*Centaurea babylonica.—Among the Centaureas there are a few subjects which might be used among hardy fine-leaved plants, but by far the most distinct and remarkable is the very silvery-leaved C. babylonica. This is quite hardy, and when planted in good ground, sends up strong shoots, clad with yellow flowers, to a height of 10 ft. or 12 ft. The bloom, which continues from July to September, is not by any means so attractive as the leaves; but the plant is at all times picturesque. In groups, or, still better, isolated, on rough or undulating parts of pleasure-grounds, it has a very fine effect. A free sandy loam suits it best. Seed. Levant.
Centaurea Clementei.—A plant of robust growth (resembling C. ragusina, but much larger in every part), with broad crowns of leaves, which are deeply serrated and cut into lobes. To the elegance of the foliage must be added its beauty of colouring, the leaf in a young state being covered with down as white as snow, and when fully matured and developed still retaining a silvery appearance. This plant, which I first saw in M. Boissier’s garden, near Lausanne, I have no experience of as a hardy plant in this country; but whatever its value in this respect may be, there can be no doubt that for the summer garden it will prove as effective as either C. gymnocarpa or C. ragusina, both exceptionally fine and useful plants. The same treatment will suit it.
Centaurea dealbata is a dwarf hardy species from the Caucasus, with elegant foliage, white underneath, and rosy flowers: suitable among dwarf hardy subjects.
Centaurea gymnocarpa.—A half-shrubby plant from the South of Europe, nearly 2 ft. high, with hard, branching, bushy stems, and elegantly cut, arching leaves, which are covered with a short, whitish-satiny down. A variety (C. plumosa) has the leaves much more divided, and not so white. This plant is somewhat hardier than C. ragusina, but both require greenhouse treatment in winter. Same soil, positions, and treatment as for C. ragusina. Useful as this is as an edging or bedding plant, it is when grown as fine single specimens that its beauty is most seen.
Centaurea ragusina.—This fine and distinct plant, which has lately become one of the most popular of our flower-garden ornaments, cannot be passed by in a book on fine-leaved plants. It is so abundantly used as a bedding and ribbon-plant, etc., that nothing need be said of it in these respects, but it will be seen to great advantage in single, well-grown tufts or small groups, as its silvery leaves would contrast finely with many of the dark green and glossy things recommended for this purpose. Readily increased by seeds, or by cuttings. Should be planted out in May. S. Europe.
Chamædorea.—A family of Mexican palms, with smooth, fine green stems, resembling those of the bamboos, seldom more than 15 ft. or 20 ft. high and 1 in. or 2 ins. thick, surmounted by tufts of eight or nine pinnate or almost entire leaves, nearly 8 ft. in length. Among the most ornamental species are C. elatior, C. elegans, and C. Ernesti-Augusti. These elegant palms may, with advantage, be placed in the open air in early summer, in sunny but sheltered nooks, and taken in at the end of September. Their small, elegant heads particularly fit them for placing here and there among groups of medium-sized, fine-leaved plants, or among mixed masses of dahlias, cannas, etc.