May 26, 1888. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
617 
Saxifraga sancta. 
Owing to its densely tufted habit, dark green colour, 
and thorough hardiness this species is admirably 
adapted for rockwork, and requires no special care to 
establish provided it be planted in a moderately moist 
position. It is of comparatively recent introduction, 
having been brought from Mount Athos in 1882. 
Compared with Saxifrages generally it may be described 
as shy to flower, not in the same sense, however, as S. 
florulenta and S. longifolia, which take a long time to 
gain sufficient strength, when the large rosettes run to 
flower and die. S. sancta flowers annually ; but from 
a patch of some size only a few flowering stems arise, 
bearing a cluster of bright yellow flowers. It merits a 
place, however, on a rockery for the qualities mentioned. 
We noticed a quantity of it in pots in the nursery of 
Messrs. J. Carter & Co., Forest Hill. 
and most distinct of the Irises in the nursery of Mr. T. 
S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham. 
Phlox divaricata. 
Lovers of hardy plants should find in this species a 
plant admirably adapted for creating a display in the 
spring garden or the rockery. It may be as well to 
state that P. canadensis is the more frequent name in 
gardens, but the heading gives the more correct 
botanical name. So long ago as 1746 this Phlox was 
introduced from North America, but notwithstanding 
its beauty it is too seldom seen in collections. The 
slender stems are divaricate, that is, spread in all 
directions, as the specific name implies, and varying in 
length from 8 ins. to twice that figure, according to 
soil and situation and the nature of the season. It 
continues to flower during spring and early summer, 
diameter, and when a large cluster is produced from the 
axils of the upper leaves of the stem, the effect is 
magnificent. There were more flowers on the specimen 
from which our illustration was taken than could be 
represented on paper, owing to the shortness of the 
peduncles and pedicles ; but it will give a fair idea of a 
well-flowered stem, which it is desirable should more 
frequently be seen. 
There is a group of species belonging to the nigro- 
hirsute section, and coming from India or Moulmein, 
from whence the present species was introduced. They 
are all characterised by the black hairs covering the 
stem ; and having white similarly formed flowers, bear 
a family likeness. These include D. formosum, D. 
Williamsoni, D. Draconis, and others, besides the two 
mentioned above. They are generally considered 
difficult to cultivate, at least, a number of them ; but 
Dendrobium 
Jamesianum. 
Iris iberica. 
At first sight the flower of this species reminds us very 
forcibly of that magnificent Susian form I. Susiana, 
much admired, but comparatively seldom seen in this 
country, owing to its being less hardy and rather more 
difficult to grow. The dwarf stems of I. iberica bear a 
solitary flower of large size, with broad erect lilac 
standards, slightly netted or feathered with darker veins. 
The falls, on the contrary, are closely veined with dark 
purplish brown, like those of I. Susiana, with a curious 
dark velvety depression near the base, and the broad 
petaloid styles are similarly coloured. 'What strikes 
the beholder, however, especially if at all conversant 
with Irises, is the curious way in which the falls are 
closely reflexed from near the base. The styles are 
equally rigidly reflexed, and from their dark metallic 
colour look as if the falls were held down by them, 
as with iron clasps. It is a native of the Caucasus, 
whereas its near relative is more confined to the sea 
coast of Asia Minor. At present it is one of the finest 
and, like its similarly habited congeners, I’, subulata, 
P. amcena, and others, becomes a centre of interest for 
several weeks about this time. The flowers are bluish 
lilac, with long segments, and abundantly produced. 
A specimen about 6 ins. or 8 ins. high was exhibited 
by Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, 
at the Temple Show. 
-- 
DENDROBIUM JAMESIANUM. 
It is frequently difficult to distinguish between this 
and D. infundibulum owing to the differences, from a 
botanical point of view, being so small and rather 
inconstant. That under notice has a scarlet blotch 
in the throat, which tells very markedly against the 
ivory-white of the other parts of the flower. The 
spurred appearance of the flower is due to the elongation 
of the lateral sepals and the base of the lip in a more 
marked manner than occurs in most species. The 
individual blooms measure from 3 ins. to 4 ins. in 
this applies less strongly to the plant under notice, and 
it would seem that some are very successful in its 
cultivation. Pots are most usually employed, and 
should be nearly filled with crocks, with the surface 
covered with living sphagnum. Coming as it does from 
such a warm quarter, we should expect that it always 
required a warm temperature ; but Mr. J. T. Poe 
succeeds with it admirably grown in houses kept at 
different temperatures, and the results show that the 
treatment accords with its likings. We are indebted 
to him for the specimen from which the figure was 
taken, and he writes concerning it as follows :— 
“ I send you a fine head of D. Jamesianum. 
What a lovely Orchid it is ! and why is it not more 
grown ? I have always found it a good and sure 
grower, and its pure white blooms with brilliant highly 
coloured lip are always welcome, and can be had for a 
considerable period by growing plants in more than 
one house, where variety of temperature will ensure a 
succession of bloom.”— J. T. Poe, Piverston, Nenagh. 
