WHITE-EDGED PLANTAIN-LEAVED LILY; _Nat. Ord._
LILIACEAE.

A hardy herbaceous perennial from Japan, of but recent introduction,
than which there are few more useful subjects to be found in our
gardens. It combines with its wealth of foliage a bold spike of pleasing
lilac flowers, the former, as implied by the specific name, being edged
with a white line, which is broad and constant, this quality being all
the more commendable from the fact that many variegations are anything
but reliable. Speaking of this as a decorative plant for the garden, it
may be said to be one of the best; however placed, it has a neatness and
beauty which are characteristic, especially when used in lines, and has
become well established; from early spring, when the fresh young leaves
appear, until the autumn is well advanced, this plant upholds a fine
appearance independent of its flowers; they are, however, not wanting
in beauty, produced as they are on stems nearly 2ft. high, and nude with
the exception of one or two very small leaves. The floral part of the
stem will be 8in. or more in length; the flowers are numerous, 2in.
long, trumpet-shaped, drooping, and so arranged that all fall in one
direction; the colour is lilac, with stripes of purple and white; each
flower is supported by a bract, which, like the foliage, is margined
with white. The leaves are 6in. to 8in. long, oval-lanceolate, waved and
ribbed, of a dark green colour, margined with white; the leaf stalks are
stout, 6in. long, and broadly channelled.

Flowering period, June to August.

Funkia Sieboldii.

SIEBOLD'S PLANTAIN-LEAVED LILY; _Nat. Ord._ LILIACEAE.

This is a grand plant; the lily-like flowers alone are sufficient to
commend it, but when we have them springing from such a glorious mass of
luxuriant and beautiful foliage, disposed with a charming neatness
rarely equalled, they are additionally effective. The illustration (Fig.
40) gives a fair idea of the form and dimensions of a specimen three
years ago cut from the parent plant, when it would not have more than
two or three crowns, so it may be described as very vigorous; and, as if
its beauties were not sufficiently amplified by flowers and form of
foliage, the whole plant is of a rich glaucous hue, rendering it still
more conspicuous and distinct. It is herbaceous and perfectly hardy,
though it comes from the much warmer climate of Japan, whence are all
the species of _Funkia_. It is a comparatively ne