EASILY GROWN ROCK PLANTS 79 
splendens is one of the finer forms. This plant has strong 
straight flower stalks, that frequently attain a height of 
two feet, surmounted by large spherical heads of rich 
pink blossoms. The foliage is broadened and_ bears 
some similarity to the narrow-leaved plantain, a circum- 
stance to which it owes its specific name. But the most 
striking of all the Armerias is a garden variety named 
Bees’ Ruby. This is a plant really worthy of a conspicuous 
place in any collection of alpine plants. Its large bright 
rose pink, or almost cerise, flower heads stand almost a 
yard from the ground, and are borne in great profusion 
for a lengthened period during the summer months. 
Even a single plant, established in a flat-surfaced pocket 
on the rockery, will produce a fine effect among the dwarfer 
or trailing plants around it, but to fully appreciate the 
charm of this giant thrift, a mass covering a yard or 
more of space should be seen in full bloom. It is then 
indeed a fine and very distinctive feature, and being among 
the easiest of plants to cultivate, it deserves widespread 
popularity. 
ASPERULA.—The sweet woodruff, Asperula odorata, is 
a British wildling, but nevertheless is useful and effective 
for shady places overhung by trees, where the range of 
reliable subjects available is decidedly limited. The plant 
makes an abundant growth of prostrate green stems, 
the leaves being whorled at regular intervals along the 
angular stems. The tiny white flowers are borne in loose 
umbels, and the plant possesses a refreshing odour which 
is commonly likened to fresh-mown hay. 
A. hexaphylla is a finer plant that has considerable 
