HARDY PERENNIAL PLANTS. 137 



cedonica, is a midsummer bloomer; it should be lifted and replanted 

 every second year. Tiie double kinds are increased by division. The 

 double flowered variety of L. viscaria has an extended blooming period. 

 It is an erect-growing plant, usually about a foot high, with rosy red 

 flowers. Best increased by division in early Spring. 



L. coronaria (Agrostemma)— This plant has silvery-gray foliage, 

 which in itself would be sufficient to insure a place for it in the herba- 

 ceous border. The flowers, however, are exceedingly showy. The type 

 has red blossoms. There are varieties with crimson, pink and white 

 flowers. Seeds should be sown in September; the seedlings pricked off 

 into boxes and wintered in a cold frame. They should be planted out 

 very early. 



LYSIMACHIA (Loosestrife)— Most of the species are of weedy growth 

 and increase rapialy. L. nummularia is the Money-wort or Creeping 

 Jenny; useful as a creeper or for hanging baskets or vases. There is a 

 beautiful form with yellowish leaves. L. clethroides is a handsome spe- 

 cies, growing from 2 to 3 feet high; the flowers, which are white, are 

 arranged in long, drooping spikes. It is readily propagated by division. 



LYTHRUM SALICARIA (Purple Loosestrife)— This species grows from 

 3 to 4 feet high. The flowers are of a rosy-purple color. Increased by 

 division. 



MERTENSIA VIRGINICA (Virginian Cowslip)— There are several 

 species of Mertensia all worth cultivating, but unfortunately some are 

 not so easily grown as M. virginica. This is by far the showiest species, 

 and if the conditions under which it grows in a wild state are imitated, 

 there will be no diflSculty in its cultivation. In Spring most of its 

 growth is made without shade — that is, before the trees are in leaf. It is 

 usually found in damp woods. In this locality its period of blooming is 

 from April 15 to the middle of May. It grows from 12 to 18 inches high. 

 The leaves have a slightly glaucous hue; the flowers are arranged in 

 drooping terminal clusters, reddish-purple in the bud, subsequently 

 changing in the open flower to a beautiful light blue. It is one of our 

 handsomest native plants. Propagated by division. 



nONARDA (Horse Mint)— These plants, although not averse to 

 moisture, will thrive in very dry soil. There are several species, and one 

 or two varieties common in gardens. The best known is M. didyma, a 

 species with bright scarlet heads of flowers. M. flstulosa has purple 

 flowers. M. f. alba is pure white. They are in bloom during midsum- 

 mer, and among the easiest plants to increase by division. 



nORINA LONQIFOLIA— A very choice perennial, reaching 2 feet in 

 height. The flowers are produced in whorls arranged on a long stalk. 

 The buds are white, changing later to pink and crimson. Seeds of this 

 species are easily obtainable. When sown in Spring they do not bloom 

 till the following year. 



riYOSOTIS (Forget=me=not)— In this genus there are numerous species, 

 most of which are of little value. M. dissitiflora and M. sylvatica are 

 commonly cultivated. Seeds may be sown late in Summer to have 



