes its blue
eye to sleep. The plant spreads out much in every dii-ec-
tion from the center, so that a bed of them, with the
plants two feet distant from each other, will interlock. It
172 breck's new book of flowers.
CONVOLVULUS TUICOLOK.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 173
is not exceeded in elegance by any plant when profusely
covered with its flowers, which continue open all day, if
peasant, but shut in case of rain. Sown in March. It
affords a large mass of beauty, from July to October.
COREOPSIS.
[The name is from Greek words, signifying a bug and resemblajice. Its fruit
is convex on one side, and concave on the other ; it has a membranous margin,
and it has two little horns at the end wiiicli gives it very much tiie appearance of
some insect.]
The genus has been divided, and C. tinctoria and its
varieties are now classed in the genus Calliopsis^ but as
they are generally known as Coreopsis, I shall consider
them under this head. The genus includes both perennials
and annuals. The perennials are hardy border-jDlants, with
yellow flowers and most of them quite showy. The most
desirable are C. tenuifoUa^ with very delicate pinnated foli-
age, about one and one-half foot high ; C lanceolata with
lance-shaped and large flowers ; C latifoUa^ G. verttGiUa-
ta^ C. tripteris^ and others, all continuing long in bloom.
Propagated by dividing the roots. The following are an-
nuals.
Coreopsis Drummondii is a fine bedding plant, where a
mass of brilliant yellow flowers are wanted ; the flowers
being A^ery large, and continuing in bloom most of the
season. It is about one and one-half foot high.
C. Coronaria has flowers of a paler yellow, each petal
or ray is marked or penciled with brown at the base.
Most of the genus of Coreopsis are natives of N. America.
G. Drummondi^ was discovered by Mr. Drummond, and
named after him.
C. tinctoria was introduced by Nutall, who found it in
great profusion in Missouri and other southwestern States.
174
It is so liberal in scattering its seed, that, unless it is
kept under it, becomes so much of a nuisance, that
it has received the name of " Nutall's weed." It is,
however, very beautiful when confined within proper
bounds. It grows from two to three feet high in rich soil,
and its dark-yellow flowers, with rich brownish-crimson
centre are very fine. From tliis many superb varieties
have been obtained. C. atrosanguinea has large dark-
brown velvet flowers, with yellow borders. G. nigra^ or
black Calliopsis is another variety without any border,
which, in the sun, assumes a very dark crimson hue.
These varieties are all the same height of C. tiiictoria. But
the most beautiful are the dwarf-varieties, which are fi-om
six to twelve inches high. Those called Pigmy, are only
six inches high, with flowers nearly as large as the taller
varieties, among them are the black or very dark ; dark
with a very small edging of yellow ; yellow with dark
centre, and mottled ; another variety has curious quilled
petals. All these varieties are hardy and easily propagated
by seed. The Pigmy sorts are desirable for bedding, as
they keep in bloom all summer. It must be observed,
that all the varieties are liable to sport, and vary from the
original plant, but a great majority will be like the mother
plant. Plant out rather thick, so that those, which depart
from the original, may be weeded out as the flowers ap-
pear.
CORYDALIS.
[The ancient Greek name for Fumitory, to whic ii tliis genus is closely related.]
Corydalis ^lauca. — Pale Corydalis. — An indigenous
biennial, ii:rowing in rocky places, from one to three feet
liigh, with glaucous leaves; flowers yellow, red, and
green, in June; propagated by seed. This, and the less
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 175
common C. aurea^ which has golden yellow flowers, are
both pretty plants for rock- work.
CREPIS.
[A name made use of by Pliiiy, a plant of which he gives no description.]
Crepis barMta. — The Pm-ple-eyed Crepis, is an uncom-
monly hardy and beautiful annual, of the easiest culture.
The flower-stems are prostrate like those of Convolvulus
tricolor. Grown in masses and the plants thinned out to
eighteen inches distant, it makes a fine appearance. It
begins to flower the first of July, and continues till Octo-
ber or November, covered with beautiful flowers, the
rays of a light-yellowy finely contrasted with the bril-
liant purple-brown of the centre.
- CROCUS.
[Crocus, an unhappy lover, whom the gods in pity were said to have changed
into this flower.]
" Glad as tlie spring, when tlie first Crocus comes
To laugh amid the shower."
Crocus VerilUS,— The Spring Crocus is a bulbous rooted
plant, of whicli there are many varieties annually imported
from Holland, and sold at very low prices. The most
prominent sorts are the great yellow, deep-blue, light-blue,
white with blue stripes, blue with Avhite stripes, white with
a purple base, pure white, cloth of gold, etc. It flowers
in April, and in w^arm seasons, in sheltered places, fre-
quently in March. Where there is a plenty of them, they
make a magnificent show. The bulbs are small, solid, and
flat. They should be planted in September or October,
about one inch or one and one-half inch deep, in any good
176 breok's new book of flowers.
garden soil. They are very hardy, and the only difficulty
is their liability to be thrown out by the frost, when the
ground is bare, towards spring. To remedy this evil,
some light substance should be thrown over them, to shade
them from the action of the sun. After flowering, when
the leaves have decayed, the roots may be taken up, and
kept, until they are wanted to plant in autumn, in some
cool, dry place ; or they may remain in the ground a num-
ber of years without removing.
" Haworth, who has for thirty years paid particular at-
tention to the Crocus, and raised many varieties from seed,
found that the blue, white, and purple flowering kinds rip-
ened their seeds more readily than the yellow, and that
the leaves of the latter were narrower through all the spe-
cies and varieties. When this genus is in flower, the
germen is situated underground almost close to the bulb ;
but some weeks after the decay of the flower, it emerges
on a white peduncle and ripens its seed above ground.
This extraordinary mode of semination is peculiarly con-
spicuous in G. nudifloriis^ which flowers without leaves in
autumn, and throws up its germen the following spring
like the Colchicum."
The Autumnal Crocus is supposed to have come origi-
nally from the East. The flowers are of a purple, lilac, or
pale-blue, blooming in October ; the leaves grow all win-
ter. This species of Crocus is also called Safl*ron, and the
medicine so called is obtained from it. It is (7. satious,
and is rarely to be seen in our garden.
CITPHEA.
fFrom a Greek word, s'lguUy'ivg gibbous, in reference to the form of its calyx.)
Cuphca i^nca, commonly but incorrectly called C.
platy centra. — A fine dwarf plant for bedding out, witli
scarlet and piiri)l(; tubular flowers, which are i)rodiiced in
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 177
great profusion through the whole season. It is raised
from cuttings, the same as the Verbena, and like that
plant, must be housed during the winter. All the Cu-
pheas, with which I am acquainted, are tender ; most suc-
ceed well as annuals, of which I have grown a number of
species, but believe, those who have seen the one described
above, and compare it with any other sorts introduced,
will be satisfied with that alone. C. Zimpanii is a pro-
fuse growing, spreading plant, with dark-purple flowers,
which wither soon under a hot sun, and, although very
pretty, not worth the trouble of raising.
CYPRIPEDIUM.— Lady's Slipper.
[From Greek words. Venus, and a slipper, an allusion to the elegant slipper-
like form of the labelluin.]
Cypripedium acaule, differs from the other species in
having no stem leaves. The leaves are two, springing
from the root, large, oval-lanceolate, 23laited, and downy.
This is the most common species, sometimes called Two-
leaved Lady's Slipper, or Whip-poor-will's Shoe. It is
found in rich and somewhat shady woods. This singular
flower has its sepals and petals spreading, green with a pur-
ple tinge, except the petal which forms the lip, or purple
inflated bag, which is veined, A^illous, and longer than the
other parts of the flow^er. The flower stems are about one
foot high, bearing one solitary flower, in May and June.
C. parvifloriim. — YellowLady's Slipper. — This is another
beautiful indigenous species, not very common about Bos-
ton, but found in some localities in this State, New Hamp-
shire and Vermont. The lip of this flower is oblong oval ;
yellow, dotted inside ; its aperture roundish with an in-
flexed margin ; stem erect ; leaves alternate, clasping,
oval, nerved, downy ; blooms in June.
8*
178 beeck's new book of flowers.
C. spectabile. — Showy Lady's Slipper. — This is one of
the most splendid of this curious genus, indigenous and
perennial like the others. It is so highly prized in Eng-
land that a single plant is often sold for one guinea. It
is a stout plant, about two feet high, the stem and leaves
hairy; leaves oval-lanceolate, plaited. Flowers two or
three, large variegated, with stripes of purple and white ;
found in some parts of Maine, Canada, and Vermont;
flowers in July.
C. arietiniim,— Ram's Head. — Stem six or eight inches
high, with a few alternate lanceolate leaves. Flower
much smaller than in any of the foregoing species.
Sepals greenish-brown, lip small, inflated, acute, reticulated
with red and white. It has been compared in shape to a
ram's head, the lateral petals representing the horns.
Found in Maine and northward ; flowers in May.
Any attempt to cultiv^ate this beautiful genus of plants,
will be vain and futile unless they have a peat or leafy
soil, and a shady border. The genus is most interesting
to botanists, and well worthy a place in the flower-garden,
provided a suitable soil and locality are alloted to it.
DAHLIA.
[Named after Andrew Dahl, a Swedish botanist and pupil of Linnaeus.]
There is fashion among amateurs of the floral kingdom,
as well as in matters of dress, and style of living among
those who lead in fashionable circles of society. Thus,
when a new flower of fancied merit is introduced, it be-
comes all the rage, for the time being. It is admired, ex-
tolled, sold at extravagant i)rices, cultivated, improved,
and dissenunated among the multitude. The leaders in
floral novelties have seen it in its highest state of perfec-
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 179
tion ; it is no lonci^er a novelty ; they are satiated, and it is
discarded for some new favorite, to be in its turn set up
and adored as tlie JS/eplus ultra of all that is lovely and
desirable. One of this class, that has had its day, is the
Dahlia, which must now stand in the back ground, and
give precedence to the lovely Verbena and the gorgeous
Gladiolus. In the first edition of the "Book of Flowers,"
I confess I was rather too severe upon the Dahlia ; I have
been criticized and censured by some friends, for the man-
ner in which this once fashionable flower was disparaged.
There was, however, some reason why a little ill-feeling
should be expressed, when speaking of a flower that had
given me more than usual vexation and disappointment,
besides that of the ill success which, in some seasons, I had
experienced in its cultivation. I am almost ashamed to
speak of my folly, in a transaction which took place a
quarter of a century ago, in connection with this flower,
from which the reader may well imagine the reason why I
should have manifested a little spite in my description
of it. A proposition was made to me by a celebrated and
wealthy florist, to join him in importing from England an
invoice of choice, new, high-priced seedling Dahlias, Avith
the understanding, that I was to pay one-quarter of the
expense, and receive as my share one plant each of all the
varieties thus obtained. So we sat down and looked over
some florists' catalogues of new Dahlias, in which was at-
tached to each variety a glowing description of its pecu-
liar merits and beauty, with its price, which by the way
was anything but moderate. But they were new and
fashionable^ and must be obtained, notwithstanding the
high prices. So a list w^as made out of such varieties as
were supposed to be the finest. As one to ten guineas a
plant was considered rather extravagant, a few only of
this class were ordered ; but some latitude was given to
the florist, which he took advantage of, and to our surprise,
180
the bill footed up over eight himdred dollars, where it was
expected one-quarter of that sura would cover the expense.
But w^e were in for it, and must make the best of it, and
I consoled myself with the thought of the pleasure that
would be derived in watching the opening of these gor-
geous new varieties. One plant each was received, accord-
ing to agreement, about the middle of June, raised from
cuttings taken from the small tubers; but they were so
weak and attenuated, and the season being unfavorable,
they proved a perfect failure, and not a single blossom from
the whole rewarded me for the expense, trouble, and vex-
ation which I experienced. It is said of a certain South-
ern Senator, who was violently opposed to the old tariiF,
and of course to manufacturers of cloth, and to the an-
imal that produced the raw material, so bitter were his
feelings, that he remarked in one of his speeches, that
" he would go any time a mile out of the way to kick a
sheep." I have no such feeling of hatred and spite against
the innocent Dahlias, but Avhen I think of these past ex-
periences Avith it, it produces feelings somewhat akin to
those of the statesman as expressed in his speech. How-
ever, I will give no more kicks at this flower, but some-
what modify my original article on the Dahlia, and present
it in the following shape : —
" In queenly elegance the Dahlia stands.
And waves her coronet."'
This flower is so capricious in its flowering, so subject to
the ravages of insects, so much influenced by too much heat,
too much dryness, or too much wet ; and then, just as it be-
gins to give promise of abundant bloom, having escaped all
the casualties of the season, is cut down by the frost as it is
beginning to give promise of flower, that after so many
disappointed hopes, I have sometimes been disposed to
say I would not try it again. It must be confessed, how-
ever, it is on some accounts desirable : the flowers are
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 181
large, showy, gorgeous in color, sporting into every tint
except blue. The shape, too, is perfect, although a little
too set and prim, as though it was made for the occasion.
The habit of the plant is coarse, and the smell repulsive ;
but, with all its fiihngs, it is or has been a popular flow-
er, and will continue to find favor with many.
It was first introduced into England in the year 1789,
was but little noticed, and soon lost. It was re-introduced
from Mexico in 1804, as a single purple flower of not
much interest. It is only within the last 40 years that it
has received the attention of the florist. From the single
purple and scarlet flowers, all the numerous varieties of
florists' flowers have been produced ; a striking example
of what may be done by patient perseverance and skill in
the improvement of a floAver from its native simplicity.
Continental botanists call the genus Georgina. It is found
in sandy meadows in Mexico, and till the peace of 1814,
was more cultivated in France than in England. It was not
introduced into this country until about 1825. D. variabilis
is the species from which the innumerable florists varieties
have been produced, though there are several other spe-
cies to be found in European collections.
The root is tuberous and tender. Freezing destroys it
at once ; it can, therefore, be planted only in the spring.
Propagation. — It is propagated by seeds, division of
the roots, and by cuttings.
By Seed. — If the seed is soon in a hot-bed in April or
March, and the plants set out in the open ground in June,
most of them will flower the first season ; and though not
one in a hundred may come up to the standard of a per-
fect flower, yet it is very interesting to mark the curious
sports which are often made in these seedlings. Many of
them will make a greater show than the more perfect sorts ;
as what is lacking in shape and size, may be made up in
the profusion of bloom and variety of colors.
182
Sy Divisions of the Root. — This is the most common
mode of propagation, miless it be with the nursery-man, who
raises from cuttings to increase his stock rapidly. If the
buds have not started, it is best to place the roots, or stools
as they are called, in gentle heat, before they are divided ;
or cover them over with a little earth, in a warm
place, the beginning of May, so as to start the buds be-
fore the roots are divided. Without this course, it will
be impossible to divide the tubers so as to be sure of a
bud on each ; and without a bud a tuber is worthless.
The buds having appeared, clean the roots from soil, and
with a sharp knife divide the stool in such a manner that
a bud may be secured to each division. The smallest
tuber, with a bud, will make a strong j^lant.
Ry Cuttings. — This process requires so much care and
attention, that I must refer my readers to works on the
subject of propagation.
Plants raised by cuttings have never succeeded so well
with me as from divisions of the root. The reason may
be, that in the propagation of new varieties, in the desire
to realize as much as possible, weak shoots are taken, and
forced so rapidly, and become so attenuated and weak-
ened, that they never recover. True it is, that, after pay-
ing extravagant prices for new sorts, I have frequently
been disappointed in not having a single bloom ; and, what
is worse, the roots may not get strength enough to stand
through the winter, even with the greatest care.
8oil and Cultivation. — Too much has been said and
written upon the cultivation of the Dahlia. After follow-
ing the directions given by various amateurs and writers,
and after taking much pains and care in cultivation, I have
been surprised to find that the refuse of my roots, planted
without care, with very little manure, in yellow loamy soil,
liave far outstripped those on which more abundant pains
had been bestowed. The Dahlia likes a humid atmosphere.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOT/ERS. 183
such as we rarely have in this country. It frequently be-
gins to flower, and promises well in July, but on the last
of that month and in August our scorchiug sun and arid at-
mosphere, together with the insects that prey upon it, op-
erate so unfavorably that it hardly recovers before it is
overtaken by frost. While I resided in Lancaster, my
garden was situated on the banks of a branch of the
Nashua River. In hot weather, a damp or mist rose from
the river every night, and gave my Dahlia plants a good
wetting. I did not have any difiiculty then with the Dah-
lia; it flowered in great profusion, and I have had nearly one
hundred blooms upon a plant at one time. The mode of
cultivation then was : first, a hole excavated two or three
feet across, and about fifteen inches deep, the poor soil
taken out, and its place supplied with the adjoining surface
soil, then about two shovelfuls of strong manure, partly
decomposed, from the stable, thrown in and well incorporat-
ed with the soil ; the stake for the support of the plant
firmly fixed in the ground ; after which the surface level-
led, and all was ready for planting. If tubers are used
without being forced, they may be planted any time after
the middle of May, covering the crown of the tuber about
two inches, slanting the other end downwards. Plants,
raised in pots or cuttings, may be turned into the ground
any time in June. I have succeeded in producing fine
flowers from dry tubers planted the first of July. As a
general rule, let the soil be rich and dee]) ; let the plants
be well attended to by tying up to the stake, — which
should be strong, and from five to six feet above the sur-
face. As the plants advance, syringe the foliage every
night in dry weather ; sift over the plants fine air-slacked
lime to kill the insects, if you can; mulch the ground
about them ; give them guano-water twice a week in Au-
gust ; and, it you are rewarded for your pains, it is more
than I have been in most seasons.
184 breck's new book of flowers.
Dahlias look best when planted in groups, as they hide
eich other's ugliness, and if they flower^ and a variety of
colors be combined in the group, they make a very impos-
ing appearance.
Taking up and Preserving the Moots. — When the first
frost strikes the Dahlias so as to blacken the plant, a few
inches of soil should be added to the crown of the plant,
to prevent the tubers from being injured by freezing, which
might hai^pen unexpectedly some cold night. Taking
some i^leasant day, the last of October or the first of No-
vember, the tops of the plants should be cut down near
the ground, and the stakes pulled uj) ; then very carefully
lift the roots from the earth. This is best done by two
persons, with spades, operating on each side of the roots,
as when taken from the ground they are very brittle and
easily broken off. Let them then be carefully dej^osited
on the surface, where they should remain during the day,
exposed to the sun and air. Before night sets in, they
should be removed to a dry, airy cellar, and deposited on
shelves raised a few feet from the bottom ; here they will
remain with perfect safety, provided they can have a little
air occasionally, in pleasant weather. They should, how-
ever, be placed singly on the shelves ; as, when packed
close, or one upon another, they are liable to mould and
decay. The most danger is to be apprehended from ex-
cessive dampness ; but sometimes roots, kej^t in a cellar
where there is a furnace, may be injured by the dryness,
and the roots become shrivelled and almost worthless,
especially the very small ones. The rats or mice will do
no injury to the roots, as they will not touch them.
Liliputian or JBouquet Dahlias. — This novel variety of
the Dahlia has been introduced within a few years, and,
in my opinion, is a great improvement upon the over-grown
coarse flowers of the old varieties. Formerly, large-sized
flowers were considered as one of the qualifications for a
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 185
model or show-flower. But since the LiHputian Dahlias
have been cultivated, the precedence has been given to
them by amateurs of good taste. The flowers vary in
size from two to two and one-half inches in diameter, and
some not much larger than a silver dollar. They are not
too large for a bouquet of moderate size, while the old va-
rieties are too ungainly for any, except for giant bouquets
for tables in large halls. The flowers are compact and
neat, sporting into the same variety of colors as in the
large sorts. It is impossible to give a list of the most ap-
proved varieties of this present time, in either class of
Dahlias, that would be likely to give satisfaction a few
years helice. Some of the fine new sorts soon run out.
The nursery-men, who raise their stock of plants by cut-
tings, take ofl" a succession of S23routs, the last growth of
which is slender and weak; and the plants inherit the
feebleness of the cuttings, and soon deteriorate, fail, and
are heard of no more.
Dahlias raised from Seed and the estimated value of
fine seedlings in 1836. — The following extract of a letter
from Mr. Widnall, of England, (in January 183G), a
celebrated cultivator of seedling Dahhas, whose object
was to obtain fine varieties for sale, will be of some inter-
est to Dahlia fanciers of the present time ; showing tlie
extent of the mania for this flower at that period, which
may be termed the high-tide season of its popularity.
After describing various fine new seedlings, he says : —
" These are the very best seedlings, out of 30,000 plants,
which covered more than three acres of ground, and I
have about the same quantity of this year's seedlings,
none of which will be sent out before May, 1836. These
seedlings, which I now ofler to you, obtained prizes at
every exhibitfon they have been shown at. I obtained in
ten days last September for seedlings and named flowers,
prizes to the amount of £107 (•1535)."
186
The following descriptions and prices of some of Wid-
nall's finest seedlings, will give some idea of the value at-
tached to them in England at that time : —
" No. 3, — I have just named Juliet, color a rose, inclining
to rosy purple ; suj^erior in shape to Widnall's perfection ;
height three feet; price £7 (or about $35).
No. 3. — Not named. A bright yellow, tipped witli
orange-scarlet; fine shape ; lieiglit three feet; price £ 1.10.
No. |. — Not named. Ground dark-purple, beautifully
shaded and striped with crimson ; height five feet ; price
£2,
No. 281. — Just named Golden Sovereign, a deep gold
yellow ; height four to five feet; price £5.
C. — Not named. A white ground, edged with the
same color as the Queen of Dahlias, and surpasses every
Dahlia seen for shape ; three to four feet high ; price £ 10
(or 150).
J). — Just named Marchioness of ; fine white
ground, exquisitely edged with beautiful rose; large
flowers and very fine shape ; three feet high ; price £ 10.
JEJ.^. — Not named A white, finely margined, with rosy
lilac cupped petals ; globular shaped ; very fine ; four
feet high ; price £ 5."
These plants, then in Mr. Widnall's possession, were
not to be sent out by him till the following year in May.
Probably not one of all his seedHngs are in existence at
the present time, and if they were, would be dear at $1.50
]ier dozen plants.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 187
DATURA.— TiioKN Apple.
[Name said to be from the Arabic]
Datura Stramonium. — Thorn apple, so called in allusion
to the capsule, which is as large as a small hen's egg ;
ovate, and thickly covered with thorns. The poisonous
qualities of this plant, as well as its application in medi-
cine, are well known. As a remedy in asthma, it has ac-
quired great reputation. In some parts of the country it
is known by the name of Jamestown or Jimson weed. I
have heard of a case Avhere a child was poisoned in con-
sequence of eating one seed. Professor Martyn observes,
that in the earth brought with plants from any part of
America, we are sure to have the Thorn-apple come up.
The whole plant has a disagreeable smell. Every part of
the plant is poisonous, bringing on delirium tremens^ etc.
The flowers are funnel shaped, with a long tube, five an-
gled; either light purple or white. I describe it here as
a warning to beware of the plant, and not for its beauty,
as it is a disgusting weed growing abundantly in rubbish.
Some of the genus are beautiful and worthy a place in the
flower-garden; but all are poisonous. This species has
very large handsome flowers, pure white.
D. quercifolia, is one of the finest. — It has very large
white flowers, measuring five inches across tlie mouth ;
the nerves of a fine pink, shaded with purple. The fruit
contained in a smooth capsule, and the leaf is somewhat
like the oak ( Qiiercus^) whence its name. The manner of
growth is very elegant ; and as each succeeding blossom
burst through its fine calyx, we have thought it more
beautiful than its predecessor. We can truly recommend
this as an ornament to the garden.
D. ceratocaulon, or Horn-stalked Datura. — This is a
highly ornamental and showy species, with large white
flowers, shaded with pink, full as large as the last.
188 breck's xew book of flowers.
D. meteloidcs, B. Wrightii of the catalogues. This
species is very sj^lendicl, producing large funnel-shaped
flowers, pure wliite, delicately shaded with very pale
blue. Before the buds expand, they are curiously twisted
or folded, and if cut off in the afternoon and placed in
Avater in the house, they will begin to unfold early in the
evening, and by nine o'clock be fully opened, filling the
room with a delightful fragrance. All the species open
during the night, remain during the next day, and then
perish. The plants of Z>. meteloides are two or thi-ee feet
high, branching, producing a succession of flowers through
the season.
There are varieties of double-blue, white, and straw
color. These double flowers are curious, but do not have
much claim to beauty. The single flower is filled up with
other funnel-shaped petals. The double sorts are D.
fastuosa alba plena^ and purpurea plena. D. humilis
Jlava is a dwarf species, with yellow flowers. All these
double varieties are late in flowering. They are all prop-
agated by seeds, being annuals in the open ground, but
perennials in the green-house. A plant of J), meteloides.,
which grew on the grape border and securely protected,
survived the winter and flowered profusely the next year.
DELPHINIUM.— Larkspur.
[From a Gieek word signifying a dolphxn, on account of the resemblance be-
tween tde shape of the flower and the imaghiary figures of the dolphin.]
The French call it Pied d\douette.,^Y\i\ch. is the same as
the English, Larkspur, and it is also called Lark's-claws,
Lark's-heel, on account of the spur shape projection at
the back of the flower. The species are showy annuals
or perennials, valuable as border-flowers. The leaves are
much divided, and the flowers in terminal spikes, blue.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. l89
purple, white or red ; never yellow, or any shade of that
color.
There are many species and varieties of the perennial
Larkspur, which are indispensable in a collection of plants ;
all hardy and easily propagated from seed, or by dividing
the roots of some of the double varieties which produce
no seed. The brilliancy of the blue color of some of the
flowers cannot be surpassed.
Delphinium Sinensis pleno. — Double Cliinese. — This is
one of the mosi magniticent of herbaceous plants. It can
be propagated only by dividing the roots, :is it does not
produce seed ; it is perfectly hardy, enduring the coldest
weather without protection ; it is best to give a little,
however, as it will flower stronger for it. The flowers
are of a most beautiful li\ely blue, in long open spikes,
upon graceful, slender, purplish stems, three feet high.
From June to October it displays its beauty, and is indis-
pensable in the formation of a perfect bouquet. Foliage
palmate, many parted.
D. elatum* — Bee Larkspur. — So called on account of
the hairy petals, in the centre of the flower, having a fan-
cied resemblance to a bee.
This species, from its height, which is from five to seven
feet, is Avell adapted to the shrubbery ; its long, clustered
spike of fine blue flowers making a fine appearance in
that department. It is also suitable for the border, but
should be planted at the greatest distance from the walk.
Leaves downy, five-lobed; lobes wedge shape at the base,
trifid cut. Propagated by seed or divisions of the roots.
The plant is covered with soft green down. It sports
into many varieties, from pale-blue to dark, sometimes to
blue with a white centre, which is very beautiful.
Dt Baiiovvii. — Barlow's Larkspur. — A garden variety,
apparently intermediate between the Great-flowered and
190 BRECK's new book of FLONYEllS.
Bee Larkspur. It sends np a stem from three to five feet
high, much branched at the top, covered in June and
July with innumerable dark-blue flowers, partaking some-
what of the character of the Bee Larkspur. Proj^agated
by divisions of the root.
D, ^randiflorum. — Great-flowered. — One of the most
showy of the genus, sporting into many varieties. Its
height is from two to three feet, and continues from June
to October to give a succession of flowers, which are large,
of a fine light or dark-blue, purple and white, and often
spotted or shaded on each petal with copper color on the
dark varieties, or with green on the white. Leaves
palmate, (hand-shaped,) many parted. It is propagated by
dividing the roots in the spring, about the time it begins
to vegetate ; or it may be divided with success in August.
By sowing the seed, new varieties may be expected, Avhich,
j)lanted early, will flower feebly and show the character of
the flower in autumn. Nothing is more pleasant, than to
originate a new variety. It must not be supposed, how-
ever, that there will be much chance of any improvement
in more than one or two in a hundred plants. It has
flourished with me in a great variety of soils. It a\ ill, in
fact, groAv anywhere without difficulty, only requiring to
l)e divided every few years, when the roots become large.
This species is a native of Siberia. A seedling of this
species was raised by the late Wm. E. Carter, of the Bo-
tanic garden, which was named in honor of him D, Gar-
terii, and is now in my possession. The flowers are double,
sky-blue, a very fine variety. I wi^h I could say the same
of my much admired seedhng D. J^reckii, which I fear is
lost. It was perfectly hardy for many years, and at one
time I had a large stock of it; it was also extensively dis-
seminated, but now I fear, it is numbered among the
things that were, as mine are all lost, and all in my neigh-
borhood have died also. Formerly I had large stools of
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 191
it and planted it in masses, producing flowers of a dazzling
blue color. There was no blue flower that produced so
brilliant an efiect. It was more dwarfish than D. Sinen-
sis^ growing about two feet high, the stems not so flexible,
and color much finer; the flowers being double, I could
never obtain seed. Another seedling, called Breck's No.
2, color purplish blue, with semi-double flowers and infe-
rior to No. 1, I did not care to propagate, and let it die.
I believe the destruction of this beautiful variety was
caused by little maggot-like worms, which worked in the
roots.
D. Hendersoni is a beautiful variety, raised by Mr. Hen-
derson, a nurseryman of England ; probably from J), ela-
tum^ which it very much resembles in growth and foliage.
The flowers are sky-blue, with white centre, and are ar-
ranged in long spikes.
D. formosiim. — This is a splendid species or hybrid va-
riety, with large lively blue flowers, with the centre white,
shaded with reddish-purple ; one of the most desirable
hardy herbaceous plants in cultivation. It blooms from
July to November, giving a supply of the most brilliant
blue throughout the season. A. coelestimmi is a variety
oi fonnosum^ or a hybrid of elatum^ with sky-blue flow-
ers, equally hardy. There is also a large number of
hybrid Delphiniums^ partaking of the habit of elatum^
which are beautiful ; but these described, will be sufticient
to make up a good collection.
D. cardinalis is found in Southern California. — I should
doubt its existence, had I not seen specimens of the dried
l^lant, which were of a brilliant scarlet. I saw it in the
herbarium of a gentleman, the editor of a paper in Los
Angelos, who gathered it himself It was advertised by
some of the English and French nurserymen at about five
dollars a plant. I ordered one from each place, when, to
my great disappointment, it turned out to be D.punicewm^
192 breck's new book of flowers.
a plant from Siberia, which has small dull brick-red flow-
ers; very different from D. cardinalis, which had flowers
the size of those of Z>. elatum. I also imported seed of it,
and had a hundred or more plants, which all turned out
to be the common J), elatum. After this experience, who
can blame me if I did feel a little waspish.
The annual L'arkspurs are familiar to almost every one.
Some of the species and varieties aj-e among the most
common ornaments of the garden. They are all hardy,
and flower stronger when self-sown in summer, or planted
in beds or borders in August or September. There are
two distinct species of Annual Larkspur : D. Ajacis, or
Dwarf Rocket, with a variety called the tall German
Kocket ; and D. consoUda.
Do COnsolida, or Branching Larkspur. — This species
grows from two to three feet high, producing its flowers
in spikes, which are continually pushing out from the main
stem and branches, affording abundance of bloom through
the season. The double varieties are the most desirable.
Masses of the different colors appear to great advantage.
There are the double white, rose, pale-blue, dark-blue, lilac
or ash color, striped red and white, blue and white, and
variously mottled.
D, Ajacis. — Dwarf Rocket Larkspur. — A bed of the
double varieties of this species is almost equal in beauty,
when properly grown, to a bed of Hyacinths ; early sown
plants are in bloom in June and July, but do not continue
in bloom so long as those of D. consolida ; grows a foot
high. We import them in packages of ten to fifteen va-
rieties. To liave them in the greatest perfection, the seed
should be sown in autumn.
D. Ajacis major. — Tall Rocket Larkspur. — Appears
very much like the last described, except the flower-stems
are a foot and one-half to two feet high. In flower at the
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 19o
same time ; perfectly hardy like the others. This is im-
ported in about ten varieties ; colors similar to the last,
viz : pink or rose, Avhite, grey, violet, blue, striped, spot-
ted, etc.
DIANTHTJS.-PiNK.
[The name of Dianthus is of Greek origin, and signifies the Flower of Jove ;
which name is, aircoiding to some, bestowed upon the flower for its beauty;
others say from its fragrance. That distinction is surely just, wiiich exiles a
doubt only for which of iis good qualities it is conferred. French, (Billet.]
Most of the species of this genus are highly valued, not
only for the beauty and fragrance of the flowers, but also
as being evergreens; tlieir foliage during winter, being as
abundant and as vivid as in summer. The fragrance of
some of the species is peculiarly grateful, and no plant in
this repect surpasses the Clove, and some other varieties
of the Pink.
Dianthus Caryophyllus. — Clove Pink and Carnation. —
There is no flower more desirable in the flower-garden
than the Carnation. A well-grown, superior variety, can-
not be surpassed in elegance, beauty, or odor, by any
other flower ; yet we scarcily ever see it in perfection.
Its cultivation in our climate is attended with many difii-
culties, which may account for its rarity. Our winters are
too severe, and springs too changeable, to keep it in perfec-
tion in the open ground ; and then our summers are too
dry and hot for the full development of its beauties.
Seedlings stand the winter and spring without difficulty,
with a light covering of leaves and evergreen boughs, and
flower very well ; but then not one plant in a hundred will
be considered worth saving by the florist, although they
will all be interesting as single, semi-double, or irregular
flowers, and richly repay all the labor. Valuable varieties
are generally propagated from layers, which often keep
9
194
very well in the open ground by letting them remain with
the parent plant, and covering them with leaves and pine
boughs ; but the most certain w^ay is, when the layers
have taken root, to pot them, and at the approach of win-
ter put them in a frame where they may be kept with per-
fect safety, j^rovided air is given them in mild weather,
and they are not exposed to the sun Avhen in a frozen
state. The mice are very destructive to all Pinks ; there-
fore the frame must be tight.
Carnations are arranged by florists into three classes,
viz : Flakes^ Bizarres^ and Picotees. Flakes have two
colors only; their stripes are large, going quite through
the petals. Bizarres are variegated, in irregular spots and
stripes, with not less than three colors. Picotees have a
white ground, spotted or pounced with scarlet, red, pur-
ple, or other colors. The finer sorts are regularly edged
with these colors, on a clear white or yellow ground.
The petals of a jDerfect flower should be rose-leaved, or
with entire edges ; the flower should be filled up in a reg-
ular manner with petals of this description. It flowers
in July. On a strong plant the stem will be three feet
high.
