Part 2

The specific name of this very interesting plant was given by Professor Nuttal, in consequence of what he considered the three-lobed form of its petals; this is however so very slight as to be scarcely observable, and therefore perhaps ought not to be considered a specific distinction. It was discovered by the Professor in the Arkansas country, in 1819, and seeds were afterwards brought by that indefatigable traveller and naturalist, Mr. D. Douglas, from North America, in 1824. This plant, which has a succession of flowers throughout the Summer, is extremely liable to decay, if not kept dry in the Winter; but it may be raised from seed, or by parting the roots in Autumn, and keeping them in a frame, in pots of light dry soil, giving them very little or no water until the roots begin to shoot in the Spring. This is the best method of increasing the Œ. cespitosa, a most lovely plant, but extremely difficult to propagate. There are numerous species and varieties of this very interesting genus: some of the most beautiful are--

Œ. frutiosa. -- speciosa. -- acaulis. -- rosea. -- pallida. -- glauca. -- grandiflora. -- amæna. -- tenella. -- viminea.

Pl. 22.

CLARKIA pulchella.

_Pretty Clarkia._

_Class and Order._--TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

Syn. Clarkia pulchella. _Pursh. Fl. N. A._, _vol._ i. _p._ 260. _Bot. Reg._, _pl._ 1100.

Plant annual--stem erect, branching--leaves linear, lanceolate, sessile, smooth--peduncles short--flowers growing from the axils of the leaves, solitary--calyx one segment, lanceolate, keeled--corolla beautiful purple pink--petals four, trilobed, obtuse, horned at the base--stamens four--anthers involute--style longer than the stamens--stigma divided into four parts--capsule oblong, grooved.

This very beautiful and singular annual was named by Pursh, in honour of Captain Clark, the companion of Captain Lewis, whose interesting travels across the continent of North America are so well known. It was found by Mr. Douglas, in the countries around the Columbia river, and brought by him into this country, to the Horticultural Society. The plant is hardy; but to facilitate its bloom, the seeds should be sown in a hotbed early in the Spring, and when the plants have acquired sufficient strength they may be removed to the borders, where they will continue to flower until destroyed by frost. This is the only species known of this genus.

Pl. 23.

POTENTILLA Nipalensis.

_Nipal Potentilla._

_Class and Order._--ICOSANDRIA POLYGYNIA.

Syn. Potentilla Nipalensis. _Hooker's Exotic Flora_, _vol._ ii., _pl._ 88.

Root fibrous--stem erect, branching--radical leaves, quinate--leaflets obovate, lanceolate, serrate--stipules large, broad, lanceolate--flowers terminal, on long peduncles--calyx double--five outer segments small, five inner somewhat larger--corolla five petals, emarginate, beautiful rose colour, darker at the base--stamens numerous--styles many--whole plant, hairy.

For this beautiful species of Potentilla we are indebted to the celebrated Dr. Wallich, of the Botanic Garden, Calcutta, who discovered it in Nipal, and sent seeds of it to this country. It is now becoming generally known, and is a great acquisition to our gardens, both for the beauty of its flower and continuing so long in blossom. A light loam suits it best; and when it likes the situation it will sow itself, and is therefore easily propagated. The genus Potentilla is not a showy one, but there are several pretty species:--

P. atrosanguinea. -- clusiana. -- hirta. -- lupinaster. -- nivea. -- pedata.

Pl. 24.

AUTUMN.

Though Summer with her fervid ray, No longer leads the lengthened day, Though Autumn with her sober tread Appears upon the russet mead, For her shall Flora form her wreath, And still around her fragrance breathe; Shall still with beauty deck the plain, Nor cease midst darker hours to reign.

ESCHSCHOLTZIA Californica.

_Californian Eschscholtzia._

_Class and Order._--POLYANDRIA TETRAGYNIA.

Syn. Eschscholtzia Californica. _Bot. Reg._ _pl._ 1168.

Root fusiform--stem branching, growing to the height of one foot or more--leaves glaucous, tri-pinnatifid, segments acute--flowers terminal, on long peduncles--Calyx formed like the Calyptra of a Moss, which falls off previous to the expansion of the flower--petals four--large, spreading, slightly striated, narrower at the base, margins undulate, of a brilliant yellow, which increases to an orange in the centre of the flower--stamens numerous, filaments very short, anthers long, acute--stigmas four--seed vessel subulate.

