Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers | Page 9

and the most popular variety, viz., A. j. alba--Honorine
Jobert--(see Fig. 8). So much has this grown in favour that it has nearly
monopolised the name of the species, of which it is but a variety; hence
the necessity of pointing out the distinctions. Frequently the beautiful
white kind is sought for by the typical name only, so that if a plant were
supplied accordingly there would be disappointment at seeing a
somewhat coarse specimen, with small rosy flowers, instead of a bold
and beautiful plant with a base of large vine-shaped foliage and strong
stems, numerously furnished with large white flowers, quite 2in. across,
and centered by a dense arrangement of lemon-coloured stamens,
somewhat like a large single white rose. This more desirable white
variety sometimes grows 3ft. high, and is eminently a plant for the
border in front of shrubs, though it is very effective in any position. I
grow it in the border, on rockwork, and in a half shady place, and it
seems at home in all. It will continue in bloom until stopped by frosts.
The flowers are among the most useful in a cut state, especially when
mingled with the now fashionable and handsome leaves of heucheras
and tiarellas; they form a chaste embellishment for the table or fruit
dishes.
The plant is sometimes much eaten by caterpillars; for this the remedy
is soapy water syringed on the under side of the leaves. Earwigs also

attack the flowers; they should be trapped by a similar plan to that
usually adopted for dahlias.
To those wishing to grow this choice Anemone, let me say, begin with
the young underground runners; plant them in the autumn anywhere
you like, but see that the soil is deep, and if it is not rich, make it so
with well-decayed leaves or manure, and you will have your reward.
[Illustration: FIG. 8. ANEMONE JAPONICA ALBA (A. HONORINE
JOBERT).
(About one-twelfth natural size.)]
Flowering period, August to November.

Anemone Nemorosa Flore-pleno.
DOUBLE WOOD ANEMONE, or WINDFLOWER; Nat. Ord.
RANUNCULACEÆ.
This is the double form of the common British species; in every part
but the flower it resembles the type. The flower, from being double,
and perhaps from being grown in more exposed situations than the
common form in the shaded woods, is much more durable; an
established clump has kept in good form for three weeks.
The petals (if they may be so called), which render this flower so
pleasingly distinct, are arranged in an even tuft, being much shorter
than the outer or normal sepals, the size and form of which remain true
to the type. The pure white flower--more than an inch across--is
somewhat distant from the handsome three-leaved involucrum, and is
supported by a wiry flower stalk, 3in. to 5in. long; it is about the same
length from the root, otherwise the plant is stemless. The flowers are
produced singly, and have six to eight petal-like sepals; the leaves are
ternately cut; leaflets or segments three-cut, lanceolate, and deeply
toothed; petioles channelled; the roots are long and round, of about the
thickness of a pen-holder. This plant grown in bold clumps is

indispensable for the choice spring garden; its quiet beauty is much
admired.
It enjoys a strongish loam, and a slightly shaded situation will conduce
to its lengthened flowering, and also tend to luxuriance. Soon after the
flowers fade the foliage begins to dry up; care should, therefore, be
taken to have some other suitable flower growing near it, so as to avoid
dead or blank spaces. Pentstemons, rooted cuttings of which are very
handy at this season for transplanting, are well adapted for such use and
situations, and as their flowers cannot endure hot sunshine without
suffering more or less, such half-shady quarters will be just the places
for them.
The double white Wood Anemone may be propagated by divisions of
the tubers, after the foliage has completely withered.
Flowering period, May.

Anemone Pulsatilla.
PASQUE FLOWER; Nat. Ord. RANUNCULACEÆ.
A British species. This beautiful flower has long been cultivated in our
gardens, and is deservedly a great favourite. It may not be uninteresting
to give the other common and ancient names of the Easter Flower, as in
every way this is not only an old plant, but an old-fashioned flower.
"Passe Flower" and "Flaw Flower" come from the above common
names, being only derivations, but in Cambridgeshire, where it grows
wild, it is called "Coventry Bells" and "Hill Tulip." Three hundred
years ago Gerarde gave the following description of it, which, together
with the illustration (Fig. 9), will, I trust, be found ample: "These Passe
flowers hath many small leaues, finely cut or iagged, like those of
carrots, among which rise up naked stalks, rough and hairie; whereupon
do growe beautiful flowers bell fashion, of