NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 85 



Echinacea — Purple Cone Flower 



The bold and hearty character of the Purple Cone Flower makes 

 it a striking plant. The flowers are rosy purple with dark, stifl\ quill- 

 like centers touched with golden crimson. Echinacea purpurea is the 

 common sort and is frequently listed in catalogs under Rudbeckia 

 purpurea. Sometimes when plants are raised from seed objectionable 

 muddy colors are obtained which are not worthy a place in the garden. 

 The plants grow 3 feet to 4 feet tall and bloom from July until frost. 

 The leaves are large and thick. 



Uses. The drooping character of the rosy-purple petals give them 

 a distinctive character in the border, although the color at best is 

 difficult to combine with other flowers. 



Culture. They will tolerate dry, sun-baked locations but are 

 better in good soil. 



Propagation. The easiest method of increasing these plants is 

 to divide the clumps. 



Echinops — Globe Thistle 



The Globe Thistle is very interesting if one likes thorny, prickly 

 plants. The leaves are large, deeply cut and very prickly. The stems 

 are silver-white, while the flowers are either white or a grayish metallic- 

 blue. The flower heads are round Uke a ball and are entirely covered 

 with needle-hke thistles. All of the species bloom from June or July 

 through September. Echinops Hiiro has deep steel blue flowers and 

 grows about 3 feet high. E. sphserocephalus is the tallest growing 

 species, attaining a height of from 5 feet to 7 feet with large, white 

 flowers. 



Uses. All the Globe Thistles are distinctive plants and are well 

 adapted to plant in borders, among shrubbery or to use as bold speci- 

 men plants. The flower heads, which are excellent for cutting, can be 

 dried and will remain attractive for months. They are also suitable 

 for naturahzing in wild gardens. 



Culture. They are of easiest culture, growing best in a light 

 soil. 



Propagation. They are propagated by seeds and division. 



