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Coronilla - Scorpion Senna. Though little grown,
this is a desirable plant, C.iberica
forms dense tufts of trailing foliage, which in June become
studded with vivid yellow blossoms. C.varia,
with pink and white flowers, is also good. A fair depth of soil
is essential.
Dianthus - Pink. This large family includes
several species of value. The Cheddar Pink (D.caesius) thrives
in gritty crevices between adjacent rocks. On rich soil it soon
dies. D.deltoides
(Maiden Pink), a charming pink spotted variety, is of
particularly easy culture. The
Glacier Pink (D.neglectus) thrives in sandy loam, its dwarf
tufts of foliage and myriad rosy flowers producing a charming
effect on the higher ledges.
Dodecatheon - American Cowslip. These plants
should be grown in similar positions to the Alpine Primulas,
the roots being divided from time to time and replanted
in sandy
loam. D.integrifolium
blooms in March, the flowers a purplish crimson.
D.meadia,
with drooping umbels of purple flowers, is another good
kind.
Draba - Whitlow Grass. Among small mosses and in
rock crevices a few plants of D.aizoides, with their brilliant
cushions of yellow flowers, are interesting Alpines.
Dracocephalum - Dragon's-head. Easily grown
plants of the Sage family. D.grandiflorum
is covered in July with dense clusters of rich blue flowers.
Division or seed.
Erigeron - Fleabane. Though most of the family
are border plants, E.alpinum
grandiflorum should be grown in the rock garden. The mauve,
daisy like flowers are produced very abundantly in late summer.
Well drained loam.
Erinus - Wall Erinus. On bare rocky places the
racemes of lilac flowers and tufted foliage of E.alpinus are
most welcome.
Geranium - Cranesbill. The two rock garden kinds
are G.argenteum and G.cinereum. Among the smallest Alpines, the
clusters of red flowers are charming. Seed.
Helianthemum - Sun Rose. There are few
more beautiful rock plants than these dwarf trailing shrubs.
For mantling sunny ledges they are unequalled. They are quite
hardy and succeed in any sandy loam. From a long list of
varieties, we may choose H.pilosum, white, H.grandiflorum,
yellow, and H. roseum
multiplex, double pink. When in full bloom these flowers are of
exquisite beauty.
Houstonia - Bluets. A grassy little plant, with
numerous dainty blue flowers on slender stems. A sheltered
corner with sandy soil should be afforded.
Hutchinsia H.alpina, a good white flowered
Alpine for association with the dwarfest plants.
Sandy
soil.
Leontopodium - Edelweiss. The well known
hoary leaved
plant, with yellow flowers. It is of the easiest culture
and will always be of interest.
Linaria - Toadflax. For rock crevices and the
joints in rough steps L.alpina is useful. L.antirrhinifolia
forms dense tufts covered with purple flowers, and is a bright
note of color among the stones. Moist, sandy soil.
Linum - Flax. The yellow L.flavum and the
exquisite Narbonne Flax (L.narbonnense) with sky blue flowers,
are both good. The latter should be planted in somewhat rich
soil, if it is to bloom freely
Lychnis - Campion. The best of these is
L.lagascae with bright rosy flowers. Rock fissures with gritty
soil. Seed.
Mertensia - Little known but very graceful
plants. M.dahurica
and M.alpina, both with drooping clusters of bright blue
flowers, may be grown in sandy soil. Owing to their slender
habit, the Mertensias should be given sheltered
positions.
Myosotis - Forget-me-not. M.alpestris is a gem
for rocky places. Its light blue flower masses harmonise
perfectly with those of its relative M. dissitiflora, which are
of a deeper shade. Moist loam.
Omphalodes - Navelwort. Well drained sandy loam
suits these charming rock plants. O.Luciliae, with glaucous
foliage and lilac flowers, is hardy, and O.verna (Creeping
Forget-me-not) of trailing habit, bears a profusion of bright
blue and white blossoms. Seed or division.
Onosma - Golden Drop. Dense tufts of evergreen
foliage, with drooping clusters of bright yellow flowers.
O.tauricum does well in a sunny aspect with deep loam and
broken grit.
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