192 HARDY PERENNIALS 
both evergreen and deciduous species and varieties, 
whilst in regard to height they vary from the one 
or two feet of the Japanese Palmata to the towering 
height of the Himalayan Lindleyana, which when 
well established will run to ten feet. Whites are 
plentiful, pinks both delicate and rich in tint are 
also fairly numerous, and there are one or two rich 
reds and rosy purples. 
Even though pre-eminently adapted for water-side 
culture, the majority of the Spiraeas will make them- 
selves quite at home and provide a good display in 
the ordinary herbaceous border, especially if the soil 
is fairly stiff and not too readily dried out in Summer. 
The herbaceous kinds make solid clumps with many 
crowns and fibrous roots. These may be divided, 
preferably in February or March, whilst the shrubby 
evergreen kinds will strike from cuttings in Summer, 
the deciduous from cuttings of ripened wood put 
under bell glasses or handlights in Autumn. Spiraea 
filipendula floreo pleno is one of the most pleasing 
of the real herbaceous section. Its foliage makes 
fine tufts radiating from the crown, every leaf being 
elegantly cut and of fern-like texture. The blossoms 
are umbelliferous in form, creamy in colour, and of 
fluffy character. Another sort that may be relied 
upon to thrive even in enclosed town gardens, where 
sunlight is more wished for than enjoyed, is Spiraea 
ulmaria, the ' Meadowsweet,' a native plant that 
asks only for copious supplies of water to keep it 
in a flourishing condition. 
