Image not available: Ficus elastica.Ficus elastica.
*Fuchsia.—The Fuchsia, one of the most beautiful ornaments of the garden when well grown, is comparatively rarely seen in our flower-gardens. It is to be regretted that this is the case, for assuredly there is nothing in cultivation more calculated to improve the aspect of things therein. Not showy in mass of flower, like many things common enough now, it is of the highest order of beauty; while the drooping habit of the shoots of most kinds gives the plant a grace which is valuable indeed, and which no flower-garden should be without. Even in dwarf lines, where this drooping tendency is not seen to such advantage, or, it may be, presentsa disadvantage, the Fuchsia is very valuable; but it is when we use plants with rather tall stems or pyramids that the full beauty of the Fuschia as a flower-garden plant is seen. And the right way to manage them is to make them as far as possible produceall their growth in the open air. That is the secret: start them, nurture them, and make them full of leaves and strong young growth in the spring, so as to go out strong, and most likely you will find them very disappointing indeed; but keep them back and do not let them burst forth into leaf until put in the open air in May, and they will then go on and retain all the strength they gather, suspending quantities of graceful blossoms until the leaves have deserted the trees, when they should be taken up and put in a dry cave, cellar, or shed for the winter. In a cool position of that kind it would not be difficult to “keep them back” in spring. And supposing they seemed inclined to push forth too much before the time had quite arrived when it would be convenient or desirable to put them in the flower-garden, there should be no difficulty in placing them in some quiet, sheltered nook, where they might receive more protection than in the flower-garden proper, and yet have full opportunity to make growth in the open air—the great point to be attained. The freest and hardiest kinds should be chosen for this purpose. In many places refuse plants may be turned to good account in this way. Given a lot of specimen Fuchsias—arrived, perhaps, at that stage when they must be parted with to make way for younger plants and newer kinds—nothing is simpler than to make of these standards for the flower-garden, by cutting away the lower and middle sideshoots, and leaving the head to form a standard. Their exceptional grace when placed among fine foliage-plants induces me to allude to them here.
*Funkia Sieboldiana.—A Japanese plant, remarkable for the elegance of its leaves, which are large, broadly heart-shaped, of a greyish-green colour, slightly undulating, and finely marked with regular lines of prominent ribs. The flowers are of a light lilac or bluish colour, and are borne in a drooping unilateral cluster at the extremity of a leafless stem 1 ft. or 16 ins. high. Thrives best in a light, cool, sandy soil in a sheltered half-shady position. It will also thrive well in peat. Multiplied by division of the tufts in autumn, once in three or four years. Useful among the dwarfer herbaceous plants, etc., and occasionally as a groundwork in beds of shrubs with fine foliage.
*Galega officinalis.—A handsome, hardy, and vigorous-growing plant, 3 ft. to 5 ft. high, forming graceful tufts of pinnate leaves, and flowering abundantly and for a long time; the flowers are of a pale blue, in long, dense clusters or spikes. Although it will grow in almost any soil, it does best in a deep, free, moist, sandy clay. This not uncommon herbaceous plant is alluded to here in consequence of its graceful leaves, which fit it for taking a part in the groups of handsome hardy subjects so often suggested in this book.
Geranium anemonæfolium.—A handsome perennial from Madeira, with a simple, woody, erect stem 1 ft. to 14 ins. in height, covered with dry scales. The leaves, which are of a bright green, smooth, and very much divided, are chiefly collected at the base of the plant, from which theyextend horizontally on stalks from 20 ins. to 2 ft. long. The flowers are very numerous, and of a lilac rose-colour. It is a highly ornamental plant both in foliage and flower, and may be used with good effect grouped with comparatively dwarf kinds, or occasionally as an edging to tall subjects. It is best raised in frames and put out early in May. Multiplied by seed, which it yields freely.
*Gynerium argenteum(Pampas grass).—This fine plant is so well known that there is no excuse for naming it here, except the opportunity to say a few words as to the splendid use we may make of it in the branch of gardening we are now discussing. It deserves as much attention as any plant in cultivation, and yet how rarely is any thorough preparation made for its perfect development. What is there growing in garden or in wild more nobly distinct and beautiful than the great silvery plumes of this plant waving in the autumnal gusts—the burial plumes as it were of our summer too early dead? What tender plant so effective as this in giving a new aspect of vegetation to our gardens, if it be tastefully placed and well grown? Long before it flowers it possesses more merit for its foliage and habit than scores of things cultivated indoors for their effect—Dasylirions, etc., for example—and it would be well worthy of being extensively used if one of its silken-crested wands were never put forth in autumn. It is not enough to place it in out-of-the-way spots, but the general scene of every garden and pleasure-ground should be influenced by it. It should be planted even far more extensively than it is at present, and given very deep and good soil either natural or made. The
Image not available: GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM. Giant hardy evergreen ornamental Grass.GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM.Giant hardy evergreen ornamental Grass.
