Chapter VI: Part II (2)

=*Berberis Bealii.=--This is perhaps the finest of all the hardy species, whether as regards foliage or flower, while the fruit, in colour and size, surpasses that of any other kind. The leaflets vary to a very great degree on the same plant, both in form and size, some being 5 ins. long and 3½ ins. broad, the average size being 3 ins. long by 2 ins. broad: some again are nearly square, while others are long and narrow, with a very stiff triangular point. Shade, shelter from gusts of wind, and rich, well-manured soil are absolutely necessary to do full justice to the merits of this species. By pruning it to a single stem, it may be made to assume a very effective palm-like character. It is easily propagated from seed; a single berry frequently producing three plants. Being a noble subject for quiet half-shady wood-walks in peat or moist sandy loam, it should be much planted in the southern and milder districts. Where it thrives freely, it would prove a fine object on the margins of shrubberies grouped with the hardy “subtropical” plants, or indeed in any position.

=*Berberis japonica.=--A very handsome species, 5 ft. or 6 ft. high, with very leathery, pinnate, spiny leaves, from 1 ft. to 18 ins. long, slightly tinged with pink when first opened, then becoming pale green, and finally changing to dark green blotched with yellow. Flowers yellow, in large racemes, succeeded by large handsome

Fine-leaved evergreen shrub Section; very effective when well-grown, in the warmer southern districts.]

clusters of purple berries. This is also a fine kind for half-shady walks, and for similar positions and soil to those recommended for _B. Bealii_. Japan.

=*Berberis nepalensis.=--The noble habit of this plant makes it peculiarly valuable, possessing, as it does, the grace of a luxuriant fern with the rigidity of texture and port of a Cycas. The leaves are occasionally 2 ft. in length and of a pale green colour, sometimes with eight pairs of leaflets and an odd one: some of the leaflets 6 ins. long and nearly 2 ins. broad, with coarse spiny teeth on the margin. The inflorescence is very striking and beautiful. The Nepaul Barberry is one of those subjects that are too hardy to perish in our climate, yet which do not usually attain perfect development in it. It exists about London in the open air, and flowers in early spring; but the leaves seldom attain one-fourth of their full development, and the plant scarcely ever displays its vigorous grace. In mild parts, principally in the south and south-west, it grows more freely, and when judiciously placed in sheltered positions, in deep and rather sandy soil, it becomes a beautiful object. Where it thrives in the open air, it may be most tastefully used in the more open spots near the hardy fernery, here and there among “American plants,” or other choice shrubs with simple leaves, and also isolated in the grass a little way from the margin of the shrubbery in sheltered spots in the pleasure-ground. It should also, in places favourable to its growth in the open air, prove very useful as a hardy “subtropical” plant. Where it does not thrive well in the open air, it should not be planted. Nepaul.

=*Beta cicla variegata= (_Chilian Beet_).--Under this name a very showy plant has recently come into cultivation. When well grown the leaves are often more than a yard long, and present a vivid and most striking coloration. Their midribs are 4 ins. or more across, and vary from a dark deep waxy orange to vivid polished crimson. The splendid hue of the lower part of the leaf-stalk flows on towards the point, and spreads in smaller streams through the main veins and ramifications of the great soft blade of the leaf, which is often 1 ft. and even 15 ins. in diameter, if the plant be in rich ground. The under sides of the leaves are most richly coloured, and the habit such that these sides are well seen. It requires the treatment of an annual--to be raised in a gently heated frame, and afterwards planted out in very rich ground, though it may also be kept over the winter in pots. It varies a good deal from seed, and the most striking individuals should be selected before the plants are put out. Used sparingly, its effect would perhaps be more telling than if in quantity, and it is well suited for isolation. Chili.

=*Bocconia cordata.=--This is a fine plant in free soil, but comparatively poor in that which is bad or very stiff. It forms handsome erect tufts from 5 ft. to over 8 ft. high, and is admirably suited for embellishing the irregular or sloping parts of pleasure-grounds. The stems grow rather closely together, and are thickly set with large, reflexed, deeply-veined, oval-cordate leaves, the margins of which are somewhat lobed or sinuated. The flowers, which are rosy-white and very numerous, are borne in very large terminal panicles. The flowers are not in themselves pretty, but the inflorescence, when the plant is well grown,

Dwarf tender Tree Fern: in sheltered shady dells during the summer months.]

has a distinct and pleasing appearance. The plant is seen to best effect when isolated, and does well in ordinary garden-soil or free sandy loam. It attains its greatest size when placed in the angle of two walls which shelter it from the north and east, which seems to indicate that it does not like sudden changes of temperature and light. It should not be stirred too often, nor divided for several years. It will prove a good thing for associating with other fine hardy plants in bold groups. Seed or cuttings. China.

=Bocconia frutescens.=--A vigorous-growing Mexican shrub, 3½ ft. to nearly 6 ft. high, with few and very brittle branches, large, sea-green, handsome leaves, and greenish flowers. Very effective when placed on grass-plats, either in groups, or as isolated specimens. It requires a somewhat warmer climate than ours to thrive well, though it is sometimes seen in fair condition in the London parks. A mixture of free sandy loam and peat, well-drained ground, and an airy position are necessary. Multiplied by sowing in a hotbed in spring, and may be placed out from June to the end of September. It is difficult to propagate it by cuttings.

=*Brassica oleracea crispa.=--A handsome kind of cabbage nearly 4 ft. high, with elegantly-cut arching leaves, the divisions of which are finely curled or frizzled. In autumn and winter it may be advantageously employed in the embellishment of winter-gardens, the leaves being at their best during that part of the year.

A still more striking subject is _B. o. palmifolia_, which attains a height of 6½ ft., and bears its leaves near the summit of the stem, having quite a palm-like appearance in the end of the summer and in autumn. This kind might be used with good effect in various positions, as its “cabbage” character is not so evident. The fact of their being cabbages prevents many people from using these really ornamental plants.

The variegated Kales have been much employed and with a very good result in the winter-garden at Wardie Lodge in Scotland and in other places: they lose their beauty early in spring. “To keep them dwarf and compact, and to bring out their fine colours,” say Messrs. Stuart and Mein, “we sow at the beginning of March thinly. After the plants are a moderate size, we transplant them into a poorish soil, in an open space of ground, but not too closely together. They remain there until they are wanted for use, when they are removed at any time to the winter-garden. We plant out into our beds in November, and keep the heads with their foliage close to the ground. We cut off all the lower rough leaves, leaving the rich-coloured head or centre, which in all weathers will be found to stand up neat and trim, even in bright frosty weather. As the plants are thus much reduced in size, they can be planted much closer in the beds. We may add that, as in other hybrids, worthless plants will occasionally make their appearance: these we discard. No plants should be selected for the beds except those showing pleasing shades of colour.”

