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ELIBRIS H•R•LUCT
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LOCH VARY
OF THE
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3
FLORA ODORATA;
A CHARACTERISTIC ARRANGEMENT
SWEET-SCENTED FLOWERS AND SHRUBS,
CULTIVATED IN THE
goorly on the r
GARDENS OF GREAT BRITAIN.
BY FREDERICK T'MOTT.
herif
LONDON:
LEICESTER.
1843.
•
ORR & CO., PATERNOSTER ROW;
C. A. BARTLETT, 66, PATERNOSTER ROW, AND
BROWN & HEWITT, MARKET PLACE,
on
2.StrokeM
C.
$
O Father, Lord!
The all-beneficent!-I bless thy name,
That thou hast mantled the green earth with flowers,
Linking our hearts to nature! By the love
Of their wild blossoms, our young footsteps first
Into her deep recesses are beguil'd,
Her minster cells; dark glen and forest bower,
Where, thrilling with its earliest sense of thee,
Amidst the low religious whisperings
And shivery leaf-sounds of the solitude,
The spirit wakes to worship, and is made
Thy living temple. By the breath of flowers,
Thou callest us, from city throngs and cares,
Back to the woods, the birds, the mountain streams,
That sing of Thee! back to free childhood's heart,
Fresh with the dews of tenderness.
MRS. HEMANS.
Lanckcopt
Putou
1-7-30
26837
INTRODUCTION.
The want of a collection of the SWEET-SCENTED flowers, as
distinguished from those whose value depends merely on their
outward beauty, has long been felt by the lovers of horticul-
ture; and the present work is designed to supply that want, in
such a form as, it is believed, will prove most agreeable to
British amateurs; and in which the proper treatment of each
species may be most easily discovered, by those who have
neither inclination nor sufficient scientific knowledge, to
search the more ponderous volumes of the best modern
authors.
We have been engaged for a considerable time in forming
this selection, but are nevertheless fully aware that it is as yet
somewhat imperfect, several sweet-scented flowers being, no
doubt, omitted. These however we hope to be able in a short
time to add to the list.
It is also very probable, considering the innumerable varie-
ties of taste and opinion prevailing in the world, that the scent
of many which are here included, will be occasionally
regarded as anything but agreeable, or as no scent at all.
We must therefore be allowed some latitude in our choice,
which we think will be found upon the whole, tolerally
correct.
It will be seen that such as we have been able to collect, are
arranged alphabetically under various heads, according to
their habit and manner of growth; and as we have confined
ourselves in the present work, to such plants as may be
cultivated in this country without the aid of a greenhouse,
they are divided into the two classes of Hardy and Half-
hardy. The numerous varieties of the rose, the Queen of
iv
INTRODUCTION.
Flowers, we considered deserving of a separate head, and
have accordingly placed them by themselves, selecting out of
the many hundreds of known varieties, about fifty of the
choicest and most beautiful.
In addition to the catalogue of sweet-scented flowers will
be found, a few general remarks upon the flower-garden, and
some of the principal operations connected with it; a very
select list of border plants; directions for the management of
plants in rooms; and a short outline of the external and
internal structure of the vegetable system.
In the whole work we have especially aimed at conciseness;
and in the directions for the flower-garden, we have endea-
voured to give only such ideas, as appear to be either
somewhat new, or not generally noticed, omitting the greater
part of those details which are now so universally known, and
which would be foreign to our main object.
It may perhaps be expected that something should be said
upon the nature of floral scent; but as at present very little
is known positively concerning this curious subject, we can
only advise our readers to study it for themselves, in doing
which we think a collection like the present will be found a
valuable assistance; and the result of any observations or
experiments, which may tend to elucidate the real cause and
nature of odours, will be gladly received by the scientific
world.
-
We have only now to acknowledge how much we are
indebted for information and authority, to the justly celebrated
works of Lindley, Sweet, Loudon, Rennie, Macnab, &c.; and
hoping that at least the novelty of the subject will render our
little volume interesting to all true lovers of flowers, we send
it forth into the world as an offering of sweet incense upon
the glorious altar of Nature.
Carolina,
ACACIA, thorny,
Agrimony, sweet-scented, 30
Allspice, Japan,
13
13
Aloysia, Lemon-scented, 75
Alyssum, sweet,
53
Amorpha microphylla,..
Andromeda,
Anthericum,
scented,
Asarabacca, Virginian,
Auricula,
Azalea,
Azarole,
•
-, common,
Bastard-Indigo
CONTENTS.
BABIANA,
Barberry, watery-leaved,
Bramble, flowering,
Broom,
Buddlea,
Bulbine,
•
··
sweet-
•
..
Bejaria,
Birdsfoot Trefoil,
Border plants, select
list of,
··
..
..
•
Page.
63 Butterfly orchis,
•
10
75
3
79
31
31
14
14
120
15
16
16
80
81
CALLA, ETHIOPIAN,
Calycanthus,
13
Candytuft, sweet-scented, 54
Ceanothus,
17
13
81
64
17
28
32
Cowslip,
Crocus,
79
4❘ Cyclamen,
15
75
64
80
Chimonanthus,..
Chlidanthus,
Cineraria,
Cinquefoil,
Clematis, sweet-scented,
Coltsfoot, fragrant,
Cornflag,
Coronilla,
··
Cuscuta verrucosa,
..
..
··
··
..
..
..
:
DAPHNE, TRAILING,
sweet-scented,
:
Datura,
Day Lily,
Dentzia,
Diosma, heath-leaved,..
Dodder, Nepal,
Drainage,
··
•
··
Page.
31
··
≈ 523
82
65
33
83
54
4
65
61
33
17
66
54
108
vi
CONTENTS.
ELDER,
Epacris, sweet-scented,
Erinus, fragrant,
Eriocoma,
Evening-flower,
scented,
Evergreen-Thorn
Evening Primrose, white-
flowered,
•
,
..
GELSEMIUM,
GREEN,
Genista, Canary,
Gladiolus,
Glycine, Chinese,
··
HAWTHORN,
Heart's-ease,
Heath,
•
FLOWER-GARDEN, gen-
eral management of,.. 106
Fraxinella,
34
Furze,
6
··
··
··
• •
··
sweet-
··
··
Gorse,
Grape-hyacinth, musk-
scented,
Gymnadenia,
EVER-
77
67
82
24
tuberous-rooted, 34
6
••
Page.
18 Helichrysum, fragrant..
66
Heliotrope, European,
Peruvian,
••
:
67
67
84
•
Hemerocallis,
Hermannia,
Hesperantha,
55 Honeysuckle,
43 Hyacinth,
5
35
35
Hoya carnosa,
18
43
68
··
··
••
··
JASMINE, ITALIAN,
LABURNUM,
Lachenalia, fragrant,
Laurel, common,
Portugal,
Lavender,
Leptosiphon,
Leucojum,
Leucospermum,
scented,
IBERIS ODORATA,
54
Ipomoea, night-flowering 88
Italian May,
22
Iris, Persian,
37
Ixia,
85
··
··
··
•
··
6
70
common white, 26
Arabian,
sweet-scented,
curled-flowered,
78
78
19
85
7
7
7
55
50
..
•
:
:
··
•
·
··
rose-
Page.
69
62
72
33
76
84
25
77
36
-
• ·
70
CONTENTS.
vii
Liatris,..
Lilac,
Lily,
··
of the valley,
Limnanthes,
Loquat,
Lotus odoratus,
Lupine, yellow,
Lychnis, Chinese,
MAGNOLIA,
scented,
Meadow-sweet,
Mezereon,
Mignonette,
Mimulus moschatus,
Mock-orange,
Monarda,
Muscari,
• •
Musk-hyacinth,
Musk-Plant,
Myrtle,..
Manure,
Marvel of Peru, sweet-
Nyctanthes,
..
20
laurel-leaved, 8
108
··
NARCISSUS,
Nicotiana noctiflora,
undulata,
··
::
·.·
:
:
:
..
··
..
··
..
Page.
38
4.
19
38
39
56
7
80
56
86
88
40
21
56
41
23
40
35
35
41
70
41
62
86
71
CENOTHERA,
scented,
ered ..
+
ling, ..
?
OLIVE, fragrant,
••
•
white-flow-
Passion-flower,
coloured,
Periploca,
Petunia, white,..
Pink,
Ribes,
Rocket,
-, night-smel-
PÆONY, eatable-rooted,
Pansy,..
..
• •
•
sweet-
·
agement of,
Platystemon,
Potentilla, shrubby,
Primrose,
Propagation,
Pruning,
Pyraccantha,
··
··
Pittosporum,
Plants in rooms, man-
·
..
:
rose-
•
G
··
•
•
RHODODENDRON, sweet-
scented,
·
··
•
Page.
43
55
89
71
46
43
78
28
57
44
8
117
58
17
47
112
111
5
9
21
48
viii
CONTENTS.
Rose-acacia,
Roses,
•
SCABIOUS, Sweet,
Schizopetalon,
Service,
Snowdrop,
Snowflake,
Soil,
··
<+
Spiræa,..
Stæhelina,
Sternbergia,
Stock, ..
··
Southernwood,..
..
··
THORN-APPLE,
Thyme,
..
··
..
..
··
night-smelling,
Structure of plants,
Swallow-wort, Virginian,
Sweet-bay,
Sweet-pea,
Sweet-sultan,
Sweet-tussilage,
Syringa,
••
·
··
··
··
••
··
Page.
21
90
58
89
9
49
50
108
10
22
76
50
59
72
127
51
10
60
61
32
23
61
11
Page.
Tobacco, night-flowering, 62
sweet-scented, 86
110
Training,
Transplanting,
Tritonia,
Turnsole, European,
Peruvian,
Verbena,
..
··
Vine, sweet-scented,
Violet,
..
··
··
72
73
Lemon-scented 75
VERVAIN,
73
Viburnum, sweet-scented, 74
28
51
Virgin's-bower, sweet-
scented,
•
..
109
86
62
:
:
WALLFLOWER,
11
Water-lily, sweet-scented, 52
Watsonia, broad-leaved,
87
Willow,
23
Wistaria,
24
Woodbine,
25
Woodroof,
52
28
HARDY EVERGREEN
or those Shrubs which will stand the winter in the open air
without protection, and retain their leaves the whole year
round.-
S
SHRUBS,
ANDROMEDA, MANY-FLOWERED-ANDROMEDA
B
FLORIBUnda.
Linnean Class and Order, Decandria Monogynia. Natural
Order, Ericeæ.
This is a neat little shrub, a native of North America, and
like most of the shrubs of that country, requires peat earth
and a moist situation, to bring it to perfection; it grows
about three feet high, and bears its elegant, spiked, racemes
of sweet-scented flowers during the months of May and June.
It is generally propagated by layers, but may also be raised
from seed. There are several other species of sweet-scented
Andromedas, among which are A. coriacea a smaller grow-
ing plant with pretty pink flowers, and A. speciosa with
large white bell-shaped flowers.
9
Page Missing
in Original
Volume
Page Missing
in Original
Volume
4
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
BARBERRY, WATERY-LEAVED-BERBERIS AQUAFOLIA,
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Berberideæ.
This is a new and very valuable variety of the Barberry,
its dark shining foliage, and brilliant yellow flowers, ren-
dering it well adapted for the lawn or shrubbery. Although
hardy a slightly sheltered situation is preferable, or it
may be trained against a wall. This variety is not gener-
ally known, but will, no doubt, prove a valuable addition
to our evergreen shrubs. Like the common Barberry
it will thrive in almost any soil, and will in time make
a handsome bush of from four to six feet high. Ber-
beris Dulcis-The sweet-fruited Barberry, is also new and
well worthy of cultivation as well for its fragrant flowers as
its fruit.
DAPHNE, TRAILING-DAPHNE CNEORum.
ENT
Linn. Octandria Monogynia. Nat. Thymelœœ.
This well known little shrub cannot be too highly appre-
ciated. From the delicate formation of its beautiful pink
flowers, and their great fragrance, it should be found in
every flower-garden, but probably not more than one in
ten possess it. Though often planted it frequently dwindles
and dies, which in most cases is owing to the unfitness of
the soil, as it will not thrive in the common garden soil,
but requires to be grown in sandy peat earth: but where
this cannot be obtained, we would recommend some old turf
chopped up with the spade, and mixed with about a third
EVERGREEN
5
SHRUBS.
of its quantity of common sand, or road scrapings, where the
roads are mended with granite or pebbles, and where one or
two plants are intended to be placed, take out the common
soil a foot deep and eighteen inches square, fill the hole with
the above compost, and cover it two or three inches thick
with any light fresh soil. The Daphne will well repay a
little attention to its culture, as there are few flowers prettier
or sweeter for a glass or nosegay. It is easily propagated
by layers, or by grafting on the Spurge Laurel, D. Laureola.
It continues in flower the whole of the summer, and as it
seldom exceeds a foot in height, but trails its long branches
close upon the ground, it is well adapted for covering rock-
work; all the species of the Daphne are worth cultivating,
and several of them are sweet.
EVERGREEN-THORN-CRATAEGUS PYRACANTHA.
Linn. Icosandria Di-Pentagynia. Nat. Rosaceœ.
The flowers of the Evergreen-Thorn, better known as the
Pyracantha, have a sweet smell resembling new hay, and
with its evergreen leaves and bunches of bright scarlet
berries, together with its docility of training, although pro-
perly a shrub, it is well adapted for any vacant space of
wall, and unquestionably ranks among the brightest orna-
ments of the winter garden; indeed it is beautiful the whole
year round, as the berries of the preceeding season have
scarcely disappeared, before it is again covered with its beau-
tiful umbels of white flowers. It is propagated by layers or
cuttings, and will grow freely in any good soil.
B 2
6
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
+
CALE
GORSE, or FURZE-ULEX EUROPÆUS,
Linn. Diadelphia Decandria. Nat. Leguminosæ.
Almost every dry waste in Britain abounds with this beau
tiful evergreen, and though so common it well deserves a
place in the shrubbery. Its bright golden flowers, which
appear early and continue all the summer, form a fine con-
trast with its dark spiny foliage, and its scent is strong and
rich. It will not thrive in wet clayey soils, but in dry stony
land it often attains the height of six or eight feet. There is
a double variety of the common Gorse which is perhaps hand-
somer in its flower, though not so sweet as the single one. The
Irish Gorse is also only a variety of the common, but there is
another species, the Dwarf Gorse U. nanus which is much
smaller, and flowers from November to January, and is there-
fore valuable as a successor to the other; both may easily
be propagated by cuttings under a hand-glass or by seeds.
JASMINE, ITALIAN-JASMINUM HUMILE.
Linn. Diandria Monogynia Nat. Jasmineæ.
A very ornamental shrub, growing three or four feet high,
and producing large, yellow, fragrant flowers, from June to
September. It is propagated by layers, or by budding or
inarching upon the common yellow J. fructicans, this last
method makes the strongest and hardiest plants, as the com-
mon Jasmine although deficient in odour, grows more freely
and rapidly than the Italian.
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
B
LAUREL, COMMON-PRUNUS LAUROCERAsus.
LAUREL, PORTUGAL-PRUNUS LUSITANICUS.
Linn. Icosandria Monogynia. Nat. Rosacea.
These two species are so well known, that they need no
description, it may be sufficient to state, that they will
not generally flower, till they have attained a considerable
size, but their racemes of small white florets are graceful,
and agreeably fragrant. Cuttings planted in the open
ground, in August or September, in a moist shady situ-
ation, will root freely, or the lower branches may be
layered.
LAVENDER, COMMON-LAVANDULA SPICA.
LOQUAT, COMMON-ERIOBOTRYA JAPONICA.
十
​Linn. Didynamia Gymnospermia. Nat. Labiatæ.
This much-esteemed little shrub is readily propagated by
cuttings, planted in the Autumn, in a shady situation. The
flowers should be cut in dry weather, as soon as they begin
to blow.
Linn. Icosandria Di-Pentagynia. Nat. Rosaceæ.
A handsome shrub, growing from ten to fifteen feet high; it
bears racemes of white sweet-scented flowers, about October,
which are followed by an agreeable fruit, of a fine yellow
8
CO
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
colour, and about the size of a gooseberry, but it will not
ripen in the open air. It may be propagated by grafting
upon stocks of the common hawthorn.
MAGNOLIA, LAUREL-LEAVED---MAGNOLIA
GRANDIFLORA.
Linn. Polyandria Polygynia. Nat. Magnoliaceæ.
This is a splendid specimen of American evergreen trees,
its noble shining leaves, and large, white, fragrant flowers,
place it in the first rank of sweet-scented evergreens. But
although it is so far hardy as to endure the winter in the
open air of this climate, it should be in some rather sheltered
situation, and as a single tree, to stand alone. Thus planted
it is highly ornamental, and will rise to the height of fifteen or
twenty feet. It will thrive in any good soil, but prefers a slight
mixture of peat. The immense forests of Magnolia on the
banks of the Mississippi, when in full flower, are said to
present a mass of beauty, and sweetness of odour, not to
be surpassed by anything in nature.
PITTOSPORUM, GLOSSY-LEAVED-PITTOSPORUM
TOBIRA.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Pittosporcæ.
A very handsome shrub, having good foliage, and fine, white,
sweet-scented flowers; it will stand our winter in a warm
situation, and will continue in flower, from April to August;
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
9
it is propagated by cuttings, or by grafting on any of the
species and makes a handsome bush of from four to six
feet high.
RHODODENDRON, SWEET-SCENTED-RHODODEN-
DRON ODORATUM.
Linn. Decandria Monogynia. Nat. Rhodoraceæ.
This is a variety of R. Azaleoides, bearing beautiful clusters
of pink flowers in June and July, which are very fragrant ;
it is propagated by layers, and like all the Rhododendrons,
prefers a sandy peat soil, though it will grow very well in
good fresh loam.
SERVICE, TRUE-PYRUS DOMESTICA.
Linn. Icosandria Di-Pentagynia. Nat. Rosaceœ.
The True Service is a native of England, and though not
often seen in gardens, is very ornamental. Its flowers which
are white, resembling those of the Mountain Ash, open in May
and June, and are very fragrant, and its leaves, which are
covered with a whitish down on the under side, are extremely
beautiful when moved by the wind. It is propagated by
seed, and in some parts of France is cultivated for its fruit.
The Bastard Service, P. pinnatifida is more common, though
not less ornamental, than the true one, from which it may
be known by its leaves being pinnatifid, while those of the
latter are pinnate. Its flowers are white and sweet-scented,
as are those of several others of the genus, as the sweet-
十
​10
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
scented Crab P. coronaria, the White Beam tree P. aria &c.
To this genus belong also the Pear and the Apple; they will
all succeed in any good soil, and are propagated by seeds
or grafting.
SOUTHERN-WOOD-ARTEMISIA ABROTANum.
Linn. Syngenesia Superflua. Nat. Compositæ.
This old acquaintance of the garden is easily propagated
by taking cuttings of the ripened wood, and planting them
in a sheltered situation in the open ground, early in Spring.
The flowers of the Southern-Wood, or Old Man as it is
sometimes called, are of a whitish colour and very inconspic-
uous, but the great fragrance of the leaves, makes it deserving
of a place in the present work. There are several
other kinds of Artemisia having scented leaves, most of
which, however, are only nuisances in the garden, as their
long roots or underground stems spread with amazing rapidity,
sending up shoots in all directions, and are difficult to
destroy, as a very small piece left in the ground will con-
tinue to grow, and soon become a large plant.
SWEET BAY-LAURUS NOBILIS.
Lin. Enneandria Monogynia. Nat. Laurineæ.
The sweet Bay is so beautiful an evergreen, that although
its flowers, like those of the preceeding, are small and incon-
spicuous, yet its handsome and fragrant foliage, renders it well
worthy of attention. Although usually called hardy, it re-
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
11
quires a slight protection from very severe weather, and when
young it often appears quite killed by the frost; in such cases
however it must not be destroyed, as the root is not dead, and
probably the branches are not, and fresh shoots will almost
certainly appear with the coming spring.-This observation
applies to many evergreens which appear to be killed by
severe winters, such as Laurustinus, Arbutus, &c.
THYME, GARDEN-THYMUS VULGARIS.
Linn. Didynamia Gymnospermia. Nat. Labiatæ.
This well known plant thrives best in a dark, rich mould,
and is propagated by cuttings or division of the roots. The
Lemon-scented Thyme T. citriodora is equally common,
and
requires the same treatment.
WALLFLOWER-CHEIRANTHUS CHEIRI.
Linn. Tetradynamia Siliquosa. Nat. Cruciferæ.
The native haunts of this much-loved flower are well de-
scribed in the following little verse ;—
"Flower of the solitary place,
Grey ruin's golden crown,
That lendest melancholy grace
To haunts of old renown.
That mantlest o'er the battlement
By strife or storm decayed,
And fillest up each envious rent
Time's canker-tooth hath made.”
12
EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
The best garden varieties of the wallflower are the single
The first is perhaps
and double blood, and the double yellow.
the sweetest and most readily obtained. When raised from
seed, this should be sown in light rich soil, about half-an-inch
deep, either in the open ground or under a handglass, early in
spring for autumnal flowers, or early in autumn for spring
flowering. And when the plants are two or three inches
high, they should be transplanted and shaded from the noon-
day sun. If it be desired to have them in pots, the young
plants of the autumn's sowing, should be potted off into small
pots and placed in a sheltered situation, slightly protected in the
winter, and very early in the spring repotted into larger ones,
and placed in any warm sunny corner: by this means hand-
some bushy plants may be obtained early in full flower. The
double blood wallflower is a handsome variety, but requires
more careful treatment than the common ones. Of the double
yellow there are several varieties, some of which are very
splendid, but require to be protected from severe frosts. All
the wallflowers may be propagated by slipping off the side
shoots, when two or three inches long, and planting them in a
shady border, and many recommend to plant them exactly as
they are slipped off, without cutting off the ragged end of the
slip, as is usually done. This mode of propagation may be
carried on at any time from Spring to Autumn.
HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
13
your
HARDY DECIDUOUS
ALLSPICE, JAPAN-CHIMONANTHUS FRAGRANS,
SHRUBS,
or those shrubs which will stand the winter in the open air
without protection, but which lose their leaves every Autumn.
or CALYCANTHUS PRECOX.
Linn. Icosandria Polygynia. Nat. Calycantheæ
This is the true Allspice of commerce, and though hardy,
it is well deserving of a place in the conservatory. Its small
yellowish red flowers are delightfully fragrant, but as they
appear very early in the spring, and before the leaf, they are
liable to be nipped by the frosts, if not protected. It grows
to the height of about six feet, but forms rather a straggling
bush and on that account is often trained against a wall.
