1 98 Drinnmond Phlox. 



One of the latest novelties is a yellow Diummond Ph.Iox, so called. This 

 was eagerly sought after by amateurs ; but, after one 5 ear's experience with 

 it, a cold shoulder was turned upon it. The color is a dmgy straw-color, 

 and dirty-looking at that, and not desirable in comparison with the more 

 brilliant varieties. There is what is called a blue variety ; which is only a 

 bluish lilac, and not a clear blue. It is desirable, and would be a great 

 acquisition, if a clear bright yellow or blue variety could, in the course of 

 cultivation, be produced. Perhaps it is as impossible in the chemical 

 properties of the plant to produce a blue Drummond Phlox as it is said to 

 be in the dahlia. However desirable it may be to add these colors to the 

 glorious shades and tints of those already in our possession, I think we 

 should be pretty well satisfied and contented with such as we liave. 



This beautiful phlox was firet raised at the Botanical Garden, Manches- 

 ter (Eng.), from seeds which were received in 1835 from the celebrated 

 botanist, Mr. Drummond, now deceased, who travelled in Texas, where he 

 found the plant growing in great profusion. It was named by Dr. Hooker 

 after its indefatigable discoverer, as a tribute of respect to him. It was, at 

 the time of its discovery, considered doubtful whether it would prove an 

 annual or perennial ; and the writer who first described it said, " Should 

 this lovely species turn out to be an annual (which, to all appearance, it 

 will), it must be regarded as a novel feature in this favorite genus. The 

 plant is perfectly hardy, and will prove a great ornament to the flower- 

 garden." The writer describes it as follows : " The plant is about a foot 

 high, covered with long hairs ; corolla salver-shaped ; limb spreading, pale 

 rose-color without, rich rosy-red within ; eye deep crimson ; throat yellow." 

 Thirty-five years only have passed since this beautiful flower was intro- 

 duced into England, and a few years later into this country ; yet what a 

 wonderful accession has it been to the floral world ! and what improve- 

 ments have been effected by cultivation ! How should we be enabled to 

 give brilliancy to the flower-garden without it ? Instead of the clear rose- 

 color of the original, we have now a pure white, white with a purple eye, 

 brilliant dark scarlet, very dark blood-color with black eye, plain crimson, 

 rose, lilac and dark purple flowers with white eyes, blue or blue-lilac 

 with white eye, and various colors and shades, striped and mottled. 

 Isabellina is the yellow variety already alluded to. 



