256 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-BOOTED PLANTS. 



are distinguishable by the rather bold, smooth, three- 

 parted leaves. A few of the best are : 



Var. fragrans. Dark pink rose-scented flowers. 

 Var. Humei. Double crimson, very showy. 

 Var. Pottsii. Dark crimson ; the plant tall-grow- 

 ing and strong. 



Var. Whitleyii. Fine double white, yellowish 

 center. 



P. officinalis. This is the old double red Peony 

 of the gardens, one of the most showy of the species, as 

 well as the most desirable, because of its hardiness and 



free-flowering qualities. 

 It is closely allied to 

 the foregoing species, 

 and is the parent of nu- 

 merous varieties. 



P. tenuifolia (Fine 

 Leaved Peony). This 

 is one of the most dis- 

 tinct of herbaceous Peo- 

 nies. It is rather dwarf, 

 rarely growing more 

 than a foot high. The 

 leaves are much parted, 

 and the segments are 

 divided into numerous 



FINE LEAVED PEONY. ,, -, V1 , , m , 



thread-like lobes. The 



flowers of the double forms are very compact, of a bright 

 crimson color. It is one of the earliest of our spring 

 flowers, blooming soon after the Tulip. It is one of the 

 best Peonies, and worthy a place in any select border, 

 and is quite elegant and congruous in small gardens. 



The herbaceous Peonies are readily propagated by 

 seed, by which means an almost endless variety may be 

 secured, as hybridization has been so effective that the 

 seedlings partake of all the forms and colors that the 

 species are capable of producing. 



