HARDY PERENNIAL PLANTS 203 



Propagation. It is readily propagated by division in late 

 Autumn or early Spring. 



LYTHRUM (Purple Loosestrife). The species L. Salicaria 

 grows from 3 to 4 feet high. The flowers are of a rosy-purple color. 

 They flower in Summer and are moisture-loving, enjoying swamps 

 and low grounds. 



Propagation. By division, seeds and stem cuttings. 



MENYANTHES (Buck Bean). M. trifoliata is a good bog- 

 plant. It does well in any moderately wet places, it being neces- 

 sary always to keep the roots moist. It often grows in shallow 

 water. It has creeping root-stalks and white or purplish flowers in 

 Spring. 



Propagation. By division of root-stalks. 



MERTENSIA (Virginian Cowslip). There are several species 

 of Mertensia all worth cultivating, but unfortunately some are not 

 so easily grown as M. virginica. This is by far the showiest species 

 and if the conditions under which it grows in a wild state are imi- 

 tated, there will be no difficulty in its cultivation. In Spring most 

 of its growth is made without shade — that is, before the trees are 

 in leaf. It is usually found in damp woods. In this locality its 

 period of blooming is from April 15 to the middle of May. It grows 

 from 12 to 18 inches high. The leaves have a slightly glaucous hue; 

 the flowers are arranged in drooping terminal clusters, reddish- 

 purple in the bud, subsequently changing in the open flower to a 

 beautiful light blue. It is one of our handsomest native plants. 



Propagation. By division. 



MIMULUS (Monkey Flower). M. Moschalus is an old- 

 fashioned plant with a musky odor. It will keep in a frame during 

 the Winter, and may be brought indoors early in the season, divided 

 into small pieces and potted. It grows best in a shaded cool house, 

 or it may be planted out in a moist, shady spot. 



MONARDA (Horse Mint). These plants, although not averse 

 to moisture, will thrive in very dry soil. There are several species, 

 and one or two varieties common in gardens. The best known is 

 M. didyma, a species with bright scarlet heads of flowers. M. 

 fistulosa has purple flowers. M. f. alba is pure white. They are in 

 bloom during mid-Summer. 



Propagation. Among the easiest plants to increase by division, 

 best done in the Spring, as Autumn-divided plants often winter kill. 



