1496 



Russell's POTENTILLA * 



ICOSANDRIA POLYGYNIA. 



Nat. ord. Rosacea Juss. {Introduction to the natural system of 

 Botany, p. 81.) 



§. Potentillese. 

 POTENTILLA.— Supra, fol. 1379. 



Garden Variety. 



This Potentilla, which is generally known in our Gardens 

 by the name of P. Russelliana, is one of the most remark- 

 able productions that the art of hybridising has yet pro- 

 duced among herbaceous plants. 



It was raised by Mr. Russell, of Battersea, between 

 P. atrosanguinea and P. napalensis, and it is as nearly as 

 possible intermediate between those two most truly distinct 

 species. Its flowers rival those of the former in size and 

 depth of colour, while their richness is strikingly increased 

 by an infusion of the purple-carmine ground of the petals 

 of the latter ; the foliage partakes almost equally of either 

 parent : 



" The monster offspring heirs the father's pride, 

 Mark'd in the damask beauties of the bride." 



It is a perfectly hardy perennial plant, increased with 

 facility by the division of its crown ; and flowering most 

 part of the summer. 



J. L. 



* See fol. 1379. 



