VERVAIN FAMILY 



faded, however, and since 1870 the Verbena has been judged upon 

 its merits alone. These are by no means wanting, but better 

 bedding plants than Verbenas are now to be had. The colors 

 range along the lines of white, red, and purple. 



The blossom has a two-lipped corolla, although that fact is not 

 very apparent. The greenish-white tube swells out and becomes 

 a little oblique at the throat and throws three lobes together above 

 and two below. The throat is bordered with soft hairs which 

 close over and protect the stamens and pistil. It is interesting to 

 note in a cluster of Verbena flowers the attitude of these self -same 

 hairs. As fertilization is accompUshed by small insects, flies, etc., 

 when the stamens or pistil are ready, the hairs are erect and the 

 way to the nectar at the base lies open; but if not ready, or if the 

 pistil has been fertiUzed, the hairs bend over and block the way. 



BLUE SPIRjEA 



Carydpteris mastacdnthus. 



Caryopteris, Greek for nut and wing; referring to the form of the 

 seed vessels. 



Stems.— V^oo&y, one to four feet high, springing up from perennial 

 roots. 



Leaves. — Opposite, ovate or oblong, coarsely serrate, pubescent above, 

 tomentose beneath. 



Flowers. — Blue, violet, or white in axillary cymes. 



Calyx. — Five-toothed. 



Corolla.- — Five-lobed, one segment larger and fringed. 



Stamens. — Four, exserted. 



StylesxL&stigma one ; fruit separating into four somewhat winged nutlets. 



Caryopteris is a recent arrival in our gardens and is valuable 

 because of its late blooming season. It produces compact bushes 

 about two feet high, bearing along the stems opposite clusters of 

 feathery flowers. Both foliage and flowers are fragrant. The 

 young shoots springing up from the roots will flower profusely 

 the same season, as will plants produced from spring-sown seed. 

 To do well they require well-drained, sandy soil and sunny 

 location. Native of China and Japan. 



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