Blue Flowers 221 
the plant suffers in a dry exposed place. Propagated by division of the 
root and seeds in spring. 
SPEEDWELL, VERONICA (Veronica spicata). 2-4 ft. A vigorous plant 
bearing numerous tapering spikes of small, bright blue flowers. While 
it is thrifty and handsome and excellent for cutting it is also a nuisance, 
for a seedling will establish itself in a few years so completely that one 
cannot uproot it without tearing up a large area; and it sows itself all 
over the garden. It needs no attention; any garden soil is sufficient. 
Stacuys, HEDGE NETTLE (S. lantana). 1-14 ft. Bears purple- 
striped flowers in whorls, the upper ones forming almost a spike of 
bloom; forms a low tuft of leaves, thick, soft and covered with silvery- 
white wool, as is also the stem. Give a light, rich soil; propagate by 
seeds, cuttings or division of the root. 
STOKESIA or STOKES’ ASTER (S. cyanea, known also as S. Cartesia). 
2 ft. An erect, branching perennial bearing solitary terminal flowers 
of lavender blue, often 4-5 in. across. Give a rich soil, mixed with 
sand, sunny location; propagate by seeds or division of the root. Protect 
in winter. 
VERONICA, see Speedwell, also Blue Per. Aug. 
AUGUST 
BLUE SHRUBS 
BupDLEYA LINDLEYANA. 3-6 ft. Bears terminal racemes of reddish- 
purple flowers. Authorities say do not prune, as it reduces the number 
and size of flowers; but mine dies to the ground every winter, and makes 
a new three-foot growth each year, blooming late in August. It grows 
in any good soil in a sunny sheltered position and is propagated by 
cuttings. When not killed back, it blooms in June or July. Several 
other varieties I have not tried. 
Cuaste TREE (Vitex agnus-castus). 3-6 ft. Flowers a bright blue 
or lilac, rising above a small, neat bush; foliage grayish beneath; gives 
off an aromatic fragrance. Some varieties are not hardy. Give a heavy 
mulch, cutting back the plant nearly to the ground, and the shoots that 
start vigorously in the spring from the base yield finer flowers than they 
would otherwise. This blue variety is claimed to be more hardy than 
others; recently introduced from China. 
LEAD Pant (Amorpha canescens). 1-3 ft A shrub with deep 
