h; if grown in a bog or by the side of a stream, it attains
the height of 3ft. to 4ft.; in drier situations I have seen it flower
when only 10in. high. The specimen illustrated is about 15in. high.

A light spongy vegetable soil, with plenty of moisture, is the main
requirement of most of the Spiraeas, and to grow them to perfection
little less will do; but a creditable display of bloom may be enjoyed
from plants grown in ordinary garden loam, provided the situation is
moist. By way of experiment, I planted a dozen roots of this species in
an exposed border, drained, and in all respects the same as for the
ordinary run of border flowers. They none of them flowered, and scarcely
grew; at no time would they be higher than 6in. I wish to make it clear
that the Spiraeas, and especially _S. palmata_, cannot be grown and
bloomed well without an abundance of moisture at the roots, as I am
aware that many have tried and failed with this desirable kind. It
should be treated as a bog plant, then it can scarcely fail to do well.
In sunk parts of rockwork, by the walk gutters, by the side of a pond or
stream, or (if there is one) in the hedge dyke, are all suitable places
for this bright flower, and if only for the fine spikes which it
produces for cutting purposes, it should be grown largely; and as most
of the positions indicated are somewhat out of the way, they may perhaps
be the more readily thus appropriated. Propagated by division of strong
roots during autumn.

Flowering period, July and August.

Spiraea Ulmaria Variegata.

_Syn._ S. ODORATA FOL. VAR.; _Nat. Ord._ ROSACEAE.

The beautiful variegated form of the well-known "Meadowsweet," other old
names being "Mead-sweet," and "Queen of the Meadows." The typical form,
at least, needs no description, it being one of the commonest and most
appreciated plants of the British flora. This variety, however, is less
known; it differs only as regards the markings of the foliage. When the
crimped leaves are young, the broad golden patches are very effective,
and when the plants are fully grown, the markings of the older foliage
become lighter coloured, but not less rich. Of the value of this as a
"fine foliage" plant there can be no doubt; it is very telling, and
always admired. As regards its flowers, they ought not to be allowed to
develope. I only mention this subject for the sake of its beautifully
coloured leaves.

Requirements: Ordinary garden loam, in a moist situ