TREES AND SHRUBS FOR
ENGLISH GARDENS
THE CLUSTER PINE (Finns Pinaster).
THE "COUNTRY LIFE"
LIBRARY.
TREES & SHRUBS
FOR
ENGLISH GARDENS
BY
E. T. COOK.
SECOND EDITION.
PUBLISHED BY
"COUNTRY LIFE" GEORGE NEWNES, LTD.
20, TA VI STOCK STREET, 7-12, SOUTHAMPTON STREET,
COVENT GARDEN, W.C. CO VENT GARDEN, W.C.
1908.
e !.) . ,, 5
IN THE WOODLAND AT KEW , ,, 6
WAYFARING TREE ( Viburnum Lantana} . . . ,, ,, 7
GROUPING OF SHRUB AND DAFFODIL , 10
NATURAL GROUPING OF SHRUB IN ROUGH GROUND ,, ,, n
SHRUB AND IRIS GROUPS BY WOODLAND ... 14
AZALEA GARDEN AT KEW , ,, 15
CEANOTHUS AZUREUS AT KEW ,, 24
CEANOTHUS AZUREUS, MARIE SIMON .... ,, ,, 25
PEARL BUSH (Exochorda grandiflora) .... 26
HYDRANGEA PANICULATA GRANDIFLORA (Unpruned) . ,, ,, 30
HYDRANGEA PANICULATA GRANDIFLORA ... 31
TULIP TREE AT RANELAGH (Winter) . . . . ,, 46
LIME (Winter Beauty) ,, 47
WITCH HAZEL (Hamamehs japonica, var. zuccariniand) 62
ULMUS ALATA , 63
WILLOW, BABYLONIAN BY WATERSIDE . . . ,, 88
ASH, WEEPING 89
WEEPING ASPEN (Populus tremula, var. pendula] . , ,,90
WEEPING WYCH ELM >, , 91
EL.EAGNUS PUNGENS 98
CORN US MAS (var. variegata) , ,, 99
TAURIAN TAMARISK (Tamarix tetrandra} IN FLOWER ,, ,, 103
ASHES BY WATER EDGE ,,,,106
LOMBARDY POPLAR ,, 107
xi
xii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
CORSICAN PINE WALK To face page no
ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA (Chili Pine) AVENUE . , ,, ,, in
MAIDENHAIR TREE AT FROGMORE , ,, 112
MAIDENHAIR TREE AT KEW , ,,113
CORSICAN PINE (var. tenuifolia} ,, ,, 114
AVENUE OF ABIES (nobilis glauca) . . . . ,, ,, 118
CEDRUS ATLANTICA GLAUCA AVENUE . , . . ,, 119
LIBOCEDRUS DECURRENS (Frogmore) .... ;> I21
AVENUE OF YEW (Murthly) ,, 124
ALDERS NEAR WATER , . ,, ,, 134
WHITE WILLOW (Salix alba) BY WATERSIDE . ,, ,, 135
NATURAL TREE GROWTH BY WATER (Burnham
Beeches) ,, ,, 136
WILLOWS BY WATERSIDE ,, 137
ClSTUSES AND ROSES IN ROCK GARDEN . . . ,, ,,140
DWARF SHRUBS IN ROCK GARDEN . . . . ,, ,, 141
ONONIS FRUTICOSA (Shrubby Rest-Harrow) AT EXETER ,, ,, 150
TREE IN COURSE OF REMOVAL ,,151
PLANE TREE (Platanus orientalis) ,, ,, 164
CYTISUS pRjEcox ,, 178
A VARIETY OF MAHALEB CHERRY (Pntnus Mahaleb,
var. chrysocarpd) ,, ,, 179
GUELDER ROSE OR SNOWBALL TREE . . . . ,, 184
WYCH ELMS BY HEDGEROW ,, ,, 185
EDWARDSIA GRANDIFLORA , ,, 198
FABIANA IMBRICATA . . . . . , . ,, ,, 199
PlNUS MONTEZUM^E ,, ,, 204
PUERARIA THUNBERGIANA ,, 212
YUCCAS, PAMPAS GRASS, AND BAMBOOS (Kew) . ,, ,, 218
BAMBOO GARDEN AT KEW ,, ,, 219
ERICA CARNEA ,, 232
A GROUPING OF HEATHS ,, ,, 233
WHITE SCOTCH HEATHER (Erica cinerea alba) . . ,, 234
WHITE MEDITERRANEAN HEATH (Erica mediterranea alba) ,, 235
WEEPING HOLLY ,, ,, 247
ARBUTUS MENZIESII ,, ,, 248
HIBISCUS SYRIACUS (Althcea frutex, var. ccewleus) . ,, ,, 252
MOCK ORANGE (Philadelphus coronarius) . . , ,, ,, 253
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xiii
TALL EVERGREEN SHRUBS IN FLOWER BORDER . To face page 258
SPIRAEA CANESCENS ,, 294
CLEMATIS MONTANA OVER ROUGH WALL . . ,, 300
CLEMATIS MONTANA OVER ARCHWAY . . , . ,, ,, 301
CAMELLIA LEAF AND FRUIT (Outdoors) ... ,, 316
DUTCH HONEYSUCKLE ON WALL ,, ,,317
POLYGONUM BALDSCHUANICUM OVER FlR . . ,, 318
PRUNUS TRILOBA ON SUNNY WALL .... ,, 319
OLD WISTARIA AT HAMPTON COURT . . , . ,, ,, 322
WISTARIA RACEMES . . . . . . . ,, ,, 323
GREAT BEECH HEDGE 330
HEDGE OF MAIDENS' BLUSH ROSE , ,, 331
NUT WALK , 334
OLD APPLE WALK 335
OLD MULBERRY TREE, SYON ,, ,, 338
OLD MEDLAR TREE ,, 339
ROSA MULTIFLORA i 34
HYBRID ROSE UNA ,, ,, 349
STAKING TREES , ,, 354
HORSE CHESTNUT ,, ,, 358
CATALPA OR INDIAN BEAN TREE (C. bignonioides) . ,, ,, 366
ClSTUS VILLOSUS ,, 3?O
CYTISUS CAPITATUS M 373
MOONLIGHT BROOM ( Cytisus scoparius, var. pallidus} . ,, 376
A HYBRID BROOM (Cylisus kewensis] . . . . , >, 377
GARLAND FLOWER (Daphne Cneorum). , . . ,, u 382
ERINACEA PUNGENS 383
MAY-FLOWER (Epigaa repens} 384
ESCALLONIA PHILIPPIANA >> > 385
SPANISH FURZE (Genista (Ulex) hispanica) . . . ,, ,, 388
SPANISH FURZE ON ROUGH SLOPE .... ,, ,, 389
GENISTA MONOSPERMA 390
SHOOT OF SNOWDROP TREE (Halesia tetraptera) . . 392
HYDRANGEAS . . ,, ,, 393
HYDRANGEA TETIOLARIS . , . . . . ,, ,, 394
KALMIA LATIFOLIA > , 395
YULAN (Magnolia compicua} ...... ,, 402
YULAN AS A WALL SHRUB . , . . . . , f> 403
xiv LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
MAGNOLIA CONSPICUA, var. soulangeana (late Spring) To face page 404
OLEARIA MACRODONTA ,, 405
PRUNUS PERSICA , ,, 410
SPIRAEA ARGUTA ,, 414
PRUNUS SERRULATA ....... ,, 416
PRUNUS PADUS, FL. PL. ...... ,, ,, 417
PYRUS SINAICA >, 4 20
PYRUS SPECTABILIS ,, 422
SIBERIAN CRAB (Pyrus Malus baccata) , ,, 423
PYRUS LOBATA , 427
RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM (Hybrid) .... ,, 428
RHODODENDRON HYBRID (Donegal) .... 429
RHODODENDRON PR/ECOX ,, ,, 432
RHODODENDRON SAPHO IN IRISH GARDEN (Donegal) ,, ,, 433
CALIFORNIAN POPPY (Romneya Coulteri] ... ,, ,, 449
NEILLIA (SPIR.^EA) OPULIFOLIA ,, ,, 452
SPIR/EA LINDLEYANA , 453
LILACS ,, ,, 45 6
STANDARD LILAC , ; ,, 457
VIBURNUM MACROCEPHALUM ,, ,, 464
YUCCA GLORIOSA IN A SURREY GARDEN . . . ,, ,, 466
YUCCA FILAMENTOSA ,, ,, 467
PTEROCARYA CAUCASICA . . . . . . ,, ,, 480
CORK OAK (Quercus Suber) ,, ,, 481
EVERGREEN OAKS ,, 4 82
DOVASTON YEW ON STEEP BANK , , . 486
TREES AND SHRUBS
CHAPTER I
WANT OF VARIETY A BLEMISH
THERE is a sad want of variety amongst evergreen
and deciduous shrubs in the average English garden.
Faith is placed in a few shrubs with a reputation for
robbing the soil of its goodness and making a mono-
tonous ugly green bank, neither pleasant to look at
nor of any protective value. As one who knows
shrubs well and the way to group them says, " Even
