XATARTIA SCABRA. 



X 



Xatartia scabra is a hideous and extremely raro Umb -Hirer. 

 from the sen sts of the Central Pyrenees. 



Xerophyllum asphodeloeides makes tough wiry dense tufts 

 of grass in the sand-barrens of America, from which arise stems of a 

 foot or two, bearing a spire of large and solid white Asphodel flowers 

 in a most curious and penetrating pure tone of rich waxed-ivory 

 solidity, peculiarly dazzling when you see them aspiring to the sun- 

 shine in open places of the woodland. Larg- and sound imported 

 clumps of this should be procured, instead of the nurseryman's frag- 

 mentary single crown ; and then they should be planted, either in 

 sun or shad;-, in very rich and light soil, very lavishly mixed with 

 sand. Here, if let alone, the plant will thrive and increase for ever, 

 growing every year more lavish with its towers of lucent ivory in 

 June. 



Z 



Zahlbriicknera paradoxa is a quite ugly and rather miffy 

 and tender little green-flowered Saxifrage, flopping and creeping in 

 damp, cool places on the rockwork, where it has, however, the 

 decency only to be biennial at best. 



Zauschneria calif ornica, with a yet finer variety, Z. c. splen- 

 dens, has close relationship with the Oenotheras. Id light, sandy 

 soil in a sunny place it makes wide grey many-stemmed masses of 

 tall and slender stems of 18 inches, more or less, carry ing all through 

 the later summer a long profusion of brilliant hanging vermilion 

 trumpets not unlike a Fuchsia's in effect, on the, countless wand- 

 like sprays. But cuttings should be secured in autumn. 



Zephyranthes. — Much ink has fiercely flowed in the past over 

 the question as to whether even Z. Candida was hardy. There can 

 be no doubt that the La Plata Crocus, in light and sandy soil, in a 

 hot border against a viuery, and in a warm, dry climate, may be both 

 hardy and free, and intensely beautiful, with its dark, glossy, grass- 

 like foliage, and its profusion in late summer and autumn of glister- 

 ing wide white crocus-stars with a rich heart of gold. But there can 

 be no doubt, also, that this display is not to be counted on, and 

 that the plant is not one of any general use for the outdoor English 

 garden. As this, then, is the only one that even makes the faintest 



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