May 29, 1886. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
617 
HARDY PLANTS IN FLOWER. 
It has occurred to me that a few remarks on the 
flowering plants of the week might prove of interest to 
some of your readers, and especially those who may have 
some idea of establishing a border of hardy-flowering 
plants. Particularly have I set out on this errand that 
those who require hardy perennials in flower at certain 
seasons may the more readily avail themselves of the 
opportunity offered, so that in time a good selection 
of the showiest and best will come within the reach of 
all your readers. My remarks will necessarily be very 
brief, and 1 shall suffice by giving the predominant 
This same genus also give us the exquisite flowers of 
the Alpine Anemone, A. alpina, whose loveliness is 
unique. This plant attains a height of 2 ft. when well 
established, and though this is only a question of years, 
it is too seldom seen in this state. Nothing can equal, 
much less excel, its stately grandeur, its soft silken 
cups, and its elegantly-cut leaves. The flowers are 
white internally, while the reverse is faintly striped 
with pale blue ; it is a plant that one may never tire to 
gaze upon, it is'so lovely. There is also the sulphur- 
coloured form, which makes a pleasing companion for 
it; both flower in their Alpine home with the melting 
blue of its huge flowers, and the glossy tufts from 
which they spring, are ever welcome. Only 6 ins. 
high, and barely that, with flowers in abundance, it is 
one of the glories of spring ; and, in like manner, 
G. verna, even of an intenser blue than the former, is 
extremely lovely, and though a miniature, as it were, 
of the first, it holds its own against all comers in point 
of brilliancy and intensity of colour. 
But turning to some of the golden yellow flowers, 
we find in Doronicum austriacum and I). Clusii two of 
the showiest ; the former about 2 ft. high, and the 
latter some 6 ins. taller. For a profusion of flowers, 
colour, with average height ; and while giving those 
only of robust habit and free growth, I shall ignore 
the fastidious. Of the numbers that are past and 
gone I will say nothing, for these, probably, might 
form a fitting summary to the whole. 
One of the most charming flowers we see just now, is 
the pure white Snowdrop Anemone, A. sylvestris, a 
modest beauty, and of elegance unsurpassed ; its purity, 
as seen fully expanded in the mid-day sun, contrasts 
favourably with it at eventide, when it folds its silver 
wings, and bends its head in sleep. Only 15 ins. high 
does this beauty grow, and its flowers rise from compact 
tufts of leaves. Free and durable, too, are its flowers, 
which in,size are nearly equal to the well-known 
’aponiea alba, which comes in autumn. 
snow. Anemone pulsatilla is a fine perennial at this 
time, a native plant, too, and, probably, the most 
ornamental native species we possess. From its com¬ 
pact tufts rise the flower-stems to about 15 ins. high, 
on which are situate its distinct purple flow r ers, which 
are densely clothed with long silken hairs, making in 
all a very charming and valuable plant. Of the others 
which come in the month of May, but which are on the 
wane, are Robinsonia, fulgens, coronaria in its many 
forms, and the abundant-flov r ered Apennine Anemone. 
The latter is very fine when planted cn masse ; height 
6 ins., and flowers blue, forming a perfect floral carpet. 
So much for the Anemones ; and now come the 
Gentians, in which group the old garden Gentianella, 
G. acaulis, steps in prominently. The intense indigo 
the first-named is perhaps the best, but for size and 
general excellence it cannot compare with the latter : 
both grow freely, and increase readily. The pretty 
group which the Grape Hyacinth forms, are very 
charming at this season, in colours of blue (various 
shades) and white. Pretty bulbous plants are these, 
coming early in the year, only 6 ins. high, and good 
for rockery or border. 
Of Primulas, very finely in flower now is P. Sieboldi, 
flowers of a deep rose, about a foot high ; an extremely 
attractive and effective plant for pots or the border. 
P. japonica is just emerging into flower ; in colour, in 
foliage, and general robust habit it is distinct from 
all else. Then, in the genus Narcissus, the Poeticus 
varieties may yet be found ; among these, Poeticus 
