1 84 HARDY PERENNIALS 
shade of trees, the cool moist parts of the rock 
garden, and the shady corners of the herbaceous 
border all may be furnished and made cheerful with 
Ranunculus, the taller growers yielding plenty of 
delightful flowers for dainty table decorations. 
Rodgersia. — For a real gem that will give an aspect 
of richness and luxuriance to a low-lying damp recess 
near water, Rodgersia pinata cannot be surpassed. 
Its bronze, heavily-veined foliage, spreading in large 
lobes from the top of a strong upright leaf-stalk, 
wears an appearance of tropical splendour, and its 
great panicles of rosy red flowers are richer than 
the richest of Spiraeas or Astilbes. Give some 
peat, charcoal, and some good manure. Plant in 
Spring, keep clear of weeds, and otherwise leave 
undisturbed. 
Romneya. — By many people considered the finest 
of all our perennial border flowers, Romneya Coulteri 
is undoubtedly a plant of transcendent beauty. 
With blossoms as large as an Oriental Poppy, its 
petals are as white as flower can be, the sheen upon 
them being more glistening and shimmering than 
satin, and against this purity stand out like refined 
gold a great mass of brilliant stamens. The glaucous 
foliage is handsomely cut, and when once well 
established in a favourable spot there is nothing 
quite like the Romneya. The plant is not fastidious 
as to soil so long as it is deeply dug and some pro- 
vision made for quick drainage. A sheltered sunny 
position near a wall suits the plant, and in very cold 
