122 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS. 



Pubescens is a charming species. It takes its name 

 from the down or pubescence on the leaves, which 

 form a close cushion. The large white flowers have a 

 yeUow eye and are borne in early summer. It is a 

 native of the European Alps, and is a lover of Umestone, 

 so that chalky chips may be sprinkled round it with 

 the certainty of their being appreciated. It may be 

 raised from seed. 



Pyrenaica is an interesting Androsace from the 

 Pyrenees, downy Hke puhescenSy with grey leaves, and 

 also having white flowers centred with pale yeUow. 

 It likes peat and sandstone grit in the soil. Propag- 

 tion is by seeds. 



Chumbyi is grown as a species, but is really a variety 

 of sarmentosa (see photograph), and like that well- 

 known species, sends out runners in a somewhat 

 similar manner to the Mother of Thousands, Saxifraga 

 sarmentosa. It is a most charming little plant, well 

 worthy of a little care, but indeed it is not very difficult 

 to manage so long as damp soil is kept away from the 

 foliage, and this is easily done by scattering Hmestone 

 chips, in which it delights, over the surface. Without 

 this provision it is apt, hke the species, to suffer from 

 damp in winter. During periods of heavy rain in 

 winter it is wise to fix a small square of glass a few 

 inches above it. The flowers are brilliant rose in 

 colour, and as they are borne in great profusion the 

 plant is a really precious one. The species may be 

 grown to make up a complete collection, but otherwise 

 preference may be given to the variety. Propagation 

 is by division. 



