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344 ROCK GARDENS 



Group IV. The Creeping 



S. oppositifolia and its varieties are typical of this group, which 

 contains but few species. They require a sunny position in well- 

 drained, gritty loam. 



Group V. Umbrosa '-'■ London Ptide^^ 



The species included in this group are mostly of easy culture, and 

 not particular as to position, doing equally well in sun or partial 

 shade. All they require is good, well-drained, gritty soil. S. Geum 

 and S. umbrosa are typical. 



Group VI. Megasea 



These plants are of quite a distinct type, and do not form the 

 compact cushions or tufts so typical of the other species. They 

 have large fleshy leaves, sometimes as much as 1 5 inches across, 

 which often in winter and early spring take a fine dark crimson 

 colour. The flowers are borne in bold spikes. They will do well 

 in partial shade, and are not very particular as to soil ; any good 

 gritty loam seems to suit them. They are useful for associating 

 with the stronger-growing plants. S. cordifolia is an example of 

 the type. 



Other species not included in any of the above groups will be 

 dealt with as they occur in the alphabetical list. Provided the soil 

 is light and well drained, but little difficulty should be experienced 

 in growing any of the Saxifrages. 



S. aegilops {Group /., Mossy). — Rather blunt-looking leaves and 

 numerous pink flowers in June and July. Grows about 6 inches high. 



S. afghanica (see S. Stracheyi). 



S. aizoides {Group II.., Encrusted). — Though belonging to this 

 group, it is very different to the type, having rather succulent-looking 

 leaves with no trace of silver on them. It has yellow flowers, 

 dotted with yellow, and blooms in June and July. It is a native, 

 and is found growing in wet bogs, so will be found useful for a 

 moist spot in the bog garden. 



S. Aizoon {Group 11.^ Encrusied).—Th^\s species is one of the 

 most typical of the group. It has yellowish-white flowers, borne in 

 panicles on erect stems about 6 inches high, in June. A very 

 variable species, and some doubt exists as to what the true plant is. 

 The following are the best varieties : — 



S. A. balcana. — Flowers large, spotted crimson. 



S. A. Jlavescens.— Y\o\f&rs pale yellow. Distinct, and good 

 variety, and free-blooming. 



S. A. lutea. — Flowers yellow ; also a good plant. 



