DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 189 



purple, white or red ; never yellow, or any shade of that 

 color. 



There are many species and varieties of the perennial 

 Larkspur, which are indispensable in a collection of plants ; 

 all hardy and easily propagated from seed, or by dividing 

 the roots of some of the double varieties which produce 

 no seed. The brilliancy of the blue color of some of the 

 flowers cannot be surpassed. 



Delphinium Siatfnsis pltfno. Double Chinese. This is 

 one of the most magnificent of herbaceous plants. It can 

 be propagated only by dividing the roots, as it does not 

 produce seed ; it is perfectly hardy, enduring the coldest 

 weather without protection; it is best to give a little, 

 however, as it will flower stronger for it. The flowers 

 are of a most beautiful lively blue, in long open spikes, 

 upon graceful, slender, purplish stems, three feet high. 

 From June to October it displays its beauty, and is indis- 

 pensable in the formation of a perfect bouquet. Foliage 

 palmate, many parted. 



Dt datum, Bee Larkspur. So called on account of 

 the hairy petals, in the centre of the flower, having a fan- 

 cied resemblance to a bee. 



This species, from its height, which is from five to seven 

 feet, is well adapted to the shrubbery ; its long, clustered 

 spike of fine blue flowers making a fine appearance in 

 that department. It is also suitable for the border, but 

 should be planted at the greatest distance from the walk. 

 Leaves downy, five-lobed ; lobes wedge shape at the base, 

 trifid cut. Propagated by seed or divisions of the roots. 



The plant is covered with soft green down. It sports 

 into many varieties, from pale-blue to dark, sometimes to 

 blue with a white centre, which is very beautiful. 



D. Barlowii. Barlow's Larkspur. A garden variety, 

 apparently intermediate between the Great-flowered and 