soils of very many gardens are insufficient to give it the highest degree of strength and vigour, and no plant better repays for a thorough preparation, which ought to be the more freely given when it is considered that one preparation suffices for many years. If convenient, give it a somewhat sheltered position in the flower-garden, so as to prevent as much as possible that ceaseless searing away of the foliage which occurs wherever the plant is much exposed to the breeze. We rarely see such fine specimens as in quiet nooks where it is pretty well sheltered by the surrounding vegetation. It is very striking to come upon noble specimens in such quiet green nooks; but, as before hinted, to leave such a magnificent plant out of the flower-garden proper is a decided mistake. Seed and division.
*Gunnera scabra.—Mr. Darwin met with this in a region where the vegetation is so luxuriant that the branches of the trees extend over the sea, somewhat like those of a shrubbery of evergreens over a gravel walk. “I one day noticed growing on the sandstone cliffs some very fine plants of the Panke (Gunnera scabra), which somewhat resembles the rhubarb on a gigantic scale. The inhabitants eat the stalks, which are sub-acid, and tan leather with the roots, and prepare a black dye from them. The leaf is nearly circular, but deeply indented on its margin. I measured one which was nearly 8 ft. in diameter, and therefore no less than 24 ft. in circumference! The stalk is rather more than a yard high, and each plant sends out four or five of these enormous leaves, presenting altogether a very noble appearance.” Of a spot in the same neighbourhood he says: “The forestwas so impenetrable that no one who has not beheld it can imagine so entangled a mass of dying and dead trunks. I am sure that often for more than ten minutes together our feet never touched the ground, and we were frequently ten or fifteen feet above it; so that the seamen, as a joke, called out the soundings!” Yet I have grown this plant to great size in a cold British bog. Mr. Darwin does not speak of the inflorescence, which is more remarkable than the leaves. The little flowers and seeds are seated densely on conical fleshy masses a few inches long, and these in their turn being seated as densely as they can be packed on a thick stem, the whole has the appearance of a compound cone a couple of feet high (on strong plants), very heavy, and perhaps the oddest-looking thing ever seen in the way of fructification. This great spike springs from the root itself, the leaves also springing from the root, as in the case of the rhubarbs. I had two plants in a wet peat bog—one in deep rich soil, with the crown well raised above the level, and the whole protected under a couple of barrowloads of leaf mould; the other left exposed, and not allowed any particularly good soil. Both plants survived the severest winters, but the protected and well-fed one grew much the larger. The leaves of the larger plant used sometimes to grow 4 ft. in diameter, the texture being of extraordinary thickness and rugosity. I have, however, in the Royal Gardens at Kew, seen it grown to a larger size than that. The bottom there is the reverse of bog, while the situation is warmer and more sheltered than where I grew it. But the Kew people met its wants very cleverly, by building a little bank of turf around it, so
Image not available: GUNNERA SCABRA. Hardy herbaceous Section; attaining huge dimensions in deep, rich, moist soil.GUNNERA SCABRA.Hardy herbaceous Section; attaining huge dimensions in deep, rich, moist soil.
as to admit of its absorbing a thorough dose of water now and then, while in winter it was protected with dry leaves and a piece of tarpaulin. Similar protection, plenty of water in summer, and a warm and sheltered position, are all that are necessary for success with this very striking subject. It is not difficult to obtain, and may be raised from seed, though that is a slow way. It should be planted in some isolated spot, and not as a rule in the “flower-garden proper,” as it must not be disturbed after being well planted, and would associate badly with the ordinary occupants of the parterre. The plant cannot have too much sun or warmth, but makes little progress if its huge leaves are torn by storms. In places with any diversity of surface it will be easy to select a spot well open to the sun and yet sheltered by surrounding objects (shrubs, clumps, etc.). The figure shows more the habit of the plant than the character of its huge compound fleshy spike, on which the small seeds are thickly scattered.
