Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers

J >> John Wood >> Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers

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[Illustration: A CORNER OF THE AUTHOR'S GARDEN AT KIRKSTALL.]

HARDY PERENNIALS

AND

Old-Fashioned Garden Flowers:

DESCRIBING

THE MOST DESIRABLE PLANTS FOR BORDERS, ROCKERIES, AND SHRUBBERIES,

INCLUDING

FOLIAGE AS WELL AS FLOWERING PLANTS.

* * * * *

BY JOHN WOOD.

* * * * *

ILLUSTRATED.

* * * * *

LONDON: L. UPCOTT GILL, 170, STRAND, W. C.

1884.

LONDON: PRINTED BY A. BRADLEY, 170, STRAND, W. C.

PREFACE.

At the present time there is a growing desire to patronise perennial
plants, more especially the many and beautiful varieties known as
"old-fashioned flowers." Not only do they deserve to be cultivated on
their individual merits, but for other very important reasons; they
afford great variety of form, foliage, and flower, and compared with
annual and tender plants, they are found to give much less trouble. If a
right selection is made and properly planted, the plants may be relied
upon to appear with perennial vigour and produce flowers more or less
throughout the year. I would not say bouquets may be gathered in the
depth of winter, but what will be equally cheering may be had in blow,
such as the Bluet, Violet, Primrose, Christmas Rose, Crocus, Hepatica,
Squills, Snowdrops, and other less known winter bloomers. It does not
seem to be generally understood that warm nooks and corners, under trees
or walls, serve to produce in winter flowers which usually appear in
spring when otherwise placed.

There are many subjects which, from fine habit and foliage, even when
flowerless, claim notice, and they, too, are described.

Many gardens are very small, but these, if properly managed, have their
advantages. The smaller the garden the more choice should be the
collection, and the more highly should it be cultivated. I shall be glad
if anything I say tends in this direction. From my notes of plants
useful memoranda may be made, with the object of adding a few of the
freest bloomers in each month, thus avoiding the error often committed
of growing such subjects as mostly flower at one time, after which the
garden has a forlorn appearance. The plants should not be blamed for
this; the selection is at fault. No amount of time and care can make a
garden what it should be if untidy and weedy plants prevail. On the
other hand, the most beautiful species, both as regards foliage and
flowers, can be just as easily cultivated.

The object of this small work is to furnish the names and descriptions
of really useful and reliable Hardy and Perennial Plants, suitable for
all kinds of flower gardens, together with definite cultural hints on
each plant.

Perhaps flowers were never cultivated of more diversified kinds than at
the present time; and it is a legitimate and not uncommon question to
ask, "What do you grow?" Not only have we now the lovers of the distinct
and showy, but numerous admirers of such species as need to be closely
examined, that their beautiful and interesting features may gladden and
stir the mind. The latter class of plants, without doubt, is capable of
giving most pleasure; and to meet the growing taste for these, books on
flowers must necessarily treat upon the species or varieties in a more
detailed manner, in order to get at their peculiarities and
requirements. The more we learn about our flowers the more we enjoy
them; to simply see bright colours and pretty forms is far from all the
pleasure we may reap in our gardens.

If I have not been able to give scientific information, possibly that of
a practical kind may be of some use, as for many years, and never more
than now, I have enjoyed the cultivation of flowers with my own hands.
To be able to grow a plant well is of the highest importance, and the
first step towards a full enjoyment of it.

I have had more especially in view the wants of the less experienced
Amateur; and as all descriptions and modes of culture are given from
specimens successfully grown in my own garden, I hope I may have at
least a claim to being practical.

I have largely to thank several correspondents of many years' standing
for hints and information incorporated in these pages.

J. WOOD.

WOODVILLE, KIRKSTALL,

_November, 1883._

ERRATA.

For the placing of capital letters uniformly throughout this Volume to
the specific names at the cross-headings, and for the omission of many
capitals in the body of the type, the printer is alone responsible.

Numerous oversights fall to my lot, but in many of the descriptions
other than strictly proper botanical terms have been employed, where it
seemed desirable to use more intelligible ones; as, for instance, the
flowers of the Composites have not always been termed "heads," perianths
have sometimes been called corollas, and their divisions at times
petals, and so on; this is hardly worthy of the times, perhaps, but it
was thought that the terms would be more generally understood.