The propagation of the Carnation by layers is a very
simple operation. When the plant is in perfection of
bloom, lay around it one and one-half or two inches of
compost, first gently stirring the surface so that it may
mix well ; remove the lower leaves of the shoots selected ;
pass the pen-knife, slanting upwards, half through the
joint; fasten the shoot, where so cut, about two inches
under the surface, with a small hooked peg, bending
carefully so as not to break it at the incision ; then fix it
firmly by gently pressing the earth around with the fin-
gers, and finish by cutting oft' about half an inch of the
upper extremities of the leaves Avith scissors. The sap
soon begins to granulate at the wound, and throw out
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OP FLOWERS. 195
roots. In about a month or six weeks, if the soil has been
kept moderately moist ^ the layers may be severed from
the parent plant and established for themselves ; or they
may remain where they are, if the stem to which they are
attached be carefully cut off.
The Carnation requires a rich, generous, deep soil. A
compost of three parts of good, strong garden loam,
three parts hot-bed manure, two years old, three parts of
coarse river sand, two parts dry manure from a hen-house,
sifted, and two j)arts of soot fi'om a wood fire, has been
recommended for the Carnation.
Clove Pink is more hardy tlian the Carnation, of
which it is the parent ; the petals are more fringed, and
the fragrance more powerful, resembling that of the
Clove. In France it is called the Clove Gilly-flower.
" Some suppose this latter name to have been corrupted
from July-fiower, July being its flowering time. Drayton
so names it."
" The curious choice July flower.
Whose kinds iiight the Carnation,
For sweetness of most sovereign power
Shall help my wreath to fashion ;
Whose sundry colors of one kind,
First from one root derived,
Them in their several suits I'll bind,
My garland so.contrived."
Perpetual Carnation Pink — Tree Carnation, or Win-
ter-flowering. — The great improvement in this tribe
has added an invaluable feature to the section of winter-
blooming plants for the drawing-room, conservatory, or
green-house. The delicately rich and grateful odor, in
connection with the brilliant color and good outline of the
flowers now oflered, will secure for them a prominent
place in the forcing department, and, ere long, be regarded
as an indisj^ensable requisite in the portable drawing-room
flower vase.
196 breck's new book op floaa^eijs.
The flowering period of these plants may be prolonged
beyond the winter by retaining the terminal, or upper
growth, but to ensure a fine early autumn or winter
bloom, the upper growth should be shortened or pruned
back (where requisite), in the spring or early summer
months, and the plants placed in a cool, airy green-liouse,
or cool east or south pit throughout the summer, to ma-
ture the requisite vigor of growth for bloom. During the
warm summer months, the plants should not be placed in
any position where a free ventilation of air cannot be af-
forded by day and night ; and wiien the requisite growth
is obtained, they may be exposed in the open air until au-
tumn, with the usual daily attention given to plants in
pots.
D. hort^nsis. — Garden Pink. — This species is in perfec-
tion about the last of June. The foliage is more grass-
like, and the plant much hardier, than the Carnation.
The double varieties are very desirable, not only for their
beauty, but also for their fragrance. They may be prop-
agated by dividing the roots, by layers, and by pipings.
The surest mode of propagation is by layers, but piping
is generally resorted to for Pinks. These are shoots cut
from the plant at the second or third joint, according as
they are more or less woody or juicy, and inserted, close
to each other, in a bed of well pulverized proper compost;
w^ater moderately, so that the earth may adhere closely
about the shoots ; when the moisture has somewhat
evaporated from the leaves, cover them up with a hand
glass, which must be forced a little depth into the ground
so as to confine the air. This need hardly be removed
until the plants have taken root ; they must be shaded,
liowever, the first fourteen days, with mats over the glas-
ses, when the sun is very hot. If properly managed, not
one in twenty will miss, and between one and two hun-
dred may ]>e planted under one glass ; in a month or six
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 197
weeks they will be sufficiently rooted to move. Carna-
tions are sometimes raised from pipings, but they are not
so sure as Pinks to take root. This variety is often called
the Paisley Pink, on account of its having been raised in
the highest perfection among the weavers near Paisley, in
England. A good Pink should have a strong, elastic, and
erect stem, not less than one foot high. The petals should
be large and broad, Avith very fine-fringed edges, the
nearer rose-leaved the better. The ground- work of the
flower should be pure white, or rose-colored, with a dark,
rich crimson, or purple eye, resembling velvet ; if nearly
black, so mnch the richer. A delicate margin, or lacing,
romid the entire petal, if of the color of the eye, increases
its beauty. The flower should be from two to two and a
half inches in diameter.
D. Chinensis* — China Pink. — This S2)ecies is a biennial
of dwarf habits ; of great beauty, but without fragrance.
The foliage is of a yellowish green. It flowers from seed
the first year ; it is perfectly hardy, and flowers strong the
second year. The colors are exceedingly rich ; crimson,
and dark shades of that color approaching to black, are
often combined in the same flower, with edgings of white,
pink, or other colors. Seed, saved from double flowers,
will produce a great portion of double varieties. In beds
where there may be a hundred plants, scarcely two will
be found alike. They are in flower a number of months.
Of this species a number of fine dwarf varieties, not more
than six inches high, have been obtained. D. latifolius.
Broad-leaved Pink, is a variety of D. Chinensis^ very or-
namental; it has oblong-lanceolate leaves; flowers crimson
and various shades of red ; in bloom all the season ; an
imperfect perennial. A Pink, called CooJc's mule^ is a
beautiful hybrid, somewhat like the Broad-leaved Pink.
The flowers are of the deepest crimson, very double, and
appear in succession through the season.
198
D. barMtuS. — Sweet William. — Is an old inhabitant of
the flower-garden, and was much esteemed in Gerarde's
time, "for its beauty to deck up the bosoms of the beau-
tiful, and garlands and crowns for pleasure." It is an im-
perfect perennial, but fine vai-ieties are perpetuated by
dividing the roots, soon after flowering in June and July.
It is easily raised from seeds. A bed of fine sorts presents
a rich sight ; it sports into endless varieties, viz. : white,
pink, pui-ple, crimson, scarlet and variously edged, eyed,
and spotted. There are also double varieties, but in my
opinion, no improvement over the single.
D. hybridus.— There is a large class of these beautiful
flowers, produced from crossing the difl*erent species of
China, Broad-leaved, Imperial, Sweet William, and other
species, which are worthy of cultivation ; the seed can be
obtained at some of the seed stores. The greatest novel-
ties that have appeared in the Pink line for many years
are the celebrated Heddewigii varieties raised from seeds
obtained from Japan. The following description is from
a seedsman, in Erfurt, Prussia : —
D. Chin^nsis-Hcddewi^il, B. Chinensis giganteus^ —
(Heddewig). These superb pinks are splendid beyond ex-
pectation. The raiser, Mr. Heddewig, ' received the golden
medal,' in Petersburgh, in 1858, and besides there was a
prize set on them by the Horticultural Society and by the
Botanical Society in Kegent's Park. The plant is very
proliferous (free flowering,) and of a dwarf compact size.
The flowers are very large, and have a diameter of nearly
three inches; they are of difl*eren't colors and shades;
rose-colored, crimson, brown, dark-brown and white, mar-
bled-flamed, etc. An excellent acquisition."
D«€hm<^nsis-laciniatllS (Heddewig).— Described by the
raiser, Mr. Heddewig, as follows: — "I had the fortune to
raise from Japan seed, a new splendid Pink, which Dr.
DESCniPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 199
Kornicke describes already in Kegels Gartenflora as Dian-
thus laciniatus. I raised last year 800 seeds from it,
which I sowed early ; and already at the end of May they
commenced to display their most magnificent flowers, of
a diameter of four inches. I was greatly rejoiced to see
a part of them of splendid, dense, double flowers, in the
greatest variety of colors, viz. : pure white, rose, lilac,
carmine, crimson, purple-violet, the darkest black-brown,
spotted and striped ; a splendid sight, far beyond descrip-
tion. August 3, 1859, I exhibited 18 plants in as many
difterent varieties, and received the highest reward for
novelties, ' the Golden Medal,' from the Imperial Horti-
cultural Society. This Pink grows two feet high ; the
small leaves have a length of four inches, and the double
varieties, from their dense double form, and the laciniate
petals, somewhat resemble t\mfLo\\ ev Papaver 2yceoniflorum.
Some plants endured our last Russian winter without be-
ing covered." I have had the pleasure of cultivating
these novelties since 1861, and find them to correspond
nearly with these descriptions. I have not had any that
attained a greater height than a foot, or foot and one-half,
but have had all the shades of color mentioned by Mr.
Heddewig. The foliage is somewhat glaucous and lance-
olate. Both varieties produce double flowers. To ascer-
tain whether they would survive over winters, I protected
a large bed of them with leaves in the autumn of 1864,
and they came out bright in the spring of 1865 and flow-
ered superbly during the summer. If they are not hardy
enough to stand the winter without covering, they are very
valuable acquisitions to the flower-garden as annuals.
Like the China Pinks, they are destitute of fragrance.
D. Verschaff(^itii. — Verschaffelt's Hybrid Pink. — A
remarkably novel and beautiful hardy flower-garden plant,
from M. Ambroise Verschafl'elt, nurseryman, Glient. It
has a neat and compact half-shrubby, densely-branched
200 breck's new book of flowers.
habit of growth, from nine to twelve inches in height.
The flowers, in their general aspect of growth, resemble a
large specimen of the Florist varieties of Pinks, as grown
for competition, but differ in showing a single expansion
of flower-lobes, rather than of double petal series, and
each entire blossom being from two to three inches in di-
ameter, whilst the entire series of petals, instead of all
combining to form a single blossom, with tlie usual dark
ray or center, as is the case in the varieties above quoted,
in the present example range themselves into a series of
distinct inner flower circles, or rays, each marked Avith its
own beautiful series of colored spots at the base, converg-
ing to a crimson belt or zone, and together forming a large
aggregate cluster or flower-head. The arrangement of
these concentric series of picturesque petal-rays within one
simple base or crown, forms one of the most novel and
singular combinations yet known in gardens.
D, SliperbllS. — This is one of the most fragrant of the
Pink family; the petals of the flower are very much cut
or fringed ; one foot and a half high ; flowers in July and
August ; white or rose color.
D. alpinus.— Alpine or Dwarf Pink. — A pretty little
perennial, suitable for rock-work, with creeping roots ;
although not aspiring (not exceeding 3 or 4 inches in
height) it soon takes possession of all the ground in the
neighborhood. The flowers are small, white, or flesh col-
ored, variegated with a circle of red or purple. D. are-
narius, or Sand Pink ; D. plumarius, D. diminutus^ and
some other dwarf species are also 2)roper for rock- work.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 201
DICENTRA.
[From the Greek, meaning twice and spur, on account of the two spurs or
sacs at the base of tlie flowers.]
This genus has had a hard time with regard to its name.
When first published, it was by a typographical error,
printed Diclytra / it was next called Dielytra^ a name by
which it goes in many of the catalogues. Several species
which the older botanists grouped under Corydalis are
included in this genus.
Dic^ntra spectabilis. — Showy Dicentra, Bleeding
Heart. — This, one of the finest hardy herbaceous peren-
nials in cultivation, was brought from China, by Mr. For-
tune. It is a plant of neat dwarf habit, when grown in
pots, and two to three feet high, when grown in rich soil
in the garden. The branches of the plant are most grace-
fully curved. It is one of the most striking objects in the
whole range of floral attraction. The foliage is of a light
transparent green ; the flowers, which are produced on
stems in sprays, are of a bright rose pink, about the size
of a lozenge, and are heart shaped ; the corolla pearly
white, set in frosted silver ; the stalks are literally gem-
med, with these beautiful flowers, by hundreds. To cul-
tivate it in perfection, it must have a season of frost ; let
those for blooming in winter, be taken up early in Octo-
ber and potted, then place them in a cold frame, and let
the weather act on them till after Christmas ; remove them
in-doors, and they will flower in March. It is well to fill
the frame, in autumn, with decayed leaves, in which
plunge the pots to the rims. For out-door culture, for
which it is eminently calculated, it needs not the slightest
protection ; will endure the cold of Canada, and come up
in April, and flower splendidly in May ; can be divided
either in fall or spring. Grown in clumps, in a favored
part of. the garden, it shows to a great advantage.
D. eximea. — Red-flowered Dicentra. — A handsome in-
9*
202 breck's new book of flowers.
digenoiis perennial, with flesli-colored or reddish flowers,
from May to July ; from six to ten inches high. This is
the Corydalls forniosa of the former edition.
D. Cucullaria* — Dutchman's Breeches. — An indigenous
perennial, with elegant, finely-divided leaves, of a pale
and dehcate green : from the midst of the cluster of leaves
arises a scape bearing a one-sided, simple raceme of white,
singular-looking, pendulous flowers. It is popularly called
Dutchman's Breeches, on account of the resemblance of
the corolla to that article of dress. Flowers in May.
D. Canadensis. — Squirrel-corn. — Also indigenous, and
resembles the preceeding in habit and foliage, but the
flowers have rounded spurs, are slightly tinged with red,
and have a pleasant fragrance. The root has tubers as
large as peas, hence the popular name.
DICTAMNUS.— Fraxinella.
[An ancient name adopted from Virgil. Fraxinella is in allusion to tiie simi-
larity wiiicii exists between the leaves of the plant ami Fraxinus, the Ash.]
Dictamnus Fraxinella. — Fraxinella. — The whole plant,
especially when gently rubbed, emits an odor like that
of the lemon-peel; but when bruised, has something of a
balsamic scent. This odor is the strongest in the pedi-
cels of the flowers, which are covered with glands of a rusty
red color, exuding a vicous juice, or resin, which exhales
a vapor, which may be set on fire. The root was formerly
used as medicine. There are two varieties known in
flower-gardens ; one with purplish-brown, the other with
white flowers, which are produced in June and July. They
are hardy perennials, natives of Germany, and should
find a place in every good collection. The height of the
plants, from two to three feet, in rich soil. They may be
propagated by dividing the roots, which requires some
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 203
care if the stools are large, as they are very tough, re-
quiring a strong, sliarp knife to divide them ; each por-
tion of the root must have an eye, as it will not grow
without. The time to separate thej-oots is very early in
the spring, or after it has done flowering in August. It
may also be propagated by sowing the seeds as soon as
they are ripe. The seeds are very hard, and do not vege-
tate freely. If sowed in the spring, boiling water should
be poured upon them. The plants will flower the second
year from the seed.
DIDISCITS.
Didiscus ccerulea. — Sky-blue Didiscus. — This is a hand-
some annual ; stem very much branched, producing its
fine sky-blue flowers in numerous umbels, or hemispheri-
cal heads, of the size and shape of a large quilled Aster ;
two feet high ; in flower July and August. Sow the seed
in the open ground in May. Plants, forwarded iu a hot-
bed, will begin to flower in June.
DIGITALIS.-FoxGLovE.
[So named by Fuclis, from digitalis, a finger of a glove, in all'ision to Ihe
form of the flowers.]
Digitalis purpurea, with purple flowers; also a variety
D. alha^ with white flowers. Ornamental plants of great
beauty, producing dense spikes of flowers on stems, three,
four, or five feet high, in June and July, and straggling
spikes most of the season. It is a biennial, propagated
by sowing the seeds ; flowers the second year. It may be
perpetuated by dividing the roots every year, and is
sometimes called an imperfect perennial.
It is suitable for the border, and may be introduced in-
204 beeck's new book of flowers.
to the shrubbery with fine effect, as its tall, spire-like
spikes, crowned with its large thimble or bell-shaped pur-
ple or white flowers, will finely contrast with the green
foliage of the shrubs.
D. ferril^inea, or Iron-colored Foxglove ; a hardy per-
ennial, with brown flowers, from July to August ; four
feet high.
D. lutea^ or Small Yellow Foxglove ; a hardy peren-
nial, with light yellow flowers, from July to August;
two feet high.
D. OChroleuca. — Great Yellow Foxglove.— A hardy
perennial, with large light yellow flowers, from July to
August ; four feet high.
D. lanata* — Woolly-flowered Foxglove, with white and
brown flowers, from July to August ; two feet liigh. All
the species are poisonous when taken into the system, and
the leaves are used medicinally.
" It is a pity this plant is poisonous, for it is extremely
beautiful, particularly those kinds which are of a deep-
rose color. They are all speckled within the bell, which
adds still more to their richness. Mrs. C. Smith invites
the bee to
" Explore the Foxglove's freckled bell."
Brown uses a similar epithet when he describes Pan as
seeking gloves for his mistress, a curious conceit :
" To keep her slender fingers from the sunne,
Pan through the pastures oftentimes hath runne,
To plucke the speckled Fox-Gloves from their stem
And on those fingers neatly placed them."
" The bee apjjears regardless of its poisonous qualities :
'* Bees that soar for bloom
High as the highest peak of Furnace Fells,
Will murmur by the hour in Fox-Glove heUs.''^—Wadswortk''s Sonnet."
" The Fox-Glove, in whose drooping bells the bee
Makes her sweet music."— B. CornwalL
" Let me thy vigils keep
'Mongst boughs pavilioned, where the deer's swift leap
Startles the wild bee from the Fox-Glove heW."— Keats,
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 205
" But it is not the bee alone that braves this powerful
poison ; women of the poorer class, in Derbyshire, drink
large draughts of Fox-glove tea, as a cheap means of ob-
taining the pleasures, or forgetfulness, of intoxication. It
is said to produce a great exhilaration of spirits. Well
may the word intoxicate originate in poison."
It is a native of England, Germany, and other parts of
Europe.
DODECATHEON.— American Cowslip.
[A fanciful name, signifying the twelve gods or divinities.]
Dodecatheon Meadia. — American Cowslip, Shooting
Star. — A highly ornamental plant, displaying its flowers
in May and June; throwing up stems a foot high, with a
large, umbel-like cluster of singularly beautiful pale-pur-
ple flowers. The petals are reflexed, or thrown back
from the centre, like the Cyclamen. There is a variety
with white flowers. Soon after flowering, the foliage dies
down, and the plant is dormant during the summer, when
it may be propagated by parting the roots, leaving a bud,
or the rudiments of one, on the crown of each. It is a
native of the West and South, and perfectly hardy.
DOLICHOS.— Htacenth Bean.
[A name under which Dioscorides describes a plant supposed to have been
the kidney bean of tlie moderns.]
Dolichos Lablab. — Purple Hyacinth Bean. — A fine
tender annual climber, with flowers in clustered spikes ;
purple, with a white variety. It grows from ten to twen-
ty feet in a season ; treatment very much like that of the
common bean. A native of Egypt.
206 beeck's new book of flowers.
DOWNINGIA.
[Dedicated by Doct. Toirey, to the late A. J. Downing.]
Downingia ^legans. — Elegant Downingia. — A beautiful
tender annual, a\ ith delicate foliage, and rich blue flowers
in great profusion ; six inches high ; in July and August.
D. pulchella. — Pretty Downingia. — It is a pretty flow-
ering, tender annual, of very humble growth, only rising
a few inches high. The flowers are rather larger than D.
elegans^ blue, with a broad white spot at the centre,
stained with a rich yellow. The flower is about half an
inch across. Its delicacy of growth will prevent its
spreading raj^idly through the country.
When grown in pots in the green-honse, both are very
beautiful.
The Downingias are natives of California and are gen-
erally called Glintonia^ by florists ; a name given by
Douglas, who did not know that it had already been ap-
plied to another genus.
DRACOCEPHALUM— Dragon's Head.
[From Greek words, signifying a dragon's head, because the flowers are fan-
cied to resemble one.]
Dracoc^phalum speciosum. — Showy Dragon's Head. —
Is a native of Siberia ; j^erennial ; three feet high, with
pink flowers ; in July and August.
D. Sibiricum. — Siberian Dragon's Head. — From Siberia,
perennial ; one foot high, with light blue flowers ; in July
and August. Some of the annual species are handsome
border-flowers.
D. Moldavica. — Moldavian Balm. — An annual from
Moldavia with blue, and a variety -with white flowers; in
July and August ; two feet high.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 207
D. Canari^nse. — Balm of Gilead. — This plant smells
of citron, especially when rubbed between the fingers.
Sown on a hot-bed early in spring, it may be planted out
in the borders like other tender annuals. Flowers pale-
blue or purple ; from July to September ; three feet high ;
From the Canaries.
ECCREMOCARPTJS.
[From the Greek words meaning suspended fruit.]
Eccremocarpus SCaber. — Rough Eccremocarpus. —
This, which is sometimes called Calampelis^ is a beautiful
climber, a tender perennial, which flowers the first year.
The flowers are produced in panicles or racemes, are of a
bright orange color ; it flowers profusely the latter part
of the summer, but it is necessary to start the plants very
early in a hot-bed, and when the plants have five or six
leaves, they should be transplanted into pots, and turned
into the ground in June. The seeds are diflicult to vege-
tate. Properly speaking, it is a green-house plant.
ECHINACEA.— Cone-Flower.
[Name from the Greeli for Hedgeboy, in allusion tlie spiny chaff of the disk.]
Echinacea purpurea. — Purple Cone-flower. — A native
of Ohio and other western States, and formerly called
Rudbeckia purpurea. It grows from three to four feet
high, and has a rough stem and leaves. The disk of the
flower is very rich, appearing in the sun of a golden
crimson ; the rays are purple, in some varieties whitish,
and one to two inches long. A hardy perennial, easily
propagated by division of the root.
208 breck's new book of flowers.
EPILOBITJM.— Willow-Herb.
[From Greek word?, signifying a flower growing upon a poc7.]
Epilobium angustifolium. — Valuable in shrubberies, as
thriving under the drip of trees, and succeeds every where,
even in the smoke of cities, and in parks. It is a good
plant to adorn pieces of water, being hardy, and of rapid
increase, and very showy when in flower. It produces
dense spikes of purplish-red flowers ; three or four feet
high, in July and August. It is handsome when grow-
ing in the field or garden, but the flowers are not suit-
able for bouquets, as they immediately wither upon gath-
ering. At a short distance, the flowers resemble those
of Purple Phlox in color, and persons not acquainted
with botany, take it for a plant of that family ; but it be-
longs to an entirely different one. It is easily propagated
from cuttings of its long straggling roots.
ERYSIMUM.— Treacle-Mustard.
[From a Greek word, signifying to draw blisters.']
Erysimum Peroffskianum. — Palestine Mustard. — This
is a hardy annual, having some resemblance to the Wall-
flower. The plant is erect ; one to two feet high ; bear-
ing racemes or sj^ikes of deep-orange blossoms ; from
June to September ; a mass of it is quite showy.
E. Arkansannm. — Western Wall-flower. — A native of
Arkansas, very similar to the other species; two feet
liigh ; with yellow flowers most of the season.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 209
ERYTHIIONITJM.— Dog's-tooth Violet.
[From a Greek word signifying red, in allusion to the color of tlie Euiopean
species.]
Erythronium Dens-canis. — Dog's-tooth Violet is the
common name in England, where it is a favorite. It is
not at all related to the Violet, bat belongs to the Lily
Family. It is a bulbous rooted vernal plant, with purple
flowers ; one-half foot high ; there is also a variety with
white flowers.
E. Americanum. — Yellow Adder' s-tongue. — This is a
beautiful vernal plant with bulbous roots, situated deep
in the ground. The whole plant is smooth and glossy.
Flowers yellow, solitary, drooping; leaves two, nearly
equal, lanceolate, veinless, of a dark brownish-green,
clouded with irregular spots. Flowers in May ; three to
four inches high. This pretty indigenous plant should
be transferred to the garden ; it may be taken in July,
after flowering. It will require a leaf-mould soil for its
successful cultivation.
ESCHSCHOLTZIA.— California Poppy.
[Named after Doct. Eschscholtz, a botanist of the last century.]
Eschscholtzia Californica. — California Poppy. — A na-
tive of the State, the name of which it bears, where it
abounds, and is found in large patches or masses, enliven-
ing the i^lains with its brilliant shining yellow blossoms.
< Scarcely any plant produces a greater degree of splen-
dor than this ; when the full sun is upon it, it makes a
complete blaze of color. It is a most suitable plant for
producing a distant eflfect. When it is planted out in a
bed, it requires a considerabe number of sticks for sup-
port, or the weak branches will be liable to lie close to
ground, and then the bloom is not so fine. If planted in
210 bueck's new book of FLO we us.
single patches, they should have several sticks placed
around, and a string fastened, so as to keep the flower-
stalks tolerably erect ; by this attention a neat and hand-
some effect Avill be given. I adopt the use of cross-
strings, as well as a circular one, by which means I have
the shoots regularly disposed. E. crocea^ Saffron-colored
California Poppy, of a dark, bright saffron-color ; and M
alha^ White California Poppy, with white flowers, are
only varieties of E. Californica^ and require the same
treatment.
E. tenuifolia^ is a species with very slender grass-like
leaves ; color of the flowers, pale whitish-yellow. All
are easily propagated by seeds, and where the plants
have scattered their seed upon the ground, a plentiful
supply of young plants may be found in the following
S23ring ; they should be thinned out one foot apart. It is
useless to attempt to transplant them, as it is very diffi-
cult to make them live.
The name of this genus has been altered to Ghryseis^
in disregard of the established custom among botanists.
Although it is a more elegant word than Eschscholtzia^
yet that being the older name, must have the preference.
EUPATORIUM.
[Name from Eiipator, King of Poiitiis, who first u.'-ed it in medicine.]
Eupatorium piirpurciim. — Purple Thoroughwort, Joe-
Pye Weed. — Purple flowers, in August ; perennial ; four
to six feet high ; indigenous ; leaves in fours and fives.
This plant cannot be said to be elegant, yet it is not des-
titute of beauty, and will be a valuable acquisition to the
shrubbery. Its tall stem terminates in large corymbs of
small sliining purple flowers.
E. pcrfoliatum* — Bone-set or Thorough wort. — Is a plant
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOAVERS. 211
held in high estimation medicinally ; but it has no claim
to beauty. The medicinal virtues of the plant reside
chiefly in the leaves, and the most efficient mode of
exhibiting it, is by means of a simple decoction ; its pow-
ers are those of a tonic. The reputation of it was, in old
times, so great, that there were those who believed it
would set bones ; hence the common name. That it is a
very bitter dose to take, I very well know by experience.
EUPHORBIA.— Spurge.
[Named after Euphorbus, who was a physician to Juba, King of Maurita-
nia, anJ first used this plant in medicine.]
This is a very extensive genus of curious, grotesque
plants, many of them j^oisonous. Among them are some
splendid hot-house plants. They are all milky, mostly
herbaceous ; some are leafless, some are armed with
jDrickles.
Euphorbia COrollata, — Flowering Spurge. — This is one
of the most elegant species peculiar to the United States ;
a perennial, with subdivided umbels of conspicuous
white flowers, and narrowish, oblong obtuse leaves.
This plant is not uncommon in the sandy fields of the
Middle States, and is in flower in June and July. Prop-
agated by divisions of the root.
E. Lathyris. — Caper Spurge. — A half-hardy biennial,
from England, of handsome appearance, with inconspic-
uous flowers ; from May to September. From three to
four feet high. The plants will stand the winter without
protection, but are oftentimes entirely destroyed. A few
plants should be taken up and placed in a dry cellar, and
planted out in the spring. It has seed pods about the
size and color of Caper buds, and are said to be some-
times substituted for that pickle. Eaten in any quantity,
they must prove highly deleterious.
212
E. variegata. — Variegated Spurge. — A most elegant
species ; a native of Missouri and Arkansas Territory ;
an annual much cultivated now in gardens, and highly
esteemed ; flowering late in autumn, and remarkable for
its abundant variegated bracts or floral leaves. Leaves
oval entire ; wavy, edged with white ; capsules smooth ;
stems hairy. The seed must be sown early in April ; it
FRITILLARY. — Fritillary.
[From Fritillus, the Latin for dice-box, probably in allusion to the shape of the
flowers.]
A genus with showy and singular looking flowers. The
plants all require a deep loamy soil, and aie readily in-
creased by offsets or by seeds. They grow readily in the
shade of trees, and do not require to be taken up oftener
than once in three years.
Fritillaria impcrialis. — Crown Imperial— A native of
Persia. There are many varieties ; all handsome, varying
in color ; viz. : bright yellow, scarlet, orange-scarlet,
double red, double yellow, gold-striped-leaved, silver-strip-
ed-leaved, etc. This species is less esteemed than its
beauty merits, on account of its strong, and, to some, its
disagreeable scent. It flowers in April ; the bulb throws
up a strong, vigorous stem, three or four feet high, pro-
ducing near the top a crown of beautiful, drooping, bell-
shaped flowers, making a very conspicuous object at a
season when but few flowers grace the garden. Above
the crown of flowers the stem terminates in a tuft of its
glossy green foliage. The nectaries are very curious ; each
cell, six in number, contains a large drop, which looks like
a brilliant pearl. When the flower decays, the seed-vessels
take a position the reverse of that of the flower, and stand
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 213
erect. The bulbs are large and fleshy, somewhat solid ;
they do not keep well long out of the ground. When
the Stem dies down, the root should be taken up and re-
planted, if necessary ; but this need not be done oftener
than once in four or five years. They should be planted
four inches deep, in a rich, deep garden soil. It is by
some botanists called Petiliuryi imperialis.
F. P^rsicai — The Persian Fritillary or Persian Lily,
bears a spike of brownish-purple flowers, growing at the
top of the stem in the form of a pyramid ; they open in
May ; stems three feet high ; bulb similar to the last, ex-
cept it is more elongated. To be treated in every way
like the Crown Imperial.
F. meleagris. — The Common Fritillary, or Chequered
Lily. — Is sometimes called the Guinea Hen Flower, on ac-
count of its chequered or spotted flowers. There are
many varieties , the colors, various shades of brown, pur-
ple, and yellow, curiously mottled, spotted or chequered.
The bulbs are about the size of those of the crocus-, of the
character of the other Fritillary bulbs, but more flatten-
ed ; stems eight or ten inches high, with one or more
gracefully-drooping, bell-shaped flowers, in April or May ;
to be planted in groups in good garden soil, two inches
dee]3. They should not be kept long out of the ground.
It is a native of England and the South of Europe.
It is most probably of the Crown Imperial, that Moore
speaks in the following lines ; not the Persian Lily, com-
monly so called, since he describes the color as golden : —
" Once Emir I thy unheeding child,
'Mid all tins havoc, bloomed and smiled,—
Tranquil on some battle plain
The Persian Lily siiines and towers,
Before Ihe combats reddening strain
Hath fallen upon her golden flowers." — Fire Worshippers.
214 breck's new book of feowers.
FUCHSIA— Lady^s Ear Drop.
[So named in honor of Leonard Fucha, a noted German botanist.]
Fuchsia COCCinea is one of the most elegant of decidu-
ous green-house shrubs ; the young wood and nerves of
the leaves are tinged with purplish-red; the pendant
blossoms produced from the axils of the leaves, as the
shoots grow, continue the greater part of the growing
season, and are succeeded as they fade by a purple berry.
It is a native of Chili. This species, with F. fidgens^ F.
microphylla^ and others, have been crossed to produce
the numerous varieties in cultivation.
Fuchsias succeed admirably when planted in the flow-
er garden. The following directions will give the young
cultivator some hints relative to their propagation and
culture :
" Fuchsias are readily propagated by cuttings, in sand,
with a mixture of peat ; to grow the plants for a bloom
all summer, they should be started in February, in the
green-house, first in small pots, and shifted, when the
roots completely fill it, into a mixture of fresh loam, peat-
leaf mould from the woods, well rotted manure, and a
little sand ; mix thoroughly, and break finely {not sifted),
with the spade or trowel ; give the roots good drainage,
place them in the Avarmest part of the green-house, and
water frequently ; as the warmth of summer approaches,
and the green-house, or conservatory, becomes empty of
plants, place your Fuchsias in the most favored position,
shading them, with a mat or cotton awning, from the sun,
after ten o'clock in the morning, which remove at five P.
M., unless the sun is off sooner. This treatment, with a
gentle syringing of the foliage twice a day, — which, if
carefully done, does not materially injure the flo^vers, —
will produce an abundant bloom all summer and au-
tumn, and will well reward your care. No class of plants
is more graceful and elegant. The striking contrast of
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 215
white, carmine, rose, find purple, renders the tout ensemble
perfectly charming. Gradually lessen watering after the
1st of October, and by November merely keep in mois-
ture enough to ])reserve vitality ; place them in the out-
of-the-way part of the green-house, on a dry shelf, and at-
tend to merely keeping in life till February, and then com-
mence to sart them."
For a summer conservatory they are unequalled, occu-
pying an otherwise nearly empty house, and delighting
you with their graceful flowers all the season.
Young plants turned out into the flower-garden in
June, will continue to blossom until October; but they
must be placed in the coolest spot in the garden, where
they will receive t^ie benefit of the shnde during the mid-
dle of the day or the hot sun will injure the bloom.
Some of the new varieties are splendid.
FUNKIA.-Day Lily.
[A genus dedicated to a German botanist, named Funk.]
Funkia OVata. — Blue Day Lily. — Is a plant with broad
ovate leaves ; flowers blue, in June and July ; two feet
high.
F. SUbcordata* — Formerly Hemerocaliis or iunhiaJa-
ponica. — White Day Lily, — has large, pure white, frag-
rant flowers, which open daily in the month of August,
on stems one and a half to two feet high ; leaves broad
ovate, nerved.
These and other Day Lilies are hardy, easily propagated
by division of the roots, and require little or no protec-
tion.
A variety of Funhia has elegant variegated leaves,
highly ornamental, and well worthy of a place in the
garden. The flowers are in one-sided racemes, about one
216 breck's new book of flowers.
and one-half foot high ; a bluish pearl color, not re-
markable for their beauty ; July and August ; a hardy
perennial.
GAILLARDIA.
[Dedicated to M. Gaillard, an amateur Frencli botanist.]
Gaillardia picta* — Painted Gaillardia. — A very hand-
some plant, naturally perennial, but produces its flowers
the first year from seed, if started early. It has large,
beautiful crimson flowers, two inches across ; each petal
being tipped with yellow. The disk is dark-colored,
something like Coreopsis tinctoria ; one to two feet high.
G. bicolor. — Two-colored Gaillardia. — This variety ap-
pears identical with Gaillardia picta^ excepting that the
leaves are entire. The fine large blossoms, more than
two inches across, the large crimson disk, surrounded by
a ray of fine yellow, produce a very showy appearance,
and render the plant well deserving a place in the flow-
er-garden. They are natives of Mexico, and too tender
to endure our winter, consequently must be protected by
frames. They are readily propagated by cuttmgs in the
green-house or hot-bed ; but more easily raised from
seeds, which, if started in heat, will flower profusely in
the garden through the season.
GALANTHUS.-Snow Drop.
[From Greek words, signifying milk and a fluwvr, on account of the milky
whiteness of the blossoms.]
It is rather singular, and also to be regretted, that no
variation, except a double variety, and no hybrids have
DESCRIPTIVE I.IST OF FLOWERS. 21T
been produced from this easily raised and pretty little
flower.