*Gymnocladus canadensis(Kentucky Coffee-tree).—A remarkable hardy forest tree, which, kept in a young state, will furnish a fine head of foliage. It has twice-divided leaves, the leaflets of which stand vertically. On young trees the leaves are more than 3 ft. long, and on subjects confined to a single stem and cut down every year they would prove even larger than that. It grows wild in Canada, but more abundantly and larger in Kentucky and Tennessee, where it used to be employed as a substitute for coffee—hence the common name. It loves a rich deep soil, and is propagated by seeds and cuttings of the roots. It will prove very suitable for planting in similar positions to those recommended for the Ailantus.
Hedychium Gardnerianum.—A stove herbaceous plant from the East Indies, growing from 3¼ ft. to 6½ ft. high, with broadly lance-shaped clasping leaves in two rows, and bearing, in autumn, lemon-coloured flowers with a strong Jonquille perfume, in terminal spikes nearly a foot long. Another species,H. aurantiacum, has handsome orange flowers. These handsome plants may have been seen flowering in the open air in the gardens at Battersea Park, very pleasing and effective in shady nooks—not planted out but kept in the pots in which they were grown. They should be put out about the end of May.
*Helianthus annuus(Sun-flower).—This common and familiar annual plant may be usefully employed in adorning the rougher parts of pleasure-grounds in warm positions, where it will thrive to best advantage. Although very hardy and capable of being grown in almost any soils, it prefers those that are substantial and free.
*Helianthus orgyalis.—A very distinct-looking hardy plant, growing 6 ft. or 8 ft. high. Its distinctiveness arises from the fact that the leaves are recurved in a peculiarly graceful manner. At the top of the shoots, indeed, their aspect is most striking, from their springing up in great profusion and then bending gracefully down. It will form a capital subject for groups of fine-leaved, hardy plants, or for isolation by wood-walks, etc. As it is apt to come up rather thickly, the cultivator will act judiciously by thinning out the shoots when very young, so that those which remain may prove stronger and better furnished with leaves. N. America.
*Hemerocallis fulva.—This is one of those fine old plants formerly grown in almost every garden, but which
Image not available: HERACLEUM Coarse herbaceous Type; foliage perishing late in summer.HERACLEUMCoarse herbaceous Type; foliage perishing late in summer.
has latterly sunk into unmerited neglect, as from its luxuriance, the height of its stem (nearly 4 ft.), and its fine, large, tawny-orange flowers, it well deserves a place among vigorous and striking subjects. It is thoroughly hardy and will thrive in almost any soil, but comes to greatest perfection in that which is deep, substantial, and moist, and in almost any position. Multiplied by dividing the tufts once in three or four years in autumn when the leaves are withered, or in spring. There is a variety of this species with double flowers, and one with variegated leaves, both of which are somewhat tender and require well-drained soil and a sheltered position.
Other species in cultivation areH. flava,H. disticha,H. graminea, andH. Dumortieri. All these plants are desirable associates for the hardy fine-leaved plants.
*Heracleums(Cow-parsnips).—No perennials rival these plants in size, and few in distinctness of appearance. The shape and width of their leaves, the height of their stems, and especially the great size of their umbels, produce an effect of a very striking character. Planted singly on slopes in the rougher parts of pleasure-grounds, on or about ruins, rough wild declivities, or by pieces of water or streams, they are seen to excellent advantage; their enormous leaves forming great tufts of vegetation, sometimes nearly 13 ft. in diameter. The period of their greatest vigour and beauty is from May to the end of July; and this should be distinctly borne in mind when arranging them, as, once the great leaves fade away with the heats of early August, they become very ragged, and soon disappear altogether. They delight in a moist, deep, clay soil, but will grow vigorouslyin almost any kind of cool soil, and even on rubbish-heaps. They are easily multiplied, either from seed or by division of the tufts early in spring, or after the ripening of the seed. They usually sow themselves freely.
*Heracleum eminens.—A peculiarly distinct species, easily known by the blunt or roundish lobes of its trifoliate leaves, which also possess the advantage of lasting longer than the leaves of other kinds. They are of a thick texture, and finely covered with velvety down, which gives them a slightly glaucous appearance, whereby they may also be distinguished. I have only seen the plant in a young state in Paris gardens, and cannot say what it is like when fully grown; but it is probably dwarfer in stature and more compact in habit than most of the other kinds, and, as the leaves last so much longer in perfection, it is suited for grouping among choicer subjects. For isolation on the grass, after the fashion of the Acanthuses, etc., it is particularly well suited. Seed or division.
*Heracleum flavescens.—A vigorous species, 5 ft. to 6 ft. high, with deeply-furrowed rough stems, and convex green leaves, with ovate or oblong serrate divisions. Flowers yellowish, in large umbels. Suitable for banks of rivers or ponds, where effective foliage is desired. S. Europe. Seed.