the landscape gardeners, the men who have the
making of gardens with, of course, notable excep-
tions do not seem to know the rich storehouse to
draw from." Very true is this. We see evidence
of it every day. The mixed shrubbery is fondly
clung to as a place for all shrubs, whether flowering
or otherwise, and the result is a thicket of growths,
a case indeed of a survival of the fittest. There
are other shrubs than Privet in this fair world of
ours, and as for providing shelter, the wind whistles
through its bare stems and creates a draught good
for neither man, beast, nor plant. Of the cherry
laurel again there is far too much in gardens.
A
2 TREES AND SHRUBS
Few other plants can stand against its greedy,
searching roots, and its vigorous branches and big
leaves kill other leaf-growth near them. Grown
in the proper way, that is, as an isolated shrub,
with abundance of space to develop its graceful
branches and brilliant green leaves, the Cherry
Laurel is a beautiful evergreen ; it is quite happy
in shady, half-wooded places. But grown, as it is
so often, jammed up and smothering other things,
or held in bounds by a merciless and beauty-
destroying knife, its presence has not been to the
advantage of English gardening.
When the planting season comes round, think of
some of the good shrubs not yet in the garden, and
forget pontic Rhododendron, Laurel, Aucuba, and
Privet. By this is not meant rare shrubs, such as
may only be had from the few nurseries of the very
highest rank or from those that make rare shrubs a
speciality, but good things that may be grown in any
garden and that appear in all good shrub catalogues.
Perhaps no beautiful and now well-known shrub is
more neglected than beautiful Exochorda grandiflora
(the Pearl Bush). Its near relatives, the Spiraeas, are
in every shrubbery, but one may go through twenty
and not see Exochorda. Even of the Spiraeas one
does not half often see enough of S. Thunbergi, a
perfect milky way of little starry bloom in April and
a most shapely little bush, or the double-flowered S.
prunifolia, with its long wreaths of flower-like double
thorn or minute white roses and its autumn bravery
of scarlet foliage. The hardy Magnolias are not
WANT OF VARIETY A BLEMISH 3
given the opportunity they deserve of making our
gardens lovely in earliest summer. Who that has
seen Magnolia stellata in its April dress of profuse
while bloom and its summer and autumn dignity of
handsome though not large foliage, would endure to
be without it ? or who would not desire to have the
fragrant chalices of M. soulangeana, with their outside
staining of purple, and M. conspicua, of purest white
in the early months of March and April ? And why
does not every garden hold one, at least, of the sweet
Chtmonanthus, offering, as it does in February, an
abundance of its little blooms of a fragrance so rich
and powerful that it can be scarcely matched through-
out the year ?
Cassinia fulvida, still known in nurseries by its
older name of Diplopappus, in winter wears its
fullest dress of tiny gold-backed leafage in long
graceful sprays, that are borne in such profusion
that they only beg to be cut to accompany the rare
flowers of winter that we bring indoors to sweeten
and enliven our rooms.
Of small - flowering trees none is lovelier than
the Snowy Mespilus (Amelanchter), and for a tree of
somewhat larger size the good garden form of the
native Bird Cherry is beautiful in the early year.
The North American Halesia (the Snowdrop Tree)
should be in every garden, either as a bush or tree,
every branch hung in May with its full array of
pendent bloom of the size and general shape of
Snowdrops, only of a warm and almost creamy
instead of a cold snow-white colour.
4 TREES AND SHRUBS
Few spring-flowering shrubs are more free and
graceful than Forsythia suspensa, and if it can be
planted on a slight eminence and encouraged to
throw down its many-feet-long graceful sprays it
then exhibits its best garden use. The Chinese
Viburnum plicatum is another shrub well known but
unfairly neglected, flowering with the earliest Irises.
Grouped with the grand Iris pallida dalmatica it is a
thing never to be forgotten.
jEsculus (Pavia) parvtflora, blooming in July when
flowering shrubs are rare, is easily grown and
strikingly handsome, and yet how rarely seen ! Caly-
canthus floridus, with its spice-scented blooms of low-
toned crimson, also a late summer flower, is a fine
thing in a cool, well-sheltered corner, where the sun
cannot burn the flowers. The Rose Acacia (Robima
hispida), trained on a wall or house, is as beautiful as
any Wistaria, and the quality of the low-toned rosy
bloom of a much rarer colour. It is quite hardy,
but so brittle that it needs close and careful wall
training or other support. To name a few others in
the same kind of category, but rather less hardy, the
Sweet Bay is the noblest of evergreen bushes or
small trees ; the Tamarisk, with its grey plumes of
foliage and summer flower-plumes of tenderest pink,
is a delightful plant in our southern counties, doing
especially well near the sea. Clelhra alnifolia, against
a wall or in the open, is a mass of flower in late
summer, and the best of the Hibiscus syrtacus, or
Althcea frutex, the shrubbery representatives of
Mallows and Hollyhocks, are autumn flowers of the
WANT OF VARIETY A BLEMISH 5
best class. A bushy plant of half- woody character
that may well be classed among shrubs, and that was
beloved of our grandmothers, is Leycesteria formosa, a
delightful thing in the later autumn. The large-
fruited Euonymus (Spindle Tree) is another good
thing too little grown.
