Hemerocallis — Heracleum . 1 47 



has latterly sunk into unmerited neglect, as from its luxu- 

 riance, the height of its stem (nearly 4 ft.), and its fine, 

 large, tawny-orange flowers, it well deserves a place 

 among vigorous and striking subjects. It is thoroughly 

 hardy and will thrive in almost any soil, but comes to 

 greatest perfection in that which is deep, substantial, 

 and moist, and in almost any position. Multiplied by 

 dividing the tufts once in three or four years in autumn 

 when the leaves are withered, or in spring. There is a 

 variety of this species with double flowers, and one with 

 variegated leaves, both of which are somewhat tender and 

 require well-drained soil and a sheltered position. 



Other species in cultivation are H. fiava^ H. disticha, 

 If. graminea, and H. Dumorticri. All these plants are 

 desirable associates for the hardy fine-leaved plants. 



*Heracleums {Co7u-par snips). — No perennials rival 

 these plants in size, and few in distinctness of appearance. 

 The shape and width of their leaves, the height of their 

 stems, and especially the great size of their umbels, pro- 

 duce an effect of a very striking character. Planted 

 singly on slopes in the rougher parts of pleasure-grounds, 

 on or about ruins, rough wild declivities, or by pieces of 

 water or streams, they are seen to excellent advantage ; 

 their enormous leaves forming great tufts of vegetation, 

 sometimes nearly 13 ft. in diameter. The period of 

 their greatest vigour and beauty is from May to the 

 end of July; and this should be distinctly borne in 

 mind when arranging them, as, once the great leaves 

 fade away with the heats of early August, they become 

 very ragged, and soon disappear altogether. They 

 delight in a moist, deep, clay soil, but will grow vigorously 



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