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.
Plate 49. Semi-Double quilled pink Chrysanthemum.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
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.
Plate 50. Superb White Chrysanthemum. Early Crimson.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
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. | Blush Ranunculus flowered. |
| Quill'd white. | Tasselled lilac. |
| Tasselled white. | Two colored red. |
| Sulphur yellow. | Starry pink. |
| Golden yellow. | Two colored incurved. |
| Buff or orange. | Golden Lotus flowered. |
| Quill'd flamed yellow. | Brown lilac. |
| Curled lilac. | Early blush. |
| Pale pink. | Paper white. |
| Parks' small yellow. | Changeable pale buff. |
Pl. 50.
Plate 51. Tussilago fragrans.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
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.
Plate 52. Helleborus niger.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
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.
Plate 53. Eranthis hyemalis.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
ERANTHIS hyemalis
Winter Aconite.
Class and Order.—Polyandria Polygynia.
Syn. Eranthis hyemalis. Salisbury, Lin. Soc. Trans. Vol. 8. p. 303.
Helleborus hyemalis. Curt. Bot. Mag. Vol. 1. p. 3.
Root tuberous—leaves radical, on long petioles, radiated, palmate, lobes generally trifid—scape radical, one flowered—involucrum sessile, lobed, becoming larger when the flower decays—corolla yellow—petals six, or sometimes more, obovate, nectaries tubular, stamens from twenty to thirty—anthers compressed—styles many.
The genus Eranthis, which was established by Salisbury, differs from Helleborus in the number of its petals and stamens, the latter in Eranthis are from twenty to thirty, in Helleborus, from thirty to sixty; the seed in the former genus being in one series, the latter in two series, the difference of habit, &c., altogether forming good grounds for making them separate genera. This pretty species which flowers about January is a native of France, Switzerland, and Austria, and was cultivated in our gardens as long since as 1596;—it grows best in a light loam mixed with bog, and is propagated by offsets. There is another species Eranthis Siberica.
Pl. 53.
Plate 54. Erica carnea.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
ERICA carnea.
Flesh colored, early Flowering Heath.
Class and Order.—Octandria Monogynia.
| Syn. | Erica carnea. | Jacquin's Flo. Austr. Vol. 1. tab. 32. |
| Erica carnea. | Loddige's Bot. Cab. p. 1452. | |
| Erica herbacea. | Curt. Bot. Mag. pl. 11. |
Root fibrous—stem branching upon the ground, leaves small, linear, sessile—flowers pendulous, on very short peduncles—calyx four segments, linear acute—corolla campanulate, pale pink, margin four cleft—stamens eight fixed to the receptacle, anthers bifid, projecting, dark purple—style declining, longer than the stamens.
This pretty little plant would be acceptable to us at any season of the year, but is peculiarly so in the dreary one in which its beautiful pink blossoms appear, frequently peeping above the snow. The flowers are formed in the autumn, but do not come to maturity until the following December or January, when (if planted in a bog border with a south aspect) it will make a beautiful appearance for a length of time. It is a native of the Alps and mountainous parts of Germany, and was introduced into this country about the year 1763; the general method of increasing this plant is by cuttings or layers,—there are other species of hardy heaths which are well worth cultivating. The three last mentioned are natives of Britain.
| E. Mediterranea. | E. tetralia. |
| — ciliaris. | — vagans. |
| — carnea var. | — stricta. |
| — Australis. |
Pl. 54.
Plate 55. Galanthus Nivalis.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
GALANTHUS nivalis.
Common Snowdrop.
Class and Order.—Hexandria Monogynia.
Syn. Galanthus nivalis. English Bot. pl. 19.
Root bulbous.—Scape from three to five inches high, one flowered. Leaves two, broadly linear, obtuse, glaucous green, sheathing the lower part of the stem.—Flower drooping, bursting from a sheath, lanceolate.—Corolla white, petals three, oblong, obtuse—nectaries three emarginate, beautifully tipped with green—stamens six, anthers subulate—style one, stigma simple.
This beautiful flower so well known, and so peculiarly interesting from its modest simplicity, hardly requires a description of its treatment or mode of growth. It is a native of England, having been found in many places remote from cultivation, and will grow in any soil or situation.—A double var. is frequently met with in our gardens, there is also another species G. plicatus, a native of Caucasus.
