of the crowns in spring.

Flowering period, August to first frosts.

Lychnis Chalcedonica.

CHALCEDONIAN LYCHNIS, _or_ SCARLET LYCHNIS; _Nat.
Ord._ SILENACEAE.

This hardy herbaceous perennial (see Fig. 61) came from Russia so long
ago as 1596. It is a well-known and favourite flower, and, of course, a
very "old-fashioned" one; it is commonly called the Scarlet Lychnis, but
there are other forms of it with white flowers, both double and single,
and there is also a double scarlet variety. The typical form comes into
flower a fortnight earlier than the others, but all may be seen in bloom
during July. The very brilliant flowers, which are produced for several
weeks in large showy heads, must commend this plant, and its tall habit
renders it all the more conspicuous. It ought to be grown in every
collection of hardy perennial flowers, amongst which bright scarlets are
not too plentiful. In sandy loam, enriched with well-rotted manure, it
attains a height of 2ft. to 3ft. The flowers are 3/4in. across, the five
petals open flat, and each petal is divided into two rounded segments;
the calyx is hairy, long, bellied, ribbed, five-cleft, and much narrowed
at the divisions; the numerous flowers are arranged in flat clusters,
interspersed with many small leaves or bracteoles; the stems are stout,
round, and having hairs pointing downwards; the nodes or joints are
distant and furnished with a pair of stem-clasping, lance-shaped leaves,
whence issue short stems that flower later on. The leaves are 2in. to
4in. long, lance-shaped, hairy, waved at the edges, and somewhat
recurved. The whole plant is of a clammy character, after the manner of
other Catchflies.

[Illustration: FIG. 61. LYCHNIS CHALCEDONICA.

(One-third natural size)]

As already hinted, this species, with its varieties, enjoys a sandy
soil; a mulching of manure proves of great benefit; not only are the
heads of bloom larger for it, but the side shoots are induced to flower
freely. In borders of tall plants the scarlets are very showy; they
cannot, however, endure shade; the position should be sunny and open.
The propagation of the single forms may be carried out by seed, which
ripens in large quantities; in fact, they sow themselves freely. The
double kinds should be divided in early spring. In a cut state the
flowers are both useful and effective, and if kept in a sunny window
will continue in good form and open the buds.

Flowering period, June to A