NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 67 



most the entire length of the stem. Caryopieris Masiacanthus (incana) 

 is the common species. 



Uses. This plant is excellent to place in front of tall, white 

 flowered perennials. It is sometimes grown in pots. 



Culture. It requires protection in the AYinter for it is liable 

 to winterkill in the North, but with protection from the cutting north 

 winds and good drainage, it will live through severe Winters. It re- 

 quires sunshine and a sandy loam. 



Propagation. The branches root easily in water. It is propa- 

 gated from seeds in the Spring or from cuttings taken from the plant 

 in Sunnner or Fall. 



Cassia — American Senna, Indian Senna 



A bold perennial for large masses, Cassia marilandica is an at- 

 tractive addition to the large perennial border. The flowers are pea-hke, 

 yeUow, with a dark center and are borne in large clusters. The leaves 

 are locust-hke; that is, they are finely divided. The plants grow 

 4 feet to 5 feet taU and bloom in August and September. 



Uses. Large masses planted among shrubbery or in a wide 

 pereimial border are attractive. It may even be used as a hedge, for 

 the plants are rather woody. 



Culture. Give the plants sun, and if a moist soil is available, 

 they will be at home in it. 



Propagation, Cassias produce a large quantity of seed which 

 grows readily if sown as soon as ripe. The woody clumps may be 

 divided with a hatchet. 



Centaurea — Knapweed, Hardy Cornflower, 

 Hardheads, Mountain Bluet 



The Centaureas are some of the most graceful flowers to grow in 

 any garden. The flower heads are hke showy, ragged tliistle blooms of 

 bright red, deep purple, golden yellow and blue. They grow from 2 feet 

 to 3/^ feet tall and bloom during the Summer months. 



Species. The Golden Knapweed {Centaurea macrocephala) is 

 perhaps the showiest of all because the thistle-hke, golden yellow flower 

 heads are very large. The plant itself is an erect and somewhat spindly 

 grower and the stems are stifl". 



