A FINE NEW PHLOX 
WORLD PEACE, a more recent in- 
troduction, has heavy glossy foliage, very 
resistant. Large 
flowers on strong stems. Blooms a little 
later than that other good white—Marie 
An excellent addition to the 
Phlox family. 
disease snow-white 
Louise. 
GOOD NEW BUTTERFLY BUSH 
Another large plant, classified as a 
shrub, is Buddleia (Butterfly bush). One 
of the newest and most desirable varieties 
in this group is Empire Blue. The sym- 
metrical bloom spikes are a very deep 
blue, and are present in great numbers 
all Summer until frost. Very easily 
grown, and requires no special care. 
ASTILBE MOST VERSATILE 
It is unfortunate that some home own- 
ers are limited in plant materials that can 
be used in their gardens because of too 
much shade, and/or too much moisture. 
It is very fortunate, on the brighter side, 
that there are some plants that can be 
used to advantage under these conditions. 
Mentioned before in this letter were 
Helleborus, Lythrum, and Hemerocallis 
Hyperion. Another one that is adaptable 
to a wide range of conditions is Astilbe— 
often called Spirea. Astilbe has flower 
spikes ranging from white to deep red 
and bronzy-green deeply cut leaves that 
are beautiful all of the growing season. 
The foliage rarely grows over one foot 
tall, but the flowers are tall spikes, some- 
times 2 ft. higher than the leaves. Bloom- 
ing during June and early July. There 1s 
room for this perennial in every sunny 
garden, and gardens with too much shade 
and moisture could very well use Astilbe 
in varieties for the predominant material. 
A WHOPPER OF A POPPY 
MARCUS. PERRY, the new giant 
among poppies is a strong grower that 
produces enourmous glowing orange- 
scarlet blossoms 8 to 10 inches across. 
Sturdy stems only 18 inches high make it 
desirable for front planting. Will not 
droop, therefore good for cutting, too. 
FOR THAT SHADY SPOT— 
HELLEBORUS 
To bring interest into your garden 
where it is a little too shady for most per- 
ennials, we highly recommend the Christ- 
mas Rose, or Helleborus. Thriving in a 
shady location, in well drained but con- 
tinuously moist soil, this perennial blooms 
in our climate from December through 
February. Flowers are large and single, 
in white and reddish purple colors. 
As cutflowers the Christmas Roses are 
very unusual and long-lasting. ‘The foli- 
age is leathery and evergreen, attractive 
all summer. Unless you already have a 
lime soil, the Christmas rose usually bene- 
fits by the addition of a little lime. 
PHLOX DIVARICATA 
Wonderful Perennial Ground Cover 
To solve the question of a perennial 
ground cover in your Spring-flowering 
bulb beds, try Phlox Divaricata. Not to 
be confused with the original small-leaved 
strain, this new Phlox Divaricata has 
proven hardy through hot summer or cold 
winter, provided its location is fairly well 
drained. This is truly a far superior strain 
of Phlox Divaricata. 
Very little used, this phlox is valuable 
enough for its year ’round evergreen foli- 
age. In the Spring it presents its blue 
flowers all during the tulip season. Does 
very well in part shade, and stands our 
hot summers, even if planted in full sun. 


Behnke Nurseries, Beltsville, Maryland 
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