=Brexia madagascariensis.=--A handsome shrub with a slender erect stem (which sometimes attains a height of 25 ft. or 30 ft. in its native country, but with us is seldom seen more than a fourth of that), clothed with alternate, leathery, long, rather narrow, light-green leaves, nearly or quite smooth at the margin. It is one of the tropical stove-plants that have stood well in the open air from June to early in October, but very few places can spare it for this purpose. It requires ordinary stove culture during winter and spring, and should only be placed out after having made a strong growth, and having that growth hardened off. Madagascar.

=*Buphthalmum speciosum.=--A hardy, distinct, and vigorous herbaceous plant, the stems of which are stout, very slightly branching, and about 4 ft. high, with broad, oval-acute leaves mostly clustered around the base of the plant, the lower ones falling gracefully towards the earth. The flowers, which have a red or purple disk and yellow rays, are more than 2 ins. across, and are terminal, solitary, long-stalked, borne in the axils of the upper leaves, and appear in June, July, or August, according to the season. The plant seldom flowers well before the third year. It is of easy culture in any soil, is increased by division in autumn, winter, or spring, and is best fitted for association with the more vigorous herbaceous plants in rough places. S. of Europe.

=Caladium esculentum.=--This species has, for outdoor work, proved the best of a large genus with very fine foliage. It is only in the midland and southern counties of Great Britain that it can be advantageously grown, so far as I have observed; but its grand outlines and aspect when well developed make it worthy of all attention, and of a prominent position wherever the climate is warm enough for its growth. It may be used with great effect in association with many fine foliage-plants; but _Ferdinanda_, _Ricinus_, and _Wigandia_ usually grow too strong for it, and, if planted too close, injure it. This may have been noticed particularly in cases where it was used as a bordering to masses of the strong-growing kinds above named. For all kinds of stonework, vases, etc., it is peculiarly effective and beautiful. This plant, requires, above all others, a thoroughly-drained, light, rich, warm soil. In times of great heat, it should be plentifully watered, and occasionally with liquid manure. The month of May is the best time for planting it out; and if groups are formed, the plants should have an interval of 2 ft. or 2½ ft. between them. The foliage generally arrives at its full beauty and development in August and September. At the approach of cold frosty weather, all the leaves, or all but the central one, should be cut down to within an inch or two from the crown, and a few days afterwards the tubers should be taken up and left on the ground for a few hours to dry:

Tender Section; displaying noble leaves during summer in the warmer parts of the southern counties.]

Tender stove Section; will endure exposure only during summer in the warmest parts of the southern counties.]

they should then be stored on the shelves of a greenhouse, or in a cellar or other place where they will be sheltered from frost and moisture. By placing the tubers in a hotbed in March, plants may be obtained with well-grown leaves for planting out in the open air about the end of May or the beginning of June. New Zealand.

=Caladium odorum= (_Colocasia odora_).--A very striking plant, with stout stems usually from 3 ft. to 8 ft. in height, but growing much taller in a warm stove. The leaves are erect, very broad, and heart-shaped, marked with strong veinings, and frequently measure more than 3¼ ft. in length. The flowers are exceedingly fragrant. It is a fine subject for isolation on grass-plats, its tall arborescent habit distinguishing it from all the other species; but it is unfortunately too tender to thrive in our climate except in sunny sheltered dells in the southern parts, and should not be planted out until June. E. Indies.

=*Calla æthiopica= (_Lily of the Nile_).--This well-known plant may be grown either as an aquatic in pieces of ornamental water, fountain-basins, etc., or in the open ground in cool, moist soil, and equally well in positions exposed to the full sun and in those which are shaded. Being so very distinct in leaf and beautiful in bloom, this old favourite will be seen to as much advantage grouped with the smaller fine-leaved plants in beds as ever it has been in our stoves or windows. S. Africa.

*THE CANNAS.

If there were no plants of handsome habit and graceful leaf available for the improvement of our flower-gardens but these, we need not despair, for they possess almost every quality the most fastidious could desire, and present a useful and charming variety. The larger kinds make grand masses, while all may be associated intimately with flowering-plants--an advantage that does not belong to some free-growing things like the Castor-oil plant. The Canna ascends as boldly, and spreads forth as fine a mass of leaves as these, but may be closely grouped with much smaller subjects. The general tendency of most of our flower-garden plants is to assume a flatness and dead level, so to speak; and it is the special quality possessed by the Cannas for counteracting this that makes them so valuable. Even the grandest of the other subjects preserve this tameness of upper-surface outline when grown in great quantities: not so these, the leaves of which, even when grown in dense groups, always carry the eye up pleasantly from the humbler plants, and are grand aids in effecting that harmony which is so much wanted between the important tree and shrub embellishments of our gardens and their surroundings, and the dwarf flower-bed vegetation. Another good quality of these most useful subjects is their power of withstanding the cold and storms of autumn. They do so better than many of our hardy shrubs and plants, so that when the last leaves have been blown from the Lime, and the Dahlia and Heliotrope have been hurt by frost, you may see them waving as gracefully and as green as the vegetation of a temperate stove. Many of the subtropical plants, used for the beauty of their leaves, are so tender that they go off in autumn, or require all sorts of awkward protection at that season; but the Cannas last

The most important and generally useful of tender plants for our climate. Many kinds are hardy if protected in winter.]

in good trim till the borders must be cleared. All sheltered situations, places near warm walls, and nice snugly-warmed dells, are suitable positions for them. They are generally used in huge and ugly masses, both about Paris and London; but their true beauty will never be seen till we learn to place them tastefully here and there among the flowering-plants--just as we place sprigs of graceful fern in a bouquet. A bed or two solely devoted to them will occasionally prove very effective; but enormous meaningless masses of them, containing perhaps several hundred plants of one variety, are things to avoid and not to imitate. As to culture and propagation, nothing can be more simple: they may be stored in winter, as readily as potatoes, under shelves in the houses, in the root-room, or, in fact, anywhere if covered up to protect them from frost. And then in spring, when we desire to propagate them, nothing is easier than pulling the roots in pieces, and potting them separately. Afterwards it is usual to bring them on in heat, and finally harden them off previous to planting out in the middle of May; but a modification of this practice is desirable, as some kinds are of a remarkably hardy constitution, and make a beautiful growth if put out without so much as a leaf on them. The soil for all Cannas should be deep, rich, and light.