" Already now the Snow-drop dares appear.
Tlie first pale blossom of the unripened year ;
And Flora's breath, by some transforming power,
Had changed an icicle into a flower. — Mrs. Barbauld.
Galanthus niyalis. — The Snow-drop is a native of Aus-
tria, Switzerland, Silesia, and England ; in meadows and
orchards. It is the earliest flower of all the garden tribe,
and will even show her head above the snow, as if to
prove her rivalry with whiteness.
'• Lone flower, liemmed in with snows, and white as they."'— Won/su'or//i.
Every third year the roots should be taken up, in June or
July, when the leaves are decayed, and kept in a dry
place until August, when they should be replanted. The
bulbs are very small ; to make them look well, and to
produce a pretty effect when in bloom, about twenty
should be planted together in a clump, one and one-half
or two inches deep. There is a variety with double flow-
ers, both sorts are desirable ; about six inches high, in
March and April.
" The Snow-drop, who, in iiabit white and plain,
Comes on, the herald of fair Flora's train ;
The Cox-comb crocus, flower of simple note
Who by her side struts in a lierald's coat." — Churchill.
There is a flower called the JLeucojum^ or Great Snow-
drop, very similar to this, but much larger in the bulb,
foliage, and flower. Of this there are three kinds, the
spring, summer, and autumnal. These should be planted
four or five inches deep.
" We look upon the Snow-drop as a friend in adversity,
Sure to appear when most needed."
10
218 breck's new book of flowers.
GALIUM-Bed Straw.
[Name from a Greek woid, signifying milk, because one sort is used for the
purpose of curdling milk.]
The stems of all the species are four-cornered, and the
leaves in whorls ; the flowers generally axillary, hut
sometimes panicled.
Galium V^riim, JPetit Muget in French, is called Bed
Straw, from the verb to strew, strow, or straw ; beini^
one among a variety of odoriferous herbs, which were
frequently used to strew beds with. The genus contains
many indigenous species, but none are worthy of cultiva-
tion, except G. boreale, which is upright, growing aboiit
two feet high, bearing innumerable minute Avhite flow-
ers, in terminal panicles ; the stems are very much
branched, leaves delicate and small ; perennial ; in flower
in July, August, and September. It is valuable only in
the composition of bouquets.
GAURA.
fName from the Greek, for superb.]
Gaura Lindheimeri. — This plant, which is from Texas,
is one of the finest that we have received for many years.
Tlie flowers are formed by a calyx, in four divisions, col-
ored with red, petals of a flesh-colored white, which con-
trast agreeably with the lively color of the calyx ; there
are eight light stamens, with purple anthers.
It flowers on numerous branches, which form a large
panicle, and continue in blossom from June until the frost
comes. The stems are straight, growing from two to
three feet in height, furnished with linear leaves, forming
an elegant, although rather a slender plant ; large lanceo-
late leaves clustered in a tuft at tlie base of the plant.
It is a perennial, and should be sown in May or June,
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 219
like other plants of this class, so as to flower the follow-
ing year. It seems to be hardy, having stood in the open
ground, with a little protection, through the winter ; it
may also be cultivated as an annual, for, if sown in
April, it will begin to flower in July.
The Gaura Lindheimeri^ will probably soon become
very common in our gardens ; it can be grown in beauti-
ful masses ; its flowers are very fine for bouquets, and,
above all, it commends itself to us for its long continued
flowering:.
GAZANIA.
[Supposed to have been so called from a Greek word signifying riches, in al-
lusion to the splendor of the flowers.]
Gazania spl^ndens. — A native of the Cape of Good
Hope. A very beautiful summer and autumn-flowering
evergreen bedding plant of a neat, dwarf, shrubby, trail-
ing, yet compact habit, with oblong-spathulate leaves,
deep glossy green on the upper side, and almost pure
white on the lower side, with a rich green mid-rib running
the whole length of the leaf; and numerous large, golden
yellow, Aster-like flowers, three to four inches in diame-
ter, picturesquely marked at the base of each petal with
converging cloud-like spots of a rich, dark-brown, choco-
late tint upon a black base, and these are again marked
with white si)ots upon their disk or surface.
The union of these rich colors produces a highly orna-
mental eflfect ; the blossoms, when fully expanded, are so
brilliant, that tlic most accurate description fails to con-
vey an adequate impression of their beauty. It is well
adapted for large groups or medium sized beds, or for
pot culture in vases, as portable specimens in flower-
garden decoration, thriving in all ordinary rich garden
220 breck's new book of flowers.
soils, not subject to the attacks of mildew, tlirip, or spi-
der, and yielding a succession of bloom from June until
November.
GENTIANA— Gentian.
[So called from Gentius. King of lUyiia.]
The Gentians are very numerous ; they are very diffi-
cult to preserve in gardens, and the European varieties
are not much known in this country, although there are
some beautiful alpine species cultivated in Europe.
Gentiana Saponaria. — Soap-wort Gentian. — A very
fine indigenous plant, distinguished by its large purple
flowers, which are so nearly closed at the top as to re-
semble buds ; sometimes the flowers are white and vari-
egated. It is found in moist woods and by the margin
of streams. It may be transplanted to the garden with-
out difficulty ; it grows one and one-half to two feet high ;
in flower in September and October.
Gentiana crinita. — Fringed Gentian. — This Gentian is
exceeded by few native plants, in the delicacy and beau-
ty of its flowers. The stems are divided toward the top
into several erect brandies. The leaves are opposite,
ovate-lanceolate, smaller than in G. Saponaria. Flowers
erect on the ends of the branches. Segments of the co-
rolla of a deep fine jourple, fringed at the end, expanded
in the sun, erect and twisted at other times; one foot
high. Found in bloom in moist places in Seiitcmber and
October. This is a very difficult plant to remove success-
fully ; probably the only way to propagate it, is by seed,
but it flowers so late I have never found tlie seed ripe
enough to vegetate. It is a great pity that it cannot be
cultivated, for it is one of our handsomest indigenous
plants.
descriptive list of flowers. 221
GERANITIM-Cranes-bill.
[The name from the Greek word for crane, as tlie long beaked fruit lias some
resemblance to the bill of that bird,]
Most of the plants, popularly called Geraniums, belong
to the genus Pelargonium, and will be found under that
head. Geranium proper, has regular flowers with ten
stamens, all with perfect anthers, while the flower of Pe-
largonium is somewhat irregular by having a spur at the
base of the calyx, and though it has ten stamens, a por-
tion of them, usually three, have imperfect anthers. The
Geraniums are all herbaceous, while Pelargoniums are
for the most part shrubby.
Geranium maculatum. — Cranes-bill. — This is a hand-
some indigenous plant, growing about fences and the
edges of woods, 2:)referring a soil that is somewhat moist.
Stems erect, hairy, dividing by forks, or more numerous
branches ; one to two feet high. Leaves large, spread-
ing, hairy, divided in a palmate manner into five or seven
lobes, which are variously cut and toothed at their ex-
tremities ; the lower ones petioled, the upper ones nearly
sessile. As the leaves grow old, they are usually marked
with pale spots about the sinuses ; hence the specific
name maculatum — spotted. Petals rounded, purple ;
May, June.
Gt pratense, — Crow-foot leaved. — A native of Britain.
It is said that "its flower partakes of a delicacy by which
it greatly surpasses in efiect its more common blue con-
gener. Its flowers vary much in the portion of color they
display, some being nearly all blue, whilst others are pro-
duced completely white." One and one-half foot high ;
May to July.
Gi Lancastri^nse. — A native of Lancastershire, Eng-
land. This has purple flowers ; dwarf-creeping habit ;
an elegant species ; June to September. Probably only
a variety of Q. sanguineum.
222 breck's new book of flowers.
G. ans^lllatlim. — Angular-stalked Cranes-bill. — This spe-
cies is a native of Europe, and has been cultivated since
1789. A plant of easy culture, eighteen inches high,
with a profusion of pink flowers, in Jun-e and July. It
is highly ornamental. It may be appropriately planted
among low shrubs, or strong herbaceous plants ; it will
succeed in rather shady j^laces, which renders it oftentimes
a desirable ]olant.
AH these species are hardy perennials, and deserve a
place in large collections, as do a number of other species
not described.
GILIA.
[Named from a Spanish botanist, Gilie or Gileo.]
This genus has been much divided up, and the syno-
nyms are numerous ; the plants called by various botan-
ists and florists : Jpomopsis, Cantua, Fenzlia, Leptosi-
phon, and Leptodactylon^ all belong under Gilia.
Gilia COronopifolia, Ipomopsis. — Standing Cypress. —
First introduced into England about the year 1720, from
seeds collected by Catesby, in the upper districts of
Georgia and Carolina ; but as the seeds are seldom per-
fected in England, it was at one time lost from the Eng-
lish gardens ; we do not think that its beauty will
allow it to share this fate again, while the attention to
horticulture remains in its present state.
It is a biennial, of most elegant appearance, but is very
subject to damp oif, and difficult to keep through the win-
ter. Much j^rotection is sure to kill the plants. It has gen-
erally been considered a tender plant, and treated as such.
At one time having many fijie plants, I distributed them in
various exposures, in hopes to save some. About half of
the whole number were in fine condition in the spring.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 223
The driest soil, in the sliacle of a fence, seems to be the
most favorable situation for them. If the ground is in-
clining to moisture, there is but little chance for them.
So fine a plant as this Gilia well deserves a place in the
garden. I should recommend, for experiment, to sow the
seed in August, as, perhaps, the small plants would en-
dure the winter better than large ones.
The plant grows from four to five feet high. The foliage is
superb, similar to that of the Cypress Vine, with numerous
scarlet-spotted flowers, that continue in bloom a num-
ber of months.
The plants may be potted and kept in the house, or
green-house, through the winter, and then planted out in
the open border.
G. tricolor, — Three-colored Gilia.— This pretty annual,
originally from California, has found its way into most
of our gardens. Scarcely anything can be prettier than
this plant, when thickly filling a bed a few feet in length,
and breadth. It is quite hardy, and grows about one foot
high, with an erect stem and foliage much resembling the
well-known G. capitata ; but the flowers are much longer,
and instead of being collected into globose heads, are
widely spread at the head of long j^eduncles, which, being
numerous, form a large and rather dense panicle, and thus
show oflf to great advantage. The flowers have a yellow
eye, surrounded by a purple ring, bordered by pale-blue
or white. " From its humble stature and neat growth, it
is peculiarly suited for culture in masses, a style of plant-
ing showy flowers, which produces a striking eflfect, when
it can be pursued on a tolerably extensive scale."
G. tenuiflora* — Slender-flowered. — A hardy annual from
California. The flowers are produced upon slender, branch-
ing stems, which rise about two feet high; each flower is
about a quarter of an inch across, of a pale rose color,
slightly streaked with red on the outside, and of a fine
224 breck's new book of flowers
violet inside. The flowers do not produce much show
where a single plant is grown, but it should be grown
in' masses like the last described species.
G. capitata. — Headed Gilia. — A pi'etty, iiardy annual,
with blue, and a variety with white, flowers in clustered
heads. From June to August, two feet high.
G, androsacea. — Leptosiphon androsaccus. — This is a
very pretty, hardy annual, of humble growth, six or
eight inches high ; varying in the color of its flowers,
from white to pale-pink, red, or purple. It is a valuable
little plant for flowering early in the summer, from au-
tumn-sown seeds. The leaves of this plant are deeply
divided into segments, always consisting of an even num-
ber, as four, six, eight, etc.
In addition to these there are G. achillicefolia^ gera-
nicefoUa^ nmlticaulis^ nivalis^ and others, all pretty an-
nuals.
GLADIOLUS.-CoRN Flag.
[From the Latin gladius, a sworJ, in allusion to the shape of the leaves.]
This is called Sword-Lily, Corn-Flag, Corn-Sedge, etc.,
etc. ; in French, le Glaieul. The genus embraces a num-
ber of species, some of which are planted in autumn and
others in the spring. G. Byzantinus^ from Turkey, and
G. communis^ from the South of Europe, with few vari-
eties, have been in cultivation for more than two hun-
dred years ; they are raised by the Dutch Florists and
sent out annually to their customers with Tulips, Hya-
cinths, and other bulbs. They are planted in autumn and
flower the next June ; the colors are purple, red, and
white. All the other species liave bulbous roots, and re-
quire to be taken up in autumn and dried, or kept in pots
in the green-house
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OE FLOWERS. 225
Within a few years the Ghidiolus has been wonderfully
improved by hybridizing ; the beautiful varieties, which
have been produced by this process, have excited the ad-
miration of the floral world, and now constitute a class <
of flowers most beautiful, attractive, and popular. Twen-
ty-five years ago, G. cardinalis was considered one of
the finest species, and is beautiful and showy, with scarlet
and white flowers; but it is a weak growing plant, and
too tender for cultivation, except in pots in the green-
house. It did not, therefore, receive much attention in tliis
country, although in Europe, where it was planted deep in
the open ground, and protected by frames in the winter, it
succeeded very well and was much admired. This species
is now cast in the shade and neglected for the more hardy
and showy hybrids. When G.^psiUachius was first introduc-
ed, about the year 1835, it was considered a great acquisi-
tion. It was originally called G. N'atalensis^ from Xatal, its
native country, and was then one of our most popular and
admired species. Its colors are red, green, and yellow ;
shaded, striped, or mottled, but very inferior to any of
the hybrids. It is a hardy species, and flourishes in almost
any good soil, and is very prolific in forming new bulbs.
The directions for planting this, will answer for all the hy-
brid varieties of G. Gandavenis^ G. florihimdus^ and G.
ramosus. All are of the simplest culture. The soil
should be trenched eighteen inches deep, having been
made rich by good decomposed manure, and if the soil is
stiflT, some sand may be added. The Gladiolus shoAvs to
the best advantage when planted in beds four feet
wide. The bulbs may be planted any time in May.
Seven inches each way is rather too near, although I have
planted with good success at that distance ; probably a foot
apart would be more proper, as some of the plants attain
the height of three, four, and even five feet in rich ground.
The bulbs should be covered two and one-half inches deep.
10*
226 breck's new book of flowers.
Eacli plant should be supported hy a stick or rod, and
neatly tied with Lass strings, so tliat it may retain a
perpendicular position ; the leaves should not be mutilated
or cut. In cultivating these varieties and all other bulb-
ous plants, the fact must never be lost sight of, that the
bulb is, during the summer, a species of underground con-
tinuation of the leaf, while in the winter it is analogous to
the bud of a plant ; therefore any injury to the leaves,
during their growth in summer and autumn, is an injury to
the bulb. When the leaves have performed their functions
of preparing and elaborating the juices for this subterra-
nean bud or bulb, they die aAvay naturally ; leaves of
bulbous plants should therefore never be trimmed or cut
off, with a view of making them look more sightly, unless
they have turned brown. On the other hand, forming and
ripening the seed, withdraws considerable nourishment
from the bulb ; it is, therefore, rather a benefit than an in-
jury to cut the flower, and prevent the seed from coming
to maturity ; the juices are then diverted from this opera-
tion to that of increasing and improving the bulb. These
hybrids will commence showing their flowers about the
first of August, and continue to bloom until near the mid-
dle of September, depending somewhat upon the time
they were planted. If planted before the last of May,
the flowers will appear in the strongest heat of the sum-
mer, and therefore be more liable to be burnt by the sun.
An awning erected over the bed, the same as practiced by
florists for Tulips and other flowers, will preserve the col-
ors and bloom much longer. About the first of Novem-
ber, I take up the bulbs in the morning of a i)leasant day
and leave them on the ground, exposed to the sun through
the day, leaving the leaves on; I then take them into a
dry airy room, where tliere is no danger of frost, and
spread them on the floor oi- on benches, and let them
dry. As soon as tliey appear to be cured, the tops are
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 227
twisted out, the roots pulled apart, the old fibres removed,
and the different varieties placed in separate paper bags,
where they remain a few days until thoroughly dried ;
they are then put in boxes and removed to a dry cellar,
where they will remain in perfect safety until wanted for
planting in the spring. Each variety should have a neat
label, with the name, stuck in the ground by the side of
the bulb, at the time of planting, and carefully kept with
the bulbs when taken up, and placed with them in the
bag ; there w^ill then be no mistake.
Gladiolus Gandav^nis.— It is not more than twenty
years since this very striking variety was introduced into
this country from England. We imported two bulbs,
for w^iiich we paid one guinea ; color, superb orange, scar-
let, and yellow. This variety was raised as a seedling by
Van Houtte, and derives its name from the town of Gand.
It is a hybrid between G. psittacmus and some other spe-
cies, not certainly known.
G. floribundus, is a beautiful variety or species ; color
shaded-rose, pink, or white. The flow^ers are very deli-
cate, and produced in long crowded spikes. The growth
is strong, and the bulb smaller than in any of the describ-
ed species, except G. cardinalis.
G. ramosilS. — Beautiful rose, marked with white and
carmine. The bulbs are small, and if planted the last of
May, will bloom well. The growth is much stronger
than that of G. cardinalis.
From these different species have sprang the grand col-
lection of hybrid Gladiolus, now so highly esteemed,
which have been produced by amateurs and cultivators
in Europe and imported into this country, many of the
varieties at great expense. But w^e shall no longer be de-
pendent on foreign cultivators for the production of
splendid new varieties, for within the last two years
228 breck's new book of flowers.
Messrs. Strong, Spooner, and otlier gentlemen have ex-
hibited new seedling varieties, some of them fully equal
to any imported. These hybrids have often very valua-
ble qualities, besides their beauty ; they are frequently
more hardy, and very often are more prolific in flowers
than the originals, though in some cases they do not pro-
duce seeds. As the art of hybridizing is not generally
known, it may be interesting to the reader to be made
acquainted with the process, and I cannot present the sub-
ject in any clearer light than to adopt the description
given by my late friend J. E. Teschemacker, in an article
published in the Horticultural Register, in 1835, on the
Gladiolus. He says: — "My Avay has been, when the
flower just commenced opening, I open it very carefully,
and then extract the anthers with a pair of tweezers or
pincers, before they can have opened and shed their pol-
len on the pistil, which will then be found with the trifid
divisions closed. As soon as the flower, thus deprived
of its anthers, has opened and the styles have separated,
take the ripened pollen from the anthers of the flower
you wish to mix and impregnate with, either with a small
j^iece of cotton, a camel's hair pencil, or the fine point of
a penknife, and shed it on the styles so that it remains
sticking there ; this will impregnate the seed.
It is now, however, necessary to prevent this flower re-
ceiving, by the means of insects or the air, pollen from
any other flowers of the same species, either of its own
spike or from others ; for this purpose, I have generally
tied a piece of very fine gauze or India muslin over the
flower, so as entirely to protect it from further impreg-
nation.
When the petals are fading, it will be perceived, by the
swelling of the seed vessel, whether the purpose in view
has answered. Should it have been successful, I remove
the muslin, and ucencrallv allow somc^ of the other flowers
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 229"
of the spike to proceed in growing, to draw up the juices
from the earth, but remove their seed vessels as they ap-
pear, in order to throAV the wdiole strength of the phmt
into the hybridized seed; observing that the first and
second flowers of a spike,* if perfect, are more Ukely to
succeed in this operation than those of later bloom.
It is probable that many varieties of the same floA^er,
DOW considered a species, have been thus produced natur-
ally ; certainly very many beautiful additions to the flow-
er-garden have been thus artificially brought into being.
It may be readily imagined how amusing this employment
is to the man of leisure, and to the gardener it has been
for some years a source of large profits."
The Gladiolus is propagated by seed, or by offsets of
the bulbs. Large ones maybe taken out of the earth and
kept in a dry place, but seedlings and small oflTsets should
be left in the pots of earth if possible, they being more
apt to dry up if removed ; they must, however, be kept
out of the reach of frost.
The seed should be sown, as soon as ripened, in boxes or
pots, and placed in the green-house in a peaty soil, or it
may be sown in March or April, in a hot-bed, with mod-
erate heat ; the seeds should be scarcely covered. When
the plants appear, and the rays of the sun are strong in
May, they should be shaded with mats. When the grass
of the plants is two inches high, they may be repotted
and plunged in the ground in June, so that the first year
they may make the greatest possible growth. When the
grass begins to grow yellow in autumn, the j^ots should be
taken up and put in a dry warm place, and the earth re-
main upon the roots dry, during the winter; they mny
be planted out in the ground in May, after taking them
from the pots. The third year the greater part of them
will show flowers.
I had prepared a descriptive list of about one hundred
230 biieck's new book of flowers.
varieties of Hybrid Gladiolus, which were cultivated by
me this present year, but as new varieties are produced
annually, some of them are superseding the old sorts, it
would not be a perfect guide for years to come, and
I therefore leave it out.
I find that most of the varieties that have been planted
for a number of years retain their distinctive characters ;
but in consequence of the severe drought, or some other
cause, some of the varieties sported more or less. Some
of the yellow sorts were inclined to be mottled or vari-
egated with red. The variety, Marie, which, according
to the description, should have a ground of pure white,
was very much striped with red, so that it was difficult to
recognize it without looking at the label. Some other
varieties slightly departed from the description.
GLATICIUM.— Horned Poppy.
[The name derived from its glaucous foliage.]
Glaucium luteum. — Sea Celandine, or Yellow Horned
Poppy. — This is a flower common to every part of Eu-
rope, growing on sandy soils, chiefly by the sea shore.
The flowers fall the second day after they are blown, but
they are large, form a fine contrast with the leaves,
which are of a sea-green color, glaucous, with a dew-be-
spangled appearance. It is biennial ; the whole plant
abounds in a yellow juice, is foetid, of a poisonous quali-
ty, and said to produce madness. Ben Johnson mentions
the Horned Poppies among the plants used by the witches
in their incantations. Probably, that however handsome
the plant may be, it will not be sought after with great
eagerness.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 231
GODETIA.
fNamed in honor of Chas. Godel, a Swiss botanist.]
This is properly only a section of the genus CEnothera ;
but, as the distinction is usually kept up in works on
floriculture, they are retained here under a separate head.
They are generally beautiful, hardy annual plants of easy
cultivation in any good garden soil. The species are
natives of California, and some improved varieties have
been obtained from them.
God^tia rilbicimda. — Ruddy Flowered, introduced by
Mr. Douglas from California. It grows nearly two feet
high, with large rosy-lilac flowers, which have an orange
colored eye in the center, the base of each petal ending
with that color ; in flower from July to September.
G. rubicitnda splendens^ is a variety raised by Vilmorin,
who says : —
" The Godetia ruMciinda is one of our best annuals
and a general favorite with amateurs of fine flowers, the
new variety we ofler, and which has been raised in our
gardens, difiers from its senior by its purple stain in the
center, which is larger and of a mnch brighter color, being
thus more showy, and producing a much greater efiect.
" We do not doubt that the new variety which has
proved during two years cultivation quite permanent,
will supersede the old one as soon as it is sufiiciently
known."
G. l^pida. — The flowers are of a pale-purple, with a
light center, each petal marked at the upper part with a
large patch of crimson-purple color, which gives the flow-
ers a pretty appearance; it merits a place in the garden.
G. vinosa. — Wine-stained. — Another pretty hardy an-
nual plant. The flowers have much the appearance of
CEnothera rosea alba / they are near two inches across,
nearly white, slightly sufliised with rosy-purj^le. They
are produced in profusion from July to September.
232
G. Lindleyanai — Lindley's Godetia. — This species is
one of the prettiest of the genus. The flowers are either
white or bhish, with a rich purple blotch on each petal ;
in flower all summer. G. rosea alba. — Tom Thumb. —
The color of the flower is pure white, with a brilliant rose
blotch, at the base of each petal ; height one foot, and
blooms in profusion. Godetia. the Bride. — This com-
paratively new variety is one of the most elegant of the
genus. Flowers pure white with a faint blush, large and
showy ; in bloom most of the season ; height one and
one-half foot.
GOMPHRENA.— Globe Amaranth.
[From a Greek word for chxb, probably in allusion to the shape of the flowers.]
"Amaranths ?uch as crown tiie maids
Tliat wander through Zamara's siiades."
Gomphr^na ^lobosa, is a popular tender annual, vaUied
for its heads of flowers, which, if tliey are gathered be-
fore they are too fir advanced, will retain their beauty
for several years. There are three common varieties ; the
purple, white, and striped. The seed is difficult to vege-
tate in the open ground ; soaking the seed twelve hours
in warm milk is recommended ; scalding, perhaps, would
do better. A powerful heat in the hot-bed will start it
quickly, and destroy tlie plant also, unless care is taken.
A new species of tliis desirable Amarantli has been dis-
covered in Mexico, which makes quite an important addi-
tion to this class of "immortelles," so universally culti-
. ated in our gardens. It has reddish-orange flowers, in
heads more oval than the common Amaranth. Like the
other Amaranths, it should be starte^s de
Suse^ or de Constantinople^ is one of the most beautiful
of the genus ; it is not a bulbous root, but tuberous, im-
ported with bulbous roots from Holland, and planted at
tlie same time, and manner, except that the soil should be
of a more loamy character. It has the largest flowers of
any of the species, and is the most magnificent of them all.
The colors of the flowers are of various shades of the
richest purplish-brown, beautifully mottled and spotted,
so as to give it a very rich and unique appearance. It
produces its flowers in June, on stems a foot high. It
may be increased by parting the roots in autumn. Tliis
splendid flower is reputed to be tender ; but I have planted
it in October and November and even in December, with
success, giving the same protection as to Tulips or Hya-
cinths ; but, if the roots are sufiered to remain in the
ground after flowering, it is not so likely to flower again,
and will probably perish. If left in the ground through
tlie summer, it commences growing in autumn, forms its
flower-buds before winter sets in, and dies. Observing
this, I have taken up the roots the first of August, and
kept them out of the ground till the time of planting
in autumn, with perfect success. After drying, the roots
should be kept in a cool place in dry moss or sand.
252
One of the most esteemed of the bulbous rooted Irises,
is the Persian, on account of the beauty and fragrance of
its flowers. It is also very early but not perfectly hardy.
It is valued for flowering in the green-house, or sitting-
room. A few of its flowers will scent a whole room ; the
colors are pale sky-blue, purple, yellow, and white.
I. Xiphium. — The Spanish Iris, is a handsome border-
flower, with bulbous roots, perfectly hardy, embracing the
most delicate shades of light and dark-blue, brown, pur-
ple, yellow, and white, and variously colored, striped and
spotted; the bulbs are small, tooth-like, sending forth
rush-like foliage, flowering in June ; stems about eighteen
inches high. The bulbs of this and the English Iris should
be planted in autumn, about two and one-half inches
deep in any good garden soil. The bulbs need not be
taken up oftener than once in three years.
I. xyphioides. — The English Iris, is somewhat similar
to the last, but more robust in growth; the bulbs are
larger ; the stem two feet high, producing its flowers in
June ; colors as various as in the Spanish, and as desirable
for the border.
L Sambucina. — Elder-scented Iris.— A very beautiful
species, with brilliant, 23ale-blue, variegated flowers, on
stems four feet high, with many flowers, standing
above the foliage; the foliage is long and narrow, or
more grass-like than the common tuberous sorts. The
roots of it are of a more fibrous character than in most
of the genus, and mat together so hard, that they are
with difficulty separated. A clump of tliis, with its nu-
merous rich flowers and graceful foliage, makes as much
show as any other plant of the season ; last of June.
I. pseudacorus. — The Yellow Iris of England, has
handsome yellow flowers; in June; two to three feet
in height.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWEKS. 253
I. ceelestina.— Sky-blue Iris. — This is a magnificent spe-
cies, with long broad leaves and very large light-blue
flowers, on stems three feet high.
I. versicolor. — Blue Flag. — This is a fine indigenous
species, a showy ornament of our meadows in the early
part of summer. It succeeds well in the garden.
I. Vir^inica. — Slender Blue Flag. — This is another na-
tive species, but not very common. It has grass-like fo-
liage, with flower-stems one foot higli ; its flowers are
purple, veined with yellow, and not so large as any of the
other species or varieties. A very pretty plant for the
border.
I. Germanica. — German Iris. — This is the common
Flower-de-Luce of the gardens, well known to all. Flow-
ers large, dark purple, and light-blue, or three-colored ; in
May and June, two feet high. I. Florentina. — Floren-
tine Iris, has large white flowers ; flowering at the same
time with the last, of the same height and habit.
The series of Hybrid Iris is very extensive, at least one
hundred varieties are cultivated by some florists, many of
them however, have, so near a resemblance, that tliere are
but very few cultivators that would be desirous of encum-
bering their grounds with all the sorts. They are of all col-
ors and shades of blue, purple, yellow, and brown; some
are beautifully spotted, variegated, striped, parti-colored,
etc. A bed of the many varieties makes a fine show.
The roots increase so fast, that it is necessary to make new
beds of them every three or four years. Although the
Iris is not considered as a Lily, the French have given it
the name of one ; it is the Fleur-de-Lys, which figures in
the arms of France. The following conjectural origin of
this name is given by the Abbe la Pluche, a French
writer : —
" The upper part of the Lily, when fully expanded, and
the two contiguous leaves beheld in profile, have," he ob-
254
serves " a faint likeness to the top of the Flower-de-Luc e,
which often appears on the crowns and sceptres in the mon-
uments of the first and second race of kings, and which
was most probably a composition of these three leaves.
Lewis the Second, engaged in the second crusade, distin-
guished himself, as was customary in those times, by a par-
ticular blazon, and took this figure for his coat of arms ;
and as the common people generally contracted the name
of Lewis into Luce, it is natural to imagine that this
flower was, by corruption, distinguished in process of
time by the name of Flower-de-Luce." Shakespeare ap-
pears to consider this flower as a Lily only by courtesy :
" Lilies of all kinds
The Flower-de-Luce being one."
LAMIUM,
[Lamium was a celebrated sea-monster. The flowers of Ihis genus are sup-
posed to resemble the grotesque figure of some beast.]
Lamium rugOSum, or Rough-leaved Lamium, produces
clusters of its curious white flowers all the season ; there
is a variety with light-purple flowers ; they are suitable
plants for rock-work. The odor of the plants is rather
unpleasant. Most of the species are coarse weeds.
LANTANA.
[One of llie ancient names of the Viburnum, which this resembles a little in
foliage.]
The species are rapid grovvers and free flowerers, and
readily increased by cuttings. They form small bushes,
with heads of flowers of brilliant changeable colors, and
of a peculiar aromatic odor.
Lant^na Camara^ formerly L. aculeata. — Changeable-
colored, is a native of the West Indies and South Ameri-
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 255
ca, and is probably the species from which so many beau-
tiful varieties, that now decorate our green-houses and
gardens, have originated. The plant is tender, but flow-
ers in great profusion from June to October, when
jjlanted out in the garden, and will .^attain the height of
two or three feet from small plants ; but, when old plants
are turned out, they form quite large shrubs, from four to
eight feet high, "with bushy heads two or three feet thick.
It presents a pleasing appearance when the different
varieties are planted in groups on the back side of the
flow^er-border, on the lawn, or in front of the shrubbery.
The flowers are arranged in numerous hemispherical com-
pact heads, an inch or more in diameter ; the varieties now
in cultivation are : those with scarlet flowers in the outer
rows of the head, with orange ones in the center ; purple,
delicately edged with straw outside, orange center ; pure
Avhite, with yellow eye; yellow and white; purple and
violet-red, etc. ; the colors changeable. The heads of
flowers are j^roduced in pairs from the axils of the leaves.
The stems are angular and somewhat prickly. The foli-
age is elegant, of a deep shining green ; leaves in pairs,
opposite, ovate-acuminate, roughish, deeply veined, edges
finely serrate. The flowers are succeeded by clusters of
green drupes or berries, which turn to a deep-blue when
ripe. The flowers and foliage wilt so readily and the flow-
ers drop so soon, that I could not recommend them for
bouquets, even if the odor were more agreeable.
LASTHENIA.
Lasth^nia ^labrata. — A dwarf annual plant from Cal-
ifornia, ten to twelve inches high, bearing a profusion of
small yellow flowers, in the style of a Sunflower. Not
likely to become very popular.
256
LATHYRTJS.— Sweet Pea.
[A name employed by Theophrastus, to designate a legiiminous plant.]
Lathyrus latifolius, or Everlasting Pea, is a most beau-
tiful, large, diffuse perennial, producing a long succession
of large light-purple or pink flowers, in clusters of eight
or ten each. The j)lant is suitable for the shrubbery, ar-
bors, or for training to a trellis. When supported, it at-
tains the height of six feet. " It attaches and supports it-
self, like many scandent plants, by means of the branching
tendrils terminating its single pair of broad leaflets."
A variety has white flowers. It may be propagated by
dividing the roots, or more extensively by sowing the
seeds. Young plants will flower the second year feebly,
but the third and fourth year they produce a profusion of
foliage and flowers. It has been suggested that it might
be applied to agricultural purposes with profit, on account
of its yielding so great a quantity of fodder and seed.
L. grandiflorus. — Great-flowered Everlasting Pea. —
The flowers are very large, rose-colored, and appear two
or three together ; the foliage and stems light and elegant ;
not in common cultivation. The roots of the JSver-hloom-
ing or Everlasting Peas are very long and fleshy, and in a
loamy soil send down a tap root, three or four feet into the
ground, and will remain for many years without injury
from the severest winter.
Lt odor^tus* — Sweet Pea, is one of the most beautiful and
fi-agrant of the genus, and is deservedly one of the most
popular annuals that enrich the flower-garden. The va-
rieties are white, rose, red, crimson, purple, black, and
striped. One style of planting is, to place them in circles,
two feet in diameter and four feet apart, each variety by
itself. When the young plants commence growing and
require support, a neat stake should be firmly placed in
the center of the circle, to which they should be trained,
on strong strings to the top of the stake, which should be
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 257
at least five feet high, if the ground is rich ; others clioose
to plant them in rows and support them with brush — or
with strong: twine runninor the rows, fastened to stakes set
among the j^lants. The seed should be sown as early as
possible in the spring. They will then produce a profu-
sion of flowers from July to October.
LAVATERA.
[In memory of the two Lavaters, pliysicians of Zurich.]
Lavatera trim^Stris. — Common Lavatera. — A popular
hardy annual, of easy culture and handsome appearance,
with large, Hollyhock-shaped, red flowers. There is a va-
riety with white flowers. Two feet high, in bloom from
July to October. Cultivated the same as the Mallows, to
wliich it is closely related.
LILITJM.— The Lily.
[The classical Latin name.]
" Have you seen but a bright Lily grow,
Before rude hands iiave touched it ? "
" Queen of the field, in milk-white mantle drest.
The lovely Lily waved her curling crest."
