NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 121 



tlie wild places adapted to their cultuie. The Great Lobelia thrives in 

 partial shade or sun but the Cardinal Flower is usually found in partial 

 shade. 



Propagation. They grow readily from seed which is usually 

 sown in the Fall, in which case the plants are wintered in a coldframe. 



Lupinus — Lupine 



If one is looking for a plant a little out of the ordinary, surely the 

 stately Lupines will fill this need, for they are among the most beautiful 

 perennials grown. Lupinus polyphyllus is the most popular species. 

 It grows from '-2 feet to 5 feet in height and has beautiful, long spikes of 

 pea-shaped or butterfly-hke flowers covering at least 12 inches on stems 

 8 feet or more high. The flowers are a clear, azure-blue, white or pink, 

 with soft green leaves divided into small, flnger-like leaflets, eight to 

 sixteen in number. L.p. Moerheimii is perhaps the handsomest variety 

 with its bright pink, rose and white flowers. The flowering spikes are 

 produced very freely, and a border or mass of these plants when once 

 seen in bloom, present such a showy yet beautiful picture that it is not 

 easily forgotten. The plants tend to spread out while growing. Healthy 

 plants are fairly covered witli the spikes which bloom throughout May 

 and June. 



Uses. The best efl'ect is gained by planting Lupines in masses 

 in the border or on the banks of ponds or streams where the tall growing 

 spikes cast a stately reflection in the water. Lupines naturalize well 

 in woodlands and partially shaded corners. The tall spikes are hand- 

 some for cutting. 



Culture. Lupines, when once established, are very easy of 

 culture, and are seldom attacked by insects. They grow in any soil 

 which does not contain lime. The roots are large and long and readily 

 exhaust the soil of its food materials, so each year the ground should 

 be enriched with plenty of stable manure. It is best to grow them in 

 moist situations, but if this is not possible they should be watered well 

 during dry weather. Lupines dislike to be moved so they should be 

 planted and left alone. If the flowering stalks are cut down, the 

 plants may bloom the second time in September. 



Propagation. Lupines are easily raised from seed and the 

 plants self-sow if the soil is not too dry. The seeds should not be 

 covered deeply when planted and can be sown at any time. The 

 plants can be divided or cuttings can be made by using the rather 

 hardened wood, or side shoots. This should be done in the Spring. 



