CHAPTER XII 



BIENNIAL AND PERENNIAL FLOWERING PLANTS 1 

 THE BLEEDING HEART 



The bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) is a favorite 

 in old-fashioned gardens. It bears its heart-shaped, rose- 

 colored flowers on long, drooping stems through May and 

 June. It will endure the coldest winters. The deeply 

 cut foliage will die down to the ground in autumn. 



It is a good plant to set here and there in a border, 

 or it may be allowed to form a clump in the yard or 

 garden. In good rich loam it will make a bush two or 

 more feet in height. 



The bleeding heart is especially valued for shady 

 places. It is propagated by means of roots, which may 

 be planted in early spring. 



THE CANNA 



Cannas may be grown in beds, in clumps, or as screens. 

 If more than one kind is used, care must be taken to plant 

 the taller-growing kinds in the center and the dwarf along 

 the edge. Fig. 52 illustrates the method of planting a 



1 A biennial plant is one that grows the first season without blossoming, 

 lives through the winter, flowers the second season, and dies, root and all, 

 when it has ripened its seed. A perennial plant is one that lives and blossoms 

 year after year. 



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