220 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS. 



and white flowers, borne in spring. It only grows 

 about six inches high. Eximia is a splendid North 

 American species with beautiful foliage and showy 

 purplish-red flowers, which are borne in May. It grows 

 about a foot high. This is the most useful of all, as it 

 is quite hardy and will grow in almost any soil. The 

 foliage is suitable for cutting. Formosa grows about 

 six inches high, and bears purpHsh-rose flowers in May. 

 Spectahilis is the famous " Bleeding Heart *' or " Lyre 

 Flower.*' It is one of the most distinct and beautiful 

 garden plants that we have, worth growing in sheltered 

 places in any border, but somewhat too large for some 

 rockeries. It bears its lovely flowers in May. Florists 

 offer a white variety (alha), and there is also one with 

 variegated leaves, but the species should be preferred 

 to either. 



DODECATHEON (American Cowslip).— There are 

 few more graceful rock plants than these charming 

 American plants. They have a grace quite their 

 own, although the flowers give a reminder of Cyclamens. 

 The petals are reflexed. The American CowsHps are 

 related to the Primulas, but bear httle external resem- 

 blance to the popular species of Primrose. They are 

 suitable for parts of the rock garden which are more 

 or less shaded, and may be grown very successfully in 

 a moist bay where the soil is peaty or contains a good 

 deal of leaf -mould. In such a position they will estab- 

 lish themselves readily and soon increase so much as to 

 call for division, which may be done about mid-winter. 

 A stock may be raised from seed in the first place, 

 sowing in spring in pans and placing in a cold frame. 