ALLSPICE, CAROLINA-CALYCANTHUS FLORIDUS.
Linn. Icosandria Polygynia. Nat. Calycantheœ.
The flowers of this plant greatly resemble those of the
true Allspice in scent; but they are larger and of a chocolate
colour. It is propogated by layers, and thrives best in a
mixture of loam and peat.
14
HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
+
AZALEA, VISCID-AZALEA VISCOSA.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Rhodoraceæ.
There are several varieties of this species of Azalea, all
of which may be distinguished by the sticky substance
which covers their flowers, but the common white, var:
odorata is the sweetest, though perhaps the pink var: fissa
is the most delicate flower. They are all American plants
of great beauty, well adapted for pots, and for forcing early
in the Spring and as they never exceed three feet in height,
they are excellent for the front rows of a shrubbery. They
may be propagated by layers, and prefer a peaty soil, or a
mixture of dark sandy loam, and leaf mould. Several varieties
of the red-flowered and also of the yellow-flowered Azalea
are sweet, and all are highly esteemed border plants.
AZAROLE, SWEET-SCENTED-
ATISSIMA.
-CRATÆGUS ODOR-
Linn. Icosandria Di-Pentagynia. Nat. Rosaceœ.
This is of the same genus as the common hawthorn, and is
cultivated not only for its flowers, which are delightfully fra-
grant, but also for its fruit, which is very sweet and pleasant,
and about the size of a Crab. It grows from ten to fifteen
feet high, and bears its clusters of white flowers in May
and June.
•
HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
15
BARBERRY, COMMON-BERBERIS VUlgaris.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Berberideæ.
The common Barberry is a native of England, and though
when near, the smell of the flowers is sometimes overpowering,
it is pleasant at a little distance. Its bunches of long red
berries, which have an agreeably acid taste, give it a beautiful
appearance in the Autumn, at which time its leaves also
become tinged with the same colour. It is sometimes used
as a fence, for which purpose it is admirably adapted, in some
respects, as it keeps close at the bottom, and no large animal
will break through its barrier of thorns. Also from the
length and flexibility of its branches, two or three plants may
easily be trained into the form of an arbour. To grow the
fruit to perfection it must be in a shady situation as the hot
sun prevents them from swelling to their proper size.
BRAMBLE, FLOWERING-RUBUS ODoratus.
Linn. Icosandria Polygynia. Nat. Rosacea.
The flowering or sweet-scented bramble, is a trailing
plant, well suited for covering rock-work. Its light red
flowers are very sweet, and appear in the middle of the sum-
mer; the stems are without thorns, and will trail to the dis-
tance of seven or eight feet. Several of the other species of
Rubus are pretty and some are slightly fragrant; they may
all be propagated by suckers or cuttings.
十
​16
HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
+
*LISESTI
BROOM- -CYTISUS.
Linn. Diadelphia Decandria. Nat. Leguminosæ.
The common Broom, C. scoparium, is a well known native
plant, and very ornamental in shrubberies. The scent of its
numerous yellow flowers which open in April or May, is strong
and honey-like. The Spanish or Rush Broom, C. junceum,
is valuable as a successor to the former species, as it does not
flower till July and August. It bears yellow blossoms at the
ends of the branches, and is much better suited for nosegays
than the common yellow, as its flowers last longer after they are
gathered; there is a newer variety of the Rush Broom C. jun-
ceum var : odoratissimum, which is highly odoriferous,
and a very desirable plant. The White Portugal Broom,
C. albus, is also common in gardens, and though not so showy,
nor its scent so strong, as the common yellow, it is much more
delicate. All the species will flourish in any good soil, and
may be raised from seed, which they ripen abundantly.
BUDDLEA, ROUND-HEADED-BUDDLea Globosa.
Linn. Tetrandria Monogynia. Nat. Scrophularineæ.
This is a very handsome shrub, but as it bears its beautiful
round heads of fine orange-coloured flowers, rather early in the
season, it is sometimes liable to be injured by the late frosts,
unless it be in a sheltered situation. It makes a good bush of
considerable size, and may be propagated by layers; or by cut-
tings of the young wood planted in common earth under a hand-
glass. The best time for transplanting the Buddlea is, as soon
as possible after the fall of its leaf.
HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
17
CEANOTHUS, OR NEW JERSEY TEA-CEANOTHUS
AMERICANUS.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Rharneæ.
This is a pretty little shrub, and its small white flowers,
which appear early in the Autumn, are very fragrant. It never
grows more than two or three feet high, and is therefore well
suited for the front of shrubberies. The leaves are dried in
some parts of America and used as tea. It is propagated by
seeds or cuttings and prefers a moist peaty soil.
CINQUEFOIL, SHRUBBY-POTENTILLA FRUTICOSA.
Linn. Icosandria Polygynia. Nat. Rosaceæ.
This is a native plant found in moist, boggy, places. It is
showy, and slightly sweet-scented, proper for the front of shrub-
beries, thriving well in the common garden soil, and readily
increased by seeds or cuttings. Its flowers are yellow, con-
tinuing from June to August.
DEUTZIA, ROUGH-LEAVED-DEUTZIA SCABRA.
Linn. Icosandria Polygynia. Nat. Philadelpheæ.
Only one species of Deutzia is, as yet, introduced into
Britain. This is a native of Japan, and as it has only lately
been brought over, it is not yet much known, we would
however strongly recommend it, as it is an elegant shrub, quite
hardy, with beautiful, white, orange-like flowers which open in
May. It grows about six feet high, and is propagated by
cuttings, under a handglass.
18
HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
ELDER, COMMON-SAMBUCUS NIGRA.
Linn. Pentandria Trigynia. Nat. Caprifoliaceæ.
Another sweet perfume, but that I know well,
'Tis the elder-flower's luscious and honey-rich smell.
L. A. TWAMLEY,
This is a well-known tree, growing in almost every hedge in
England, but nevertheless it is a great ornament to the back of
large shrubberies, both in flower and fruit. It will flourish in
the most exposed situations, and on that account is recom-
mended as a shelter for more tender shrubs. To be productive
as a fruit tree, it requires a deep, rather moist, and rich soil;
and the berries for wine should be gathered about August or
September, as soon as they are quite ripe. Nothing can be
more easy to propagate than the common Elder, as a piece of
any branch, the wood of which is tolerably hard and ripe,
stuck into the ground will be almost sure to grow.
HAWTHORN, COMMON-CRATEGUS OXYACANTHA.
Linn. Icosandria Di-Pentagynia. Nat. Rosaceœ.
Although this is perhaps the commonest of British plants,
its beautiful flowers and delicious odour, make it a general
favourite; there are several varieties all of which are highly
ornamental, especially the Double-blossomed and Scarlet-blos-
somed; and they are all well adapted for single trees on lawns.
The common hawthorn may be raised from seed, and the haws
should be buried in the ground, six months before they are
sown; the better sorts may be propagated by budding on the
common ones.
HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
19
LABURNUM, COMMON-CYTISUS LABUrnum.
Linn. Diadelphia Decandria. Nat. Leguminosœ.
There is said to be a variety of the Laburnum, found in
some gardens, with very odoriferous flowers, if so, it is doubt-
less a great acquisition, as these beautiful trees only want
scent to make them almost perfect. We have never observed
this variety, but state it upon the authority of Mr. Loudon,
who gives it in the second suppliment to his "Hortus Britan-
nicus."
с
LILAC SYRINGA.
Linn. Diandria Monogynia. Nat. Oleinæ.
All the species of this beautiful shrub are celebrated for
their delicious odour. The common Lilac, S. Vulgaris grows
the largest, and has the handsomest foliage, and the white
variety of this is one of the most beautiful of our hardy shrubs,
its splendid bunches of pure white flowers, being finely contrasted
with its thick, and graceful foliage which is of a lively green.
The Persian Lilac, S. persica is much smaller than the com-
mon, and its leaves are few and insignificant, but this is fully
made up by its profusion of flowers, which entirely cover the
whole plant, and present a most beautiful appearance in the
Spring, when scarcely any of the other shrubs are in blossom.
The Chinese Lilac, S. sinensis, is a pretty little shrub with
violet coloured flowers, growing to the height of three or four
feet; all the species may be readily propagated by suckers
which they throw up in great abundance, and they will all
thrive in any situation, in common garden soil. As the Lilacs
20
HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
фотоатанинин
produce their flowers at the extremity of the last year's shoots,
these should never be shortened in pruning, which operation
indeed they seldom require. These are among the best flower-
ing shrubs for early forcing, especially the Persian variety,
which is also a good pot plant.
MAGNOLIA-MAGNOLIA.
Linn. Polyandria Polygynia. Nat. Magnoliaceæ.
There are several species of Magnolia which are hardy decid-
uous shrubs, and all are sweet-scented. The best of these are
M. Glauca, the marsh Magnolia, a native of North America,
where it often grows to the height of thirty feet, producing
its large white flowers from June to September, the scent of
which can be discerned at the distance of three quarters of
a mile: M. conspicua, the Yulan Magnolia, a native of China,
much valued as a free, and early flowerer, coming into bloom
in February and March; it is not however so hardy as the
preceding species, requiring a slight protection in severe frosts;
and M. macrophylla the long-leaved Magnolia, quite hardy
and producing very large white flowers in June and July; its
leaves are very long and broad, and it is altogether a handsome
tree. M. obovata and M. tomentosa are natives of China,
bearing purple flowers. All the species may be increased by
layers or seeds, but if by layers, none of the leaves or shoots
should be shortened or cut off when they are taken from the
stock, as they greatly assist the plant in forming fresh roots;
and this is the case with almost all shrubs, though it is a
common, but very erroneous practise, to cut off all the drooping
leaves and shoots, they only require shading and watering and
will soon come round.
HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
21
MEZEREON, COMMON-DAPHNE MEZEREUM.
Linn. Octandria Monogynia. Nat. Thymelœœ.
This is the only deciduous species of the Daphne. It is a
common shrub, but valuable for the abundance and fragrance
of its flowers, and as it will thrive under the shade and drip of
trees, it is well suited for large shrubberies. It is one of our
earliest flowering shrubs, continuing in bloom from February
to April. The root is very hot and acrid, and said to be an
excellent remedy for the tooth-ache.
The berries are a
powerful poison, not only to man, but also to other animals.
It is readily propagated by cuttings.
RIBES, YELLOW-RIBES AUREUM PRÆCox.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Grossulaceae.
This is one of the earliest flowerers of this numerous genus,
to which belong the Currant and Gooseberry, unfolding its
drooping bunches of sweet yellow flowers, in March and April.
It is a native of North America, and requires a dark rich
mould to grow it to perfection. It is a very ornamental shrub
and may easily be propagated by cuttings.
ROSE-ACACIA-ROBINIA HISPIDA.
Linn. Diadelphia Decandria. Nat. Leguminosœ.
A very handsome shrub, but its boughs are exceedingly
brittle, and liable to be broken, or blown off, by a high wind;
c 2
22
HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
+
it should therefore be planted in some rather sheltered
situation. It bears bunches of rose-coloured flowers from
May to September, and is usually propagated by grafting on
the common acacia, which should be done on the root a little
below the ground, as it succeeds better in that way and is not
so liable to be snapped off by the wind.
SPIRÆA, WILLOW-LEAVED-SPIræa salicifolia,
or SPIRÆA FRUTEX.
Linn. Icosandria Di-Pentagynia. Nat. Rosaceœ.
This is a native plant, highly ornamental, and excellent for
shrubberies, as it bears all its flowers at the top, so that none
are concealed by the surrounding shrubs. They are of a pinkish
colour, growing in close racemes, and their long stamens give
them a soft downy appearance. As they grow straight and
stiff they are well suited for nosegays. It may be propagated
by layers or suckers, and is altogether a very desirable shrub.
SPIREA HYPERICUM-LEAVED, or ITALIAN MAY—
SPIREA HYPERICIFOLIA.
Linn. Icosandria Di-Pentagynia. Nat. Rosaceæ.
This elegant little shrub is a native of North America, its
small, white, hawthorn-scented flowers, appear in April and
May, in little umbels on the whole length of the branches
which curve gracefully towards the ground. It is propagated
by layers, and will grow freely in common garden soil.
HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
23
SYRINGA, or MOCK-ORANGE-PHILADELPHUS
CORONARIUS.
Linn. Icosandria Di-Pentagynia. Nat. Philadelpheœ.
A free-flowering handsome shrub, well adapted for shrub-
berries. In appearance and odour, the flowers very much
resemble those of the orange, and the leaves have a curious taste
like fresh cucumbers. Seeds are seldom produced in this
country, but it may be easily increased by suckers, and
it thrives in any good soil. P. grandiflorus is a newer
species and very showy, but the scent of the flowers is not
nearly so powerful as in the common one.
WILLOW-SALIX.
Linn. Diæcia Diandria. Nat. Amentaceæ.
There are several species of the Willow deserving of a place
in the shrubbery, for their beautiful and honey-scented flowers,
which appear very early. The bay-leaved, S. pentandra
flowers from March to June; the almond-leaved, S. amygdalina
in April and May, and the long-leaved S. triandra from May
to August. These, with several other species, are ornamental
trees and shrubs, and the down from their seeds, especially
of the bay-leaved, is sometimes used as a substitute for, or to
adulterate cotton. They will flourish in any good soil, but
prefer rather a moist one, and they may very easily be propa-
gated by cuttings, planted in the open ground in Spring.
24
HARDY CLIMBERS, ETC.
HARDY CLIMBING,
TWINING,
AND TRAILING
TRAILING SHRUBS.
Climbing, Twining, and Trailing plants, have all long, weak,
slender stems, which, unless provided with some means of
support, must, from their own weight, lie prostrate on the
ground. The three classes are distinguished as follows:
Climbers are furnished, as a means of support, with tendrils,
as in the vine, or suckers as in the ivy, by which they cling to
the stems and branches of other plants. Twiners having neither
tendrils nor suckers, have their stems so formed as to twine
round anything with which they come in contact, as in the
honeysuckle, convolvulus, &c.; and Trailers are those which,
having no means of support, stretch their long arms on the
ground or among the branches of low shrubs, as the Jasmine and
trailing roses. Under the present head are included only such
plants of these three kinds as are shrubby, that is, whose stems
continue to grow, for many years, as distinguished from herba-
ceous plants, whose stems die down to the roots every Autumn.
GLYCINE, CHINESE-
GLYCINE SINENSIS, or
WISTARIA SINENSIS.
Linn. Diadelphia Decandria. Nat. Leguminosæ.
This, and the shrubby Glycine, G. frutescens, may be con-
sidered two of the most beautiful of our hardy twiners. They
HARDY CLIMBERS, ETC.
25
grow very rapidly, especially the Chinese species, which will
often send out shoots fifteen or twenty feet long in one season,
twining in a direction contrary to that of the sun (see Honey-
suckle.) In the months of May and June it bears its beautiful
drooping racemes of flowers, of a fine lilac or light blue colour,
which are very fragrant but soon fade. It may be increased by
layers, or by cuttings planted in sand under a hand-glass, with
a little bottom heat. G. frutescens does not grow quite so
rapidly as the former species, and bears purple flowers later in
the season.
It is propagated by dividing the roots after it has
done flowering. Both these, although properly twiners, will
do very well trained against a wall, especially the Chinese, as
it flowers early, and is liable to be injured by frost.
HONEYSUCKLE, COMMON-CAPRIFOLIUM
PERICLYMENUM.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Caprifoliaceæ.
"By rustic seat or garden bower,
There's not a leaf, or shrub, or flower,
Blossom or bush, so sweet as thee,
Lowly, but fragrant Honey-tree."
This well-known and much-esteemed plant needs no descrip-
tion, but there are one or two circumstances respecting it worthy
of notice. Like most British twiners, it follows the course
of the sun, that is, it twines from East to West, turning towards
the four cardinal points, in the order of East, South, West, and
North. All twiners have one natural course, either following
the sun from East to West, or in the opposite direction, from
West to East, and they never deviate from their established
་་
26
HARDY CLIMBERS, ETC.
rule; but if they are twined the contrary way, and fastened so
that they cannot regain their natural position, they will
eventually die. When trained against a wall, the Honeysuckle
is much more liable to attacks from insects than when twining
among other plants, which is its natural position, and that in
which it is seen to the best advantage. In raising it from
seeds, these should be sown the first Autumn after they are
ripe; or it may be propagated by cuttings, which should be
put in about September, in a somewhat shady situation in the
open ground, being cut so that each shall have four joints,
and so planted, that three of these shall be under ground,
leaving one above; also, the tops of their hollow stems should
be dipped into a little melted wax, to prevent the water from
lodging in them, which would soon cause them to rot. There
are several varieties of the common Honeysuckle, the best of
which is the true Dutch, which flowers well as a twiner, or
pruned down as a shrub two or three feet high. Some of the
other species of the Honeysuckle are sweet-scented, as the
evergreen C. gratum, the wavy-stemmed C. flexuosum, &c.
most of which are elegant twiners, but though some are
called evergreen,
evergreen, they are so only in a very sheltered
situation.
JASMINE, COMMON WHITE-JASMINUM officinale.
Linn. Diandria Monogynia. Nat. Jasmineæ.
This beautiful plant, though not a native of this country,
has been so long known here, that it is impossible to say
whence or at what time we received it. Its delicate white
flowers are very fragrant, particularly towards evening, and
HARDY CLIMBERS, ETC.
27
they appear in June, continuing till October. When used for
covering walls or trelliswork, the Jasmine is better mixed
with other climbing plants, for, as its flowers always proceed
from the extremities of the same year's shoots, they are
produced only at the top of the plant, and the bottom scon
becomes bare not only of flowers but of leaves also; this,
however, may be partly remedied by cutting down some of
the long branches to different lengths, wherever the tree is bare,
these will throw out, near their pruned ends, side shoots,
which may be trained to fill up the vacant spaces.
The
pruning of the Jasmine should never be done till towards the
end of March, when the chief frosts are over, otherwise the
extremities of the pruned branches will be killed, often to the
distance of six inches or a foot downwards. Near Paris the
Jasmine is much grown by the nurserymen, "who trim
them up with a head on a single stem, and then pot them and
send them to the flower market, covered with blossoms," the
heads are made to flower abundantly without being straggling,
by pruning all the branches in Spring to about six inches long,
which then throw out flowering side shoots. The white
Jasmine is propagated by layers, which require a year to
strike root, or by cuttings, which should be planted early in
the Autumn and covered with a hand-glass, when they will be
fit to transplant the following Spring; and it will grow freely
in any good soil. Its long flexible branches are formed by the
Turks into tubes for tobacco pipes.
28
HARDY CLIMBERS, ETC.
+
"When "%
+
PERIPLOCA, COMMON-PERIPLOCA GRÆca.
Linn. Pentandria Digynia. Nat. Asclepiadeæ.
A handsome twiner, quite hardy, and bearing clusters of
brownish fragrant flowers in July and August; it is well
adapted for bowers or trelliswork, grows feeely in any good
soil, though it prefers rather a sandy loam, and is propagated
by cuttings under a handglass, or by layers.
VINE, SWEET-SCENTED-VITIS RIPARIA.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Viniferæ.
This species of the Vine is not cultivated for its fruit, and
indeed not often for its flowers, which are green and very
small, but exceedingly fragrant. It is a quick growing
climber, and does well for covering arbours. It is propagated
by cuttings, and will thrive in any good rich soil, well drained,
or having a dry bottom, such as gravel. A quantity of stones
or brickbats thrown in about three feet below the surface,
makes an excellent drainage, and none of the Vines will
flourish in a wet soil.
VIRGIN'S-BOWER, SWEET-SCENTED-CLEMATIS
FLAMMULA.
Linn. Polyandria Polygynia. Nat. Ranunculaceœ.
An excellent climber in any situation where it can use its
long spiral tendrils. It grows rapidly, and its small greenish-
HARDY CLIMBERS, ETC.
29
white flowers will "scent the evening gale" for a consider-
able distance with their delicious perfume, and when these
fade, it is perhaps still more beautiful when covered with seed,
which it ripens in great abundance, and each of which is
furnished with a spiral awn covered with short white hairs,
which spread out when the seed is ripe, thus supporting it in
the wind, while it is borne away to a distance from the parent
plant, a beautiful instance of the perfect foresight and wisdom
of the Infinite Creator, in providing for the distribution of his
wonderful works, over the surface of the earth. Almost all
the other species of Clematis are excellent climbers, some of
them, as C. sieboldii and C. florida, have handsome flowers
but devoid of scent. The broad-leaved veriety of C. flammula
is common in gardens, and as it is remarkably quick-growing,
soon forms a cover to an arbour or porch, but its flowers are
not fragrant, though its seeds are equally beautiful with those
of the sweet-scented variety. All these may be propagated by
layering the young branches in July, or by cuttings, which
should be put in about March, in a warm situation, under a
handglass, where they will strike root in two or three months,
or by seeds sown in Autumn, in a shallow pan, placed in
the shade.
30
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS
PLANTS.
Perennials are those plants which continue to grow for
many years, and Herbaceous plants are those whose flower-
stems die down to the root every year, after the flowers are
faded. A Perennial Herbaceous plant, therefore, is one whose
flower-stem perishes annually, but whose root remains alive
for many years, sending up fresh flower-stems every season.
These are called evergreen when the root-leaves remain on
the plant all the year, as in the Pink, and deciduous when the
root-leaves perish at the same time as the flower-stems, as in
the Red Pæony.
AGRIMONY, SWEET-SCENTED-AGRIMONIA ODOrata.
Linn. Dodecandria Digynia. Nat. Rosacea.
This is a pretty little plant, bearing spikes of bright yellow,
very fragrant, flowers in July. It thrives in any common soil,
and is increased by division of the root. The common
Agrimony, A. eupatoria, is a native of Britain, and
its flowers, when fresh gathered, smell like apricots. The
root has also a sweet scent, and the whole plant was formerly
used in medicine.
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS. 31
►
ASARABACCA, VIRGINIAN-ASARUM VIRGINICUM.
Linn. Dodecandria Monogynia. Nat. Aristolochiæ.
An inconspicuous little plant, whose heart-shaped leaves
almost hide its small brown flowers, which however appear
early, and are very sweet. It prefers a peaty soil, and is
increased by division of the root.
AURICULA-PRIMULA AURICULA.
Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Primulacea.
