172 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS 



growers in preference to that kind. The flowers are 

 violet and the stems nearly white. Seed is procurable. 

 Gritty loam suits the plant, and it likes a cool position. 



Rosea. — One of the brightest of the dwarf, spring- 

 flowering Primroses, and one of the most useful for a 

 cool, shady place. It cannot endure heat and drought. 

 It only grows about six inches high, and covers itself 

 with brilliant rosy flowers. There is a large variety 

 called grandi flora. It is easily grown from seed. 



Sikkimensis. — A handsome species, growing about 

 eighteen inches high, and bearing pale yellow, drooping, 

 fragrant flowers in summer. It does best in a boggy 

 spot at the base of the rockery. Seed is procurable, 

 and it may be treated as a biennial, fresh stock being 

 raised every year. 



Sieholdii. — A splendid kind, growing about eight 

 inches high, and bearing long heads of bloom in spnng, 

 with fringed petals. It is rose-coloured, but there are 

 many varieties of different colours, such as white, 

 crimson, lavender, heliotrope, lilac, magenta and 

 carmme. Some are sold under names. They like 

 gritty loam, with good drainage. 



Variabilis is the Polyanthus, the coloured varieties 

 of which may be considered m connection with what 

 has been said about coloured Primroses. They can 

 be bought in separate colours if desired, and raised from 

 seed. 



Veitchii is a Chinese species of modem introduction, 

 with large leaves, woolly underneath, and bunches ot 

 rosy flowers. It resembles cortusoides, but is finer. It 

 will succeed in gritty loam. 