*Heracleum persicum.—A vigorous perennial, of rapid growth and imposing dimensions, attaining a height of more than 6½ ft., and bearing whitish flowers in umbels, the upper one of which is more than 16 ins. across. The stem does not branch much, and the leaves are chiefly radical and very large. Persia.
*Heracleum pubescens.—This species bears yellowish-white flowers, in umbels about a foot in diameter, and grows to a height of from 6 ft. to 9 ft. or more. The leaves are very large, roughish on the upper side, and much divided into elliptical segments, which are pointed and stand close together. Crimea.
*Heracleum villosum.—A species distinguished by its very downy and fringed fruit, with robust stems, 6½ ft. high or more. Leaves broad, much divided, the segments coarsely toothed, covered with a whitish down on the under side. Flowers in large umbels. Caucasus.
*Heracleum Wilhelmsii.—The leaves of this species are very large, downy, and wrinkled, much divided, with lance-shaped, acute segments distant from each other. The stem is more than 6½ ft. high, and bears whitish flowers, in umbels from 10 ins. to 12 ins. in diameter. Siberia.
Several other species are in cultivation, the principal of which isH. platytænium, a biennial of very large dimensions, and remarkably ornamental in habit and foliage.
Humea elegans.—This well-known plant may be very agreeably associated with many of the subjects mentioned in this book, and is a graceful object in the centres of beds, etc. To be put out early in May. New Holland.
*Hydrangea quercifolia.—This is quite distinct in aspect from the common Hydrangeas, and sufficiently striking to deserve a place where variety of form is sought. The leaves are, as the name indicates, somewhat lobed and oak-like in outline. It is best adapted to form a bush, its natural habit, and is best used singly. I, however, have never tried to train young plants of it witha single stem; it might be worth the trial. It is a native of N. America. A rich and somewhat moist soil, with shelter, will be found to suit it best. Well adapted for isolation.
*Inula Helenium.—A vigorous-growing British plant, about 3 ft. or 4 ft. high, with a stout stem, branching in the upper part, and large, oblong-oval leaves, of a delicate green colour. The flowers are yellow, and are borne in loose clusters. Well suited for planting along with other large-leaved plants, or as isolated specimens on rough slopes, or wild places, in free, moist, good soil. Multiplied by division in spring or autumn, or by seed.
*Jubæa spectabilis.—A very handsome, hardy S. American palm, with a short, arboreous, smooth stem, which sometimes attains a height of nearly 40 ft., and spreading pinnate leaves, of a full, deep-green colour, and from 6 ft. to 12 ft. long, the leaflets being from 1 ft. to 1½ ft. long and about an inch wide, springing in pairs from nearly the same spot, and standing out in different directions. The leaf-stalks are very thick at the base, where they are enclosed in a dense mass of rough, brown fibres, which grow upon their lower edges. The soil for this plant should be a mixture of two parts of rich loam and two parts composed of peat, leaf-mould, and sand. This exists in the open air throughout the winter, near London, but not in such a condition as to encourage many to try it in this way. Grown in tubs in the conservatory in winter, and placed in the open air in summer, it will prove very satisfactory for association with the hardier palms.
*Juncus effusus spiralis.—A very singular-lookingrush, forming spreading tufts of leaves, which, instead of growing, straight, like those of other kinds, are curiously twisted in a regular corkscrew form. From its very unusual appearance it is well worthy of cultivation, and may be planted with advantage on the margins of pieces of water, near cascades, etc., or in the artificial bog. It is easily multiplied by division of the tufts.
*Kochia scoparia.—An annual plant of the Goose-foot family, forming a neat, compact, pointed bush, from 3 to 5 ft. in height. The flowers are green and insignificant, but the graceful habit of the plant renders it valuable and effective, placed either singly or in groups, on the slopes of pleasure-grounds, especially from July to September—the time of its full development. It should be sown in April and May, in a hotbed, and afterwards planted out in beds or borders. Southern Europe.
*Kœlreuteria paniculata.—A small sized, hardy, deciduous tree, from N. China, from 15 ft. to 19 ft. high, and handsome both in foliage and flower. The leaves are pinnate, and of a dark, glistening-green colour; the leaflets ovate, and coarsely toothed. Flowers yellow, in terminal, spreading clusters, and succeeded by large, reddish, pendent, bladdery capsules, which render the tree conspicuous till late in the autumn. It does best in rich, moist soil. When planted in a dry and arid position, the leaves are never so large or glistening, and soon turn yellow and fall. It is one of the trees which may, as advised for the Ailantus, be kept in a small state by cutting them down annually, and will, thus treated, furnish a fine effect. Easily multiplied by seed, layers, and cuttings.
