238 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS. 



drop, but it is later and larger in bloom, and tipped with 

 green. Vagneri is a fine variety of vernum, with yellow 

 spots. The Summer Snowflake (L. aestivum) blooms 

 a little later than vernum^ and also has large Snowdrop- 

 like flowers tipped with green. It has the charm of 

 fragrance, and the scent is reminiscent of Violets. 

 The Snowflakes Hke a sandy loam. The Summer may 

 have a moister site than the Spring species. They 

 are increased by taking the offsets when the plants 

 have died down. 



LEWISIA. — A small genus of pretty and interest- 

 ing plants, of which only two or three species are 

 offered in the catalogues. Rediviva is a beautiful 

 plant with remarkable powers of recuperation when 

 apparently dried up, hence its name. It has a thick 

 woody rootstock and stem, on which it bears rosette- 

 like fleshy leaves, surmounted in summer by large 

 glistening rose flowers, produced only during sunshine. 

 Although very tough and tenacious it is quite dwarf, 

 and forms an interesting rockery gem. It Hkes a 

 warm, sunny spot. Loamy soil suits it, but a little 

 leaf mould and grit may be added. It is easy to get 

 a stock of plants by sowing seeds in a frame or green- 

 house in spring. The plant resembles a Mesembryan- 

 themum. The newer species oppositi folia, which also 

 has large satiny rose flowers, may be grown as well. 



LIBERTIA, — With their narrow. Iris-like leaves, 

 green alike in summer and winter, and charming spikes 

 of bloom, the Libertias are extremely pleasing plants. 

 Formosa is the dwarfest species, and the one most 

 suitable for the rockery. They are not of the hardiest, 