In rambling through the suburbs of Paris, I once came upon a tuft of Canna springing up strongly through a box-edging--pretty good evidence that it had remained there for some years. Upon inquiring of the proprietor of the garden I found this was the case, and that he had no doubt of the hardiness of several other kinds. They were planted not more than 8 ins. or 10 ins. deep. When we remember that the Cannas are amongst the most valuable plants we use for giving grace and verdure to the flower-garden, this surely is a hint worthy of being acted upon, as, of course, they will prove equally hardy with us. Considering their diversity of colour and size, their graceful pointed habit and facility of propagation, we must concede them the first place; but their capability of being used by anybody who grows ordinary bedding-plants, and the fact that they may be preserved so very easily through the winter, enhance their value still more. Cannas, protected by a coating of litter, have been left out in Battersea Park through severe winters, and during the unfavourable summer of 1867 attained a height of nearly 12 ft. Where it is desired to change the arrangements as much as possible every year, it may not be any advantage to leave them in the ground, and in that case they may be taken up with the bedding-plants, and stored as simply and easily as carrots. Wherever they are grown as isolated tufts, in small groups, or in small beds, it will be best not to take them up oftener than every second or third year. These noble plants would also adorn the conservatory, which is often as devoid of any dignified vegetation as the unhappy flower-gardens which are seen all over the country. Few subjects would be more effective, none more easily obtained.

SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF CANNA.

In the following list of the species and varieties of Canna, the first thirteen kinds are considered species: but the finest kinds for garden use will be found among the Hybrids and Varieties.

=Canna aurantiaca.=--A vigorous kind, 6½ ft. or more in height, with large, broadly oval-lance-shaped leaves, of a pale green colour, slightly waved on the margin. Flowers with rose-coloured outer, and reddish inner, divisions, the upper lip being of an orange colour and the lower one yellow dotted with orange. Rhizome tuberous, with long subterranean shoots. Antilles.

=Canna discolor.=--One of the finest kinds, and, although it does not flower regularly in the open air, one of the most valuable on account of its foliage. The leaves are very large, broadly oval-oblong, the lower ones tinged with a blood-red hue, and the upper ones veined or streaked with purple. Stems reddish, stout, growing to a height of more than 6 ft. Flowers orange-red, with bright-red inner divisions. S. America.

=Canna edulis.=--A vigorous species, largely cultivated by the Peruvians for the sake of its edible roots, growing from 6 ft. to 7 ft. high, the stems tinged with deep purple. Leaves broadly oval-lance-shaped, green tinged with purple maroon. Flowers large: external divisions purple, upper internal division scarlet shaded with yellow, the lower one of an orange-red. S. America.

=Canna flaccida.=--A species remarkable for the great size of its flowers, which bear some resemblance to those of _Iris Pseud-acorus_. They are entirely yellow, flaccid, few in number, and very transitory. This is not a tall species, seldom exceeding 2 ft. 8 ins. in height. Leaves oval-lance-shaped, erect, glaucescent. South America. This species should not be confounded with the _C. flaccida_ of Willdenow which is found on the shores of the Mississipi.

=Canna Gaboniensis.=--A species from the Gaboon River, with the habit of _C. nepalensis_. Rhizomes large and round; stalks green, large; leaves deep green lightly edged with purple, longish, acuminate; flowers medium-sized, clear orange; habit fine, special; height 5½ ft. to 6 ft.

=Canna gigantea.=--A robust kind, growing about 6½ ft. high. Flowers in summer, large and very handsome; external divisions orange red; internal ones deep purple-red; spathes reddish. Leaves more than 2 ft. long; stalks covered with a velvety down. S. America.

=Canna indica.=--Flowers in summer, tolerably large, irregular, in erect spikes; external divisions light yellow; upper inner divisions of a carmine-red; the lower one yellow dotted with carmine. Leaves large, alternate, oval-lance-shaped; the stalks sheathing at the base. Stems 3 ft. to 6 ft. high. A variety (_C. i. superba_) has much larger flowers of a scarlet colour. India. It is not nearly so useful or imposing in appearance as some of the newer hybrid kinds.

=Canna iridiflora.=--Flowers in midsummer, large, lively rose-colour, with a yellow spot on the lip; divisions of the calyx red, erect, oval-acute; spikes somewhat drooping, issuing several together from the same spathe. Leaves broadly oval-acuminate, slightly membranous at the margin, and having some hairs at the lower part of the midrib. Stems 6 ft. to over 8 ft high. Peru. A somewhat tender species, and although one of the finest, does not flower freely. To secure its blooming, the plants should be taken up towards the end of summer, potted, and kept in a hothouse through the winter. They should be watered moderately, and, treated in this way, will almost always begin to show flower in the ensuing spring.

=Canna limbata.=--This has numerous stems nearly 3 ft. high, and oblong-lance-shaped, acute leaves. Flowers in long loose spikes issuing from glaucous spathes tinged with red; outer divisions pale yellow; upper lip scarlet edged with a yellow margin; lower lip red, with golden reticulations. Brazil.

=Canna musæfolia.=--This species was formerly described in the English, Dutch, and German horticultural journals under the name of _C. excelsa_. It was named _musæfolia_ by M. Année, who introduced it into France in 1858, from the resemblance of its leaves to those of the Musa or banana-tree. It reaches a height of more than 8 ft., and has green, downy stems, and very large, oval, green leaves. Flowers small, orange-yellow. It is a tender species without rhizomes, and requires to be kept constantly growing. Peru.

=Canna nepalensis.=--A variety of _C. glauca_ (according to M. Chaté), introduced into France by M. Wallich, director of the Botanic Garden at Calcutta. About 6½ ft. high, with oval-lance-shaped glaucous leaves, narrowed at both ends. Outer divisions of flower greenish-yellow; inner ones, sulphur-coloured or light orange.

=Canna purpurea spectabilis.=--Rhizomes cylindrical. Stalks medium-sized, purple. Leaves deep greenish purple, fair size. Flowers small, scarlet. Rather uncommon; habit fine; height 6 ft. to 6½ ft. This is a very hardy species, and has given rise to all the varieties with red or striped leaves.

=Canna Warscewiczii.=--A very early-flowering species, easily raised from seed, and if sown early in spring, may be used for decorative purposes the same year. Stems numerous, reaching a height of somewhat over 3 ft. Leaves oval-elliptical, narrowed at both ends, and deeply tinged with dark purple. Flowers with brilliant scarlet inner divisions; outer ones purplish. S. America. There are many handsome varieties of this species in cultivation.