All the species of this splendid genus with which we
are acquainted, may be considered worthy of a place in
every good collection of plants. Many of them are well
known, while a greater number are not often seen in our
gardens. The Lily is an interesting flower to the young
florist as well as to the botanist, on account of the simpli-
city of its structure, and the size and distinct character
of its difi*erent parts or organs. The root of the Lily, or
258 breck's new book op elowees.
what is generally denominated the root, is a scaly bulb,
the scales being laid over each other in an imbricate form,
inclosmg the bud. The bulb is not a root, strictly speak-
ing, but a bud containing the embryo of the future plant.
The roots are thrown out from very short stems at the
bottom of these bulbs, or buds, and, unlike the fibres of
the Tulip, are perennial ; and on their strength depends,
in a great measure, the vigor of the future plant. Bulbs,
long kept out of ground, are very much weakened, and a
number of years will elaj^se before they recover strength
to bloom in great perfection. After the flowering of the
Lily, in August, the foliage of many species decays ; the
bulbs then are in the most perfect state for transplanting.
If they are permitted to remain long after this, and the
foliage begins to start again, they will not bloom so strong
the next year. The Lily should not be moved any oftener
than is necessary. It is not like the Tulip and many other
bulbs, which are not injured, but rather improved, by tak-
ing them up annually after flowering. The Lily will flour-
ish in any well prepared border or bed. To have them
in perfection, excavate the soil eighteen inches deep,
and fill up with a compost of peat, or swamp muck,
undecayed manure, or leaf mould, a foot deep; the re-
maining six inches may be peat and rich mould. The
bulbs of strong-growing Lilies may be planted from four
to five inches deep ; and weaker sorts from three to four
inches. In the borders, three bulbs, of the stronger-grow-
ing varieties, are enough fi)r one group, or five, of the
weaker sorts. They have a pleasing effect when in mas-
ses ; or they may be planted in beds. Most of the species
are quite hardy ; but they will all be benefitted, and bloom
more strongly, provided they receive a covering of rotten
manure before winter sets in.
Lilium candidum. — The Wliite Lily. — This species has
always been considered the emblem of ])urity, and is too
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 259
well known to require any description. A mass of White
Lilies is always beheld with admiration, and they perfume
the air with their delicious fragrance. The White Lily is,
therefore, indispensable, and should be found in every
garden. It sometimes attains the height of three or
four feet, and is in flower about the first of July. L. can-
didum jiore pleno. — The Double White Lily. — A variety
of the double white ; it is curious, but not beautiful.
The inflorescence appears to be a coutinuation of the fo-
liage, which, as it terminates the stem, gradually assumes
the character of petals, with the whiteness of the single
flower. It is a monster, and for that reason may be fan-
cied by some. The Variegated White Lily is another va-
riety, and not very desirable. The purity of the white is
destroyed by the dull purple stripes that mark the petals,
and give it a dingy appearance. L. candidmn folia vari-
egata. — The Gold-striped Lily. — There are two varieties
of the White Lily with striped leaves, one haviug yellow,
the other white-striped foliage ; both jjretty in a collection.
L. lon;^ifl6rum. — The Long-flowered White Lily. —
This is a very beautiful and fragrant species, not quite so
hardy as the common White Lily, but stands the winter
well, when protected. The flowers, pure white, very
long and large ; produced in July.
Lt MartagOllt— Turk's-Cap Lily. — There are many va-
rieties of this species ; some with pure white, others with
purple, spotted, or variegated flowers. The petals are
very much reflexed, giving them the appearance of caps.
In strong soil, and the roots well established, the stems
are sometimes thrown up from three to five feet, produc-
ing twenty or thirty flowers ; flowering in July.
Li croceum. — The Umbel-flowered Orange Lily, a va-
riety of which is called L. umhellattim^ is a strong-
growing species, producing quite a number of large, up-
right orange flowers, with rough interior. In contrast
260
with the White Lily, it makes an imposing appearance.
It flowers about the first of July.
L. Thunbergianum. — The Dwarf Orange Lily. — More
dwarfish than the last ; about two feet high, with three
or four upright orange flowers on a stem ; in flower in
July. This is the X. aurantiacum of the catalogues.
L. tigrinum. — Tiger-spotted Lily. — A quite common,
strong-growing species ; but very showy, having fine, re-
flexed, orange flowers, with black spots. It has the pecu-
liarity of producing small bulbs in the axils of the leaves.
It grows from four to six feet high, flowering in August,
and is a suitable plant for the shrubbery as well as the
border. It is very easily j^ropagated, as all the axillary
bulbs, Avhen planted in the ground, soon produce flower-
ing plants.
L. Pomponium. — Scarlet Pompone Lily. — This is a
beautiful species, with scarlet reflexed petals, flowering in
June and July. It is rather a shy flowerer, and has not
flourished so well with us as some other sorts.
L. Chalcedonicum. — Chalcedonian Lily. — This is an-
other fine Scarlet Lily, with reflexed petals, growing three
or four feet high, and flowering in July. L. pyrenaiGum^
with reflexed yellow flowers, with scarlet anthers, we
have in our collection; very pretty, but producing only
from one to three flowers in each stem. Among other
beautiful species, are L. Cateshcei^ a native of the South,
with orange-colored flowers, and dwarf in its habit. X.
TYionadelphuni^ a species from Caucasus ; and many others
which may be obtained from the Dutch florists. Lily
bulbs, when transported from Holland, are so much weak-
ened, from being kept so long out of ground, that more
than one-lialf of them perish ; and the few that vegetate
frequently stand a number of years before they get
strength to bloom.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OV FLOWERS. 261
L. speciosum. — The Japan Lily, also called Z. lancifo-
liicm. — This magnificent species of Lily, and its varieties,
have been introduced but a few years, and, until lately,
treated as green-house plants. They are found to be as
hardy as our common Lilies, and do prove a great acquisi-
tion to the garden. The species, X. speciosum, has a pink
and white frosted ground, finely spotted with deep crimson ;
JL. lancifoliumj album is pure white ; each variety with re-
flexed petals. These Lilies emit an exquisite odor. I have
seen plants five and six feet high ; they were, however,
grown in pots in the green-house. Tliesc bulbs have form-
erly commanded extravagant prices ; but as the i:)rice is
now greatly reduced, we hope soon to see them more com-
mon. The following account is from an English paper;
and, as the directions for their culture will be applicable
to us, we insert it, with some omissions : —
" Few plants of recent introduction are more handsome
or attractive than the Japan Lilies. They j^i'oduce a
gorgeous display, either in-doors or out ; and, as they are
quite hardy, they may be liberally planted in the open
border, and thus constitute one of our best autumnal
flower-garden plants.
*' Their proj^agation is simple and certain. The bulbs
may be separated, and each scale will eventually form a
new bulb. This separation should be effected when the
flower-stems are withered. The scales should be stuck in-
to pans of silver sand, and placed in a cold frame or pit.
After remaining one season in this position, they should
be planted in a separate bed of peat soil, and a little sil-
ver sand intermixed with it ; thus treated, the bulbs will
soon grow large enough to flower.
" The cultivation of them in pots is by no means diffi-
cult. I shall detail the practice I have pursued with suc-
cess for some years. Immediately when the bulbs go to
rest, in the autumn, is the proper time to repot them.
262 breck's new book of flowers.
By no means destroy the old roots, but carefully place
them amongst the fresh soil. If large examples, for par-
ticular display, are required, large pots may be employed,
and half a dozen flowering bulbs placed in each pot. The
soil I use is rough peat. The pots should be well drained,
and the crown of the bulb just covered with the soil ;
when potted, they should be placed in a cold pit or frame,
in order to prevent the soil from freezing, 'although frost
will not injure the bulb. Where room imder glass is an
object in winter, they may be phmged in the open air in
coal ashes, in a manner similar to potted Hyacinths. I
liave at this time a large number coming into flower,
which have never been under glass until within these few
days ; they have sustained no iujury from exposure, and
they present every appearance of making a grand display.
There is scarcely any plant which is so much benefited by
•liquid manure as the Lily If used in a clear state, and
considerably diluted, this water alone may be apphed for
at least a month before it comes into flower.
"If the object should be out-door cultivation entirely,
I should recommend them to be planted in beds ; their ef-
fect is exceedingly grand. Excavate the soil eighteen
inches deep, and fill in the bottom, a foot deep, with very
coarse peat, intermixed with one-fifth of decayed manure
or leaf mould. The remaining six inches may be en-
tirely peat. If the bulbs are large enough to bloom,
2:>lant them twelve inches apart every way ; and if beds
of each kind are brought into contact with one another,
tlie effect will be magnificent."
Among the varieties sold by the florists are ruhrum^
white with critnson spots ; alburn^ pure Avhitc ; roseum^
white with rose-colored spots. Melpomene^ with very
dark spots. Monstrosum^ a curious variety in which sev-
eral stems seem to l)e soldered together and produce a
magnificent head, of from thirty to fifty flowers.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS, 263
All our native Lilies arc beautiful, and very much im-
proved by cultivation. While we are bringing together,
from the ends of the earth, the treasures of Flora, let not
our own be neglected. These may be taken from our
fields and meadows, when in bloom, by carefully taking
them up with a ball of earth, and in a few years will
richly repay the trouble.
L, Siip^rblim. — Superb Lily. — One of the most magni-
ficent of our native plants ; not common in the vicinity
of Boston, but in many parts of the State, and in New
York, is abundant. Stem erect, straight, from three to
six feet high, bearing a large pyramid of orange-colored
flowers, not unfrequently numbering, when cultivated,
thirty or forty. The flowers are much reflexed. They
are found in many varieties, with flowers from a yellow
to an orange scarlet ; in bloom in July.
L. Canad^nse. — i^odding Meadow Lily. — This fine
Lily may be found embellishing our meadows in June,
when it rarely produces more than from ono to five mod-
est, nodding, but showy flowers, on stems one to three
feet high. It is very much improved by cultivation, and,
when planted in rich ground, has been known to grow
five feet high, with a pyramid of at least twenty of its
pendulous flowers ; color from yellow to deep orange
scarlet. The flowers are profusely spotted with brown,
on the inside, and are but little reflexed.
L. PlliLadelphicum. — The Common Ked Lily of our
pastures and dry fields ; equal, if not superior, in beauty,
to Zi. Canadense^ but of a difierent habit. Its height
rarely exceeds two feet, with one to three flowers, the pe-
tals of which are supported on a long claw ; upright, of
a dark vermillion color, richly spotted with black. The
flowers are bell-shaped; in bloom in July. This species
may, no doubt, be as greatly improved by cultivation as
L. Canadense. It would then form one of the most
264
showy ornaments of the garden, as the color of the flower
is rich and brilliant. If ten or fifteen flowers could be
produced on one stem, the effect of a group of plants
would be surpassingly rich.
L. testaceum. — A splendid species, introduced within a
few years under the name of L. excelsum. The plants
grow four or five feet high, forming a regular pyramid of
lanceolate leaves, upon a stout thick stem, crowned with
six or eight large nodding Lilies, of a delicate straw or
nankin color, finely set off by their prominent scarlet
anthers ; the bulbs are very large ; perfectly hardy.
L. auratum* — Golden Strij^ed Lily. — This new and
magnificent species of Lily lately introduced from Jaj^an,
is thus described by Dr. Lindley : —
" If ever a flower merited the name of glorious, it is
this, which stands far above all other Lilies, whether we
regard its size, its sweetness, or its exquisite arrangement
of color. Imagine, upon the end of a purple stem, not
thicker than a ramrod, and not above two feet higii, a
saucer-shajjed flower at least ten inches in diameter, com-
posed of six spreading, somewhat crisp parts, rolled back
at their points, and having an ivory-white skin, thinly
strewn with purple points or studs, and oval or roundish
prominent purple stains. To this add, in the middle of
each of the six parts, a broad stripe of light satin-yellow,
loosing itself gradually in the ivory skin. Place the
flower in a situation where side-light is cut off, and no di-
rect light can reach it except from above, when the stripes
acquire the appearance of gentle streamlets of Australian
gold, and the reader who has not seen it, may form some
feeble notion of what it is. Fortunately ten thousand
eyes beheld it at South Kensington, and they can fill up
the details of the picture. From this delicious flower,
there arises the perfume of orange blossoms suflicient t >
fill a large room, but so delicate as to resjiect the weakest
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 265
nerves. It is botanically allied to L. speciosum on the
one hand, and to the orange-red X. Thunbergianum on
the other ; but it is wholly different from either."
At the present time this splendid Lily is scarce, selling
for $5 per bulb.
LIMNANTHES.
[Name from tlie Greek, meaning marsh-Jlower.'\
Limnanthes Dou^lasii. — Mr. Douglas' Limnanthes. — A
native of California, from whence it was sent by Mr. Doug-
las. The plant is annual, quite hardy, decumbent, stems
growing ten or twelve inches long. The stems are
crowned with numerous fragant flowers, each about an inch
across, much resembling in size and form the Nemophila
insignis, A large portion of the flower is a deep yellow,
the extremities of the petals being white. It blooms from
June to August,
LINAEIA.-T0AD Flax.
[The plant, out of flower, is very similar to Linum, Flax.]
The species are for the most part pretty annual plants,
and some of them, as Linaria Cymbalaria^ well adapted
for growing in pots or for rock-work ; L. triphylla is a
popular border annual ; L. triornithophora is remarkable
for the form of its flowers, which resemble three little
birds seated in the spur. L. vulgaris^ known as Butter
and Eggs, Toad-Flax, and Ranstead-weed, is a very showy
plant, but a bad weed. L. hipartita lutea^ alba and splen-
dida^ and L. macroura^ are also pretty plants.
12
266 breck's new book of flowers.
LINTJM-Flax.
[Linum, in Celtic, signifies thread ]
Linum perenne. — Perennial Flax. — A native of the far
West with bright blue flowers, which, though they fade
soon, are produced so abundantly that the plant is for a
long time in flower.
Lt grandiflorum. — Large-flowered Flax. — A handsome
annual from Algiers. It has large, brilliant, crimson
flowers, and but seldom produces seed. L. luteum is sird-
ilar, with yellow flowers. L, usitcitisslmum, is the culti-
vated Flax ; it is an annual species with handsome blue
flowers, the proper place of which is the field rather than
the erarden.
LOASA.
[A. name of unknown meaning.]
A curious genus, mostly annuals, remarkable for the
beauty of their singular flowers, but the j^lants possess one
quality which must forever banish them from the pleasure
garden ; the whole plant is covered with hairs, which, on
being even slightly touched, eject a poison into the flesh,
causing a painful blister, the eflfect of which does not pass
oflf for several days.
Lo4sa lateritia* — Brick-red Loasa. — It is a native of
South America ; a climber, growing twelve to twenty feet
in a season. The seed should be sown in a warm border,
early in May. The flowers are prettily colored, between a
l>rick-red and orange shade, and produced in profusion
through the summer and autumn. It is very ornamental,
when properly trained upon a trellis ; but it will be best
not to come within touching distance of the plant without
a good pair of gloves. X. Pentlandii is another beauti-
ful species, of later introduction than the last, and said to
be more tender ; this is also a climbing plant.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 267
LOBELIA.
[Name in honor of M. Label, physician and botanist to James I.]
The genus is very large, containing more than eighty-
species. The predominant color in the species is blue, and
many are highly ornamental.
Lobelia cardinalis.— Scarlet Cardinal Flower. — This
splendid native plant embellishes the borders of our
brooks and rivulets, in the months of July and August,
with its unrivalled scarlet blossoms. It is a mistaken no-
tion that it will flourish only in wet ground. I have
taken it up, when growing in water, and planted it in a
soil that was far from being moist, Av^ith good success.
It was introduced into England in 1629, and, to this day,
is duly appreciated. Justice, who published a work on
gardening, in 1754, in describing it, says : — " It is a flower
of most handsome appearance, which should not be want-
ing in curious gardens, as it excels all other flowers I ever
knew in the richness of its color." It has an erect stem,
two to three feet high, with broad lanceolate, serrate
leaves ; flowers in terminal spikes, pointing one way.
L. fulgens. — ^The Fulgent Lobelia. — Is a native of Mex-
ico, and was introduced into England in 1809. Leaves
narrow lanceolate, toothed, revolute at the edge ; stem
jmbescent, (downy,) three feet high; perennial; its
bright scarlet flowers in terminal racemes.
L. splendens. — The Splendid Lobelia. — Is also a native
of Mexico, introduced into England in 1814. Leaves
narrow lanceolate ; stem quite smooth, three feet high ;
flowers brilliant scarlet, in terminal racemes ; perennial.
L, syphilitica, — The Blue or Great Lobelia. — Is a com-
mon plant, and introduced into England in 1665. It has
its specific name from its supposed efticacy in the cure of
the syphilis, among the North American Indians. Sir
William Johnson purchased the secret from them, but
LOBELIA. CARDINALIS.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 269
Woodville says its virtues have not been confirmed by
any instance of European practice." Stem erect, two
feet high ; raceme leafy, with flowers of a bright sky-
blue. L. speciosa^ of the gardens, is either a variety of
this, or a hybrid between this and another species.
The treatment for those above enumerated is the same.
I once had L. cardinalis^ fulgens^ and speciosa^ in great
perfection, having a soil and situation well adaj^ted to
their growth, with a little preparation. The soil, natur-
ally, was a black, heavy loam, upon a clay and gravel
subsoil, a little sj)ringy, and never very dry. Upon the
spots designed for their location, I threw four or five
shovelfuls of river-sand, and two of partly decomposed
night-soil compost, and had it thoroughly incorporated
with the soil, for two feet around, Avhich made it quite
light, and placed the j^lants in the center. They began
to flower in Jnly, and continued to throw up vigorous
stems, with an abundance of flowers, until October.
Their growth was so luxuriant, that it was necessary to
tie them up to slender rods, stuck into the ground, a num-
ber of times, to prevent them from being broken by the
wind. L. cardinalis and L.fulgens were more than three
feet high ; the others between two and three feet. They
may be easily propagated, by laying the stems in July
and August, or dividing the roots in the spring, or by
seed.
"Van Mons observes that L. cardinalis perishes in
sandy soil, but becomes strong and multiplies in loam,
while, at the same time, it produces the most brilliant
colors in the former.
" The sanie thing may doubtless be predicted of the
other species, it being a well-known law of nature, as to
living beings, that their energies are concentrated in pro-
portion to the obstacles thrown in the way of their ex-
pansion."
270 breck's new book of flowers.
Li spicata* — Spiked Lobelia. — A beautiful indigenous
species;, common in most pastures and by the road sides,
with lively jjale-blue flowers, in long terminal spikes ; in
July. Stem upright, smooth, a little hairy, one and one-
half foot high. I have never seen this species cultivated,
but have no doubt but what it would be very much im-
proved, and prove a valuable acquisition to the border.
There are a number of annual Lobelias which are much
admired for their innumerable dark-blue flowers, which
are produced through the season. They are humble trail-
ing plants, very suitable for the front of the flower-bed,
or for ornamental rock-work, until the perennials have
spread. Among the varieties recommended are, L. ramo-
sa, gracilis, coelestina, triqueter, and others. They are
good plants for hanging pots, as they are always covered
with their delicate blue, light and dark, rose, or white
flowers, which, trailing over the pots, present an interest-
ing appearance. X. Paxtoniana. — Flowers fine azure
blue, shading ofl" to a white margin ; growth compact.
A novel and desirable variety for pot culture, or for plant-
ing out in the border, Avhere it succeeds best if partially
shaded. All Lobelias are poisonous, though some have
been used medicinally. I make this remark as a Avarning
to inexperienced persons, against putting any of the spe-
cies into the mouth. All the species are increased by
sowing the sepetticoat Narcissiis. —
Called in France Medusa's Trumpet, has the cup Uvo
inches long, very broad at the brira. Of this, there are a
number of varieties ; one, pale citron color ; another darker
and larger; both curious and pretty; flowers early in May.
iV. poeticus, or Poet's Narcissus, has a snow-white
flower, with a pale-yellow cup in the center, fringed on
the border with a circle of reddish-purple. It is sweet-
scented ; in flower last of May. There is a variety with
double flowers ; these are the most desirable.
N. poljanthos. — The Polyanthus Narcissus is the most
desirable of all ; but, alasj it is not so hardy. It requires
to be planted five inches deep, and to be protected, to do
well. The bulbs are quite large. The blossoms are pi-o-
duced the last of May, in trusses of from six to twenty
flowers. There are many varieties of this flower. Some
have entirely w^hite flowers; others, white, with yellow,
citron, or orange cups ; and entirely yellow or orange-col-
ored flowers. There is a variety wdth double flowers.
This species of Narcissus succeeds well w^hen grown in
pots ; or it is fine for flowering in glasses.
NEMOPHILA— LoVE-GROVE.
[From the Greek words for a grove and to love.'i
IVemophila insignis.— Showy Love-grove. — Tijis, as well
as the other species, is an annual, from California. It grows
with a very spreading habit, its numerous weak branches
resthig on the soil and throwing up its bright blue flowers
on stems about six inches long. The whole plant is of a
pale-green, and is clothed with somewhat bristly hairs.
All the species are disposed to sport, and this one has
given varieties in which the flowers are white with blue
stripes, and Ijlue marked with white. All are suited for
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 297
the front of the border, and are beautiful annuals for pots.
N. atomaria. — Dotted Love-grove. — The growth is the
same as the preceeding, with flowers which are white, dot-
ted with dark-purple. It is the original of several of the
garden varieties, among which are : iV^ discoidalis elegans,
in which the flowers are of a light chocolate, or reddish-
maroon color, conspicuously and distinctly bordered with
white, and iV^ discoidalis vittata with nearly black flow-
ers, broadly margined with white.
N. macillata. — Spotted Love-grove. — Similar in habit
and size of flowers to I^. insignis, but the white flower
has a dark-violet blotch on each one of the petals. JV.
aurita, with purplish-blue flowers, is sometimes cultivated.
NICOTIANA.-ToBAcco.
[Named for Jean Nicot, who first introduced the plant hito France.]
Mcotiana Tabacum. — Tobacco. — This is cultivated in
fields for its narcotic leaves. The flower is somewhat
showy, and it may be grown in the garden as a curiosity,
as well as for its leaves, which are useful to destroy in-
sects. Its decoction, the powder of the leaves, and the
smoke produced when they are burned, are all used by the
gardener in freeing his plants from insects. It Avould be
well if the plant were raised only for the destruction of
insects, rather than, as I fear is the cause, for the destruc-
tion of human beings.
N. longiflora. — Long-flowered Tobacco. — Star Petunia.
— An annual species, with much the habit of a Petunia,
with pure white flowers, having a long tube and a star-
like limb to the corolla.
13*
298 breck's new book of flowees.
NIEREMBEHGIA.
[Dedicated to Nieremberg, a Spanish Jesuit.]
IVicremb^rgia gracilis. — Slender Nierembergia. — A
charming, half-hardy perennial, from South America. The
stems are exceedingly slender and much branching, and
bear all summer a profusion of flowers, wijich are an inch
across, with a very slender tube ; pale-lilac, with yellow
throat.
IV. filicaulis. — Thread-stemmed Nierembergia, similar
to the foregoing, but with a more branching and spread-
ing habit and larger flowers, white or lilac, with violet
streaks. N". alha^ a splendid white ; N'. intermedia^ deep-
purple, with yellow eye ; and N'. alhiflora compacta nana,
dwarf, with compact growth, and white flowers with yellow
eye, are among the garden varieties.
NIGELLA. — Fennel-flower.
[Name from niger, black, from the color of its seed.]
Nig^lla DamaSC^naj is known by a number of names ;
Fennel-flower, because the plant has fine-cut leaves like
fennel, Love-in-a-mist, because the flower is enveloped in
its finely divided involucre, Devil-in-the-bush, because the
flower is partly concealed in its fine-cut foliage, that evil
character being supposed to hide himself as much as pos-
sible from public view. This species is a native of the
South of Europe, one and one-half foot high ; flowers
light-blue, with a Avhite variety. The seeds of this and
N. saliva, are sometimes used in cookery, instead of more
expensive aromatics. They are also said to be extensively
used in the adulteration of pepper. The double varieties
are handsome border-annuals, requiring but little care in
their cultivation. \\\ flower fi'oni July to October. """'^
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS.
NOLAN A.
[A diminution of nola, tiie Latin for a little bell.]
IVolana prostrata. — Trailing Nolana. — This, with the
other species, is from South America ; all are handsome an-
nuals. The stems are prostrate, much branching, and
covered with a profusion of flattish bell-shaped flowers,
of a fine blue streaked with black ; from July to Septem-
ber. It may be sown early in the spring in the border.
]Vt atriplicifolia. — A new^ and very handsome flowering
annual, of prostrate growth, or, if grown in masses, will
rise to half a foot high. The flowers are produced most
numerously, and give a very pretty appearance. The
plant deserves a place in every flower-garden. It is a de-
sirable plant to grow in order to hang pendulous over the
edge of a vase, pot, etc. The flowers have some resem-
blance to the Dwarf Convolvulus, fine azure-blue with a
white center, the bottom or tube, of the flower, yellow.
OCYMUM.— Basil.
[Said to be derived from tiie Greeli, meaning to smell, on account of the
powerful odor of ttie plants.]
Ocymum Basilicum. — Sweet Basil. — This highly odor-
iferous plant is frequently known in country gardens, un-
der the incorrect name of Lavender. The true Lavender
is a half-hardy shrub. Sweet Basil is sometimes used in
cookery. It is a very agreeable plant to have in the gar-
den. The seed should be sown in May.
300 beeck's new book of flowers.
(ENOTHERA. — Evening Primrose.
[Name derived from the Greek for ivine and chase, on account, it is said, of
the roots of some species having been eaten as an incentive to wine.]
" A tuft of Evening Primroses,
O'er which the wind may hover till it dozes ;
O'er which it well miglit take a pleasant sleep,
But it is ever startled by the leap
Of buds into ripe flowers."
A large genus of which many sj^ecies nre indigenous to
America, and it inchides annuals, biennials, and peren-
nials. The flowers of some sjjecies open only towards
night, hence the name Evening Primrose ; while others
open in broad sunshine. In a strictly botanical classifica-
tion, the species mentioned under Godetia^ would come
here. All the species succeed in a light rich soil.
(Enothera biennis. — Common Evening Primrose. —
This is a common plant, even a weed, everywhere in this
country. There are many varieties of it, dififering in the
size of the flowers, hairiness of the plant, etc. One of
these, under the name of (E. grandiflora^ is cultivated.
It grows about four feet high and has large yellow flow-
ers, which.open at night-fall.
(E. MiSSOUri^nsiS. — Missouri Evening Primrose. — A
native of Missouri and Texas, with a large fleshy peren-
nial root, and prostrate spreading stems, which bear ash-
colored leaves and a succession of large yellow flowers,
Avhich are from four to six inches in diameter. The seed-
pod is large Avith broad wings, and tlie species is some-
times called CE. macrocarpa.
(E. spcciosa. — Handsome Evening Primrose. — Has per-
ennial roots, with stems one and one-half foot high ; Avhite
and fragrant flowers, which turn rose color in fading.
(E. nocturna. — Night-smelling Evening Primrose. —
An elegant half-hardy l)iennial from tlic Cape of Good
Hope. Flowers profusely tiie first season, and may be
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 301
considered and treated in open air culture as a hardy
annual ; it has a succession of yellow flowers from July
to October. Two feet high.
(E. tetraptera. — White-flowered Evening Primrose. —
A very beautiful, prostrate-growing, hardy annual from
Mexico. One foot high, with a succession of pure white
flowers from July to September, which make their appear-
ance after the sun has descended below the horizon, and
perish before it rises in the morning.
(E. longiflora; an elegant biennial, if the roots can be
preserved through the Avinter, but generally cultivated as
an annual, with uncommonly large and showy yellow
flowers from July to October. A native of Buenos Ayres.
Three feet high.
Besides these there are cultivated : (E. historta^ an an-
nual Avith small yellow flowers, with a purple eye ; CE.
acaulU^ a prostrate white-flowered species from Chili ; (E.
Lamarckiana^ a tall species with large yellow flowers ;
and others. All the species are propagated without dif-
ficulty. The annuals by seed, and the perennials by seed
or from divisions of the root.
ORCHIS.
[The ancient Greek name."]
We have only one species of Orchis proper in the
United States, those which are popularly so called belong
to the genus Platanthera.
Orchis spectabilis. — Showy Orchis. — A low species,
with a root of fleshy fibres from which are produced two
fleshy oblong leaves and a flower-stem about six inches
high, bearing several white and pinkish-purple flowers, in
May. For remarks on culture, see Platanthera.
302
OROBXJS.— Bitter Vetch.
[From the Greek, to excite, and an ox ; that is to say, a food nourishing for
cattle.]
Orobus vernus. — Spring Bitter Vetch. — Yery early
flowering, flowers large, handsome, singular in the differ-
ent shades of colors, the upper part of the large petal is
puri)le with blood-red veins, the wings are blue, the keel
blue, tinged with green, the color changes as the flower
advances, and becomes finally altogether blue.
0. nigger, is a handsome border-plant, with very dark-
purple flowers, in June, July and August; two feet liigh;
stem very much branched ; leaves in six pairs ; racemes
one-sided, many-flowered.
0. atropurpureus, has fine purple flowers, in a dense
one-sided, many-flowered raceme. 0. formosus is also
beautiful, a native of Mount Caucasus; flowers large,
fine purple. 0. Fischeri is another handsome purple spe-
cies. 0. tuherosus^ a native of England, is also of a fine
species, remarkable for its tuberous roots, which the Scotch
Highlanders chew when dried to give a good flavor to
their whiskey ; they also assert that by the use of them
they are enabled to bear hunger and thirst for a longer
time without suffering. In Holland and Flanders they
are dried, roasted, and served at table like chestnuts. In
England the plant is called the Wood Pea or Heath Pea.
0. luteus is considered one of the handsomest of the pa-
pilionaceous family. Several other species are well deserv-
ing notice, they are easily propagated by dividing at the
root or by seed. A sandy soil suits them best.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OE FLOWERS. " 303
P^ONIA.— Peony.
[From Pcson, an eminent physician of antiquity ]
This interesting genus contains many magnificent flow-
ering plants, embracing more than one hundred varieties
and species, all of which are desirable for the border, and'
perfectly hardy, standing over winter without protection.
Most of the genus are herbaceous. P. 3Ioutan^ and its va-
rieties, are shrubby ; their roots are fleshy, but not so
distinctly tuberous as those of the herbaceous species.
All require nearly the same ti-eatment. Tlie time for di-
viding the herbaceous sorts is in September or October ;
the whole stool should be taken up. With a sharp knife
it may be divided into as many pieces as there are tubers
with buds ; it is necessary that a bud be preserved on
each tuber. At this season of the year the Peony is in a
dormant state ; the buds are just beginning to show them-
selves, and, if delayed long after the first of October, the
new fibres begin to push, and the plant will be less likely
to flower the coming spring. The Peony should not be
disturbed in the spring, unless it be very early, as it does
not succeed well when transplanted at that season, wit! i out
a ball of earth adhering to the roots. The tubers should
be planted in a deep, rich, light, garden soil ; the crown,
or bud, should be placed three inches below the surface.
The species of the Peony have been so much changed by
the florist, that it is difiicult to draw the line of botanical
distinction with any degree of accuracy ; and, for floral
purposes, it is not necessary.
Pseonia oMcinalis. — This is the old Double Crimson
Peony, familiar to every one as a household friend.
When first introduced into Antwerp, two hundred and
fifty years ago, the plant sold for twelve crowns, — a large
sum for those days.
The varieties of this species are P. rosa, with rose ; -P.
blanda^ with blush ; P. rubra, with red ; P. carneus,
304 BRECK S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS.
with flesh-colored ; P. albicans^ with white flowers ; and
many others. This class of Peonies flower the last of
May and the first of June.
P. tenuifolia, or Fennel-leaved, with fine leaves like fen-
nel ; in flower the first of May ; it is of a deep-crimson
color, and, when in bud, very beautiful. There is a dou-
ble variety of this sort.
P. albiflorac — The White-flowered or Chinese Peony,
is the parent of many fine varieties, such as P. Sibirica
and F. Whitleyi, with white flowers ; P. Tartarica, flesh-
colored ; -P. ITmnei, lilac-red ; P. Heevesii, lilac-rose ; P.
Pottsii^ crimson, all old varieties. After these come a
succession of splendid sorts, viz. : P. prolifera tricolor ;
flowers in clusters, ground petals pure white, with a glo-
bular mass of small yellow petals in the center with the
crimson stigmas protruding ; P. festiva^ large, full, double
pure white flowers, delicately striped or touched with pur-
ple ; P. sulphurea^ with large petals of a light sulphur
color; Duchesse de N'emours^ with a multitude of other
beautiful varieties.
P. paradoxal — A purplish-red species from the south
of Europe, which has produced several varieties, such as
P. Grevillei^ P. compacta^ P. fmbriata^ etc. P. decora
and P. corallina^ are species with large, single, purphsh-
red and red flowers.
P. Moutan, or the Tree Peony and its varieties, are
magnificent plants, with flowers of various shades of red,
lilac, light and dark-purple, and white, measuring from
six to eight inches in diameter ; all are of easy culture,
very hardy, requiring but little protection. The variety
Banksii^ is one of the most common kinds. I have had
a plant of this, with from seventy to eighty flowers upon
it at one time, presenting a splendid sight; the flowers
vary on the same bush, some of them will be very double,
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 805
of a light-pink color, fading, as they open to a blush or
white towards the edges, and at the base deepening to
purplish-red. Variations also take j^lace in the size of the
flowers, according to the strength of the j^lant. The
shrub is rarely seen more than three feet high, but it be-
comes very large in circumference, bushing out from year
to year, and growing into a regular, hemispherical shape.
It is in flower the last of May.
Pt papaveracea, or Poppy-flowered Tree Peony, is
also a splendid plant, having large, single, white flow^ers,
sometimes ten inches in diameter. Tlie petals are flat,
with a deep purple spot at the base of each. These spots
are rayed about an inch and one-half long, from the
center, forming a rich, brilliant star in the middle of
the flower ; the bright yellow stamens add to the beauty
of the flower, forming a fine contrast wdth the purple and
pure white. It is a very desirable plant. There is a
variety of this, w^ith semi-double or double flowers. jP.
2)apaveracea rosea^ is a variety with fine rose-colored
flowers, and there is one of the same color with double
flowers ; not very common.
P. Elizabeth^ is one of the most splendid and rare va-
rieties. The flowers are of the largest size, very double ;
color carmine, shaded with crimson. P. Grand Soleil, has
large, double, white flowers, shaded with pink. A great
number of splendid varieties have recently been intro-
duced from France and Germany. Some of the new sorts
raised by M. Guerin Modeste, of Paris, are the follow-
ing: —
Charles Rouillard. — Vigorous ; leaves yellowish-green ;
flowers very large, nearly full, brilliant fiery rose, softer
rose towards the edge ; a magnificent variety.