Pl. 55.
Plate 9. Cyclamen Coum.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
CYCLAMEN Coum.
Round leaved Cyclamen.
Class and Order.—Pentandria Monogynia.
| Syn. | Cyclamen Coum. | Cur. Bot. Mag. pl. 4. |
| — | Cyclamen Coum. | Hor. Kew. 1 vol. p. 311. |
Root bulbous, orbicular, compressed. Leaves radical, on rather long purplish petioles, orbicular, cordate, upper side dark green, red underneath—stem radical, three or four inches high, flower terminal, drooping—calyx five segments acute—petals five, reflexed, ovate, margins undulate, dark pink, marked with red at the base, which is shaded off to a pure white, stamens five enclosed in the tube of the corolla, style longer than the stamens, stigma acute.
This pretty plant which is one of the earliest of our Spring bulbs, is a native of the south of Europe, and has been known since the year 1596, when it was cultivated by Mr. John Gerard. It is very hardy, though generally treated as a green-house or frame plant, and if grown in a sheltered situation in a mixture of bog earth, and rich loam, it will flower abundantly, and make a beautiful appearance about February, particularly if covered with a hand-glass to protect the flowers from the inclemency of the weather.
This plant is easily raised from seed, which is produced in abundance. After the petals decay the germen becomes enlarged, and the foot stalk enclosing it in the centre, twists in the form of a screw, until it reaches the ground, when the seed-vessel bursts and deposits the seed, a beautiful provision of nature for propagating the species—the seeds thus sown, will require a little more soil, and the protection of a hand-glass during the Winter, when if not destroyed by frost, the plants will generally flower the following Summer—the other hardy species are
| C. hederæfolium. | |
| ———— var. | |
| — europæum. |
Pl. 9.
Plate 10. Hyoscyamus Orientalis.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
HYOSCYAMUS Orientalis.
Oriental Hyoscyamus.
Class and Order.—Pentandria Monogynia.
| Syn. | Hyoscyamus Orientalis. | Beburstein Fl. Taur. Cauc. vol. 1. p. 164. |
| — | Hyoscyamus Orientalis. | Curt. Bot. Mag. pl. 2414. |
Root tuberous—stem erect, growing to the height of one foot or more—leaves on rather long petioles, broadly lanceolate, spreading, margins undulate, of a dull green, strongly veined with red—under side reddish in the young leaves—flowers thyrsiform—on short pedicels—calyx campanulate, margin five cleft, segments acute, tinged with purple—corolla lilac, funnel shaped, limb spreading, five cleft—stamens five, inclined, shorter than the style—stigma clavate—whole plant covered with a whitish pubescence which it nearly loses in more advanced growth.
The genus Hyoscyamus is, perhaps, more remarkable for its medicinal properties than for its beauty, though this species is certainly a handsome plant and as yet rarely met with:—it is of later introduction than Hyoscyamus Physaloides, which has a darker flower, the leaves perfectly smooth, and the plant altogether is of smaller growth. H. Orientalis is a native of Iberia, a country between the Black and Caspian Seas, and was first introduced into this country from seeds sent to Mr. John Hunneman, about the year 1821; it is perfectly hardy, likes a rich soil, and may be increased by parting the roots or by seed; flowers as early as March. There is only another species besides the two mentioned, deserving of cultivation in a flower garden, which is H. Scopoli.
Pl. 10.
Plate 11. Orobus Vernus.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
OROBUS Vernus.
Spring Orobus.
Class and Order.—Diadelphia Decandria.
| Syn. | Orobus Vernus. | Car. Bot. Mag. pl. 521. |
| — | Orobus Vernus. | Hor. Kew. vol. 3. p. 38. |
Root fibrous—stem erect, branching, one foot or more in height—stipules large, sagittate, auriculate—leaves pinnate—leaflets ovate, acute—peduncles long, axillary—pedicels very short—calyx five cleft, base obtuse, tinted with red—flower papilionaceous—vexillum pink, broadly ovate, margin undulate—alæ blue, obtuse; carina white—stamens ten, united by their filaments into two parcels, nine in one set, with a single one separate—style one.