The original of this beautiful flower is a native of the Alps,
and is commonly found yellow, though sometimes red, purple,
or variegated. Cultivation, however, by enlarging the flowers,
and blending these colours in innumerable shades and varia-
ations, has improved it amazingly, and some of the varieties
add a delicious scent to their other charms. The Auricula is
propagated by dividing the root about the end of July, or new
varieties may be raised from seed, and to grow it to perfection,
it requires a very rich, sandy soil. The colours most esteemed
in the choicer sorts are glowing scarlet, or deep crimson,
rich purple, chesnut, or blue, and edged with green, but some
of the common yellow or purple ones are quite as rich in
scent, though by no means so handsome.
BUTTERFLY ORCHIS-PLATANTHERA BIFOLIA,
Linn. Gynandria Monogynia. Nat. Orchideæ.
This beautiful, and fragrant flower is common in some parts
of England, but is never found except in the vicinity of the
32 HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
limestone formation, as at Buxton, in Derbyshire. It succeeds
very well in a pot of pure loam, well drained, or in a dry
border, and no plant bears forcing better. It is propagated
like most orchideous plants, by dividing the root in the
Spring.
COLTSFOOT, FRAGRANT, or SWEET TUSSILAGE-
TUSSILAGO FRAGRANS.
Linn. Syngenesia Superflua. Nat. Compositæ.
A valuable plant in gardens, as its white flowers, though
not very showy, appear very early in the Spring, and are
deliciously scented, their fragrance somewhat resembling that
of the Heliotrope. It is, perhaps, best grown in pots, as it
spreads very rapidly in the open ground, becoming a trou-
blesome weed. It may easily be propagated by dividing the
root in the Summer.
COWSLIP-PRIMULA VERIS.
M
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Primulaceæ.
This well-known plant, so common in every lane, is never-
theless, a beautiful and delicately sweet little flower. It is
well adapted for planting under a hedge-row, or in any moist,
shady situation, and when grown to perfection, which only
requires a little care in giving it good soil, and a tolerable
supply of water, is really handsome, having sometimes as many
as ninety flowers on one stem.
-
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS. 33
CROCUS-CROCUS.
Linn. Triandria Monogynia. Nat. Irideæ.
The common varieties of this well-known plant have little
or no scent, but a few of the choicer ones are very fragrant.
The party-coloured, C. versicolor has light-coloured flowers
streaked with purple, and smelling like violets. The fragrant
Crocus, C. suaveolens bears long slender flowers, the tubes of
which are yellow, and the limbs, or broad parts, lilac. The
former of these is quite hardy, but the other is rather more
tender; it requires, however, no protection in a tolerably warm
situation. "Crocus bulbs should be taken up every third year,
after the leaves decay, dried in the shade, parted, and replanted
three inches deep, not later than Michaelmas; the longer they
are kept out of the ground after this period, they become the
weaker and flower the later." This will apply to the choicer
sorts, but the common ones may remain much longer than
three years.
Crocuses will flourish in almost any soil, but
prefer a sandy loam, and masses of them often produce a very
splendid effect. Care must be taken, however, to guard them
against the depredations of mice, which are very fond of their
fleshy roots or corms.
DAY-LILY, YELLOW—HEMEROCALLIS FLava.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Hemerocallide.
This is an old inhabitant of our gardens, a bulbous-rooted
plant, producing abundance of fine yellow flowers in June and
34 HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
十
​July, which only last one day, but are followed by numerous
others, keeping up a succession for several weeks, particularly
when planted in a moist, shady situation. There are several
other varieties of the Day-Lily; the copper-coloured, growing
three or four feet high, the white, and the blue are all common,
and may be propagated by offsets from the bulbs.
FRAXINELLA, RED-DICTAMNUS FRaxinella.
Linn. Decandria Monogynia. Nat. Rutaceæ.
This is a curious plant, being covered with small glands of
a rusty red colour, from which a viscid juice is constantly
exuding. The foliage is handsome, and the flowers are of a
light purple, with darker veins of the same colour, and the
whole plant, especially when rubbed, emits a strong, rich
odour like that of lemon peel. The white species, D. albus
is a more delicate flower, having the same delicious scent; both
are propagated by division of the root, or by seeds sown in
Spring, which do not come up till the second year. They
should have a good rich soil, and require a slight covering of
straw or rubbish, in very severe weather.
GLYCINE, TUBEROUS-ROOTED-GLYCINE APIOS.
Linn. Diadelphia Decandria. Nat. Leguminosæ.
A pretty twining plant, running five or six feet high, and
bearing bunches of pink, fragrant flowers, in August and
September. It is a native of North America, prefers a sandy
peat soil, and is propagated by cuttings, or by dividing its
tuberous roots.
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS. 35
GRAPE-HYACINTH, MUSK-SCENTED, or MUSK-
HYACINTH-MUSCARI MOSCHATUM.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Asphodeleæ.
A little bulbous-rooted plant, sending up spikes of curious,
brownish flowers, in March and April, which are not at all
showy, but have a strong, rich, musky scent. It should be
grown in a light sandy soil, and is propagated by offsets.
Some of the species of this genus are very ornamental border
flowers, but have no scent, among which are M. racemosum
and comosum.
GYMNADENIA, FRAGRANT-GYMNADENIA CONOPSEA.
Linn. Gynandria Monogynia. Nat. Orchidea.
A native orchideous plant, formerly called Orchis conopsea,
usually found in dry, chalky meadows, but not unfrequently in
bogs, and damp places, where the soil is stiff and heavy. It is
not often cultivated in gardens, but if the roots are taken up in
the Spring, as soon as the leaves appear above the ground, or
in Summer, after the flowers are faded, with a good sized ball
of earth round them, and placed in a soil and situation nearly
resembling those from which they were taken, they will
generally succeed, and it is much superior in beauty and
fragrance to very many of the flowers usually grown; indeed,
the greater part of our native orchideous plants would be
valuable additions to the flower garden, were they more
generally cultivated.
D
36
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
HYACINTH, GARDEN-HYACINTHUS ORIENTALIS,
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Asphodeleæ.
This is the origin of all those splendid varieties, now so
common in almost every garden. The greater part of our
best bulbs are annually imported from the Dutch, who
cultivate more than a thousand varieties. They are propa-
gated by offsets from the bulbs, but new varieties must be
raised from seed, though this is seldom done, except by
professed growers, as the seedlings never flower till the fourth
or fifth year. Those bulbs which are planted in the open
ground, should be taken up about three or four weeks after
they have done flowering, or as soon as the leaves begin to
turn yellow. The stem and leaves must be cut off about half
an inch from the bulb, which may be laid to dry in the open
air, or in a cool airy room, covered with a little dry earth or
sand. About a month after this, they should be again taken
up, the fibres of the roots rubbed off clean, and the offsets
separated. They may then be kept in any dry airy place,
till wanted again for planting, which should be in October or
November, and in a soil of sandy loam and vegetable mould.
The bulbs must not be planted in a dibbled hole, as this is
sure to leave a vacant space just below them, but the holes
must be made about four inches deep with a spade or
trowel, and the bulbs placed at the bottom and covered in,
slightly pressing the earth down, as it is important that
it should touch every part of their surface, especially the base.
November is the proper month for placing Hyacinth bulbs in
glasses to flower early in Spring, though, of course, the later
they are put in the later they will flower. Soft water should
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
37
be used in preference to hard, with a very small quantity of
salt dissolved in it, and the glasses should be filled so that
the water just touches the bottom of the bulb, and kept
at this height by constantly filling up. After some time
however the water will often become tinged with green, and a
green substance will collect round the fibres of the roots; when
this appears the water should be entirely changed, and the roots
gently washed in clean water and replaced in the glass. Green
or blue glasses are said to be preferable to white ones, as the
natural position of the root under ground is in almost total
darkness. Many people are at a loss to know what to do
with their Hyacinth bulbs, which have been grown in glasses,
when they are out of flower, and they are frequently thrown
away and wasted. Sweet says, "We have seen it announced,
that forced bulbs are seldom good for anything afterwards; we
have tried this experiment and find that if they are turned
out of the pots or glasses, with their foliage uninjured, and
planted in a good situation, in a light, rich, sandy soil, that
they soon recover, and frequently produce as fine flowers the
following season as the last." When Hyacinths are grown in
pots, these should be deep and narrow, such as are made for
the purpose.
IRIS, PERSIAN-IRIS PERSICA.
Linn. Triandria Monogynia. Nat. Irideœ.`
This delicate little Iris only grows about six inches high,
and opens its blue and yellow flowers, which are very fragrant,
as early as March or April. It bears forcing well, and is
propagated by separating the bulbs. The roots of this and
D 2
38
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
many other Irises are apt, in a loose soil, to run down so deep
that they are no longer able to produce their flowers, and are
soon lost; but if a thin layer of stones or rubbish, or two or
three bricks laid flat down, be placed just under the roots
before planting, about a foot below the surface, this will be
effectually prevented. The Persian Iris succeeds very well in
pots, or grown in water-glasses like Hyacinths.
LIATRIS, SWEET-SCENTED-LIATRIS ODORATISSIMA,
Linn. Syngenesia Equalis. Nat. Compositæ.
A beautiful North American plant, about three feet high,
bearing purple flowers early in Autumn. Its leaves, when dry,
have a pleasant smell like that of vanilla. It is hardy in a
sheltered situation, but where it is much exposed it should
have some slight covering in Winter; or it may be taken up in
Autumn, and preserved till Spring in pots. It is evergreen,
and is propagated by division of the roots.
LILY, COMMON WHITE-LILIUM CANDIDUM.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Liliaceæ.
A well-known and much-esteemed border plant, producing
its beautifully white fragrant flowers in June and July. It will
thrive in almost any soil and situation, and makes offsets from
the bulbs very rapidly. There are many species of the Lily,
which are all handsome flowers, and some of them very sweet-
scented. L. longiflorum, is very much like the Common
White, but its flowers are longer and larger, and more fragrant,
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
39
though it is not quite so hardy, but if planted six or seven
inches deep, the frost will not reach it. Mr. Loudon observes
that "none of the species can be safely transplanted after they
have pushed leaves, without weakening them so as to prevent
their flowering for several years. This remark, indeed, will
apply to most bulbous-rooted plants; "this operation should,
therefore, be performed late in the Autumn, after the leaves
and flowers are decayed. When the bulbs are taken up to
separate the offsets, which should be done every third year,
they should be planted again as soon as possible.
LILY OF THE VALLEY-CONVALLARIA MAJALIS.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Smilaceœ.
Who does not know this pale emblem of innocence and
modesty? It is one of Old England's native gems, growing
abundantly in many of our woods, but though its natural
haunts are in the shade, and under the drip of trees, it will
sometimes succeed even in a sunny border. It is excellent as
a sort of undergrowth to shrubberies, and increases rapidly by
its creeping roots. It prefers a light sandy loam, or vegetable
mould, and to throw it into flower, the soil should be rather
poor, otherwise it will run all to leaf; in a stiff, clayey
soil it will never flourish at all. The Lily of the Valley is an
excellent plant for town gardens possessing a suitable soil, as
the smoke and confinement scarcely seem to affect it at all. It
also forces well, and in this way a succession may be kept up
in pots from Christmas till May, when it flowers in the open
air. There are several other varieties of the Lily of the Valley,
the double white-flowered, the double and single red-flowered,
40 HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
EX
and the variegated purple, the latter of which is scarce in Eng-
land, and all are inferior in scent to the common. Autumn is the
season for transplanting the Lily of the Valley, and it is
easily propagated by dividing the roots.
MEADOW-SWEET-SPIREA ULMARIA.
Linn. Icosandria Di-Pentagynia. Nat. Rosacea.
This is a common native plant, growing on the banks of
rivers and brooks, or in moist meadows. Its large branched
heads of delicate cream-coloured flowers, which continue from
June to October, are very fragrant, but they soon wither when
gathered. It may be increased by division of the root, and
should be transplanted as soon as it has done flowering.
MONARDA-MONARDA.
Linn. Diandria Monogynia. Nat. Labiata.
There are several species of this plant, which have showy
flowers, and fragrant foliage. The Hollow-stalked, M. fistulosa,
bears purple flowers from June to August, but the crimson
variety of this is much the handsomest. The Oswego Tea,
M. didyma, bears scarlet flowers, and M. purpurea, purple
ones, about the same time of the year. All these grow from
two to three feet high, prefer a good rich soil, and are
readily propagated by dividing the roots, which increase very
rapidly; the odour of their leaves is very refreshing, and
they are excellent for cut flowers, as they keep a long time
in water.
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
41
MUSK-PLANT-MIMULUS MOSCHATUS.
Linn. Didynamia Angiospermia. Nat. Scrophularineæ.
A little trailing plant, in much esteem for the strong musky
scent of its leaves and flowers. It is quite hardy, will grow in
almost any soil, though it prefers rather a rich one with plenty
of water, and spreads very rapidly. A small piece of the root
planted in a pot will soon cover it, and make a good bushy
plant, and as its stems are naturally long and trailing, it may
either be allowed to hang down over the sides of the pot, or
trained up a light trellis of wood or wire. If the seeds, which
are not larger than fine dust, be sown, they must be brought
on in a green-house, or warm window. They only require to
be sprinkled on the surface of the soil, and care must be taken
in watering, not to wash them away.
NARCISSUS-NARCISSUS.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Amaryllideœ.
Of this beautiful genus of bulbous-rooted plants, numbers
are annually imported from Holland, and some from Italy.
They are almost all delightfully fragrant, but the scent is very
stupifying, and when in excess is even dangerous. The
Paper Narcissus, N. papyraceous, is one of the most esteemed
species, bearing sometimes as many as ten or twelve flowers, of
a pure white, on one stem. The Jonquil, N. jonquilla, is the
most fragrant, one plant being sufficient to scent a good sized
room. It is easily known by its rush-like foliage and bright
yellow flowers, which grow two or three on a stem, about a
A
42
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
foot high. The Polyanthus Narcissus, N. tazetta, of which
there are several varieties, differing in the colour of their flowers,
is very sweet, and bears from six to ten buds on one stalk.
The Poet's Narcissus, N. poeticus, is a common but very beau-
tiful flower, of a pure white, with the cup in the centre
shallow, and edged with crimson or purple. It bears but one
flower on a stem, but this is large and very fragrant.
Besides these there are many other species, and several hundred
different varieties of the Narcissus cultivated in Great Britain,
all of which are excellent for the flower-border, but most of
them are not well suited for growing in glasses, though this is
frequently done, as they grow up tall and straggling. They
will all stand the Winter, but the choicer sorts, if left in the
ground, will often degenerate, the double varieties becoming
single, and all of them much smaller. When they are taken
up, which for the choicer kinds should be every year, though
the common ones may remain four or five years, they should
have the offsets separated from the bulbs, and planted in a bed
by themselves, till the second or third year, when they will
begin to show flower. The bulbs may be taken up as soon
as their leaves begin to fade, and treated as directed for
hyacinths, and they should be replanted in October, in light
rich earth. The common sorts produce a much better effect
planted in good sized clumps, than by single bulbs, and are
excellent for planting among the front rows of shrubberies, or
in grass orchards.
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS. 43
ŒNOTHERA, SWEET-SCENTED-NOTHERA ODORata.
Linn. Octandria Monogynia. Nat. Onagrariæ.
A pretty deciduous little plant, growing about two feet high.
It is a native of South America, bearing fine, fragrant, yellow
flowers, from April to August. Any good soil suits it, and it
may be propagated by division of the root or by seeds.
PANSY, or HEART'S-EASE-VIOLA TRIcolor.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Violaceæ.
This little native plant, with crosses of V. lutea, gran-
diflora, &c. is the origin of all those splendid varieties, now
called Pansies by florists. The flowers of most of these have
a rich though rather faint smell, but there is one variety, of a
deep crimson-purple, or maroon colour, which has a scent
almost as strong as that of the violet. A really fine Pansy
should be from one to two inches across the face of the
flower, round, flat, and close in shape, and the colours clear,
distinct, and not running into one another; some of the most
perfect are much esteemed, and will fetch a high price when first
produced. The choice varieties must be propagated by layers or
cuttings, but an almost unlimited number of new ones may be
raised from seed, which should be sown early in Spring, in
a light rich soil, and nothing can be more beautiful than a bed
of these seedlings in full flower; to produce fine blooms how-
ever they must be grown singly, in highly-manured, rather
sandy soil, well watered, and shaded from the hot sun. In its
wild state, the Viola tricolor is an annual, but the cultivated
Pansies are true perennials.
44
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
PINK-DIANTHUS.
Linn. Decandria Monogynia. Nat. Caryophylleæ.
The plants of this genus are among the finest ornaments of
our flower-borders. There are no less than sixty distinct
species and these are subdivided into innumerable varieties.
The principal divisions of the genus are the Pink, the Carna-
tion, and the Sweet William. The many varieties of the Pink
are supposed to have originated from D. plumarius, and some
others of the smaller species. They are distinguished by
florists, as Pheasant's Eyes, Cobs, and Red early pinks.-
Pheasant's eyes are the smallest, red earlies the middle sized,
and cobs the larger varieties. To produce fine blossoms, not
more than eight or ten flowers are allowed to grow on
one plant; and in the Autumn, the smaller side shoots should
be pruned in, in order to strengthen those intended for flow-
ering in the following season. They thrive best in a rich,
rather sandy loam; and are increased by layers, or by cuttings,
commonly called pipings, which however we should recommend
not to be pulled out at a joint, as is frequently done, but cut
off just below the joint; and the first, and if necessary, the second
pair of leaves also, cut down close to the stem.
The cuttings
should then be laid a few minutes in water, before planting them;
in which operation they must not be dibbled in, if they are stiff
enough to do without it, but "forced into the earth, in their
wet state, with a steady hand," about half an inch deep; they
should then be gently watered from a very fine rose, and as
soon as their leaves are quite dry, covered with a hand-glass,
allowing them a little sun in the morning and evening, but
shading them during the heat of the day. The soil should
.
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
45
always be kept moist, but after watering, which may be done
in the morning or evening, the glass should not be replaced
till their leaves are dry. They will also require to be un-
covered for about ten or fifteen minutes occasionally, to admit
fresh air, and this must be done more frequently when they
begin to strike root, which may be known by their looking
more green and fresh at the top. Early in the Autumn is the
best time for transplanting Pinks; and when an old plant
becomes bare and woody about the root, it may be taken up
either in Spring or Autumn, and the main branches split
asunder. These must be planted in the shade, and "will become
good plants if set tolerably deep and kept moist till they have
made new roots." The origin of the Carnation is supposed to
be D. caryophyllus, the Clove Pink. This splendid flower is
divided by florists into Flakes, or such as have only two
colours, with the stripes long and broad: Bizarres, which
have three colours, (that is two colours, either red and pink,
red and purple, or purple and pink, besides the ground
which is usually white) with irregular spots and stripes; and
Picotees, or those which have a white ground spotted or edged !
with some other colour, and which are further distinguished by
the margins of their petals being finely notched or serrated.
Carnations may be propagated as Pinks, and when they are in
full flower is the proper season for both, but they are rather
more tender and are often destroyed by severe winters if
unprotected. The Sweet William, D. barbatus, is a common
plant, but not being included among those which are called
florist's flowers, (that is, those which are cultivated by amateur
florists for the production of fine flowers, according to certain
rules of perfection,) its varieties are fewer, and not named as
those of the former species are.
Most of them however are
;
46 HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
handsome border plants, and there is a double variety which is
exceedingly beautiful. Cuttings of the Sweet William will strike
root in the open air, at almost any season of the year; and the
plants will flourish in any good soil. The seeds also may be
sown in the beginning of April, transplanted about June, and
they will flower the following Spring. Many of the other
species of Dianthus are extremely ornamental, especially the
Indian or Chinese Pink, and the Mule Pink, a beautiful hybrid
between the Sweet William and the Carnation.
PÆONY, EATABLE-ROOTED-PÆONIA EDULIS,
ALBIFLORA.
Linn. Polyandria Digynia. Nat. Ranunculaceæ.
This is the only species of this splendid genus which can truly
be called sweet-scented. It has a fragrance somewhat resem-
bling that of the Narcissus but by no means so strong. This
species of Pæony is a native of Siberia, and the root of it is
there used as an article of food. It grows about two feet high,
and bears white flowers in May and June, but there is a
Chinese variety of it with red flowers, having the scent of the
rose. It will flourish in any good soil not very stiff, and is
propagated by division of the root in Autumn, or by seeds.
All the species of this genus are noble flowers; most of the
herbaceous kinds will thrive under the shade of trees, and we
would especially recommend the cultivation of the Chinese
tree Pæony, P. moutan, which is at present by no means
common.
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS. 47
PRIMROSE, COMMON-PRIMULA VULGARIS.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Primulaceæ.
This has long been a favourite plant, and deservedly so, for
it is the companion of the violet, opening its bright starry
flowers with the first breath of Spring. It delights in moist
clayey soils, in shady situations, and is especially adapted for
planting along hedgerows, or among shrubs; but the roots
must be taken up and divided every three or four years,
otherwise the plants will dwindle and the flowers decrease in
size. The proper time for this operation is about Michaelmas,
and as it will be found difficult to separate the roots with the
hand, they may be cut in pieces with a spade or garden knife.
There are many varieties of the common Primrose now
cultivated, among the best of which are the Double Lilac,
often called the American Primrose, and the Double Carmine,
a splendid flower but very rare. The Oxlip, P. elatior,
another plant of this genus, is a native of Britain, found in
some of our woods, but by no means common, it is a handsome
flower, but has little or no scent. The numerous varieties of
the Polyanthus, so much esteemed as border flowers, are
supposed to be hybrids between the common Primrose and
the Oxlip. They require the same treatment as the Primrose,
but should be grown in a richer and lighter soil. They are
propagated also in the same manner, but those plants are said
to produce the finest flowers, which are raised from seed.
This should be sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady situation,
the young plants may be transplanted the following Summer,
and will flower the next Spring.
48
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
ROCKET, COMMON-HESPERIS MATRONALIS.
Linn. Tetradynamia Siliquosa. Nat. Cruciferæ.
