ON ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS. 233 



very sweet-scented. It is of a spreading, prostrate habit, and 

 proves of great value for spring and summer decoration on 

 banks and rockwork, and as an edging in borders. Being 

 extremely hardy, it is suitable for autumn sowing, and may thus 

 be had in flower very early in spring ; if required for summer- 

 blossoming, the best time to sow is in March. This is a plant 

 that should be sown by all bee-keepers, as bees are very fond 

 of the flowers. A white variety is also in cultivation. 



Linaria. — This genus yields several pretty annuals — charming 

 free-flowering plants, useful for beds and borders, the flowers 

 being much prized for bouquets and vases. Z. bipartita has 

 violet-purple flowers, resembling those of a Snapdragon ; it grows 

 from 6in. to i2in. high, and flowers from June to September. 

 The variety alba has snow-white flowers, with a golden blotch. 

 L. maritima has pale yellow flowers, with an orange palate. 

 It is of the same height as the last-mentioned species, and 

 proves to be an exceedingly free blossomer. Z. reticulata 

 has deep purplish flowers, grows from lit. to 2ft. high, and 

 flowers in June and July. The variety aureo-purpurea has deep 

 purplish flowers, with a golden blotch ; it is a very striking plant, 

 growing about ift. high. L. tristis is a charming plant, growing 

 about 9in. high, and flowering in July ; it has yellow flowers, 

 blotched with crimson, and forms - a suitable subject for edging, 

 bedding, or for rockwork. 



Linum grandiflorum (Red Flax) is a useful annual, growing 

 ift. in height, and producing its crimson flowers in June and 

 July. The seed may either be sown in February or March 

 under glass, and the seedlings transferred to the open border as 

 soon as large enough ; or it may be sown in April in the position 

 where the plants are intended to flower. Z. grandiflorum 

 coccineum (rubrum) is one of the most brilliantly coloured of 

 summer annuals, producing flowers of a glowing crimson hue. 

 It may be had in flower from May to October by successive 

 sowings, and as it is very free-flowering it forms an exceedingly 

 ornamental plant for beds and borders. 



Lupinus (Lupin) is a genus containing several handsome 

 annual species, and from which have sprung innumerable 

 beautiful hybrids. They ■ are all graceful plants, the elegant 

 racemes being much prized for cutting. The dwarf varieties 

 form capital beds by themselves, whilst the taller-growing ones 

 are effective in mixed borders. Z. Hartwegii has blue and 

 pink flowers ; it grows from i^ft. to 2ft. high, and flowers 

 m July- Z. luteus is the well-known dwarf yellow Lupin ; 

 it grows ift. high, and produces its fragrant flowers in July 

 and August. Z. Menziesii is a handsome bushy plant, covered 

 with racemes of showy bright yellow flowers, and grows i^ft. high. 

 Z. hybridus atro-coccineus is one of the best, growing 2-^ft. 



