GARDEN FLOWERS. 



163 



ASTILBE JAPONICA. 



The best species of the genus is macranthum, from Japan, 

 bearing pure white flowers. This species grows ten to 

 fifteen inches high. 



A well-known plant in May and 

 June is Astilbe Japonica, incor- 

 rectly called Spircea Japonica. It 

 has interesting dark-green foliage, 

 and quantities of upright growing 

 spikes or clusters of creamy white 

 flowers. It grows ten to twelve 

 inches high, and is very attractive. 

 Oorydalis nobilis is one of the 

 finest ornamental herbaceous plants. 

 The flowers, which appear in early spring, in large heads 

 on stout stems, are of a rich yellow color. It disappears 

 altogether soon after flowering. Deep sandy loam suits it, 

 where it will not be disturbed. It comes from Siberia. 

 The wild pink, or Pennsylvania catchfly (Silene Penn- 

 sylvanica ) , is to be commended as 

 a spring flower. It grows four to 

 eight inches high, bears numerous 

 pink flowers, and is decidedly at- 

 tractive. 



Every one has heard of the 

 common wild English primrose 

 (Primula vulgaris), which produces 

 sulphur-colored flowers in spring. 

 Its beauty and associations natur- 

 ally make it valuable to us, although it is seldom grown. It 

 seems to stand our winters well, and if planted in half- 



NOBLE FUMITORY. 



NOBIUS.) 