Latania borbonica.—A well-known, hardy, andfavourite palm, attaining a height of 25 ft., with large, fan-shaped leaves, over 5 ft. broad, of a cheerful green colour, and with pendent marginal segments. The leaf-stalks are over 4 ft. or 5 ft. long, and are armed at the edges for half their length with short reflexed spines. May be placed in the open air about London and southward in sunny dells in summer, and is a fine warm-conservatory or stove ornament in winter.
*Lavatera arborea.—This plant, which has the appearance of a small tree, attains in the southern counties the height of nearly 10 ft. The stem is simple for some distance, and then branches into a broad, compact, roundish, and very leafy head. It may be used to adorn warm and sheltered parts of pleasure-grounds and rough places. In rich well-drained beds it would prove a worthy companion for the Ricinus and the Cannas. It is most at home on dry soils, but during the summer months thrives on all. When planted in the shelter of a south wall it has been known to live for several years and to have almost woody stems from 2 ins. to 4 ins. in diameter at the base. Italy.
*Ligularia macrophylla(Large-leaved L.).—A vigorous perennial, with an erect stem nearly 3½ ft. high, and very large, glaucous, erect, long-stalked, oval leaves. The flowers are yellow, and are borne in a dense long spike at the end of the stem. The most suitable soil for this plant is that which is free, moist, and somewhat peaty. Multiplied by careful division in autumn or in spring. It is a useful subject for grouping with fine-leaved herbaceous plants, but will seldom command a place in the select flower-garden. Caucasus.
*Malva crispa.—A vigorous-growing annual, 3 to 6½ ft., or more, in height, growing in an erect, pyramidal bush of densely-crowded, broad leaves, with a very undulating curled or frizzled margin. The flowers are small, white, and inconspicuous. Bushes of this are pretty in groups, beds, or borders. It may be sown in cool frames and put out early in May, by which means strong plants may be obtained early in the season.
Image not available: Malva crispa.Malva crispa.
*Martynia lutea.—A very pretty annual from Brazil, about 1½ ft. high, with roundish leaves and handsome yellow flowers, collected in cylindrical clusters at the angles of the principal branches. It requires a light, rich, cool soil, a warm position, and frequent watering in summer. Its large leaves and ornamental bloom make it a desirable subject for beds, groups, and borders. Increased by seed.
*Megaseas.—Some parts of pleasure-grounds for which there may be a difficulty in finding any subject that will either thrive in such places, or that is not too commonplace to be thought of, may be very advantageously occupied by a few specimens ofMegasea cordifoliaandM. crassifolia, the large, leathery, persistent leaves of which will, in such positions, preserve their freshness through the winter, and in the earliest days of spring be surmounted by dense clusters of very pleasing rose-colouredflowers. These plants are very hardy perennials, and will require hardly any care after planting them. They are well suited for embellishing cascades and rough rockwork, are not fastidious as to soil, and are easily multiplied by division of the tufts.
Melanoselinum decipiens.—An umbelliferous shrub, from Madeira, with a round simple stem, bare below, and large spreading compound leaves with oval toothed segments and sheathing leaf-stalks. Flowers white, borne in umbels. Should be planted out in May. A useful subject for isolation on grass-plats, etc., and requiring greenhouse or warm-frame treatment in winter. Young plants are to be preferred for ornamental purposes. Multiplied by seed.
Melia Azedarach(Pride of India).—A very ornamental tree, but with us usually seen in a small state. It is a native of India, but is now naturalised in various parts of S. Europe. It usually grows from 13 ft. to 17 ft. high, and bears its smooth dark-green pinnate leaves chiefly clustered together at the ends of the branches. The flowers are of a lilac colour, and emit an agreeable perfume: they are produced in large bunches which issue from the axils of the leaves. The fruit is considered poisonous. Healthy young plants kept to a single stem, and cut down to within a foot or two of the base annually, form graceful objects in the ornamental garden, throwing up an erect stout stem regularly clothed with leaves twice and thrice divided, from 16 ins. to more than 2 ft. long and from 1 ft. to nearly 18 ins. across. Plant out in early summer. A substantial, well-manured soil, a shady position, and frequent waterings in summer are necessary for
Image not available: MELIANTHUS MAJOR. Herbaceous Type: best treated as a perennial, and protected at the roots in winter.MELIANTHUS MAJOR.Herbaceous Type: best treated as a perennial, and protected at the roots in winter.
the development of the ornamental qualities of the Melia. In winter it requires the shelter of a greenhouse with us. Multiplied by seed or layers.
