SALVIAS. 



They are particularly desirable for conservatory decoration, and no plants are more 

 showy in masses. The family is a very large one, but for all ordinary purposes a collec- 

 tion of six to eight species and varieties is ample, growing of each of these in the 

 number of plants desired. 



The following are among the best of the salvias : S. coccinea, South America ; 

 height 2 feet, flowers scarlet, 



in twiggy racemes; July. S. V 

 fulgens, Mexican Mountains, 

 height 2 to 3 feet, flowers scar- 

 let, large, and borne on long 

 racemes; July. S. involucrata 

 Bethelli : this seedling form of 

 S. involucrata is a very desir- 

 able acquisition to the salvias. 

 The plant is of vigorous habit, 

 and in August, or later, pro- 

 duces large whorled spikes of 

 bright rosy crimson flowers; in 

 the bud each whorl is sur- 

 rounded by large coloured 

 bracts. S. Pitcheri (syn. azurea 

 grandiflora), North America ; 

 flowers deep blue on long spikes, 

 very beautiful ; August. S. 

 patens, Mexico ; flowers large 

 and of a lustrous blue colour; 

 summer. S. rutilans, origin un- 

 certain ; height 2 to 3 feet, 

 flowers bright scarlet, in spike-like racemes ; summer. S. splendens, Brazil, flowers 

 scarlet, in long whorls ; autumn. S. splendens Bruanti, differs slightly, if at all, from 

 S. splendens grandiflora ; it is dwarfer, more branching, and produces finer whorls of 

 flowers than the original species, and is the most effective of all the autumn-flowering 

 salvias. S. gesnerajflora, a stately plant, producing large, rich scarlet flowers in 

 February and March, is excellent for spring decoration. 



UA.NDIFLOEA (eICH SCARLET). 



/. Feitch cj- Sons.) 



