Its variable nature consists chiefly in the size and arrange- 
ment of its flower-heads, which are from 1 to nearly 2 inches 
in diameter, with the borders of their scales stained more 
or less with rich crimson. Sometimes the stalks of the 
flower-heads are all of nearly the same length, and then 
they form a simple raceme, as in our figure; but very often 
the stalks of the lowest are very long, and even branched, 
and then a broad corymb is produced, which, on account of 
the rich purple of the flowers, is exceedingly beautiful. 
It is one of the most common of this very handsome 
genus, and perhaps the most worth cultivating ; for it is 
less impatient of cold and wet than most of the others. 
They are all, however, richly deserving the care of the 
gardener; and it is probable that if they were kept in a 
sandy peaty soil which is thoroughly well drained, and 
covered by dead leaves in winter, as happens in their native 
woods, they would all thrive equally well. Flowers from 
August to October. : 
