132 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS. 



procurable and may be sown in boxes in spring, the 

 seedlings pricked off when they become crowded and 

 planted out in showery weather in summer or early 

 autumn where they are to bloom. 



Alpina is a European species, dwarf as Aquilegias 

 go, bearing blue flowers, but it is sometimes seen as a 

 blue-flowered form with a white centre. This is not 

 so vigorous as the American sorts, and may have a 

 better soil, containing a good deal of loam. 



As its name implies, Californica is an American 

 species. It is a brilliant plant, with showy orange 

 flowers, but it is almost too vigorous for the rock 

 garden, and may be kept for the herbaceous border. 

 It comes true from seed, but has been crossed with 

 other species, and may be bought as Californica 

 hybrids. These are very beautiful Columbines with 

 long spurs and make noble plants. 



Canadensis is another Western species, and being 

 only moderately strong is suitable for the rockery, 

 where its scarlet and yellow flowers are very cheerful. 



Chrysantha is the noble yellow Columbine growing 

 a yard high or more in congenial soil, with which we 

 are all familiar. It is not at aU the plant for a small 

 rockery, but may be included in large rock gardens. 

 It is hardy, a true perennial, vigorous, will grow in 

 almost any soil, and comes true from seed, so, fine 

 plant though it is, no more need be said about it. 



Caerulea is one of our most beautiful Columbines, 

 having large, erect, blue and white flowers. It is 

 not too large for a moderate-sized rock garden, lacking 

 the robust nature of chrysantha. It has long been a 