*Melianthus major.—This is usually treated as a greenhouse plant, and is sometimes put out of doors in summer. So grown, however, the full beauty of the plant has not time to develope; and much the better way is to treat it as a half-hardy subject, putting it out in some sunny and sheltered spot, where the roots will not suffer from wet in winter. The shoots will be cut down by frost, but the root will live and push up strong stems in spring, forming by midsummer a bush about 3 ft. high, very distinct and beautiful, with large, pinnate, light sea-green leaves, which will not suffer from rain storms. I have grown it in this way to a much more presentable condition than it ever assumes indoors, where it is usually drawn too much. I used to protect the roots in winter by placing leaves over them, and then covering all with a handlight, but have seen the plant survive without this precaution. It is, however, best to make quite sure by using protection, except where the soil and climate are particularly favourable.Melianthus minorhas the habit ofM. major, but is smaller in every respect and flowers later. Its inflorescence also is different, the flowers being of a yellowish red, and growing in short clusters. Cape of Good Hope.
*Meum athamanticum.—One of the most elegant and gracefully-cut plants in an order second to no other for these qualities. The leaves are divided so finely as to appear as if they were made of vegetable hair, and the plant is dwarf and neat in habit, from 6 inches to 1 foothigh; easy of growth in ordinary soils, and perfectly hardy and perennial. It is probable that in dry seasons it might “go off” too soon for association with autumn-flowering plants, but for rockwork, borders, or mixed arrangements of any sort it is invaluable. A British plant, easily increased by division.
*Molopospermum cicutarium.—A very ornamental umbelliferous plant, 5 ft. or more in height, with large, deeply-divided leaves of a lively green colour, forming a dense irregular bush. The flowers, which are insignificant and of a yellowish-white colour, are borne in small roundish umbels. There is a deep green and fern-like beauty displayed profusely by some of the umbelliferous family, but I have rarely met with one so remarkably attractive as this species. Many of the class, while very elegant, perish quickly, get shabby indeed by the end of June, and are therefore out of place in the tasteful flower-garden; but this is firm in character, of a fine rich green, stout yet spreading in habit, growing more than a yard high, and making altogether a most pleasing bush. It is perfectly hardy, and easily increased by seed or division, but rare as yet. Loves a deep moist soil, but will thrive in any good garden soil. It is a fine subject for isolation or grouping with other hardy and graceful-leaved umbelliferous plants. Carniola.
Monstera deliciosa.—This very remarkable-looking plant has been found to bear being placed in the open air with impunity in shady and sheltered spots from the beginning of June till the end of September. Its great perforated leaves look so singular that everybody should grow it who has a stove in which to do so, and it is so
Image not available: MONSTERA DELICIOSA Tender Section; stands well in the open air in summer in warm and sheltered spots.MONSTERA DELICIOSATender Section; stands well in the open air in summer in warm and sheltered spots.
Image not available: MONTAGNÆA HERACLEIFOLIA (Polymnia grandis). One of the noblest of the tender section, making free growth in the open air during summer.MONTAGNÆA HERACLEIFOLIA (Polymnia grandis).One of the noblest of the tender section, making free growth in the open air during summer.
readily grown and propagated that a plant may soon be spared for placing in the open air during the warmer months. Although, however, it will exist in the open air for a few months in warm and sheltered spots in this country, it is only to be seen to perfection in the stove. Few subjects possess nobler or more singular foliage, or are more worthy of a place for effect alone, while its fruit is edible and produced freely enough when the plant is well-grown. The culture is quite simple—plenty of rich soil, a high temperature, and abundance of moisture. I have seen the plant fruit well in what is called an “intermediate house,” but, where convenient, it is much better to place it in a warm stove. Wherever rockwork or any picturesque arrangement is attempted in any of these structures; no nobler plant can be selected for its embellishment. It crawls over such positions with a snake-like stem, and a trail of great leathery leaves perforated in many places, as shown in the plate. Mexico.