Fig. 1. represents the seed pod. Fig. 2. the curiously formed Calyx.

This elegant flower was originally discovered by Mr. Menzies, during the expedition of Vancouver, in the year 1792, on the coast of California. It has been named by Chamisso after Dr. Eschscholtz, a companion of Kotzebue, in his voyage round the world, and was sent to the Hort. Soc., by Mr. Douglas, in 1826, who found it on the N. W. coast of America. It promises to be a very desirable and beautiful addition to our catalogue of herbaceous plants, flowering abundantly all thro' the summer 'till destroyed by frost. It may be propagated either by seeds, which should be sown in a hot-bed early in the spring, or by parting the roots in autumn, and grows best in a pure air, and a light, or sandy soil.

Pl. 33.

CATANANCHE cœrulea.

_Blue Catananche._

_Class and Order._--SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA ÆQUALIS.

Syn. Catananche Cœrulea. _Curtis Bot. Mag._ _pl._ 293.

Root fibrous--Stem radical, branching--growing to the height of two feet--Radical leaves, long, lanceolate, margins deeply toothed--back of the leaf downy, and strongly nerved--Cauline leaves, sessile, linear, acute. Flowers terminal on very long peduncles on which are scattered membranaceous bracteas--Calyx imbricate, squamose, membranaceous, striate--Corolla blue--Florets ligulate, apex three toothed, purple at the base, fertile--Stamens five, Anthers united--style one, stigma bifid.

There are only two species known of this genus, the one here figured is a native of the South of Europe, and is said to have been cultivated by Parkinson as far back as the year 1640, it is however by no means a common plant, owing perhaps to the difficulty of keeping it through the winter, when it is very apt to be destroyed by frost; it is easily raised from seeds which may be sown in the autumn, and if protected during the winter, will make strong plants to flower through the ensuing summer, continuing in beauty until the approach of winter--it likes a dry, sandy soil, and will not bear frequent removal,--the other species, Catananche lutea, is an annual not deserving of cultivation.

Pl. 34.

COREOPSIS Grandiflora.

_Large flowered Coreopsis._

_Class and Order._--SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA FRUSTRANEA.

Syn. Coreopsis Grandiflora. _Sweet's B. F. G._ _Vol._ 2. _pl._ 175.

Root fibrous, creeping--Stem, tall, erect, branched. Leaves on short petioles ternate, leaflets lanceolate, acute--cauline leaves becoming more linear. Flowers large, terminal, on long, slender peduncles--Calyx double, exterior segments green, lanceolate acute; interior segments brown, membranaceous--Corolla bright yellow, radiated florets barren, dentate; florets of the disk fertile.

This fine species is so similar to C. Lanceolata, that it is only to be distinguished by the leaf, the flowers being alike in form and color, though perhaps a little larger in C. grandiflora--it was found by Professor Nuttall in the Arkansas, and was sent by him to Mr. Barclay about the year 1826; it is therefore from its late introduction yet rare in our collections, it promises to be of easy cultivation, its creeping roots throwing up a plentiful supply of young plants from which it may easily be propagated--a little protection in the winter may perhaps be desirable.

Amongst the most beautiful species of this genus are

C. lanceolata -- tinctoria. -- verticillata. -- tenuifolia.

Pl. 35.

GEORGINA coccinea.

_Scarlet flowered Georgina._

_Class and Order._--SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA.

Syn. Georgina Coccinea _Wildenow Enum. Plant._ _Vol._ 2. _p._ 338.

Dahlia Coccinea. _Curt. Bot. Mag._ _pl._ 762.

Root tuberous--stem upright, branched, growing from three to five feet high. Leaves pinnate, lower leaves sometimes bi-pinnate, leaflets serrate--flowers terminal, on long purple peduncles--calyx double, exterior segments somewhat reflexed, obtuse--corolla bright scarlet--radiated florets ovate, obtuse, furnished with a style only--florets of the disk, containing both stamens and pistils.

