HARDY PERENNIAL PLANTS 219 



VERONICA (Speedwell). A large genus, including a number 

 of shrubby species, principally from New Zealand. There are only 

 a few herbaceous species which are worthy of a place in the garden, 

 as the majority are of a weedy appearance and last only a very short 

 time in bloom. V. gentianoides attains a height of 12 inches when 

 in bloom. There is a handsome variegated form, the flowers of 

 which should be removed, as this tends to induce growth at the 

 base. V. incana has whitish foliage and deep blue flowers; it is best 

 raised from seeds. V. amethyslina is one of the best of the tall 

 herbaceous kinds, growing about 18 inches high. V. taurica, V. 

 Teucrium, V. prostrata and V. satureicBfolia are first-class rockery 

 plants. V. longifolia var. subsessilis is a valuable sort for the 

 border. 



Propagation. By seeds or by dividing early in the season. 



VINCA (Periwinkle). V. herbacea loses its foliage in the Fall. 

 In April it makes short flowering growths, followed later by long, 

 vine-like shoots, which take root at the extremities and form new 

 plants. It thrives well in full sun. V. minor, the commonest kind, 

 has blue flowers, also double blue, double purple, single white and 

 variegated-leaved forms. It is much used in planting among shrub- 

 bery and for covering shady spots under trees. It will thrive in 

 almost any position, and takes possession of the ground to the ex- 

 clusion of most other herbaceous perennials. (For other Vincas 

 see p. 292.) 



Propagation. By division or by cuttings. 



VIOLA. Pansies, (see p. 232,) Tufted Pansies and Violets are 

 all members of the genus Viola, the use of the generic name for any 

 one section of the genus has generally been discarded. The tufted 

 Pansies or bedding Violas are hybrids from V. cornuta, V. lutea and 

 V. tricolor. They spread at the root much more than the ordinary 

 Pansies do, making a great mass of flowers, especially in cool 

 climates, for the greater part of the Summer. Because Pansies 

 have become so popular in this country the tufted Pansy would 

 have a struggle for existence in the estimation of the ordinary flower 

 lover. Although in the tufted Pansies there is a greater diversity 

 of color, more graceful flowers, and the plants are very floriferous, 

 the flowers are much smaller than in the ordinary Pansy, and it is a 

 question if they would become popular. V. hederacea {Erpetion 

 reniforme), the Australian Violet, is a very dwarf plant, covering the 

 ground rapidly by means of runners, which are thrown out in great 

 profusion. It blooms all Summer if given a shaded position on the 