The purple variety of this plant has small flowers and little
scent, and is not worth the trouble of cultivation. The single
white is not much better, its flowers are larger and more
scented, but they are straggling and not very showy. The
double white variety, however, is one of the most beautiful and
fragrant ornaments of our flower gardens. Notwithstanding
this, it is by no means common, and in some places in
England is entirely unknown. The reason is this, though it
is called a perennial, it is very short-lived, and one plant
seldom lasts above two or three years. But most people are
not aware of this circumstance, and when it suddenly dies
away, its death is attributed to frost, or worms, or any other
general cause. However, a succession may be kept up by
propagating in the following manner. As soon as the flowers
are faded, cut down the stem to the root, and on it, at a little
distance from each other will be found several tufts of leaves;
these are not long enough to make cuttings by themselves, but
if the stem be cut through just above each tuft, then each will
have a piece from one to three inches long remaining below it;
these will serve to support the cuttings in the ground, and if
several tolerably wide notches be cut through the bark, round
the stem, just below the tuft, and the cuttings be then stuck
into the grouud, quite down to the leaves, so as just to cover
the notches, with a handglass placed over them, they will be
well rooted and fit to plant out the following Spring. The
cuttings should be shaded from the hot sun,
require watering more than once a week.
and will not
When trans-
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
49
planted into the open borders they should be shaded and
watered for the first two or three days, if the weather is at all
warm and dry, and the soil should be light and unmanured.
There are several other modes of propagating this plant by
cuttings, besides the one here mentioned, but this we can
safely recommend as we ourselves have had experience of
its efficacy, though very probably some of the others would
answer as well. The beauty and great fragrance of the double
white Rocket will well repay a little care bestowed upon it; the
scent is strongest in the evening, and it makes an excellent pot
plant for rooms and windows.
SNOWDROP, COMMON-GALANTHUS NIVALIS.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Amaryllideœ.
"Earliest bud that decks the garden,
Fairest of the fragrant race;
First-born child of vernal Flora,
Seeking mild thy lowly place."
This is "the first fair offspring of the budding year," and
though frequently considered a scentless flower, we can assure
our readers that when fresh gathered it is little inferior to the
violet in this respect. The Snowdrop is found wild in a few
places in England, but most probably it is not truly indigenous.
It will thrive in shrubberies under the shade and drip of trees
where scarcely anything else will grow; it is also very beautiful
when springing up among grass in an orchard, or on a shady
bank; and it increases very rapidly both by offsets and seeds.
The double variety of the Snowdrop is now quite as
common as the single one, but in our opinion at least, it is
50 HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
neither so sweet nor so elegant. There is another species, the
plaited Snowdrop, G. plicatus, having the leaves wrinkled and
broader, but the flowers are not quite so large as those of the
common one.
SNOWFLAKE, SPRING-LEUCOJUM VERNUM.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Amaryllideæ.
This beautiful little plant greatly resembles the Snowdrop
in many respects, though by no means so common, but its
scent is stronger, and its flowers are larger, and open about a
month later. It is a native of moist woods and shady places
in Italy and Germany, and should be grown in a somewhat
peaty soil. The summer Snowflake, L. æstivum, is also very
ornamental, its flowers are white and fragrant, and grow several
together on one stem. Both may be propagated by offsets.
STERNBERGIA, COLCHICUM-FLOWERED-STERN-
BERGIA COLCHICIFLORA.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Amaryllideœ.
A little bulbous-rooted plant, bearing yellow flowers, which
are very fragrant, in August and September. It grows in the
same manner and about the same height as the common cro-
cus, and is quite hardy except in very exposed situations. It
should be grown in light rich soil, and kept dry during the
winter.
HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS. 51
SWALLOW-WORT, VIRGINIAN-ASCLEPIAS SYRIACA.
Linn. Pentandria Digynia. Nat. Asclepiadeœ.
An ornamental plant though not very showy, throwing
up stems three or four feet high, bearing at the top very
fragrant purple flowers. In Canada, of which country it is a
native, the young shoots are eaten like Asparagus, sugar is
extracted from the flowers, and a kind of cotton is gathered
from the seed-pods. It is propagated by dividing the roots,
which, as in almost all herbaceous plants, should be done soon
after the flowers are faded; and it prefers a light peaty soil.
VIOLET, SWEET-VIOLAa odorata.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Violaceæ.
This is the sweetest and almost the earliest flower that
welcomes the returning of the joyous Spring. There are
several varieties cultivated in gardens besides the common blue
and white, among which are the double-flowered of both
colours; the Neapolitan, which is a pale blue, very fragrant,
and excellent for pots or forcing; and the Russian, a variety
which flowers in the open air during the whole of the Winter.
All the Violets thrive best in a loamy soil with a small mixture
of peat, rather stiff than otherwise, and as their trailing stems
strike root at every joint, these have only to be separated from
the parent to obtain fresh plants.
E
52 HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
WATER-LILY, SWEET-SCENTED-NYMPHÆA ODorata.
Linn. Polyandria Monogynia. Nat. Nymphæaceæ.
This very handsome aquatic plant is a native of North
America. Its flowers are white, but though they surpass those
of the Common White Water-Lily, a native of Britain, in
fragrance, they are much inferior in size and beauty. To fix
the roots at the bottom of the water, which is the proper
place for growing them, they may be planted in any old wicker
basket, filled with rather stiff soil, and sunk where it is desired
to have them; the basket will soon decay, the roots will fix
themselves at the bottom, and shoot up annually their broad
floating leaves and beautiful fragrant flowers, which open
about July; and nothing can be a greater ornament to a fish-
pond or other piece of water than this plant, or the Common
White, N. alba; or even when these cannot be obtained the
Common Yellow Water-Lily, Nuphar lutea.
WOODROOF, SWEET-SCENTED-ASPERUla odorata.
Linn. Tetrandria Monogynia. Nat. Rubiaceæ.
A pretty little plant, growing wild in many of our woods,
but well deserving a place in the shrubbery, for it is one of the
few plants which delight in the shade of trees, and though its
small white star-like flowers are not showy, their scent is very
agreeable. It will grow in almost any soil, and needs no
propagation, as its creeping roots spread very rapidly, and a
small piece of one of them taken up and planted again where
it is wanted, is almost sure to grow.
HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS. 53
HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS.
Those plants are called Annuals which require but one year
from the time of sowing, to produce flowers, and ripen seed,
and which then perish entirely. Biennials are those which
require two years to perform the same functions. Thus if an
Annual is sown in the Spring, it flowers, ripens its seed, and
dies in the following Autumn, as the Ten-week Stock. A
Biennial, however, sown at the same time, grows but produces
no flowers the first year, lives through the Winter, and in the
second season perfects its organs of reproduction in the same
manner as an annual does in the first, as the Brompton Stock.
By hardy is here meant such as may be sown in the open
borders without any protection.
ALYSSUM, SWEET-ALYSSUM MARITIMUM, or KONIGA
MARITIMA.
Linn. Tetradynamia Siliculosa. Nat. Cruciferæ.
A pretty little native plant, bearing small white flowers from
June to September, in a wild state; but, as in most annuals,
the time of flowering will be according to the time at which it
is sown, and thus by beginning early and sowing every
month, till the middle of Summer, a succession may be
obtained from May to October or November. The flowers of
the Sweet Alyssum have a fine fragrance like new hay, and as
its seeds ripen well, they may generally be relied upon.
E 2
54
HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS.
DODDER, NEPAL-CUSCUTA VERRUCOSA.
Linn. Tetrandria Digynia. Nat. Convolvulaceœ.
This is a curious parasitical plant, bearing clusters of white
fragrant flowers, from April to October. Its slender thread-
like stems twine themselves about the neighbouring plants, in
a direction contrary to that of the sun, or from West to East,
(see Honeysuckle) sending out a number of little roots or
vesicles like those of the Ivy, which adhere to the bark of the
supporting tree. Loudon says of it, "Plants raised from
seed, soon die when they have no plant to which they can
attach themselves. They adhere to the ground by the original
root and draw a part of their nutriment from thence at first,
but the original root withers away as soon as the young stem
has fixed itself to any other plant." The duration of the
Dodder depends in a great measure upon the kind of plant to
which it is attached; it is usually grown as an annual, and it
will seldom survive the first year unless allowed to adhere to
some evergreen plant, as the geranium or ivy.
CANDYTUFT, SWEET-SCENTED-IBERIS ODORATA,
Linn. Tetradynamia Siliquosa. Nat. Cruciferæ.
A common little annual growing from six inches to a foot
high, and bearing white, slightly fragrant flowers, in July and
August. The sweet-scented Candytuft is but a poor flower,
but the purple and the rocket are very ornamental, especially
the latter.
HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS. 55
EVENING PRIMROSE, WHITE-FLOWERED-
ŒNOTHERA TETRAPTERA.
Linn. Octandria Monogynia. Nat. Onagrariæ.
The flowers of this plant are large and white, changing to
pink as they fade, not opening till about six in the evening,
and becoming dead and flacid by morning. It may be sown
in the open border in March or April, and will then flower
about June, continuing to produce a succession of its beautiful
but evanescent blossoms till the end of September; but if
raised on a hot-bed, and planted out as a tender annual, its
flowers will be much larger and finer. There is another sweet-
scented species of Evening Primrose, E. triloba, a curious plant
bearing yellow flowers close to the ground, which are very
fragrant in the evening.
LEPTOSIPHON, ANDROSACE-LIKE-LEPTOSIPHON,
ANDROSACEUs.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Polemoniaceæ.
This is a most delicate little plant growing about six or
eight inches high, and bearing fine heads of flowers of all
shades of colour, from lilac and blue to white. Their scent is
rich, though not very strong, and they close rather early in the
evening. It is quite hardy, and if sown in autumn it will
stand the winter and flower early in spring. Another species,
L. densiflorum, has larger flowers but less showy, not having
the dark eye which is invariably found in the former one.
•
56
HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS.
LIMNANTHES, DOUGLAS'S-LIMNANTHES DOUGLASII.
Linn. Decandria Monogynia. Nat. Limnantheæ.
The flowers of this plant are slightly fragrant, and of a very
curious colour, being yellow in the middle and white on the
edges of the petals, which gives it a faded appearance. It is
quite hardy, and prefers a moist shady situation. The seed
may be sown at any time of the year except during frost, and
they will flower in about six or eight weeks afterwards.
LUPINE, YELLOW-LUPINUS LUTEUS.
Linn. Diadelphia Decandria. Nat. Leguminosæ.
The flowers of this plant have a scent resembling that of
the cowslip. It is a well-known and hardy annual, and requires
no other care in sowing than not to cover the seeds too deeply,
and to plant them six or eight inches apart at least, that they
may not be drawn up tall and thin. It will thrive in any good
soil but will not bear transplanting.
MIGNONETTE-RESEDA ODORATA.
Linn. Dodecandria Trigynia. Nat. Resedaceœ.
The Mignonette is a native of Egypt and the North of
Africa, and is properly a shrub, though here usually treated as
an annual. It may however be grown three or four feet high
in a greenhouse, and preserved for several years as a shrub, and
in this state it is even more fragrant than in the borders. To
HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS. 57
produce flowering plants of Mignonette during the Winter, the
seed should be sown in pots about July, and protected from
heavy rain and frost in a cold frame, keeping the earth tolerably
moist, and giving plenty of fresh air when the weather will
permit. For flowering in the open air the seed should be
sown very early in the Spring, not later than the first week in
March, as these plants will flower better and continue longer
than those that are sown later. Mrs. Loudon recommends
sprinkling a little of the seed of Clarkia pulchella in a bed of
Mignonette, which, she says, produces a very beautiful effect.
If Mignonette be sown in a rich soil it will grow luxurantly,
but lose the greater part of its fragrance.
PETUNIA, WHITE-PETUNIA NYCTAGINIflora.
Linnn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Solaneæ.
A handsome plant, properly a perennial, but usually grown
in gardens as an annual; it will be found however that trained
against a south wall and protected by mats, it will stand the
Winter and grow to a good sized bush. When cultivated as
an annual, the seeds may be sown in the open ground, in
March, and the plants will continue in flower from June to
October. They prefer a light peaty soil or a sandy loam, and
are very impatient of stagnant water about their roots. Their
stems are long and weak, well adapted for pegging down over
the surface of a bed, and in this way their large white flowers
appear to greater advantage than in almost any other,
especially when mixed with some of the purple kind.
58
HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS.
PLATYSTEMON, CALIFORNIAN-PLATYSTEMON
CALIFORNICUM.
Linn. Polyandria Polygynia. Nat. Ranunculaceæ.
This elegant little flower has been but lately introduced into
this country, and is not yet much known. Its stems, which
are several feet long, are procumbent, "gracefully curving
upwards at the extremities of the shoots." At these extremities
the flowers are produced, which are pale yellow or cream-
coloured, and fragrant. The plant is quite hardy, and will thrive
in any good soil. The seeds may be sown about March, but
only two or three plants should be left together, as they
spread considerably.
SCABIOUS, SWEET-SCABIOSA ATROPURPurea.
Linn. Tetrandria Monogynia. Nat. Dipsaceæ.
A pretty, fragrant, and very common plant, usually a
biennial if sown in the open ground, but if brought on under
a hand-glass it will flower the same season. There are white,
pink, and purple varieties which are generally mixed, and in
gathering the seed, it should be remembered, that only those
will grow which are green at the top. Some species of the
Scabious are perennials, but these are scarcely sweet-scented.
HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS. 59
STOCK-MATHIOLA.
Linn. Tetradynamia Siliquosa. Nat. Cruciferæ.
The Ten-week Stock, M. annua, is so called because it is
said to flower in ten weeks after sowing, but this of course
must be very uncertain.
uncertain. It is a well-known plant, not less
esteemed for its great fragrance than for its beautiful flowers.
Its varieties are very numerous, though perhaps the handsomest
is the double crimson; but as double flowers never produce seed,
and as the secd of single ones only produces double flowers
occasionally, this variety is often difficult to get.
The
following are the methods usually practiced to obtain it. Out
of a bed of single-flowered plants, grown in rich soil, some
will generally be found bearing flowers with five or six petals
instead of four, which is their natural number ; these are
selected, the others being pulled up and thrown away, and the
seed of these semi-double ones, usually produces a consider-
able number of double flowers. Such seed may also generally
be obtained, by placing a few plants of the double and single
varieties together when their flowers are just opening, and
leaving them together till they are faded, when the seed must
be saved from the single ones. All the varieties of this stock
are hardy and will flower if sown in the open borders; but to
have them in perfection they should be raised on a hot-bed,
and planted out while quite young. If this is neglected till
they have opened their fourth or fifth pair of leaves, they will
seldom succeed, and they are quite old enough when they
have opened their second pair. The Russian and Prussian
Stocks are only varieties of the ten-week, but the Bromp-
ton is a biennial plant, a variety of the Queen's Stock,
60
HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS.
M. incana. The seeds of this species should be sown in the
open ground about the beginning of May, in fresh, unmanured
soil, when they will stand the Winter and flower the following
Spring. If they are sown in rich soil they will produce finer
flowers, but being more juicy they will be unable to resist the
frost, and must, therefore be protected during the Winter.
The Brompton Stock grown finely often produces flowers from
two to three inches in diameter, but it must have rich soil,
well drained, and plenty of water while growing, though it will
require very little during the Winter, and all the side flower-
stems must be taken off as soon as they appear, that the whole
of the nourishment may be concentrated in the centre one.
SWEET-PEA-LATHYRUS ODORATUS.
Linn. Diadelphia Decandria. Nat. Leguminosæ.
One of the prettiest and sweetest, and at the same time one
of the commonest of our garden annuals. Its flowers are of
that curious shape called papilionaceous, or butterfly-like, and
the footstalks of its leaves are elongated into spiral tendrils, by
which its slender stems are supported among the surrounding
plants. The seeds of the Sweet-Pea are usually sown in April,
when they will flower in July and August; but if sown in
Autumn, and the plants slightly protected during the Winter,
they will flower about April or May; in all cases no more
seeds should be sown than are intended to remain, as their
long roots are liable to be disturbed by thinning out, nor will
they succeed well when transplanted. The soil should be rich
and light, except when they are grown in pots, in which case
it should have a slight mixture of clay, and the pots should be
HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS. 61
of the deepest kind. There are many varieties of the Sweet-
Pea, perhaps the most beautiful of which are the purple, and
the Painted-Lady. The Tangier Pea is a handsome flower
but scentless.
SWEET-SULTAN-CENTAUREA MOSCHATA.
Linn. Syngenesia Frustranea.
Nat. Compositæ.
This beautiful flower is sometimes raised on a hot-bed as a
tender annual, but it is quite hardy enough to stand our
winters, and indeed those which are sown in the Autumn
produce the strongest plants and largest flowers, which open
about May or June; but it is as well to sow also in the Spring
for late flowering plants. There are three varieties of the
Sweet-Sultan, purple, white, and yellow, the last has the
richest and most powerful scent, but is rather more tender
than the other two.
THORN-APPLE, HORNY-STEMMED-DATURA
CERATOCAULON.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Solaneæ.
This is a magnificent plant, often growing to the height of
four or five feet, and bearing large, fragrant, convolvulus-shaped
flowers, of a pale colour stained with streaks of purple. Its
foliage is also very handsome, and shows well when planted
among shrubs. The seeds may be sown in the open ground in
March or April, but the young plants should be covered with
a hand-glass or flower-pot, when a frost is expected during the
62
HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS.
night. They are sometimes raised in a hot-bed or green-
house, but they will not flower except in the open air. They
should be planted in a light rich soil, and will continue in
blossom till destroyed by the early frosts. The purple Thorn-
Apple, D. fastuosa, is also a handsome annual, and has rather
an agreeable scent; it requires the same treatment as the
former.
TOBACCO, NIGHT-FLOWERING-NICOTIANA
NOCTIFLORA.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Solaneæ.
This flower, like very many of those which open in the
night, is delightfully fragrant, but the sticky hairs upon the
stem and leaves have an unpleasant smell. The flowers are
pure white above and purple beneath. The Persian or
Shiraz Tobacco, N. persica, is also a beautiful species,
and like the former is very fragrant in the evening; both
are quite hardy, and may be sown about March in any
good soil.
TURNSOLE, EUROPÆAN-HELIOTROPIUM EUROPÆUM.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Boragineæ..
A pretty little annual bearing curled spikes of white flowers,
which have a delicious scent, like that of meadow hay, or a
hot cherry-pie. The seeds may be sown in March, preferring
a light loamy soil; and the plants will continue in flower the
whole of the Summer.
HALF HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 63
HALF HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
Under the head of half hardy are included all those plants
which will stand in the open air the whole year round,
but require some protection during the Winter. As this however
depends so much upon situation and other circumstances, it is
impossible to draw a very accurate distinction between hardy
and half hardy plants on the one hand, and half hardy and
greenhouse plants on the other.
ACACIA, THORNY-ACACIA ARMATA.
Linn. Polygamia Monacia. Nat. Leguminosæ.
The flowers of this beautiful shrub are yellow and very
fragrant, and appear in round heads on the sides of the young
branches, opening from April to June; and the leaves are
sessile, that is without stalks, and curiously twisted. It is
usually considered as a greenhouse plant, but we have no
doubt it would stand the Winter out of doors in a warm
situation, and with a little protection. It succeeds best in a
soil of sandy loam and peat, and may be propagated by
cuttings of the young wood, which must be struck in pots of
sand on a hot-bed, or by good sized pieces of the root planted
in sandy peat soil, with their thickest ends above the surface.
The sweet-scented Acacia, A. suaveolens, is not quite so
hardy as the former species, and does not grow so large, but
it is equally ornamental.
64
HALF HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
BEJARIA, SWEET-SCENTED-BEJARIA RACEMOSA.
Linn. Dodecandria Monogynia. Nat. Rhodoraceæ.
A handsome shrub growing three or four feet high, and
bearing several light purple flowers at the ends of the bran-
ches. It is a native of the Southern states of North America,
where it is found on the borders of swamps and lakes, in a
moist soil, consisting chiefly of peat and loam.
It is propa-
gated by cuttings planted in pots and placed upon a hot-bed.
When planted in the open border, it should be well protected
during Winter.
CINERARIA-CINERARIA.
Linn. Syngenesia Superflua. Nat. Compositæ.
Among the numerous hybrids and varieties produced,
within the last few years, from the cultivated species of this
plant, several are sweet-scented. The best of these is the
hybrid called the King Cineraria, bearing flowers with the
disk purple, and the petals of the ray white tipped with
purple. It is an excellent pot plant for rooms, and out of
doors requires only just sufficient protection to keep out the
severe frosts. It is however very liable to be attacked
by insects, which, if not carefully and constantly destroyed,
will soon spoil the beauty of the plant. It will thrive in
any light rich soil; and is propagated by cuttings of the
young wood, planted in pots, in a frame or under a hand-glass.
HALF HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 65
CORONILLA, SEVEN-LEAVED-CORONILLA GLAUCA.
Linn. Diadelphia Decandra. Nat. Leguminosæ.
This is a very ornamental shrub and nearly hardy. It bears
its clusters of bright yellow fragrant flowers from May to
November, and in a greenhouse it flowers almost all the year
round. It is often trained against a wall, in which situation it
does very well, if it be a South aspect, shooting out branches
several feet long, which, with the leaves, are of a soft bluish-
green colour. It is propagated by cuttings, and prefers a
light rich mould. The silvery-leaved Coronilla, C. argentea,
is also very sweet, but not quite so hardy; its flowers are
yellow, and the leaves have a silvery appearance when grown
in poor light soil, but if removed to a bed of richer earth they
become glaucous, like those of the preceding species; it may
be propagated by cuttings or layers.
DAPHNE, SWEET-SCENTED-DAPHNE ODORA.
Linn. Octandria Monogynia. Nat. Thymeleæ.
The flowers of this plant are of a light purple or garnet
colour, not very showy but delightfully fragrant, and it con-
tinues in blossom from April to November; but it is rather
tender and requires to be under glass during the winter. It
grows three or four feet high, and thrives best in a rich loamy
soil with a little peat. It is easily propagated by cuttings of
the ripened wood, planted in sand under a bell-glass, in the
greenhouse.
66 HALF HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
DIOSMA, HEATH-LEAVED-DIOSMA ERICOIDES.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Diosmeæ.
This is a handsome little shrub, growing about two feet
high, and requiring but little protection in a warm situation;
it is also an excellent pot plant for rooms, as it is not affected
by close confinement. Its flowers are white, but inconspicuous,
being solitary at the ends of the branches, but they have a
powerful and aromatic scent, as have the leaves also, especially
when rubbed between the fingers. It flowers from April to
July, is propagated by cuttings treated as directed for the
Heaths, and should be grown in a mixture of peat and loam.
EPACRIS, SWEET-SCENTED-EPACRIS PULCHELLA.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Epacrideæ.
This is almost a greenhouse plant, but well protected in a
warm situation, with some straw or other covering round the
It is a
roots, it will stand the Winter in the open air.
beautiful shrub growing four or five feet high, and bearing
small pink flowers along the whole length of the branches,
which open about June out of doors, though much earlier in
a greenhouse. It may be propagated in the same manner as
the Heaths, and requires the same soil and general treatment.