Henri Pingard, — Vigorous; leaves glaucous green;
floAvers very large, nearly full, rose amaranth towards the
base of the petals, pearly white at the top.
306
President JBrongniart. — Vigorous ; leaves glaucous
green, tinted yellow ; flowers large, well raised in the cen-
ter, rose amaranth, softer towards tlie outside, velvety-
white, very lightly tinted with carnation towards the
center ; a superb variety, of which the flowers are of ex-
cellent form. This variety was offered for sale in 1863.
Du Mont de Courset. — Vigorous ; leaves deep-green ;
flowers large, nearly full, clear satiny amaranth, of uniform
shade ; a fine variety, not yet distributed. The same gen-
tleman has produced a great number of beautiful seedling
herbaceous varieties. Other florists in Paris and else-
where in France, have raised many splendid seedlings of
Tree Peonies, as well as of the herbaceous sorts. To
these must be added those introduced direct from China,
by Mr. Fortune. Several of these Tree Peonies remain as
yet without an equal, in respect to the regularity of their
form and the beauty of their colors.
"The propagation of Moutans, upon their first introduc-
tion, was a matter of considerable difficulty. They have,
consequently, borne a high price in the nurseries; and
though they are now multiplied extensively, yet, with all
the experience which has been acquired, the obtaining
strong new plants is a tedious operation. All modes of
propagation have been tried with them, viz. : by seeds,
suckers, grafts, cuttings, and layers. They rarely produce
seeds that are perfect, unless the impregnation of the stig-
mas is properly attended to. Most of the seedlings of
late production are from seeds, grown from fertilized
flowers. Suckers, or rather root shoots, may sometimes
be severed successfully from large old plants, and such
soon become strong enough to flower. If the work is
carefully executed, grafts of the rarer sorts may be fixed
on pieces of the roots of the more common. These pieces
of roots must be established in ])ots, and in the spring, a
bud with a little wood attached to it may bo joined to the
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS, 307
root ill the manner of a graft, a slice of the root being
taken off to receive the piece intended to be united with
it. When the fitting is completed, it is to be covered
with clay, taking care to leave the eye exposed ; the pot
must be kept covered with a hand glass.
" Some nurserymen have succeeded in grafting the Tree
varieties on the roots of the herbaceous sorts. To this
end, strong roots of herbaceous varieties are procured ;
these are kept growing and then grafted, a branch Avitli
one or more buds being inserted on the side of the root.
The grafted roots are put under bell-glasses, or in frames
placed by preference in a north aspect, and the grafts soon
become united and commence to grow, promptly produc-
ing roots fur themselves. The grafting is performed from
the middle of July to the middle of Sej^tember. Ripe
cuttings, taken off in August and September, with a small
piece of old wood at the end, and planted against the side
of garden pots, in a mixture of loam, leaf-mould, and sand
well drained, and protected from the air by glasses, will
succeed. Tlie pots must be secured from frost in the win-
ter, and shaded iu summer ; in the spring, the progress of
the cuttings may be assisted by being placed in a frame
with a gentle bottom heat. But the more general plan
of multiplying Moutans is by layers, the shoots for which
purpose should be planted in protecting pits, or in shel-
tered borders, which should be covered with mats, spread
over hoops; the branches, when laid down, require" a
longer time to emit roots, than is usual with the common
shrubs, and the largest are seldom fit to be removed until
they have remained two years attached to the stool.
The shoots, when laid down, reqtiire a longitudinal slit or
tongue in the inner part of the bend ; and tliis must be
made with care, for, being brittle, the wood is liable to
break. The tongued part should be bedded in a mixture
of loam and sand."
308 beeck's new book of flowers.
I have found that the Tree Peony flowers stronger when
well protected in autumn by a liberal coating of manure
about the roots, and the top protested with straw.
PAP AVER.— Poppy.
[Name of obscure derivation , by some said to be derived from tlie Celtic
papa, thickened milk, in allusion to the milky juice of the plants.]
" And thou, by pain and sorrow blest
Papaver, that an opiate dew
Conceal'st beneath thy scarlet vest,
Contrasting with the Corn-flower blue ;
Autumnal months beholtl thy gauzy leaves
Bend in the rustling gale amid the tawny sheaves."— Mrs. C. Smith.
This genus is well known as furnishing a valuable medi-
cine as well as for its ornamental plants. Opium is the
dried juice of JPapaver somniferum^ from which Lauda-
num, Morphine, etc., are prepared. The seeds of the
Poppy are without narcotic properties, and are used as
food. The Poppy produces a great number of seeds, for
which reason Cybele, the mother of the gods, is repre-
sented crowned with Poppy-heads as a symbol of fecundity.
The species of this genus are all showy, with large brilliant
flowers.
Papaver somniferum. — Opium or Garden Poppy. —
This, in its natural state, has large single flowers,
which soon fall away and are succeeded by a capsule, which,
when wounded, exudes a milky juice that, on drying,
becomes Opium. The double varieties, or Hybrid Pop-
pies, are very ornamental. Picotee Poppies, are improved
varieties with white flowers, spotted or splashed with
crimson, scarlet, or purple, and very handsome and dou-
ble. The Peony-flowered have very large, full double
flowers, of rich colors and shades of crimson, purple, scar-
let, rose, white, variegated, bordered, etc. A bed of these
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 309
Poppies makes a grand show. All the varieties are easily
cultivated from seed. None of them can be transplanted
with success.
P. RhcBaSe — Corn Poppy or African Rose — A common
weed, among grain on gravelly soils, in England ; but, in
its double and semi-double varieties, it is one of the hand-
somest of garden annuals, sporting into different varieties
of scarlet, crimson, purple, pink, white, variegated, and
parti-colored flowers, continuing all summer in bloom.
The odor of the floAver renders it unpopular. The flow-
ers are exceeding beautiful and delicate. The single va-
riety of the common kind is of a bright scarlet, with a
deep purple eye in the center, which the poet supposes to
be upon the look-out for Ceres :
" And the Poppies red,
On their wistful bed,
Turn up iheir darli-blue eyes to thee."
P. orientalis. — Oriental Poppy. — This is a magnificent
perennial, worth all the rest of the Poppy tribe. Its
large, gorgeous, orange-scarlet flowers, display themselves
in the month of June. The bottoms of the petals are
black ; the stigma is surrounded with a multitude of rich
purple stamens, the anthers of which shed a profusion of
pollen, which powders over the stigma and the internal
part of the flower, giving it a very rich appearance.
The flower-stems are rough, three feet high, each one
bearing a single, solitary flower, five or six inches in di-
ameter. A clump, with twenty or thirty of these flowers,
makes one of the most conspicuous and showy ornaments
of the garden. Leaves are rough, jjinnate, serrate. Prop-
agated by dividing the roots, which should be done as soon
as the foliage has died down in August, as it commences
growing again in September, and throws up leaves which
remain during wdnter, it being one of the most hardy
plants. If division be deferred until spring, if it blooms at
310
all, the flowers will be weak. It may also be propagated
from seed, bat does not commonly flower until the third
year. A native of Levant.
P. bracteatum. — Bracted Poppy. — A native of Siberia;
is another superb perennial, very much like the last. The
flow^ers are of a deeper red, and the only essential difier-
ence is in the leafy bracts, by which the flowers are sub-
tended. Propagated in the same way; with us, it has not
flowered so freely. There are also a number of other
species and varieties of perennial Poppy, as P, nudicaule^
from Siberia, with two or three varieties w^ith yellow, and
one with scarlet flowers, one to one and one-half foot high.
PELARGONIUM.— Geranium.
[From the Greek for Stork, in reference to the beak-like seed-pod.]
Under the article Geranium^ the principal distinctions
between Oeranium proper and Pelargonium are given.
The plants of both genera are popularly called by the
same name — Geranium. There are many species in culti-
vation, but these have become so mixed by hybridizing
and crossing, that in many cases their identity is obscured.
Pelargonium peltatum^ is the trailing Ivy-leaved Gera-
nium ; P. zonale^ is the parent of all the Horse-shoe Ge-
raniums ; P. inquinans^ is probably the original of the
scarlet varieties ; P. capitdtum^ is the popular Rose-Gera-
nium. In the present place we treat them only as florists
varieties, without reference to a botanical nomenclature.
Scarlet Geraniums. — The Common Scarlet Geranium
is familiar to us all, and is deservedly a general favorite.
Cowper speaks of it, in describing the inhabitants of the
green-house : —
" Geranium boasts
Her crimson honours."
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 311
Some of the varieties are quite fragrant and emit an
agreeable odor, wlien liglitly rubbed with the finger; and
a person approaching a Geranium, ahiiost mechanically
rubs or plucks a leaf for a perfume ; or with some species,
for its soft velvety surface.
" Ami gpnteel Geranium
Wiih a leaf for all that come,"
seldom fails of obtaining notice and admiration, notwith-
standing it may be surrounded by the most curious
exotics. Nothing can exceed the beauty and brilliancy
of a collection of Dwarf Scarlet Geraniums, either in beds,
or in pots. If removed into a warm conservatory in No-
vember and a little water given them until the middle of
December, when they commence growing, they will flower
from January until April. They are easily raised from
cuttings, which, if started in February, will make good
plants for summer planting.
Gold and Silver Variegated Geraniums. — In this sec-
tion the leaves are margined with white and yellow, the
flowers being pink, carmine, and scarlet. They are always
comparatively rare, being somewhat difficult of propaga-
tion, though equally hardy with the common scarlet sorts
when once in a state of growth. For striking effect in
the flower-garden, parlor, or conservatory, they are un-
equalled. Ahna, scarlet flower, leaves white margined ;
JBiJou, scarlet-crimson flowers, silvery edged leaves ; J5r^7-
Uant, deep scarlet, free-flowering, very effective; Fairy
JSTymyh^ silver foliage, bright scarlet flowers; Golden
Chain^ golden variegated foliage, cerise flowers; ^fountain
of SnoWj pure white margin, extra fine ; Golden Attrac-
tion, red zone, sulphur margin ; Silver Chaiti, silver-
edged foliage, rose flowers.
Zonale or Horse-shoe Geraniums. — The following are
a few of the named varieties ; Crystal JPalace, dwarf-scar-
312 breck's new book of flowers.
let, extra; Christina^ pink, extra fine; Stella Nosegay^
dark scarlet ; Bouquet^ large truss, bright scarlet ; Pretty
Susan^ rosy salmon ; Mary Hay^ large carmine ; Mad.
Vaucher^ pure white, extra ; Lucy^ crimson, fine bedder ;
Ball of Fire^ brilliant scarlet ; Sheen Bival^ cerise scar-
let ; Galanthixflora^ white, crimson disc. ; Qen. Williams^
carmine-scarlet; Ossian^ violet, pure, new; Fire King,
dwarf-scarlet ; Paul L''Ahhe, rosy salmon ; Pauline, crim-
son-scarlet ; Cheapstead Beauty, carmine, extra ; Hender-
sonii, pure white ; Model Nosegay, crimson-scarlet ; Helen
Lindsey, deep rose.
New hybrid sorts appear every year. The greatest dif-
ficulty is, to know what varieties out of the multitude to
select for bedding. The scarlets are the most effective.
An oval bed of these, with the tallest sorts in the middle
and the lowest growing in front, margined with a dwarf
silver-edged variety, is a grand sight when in full bloom,
as they will be from June to November, if properly cared
for and well supplied with water if the season is dry. A
circular bed, or any fanciful shape, will look well ; but an
edging of turf or box is necessary to give a complete fin-
ish to these groups ; or, if planted in beds on a fine lawn,
it will be an improvement.
There are many other kinds of Pelargonium, but they
are not suitable for cultivation in the garden, but splendid
for the green-house or conservatory, in their almost end-
less varieties, where they flower profusely from March to
June. Some of the sweet-scented species and varieties
are desirable for the sake of their delightful fragrance,
rather than for their flowers. When planted out, they
make a vigorous growth, if not nipped to death by the
passers by. I was deeply affected in a recent visit to our
State's prison as I passed through the workshops. 1 no-
ticed a sweet-scented Geranium in a window by the work
bench of one of the unfortunate workman. The plant
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 313
was of considerable size, but it had been so often robbed
of its leaves that there were none on the bush much
larger than my finger nail. I took the liberty to help
myself to one of these small leaves. It is against the
regulations of the prison to hold any conversation with
the prisoners ; but in this case, the owner of the plant,
by the exj^ression of his countenance, gave me to under-
stand, more forcibly than he could in words, the satisfaction
he felt, in the notice I took of his plant. He looked me
full in the fice, with an air of thankfulness and pleasure,
to find that there was one in the world to sympathize
with hun in his love for this solitary plant, which, no
doubt, was a great solace to him in his confinement. I
thought how terrible must be, the punishment to one
who has a taste for these beautiful creations of God, to
be restrained from the liberty of roaming abroad to view
them in all their delightful variety and profusion. " Poor
prisoner," I inwardly exclaimed, " were it not for your
crimes and the sins of others, earth would indeed be a
paradise once more."
A bouquet can hardly be called complete without a few
leaves of the Rose-Geranium. There are quite a number
of varieties of the sweet-scented Geranium, such as the
rose, lemon, musk, and many others.
PENTSTEMON.
[From Greek words, signifying^ue and a siameji, because of the conspicuous
imperfect fifth stamen.]
Beautifid, herbaceous plants, peculiarly American,
abounding in the West and South-west of our vast coun-
try, and in Mexico. The flowers of all the species are more
or less bell-shaped, racemes or spikes. The colors are scar-
let, purple, blue, lilac, and parti-colored. Some of the spe-
14
314 breck's new book of flowers.
cies are hardy and stand onr winters with a Uttle protec-
tion, while others are half-hardy and require the protection
of frames.
PentSt^mon Murrayanus. — Murray's Pentstemon. — A
perennial plant, a native of Texas, about three feet high,
producing spikes of numerous flowers, of a rich shining
scarlet color ; each flower is an inch and one-half long,
or upwards. It is a most splendid flowering plant. A
single spike has been known to produce uj^wards of fifty
blossoms. This is an English description ; here it is half-
hardy.
P. Cobseat — Cobsea-flowered Pentstemon. — This is a
very showy perennial species, producing panicled spikes
of numerous pale-blue flowers, which have a most showy
appearance. The flower-stems rise about two feet high ;
half-hardy.
P. Richardsoni. — Richardson's Pentstemon. — A hardy
perennial from Oregon, which grows to tlie height of
eighteen inches ; flowers in July and August, of a pink-
ish-purple color. It does not admit of division of the
root, and should be increased by cuttings, which readily
strike root about mid-summer. Most of the species must
be treated in the same way, or raised from seeds.
P. specioSUS. — Showy Pentstemon. — This beautiful spe-
cies is a native of the north-west coast of America, A
hardy perennial, but requiring a protection of leaves, and
can be propagated by the division of the roots. The flow-
ers are disposed in a long, terminal, loose, racemose pan-
icle, with the branches in distant ])airs, and bearing from
seven to eleven blossoms of a beautiful pale-blue color.
P. pub^SCCnS. — Downy Pentstemon. — Produces its pur-
plish-blue flowers about June; the pubescent (downy)
leaves are lanceolate, oblong, sessile, and serrulate ; the
flowers, with the sterile filament bearded above the middle,
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 315
in a thin panicle ; one foot and one-half high. A smooth
variety is I*, loevigatwm^ which is very similar, but with
paler flowers.
P. campanulatUS. — This species is known under several
names, such as JP. pulchellus, JP. atropurpureas^ P, roseus^
etc. It has large bell-shaj)ed, pale-purple flowers, and
long lanceolate, smooth serrate leaves ; one foot high. It
flowered finely though the last autumnal months, in our
collection, although it was from seed the same season.
Pt ceeruleus, is one of the finest of the genus, a native
of the South, with beautiful blue flowers. Stem smooth ;
radical leaves linear, entire ; cauline ones lance-linear, en-
tire, aU sessile ; sterile filament short, bearded above ; di-
visions of the calyx lanceolate, acute, glabrous.
P. barbatus. — Bearded Pentstemon. — This is sometimes
called Chelone barbata. It is a half-hardy perennial from
Mexico ; a splendid plant, with flower-stems three feet
high, covered with a profusion of scarlet-orange flowers ;
from July to September. It will be necessary to cover it
well with pine boughs, or straw, in the winter, or it may
be destroyed by the frost. The safest way is, to place the
plants in a cold frame for the winter.
When seeds can be obtained, there will be no trouble in
raising a supj^ly of plants. It is said to be difficult, or
even impossible, to raise the seeds in heat. We are inclined
to believe there is some truth in the remark, as we suc-
ceeded in raising only a few plants in a moderate hot-becl,
while those sown in the open ground in May, produced '
an abundance. As the seeds are very small, they should
only be pressed into the soil, or very slightly covered.
The young plants should be sheltered from the mid-day
sun. Most of the species are easily propagated from cut-
tings or layers, which readily take root. A mixture of
peat and loam is the best soil for them.
316 bbeck's new book of flowers.
PERILLA.
Perilla IVankin^nsis. — Purple-leaved Perilla. — An an-
nual, growing from tAVO to two and one-half feet high ; stems
branching, well covered with an ample foliage of a dark-
purple, almost black. Leaves petioled, opposite, oval, with
pointed ends, the sides dented, smooth and glossy on both
surfaces, sometimes slightly crisped and exhaling, when
rubbed, an odor like cinnamon. The flowers are at the axils
of the larger leaves, bilabiate, rose or pale-purple, small,
but very numerous and producing but little efiect. The
principal merit of this plant consists in the strange color
of the foliage, which contrasts in a remarkable manner
with that of most cultivated plants ; its fine habit, its ro-
bust terperament, and its being an annual, make it very
appropriate for masses in the borders of a flower-garden.
Seeds scattered on the ground in autumn will vegetate in
the spring, and produce an abundance of plants ; or the
seed may be sown in a mild hot-bed or cold frame in
April, and transplanted to the garden in June.
PETUNIA.
[Said to be from pctun, the Brazilian name for Tobacco, a plant to -which the
Petunia is closely related.]
Petunia Violacea. — Purple Petunia. — Introduced into
England from South America in 1831. Tliis now very
. common plant was at that time considered a valuable ac-
quisition to the floAver-garden. We now wonder how a
flower-garden could be formed without the Petunia, the
Portulaca, the Verbena, Druraraond's Phlox, and a host
of other ornamental plants now considered indispensible,
which have been introduced since that time. The fine
rosy-purple flowers of this species make a grand display
through all the summer months, and in September and Oc-
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OP FLOWERS. 317
tober, and there is no flower like this and its hybrids for
massing ; this is the only good quality about it. The odor
is unpleasant, and it is not fit for bouquets.
P. nyctaginiflora. — Has large white flowers, coarser in
its growth than the last, and is of the same spreading
habit. Both are somewhat viscid in their stems and foli-
age. From these two species have been produced innu-
merable varieties, with colors much more brilliant. Among
the improved sorts are the Countess of Ellesmere^ rosy-
carmine with white throat, a very profuse bloomer;
Large-flowered^ dark-red; Large flowered^ purple with
green edge ; Liimitahle^ red margined and blotched with
pure white. Hyhrida picturata^ a most beautiful dwarf
variety, not exceeding one foot, covered with large flow-
ers of fine form and great substance, of a velvety scarlet-
crimson, beautifully marbled with white. Carnation
striped^ a very beautiful class with flowers with white,
rosy or lilac ground, with crimson, scarlet and purple
stripes ; veined on the same grounds with the same bright
colors. jP. Jcermesina splendens^ pure white with j^urple
or crimson throat, or blotched with purple or violet. P,
maxima alha^ very large white, and almost every conceiv-
able combination of colors, excepting yellow and blue.
But the greatest novelties are the double varieties, in-
troduced within a few years, which partake of the same
disposition to sport into a great variety of colors as do
the single varieties ; but I do not esteem them as any im-
provement. They are queer mis-shapen monsters, curi-
osities to be sure, but they are more shy in flowering,
more Hable to injury by rain, and fail to make that grand
display which the single varieties do.
The single sorts are easily raised from seed sown in hot-
beds in May ; they may afterwards be pricked out into
small pots, and, when sufiiciently strong, turned into the
open ground in the beginning of June. If the seed is
318 breck's new book of flowers.
saved from good sorts, a great diversity of fine seedlings
may be expected. The last season I sowed seed imported
from Prussia, from which I obtained thirty distinct varie-
ties, and most of them very beautiful. In October the
best of them were taken up and potted, and kept through
the winter, but at the time of potting were reduced to
about ten or twelve inches in height.
The choice varieties are easily increased from cuttings.
The best time is late in the summer or in September, from
plants -that have been headed down for that purpose ; but
where there is a green-house, and the plants have been pot-
ted, cuttings may be taken and struck any time in winter.
Double flowers are rarely produced from seed of the
single varieties, unless they are fecundated with great care
with double varieties ; they are usually raised from cut-
tings. Nurserymen generally, have not only the double
varieties for sale, but also the finest single ones, and this is
perhaps the most economical way of procuring plants for
a small garden. One plant, if permitted to spread, will
often occupy a space a yard square. Unless they are
planted in masses they look best whejj trained upright to
a neat stake, bringing them into a pyramidal form, or on a
small trellis, as foncy may direct. There is no plant in the
garden that will make more show than this when properly
managed, for it continues nearly until November with a
profusion of flowers.
PHACELIA.
[Name from the Greek {or fascicle, as the flowers are often clustered.]
The genus Eutoca^ is now united with Phacelia^ and
those wliich in the former edition of the work were called
Eiitocas are now placed here.
Phac^lia viscidat — A native of California, whence it
was sent to England by Mr. Douglas, the botanist. A
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWEKS. 319
handsome annual, growing about one foot liigli, and pro-
ducing a terminal raceme of fine blue flowers, each flower
being about three quarters of an inch across. This lovely
plant produces a fine efiect when planted in beds or mas-
ses; in flower most of the season. The whole herbage is
of a dull green, copiously clothed with glandular viscid
hairs ; the glands of a soot black.
P. divaricata. — Straggling Phacelia. — A small, light-
violet flower from California, not very showy. E. multi-
flora is in gardens here, but, although preferable to this,
is not very likely to become a favorite.
P. Meaziesii. — Menzies' Phacelia. — A beautiful hardy
annual. The whole plant is clothed with lioary down, in-
termixed wHth longer bristly hairs. Flowers light-blue, in
racemes an inch long. The plant should be cultivated in
a light soil and sunny situation. P. tanacetifolia from Cal-
ifornia, and P. congesta from Texas, are also cultivated.
PHASEOLUS.— Kidney Bean.
[The ancient name of the Kidney Bean.]
PhaS^olus COCCineus. — Scarlet Runner. — This, which is
sometimes called P. multiflorus^ is a native of South
America. " Before Miller's time it was cultivated less for
its fruit than for the beauty and durability of its blossoms,
which the ladies put into their nosegays and garlands.
He brought it into general use for the table, and, because
it has been found so useful, people seem to think it can be
no longer ornamental, which is surely a vulgar mistake."
It is one of the most tender of all beans for stringing.
The Scarlet Runner will thrive in any good soil, and is
well worthy of attention for the beauty of its blossoms.
It will clothe whole fences or walls for a time, with a lux-
uriant green and red tapestry. There is also a variety
320 beeck's new book of flowers.
with white flowers ; plant the middle of May, and if the
scarlet and white varieties are mixed, the effect when in
flower will be very pleasing.
PHLOX.
[From a Greek word signifying^arne. The plant so named by the ancients is
supposed to have been a Lychnis.'^
" Your voiceless lips, O flowers, are living preachers,—
Each cup a pulpit, and each leaf a book,
Supplying to my fancy numerous teachers,
From lowliest nook ! "
The genus is North American only, and is one of the
handsomest in cultivation. It comprises most elegant bor-
der-flowers, valuable for blooming from the first of May
to November, with an endless variety of colors. What
adds much to their value, is, that they are perfectly hardy,
requiring little or no protection in the winter, and are easy
to propagate. The only fault they have is tliat of spread-
ing too rapidly. The genus gives us both annual and per-
ennial sj^ecies; the perennials are vernal, early summer
and autumnal bloominc:.
Phlox SUbulata.— Moss Pink. — This is found from New
York, to Michigan, southward. A British collector ex-
claimed on seeing a patch of this species in one of the pine
barrens of New Jersey, "the beauty of that alone is
worth coming to America to see, it is so splendid." Most
of the species delight in a rich sandy loam. When the
plants become large, they ought to be divided and planted
in fresh ground. There are varieties of P. suhxtlata with
pink, purple, white, and rosy-eyed flowers. The plant is
very dwarf, and has a solid mass of mossy, bristly, ever-
green foliage, sending up innumerable bunches of its del-
icate flowers, completely covering the whole. P. nivalis^
is a beautiful variety of this, formerly in my collection, but
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 321
now lost, and I have not been able to obtain it from any
nursery in the country ; the foliage is shining deep-green,
more bristly ; the flowers are pure white with yellow eye,
and I think it is more tender than the other.
P. r^ptans, sometimes called P. stolonifera^ is a beauti-
ful dwarf species, running upon the ground like those just
described, sending up innumerable clusters of deep-crim-
son flowers, blooming in May ; the flowers are nearly as
large as in the late flowering species. The leaves are oval
and not so abundant as those of P. suhulata.
P. divaricata. — This species, with its varieties, flow^ers
late in May and beginning of June ; one foot high. The
varieties are those with white, lilac, light-purple, or blue
flowers, with intermediate shades.
P« maculata* — From this species (and probably P,
paniculata^ and others also), have been produced a great
number of fine varieties known in the gardens under the
term Perennial Phloxes. They are divided into two clas-
ses, early and late. These were fully described in a com-
munication to the chairman of the Flower Committee of
the Massachusetts Horticultural Society a few years ago,
from which I present the following extracts : —
" Early Phloxes. — These commence flowering about
the first week in June ; the difierent varieties successively
coming into bloom to the middle of July, and continue in
bloom, more or less profusely, until October, particularly
when the flower-stems are cut down to the ground as the
trusses or spikes of flowers begin to fade. This class of
Phloxes rano;e in heisrht from one and one-half to three
feet, according to the richness of the soil ; some few vari-
eties are rather more dwarfish in their habits. The early
sorts all differ in their foliage from the later. The leaves are
generally glossy, with a smooth surface, and mostly oblong-
lance shape, sometimes with a heart-shaped base." Among
the varieties of this class are Madame Ditboulet^ pink ;
14*
323 breck's new book of flowers.
Henry Dierval, purple ; Rwal^ white ; Roi Leopold^
white, striped with rose, etc., etc.
Late Phloxes. — The earlier varieties of the late Sum-
mer Phlox commence flowering about the middle of Ju-
ly, and from that time to the first of September the dif-
ferent sorts succeed each other. The period of bloom of
each variety is about six weeks, and the panicle is in per-
fection in about a fortnight from the time the flowers be-
gin to expand. Some varieties continue to bloom as late
as the first of November ; the flowers lose their brilliancy
after heavy frosts. Thus, with a collection of vernal,
early and late Summer Phloxes, there will be a continuous
display in the flower-garden for more than six months."
The varieties in this class are numbered by hundreds,
and new ones are added each year by our own and foreign
florists. Among the author's named seedlings are Amer-
ica^ rose with pink eye ; Mrs. Webster^ large white flower,
with small eye ; Mont Blanc^ pure white. For the others
we must refer to the florists catalogues.
" The Phlox flourishes with very little care in almost any
soil, succeeding better, however, in a deep rich, rather
moist soil.
" The best time for dividing the roots, for new plantations,
is about the first of August. The old stools should then
be taken uj), the flower-stems cut down to one foot, al-
lowing the leaves that are attached to them to remain ;
separating the roots, making a plant of each stem, with
portions of the root connected. These pieces of roots
should be planted in highly manured and deeply dug soil.
They will acquire strength during the fall, and flower bet-
ter than the large stools the following season.
" Choice varieties are propagated from cuttings taken off
in June or July, and make fine plants the next season."
P. Drummondi* — This beautiful species was first raised
at the Botanical garden, Manchester, England, from seeds
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 323
which were received from the late Mr. Drummond, ia
1835, and was named by Dr. Hooker after its indefati-
gable discoverer as a tribute of respect to him It
was then considered doubtful whether it would prove an
annual or perennial, and the writer who first described it,
says : — " Should this lovely species turn out to be an an-
nual, which to all appearance it will, it must be regarded
as a novel feature in this favorite genus. The plant is
perfectly hardy, and will prove a great ornament to the
flower-garden." This we have found to be true, and
wonder how the old gardeners could get along without
this splendid flower, which if beautiful as it was first de-
scribed by the person who received the seeds from its na-
tive locality in Texas, how much more so in its improved
state, with its varieties of brilliant crimson, scarlet, purple,
white, and variegated flowers. " The plant is about one
foot high, covered with long hairs. Corolla salver-shaped,
tube long, very hairy, pale-rose colored ; limb spreading,
pale-rose colored without, rich rosy-red within ; eye, deep
crimson ; throat, yellow." This is the original description
of it when first received, but it has since sported into a
great variety of colors. It is propagated from seeds,
which, if sown in a hot-bed in March and planted out in
June, will flower profusely from the first of July to No-
vember For masses of separate colors it is not surpassed
by any other bedding-plant. The plants should be placed
six inches apart each way, to make a solid mass of bloom.
Plants from seed sown late in autumn, will be a fortnight
in advance of those sown in the open ground m May. It
will flourish best in a rich, but rather light soil.
324 breck's new book of flowers.
PHYSOSTEGIA.— False Dragon-head.
[From the Greek for bladder and to cover, as the calyx becomes bladder-like
when iu fruit.]
Physost^gia Virginiana.— Virginian Dragon-head.— A
perennial with stems three feet high, bearing dense, one-
sided spikes of purplish flowers, in June and July. Indi-
genous at the West and South. This was formerly called
Dracocephalum Yirginimium^ and its varieties have been
called D, dentatum and D. variegatum.
PL AT ANTHER A.— False Orchis.
[From the Greek words for wide and anther.']
The plants included here were formerly regarded as be-
longing to the genus Orchis, from which they are distin-
guished by the spreading apart of their anther cells.
They are still popularly called Orchis.
Most of the species are found in wet boggy ground, and
will require a moist and rather shady spot. If the soil be
made of peat and leaf mould, I know they will remain
and flower for a couple of years, for I have been success-
ful in the experiment. They are chiefly propagated by
their tubers, which in most of the species are of a pecu-
liar structure. An Orchis taken out of the ground is
found with two solid masses at the base of the stem,
above which proceed the thick fleshy fibres which nourish
the plant. One of these bulbs or tubers is destined to be
the successor of the other, and is plump and vigorous,
whilst the other, or decaying one, is always wrinkled and
withered. From this withered one has proceeded the ex-
isting stem, and the plump one is an offset, from the cen-
ter of which the stem of the succeeding year will come.
By this means, the actual situation is changed about half
an inch every year ; and as the offset is always produced
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 325
from the side opposite the withered bulb, the plant travels
always in one direction at that rate, and will in a dozen
years have marched six inches from the place where it
formerly stood.
In the garden the Orchis can hardly be said to be 25rop-
agated ; the species are generally taken up from their na-
tive habitations and transferred to a shady border, where
they remain a year or two, but seldom increase. I have
taken them up when in flower successfully, by removing
the plant with a large ball of earth, so that these fleshy
fibres are not disturbed.
P. Mephariglottis. — White-fringed Orchis.— Has snow
white flowers, with a beautifully fringed lip, in short
spikes. Stems about one foot high.
P. fimbriata. — Large Purple-fringed Orchis. — One of
the largest and most beautiful, and sometimes called P.
grandiflora. Thp spike is sometimes six inches long, with
large pale-purple flowers. Stems about two feet high.
June. P, psycodes is a species resembling this, but smaller
and more common.
P. ciliaris. — Yellow-fringed Orchis. — This resembles
the White-fringed Orchis in shape, but the flowers are of
a bright orange-yellow.
PLATYCOD ON.— Large Bell-flower.
[From the Greek, meaning large bell.']
Platycodon ^randiflorum. — This species was formerly
called Campanula grandiflora^ but it is separated from
Campanula on account of the manner in which the pod
opens. It has also been called Wahlejibergia. It is a
hardy perennial growing about one and one-half foot high,
with smooth and serrate leaves. The stem bears one or a
few very large shallow flowers. The buds are quite orna-
326 bkeck's new book of flowers.
mental, being large and balloon-shaped. Blue, with a
white variety and often semi-double. Culture the same
as that of Campanula.
POLEMONITJM.— Greek Yalekian.
[From a Greek word meaning wari of doubtfal application.]
Polemonium C«eriileiim. — Jacob's Ladder. — This is one
of the old standard border-plants, with blue flowers. The
common name of Jacob's Ladder is from its beautiful pin-
nately-cleft leaves. It has lively blue flowers, nodding on
the ends of the branches. There is a variety with white
flowers. It is a perfectly hardy perennial, and of easy
cultivation, flowering in June ; one and one-half foot high.
Propagated by seeds or division of the roots.
POLIANTHES.— Tuberose.
[From the Greek words for many ^\\'\ flower. 1
Polianthes tuberosa. — The Tuberose. — A native of In-
dia, and very popular on account of its highly fragrant
flowers. In the warmer parts of the European continent
it thrives as well as in its native soil. In Italy, Sicily, and
Spain, the roots thrive and propagate with ease when they
are once planted. The Genoese cultivate it and send the
roots annually to England, Germany, Holland, and France,
and from thence it comes to this country. These imported
roots thrive much better than those raised here. This
plant has long been cultivated in English gardens for its
extraordinary beauty and fragrance.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 327
The Malayans style the Tuberose the mistress of the
night : —
" The Tuberose with her silver light,
That in the gardens of .Malay
Is called the mistress of the night.
So like a bride, scented and bright,
She comes out wiien the sun's away." — Lalla Rnokh.
" The variety with double flowers is the one generally
in cultivation ; the single variety is not so much esteemed.