=Canna Alfred Dumesnil.=--Rhizomes clouded, elongated. Stalks medium thickness, deep greenish-purple. Leaves medium-sized, acuminate and erect, deep green striped with violet-purple. Flowers large, well-formed, scarlet. Free-flowering; height 3½ ft. to 4 ft.

=Canna Annei.=--A vigorous kind, with numerous stiff stems, of a sea-green colour, 6½ ft. high, and large green, glaucescent, oval-acute leaves, 2 ft. long by 10 ins. wide. Flowers large, well-formed, salmon-colour, continuing to appear from July until the first frosts.

=Canna Annei-rosea.=--Flowers late and scantily. Stems numerous, dark green with a reddish base, attaining a height of nearly 10 ft. Flowers small, carmine rose-colour. Leaves dark green, very narrow and pointed, erect, about 2 ft. 4 ins. long. Rootstock long, conical-cylindrical, reddish.

=Canna Annei-bicolor.=--A kind with rather thick green stems nearly 6 ft. high, with a violet-coloured base. Leaves light green, oval-acute. Flowers few, of medium size, orange-coloured; the two upper petals reddish. Rootstock of a violet colour.

=Canna Annei-floribunda.=--Resembles the type in habit and foliage, but is not so tall, is more free-flowering, and has yellow leaves.

=Canna Annei-fulgida.=--Stems small, of a dark-red colour, from 3 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves deep purple, erect, 20 ins. long and 6 ins. wide. Flowers large, well-opened, orange-red. Very tender.

=Canna Annei-marginata.=--Stems of medium size, dark-red colour, and about 3½ ft. high. Leaves of a deep green with a dark-red margin. Flowers rather large, orange-red. (Considered an inferior variety.)

=Canna Annei-discolor.=--Stems five or six in number, vigorous and erect, of a uniform red hue, from 3 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves lance-shaped, erect, of a light-red colour, 2½ ft. long and 10 ins. wide. Flowers late and few, small, rose-coloured, tinged with yellow. Rootstock conical, very small and short, covered with violet scales.

=Canna Annei-rubra.=--Rhizomes of good thickness. Stalks medium thickness, purple. Leaves acuminate, deep green striped with purple, good size; habit fine. Flowers bright orange, well-formed. One of the most free-flowering Cannas. Height 6½ ft.

=Canna atronigricans.=--Stems of medium thickness, seldom exceeding 3¼ ft. in height. Leaves of a purplish shade passing into dark-red, of a deeper hue than those of _C. nigricans_. Flowers few, of a golden-brown colour. Rootstocks small and few, with reddish scales. A very handsome but tender kind.

=Canna aurantiaca-splendida.=--Stems green, downy, rather thick, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, 2 ft. 4 ins. to 2½ ft. long and 1 ft. wide, with very prominent membranes. Flowers in September, orange, well-formed, and of a good size. Rootstocks small. A very vigorous-growing variety.

=Canna aurantiaca-zebrina.=--Stems brown, downy, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves of a light green, striped with fine violet bands, and 2 ft. in length by 10 ins. wide. Flowers very few, light red. Rootstocks few and short.

=Canna Amelia.=--Stems of a sea-green colour, nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves oval-acuminate, glaucous, and gracefully recurved. Flowers large, well-opened, of a golden yellow, spotted with orange-purple on all the petals. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical. Blooms abundantly and continuously from July till the first frosts.

=Canna atropurpurea.=--Stems very small and downy, of a reddish hue, and not exceeding 3¼ ft. in height. Leaves small, recurved, of an almost black colour. Flowers rather large, of a reddish golden-brown. Rootstocks small, cylindrical, closely crowded around the plant. This variety seeds well and freely.

=Canna Abbé Rosier.=--Stems green, nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves erect, of a glaucous sea-green shade. Flowers of medium size, light brown, tinged with vermilion, not well-formed, and opening badly. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical.

=Canna Bonetti.=--Stems vigorous, of a deep-red colour, glaucous towards the top, and about 8½ ft. high. Leaves deep green, with deep-red veins and edges, 2 ft. 4 ins. long, and over 8 ins. wide. Flowers rather large, yellowish-brown, shaded with dark purple, well-formed and well-opened. Rootstocks thick, elongated. Seeds freely and well.

=Canna Bonetti-major.=--Very like the preceding, but with much taller stems and larger leaves and flowers.

=Canna Bonetti-semperflorens.=--Stems brown, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves lance-shaped, deeply tinged and margined with a dark-red shade. Flowers rather large, of a wine-red colour. A very free bloomer.

=Canna Bourcier.=--Stems brown, 6½ ft. to nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves long, lance-shaped, of a deep violet-red colour. Flowers of a brick-red shaded with salmon-colour. Rootstocks conical, of medium size, violet-coloured.

=Canna Bihorelli.=--Stems purple, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves dark red, with a narrow purple margin. Flowers numerous, light red, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks conical and rather numerous.

=Canna compacta-grandiflora.=--Stems brown, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves dark red, not well set. Flowers very large, well-formed, of a salmon-shaded-red, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks conical, rather large, covered with reddish scales.

=Canna Chatei-discolor.=--Stems purple, very robust, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves thick and firm, of a deep green, finely rayed and margined with purple. Flowers blood-red, well-formed. Rootstocks conical, of medium size. A very shy bloomer.

=Canna Chatei-grandis.=--Stems brownish-purple, 6½ ft. high, when not divided year after year. Leaves at first erect, afterwards deflected throughout their entire length and spreading very much, 2 ft. 4 ins. long and 1 ft. wide. Flowers late, crimson, in a handsome panicle. Rootstocks brown, conical, very short. Ripens its seeds well.

=Canna Daniel Hooibrenk.=--Rhizomes large. Stalks strong, green. Leaves large, glaucous-green, acuminate. Flowers large, bright orange. Free-flowering; fine habit Height over 6 ft.

=Canna De Candolle.=--Stems green, about 4 ft. high. Leaves green, badly set. Flowers very numerous, vermilion shaded with carmine. Rootstocks conical.

=Canna discolor-floribunda.=--Stems dark red, 3¼ ft. to 4¼ ft. high. Leaves oblong, 18 ins. long and 10 ins. wide, deep green striped with purple. Flowers small, orange-red. Rootstocks conical, of medium size. Ripens its seeds well.

=Canna Député Hénon.=--Stems green, not exceeding 4 ft. 10 ins. in height. Leaves of a light glaucous-green, oval, acute, erect. Flowers large, well-formed, of a pure canary-colour, with a brownish-yellow base, in numerous spikes, which rise gracefully above the foliage to the height of about 20 ins. Rootstocks cylindrical, elongated, standing at some distance from the centre of the tuft. Ripens its seeds well.

