NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 147 



The flowers are bright in color and are borne on long stems. They might 

 be called Spring Chrysanthemmns , for they bloom principally in June. 

 Many of the sorts are attractively doubled. The colors range from 

 deep rich crimson to hght pink and white. They grow 2 feet to 3 feet 

 taU. The proper botanical name is Chrysanthemum coccineum; the 

 catalogs also call them Pyrethrum roseum and hybridum. ^ 



Uses. The Enghsh are so fond of these flowers that they have 

 many named varieties. Of Pyrethrums The Ladies' Field writes: 



"Amongst the most satisfactory of all the flowers in the garden we 

 may count double Pyrethrums. They are of almost infinite variety, which 

 time seems powerless to wither, and which custom never stales. Nearly 

 every year sees some new development, the result of skillful raising and 

 discriminating selection. They have many good (juahties to recommend 

 them. These flowers are extremely showy, and are as hardy as they are 

 efi'ective. They are of the easiest possible culture, and as cut flowers they 

 are invaluable, lasting for fuU two weeks in fuU and fresh beauty. 

 This, when one is away from one's own garden and has to barter for 

 flowers for the good contentment of the moment, is a great desideratum. 

 In the borders they last for several months. Pyrethrmns are in their 

 height of beauty in June, but by means of judicious thinning and stopping, 

 and by the entire prevention of the formation of anything Hke seed, they 

 may be kept blossoming all through the Summer. If this be too much 

 trouble, and a continued succession is not wanted, the plants may be cut 

 right down after their Midsummer blossoming, when they wiU spring up 

 again with rejuvenated vigor, and blossom gaily again in the Autumn as 

 vigorously as if it were their first effort for the year." 



Culture. The Pyrethrums grow nicely, even in partial shade, 

 but they must have perfect drainage. An important point in their 

 culture is alluded to above; they should be prevented from seeding and 

 if cut down directly after they have produced their main crop of bloom, 

 they will bloom profusely late in Summer. 



Propagation. Sow the seeds or divide the plants in Spring. 



Romneya — Matilija Poppy, California Tree Poppy 

 White Bush Poppy, Dream of the Desert 



A glorious miracle! Thus has the Matihja Poppy been described. 

 With its transparent, dehcate, silvery, crinkled flowers which look as 

 if they were made of the finest white silk crepe, would they not indeed 

 present a glorious appearance ? 



The Matihja Poppy {Romneya Coulleri) is a native of the South- 

 western States, Mexico and Cahfornia in particular, but with proper 

 care, it can be grown equally well in the Northern and Eastern States. 

 The flowers greatly resemble a large, white single Peony. It is as 



