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PB ACTIO AL GUIDE TO GABDEN PLANTS monaeda 



ROSMARINUS (Rosemary).— A 

 genus with only one species : — 



R. officinalis. — A popular old garden 

 shrub, 2-4 ft. high, native of the Medi- 

 terranean region, and having stalkless, 

 linear entire leaves, with revolute edges, 

 and hoary beneath. Flowers in early 

 spring, white or pale purple, in short 

 axillary few-flowered racemes. Calyx 

 purphsh, ovoid bell-shaped, 2-lipped. 

 Corolla 2-lipped, the upper lip erect 

 emarginate or shortly 2-cleft, the lower 

 one spreading 3-cleft, the middle lobe 

 largest, concave bent down. Perfect sta- 

 mens 2. Nutlets ovoid-roundish smooth. 



Culture and Propagation The Bose- 



mary grows well in ordinary well-drained 

 garden soil, in rather dry, warm, sunny 

 positions, and is chiefly valued on 

 account of its fragrance. The foliage is 

 used for making Rosemary Tea, and a 

 plant is to be found in many cottage 

 gardens. It may be increased by cuttings 

 about 6 in. long, in summer, inserted in 

 sandy soil in a shady border. If in a 

 cold frame or under a handlight they will 

 root more quickly, and be ready for 

 transplanting by the end of September or 

 sooner. The lower branches may also 

 be bent down, and layered during the 

 summer months. Seeds may also be 

 sown in spring in cold frames or in the 

 open border in warm sunny positions. 

 There are three forms of the Rosemary 

 — the common or green-leaved, the silver- 

 striped, and the gold-striped ; the last two 

 are not quite so hardy as the common 

 form, and shoiild therefore be given more 

 sheltered and favourable spots in the 

 garden — such as against a south wall or 

 hedge. 



MONARDA (Horse Mint; Bee 

 Balm). — A genus with 6 or 7 species of 

 perennial herbs, often having leaves 

 toothed and simple. Flowers in close 

 heads or whorls at the ends of the 

 branches. Calyx tubular, elongated, 

 nearly equally 5 -toothed. CoroUa showy, 

 scarlet, purple, white, pale, or in one 

 species yellow, often spotted, long and 

 slender, deeply 2-Hpped; lips narrow, 

 nearly equal and shghtly toothed. Per- 

 fect stamens 2. Nutlets ovoid smooth. 



Culture and Propagation. — The 

 species are showy border flowers, and 

 all natives of N. America, flourishing in 

 ordinary garden soil, and in all positions 

 except that of deep shade. They are 



increased by dividing the tufts or roots in 

 autumn when growing in light rich soil, 

 and in spring if in heavy and somewhat 

 moist soil. Seeds may also be sown in 

 the open border in April and May, or 

 earlier in heat, for transplanting in May 

 and June, about 18. in. apart. The 

 plants are much frequented by bees even 

 late in the afternoon, and this is no 

 doubt the origin of one of the popular 

 names. 



M. didyma (if. coccinea; M. Tcal- 

 miana). — Oswego Tea. — A square stem- 

 med and grooved aromatic plant IJ-S ft. 

 high, with ovate lance-shaped pointed 

 leaves, roundish heart-shaped at the 

 base, and rather hairy on both surfaces. 

 Flowers from July to September, bright 

 scarlet, with pale green bracts tinted with 

 red, in whorls or pairs. The variety 

 alba with whorls of pure white flowers is 

 a taller-growing plant with longer and 

 narrower leaves. 



Culture do. as above. This plant and 

 its variety flourish in damp marshy 

 places as well as in ordinary soil. 



M. fistulosa {Wild Bergamot). — A 

 vigorous perennial 2-5 ft. high, having an 

 aromatic scent, and downy oblong lance- 

 shaped acute leaves, borne on hoUow or 

 sohd stems. Flowers in summer, purple, 

 mostly produced in single heads, and not 

 so numerous as in M. didyma. Bracts 

 tinted with purple. 



This species is very variable and has 

 received several names in consequence. 

 The most distinct varieties are those with 

 white, pale rose, violet, and purple flowers, 

 but the names given to them are hope- 

 lessly mixed. 



Culture dc. as above. 



NEPETA (Cat Mint). — A genus 

 of annual or perennial herbs sometimes 

 tall and erect, sometimes spreading or 

 trailing with incised or toothed leaves. 

 Flowers axillary or terminal, often blue 

 or white, rarely yellow. Calyx tubular 

 15-ribbed, usually incurved, unequally 

 5-toothed. Corolla 2-lipped, with a 

 slender tube dilated and naked at the 

 throat ; upper lip often concave emar- 

 ginate or 2-cleft; lower lip spreading 

 8-cleft, the middle lobe larger entire or 

 crenulate or 2-oleft. Stamens 4, didyna- 

 mous, ascending under the upper lip or 

 rarely protruding. Nutlets ovoid or 

 compressed, smooth. 



