THE LADIES' FLORAL CABINET. 
41 
Lavatera Ardorha Variegata. 
most showy of the long list of variegated plants for the 
border, and one that can easily be produced from seed. 
The Journal of Horticulture, London, thus speaks of it: 
“ Very rarely, indeed, does it fall to our lot to figure for 
the first time and introduce to our readers a new bor¬ 
der plant so striking in appearance as the variegated 
Tree-Mallow, which wo now submit. When Mr. Smith 
sent us the leaves of his new acquisition, we were almost 
startled by their markings, and on subsequently receiv¬ 
ing flowering sprays of the plant, we were still more 
convinced of its distinctness and beauty.” 
“The irregular mixture of very dark green, pale 
greenish-gray, and pure white, impart to the plant a 
remarkable appearance. The plant appears to us to 
occupy a position amongst border plants similar to that 
of the Variegated Maple in shrubberies. We may add, 
that although the variegation is so pronounced, and the 
white so pure, there is not the slightest indication of 
weakness in the sprays, but, on the contrary, they are 
as strong and vigorous as green specimens.” 
Mr. Smith, who introduced this plant, says: “ I have 
propagated many plants, and I have not seen one but 
what is beautifully variegated. I have proved that it 
comes true from seed, but it must be understood, that, 
like many other plants, it does not show much variega¬ 
tion in a young state. The plants sown from seed last 
year are now most beautifully variegated. There is 
not the least doubt but it will be one of the finest and 
