For April, 1122 



107 



Trollius — Globe-Flower 



RICHARD ROTHE 



rROLLIUS is a hardy herbaceous genus of the order 

 Ranunculacccc with garden forms of erect medium 

 tall growth, distinguished by dark green, paimately 

 lobed and dissected foliage and clear yellow or orange 

 colored, globular or semi-globular flowers. Though gen- 

 erally known and easy obtainable globe flowers apparently 

 enjoy favored and liberal space only in gardens through- 

 out the north. Being by nature denizens of the moun- 

 tainous sections and frigid regions of the northern hemi- 

 sphere, they are able to endure long inclement Winters 

 well. The rich yellow and urange hues of flowering plan- 



TrulliKs Jal'tiiiuiis. "h.vtclsior" 



tations conspicuously add in giving warmth to the bril- 

 liant northern color tonality, while garden owners in Alid- 

 dle Atlantic and Southern States reveling in a much 

 great variety of blossoms are prone to overlook the singu- 

 lar charm of Trollius. 



A strong single specimen, especially of the tall growing 

 mixed hybrids, is strikingly beautiful. In Europe we find 

 TroU'ms quite freely employed as choice bedding plants 

 in formal gardens. They are also considered a highly 

 effective material for hardy borders when grouped togeth- 

 er in clumps of from 6 to 12 plants. Thriving best in a 

 rich, sandy loam, they require an open sunny situation in 

 the north. South of New England semi-shade is prefer- 

 able. Xot averse to moderate moisture, globe flowers are 

 well adapted for brookside gardening and plantings along 

 the shore lines of pond and lake. 



Trollius ciiropccHs producing medium sized loose globu- 

 lar flowers of clear yellow shade is the most widely known 

 species. The fact that it is alDounding within the middle 

 and lower regions of the Alps suggests occasional em- 

 ployment for the rock. garden as being appropriate. For 

 the northern climate shape and color of the flowers proves 



ideal for radiant mass eft'ects. Trollius asiaticiis and 

 Japunicus ""Excelsior" produce flowers of a vivid deep 

 orange, while those of the variety Caucasians "Orange 

 Globe" are recognizable liy their golden orange color. 

 European firms list various distinct new hvl:>rids of which 

 the large deep yellow flowering ""Gold Uuelle" is obtain- 

 able in America. 



TruUins used cffccliixly in ,) border 



Trollius are mostly raised from seed which is best plant- 

 ed right after ripening. I'.eing very slow in germinating 

 seeds procured by the trade should be always sown in flats 

 during Fall. Exposed to frost and snow during Winter 

 successful germination usually takes place the following 

 Spring. For propagation of valuable hybrids, growers 

 must rely on the slow process of division of old stock. 

 'Trollius require Winter protection in the north, leaf- 

 covering to be preferred. 



THINGS AND THOUGHTS OF THE GARDEN 



{ContiiiHcd from page 106) 



this year are rewarded with gold medals, and the next are 

 thrown upon the dunghill. Believing that all human pur- 

 suits ought to be estimated in exact proportion as thev 

 tend to promote the glory of God, or the good of man, 

 let us for a moment compare the empty chase after fancy 

 flowers with the legitimate pursuits of horticulture and 

 floriculture. So far from the love of God, and the good 

 of his fellow creatures, being the end and aim of the fancy 

 florist, he values everything in proportion as it is removed 

 from Nature, and unattainable by the rest of mankind. 

 'A long time must elapse ere the world can hope to see 

 a perfect Pansy,' says one of these fancy writers. How 

 the world is to benefit by this Phoenix when it does arrive 

 he will of course inform us in his next publication. Let 

 me entreat the poor to remember that their single talent 

 should be well employed ; let them learn to estimate things 

 according to their true value, and devote their time and 

 attention to the legitimate pursuits of horticulture and 

 floriculture." 



It is interesting to remember, in connection with this 

 book, that present day plant ecologists are paying great 

 attention in their investigations to evaporation, and con- 

 sider it an im]>ortant factor in determining the character 

 of the vegetation. 