HALF-HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 67
ERINUS, FRAGRANT-ERINUS FRAGRans.
Linn. Didynamia Angiospermia. Nat. Scrophularineæ.
A pretty little alpine plant, growing about six or eight
inches high, and bearing yellow, sweet-scented flowers, in May
and June; it is well adapted for rockwork, in warm and moist
situations, requiring but little protection in winter. It may
be propagated by cuttings or layers, and prefers rather a
sandy soil.
ERIOCOMA, FRAGRANT-ERIOCOMA FRAGRANS.
Linn. Syngenesia frustranea. Nat. Compositæ.
Rather a new plant, growing about three feet high, and
flowering in Autumn. It will succeed well in any good soil,
and its flowers which are white, are deliciously fragrant. It is
propagated by seeds, or young cuttings planted in Spring
under a hand-glass; and requires but little protection during
the Winter.
GENISTA, CANARY-GENISTA CANARIENSIS.
Linn. Diadelphia Decandria. Nat. Leguminosæ.
An ornamental shrub, growing about two feet high. Its
flowers, which are yellow and papilionaceous, are showy and
fragrant, and continue from May to September. It ripens
seed in abundance, from which it may be propagated; and it
thrives best in a soil of sandy loam and peat.
F
68 HALF-HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
HEATH-ERica.
Linn. Octandria Monogynia. Nat. Ericeæ.
There are several species of this beautiful tribe of flowering
shrubs which are sweet-scented, and almost all of them may be
considered half-hardy. The cluster-flowered Heath, E. reger-
minans, bears small red flowers from June to August, and
grows about two feet high. The sweet-scented Heath,
E. suaveolens, produces small globular pink flowers, all along
the young branches in July and August, and grows about a
foot high. The perfumed Heath, E. odorata, bears terminal
clusters of white flowers from April to June. The fragrant
Heath, E. fragrans, bears purple flowers from March to June,
and grows about nine inches or a foot high. Bowie's Heath,
E. Bowieana, bears beautiful white flowers from August to
December. All these will stand in the open ground through
the Winter, provided they are sufficiently protected to keep
the frost from the air and the earth around them; this
is all they require, and when many people complain that the
Heaths are so difficult to keep, it is generally either because
they place them in heat during the Winter, or because they
give them too much water when they are out of flower, and not
enough air and light, either of which will effectually destroy
them; but though during the Winter, they must not have
too much water, for fear of their damping off, yet if the roots
are once suffered to get thoroughly dry, they will seldom
recover, and when they are in flower they can scarcely be
watered too often. The only earth in which Heaths will
flourish, is sandy peat; and when grown in pots these should
be well drained. They may be propagated by cuttings of the
HALF-HARDY EVERGREEN SIIRUBS.
69
young side shoots, when they are about half an inch long,
which should be cut off with a sharp knife or a small pair of
scissors, close to the stem, and a few of the lower leaves taken
off in the same manner; they should then be dibbled into a
well-drained pot of sandy peat earth, having a layer of moist
white sand at the top, about a quarter of an inch deep; and
after a gentle watering, from a very fine rose, they must be
covered with a bell-glass, placed on a very little bottom heat,
and shaded from the hot sun. The glass must not be taken off
till they are rooted, which may be known by their beginning to
shoot; they should then be uncovered for an hour or two every
day with occasional waterings, and in the following Spring
they may be potted off; and after being gradually hardened to
the air, may be treated like the full-grown plants. There are
several hundred distinct species of Heaths now grown in
England, and scarcely any flower can be more exquisitely
beautiful than some of these, thomgh the greater part are
unfortunately scentless. Among the most esteemed are
the varieties of Erica vestita, ventricosa, hyemalis, lutea,
Willmoriana, &c.
HELICHRYSUM, FRAGRANT-HELICHRYSUM
FRAGRANS.
Linn. Syngenesia Superflua. Nat. Compositæ.
A very beautiful little shrub, and its small pink flowers,
which have an agreeable odour, are of that dry nature
commonly called everlasting, so that they will keep for several
years after being gathered. It grows about two feet high, and
flowers in July and August. It may be propagated from
F 2
70 HALF-HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
cuttings, which should be planted in sand and placed on a
hot-bed, but not covered with a bell-glass, and requiring but
little water; it succeeds best in a sandy peat soil, and should
be well protected in Winter.
JASMINE, ARABIAN-JASMINUM SAMBAC.
Linn. Diandria Monogynia. Nat. Jasmineæ.
The flowers of this plant are white, and of the most exquisite
fragrance, appearing in Spring and continuing till late in the
Autumn. It is better grown in large pots than in the open
ground, as it should be placed under cover during the Winter.
It may be propagated by cuttings, planted in pots in a frame
or greenhouse, and prefers a light rich soil.
LEUCOSPERMUM, ROSE-SCENTED-LEUCOSPERMUM
CANDICANS.
Linn. Tetrandria Monogynia. Nat. Proteaceæ.
A little hairy shrub, almost hardy, growing about two feet
high, and bearing yellow flowers, which have a slight scent 3
resembling that of the rose, towards the middle of Autumn.
It is propagated by seeds or cuttings, and should be grown in
a mixture of peat and loam.
MYRTLE, COMMON-MYRTUS COMMUNIS.
Linn. Icosandria Monogynia. Nat. Myrtaceæ.
A well-known shrub, hardy in the South of England, but
requiring protection in most places North of the Thames.
HALF-HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 71
The broad-leaved Myrtle,M. communis var. romana, is the most
esteemed, as its leaves have the strongest scent, and its flowers
are larger and more conspicuous than those of the narrow-
leaved variety. It often grows to the height of seven or eight
feet, and much higher against a wall, and it gets hardier as it
grows older. It is propagated from cuttings five or six inches
long, of the half ripened wood, taken off early in Autumn,
and placed under a hand-glass or frame; and it will flourish in
any rich loamy soil.
NYCTANTHES, SQUARE-STALKED-NYCTANTHES
ARBOR-TRISTIS.
Linn. Diandria Monogynia. Nat. Jasmineæ.
This has generally been considered a stove plant, and very
difficult to bring into flower, but lately it has been treated
more hardily and has produced flowers in abundance, and
Sweet is of opinion that it would stand our Winters out of
doors, with a little protection. We would strongly recommend
the trial, as its beautiful white flowers, which only open in the
night, are delightfully fragrant. It is easily propagated by
cuttings, which should not be too ripe, planted in pots of sand
under a hand-glass, with a little heat; and it does best in a
rich soil of loam and peat.
OLIVE, FRAGRANT—OLEA FRAGRANS.
Linn. Diandria Monogynia. Nat. Oleinæ.
The leaves and flowers of this shrub are highly odoriferous,
and the leaves are much used in China to adulterate and
72 HALF-HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
flavour teas. It grows about four or five feet high, and bears
bunches of yellow flowers from June to August. Planted
against a wall, and protected from frost, it will stand the
Winter and flower freely, and some species of the Olive will
ripen fruit in such situations. It is usually propagated by
layers, or by grafting on the common privet; and succeeds best
in a peat soil with a small mixture of rich loam.
STOCK, NIGHT-SMELLING-MATHIOLA TRISTIS.
Linn. Tetradynamia Siliquosa. Nat. Cruciferæ.
A curious plant, usually cultivated in the greenhouse,
though according to Phillips it is quite hardy. Its flowers are
loose, ragged, and of a pale dingy purple colour, but strongly
and richly scented in the evening, and opening in April and
May. The Persian Stock, M. odoratissima, has also dingy
flowers, very fragrant, which appear in June and July. Both
are propagated by slips, and prefer light rich soil.
TURNSOLE, PERUVIAN~HELIOTROPIUM PERUVIANUM.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Boragineæ.
This little shrub is chiefly cultivated for the delicious
fragrance of its small lavender-coloured flowers, which resembles
that of a hot cherry-pie; it is rather tender, though in a sheltered
situation with a little protection it will endure a moderate frost,
but out of doors it is often not evergreen, losing its leaves
when Winter commences. It flowers during the whole of the
Summer from May to September, and makes an excellent pot
HALF-HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
73
plant. It should be grown in rich vegetable mould or good
loam, and is increased by cuttings, which root readily in pots
under glass.
VERVAIN-VERBENA.
Linn. Didynamia Angiospermia. Nat. Verbenaceæ.
There are several species of the Verbena which are very
beautiful and fragrant, and new varieties are yearly being
raised from seed. The White Sweet-scented, V. teucrioides,
or Nevinii, is a strong-growing plant, bearing spikes of
beautiful flowers of a pinkish-white colour, which are very
fragrant towards evening. The Rose-coloured, V. odorata
rosea, is a smaller plant and bears corymbs of flowers of a
light rose colour, which are slightly sweet. V. Neilii has
dark purple flowers rather strongly scented, and Mortlock's
new Verbena is perhaps the handsomest and most fragrant of
all. Besides these there are some splendid varieties having no
scent, among which are V. melindres and V. melindres
major, or latifolia, both of which have bright scarlet flowers,
and make as handsome a bed as any plant cultivated in
the garden. All the Verbenas are very nearly hardy, and
may easily be propagated by cuttings in pots under glass; but
the two last mentioned require only to be divided in the
Autumn, as their stems which grow close to the ground,
strike root at almost every joint. They will flourish in any
good soil.
74 HALF-HARDY EVERGREEN SHRUBS.
VIBURNUM, SWEET-SCENTED-VIBURNUM
ODORATISSIMUM.
Linn. Pentandria Trigynia. Nat. Caprifoliacea.
A handsome shrub, with large dark shining leaves, and
bunches of white flowers, which are very sweet, and
open in
the greenhouse as early as February or March, though out of
doors they are somewhat later. It is nearly hardy, and in a
warm situation or against a wall, requires but little protection.
It should be grown in a light loamy soil, and is propagated by
layers or ripened cuttings. The sweet-scented Viburnum is
by no means so common as it should be, and we can assure
those who feel inclined to try it, that they will not be
disappointed.
HALF-HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. 75
HALF-HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
ALOYSIA, LEMON-SCENTED-ALOYSIA CITRIODORA.
Linn. Didynamia Angiospermia. Nat. Verbenacea.
This is frequently called the Lemon-scented Verbena,
V. triphylla. It is a pretty little shrub, and is chiefly grown
for the scent of its leaves, which is very rich and powerful.
It bears large spikes of pale pink flowers from May to
September, and when trained against a warm wall requires
scarcely any other protection. It grows best in light rich
soil, and is propagated by cuttings. At the Edinburgh
Botanical Gardens there is a fine specimen of this plant
between three and four feet high, which stands in the open
ground in front of the greenhouse, and we are told requires
no protection at all. But though like the Myrtle, and indeed
most other plants, it gets hardier as it grows older, when
young it is somewhat tender.
BASTARD-INDIGO, DWARF-AMORPHA MICROPHYLLA.
Linn. Diadelphia Decandria. Nat. Leguminosæ.
An ornamental little shrub, growing about two feet high,
bearing spikes of purple flowers from June to August. It
should be grown in a sandy peat soil, may be propagated by
76 HALF-HARDY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.
layers, or cuttings taken off early in Autumn and planted in
pots under a hand-glass, and requires but little protection
during the Winter.
HERMANNIA, FRAGRANT-HERMANNIA FRAGRANS.
Linn. Monadelphia Pentandria. Nat. Byttneriaceæ.
A pretty little sweet-scented under-shrub, with small yellow
flowers, hairy stems, and wrinkled leaves, requiring protection
during the Winter. It grows freely in light loamy soil with a
little peat, and is propagated by cuttings in the same soil under
glass. Another species, the sweet-scented Hermannia,
H. odorata, is also very pretty, and both are deserving of
cultivation.
STÆHELINA, ROSEMARY-LEAVED-stæhelina
DUBIA.
Linn. Syngenesia Equalis. Nat. Compositæ.
This shrub is a native of the South of Europe, grows about
three feet high, with narrow sessile leaves, and bears purple
flowers from June to August. It is propagated by cuttings,
under a hand-glass in the open air, and prefers rather a
peaty soil.
HALF-HARDY CLIMBERS, ETC.
77
HALF-HARDY CLIMBING, TWINING,
AND TRAILING SHRUBS.
GELSEMIUM, EVERGREEN-GELSEMIUM
SEMPERVIRENS.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Apocyneæ.
A beautiful North American Climber, very nearly hardy
against a warm wall. It grows about six or eight feet high,
and bears very fragrant yellow flowers in June and July. It
requires a sandy peat soil with a mixture of loam, and is
propagated by cuttings under a bell-glass.
HOYA, FLESHY-LEAVED-hoya carnosa.
Linn. Pentandria Digynia. Nat. Asclepiadeæ.
This very beautiful evergreen twiner is usually treated as
a stove plant; but as we have seen it growing in cottage
windows and cool greenhouses, we venture to intro-
duce it here as a half-hardy; and if it could be induced to
flourish in the open air, protected during the Winter, its
beautiful clusters of delicate pink and white flowers, which
have a rich honeylike scent, would well repay the care and
trouble. It grows best in a light rich soil, and is propagated
by cuttings which must be struck in heat.
78
HALF-HARDY CLIMBERS, ETC.
JASMINE-JASMINUM.
Linn. Diandria Monogynia. Nat. Jasmineæ.
The sweet-scented Jasmine, J. odoratissimum, is a beautiful
little half-hardy trailer, growing four or five feet high, and
bearing white flowers from May to November. The curled-
flowered Jasmine, J. revolutum, is almost hardy, and against
a warm wall it will stand a moderate Winter without protec-
tion; its flowers are yellow and fragrant, and the petals are all
bent back towards the calyx, whence its name. Both of these
are evergreen, and excellent for a sheltered wall. They
may be propagated by cuttings under glass, and succeed best
in good rich soil.
PASSION-FLOWER, ROSE-COLOURED-PASSiflora
INCARNATA.
Linn. Monadelphia Pentandria. Nat. Passifloreæ.
A beautiful climbing plant, a native of America, bearing
pink flowers from July to September. It is rather tender, and
when grown in the open air it must be against a warm wall,
and well protected during the Winter. The fruit of this plant
is edible, having a sweetish yellow pulp, but it will not ripen
except in the heat of the stove. It should be grown in a rich
soil, and is propagated by young cuttings planted in pots
on a hot-bed.
HALF-HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
79
HALF HARDY PERENNIAL
HERBACEOUS PLANTS.
-
ANTHERICUM, SWEET-SCENTED-ANTHERICUM
FRAGRANS.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Asphodeleæ.
A pretty little bulbous-rooted plant, growing about a foot
high, with long fleshy leaves, and bearing spikes of white
fragrant flowers in April and May; it should be planted in a
warm dry border, and covered with a little straw in the
Winter. It is propagated by offsets from the bulb, and
prefers a sandy peat soil.
BABIANA-BABIANA.
Linn. Triandria Monogynia. Nat. Irideæ.
A very beautiful genus of bulbous-rooted plants, the greater
part of which are sweet-scented. Among these are, the plaited-
leaved, B. plicatæ, a dwarf plant bearing pale violet-coloured
flowers in May and June, which have a scent resembling that
of the Clove Pink. The two-rowed, B. disticha, with purplish
white flowers, opening about June, and smelling like the
Hyacinth. The elder-scented, B. sambucina, which grows
80
HALF-HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
from six inches to a foot high, and bears flowers of a deep
rich purple early in the summer; and the narrow-leaved
B. angustifolia, a beautiful little plant, bearing slightly
fragrant flowers of a brilliant blue with dark spots at the
centre. Of these the hardiest is B. disticha, which requires
scarcely any attention in a warm situation. The others
should either be taken up in the Winter, or protected by a little
straw. If left in the open ground, they should, like all
half-hardy bulbs, be planted five or six inches deep, that the
frost may not so easily reach them. They should be grown in
a sandy peat soil, without any water during the Winter; and
the offsets must be separated every two or three years.
BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL, SWEET-SCENTED-LOTUS
ODORATUS.
Linn. Diadelphia Decandria. Nat. Leguminosæ.
A little herbaceous plant, growing about eighteen inches
high, with clusters of yellow flowers which open in June and
July. It requires a little protection, and may be propagated
by division of the root or by seeds; it should be planted in a
light sandy loam.
BULBINE-Bulbine.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Asphodeleæ.
An ornamental genus of showy fragrant flowers, easily culti-
vated, and almost hardy. The most esteemed species are, the
Aloe-leaved, B. alooides; the dagger-leaved, B. pugioniforme;
HALF-HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS. 81
and the shrubby, B. frutescens; the two former of these are
evergreen but entirely herbaceous, and grow about a foot high,
the latter is suffrutescent, or somewhat shrubby, and rather
taller. They all bear yellow flowers the whole of the Summer,
are propagated by cuttings, suckers, or seeds, and should be
grown in a very sandy soil.
CALLA, ETHIOPIAN-CALLA ÆTHIOPICA.
Linn. Heptandria Monogynia. Nat. Aroideæ.
This curious and very beautiful plant is a native of South-
ern Africa, but will stand our winters in the open air with a
very little protection. The leaves are large, handsome and
sagittate, and the calyx, or rather the spathe, of the flower,
which is pure white on the inner surface, expands into a
most elegant vase-like cup, inclosing the curious flame colour-
ed spadix, which is surrounded near the bottom with
numerous minute flowers. It is an excellent pot plant, as
its large leaves continue green and fresh nearly the whole year,
and in a room or greenhouse it flowers very early in the Spring,
though out of doors it is several months later. It requires
plenty of water, should be grown in light rich soil well
drained, and increases rapidly by suckers.
CHLIDANTHUS, SWEET-SCENTED-CHLIDANTHUS
FRAGRANS.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Amaryllideæ.
A beautiful bulbous-rooted plant, bearing fine yellow flowers
of a very delicate colour and texture, which open out of doors
82 HALF-HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
in July and August. It should be planted in the borders in
Spring, and either taken up during the winter or well protect-
ed from the frosts, bearing in mind that like almost all bulbs,
it requires scarcely any moisture while not in a growing state.
It is propagated by offsets, and thrives best in a mixture of
sandy loam and peat.
CORNFLAG-GLADIOLUS.
Linn. Triandria Monogynia. Nat. Irideæ.
A beautiful genus of bulbous plants, among the numerous
species of which the following are sweet-scented. The change-
able Cornflag, G. versicolor, bears flowers of a brown orange
colour in May and June and is very fragrant in the evening.
The fragrant Cornflag, G. suaveolens, has pale yellow flowers
curiously dotted with red, and is very suitable for pots. The
violet-scented, G. recurvus, bears flowers of a dull violet blue
in April and May. The one-coloured, G. concolor, has a scent
in the evening resembling the common Pink, its flowers are
bright yellow and nearly companulate or bell-shaped. The
Viper Cornflag, G. viperatus, bears very curious flowers, "of a
greenish grey, with livid and brown stripes, and they are ex-
tremely fragrant." It grows from six inches to a foot high
and flowers in April and May. This species is rather scarce,
and requires a somewhat stiffer soil than most.
The winged
Cornflag, G. alatus, has a scent like that of the Sweetbriar,
and is remarkable for the smallness of its root which is about
the size of a large pea. Its flowers are yellow and bright
orange crimson, and open in May and June, growing about a
foot high. The thread-leaved, G. trichonemifolius, bears
HALF-HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
83
yellow flowers in May, with the scent of the Violet. Mr.
Colville's, G. Colvillit, is a handsome species, growing eighteen
inches high, with flowers of a rich rose-colour.
The hairy,
G. hirsutus, has large flowers and hairy leaves and stems, but
its colour and height vary considerably with soil and situation.
All these are natives of the Cape of Good Hope, and they will
all flower as well, and many of them better, in the open ground
than in a greenhouse. The later flowering kinds, among
which is G. cardinalis, one of the handsomest species, but
without scent, may be planted in the borders in Spring; but
those which flower in April and May should be. planted in
October. They require a well-drained sandy soil, a warm
situation, and protection from the rain and frosts in Winter,
the former of which, indeed, is often more injurious than the
latter, while the bulbs are in a dormant state, though they
should be kept regularly moist while growing. Mrs. Loudon
recommends, as a good situation for the Cape bulbs, a
sloping bank in front of a south wall;" and an excellent
protection from the frost is, to plant the bulbs about six
inches deep, and place a good sized pot filled with dry sand,
upside down over the spot where each lies; or a hand-glass,
a mat, a little straw, or other litter, will do equally well. The
Gladioli, and some others of the Cape bulbs, are among the
handsomest and most fragrant ornaments of the flower-garden,
and well deserve more extended cultivation.
"
CYCLAMEN, PERSIAN-CYCLAMEN PERSICUM.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Primulaceæ.
This beautiful and fragrant flower will succeed very well
in a warm dry border, in a light peaty soil; with a flower-pot,
G
84 HALF-HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
¿
a hand-glass, or a little straw over it in the Winter. Its curious
drooping flowers are white with a rim of purple round the
orifice of the tube, and open in April and May. It is propaga-
ted by seeds, which however can only be obtained from plants
six or eight years old. They must be sown as soon as gathered
about half an inch deep in pots of light earth, and placed in a
rather shady situation, well protected during the Winter; but
the young plants will not flower till the fourth or fifth year.
There are several other species of Cyclamen, but none so
beautiful or fragrant as the Persian.
EVENING FLOWER-HESPERANTHA.
Linn. Triandria Monogynia. Nat. Irideæ.
This is a pretty and deliciously-scented genus of the Cape
bulbs, and as the name implies they open only during the night.
The cinnamon-coloured, H. cinnamomea; the sickle-leaved,
H. falcata; the radiated or nodding-flowered, H. radiata;
and the narrow-leaved, H. angustifolia, are the most beautiful;
but the grass-leaved, H. graminifolia, and the hairy, H. pilosa,
are also very fragrant in the evening when the air is warm and
dry. H. graminifolia flowers in Autumn, and may therefore
be planted about April, and taken up during the Winter; but
the others, being Spring flowerers, should be planted in Autumn.
They are all small-growing plants, from six inches to a foot
high, with delicate starry flowers; but being rather tender they
must be well protected in Winter from frost and rain, and are
better grown in small pots of sandy peat earth, than in the
open ground. Their general treatment is the same as for the
Gladioli or Cornflags.
HALF-HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS. 85
IXIA-IXIA.
Linn. Triandria Monogynia. Nat. Irideæ.
