ALPINE FLOWERS. 



3'3 



curved in the most graceful manner. It is a plant which should be 

 carefully studied by designers and architects. 



We grow various species of Echeverias, which are allied to the 

 Sempervivums, and are noble plants for the alpinery. They require 

 protection during the winter, and are planted out in spring. The 

 Echcveria metallica (fig. 474) is a grand plant. The E sccnnda (fig. 668) 

 is finely coloured. We grow also E. navicularis, E. grandiflora, and 

 E. sangitinca. None of these species will bear frost. 



FIG. 668. Echeveria secunda. 



FIG. 669. Pachyphytuni bracteosum. FIG. 670. Cotyledon umbilicus. 



Another succulent plant, Pachyphytum bracteosum (fig. 669), produces 

 a fine effect when planted out in the summer months. From its colour 

 and general appearance it contrasts well with the neighbouring plants, 

 and stands out in bold relief. 



Not widely removed from the sempervivums there 

 is another plant, the Cotyledon umbilicus (fig. 670), 

 which grows throughout Europe, and which has accli- 

 matized itself on our root- works and walls. It 

 comes up annually, and therefore gives us no trouble 

 in its cultivation. 



Many bulbous plants grow in our alpineries, where 

 they are undisturbed from year to year. 



The Scillas are charming blue spring-flowers, 



blossoming very early. The Scilla sibirica (fig. 671) is of a porcelain 

 blue, and quite hardy. This is so splendid a flower that a large 

 number of plants should be procured, which is not difficult, as the 



FIG. 671. Scilla sibirica. 