=Canna Edward Morren.=--Rhizomes conical. Stalks green, numerous. Leaves clear green, longish. Flowers large, well-formed, yellow, very much spotted with bright nasturtium-colour. Very floriferous. This is the finest Canna with spotted flowers. Height 5 ft. to 5½ ft.

=Canna elata-macrophylla.=--Stems reddish below, green and downy above, more than 8 ft. high. Leaves light green, very large, oval, slightly waved. Flowers salmon-coloured, small. Rootstocks conical, of medium size. Seeds freely.

=Canna expansa.=--Stems thicker than in any other variety, green, downy, 6 ft to over 8 ft. high. Leaves of enormous size (over 4 ft. long and from 22 ins. to 2 ft. wide), oval, obtuse, spreading horizontally to a great distance from the stems. Flowers small, vermilion shaded with salmon, in panicles. Roots fibrous. Should be planted in a well-sheltered position to save the huge leaves from being torn by the winds. Never seeds.

=Canna expansa-rubra.=--Stems numerous, vigorous, very thick, dark-red, 4 ft. to nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves of a dark-red colour, and resembling those of the preceding in size, shape, and arrangement. Flowers large, with rounded divisions, of a dazzling purple colour. Rootstocks very thick, cylindrical, and much swollen in the upper part. Like the preceding, requires a sheltered position.

=Canna elongatissima-rustica.=--Stems deep-green, very thick, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, very large, of a deep shining green, with a narrow dark-red margin. Flowers very small, orange-rose-coloured. Rootstocks very small, conical, with fibrous roots. A vigorous-growing variety.

=Canna excelsa-zebrina.=--Stems dark violet-red, downy, rather thick, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves very large, oval, erect, deep-green, passing into dark-red, rayed with violet-purple. Flowers small, orange. Rootstocks small, conical. This is the finest striped variety.

=Canna guayaquilla.=--Rhizomes large, round. Stalks very thick, reddish. Leaves very wide and large, bordered with purple. Flowers small, yellowish-orange. Rather uncommon; fine habit; a remarkable kind. Height over 6 ft.

=Canna gigantea-major.=--Stems thick and vigorous, of a light-green, slightly reddish below, 6½ ft. to 8½ ft. high. Leaves very large, of a light glistening green. Flowers, medium size, pale-red. Rootstocks whitish, very thick, cylindrical, and swollen. A very hardy variety.

=Canna gigantea-rubra.=--Stems dark red, 4 ft. to nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves broad, obtuse, green, shaded with dark-red. Flowers blood-red, in panicles. Rootstocks conical, very closely crowded together. Resembles _C. Chatei-grandis_, but is an inferior variety.

=Canna grandis.=--Stems green, downy, very thick, from nearly 10 ft. to nearly 12 ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, deep green, very large. Flowers poppy-red, small, but in large panicles. Rootstocks small, with fibrous roots.

=Canna grandiflora-floribunda.=--Stems small, from 20 ins. to 3¼ ft. high, of a light glistening green. Leaves small, light-green and glistening. Flowers numerous, very large, with rounded divisions, orange-rose colour, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks yellowish, numerous, cylindrical, of medium size. A very hardy variety, of great effect from its brilliant and luxuriant inflorescence.

=Canna Heliconiæfolia.=--Stems deep green and downy, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves green, oval, erect, very firm. Flowers small, orange. Roots fibrous. Does not seed before the second year.

=Canna Hostei.=--Stems chestnut-coloured, about 8 ft. high. Leaves dark-red, lance-shaped. Flowers large, red. Rootstocks dark-red, conical.

=Canna involventiafolia.=--Stems green, 8 ft. to nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves very large, reflexed, of a light green. Flowers few and small. Rootstocks small, with fibrous rootlets.

=Canna Imperator.=--Stems vigorous, very thick, green and downy, reddish below, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. at the close of the season. Leaves half-opened, lance-shaped, light green, with prominent lateral nerve, 2 ft. 4 ins. long by 14 ins. wide. Flowers late, very effective, of a dazzling blood-red. Rootstocks conical, very short.

=Canna iridiflora-hybrida.=--Stems green, downy, somewhat reddish below, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves green, very large. Flowers well-formed, very large, blood-red. Rootstocks small, with fibrous roots. Flowers to most advantage in a house, where it is really magnificent.

=Canna iridiflora-rubra.=--Stems brown, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves deep green shaded with dark red, and with a narrow dark purplish-red margin. Flowers large, purplish-red. This variety is not so tender as the preceding one.

=Canna insignis.=--Stems violet, downy, 3¼ ft. to nearly 5 ft. high. Leaves oval, extending horizontally, of a tender green, rayed and margined with purplish-red. Flowers few and small, of an orange-red. This variety is valuable for its fine foliage.

=Canna Joseph-Auzende.=--Stems green, 4½ ft. high. Leaves green and flaccid. Flowers deep carmine, of medium size. Rootstocks yellowish, small and conical. Not a very good variety.

=Canna Jean Bart.=--Rhizomes conical; stalks medium thickness, deep green, elongated. Flowers very large, deep purple; height 5½ ft. to 6 ft.

=Canna Jean Vandael.=--Rhizomes cylindrical, longish; stalks medium thickness, numerous, clear green. Leaves clear green, erect, elongated. Flowers large, well-formed, garnet-red; height 4 ft. to 4½ ft.

=Canna Jussieu.=--Stems green, from nearly 4 ft. to 4¼ ft. high. Leaves small, glaucous-green. Flowers citron, approaching a chamois-colour. Rootstocks conical cylindrical. (An inferior variety.)

=Canna Krelagei discolor.=--Stems very thick, from nearly 5 ft. to nearly 6 ft. high. Leaves broad and thick, dark-red, rayed with purplish-red. Flowers large, carmine-red, sometimes rayed with white, in handsome panicles. Rootstocks grey, conical.

=Canna Liervalii.=--Stems dark-red, 6½ ft. high. Leaves of the same colour, rayed with purple. Flowers orange-red. Rootstocks dark red, conical.

=Canna Lavallei.=--Stems slender, purplish-brown. Flowers very large, well-formed, vermilion-orange, becoming yellower as they open. Rootstocks cylindrical.

=Canna Lemoinei.=--Stems green, 6½ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves very leathery, of medium size, and deep green colour. Flowers bright orange.

=Canna limbata-major.=--Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves large, lance-shaped, narrow, spreading, deep green, 2½ ft. long, and over 8 ins. wide. Flowers large, orange-red. Rootstocks cylindrical, narrowed towards the top, closely crowded together. Ripens its seeds freely.

