HARDY PERENNIAL PLANTS 189 



GAILLARDIA (Blanket Flower). There are several hand- 

 some-flowered varieties in cultivation. They are exceedingly effec- 

 tive border plants. Besides, they are also useful for cut flowers, 

 lasting a long time in water. G. pulchella var. picta is an annual 

 and attains a size of about 2 feet. The flower is yellow, varying to 

 red, particularly at the base. G. aristata has given rise to the best 

 perennial sorts. 



Propagation. By division, seeds or cuttings in August or 

 September. Also by root cuttings taken in the Spring. 



GALAX. G. aphylla, the only species in the genus, is a dwarf 

 evergreen, the leaves of which are much used by florists in forming 

 backgrounds for floral pieces. It thrives well in partial shade in the 

 rockery. 



Propagation. By division before growth begins. 



GENTIANA (Gentian). Although these are among the most 

 beautiful of hardy plants they will not pay the florist to handle 

 them. With one or two exceptions the kinds which are so popular 

 in northern Europe do not succeed in the Middle Atlantic States. 

 Our hot, dry Summers are against them. G. Andrewsii and G. 

 Saponaria are both natives. They may be planted in half-shaded 

 situations, where their roots will penetrate deeply. 



Propagation. By seeds or by division. 



GERANIUM. G. sanguineum is about the only satisfactory 

 one in the genus for our hot, dry Summers. For rockwork it is 

 probably the best all-round plant grown. It seldom invades the 

 territory of other plants, never looks weedy, and is in flower from 

 early till late. The flowers are solitary, about ij^ inches across, 

 crimson. It blooms from June to August. G. anemonifolium is 

 almost hardy in Washington. It has attractive stems and leaves. 

 It may be used in the rockery where it seeds abundantly. 



Propagation. By division, or from seed- sown shortly after 

 mid-Summer and wintered in frames. 



GILLENIA. G. trifoliata is one of our less common native 

 perennials. It is an excellent, graceful plant with white flowers 

 tinged pink and with red stems for the mixed border, rockeries or 

 other hardy gardens. It is hardy and of easy cultivation in any 

 good soil. It makes a good showing when naturalized with Adian- 

 tum ptdatum and is well worth introducing to our gardens. 



Propagation. Either by seeds or division. 