This double variety was obtained from the seed by Mon-
sieur Le Cour, of Leyden, in Holland, who for many years
was so tenacious of the roots, even after he had prop-
agated them in such plenty as to have more than he could
plant, that he caused them to be cut in pieces to have the
vanity of boasting that he was the only person in Europe
who possessed this flower." Luckily, that man died in
due course of time, and as he could not carry them with
him, they have since been disseminated among florists and
amateurs throughout the world; but no thanks to that
mean man. The roots are the best which are large and
plump, provided they are sound and firm, and the fewer
ofi'sets they have the stronger they will flower. The un-
der parts of the roots or bulbs should be particularly ex-
amined, because it is there they first begin to decay. The
best compost for the Tuberose, is said to be " two wheel-
barrows of light maiden loam, one ditto of decomposed
hot-bed dung, and a little white sand should be well chop-
ped and mixed together in autumn ; this should be exposed
to the frost during the winter, that it may become ame-
liorated and thoroughly decomposed. To have flowers in
perfection in August or September, the bulbs should be
potted and set to growing in March. The bulbs should
be first prepared by taking ofi* the loose rind and super-
fluous ofisets, or side bulbs, being careful not to injure the
principal one. Then provide a quantity of six-inch-pots,
well drained with broken pot-sherds ; they must be filled
328
with the above compost and well shaken down, but not
pressed with the hands. A little white sand must be
placed in the middle of the top of the compost and the
bulb must be j^ressed gently though firmly, down to with-
in a quarter of an inch of the top of the bulb. After the
bulbs are potted, plunge them in a strong hot-bed where
they must remain till they have grown to the height of
three or four inches ; they must be kept quite close till
they begin to vegetate, when a little air may be admitted ;
shaded when the sun is powerful, and covered up with
mats at night; water must be supplied very sparingly
while they are here, for the steam arising from the bed an-
swers in a great measure the purpose of water. When
they have grown to the height above stated, take them in-
to a warm spot in the green-house, allowing them a plenti-
ful supply of air and water, setting them Avhere they will
get a plenty of light, or they will be apt to draw up
weakly." In June, when the weather becomes quite warm,
the plants may be turned out carefully into the open
ground. As they advance in height, tie them up to green
sticks, six or seven feet long. By the middle of August
they will begin to show flowers. For plants to flower in
October, the bulbs may be j^lanted in pots in May and
carefully tended during the summer, but brought into
the house before they are overtaken by frost. We had
about fifty bulbs unsold the last season, which lay in the
store until the 20th of August ; they were then potted in
a compost similar to that described, and although weak-
ened by having been so long out of the ground, most of
them blossomed and gave a succession of their exquisite
fracrrant flowers from the middle of November to
Christmas.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWEES. 329
POLYGONATTJM— Solomon's Seal.
[From Greek words signifying many and knee, in reference to tlie numerous
joints upon the stems.]
Poly^onatlini multiflorum, or Giant Solomon's Seal, is
a perennial, two or three feet high, with white flowers in
the axils of the leaves, in June ; appropriate for the shrub-
bery or borders. Gerarde, our old author, speaking of
the virtues of the plant, says, "that the roots are excellent
good for to seale or close up greene wounds, being stamped
and laid thereon, whereupon it was called Sigillum Salo-
mon fs, for the single virtue it hath in sealing or healing
vp wounds, broken bones, and such like." He further
says, " The root of Solomon's Seale, stamped while it is
fresh and greene, and applied, taketh away, in one night,
or two, at the most, any bruise, blacke or bleu spots, got-
ten by fals, or women's wilfulnesse, in stumbhng vpon
their hasty husband's fists, or such like." A very useful
plant, one would think, for some families to cultivate.
We have two native species which resemble this, P. biflo-
rum and P. giganteum, which are common on river banks,
etc.
PORTULACA.— Purslane.
Portulaca grandiflora. — Showy Portulaca. — Every
person who has had any experience in the garden is too
well acquainted with the weed Purslane, or Pursly, and
< would gladly see an extermination, not only of that plant,
')ut all its kindred. It is indeed a troublesome weed ; but
as no one should be condemned because he happens to
have bad relations, neither should Portulaca grandiflora^
which is a splendid Purslane, In speaking of it we leave
ofi" the Purslane and call it the splendid Portulaca, for,
were its family connections generally known, we should
330
fear it might not receive the attention it deserves ; for,
truly, it is a great acquisition to the flower-garden, and no
plant presents a more brilliant show than this, when
planted in masses. The flowers are rosy-crimson, large
and beautiful, opening with the bright morning sun. It
makes a rich bed from July to October. The plant is
dwarf and trailing; leaves small ; about six inches high.
All the other varieties have the same habit, and equally
beautiful. From this, and probably P. Gilliesii^ have
come all the showy varieties of the garden, some of Avliich
have received distinct names, such as P. Thelussoni^ P.
alha^ P. aurantiaca^ etc.
The Portulaca, though one of the most common, is still
one of the most showy and beautiful annuals, admirably
adapted to our climate, growing freely and flowering
abundantly under conditions of soil and treatment where
many other flowers would scarcely make any display ; the
old orange and scarlet, when planted out in large patches,
vie in brilliancy and decorative efl'ect with the showiest
Verbenas. For a long time there were but two or three
shades of red and orange, but with the skill of cultiva-
tors they have crossed and fertilized till we have nearly a
dozen difl'erent sorts. They had hardly become well
known before we had another improvement, obtained by
the German florists, in double flowers, as double as a rose.
"The double varieties are in fact charming objects, and
may well claim a prominent place among the novel things
of recent introduction. The flowers are perfectly double,
about the size of a silver dollar, and a bed of them in full
bloom presents a gay appearance, not unlike that of the
beautiful Ranunculuses, or the little Burgundy Rose, so
that the Germans call them 'Portulaca Roses.'
" The Portulacas need a warm and rather light soil, and a
dryish situation to flower well. They need not be planted
early, unless in a frame or hot-bed, as the seed will not
DESCKIPTIYE LIST OF FLOWERS. 331
grow freely till the ground is warm. About the middle
of June the plants begin to appear in the open ground,
and grow with great rapidity, soon covering a large bed,
and making a dazzling display with their many-hued flow-
ers, from July to frost.
" The double varieties, like all other double flowers, can-
not be relied upon with certainty to produce all double
flowers, but the largest part of them will be double, anloomers; and these are, again, subdivided into other
classes.
Early Tulij^s commence their blooming about the first
of May, in company with the Hyacinth, and some of the
varieties are very desirable. They are dwarf in their
habits. The many distinguished varieties of early Tulip
are all produced from the late bloomers, which, having tall
stems, and much finer colors, engross nearly the whole at-
tention of the cultivators of Tulips. Tiie modern mode
of classing the late varieties by the Dutch florists, is as
follows : —
" Prime JBaguets^ from the French word baguette, a
rod, or wand. They are very tall, with handsome cups
and white bottoms, well broken with fine brown, and all
from the same breeder.
JRigaufs JBaguets. — This variety is supposed to have
received its distinctive appellation from some individual
by the name of Rigaut, who was eminent in this branch
oi floriculture. They are not quite so tall as the former,
but have strong stems, and very large, well formed cups,
Avith white bottoms, handsomely broken with rich brown
color, and all from the same breeder.
Incomparable Yerports. — A particular kind of Bybloe-
mens. Cups very perfect, cherry-red and rose color, and
white bottoms well broken with shining brown. Some
of these are from $10 to |25 a root.
Byhloemens^ or nest flowers, called by the French Fla-
mands. They have white ground, or nearly so, and are
beautifully broken with shades of purple and a variety
of colors. They are from diflerent breeders.
Bizarres^ from the French, odd, or irregular. Ground
yellow ; from different breeders, and broken with a va-
riety of colors.
Paroquets^ or Parrot Tulips. — ^The edges of the petals
are fringed, colors, brilliant crimson and yellow, with
shades of bright green ; but still they are held in no sort
of esteem among florists."
Double. — These are of various brilliant red, yellow,
and mixed colors, but, like many other double flowers,
are deemed monsters, and not appreciated by flower fan-
ciers, although they have an elegant appearance, from
their upright, tall, and firm stems, and crowns of large,
peony-shaped flowers ; and, when scattered with the Par-
rot Tulips among the small shrubs and other plants, in
the borders of avenues and walks, or planted out in
separate beds, they have a pleasing effect.
Breeders are such as have been procured from the seed,
and consist of one color, which is red, purple, violet, gray,
brown, black, yellow, or some other individual color,
without any sort of variation. These are cultivated in a
rather poor and dry soil, and become broken or variegat-
ed, in from one to twenty years, and produce new varie-
ties ; but so uncertain is the prospect of a favorable re-
sult, that but few persons are Avilling to make the experi-
ment, by raising Tulips from seed, as probably not one
in a thousand, after so many years of patient cultivation,
would exhibit anything remarkable or new. For this
reason, a new and superb Tulip commands a high price
at the present time in Eurojjc.
When a Tulip has broken, the colors are unchangeable,
Avhen properly managed, and it is perpetuated by offsets
from the parent bulb. Tulips become deteriorated by
improper culture, by feeding them too highly with stimu-
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOAVERS. 375
lating manures. This causes the colors to run together,
and the flower becomes what the florist denominates
"foul," and they can only be restored to their former
beauty by planting in a j^ure loamy soil for a few years.
A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTIES OF A FES^E LATE
TULIP.
The stem should be strong, elastic, and erect, and about
thirty inches above the surface of the bed.
The flower should be large, and composed of six petals.
These should form almost a perfect cuj), with a round
bottom, rather wide at the top.
The three exterior petals should be somewhat larger
than tlie three interior ones, and broader at their base.
All the petals should have perfectly entire edges, free
from notch or serrature. The top of each should be
broad and well rounded. The ground color of the flow-
er, at the bottom of the cup, should be a clear white or
yellow ; and the various rich colored stripes, which are
the principal ornament of a fine Tulip, should be regular,
bold, and distinct on the margin, and terminate in fine
broken points, elegantly feathered or penciled. These
are the principal jjoints of excellence, in the eyes of a
florist ; yet with amateurs there is some diflference of
opinion.
The colors which are generally held in greatest estima-
tion, in variegated striped sorts, are black, golden-yellow,
jDurple, violet, rose, and vermilion, each of which is varied
in difterent ways ; but such as are striped with three dif-
ferent colors, in a distinct and unmixed manner, with
strong regular streaks, and but little or no tinge of the
breeder, are considered the most perfect.
The cultivati(^n of the Tulip is mystified by the elabo-
rate directions generally given for its cultivation. I have
succeeded, for many years, in ^^roducing very fine flowers
376
by a simple course of cultivation ; the varieties in my
possession being j^robably as fine as can be obtained from
any collection in Europe, having been imported, a few
years since, at great exj^ense.
The finer sorts of Tulips should always be planted in
beds, containing a considerable quantity of bulbs ; but
they look very well when disposed in small groups, in the
borders, particularly the more common sorts.
The proper season for planting is in October. If kept
out longer, they are somewhat weakened, and will not
flower so finely.
A bed for two hundred and fifty Tulips, should be thir-
ty-six feet long by four wide. The bulbs to be planted
in rows, seven inches apart, and seven jnclies distant from
each other. The ground being marked out, the soil
should be taken out to the depth of twenty inches. The
rich surface mould should be first taken off and placed
by itself, while the subsoil must be taken oif out of the
way. I have found the best soil for Tulips to be that
made of decayed turf, from an old pasture, well incorpo-
rated with old, thoroughly-decomposed cow-manure, with
a little sand, if the soil be adhesive ; for the Tulip and
most bulbs delight in a loose soil. The exact quantity of
these three materials is laid down by some florist as one
third of each, but I have not been so nice. My mould is
light enough without much sand, and the quantity of ma-
nure is very small, not more than one-eighth. When
highly manured, the flowers will make a ranker growth,
but it is injurious to the flower. The mould or soil
should be prepared beforehand, and frequently turned to
receive the influence of the air and sun When the bed
has been dug out as directed, the cavity is to be filled
with this compost, a week or ten days before jilanting.
My piactice is to fill it even Avith the surface of the
ground. This, when settled, will be the right depth to
DESCKIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 377
plant the bulbs, if planted on the surface. The planting
should be done in a pleasant day. It should not be done
directly after a heavy rain, for then the soil will be heavy.
That the roots may be planted exact, I prepare a board,
six and a half inches wide, the length the width of tlie
bed. On the edges of tlie board I mark the distances the
bulbs are to be planted from each other, by sawing in a
notch ; thus, three inches from the end, for the first, and
from that seven inches, until the whole number, seven,
are made, which will leave three inches on the other side.
Stretch a line on one side of the bed, and, by keepiug one
end of the board up to it, the planting may be done with-
out any trouble, and every root in its right place, pro-
vided the board is placed square across the bed at each
removal. Having placed the board, let some fine sand be
placed where the bulbs are to be set. The roots should
then be gently pressed into the earth, close up to the
notch, but not so deep as to cover them, the large bulbs a
little deeper than the smaller ones, and remove the board;
then completely envelop each root with a little cone of
sand, or very sandy earth, and so proceed until all the
bulbs are set. Now with a spade gradually cover the
bulbs with the surface soil, until the bed has been raised
four inches above the level of the walk. This will cover
the bulbs about three and a half inches, the proper depth.
Let it be carefully smoothed, but not with any instrument
that will interfere with or put out of j)lace any of the
roots which have been set. All the care necessary, after
,this, is to throw some light protection over the beds be-
fore winter sets in, to be removed by the first of April.
Afterwards keep the bed free from weeds. To have the
flowers in the greatest perfection, screen them from the
sun, in mid-day, by an awning. A powerful sun soon de-
stroys the beauty of a Tulip bed, by causing the colors to
run together. A bed of late Tulips is generally in its
378 -
highest perfection about the 20th of May, and may be
kept in fine condition a fortnight longer, by taking the
trouble to erect an awnhig over them. I take up my Tu-
lips about the 20th of June, and dry them under cover,
in an airy place, and, when dry, take off the offsets and
plant them out," while the flowering roots are each wrap-
ped in a piece of waste paper, and put away, in a box or
drawer, in a dry place, until wanted to plant. One hun-
dred different varieties, with their names and colors, re-
puted the very best, may be obtained from Holland, at
the cost of about $25 ; but I have found, by experience,
that some of the rarer and most expensive sorts are not
included. Very good border Tulips, including fine dou-
ble sorts, early and late, single, parrots, etc., may be ob-
tained from 50 cents to $1 per dozen, and some of the
common sorts at much less price.
Tulips sometimes succeed very well, in any good garden
soil, without extra preparation. The Due Van Tlioll
Tulips, single and double, are some of the most esteemed
early sorts, the single being the most suitable, and about
the only one that succeeds well in j^ots and for forcing.
The sorts that are planted in the borders may be set in
groups of from three to five bulbs. These need not be
taken up oftener than once in three years. Separate the
offsets, as they become so crowded that they will not
flower well, and besides, as the ncAV bulb is formed every
year, below the old one, the roots will penetrate so deep,
that, if permitted to remain many years, they become so
weakened they Avill not flower at all.
TJVTJL ARIA.— Bell- WORT.
A genus of little beauty and easy culture. We have a
number of indigenous species found growing in the mar-
gin of woods and tliickets.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 379
Uvularia perfoliata.— Perfoliate Bell-wort.— A j^lant,
about one foot high. Stem smooth, rouud, running
through the leaves, furnishing a good example of the per-
foliate leaves. Flowers pendulous, j^ale-yellow, in May ;
perennial.
U. grandiflora. — Large-flowered Bell-wort. — Similar
to the foregoing, but larger ; the leaves narrower, the
flowers brighter yellow and smooth inside. This is one
of the prettiest of the genus, and Avorth cultivating;
hardy perennial.
VALERIANA.-VALEmAT^.
[Name from valere, to liave efficacy, on accoiiiit of its medicinal qualities. 1
The species are generally ornamental garden plants of
easy culture in ' common earth, and preferring a shady,
moist situation.
Valeriana dioica, has usually the stamens and pistils in
separate flowers, situated on diflferent plants. This spe-
cies, and VI officinalis^ are medicinal. Cats are delighted
with the roots, and rat-catchers employ them as they do
the oil of anise, to draw rats together.
V. Phu. — Garden Valerian. — This is an esteemed bor-
der-flower ; perennial, growing to the height of three
or four feet, with large corymbs of white flowers ; highly
fragant ; more cultivated for that property than for their
beauty.
V. Pyrenaica. — This is a handsome species with umbels
of light-red flowers, growing about three feet high.
VERBASCTJM.-MuLLEm.
[An alteration of the Latin barbascum.]
Verbascum ThapsilS. — Common Mullein. — ^N'o doubt,
this species will be considered by many as hardly orna-
mental. Everybody knows this tall and very common
380 bkeck's new book of floweks.
plant, with leaves exceedingly wooly on both sides, with
its long, thick, cylindrical spikes, with handsome five-
parted flowers, abundant in dry pastures ; in July and
August. Most of the European species are biennial; a
few perennial, and some quite desirable for the garden.
V, phceniceiim, is a native of the South of Europe, a
handsome hardy perennial, growing three feet high, with
elongated racemes of purple flowers.
V. pillverulentum. — This is a native of Britain, l)ienni-
al, and a magnificent plant, sending up a stem a yard
high, covered with many hundreds of gold-colored flow-
ers ; leaves powdery, ovate-oblong, sub-serrate.
V. Blattaria. — Moth Mullein. — An indigenous species,
two or three feet high. Flowers in a long terminal ra-
ceme, yellow or Avhite, marked with purple ; stamens cov-
ered with purple hairs. This plant is said to have the
power of driving away the blatta^ or cockroach. Prop-
agated from seed.
VERBENA.— Vervain.
[An ancient name for some sacred herb.]
" Vervain was held sacred among the ancient, and was
emjiloyed in sacrifices, incantations, etc. .; it was one of
the plants termed by the Greeks, Sacred Herb. It was
susi)ended around the neck as an amulet, thought good
against bites, and recommended as a sovereign medicine
for various diseases. It is supposed to have been in use
with the Druids upon sacred occasions.'
" Lift your boughs of Vervain blue,
Dip in cold September dew ;
And dash ihe moii^ture, chaste and clear,
O'er Hie ground and liirr)Ugli the air."— Jfason.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLO^^^ERS. 381
" In Rome, the Vervain was used on various occasions,
as, in religious ceremonies, incantations, treaties, etc.
" Bring your garlands, and with reverence place
The Vervain on the altar."— i^e7i Johnson.
" Virgil mentions it as one of the charms used by an
enchantress.
" Bring running water, bind those altars round
With fillets, and with Vervain strow the ground."— Orwu^s' Chorus.
"Drayton, in the Muse's Elysium, calls it the Holy
Vervain, and in the same poem speaks of it as worn by
heralds.
" A wreath of Vervain lieralds wear,
Amongst our garlands named.
Being sent that dreadful news to bear,
Offensive war proclaimed."
We have a number of indigenous Verbenas or Vervain in
New England. V. hastata., which is the common blue Ver-
vain, is the only one that has any claim to beauty, a tall and
rather showy plant, often found by road sides on low
ground; the stem is three or four feet high; leaves oppo-
site, rough, sharply serrate, tapering to a point. Spikes
numerous, erect, slender. Tlie flowering commences at
the base, and is long in reaching to the summit. Flowers
close, of a dark-purplish blue. In bloom from July to
September ; perennial ; not worth cultivating.
Garden Verbenas. — The genus was considered a worth-
less weedy race, imtil the introduction of Y. Auhletia,
chamcBclrifoUa., and Lambertii.
Verbena chamcedrifolia was introduced into England
from Buenos Ayres, by Mr. Hugh Gumming, an ardent
lover of nature, about 1825. For a long time this was
the only species cultivated ; its form was excellent and its
color of the most brilliant scarlet. The introduction of
this beautiful and showy flower into this country, about
382
the year 1835, created a great sensation among the florists
of the day ; and well it might, for we had nothing of the
kind then in cultivation that could equal it in beauty and
richness of coloring for masses. The flower in the brilli-
ancy of the color, has not been surpassed in any new va-
riety, though great imjDrovements have been made in the
size of the flowers and form of truss. The credit of pro-
ducing the first white, crimson, and pink varieties, is due
to Robert Buist of Philadelphia, from seed received from
Buenos Ayres, about the year 1835. T^ 7nultijida. with
lilac-purple flowers, was introduced from Peru ; V. Iwee-
diana^ with rose-crimson flowers, from Brazil. From
these have sprung all the numerous varieties, many hun-
dred in number, now in our collections. In these vari-
ties may be found every color except yellow, and even this
color in its lighter shades, is sometimes seen in the eyes of
some of the sorts. We now have crimson, scarlet, rose,
white, lilac, blueish-purple, and purple in all their shades,
with eyes of purple, crimson, rose, white, or straw color,
and also a number of striped and spotted sorts. No
plants are more generally cultivated, or more eagerly
sought after, than this beautiful family. I sometimes
wonder how a flower-garden could be considered passable
without the Verbena. The habits of all are similar, nat-
urally prostrate creeping plants, taking root freely where-
ever the stems come in contact with the ground, and
sending forth innumerable clusters of their many hued,
brilliant flowers, from June to November.
" The qualities of a first-class Verbena as laid down by
florists, are : Roundness of flower without indenture,
notch, or serrature ; petals thick, flat, bright, and smooth ;
the plant should be compact, with short, stout joints,
either distinctly of a shrubby habit, or a close ground
creeper or climber ; the trusses of bloom compact, stand-
ing out from the foliage ; the flowers meeting but not
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 38o
crowding each other ; the foliage should be short, broad,
bright, and enough to hide stalk ; in the eyed and striped
varieties, the colors should be well defined and lasting,
never running into each other, or changing in the sun."
I should also add that the truss should be hemispherical,
not flat, and the center filled out full with perfect flow-
ers, destitute of green eyes or flower-buds.
The Verbena is kept with difficulty through the win-
ter, except in the green-house or in Avarm rooms ; unless
kept growing, it will perish. It cannot therefore be kept
even in a dry cellar, and it is not hardy enough to stand
the winter.
Most of the varieties are easily raised from cuttings,
and can be purchased at so small a price from florists,
that it is by far the most economical to buy a few dozen
in the spring than attempt to keep them through the win-
ter. Small plants turned out from the pots in June, soon
make large plants, and by October will be two or three
feet across. They continue to flower after severe frosts,
and are among the last lingering flowers of autumn.
The seed, sown in May, in the open ground, will be-
gin to show flowers in August ; but, when the seed is
sown in January, in the green-house, and afterwards pot-
ted and placed in a hot-bed in March or April, will begin
to flower in June.
Seedling plants produce seed in abundance, but those
plants, which have been a long time propagated from
cuttings, loose that power in a great measure, and pro-
duce none or very sparingly. It is easy enough to raise
seedlings, but the chance of getting an improved variety,
may not be one to twenty or one in fifty.
No plant equals the Verbena for masses, particularly
when grown in fanciful beds and on lawns, as the brilliancy
of the flowers contrasts finely with the green grass.
384 breck's neav book of flowers.
VERONICA.— Speedwell.
An extensive genus, most of the species being ornamen-
tal plants, the taller growing sorts suitable for the bor-
ders, and those of a more dwarfish habit for the rockery.
The flowers are produced in spire-like spikes, or racemes,
and are generally blue ; but some few species are white,
and others pink.
Veronica Virginica, is a tall, strong-growing species,
four or five feet high, with white flowers in clustered
spikes ; in July and August ; suitable for the shrubbery.
V. Sihirica has blue flowers, in spikes, in July and Au-
gust ; two feet high. Y. speciosa is a dwarf-species, with
brilliant blue flowers, in spikes ; June and July. V. azu-
rea is two or three feet high, with fine sky-blue flowers.
V. spicata is about one foot high, with fine blue flowers.
There are as many as fifty species, all easily cultivated in
almost any soil ; propagated by dividing the roots.
VINCA. — Periwinkle.
Vinca minor. — Common Periwinkle. — A hardy ever-
green prostrate plant, rooting at the joints; flowers blue
with a white variety.
V. major. — Great Periwinkle, with larger and rounder
leaves than the foregoing an'd not quite so hardy, ever-
green trailing plants ; valuable for their early and long-
continued flowering, flourishing under tlie shade and drip
of trees. It is best to give a little protection in winter.
A variety of each, with gold-edged leaves, is very beau-
tiful but not so hardy. There is also a variety with silver-
edged leaves.
V. rosea, or Madagascar Periwinkle. — This is a beauti-
ful green-house plant, with evergreen leaves ; one variety
with white flowers and red eye, another with white, and
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OP FLOWERS.
385
still another with rose-colored .flowers. These varieties
are in perpetual bloom, and are easily propagated by cut-
VINCA. ROSEA.
tings under a hand glass. Young plants planted out in
June, will flower through the summei-.
17
386 breck's new book of flowees.
VIOLA.— Violet.
[The ancient Latin name.]
" Violets, sweet tenants of the shade,
In purjile's ricliest pride arrayed,
Your errand here fulfil ;
' Go bid llie artist's simple stain
Your lustre imitate in vain,
And match your Maker's skill."
This is an extensive genus of plants, of dwarf habit,
suitable for the border or rock-work. There are many in-
digenous species which flourish Avell in the garden, and
will repay the trouble of collecting them from the woods,
meadows, and pastures.
Viola odorata, the Sweet-scented Violet, should not be
wanting in any collection of plants, on account of its
fragrance and early appearance. A single flower will per-
fume a large room. The flowers appear in April, and con-
tinue through May. There are the single white and
single blue, and the double blue and white varieties ; the
double sorts are the most desirable ; they succeed best in
a shady, sheltered place, and are rapidly multiplied by di-
visions of the plant.
The double Neapolitan Violet is a variety with pale-
blue flowers, extensively grown for small hand bouquets,
and much admired on account of its exquisite scent. The
Sweet-scented Violet is a native of every part of Europe,
in woods, amongst bushes, in hedges, and on warm banks.
The Violet is said to be an emblem of faithfulness.
" Violet is for faithfulness
Whicli in ine shall abide ;
Hoping likewise from your heart
You will not let it slide."
It is a pity that our American species do not possess
the fragrance, which is so characteristic of the Euroj^ean
Violet. We have some beautiful species, however, well
worthy the attentie
three species are hardy, and from them have been pro-
duced numerous beautiful hybrids, which are equally har-
dy, and are among the most interesting and valuable of
flowering shrubs.
My friend, Mr. Robert Murray, Landscape Gardener,
Waltham, Mass., has been very successful in the manage-
432 BRECK S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS.
ment of the Rhododendron^ and has, at my request, fa-
vored me with a letter, from which I extract the folloAving :
" The beautiful hybrid varieties sent us a few years ago
from the English nurseries, have proved as hardy and as
well adapted to our climate, as our native M. maximum ;
the flower-buds are sometimes killed by severe winters,
but that may be avoided by a slight covering of white
pine boughs, laid over the plants before winter sets in ; by
so doing, I never had a bud injured. I will now state for
the information of all amateur florists, the best method of
preparing the soil for a luxuriant growth, and gorgeous
display of flowers. Tlie following kinds of American
shrubs, along with the Rhododendrons, will all flourish
and do well with tlie same soil and treatment : Kalmia
latifolia, Andromedas, and all the fine, new, hardy, hy-
brid Azaleas. Select a piece of ground in a partially
shaded situation, then excavate and cart away all the soil
to the depth of two feet ; then fill the hole, about one-
half full, of dry peat mud ; then from the hollow places
of an old oak wood, dig six or eight inches of the soil,
which is principally decomposed leaves ; cart and fill up
the whole excavation ; then lay all over the top six inches
of clear white sand; then begin at one side, turning,
breaking up, and mixing the whole together twice, allow-
ing the bed to stand for some time to settle ; it will ulti-
mately be no higher than the surrounding ground. In
the months of April or May, plant all the sorts and vari-
eties of those I have named, from two to two and one-
half feet apart, mixing the diflfcrent colors to suit the
taste.. Afterwards, lay a covering of leaves, six inches in
depth, all over the ground, amongst the plants, the same
never to be removed ; and as they have decayed through
the sum:ner, add more to th')se that have blown amongst
them by the fall winds. They are all propagated by seeds
or layers ; but as both methods take a number of years to
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 433
get good-sized flowering plants, I would, therefore, leave
their propagation to the nurseryman. Fine plants, full
of flower-buds of all the new, hardy, hybrid Rhododen-
drons, and Azalias, can be bought at all the principal
nurseries at very moderate prices, considering the time it
takes to get good-sized flowering plants."
Robert Murray.
RHODORA.
[From the Greek word for rose^ from the color of the flowers.]
Rhodora Canadensis.— False Honeysuckle. — This beau-
tiful shrub is found on the margins of swamps, and in wet
meadows, frequently in large masses, many yards in cir-
cumference, which, when in bloom, in May, present a mag-
nificent appearance. The flowers appear on the extremity
of the branches, before the leaves are perfectly expanded,
are of a fine purple color, and in shape somewhat resemble
the Honeysuckle. I have been successful with this fine
shrub, by taking large masses of it from the meadows,
with the earth attached to the roots, and planting in moist
soil ; also by taking the suckers, which it throws up as
freely as the Lilac. It will flourish without difficulty.
RHUS.— Sumach.
[The ancient classical name of the genus.]
Rhus typhina. — Stag-Horn Sumach. — This is highly
ornamental in the shrubbery, on account of its elegant
compound leaves, and bunches of ricli scarlet berries.
The shrub, which grows to the height of twelve to twenty
feet, is ugly shaped, its branches being rather naked and
crooked. It must, therefore, be planted with other
19
434 BRECX'S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS.
shrubs, so as to conceal, as much as possible, its crooked,
irregular steins and branches. There is no particular
beauty in the flowers ; but, in July and August, the heads
of berries begin to assume a rich scarlet color, afterwards
turning to jDurple, and remain conspicuous and beautiful
into winter ; while in autumn the leaves begin early to
turn, and become of a red color, with various shades of
yellow, orange, and purple. The ends of the branches,
from their irregularity, and the abundant down with which
they are covered, resemble the young horns of the stag,
whence the poj^ular name.
R. COpallina. — The Dwarf, or Mountain Sumach, — is
another beautiful species, " found growing on dry rocks,
or sandy hills, about the same height of the last, in favor-
able, protected situations, but usually about three to five
feet. The varnished polish of the leaves, and the rich
purple they assume in autumn, as well as the scarlet of
the leafy heads of fruit, inake this species one of the most
beautiful of the genus."
R. glabra* — The Smooth Sumach. — This is a handsome,
spreading, leafy bush, usually four to six, rarely ten, feet
high. The leaves are compound, smooth, of a rich green.
The flowers are disposed in a large green head, of yel-
lowish-green color, and agreeable fragrance. The velvety
crimson heads of berries on this plant, as on the others,
are acid and astringent. The leaves are used in tanning.
R. Cotinus. — Venetian Sumach or Smoke Tree. — This
species is much cultivated as an ornamental shrub. It is
a crooked, straggling growing plant, from ten to fifteen
fL'ct high. No attempt should be made to make it grow
straight by pruning, as it looks the best when left to itself,
clothed with branches to the ground. Persons, ignorant
of the habits of the shrub, often complain of nurserymen,
because they do not give them regular-shaped plants; but
this is impossible, and it is not desirable.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 435
The foliage is handsome ; the flowers are disposed in
large panicles, first green, changing to a reddish-brown,
and afterwards a brownish smoke color. The flowers, or
appendages to them, have the appearance of downy silk,
in light, airy masses, and the plant is nearly covered with
these graceful clusters, which have some resemblance to
puff's of smoke emerging from among the graceful leaves.
It is propagated from layers very readily.
We have two poisonous species of Hhus, which are
briefly mentioned that they may be avoided. H. venena-
ta^ the Poison Sumach or Dogwood, is a handsome shrub,
with foliage somewhat resembling that of H. glabra, but
the leaflets are entire. The berries are in loose panicles,
smooth and whitish. H. Toxicodendron, the Poison Ivy,
is a very common climber upon trees, rocks, stone walls,
etc. The leaves are compound, of three variously lobed
or entire leaflets. This character of the leaves will dis-
tinguish it from the Virginia Creeper, for which it is some-
times mistaken, as that has five leaflets. To some persons
these species are poisonous to the touch, and very suscep-
tible persons are aflTected by being in their vicinity.
RIBES. — Currant. — Gooseberry.
[The name said to be of Arabic origin.]
Ribes Sans^uineum. — Red-flowering Currant. — This is a
very handsome ornamental species, producing pendent ra-
cemes of rich deep-red flowers, in May. The shrub is
about three feet high ; the foliage elegant. The plant is
easily propagated by cuttings. I find it is rather tender,
the extremities of the branches being often killed in this
climate. Probably, if planted the north side of a wall,
or where it is partially shaded with evergreens, it would
succeed better. There is a white-flowered variety, and
one with double flowers, which is very fine.
436
R. Speciosum. — Showy Gooseberry. — The flowers are
of a bright crimson, and far superior in brilliancy to the
preceeding, and like that somewhat tender.
R. aureum.— Missouri Currant, Buffiilo Currant.— A
native of the far West; has in May a profusion of yellow
fragrant flowers, which j^erfume the whole neighborhood.
All the species are propagated from cuttings, in the same
manner as the common Currant.
B.OBINIA. — Locust-tree,
[Named in honor of Jean Robin, herbalist to Henry IV., of France.]
Robinia Viscosa. — Clammy Locust. — This is a small
tree, with large pale-pink flowers. The branches are cov-
ered with a gummy substance that is unpleasant to the
touch. It looks well with other trees and shrubs.
R« hispida* — Rose Acacia. — Tbis is a beautiful flower-
ing shrub, growing from three to ten feet high, bearing a
great profusion of elegant rose-colored flowers, which are
produced in dense, pendent racemes. The shrub com-
mences flowering when only two feet high. It has long,
rambling roots, which throw up numerous suckers. The
branches are thickly clothed with stiflT hairs. This is a
very desirable species.
The Common Locust, H. Pseudacacia, is a well-known
ornamental tree, but its liability to be destroyed by
borers, makes it useless to attempt its cultivation. A va-
riety of it, H. crispa, has curiously contorted leaflets.
ROSA.— Rose.
[The ancient Latin name.]
And first of all the rose ; because its breath
Is rich beyond the rest ; and when it dies,
It doth beqiieatli a charm to sweeten death."
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 437
The Rose lias been a favorite flower from time imme-
morial among the civilized nations of Europe and Asia.
The Rose, in its wild state, is found in almost every coun-
try in the temperate zones. We have a few species in
New England, none of which have been taken in hand by
the florist for improvement, but are sufiered to remain in
their wild state for the pleasure of the botanist.
