26o ROCK GARDENS 



white and yellow markings inside the bells. Partially erect stems 

 6 to 12 inches long. Not very hardy. 



C. rotundifolia. — Large yellowish-coloured flowers with dark 

 purple veining. Climbing habit and an annual. 



Other varieties : — 



C. ussuriensis. — Blue flowers of more climbing habit, and distinct. 



C. Clematidea. — White flowers tinged with blue. Grows 2 to 3 

 feet high. 



CoLCHicuM (Liliaceae), Meadow Saffron 



Very closely allied to the Crocus family. They are, however, 

 rather larger than the true Crocus. They should be grown in light 

 sandy loam, enriched with manure, in rather a moist spot. As the 

 flowers come before the leaves, they look better when appearing 

 through a carpet of Sedums, which also protect their bloom from 

 being splashed with the earth. Being mostly autumn flowers, they 

 give a bit of colour to the rock garden at a time when it is much 

 needed. They also look well planted in masses on grassy slopes. 

 There are a great many varieties, but the following is a good 

 selection : — 



C. alpinum. — Deep rosy lilac. 



C. autmnnale. — Bright purple. There are several varieties : — 

 Rosens, rosy lilac ; Striatium, rosy lilac, striped white ; album, 

 pure white ; atropurpureum, deep purple ; and others. 



C. crocifiorum. — Flowers white, striped purple. Spring flowering. 



C. libanoticum. — Rosy-white flowers in February. 



C. Parkisoni. — Purple flowers netted with white; blooms in October. 



C. Sibthorpii. — As large as C. speciosum, but richer in colour, 

 and of a more compact form, netted with crimson lines. 



C. speciosum. — Large, rosy-purple flowers, nearly a foot high. 

 Blooms in October. 



C. s. albu7n. — A magnificent, pure white form with golden anthers. 

 As large as the type. Quite the pick of the family. 



C. s. atrorubens. — A very much deeper and richer-coloured variety 

 of the type. 



CONANDRON RAMONDIOIDES (GeSNERACEAE) 



Shade, in vertical fissures in deep, moist, peaty, and gritty loam. 

 Forms flat tufts of thick, wrinkled leaves, from which rise pale 

 purple and white flowers on wiry stems about 5 inches high. Of 

 doubtful hardihood, at least it is a difficult plant to keep. It is 

 very closely allied to the Ramondias, and should receive similar 

 treatment. 



