764 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
August 2, 1890. 
Alstrcemeria haemantha. 
The sterns of this plant grow to a height of about 
15 ins. or 18 ins., and produce a great quantity of 
bloom. The lower three segments are rose-red or 
crimson-red, deeper at the base of the tube, and white 
on the lower half internally. The upper two are quite 
distinct and yellow, beautifully striped with crimson. 
There are varieties which fade to pink or almost white 
and red at the base externally; the upper two segments 
are, however, of a pale yellow, and more faintly marked 
with crimson. The different varieties give a very 
pretty effect when mixed, as we then have a variety of 
colours contrasting with one another, yet gradually 
merging, the one into the other. The plant grows and 
flowers very freely in any moderately good and light 
garden soil, and if the ground is mulched in the 
southern counties to prevent its getting baked and 
hot, very good results are obtained. 
Bromus brizaeformis. 
Large quantities of this Grass are grown in market 
gardens, but less abundantly in private establishments. 
The chief objection to this Grass, no doubt, is the fact 
that it is a biennial, and does not flower till the second 
year from seed. The fruit spikelets may be compared 
to those of B. maxima for size, but they are rather 
narrower and more graceful. The fruiting stems are, 
of course, used amongst cut flowers in the same way as 
the better-known species, either in a fresh or dried 
state. There are many species of Bromus, but that 
under notice is the only one at present cultivated in 
gardens for decorative purposes. There is a considerable 
number of species, some annual and others perennial; 
but they have less massive inflorescences, and are, 
therefore, not considered sufficiently ornamental to 
engage the attention of the horticulturist. It is un¬ 
necessary to sow it before July, and the young plants 
should be sufficiently thinned out to allow of a good 
growth being made the first year, and they will flower 
all the more strongly the second year. 
The Cardinal Flower. 
The flowers of Lobelia cardinalis are scarlet, and 
produced in a one-sided leafy raceme, but although 
conspicuous and showy, they have much narrower 
segments than either those of L. splendens or L. fulgens. 
The leaves of L. cardinalis are oblong-lanceolate, and 
usually green, but in some forms both the leaves and 
stems are suffused or shaded with purple or bronzy red. 
Notwithstanding this variation, the species may readily 
be recognised from the above-named kinds by the 
narrow segments of the flowers, by the shorter and 
broader leaves, and from L. fulgens particularly in the 
stems being smooth, not pubescent, as in the latter 
species. The Cardinal Flower may readily be propagated 
by division of the crown or by seeds. Like the other 
kinds, it is more safely wintered in a cold frame, either 
in pots or planted out. It is now flowering freely 
in many gardens. 
Malope triflda and its varieties. 
Amongst annuals of the Mallow family, few, if any, 
bear such large and showy flowers as Malope triflda, 
but more especially the garden variety grown under the 
name of M. t. grandiflora. The flowers are of great 
size, and of a rich rosy purple. The calyx is covered 
and supported by three very large and curious bracts, 
by which the species of this genus may readily be 
recognised. Of the three known species, only M. triflda 
is very common in cultivation, and this is more 
particularly so in the case of its varieties, the large one 
already mentioned, and the white one (M. t. alba), 
which is also very choice. Both may be used as cut 
flowers, for which their size and distinct hues render 
them well adapted. The w"hite one turned up in a 
batch of seedlings at Devonhurst, Chiswick, where they 
are now flowering finely. 
Salvia Beckeri. 
Amongst species for outdoor culture, few are so distinct 
in habit and general appearance as S. Beckeri. The 
leaves are broadly heart-shaped, closely and rather 
finely wrinkled, and slightly hoary. The stems are 
naked or leafless, and grow to a height of 15 ins., 
bearing rather curiously-curved flowers. The upper 
lip is strongly arched or curved, and purple ; the lower 
one is three-lobed, and marked with a creamy yellow 
blotch in the centre, surrounded by a purple band. 
The distinct appearance and dwarf habit of this plant 
might recommend it to the attention of those who like 
something out of the common. It may be seen in the 
herbaceous ground at Kew amongst the collection of 
Salvias. 
Single Dahlias, Twaedside. 
