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ROCK GARDENS 



p. sikkimensis. — Rich, deep, very moist soil in shady position. 

 It forms nice tufts, which die down completely in the winter. The 

 lovely, drooping flowers are bell-shaped and sweetly scented, and 

 are borne in umbels on the top of tall, slender stems, which some- 

 times are nearly 3 feet high. It blooms in May and continues in 

 flower for a long time. It is one of the easiest to cultivate, and 

 quite one of the loveliest. It can readily be raised from seed or 

 division. 



P. speatabilis. — Likes loamy, calcareous soil, and should be 

 planted in well-drained fissures of rocks. It has bright green 

 viscous leaves margined with white. Flowers large, and of a violet- 

 carmine colour. It is rather difficult to grow successfully. It is 

 very nearly allied to P. glaucescens. 



P. Stuartii. — Shady position in rich, moist, sandy loam. Very 

 large leaves, green on top and powdery underneath. Bright 

 golden-yellow flowers are borne in umbels. There is also a 

 variety, purpurea^ with rich purple-coloured flowers. Both are 

 very difficult to maintain in health, and seedlings are very liable 

 to damp off. They are very lovely, and considered by some 

 varieties of P. sikki^nensis, but unfortunately do not possess its 

 constitution. 



P. suffruticosa. — A shrub-like species, and very distinct. It likes 

 a warm, sheltered spot in light stony soil. Leaves narrow and 

 spatulate. Flowers rosy-purple, and borne on stems 4 to 5 inches 

 high. It blooms in May. It is rather tender, and in most places 

 requires some protection during the winter. Can be readily 

 increased by cuttings. 



P. Veitchii. — Good, loamy soil in sheltered position. In foliage 

 and habit rather like P. corttisoides. Rose-coloured flowers, with 

 an orange ring at the throat. It is quite hardy and vigorous. It 

 dies down completely during the winter. Increased by division. 



P. viscosa. — Light, gritty, sandy, peaty loam in any aspect, 

 wedged between rocks or stones. Rosy-purple flowers, with a 

 white eye, blooming in summer. It is of the easiest culture, 

 so long as the soil is free from lime, which it dislikes. Readily 

 increased by seed or division. The flowers vary considerably 

 in colour. 



P. wulfeniana. — Half-shady position between stones in well- 

 drained, calcareous soil. Forms tufts of rather shiny leaves. 

 Flowers deep purple, and borne m loose heads. Blooms in April. 

 Of the easiest culture, and quite hardy. It is an excellent rock 

 plant. Increased by division. The following are some hybrids : — 



P. assimilis {^superhi7'snta x integrifolid). — Large downy leaves 

 and purple flowers. 



P. biflora {glutinosa x minima). — Flowers lilac-mauve. 



