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The Perennial Garden: Eupatorium

Eupatorium, Mist Flower. Eupatorium blooms in September, and its resemblance to the annual ageratum is so marked, that it often goes by the name of perennial ageratum. It is very easily grown, and perfectly hardy, but as it does not appear in spring until most plants have pushed their heads well above the soil, it is often considered dead, and its space dug up when the spring digging is done and the roots cut to [60] pieces. It is, therefore, advisable to put a row of stakes around the plants in the fall before they die down, as a reminder when spring comes to leave its space untouched until growth begins. Eupatorium likes a sunny position, and is best propagated by division of the roots made in spring only, or by cuttings taken in the spring when the growth is 4 or 5 inches high.

Varieties. Cœlestinum, Lilac, Ageratoides, white.

Funkia, Day or Plantain Lily. Funkias are very hardy, and require a rich deep soil in order that they may develop to the full extent of their beauty. They thrive in sun or shade and form dense clumps of foliage, which improve with age, and are best planted where the planting space is not too restricted, such as in wide perennial borders or in clumps along the shrubbery border. Propagate by division, spring or autumn. Varieties. Lanceolata, lilac flowers in September, Subcordata Grandiflora, white, August, September, Cærulea, June, blue flowers.

Gaillardia Grandiflora, Blanket Flower. Gaillardia is perfectly hardy when planted in a well-drained soil that is not too heavy, it cannot stand too much moisture, and requires full sun. The flowers are yellow and mahogany brown and come in June and July; its blooming season can be extended by keeping the [61] flowers cut off as soon as they fade. Propagate by division of the roots, spring or fall, or by cuttings taken in August. Plants raised from seed do not come true to variety.

Gypsophila paniculata. Gypsophila is one of the loveliest of the July blooming perennials and is especially valued for use as a cut flower, its dainty white blooms combining well with all flowers. Allow each plant ample space in which to grow, as they become very bushy and attain a height of from 2 to 3 feet.

Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot in soil that is not overly rich but one that contains ample lime, it is intolerant of frequent transplanting, owing to its fleshy, taproot system.

Propagation is readily accomplished by seed, sown preferably in spring. Seedlings of the double variety can only be counted upon to come about 30 per cent true to type, so with this kind it is best to increase by means of cuttings taken in spring, or by grafting the young shoots on to the roots of the single variety.