For a peaty garden there are many delightful
plants in the neglected though easy-to-be-had list.
One of these is the beautiful and highly fragrant
Azalea occidentalis, all the better that the flowers and
leaves come together and that it is later than the
Ghent Azaleas. Then there are the two sweet-
scented North American Bog Myrtles, Myrica cerifera
and Comptonia asplenifolia, the charming little Leio-
phyllum buxifolium, of neatest bushy form, and the
Ledum palustre, whose bruised leaves are of delightful
aromatic fragrance ; Vacciniutn pennsylvanicum, pretty
in leaf and flower and blazing scarlet in autumn, and
Gaultheria Shallon, a most important sub-shrub, revel-
ling in moist peat or any cool sandy soil.
These examples by no means exhaust the list of
desirable shrubs that may be found for the slightest
seeking. This brief recital of their names and
qualities is only meant as a reminder that all these
good things are close at hand, while many more are
only waiting to be asked for.
CHAPTER II
ORNAMENTAL PLANTING IN WOODLAND
WHERE woodland adjoins garden ground, and the
one passes into the other by an almost imperceptible
gradation, a desire is often felt to let the garden
influence penetrate some way into the wood by the
planting within the wood of some shrubs or trees
of distinctly ornamental character.
Such a desire very naturally arises it is wild
gardening with the things of larger growth ; but,
like all forms of wild gardening (which of all branches
of gardening is the most difficult to do rightly, and
needs the greatest amount of knowledge), the wishes
of the planter must be tempered with extreme pre-
caution and restraint. It does not do to plant in
the wild garden things of well-known garden charac-
ter. This is merely to spoil the wood, which, in
many cases, is already so good that any addition
would be a tasteless intrusion of something irrelevant
and unsuitable.
Still, there are certain wooded places where a
judicious planting would be a gain, and there are
a certain number of trees and shrubs which those
who have a fair knowledge of their ways, and a
true sympathy with the nature of woodland, recognise
as suitable for this kind of planting. They will be
ORNAMENTAL PLANTING 7
found in these classes : Native growths that are absent
or unusual in the district, such as the Spindle Tree
(Euonymus\ White Beam, Service Tree, White and
Black Thorn, Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry, Wild Guelder
Rose (Viburnum Opulus), and F. Lantana, Honeysuckle,
Wild Roses, Juniper, and Daphne Laureola.
Then, among cultivated trees and shrubs, those that
are nearly related to our wild kinds, including some
that are found in foreign woodlands that have about
the same latitude and climate as our own. Among
these will be Quinces and Medlars, many kinds of
ornamental Crataegus, Scarlet Oaks, various Elders
and Crabs, and the grand Pyrus americana, so like our
native Mountain Ash, but on a much larger scale.
A very careful planting with trees and shrubs of
some of these and, perhaps, other allied kinds, may
give additional beauty and interest to woodland.
Differences of soil will, of course, be carefully
considered, for if a piece of woodland were on
chalky soil, a, totally different selection should be
made from one that would be right for a soil that
was poor and sandy.
In moist, sandy, or, still better, peaty ground,
especially where there is a growth of Birches and
Scotch Firs, and not many other kinds of trees, a
plantation of Rhododendrons may have a fine effect.
But in this case it is better to use the common
R. ponticum only, as a mixture of differently coloured
kinds is sure to give a misplaced-garden look, or
an impression as if a bit of garden ground had
missed its way and got lost in the wood.
CHAPTER III
GROUPING OF TREES AND SHRUBS
IF this subject were considered with only a reason-
able amount of thought, and the practice of it con-
trolled by good taste, there is nothing that would
do more for the beauty of our gardens or grounds.
Nothing can so effectually destroy good effect as the
usual senseless mixture of deciduous and evergreen
shrubs that, alas ! is so commonly seen in gardens
a mixture of one each of a quantity of perhaps
excellent things planted about three feet apart. There
would be nothing to be said against this if it were the
deliberate intention of any individual, for, as a garden
is for the owner's happiness, it is indisputably his
right to take his pleasure in it as he will, and if he
says, " I have only space for a hundred plants, and I
wish them to be all different," that is for him to
decide. But when the mixture is made from pure
ignorance or helplessness it is then that advice may
be of use, and that the assurance may be given that
there are better ways that are just as easy at the
beginning, and that with every year will be growing
on towards some definite scheme of beauty, instead
of merely growing up into a foolish tangle of horti-
cultural imbecility.
If the intending planter has no knowledge it is
8
GROUPING OF TREES AND SHRUBS 9
well worth his while to take advice at the beginning,
not to plant at random and to feel, a few years later,
first doubt, and then regret, and then, as knowledge
grows, to have to face the fact that it is all wrong
and that much precious time has been lost.
How to group is a large question, depending on
all the conditions of the place under consideration.
Whether a group is to be of tall or short growing
shrubs or trees, whether it is to be of three or three
hundred, and so on. The knowledge that can answer
is the knowledge of gardening of the better kind.
The whole thing should be done carefully on paper
beforehand, or there will again be repented the error
of huddled single plants. The groups will have to
be well shaped and well sized and well related to
each other and all that is near, or they may be
merely a series of senseless blocks, not intelligently
formed groups at all.
Then, in proper relation to the groups, single
plants can be used with the best possible effect, as,
for instance, a snowy Mespilus or a Cherry or a
Pyrus floribunda against a dark massing of Yew or
Holly ; or a Forsythia suspensa casting out its long
flowering branches from among bushes of Berberis.
Then the fewer individuals will have their full value,
while the larger masses will have dignity even when
in leaf only, and their own special beauty at the time
when they are in flower or fruit. For some flower-
ing and fruiting bushes are best grouped, while a few
are best seen standing alone, and it is only knowledge
of good gardening that can guide the designer in his
io TREES AND SHRUBS
decisions on these points. Still it does not follow
that a shrub or flowering tree cannot be used both
for groups and single use, for such an one as the
Forsythia just mentioned is also of charming effect
in its own groups, with the red-tinted Berberis or the
quiet-coloured Savins, or whatever be the lower grow-
ing bushy mass that is chosen to accompany it.