This distinct species, which is perhaps one of the most beautiful of the genus is readily distinguished by its small flower and foliage--it is a native of Mexico, and previous to its introduction to this country, by Mr. Fraser, in 1803, was cultivated in France,--endless varieties of this genus are constantly raised from seed, and by other means, and there is no flower to which we are so much indebted for ornamenting our gardens in the Autumn--the cultivation of this plant is so easy, and now so well known that little requires to be said on this point. Particular care, however, must be taken to keep the roots from frost; a poor soil will cause a smaller growth, and produce more flowers. The name Georgina was given to this genus by Wildenow, in honor of G. Georgi, a Russian Botanist, and as it is considered by the Continental and many English Botanists, to be the most correct, it has been here adopted, instead of Dahlia, a name very similar to that of another genus (Dalea) called after Dale the friend of Ray;[1] some of the most beautiful double Georginas are varieties of the Sambucifolia.

G. frustranea. -- superflua. -- alba. -- flava. -- purpurea. -- atro purpurea. -- rubra. -- atro-rubra. -- fulgens. -- crocea.

[1] See Bot. Mag. page 762, and Sweets British Flower Garden, page 282.

Pl. 36.

RUDBECKIA hirta.

_Hairy Rudbeckia._

_Class and Order._--SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA FRUSTRANEA.

Syn. Rudbeckia hirta. _Pursh. Flo. N. A._ _page_ 574.

Root Fibrous--stem erect, branched, grooved. Radical leaves broad, lanceolate, cauline leaves sessile, unequal, margins undulate peduncles one flowered, terminal--calyx many segments, lanceolate, obtuse--corolla bright yellow--radiated florets, linear, lanceolate recurved, barren--florets of the disk fertile--whole plant hairy.

The genus Rudbeckia (called after Professor Rudbeck of Upsal who died in 1702) is a very ornamental one, its different species making a gay appearance in the Autumn. R. hirta is perhaps one of the most desirable, from its moderate size, seldom growing higher than two feet--it was introduced about the year 1714, it is a native of N. America, and is found on the mountains from Virginia to Florida--it likes a light rich soil, and is propagated by parting the roots, which should be done in the spring, as it flowers so late in Autumn as to prevent the removal in sufficient time for the plants to be well established before winter--it is rather tender, sometimes being destroyed by too much wet. The following are pleasing species:--

R. purpurea. -- fulgida. -- columnaris. -- speciosa. -- pinnata.

Pl. 37.

SCABIOSA Caucasea.

_Caucasean Scabious._

_Class and Order._--TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

Syn. Scabiosa Caucasea. _Curt. Bot. Mag._ _pl._ 886.

Root fibrous--stem erect, rising to the height of two feet or more--radical leaves on long channelled footstalks, lanceolate, acute, margins undulate, cauline leaves, connate, pinnatifid--peduncles one flowered, flowers terminal--involucre from eight to ten segments, lanceolate, acute--corolla delicate purple, segments trilobed, lobes obtuse, margins undulate, florets of the disk tubular, margins five-cleft--Calyx double--stamens four, anthers oblong, of a bright red, style longer than the stamens; stigma globose; germen downy.

This is perhaps the most beautiful species of the genus; and a highly ornamental plant in the Autumnal months, during which time it continues long in beauty, it is a native of Mount Caucasus, and according to the Bot. Mag. p. 886, was raised by Messrs. Loddiges from seeds received by them about the year 1803--a light soil suits it best, and it may be increased by parting its roots in the spring--it is quite hardy.

The genus Scabiosa is not a favorite one for a flower garden, though a few species may deserve a place in our collections--some of the most desirable are

S. alpina. -- tatarica. -- atropurpurea. -- lœvigata.

Pl. 38.

LOBELIA fulgens.

_Refulgent Lobelia._

_Class and Order._--PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

Syn. Lobelia fulgens. _Bot. Rep._ _pl._ 659.

Root fibrous--stem erect, leafy, occasionally drooping at the summit, downy. Leaves alternate sessile, broad lanceolate, undulate, denticulate near the point, veined, becoming smaller towards the top of the stem--peduncles very short--calyx five segments, acute, downy--corolla monopetalous, very brilliant scarlet--tube oblong, inflated at the base, segments five, three lower ones, oblong, lanceolate, acute; two upper, small, linear, acute, recurved--stamens five--anthers oblong, style filiform--stigma compressed.

