110 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



son. The brilliancy of the blue color of some of the flowers 

 cannot be surpassed. 



Delphinium sinensis plena. Double Chinese. This is one 

 of the most magnificent of herbaceous plants. It can be prop- 

 agated only by dividing the roots, as it does not produce seed ; 

 it is perfectly hardy, enduring the coldest weather without pro- 

 tection ; 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 indispensable in the formation of a perfect bouquet. 

 Foliage palmate, many-parted. 



Delphinium elatum. (Upright.) Bee Larkspur. So 

 called on account of the bifid termination of the nectary in 

 the centre of the corolla, in connection with the anthers having 

 a fancied 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 depart- 

 ment. It is also suitable for the border, but should be planted 

 at the greatest distance from the walk. Leaves downy, five- 

 lobed ; lobes cuneate (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, and blue with a white 

 centre, which is very beautiful. 



Delphinium Barloivii, Barlow's Larkspur, is a species 

 or variety apparently intermediate between the Great-flowering 

 and Bee Larkspur. It sends up a stem from three to five feet 

 high, much branched at the top, covered with innumerable 

 dark blue flowers in June and July, partaking somewhat of 

 the character of the Bee Larkspur. Propagated by divisions 

 of the root. 



Delphinium grandiflorum. Great-flowered. One of the 

 most showy of the genus, sporting into many varieties. Its 

 height is from two to three feet, and continues to give a succes 



