146 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
Gunnera (Prickly Rhubarb). — A genus of perennial 
herbs with immense, ieaihery, wrinkled leaves, which are their 
chief attraction. Nat. Ord. Haloraginaceae. They are grown 
chiefly on the margins of water in sheltered positions where 
bold foliage is necessary to produce a striking effect. The 
two species grown are G. manicata, with leaves 4 to 6ft. in 
diameter and 6ft. high; and G. chilensis (Syn. G. scabra), 
which has leaves nearly 7ft. in diameter and grows 7 to gft. 
high. The stems of the latter are prickly. Plant in spring in 
rich loam, remove the flower stems as they form, and in winter 
protect the crowns with a covering of the leaves. Increased 
by dividing the root-stocks in spring. Natives of Brazil and 
Chili. 
Gypsophila (Chalk Plant). — A genus of hardy annuals 
and perennials, many species of which furnish a wealth of 
beautiful and graceful flowers for cutting in summer. Members 
of the Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). The annual species 
are G. elegans, flowers white tinged with pink, borne in 
graceful panicles in summer, and excellent for cutting ; height 
lft. There are two pretty varieties of it, namely, alba (white) 
and rosea (pale rose). G. muralis is the only other annual 
species. This is a dwarf neat grower, bearing pink blossoms, 
and suitable for edging a border or growing on the rockery. 
The perennial species worthy of culture include G. paniculata, 
which grows 2 to 3ft. high, and bears small white flowers in 
large feathery panicles in summer. The appearance of this 
plant when laden with flowers is like a snowy mist. The 
flowers are much prized for cutting. There is a double- 
flowered form, flore plena, which is equally valuable for yield- 
ing flowers for cutting. G. prostrata is a pretty trailing 
species, bearing white flowers and suitable for rockery culture, 
height 6in. G. repens monstrosa, white, ift. ; and G. repens 
rosea, rosy flowers, 8in., are two charming species for 
rockeries. G. Rokejeka has an elegant branching habit, and 
bears light, rosy flowers in late summer which are valuable 
for cutting. G. Steveni grows 1 to 2ft. high and bears white 
flowers also useful for cutting. Sow seeds of the annual 
species in April where required to grow. Thin out the seed- 
lings to a few inches apart. Ordinary soil and a sunny 
position. The perennial species like a well-drained, ordinary 
soil and a sunny position. It is an advantage to the plants to 
have plenty of old mortar freely mixed with the soil. G. 
paniculata should be planted 3ft. apart. Plant in autumn. In- 
creased by division in spring ; cuttings at same time inserted 
in a cold frame, or seeds sown outdoors in April. 
Haberlea. — The only species grown is H. rhodopensis, 
and this is a dwarf rock perennial, belonging to the Gloxinia 
