Garden Notes - Alpine Poppy to Alpine Flax

Alpine Poppy

A charming native of the higher European Alps, and one that is rather difficult to cultivate in our rock gardens. It likes an open, exposed, and well-drained situation, with rather sandy soil. Seeds should be sown every year in June or July where the plants are to flower, the plants so raised flowering the following year. There are several varieties with different colored flowers.

Hepatica

An old but dearly loved plant that flowers early in spring. Suitable either for bays in the rock garden, edging beds or borders, or for naturalizing on soil to do itself justice. Propagated by division after flowering. There are several varieties, some with rose-colored or white flowers, and some with double blossoms. Height, 6in.

Shortia Galacifolia

A charming little Alpine plant that cannot always be induced to do well in the rock garden, but excellent for growing in pots in a cold greenhouse. In the rock garden it should be given a partially shaded position, soil composed of peat, sand, and some pieces of sand-stone, and have plenty of water in summer. Propagation, which is effected by division after flowering, is rather difficult.

Gromwell

A very dwarf shrub that makes a beautiful feature in the rock garden, on banks, or at the front of a shrub or herbaceous border. It should have well-drained soil, preferably one that contains peat or leaf soil, and should not be disturbed. Propagated by cuttings made from young shrubs, planted in pots of sandy soil and covered with bell glasses. Height, 4 in. to 6 in.

Alpine Flax

A beautiful little plant that is not difficult to cultivate, and which flowers in July, when most Alpines have finished. It likes an open situation, with gritty soil containing a little peat. Propagated by seeds sown in spring, or by division during autumn or early spring. Height, 6 inches to 9 inches.