ALPHABETICAL LIST OF PLANTS 321 



for it to get its roots about. It forms dense green tufts, about 3 

 inches high, from which rise its fragrant, pale lilac-coloured flowers, 

 scarcely half an inch over the foliage. A very dainty little plant 

 for a choice spot, needing careful culture, though quite hardy. A 

 yearly top dressing of lime rubbish is beneficial. 



Philesia buxifolia (Liliaceae) 



A lovely dwarf, evergreen shrub. It requires a half-sunny aspect, 

 sheltered from the north, in rather damp, fibrous, sandy peat. The 

 lovely flowers, which are like a Lapageria, are of a carmine-red 

 colour. Not hardy except in the southern counties, and is not easy 

 to cultivate. It may take a year or more before becoming estab- 

 lished, or, at least, making any growth. Shoots should be pegged 

 down to encourage them to layer. A most exquisite gem, and worth 

 endless trouble to obtain success. 



Phlox (Polemoniaceae) 



The taller-growing species of this very large genus are suitable 

 for the border only. But there are many dwarf and creeping kinds 

 which are amongst the most valuable and easiest cultivated plants 

 we have for the rock garden. Any ordinary light soil will suit them, 

 and they are not particular as to aspect, but bloom and grow better 

 in sun. They can be easily increased by cuttings taken in July ; 

 and inserted in sandy soil and placed in a frame shaded from full 

 sun, they root quickly, and should be flowering plants by the follow- 

 ing year. Another way is by layers, pegging down some of the 

 prostrate stems in sandy soil : they will soon make roots at that 

 point. 



P. amoena. — Of spreading habit, with rosy-coloured flowers in early 

 summer. Very hardy, and of easiest culture. 



P. Carolina (syn. P. ovata). — Of procumbent habit, with clusters of 

 large rosy flowers, on stems about 12 inches high. 



P.divaricata. — Grows about 12 inches high, with flat heads of large, 

 pale lavender-coloured flowers. Very pretty, but not of the prostrate 

 habit of the creeping Phloxes. There are several varieties of this 

 plant, all excellent. They are — 



P. d. «/<^«.— White. 



P. d. canadensis. — Rather a darker shade of colour from the type, 

 and of looser growth. 



P. d. Laphami (Perr^s var.). — Finer form of/*, d. canadensis. 



P. d. Douglasii. — Pale lavender-coloured flowers, with an orange 

 eye. 



P. pilosa. — Grows about 12 to 14 inches high, and has flat heads 

 of large purple flowers. The true plant is very rare. 



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