54 



A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS 



containing numerous white, 

 feathery seeds. In the wild 

 state the flowers bloom in 

 August, but the flowering 

 season is prolonged if the 

 plants are given good cultiva- 

 tion. In some sections the 

 Butterfly Weed has been large- 

 ly used as a substitute for 

 Geraniums because of some of 

 the intense orange and scarlet 

 shades of the flowers. How- 

 ever, it grows a little taller, 

 from m feet to 2H feet. 



Uses. The Butterfly 

 Weed is nice for sunny spots 

 in the rockery or border. 

 When found wild they are 

 blooming when many of the 

 surrounding plants are dried 

 up. 



Culture. These plants 

 are long lived and capable of taking care of themselves without any 

 attention. They freeze out in heavy soil and should have sandy, 

 well drained soil in full sunlight. The Asclepias is a deep rooting plant 

 and dislikes removal very much. One should be careful that it has 

 completed its growth and every root should be saved, if the plants 

 aT'e to be transplanted from one place to another. Transplanting 

 is usually considered difficult, but many persons have reported suc- 

 cess if the hole is filled with sand. 



Propagation. Raising them from seeds is the most certain 

 method of propagation. Sow only a few seeds in a pot of rather 

 firm soil, and aUow the young plants, which grow slowly, to remain 

 in these pots for at least a year before setting them out. 



Butterfly Weed or Asclepias tuberosa. 



These orange-red flowers brighten the 



dry spots on banks or in the border. 



Asperula — Sweet Woodruff, Waldmeister 



Sweet Woodruff" {Asperula odorata) is a small growing, graceful, 

 sweet scented herb. It has small, white flowers and deep green, whorled 

 fohage. The flowers and leaves when dried have an odor like new hay 

 and when laid among clothes, perfume them and keep away insects. 



