44 HARDY PERENNIALS AND 



of the above-named parts, the buds and capsules chiefly form the 

 ornamental portion, of the compound racemes. 



The leaves are from Sin. to lOin. in diameter, the largest being 

 at the base of the tall stems ; their outline, as the specific name 

 implies, is heart-shaped, but they are deeply lobed and dentate, 

 in the way of the fig leaf, but more prof usely so ; they are stalked, 

 of good substance, glaucous, nearly white underneath, which 

 part is also furnished with short stiff hairs. The glaucous hue 

 or farina which covers the leaf-stalks and main stems has a 

 metallic appearance, and is one of its pleasing features as a 

 decorative plant. Tor many weeks the flowers continue to be 

 developed, and from the deciduous quality of the fading parts, 

 the panicles have a neat appearance to the last. In a cut state 

 the long side branches of flowers, more than a foot long, are 

 very effective, either alone or when mixed with other kinds, 

 the little clusters of white drop -like buds being suitable for 

 combination with the choicest flowers. 



As a decorative specimen for the more ornamental parts of 

 the garden, and where bold subjects are desired, there are few 

 herbaceous things that can be named as more suitable ; from the 

 day it appears above the ground, to and throughout its fading 

 days in the autumn, when it has pleasing tints, it is not only a 

 handsome but distinct form of plant ; as an isolated specimen on 

 the lawn, or by frequented walks, it may be grown with marked 

 effect ; if too nearly surrounded with other tall things, its beauty 

 is somewhat marred; but wherever it is planted it should have 

 a good fat loam of considerable depth. I ought not to omit 

 saying that it forms a capital subject for pot culture ; plants so 

 treated, when 12in. or 18in. high, no matter if not then in flower, 

 are very useful as window or table plants ; but of course, being 

 herbaceous, they are serviceable only during their growing 

 season ; they need not, however, be a source of care during 

 winter, for they may with safety be plunged outside in a 

 bed of ashes or sand, where they will take care of themselves 

 during the severest weabher. 



It may be propagated by cuttings taken from the ax ils of the 

 larger leaves during early summer; if this method is followed, 

 the cuttings should be pushed on, so that there are plenty of 

 roots before the winter sets in. I have found it by far the better 

 plan to take young suckers from established plants ; in good 

 rich soil these are freely produced from the slightly running 

 roots; they may be separated and transplanted any time, but if 

 it is done during summer they will flower the following season. 

 Tall as this subject grows, it needs no supports ; neither have I 

 noticed it to be troubled by any of the garden pests. 

 Flowering period, September to August. 