Another beautiful genus of Cape bulbs, of which the
following are sweet-scented. The variegated, I. columellaris,
bears red and purple flowers about August, and continues
in bloom for several weeks. The sweet-scented, I. odorata,
bears short spikes of bright yellow flowers, in May and June,
and is almost hardy. The recurved-flowered, I. retusa, is
rather tender, and its flowers, which are of a bright rose-colour,
have a scent resembling that of the Lily of the Valley. The
bending-stalked, I. flexuosa, flowers about April, and varies
considerably in colour, from light pink to purple or deep rose.
The hybrid, I. hybrida, is a very pretty and elegant species,
with white and purple flowers, opening in April and May.
The Ixias require the same general treatment as directed for
the Cornflags, and are equally deserving of attention, but, as
in them, many of the handsomest species are without scent.
LACHENALIA, FRAGRANT-LACHENALIA FRAGRANS.
Linn. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. Asphodeleæ.
A low-growing bulbous-rooted plant, rather pretty, and
very fragrant. It will flower in June and July, in a warm
border; and its soil, propagation, and general treatment are
the same as directed for Chlidanthus.
G 2
86 HALF-HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS.
LYCHNIS, CHINESE-LYCHNIS CORONATA,
Linn. Decandria Pentagynia. Nat. Caryophylleæ.
The flowers of this plant are bright red or nearly scarlet, and
appear in June and July. It will flower well if planted in the
open borders in Spring, but should be taken up in Autumn,
potted, and preserved through the Winter in a greenhouse or
frame. If however this cannot be done, it will stand in a
warm sheltered corner, with a little straw or a mat over it
during frosts. It may be propagated by cuttings under a
hand-glass, by seeds, which often ripen abundantly, or by
division of the root, which should be done every three or four
years, and it succeeds best in a light rich loamy soil.
TOBACCO, SWEET-SCENTED-NICOTIANA UNDULATA.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Solaneæ.
An Australian plant bearing white flowers from May to
September, and growing about two feet high. It is rather
tender, and should be planted in a warm border, well protected
during the Winter. It is propagated by division of the root,
or by seeds, and requires a good rich soil.
are,
TRITONIA-TRITONIA.
Linn. Triandria Monogynia. Nat. Trideæ.
The two most fragrant species of this genus of Cape bulbs
the sweet-scented, T. odorata, bearing yellow flowers
HALF-HARDY PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS. 87
1
""
early in May; and the squalid Tritonia, T. squalida, a name,
as Mrs. Loudon remarks, very inappropriate, as nothing
can be more fresh and less squalid than its appearance." It
grows about a foot high, and bears rose-coloured flowers in
May, very beautifully marked. Both these species may be
grown in a light sandy loam, in a sheltered situation in the
open ground, and treated as directed for the Cornflags.
WATSONIA, BROAD-LEAVED, or SCEPTRE-
FLOWERED-WATSONIA MARGINATA.
Linn. Triandria Monogynia. Nat. Irideæ.
This is a very handsome plant, hearing long spikes of pink
flowers, three or four feet high, richly scented, and opening
about August. It is one of the Cape bulbs, and being rather
tender, is generally grown in a pot, in the greenhouse, during
the Winter, and plunged in the open ground in Summer; but
planted deep in a sandy peat soil, and protected from rain and
frost, it will stand the Winter in the open air, and requires the
same treatment as directed for the Cornflags.
88 HALF-HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS.
HALF-HARDY ANNUALS
ANNUALS AND
BIENNIALS,
Or such as require to be sown on a hot-bed, or in pots in a
frame or greenhouse, and may be turned out into the borders
about May.
IPOMOEA, NIGHT-FLOWERING-IPOMOEA BONA-NOX.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Convolvulaceæ.
A twining annual, of which there are white and purple
varieties, bearing very fragrant flowers, which open at sun-set,
and last only one night. It is a native of the West Indies,
and properly a stove-plant, but if turned out rather late, in a
warm and sheltered situation, in a light rich soil, it will flower
in the open air; and it should have a light wooden trellis-work,
or some loose strings suspended from above, round which it
may twine.
MARVEL OF PERU, SWEET-SCENTED-MIRABILIS
LONGIFLORA.
Linn. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. Nyctagineæ.
This delightfully fragrant flower, though cultivated here
generally as an annual, is properly a perennial; and if the
roots be slightly covered in the Winter, or taken up, and
preserved like those of the Dahlia, they will continue to flower
for many years; its seeds however are so abundant, that it is
scarcely worth while to preserve the roots. The flowers are
HALF-HARDY ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS. 89
white, with very long tubes, and the stems are so weak that
they require support, or they will lie straggling on the ground.
When treated as a half-hardy annual, it flowers in July and
August; but if sown in the open ground, it seldom does any
good, as it will not then begin to flower till the end of
September, when the cold rains of Autumn destroy the buds
before they can open. It should be grown in light very rich
soil, and its flowers are seen to the best advantage early in the
morning, as the heat of the day soon causes them to fade.
CENOTHERA, NIGHT-SMELLING-NOTHERA
NOCTURNA.
Linn. Octandria Monogynia. Nat. Onagrariæ.
This is a biennial plant, the seeds of which should be sown
in September, on a hot-bed, or in pots under glass, and the
young plants protected from frost during the Winter; they
may then be turned out in May or June, and will continue to
flower till destroyed by the cold and damp of Autumn. Its
flowers are yellow, and during the night are very fragrant.
SCHIZOPETALON, WALKER'S-SCHIZOPETALON
WALKERII.
Linn. Tetradynamia Siliquosa. Nat. Cruciferæ.
The flowers of this plant are white, fragrant, and curiously.
cut. It will flower very well, sown in the open border, if the
season be fine and warm; but is much better raised in pots on
a hot-bed, and turned out into a light sandy soil, without
disturbing the roots. The seeds are rather scarce, as they
require to be ripened in a greenhouse, but it well deserves
more extended cultivation.
90
THE ROSES.
THE ROSES.
ROSA.
Linn. Icosandria Polygynia. Nat. Rosacea.
These beautiful and favourite flowers have been cultivated
from time immemorial, among the civilized nations of the
eastern world, nor are they less admired now than formerly.
Hundreds of new varieties are raised every year in England,
France, and Italy, and they are everywhere considered of the
We have here divided
first importance in the flower-garden.
them into two classes-the shrubby or bush, and the trailing
roses.
The shrubby or bush roses are the most common in gardens,
and may be grown either singly among other plants; in clumps
or beds, either of the same kind, or of several varieties of
different colours; or budded as standards of various heights,
which should be planted separately in conspicuous situations,
or in groves or avenues along the sides of the walks.
The trailing, often called climbing, creeping, or pillar
roses, are excellent for covering trellis-work, arbours, or bare
walls, especially when mixed with ivy, clematis, virginian
creeper, &c. They may also be grown as standards, or
allowed to trail along the ground or among other shrubs, as
in their natural position.
THE ROSES.
91
We have seen a very beautiful, striking, and romantic effect
produced by a wilderness of roses, or a plantation of the
various dwarf or shrubby kinds, interspersed with some of the
trailing varieties, and all allowed to ramble in the wildness of
nature. The Honeysuckle, the Jasmine, or other plants of
luxuriant growth, may also be added, according to taste, and
will increase the beauty and variety of the mass.
The rose-
wilderness should be formed in rather a shady spot, partially
surrounded with shrubs, especially towards the South, but
open to the East, South-east, or West. It must be kept
clear from large weeds, and if extensive, should be intersected
by a few narrow paths.
None of the cultivated roses will flourish in a poor, shallow,
or very sandy soil; they require a rich, rather stiff loam, with
plenty of water during the flowering season, but very little in
the Winter; and the earth should be regularly stirred and
manured round their roots every Spring. If this latter opera-
tion is neglected, they will, in a few years, unless in a very
deep and rich soil, lose their vigour, and begin to look weak
and sickly; when this happens they must be taken up in the
Autumn, and removed to another place, that the roots may
have the benefit of change of soil; or if the soil in which
they have been growing be removed to about a foot deep, and
its place supplied with good rich earth, they may be replanted
in the same spot. Indeed, it will be found advantageous,
where it is praticable, to take them up and renew their soil,
regularly every fourth or fifth year, pruning off all straggling
roots at the same time; or if this cannot be done, at least to
change their surface soil two or three inches deep.
Roses grown in pots require good drainage and plenty of
92
THE ROSES.
fresh air. Many of them are excellent for forcing, and when
they have been brought on in a greenhouse, as soon as they are
out of flower they should be plunged in the open ground, in
a shady situation.
There is another method of obtaining flowers out of their
proper season, which is often applied to the rose, besides
forcing them; this is by retarding their growth, and it may be
effected, either by rubbing off all the leaf-buds about April,
soon after they have begun to grow; or by shortening all the
flowering shoots, as soon as the flower-buds are just visible;
after either of these operations the plant will proceed to form
fresh shoots, which will flower much later than their usual
time. It should also be remembered, that the period during
which roses continue in bloom, may be much lengthened, by
cutting off all the flowers as soon as they fade, which prevents
the nourishment of the plant from being expended, in perfect-
ing the seeds; this remark will also apply to many other
flowering shrubs.
Almost all the Roses are very liable to be attacked by
several kinds of insects, especially the Aphis, or green
smother-fly. The most certain cure for this nuisance is, to
take each branch separately, and with a soft brush carefully
remove every insect; but this is rather tedious, and if the
plants are under cover, or if a frame or hand-glass can be
placed over them, fumigating with tobacco smoke is much
more expeditious, and nearly as efficient; this is done either
with a common tobacco-pipe, or fumigating bellows made for
the purpose, and will destroy most kinds of small insects.
According to Mr. Loudon, "The larva, or grub of the
Lady-bird, should always be spared by gardeners, as it lives
on the aphides.-Small singing birds also destroy great num-
→
THE ROSES.
93
bers."
Roses are propagated, according to the sort and the
object in view, by cuttings, layers, or suckers; or by budding
or grafting on other stocks, usually of the common wild
Dog-rose. Their pruning should take place in the Autumn,
about October, which also is usually said to be the best time
for transplanting them, though we have been told by an
amateur that he finds Spring planting much preferable.
Further directions for their culture will be found under
the respective heads, Training, Pruning, Propagation, &c.
The following is a list of the most esteemed, sweet-scented
varieties of shrubby and trailing Roses; to give the whole
known number, amounting to above two thousand, would be
impossible in a work like the present, nor have we attempted
to arrange them precisely according to their species, as many
of these are so confused in their distinctive characters, that it
is scarcely possible to separate them with much accuracy.
SHRUBBY or BUSH ROSES.
WHITE.
rather rounder than
The WHITE PROVENCE, a variety of R. centifolia, is a beauti-
ful rose, with large, very double flowers. Like all the Provence
or Cabbage roses its foliage is large, and
that of most others, though somewhat coarse and usually
not very abundant. It is well suited for the front of shrubberies,
and flowers in June and July.
The WHITE Moss, R. centifolia var. muscosa, is a variety
of the Provence or hundred-leaved rose. Its flowers are pure
white and in bud, when the delicate petals are just bursting
::
94
THE ROSES.
their mossy veil, it is perhaps more beautiful than when full
blown. The Moss Roses especially, require a plentiful supply
of water during the flowering season, and they thrive best in
rather a moist situation. The White Moss succeeds better
when budded on stocks of the common Dog-rose, than even
on its own roots.
The BATH, or CLIFTON Moss, very much resembles the
common White, except that its flowers are slightly tinged
with pink, or a very light flesh colour in the centre. It is
rather new,
and a very beautiful variety.
MADAME HARDY, is a new and splendid variety of the
Provence Rose, with large, compact, double flowers, of a pure
white, and well deserving of further cultivation.
The WHITE CHINA ROSE, R. indica, is much esteemed for
its elegant and delicate flowers, and also for its delightful
fragrance. It is rather tender, requiring protection during the
Winter, when planted in the open air; but it is generally
grown as a pot plant, for which it is well adapted. It may be
propagated by cuttings taken off during the Summer, and
planted under a hand-glass in light rich soil, or they will root
more quickly if planted in pots on a little heat.
The WHITE SCOTCH ROSE, R. spinosissima, is a very pretty
little shrub, and may be known from all other species, by its
thorny stems, small leaves, and the profusion of its delicate
flowers, which however are never very double. A bed of
White Scotch Roses in full bloom, presents a most beautiful
and striking appearance. It may be increased by layers or
suckers, and prefers rather a peaty soil. In pruning the
Scotch Roses, which should be done in October or November,
the young shoots of the preceeding Summer must not be
THE ROSES.
95
shortened, as it is these which will flower the following season,
but all dead wood and stray branches must be cut out from
the bottom. There are innumerable varieties of the Scotch
Rose, varying in shades of colour from white to a deep blush,
all are very pretty, and require the same treatment.
BLUSH.
The COMMON BLUSH CHINA, R. indica, is perhaps the com-
monest of all our cultivated Roses. There is scarcely a
cottage in any rural village, that has not a China Rose-tree in
its garden, or climbing around its latticed windows. It flowers
almost the whole year through, and on that account is frequently
called the Monthly Rose. It is usually propagated by cut-
tings, which may be put in early in the Autumn, under
a hand-glass placed in the shade, when they will be ready to
plant out in Spring; or if put in about May, they will be
rooted by the beginning of Autumn. The China Roses may
be distinguished, by their flowering at the ends of the young
branches and suckers which they send up from the root, as
well as on the other parts of the plant; whereas other kinds
never flower the first year upon these young root-shoots; on
this account, the China Roses may be pruned down to the
ground without destroying their flowering for the following
This is a great advantage, and is especially noticed
after a severe Winter, when the branches are often entirely
killed.
season.
The BLUSH TEA-SCENTED, R. indica odorata, is a beautiful
variety of the common China Rose, and hybridised with the
yellow China, has produced more than fifty subvarieties which
are now cultivated. The Tea-scented rose is not quite hardy,
96
THE ROSES.
and should be grown in a slooping border of light rich loam,
in front of a south-east wall, with a little protection during very
severe frosts, but it will well repay this care by its large delicate
flowers and great fragrance. It is propagated by layers,
cuttings, or budding, and as a low standard not more than two
feet high, it is exceedingly beautiful.
The COMMON or BLUSH PROVENCE, R. centifolia, is a well-
known and rather old-fashioned rose, but nevertheless, one
of the best kinds for the front of shrubberies. The Provence
or Cabbage roses, so called from the resemblance of the buds
before they are full blown to the heart of a cabbage, are all
Summer flowerers, and esteemed for their great fragrance. They
are propagated by suckers taken up in Spring or Autumn; by
layers of the same year's shoots, which should be laid down
about July or August, and will be rooted by November; or by
budding on the common dog-rose stocks, but cuttings will not
generally succeed. They are also among the best kinds for
forcing.
ww
The COMMON Moss, is a variety of the Provence, and one of
the most generally admired of all roses. The flower is cer
tainly, very beautiful, and the loveliness of the opening bud is
beyond description. When grown as a bush, however, the
plant is apt to become straggling and unsightly, though as a
standard its head may be kept in shape by pruning. This va-
riety is excellent for forming baskets of roses, as the pegging
down or layering of the branches prevents their straggling ap -
pearance; and they flower more freely in this way than in any
other. Moss Roses prefer a situation shaded from the south,
as the hot sun causes them to fade more rapidly than they
otherwise would. They should also, every March, have a
little mound of manure put round the bottom of their stems,
·
THE ROSES.
97
C
which may be concealed by a covering of moss or orna-
mental stones; this, with plenty of water in Summer,
will make them flower abundantly.
The CRESTED Moss, is a new and splendid variety of the
Moss Rose, having its calyx not so mossy as the other kinds,
but beautifully cut and crisped at the edges. The flower is
large and handsome, and the plant is more compact in its habit
than the common Moss.
MOSSY DE MEAUX, is a pretty little rose, bearing clusters of
small pink flowers, which have a very neat appearance.
According to Rivers, this is an exception to the general rule,
that Roses prefer a cool soil, rather inclining to clay, as it
seems to flourish best in light dry soils. It is propagated in
the same manner as the Provence, of which it is a variety; and
well deserves the great esteem in which it is held.
The MAIDEN'S BLUSH, is a variety of the old white Rose,
R. Alba. It makes an excellent bush, and its flowers, which
are very numerous, compact, and well-formed, are of the most
delicate flesh-colour, deepening towards the centre to a light
blush. It is propagated by layers, suckers, or budding.
The SWEET-BRIAR, R. rubiginosa, is a native of England,
and cultivated chiefly for the fragrance of its leaves, which
is stronger in an open than a shady situation. Several
double-flowered varieties however have been raised which are
very ornamental. It is propagated by seeds, layers, or
suckers, and is an excellent plant for low garden hedges, as it
grows stiff and is very thorny. This is the true Eglantine,
so universally celebrated by our poets.
98
THE ROSES.
2
"The breeze of Spring, the Summer's western wind,
Robs of its odours, none so sweet a flower,
In all the blooming waste it leaves behind,
As that the Sweet-briar yields it: and the shower
Wets not a Rose that buds in beauty's bower,
One half so lovely."
CRIMSON.
The CRIMSON Moss, or ROUGE DE LUXEMBOURG, is perhaps
the handsomest of all the moss roses, and its scent is delicious.
Its culture and propagation are the same as directed for the
common Moss, and they are all well suited for standards from
three to five feet high.
The CRIMSON PERPETUAL. There are many varieties called
Perpetual or Autumnal-flowering roses, among which this is
perhaps the handsomest; the beauty of its bud, the splendid
colour of its full blown flower, and the long time during which
it continues in bloom, rendering it worthy of the greatest admi-
ration. As it requires a great deal of nourishment to keep it in
flower in full vigour, it should occasionally be watered with
diluted liquid manure or treated as directed for the common
Moss-rose, and all the flower stalks should be cut off as soon as
the petals begin to fade. It may be propagated by layering or
budding, but plants produced from layers are considered to
be the best.
The DAMASK ROSE, R. Damascena, is a well-known and
highly esteemed species, of which the Perpetuals are varieties.
It is propagated by layers, and forms a good stock on which
some of the more tender kinds of Roses may be budded. It
is principally from the petals of this and the Provence Roses,
that rose-water, and otto, or attar of roses are made; and
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99
though "six pounds of rose leaves impregnate by distillation a
gallon of water strongly with their odour, yet, a hundred
pounds will scarcely afford half an ounce of attar."
YORK AND LANCASTER, is a variety of the Damask Rose,
having its petals striped with red and white. It is curious and
very ornamental, and may be propagated by layers, or occa-
sionally by budding, though it succeeds best on its own roots.
The ISABELLA. A few years ago, out of a collection of four
hundred roses, this was considered to be one of the finest.
Its flowers are very double and deep pink, but they are apt to
be blighted, that is, the centre of the flower instead of being
well filled with petals of the usual colour, opens green and
hard. It is however a beautiful variety and well deserving of
cultivation.
manure.
The BLACK TUSCANY, is an old but excellent rose. Its
flowers are very double and almost black, but they decrease in
size as the plants grow older, unless well supplied with
It is propagated by layers or budding.
BRENNUS, is a very handsome variety, with large double
crimson flowers, which it produces in abundance.
It makes a
good head as a standard and is very showy.
rose,
BEAUTY OF BILLIARD, is a remarkably fine double crimson
and flowers freely.
H
The CRIMSON CHINA, often called the RED MONTHLY ROSE,
is an excellent little shrub for the flower border; it never grows
large, and continues in bloom nearly all the year, though its
flowers are not suited for a room, as they are loose and
soon fade.
S
100
THE ROSES.
DAILARINA ČUDENS
The FAIRY ROSE, R. Lawrenceana, is a most beautiful little
variety, and, as its name implies, a perfect rose in miniature.
It is well adapted for pots and for forcing, though it grows
more freely in the open air than under cover.
When in pots
it is frequently seen covered with small white insects, and
looking very sickly, which usually arises from the want of fresh
air and sufficient drainage; when this is perceived, the plant
should be immediately repotted into light rich earth, well
drained with broken potsherds, the roots having been
previously disengaged from all the old soil, and it must then
be placed out of doors, or in a more airy situation. It may
be propagated by cuttings, or it succeeds well budded as a low
standard, but it is almost too small for layering. There is a
pink variety of this rose, but it is not nearly so pretty as
the darker one.
The CINNAMON-SCENTED ROSE, R. cinnamomea, is a very
fragrant species, flowering early, and prefering a dry soil and
sunny aspect. It is also a good nosegay flower, as it lasts
long without fading.
YELLOW.
There are several species of the Rose from which varieties
bearing yellow flowers, have been raised. These are generally
rather more tender and more difficult to bring into flower than
most other varieties, especially in cold damp seasons, when
their buds often decay before they are half open. Among the
best hardy yellow Roses are the Yellow Scotch, Harrisonii, and
Yellow-haired Laddy, all of which make excellent standards,
three or four feet high, and will sometimes flower very
abundantly. The yellow Austrian, or Austrian Briar, is an
THE ROSES.
101
*
exceedingly beautiful Rose. Its flowers, which are single, are
yellow outside and deep orange within, but it is by no means
common, as it seldom flowers well. It is said to succeed best
in an eastern or western aspect, as the south is too sunny for
it. The yellow Noisette is a very fragrant Rose and quite
hardy; but the yellow China, which is very beautiful and
fragrant, requires protection during the Winter and is usually
grown in pots. Both these are propagated by cuttings, and
succeed better on their own roots, than when budded or
grafted.
TRAILING, CLIMBING, or PILLAR ROSES.
WHITE.
MARIA LEONIDA, is a beautiful pillar rose, with fine, glossy,
evergreen leaves, and large delicately white flowers, but in wet
seasons the buds are apt to decay before opening, unless
slightly protected from the heavy rains. Like most of the
trailing Roses, it may be propagated by layering, early in the
Autumn, the long shoots which it sends up from the roots, or
by budding.
The FRENCH EVERGREEN, is an exceedingly pretty and
elegant little rose, though it does not grow so fast or so high
as some of the others. Its small ranunculus-shaped flowers
are pure white and very fragrant, and the green of its foliage is
remarkably bright and lively. It is propagated by cuttings
or layers.
AIMÉE VIBERT, a sub-variety of the Noisette, is an excellent
pillar rose, greatly resembling the French Evergreen, and
H 2
102
THE ROSES.
growing much more luxuriantly, but the foliage is not so
lively and elegant, and the flowers are looser and rather larger,
but not so fragrant.