Every one can see the great gain of such arrange-
ments when they are made, but to learn to make
them, and even to perceive what are the plants to
group together, and why, that is the outcome of the
education of the garden artist.
In the Royal Gardens, Kew, the best of plants
may be seen and, to a considerable degree, the best
ways of using them in gardens.
The one-thing-at-a-time planting is always a safe
guide, but as the planter gains a firmer grasp of his
subject, so he may exercise more freedom in its
application. Nearly every garden, shrubbery, and
ornamental tree plantation is spoilt or greatly marred
by too great a mixture of incongruous growths.
Nothing wants more careful consideration. On the
ground in the open air, and sitting at home quietly
thinking, the question should be carefully thought out.
The very worst thing to do is to take a nursery
catalogue and make out from it a list of supposed
wants. The right thing is to make a plan of the
ground, to scale, if possible, though a rougher one
may serve, and mark it all down in good time before-
hand, not to wait until the last moment and then
mark it ; and not to send the list to the nursery till
NATURAL GROUPING OF SHRUB IN ROUGH GROUND
GROUPING OF TREES AND SHRUBS n
the ground is well forward for planting, so that the
moment the plants come they may go to their
places.
All this planning and thinking should be done in
the summer, so that the list may go to the nursery
in September, which will enable the nurseryman to
supply the trees in the earliest and best of the plant-
ing season.
How good it would be to plant a whole hillside on
chalky soil with grand groupings of Yew or Box, or
with these intergrouped, and how easy afterwards to
run among these groupings of lesser shrubs ; or to
plant light land with Scotch Fir and Holly, Thorn
and Juniper (just these few things grouped and
intergrouped) ; or wastes of sandhills near the sea
within our milder shores with Sea Buckthorn and
Tamarisk, and Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macro-
carpa), and long drifts of the handsome Blue Lyme
Grass.
A mile of sandy littoral might be transformed with
these few things, and no others than its own wild
growths, into a region of delight, where noble tree
form of rapid growth, tender colour of plume-like
branch and bloom and brilliant berry, and waving
blue grassy ribbons, equalling in value any of the lesser
Bamboos, would show a lesson of simple planting
such as is most to be desired but is rarely to be
seen.
The other and commoner way is nothing but a
muddle from beginning to end. A van-load of
shrubs arrives from the nursery one of each or
12 TREES AND SHRUBS
perhaps not more than six of any kind. No plan is
prepared, and the trees and shrubs are planted in the
usual weary mixture, without thought or design.
Generally there are three times too many for the
space. It is a cruel waste and misuse of good
things.
CHAPTER IV
HEATHY PATHS IN OUTER GARDEN SPACES
THE subject of heathy paths comes within the scope
of this book. We are not thinking of grass or gravel
paths, but those in pleasure-grounds that are beyond
the province of the trimly-kept garden, and yet have
to be somewhat tamed from the mere narrow track
such as serves for the gamekeeper on his rounds.
Paths of this kind admit of varied treatment. The
nature of the place and the requirements of those
who use the paths will determine their general nature,'
and settle whether they are to be of turf or of some-
thing that must be dry in all weathers. But grass
and gravel are not the only alternatives. One kind
of path not often seen, but always pleasant, and at
one time of year distinctly beautiful, can be made of
the Common Heather (Calluna vulgaris). We know
of such a path, 12 feet wide and some hundreds of
feet long, carpeted with this native Heath, mown
once a year, and feeling like a thick pile carpet to
the feet ; grey-green in summer, bronze-coloured in
late autumn, and in the second and third weeks of
August thickly set with short sprays of the low-toned
pink of the Heather bloom. It is not so dry as a
gravel path, but a good deal drier than grass, and
13
i 4 TREES AND SHRUBS
has a pleasant feeling of elasticity that is absent in
common turf.
Many are the pleasure-grounds in the south of
England and Scotland where the soil is sandy and,
perhaps, peaty. Any such can have these pleasant
heathy paths. We have even seen them on a poor
sandy clay, scarcely good enough to call loam, in
Sussex ; for Calluna, unlike the other Heaths, will
grow willingly in clay. In the case quoted the plant
was wild in the place.
In a Fir wood, the bare earth carpeted with needles
always makes a suitable path, and one that is always
dry ; the only thing to correct is to fill up any places
where the bare roots rise above the path level. For
in these informal paths, where we want to look about
and at the trees, there should be no danger of being
tripped up. The path, of whatever nature, should be
wide enough for two persons 5 feet to 6 feet is
ample ; but it should have quite a different character
from the garden path, in that its edges are not defined
or straightened.
One may often see in the outskirts of an old
garden a dense wood that once was only a growth of
shrubbery size. The walk was originally bordered
by a Box edging, and there may have been a strip of
flowers between it and the shrubs. Here and there
one may still see a yard or two of straggling Box
nearly 2 feet high. Of course, this edging should
have been removed as soon as the place became a
wood, for after a certain time its original use as a
formal edging to a trim plantation ceased to exist.
SHRUB AND IRIS GROUPS BY WOODLAND
HEATHY PATHS 15
Nothing is pleasanter in woodland than broad,
grassy ways, well enough levelled to insure safety to
an unheeding walker. In early spring, before the
grass has grown any height, here is the place where
Daffodils can best be seen and enjoyed, some in the
clear grass and some running back in wide drifts into
any side opening of the wood. If the grass is cut in
June, when the Daffodil foliage is ripe, and again
early in September, these two mowings will suffice
for the year.
In many woody places where shade is fairly thick,
if there is any grass it will probably be full of moss.
No path-carpet is more beautiful than a mossy one ;
indeed, where grass walks from the garden pass into
woodland, the mossy character so sympathetic to the
wood should be treasured, and the moss should not
be scratched out with iron rakes. Often in the
lawn proper a mixture of moss and grass is desirable,
though one has been taught that all moss is hateful.
In such places, though it may be well to check
it by raking out every four or five years, it should
by no means be destroyed, for in the lawn spaces
adjoining trees or woodland the moss is right and
harmonious.
There are paths for the garden and paths for the
wood. A mistaken zeal that would insist on the
trimness of the straight-edged garden walk in wood-
land or wild is just as much misplaced as if by
slothful oversight an accumulation of dead leaves
or other debris of natural decay were permitted to
remain in the region of formal terrace or parterre.
1 6 TREES AND SHRUBS
Heath paths should be made by either planting
or sowing. The common ling (Calluna vulgaris)
makes the best turf. If the ground is sown it should
be of nearly pure sandy peat, or weeds would be
troublesome. If the path is to be made by planting,
it should be done with two-year-old seedlings
nothing larger planted about 6 inches apart. The
path when grown should be mown with a machine
once a year, in autumn after the blooming time of
the heath. There must be no grass.
