HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 
251 
HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS FOR EXHIBITION. 
In conformity with my intimation last month, I send you a 
rather crude list of what I think suitable for the purpose proposed 
in that paper, premising it to be rather an attempt to assist those 
who may intend competing, than any positive enumeration of 
what is or is not the best. I think, however, that any or all 
the following plants may be had in bloom for nearly the whole 
course of the three shows, and that they may be cultivated to 
have a pleasing appearance in pots. The subject, on considera¬ 
tion, does not wear so easy an aspect as the first glance would 
lead one to suppose, and the Horticultural Society or their judges 
will have to exercise some leniency at the beginning, if they de¬ 
sire to see the matter carried out to what I still think it capable 
of becoming. In the absence of definite limits, I have left out 
several that appear objectionable for their habit, and bulbous- 
rooted plants are omitted altogether, though it seems only rea¬ 
sonable that they should class with the herbaceous, in which case 
several beautiful and interesting species will remain to be added 
to the list; and, as with these plants but little opportunity to 
correct natural deformities by training will be presented, I should 
think it will be advisable to dress the surface of the pots of such 
as become naked below, or “ leggy,” as it is called, with some of 
the smaller saxifrages, sedums, or similar plants. 
1. Adenophora. Almost any of this genus seem calculated to 
suit the purpose ; but, to make a selection, I would name stylosa , 
pale blue ; marsupiifolia, same colour, flowers rather later than 
the preceding; Gmelini and Fischerii. From these four, two 
would be certain for each show. 
2. Alstrcemeria. The greater part of this genus, though 
usually catalogued as tender, will be found quite hardy, and 
therefore admissible among plants of the present class, and cer¬ 
tainly none more beautiful or better suited are likely to be found. 
The species pelegrina , psittacina , aurantiaca , and Neillii , with 
any of the Ghent varieties, will furnish a fine display through 
June and July. 
3. Alyssum. Although somewhat common, there will perhaps 
