The Echinaceas

The Echinaceas have been described as "purple Sunflowers." They are tall plants, reaching four feet in height.

Echinops Ritro

Echinops Ritro reminds the amateur of the sea Hollies, with its metallic blue, steel-like flowers. It grows about three feet high. One sometimes sees it in a collection of hardy flowers at a show, and is arrested by its unique appearance.

Eremuri

Very few hardy plants have grown in favour so rapidly as the "Himalayan Asphodels," as the Eremuri are picturesquely termed. They form a rosette of narrow-pointed green leaves close to the ground, and throw up flower stems six to ten feet in height, crowned by huge spikes of bloom. They flower in early summer, and retain their beauty a considerable time. Plants are sufficiently dear to render planting in quantity too expensive for many amateurs, and yet the Eremuri are the most impressive in colonies. In these circumstances the flower lover may do well to turn to seeds as a source of supply, because he can raise stock economically by their means. Bungei, yellow; and Himalaicus, white, are the species most sought after. Robustus, pink, is very good; and a word should be said for the early variety of Bungei, Praecox.

Erianthus Ravennae

Among the hardy perennial ornamental Grasses Erianthus Ravennae, the Wool Grass," may be mentioned. It is a handsome Grass, growing to six feet high, and with pretty feathery stems.

Erigerons

Several of the Fleabanes are useful border plants, notably Aurantiacus, the "Orange Daisy," and Speciosus, violet. Erodium Manescavi, the crimson Heron's Bill, is also useful.

The Sea Hollies (Eryngiums)

The Sea Hollies (Eryngiums) are metallic-looking flowers, the petals of which might almost be supposed at a distance to be made of blue steel. They impart a feature of interest and distinctiveness to the border, and the flowers may be dried for winter vases. Planum, blue, is possibly the best known species, but Amethystinum, blue, and Giganteum, ivory, are also popular plants.

Eulalia Japonica Zebrina

Eulalia Japonica Zebrina is a beautiful hardy ornamental Grass, the leaves of which are marked with yellow stripes.

Eupatorium Ageratoides

Eupatorium Ageratoides has pretty, white, Ageratum-like flower heads, and comes in very useful for cutting.

Gaillardias

Gaillardias are generally represented in gardens by the varieties of Picta, which are grown as half-hardy annuals, being raised from seed sown under glass in spring. There are, however, some perennial forms, varieties of Aristata, which are hardy perennials, and may be raised from seed now.

The Goat's Rue (Galega Officinalis)

The Goat's Rue (Galega Officinalis), lilac, and its variety, Alba, white, are particularly valuable on account of the fact that they will grow on almost any soil. They do not merely live, but thrive and grow to large proportions, on very poor land. They last, too, for a good many weeks.