Hardy and Half-hardy Plants u 



Novi Belgi, 3-6 ft.; paniculatus, 4 ft,; patens, 2 ft.; peregrinus, 1 ft.; 

 puniceus, 4-6 ft.; sericeus, 2 ft.; spectabilis, 2 ft; Stracheyi, 6 in.; sub- 

 coeruleus, 1 ft; Townshendi, 3 ft. 



PURPLE-FLOWERED: alpinus, 1 ft.; Amellus, 2 ft; diplostephioides, 

 1J ft.; foews, 2-6 ft; Novae Anglice, 4-6 ft; sikkimemis, 3 ft; tricephalus, 

 1-3 ft 



LILAC-FLOWERED: amethystinus, 4 ft; Herveyi, 1-2 ft; Lindleyanus, 

 2 ft.; Aor^, 2-4 ft; turbinellus, 3 ft. 



Astilbe. Graceful border plants with divided leaves and feathery 

 trusses of blossom. The trade is chiefly confined to nurserymen, who sell 

 the plants for borders, &c. The best-known kinds are: A. chinensis, 3 ft, 

 pink, with a fine variety called Davidi', A. rivularis, 3-4 ft, creamy white, 

 from Nepal; and A. Thunbergi, 2 ft, rose to pure white, Japan. There 

 are several fine hybrids likely to become good garden plants in time. The 

 Astilbes are all easily grown in ordinary garden soil, but prefer the banks 

 of lakes, streams, &c., like the Spiraeas, with which they are often confused. 

 There is a new group called Arendsi, the result of crossing Davidi with 

 Hoteia japonica and Spircea astilboides. There are several forms with 

 large loose heads of clear rose-pink and rich-salmon flowers. 



Astrantia major (MASTERWORT). This distinct-looking plant of the 

 Carrot family grows 1-2 ft. high, and has small white or pink flowers 

 surrounded with an involucre of distinctly veined pinkish bracts in summer, 

 It grows in any soil and may be increased by division or seeds. 



Aubrietia (PURPLE ROCK CRESS). A fairly good trade is done in these 

 plants, which are invaluable for rockeries and borders, to which they give 

 a glow of beautiful purple in spring. They may be increased from seeds, 

 division, or cuttings the two latter methods being the only way to keep 

 choice varieties pure. The work should be done in early autumn. Any 

 ordinary garden soil will suit so long as it is well drained. The best-known 

 species is A. deltoidea, with lilac-purple flowers; but perhaps the best for 

 selling is " Dr. Mules ", a fine form of purpurea with vivid purple- violet 

 flowers. Another good form is " Lloyd Edwards ", with large deep-purple 

 flowers. Other kinds are Campbelli, grandiflora, Leichtlini, Moerheimi, 

 Prichard's Al, W. Ingram, Hendersoni, Eyrei, Froebeli, and violacea. 



Auricula (Primula Auricula), For garden decoration the Alpine 

 Auricula quite outdistances that known as the florist's type, however 

 fascinating these latter may be to specialists. Of freer growth and 

 flowering, embracing a remarkable colour variation, and possessed of the 

 sweetness of their tribe, the Alpine Auricula never lacks admirers. 

 Chiefly of two colours, the centre of the flower being white or yellow, 

 the marginal colour may be of shades of blue, red, purple, or yellow. 



CULTURE. The plants are best raised from seeds which may take 

 weeks or months to germinate; hence a little patience is required, as well 

 as the knowledge of the fact, to save valuable seeds from being discarded. 

 The seedlings, too, are of rather slow growth in the first year or so, and 

 in this respect have much in common with alpine Primulas generally. 