This brilliant ornament to the flower garden is a native of Mexico, and was raised from seeds sent by Humboldt and Bonpland, to this country, about the year 1809--it is a plant of easy cultivation, and is readily increased by parting the roots in Spring--it is hardy, but in the winter requires to be kept dry, as it is liable to decay from too much moisture, it is therefore the safest plan to put a few plants in a frame, divide them, and plant them about April, in a stiff soil, and moist situation, where they will flourish exceedingly, and make a splendid appearance until destroyed by frost--This species differs little from L. Splendens, which has its foliage more tinged with red and is devoid of that pubescence which distinguishes L. fulgens.

There are several beautiful species of this genus, but few are hardy, those most desirable for a flower garden are

L. splendens. -- cardinalis. -- amæna. -- tupa.

Pl. 39.

ASTER amellus.

_Italian aster._

_Class and Order._--SYNGENESIA POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA.

Syn. Aster Amellus. _Hortus Kewensis_, _vol._ 5, _page_ 54.

Root fibrous--stem erect, branched, sometimes two feet high--leaves sessile, alternate, ovate lanceolate, obtuse--margins undulate. Flowers purple, corymbose, on short peduncles; calyx imbricated--radiated florets, linear, obtuse, furnished with a style only--florets of the disk fertile containing both stamens and pistils.

Few autumnal plants are more deserving of cultivation than the Aster Amellus--the beauty of the flower, its moderately low growth, and late flowering, rendering it a valuable plant for the season, and perhaps preferable to any of the genus--it is a native of the South of Europe, and was cultivated in this country, as long since as 1596, by Gerard, it will grow in any soil or situation, and flowers from September until destroyed by severe frost--it may be increased by dividing the roots, which according to Miller should not be moved oftener than every third year.

The genus aster is a very numerous one, and affords some ornamental species

A. alpina. -- blandus. -- elegans. -- grandiflorus. -- nova angliæ. -- spectabilis. -- pulcherrimus.

Pl. 40.

WINTER.

---- The fairer forms That cultivation glories in, are HIS, HE sets the bright procession on its way, And marshalls all the order of the Year; HE marks the bounds that Winter may not pass, And blunts his pointed fury: in its case Russet and rude folds up the tender germ Uninjured, with inimitable art, And ere one flowery season fades and dies, Designs the blooming wonders of the next.

COWPER.

CHRYSANTHEMUM indicum var.

_Semi double quill'd pink Chrysanthemum._

_Class and Order._--SYNGENSIA, POLYGAMIA, SUPERFLUA.

Syn. Semi double quill'd pink Chrysanthemum. _Hort. Soc. Trans._ _Vol._ 5. _p._ 422.

Stem tall, erect, leafy, branching--lower leaves large, bi-pinnatifid, lobes deeply indented--becoming smaller as they approach the flower--flower terminal slightly pendant--calyx squamose--florets quill'd of a beautiful pale pink, shaded off to white--disc yellow--large.

The first introduction of the Chinese Chrysanthemums into this country, was about the year 1764;--the beautiful varieties now seen in our gardens, became known at a much more recent period, and from the great facility that attends their cultivation, and their very desirable season of flowering, they are universal favorites;--new varieties are frequently imported, the only means we possess of obtaining them, as we are ignorant of the mode adopted by the Chinese for their increase; and we are led to suppose that we do not yet possess some of their finest kinds:--most of the varieties will grow well out of doors, and if trained against a south wall, with a little protection to shield the flowers from inclement weather, will make a beautiful and gay appearance in the months of November and December. The Chrysanthemums are increased either by cuttings or suckers taken from the parent plant in the spring;--the var. here figured is a very beautiful one, and blossoms rather early and freely--the flowers have a deeper color when grown out of doors, and the plant altogether acquires more strength;--in a green-house this var. is apt to grow weak and tall.

Pl. 49.

CHRYSANTHEMUM indicum var.

_Superb White Chrysanthemum._

_Class and Order._--SYNGENSIA, POLYGAMIA, SUPERFLUA.

Syn. Superb White Chrysanthemum. _Hort. Soc. Trans._ _Vol._ 5. _p._ 420.