The Orobus vernus is a most valuable Spring flower, and is one of the earliest of our herbaceous plants;—it is a native of the middle and south of Europe, and was first introduced into this country about the year 1629;—a light soil suits it best, though being very hardy it will flourish in any situation, and considering the facility with which it is cultivated, it is surprizing it is not more common;—it flowers in March, and is increased by dividing the roots or by seed—some of the most desirable species are
| O. niger. | albus. |
| — varius. | tuberosus. |
| — lathyroides. | variegatus. |
| — luteus. | ochroleucus. |
Pl. 11.
Plate 12. Uvularia Grandiflora.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
UVULARIA Grandiflora.
Large flowered Uvularia.
Class and Order.—Hexandria Monogynia.
| Syn. | Uvularia Grandiflora. | Exotic Botany, Tab. 51. |
| — | Uvularia Grandiflora. | Pursh Flo. N. A. Vol. 1. p. 231. |
| — | Uvularia Grandiflora. | Hortus Kewensis, 2. Vol. p. 247. |
Root tuberous—stem a foot or more in height, radical, erect, sheathed at the base, branching towards the summit—petioles flexuose—leaves perfoliate, broadly lanceolate, undulate—peduncles axillary—flowers pendulous—calyx none—corolla yellow, petals six, linear, tortuose—stamens six, filaments short—anthers oblong, linear—germen obovate—style one, stigma divided into three parts—nectary a cavity at the base of each petal.
The genus Uvularia is neither a numerous, nor a showy one, though the species figured (which is the finest) is a very elegant plant, and if placed in the front of a bog border, the soil of which is peculiarly adapted to it, will add much to the beauty of the flower garden about April. In 1802, Messrs. Lee and Kennedy received this species from North America, and according to Pursh, it is found on shady hills in fertile soils, and among the rocks from Canada to Carolina;—it is perfectly hardy, and may be increased by parting the roots early in the Autumn.
The most interesting, are
| U. amplexifolia. | |
| — lanceolata. | |
| — perfoliata. | |
| — sessilifolia. |
Pl. 12.
Plate 13. Gentiana Verna.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
GENTIANA verna.
Spring Gentian.
Class and Order.—Pentandria Digynia.
| Syn. | Gentiana verna. | Eng. Bot. pl. 493. |
| — | Gentiana verna. | Curt. Bot. Mag. pl. 491. |
Root fibrous, creeping—stem procumbent, leafy,—leaves sessile, oval, acute, opposite, clustered near the root—flowers terminal—calyx five cleft, acute—corolla brilliant blue, monopetalous, tube long, limb spreading, divided into five segments, obtuse, undulate, fringed between the segments—stamens five, enclosed in the tube of the corolla—style simple, stigmas two, so closely situated as to give the appearance of a small white circle in the centre of the flower.
This beautiful little plant is well ascertained to be a native of England and Ireland. According to English Botany, p. 49—it was first gathered in Teesdale Forest, Durham, where it is still obtained for the purposes of sale in London, and other places;—it is also a native of the Alps of Switzerland, where we are told the large patches of it produce a brilliant and striking effect:—it is perfectly hardy, but requires a pure air, and succeeds best in bog-soil—from its low growth and general habit, it is well adapted to ornament rock work, and from the shelter there afforded, it will begin to flower as early as March, and continue in beauty some time—it may be increased by parting the roots early in the Autumn:—the Gentiana lutea, is celebrated for its medicinal properties, and is a handsome herbaceous plant; the other desirable species are
| G. crinita. | purpurea. |
| — asclepedia. | septemfida. |
| — saponaria. | acaulis. |
| — alpina. | pneunomanthe. |
Pl. 13.
Plate 14. Soldanella Clusii.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
SOLDANELLA Clusii.
Clusius's Soldanella.
Class and Order.—Pentandria Monogynia.
| Syn. | Soldanella Clusii. | Curt. Bot. Mag. pl. 2163. |
| — | Soldanella montana? | Sweet's B. F. G. vol. 1. p. 11. |
Root fibrous—leaves radical, on long petioles, orbicular, cordate, slightly crenate, of a dark green, paler underneath—stem radical, erect, three or four inches high—segments of the involucrum linear—flowers terminal, drooping,—calyx five, segments linear, spreading—corolla purple, monopetalous, campanulate, margin deeply laciniated—stamens five, anthers two lobed—style very long, germen inferior.