CHAPTER V
TREES AND SHRUBS IN POOR SOILS
As there is vegetation to suit nearly all natural con-
ditions, so those who find they have to undertake
planting in poor, dry, hungry sands and gravels will
find that there are plenty of trees and shrubs that
can be used, though the choice is necessarily a more
restricted one than they might make on better land.
The very fact of the fewer number of available trees
and shrubs may even be a benefit in disguise, as by
obliging the planter to be more restricted in his
choice the planting scheme will be all the more
harmonious.
As to trees, Holly, Thorn, Juniper, Birch, Scotch
Fir, and Mountain Ash are found wild on the poorest
soils, and will even grow in almost pure sand. Oaks,
though they never grow to the dimensions of the
Oak of loamy woodlands, are abundant on poor soils,
where they have a character of their own that is full
of pictorial value. The lovely Amelanchier, daintiest
of small trees, revels in sandy woods, as does also
the Bird Cherry, another good native tree, while the
Wild Cherry becomes a forest tree of large size and
of loveliest bloom. Evergreen or Holm Oak and
Arbutus are excellent in the south of England, en-
joying the warmth and winter dryness of light soils.
1 8 TREES AND SHRUBS
Garden shrubs in general can be grown, though
not so luxuriantly as on better soils, but some classes
are especially successful on poor land such as Genista
virgata. There are the Cistuses and Heaths, with
Lavender and Rosemary, in the drier parts, and in
the wetter places Kalmias, Andromedas, Rhododendrons,
Ledums, Pernettyas, and Vacciniums, with the Candle-
berry Gale and the native Bog Myrtle, also Broom and
Gorse, especially the Double Gorse. These, which
are usually classed as peat shrubs, will succeed in
any sandy soil with the addition of leaf-mould, and
are among the most interesting and beautiful of our
garden shrubs.
Those who garden on poor and dry soils should
remember that though their ground has drawbacks
it has also some compensations. Such soils do not
dry in cracks and open fissures in hot weather, and
do not present a surface of soapy slides in wet ;
they can be worked at all times of the year, except
in hard frost ; they are easy to hoe and keep clean
of weeds and are pleasant and easy to work. They
correct the tendency of strong soils to the making
of a quantity of coarse rank growth, and they
encourage the production of a quantity of flowers
of good colour.
CHAPTER VI
PRUNING FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
THE art of pruning properly is one that is acquired
by considerable practice and observation. The first
is necessary that the actual work may be well and
cleanly done, and it is only by observing the manner
and times of flowering of the different trees and
shrubs which go to constitute a well-kept pleasure-
ground that the proper time to prune can be
thoroughly understood. The manner of pruning
varies considerably, some pinning their faith to a
slanting cut towards a bud ; some preferring a
straight cut ; while others again are content with
simply slashing off the useless wood in the quickest
possible manner. The former is the best method,
as it does not present a surface for the lodgment
of water, an important point with those shrubs that
are of a pithy nature in the centre of the wood, as
the presence of water will quickly cause the stems to
rot and render the plant unsightly, even if it escapes
serious injury. All stems that are an inch or more
in diameter should be tarred over to keep out the
wet, which either rots them directly or injures them
indirectly by making a moist, congenial home for the
various fungoid diseases to which so many of our
exotic trees and shrubs are liable.
20 TREES AND SHRUBS
Many shrubs which have been in one place for
some years, and which have become stunted or
poorly flowered, are often given a new lease of life
by a hard pruning in the winter, cutting away all
the old wood entirely, and shortening the remainder.
With a good feeding at the same time, they will
throw up strong young shoots, full of vigour, which
will bear fine and well-coloured flowers. Of course,
a season of blooming will be lost by doing this, but
it will be amply compensated for in after years by a
healthy plant in place of a decrepit and unsightly
one. The list appended includes practically every
flowering tree and shrub hardy in this country, with
the proper time of pruning it. Those not specified
flower on the old wood.
When shrubs that by nature flower freely and are
rightly placed with regard to soil and position refuse to
bloom, root pruning will sometimes effect an alteration.
ABELIA. This genus is barely hardy, and, in most
localities, is usually pruned sufficiently or too much
by frost. A moderate thinning of the shoots in
spring is sufficient.
ACANTHOPANAX. There are three species of this
genus hardy in this country, and of these A. ricini-
folium requires no pruning beyond the cutting away
of side-shoots to a single stem, as it attains the
dimensions of a tree in Japan, its native country.
A. sessiliflorum and A. spinosiim are low -growing
shrubs, and require an occasional thinning out, which
is best done in late summer to allow the remainder
to thoroughly ripen before winter.
CEANOTHUS AZUREUS, VAR. MARIE SIMON.
PRUNING FLOWERING TREES 21
ACTINIDIA. A climbing genus, easily grown in
warm, sheltered localities. They require very little
pruning, but should be watched in spring when
growth has commenced, or the twining shoots will
get into a tangled and unsightly mass. Any growth
not required should be cut away in winter.
^EscuLUS (Horse-Chestnut). The common re-
presentative of this requires little or no pruning, but
the other species are benefited by a thinning out of
misplaced and useless branches in late summer to
allow light and air to the centre of the tree. This
is especially important to all the ^Esculus in a young
state, ^sculus parviflora should have a good thin-
ning if the branches or suckers become at all thick,
cutting all growths not required clean away from the
base.
AKEBIA. "Akebia quinata has flowered here, on an
east wall, profusely for the last seventeen years, under
the following pruning treatment : Cover the space
allotted with the strongest shoots, and when new
growth pushes from the eyes or spurs in the spring,
do not regulate it, but summer-prune away all super-
fluous growth before it gets entangled. It is from
1 spurs ' that the flowers are produced, and the more
these are kept clear, the more matured they become,
and flower correspondingly." E. M. in The Garden.
AMELANCHIER. These should be pruned after the
flowers are past, the removal of badly-placed and
weakly shoots being all that is required. If the
plants are becoming too large, they can be shortened
back at the same time.
22 TREES AND SHRUBS
AMORPHA If flowers are desired of A. fruticosa
it should be kept thinned out, and not be cut back ;
but the flowers are not showy, and it is usually kept
cut down every winter for the sake of its foliage.
A. canescens should be cut down each spring to within
two or three eyes of the old wood, as it flowers best
on the young growth.
ANDROMEDA. The only recognised species of this
genus is A. polifoUa, which requires no pruning.
ARALIA. These should be kept to a single stem
until they have attained a height of 6 to 8 feet, after
which they may be allowed to branch, or be still kept
to a single stem, as may be desired.
ARBUTUS. An evergreen genus which requires no
pruning.
ARISTOLOCHIA. A genus of climbers which suc-
ceed best if the shoots are not allowed to become too
thick. The weakest should be cut away in winter.
