i88 HARDY PERENNIALS 
ized in grass. The Megasea section includes strong- 
growing plants with large rounded leathery leaves 
of rich shining green, the flower heads also being 
large and bright in colour. These are fine plants for 
the front verge of shrubberies, carriage drives, and 
for banks of streams. All the Saxifraga family 
likes limestone, and if small chippings can be scattered 
around the roots the plants will make excellent 
growth. 
Scabiosa. — The lavender and mauve blossoms of 
Scabiosa caucasica are among the loveliest flowers 
that bloom. Ideal for cutting and of superb grace 
and elegance, it is small wonder that the plant is 
universally popular. Of late years many new 
varieties and choice selections have been introduced, 
and we may now have deep shades as well as delicate 
tints, and all are lovely. There are some soils in 
which the plant cannot thrive. These are either too 
sticky, wet, and cold, or they are altogether too 
hot and dry. 
Excessive damp in Winter is fatal, whilst scorching 
heat on a hungry sand in summer burns the plants. 
The best results are obtainable on a deep, fairly 
gritty soil that is rich in humus. Young plants put 
out in Spring will in such a soil quickly establish 
themselves, and so long as seed pods are removed 
the flowering will be free and continuous. Roots 
may be divided, but it is better to start the cut 
pieces in a frame of light compost than to plant 
directly out of doors. Seed, if new, will germinate 