Stem erect, leafy, branching--leaves bi-pinnatifid, lobes deeply indented,--flower terminal, drooping, white, tinged with yellow towards the centre--calyx squamose, obtuse, florets ligulate, outside florets occasionally quill'd--apex entire.

This variety is a very desirable one for growing out of doors, from its long continuance in bloom, and the flowers being so very large and fine--the foilage is luxuriant, and if the plant be trained against a wall, it will grow very tall, and make a beautiful appearance until a late season;--the Chrysanthemums like a strong soil.

CHRYSANTHEMUM indicum var.

_Early Crimson Chrysanthemum._

_Class and Order._--SYNGENSIA, POLYGAMIA, SUPERFLUA.

Syn. Early Crimson Chrysanthemum. _Hort. Soc. Trans._ _Vol._ 5, _p._ 155.

Stem erect, leafy, much branched--leaves bi-pinnatifid, lobes very deeply indented--flowers pendant--growing in clusters, semi-double, of a fine crimson--florets ligulate, emarginate--disc small.

This is a newer var. than either the superb white, or quill'd pink; the plant grows low, and rather bushy, and makes a very brilliant appearance when in full flower--the varieties of Chrysanthemum Indicum are so endless, that is difficult to make a selection; some of the most beautiful and latest imported are the following:--

Purple. Quill'd white. Tasselled white. Sulphur yellow. Golden yellow. Buff or orange. Quill'd flamed yellow. Curled lilac. Pale pink. Parks' small yellow. Blush Ranunculus flowered. Tasselled lilac. Two colored red. Starry pink. Two colored incurved. Golden Lotus flowered. Brown lilac. Early blush. Paper white. Changeable pale buff.

Pl. 50.

TUSSILAGO fragrans.

_Fragrant Coltsfoot._

_Class and Order._--SYNGENSIA, POLYGAMIA, SUPERFLUA.

Syn. Tussilago Fragrans. _Curt. Bot. Mag._ _pl._ 1388.

Root creeping, fleshy--scape about eight inches high, woolly, appearing before the leaves--leaves radical, large, cordate, margins crenate--young leaves covered with a deciduous down, cauline leaves cordate, sheathing the stem--peduncles rising from concave bracteas--calyx many segments, lanceolate, acute, tinged with brown--radiated florets ligulate, pink, florets of the disk, five segments, white--style projecting, stigma dark purple.

This plant possesses little beauty to recommend it to our notice, but its delightful fragrance, which strongly resembles the Heliotropium Peruvianum, renders it an acceptable addition to our small stock of winter flowers. It is a native of Italy, and was introduced into this country by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy, in 1806. Though frequently treated as a green-house or frame-plant, it is perfectly hardy, and if grown in a moist situation, it will spread so rapidly as to become troublesome; the best plan therefore is to confine it in a pot, and plunge it in common garden soil, where it will flower about December or January, without the least protection.

This is the only species suitable for a flower garden.

Pl. 51.

HELLEBORUS niger.

_Black Hellebore or Christmas Rose._

_Class and Order._--POLYANDRIA POLYGYNIA.

Syn. Helleborus niger. _Curt. Bot. Mag._ _pl._ 8.

Root tuberous--leaves radical, on long channelled petioles, pedate, lobes oblong, margins serrate near the apex--scape radical, simple,--flower terminal--calyx none--bracteas immediately under the flower, two, sessile--corolla white, slightly tinged with pale pink and yellowish green,--petals five, large, orbicular, margins undulate--nectaries green, tubular--stamens numerous--anthers compressed--styles many.

There are few flowers more welcome to us than the Helleborus niger, which enlivens our gardens in the dreary months of December and January. It is a native of the mountains of Austria, and was introduced into this country about the year 1596, by Mr. John Gerard; it derives its name from the dark color of its roots, and the common appellation of the Christmas Rose, arises from the peculiar season of its flowering; being an alpine plant it delights in a pure air, and it grows best in a moist situation and strong loamy soil: it may be covered with a hand-glass when coming into bloom, as the beauty of the flower is liable to be destroyed by the severity of the weather. Considerable medicinal properties were ascribed to this plant by the ancients, but it is now seldom used. There are several other species, but only two of these are generally cultivated--the first mentioned is a British plant.

H. viridis. -- lividus.

Pl. 52.

ERANTHIS hyemalis

_Winter Aconite._