CHAPTER XII. 



Saxifrages (Rockfoils). 



The dense, mossy growth of many of the Rockfoils 

 makes them admirable carpeting plants for the rockery, 

 and this, combined with the charm of their flowers, 

 causes them to become great favourites with flower- 

 lovers. Alpine Pinks, Primulas, Aubrietias, Androsaces 

 and other low gems of the Alps exceed the Rockfoils 

 in brilliancy, but there is really nothing to equal them 

 for clothing stones with a close, even mat of green. 

 They are not only pretty in themselves, but they also 

 form a suitable ground work for bulbs, hiding the bare 

 earth at a period when the latter are dormant. 



It is not all of the Saxifrages that are suitable for 

 carpeting. Some of the species have a totally different 

 habit, possessing broad, leathery leaves and strong 

 upright growth. The leafage differs in colour as well 

 as in form. One Rockfoil is like a green moss, another 

 forms silvery rosettes, a third has reddish leaves almost 

 as large as Cabbages. 



The flowers are rarely brilliant, but invariably pretty, 

 indeed, when a broad cushion is covered with numbers 

 of white or pink flowers in spring ; or when the long 

 slender sprays rise from a cluster of grey tufts, few 

 things in the rock garden are more admired. 



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