Page 7, line 8. For "lupin" read "Lupine."
Page 39, line 31. For "calyx" read "involucre."
Page 40, line 27. For "calyx" read "involucre."
Page 46, line 1. For "corolla" read "perianth."
Page 47, lines 3 and 6. For "corolla" read "perianth."
Page 48, last line. For "lupin" read "Lupine."
Page 60, line 16. For "pompon" read "pompone."
Page 64, line 36. For "corolla" read "perianth."
Page 102, line 27. For "Fritillaries" read "Fritillarias."
Page 114, cross-heading. For "Ice-cold Gentian" read "Ice-cold
Loving Gentian."
Page 213. For "_Tirolensis_" read "_Tyrolensis_."
Page 214, cross-heading. For "_Cashmerianum_" read "_Cashmeriana_."
Page 215, cross-heading. For "_Cashmerianum_" read "_Cashmeriana_."
Page 275, line 26. For "corolla" read "perianth."
Page 284, line 25. For "calyx" read "involucre."
Page 285, line 1. For "calyx" read "involucre."

JOHN WOOD.

_November 14th, 1883._

HARDY PERENNIALS

AND

OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS.

Acaena Novae Zealandiae.

_Otherwise_ A. MICROPHYLLA; _Nat. Ord._ SANGUISORBEAE,
_or_ ROSE FAMILY.

The plant, as may be seen by the illustration (Fig. 1), is small, and
its flowers are microscopic, hardly having the appearance of flowers,
even when minutely examined, but when the bloom has faded there is a
rapid growth, the calyces forming a stout set of long spines; these,
springing from the globular head in considerable numbers, soon become
pleasingly conspicuous, and this is by far the more ornamental stage of
the plant. It is hardy, evergreen, and creeping. It seldom rises more
than one or two inches from the ground, and only when it approaches a
wall, stones, or some such fixed body, does it show an inclination to
climb; it is, therefore, a capital rock plant. As implied by its
specific name, it comes from New Zealand, and has not long been
acclimatised in this country.

The flowers are produced on fine wiry stems an inch or more long, being
nearly erect; they are arranged in round heads, at first about the size
of a small pea; these, when bruised, have an ammoniacal smell. Each
minute flower has four green petals and brownish seed organs, which
cause the knob of flowers to have a rather grimy look, and a calyx which
is very hard and stout, having two scales and four sepals. These sepals
are the parts which, after the seed organs have performed their
functions, become elongated and of a fine rosy-crimson colour; they form
stiff and rather stout spines, often 3/4in. long; they bristle evenly from
every part of the little globe of seed vessels, and are very pretty. The
spines are produced in great abundance, and they may be cut freely;
their effect is unique when used for table decoration, stuck in tufts of
dark green selaginella. On the plant they keep in good form for two
months. The leaves are 1in. to 2in. long, pinnate; the leaflets are of a
dark bronzy colour on the upper side and a pale green underneath, like
maidenhair, which they also resemble in form, being nearly round and
toothed. They are in pairs, with a terminal odd one; they are largest at
the extremity, and gradually lessen to rudimentary leaflets; the foliage
is but sparingly produced on the creeping stems, which root as they
creep on the surface.

[Illustration: FIG. 1. ACAENA NOVAE ZEALANDIAE.

(One half natural size.)]

The habit of the plant is compact and cushion-like, and the brilliant
spiny balls are well set off on the bed of fern-like but sombre foliage.
During August it is one of the most effective plants in the rock garden,
where I find it to do well in either moist or dry situations; it grows
fast, and, being evergreen, it is one of the more useful creepers for
all-the-year-round effect; for covering dormant bulbs or bare places it
is at once efficient and beautiful. It requires light soil, and seems to
enjoy grit; nowhere does it appear in better health or more at home
than when carpeting the walk or track of the rock garden.

It is self-propagating, but when it is desirable to move a tuft of it,
it should be done during the growing season, so that it may begin to
root at once and get established, otherwise the wind and frosts will
displace it.

It blooms from June to September, more or less, but only the earliest
flowers produce well-coloured spines.

Achillea AEgyptica.

EGYPTIAN YARROW; _Nat. Ord._ COMPOSITAE.

This is an evergreen (though herb-like) species. It has been grown for
more than 200 years in English gardens, and originally came, as its name
implies, from Egypt. Notwithstanding the much warmer climate of its
native country, it proves to be one of the hardiest plants in our
gardens. I dare say many will think the Yarrows are not worthy of a
place in the garden; but it should not be forgotten that not only are
fine and useful flowers included in this work, but also the good
"old-fashioned" kinds, and that a few such are to be found amongst the
Yarrows is without doubt. Could the reader see the collection now before
me, cut with a good piece of stem and some foliage, and pushed into a
deep vase, he would not only own that they were a pleasing contrast, but
quaintly grand for indoor decoration.

