What is HEDYSARUM?

(Nat. Ord. LeguminosEE). This genus is not largely grown, but it includes some pretty plants for the borders and rock garden, so it should not be wholly neglected. Biennial Border Species.These require the usual treatment for hardy biennials and may be successfully raised from seed sown in the early summer, the young stoclc either being wintered in a frame or in a sheltered bed outside. Only two species are generally grown. Hedysarum coronarium (French Honeysuckle).This bears attractive scarlet flowers from June to August, and grows about ij yds. high. H. pallidum.This is a rose and pale red sort blooming about June, and growing ij ft. high. Perennial Border Species.These succeed if given the usual treatment for perennials. They should be planted in March in open sunny borders in ordinary loam of moderate quality, and may be propagated by division of the roots in February and March. There are a large number of sorts, of which we reconmend the following : Hedysarum capiiatum.This is a rose-coloured sort blooming in June and July, and growing about 2 ft. high. H. microcalyx.This is an attractive species bearing bright purple flowers in June, and growing about I J ft. or more high. H. polymorphum. This useful rose-flowered June blooming sort grows about 12 ins. high. H. sibiricum.In this we have another purple sort bearing pretty flowers in June, and growing about ij ft. high. Rock Garden Species.Only three need be named here ; these, however, are pretty covering plants, and well worth growing : Hedysarum horeale.This is a pretty sort. Flowers purple. Site sunny and among rocks. Soil hght rich loam. Flowering Period, June to July. Height, 6 ins. H. neglectum.This is useful for the rougher parts of the rock garden. Flowers purplish. Site sunny. Soil ordinary loam. Flowering Period, June to July. Height, 12 ft. H. obscurum (S). H. alpinum). This is a pretty little plant with erect stems. Flowers purple. Site sunny. Soil light rich loam. Flowering Period, July to August. Height, 6 ins. See also SHRUBS.