384 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
VERONICA.—SPEEDWELL. 
An extensive genus, most of the species being ornamen- 
tal plants, the taller growing sorts suitable for the bor- 
ders, and those of a more dwarfish habit for the rockery. 
The flowers are produced in spire-like spikes, or racemes, 
and are generally blue; but some few species are white, 
and others pink. 
Veronica Virginica, is 2 tall, strong-growing species, 
four or five feet high, with white flowers in clustered 
spikes; in July and August; suitable for the shrubbery. 
V. Sibiriea has blue flowers, in spikes, in July and Au- 
gust; two feet high. V. speciosa is a dwarf-species, with 
brilliant blue flowers, in spikes; June and July. V. azu- 
rea is two or three feet high, with fine sky-blue flowers. 
V. spicata is about one foot high, with fine blue flowers. 
There are as many as fifty species, all easily cultivated in 
almost any soil; propagated by dividing the roots. 
VINCA.—PERIWINELE. 
Vinca minor.— Common Periwinkle.—A hardy ever- 
green prostrate plant, rooting at the joints; flowers blue 
with a white variety. 
V. major.—Great Periwinkle, with larger and rounder 
leaves than the foregoing and not quite so hardy, ever- 
green trailing plants; valuable for their early and long- 
continued flowering, flourishing under the shade and drip 
of trees. It is best to give a little protection in winter. 
A variety of each, with gold-edged leaves, is very beau- 
tiful but not so hardy. There is also a variety with silver- 
edged leaves. 
- V. résea, or Madagascar Periwinkle.—This is a beauti- 
ful green-house plant, with evergreen leaves; one variety 
with white flowers and red eye, another with white, and 
