HARDY PERENNIAL PLANTS 199 



are severe it should, along with the other species and varieties, be 

 protected by covering the crowns with half decayed leaves or stable 

 litter. K. a. maxima has larger flowers. K. Macowanii, is an orange- 

 red flowered species. K . Leichtlinii is one of the tallest of the genus 

 and has bright yellow flowers. There are numerous hybrid forms, 

 all of them desirable for the herbaceous border. They thrive best 

 in deep, rich soil, and in fully exposed situations. 



Propagation. Seedlings of most of the kinds may be raised, 

 but they are somewhat slow in making flowering plants. Old speci- 

 mens are easily divided, and give good sized pieces to start. Where 

 a particular variety is wanted dividing is the best method of propa- 

 gation, as they hybridize very readily and do not come true 

 from seeds. 



LEONTOPODIUM (Edelweiss). L. alpinum, although a 

 native of the Alps of Switzerland, thrives luxuriantly when planted 

 out on rockwork fully exposed to the sun. It is a low plant, 4 to 12 

 inches high, densely covered with a whitish wool, the attractive 

 portion being the flat, star like cluster of woolly floral leaves sur- 

 rounding the true flowers, which are small and inconspicuous. 



Propagation. By seeds sown Feb. 1 to be placed in open 

 border about May i. Usually there are very few flowers the first 

 year of sowing. Also propagated by division in the FaU and Win- 

 tering over in coldframe. 



LESPEDEZA (Bush Clover). L. Sieboldii, also known at Des- 

 modium penduliflorum. The plant has a shrub like growth, reaching 

 from 4 to 6 feet in height. The flowers, which are smaU and pea- 

 shaped, are very numerously produced in long, pendulous-branched 

 panicles late in the season. The color is rose purple. L. japonica 

 has pure white flowers, probably a form of L. Sieboldii, blooming a 

 week or ten days later. They are very desirable on account of their 

 late bloom. 



Propagation. Cuttings taken before the flowers appear, will 

 root freely. They should be kept indoors to encourage growth be- 

 fore going to rest. Old plants may be divided before starting into 

 growth. 



LEWISIA (Bitter Root). L. rediviva is a member of the 

 Portulaca famly. It is quite a small plant, but its very large 

 pink or white flowers are quite attractive. It is desirable for 

 rockeries, needing perfect drainage, a sunny position and careful 

 watering during the flowering period. It grows best in sandy soils 