=Canna maxima.=--Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves very large, lance-shaped, acute, light green, becoming darker in the course of growth, reflexed, from 2½ ft. to 32 ins. long, and 10 ins. to 1 ft. wide, on stalks 6 or 7 ins. long. Flowers small, orange-yellow. Roots fibrous, without rootstocks. Does not flower before the second year, and is valuable only for its foliage.

=Canna Maréchal-Vaillant.=--Stems robust, from 5 ft. to 6 ft. high. Leaves oblong, lance-shaped, erect, 28 ins. to 32 ins. long, deep green, striped with purplish-red. Flowers large, elegant, of a pure orange, in handsome spikes. Rootstocks rather thick, conical and cylindrical, standing at some distance from the tuft.

=Canna musæfolia-peruviana.=--Stems green and downy, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves very large, wide, light green. Flowers small, orange. Rootstocks very small.

=Canna musæfolia minima.=--Leaves of a whitish green, badly set. Flowers small, orange-brown. No rootstocks.

=Canna musæfolia-hybrida.=--Resembles _C. musæfolia_, but the stems and leaves are thicker and of a deeper green.

=Canna musæfolia-rubra.=--Stems dark red, 6½ ft. high. Leaves dark purple-red, oval, very large. Flowers small, salmon-red. Rootstocks very tender, with fibrous roots. Neglected as too tender and not sufficiently distinct from several other varieties, such as _C. Chatei-grandis_, etc.

=Canna musæfolia-perfecta.=--Stems from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves broad, very firm, of a handsome whitish green. Flowers small, yellow. Roots fibrous, without rootstocks.

=Canna metallica.=--Resembles _C. nigricans_, and has never justified its name.

=Canna macrophylla-zebrina.=--Stems violet and downy, 4 ft. to over 5 ft. high. Leaves dark-red, rayed and striped with purple. Flowers red, with a perennially withered aspect. Rootstocks very small, conical, closely set round the tuft. This variety is very subject to diseases.

=Canna metallicoides.=--Stems violet, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves of medium size, dark-red striped with purple. Flowers medium size, light-red. Rootstocks small, with fibrous roots.

=Canna nervosa.=--Stems reddish, 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves deep green, rayed and margined with purple. Flowers small, blood-red. Rootstocks conical.

=Canna nigricans.=--Stems purplish-red, 4¼ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves lance-shaped, acuminate, erect, of a coppery red, which exhibits a metallic gleam under sunshine. The old leaves lose their reddish tint, and assume a duller hue. They are 2½ ft. in length by 10 ins. or 12 ins. wide. Flowers few and late, of a sad, tawny-yellow colour. Rootstocks brownish, conical. Seldom seeds. One of the finest kinds.

=Canna nana-superba.=--Stems green, growing very closely together, and from 20 ins. to 32 ins. high. Leaves small, of a handsome green. Flowers large, badly formed, of a brick-red, becoming darker as they open. Rootstocks grey, small, conical (A very inferior variety.)

=Canna nepalensis-grandiflora.=--Has the same habit and foliage as the type (_C. nepalensis_), but is a dwarfer variety with better-shaped flowers of a sulphur-yellow, sometimes dotted with red.

=Canna Oriflamme.=--Rhizomes conical, stalks deep green. Leaves good size, elongated, acuminate, deep green lightly striped. Flowers very large, deep orange, in panicles which stand up considerably above the foliage. Height 5 ft. to 5½ ft.

=Canna Pie IX.=--Stems small, green, slightly reddish below, 3¼ ft. to 4 ft. high. Leaves small, of a pale glaucous-green, erect, lance-shaped, acuminate. Flowers large, light yellow with a deep orange claw, very numerous, in closely-crowded panicles. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical. Excellent for edgings.

=Canna Parmentier.=--Stems small, green, 4 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves glaucous-green, small. Flowers brownish-yellow. Rootstocks grey, conical and cylindrical. (An inferior variety.)

=Canna purpurea-hybrida.=--Stems dark-red, from 4½ ft. to over 5 ft. high. Leaves dark-red, rayed with reddish-purple. Flowers large, brownish-yellow. Rootstocks small, conical, crowded. A very handsome variety, but tender.

=Canna Porteana.=--Stems small, dark-red, 3¼ ft. to 4 ft. high. Leaves red, with a metallic lustre. Flowers medium-sized, light orange. Rootstocks grey, small, forming a close, compact tuft. A fine but tender variety.

=Canna picturata-fastuosa.=--Stems numerous, green, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves green, glaucescent, narrow, much pointed, over 2 ft. long by 6 ins. wide. Flowers large, well-opened, light yellow speckled with red. Blooms luxuriantly and continuously from the end of July to the first frosts. Rootstocks white, with grey scales, cylindrical, much elongated.

=Canna picturata-nana.=--Stems small, green, from 20 ins. to 2 ft. high. Leaves very small, of a light green. Flowers large, yellow, spotted with red. Rootstocks whitish, small, conical. A charming variety for edgings.

=Canna Plantieri.=--Stems very thick, reddish below, deep green above, 3¼ ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves green, glaucous, lance-shaped, acute. Flowers large, bright yellow, changing to orange. Rootstocks greyish, rather thick, conical and cylindrical. A late and shy bloomer.

=Canna Prémices-de-Nice.=--Stems and leaves like those of _C. Annei_, 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Flowers very large, bright yellow, sometimes dotted with salmon-colour. Rootstocks conical and cylindrical, rather shorter than those of _C. Annei_. A very free-flowering and hardy variety.

=Canna rubra-superbissima.=--Stems dark purple-red, very thick, from nearly 6 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves broad, round, purplish-red, with a metallic lustre. Flowers of medium size, light orange-red. Rootstocks brownish, very thick, conical, crowded together. One of the finest metallic-red-leaved Cannas.

=Canna rubricaulis.=--Stems dark-red, from nearly 6 ft. to 7½ ft. high. Leaves dark-red, rayed and margined with purple-red. Rootstocks greyish, small, conical. (Inferior to the preceding variety.)

=Canna rubra-nerva.=--Stems dark-red, from 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves long and narrow, lance-shaped, reflexed, dark-red rayed with purple. Flowers large, of a cinnabar red. Rootstocks dark-red, very long, conical, and cylindrical. Resembles a weeping willow.

=Canna rubra-perfecta.=--Stems dark-red, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves dark-red, rayed with purple. Flowers of medium size, orange-red. Rootstocks dark-red, conical. Seeds freely.