_A. AEgyptica_ not only produces a rich yellow flower, but the whole
plant is ornamental, having an abundance of finely-cut foliage, which,
from a downy or nappy covering, has a pleasing grey or silvery
appearance. The flowers are produced on long stems nearly 2ft. high,
furnished at the nodes with clean grey tufts of smaller-sized leaves;
near the top the stems are all but naked, and are terminated by the flat
heads or corymbs of closely-packed flowers. They are individually small,
but the corymbs will be from 2in. to 3in. across. Their form is that of
the common Yarrow, but the colour is a bright light yellow. The leaves
are 6in. to 8in. long, narrow and pinnate, the leaflets of irregular
form, variously toothed and lobed; the whole foliage is soft to the
touch, from the nappy covering, as already mentioned. Its flowers, from
their extra fine colour, are very telling in a cut state. The plant is
suitable for the borders, more especially amongst other old kinds.
Ordinary garden loam suits it, and its propagation may be carried out at
any time by root division.

Flowering period, June to September.

Achillea Filipendula.

_Nat. Ord._ COMPOSITAE.

This grows 4ft. high, and the foliage, though fern-like, has an untidy
appearance, from the irregular way in which it is disposed. It is
herbaceous, and comes from the Caucasus. The flowers are somewhat
singular, arranged in corymbs of a multiplex character; they are very
large, often 5in. across. The smaller corymbs are arched or convex,
causing the cluster or compound corymb to present an uneven surface; the
small flowers are of rich old gold colour, and have the appearance of
knotted gold cord; they are very rigid, almost hard. The leaves are
linear, pinnate, lobed and serrated, hairy, rough, and numerously
produced. From the untidy and tall habit of this subject, it should be
planted in the background; its flowers, however, will claim a prominent
position in a cut state; they are truly rich, the undulating corymbs
have the appearance of embossed gold plate, and their antique colour and
form are compared to gold braid by a lady who admires "old-fashioned"
flowers. It will last for several weeks after being cut, and even out of
water for many days. A few heads placed in an old vase, without any
other flowers, are rich and characteristic, whilst on bronze figures and
ewers in a dry state, and more especially on ebony or other black
decorations, it may be placed with a more than floral effect. In short,
rough as the plant is, it is worth growing for its quaint and rich
flowers alone; it is seldom met with. Soil and propagation, the same as
for _A. AEgyptica_.

Flowering period, June to September.

Achillea Millefolium.

COMMON MILFOIL; _Nat. Ord._ COMPOSITAE.

This is the well-known wild Yarrow; it is, however, the typical form of
a fine variety, called _A. m. roseum_, having very bright rose-coloured
flowers, which in all other respects resembles the wild form. Both as a
border subject and for cutting purposes, I have found it useful; it
flowers for several months, but the individual blooms fade in four or
six days; these should be regularly removed. The freshly-opened corymbs
are much admired. Soil and mode of propagation, the same as for previous
kinds.

Flowering period, June to November.

Achillea Ptarmica.

_Syns._ A. SYLVESTRIS _and_ PTARMICA VULGARIS; _Common
Names_, WILD YARROW, SNEEZEWORT, GOOSE-TONGUE, _and_ WILD
PELLITORY; _Nat. Ord._ COMPOSITAE.

A very common British plant, or, I may say, weed, which can live in the
most reeky towns, only mentioned here to introduce _A. P. fl.-pl._,
which is one of the most useful of border flowers. I am bound to
add, however, that only when in flower is it more presentable than the
weedy and typical form; but the grand masses of pure white
bachelors'-button-like flowers, which are produced for many weeks in
succession, render this plant deserving of a place in every garden. It
is a very old flower in English gardens. Some 250 years ago Parkinson
referred to the double flowering kind, in his "Paradise of Pleasant
Flowers," as a then common plant; and I may as well produce Gerarde's
description of the typical form, which answers, in all respects, for the
double one, with the exception of the flowers themselves: "The small
Sneesewoort hath many rounde and brittle braunches, beset with long and
narrowe leaues, hackt about the edges like a sawe; at the top of the
stalkes do grow smal single flowers like the fielde Daisie. The roote is
tender and full of strings, creeping farre abroade in the earth, and in
short time occupieth very much grounde." The flowers of this plant are
often, but wrongly, called "bachelors' buttons," which they much
resemble.