The beautiful genus Soldanella is peculiarly adapted to rock work, to which it is a great ornament; the different species are all hardy, but like many alpine plants, require shelter from severe frosts, as a substitute for the snow of their native mountains; this species is found on the mountains of Bohemia, and on the Austrian and Styrian Alps, and was introduced into this country about the year 1816. It grows best in a mixture of peat and sandy loam, and is readily increased by seeds, or by parting the roots; the genus is by no means common, perhaps, from their requiring a very pure air to grow them in perfection; it is the safest plan to keep all alpine plants in a frame during winter, or to cover them with dry saw dust, over which may be placed a hand-glass or garden-pot. This species is called after Clusius a celebrated Botanist, it being (according to the Bot. Mag. p. 211.) first described and figured by him. There are two other beautiful species, with smaller flowers, S. alpina, S. minima.
Pl. 14.
Plate 15. Viola Palmata.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
VIOLA palmata.
Palmate leaved Violet.
Class and Order. Pentandria Monogynia.
| Syn. | Viola palmata. | Pursh Flo. N. A. vol. i. p. 172. |
| — | Viola palmata. | Nuttall's Gen. N. A. vol. i. p. 147. |
Root tuberous—leaves radical, on very long petioles, palmate, lobes deeply dentate—peduncles one flowered, radical, tinged with purple—calyx five segments linear acute—corolla blue lilac, paler on the under side, petals five, broad, obtuse, pencilled at the base with a darker shade, lower part of the middle petal terminating in a spur—stamens five, anthers obtuse—style slender, stigma globose.
The genus Viola is a very numerous one, and can boast of many ornamental species—endless varieties are constantly raised from seed, chiefly of Viola tricolor, though these may at first vary, there is little dependance to be placed on them, as they frequently return to the original species; the number of distinct species, however, is very considerable, amongst which is the one figured; a desirable plant for the front of the borders where it will remain in beauty for a long time—it is a native of North America, and according to the Bot. Cab. p. 1471, grows on dry hills from New England to Virginia. Prof. Nuttall says in his genera of North American plants, vol. i. p. 147, "the genus Viola within its proper limits, is almost equally divided betwixt Europe and the temperate parts of North America." This species was first brought into this country in 1739, though still a scarce plant in our gardens:—the Violas are all well adapted for rock work, and flourish most in a light rich soil and shady situation. They may be increased either by parting the roots, by cuttings, or by seeds; the latter of which are produced in great abundance, and are dispersed by the peculiar elasticity of the capsule, which as soon as its contents are matured, ejects them with considerable force, sometimes to a great distance. Some of the most beautiful species are
| V. pedata. | præmorsa. |
| — altaica. | flabelliflora. |
| — hederacea. | primulifolia. |
| — lutea. | grandiflora. |
| — blanda. | lanceolata. |
| — uniflora. | Nuttallii. |
| — odorata. | |
| — cornuta. |
Pl. 15.
Plate 16. Trillium Grandiflorum.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
TRILLIUM Grandiflorum.
Large flowered Trillium.
Class and Order.—Hexandria Trigynia.
| Syn. | Trillium Grandiflorum. | Salisbury Par. Lon. pl. 35. |
| — | Trillium Grandiflorum. | Hort. Kew. Vol. 2. p. 329 |
| — | Trillium Grandiflorum. | Nuttall's gen. N. A. Vol. 1. p. 239. |
Root tuberous, stem radical, simple, eight to ten inches high,—leaves three, sessile, large, spreading, oval shaped, obtuse, margins undulate—peduncle short—flower terminal, drooping—calyx three segments, lanceolate, acute—corolla white—petals three, spreading, ovate, obtuse, nerved—stamens six, filaments short, anthers oblong, styles three, stigmas recurved.
This is the most desirable species of the genus and a very handsome herbaceous plant, the beautiful white flowers forming a pleasing contrast to the dark green leaves by which they are surrounded. It is a native of Upper Canada, and according to Nuttall, is found generally in umbrageous forests.—a peat soil, and shady situation are essential to its favorable cultivation, and as these are afforded, the flower varies accordingly in size—it is a plant of slow growth, not hearing frequent removal, and is therefore not common, though it has been known in this country since the year 1799—flowers about April, and is increased by parting the roots. The other species are not particularly desirable, except in extensive herbaceous collections.
| T. sessile. | erectum. |
| — cernuum. | stylosum. |
Pl. 16.
