68 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS 



The Mountain Bluet (C. montand) has numerous deep blue flowers 

 somewhat resembling the annual Cornflower and grows l3^ feet taU. 



The Knapweed (C. dealhata) has flowers which are Iflac-pink to 

 white in the center, or a bright red. This species seems to attract the 

 birds when the seed is ripe, thus making it hard to save the seed. 



C. babylonica is a whitish perennial with yellow flowers which 

 grows at least 3 feet tall. 



Several of the species are known as Dusty Millers; the fohage is 

 white throughout the Summer. C. cineraria (catalogued as can- 

 didissima) has less divided leaves than the other common species C. 

 gymnocarpa, but the leaves are usuaUy whiter. 



Uses. Centaureas are used for the perennial border, for pots, 

 baskets and the rock garden. The Golden Knapweed is the largest 

 flowered sort and is most attractive planted among shrubs. Most of 

 these plants produce long stemmed and lasting flowers which are 

 admirable for cutting. 



The Dusty MiUers have a real place in the garden for there is no 

 contrast so charming as that between the bright colors of most peren- 

 nials and the gray or whitish leaves of these plants. They may be 

 chpped low as edging plants. 



Culture. Cetaureas are of very easy culture. They bloom 

 best when planted in an open, sunny position, with any good garden 

 soil. Chp back the Dusty Millers to keep them at the desired height 

 and form. The blooms are not valuable. 



Propagation. They are propagated from seeds, although some 

 of the sorts may be readily divided. The Dusty Miflers are increased 

 both by seeds and cuttings. 



Cerastium — Snow-in-Summer, Mouse-ear 

 Chickweed 



Snow-in-Summer is surely a very descriptive name for this low 

 growing, white flowered and silvery fohaged plant. There are myriads 

 of smaU white flowers produced in June from a dense mat of growth. 

 Cerastium tomentosum is the common species and grows about 6 inches 

 high. C. Biehersteinii is very similar but grows a little taller and has 

 larger flowers. C. arvense is a green leaved species and stands the 

 hot Summers better than the other two. 



Uses. These plants are invaluable for the rockery or as an 

 edgmg for beds and borders. They are also excellent to plant in dry. 