For cutting purposes, this plant is one of the most useful; not only are
the blooms a good white, but they have the quality of keeping clean, and
are produced in greater numbers than ever I saw them on the single form.
Those requiring large quantities of white flowers could not do better
than give the plant a few square yards in some unfrequented part of the
garden; any kind of soil will suit it, but if enriched the bloom will be
all the better for it. The roots run freely just under the surface, so
that a large stock may soon be had; yet, fine as are its flowers, hardy
and spreading as the plant proves, it is but seldom met with. Even in
small gardens this fine old flower should be allowed a little space.
Transplant any time.

Flowering period, June to August.

Aconitum Autumnale.

AUTUMN MONK'S-HOOD; _Nat. Ord._ RANUNCULACEAE.

Hardy, perennial, and herbaceous. This is one of the finest subjects for
autumn flowering. The whole plant, which stands nearly 3ft. high, is
stately and distinct (Fig. 2); the leaves are dark green, large, deeply
cut and veined, of good substance, and slightly drooping. The flowers
are a fine blue (a colour somewhat scarce in our gardens at that
season), irregularly arranged on very stout stems; in form they exactly
resemble a monk's hood, and the manner in which they are held from the
stems further accords with that likeness. These rich flowers are
numerously produced; a three-year-old plant will have as many as six
stout stems all well furnished, rendering the specimen very
conspicuous.

This is one form of the Monk's-hood long grown in English gardens, and
is called "old-fashioned." _A. japonicum_, according to some, is
identical with it, but whether that is so or not, there is but a slight
difference, and both, of course, are good.

I find it likes a rich deep soil. It is propagated by division of the
roots after the tops have turned yellow in autumn or winter.

It flowers from August until cut down by frosts.

[Illustration: FIG. 2. ACONITUM AUTUMNALE.

(About one-tenth natural size.)]

Allium Moly.

LARGE YELLOW GARLIC; _Nat. Ord._ LILIACEAE.

A hardy bulbous perennial, of neat habit, with bright golden flowers,
produced in large heads; they endure a long time and are very effective;
it is by far the best yellow species. Where bold clumps of yellow are
desirable, especially if somewhat in the background, there can be few
subjects more suitable for the purpose than this plant; both leaves and
flowers, however, have a disagreeable odour, if in the least bruised. It
is a very old plant in English gardens, and is a native of the South of
Europe. Its chief merits are fine colour, large head, neat habit, and
easy culture. The flowers are 1in. across, borne in close heads, having
stalks over an inch long springing from stout scapes; the six long oval
petals are of a shining yellow colour; the seed organs also are all
yellow and half the length of petals; the scape is about a foot high,
naked, round, and very stout; the leaves are nearly as broad as tulip
leaves, and otherwise much resemble them.

Flowering period, June to August.

Allium Neapolitanum.

NEAPOLITAN ALLIUM; _Nat. Ord._ LILIACEAE.

This has pure white flowers arranged in neat and effective umbels, and
though not so useful in colour as the flowers of _A. Moly_, they are
much superior to those of many of the genus.

Flowering period, June to August.

Both of the above Alliums may be grown in any odd parts which need
decorating with subjects requiring little care; any kind of soil will do
for them, but if planted too near the walks the flowers are liable to be
cut by persons who may not be aware of their evil odour. The bulbs may
be divided every three years with advantage, and may be usefully planted
in lines in front of shrubs, or mixed with other strong-growing flowers,
such as alkanets, lupins, and foxgloves.

Alyssum Saxatile.

ROCK MADWORT, _or_ GOLDEN TUFT; _Nat. Ord._
CRUCIFERAE.

[Illustration: FIG. 3. ALYSSUM SAXATILE.

(One-third natural size.)]

This pleasing and well-known hardy, evergreen, half-woody shrub is
always a welcome flower. From its quantity of bloom all its other parts
are literally smothered (see Fig. 3). When passing large pieces of it in
full blow, its fragrant honey smell reminds one of summer clover
fields.

Its golden yellow flowers are densely produced in panicles on procumbent
stems, 12in. to 18in. long. The little flowers, from distinct notches in
the petals, have a different appearance from many of the order
_Cruciferae_, as, unless they are well expanded, there seem to be eight
instead of four petals. The leaves are inversely ovate, lanceolate,
villose, and slightly toothed. A specimen will continue in good form
during average weather for about three weeks. It is not only seen to
most advantage on rockwork, where its prostrate stems can fall over the
stones, but the dry situation is in accordance with its requirements;
still, it is not at all particular, but does well in any sunny
situation, in any soil that is not over moist or ill drained. It is
easily and quickly propagated by cuttings in early summer.