The WHITE BANKSIAN, R. Banksia, is perhaps the most
elegant and graceful of all the roses, and it is one of the most
fragrant; but it will scarcely flower in England without the
protection of a greenhouse. If however it could be naturalized
in this country, its beautiful clusters of double white flowers
would well repay the trouble. It is usually propagated
by cuttings, and if planted in a light, rich, peaty loam, will
often grow six or seven feet high. We have seen it recom-
mended to grow the White Banksian in a good-sized pot, and
train it spirally round a pyramid or open cylinder of wood or
wire trellis-work, placed within the rim of the pot; and we
have no doubt it would flower extremely well thus treated.
G
NOISETTE MULTIFLORA, is chiefly admired for its abun-
dance of flowers, which are showy but not very well formed.
It is rather a slow grower, but when it has once got up, it
continues to flower very freely for many years. The Noisette
Roses, of which there are many varieties, are so called from
the name of the person who first introduced them, and are
chiefly distinguished by bearing their flowers in large clusters
at the ends of the branches only. They are propagated by
layers or cuttings.
THE WHITE BOURSAULT, is a handsome rose, and often
grows to a great height. There are several beautiful specimens
of this and some of the other Boursaults, at the Botanic
Gardens of Edinburgh, trained up young live poplars, which
have their lower boughs cut away, as the roses grow, leaving
every year a head of the poplar at the top. A very pleasing
THE ROSES.
103
effect is produced in this way, and the live poles, of course,
last much longer than dead ones. The Boursault Roses are
a splendid tribe, distinguished by their long, purplish-red,
almost thornless shoots, and the early appearance of their
flowers.
THE MUSK ROSE, R. moschata, is an elegant species, and
very fragrant, especially in the evening,—
"When each inconstant breeze that blows
Steals essence from the musky rose."
It is usually trained against a wall, as its branches are too
weak and slender to bear the weight of the flowers without
support. It grows rapidly and flowers freely; and is propa-
gated by cuttings or layers.
There are several very beautiful white trailing roses, which
are not sweet-scented; among these are ADELAIDE D'ORLEANS,
an evergreen, and a very abundant flowerer; and FELICITE
PERPETUEL, a most elegant little cream-coloured rose.
BLUSH.
The COMMON AYRSHIRE, is a remarkably quick-growing
rose, as are all those of the Ayrshire family. Its flowers are
not very double nor very sweet, and its chief excellence is in
the rapidity of its growth. This however is sufficient to
recommend it for many situations, where a cover is required
in a short time; but as its foliage is rather scanty, and
not evergreen, it should generally be mixed with ivy. In
pruning the Ayrshire Roses, which indeed they seldom require,
their long shoots should never be shortened.
104
THE ROSES.
Ale
PUNERI BESARNIK
T
RUGA, is a variety of the Ayrshire, and one of the most
delicately tinted of all the roses; its flowers are white at the
outside, gradually deepening to a very light blush in the centre,
and extremely fragrant. It grows rapidly and gracefully, and
flowers freely, but its foliage is rather small and scanty; it is
however an excellent pillar rose. The Ayrshire Roses are
propagated by layers or budding, and make elegant and
graceful standards from four to six feet high.
·
QUEEN OF THE BELGIANS, is also a variety of the
Ayrshire, scarcely to be distinguished from Ruga, but its
flowers are rather closer in the petals, and not quite so
delicate.
The CELESTIAL CHINA, is a very handsome, strong-
growing rose, with large very double flowers, which however
are extremely liable to be blighted; and when this happens, it
quite destroys their beauty.
NOISETTE GRANDIFLORA, is a large, well-formed, and
delicate rose, and a very rampant grower; and if not checked,
by being planted in rather light soil, will run all to wood, and
produce no flowers. Its foliage also is rich and handsome,
and it is altogether a very desirable rose.
SIR WALTER SCOTT, is a fine Noisette Rose, producing
abundance of flowers of a dark blush colour; it is a rapid and
strong grower, and well adapted for a pillar rose, as are all the
Noisettes, for when trained against a wall their large clusters
of flowers cannot show themselves to so great advantage.
The SEVEN SISTERS ROSE, is also a variety of the Noisette,
a luxuriant grower, and flowers abundantly in very large
clusters, but it is rather shorter lived than most roses.
THE ROSES.
105
CLARISSE HARLOWE, is a new rose, and said to be very
splendid.
CRIMSON.
The CRIMSON BOURSAULT, is a remarkably handsome
flower, especially when first opened, as its colour is then very
rich and glowing, though it soon changes to a dusky purple.
It grows luxuriantly, and is propagated by layers or cuttings.
ATKINSONIA or CALYPSO, is a variety of the Boursault,
and one of the earliest and most abundant flowerers of all the
trailing roses yet introduced. In colour it resembles the
Crimson Boursault, and has the same peculiarity of changing
when about to fade; but it may be distinguished at once by
its profusion of flowers, and by each petal being marked with
a streak of white down the middle. The tout ensemble of this
rose strongly recommends it.
CHARLES THE TENTH, is a fine rose, in colour resembling
the Red China, but with a mixture of purple. It is elegant
but rather slender, and not a very rapid grower. It may be
propagated by cuttings or by budding, and succeeds well as a
moderate standard.
POMPONE POURPRE, is a variety of the Provence Rose with
handsome purple flowers very double.
YELLOW.
There is only one trailing yellow rose, the YELLOW
BANKSIAN, and that is unfortunately devoid of scent. It is
however a beautiful little flower, but requires a warm situation
to bring it into blossom.
106
THE-FLOWER-GARDEN.
:
ON THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT
OF
THE FLOWER-GARDEN.
THE main object of the flower-garden, is to please the eye;
therefore at the commencement, regard must be had to those
forms, and combinations of forms, which experience has
found to give the greatest degree of pleasure to this organ.
The first thing to be remembered is, that the eye most
delights to rest upon those objects whose parts are all in
proper proportion to one another; and the effect, of small
gardens especially, is very frequently destroyed by a want of
attention to this principle. Thus, perhaps, the centre of a
town garden is occupied by a grass-plat, round which runs a
gravel walk, seldom above two or three feet wide, which is
more than is necessary for one person, but not enough for two
to walk abreast; beyond this will be a bed in front of the
surrounding wall, very frequently divided from the walk by a
narrow grass edging, which is troublesome to mow, and
which takes double or treble the time and expense of box,
to clip and keep in order. Gardens laid out in such a way as
this, will always have an air of clumsiness about them;
however well they may be filled with the most beautiful
THE FLOWER-GARDEN.
107
flowers, they will never look elegant. Gravel walks should
be from three to four feet wide at least, even if they en-
croach considerably upon the grass; and we should always
recommend box as an edging, unless the size of the garden
will allow of a five or six feet walk, with a border of grass not
less than eighteen inches wide, on one or both sides; where
this can be done however, grass should, in our opinion, have
the preference. In all flower-gardens, especially if their
shape be long and narrow, it will greatly add to the effect, if,
at the farthest extremity a finish or boundary can be made, on
which the eye may rest with pleasure, such as a shrubbery, a
sloping grass mound, or an arbour with shrubs on each side.
The flower-garden must be kept in high order; those who
will not take the trouble to attend to this, had much better
have no garden at all, as nothing can look more slovenly than
flower-beds covered with weeds, gravel walks carpeted with
moss and grass, unmown lawns full of daisies and dandelions,
or box edgings dead in some parts and six or eight inches
high in others. During the Summer, the beds and walks must
be kept constantly weeded, and the gravel raked and rolled
occasionally, the lawn should be frequently mown, once a fort-
night at least, and everything but the finer kinds of grass rooted
out; box edgings should be regularly clipt to about two or
three inches above the bed, and turf edgings must especially
be kept smooth and neat. The usual directions, however, for
keeping the garden in order, for planting shrubberies,
arranging flowers according to their height and colour, laying
out beds, grass-plats, &c., &c., may be found in almost all
the numerous works treating upon the subject, and our space
will not permit us to enter further into these details. But
we have endeavoured under the following heads to give clear
108
THE FLOWER-GARDEN.
and accurate directions for the most essential operations
connected with the cultivation of flowers.
SOIL, DRAINAGE, AND MANURE.
In the management of a garden, three things are absolutely
necessary to the health of the plants, viz.: to have the soil
well drained; to keep it light and open; and to refresh it
regularly with manure or rich compost. Thorough drainage
should be effectually secured, before the garden is planted, by
soughs, and by trenching the soil to the depth of two or three
feet; always bearing in mind, that, in this operation, the top
soil to about six or eight inches below the surface, unless very
bad, should be kept at the top, as it is almost sure to be
better than that which lies below it. The soil must be kept
light and open by constant working, and stirring about, and
by having plenty of sand mixed with it, if it is at all stiff.
The flower-beds should have a dressing of manure or rich
compost regularly every Spring, about February, digging or
forking it in between the plants. Rotten dung is the best
general manure; bone-dust is also excellent, or bones of any
kind, coarsely broken, and buried in the soil at any season,
will be found of great use; and there are always plenty of
these in every family, which with little trouble might be thus
advantageously appropriated to the flower-borders. Respect-
ing the utility of bones as manure, see Mr. Hoare's work on
the cultivation of the Vine.
The following will be found an excellent plan, in a small
garden, in order to keep the soil constantly refreshed with new
and wholesome food for the plants. Take rotten dung, fresh
loam or garden soil, old turf chopped up with the spade, and
THE FLOWER-GARDEN.
109
common sand, in equal quantities; mix them well together,
and lay them in a heap exposed to the weather for a few
months; and wherever a fresh plant is put in, or seeds are
sown, take out a spadeful or two of the old soil, and replace
it with some of the compost. The old soil taken out may be
mixed with the next prepared heap of compost, which should
be ready for use as soon as the first is exhausted.
TRANSPLANTING.
Most plants may be removed at any season, provided
they are taken up with a ball of earth round their roots, and
replanted immediately. The best time however is early in
Autumn, soon after they are out of flower, or when the leaves
begin to fall; though Spring planting, that is about February,
will do nearly as well, and for most half-hardy plants, is
perhaps better than Autumn. Transplanting should be per-
formed, when the soil is sufficiently dry not to clog the spade,
and a cloudy sky at the time is preferable to a bright sun.
Deep planting, especially with respect to trees and shrubs,
is always to be avoided; the heart or collar of the plant, that
is the point where the stem and the root join, should be on a
level with the surface of the ground.
When a tree or shrub is transplanted, all straggling or
decayed roots should be pruned off, and the remainder
carefully spread out, nearly horizontally, before the soil is
thrown upon them. Annuals should be transplanted when
very young, especially those which have tap or spindle-shaped
roots, as the Eschscholtzia; as soon as they have opened their
third pair of leaves they are quite old enough.
110
THE FLOWER-GARDEN.
When plants are removed after they have begun to grow,
they will usually require to be shaded and watered, till the
roots have re-established themselves. A flower-pot turned
upside down over them is sufficient shade for small plants; and
for larger ones any other means may be used which will
protect them from the mid-day sun.
TRAINING.
Much of the beauty of a flower-garden depends on the neat-
ness with which it is kept, and therefore it is of the first impor-
tance that all those plants which require it, should be regularly
and carefully trained, so as not to interfere with each other or
lie straggling on the ground. For training or tying up most
border plants, nothing is better than a few light willow or hazel
rods, from eighteen inches to three feet long, and which may be
had of the basket-makers, at about one shilling a hundred.
Roses, Honeysuckles, and many other trailing and twining
plants, have an excellent effect when trained spirally round a
pole, eight or ten feet high. Larch poles are the best for this
purpose as they are found to be exceedingly durable, and they
may usually be bought for fourpence or sixpence each. But
in training twiners in this manner, care must be taken to twine
them round the pole in their natural direction, (see Honey-
suckle, page 25.) Many plants, especially those which bear
upon lateral shoots, as the Ayrshire Roses, the Honeysuckle,
the Vine, &c, have their crop of flowers much increased by
spiral training, as this tends to check the rapid flow of the sap.
For the same reason, these plants when grown against a wall,
flower more abundantly if trained in a zigzag direction than
when perpendicular. Pointing the branches towards the ground
THE FLOWER-GARDEN.
111
1
has the same effect, and standards of the Ayrshire and some
other roses, may be made one mass of bloom, by training their
long shoots on strings or wires, stretched from the head and
fastened in the ground several feet from the root.
If a garden happens to possess the stump of an old tree, this
may be made a most beautiful object by covering it with ivy,
clematis, &c., and it is frequently found worth while to plant
such a stump merely for this purpose.
Some of the more tender climbing plants, as the Calampelis,
Maurandia, &c., when turned out into the borders in
Summer, are usually planted near a light trellis-work to which
they may be trained. If it is in a sunny situation, this
trellis-work should by all means be made of wood in preference
to iron; as on a warm bright day, the metal will frequently
become heated to such a degree as to scorch the young shoots
trained against it. We have seen a fine plant of Calampelis
scabra entirely destroyed as soon as it came in contact with an
iron-wire trellis-work.
PRUNING.
When a plant is to be pruned, the object is most frequently
to increase its crop of flowers; the first thing therefore to be
considered, is, upon what sort of branches the flowers are
produced; whether upon those of the same year's growth,
upon those which were produced the preceeding season, or
upon wood of several years duration. For instance, the China
and Noisette Roses flower upon wood of the same year's
growth; that is, those branches which were produced in the
Spring bear flowers in the Summer, consequently, as pruning
is peformed before the young wood has made its appearance,
112
THE FLOWER-GARDEN.
it is not of so much consequence what sort is cut away. But
the Scotch roses produce their flowers upon the wood of the
preceeding year, so that care must be taken, not to cut this off
more than can be avoided. We have had whole beds of
Scotch roses, spoilt by an ignorant gardener clipping the tops
of the plants, in order to give them a sloping direction, by
which, of course, he cut off all the bearing wood, and
destroyed the flowers for the next season.
All shrubs which are quite hardy, should be pruned in the
Autumn, about October or November; but Spring is the
best time for the more tender ones, as the wounded branches
are liable to be killed by the severe frosts of Winter.
PROPAGATION.
The various modes of propagating plants may be divided
into two classes, the natural and the artificial. The modes
employed by nature, are seeds, suckers and offsets, and creep-
ing stems; to which have been added, by human ingenuity, the
artificial methods of layering, inarching, budding, grafting, and
striking by cuttings, leaves, &c., though the first two of these
are very occasionally natural.
In propagating by seed, the chief point to be attended to, is
shallow sowing, a covering of earth sufficient to exclude the
light is all that seeds require, and they are frequently injured
by being sown too deep.
In raising many half-hardy annuals and biennials from seed,
under glass, it will be found an excellent plan to sow them in
small pots, a few sceds in each, and turn them out into the bor-
ders without breaking the ball of earth, instead of pricking
them out as is usually practiced; and in this case no shading
THE FLOWER-GARDEN.
113
will be necessary.
It has been found by experience, that soak-
ing seeds in hot water for an hour or so, or even boiling them
for a few minutes, forwards their germinating powers con-
siderably; especially if the seeds are hard and dry from long
keeping.
For taking off suckers and offsets, and dividing roots and
creeping stems, the best time is soon after the plants have
entirely done flowering, which is usually in the Autumn, though
in most cases early in spring will do nearly as well.
Of the artificial methods of propagation, layering and
striking by cuttings are the most important. Layering is a
more certain mode, and produces finer plants in a shorter time
than cuttings; but as a layer generally requires a whole branch
of which several cuttings could be made, where number of
plants is the object it is not so much resorted to.
In forming a layer it is usual to make the cut on the under
side of the branch, but it will generally be found better to
make it on the upper side, or to split the branch through the
middle, keeping the split open with a small stone or a chip of
wood; some plants, however, which strike very readily, as the
pansy, require no cut at all. A handful of sand placed round
the cut part of a layer will greatly facilitate its rooting.
The usual time for layering most herbaceous plants, as
pinks, carnations, pansies, &c., is when they are in full flower.
Roses should be layered about July, taking off all the
flower-buds, but none of the leaves from those branches which
are laid down; and they will mostly be rooted by September
or October. Evergreen shrubs as laurels, aucubas, &c., may
be layered in Autumn or early in Spring, but they will not be fit
to transplant in less than six or eight months, sometimes
much longer.
114
THE FLOWER-GARDEN.
A cutting is very similar to a layer, except that as it is
entirely disconnected with the parent plant, and must establish
itself solely from its own resources, it requires rather more
careful management. The soil for all cuttings should be light
and sandy; and as it is of great consequence that much moisture
should not remain about the part inserted in the ground, it is
usual, in striking all tender plants to place a layer of sand on
the surface, of such a depth that the end of the cutting may
just pass through it and into the soil beneath.
When planted in pots most cuttings will be found to strike
more readily if the end be made to touch the side of the pot,
or a piece of broken potsherd, or other porous substance
placed in the soil, as by this means it will have a more regular
supply of moisture. Great care also must be taken to let the
pots be well drained, with plenty of broken pieces at the
bottom; and to press the soil close about the ends of the
cuttings, otherwise they will be sure to fail.
As a general rule, cuttings of all shrubby plants should be
made of those branches whose wood is tolerably ripe and firm,
either of the same or the preceeding year's growth; or at all
events they should have a small piece or heel of ripe wood, at
their rooting ends. But some kinds, as the Cape Heaths and
Epacrises, will only strike from the very young and tender
shoots; while cuttings of the Myrtle, and some others must
be formed of half-ripened wood. Most hardy shrubs, whether
evergreen or deciduous, as laurels, roses, privet, gorse, &c.,
may be propagated by cuttings planted in the open ground in
any shady situation, (that is shaded from the mid-day sun) and
many of them will not even require the protection of a hand-
glass.
1
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
115
Cuttings of succulent plants, as the Cacti, and some Gera-
niums, when the stems are very juicy, should be laid by for
some days before planting, otherwise the abundance of sap will
cause them to rot in the ground. Most of the monkey-plants
(mimulus,) and some others which root very readily, are fre-
quently struck by simply throwing the cuttings into a pan or
cistern of water.
Cuttings are called slips, when they are formed by stripping
off a young side shoot from an older branch in rather a down-
ward direction, and without using the knife; in such a manner
as to take off with it a small strip of the old wood and bark,
the end of which is then cut short and smooth, and the slip
is planted and treated as a cutting.
Cuttings of pinks and carnations are usually called pipings,
from a common practice of forming the cuttings by pulling the
ends of their tubular pipe-like shoots, so as to separate them
at a joint; but it is now found much more certain, to cut them
off just below a joint, as directed under the head Pink, at page
44. Many plants may be propagated by merely planting the
leaves, and treating them as cuttings; and though this is seldom
practised except with greenhouse plants, yet instances have
been known of the Mint, the Watercress, the Aucuba, and
many other kinds being propagated in this manner.
The usual time for planting cuttings of those hardy shrubs
which require to be struck from ripe wood, as the China rose,
the clematis, the currant and gooseberry, the privet, &c.
is early in Spring, before the young leaves begin to open.
But those which strike from young, or half-ripened wood,
as the laurel and myrtle, may be put in about the beginning
of Autumn.
I
116
THE FLOWER-GARDEN.
Budding, in the flower-garden, is most usually practised in
the propagation of the rose; and the best time is about July
or August, as at this season the bark runs, that is separates
from the wood, better than at any other. We would strongly
recommend the operation of budding to amateur cultivators,
as it is a simple and pleasing process, and there is scarcely a
plant to be compared in beauty with a fine standard rose.
About March is the season for grafting and inarching, though
these belong more to the orchard and greenhouse than to our
present subject.
PLANTS IN ROOMS.
117
THE MANAGEMENT OF
PLANTS IN ROOMS.
Plenty of light and air, with a moderate but regular supply of
moisture, are three essentials to the healthy existence of plants;
and when confined in dark and close rooms, it is absolutely im-
possible to keep them uninjured more than a few days; though,
in such cases, if they can be removed for a day or two to a
more healthy situation, they will be greatly benefited, and may
be kept alive much longer.
All plants in rooms should be placed as near the light as
they conveniently can; though, during the Summer, most
kinds do not require the glaring heat of the mid-day sun,
which indeed is injurious to them, as it evaporates the moisture
in their leaves faster than it can be supplied by the roots, and
causes their flowers to fade sooner than they otherwise would.
When, however, the plants begin to be infected with insects;
when the stems are drawn up long and thin, and when they,
with the leaves and leaf-stalks look pale and sickly, it is a sure
sign that they have not sufficient light and air.
is
The unnatural dryness of the air in living rooms,
perhaps the greatest obstacle to the health of plants; and
for this we can scarcely recommend a remedy, except frequently
I 2
118
PLANTS IN ROOMS.
sprinkling the leaves with water. It might also be found useful
to keep a saucer of water standing behind or amongst the
plants, where it would be out of sight.
It is important that the leaves of plants should be kept free
from dust; and therefore, during the Summer, they should be
set out of doors, at least once a week, and watered over the
tops from the rose of a watering-pot; the outsides of the pots
should also be examined at the same time, and if dusty or
mossy, should be carefully washed clean.
Plants in pots require good drainage, and if this is neglected
their leaves turn yellow and drop off, and their young shoots
lose their vigour and become a prey to insects. A handful of
broken potsherds placed at the bottom of the pot is the usual
mode of draining, and is very simple and effectual; but we
would suggest that coarsely broken bones would answer
equally well, and at the same time afford excellent manure
to the roots.
If the pots are well drained, it is not of much consequence
how often the plants are watered; but it is generally a bad
plan to let them stand in saucers of water, as is frequently
done, because this must evidently counteract the effects of the
drainage; nevertheless, some plants which naturally inhabit
moist situations, and whose roots are therefore constituted
accordingly, require this constant supply; among such are the
Lobelias, Balsams, Mimuli, &c.
Too little water is as certain destruction to vegetable life as
too much, therefore the earth in the pots should never be
allowed to get thoroughly dry and baked up. When however
this does happen, and the leaves and young shoots begin to
droop, the plants should be removed to the shade, the earth
well watered, and the leaves sprinkled or syringed; and it will
PLANTS IN ROOMS.
119
generally be found beneficial, in such cases, to re-pot them
into larger pots, filling up the space with good fresh soil.
Sudden changes of temperature are extremely injurious to
plants; therefore, during the Winter, they should be removed
from the windows at night into the interior of the room; they
should never be allowed to stand in a draught of cold air;
and the water given to them should be milk-warm. A
French florist states that he has ascertained by experiment,
that a sudden change of temperature of only five degrees, is
sufficient to produce the premature falling off of the petals of
the Camellia, which so frequently happens in rooms, without
any apparent cause.
For the management of bulbs in glasses, see Hyacinth,
page 36.