Lovers of the single Dahlia should make a note of the 
new variety, Tweedside, if they are desirous of pos¬ 
sessing a good early kind. I have two plants which 
have been in flower for the last three weeks. They 
ire planted along with fifteen other new sorts, and 
have proved the earliest by a fortnight. The colour 
is a very dark maroon, the flower of fine form, and it 
has the appearance of being a most profuse bloomer, 
and of a good dwarf habit. — W. It., Edinburgh, 
July \oth. 
Martynia fragrans. 
The flowers of this and other species, from their size, 
form and colour, may be compared to those of a 
Gloxinia of the old type ; but they are shorter and 
more bell shaped. The lower three lobes of the corolla 
are purple, the upper ones smaller and of deeper purple, 
intensifying in the centre to crimson. The throat is 
rendered conspicuous by a large, golden yellow band, 
margined with white. The plant rarely much exceeds 
6 ins. in height, and presents a type of vegetation that 
is not by any means common. The leaves are three- 
lobed and heart-shaped at the base. The plant is only 
of annual duration, and does best when raised in heat 
and planted out when the weather becomes suitably 
warm. The flowers are not only showy but fragrant. 
Campanula excisa. 
The specific name of this Bellflower refers to the curious 
way in which the corollas are notched at the base and 
between the lobes. The notch is regular, and as round 
as if it had been punched out artificially. The plant 
itself is exceedingly neat in habit, and varies from 
3 ins. to 6 ins. in height. The stems bear linear, 
entire or almost entire leaves, and terminate in a 
solitary, funnel-shaped, drooping blue flower. The 
species is a native of Switzerland and Transylvania ; 
but although originally introduced in 1820, is still a 
rare plant in cultivation. If grown on a rockery, where 
it appears most at home, it requires to be planted 
between stones, using a quantity of leaf-soil and gritty 
material to enable it to go down deeply, so as to with¬ 
stand the action of drought. It may also be grown to 
perfection in pots, sheltering it in a cold frame during 
winter. It has been flowering for some time at Kew. 
Barkham’s Seedling Melon. 
The fruit of this Melon, as shown by Mr. J. Barkbara, 
Longford House, Ryde, at the meeting of the Royal 
Horticultural Society held at Chiswick on the 22nd ult., 
was of medium size, globose, pale creamy yellow, and 
closely netted all over. The flesh is of a dark red, and 
of good average thickness. A First Class Certificate 
was awarded it. 
Spirasa Lindleyana. 
The graceful elegance, both of the foliage and flowers 
of this species, makes it cause for wonder why it is not 
more generally grown in gardens. Its cultivation is of 
the easiest, and we have recently noted some fine 
bushes of it in amateurs’ gardens, and very effective; 
they were grown as isolated specimens on the grass. 
The large terminal panicles of small white flowers have 
a plumy appearance when seen in the mass, and the 
large pinnate leaves with their numerous pairs of 
lanceolate, serrated leaflets may not inaptly be com¬ 
pared to the fronds of a Fern. The flowering period 
is July ; but the beauty of the foliage lasts throughout 
the summer. The leaves are longer than those of any 
other shrubby Spiraea. The species is a native of Nepal, 
but proves perfectly hardy in this country. It is 
readily propagated from the suckers that are pushed 
up around the plant, and which may be removed any 
time after the leaves have fallen. 
Clematis recta flore pleno. 
The leaves of the species are once or twice pinnate, 
with ovate leaflets. The flowers are perfectly double, 
but of no great size, even for the species. The 
numerous parts of the flower are subulate and greenish 
white, but as they expand they become purer in colour. 
Some specimens were shown by Messrs. Paul & Son, 
Cheshunt, at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural 
Society, held at Chiswick on July 22nd, when a First 
Class Certificate was awarded. 
Noisette Rose, L'ldeal. 
The flower buds of this variety are somewhat similar 
to those of Madame Lambard, but they are paler, of a 
salmon-red and yellowish at the base. They are 
moderately fragrant. Specimens were shown by Messrs. 
Paul & Son, at Chiswick on the 22nd ult., and received 
an Award of Merit. 
Gloxinia, Mrs. Stanley. 
The leaves of this variety are moderate in size and 
bright green. The flowers are large with six or seven 
overlapping segments, funnel-shaped, and densely 
spotted all over with pale red, becoming paler towards 
the margin. An Award of Merit was granted it by the 
Royal Horticultural Society, at Chiswick, on the 22nd 
July, when shown by Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons. 