Montagnæa heracleifolia(Polymnia grandis).—This is second to no other plant for its dignified and finished effect in the flower-garden, forming a handsome shrub with large, opposite, much-divided, and elegantly-lobed leaves, which are often nearly 3 ft. long, presenting very striking and luxuriant masses of foliage. The stem and leaf-stalks are spotted with white, and the leaves when young are covered with a soft white down. Like most large soft-growing things in this way, it is best planted out in a young state, so as to ensure a fresh and unstinted growth. Easily multiplied from cuttings, which plants freely produce if placed in heat in January.It is best planted out at the end of May, and should be in every collection. Mexico.
*Morina longifolia.—A hardy perennial of handsome and singular appearance, the large spiny leaves resembling those of certain Thistles, while the long spikes of whorled flowers, which are from 2 to 3 ft. high, are almost identical in form with the inflorescence of many of the Labiate family. It grows well in ordinary well-drained soil, preferring that which is mellow, deep, and moist. Easily multiplied by sowing the seed as soon as it ripens, in light, peaty, sandy soil. In our winters it would be advisable to cover the plants with litter, as it is the dampness and sudden changes of the atmosphere which appear to injure it rather than the cold. Being a fine-flowering plant, as well as remarkable for its leaves, it is excellent for every kind of mixed border, and also for grouping with the smaller and medium-sized perennials that have fine foliage or are singular in appearance. Nepaul.
Image not available: Morina longifolia.Morina longifolia.
*Mulgedium alpinum.—A tall mountain-plant of the Sow-thistle family, with very broad leaves and stems over 3 ft. high. The flowers are very numerous, of a dark-blue colour, resembling those of the Chicory, and are borne erect on the upper parts of the branchingstems. A somewhat shaded position and a very moist deep loam are necessary to the vigorous growth of this plant, which will prove effective in the rougher parts of the pleasure-ground. Multiplied by division. Alps.
*Mulgedium Plumieri.—A vigorous herbaceous perennial, 4 ft. to 6 ft. high, with very large, deeply-cut radical leaves somewhat glaucous underneath, bearing late in summer large spreading terminal corymbs of blue flowers. A good subject for association with strong-growing herbaceous plants in groups, or as isolated tufts by wood-walks, in deep rich soil. S. of France.
Image not available: Mulgedium alpinum.Mulgedium alpinum.
Musa Ensete.—The noblest of all the fine-leaved plants yet used in the flower-garden isMusa Ensete—the great Abyssinian Banana, discovered by Bruce—the stem of which has been known to attain a diameter of more than 3 ft. at the base, and a height of from 13 ft. to nearly 20 ft. The huge leaves, borne nearly erect, are oblong in shape and of a beautiful bright-green colour, with a very stout deep-red midrib. In the open air they often grow nearly 10 ft. long and nearly 2 ft. broad. The fruit of this kind is not edible, like that of the Banana and Plantain (Musa paradisiacaandM. sapientum),but the leaves are magnificent, and they stand the rain and storms of our northern climes with little laceration, while all the other kinds of Musa become torn into shreds. It has hitherto been generally grown in stoves; but it is an interesting and, until recently, little known fact, that the finest of all the Banana or Musa tribe is also the hardiest and most easily preserved. When grown for the open air it will of course require to be kept in a house during winter and planted out the first week in June. In any place where there is a large conservatory or winter-garden it will be found most valuable, either for planting therein or for keeping over the winter, as, if merely housed in such a structure during the cold months, it will prove a great ornament among the other plants, while it may be put out in summer, when the attraction is all out of doors. Other kinds of Musa have been tried in the open air in England, but have barely existed, making it clear that they should not be so cultivated in this country.M. Enseteis the only species really worth growing in this way. Where the climate is too cold to put it out of doors in summer, it should be grown in all conservatories in which it is desired to establish the noblest type of vegetation. It also stands the drought and heat of a dwelling-house remarkably well, and though, when well developed, it is much too big for any but Brobdingnagian halls, the fact may nevertheless be taken much advantage of by those interested in room-decoration on a large scale. The plant is difficult to obtain as yet, but will, I trust, be soon made abundant by our nurserymen.
In September, 1868, I saw a fine plant of this Musa
Image not available: MUSA ENSETE. Noblest of tender Section; thriving in the open air in summer, in the warmer districts in summer and in the conservatory in winter.MUSA ENSETE.Noblest of tender Section; thriving in the open air in summer, in the warmer districts in summer and in the conservatory in winter.
that had remained in the open ground in Baron Haussmann’s garden in the Bois de Boulogne during the preceding winter. It was left in the position in which it grew during the summer of 1867, and in the month of November covered with a little thatched shed, the space about the plant being filled with dry leaves. All the leaves were cut off. In spring the protection was removed and the plant pushed vigorously. It had, when I saw it, 16 leaves, not one of which was torn or lacerated, although it was in an exposed position. It was not more than 5 ft. high, but was more attractive than much larger individuals of the same species, from being so compact and untattered in its foliage. As most people who grow it will have means of keeping it indoors in winter, and as it is so rare, this mode of keeping it is not likely to be taken advantage of with us at present; but that it can and has been so wintered is an interesting fact.
