192 SELECTION OF PLANTS. 



parts of Chile, by the sides of hills, and in rather moist 

 situations. In this country it grows freely in the open air 

 in the summer, but requires protection in the winter ; how- 

 ever, it thrives better if constantly kept in the greenhouse, 

 where it can be freely exposed to light and air, without 

 which the beautiful spots of its petals are scarcely de- 

 veloped. It is propagated by seeds and offsets. 



601. ASTER PUNICEUS, var. DEMISSUS. Dwarf Blue 

 Aster. 



Class 19th. Syngenesia Superflua. 



It is a very compact herbaceous plant, with pale green 

 leaves and bluish flowers, which appear in August. It is 

 amongst the handsomest of the genus, and may be seen in 

 the garden of the Horticultural Society. 



602. NIEREMBERGIA FiLicAULis. Slender- stemmed 

 Nierembergia. 



Class 5th. Pentandria Monogynia. 



It is a pretty greenhouse Perennial, easily multiplied by 

 cuttings, and requiring but a moderate degree of protection 

 in winter, and should therefore be kept in an airy part 

 of the house. It blossoms in May, and is a native of 

 Mexico. 



603. VERBENA MULTIFIDA, var. CONTRACTA. Dwarf 

 Purple Vervain. 



Class 14th. Didynamia Angiospermia. 



It is a hardy Perennial, and one of the most robust va- 

 rieties is a common ornament of the flower garden, blowing 

 in July, with purple blossoms, and may be seen in the 

 garden of the Horticultural Society. 



It is a native of Chile. 



