HARDY HERBACEOUS FLOWERS. 2&^ 



not stagnant water. It is perfectly hardy where snow covers the 

 grounil all winter, hut in other places should receive a slight 

 proteciion. 



Xli/hium. — This is also a hulhous-rooted variety, known as 

 the Spanish Iris, and described in catalogues under the name of 

 Iris Hispanica. It is very hardy, and the flowers are very 

 pretty, displaying nearly every shade of light and dark blue^ 

 brown, purple, yellow, and white, and withal very sweetly 

 scented. It will thrive well in any good garden soil 



Xiph.ioides. — This has obtained the name of English Iris^ 

 and is called Iris Anglica in most catalogues. It is bulbous- 

 rooted, of more robust habit than the Spanish, and produces 

 flowers as various in color, and as handsome. It also is perfectly 

 hardy, and avUI do well in any friable garden soU. 



All of these bulbous-rooted sorts should be planted in the 

 fall, about three inches deep, and allowed to remain for three 

 years, when they will require to be taken up and the bulbs- 

 separated. They are best suited in a rich loamy soil, that is. 

 thoroughly drained. 



Some new sorts have been introduced from Japan and the- 

 Mountains of the Caucasus, which are said to be very distinct 

 in habit and color, and very beautiful, but we have not seen 

 them. Kampferi is, an example of the Japanese Iris, said to 

 produce flowers six inches in diameter ; while Vlolacea comes 

 from the Caucasus, and produces flowers of a rich, deep violet- 

 purple. These will probably prove to be hardy, and add to the 

 number of a family already rich in most beautiful flowers, well 

 adapted to our climate, and of easy culture. 



Lathyrus. — The Ever-blooming Pea. — ^A perennial blooming 

 Pea, which thrives weU in our climate, producing its flowers in 

 long succession. It wUl thrive in any good friable soil, and 

 makes a pretty plant for an arbor, treUis, or screen, attaching itself 

 to any support by means of tendrils. There are three varieties, 

 Latifulius, which produces pink flowers; and Latifolius alba, 

 having white flowers ; and Grandijlorus, which has very laig^ 