Other species are:M. paradisiaca(the Plantain);M. sapientum(the Banana);M. Cavendishii, a dwarf-growing kind, seldom exceeding 5 ft. or 6 ft. in height, and fruiting freely in a stove;M. superba, andM. zebrina. These, however, are all properly hothouse kinds, and do not thrive in the open air.
Nelumbium luteum.—This is perhaps second to none of its fine family in beauty. In the Paris Garden a plant remained in a fountain-basin, in a very sheltered position, for several years, flowering yearly. On the 11th of September, 1868, the petals of one of these flowers measured each 6 ins. in length! and consequently the flower fully spread out was more than a foot indiameter. The singular-looking disk within these great fragrant flowers is as interesting as the flower itself, and far more peculiar. The flowers are of a pale yellow, with a single deep stain of rosy crimson at the apex of each petal. The leaves push boldly above the water, are quite round, 12 ins. to 15 ins. in diameter, and of a peculiar bluish-green. If the hand be placed under one of them, so as to slightly raise the outer parts of the large plate-like leaf, a hollow will of course be formed; and if water be poured into this so as to cover exactly the centre of the stem which supports and feeds the leaf, a curious result will be noticed. Bubbles of air will rise rapidly one after another from exactly over the part where the leaf joins its stem. In this particular leaf this spot is marked by being of a much lighter green than the remainder of the leaf. This would be well worth trying in the southern counties on the margin of ponds, etc., where it would be fine associated withNuphar advena, and the like. It should be put out early in May.
Nelumbium speciosum(Sacred Bean).—An Egyptian water-plant of very great beauty, with round sea-green leaves from 10 ins. to over a foot in diameter, some of which float on the surface of the water, while others are elevated above it at various heights up to 2½ ft. Above the highest leaves appear the large, solitary, white, rosy-tipped flowers, which are about 10 ins. broad, and are very fragrant. As the plant is somewhat tender, it should be grown in tubs, and placed in rather shallow water (which is more easily warmed by the sun) from the end of May until the end of September in a position
Image not available: NICOTIANA TABACUM. (Var. macrophylla). Annual Section; forming handsome specimens within a few months after sowing.NICOTIANA TABACUM. (Var. macrophylla).Annual Section; forming handsome specimens within a few months after sowing.
sheltered from sudden changes of the atmosphere. A mixture of good loam, sharp sand, and charcoal seems to answer it best. Multiplied by division of the rootstocks, or by seed. Wherever there is a contrivance for heating the water in a small pond or tank in the open air, these two remarkable plants would be well worth a trial.
Nicotiana Tabacum(Common Tobacco).—There are several varieties of this well-known plant, distinguished by the different length and width of their oblong lance-shaped leaves and the lighter or deeper colour of their rosy flowers. A deep, well-drained, light soil, rich in decayed vegetable matter, is essential to this plant, as is also copious watering in summer. As it is so readily raised from seed, and grows luxuriantly in rich soil, I need not say it is a very desirable subject for association with the Castor-oil plant and the like, and especially suited for the many who desire plants of noble habit, but who cannot preserve the tender ones through the winter under glass. It should be raised in a hotbed, and put out in May. Height, 6 ft. or more.N. macrophyllais the finest variety.
Nicotiana wigandioides.—A species of recent introduction, with a simple stem 6 ft. or more high, and very large, broad, woolly leaves which grow in a somewhat erect position. If placed in a hothouse at the close of the year, it becomes woody and branching, and assumes an arborescent habit. Requires good substantial, well-manured soil, and copious watering. This is a useful plant for grouping with the medium-sized tender subjects in rich, light, well-drained soils, and should be planted out about the middle of May.
*Nuphar advena.—A hardy Water-lily from N. America, with broad, oval-heart-shaped leaves, some floating on the surface of the water, and some emerging well above it. The flowers are rather large, of a golden-yellow colour, with scarlet stamens. This plant is as hardy as our native water-lilies, and is therefore adapted for any position in which they will grow. In N. America it occurs chiefly in still or stagnant waters. The bold and large leaves make it peculiarly suitable for placing near the margin of water in the vicinity of groups of picturesque plants.