This well-known and highly esteemed genus, embraces
many distinct species, which, by the skill of the florist,
have multiplied into thousands of varieties. They vary in
height from one to twelve or fifteen feet, producing flow-
ers, single, semi-double and double, and generally of ex-
quisite fragrance. The colors are pure white, white-tint-
ed, shaded, striped, or mottled ; every shade of red to
purple, and all these shades and colors variously mixed ;
also a few yellow varieties. There are no black Roses,
although we sometimes hear of them. Such as are sold
for Black Roses, are those of dark shades of purple or
crimson. The foliage is also various in the diflerent spe-
cies or varieties, but of a general character. They diifer
also as to the aj^pendages to the plant, some having form-
idable thorns, while others are entirely destitute. Some
flower only once in the season — others are perpetual, or
everblooming. Most are hardy, but many require protec-
tion. It is a flower beloved by every one, not only in the
present age, but has been in all ages past, and will, no
doubt continue to be the most prominent and desirable
flower as long as the world stands. It may, Vy ith propri-
ety, be styled the Queen of Floioers. We have not space
in this w^ork to do justice to its merits, and must refer our
readers, for the details of its culture, and for a mass of
valuable and interesting particulars, to a work published
by S. B. Parsons, Esq., of Flushing, N". Y., a volume of
280 pages, octavo, upon the Rose, which we heartily com-
mend to all the lovers of this universal favorite. Mr. Par-
433
sons treats of it historically, jDoetically, and scientifically,
as well as in a practical manner. We must, of course,
say something of the Rose ourselves poetically, — for who
can dwell long upon this beautiful flower without some
aspirations of this kind ? — but not having a faculty of
soaring upon our own wings, we must cull fi-om others,
and finding in a work entitled " Flora Domestical'' all we
desire under this head, we give the following copious ex-
tracts, which may not be unacceptable to a portion of our
readers at least : —
" The Rose is preeminently the flower of love and poetry,
the very perfection of floral realities. Imagination may
have flattered herself that her power could form a more
perfect beauty ; but, it is said, she never yet discovered
such to mortal eyes. This, however, she would persuade
us to be a mere matter of delicacy, and that she had the
authority of Apollo for her secret success : —
No mortal eye can reach the flowers,
And 't is light just, for well Apollo knows
'T would make the poet quarrel with the Rose.'
It is, however, determined, tliat until the claim of such
veiled beauty, or beauties, shall rest upon better founda-
tion, the Rose shall still be considered as the unrivalled
Queen of flowers.
* I saw the sweetest flower wild nature yields,
A fresh-blown Musk Rose.'
"It IS said, however, that the angels possess a more
beautiful kind of Rose than those we have on earth.
David saw in a vision a number of angels pass by with
gilded baskets in their hands.
' Some as they went, the blue-eyed Violets strew,
Some spotless Lilies in loose order threw ;
Some (lid the way with full-blown Roses spread,
Their smell divine, and color stransely red ;
Not such as our dull gardens proudly wear,
Wliotn weathers taint, and winds' rude kisses tear,
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 439
Such, I believe, was the first Rose's hue,
Which at God's word in beauteous Eden grew ;
Queen of the flowers that made that orchard gay,
Tiie morning biusiies of ihe spring's new day.' — Cowley.
''The Rose, as well as the Myrtle, is considered as
sacred to the Goddess of beauty. Berkley, in his Utopia,
describes the lover as declaring his passion by presenting
to the fair-beloved a Rose-bud just beginning to open ; if
the lady accepted and wore the bud, she was supposed to
favor his pretensions. As time increased the lover's affec-
tions, he followed up the first present by that of a half-
blown Rose, which was again succeeded by one full-blown ;
and if the lady wore this last, she was considered as en-
gaged for life.
" Poetry is lavish of Roses ; it heaps them into beds,
weaves them into crowns, twines them into arbors, forges
them into chains, adorns with them the goblet used in the
festivals of Bacchus, plants them in the bosom of beauty,
— nay, not only delights to bring in the Rose itself upon
every occasion, but seizes each particular beauty it posses-
ses as an object of comparison with the loveliest works
of nature : — as soft as a Rose-leaf; as sweet as a Rose ;
rosy clouds ; rosy cheeks ; rosy lips ; rosy blushes ; rosy
dawns, etc., etc. It is commonly united with the Lily : —
' In the lime tliat the morning did strew Roses and Violets on the heavenly
floor against the coming of the sun.'
' A bed of Lilies flower upon her cheek,
And in the midst was set a circling Rose.'
'Rosed all in lovely crimson are thy cheeks,
Where beauiies ever flourishing abide.
And "as to pass his fellow eitlier seeks,
Seem botli to blush at one another's pride'
" The Red Rose is said to be indebted for its color to
the blood which flowed from the thorn-wounded feet of
Venus when running through the woods in despair for the
440
loss of Adonis ; as the White Rose is also said to have
sprung from the tears which the goddess shed upon that
occasion. Ample reasons these for dedicating them to her.'
' AVhite as the native Rose before the change,
Which Venus' blood did in her leaves impress.'
Anacreon tells us that it was dyed with nectar by the
gods when it was first formed ; he speaks of it, too, as the
flower of Bacchus : — '
' With nectar drops, a ruby tide,
The sweetly orient buds they dyed,
And bade them bloom ; the flowers divine
Of him who sheds the teeming vine.'
Some say they were dyed with the blood of Cupid and
' 'T is said, as Cupid danced among
The gods, he down the nectar flung ;
Which, on the White Rose being shed,
Made it forever after red.'
But the general opinion is, that the Rose is indebted to
Venus for its beautiful blushes.
" Perhaps the most beautiful season of the Rose is when
partly blown ; then too she still promises us a continuance
of delight ; but, when full-blown, she inspires us with the
fear of losing her.
"Constance, expatiating on the beauty of her son, says :
' Nature and fortune joined to make thee great;
Of nature's gifts thou mayst with Lilies boast,
And with the half-blown Rose.'
" The bed of Roses is not altogether a fiction. ' The
Roses of the Sinan Nile, or garden of the Nile, attached
to the Emperor of Morocco's palace, are unequalled ; and
mattresses are made of their leaves, for men of rank to re-
cline upon.'
"The Eastern poets have united the Rose with the
nightingale ; the Venus of flowers with the Apollo of
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 441
birds ; the Rose is supposed to burst forth from its bud at
the song of the nightingale.
" A festival is held in Persia, called the Feast of Roses,
which lasts the whole time they are in bloom.
'And all is ecstasy, for now
The valley holds its Feast of Roses ;
That joyous time when pleasures pour
Profusely round, and in their shower
Hearts open, like the season's Rose, —
The flowret of a hundred leaves,
Expanding while the dew-fall flows,
And every leaf its oalm receives ! '
" ' Persia is the very land of Roses. — " On my first en-
tering this bower of fairy land," says Sir Robert Kerr
Porter; speaking of the garden of one of the royal palaces
of Persia, "I was struck Avith the appearance of two Rose-
trees, full fourteen feet high, laden with thousands of
flowers, in every degree of expansion, and of a bloom and
delicacy of sceut that imbued the whole atmosphere with
exquisite perfume. Indeed, I believe that in no country
in the world does the Rose grow in such perfection as in
Persia ; in no country is it so cultivated and prized by the
natives. Their gardens and courts are crowded by its
plants, their rooms ornamented with vases filled with its
gathered bunches, and every bath strewed with the full-
blown flowers, plucked with the ever-replenished stems.
* * * * But in this dehcious garden of Negaaristan,
the eye and tlie smell are not the only senses regaled by
the presence of the Rose. The ear is enchanted by the
wild and beautiful notes of multitudes of nightingales,
whose warblings seem to increase in melody and softness
with the unfolding of their favorite flowers. Here, indeed,
the stranger is more powerfully reminded that he is in the
genuine country of the nightingale and the Rose." —
{Persia in Miniature^ vol. iii.)
"Sir William Ouseley, accompanied his brother, the am-
bassador, on a visit to a man of high rank at Teheran;
19*
442 bkeck's new book of flowers.
and though there was a great profusion of meat and fruit
at this entertainment, 'it might,' he says, 'have been
styled the Feast of Roses, for the floor of the great hall,
or open-fronted talar^ was spread in the middle, and in the
recess, with Roses forming the figures of cypress-trees ;
Roses decorated all the candle-sticks, which were very
numerous. The surface of the hawz^ or reservoir of wa-
ter, was completely covered with rose-leaves, which also
were scattered on the principal walks leading to the man-
sion.'
" He says that the surface of this reservoir was so en-
tirely covered with rose-leaves, that the water was visible
only when stirred by the air, and that the servants, during
the entertainment, were continually scattering fresh Roses
both upon the waters and the floor of the hall.*
" We must not dismiss the subject of the Rose, without
recalling to the minds of our readers those beautiful lines
from Milton : —
Eve separate he spies,
Veiled in a cloud of fragrance where she stood,
Half spied, so thick the Roses blushing round
About her glowed ; oft stooping to support
Each flower of tender stalk, whose head, though gay
Carnation, purple, azure, or speck'd with gold.
Hung drooping unsustained ; them slie upstays
Gently with myrtle band, mindless the while
Herself, though fairest unsupported flower.
From her best prop so far, and storm so nigh.'
" In two difierent poems, where Venus is represented,
she has a crown of white and red flowers : —
' 1 saw anone right her figure
Nakid yfletyng in a se.
And also on her liedde parde
Her rosy garland white and redde.'
' Then father Anoiiises decked a capacious bowl witli garlands, and filled it
up with wine.' — \UavidsorCs Translation.)
See Sir W. Ouseley's Travels in the East, vol. iii., pp. 352 and 353.
DESCKIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 443
" ' To crown the bowl,' says Mr. Davidson, ' sometimes
signifies no more than to fill the cup to the brim ; but
here it is to be taken literally for adorning the bowl with
flowers, according to the ancient custom. Otherwise,
implemtque mero would be mere tautology.' Horace re-
peatedly speaks of crowning the bowl with Roses.
" The Romans were at great expense to procure Roses
in winter ; Suetonius affirms that Nero spent upwards of
4,000,000 of sesterces, about thirty thousand pounds, for
Roses, at one supper. Horace alludes to this custom in
his thirty-eighth Ode, Book i.
• Seek not for late-blowing Roses ; I ask no other crown than simple Myrtle.
" It is said that the Turks cannot endure to see a Rose-
leaf fall to the ground, because says Gerarde, ' some of
them have dreamed that the first Rose sprang from the
blood of Venus.'
"It may, perhaps, be worth while to quote Gerarde's
translation of a passage from Anacreon, rather for its cu-
riosity than beauty : —
' The Rose is the honor and beauty of flowers,
The Rose is the care and tiie love of the spring,
The Rose is the pleasure of th' heavenly powers ;
The boy of fair Venus. Cythera's darling,
Doth wrap his head round with garlands of Rose,
When to the dances of the Graces he goes.'
" Many species of the Rose preserve their sweet per-
fume even after death ; as the poet observes in the follow-
ing passage : —
' And first of all, tlie Rose ; because its breath
Is rich beyond the rest ; and when it dies.
It doth bequeatii a charm to sweeten death.'
" The very essence of this sweet perfume is extracted
from the flowers ; and the attar of Roses is dearer than
gold : —
444
♦ The Rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem
For that sweet odor which doth in it live.
The canker blooms have full as deep a dye
As the perfumed tincture of the Roses,
Hang on such thorns, and play as wantonly,
When summer's breath tlieir masked buds discloses.
But, for their virtue only is their siiovv^.
They live unmoved, and unrespected fade ;
Die to themselves ; sweet Roses do not so ;
Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odors made.' "
*'The Moss Rose, or Moss Provence Hose, is well-known
as an elegant plant. The flowers are deeply colored, and
the rich mossiness which surrounds them, gives them a
luxuriant appearance not easily described ; but it is famil-
iar to every one. It is a fragrant flower ; its country is
not known to us, and we know it only as a double flower.
" The origin of its mossy vest has been explained to us
by a German writer : —
' The angel of the flowers one day
Beneath a Rose-tree sleeping lay :
That spirit to wliose charge is given
To bathe young buds in dews from heaven ;
Awaking from his light repose,
The angel whispered to the Rose :
' O fondest object of my care,
Still fairest found where all are fair.
For the sweet sliade thou'st given to me,
Ask what thou wilt, 't is granted thee.'
' Then,' said the Rose, with deepened glow,
' On me another grace bestow.'
Tiie spirit paused in silent thought ;
What grace w as there that flower had not !
' T was but a moment ; — o'er the Rose
A veil of moss the angel throws;
And, robed in nature's simplest weed.
Could there a flower that Rose exceed ? ' "
We now proceed to give some practical instruction in
relation to the Rose.
Soil. — Roses will succeed well in any good garden soil,
but to have them in perfection, it is necessary that the
soil be well enriched and deeply dug. The Rose, like the
vine, is a gross feeder, and is not injured by heavy ma-
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 445
nuring. In a poor, lean, shallow soil, it is impossible to
bring out the beauties of any variety of the Rose. A
strong, rich loam, or vegetable mould, with about one
quarter of its bulk of well decomposed stable manure, is
recommended by Pai'sons as a standard for the quality
of the soil in which to grow the Rose ; and if the soil of
the garden, where the Rose is to be j^lanted, diifers ma-
terially from this, the requisite materials should be added,
that it may approach as near as possible to that standard.
In my own experience, I have found that the more ma-
nure, if not an extravagant quantity, the better the bloom ;
but, in addition to the quality and richness of the soil, a
good depth is absolutely necessary. My general practice
is to plant out Roses in beds, which, for all the hardy
Roses, I prefer to do in November. First, the ground
should be trenched two spades deep, and a liberal supply
of stable, barnyard, or night-soil manure, with bone-dust
incorporated with it, as the digging proceeds, but not
buried too deep. I have not been very particuliar as to the
quantity or quality of the manure. After the ground is
settled, the Roses may be planted. Four feet each way
is about the proper distance to plant the different varieties
of Roses, in the rosary.
Rivers recommends, as the best comjDOst for Roses, rot-
ten dung and pit sand for cold, clayey soils ; and for warm,
dry soils, rotten dung and cool loams. He finds that
night-soil, mixed with the drainings of the dunghill, or
even with common ditch or pond water, so as to make a
thick liquid, the best jjossible manure for Roses, poured on
the surface of soil twice in the winter, one or two gallons to
each tree. In our climate, it may be applied in Novem-
ber and in April. In my beds of established Roses, I
cause manure from the stable to be applied to the surface
of the ground about the bushes, in November, Avhich
serves as a protection ; some of the tender sorts are fast-
446
ened down and covered with the same. As soon as the
ground is in a fit state to dig, in the spring, this manure is
carefully incorporated with the surfoce soil, but not so as
to injure the fibres or roots of the plants. A wet, reten-
tive soil is injurious to the Rose, as I have found by sad
experience ; but in a rich, dry loam, my labors have been
amply rewarded.
When Roses are to be planted out singly, as many of
the climbing sorts are, the soil should be dug out two and
a half feet deep ; the bottom may be filled, to the depth
of six inches, with small stones, or, what is better, with
bones, and then filled up with prepared soil.
Situation. — The Rose will flourish in any situation
where the soil is well prepared ; but it is best to plant the
Rose where it can be shaded from the intensity of the
mid-day sun. If it can be so located as to receive the
morning and evening sun, and shaded during its greatest
heat, the bloom will be more perfect, and continue longer.
Some varieties are very delicate, and their blossoms are
almost ruined by a full exposure. An eastern or northern
exposure is, therefore, the best. Roses should not, how-
ever, be wholly shaded.
Planting. — The best season for planting all the hardy
Roses, as before stated, is in autumn ; or, if necessary to
defer till spring, it should be done as early as possible.
If planted late in the spring, it will be best to cut the
plants down to a few buds. Any time, after the first
severe frost, is a proper time to commence j^lanting. The
plants should be taken up with great care, disturbing the
roots as little as possible, remembering that the breakhig
of a single fibre diminishes the strength of the growth
and future prosperity of the plant. Presuming that the
ground is all ready, the holes should be dug somewhat
larger than the roots. When the planting is completed,
the plant should stand but a very little lower in the ground
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 447
than it stood before. The operation of placing the roots
and fibres should be done with the nicest care. In my fall
planting, I place the plant in an oblique direction, so that
the plants may be easily bent down and covered. Fall-
jDlanted Roses are liable to be more or less winter-killed,
which is prevented, if covered with coarse litter, or manure.
We have seen Pillar Roses, in the grounds of Mr.
Charles Hoffman, of Salem, — which, without protection,
are liable to be killed down to within two or three feet of
the ground, — grown in great magnificence, forming beau-
tiful pyramids of Roses from twelve to fifteen feet high.
We had never seen the Pillar Rose in such perfection.
They were the same varieties which in our own ground
did not exceed more than five or six feet, as the greater
part of the new wood is every winter killed down. We
were informed that the supports to which these Roses
were trained, consisting of nothing more than three or
four strong spruce poles, were taken away in autumn, and
the plants laid down and covered with earth, or coarse
manure. The only time to plant tender Roses, as fiir
north as Boston, is in the spring. The China, Bengal, and
Tea Roses may be grown in the open ground, in New
England, if they are taken up in autumn. They may be
kept in a dry, cool cellar, with the roots packed in loam or
sand ; or they may be laid in by the heels, on a dry knoll,
and covered with earth, where they will remain secure till
spring. In planting them out, they should be cut down
to a few buds, and they will bloom after the summer Roses
have passed away, provided the roots were taken up well-
In replanting Roses, the roots should be carefully exam-
ined, and all broken or bruised parts should be cut off with
a sharp knife.
A young, healthy plant is much better than one that is
old and overgroAvn, to plant out ; indeed, old plants should
be rejected.
448
Plantations of Roses should be made to succeed each
other. In the second and third years after planting, the
Rose will be in its greatest perfection. After the plants
become old, they do not do so well ; and I have found, in
my own experience, that five years was long enough to
contmue a plantation. It is best then to prepare a new
place, or, in fact, it should be prepared, and the new plan-
tation made, a year before the old one is given up, as a
general and perfect bloom cannot be expected the first
year.
It is becoming fashionable, at the present time, to j^lant
out Roses in masses, which have a fine efiect, where the
white, the crimson, or other distinct colors, are planted
by themselves. Many of the strong-growing sorts are
suitable for planting with other shrubs in the shrubbery.
Pruning. — Roses, in tliis climate, should be j^runed
early in the spring. For Roses that are grown as dwarfs,
it is necessary to prune them down to a few buds ; all the
old wood, and the weak, last year's growth, should be
taken entirely away. The young wood generally produces
the finest flowers, which, when properly pruned, are larger
and much more double than when the bushes are suffered
to grow at random.
In pruning climbing Roses, the operation must be dif-
ferent, as it is necessary to retain the whole length of the
most vigorous shoots, cutting out all the old Avood that
will not be likely to produce fine flowers, and pruning
down the lateral branches to one eye. The manner of
pruning must, in a measure, depend upon the variety of
the Rose, and more particularly upon the style in which it
is to be trained. This must be left to the ingenuity and
taste of the cultivator ; and whether it is to be trained to
a trellis, over an arch, pillar, or in whatever shape it is
wanted, the proper way will generally suggest itself.
Propagation. — The Rose is propagated in various A^^ays.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWEEING SHRUBS. 449
Some varieties succeed well by cuttings, as the China and
many of the tender Roses ; but, with most of the hardy
kinds, this is only resorted to by skillful gardeners.
By Layers. — All the summer-blooming Roses may be
propagated in this way. It can be performed in mid-
summer, and for several weeks afterwards. Young shoots,
at least one foot long and well matured, should be selected
for this purpose. The mode of operation is the same as
in all shrubby plants. The soil should be well dug about
the plant, and increased by a little fresh loam, well en-
riched with rotten manure, raised about it, so as to form
a little bed. Proceed, then, with the usual process of
layering, "by making a slit with a sharp knife just below
a bud, making a slanting cut, upwards and lengthwise,
about half through the branch, forming a tongue from one
to two inches long, on the back part of the shoot, right
opposite the bud. A chip, or some of the soil, can be
placed in the slit to prevent it from closing, and the shoot
can then be carefully laid and pegged down at a j^oint
some two or three inches below the cut, keeping, at the
same time, the top of the shoot some three or four inches
out of the ground, and making it fast to a small stake to
keep it upright." The prepared shoot should be buried
about three or four inches deep. Great care will be ne-
cessary to prevent the branch from injury. The ground
over the layer should be covered with moss, or coarse ma-
nure, or some substance to screen it from the sun. Li
some varieties, the layers will be sufficiently rooted in au-
ituinn; but in many kinds, j^articularly the hardy perpet-
uals, they will not be sufficiently established to separate
from the parent plant till the autumn following the year
in which they were laid.
By Suckers. — Many varieties of Roses are inclined to
throw up suckers. With these sorts there is no difficulty
in increasing the stock. These should be taken off with
450 breck's new book of flowers.
as much root as possible, every autumn, and planted out
in nursery rows, or where they are to remain, if strong
plants. The parent plant is also very much benefited by
this operation.
JBuddifig. — All the varieties of the Rose can be prop-
agated by budding, and, to increase new and rare varieties,
this mode is always resorted to. There are some sorts,
naturally weak, which flower much more perfectly when
budded on some strong-growing species ; but we hate a
budded Rose-bush, and will not have one in our own
grounds, if we can get them on their own roots. It re-
quires much care and attention to keep them in order, as
the stock is continually throwing up suckers, which draw
all the nourishment from the budded variety. Where
there are but few varieties, and a skillful gardener to look
after the plants, there is no doubt but that it is desirable
to have some upon strong-growing stocks. We were not
a little amused, a few years since, upon a visit at the
house of a horticultural friend, who, by the Avay, was
better acquainted with the management of his fruit trees
than he was with the flower-garden. His garden was well
laid out and kept very neat. He was taking me around to
show the various plants, and getting what information
he could out of one he supposed knew more than lie did
about them. Presently he came to a wilderness of the
French Dog Roses. " There," says he, " is a lot of the
choicest Roses that could be obtained in France." " In-
deed,'' says I, "they certainly look very vigorous."
" They do, to be sure," he replied ; " but somehow or
other, they look very much alike, and the few that flow-
ered this year were very single." " That is very prob-
able," I replied, " for Dog Roses have great resemblance
to each other, and ai-e always single." Great was his sur-
])rise, when I convinced him that the Roses he had im-
ported and cultivated with so much care, were only
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOAVEEIXG SHRUBS. 451
suckers from the stocks on which his imported Roses
were budded. He had jDlanted them out, suj^posing they
were on their own roots, and had not perceived the neces-
sity of keeping down the suckers.
Tree Moses. — The Tree Rose is a beautiful object when
in bloom. It is formed by budding the desired variety
upon a standard, some four or five feet in height, gener-
ally the Dog Rose, as it is called in France, or the Eglan-
tine. Many have been imported from France, and succeed
well the first or second year ; but from some cause they
soon die. Either the severity of our wmters, or our pow-
erful summer's sun, causes their death.
New varieties are produced from seed raised from flow-
ers, which have been crossed with others of opposite
characters; but none but amateurs will attemi^t this, so
this mode of propagation will not be dwelt upon.
Of the diseases of the Rose, and of the insects that in-
fest it, we shall have something to say in another place.
GARDEN CLASSIFICATION OF ROSES.
On the subject of Classification of Roses, there has
been much difiiculty and confusion among amateurs ; and
even Rivers himself, one of the most correct of Rose
amateurs in England, remarks : " Within the last ten
years, how many plants have been named and unnamed,
classed and unclassed! Professor A. placing it here, and
Dr. B. placing it there ! I can almost imagine Dame
Nature laughing in her sleeve, when our philosophers are
thus puzzled. TVell, so it is, in a measure, with Roses ; a
variety has often equal claims on two classes. First im-
pressions have placed it in one, and there rival amateurs
should let it remain."
We are pleased with Mr. Parsons' classification, as be-
ing the most simj^le of any we have seen, and also as
distinctive as possible, in a family so intermixed as the dif-
ferent varieties or species appear to be.
452 breck's new book of flowers.
After speaking of the great confusion that has arisen in
Kose nomenclature, he says : —
" If there exists, then, this doubt of the proper class to
which many Roses belong, we think it would be better to
drop entirely this sub-classification, and adopt some more
general heads, under one of which every Rose can be
classed. It may often be difficult to ascertain whether a
Rose is a Damask, a Provence, or a Hybrid China ; but
there can be no difiiculty in ascertaining whether it is
dwarf or climbing, whether it blooms once or more in the
year, and whether the leaves are rough as in the Remon-
tants, or smooth as in the Bengals. We have, therefore,
endeavored to simplify the old classification, and have
placed all Roses under tliree principal heads, viz. :
" I. Those that make distinct and separate periods of
bloom throughout the season, as the Remontant Roses.
"II. Those that bloom continually, without any tem-
porary cessation, as the Bourbon, China, etc.
" III. Those that bloom only once in the season, as the
French and others.
"The first of these includes only the present Damask
and Hybrid Perpetuals, and for these we know no term so
expressive as the French Remontant. Perpetual does
not express their true character.
"The second general head we call Everhlooming. This
is divided into five classes :
"1. The Bourbon^ Avhich are easily known by their
luxuriant growth, and thick, large, leathciy leaves. These
are not perfectly hardy in New England.
"2. The Ghina^ which includes the present China, Tea,
and Noisette Roses, which are now much confused, as
there are many among the Teas, which are not tea-scent-
ed, and among the Noisettes which do not bloom in clus-
ters. They are, moreover, so much alike in their growth
and habit, that it is better each sliould stand upon its own
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERIXG SHRUBS. 453
merits, and not on the characteristics of an imaginary
class.
" 3. MiisJc^ known by its rather rougher foUage.
"4. Macartney^ known by its very rich, glossy foliage,
almost evergreen.
"5. Mieropliylla^ easily distinguished by its peculiar
foliage and straggling habit.
" The third general head we divide into five classes :
" 1. Garden Moses. — This includes all the present French,
Provence, Hybrid Provence, Hybrid China, Hybrid Bour-
bon, White, and Damask Roses, many of which, under
the old arrangement, differ more from others in their own
class than from many in another class.
" 2. Moss Boses^ all of which are easily distinguished.
" 3. Brier Boses, which Avill include the Sweet Brier,
Hybrid Sweet Brier, and Austrian Brier.
" 4. The Scotch Bose.
"5. Climbing Bose ; which are again divided into all
the distinctive subdivisions."
ROSES THAT BLOOM DURING THE WHOLE SEASOX.
Bemontant Boses. — " The term Remontant," says Mr.
Parsons, "signifying, literally, to grow again, we have
chosen to designate this class of Roses, there being no
word in our language equally expressive. They were
formerly called Damask and Hybrid Perpetuals, but are
distinguished by their peculiarity of distinct and separate
periods of bloom. They bloom with the other Roses in
early summer, then cease for a while, then make a fresh
bloom, and thus through the summer and autumn, differ-
ing entirely from the Bourbon and Bengal Roses, which
grow and bloom continually through the summer." This
class of Roses require longer time to establish themselves
from layers than any others, as they are not often fit to
detach from the old plant till tlie second year. Budding
454 breck's new book of flowers.
is resorted to for extensive propagation with tliis class.
Some of the varieties, when grown upon their own roots,
do not do justice to themselves ; but when worked on
strong-growing stocks, grow much more luxuriantly, and
give more perfect flowers. Mr. Parsons has described
two hundred varieties of Roses from the various classes
of those sorts he thinks most desirable for the amateur to
select from. There are but few persons who will be disr
posed to cultivate that number. His selection is a very
choice one^ and I should hardly know myself which to re-
ject. Fifty varieties, well chosen from the various classes,
are as many as most persons, unless they have money
enough and to spare, would be likely to cultivate ; and
the great majority would probably be happy to possess
half that number.
Everhloommg Roses. — These Roses are distinguished
from the Remontant, by blooming continually through the
season, without any temporary cessation. They include
the Bourbon, the Bengal and its sub-varieties, the Tea
and Noisette, the Musk, the Macartney, and the Micro-
phylla Roses."
The Everblooming Roses are very desirable, wherever
the climate renders it possible to preserve them through
the Avinter. As fir north as Boston, the greater part of
them can only be cultivated to perfection in the green-
house, but further south, they endure the winter, even,
without protection.
Bourbon Roses. — This section of the Everblooming
Roses has not succeeded in my own grounds. Mr. Par-
sons says they are perfectly hardy with him, (Long
Island,) which is much warmer than in this State. Pie
says, in speaking of it as having superior qualities to tlie
Tea-scented Rose, " These qualities are, its perfect hard-
iness, its very tliick, leathery foliage, its luxuriant growth,
its constant bloora, and its thick, velvety petals of a con-
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 455
sistency to endure even the burning heat of a tropical
sun."
China Hoses. — This class of Roses we must set down
as the proper inhabitants of the green-house, in this sec-
tion of the country ; although, by planting in frames, tak-
ing up the plants and laying them in the ground in a dry
place, or preserving them in a dry, cool cellar, they will
do very well to plant out in the spring, and make a fine
bloom after the summer Roses have passed away. Mr.
Parsons remarks, that, " next to the Bourbon, this is per-
haps the most valuable class of Roses ; but in this climate
they need protection from the cold. This, however, can
be easily afibrded by salt hay, or straw." I have tried
to keep this class of Roses in the open ground, by protec-
tion of all kinds, but unfortunately their location was
rather too wet in winter ; perhaps, in a dry, loamy soil,
they would succeed better. Further south, this is a most
desirable class for out-door culture.
Tea and Noisette Roses. — What has been said in rela-
tion to the tenderness of the China Roses, will apply to
the Tea and Noisette Roses. "The Tea and Noisette
Roses have been generally classed distinct from the China."
" They are, however, but varieties of the latter ; and there
is so much confusion in the old classification, that the ama-
teur is frequently misled. Many of the Roses now clas-
sed among the China, have a strong tea scent, and many
of the present Tea Roses have very little fragrance. The
characteristic of the Noisette Rose is understood to be
its cluster-blooming habit." The Southern States must be
the congenial climate for the whole class of China and Tea
Roses. The author of the work already alluded to, how-
ever, says, " Tliey will endure our winters, with the ther-
meter at zero, but it is better to protect them by means
of straw and hay, or by boards upon low stakes. Perhaps
the least troublesome Avay of protecting them, is to have
456 breck's xew book of flowers.
one or more hot-bed frames, six feet by twelve, and about
a foot and a half or two feet deep. This can be set sev-
eral inches in the ground, and litter of any kind placed
around the sides. The Roses can be carefully taken up,
and planted in this frame as thick as they will stand. The
top can then be covered with boards, a little slanting, to
carry off the rain, and the plants wall be sufficiently pro-
tected. If the weather is severe, some litter can also be
placed on the top." This class of Roses is so desirable,
that if, by any means, they can be protected without the
expense of a green-house, it will be a great desideratum.
Musk Roses. — The Musk Rose stands pretty w^ell here,
in a warm, dry situation, but, in wet ground, rather ten-
der. In the latitude of Long Island, Mr. Parsons says it
is quite hardy, having a plant of the old White Musk,
that has braved the severity of more than twenty winters,
in his grounds. "It has already, this season, made shoots
of more than six feet ; and in our Southern States more
than double the growth would probably be attained." It
produces its flowers m lai-ge clusters. We are familiar
with the old white cluster, which commences flowermg
late, and continues till cold weather. Other fine varieties
are, Eponine, and Princess of Xassau.
Mfxcartney Roses. — " This Rose was brought from
China to England, by Lord Macartney, in 1793. Its habit
is luxuriant, and its foliage is more beautifiil than of any
other Rose, its leaves being thick, and of a rich glossy-
green." As to hardiness, it is about the same as the
China Rose. " It is one of the most desirable Roses for
beds or borders. When covering the whole ground, and
kept well pegged down, its rich, glossy foliage, gemmed
with fragrant flowers, produces a fine effect."
Microphylla Roses. — " This Rose came originally from
the Himalayan Mountains, and was brought to Europe in
1823."
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOT\'EriXG SIIKUBS. 457
ROSES TUAT BLOOM ONLT ONCE IX THE SEASON.
The time of dowering of this class of Roses is in June,
and tliev are therefore frequently called June Roses. The
class includes many varieties, most of them hybrids,
raised by cross impregnation between the various species,
and are arranged uiider^ the heatls of French, Provence,
Damask, Hybrid Damask, Wiiite, Hybrid Bourbon, Hy-
brid China, etc. etc. All of this class are hardy, or nearly
so. Some of the Hybrid China and Bourbon are a little
tender, and will sometimes suifer in the young wood, but
not much more of the Avood will be injured, than would
have been necessary to prune otf m the spring. For se-
lections from these sections of the Rose family, I must re-
fer the reader to the catalogues of the nurserymen, as it is
next to impossible to point out from the innumerable va-
rieties in cultivation, such as would suit all tastes. There
is a greater diversity and more brilliancy of color among
the June Roses, than in any other class. Every shade of
color may be found in flowers, from a pure white,
blush, rose, red, crimson, to dark-purple, some shades ap-
proach to a scarlet ; also shaded, mottled, and striped,
with various sliades and colors. All are more or less fra-
grant, and some of them pre-eminently so.
Moss JRoscs. — This is a well-known and elegant class of
Roses, of which the connnon ^[oss is about the only one
that is very tamiliar. The Luxembourg Moss has dark
crimson- cupped flowers, and is a vigorous grower. Per-
petual White Moss is handsome only in bud. It produces
a large cluster of beautiful mossy buds, but the flowers
are inferior. It is not properly a perpetual, but produces
a long succession of buii^. The White Bath Moss has
flue wliite flowers, which are sometimes lightly striped
with pink.
Princess Adelaide is one of the most vigorous-growing
Moss Roses, and one of the varieties we recommend.
t20
458 breck's new book op flowers.
Cristata, or crested, is a singular and beautiful variety.
Excepting when in bud, it does not have the appearance
of a Moss Rose. The calyx has a beautiful crested appear-
ance. "In a rich soil, this fringe-like crest most beauti-
fully clasps and surmounts the bud, and gives the rich
clusters a truly elegant appearance. Its form is globular,
and its color rose."
Scotch Moses. — This class of Hoses are distinguished
by their small leaves, prickly stems, abundant bloom, del-
icate habits, early bloom. They flower about two weeks
before the summer Roses. They are suitable for growing
in masses, or borders, and the shrubbery. The original,
from which all the varieties sprang, was found growing
Avild in Scotland and the north of England. In some of
the catalogues two or three hundred varieties are describ-
ed, but many of them are so near alike, it would be diffi-
cult to see the difference.
Brier Roses. — " These Roses are distinguished by their
small, rough foliage, and brier-like habit. They include
the Sweet Brier, the Hybrid Sweet Brier, and the Austrian
Brier." The Sweet Brier or Eglantine is generally sup-
j^osed to be indigenous, as it is found growing plentifully
on road-sides, and in pastures ; but it is believed by botan-
ists to have been imported from England, and has been
extensively disseminated by birds, who feed upon its
abundant fruit, or hips, as they are called. The botanical
name is JR. ruhiginosa. A plant of this species should
find a place in every collection of shrubs, on account of
the agreeable strong perfume of the flowers, and also of
the leaves, when rubbed, or when wet, with dew or rain.
The plant is armed with sharp-hooked prickles. In rich
soil, new shoots will sometimes attain the height of eight
or ten feet. These new shoots form the flowerhig stems
for the next season. The old wood should be cut out ev-
ery spring. The delicate Eglantine has scarcely been less
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 459
honored by the poets, than the more luxuriant Roses. It
is usually coupled with the European Woodbine, as the Lily
with the Rose, etc.