--->X<-- 
THE AQUARIUM FLOWER 
SHOW. 
The exhibition which took place at the Westminster 
Aquarium on Tuesday and Wednesday was of a most 
interesting and gratifying character, inasmuch as it 
brought out the finest display of tuberous Begonias ever 
seen at a public exhibition, and the battle royal between 
Messrs. Laing and Cannell was worth a long journey in 
itself to see. Carnations and Picotees were also ad¬ 
mirably represented, and with an abundance of cut 
Roses and herbaceous plants, Gloxinias, Liliums, &c., 
it is certain the Aquarium never befcre looked so bright 
and gay in July. 
As we have before inferred, the strong feature of the 
exhibition was the entries of tuberous Begonias, more 
especially the large groups arranged for effect in a space 
not to exceed 150 sq. ft. The first prize was awarded to 
Messrs. J. Laing & Sons, Forest Hill. Their group 
was a long one, fullest in the centre, sloped slightly to 
either end, and was again highest at the back, where 
some tall plants served much to break what monotony 
might otherwise have prevailed. A few prominent 
plants here and there also did much to lighten up what 
would have appeared heavy owing to the quantity of 
flowers and their size, particularly in the case of double 
kinds. Prominent amongst the doubles were Mrs. 
H. M. Stanley, La France, Duke of Fife, Duchess of 
Fife, Marchioness of Headfort, and Stanstead Gem. 
Messrs. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, were placed 
second with another fine group, arranged much after the 
same plan. The plants were smaller, possibly younger, 
and therefore presented a more even appearance when 
grouped together. There was a large proportion of double 
flowers, of which the pink, pale rose, salmon, and blush- 
coloured varieties were very fine. The quality all round 
was good, but the group wanted a few taller plants to 
relieve the monotony of an even surface, and make it 
more graceful. There were prizes offered for twelve 
single and twelve double Begonias, as well as for six 
white, six yellow, six pink or rose, and six scarlet or 
crimson varieties. Messrs. J. Laing & Sons were the 
only exhibitors in those classes, and they were awarded 
the first prize in each case. A first prize was awarded to 
Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, for 
twenty-four bunches of Gaillardias. 
For a first venture the display of Carnations and 
Picotees was an exceedingly good one, there being a 
good competition among the leading southern growers, 
and the flowers were all bright and fresh. For two 
dozen Bizarre and Flaked Carnations, Mr. Douglas 
came in first, again showing some capital seedlings with 
such well-established varieties as Rob Roy, Alisemond, 
Arthur Medhurst, Thalia, Ed. Adams, Matador, Robert 
Houlgrave, and a sport from Tim Bobbin. Mr. Martin 
Rowan was second, and Mr. Turner third. With 
twelve Mr. Rowan came to the front with capital 
blooms of Jessie, Sarah Payne, Matador, Rifleman, 
Rob Roy, Fred, George Melville, Gordon Lewis, 
Rob. Houlgrave, W. Skirving, Sportsman, &e. Second, 
Mr. Douglas ; third, Mr. Turner, and fourth, Mr. C. 
Phillips, Reading. For six, Mr. J. F. Kew, Southend, 
came out first in a fine competition with George, Mayor 
of Nottingham, R. Dean, Thalia, and a couple of 
seedlings ; second, Mr. R. Sydenham, Birmingham ; 
third, Mr. T. Anstiss, Brill ; and fourth, Mr. J. Lakin, 
Temple Cowley. Single blooms, Scarlet Bizarres: 
first, Mr. C. Phillips, with Robert Lord ; second and 
third, Mr. H. Headland, with Fred and J. Crossland ; 
fourth, Mr. C. Phillips, with Robert Houlgrave ; and 
fifth, Mr. James Douglas, with Ed. Adams. Crimson 
Bizarres : We failed to identify the winner of the first 
prize, but the other awards were—second, Mr. Douglas, 
with a sport from Tim Bobbin ; third gnd fourth, Mr. 
Headland, with Mrs. Whitburne; fifth, Mr. R. 
Sydenham, with J. D. Hextall. Pink and Purple 
Bizarres : First, Mr. Rowan, with W. Skirving ; second, 
Mr. Douglas, with Matador ; third, Mr. Turner, with 
James Taylor ; fourth, Mr. Douglas, with a seedling ; 
