42 Hardy Plants for 



CRAMBE CORDIFOLIA. This is unquestionably one of the finest 

 of perfectly hardy and large-leaved herbaceous plants. It is as 

 easily grown as the common seakale easier, if anything ; and in 

 heavy rich ground makes a splendid head of leaves, surmounted in 

 summer by a dense spray of very small flowers. Doubtless, if 

 these be pinched off, a larger development of the fine glossy leaves 

 may be expected, but as the shoots are so vigorously shot up and 

 converted into a distinct and pretty inflorescence, many will prefer 

 to "leave the plant to Nature." In planting it, the deeper and 

 richer the soil, the finer the result. It will prove a capital 

 thing for every group of fine-leaved hardy plants, and may also be 

 popped in one or two places where a bold though low type of 

 vegetation is desired. There is another species, C. juncea, which is 

 also effective, but not so valuable as C. cordifolia. 



CUCUMIS PERENNIS (the Perennial Cucumber}. This has not 

 the quality of leaf which we could desire, but it will prove interest- 

 ing to many. It is perfectly hardy, and possesses, so to speak, 

 great trailing power. Its leaves are strong, rough, and of a glaucous 

 colour j and the shoots run about freely if the plant be in very rich 

 soil. Where bold trailing plants for high trellis-work, or rough 

 banks, or shaggy rockwork are desired, it will be found distinct ; 

 but withal we cannot give it a place in the front rank, and the small 

 select garden without any of the above-mentioned appendages will 

 certainly be better without it. For the botanical garden and curious 

 collections it is indispensable. It is strong and lasting when well 

 established, and may be allowed to fall over rough banks, stumps, 

 or be trained up trellis-work, &c. 



DATISCA CANNABINA. The male plant of this has long been 

 known as a very strong and effective herb graceful too 5 but I saw 

 female plants associated with males for the first time in the Jardin 

 des Plantes, and since then I have a higher opinion of the species. 

 The female plant remains green much longer than the male, 

 and being profusely laden with fruit, each shoot droops and 



