SCARLET VALERIAN. 247 



SCARLET VALERIAN. 



(VALERIANA RUBRA.) 



This is a fine herbaceous perennial, growing about 

 twenty inches high, smooth and glaucous, branching in 

 leafy stems. The leaves are opposite, some entire, others 

 toothed, sessile. The flowers are numerous, growing in 

 unilateral spikes of dark pink color, scentless, flowering 

 from June until the early frost sets in. This pretty flower 

 is found growing in great perfection on old walls in Eng- 

 land, but will not stand the winter of this country ; it 

 should therefore be potted in the fall, and brought into the 

 house. 



This plant was originally found growing on rocks on 

 the Alpine mountains, in great abundance. It is quite 

 rustic in appearance, and requires no recommendation from 

 the florist. Its intrinsic worth, either as a border flower or 

 for its medicinal properties, will speak its own praise. It 

 does well in a loamy soil, and is quite accommodating in. 

 its nature as to situation, &c. It is propagated by seed 

 sown in the spring, and by cuttings taken also in the 

 spring, or by dividing the root, so that each piece contain 

 root fibres. There are several varieties of the Valerian ; 

 the Scarlet is the most desirable for the garden, and the 

 others for their medicinal properties. 



