NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 89 



large, light purple flowers. E. aurandarus is possibly the showiest one 

 with deep orange flowers and is known as the Double Orange Daisy. 

 All of the Erigerons spread to form dense bushes of growth and the 

 flowers are in groups of from three to five to a stem or head. 



Uses, The Erigerons are fine to use for eut flowers and are used, 

 in the hardy border. The smaller kinds are excellent for rock work 

 and the front of borders. 



Culture, When planted so that they get some shade during 

 the middle of the day, they will continue to bloom for a longer season. 



Propagation. The simple method of propagating the Erigerons 

 is to divide the clumps in Spring, Even early Spring-sown seed results 

 in good bloom the first season. 



Eryngium — Sea Holly, Ivory Thistle 



This is a prickly plant in every feature — the leaves are prickly, 

 the flower heads are surrounded by spreading, prickly floral bracts and 

 tlie flower head itself is like a small Teazle, The beauty of this plant 

 depends upon the blue-gray effect which it presents. They grow to a 

 lieight of 3 feet and bloom from June to September, 



Eryngium amethystinum has amethyst-colored flowers and grows 

 at least 2 feet tall, E. planum has numerous small flower heads and 

 shining stems, E. maritimum has whitish or pale blue flowers and grows 

 1 foot tall, E. Oliierianum grows 3 feet tall and has large flower heads 

 of deep blue flowers. 



Uses. The Eryngium is most effective when massed on the lawn, 

 and its uses as a cut flower are many. It is very decorative for basket 

 work, or combined in vases with Gladioli, The branches can be dried, 

 so that the flowers are used in Winter bouquets. The plants are used 

 in wild gardens or grouped with the shrubbery. 



Culture, Eryngiums thrive best in full sun, in light, sandy 

 loam. They withstand dry seasons well and when once established 

 should not be moved often. 



Propagation. They are raised from seeds, but some have found 

 that certain of the sorts are rather capricious although the plants 

 frequently self-sow their seeds and spread rapidly. Sow the seed as 

 soon as ripe, in which case they germinate the next Spring. The plants 

 are divided with difficulty. 



