184 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



of them, in some locations, will do very well ; but they are 

 great exhausters of the soil. 



The Double Dwarf Sun-flower is more desirable ; the tubular 

 florets of the disk being changed into ligular ones, like those in 

 the ray ; from three to six feet high. 



HIBISCUS. 



Hibiscus vesicarius. African Hibiscus. This is a plant of 

 extremely easy culture ; should be planted early in the spring. 

 The petals are large and showy, of a straw color, the centre a 

 deep rich brown or purple, finely contrasted with the brilliant 

 gold color of the stamens or anthers. The flowers quickly 

 perish, but, to compensate for their frailty, it continues to bloom 

 from June to September. 



HELICHRYSUM. 



Everlasting Flower. 



A family of plants much admired on account of the beauty 

 of their flowers, when dried ; which, if gathered when they 

 first open, and carefully dried, retain their color and shape for 

 many years. They are, therefore, highly prized for winter 

 mantel bouquets, and ornaments for vases, &c. 



Helichrysum bracteatum. Golden Eternal Flower. It is a 

 hardy annual, growing two feet high, producing flowers from 

 July to November. There is a variety with white flowers. 



H. micanthrum. Large Everlasting Flower. This is of 

 the same height as the preceding, flowering at the same time ; 

 flowers much larger ; one variety white, tipped with red ; an- 

 other yellow, tipped in the same way ; all are easily cultivated 

 in a rich, loamy soil. Plants, forwarded in a frame, are in 

 bloom from June to November. 