" Shenstone, in describing the delights of a country
Avalk, after long confinement in sickness, makes particular
mention of the fragrant pair."
« Come gentle air ! and while the thickets bloom,
Convey the Jasmine's breath divine ;
Convey tlie Woodbine's ricii perfume,
Nor spare the sweet-leaved Eglantine."
"The Eglantine boasts that even in winter she has
beauty."
" Though of both leaf and flower bereft,
Some ornaments to me are left —
Rich store of scarlet liips are mine."
*' Keats alludes more than once to the sweet perfume
of the Eglantine, when moist, with rain or dew."
" Its sides I'll plant with dew-sweet Eglantine
And Honeysuckles full of clear bee wine"
The Double Yellow Provence Rose is sujDposed to have
had its origin from the Austrian Brier. It is an old inhab-
itant of some gardens, but a very shy bloomer, showing
its flowers very sparingly, and, some years, none. We
have seen the bushes bending with their load of flowers.
They are large, very double, of a pale-yellow. On account
of its peculiar habits, it is not worth its room in the gar-
den. Copper Austrian " is a very singular-looking Rose,
blooming well in this climate, is of a coppery-red, and the
outside inclining to pale-yellow, or sulpliur." It has single
flowers, but they are truly beautiful. The Yellow Harri-
son Rose was considered a great acquisition, a few years
since, but this is now entirely eclipsed by the Persian
Yellow. Its flowers are more double, and of a more bril-
liant yellow, than the Harrison ; and this is the only hardy
460 breck's new book of flowers.
yellow Rose we know of, really worth growing, except
the Copper Austrian. The flowers of the Austrian Roses
are produced on short joints all along the stem ; they will
not, therefore, bear nuich pruning,
"Double-margined Hip is a Plybrid Sweet Brier, of lux-
uriant growtli, ahnost adai)ted to a pillar. Its form is cup-
peel, and its color creamy-white, sliaded with pink."
Climbing Moses. — The Climbing Roses may be divided
into four or five sub-classes, viz. : Boursalt, Ayrshire,
Prairie, Hybrid China, Noisette or Bourbon, and Miscel-
laneous. In the Miscellaneous class, the old-fashioned
Cinnamon may be placed, not knowing where else to put
it ; and it should most assuredly have a place somewhere,
"for auld lang syne," if nothing more. It deserves a
place in the shrubbery, on account of its early flowering
and profp.se bloom. It opens its blossoms the last of May,
in this climate, and, with a little attention, will make a
bush ten or twelve feet high.
Boursalt Roses. — The Boursalt Roses come next in
bloom after the Cinnamon. They are all desirable on ac-
count of their hardy character and vigorous growth.
"Their smooth bark renders them desirable for stocks to
bud upon." For the extreme North, this whole class,
next to the Prairie, are the most desirable for pillars and
trellises.
Amadis is one of the handsomest of the Boursalt Roses,
producing its large purplish-crimson flowers in pendulous
clust(U'S.
For distant effect, the Common Purple Boursalt is not
without its merits. The flowers are semi-double, but are
produced in immense numbers ; and, then, it is very hardy.
Do Lesle, or Blush Boursalt. — Tliis is one of the earliest
of the sub-class, producing large blush flowers, Avith a
deep rose center, and perfectly double. All the Boursalts
have quite smooth stems, but none more so than the Thorn-
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERIXG SHRUBS. 4G1
less Rose, which comes into bloom soon after the Cinna-
mon. Its stems are perfectly smooth ; it makes a stout
bush, ten or twelve feet high, and is covered with a pro-
fusion of pretty pink Roses. This is suitable for the
shrubbery. The Old. White Rose makes a handsome bush
for training. The flowers are semi-double, of a fine rose-
white, and, when properly managed, in rich soil, will grow
twelve to fifteen feet high.
Prairie Roses. — Samuel Feast, Esq., of Baltimore, has
the honor of originating the first Prairie Rose, — the
Queen of the Prairies^ — for which the Massachusetts
Horticultural Society awarded him their large gold medal,
as a special premium. This is the type of a new class of
hardy Roses, and proves to be a most valuable acquisition
for the North, it being as hardy as the oak. The tribe
bloom after the summer Roses are passed.
Queen of the Prairies is a most superb variety of Posa
setigera, a native of the West, sometimes known as the
Michigan Rose. This is Mr. Feast's first seedling, and
considered by some the best. The flowers are of a deep
rose color, with a white strij^e in the center of each petal.
They have a peculiar globular, cup-shaped form. This
variety is the most luxuriant grower of any of the class,
making a surprising growth in rich soil. The flowers of
all the varieties are produced in clusters.
Baltimore Belle. — The flowers are a pale, waxy blush,
almost white, very double, in large clusters ; like the other
perfectly hardy.
Rosa superba, has j)ale, delicate blush blooms, in large
clusters, the flowers not so large as the Baltimore Belle.
Perpetual Pink, produces flowers in great profusion,
which continue in long succession ; rather small, but in
clusters, varying from light-pink to purple. In addition to
those described there are many other varieties equally de-
sirable, and new sorts are produced every year. This
462
class of Roses lack one important quality, that is, fragrance.
Ayrshire Hoses, — This family of Roses are great ram-
blers, producing a long, slender, luxuriant growth ; but,
in a northern climate, they cannot be relied on as being
perfectly hardy, unless laid down and covered over. They
produce very pretty flowers, in clusters, mostly white.
They are desirable for covering " unsightly places, old
buildings and decayed trees." " The Ayrshire Roses are
also valuable for weeping trees. When budded on some
stock eight or ten feet high, the branches quickly reach
the ground, and protecting the stem by their close foliage,
present a w^eeping tree of great beauty, loaded with flow-
ers."
One of the most desirable varieties is the Dundee
Rambler; flowers in large clusters, white, edged Avith
pink, and the double blush.
Hybrid China^ Moiirhons,, etc. — Of this class there are
many varieties, suitable for pillars, or poles, but which it
will be the safest course to be careful of in the winter, in
the New England States. In climbing Roses, length is
an important feature; and if these hybrids are left
Avithout protection, they may lose a large portion of the
new wood, unless laid down and covered cover. Rivers's
George the Fourth is a Hybrid China ; grows about ten
feet high; flowers large, of a very rich crimson color.
This is also a fine dwarf Rose, when pruned down, and,
like most of the Hybrid China Roses, stands perfectly
well ii\ the open ground, but the tops are always winter-
killed here.
Belle Theresa. — Hybrid Cluna. — A rampant grower,
wnth rich dark purple-crimson flowers, in clusters, under
medium size.
Fulgens. — Hybrid China, — has beautiful l)right scarlet-
cupped flowers.
Gloire de Rosemene. — Bourbon. — This fine Rose gives
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 463
a succession of fine bright crimson-scarlet flowers, but
rather tender.
Brennus. — Hybrid China, — has large bright scarlet-crim-
son flowers.
Blanchfleur. — Hybrid China. — Pure white ; of a very
double and compact form, and an abundant bloomer ;
about six feet high.
Madame d'Arblay. — Hybrid climber, of great luxuri-
ance, flowers white ; too tender for the North.
La Tourterelle, or Dove Rose, — Hybrid China, — a very
luxuriant grower, but succeeds well as a dwarf Rose,
when pruned down. The flowers are large, cup-shaped,
of a purplish-lilac or dove color.
Phillipar. — Noisette, or Bourbon, — admired for its pro-
fusion, and peculiar rosy-lilac hue of the flowers, blooming
without intermission from June to November.
Of the Hybrid Perpetual Roses, suitable for training,
are Madame Laflay, blooming three or four times in the
season, with bright rosy flowers; Prince Albert, with
large flowers, of a rich crimson color and perfect shape ;
and Youland d'Arragon, with fine, deep flowers. There
are some of this class that can be made to grow in rich
grounds five to six feet high.
In planting climbing Roses, they should always be cut
down to within a few inches of the ground, as it is import-
ant to get a clean, vigorous growth for the next year's
bloom. Another important matter is, to dig the ground
deep and have it thoroughly enriched. A third is, in prun-
ing. The w^ood of climbing Roses does not produce so
fine flowers after it is two years old. It is necessary,
therefore, to encourage the growth of one or more new
shoots every year, cutting out the old wood as fast as
there is new to supply its place. The lateral branches are
to be pruned in, while the main stems are to be kept the
whole leno^th.
464 breck's new book of flowers.
We had almost forgot the Multiflora Hose^ a class dis-
tinct from those already named ; they produce flowers in
large clusters, but rather small. Some of the varieties are,
the Cottage Rose, Laure Davoust, Garland, etc. In New
England they are all rather tender.
In closing our remarks on Roses, we cannot refrain from
giving Gerarde's account of it some two hundred and fifty
years ago. His mode of classification was, among thorny
plants. " This plant of Roses, though it be a shrub full
of prickles, yet it had been more fit and convenient to
have placed it with the most glorious flowers of the world,
than to insert the same here, among base and thorny
shrubs, for the Rose doth deserve the chiefest and most
principled place among all flowers whatsoever, being not
only esteemed for its beauty, vertues, and his fragrant,
odoriferous smell, but also because it is the honour and or-
nament of our English sceptre, as by the conjunction ap-
peareth in the uniting of those two most royal houses of
Lancaster and York. * * * * The Holland, or Provence
Rose, hath divers shoots, proceeding from a woody root,
full of sharp prickles, dividing itself into divers branches,
whereon do grow leaves, consisting of five leaves set upon
a single mid-rib, and those snip about the edges ; the flow-
ers do grow on the tops of the branches, in shape and
color like the Damask Rose, but greater and more double,
insomuch that the yellow chives in the middle are hard to
be seen ; of a reasonable good smell, but not full so sweet
as the common Damask Rose ; the fruit is like the other
of his kinde."
ON THE ODORS OF ROSES AND THE MODES OF OBTAINING THEM.
" Crop the gay Rose's vermeil bloom.
And waft its spoils, a sweet perfume,
In incense to the &V\e^:^—OgUvie.
" Of their sweats there are sweetest odors made."— SAatespearc-
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 465
" This Queen of the garden loses not its diadem in the
perfuming world. The oil of roses, or, as it is commonly
called, the otto or attar of roses, is abstracted by various
processes from the Cabbage Rose in Turkey, Persia and
India ; the finest is imported from Ghazepore, in the latter
country. For obtaining it, the procurers at each place
have their own mode of operation ; the best method, how-
ever, is to stratify the flowers with a seed containing a
fat-oil; they will absorb the essential oil of roses, and
swell a good deal if the flowers are changed repeatedly.
They are then pressed, and the product allowed to stand
for a time ; the otto rises to the surface, and is finally puri-
fied by distillation. Pure otto of roses, from its cloying
sweetness, has not many admirers ; it is, moreover, likely
to produce headache and vertigo in this state ; when di-
luted, however, there is nothing to equal it in odor, espe-
cially if mixed in soap, to form rose soap, or in the pure
spirit form, '•Esprit de Hose.'* The former preparation
not allowing the perfume to evaporate very fast, we are
not so readily surfeited with the smell as in the latter.
The finest preparation of Rose as an odor, is made at
Grasse, in France ; here the flower is not treated for the
otto, but simi^ly by maceration in fat, as mentioned with
other flowers.
" The Rose Pomade, thus made, if digested in alcohol,
yields Esprit de Rose of the first order, very superior to
that which is made by the addition of otto to spirit. It is
difficult to account for this difi'erence, but it is sufficiently
characteristic to form a distinct odor. It is never sold by
the perfumer ; he reserves this to form part of his recher-
che bouquets. Roses are cultivated to a large extent in
England, near Mitcham, in Surrey, for perfumers' use, to
make rose-water ; the odor of the English flower is not
strong enough to use for any other purpose. Though the
dried rose-leaves are used for scent-bags, they retain but
20*
466 breck's new book of flowers.
little of their native fragrance. In the season when suc-
cessive crops can be got, they are gathered as soon as the
(lew is off, and sent up to town in sacks. When- they ar-
rive, they are immediately spread out on a cool floor, oth-
erwise, if left in a heap, they will heat to such an extent
in two or three hours, as to be quite spoiled ; to preserve
theni for use they are immediately pickled ; for this pur-
pose the leaves are sej^arated from the stalk, and to every
bushel of flowers, equal to six pounds, one pound of com-
mon salt is tlioroughly rubbed in ; the whole becomes a
pasty mass, and is finally stowed aw^ay in casks. In this
^vay tliey Mill keep almost any length of time without se-
riously injuring their fragi-ance. For rose-water, which is
best prepared from time to time, take 12 lbs. of juckled
Roses, and 2|- gallons of water, ^jlace them in a still, and
draw off 2 gallons; this product will be the 'double dis-
tilled rose-w^ater' of the shops." — English paper.
RTJBTJS.— Bramble.
[Name fioin the Celtic word rub, which signifies reJ.]
This genus embraces rambling rough plants, well-known
and highly prized for their grateful, delicious, and whole-
some fruits ; the Raspberries, Blackberries, and Thimble-
berries, with their varieties. The High Blackberry pro-
duces clusters of handsome white flowers, succeeded by
delicious fruit, and when cultivated in the garden, is much
improved.
Rllbus Odomtus. — The Flowering Raspberry. — This is
the only ornamental variety; found growing freely in
mountainous districts, "giving a charm to many a solitary
spot by its large, rose-like flow^ers." The leaves are large
and handsome. The fruit is inferior to the other species.
It deserves a place among other shrubs. It should be
planted in a shady jilace.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERIXG SHRUBS. 467
[Name from an ancient musical instrument, supposed to liave been made
from the wood of this tree.]
SAMBUCUS.-Eldet^.
•nt musical instrument, suppo
e.l
Sambucus Canadensis. — Common Elder. — This very
common shrub grows about eight or ten feet high in low
ground, and conspicuous in June and July for its broad
cymes of white flowers, succeeded by clusters of small,
dark-purple, or nearly black, berries. An infusion of the
bruised leaves is used by gardeners to expel insects from
vines. The flowers are highly esteemed, as having im-
portant medicinal qualities. The plant, on account of its
ornamental flowers and berries, may be introduced into
extensive shrubberies.
S. nigra. — European Elder. — This species is very com-
mon in Eui'ope, and is the original of several ornamental
varieties, among which are, S. laciniatt/s, or Parsley-
leaved, which is a variety of the European S. nigra^ a shrub
eight feet high, with deeply cut or laciniated leaves and
white flowers. There a number of other curious varieties,
one the Golden-striped, in which the leaves are striped or
blotched with yellow. A variety of the Parsley-leaved,
or Silver-striped, has leaves beautifully variegated with
white. There is also a variety with double, pure white
flowers, of which the shrub has some resemblance to our
Common Elder. The flowers, however, are so oflensive
to the smell, that they are not desirable to cut, but hand-
some on the bush.
SHEPHERDIA.
[So named by Nuttall, in compliment to Mr. Thomas Shepherd, of the Bo-
tanic Garden, Liverpool.]
Slieph^rdia arj^^ntea. — Bufialo Tree. —This graceful
shrub, or low tree, is found in the neighborhood of the
Rocky Mountains, in large clumps, or clusters. It is oaten
468 breck's new book of flowers.
or browsed by the Buffalo, from which it derives its com-
mon name. The tree is graceful in its appearance, grow-
ing from ten to thirteen feet high ; the branches are rather
pendulous ; the leaves are small, of a soft, woolly nature,
and have a silvery appearance. It has staminate and
pistillate flowers on different plants, hence both kinds
should be grown together. The branches of the female
trees are thickly studded with clusters of small crimson
berries, nearly the size of the red currant. The fruit has
a pleasant acid flavor, and is sometimes used for jelly or
preserve. There is an astringent taste in addition to the
acid, which makes the fruit of little value, in comparison
with the common currant. For an ornamental tree or
shrub, it deserves a place among other plants. It is beau-
tiful in fruit. The flowers cannot boast of much beauty.
SPARTIUM. -Broom.
[From the Greek, signifying cordage ; the earliest ropes were made of this
and similar plants.]
Spartium SCOparium. — Common Broom. — A shrub,
thick-set with verdant, flexible, rush-like twigs, which are
very ornamental in winter, and generally profusely cov-
ered with showy, white, or yellow, pea-shaped flowers in
summer. A very ornamental shrub in the garden scenery.
It is not very common in New England, as our winters
are rather severe upon it. In the interior of the country,
we find no difficidty in keeping it, when the snows are
deep. If i)lanted on the north side of a wall, and covered
with snow, it will be found i)erfeotly green in the s^mng,
and will flower abundantly.
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 469
SPIRiEA.
Spiraea hypericifolia. — Hypericum-leaved Spiraea, or,
St. Peter's Wreath. — This is a very elegant shrub, pro-
ducing its numerous small white flowers in long garlands,
upon the delicate curving branches of the plant. The
bush, when in flower, has the appearance of being covered
with a light fall of snow. The foliage is elegant ; it is in
flower in May and June ; grows about four feet high ; the
extremities of the branches are sometimes winter-killed ;
easily j^ropagated by suckers, divisions of the root, or by
layers, as all the species are.
S* opulifolia. — Nine-Bark. — "An ornamental native
shrub, found from Canada to Georgia ; from five to seven
feet high, distinguislied for the abundance of its showy
heads of flowers, and for its conspicuous fruit. The stem
is rugged, with loose, gray bark, easily detached, and fall-
ing ofi*. Flowers in hemisj^herical heads, on a short stalk,
— each flower on a slender, downy thread ; white, with a
rose tiuge."
S. salicifolia. — The Queen of the Meadows. — ^This is a
very pretty native shrub, from two to four, and sometimes
six, feet high, with terminal heads of neat, white, some-
times rose-tinted flowers, in June and July.
S. tomentosa. — Steeple Bush, — Hard-Hack. — This is a
very common, leafy shrub, from two to five feet high,
growing in wet ground, and distinguished in the flower-
ing season for its long, tapering spire of purple flowers.
A few years since, we ordered all the handsome Spiraeas
from England, excluding all that we possessed. When
they came into flower, we found among them, this old,
familiar country friend. It is, however, handsome when
cultivated and pruned of the previous year's stems, which
disfigure it very much, when growing in the pastures.
S. prunifolia plena. — Double Plum-leaved Spiraea. — This
is one of the most desirable species or varieties of the Spi-
470 breck's new book of flowers.
raea, and is perfectly hardy. The following account is from
the Gardener's Chronicle. " This charming shrub was in-
troduced into Europe by Dr. Siebold, to whom our collec-
tions are indebted for so many novelties, only to be pro-
cured with the utmost difficulty. It deserves the atten-
tion of all amateurs, as well for its hardiness as its elegant
habit and beautiful flowers. The Dutch traveller found it
cultivated in the Japanese gardens, and supposes its na-
tive country to be Corea, or the north of China. It is a
shrub, from six to nine feet high, and has upright, close,
bushy, slender branches, which are covered with a smooth,
ash-colored bark, that detaches itself at later periods in
tliin scales. The leaves are oval, or ovate-elliptic, rounded
at their base, obtuse or a little acute at their apex, downy
beneath, denticulated at the edge. The flowers, which
grow by threes or sixes, cover the whole length of the
branches, are as white as snow, and very double, in conse-
quence of a complete abortion of their stamens. Their
shape is exactly like that of the Ranunculus aconitifolius
with double flowers, and their number and arrangement,
with a light and elegant bright-green foliage, render this
plant a charming addition to the shrubs which grow in
the native air." It flowers in this climate in May.
S. Douia^lasii. — Mr. Douglas's Spirrea. — This shrub is
from California, and has some resemblance to S. tomentosa^
flowering in the same manner ; flowers fine rosy-lilac, con-
tinuing in bloom from July till the autumnal frosts com-
mence.
S. SOrbifolia. — Pinnate-leaved Spiraia. — This is a vigor-
ous shrub, a native of Siberia. It develops its handsome
pinnate foliage very early in the spring. The leaflets are
serrated, or with notched edges. The flowers are yellow-
ish-white, produced in large, dense panicles, in June. The
flowers seem to be peculiarly attractive to the rose-bugs,
which sometimes disfigure and spoil their beauty by the
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 471
immense numbers which delight to revel in its sweets.
This shrub propagates itself too fast, as it throws up its
suckers in great j^rofusion, and makes itself quite too com-
mon ; otherwise it would be a desirable plant for the
shrubbery.
S. Reeresiana. — Mr. Reeves's Spiraea. — We consider
this one of the most elegant and desirable species of the
whole genus. The flow^ers are of a snowy wdiiteness,
produced in clusters, the whole length of its graceful,
arching stems, w^iich, intermingled with the handsome fo-
liage, produce a ple:ising effect. The shrub is delicate in
its growth, about four feet high, and flowers in June. It
is propagated by cuttings, layers, and suckers.
S. airaefolia. — This is a very delicate sj^ecies which we
have in our collection, with exceedingly graceful foliage,
with small heads of white flowers ; tw^o or three feet high.
S. laevigata. — Smooth-leaved Spiraea. — This species has
smooth lanceolate leaves, without serrature or notch. The
flowers are w^hite, in compound racemes, somewhat fra-
grant. It is not very shovv'v, but, in a collection, makes
up a variety ; about two or three feet high.
S. trilobata. — Three-lobed-leaved Spiraea. — The leaves
of this species are bluntly three-lobed, and toothed, or
notched. The flow^ers are wdiite, in stalked umbels, about
three or four feet high.
Altogether, we do not know any genus of plants where
the foliage is so diversified. When grouped together,
they make a fine appearance, either in flower or fohage.
There are many other species that have not come under
our observation, which, no doubt, are as valuable for the
shrubbery as those described.
472
SYMPHORICARPUS.-Snowberry.
[Tlie name is from a combination of Greek words, signifying " a plant which
bears its fruit togetiier in clusters."]
Symphoricarpus racemosus. — Common Snowberry. —
This is a delicate, hardy, North American shrub, extensive-
ly known and much cultivated on account of its fine
white berries, which are quite ornamental, after the leaves
have fallen. The flowers are pink, and rather inconspicu-
ous ; the shrub grows about four feet high ; easily prop-
agated by suckers.
S. vulgaris. — Indian Currant, Coral Berry. — This has
no claims to beauty, as to the flowers, which, like the last,
are small and inconspicuous, of a pink color. These are
succeeded by dark brownish-purple berries, which are
thickly clustered upon the branches, three feet high. It
is propagated in the same way. Both these species thrive
in the shade and under the drippings of trees.
SYRINGA.-L1LAC.
[A Persian name.]
" Various in array, now wliite,
Now sanguine, and lier beauteous head now set
Witli purple spilies pyramidal."
All the species are most beautiful flowering shrubs,
readily j^ropagated by suckers, which they throw up in
abundance. The common Lilac seems to have been intro-
duced before or dui-ing the reign of Henry VIII., for in
the inventory, taken by the order of Cromwell, of the ar-
ticles in the gardens of the palace of Nonsuch, are men-
tioned six Lilacs, — '^ trees which bear no fruit, but only a
pleasant smell." — {Loudoti.)
Syringa VUli^aris. — The Common Lilac. — Tliis is so welf
known that it needs no description. The purple variety
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 473
is found in almost every garden ; the Avhite is more scarce.
Grown together, they are very beautiful ; and, notwith-
standing they are old-fashioned, common, and vulgar,
with some people, we esteem them as some of our most
valuable and ornamental shrubs of the season.
S. Persica. — Persian Lilac. — This species is " far more
delicate and pretty than the common Lilacs, both in leaf
and blossom. The bunches of flowers are frequently a
foot long, and weigh down the tender terminal slender
shoots so as to give the plant a very graceful appearance.
The white and purple^ both beautiful ; the Cut-leaved
Lilac has interesting and delicate foliage." The Persian
Lilac grows about four or five feet high. All the species
bloom the last of May and the first of June.
The common Lilacs are suitable for the back of the
shrubbery. " This was one of the first plants introduced
by our forefathers, and is universally found ; often in the
front of ancient houses, growing almost to the size of a
tree." To make a small tree of it, care must be taken to
destroy all the suckers and keep a clean stem. The Persian
varieties are suitable for planting in clumps, or in the front
of the shrubbery. Some beautiful new varieties have
been imported within a few years, producing immense
clusters of flowers. There is one variety with double
flowers, but it is not an improvement.
T AM ARIX. —Tamarisk.
[From Tamarisci, a people who inhabited the Sp-dnish side of the Pyrenees,
wliere one species grows abundantly.]
Tamarix Gallica.— French Tamarisk. — An elegant, de-
ciduous, hardy shrub, which, for some reason, has not re-
ceived much attention in New England. The foliage is
very graceful, and has some resemblance to that of the
Heath. The pink flowers are produced in lateral spikes,
474 BRECK S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS.
ill July and August ; small, but very numerous. It grows
about ten feet high. On account of its delicate, graceful
liabit, and heath-like flowers and foliage, it makes a desi-
rable addition to the shrubbery. The German Tamarisk is
a hardy shrub of similar habits. There are also a number
of other species and varieties.
TECOMA.— Trumpet-Flower.
[Said to have been altered from the Mexican name.]
The species are trees or shrubs, inhabitants of hot cli-
mates ; the leaves are opposite, piimate, ternate, or conju-
gate ; the flowers in panicles, large and handsome, of
various colors, red, yellow, blue or white, and eminently
beautiful. The hardy species will grow in almost any
good soil, and easily propagated by layers or cuttings of
the root. The species here mentioned were formerly in-
cluded in the Genus Bignonia.
Tecoma radicans. — Scarlet Trumpet Flower. — This is
a magnificent climbing plant, producing large, trumpet-
shaped, orange-scarlet flowers, of great beauty, from July
to October. They are produced in clusters ; handsome
in bud, as well as when fully expanded, and when con-
trasted with the elegant glossy, pinnate foliage, present a
most splendid sight when trained to a pillar or trellis.
The plant is a little tender in some locations, and will
do best to be laid down and covered over, or secured with
straw or mats.
T. J^randiflora has flowered with us, but it is rather
tender in this climate. It is a native of China and Japan.
" In the growth of the Avood it is rather more slender,
and the leaves more coarsely serrated than those of T.
radicans. The vine has the same habit of attaching itself
firmly to a wall, or building of stone, brick or wood, or
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 475
to the trunk of a, tree within its reach, by the numerous
small aerial-rootlets, which it sends out from the inner
sides of its shoots.
" In the blossoms of the T. grandlflora^ however, lies
its peculiar beauty. These are produced, in great profu-
sion of clustei's, in July and August, so as to give the
Avhole plant an exceedingly gay and lively appearance.
They are not long and tubular, like those of the common
Trumpet Flower, but somewhat cup-shaped. * * * The
color is beautifully varied, the outside being a rich pure
orange-scarlet, marked with brighter streaks. These gay
clusters open their blossoms in succession, so as to keep up
a brilliant appearance for a long time ; and we are ac-
quainted with no climbing shrub, except the Chinese
Wistaria, which at all vies in elegance or brilliancy of ef-
fect, in the garden or pleasure-ground, with this during
the season of bloom. Last season, we counted over three
hundred in bloom, at once, upon a plant in our neighbor-
hood ; and the same profuse display continued a fortnight
or more.
" T. grandiflora may be grown with perfect ease where
the old Trumpet Flower (2! radicans) thrives. North
of this (Xewburg, N. Y.) it will, perhaps, require a little
protection in winter, such as a layer of straw tied over the
larger shoots, or some branches of evergreens laid against
them at the approach of winter. A northern site will al-
so be found the better one at the north, wherever there is
a doubt of its hardiness, since the temperature will, in
such a site, be more uniform and less injurious than in a
southern aspect. Wherever the Isabella grape ripens,
this handsome climbing shrub will be easily cultivated in
almost any situation. If there are any fears of its hardi-
ness, it may be protected, as we have pointed out, for a
couple of years, till the wood gets strong and well hard-
ened. Any dry, light, well-drained soil, suits this climb-
476 breck's new book of flowers.
er. It sliould be made moderately rich, and in such soil,
when planted against a wall, it will cover a space twelve
or fourteen feet square, in two or three seasons. It is well
worthy the attention of those who are looking for climb-
ers of a permanent kind, to cover unsightly walks, or close
fences, or to render garden buildings of any kind more
ornamental, by a rich canopy of foliage and bloom." —
{Downing.
VIBURNUM.— Snow Ball.
[An iincient Latin name.]
Viburnum LentagO. — Sweet Viburnum. — A native spe-
cies of great beauty. Mr. Emerson describes it as a
"beautiful small tree, rising to the height of fifteen to
twenty feet, with rich foliage, and clothed, in June, with
a profusion of delicate, showy flowers." The flowers are
produced in terminal cymes, and from them a very agree-
able fragrance is diff'nsed. "There is a softness and rich-
ness about the flowers and foliage of the Sweet Viburnum
which distinguish it above all others of the same genus.
It is hardly less beautiful in fruit, from the profusion of
the rich blue berries hanging down among the curled
leaves, which are beginning to assume the beautiful hues
of autumn. A tree of this kind makes a fine appearance
at the angle of a walk, or in the corner of a garden, as its
delicacy invites a near approach, and rewards examina-
tion. With this delicacy of appearance, it is a hardy plant,
and may sometimes be seen on the bleak hillside, where it
has encountered the north-west stormy winds for a score
of years."
We think this Viburnum much more desirable tlian the
common Snowball. As it is found growing in uplands,
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWEEING SHRUBS. 477
no doubt it will flourish in any garden loam, and is prop-
agated the same as the Snowball.
We have a number of other species, which would well
repay cultivation. Most of them would require the same
treatment as the Azalea^ and that class of plants, as they
are found in swamps and woods. Some of them are very
beautiful, viz. : Y. dentatum, nudum^ acerifolmm^ etc.
V. lantanoides. — Wayfaring Tree, Hobble Bush. — This
fine native plant " received its specific name, lantanoides^
from its resemblance to the English Wayfaring Tree,
Fi lantana^ the tree which Wilham addresses, when he
says : —
' Wayfaring Tree ! what ancient claim
Hast thou to that right pleasant nanie ?
*****
Whate'er it be, I love it well, —
A name, methinks, that surely fell
From poet, in some evening dell.
Wandering with fancies sweet.'
" That tree rises to the height of eighteen or twenty
feet, and has an ample head of white flowers. Ours, less
fortunate in its name, is a stout, low bush, found in dark,
rocky woods, and making a show, in such solitary places,
of a broad head of flowers, the marginal ones often an inch
across." * * * u 'pj^^ leaves are from four to six
inches in length and breadth, roundish, heart-shaped at
base, ending in a short, abrupt point, and unequally ser-
rate on the margin. They are smooth above, but beneath
downy on the veins, which are thereby rendered striking-
ly distinct. * * -^ q^he fruit is ovate, large, of bright
crimson color, turning afterwards almost black." — [Emer-
son.) The first time we beheld this crooked, straggling
shrub, in flower, in its native haunts, a dark swamp, we
thought it one of the most ornamental shrubs of the coun-
try. It is certainly worthy of a place in every collection
of shrubs. It will no doubt succeed with the same treat-
478 breck's new book of floavees.
ment as the Rhododendron or Azalea, and may be propa-
gated by seeds, layers, or cuttings.
V. Opulus. — Cranberry Tree, High Cranberry. — " A
handsome low tree, five to ten feet in height, ornamented
throughout the year with flowers or fruit. In May, or
early in June, it spreads open at the end of every branch,
a broad cyme of soft, delicate flowers, surrounded by an
irregular circle of snow-white stars, scattered, apparently,
for show. The fruit, which is red when ripe, is of a pleas-
ant acid taste, resembling cranberries, for which it is
sometimes substituted." This is the parent of
V. Opulus, Var St^rilis, the Guelder Rose or Snow-
ball.— A common ornament of the garden, producing
large bunches of white flowers, shaped like those of the
Hydrangea. When grouped with the Laburnum, Lilacs,
— the dwuble-flowerins; Thorns, etc., it has a fine effect.
In flower the last of May, and early in June ; eight or
ten feet high ; readily propagated from suckers, layers
and cuttings.
V. macroc^phalum. — Great-clustered Snowball. — " This
is a new and splendid species, that has not been much, if
any, cultivated in this country. M. Van Houtte describes
it as found growing in the gardens about Chusan, China,
where it forms a shrub, or tree, twenty feet high. It
flowers every year, in May, producing its enormous clus-
ters, which equal those of the old garden Snowball^ or
' Guelder Rose,' in purity of color, and fiir eclipses them
in size and beauty. Each blossom is more than an inch
across, and the clusters measure eiglit or ten inches in di-
ameter. The leaves are regularly oval, with short i)etioles
and about three inches long. It flourishes in the opeu
border, in the same soil as the common Snowball ; and M.
Van Houtte considers it one of the most beautiful addi-
tions to the shrubbery." — {^Downing.']
DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERIXG SHRUBS. 479
¥/IST ARIA.
[Named Iiy Nuttall, in honor of Dr. Caspar Wistar.]
W. Sin^^nsis. — The Chinese Wistaria. — This, which is
sometimes called Glycine, is one of the most magnificent
climbmg shrubby plants in cultivation. It was formerly
treated, at the North, as a tender plant, and might be
seen trained to the rafters of the green house, in full flow-
er, in March, with its thousands of rich clusters, or pendu-
lous racemes of delicate pale-purple blossoms, so numerous
that the whole space it occupied seemed to be covered
with them. Each raceme is from ten to twelve inches
long, and densely filled with its delicate and richly per-
fumed flowers. It is easily raised from cuttings or layers.
In the open ground, we have known it to make a growth
of thirty feet in one season; and, with us, has not failed,
excepting one year in the last twelve, to produce an abun-
dant bloom, and that without the least protection. The
December previous to the year in which it did not bloom,
was a very warm one. The buds prematurely started,
and were winter killed; it however, flowered in August,
but not so perfectly as it would have done in the spring.
In another locality, in low ground, which is not well
drained, the flower buds are frequently killed. The foliage
is abundant, and its color a lively, pleasant hue of green.
The flowers make their appearance before the foliage
starts, the last of May, in the open ground. The plants
for the first few yesirs are somewhat tender, at the North,
and should be laid down before the winter sets in, and
covered with earth, or coarse manure. It grows freely in
almost any soil ; but to have strong plants, it is important
to have a rich, deep loam. It will not flower till the plant
gets strong.
A new variety with white flowers, has been introduced
from China hito England, by Mr. Fortune, and can, at the
present time, be obtained at many of our nurseries.
480 breck's new book of floavees.
Plants generally produce a few scattering racemes of
flowers, in the last summer months, but are not to be
compared with the clusters produced in the spring. In
planting out young vmes, they should be cut down to a
single bud. Long shoots should be shortened in February
or March.