212 HARDY PLANTS FOR THJB 



and perhaps near a few other things of like character. It 

 is better than any kind of Acanthus hitherto commonly 

 cultivated in hotanic gardens, though one or two of these 

 are fine. Give it deep good soil, and do not grudge it this 

 attention, because, unlike tender plants, it will not trouble 

 you again for a long time. A fine effect would be produced 

 by a ring of it around a strong clump of Tritomas (grandis 

 in the middle, and glaucescens surrounding it), the very 

 dark polished green Acanthus being in its turn surrounded 

 by the fine autumn-flowering Sedum spectabile. There 

 would be little difficulty in suggesting a dozen equally suit- 

 able uses for this fine plant. It is to be had now in some 

 London nurseries, and in nearly every Paris one. The plant 

 best known by this name is also sold under that of A. 

 lusitanicus. Both are garden names, the first the best. It 

 came into cultivation in the neighbourhood of Paris about 

 six or eight years ago, and has since spread about a good deal. 

 Nobody seems to know from whence it came. Probably it 

 is a variety of Acanthus mollis. The plant itself varies a 

 good deal ; I have seen specimens of it about a foot high, 

 with leaves comparatively small and stiff and rigid, as if 

 cast in a mould, by the side of others of thrice that de- 

 velopment, and of the usual texture. 



Andkopogon squarrosum is a hardy plant in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Paris, or survives with but slight protection, 

 making luxuriant tufts seven feet high or more, when in 

 flower. It would probably make a beautiful object in the 

 warmer and milder parts of England and Ireland, and in 

 good soil, but, unlike the preceding, it is not a subject which 

 can with confidence be recommended for every garden. But 

 all who value fine grasses should try it. 



Aralia edulis. — This is a vigorous plant, well suited 

 for adding distinction to those positions in which we desire 

 a luxuriant type of vegetation. It is perfectly hardy, grows 

 six, seven, and even eight feet high in good soil, is of a fresh 

 and vigorous habit, and even so early as the end of June. 

 The leaves attain a length of nearly a yard when the plant 

 is strong, while the shoots droop a little with their weight, 

 and thus it acquires a slightly weeping character. It is a 