To preserve nosegay flowers in water, always cut them with a
sharp knife, not with scissors. If they are at all withered
before placing them in the water, cut off about a quarter of an
inch from the bottom of each stem, and do the same every few
days, as this will constantly keep the vessels and channels
through which the water is conveyed, free and open. Never
let the sun shine upon them, and take care to supply them
regularly with fresh water.
120
BORDER PLANTS.
BORDER PLANTS.
The following list contains only such plants as are suited for
the flower-border, and which are not sweet-scented. It has
been compiled with great care, and may be relied upon as
very select.
PERENNIALS.
ALYSSUM, yellow; showy, and flowers early.
AMERICAN COWSLIP, (Dodecatheon,) should be grown in
the shade.
ANEMONE, common garden or poppy,
blue mountain,
star,
CAMPANULA, pyramidal,
Should be grown in
rich sandy soil," and
to have a bloom
ASTER; many species, among which are the Michaelmas Daisy.
The first of these is very hand-
some, and should be grown in
light rich soil, but without
animal manure. All are hardy.
CHELONE, Scarlet; a handsome flower, of easy culture.
CHRISTMAS ROSE, (Helleborus niger,) pretty, and flowers
very early.
COLUMBINE, (Aquilegia,) several species; among the best
are, the Siberian, the variegated, and the alpine.
double white,
double blue,
small white,
every month, plant
every month."
BORDER PLANTS.
121
·
DAHLIA;
DAISY; several ornamental varieties, mostly originating
from the wild one.
a fashionable flower, but too large for small
borders.
DELPHINIUM GRANDIFLORUM; very handsome, with tall
spikes of dark blue flowers.
DOG'S-TOOTH VIOLET, common,
white,
yellow,
FORGET-ME-NOT; a wild plant, but very pretty; should be
grown in a moist situation.
IRIS, Portuguese,
FRITILLARY; several species, among which is the Crown
Imperial; all are early flowerers, and will grow
in the shade of trees.
bulbous-rooted
GENTIAN, blue ; should be grown in a sandy soil with a
little peat.
GLOBE-FLOWER, Europæan, (Trollius,) showy and of easy
Chalcedonian,
great bulbous,
snake's-head,
pretty
plants, flowering early.
The yellow flowers best
in pots.
culture.
HEPATICA; several varieties, will not flower well till some
years after planting; should be moved while in
full bloom.
LOBELIA, cardinalis,
splendens,
fulgens,
"
A splendid tribe; the fleur de lis, pro-
perly fleur de Louis, of the French.
frequently called cardinal-flowers ;
very handsome, but rather tender.
122
BORDER PLANTS.
LUPINE, blue; handsome flowers and foliage.
LYCHNIS, double scarlet; should be frequently divided early
in Spring.
MONKEY-FLOWER, (Mimulus,) many varieties, requires
plenty of water.
PEONY, red,
, white,
tree,
}
splendid plants; the tree pæony flowers
early, and requires protection from the
late frosts.
PEA, everlasting; an ornamental climber.
PERIWINKLE, small,
large,
double,
PHLOX, tall purple,
tall white,
vernal,
well-known creeping plants, of the
easiest culture; all natives of Eng-
land.
The first two flower in Autumn, and
are very showy; the last flowers early
and is excellent for rock-work.
POTENTILLA; several very pretty varieties.
The first a well-known
border flower, of which
there are innumerable
varieties. The other
a plant with dark-green
leaves, branching stems,
and small double flow-
ers of a pure white.
SAXIFRAGE, double white; pretty, and flowers rather early.
SNAP-DRAGON, (Antirrhinum,) many varieties, the best of
which is the variegated.
SPIDERWORT; several species, blue, pink, and purple.
RANUNCULUS, common garden,
aconite-leaved,
BORDER PLANTS.
123
SQUILL; many species, blue, white, and pink; all bulbous-
rooted.
STAR OF BETHLEHEM, common ; a bulbous-rooted plant,
with white starry flowers.
ST. JOHN'S WORT, large-flowered; showy, grows well under
trees.
SUN-ROSE, common, (Helianthemum,) many varieties, yel-
low, orange, red, and double-flowered; excel-
lent for rock-work.
VENUS'S NAVEL-WORT, blue;
blue; a beautiful little flower,
opening very early.
VERONICA; many species, mostly blue or pink, some very
ornamental.
ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS.
ASTER, china,
tenellus,
The first a common annual, the best of
which are called German asters; the
other a pretty little blue flower.
BARTONIA AUREA; very showy; flowers of a glossy gold
colour, but foliage coarse.
CALANDRINIA discolor; a large showy, purple flower.
-speciosa; small bright crimson.
CALENDULA PLUVIALIS; large white flowers, brown under-
neath.
124
BORDER PLANTS.
CANDYTUFT, rocket; flowers white, in large spikes very
showy.
CLARKIA PULCHELLA; white and pink varieties, elegant.
CLINTONIA PULCHELLA; a very beautiful little flower, blue,
white, and yellow.
COLLINSIA bicolor; lilac and white.
grandiflora; lilac and blue, showy in large
clumps.
CONVOLVULUS major; a beautiful climber, many varieties.
minor; very showy.
DIDISCUS CERULEUS; half-hardy, with umbels of small
bright blue flowers.
ESCHSCHOLTZIA californica; bright-yellow, very showy.
crocea like the former, but orange
coloured.
;
EUTOCA VISCIDA; bright blue, very pretty.
GAILLARDIA picta; very handsome, a perennial in the
greenhouse.
·Drummondii; like the former, but with darker
flowers.
GILIA TRICOLOR; a pretty little flower, very hardy, and
will sow itself after the first year.
GROUNDSEL, double purple, (Senecio,) a perennial in the
greenhouse.
HAWKWEED; several varieties, red, yellow, straw, and
orange-coloured.
BORDER PLANTS.
125
3
INDIAN PINK; a beautiful annual, exhibiting in its flowers
an almost endless variety of shades, from
deep crimson to pink and white.
KAULFUSSIA AMELLOIDES; bright blue, very pretty; flowers
in two months after sowing.
LARKSPUR, dwarf or rocket; many varieties from white
to deep purple.
LOASA aurantiaca or lateritia; a curious climber, with
deep orange-coloured flowers; leaves sting like
nettles.
LOBELIA GRACILIS; blue and white, makes very pretty beds.
LUPINE, Cruikshank's; blue, yellow, and pink, very
handsome.
MALLOW, large-flowered, (Malope trifida,) a splendid
flower; red and white varieties.
MARVEL OF PERU; several varieties, white, yellow, and
rose-coloured; only seen to advantage early in
the morning.
NEMOPHILA insignis; blue and white, very beautiful, will
sow itself after the first year.
atomaria; white spotted with dark purple.
NIGELLA, Spanish; blue and white varieties, showy and
curious; commonly called Love in a mist.
..
ENOTHERA; many species, white, yellow, and pink or
purple.
126
BORDER PLANTS.
PHEASANT'S EYE, or FLOS ADONIS; a beautiful little crimson
flower, with elegant foliage.
PHLOX DRUMMONDII; a splendid, half-hardy annual, varying
in colour from pale pink to deep rose.
RHODANTHE MANGLESII; a very beautiful and delicate
flower of a light rose-colour.
SALPIGLOSSIS; several varieties, from dark purple to pale
blue or yellow, and beautifully marked.
SCHIZANTHUS; several showy species.
TROPEOLUM peregrinum; a climber, with curious yellow
flowers; sometimes called canary-bird.
majus, or Great Naturtium; several varieties.
minus; like the former, but smaller; one
variety with double flowers.
VENUS'S LOOKING-GLASS, (Campanula,) several species,
purple and white.
VIRGINIAN STOCK; a common annual, varying in colour
from white to pale purple.
ZINNIA ELEGANS; splendid when finely grown, but requires
to be raised on a hot-bed; many varieties.
BORDER PLANTS.
127
THE STRUCTURE OF PLANTS.
In the study and cultivation of plants, it is of the first
importance to have some knowledge of their general structure,
of the relations which their various parts bear to each other,
and of the internal workings of their vital system; we shall
endeavour, therefore, in the present chapter, to give a short and
accurate explanation, first of their external structure.
Let the reader procure a specimen of any plant, which
possesses most of the organs usually met with, such as the
common Heart's-ease, (viola tricolor,) examining the various
parts as we proceed.
When a seed germinates in the ground, the embryo plant
shoots out in two directions, upwards towards the light and
air, and downwards into the earth in search of food. The
downward shoot, which is the root, assumes various forms in
different plants; either dividing into a number of small fibres,
in which case it is called a fibrous root, as in the Heart's-ease,
and most trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants; or increasing
greatly in thickness, tapering towards the extremity, and
sending out only a few small fibres, when it is called a spindle-
shaped or tap root, as in the carrot and radish; or, as in the
dahlia and orchis, swelling into fleshy tubercles of various
forms and sizes, and distinguished as a tubercular root. It
must be remembered, however, that the tubercular root is
different from what is called a tuberous root, a true tuber, as the
128
THE STRUCTURE OF PLANTS.
potatoe, being no root but "a short, fleshy, underground stem,
produced at the ends of slender subterranean branches ;" and
it may be known by having buds or eyes upon its surface,
which a true root has not.
The shoot which a germinating seed sends upwards towards
the light and air is the stem, and the point of union between
the stem and the root is called the heart or collar. The stem,
like the root, varies considerably in form; in most trees and
shrubs it is solid, cylindrical, and branched; in the reeds and
grasses it is hollow; and in the cacti it is triangular, flat, or
globular. Bulbs, as the lily and hyacinth, are in reality short
stems, covered with rudimentary leaves in the shape of scales.
The cormus also, (which is often called a bulb, but which differs
from the true bulb in being solid, and having only a few dry
brown scales on the outside, as in the crocus and tulip,) is a
short thickened stem, producing roots at one extremity and
leaves and flowers at the other.
The ramifications or upper divisions of the stem are the
branches, and these produce upon their surface buds, distin-
guishing them from roots, which do not properly produce buds.
These buds expand into leaves, the broad parts of which are
called the blades, and the stalks, petioles; and at the axils of
the leaves, or the points where they join the stem, are
frequently found small leaves having no petioles, which are
called stipules. The whole of the branches, stem, and root of
a plant, are called the axis, and this with the leaves and stipules
constitutes the organs of vegetation, "so named because they
have no other destination than to enable a plant to live and
grow, and perform those vital actions which are not connected
with the office of spontaneous propagation."
•
THE STRUCTURE OF PLANTS.
129
The organs of fructification, are those which "enable a
plant by fructifying to multiply its species spontaneously," and
these organs are contained in the flower, the various parts of
which are named as follows:-the stalk on which the flower is
borne, and which, in the heart's-ease and many others, rises
from the axil of a leaf, is the peduncle; and near the top of
this are two small green scales called bracts or bractæ. At
the extremity of the peduncle is the flower, the internal and
more important parts of which are protected by two coverings
called floral envelopes. The outer of these, which is generally
green, and in this instance divided into five distinct lobes, is
the calyx, and each lobe is called a sepal. The second floral
envelope consists of a number of leaves or petals, of various
colours, the broad parts of which are called the limbs, and the
points where they are all united in the receptacle or centre of
the flower, the claws; the petals taken collectively form the
corolla, and when they are all united by their edges, the flower
is said to be monopetalous, or one-petaled, as in the primrose
and speedwell.
Within the floral envelopes are the stamens, which in the
heart's-ease are five in number, thin, flat, and of a light-
yellow colour. These are divided into two parts, the
filament, which is usually a slender thread-like stalk, bearing
on its point a yellow or brown head called the anther, which
contains the fertilizing substance known by the name of farina,
or pollen. Surrounded by the stamens is the pistil, consisting
of three parts, viz.: the germen or seed-vessel, which in this
instance is an egg-shaped body, tapering to a crooked point
called the style, at the end of which is the stigma, a round
head, having a small hole in one side. When the pistils and
stamens have arrived at maturity, the anthers swell, and at last
130
THE STRUCTURE OF PLANTS.
burst, scattering the inclosed pollen upon the stigma, which
being at that time covered with a glutinous substance, retains
it, till it has completed its office of fertilization. When this is
accomplished the flower fades, the germen swells and forms
the fruit, and at length, when the seeds which it contains are
ripe, bursts and scatters them upon the ground. Each seed
consists of a thin shell, enclosing a quantity of fleshy matter
called the albumen, in the midst of which lies the embryo
plant, "which is supposed to be nourished by the albumen
until it breaks the shell and is strong enough to gain its food
for itself," when it shoots out into roots and branches and
again performs the office of clothing the earth, and multip lying
its species.
Having thus examined the various external organs of plants,
let us now consider their internal structure, that exquisitely
beautiful arrangement by which nourishment is conveyed to
the remotest leaf, and health and vigour promoted through
the whole system.
The main constituents in solid vegetable substance, are
carbon, humic acid, potash, lime, silex, &c. and of these
with a few others, combined and arranged in various ways,
The
is composed every part of the most perfect plant.
three principal forms in which these substances are found,
are distinguished as cellular, and vascular-tissue and woody
fibre. Cellular tissue, the most important of the three, is
composed of a number of very minute bladders, or cellules,
adhereing on all sides to one another, as may be distinctly seen
in the pith of trees, especially the Elder, the leaves of the
Bull-rush, the pulp of the Strawberry, &c.; and these
bladders are either filled with air or with the various juices of
the plant. Woody fibre or woody tissue,"consists of thick-
THE STRUCTURE OF PLANTS.
131
""
sided transparent tubes, terminating at each end in a conical
manner, and applied to one another in considerable numbers,
so as to form bundles of great strength and elasticity; it
differs from cellular tissue principally in its toughness and
length. The fibre of hemp is composed of woody tissue,
while that of cotton is an illustration of the lengthened form
of cellular tissue. Vascular tissue comprehends "every form
of tissue which does not belong to the cellular or woody.
The type of it may be considered the spiral vessel, from which
the other forms probably are deviations produced by acci-
dental circumstances. A spiral vessel is a cylinder tapering to
a cone at each end, composed of exceedingly thin membrane,
in the inside of which one or more fibres are rolled in a spiral
manner, so closely that the spires all touch each other. When
at rest, it resembles a wire spring, and, like that contrivance, is
so elastic that it will contract, when extended by stretching the
two ends."* Spiral vessels are mostly found in the stalks
and veins of leaves, and some parts of stems; and the spiral
fibres may be seen unrolled, by pulling in two the stalk of a
strawberry leaf. These three tissues are the principal forms
of vegetable substance, and are called the elementary organs;
but we have now to consider the various combinations and
arrangements of those organs, constituting the different parts
of a plant.
Plants are naturally divided into three great classes, accord-
ing to their internal structure, and these are called Exogens,
Endogens, and Acrogens. The first class, Exogens, comprises
the forest trees, and most of the flowering shrubs, and common
•
See a work entitled "Botany," published by the Society for the
Diffusion of Useful Knowledge; and to which excellent treatise we
would refer our readers for a more elaborate account of the subject.
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132
THE STRUCTURE OF PLANTS.
herbaceous plants. Endogens, are the palms, rushes, grasses,
irises, lilies, &c.; and Acrogens, the ferns, mosses, fungi,
lichens, and sea-weeds; this will give some idea of their most
apparent distinctions. Exogens are further characterized by
their stems having the bark distinct from the wood, and the
woody system distinct from the cellular, a layer or zone of the
former being deposited annually; and by the veins of the
leaves presenting a reticulated or netted appearance: Endogens
by their stems having no proper bark, and the woody and
cellular systems being mixed together in a confused mass, with-
out any apparent annual layers; and by the veins of the leaves
being nearly parallel with one another, and generally with the
margin: and Acrogens are distinguished by having no flowers
and often no leaves; by their stems being composed almost
entirely of cellular tissue, never increasing in thickness when
once formed, but growing only at the points; and by the
veins of the leaves, when there are any, being dichotomous or
forked.
In order to have a still clearer idea, of the distinctive
differences, of these three important divisions of the vegetable
kingdom; let us suppose, in the first place, a stem or branch
of any exogenous plant, such as the oak, the hazel, or the
beech, cut straight across it right angles to its axis. Examining
the end of the section thus produced, we find in the centre,
the pith, which runs up the stem to the extremities of the
branches, commencing at the heart or collar of the plant,
and composed entirely of cellular tissue. Close round the pith
or medulla, is a layer of air-vessels called the medullary
sheath and beyond this are the layers or zones of wood, one
of which is deposited annually between the last year's wood
and the bark, and which consist principally of woody fibre
;
THE STRUCTURE OF PLANTS.
133
interspersed with a few larger vessels. Surrounding the wood,
and enveloping the whole stem, is the bark, divided into two
distinct parts, namely: the inner bark or liber, composed of
fibrous matter, a layer of which is deposited annually like the
wood; and the outer bark or cortical integument, a spongy
substance, which soon becomes mixed up with the older layers
of the liber. Running through the medullary sheath, the
zones of wood, and the liber, are seen numerous lines, called
medullary rays or processes, which connect the pith with the
inner surface of the cortical integument. They consist of thin
plates or walls of cellular tissue, of no considerable depth, but,
from their number in all parts of the stem, keeping up a
constant communication between the pith and the bark.
Such is the construction of an exogenous stem, but if we
examine the same part of an endogen we shall at once perceive
the difference. Take a piece of cane, for instance, and cut it
across in the same manner as before. In this there is no pith,
no true wood or bark, and no medullary processes;
the
cellular and the woody tissue are mixed up together in one
general mass, not increasing in thickness by annual deposi-
tions at the circumference, but by an annual formation of the
same mixed substance at the centre; consequently the outside
of an endogenous stem is usually the hardest, while the
"heart of oak" is always that nearest the pith.
The stems of Acrogens, are even more simple than those of
the last division, being composed merely of a mass of cellular
tissue. In some cases, however, as the ferns, they are inclosed
in a hard woody shell, which is folded and doubled about
among the cellular tissue, in such a way, that when cut through,
it has the appearance of curiously-shaped bundles of woody
fibre running up the stem. This may be very distinctly seen
K 2
134
THE STRUCTURE OF PLANTS.
in the stem of the common brake, where, if cut near the
bottom, the foldings of the shell form an outline strongly
resembling that of an oak-tree in miniature.
For ordinary purposes the difference in the leaves, as before
described, is a sufficient distinction between the three classes,
especially when accompanied with an examination of their
stems; but there is yet another important character which we
have not noticed, viz.: the construction of the seed. The
seeds of exogenous plants, produce when they first begin to
germinate, two or more opposite leaves, called seed-leaves or
cotyledons. Every one who has a garden must have noticed
the two opposite cotyledons in the common annual seeds,
as the lupine, convolvulus, &c.; and most trees of the fir kind,
have from three to nine seed-leaves. Seeds of Endogens
produce only one cotyledon; or if two, as is sometimes the
case, they are alternate with one another, not opposite as in
Exogens. The seeds of Acrogens are not properly seeds, but
are called spores or sporules; they have no cotyledons and
their root springs promiscuously from any part of their
surface; not, as in the two former, from a certain fixed point.
From this difference in their germination, the three classes
are sometimes called, Dicotyledons, having two or more seed-
leaves; Monocotyledons, having only one; and Acotyledons
without any,
but the former names are now generally used.
Besides these three classes, two others are sometimes added,
viz.: Gymnosperms, and Rhizanths, the former contains a
part of those plants usually included in Exogens, and the
latter in Endogens.
Intimately connected with the internal structure of plants,
is the motion of their sap or juice, which, like the food of
animals, is destined to afford a constant supply of materials for
THE STRUCTURE OF PLANTS.
135
their growth and various secretions. Concerning this motion
in Endogens and Acrogens scarcely anything is known, but
with respect to Exogens, among which are the greater part of
garden plants, shrubs, and trees, the following is the course
which it takes.
The spongioles or little mouths of the root fibres, possess
the power of absorbing the fluids with which they come in
contact in the earth, and drawing them into the stem and
branches; but nothing can pass through their delicate channels
in a solid form, so that all the nourishing substances contained
in the soil, and in manures, must be dissolved in water before
they can be of any use. This fluid matter, after it has been
taken up by the roots is called crude sap, and in this state it
gives out no nourishment; but being forced upwards by the
continued supply drawn in by the roots, it rises through the
youngest wood, which is that nearest the bark, and called
sap-wood or alburnum, and also partially through the older
layers, by which it is conveyed up the stem, through the
branches into the leaves. When the plant is very young,
before any sap-wood is formed, the office of conveying the
crude sap to the leaves is performed by the pith, which dries
up and dies, as soon as this service is no longer required.
The sap having arrived at the leaves is spread out under the
skin in the innumerable little veins, something in the same
manner as the blood of animals in the lungs, and hence the
leaves of plants are frequently called their lungs. In the leaves,
the crude sap being brought under the action of light,
undergoes a chemical change called elaboration, which renders
it fit to afford nourishment to the various parts of the plant.
It now begins to descend, but in a different channel to the
ascending current; the latter, which is the crude sap, rises
136
THE STRUCTURE OF PLANTS.
through the alburnum, but the elaborated sap descends through
the liber, depositing in its course a new layer of alburnum and
also of liber, besides the various other secretions of the plant,
the greater part of which are carried away by the medullary
processes, and deposited in the heart-wood, to which they give
its peculiar colours, as in ebony, mahogany, &c. What
remains of the sap, when it reaches the roots again, after these
deposits, is discharged into the earth in the shape of excre-
mentitious matter, which is generally supposed to be injurious
to the same species of plants from which it proceeds, though
not so to others, and to avoid which the roots are constantly
extending in search of fresh earth; hence the farmer's rotation
of crops. This poisonous quality of the excrement of plants,
however somewhat uncertain, and many deny it altogether.
·
We have now briefly explained the outline of what is known
concerning the structure of the vegetable kingdom; but even
this is sufficient to show us how beautiful, how exquisitely
perfect, are all the works of God.
“Oh, human pride, that thou would'st list,
The tale these small things tell."
FINIS.
Printed by Brown & HEWITT, Bille and Crown, Leicester.
ERRATA.
Page 28, last line, for "long spiral tendrils," read, "curiously
twisting leaf-stalks."
58, last line but one, for "green at the top," read,
large and full.”
66
9, 13. The Service has by some mistake been placed
among the evergreens; it is really a deciduous tree.
130, line 21, for "carbon, humic acid, potash, lime,
silex, &c." read,
read, “carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and
nitrogen, potash, lime, silex, &c."
AZAPALOJN
Lan
ATTORNA, MEnath and SEO
Pagkata
KA