OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 175 



trimness, too, about the plant which distinguishes it from the 

 more weedy species to which it is related. 



In a cut state the long stems are not only pretty of themselves 

 when placed in old vases or crackle ware, but they have a 

 remarkably good effect. They, however, should not be crowded 

 or swamped by more showy foliage or flowers in fact, they 

 should be used alone. 



It will grow anywhere and in any quality of soil, but slight 

 shade and well- enriched loam will be found to make a vast dif- 

 ference in the size of the flowers, and their colour will be also 

 improved. It may be divided or transplanted any time after it 

 has done flowering. 



Flowering period, June to August. 



Monarda Didyma. 



Syn. M. KALMIANA; BEE BALM, or OSWEGO TEA; Nat. Ord. 



LABIAT^E. 



ALL the Monardas are natives of North America, and, con- 

 sequently, quite hardy in this country ; they are also herbaceous 

 and perennial. This species has been grown for 130 years in 

 English -gar dens, and at the present time it is not only accounted 

 an old flower but it is highly esteemed. The blooms are large 

 and brilliant in colour, and their shaggy forms give them an 

 effect which is decorative both in the garden and vase. 



The flowers are not only numerous, but, for the most part, 

 bright ; moreover, they begin to flower at midsummer and con- 

 tinue until the frosts set in. 



The species under notice has bright scarlet flowers, produced 

 when the plant is about 18in. high ; it, however, grows to 

 nearly twice that size, flowering all the while. The whorls of 

 bloom issue from half-globular arrangements of buds and persis- 

 tent calyces ; each flower is an inch long ; corolla ringent, or 

 gaping; helmet, or upper division, linear; the seed organs are 

 longer ; the calyx tubular, having five minute teeth, being striped 

 and grooved ; the whole head, or whorl, is supported by a leafy 

 bract, the leaflets being of a pale green colour, tinted with red. 

 The leaves are ovate- cor date, or broadly lance-shaped, taper- 

 pointed, toothed, rough, and slightly wrinkled, and they have 

 short stalks. The stems are square, grooved, and hard. The 

 whole plant exhales a powerful but pleasant odour. The habit 

 is branching, that of the root progressive, not only increasing 

 rapidly, but such parts on the surface maybe termed creeping 

 or prostrate branches, forming a veritable mat of fibre. 



The whole genus is made up of such species as may be used 

 freely in most gardens, more especially in those having plenty of 

 space. 



For culture and flowering period, see M. Russelliana. 