ARTEMISIA. This genus is best known by its
common representative, the Southernwood, but this
and the other Artemisias should be cut down annually
in a young state. When older, an occasional thinning
out of the shoots in winter is sufficient.
BACCHARIS. Of this, B. halimifolia flowers on the
young wood and should be cut back annually, while
B. patagonica should not be pruned at all.
BERBERIS. Properly the Berberis requires no
pruning, but the stronger-growing species, such as
B. aristata, B. Lyctum, B. virescens, B. vulgaris, &c.,
require an occasional thinning to keep them within
bounds.
PRUNING FLOWERING TREES 23
BERCHEMIA. A climbing genus which requires no
pruning.
BRUCKENTHALIA. A dwarf - growing Ericaceous
genus, the seed-pods of which should be removed as
soon as the flowers are past, or the plants will be
seriously weakened.
BRYANTHUS. This should be treated the same as
the last, which it somewhat resembles.
BuDDLElA. Of these, B. variabilis, B. japonica, and
B. intermedia flower on the young wood and require
cutting back every winter to within two or three eyes
of the old wood ; B. globosa need not be pruned at
all, except in a young state to keep it bushy ; and
B. paniculata only requires thinning out if it becomes
too thick, which is not a very common occurrence.
CALLUNA (the Ling). This and its numerous
varieties should have the old flowers cut off as soon
as they are past, and any long or straggling growth
cut back at the same time.
CALOPHACA. The solitary representative of this
genus is rather inclined to become straggly if grow-
ing at all freely. When this is the case, the plant is
benefited by the cutting back of the longer shoots
in winter.
CALYCANTHUS. These require an occasional thin-
ning of the branches, and any long shoots may be
shortened with advantage.
CAMELLIA. These, which should be grown out-
doors much more than they are, should be cut down
if they get unhealthy or unshapely, which should be
done in April. Otherwise no pruning is required.
24 TREES AND SHRUBS
CARAGANA. Cut away all the straggling or mis-
placed branches.
CARMICHAELIA. Requires no pruning.
CASSANDRA. See CALLUNA.
CASSINIA. These are grown more for their foliage
than for their flowers, and should be cut down in the
winter or early spring. This can be done annually
or biennially according to whether the plants are
growing strongly or not.
CASSIOPE. See CALLUNA.
CATALPA. This genus contains some of our
handsomest flowering trees, all of which require
careful pruning after the flowers are past, thinning
out the weakly wood, and shortening any long
branches.
CEANOTHUS. Of these, C. americanus, C. azureus,
C. integerrimus, and the garden hybrids, such as
" Gloire de Versailles," Marie Simon," " Ceres,"
&c., flower on the young wood, and should be cut
back in spring, allowing only sufficient shoots to
remain to form a well-balanced plant, and shortening
them back to within two or three eyes of the old
wood. The remaining species flower on the old
wood, and merely require a shortening back of the
stronger shoots and a thinning out of the weakly
ones after the flowers are past. *f'
CELASTRUS. A climbing genCs of strong and
vigorous habit with showy fruits, f^tyfey only require
sufficient pruning in winter to keep them within
bounds.
CERCIS. Requires no pruning, except such as
PEARL BUSH (Uxochorda grundiflora) SHOWING ITS
NATURAL BEAUTY.
PRUNING FLOWERING TREES 25
may be necessary to make well-shaped plants, which
should be done after flowering.
CHIMONANTHUS. The shoots of this should be
shortened back after flowering, and if on a wall they
should be spurred in.
CHIONANTHUS. See CERCIS.
CHOISYA TERNATA. This only needs thinning after
the flowers are over and old wood removed.
CISTUS. Those which are hardy of this genus
should be cut back each spring while in a young
state, but when they have attained a flowering size no
pruning is required. The cutting back of young
plants induces a bushy habit, and also keeps
them from weakening themselves by blooming and
seeding.
CLEMATIS. The garden forms of this genus are
divided into two sections, of which C. Jackmani,
C. lanuginosa, C. Viticella, and C. aromatica (C. coerulea
odorata) are the types of those which flower on the
young wood, and which require cutting back close
to the old wood in the winter ; while C. florida,
C. patens, and C. montana are the types of those
which flower on the ripened wood of the previous
year, and merely require a thinning out of weakly or
unnecessary growth. Of species other than those
mentioned above, C. Flammula, C. paniculata, and
C. Vitalba flower on the young wood ; and the re-
maining species are either herbaceous or flower on
the old wood.
CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM. Thin in spring.
CLETHRA. These practically require no pruning,
26 TREES AND SHRUBS
but long shoots may be shortened and weakly ones
cut away with advantage.
COLUTEA. These make better plants and flower
later if they are cut back every winter. C. istria (a
rare species) should not be cut down if flowers are
desired.
CORNUS. The strong-growing shrubby Cornus,
such as C. alba, C. Amomum, C. Baileyi, C. pubescens,
and C. stolonifera require an annual thinning out, and
those with brightly-coloured stems should be cut
down every spring for their effect during the follow-
ing winter. The remaining Cornus require little or
no pruning.
COTONEASTER The large-growing species should
be pruned in late summer, but only sufficiently to
keep them within bounds ; C. Simonsii requires cut-
ting down annually while young to make it bushy,
and the dwarf-growing kinds are best left alone.
CRAT^GUS. Keep the heads well thinned out to
allow light and air to the centre of the tree. This
should be done in late summer.
CYTISUS. These require very little pruning, with
the exception of C. nigricans and C. capitatus, which
flower on the young wood, and should be cut back
annually. The other species and varieties make
better plants if they are cut down each year while in
a small state, but they should be left alone when
they have attained flowering size.
DABCECIA (the Irish Heath). Cut away all old
flower stems in early winter.
DAPHNE. Requires no pruning.
PRUNING FLOWERING TREES 27
DESMODIUM. These flower on the young wood,
and should be cut nearly to the ground-line every
spring.
DEUTZIA. The old wood should be kept cut out of
these, but no shortening of young shoots should be
attempted.
EL^EAGNUS These require an annual overhaul-
ing to keep them in good condition. This should be
done in late summer, when the plants should be well
thinned out, and all useless growth cut clean away.
ERICA. See CALLUNA.
ESCALLONIA. These are usually cut back by frost ;
but if they escape, E. rubra and E. punctata should
have their long growths shortened back in spring,
while the other hardy species need not be touched.
E. macrantha simply needs thinning. All the smaller
growths in the centre should be removed. E. philip-
piana does not like hard cutting back, but the old
stumps must be cut out to make room for flowering
wood.
EXOCHORDA. These usually require no pruning,
but if the plants are getting too large or unshapely,
they should be cut back immediately after flowering.
FATSIA (Aralia Sieboldii). This is usually cut by
frost, but it stands a cutting back in spring, when
new growth is soon made which will flower late in
the following autumn.
FOTHERGILLA Requires no pruning.