Plate 25. Salpiglossis picta.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
SALPIGLOSSIS Picta.
Painted Salpiglossis.
Class and Order.—Didynamia Angiospermia.
Syn. Salpiglossis Picta. Sweets B. F. G. vol. 3. p. 258.
Root fibrous, stem erect, branching, lower leaves broadly lanceolate, margins deeply serrate—cauline leaves sessile, linear, acute, margins slightly undulate, becoming smaller as they approach the flower—peduncles long, leafy, flowers terminal—calyx five segments, acute—corolla beautifully pencilled with yellow and purple, funnel shaped, tube long, limb spreading, five segments, emarginate—stamens four, two long and two short—anthers large, yellow—style longer than the stamens—stigma obtuse, whole plant villous.
The genus Salpiglossis is one of late introduction into this country, none of the species being known here before the year 1826, when seeds were sent from Chili by Mr. Cruikshanks to the Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The species figured is perhaps the most beautiful, and promises to be a great acquisition to our collection of new herbaceous plants, it may be raised from seeds or cuttings, likes a light soil, and a sheltered situation, and will continue in flower for a considerable time. It has hitherto been treated chiefly as a green-house plant, but it will grow much stronger, and the colours finer, in the open border; it would, however, be desirable to keep some plants in a green-house or frame during the winter, as it is doubtful how it may bear the severe frosts. There are only two other species,
| S. straminea. | |
| — atro-purpurea. |
Pl. 25.
Plate 26. Iris variegata.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
IRIS VARIEGATA.
Variegated Iris.
Class and Order.—Triandria Monogynia.
Syn. Iris Variegata. Curt. Bot. Mag. pl. 16.
Root tuberose, cespitose,—leaves radical, clasping the stem, ensiform, nerved, unequal,—stem branched,—flower growing between two membranous green bractes, ovate, lanceolate,—tube greenish,—corolla six petals, three outer segments reflexed, oblong, obtuse, beautifully striated, and fringed at the base with glandular hairs,—three inner ones yellow, erect, margins undulate,—stamens three, filaments adhering to the base of the reflexed petals, apex bifid,—anthers oblong,—style slender,—stigma divided into three parts.
This species of Iris, though so long since introduced as the year 1597 is not frequently seen in our herbaceous collections. It is a plant of low growth, sometimes not exceeding a foot in height, though this varies according to the soil in which it is planted, a moist situation increasing its luxuriance both in flower and foliage. It is a native of Hungary, and is perfectly hardy, not requiring any particular treatment, and may be increased by separating the roots in Autumn,—flowers in May, and grows best in a stiff cold soil. This is a very beautiful genus, and affords many ornamental species.
| I. pallida. | dichotoma. |
| — nipalensis. | pumila. |
| — ochroleuca. | xiphium. |
| — flavecens. | xiphioides. |
| — verna. | versicolor. |
| — cristata. | caucasica. |
| — germanica. | furcata. |
| — aphylla. | tenax. |
Pl. 26.
Plate 27. Delphinium grandiflorum.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
DELPHINIUM Grandiflorum.
Great flowered Larkspur.
Class and Order.—Polyandria Trigynia.
Syn. Delphinium Grandiflorum. Curt. Bot. Mag. pl. 1686.
Root fibrous,—stem erect, much branched,—radical leaves on long naked petioles, multipartite, segments narrow acute,—cauline leaves sessile, verticillate, linear acute, on the lateral branches, generally single,—lower flowers on very long peduncles—calyx none—corolla very brilliant blue—outer petals five, ovate, undulate, upper one terminated by a long rugose spur—nectaries two, divided into four segments, the two lower ones marked with a bright bearded yellow spot, enclosing the parts of fructification—stamens numerous—styles three—capsules three celled.
The genus Delphinium is a beautiful and showy one, and contains almost innumerable varieties, none, however, can exceed in beauty of colour the species figured, which is a native of Siberia, and was introduced into this country about the year 1741. It is a hardy plant, of the easiest culture, not requiring any particular treatment, though it grows best in a rich brown loam—if allowed to sow its seed, a number of young plants will soon appear, which will flower the next year; this mode, however, of propagating it, is by no means certain, and therefore, in order to obtain it true, it is better to divide the roots, which may be done in spring; numerous and very beautiful varieties are constantly raised from seed. Amongst the most desirable distinct species are
| D. Aconiti. | pallidum. |
| — cheilanthum. | pictum. |
| — macranthon. | Menziesii. |
| — alpinum. | montanum. |
| — azureum. | ucranicum. |
Pl. 27.
