3i6 ROCK GARDENS 



in rich, rather heavy, moist loam and peat, with sand added, in 

 a partially shady position. 



All Orchids require a considerable depth of soil. 



Origanum (Labiatae) 



A genus of shrubby plants of not much value. The following are 

 a selection of the best : — 



O. dictamnus. — A sub-shrubby plant for a dry, sunny position in 

 light loam. Grows about 12 inches high. It has mottled, downy 

 foliage, and its heads of small pink flowers are borne from June to 

 August in great profusion. It is rather a tender plant, and will need 

 some protection in a severe winter. 



O. pulchrum. — Sunny position in sandy loam. Sub-shrubby 

 plant, with silvery leaves, and rosy-purple flowers in August. A 

 good rock plant. 



O. Sipyleum. — A shrubby plant of procumbent habit. Flowers 

 pink. 



Othonna (Compositae) 



A large genus of glabrous plants only half hardy. The following 

 are the only species suitable : — 



O. cheirifolia (syn. Othonnopds cheirifolid). — Dry, sunny position. 

 A vigorous, trailing plant, growing 12 inches high, with greyish, 

 glaucous leaves. The flowers are bright golden-yellow, and are 

 produced during early summer. A useful evergreen plant, which 

 can be easily propagated from cuttings. 



O. crassifolia. — Light sandy loam in full sun. A creeping plant 

 of rapid growth, with curious, succulent leaves, like a Sedum, of a 

 bright green colour. Numerous yellow, daisy-like flowers are borne 

 during the summer. A pretty and useful plant. Not hardy, but 

 can so easily be propagated by cuttings that it is quite worth 

 while wintering a few plants in a cold-house. 



Ourisia coccinea (Scophulariaceae). 



A lovely plant, but of rather uncertain habit in cultivation. The 

 two conditions it requires are half shade and moisture ; given these, 

 it in all probability will thrive. Rather heavy loam seems to suit it 

 best. That, at least, is my experience, but others recommend deep, 

 gritty peat. It is of creeping habit, forming tufts of crinkled leaves 

 about 4 inches high, from which rise stems about 8 inches high, on 

 which bright crimson flowers are borne in racemes during the 

 summer. It is quite hardy, and may be increased by division. 



O. fnacrophylla. — Quite a new introduction from New Zealand, 

 and not yet in general cultivation. It forms tufts of handsome leaves 



