SOME ORNAMENTAL PLANTS FOR MAINE. 3 1 



A FEW HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS. 



The number of herbaceous perennials commonly grown in this 

 State is comparatively limited ; some of the most valuable, how- 

 ever, are the peony, iris, lily-of-the-valley, bleeding heart {Dicen- 

 tra), and foxglove. 



The peony, Pceonia officinalis, is specially valuable when 

 planted in masses. It gives a profusion of bloom about the 

 middle of June, and is perfectly hardy. It is valuable alike for 

 landscape effects and for cut flowers. There are more than a 

 hundred named varieties, but for ordinary purposes unnamed 

 sorts answer very well and are much less expensive. 



For a short time in early June, before the peonies appear, the 

 varieties of Iris Kcempferi are specially valuable. Like the 

 peony, and most other herbaceous perennials, this should be 

 planted in September. 



Among the plants Avhich bloom very early in the spring, 

 Christmas rose (Helleborus niger), and "bleeding heart'i 

 (Dicentra), should not be forgotten. Feverfew or pyrethrum^ 

 {Chrysanthemum Parthenium,) is another plant that should be 

 in every collection. Its pure white double flowers, contrasting 

 with the delicately cut foliage, add much to the border. The tall 

 pyrethrum, (Chrysantheuiuin uliginosmn or Pyrethrum uligino- 

 siiin), which blooms in September, is also a valuable plant. It 

 grows about three or four feet high and its large daisy-like 

 flowers are very conspicuous. It is a vigorous grower and may 

 readily be propagated by dividing the clump. 



The gas plant (Fraxinella) should not be omitted from the list 

 of useful perennials. The handsome ash-like foliage is attrac- 

 tive at all seasons. Golden columbine, (Aquilegia Chrysantha,) 

 is one of the most valuable yellow flowering plants for summer. 

 The double sunflower, {Helianthiis MultMorus,) which grows 

 about three or four feet high, is also valuable. Later in the sea- 

 son the Japanese anemones with their single dahlia-like flowers 

 are valuable. In this connection the dahlia may also be men- 

 tioned. Though the roots must be taken up each year, this plant 

 is justly popular. Lily-of-the-valley, foxglove, phlox, larkspur, 

 and some other old garden favorites, easy of culture and prolific 

 of bloom have not been mentioned, nor has anything been said 

 of the numerous species and varieties of lilies. These, however, 

 mav well be included in everv collection. 