Plate 28. Lilium concolor.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
LILIUM Concolor.
Self-coloured Chinese Lily.
Class and Order.—Hexandria Monogynia.
| Syn. | Lilium Concolor. | Par. Lond. tab. 47. |
| — | Lilium Concolor. | Curt. Bot. Mag. pl. 1165. |
Root bulbous, squamose—stem erect, leafy, two feet high or more—leaves alternate, nerved, sessile, linear lanceolate—peduncles axillary, one flowered—corolla bright scarlet, tube short—petals six, lanceolate, recurved when the flower is fully expanded—stamens six, shorter than the petals—filaments erect, anthers oblong, germen green, style thick, as if composed of three parts, stigma trifid.
This is one of the most beautiful species of the genus Lilium. It is rare, perhaps from the difficulty that attends its cultivation, the bulbs being extremely liable to be lost in the winter from severe frosts or damp; it is a native of China, and was introduced into this country in the year 1806. A sheltered situation, and light rich soil, mixed with bog, are necessary for it, and it is increased by off-sets, which are produced in tolerable abundance. All the species of Lilium are desirable for a flower garden.
| L. japonicum. | pyrenaicum. |
| — candidum. | pomponium. |
| — bulbiferum. | carolinianum. |
| — aurantiacum. | tigrinum. |
| — Catesbœi. | pumilum. |
| — philadelphicum. | longiflorum. |
| — canadense. | spectabile. |
| — superbum. | croceum. |
| — chalcedonicum. | prœcox. |
Pl. 28.
Plate 29. Penstemon ovatus.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
PENSTEMON Ovatus.
Ovate-leaved Penstemon.
Class and Order.—Didynamia Angiospermia.
Syn. Penstemon ovatus. Curt. Bot. Mag. N. S. pl. 2903.
Root fibrous, stem erect, two or three feet high—cauline leaves sessile, amplexicaul at the base, cordate, margins dentate, becoming smaller and entire as they approach the summit—radical leaves, large, ovate, dentate, on long channelled petioles—flowers in fascicles, which are axillary—calyx five segments, equal, lanceolate acute—corolla bilabiate, tube purple, lip bright blue, upper lip erect, divided into two segments, three lower reflexed—throat hairy—stamens four, two long, and two short, curved—one barren filament, with an acute claw at the base, apex hairy, style recurved—leaves, when young, of a beautiful purple on the under side.
Great additions have lately been made to this genus, by Mr. Douglas, who has discovered many new and valuable plants in North America, among which is the species figured. According to the Bot. Mag. pl. 2903, N. S. it was found by him "growing plentifully among the limestone rocks on the high mountains about the grand rapids of the Columbia river, at the distance of 140 miles from the ocean," and sent to the Hort. Soc. in 1826; it likes a light loam and sheltered situation, and may be increased by seeds or parting the roots. When well grown it is a very beautiful and elegant plant, and a great acquisition to the flower garden. As we are yet scarcely aware how it may bear the cold of our winters, it will be desirable to protect it from severe frosts. The genus can now boast of many new and beautiful species,
| P. speciosum. | Richardsonii. |
| — glandulosum. | procerum. |
| — prunosum. | glaucum. |
| — roseum. | venustum. |
| — pulchellum. | angustifolium. |
| — campanulatum. | digitalis. |
| — confertum. |
Pl. 29.
Plate 30. Geum Quellyon.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
GEUM Quellyon.
Chili Avens.
Class and Order.—Icosandria Polygnia.
| Syn. | Geum Quellyon. | Sweet's B. F. G. p. 292. |
| — | Geum Coccinium. | Bot. Reg. 1088. |
Root fibrous—radical leaves growing in a tuft, large, lobed, lyrate, interruptedly pinnate, terminal leaflet cordate, margin dentate; side leaflets numerous, sessile, becoming smaller to the base—cauline leaves sessile, pinnatifed—flowers stem radical, erect, branching—stipules ovate, acute—peduncles leafy—flowers terminal—calyx five segments, reflexed, acute—petals five, bright scarlet, nearly round, emarginate, obtuse—stamens numerous—radiated filaments inserted in the tube of the calyx, anthers yellow, styles many, germen superior—whole plant hairy.
