Atragene
(a name originally given to Clematis Vitalba by Theophrastus). ORD. Ranunculaceae. A genus of ornamental, hardy, climbing, deciduous shrubs, closely allied to Clematis, from which they differ in having numerous petals. They are increased by cuttings, which should be pricked in light sandy soil and placed under a hand glass; also by layering in the autumn. Both methods are slow; the layers should not be separated for about a year, when they will be vigorous plants. Seeds must be sown in early spring, in gentle heat; when the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be pricked off and grown on in pots till they are strong plants.
A. alpina (alpine).* fl. blue, varying to white; petals ten to twelve, linear at the base, but dilated at the apex; peduncles one-flowered, longer than the leaves. May. l. biternate; leaflets ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, serrate. Mountainous parts of Europe, 1792. The white-flowered variety, named alba, is in cultivation. SYNS. A. austriaca and A. sibirica.
A. americana (American).* fl. large, purplish-blue; petals acute; peduncles one-flowered. May l. whorled, in fours; leaflets stalked, cordate, lanceolate, acuminated, entire or somewhat lobed, or serrated. North America, 1797. SYN. Clematis verticillaris.
A. austriaca (Austrian). Synonymous with A alpina.
A. macropetala (large-petaled).* fl. blue. Manchuria, 1870. A. sibirica (Siberian). Synonymous with A. alpina.