Flowering period, April and May.

Anchusa Italica.

ITALIAN ALKANET; _Nat. Ord._ BORAGINACEAE.

[Illustration: FIG. 4. ANCHUSA ITALICA (Flower Spray).

(One-third natural size.)]

A hardy herbaceous perennial of first-class merit for gardens where
there is plenty of room; amongst shrubs it will not only prove worthy of
the situation, but, being a ceaseless bloomer, its tall and leafy stems
decked with brilliant flowers may always be relied upon for cutting
purposes; and let me add, as, perhaps, many have never tried this fine
but common flower in a large vase, the stems, if cut to the length of
18in., and loosely placed in an old-fashioned vase, without any other
flowers, are more than ornamental--they are fine.

Its main features are seen in its bold leafy stems, furnished with
large, dark blue, forget-me-not-like flowers, nearly all their length.
The little white eyes of the blossoms are very telling (see Fig. 4). The
flowers are held well out from the large leaves of the main stem by
smaller ones (from 1in. to 8in. long), at the ends of which the buds and
flowers are clustered, backed by a pair of small leaflets, like wings.
Just before the buds open they are of a bright rose colour, and when the
flowers fade the leafy calyx completely hides the withered parts, and
other blooms take their places between the wing-like pair of leaflets;
so the succession of bloom is kept up through the whole summer. The
leaves of the root are very large when fully grown during summer--over a
foot long--those of the stems are much less; all are lance-shaped and
pointed, plain at the edges, very hairy, and of a dark green colour. The
stems are numerous, upright, and, as before hinted, branched; also, like
the leaves, they are covered with stiff hairs, a characteristic common
to the order. Well-established plants will grow to the height of 3ft. to
5ft.

Flowering period, May to September.

Anchusa Sempervirens.

_Nat. Ord._ BORAGINACEAE.

This is a British species, and, as its name denotes, is evergreen; not,
let me add, as a tall plant, for the stems wither or at least become
very sere, only the large leaves of the root remaining fresh; and though
it has many points of difference from _A. Italica_, such as shorter
growth, darker flowers and foliage, and more oval leaves--these form the
distinctions most observable. By its evergreen quality it is easily
identified in winter. There is also an important difference from the
axillary character of the flower stems. With these exceptions the
description of _A. Italica_ will fairly hold good for this native
species.

This Alkanet has various other names, as _Borago sempervirens_,
_Buglossum s._, and with old writers it, together with allied species,
was much esteemed, not only for the flowers, but for its reputed
medicinal properties. To those who care to grow these good old plants I
would say, well enrich the soil; when so treated, the results are very
different from those where the plants have been put in hungry and
otherwise neglected situations; this favourable condition may be easily
afforded, and will be more than repaid. Strong roots may be transplanted
at any time, and propagation is more quickly carried out by division of
the woody roots, which should be cut or split so that each piece has a
share of bark and a crown. Just before new growth has begun, as in
January, is the best time for this operation, so that there is no chance
of rot from dormancy.

Flowering period, May to September.

Andromeda Tetragona.

_Syn._ CASSIOPE TETRAGONA; _Nat. Ord._ ERICACEAE.

A dwarf hardy evergreen shrub, which comes to us from Lapland and North
America; though a very beautiful subject for either rockwork or border,
it is rarely seen. It is not one of the easiest plants to grow, which
may, to some extent, account for its rarity. Still, when it can have its
requirements, it not only thrives well, but its handsome form and
flowers repay any extra trouble it may have given. In the culture of
this, as of most plants of the order _Ericaceae_, there is decidedly a
right way and a wrong one, and if the species now under consideration
has one or two special requirements it deserves them.

[Illustration: FIG. 5. ANDROMEDA TETRAGONA.

(One-half natural size.)]

With me it never exceeds a height of 6in. or 7in., is much branched, and
of a fine apple green colour; the flowers are small but very beautiful,
bell-shaped, pendent, and springing from the leafy stems of the previous
year's growth. The leaves are small as well as curious, both in form and
arrangement, completely hiding their stems; their roundish grain-shaped
forms are evenly arranged in four rows extending throughout the whole
length of the branches (whence the name _tetragona_), giving them a
square appearance resembling an ear of wheat, but much less stout (see
Fig. 5); the little leaves, too, are frosted somewhat in the way of many
of the saxifrages. It is next to impossible to describe this pretty
shrub; fortunately, the cut will convey a proper idea at a glance. All
who possess more select collections of hardy plants and shrubs should
not fail to include this; it is fit for any collection of fifty choice
species.

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