=Canna rotundifolia-vera.=--Stems very thick, green, downy below, from 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves round, reflexed, of a deep glistening green. Flowers medium-sized, opening very badly, of a carmine-red. Rootstocks medium-sized, conical. (A tender variety.)

=Canna rotundifolia-rubra-major.=--Stems dark-red, numerous, very thick, vigorous, from 3¼ ft. to 5¼ ft. high. Leaves round, obtuse, spreading almost horizontally, pale-red, with a dark purplish-red midrib and border. Rootstocks dark-red, very thick, cylindrical, much swollen above.

=Canna rotundifolia-metallica.=--Similar to the preceding, but with coppery-red leaves which have a metallic lustre.

=Canna Rendatleri.=--Stems light purplish-red, of medium thickness, vigorous, rather distant from each other, from nearly 6 ft. to over 8 ft. high. Leaves much pointed, deep-green tinged with dark-red, badly set. Flowers numerous, very large, well-opened, salmon-red. Rootstocks greyish, conical, cylindrical. Ripens its seeds badly.

=Canna Rodezii.=--Stems small, numerous, from 4 ft. to 6¼ ft. high. Leaves green, glaucous, lanceolate, acute, very narrow. Flowers large, marigold-orange. Rootstocks whitish, cylindrical, very slender and long. A variety desirable for its flowers, but not ornamental in foliage.

=Canna Thibauti.=--Stems purplish-brown, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves broad, thick, dark-red, rayed with purple. Flowers very large, well-opened, poppy-red, in crowded panicles. Rootstocks white, small, crowded together.

=Canna striata.=--Stems green, slender, 3¼ ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves small, very narrow, erect, glaucous-green. Flowers yellow, speckled and rayed with red. Rootstocks small, cylindrical, crowded at the base of the plant. Inferior to _C. picturata-nana_ of the same colour.

=Canna Warscewiczioides-Chatei.=--Stems dark-red, thick, from 6½ ft. to over 7 ft. high. Leaves very large, dark-red. Flowers small, blood-red, in very large panicles. Rootstocks brown, rather thick, cylindrical.

=Canna Warscewiczioides-nobilis.=--Stems deep-green, tinged with dark-red, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves deep-green, rayed and margined with dark-red. Rootstocks medium-sized, conical, crowded around the base of the plant.

=Canna Van-Houttei.=--Stems dark-red, vigorous, from 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves lance-shaped, pointed, green, rayed and margined with dark purplish-red, 2 ft. to 2½ ft. long. Flowers large, well-formed, poppy-red. Rootstocks grey, long, cylindrical. A very handsome and hardy variety.

=Canna zebrina.=--Stems green, tinged with dark-red, small, from 32 ins. to 3¼ ft. high. Leaves deep-green, rayed and striped with dark-red. Flowers small, orange tinged with salmon. Rootstocks whitish, conical. A tardy grower.

=Canna zebrina-major.=--Stems green tinged with dark-red, downy, of medium size, 5 ft. to 6½ ft. high. Leaves oval, erect, deep-green, rayed and striped with dark purplish-red. Flowers very small, red. Rootstocks brown, rather thick, conical, swollen.

=Canna zebrina-elegantissima.=--Stems dark-red, vigorous, 4 ft, to 5 ft. high. Leaves very large, lance-shaped, deep-green, striped with dark purplish-red. Flowers of medium size, yellowish-brown tinged with scarlet. Rootstocks greyish, conical, swollen.

=Canna zebrina-géant.=--Stems deep-green, tinged with violet-red, very thick, downy. Leaves very large, thick, deep-green, rayed with dark-red. Flowers large, light-red. Rootstocks whitish, conical, closely crowded together. Difficult to flower, but very ornamental in foliage.

=Canna zebrina-violacea.=--Stems violet, downy, slender, about 4 ft. high. Leaves violet, rayed with purple. Flowers of medium size, bright-red. Roots fibrous. A very tender variety, with badly-developed leaves.

=Canna zebrina-nana.=--Stems green tinged with dark-red, 16 ins. to 20 ins. high. Leaves small, light-green, rayed and margined with purple. Flowers of medium size, light-red. Rootstocks small, crowded on one another. Excellent for large edgings.

=Canna Ferrandii.=--Stems dark purplish-red, 4 ft. to 5 ft. high. Leaves medium-sized, dark-red, margined with purple. Flowers large, blood-red, very numerous, in handsome panicles.

=Canna Auguste Ferrier.=--Stems green, very thick, downy, nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves very large, oval, erect, pointed, deep-green, with narrow stripes and margin of dark purplish-red. Flowers of medium size, orange-red. Rootstocks small, but very hardy. A shy bloomer, but of remarkably fine habit and foliage.

=Canna Barilletti.=--Stems red, vigorous, nearly 10 ft. high. Leaves very large, deep-red. Flowers small, orange-red. Rootstocks very small, conical, with fibrous roots.

The number of Cannas enumerated is so large that it is desirable to make a selection from them. A still narrower selection is indicated by asterisks.

A SELECTION OF CANNAS.

C. Annei
“ -discolor
atronigricans
atropurpurea
*Auguste Ferrier
aurantiaca-splendida
aurantiaca-zebrina
*Amelia
Barilletti
Bihorelli
Bonetti
*Chatei-discolor
“ -grandis
Député Hénon
discolor
*excelsa-zebrina
expansa
“ -rubra
C. *elegantissima rustica
Ferrandii
gigantea
grandiflora-floribunda
iridiflora
“ -hybrida
“ -rubra
insignis
*Imperator
*Krelagei discolor
Lavallei
Liliiflora
limbata
macrophylla
musæfolia
maxima
Maréchal-Vaillant
*nigricans
C. peruviana purpurea
“ robusta
*purpurea spectabilis
*Porteana
*picturata-fastuosa
“ -nana
Pie IX.
Prémices-de-Nice
Rendatleri
rotundifolia-metallica
“ -rubra
Thibauti
Van-Houttei
zebrina-nana
“ -elegantissima

=*Cannabis sativus= (_Hemp-plant_).--A well-known annual, native of India and Persia, and largely cultivated in Europe for the sake of its fibre. In ordinary situations it grows from 4 ft. to 10 ft. high, but in Italy, under very favourable circumstances, it sometimes grows as high as 20 ft. In plants growing singly the stem is frequently much branched, but when grown in masses it is generally straight and unbranched. The leaves are long-stalked, and composed of from five to seven long, lance-shaped, sharp-pointed leaflets, radiating from the top of the stalk, and with the margins cut into sharp saw-like teeth. This well-known plant is useful where the tenderer subtropical plants cannot be enjoyed. Single well-grown plants of it look very imposing and distinct, and are good for the backs of borders or mixed groups. For these purposes, it should be sown early in April in the open ground. To get large plants it would no doubt be worth while raising it in frames. It loves a warm, sandy loam.

