The most notable varieties are R. c. sanguineus, the stem, leaf-stalks, young leaves, and fruit of which are of a blood-red colour; R. c. borboniensis, which in southern climates often attains the extraordinary height of 26 ft. in one year; R. c. giganteus, a very tall kind from the Philippine Islands.
Other kinds in cultivation are R. Belot Desfougerès (a very tall and branching kind), R. viridis (of a uniform lively green colour), R. insignis, R. africanus, R. africanus albidus, R. minor, R. hybridus, R. microcarpus.
The better and richer the soil, and the warmer the position, the more vigorous will be the growth of any of the above. Copious watering in summer is indispensable.
*Rumex Hydrolapathum.—A very large native water-plant of a size and habit sufficiently striking to entitle it to a place amongst ornamental subjects by the water-side. The radical long-stalked leaves, which are sometimes 2 ft. or more in length, form erect tufts of a very imposing character. The flowering-stem is frequently 6 ft. in height, and bears a very large, dense, pyramidal panicle of a reddish or olive-fawn colour. The plant is most effective in autumn, when the leaves change to a lurid red colour, which they retain for some time.
*Saccharum ægyptiacum.—A vigorous perennial grass, forming ample tufts of reed-like downy stems 6½ ft. to 13 ft. high, and clothed with very graceful foliage, well adapted for ornamenting the margins of pieces of water, the slopes and other parts of pleasure-grounds, etc., in a warm position. In our climate it does not flower, but even without its fine feathery plumes it is a pretty plant from its foliage and habit alone. Easily and quickly multiplied by division in spring; the offsets to be started in a frame or pit. When established they may be planted out in May or June. N. Africa.
*Sagittaria sagittifolia.—A British water-plant, affording the most remarkable example of the arrow-shaped leaf to be met with among hardy plants. These leaves stand erect, from 1 ft. to 1½ ft. above the water, and from the middle of the tuft the flowering-stem rises in August to the height of 1½ ft. to 2½ ft. The flowers are of a pale rosy-white colour. There is a variety with double flowers (S. sagittifolia flore pleno), which resemble the flowers of the double Rocket. Both the double and single kinds should have a place among water or bog plants.
