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238 ROCK GARDENS 



unfortunately, is rather apt to go off unexpectedly. It greatly 

 dislikes disturbance, so it is advisable to grow from seed. 



The above are the most suitable kinds for the rock garden, others 

 being of rather too tall a habit, but should, when possible, be 

 naturalised in woods or planted amongst shrubs. The following 

 are the best kinds for that purpose : — 



A. californica. — Thriving in a half-shady position in deep, moist 

 loam. Deep orange, with slender, bright orange spurs. Liable to 

 perish after flowering, so seed should be saved. Seedlings usually 

 come "true." 



A, chrysantha. — Half-shady situation in almost any soil. Grows 

 as high as 4 feet. Golden-yellow, long-spurred variety. 



A. Stuartii. — Moist loam, half shade. Large blue and white 

 flowers in May. Grows about 2 feet high. A fine plant. 



There are also many hybrids, most of which are pretty. 



Arabis (Cruciferae), Rock Cress 



This genus contains some useful varieties, but none can be 

 called choice plants. All are of easy culture and will grow in 

 almost any aspect or soil. 



A. albida. — Any soil or aspect. Trailing plant, covered in early 

 spring with a profusion of snow-white flowers. This well-known 

 plant needs no further description ; there is no rockery or rock 

 garden from which it is absent. 



A. albida, Jl. pi. — A double variety of the above and an improve- 

 ment. Flowers last longer, though coming in a little later. There 

 is also a variegated form of this. 



A. aubrietiodes. — Of compact habit, only growing about 3 inches 

 high. Pale pink flowers in May. Quite a pretty plant. It should 

 be grown in rather a dry position, as it is apt to go off in a damp 

 spot. 



A. blepharophylla. — Rather similar to A. albida^ but with rosy- 

 purple flowers, not so freely produced, and of rather more straggling 

 habit. Not by any means a choice plant. 



A. Billardieri rosea. — Likes a dry soil in sun. It is a compact 

 grower, with small pink flowers in April. 



A. Sturii. — Any position or soil. Compact grower, with littie, 

 hard, dark green leaves and pretty, pure white flowers. A garden 

 hybrid, and perhaps the choicest of the family. 



The following varieties are of little value except in a botanical 

 collection : — 



A. procurrens. — Dwarf habit and small whitish flowers. Rather 

 pretty. 



A. Ferditiandi Coburgi. — Very dwarf-growing, with white flowers. 