=*Carduuse riophorus= (_Woolly-headed Thistle_).--A remarkably conspicuous native plant, with a much-branched, furrowed, hairy stem 3 ft. to 5 ft. high, and very deeply cut and undulated spiny leaves, the lower ones often 2 ft. long. The flower-heads are very large, of a purplish-red colour, and surrounded on the under side with a dense white cottony web. There are few plants more handsome or novel in appearance than an established one of this. It is suitable for borders, or groups of hardy fine-foliaged plants, and grows well in any ordinary garden-soil. Seed.

=*Carex paniculata.=--A very large sedge, growing somewhat like a dwarf tree-fern, with strong and thick stems, and with luxuriant masses of drooping leaves. The roots form dense elevated tufts, frequently elevated from one to three feet above the surface of the ground; and when the plant is in flower, it generally exhibits a large and spreading panicle. The leaves are rough and broad, and the flower-spike from 3 ins. to 6 ins. long. A few tufts of this are very effective on the margins of water near groups of picturesque plants. The finer specimens are of great age, and must be procured from the bogs where the plant occurs wild.

=*Carex pendula.=--A very handsome plant, unlike any of the other British Carices, growing in large round tufts, with numerous flowering-stems and barren shoots, which attain a height of from 3 ft. to 6 ft. The leaves are often 2 ft. or more in length, and are chiefly at the base of the plant. It is most attractive when in flower, from the graceful disposition of its pendent spikes, which are usually about half-a-dozen in number, and each from 4 ins. to 7 ins. in length. Very suitable for the margin of water or for boggy or moist spots.

=*Carlina acaulis.=--A hardy perennial, rather interesting from its foliage, which has some resemblance to the leaves of a miniature Acanthus, and is disposed in a broad, handsome, regular rosette very close to the ground. Its single yellowish flower, 3 ins. or more across, is borne on a very short, erect stalk in the centre of the rosette. Although too dwarf for association with plants of more imposing stature, it is well worthy of a place on a bank or slope, or on the margins of low beds or groups, where its pleasing aspect and very distinct habit will be

Tender Palm; for summer use in the southern counties only.]

seen to best advantage. It thrives best in dry, stony, calcareous soil, and is easily multiplied by sowing. In the mountainous districts of France the flowers are gathered by the inhabitants, and used as a substitute for artichokes. Central Europe.

=Carludovica palmata.=--A very ornamental, palm-like plant, from 4 ft. to 7 ft. high, with rich dark-green leaves from 2 ft. to 3 ft. broad, and divided into four lobes, each of which is again divided at the apex into narrow segments. The leaf-stalks are round, smooth, and without spines, and are of the same colour as the leaves. This interesting plant will stand the open air in summer, from early June till October, but requires warm house treatment in winter, with plenty of water at all times. Seed. Peru and New Granada.

=Caryota sobolifera.=--An elegant Palm, with a slender stem and shining light-green bipinnate leaves. The leaf-stalks, when young, are clothed with a short, black, scaly tomentum, which falls off as the plant grows older. It is often confounded with _C. urens_, but may be easily distinguished from it by the suckers which it produces very freely from its base. Similar treatment and uses to those given for _C. urens_, with which it is of much the same value for the open garden. Malacca.

=Caryota urens.=--An East Indian Palm, with a stout stem, and an elegant crown of spreading bipinnate leaves, from 3 ft. to 12 ft., or more, in length, of a dark-green colour, the leaflets being 6 ins. to 9 ins. long by 2 ins. to 4 ins. wide. When young, it should be potted in equal parts of loam and vegetable mould, with a little sand; the pot to be well drained, and water given liberally during the growing season. It is generally seen in a small state in this country; and though it stands the open air in summer, from June till the end of September, pretty well, it can never be of much importance for our open-air gardening.

=*Cassia marilandica.=--A hardy, graceful perennial, 3½ ft. to 5 ft. high, with pinnate leaves, resembling those of the Acacia, and slender stems, bearing yellow flowers, in numerous small clusters in autumn. It is somewhat late in growth, but once commenced, grows with great rapidity. It thrives best in a position with a south aspect, and may be multiplied either by division in spring, or by sowing from April to June. It should always be planted in a warm, deep, sandy loam, and is very suitable for borders or association in groups with the finer hardy subjects, its graceful leaves qualifying it for a place in a group of hardy foliage-plants. In naturally warm, deep, and well-drained soils it will prove a noble subject for the back parts of borders. N. America.

=*Centaurea babylonica.=--Among the Centaureas there are a few subjects which might be used among hardy fine-leaved plants, but by far the most distinct and remarkable is the very silvery-leaved _C. babylonica_. This is quite hardy, and when planted in good ground, sends up strong shoots, clad with yellow flowers, to a height of 10 ft. or 12 ft. The bloom, which continues from July to September, is not by any means so attractive as the leaves; but the plant is at all times picturesque. In groups, or, still better, isolated, on rough or undulating parts of pleasure-grounds, it has a very fine effect. A free sandy loam suits it best. Seed. Levant.

Coarse herbaceous Section; for isolation by wood-walks, etc.]

=Centaurea Clementei.=--A plant of robust growth (resembling _C. ragusina_, but much larger in every part), with broad crowns of leaves, which are deeply serrated and cut into lobes. To the elegance of the foliage must be added its beauty of colouring, the leaf in a young state being covered with down as white as snow, and when fully matured and developed still retaining a silvery appearance. This plant, which I first saw in M. Boissier’s garden, near Lausanne, I have no experience of as a hardy plant in this country; but whatever its value in this respect may be, there can be no doubt that for the summer garden it will prove as effective as either _C. gymnocarpa_ or _C. ragusina_, both exceptionally fine and useful plants. The same treatment will suit it.

=Centaurea dealbata= is a dwarf hardy species from the Caucasus, with elegant foliage, white underneath, and rosy flowers: suitable among dwarf hardy subjects.

=Centaurea gymnocarpa.=--A half-shrubby plant from the South of Europe, nearly 2 ft. high, with hard, branching, bushy stems, and elegantly cut, arching leaves, which are covered with a short, whitish-satiny down. A variety (_C. plumosa_) has the leaves much more divided, and not so white. This plant is somewhat hardier than _C. ragusina_, but both require greenhouse treatment in winter. Same soil, positions, and treatment as for _C. ragusina_. Useful as this is as an edging or bedding plant, it is when grown as fine single specimens that its beauty is most seen.