DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 241 



species, prostratunij which is covered with dark blue 

 flowers in early summer. In density of growth and 

 profusion of bloom few dwarf shrubs can vie with it, 

 while it has a Gentian-like richness of colour. There 

 is a variety offered in the catalogues called Heavenly 

 Blue, which differs in shade, the flowers being sky blue. 

 The prostrate Gromwell is not particular as to soil, and 

 it may be propagated readily by cuttings, inserted in 

 sandy soil under glass. It is best planted in a position 

 where it can droop over stones. Other species some- 

 times grown are : graminifolium, pendent blue flowers 

 in early summer, foHage grassy ; and petraeitniy a small 

 shrub with violet flowers in summer. 



LYCHNIS (Campion). — ^The Campions form a large 

 genus. Some of the species are annuals, others 

 perennials. The best known of the latter is the tall 

 Chalcedonica, which makes so bright a clump in the 

 border in June ; but it is too large for the rockery. 

 There are several, less showy, perhaps, yet bright, 

 which are suitable for the rock garden. Alpina, for 

 instance, is a low, tufty plant ; it bears pink flowers 

 in summer. Lagascae is a very pretty Alpine, growing 

 a few inches high, and with brilHant rose flowers in 

 summer. Viscaria, the German Catchfly, and its 

 varieties ; Hkewise fulgens and Haageana, are handsome 

 plants, but perhaps better suited for the border than 

 the rockery. The Alpines may be raised from seed 

 sown in a cold frame, or even out of doors, in spring. 

 When established they can be divided between autumn 

 and spring if necessary. They will thrive in gritty loam 

 in sunny spots. 



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