This beautiful plant is a very valuable acquisition to our flower borders, from the brilliancy of its colour, and affording a continued succession of flowers. Mr. Sweet, and some of the Continental Botanists consider the specific name "Coccineum," which has been applied to it, as confusing it with the plant known by that name in the "Flora Græca," which, it is supposed, has never been introduced into this country, it appears of much lower growth than the one now figured, with orange flowers, and the terminal leaflet a great deal larger. The species before us is a native of Chili, where it is called "Quellyon" by the inhabitants, who use the root for medicinal purposes. It is a plant of easy cultivation, growing in any common garden soil, and is readily increased by seeds or parting the roots; introduced into this country about the year 1826. There are only two other species worth attention for the flower garden.
| G. montanum. | |
| — atlanticum. |
Pl. 30.
Plate 31. Verbena chamædryfolia.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
VERBENA Chamædryfolia.
Scarlet flowered Vervain.
Class and Order.—Didynamia Angiospernia.
| Syn. | Verbena chamædryfolia. | Persoon's Syn. vol. 2. p. 138. |
| — | Verbena chamædryfolia. | Sweet's B. F. G. 2d series, p. 9. |
| — | Verbena melindres. | Bot. Reg. pl. 1184. |
Root fibrous, stem prostrate, branching—leaves opposite, sessile, oblong, ovate, margins deeply serrate, hairy on both sides—flowers terminal, corymbose—calyx campanulate, five cleft—corolla very bright crimson, tubular, limb spreading, five segments, obtuse emarginate—throat white, hairy—stamens four, two long, two short, inserted in the tube of the corolla—anthers two lobed, style one, smooth, stigma bifid, germen smooth.
The unrivalled brilliancy of the colour of this beautiful species of Verbena, renders it a most ornamental plant for the front of the flower borders, and when grown in large patches it is almost impossible to give an idea of the dazzling splendour of its appearance; it is a plant of the easiest cultivation, and if allowed to grow according to its natural habit, which is prostrate, it will propagate itself by the radicles which are produced at the different joints, and by this means will attach itself to the ground; the plants thus rooted may be removed any time. A brown loamy soil, a good deal of moisture, and a sheltered situation are necessary, and as it is doubtful how it may bear the severity of our winters, it is the safest method to keep some plants in a frame, during severe frosts, which will flower early in the ensuing spring. It is a native of Paraguay and Buenos Ayres, and was introduced into this country about 1827. There are only two other species worth cultivating in the flower garden.
| V. aubletia. | |
| — pulchella. |
Pl. 31.
Plate 32. Linum Narbonense.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.
LINUM Narbonense.
Narbonne Flax.
Class and Order.—Pentandria Pentagynia.
Syn. Linum Narbonense. Persoon's Syn. vol. 1. p. 334.
Root fibrous,—stem branching,—leaves sessile, alternate, linear acute, smooth, glaucous,—flowers terminal on moderate peduncles,—calyx five segments, linear acute,—corolla bright blue, beautifully vein'd, with a darker shade,—petals five, obovate, margins slightly undulate,—stamens five, anthers oblong, filaments united at the base, surrounding the germen, which is crowned by five thread-like styles.
This is perhaps the finest and most beautiful species of Linum, and bears the largest flowers of any of the hardy kinds. It is a very desirable garden plant, continuing long in bloom, and forming a pleasing variety from its glaucous foilage. It is a native of Spain, Italy, and the south of France, and was introduced into this country about the year 1759; though we are not aware that any figure of it has before been given. This species may be raised from seed, which is produced in abundance; if sown in light rich soil, and protected through the winter, the young plants will flower the following summer, and attain the height of eighteen inches or two feet when in perfection. It is very hardy—this genus does not afford many ornamental species for a flower garden, the most desirable are,
| L. perenne. | |
| — alpina. | |
| — flavum. |
Pl. 32.
Plate 41. Tigridia conchiflora.
Drawn from Nature by M.R. Engraved by R. Havell Junr.