242 ROCK GARDENS 



ASARUM (Aristolochiaceae) 



A family of plants more curious than pretty, and of no great value. 

 They are all dwarf-growing and form mats of cyclamen-like leaves 

 and brownish flowers. Their chief beauty lies in their foliage. They 

 are useful for a cool, damp, shady comer and easily propagated by 

 division in spring. The following are the best-known varieties : — 



A. europaeu7n, canadense^ and Sieboldii. — This latter has varie- 

 gated and marbled leaves. 



ASPERULA (Rubiaceae), Woodruff 



Pretty little plants of easy culture in any soil or position. Pro- 

 pagated by division of the roots in spring or early summer. 



A, ciltata.—0r^m2iry soil in sun. Compact-growing, with myriads 

 of little white flowers. 



A. /izrta. —Ra.ther damp position, in ordinary soil. Forms com- 

 pact tufts with small white flowers changing to pink. Grows about 

 3 inches high. 



A. nitida (syn. A. Gussonu). — Szxidy soil. Compact dwarf- 

 grower, only about 4 inches high, and very pale pink flowers. 



A. odorata. — Light soil. Neat-growing, with small, fragrant 

 flowers. 



A. suberosa (syn. A. Athoa). — Likes a dry, sunny spot. Has 

 rather downy foliage about 4 inches high, and small, pink, trumpet- 

 shaped flowers. A very pretty little plant, which dislikes damp. 



Aster (Compositae), Michaelmas Daisy 



A very large genus, including many lovely plants, but mostly of 

 too tall a growing habit to be suitable for the rock garden. There 

 are a few, however, which should be included in every collection. 

 They are all hardy and quite easily cultivated, and propagated by 

 division in spring or autumn. 



A. alpinus. — Ordinary loam in half shade. Forms sturdy tufts 

 about 6 inches high of rather downy leaves. The daisy-shaped 

 flowers, which are about 2 inches across, are of pale blue, with a 

 golden-coloured eye. It is a fairly rapid grower, and easily increased 

 by division. A good plant, to which slugs and mice are much 

 devoted. This may be taken as the type, for there are many forms, 

 giving a variety of colours. 



A. al. albus. — A white form. 



A. al. altro-violaceus. — Deep violet in colour. 



A. al. ruber. — Deep red flowers. 



A. al. roseus. — Pink flowers. 



