ALPINE FLOWERS. 



321 



The Epimediums are remarkable plants when in blossom in spring ; 

 a severe frost, however, at that time will destroy the flowers, and this 

 occurred in 1871. We grow three species of equal merit, but Epimedium. 

 rubrum (fig. 704) shows their character as well as any. 



The Helianthemum vulgare (fig. 705) does much to embellish an 

 alpinery. We grow several species, of which the one figured is a good 

 example. There are many florists' varieties of the 

 plant. 



Fig. 704. — Epimedium rubrum. Fig. 705. — Helianthemum vulgare. Fig, 70G. — Thalictrum minus . 



The foliage of the Thalictrums is useful for the alpinery. When 

 I first saw one species at Zermatt, I mistook it for Maiden-hair, as 

 the leaf is similar to that of an adiantum. We cultivate two or 

 three species, but the T. minus (fig. 706) is the best. The flower is 

 not attractive. 



Amongst plants to be grown merely for their foliage, the Alyssum 

 alpestre (fig. 707) is curious from its stellate hairs. A variegated species 

 of Arabis is very showy, but it is apt to 

 extend itself over its neigh- 

 bours, so that unless restrained 

 it is dangerous to the sur 

 rounding plants. 



Amongst the more showy 

 plants, the Yellow Poppy {Pa- 

 paver nudicaule, fig. 708) is conspicuous. The Fig. 7o8.-Yeiiow Poppy. 

 colour is very striking, and I know scarcely anything more astonishing 

 than to see the brilliant but delicate blossoms expand under the 

 fiercest blaze of the sun without showing the slightest injury. 



Y 



Fig. 707. — Alyssum al- 

 pestre (leaf nat. size, 

 and stellate hairs en- 

 larged). 



