ALPHABETICAL LIST OF PLANTS 221 



A.scaposa. — Similar, but with silvery leaves and yellow flowers 

 on long scapes, in July. 



Adonis (Ranunculaceae) 



Handsome plants of easy cultivation, belonging to the Buttercup 

 order. They all dislike disturbance and are slow to increase. 

 Planting should be done in autumn. Strong seedlings are prefer- 

 able to pieces from old plants. Most varieties produce seed freely, 

 which will easily germinate if sown in a moist, shady spot and 

 lightly covered. The following are the best perennial varieties : — 



A. amurensis. — Sunny position, sheltered from cold winds, in 

 moist, rather heavy loam. Increases very slowly, and grows about 

 9 inches high. Beautiful fern-like foliage, which dies down towards 

 the end of the summer. The flowers, which are yellow, and about 

 2 inches across, are borne on stout leafy stems, and appear as early 

 as January. It is quite hardy, and can be increased by seed or 

 division. An attractive and valuable plant, as it blooms when there 

 is little else in flower. The foliage and colour tint of flower are 

 rather variable. 



A. amurensis, Jl. pi. — A double form of the above, and a very 

 handsome plant. Large, quite double, golden-yellow flowers, with 

 a curious green circle formed of green segments, which rather 

 enhances than otherwise the beauty of the flower. 



A. Viekinsaki. — Has feathery leaves and small yellow flowers, 

 which bloom in January and February. It requires same treatment 

 as above. 



A. pyrenaica. — Sunny position in stony, well-drained, though 

 moist, sandy loam. Grows about i foot to i8 inches high. Pale 

 green leaves, rather like curled parsley, at the base of the much- 

 branched stems. These decrease in size, till round the flower they 

 are mere mossy tufts. Rich yellow flowers, 2 to 3 inches across, 

 which appear in June. Hardy and increased by seed. If drainage 

 is deficient, the crown of the plant is liable to decay. 



A. vernalis. — Sunny position in rather moist, heavy loam. 

 Increases slowly and dislikes disturbance. Grows about 9 inches 

 to a foot in height. Finely cut leaves. Each stem, which does 

 not branch freely, bears a single flower of rich, glistening, golden- 

 yellow, about 2 inches across, in March. Quite hardy, propagated 

 by seed. A well-known border plant, but one that should be in 

 every rock garden. 



A. volgensis. — Requires same soil and treatment as A. vernalis, 

 which it very much resembles as regards its flower. Its foliage is 

 quite distinct, being of a bright green, stems much flatter and thinner 

 and more branched. 