GARRYA ELLIPTICA. This always flowers on the
previous year's wood. Need only be thinned to
ripen the new growth.
28 TREES AND SHRUBS
GENISTA. G. linctoria flowers on the young wood,
and should be cut back every spring. The other
species of Genista should not be pruned, except to
keep them in shape.
HALESIA. These are small trees or large shrubs,
and should not be shortened back, but are improved
if the growths are kept thinned out, which should be
done after the flowers are past.
HALIMODENDRON. Requires no pruning.
HAMAMELIS. Thin out regularly, as they are very
apt to get thick and make weakly growths.
HEDYSARUM MULTIJUGUM. This flowers on the
young wood, and should be cut back lightly
each spring. The growths can also be pegged
down to improve the plant, which is apt to get
straggling.
HELIANTHEMUM. Cut away all dead flowers and
seed-pods after blooming.
HIBISCUS. Thin out in winter, but only shorten
the longest shoots.
HYDRANGEA. These flower best on young wood,
and should be cut down in winter. H. paniculata
grandiflora should always be cut back to within two
inches of the old wood.
HYPERICUM. These should be cut back fairly
hard in early spring, as they all flower on the
young growth.
INDIGOFERA. Cut down every spring, as they
flower on the young wood.
ITEA. Keep the growths thinned and cut away
all old wood.
PRUNING FLOWERING TREES 29
JAMESIA. This should be treated as the preceding.
JASMINUM. /. fruticans and J. humile are shrubs
which should be thinned regularly ; and /. nudiflorum
and J. ojficinale are climbers, which should be spurred
in after flowering.
KALMIA. Remove seed-pods as soon as the
flowers are past.
KERRIA. Cut away the old wood to encourage
the young growths, which yield the best flowers.
LABURNUM. These should be thinned after
flowering, cutting away the old or weakly wood,
and shortening any long or straggling shoots.
LAVANDULA. Cut away all flower-spikes after
they are past.
LEDUM. Remove seed-pods after flowering.
LESPEDEZA. See DESMODIUM, which it much
resembles.
LEUCOTHOE. L. axillaris and L. Catesbcei flower
much better if the old growths are removed and
strong young shoots encouraged. The rest of the
genus require no pruning.
LEYCESTERIA. Thin out old growths every spring.
LlGUSTRUM. Z,. ovalifolium and its golden variety
are all the better for being cut down each winter
while in a young state. The remainder merely
require an occasional thinning.
LiRiODENDRON. Requires no pruning.
LONICERA. The shrubby Loniceras are nearly
all inclined to become very thick and full of weakly
shoots if not well looked after. A thinning out
should take place after flowering is past. The
3 o TREES AND SHRUBS
climbing Honeysuckles should only be pruned suffi-
ciently to keep them within bounds.
LYCIUM. These should be served the same as the
shrubby Loniceras, but the operation should be per-
formed in autumn or winter, as they flower practi-
cally all the summer.
LYONIA. Requires no pruning.
MAGNOLIA. Generally speaking, the Magnolias
should not be pruned, but cut away useless or
decaying wood. Every wound, however small, on
a Magnolia should be tarred over immediately.
MlCROGLOSSA. The solitary shrubby representa-
tive of this is M. albescensy which should be cut down
in winter, as it flowers best on the young wood.
MYRICA. An occasional thinning is sufficient for
this genus.
MYRICARIA. Flowering on the young wood ; this
should be cut back every spring.
NEILLIA. Thin out every year after flowering is
past, cutting back the old wood to strong young shoots.
NEVIUSIA. This requires the same pruning as
Neillia.
NOTOSPARTIUM. Requires no pruning.
NUTTALLIA. The single species of this flowers in
February, and is improved by a good thinning out of
the old wood when blooming is past.
OLEARIA. Requires no pruning.
ONONIS. O. rotundifolia should be cut down every
winter, as it flowers on the young wood. The re-
maining species flower on the older wood, and need
not be touched.
PRUNING FLOWERING TREES 31
OSMANTHUS. These should not be pruned unless
a particular shape is desired, when the plants may be
clipped with a pair of shears in spring.
OXYCOCCUS. This is a small creeping genus allied
to Vaccinium, and requires no pruning.
OXYDENDRON. Remove seed-pods.
PALIURUS. This attains the dimensions of a small
tree, and should be kept trimmed up for that
purpose.
PARROTIA. Thin out in spring after the flowers
are past.
PAULOWNIA. Keep to a single stem to a height of
about 8 feet, and then allow it to branch. If used
for sub-tropical bedding, it should be cut down to the
ground every winter.
PERAPHYLLUM. The solitary hardy species of this
should not be pruned or disturbed in any way if it
can be avoided.
PERIPLOCA. A climbing genus which should be
thinned out in winter, and only shortened back if
necessary.
PERNETTYA. These should not be pruned at any
time.
PHILADELPHIA. These should be thinned after
flowering, and the old wood cut back to strong
young shoots. This is especially important with
P. microphyllus, P. coronarius, and P. Lemoinei and its
varieties.
PHILLYR^A DECORA (Vilmoriniana). This well-
known shrub needs no pruning.
PHOTINIA. Requires no pruning.
32 TREES AND SHRUBS
PIERIS. Remove seed-pods.
POTENTILLA. Thin out after flowering, and shorten
any old wood back to strong young breaks.
PRUNUS. When young, all the members of this
genus that are grafted or budded are improved by
being cut back each spring until they have attained
a fair size and shape. More especially is this the
case with the Almonds, double-flowered Peaches, and
the various flowering Cherries. When older, they
need only be thinned and the flowering Plums and
Cherries kept spurred in, but not too hard. Prunus
japom'ca, P. nana, and P. triloba should be cut down
to strong young breaks after flowering, the resulting
wood bearing better flowers than the old wood. If
any of these three latter are grown on a wall they
should be spurred back hard after blooming.
PTELEA. When young, trim these to form small
trees, and do not allow them to develop into ungainly
bushes. When older, they require an occasional
thinning. P. trifoliata var. aurea, a golden form
which is not grown so much as it deserves to be,
should be cut back annually or biennially, the young
wood being better coloured and bearing larger leaves
than the old.
PYRUS. The wild Pears should be spurred in the
same manner as adopted for fruiting Pears, though
not quite so hard. The wild Crab-apples, such as
P. baccatdy P. floribunda, P. spectabilis, &c., should be
cut back every spring until they have formed well-
balanced heads. Afterwards an annual thinning and
a shortening of the longest shoots after flowering is
PRUNING FLOWERING TREES 33
sufficient. The remaining sections of Pyrus merely
require an occasional thinning. P. japonica should
be kept spurred in, whether growing on a wall or in
the open, and in the latter case should not be allowed
to become a mass of weakly shoots.
