HARDY PLANTS. 
177 
crimson or purple. Nobilis is a dwarf variety with duplicate 
or hose-in-hose flowers, and variegatus is another form with 
white or yellow flowers blotched with crimson or purple. M. 
cupreus is the parent of a lovely strain of blotched or spotted 
varieties, which are extensively grown in gardens. The latter 
is known as M. cupreus maculosus. There is also a hose-in- 
hose form of M. cupreus called duplex, with one corolla inserted 
in the other, and a coloured calyx. M. cardinalis is a tall 
species, growing i8in. high and bearing orange and scarlet 
flowers. There are also a number of varieties of it, the names 
of which will be found in trade lists. All the foregoing do best 
in light, rich, moist soils in shady or partially shady spots. 
M. luteus flourishes in shallow water-courses. Kinds like M. 
moschatus, cupreus, cardinalis, and luteus may be planted out 
in spring to grow permanently. The spotted varieties or 
hybrids of M. cupreus are, however, less hardy, and are best 
reared from seed in heat in March, the seedlings transplanted, 
grown on in heat till May, and then hardened off and planted 
out later. Seeds may also be sow r n in a cold frame in August 
and the seedlings planted out in spring. The other species 
may be reared from seed, cuttings, or division of the roots in 
spring. 
Moluccelia. (Shell Flower). — M. laevis is a Syrian half- 
hardy annual, bearing white, dead-nettle-like flowers, sur- 
rounded by bell-shaped, veined calyces. It is grown chiefly 
for the value of its curious calyces and stems for skeletonising. 
It belongs to the Lavender order (Labiatae), grows 12 to i8in. 
high, and flowers in August. Sow seeds in heat in March, 
grow the seedlings on till May, then harden off and plant out 
in June in ordinary soil in a sunny border. 
Monarda (Bee Balm; Bergamot; Oswego Tea; Horse 
Mint). — A genus of showy, fragrant-leaved perennials, natives 
of N. America, and adapted for culture in mixed sunny borders 
and ordinary soil. Members of the Lavender order (Labiate). 
The species and varieties in general cultivation are : M. 
didyma, bright scarlet flowers, borne in summer ; green bracts ; 
height, 2 to 3 ft. ; a very showy and popular plant. The 
following are varieties of it : alba, white ; Cambridge Scarlet, 
vivid scarlet. M. fistulosa is a vigorous species, growing 
4 to 5ft. high, and bearing purple flowers in autumn, with 
purple-tinted bracts. Carnea is a flesh-coloured variety, grow- 
ing 2^ft. high ; and mollis, a lilac-flowered form, growing 3ft. 
high. These plants do well in town and suburban gardens. 
Plant in autumn or spring. Increased by seeds sown outdoors 
in April ; also by division in autumn or spring. 
N 
