226 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
nemoralis incana, i8in. ; S. sempervirens, 5ft. ; S. sempervirens 
multiradiata, 4ft. ; S. serotina, 4ft. ; and S. ulmifolia, 5ft. 
Golden Wings is a variety of exceptional merit. It bears its 
golden-yellow flowers in graceful arching sprays on erect 
stems until October, and grows 5 to 6ft. high. All are yellow- 
flowered, flowering in August and September. Piant in autumn 
or spring. Increased by seeds sown outdoors in April ; division 
in autumn or spring. 
Specularia (Venus’s Looking Glass). — Hardy annuals, 
closely allied to the Campanulas, and belonging to the same 
order (Campanulaceas). S. Speculum is an old-fashioned 
garden flower, growing ift. high, and bearing bright purple, 
bell-shaped flowers in July. Of this there is a white variety, 
alba; a double-flowered one, flore pleno ; and a trailing one 
called procumbens. Native S. Europe. Other less grown but 
pretty species are : S. hybrida, a native kind, with flowers blue 
inside and lilac without, Britain, ioin. ; S. pentagonia, blue, 
1 ft., Levant; S. pentagonia alba, white; and S. perfoliata, 
purple-blue, i8in., N. America. These annuals should be 
grown in masses in sunny borders or beds. Sow the seeds 
at intervals from April to June where required to grow, and 
thin the seedlings out to 6in. or so apart. 
Spigelia. (Worm Grass). — Hardy perennials, natives of 
N. America, and belonging to the Nat. Ord. Loganiaceae. The 
only species grown is S. marilandica, a herbaceous perennial, 
growing a foot high, and bearing red and yellow flowers in 
spikes during summer. It is not an easy plant to grow. Is 
best grown in peaty soil in a partially shady border or bed 
containing peat-loving plants. Plant in March. Increased 
by division in spring. 
Spiraea. (Meadow Sweet). — The Meadow Sweets belong 
to the Rose order (Rosaceae), and consist of shrubby and 
herbaceous species. The former have been dealt with in the 
section devoted to Trees and Shrubs, so that w r e have only to 
discuss the merits apd culture of the latter here. The herba- 
ceous species are plants of graceful habit with pinnate foliage, 
and produce a beautiful effect when growing in the mixed 
border, in groups on the grass, or when fringing the water- 
side. All love a moist rich soil and a partially shady position. 
The following are all very beautiful and worthy of a place in 
every garden: S. Aruncus (Goat’s Beard), bearing handsome 
plumes of white flowers in June and July, and growing 3 to 
5ft. high. ' A noble plant for the mixed border, grouping on 
grass, or fringing the waterside. Native Europe. " Kneiffi is 
a dwarf variety of it, with elegantly-cut foliage and white 
flowers, and growing only 2ft. high ; a lovely border plant. 
