HARDY PLANTS. 
171 
species, with purple flowers borne in summer and autumn ; 
height 3 to 4ft. L. Salicaria is a native species, growing 2 to 
3ft. high, and bearing reddish-purple flowers in July. Roseum 
superbum is a superior form of it, with brighter flowers an-d 
larger spikes. L. virgatum is a Siberian species, bearing 
purple flowers in July, and growing 3ft. high. Rose Queen 
is a variety with rosy blossoms borne on long spikes. Plant 
in autumn or spring. Increased by division in autumn or 
spring, also by seeds sown outdoors in April ; or by cuttings 
inserted in damp soil in early summer. 
Macrotomia (Prophet-flower).— A very interesting 
rockery perennial, a native of the Caucasus and a member of 
the Borage family (Boraginaceae). No plant flowers more 
freely or has a showier appearance. M. echioides (Syn. Arnebia 
echioides) bears in summer pretty primrose or golden-yellow 
flowers, with five black spots on each. As the flowers increase 
in age these spots fade away. The average height w r hen fully 
grown is i8in. This plant prefers a sandy soil and a slightly 
shady position on the rockery. Plant in April. Increased by 
cuttings inserted in sandy soil in a cold frame during Sep- 
tember. 
IVHaiantSiemiam (Twin-leaved Lily of the Valley). — M. 
Convallaria is a lily of the valley-like hardy perennial, a native 
of this country and other parts of Europe. It grows 4 to 6in. 
high, has heart-shaped leaves, creeping- root-stocks, and white 
fragrant flowers borne in racemes in May and June. It belongs 
to the Lily family (Liliaceae), and requires to be grown in 
partially shady borders or rockeries in loam and leaf-mould. 
Plant in autumn or spring. Increased by division of the 
creeping roots in autumn or spring-. 
IVialcolmia. (Virginian Stock). — The Virginian Stock is 
a well-known hardy annual, a great favourite in town and 
country gardens. M. maritima is a native of S. Europe, 
grows 6 to min. high, and belongs to the Wallflower family 
(Cruciferae). The flowers vary a good deal in colour, a packet 
of mixed seeds producing lilac, rose, red or white tints in 
spring and summer. Alba is a pretty white, and Kermesina 
or Crimson King a showy red variety of it. This annual is 
a splendid plant for edging a bed or border, or for growing 
in masses in small beds or on the margins or borders. It will 
grow in any ordinary soil in sun or in shade. Seeds may be 
sown in September to flower in spring ; in March or April to 
bloom in summer; or in May and June to blossom later in the 
year. 
