Cyananthus
(from kyanos, blue, and anthos, a flower). ORD. Campanulaceae. A small genus (six species) of brilliant-flowered alpine herbaceous perennials, of procumbent habit. They should be grown on rockwork, where their stems can nestle between the stones, and the roots find plenty of moisture, as in a dip or hollowed part, semi-shaded. The long and fleshy roots delight to run amongst damp leaf mould and sand. Cuttings may be taken during spring or early summer, and struck in sandy peat, kept moist; or strong roots may be carefully divided, in spring; the latter method, however, is the least desirable. Fig. 577. CYANANTHUS INCANUS, showing Flowering Branch, and detached Flower from which Calyx and Corolla have been removed, in order to show Ovary crowned with the rayed Stigma, and surrounded by the Stamens at the base. C. incanus (hoary). fl. soft azure-blue, terminal, 1in. to 1 1/2in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. across the corolla tube; limb segments oblong, spreading; throat lined with soft, white hairs. August. l. oval, slightly lobed, covered with soft white hairs. h. 3in. to 4in. Alpine Sikkim. This is a much rarer plant than C. lobatus, and rather more delicate.
C. lobatus (lobed). fl. bright purple-blue, few, solitary, usually terminal, about 1in. in diameter, funnel-shaped, with five tongue-shaped reflexed segments; throat covered with numerous soft, long, whitish hairs; calyx large, thickly set with short blackish hairs. August and September. l. small, fleshy, alternate, wedge-shaped, obovate, lobed. h. 4in. Alpine Himalayas, 1844. (B. M. 6485.)