RHAMNUS. These should be thinned out if be-
coming too thick, but, as a rule, they require very
little pruning.
RHODODENDRON (including AZALEA). Remove all
seed-pods immediately the flowers are over, and any
plants that are in a sickly condition should be cut
down at the same time. By doing this a season or
two of flower is lost, but it is practically the only
means of bringing a weakly plant back to health
again.
RHODOTYPUS. Cut away old wood, and encourage
the strongest of the young growths.
RHUS. Keep these well thinned out, and destroy
all suckers that appear, unless wanted for stocks.
Gloves should always be worn when handling any
of the Rhus, as the sap of all is poisonous to a certain
extent. R. Toxicodendron is very poisonous. This should
never be forgotten. If used for subtropical gardens
cut down to within two eyes of the base. Select the
strongest eye and rub the other off. Always use
gloves in handling this shrub. It should never be
planted where children have access to it.
RIBES. All the Ribes are improved by being cut
down annually while in a young state, but when
older, a yearly thinning out of the old wood is
sufficient.
c
34 TREES AND SHRUBS
ROBINIA. This is a genus that requires very little
pruning when the members of it have attained a
fair size, an occasional thinning being all that is
necessary. In a young state they require well
staking, and the longest shoots should be shortened
back, as many of them are top-heavy when young.
ROSA. Although the various garden Roses come
under this heading, yet they are a class apart, and
are better dealt with by specialists. The species
of Rosa do not require any shortening of their
shoots, which should always be left at full length,
but all of them should have an annual thinning out
of the old wood, either cutting it right away or
back to a young shoot. Some of the species are
very prone to throw up suckers from underground
sometimes to a considerable distance from the plant,
and these should always be dug out and got rid of ;
merely cutting them off only producing two evils in
the place of one.
RUBUS. This genus includes the Blackberry and
Raspberry, and in a modified form the treatment
accorded to them for fruiting is the best to employ
with the ornamental Rubi, that is, all old wood that
has flowered should be cut away and strong young
canes encouraged. But while in the cultivation of
the Raspberry only a few young canes are allowed
to grow, in the ornamental species practically every
young growth should be utilised. The double-
flowered Rubi should have some of the old wood
left, as they do not make so much young growth
as the single ones do.
PRUNING FLOWERING TREES 35
SANTOLINA. This is a dwarf-growing genus, the
old flower-heads of which should be cut away as
soon as they are past, and any long or straggling
growths cut back at the same time.
SAMBUCUS. The elders require very little pruning
as a rule, but the various cut-leaved, golden, or
variegated forms are improved by being cut back
annually. This will prevent them flowering, but
as good foliage is required the loss of the bloom
is a matter of little consequence.
SKIMMIA. Requires no pruning.
SMILAX. The hardy species of this genus do not
require any pruning if they have room to ramble.
If space is restricted, thin out and shorten in autumn.
SOPHORA. These should be kept thinned when
they have attained flowering size ; in a young state
they should be kept to a single stem and induced
to form well-shaped trees.
SPARTIUM. This should be cut back in a small
state, but when older it requires no pruning
whatever.
SPIRAEA. Though all the Spiraeas will flower on
the old wood, the following are better for being cut
back in winter to form young flowering shoots,
viz., S. betulifolia, S. Douglasi, S. Foxti, S. japom'ca,
S. Margarita, S. salicifolia y S. semperflorens, S. tomentosa,
and many of their varieties and hybrids. The
remaining Spiraeas should be kept thinned out, and
if any are making strong young breaks from the
lower part of the plant they can be cut back to
them after flowering.
36 TREES AND SHRUBS
STRACHYURUS. This should be thinned out after
flowering.
STAPHYLEA. 5. pinnata should be kept thinned in
late summer ; S. colchica and S. Coulombieri require
very little pruning, but if too tall or unshapely
should be cut back immediately after flowering.
STUARTIA )
STYRAX } Reqo pruning.
SILEDA. Cut back occasionally to keep it from
getting ragged.
SYMPHORICARPUS. Keep these well thinned out,
which should be done in late summer.
SYRINGA (Lilac). These should be kept free of
suckers, especially the finer-named kinds, which are
usually worked on stocks of the Common Lilac.
In addition, disbudding may be practised with ad-
vantage in the spring, removing the majority of the
blind shoots and any flowering or leading shoots that
are misplaced or not required. This should be done
twice or thrice at intervals of ten days or a fortnight.
TAMARIX. Cut back in a young state, but when
older they should not be pruned at all.
VACCINIUM. The removal of any old or rough
wood is sufficient for these.
VIBURNUM. All the Viburnums grow thickly, and
require an annual thinning.
VITIS. The methods practised in growing Vines
for fruit suits the ornamental species as well. If
space is restricted they should be grown on the
spur system, and if there is plenty of room then
the extension system may be employed.
PRUNING FLOWERING TREES 37
WISTARIA. These should be kept spurred in,
with the exception of the leading shoots, which
merely require a shortening in early spring accord-
ing to the strength of the plant.
XANTHOCERAS. Requires no pruning.
ZENOBIA. These require no pruning as a rule,
but occasionally a hard cutting back will induce
healthy growth in place of a weakly one.
THINNING. It will be gathered from these notes
that thinning out only is needful in many cases.
If judicious thinning were more practised English
gardens would be more beautiful. It promotes
internal growth and a wealth of flowers.
Pruning is frequently carelessly and ignorantly
done, and this applies especially to forest trees.
There are certain tools that may be used for the
purpose. Under ordinary circumstances only a few
are necessary, and these should always be of the best
quality, sharp, clean, and always kept ready for use.
Take the pruning knife for example. If this is not
sharp it is impossible to make the necessary clean
cut. The surface will be jagged and rough, and
probably promote disease. Some prefer secateurs,
and while admitting their value for pruning pur-
poses, a good sharp knife is preferable ; it is not
so heavy, and does not tire the hand. There are
several of these implements in the market, but the
best that has come under my notice is the tl improved
double cutting " ; it is easy to work and cuts clean.
For standard trees use the " Standard Tree Primer."
CHAPTER VII
PROPAGATION OF HARDY TREES
AND SHRUBS
IF we were to take many books about trees and
shrubs or general gardening as a guide, one might
be led to think that only one way of increasing a
tree or shrub existed, and that by grafting ; but, as
we have pointed out elsewhere, it is a mischievous
practice when indiscriminately applied. It is not con-
tended by this that grafting and budding are utterly
needless, as in many instances these methods may
be rightly adopted, but the four natural ways of
increase are by layers, seeds, suckers, and cuttings.
Many trees and shrubs are much better when grafted
upon other stocks.
Of these, practise seed-raising whenever possible ;
but if seeds cannot be procured, then adopt other
ways, and the man is wise who tries to keep a plant
on its own roots. Neither budding nor grafting
should be resorted to, unless other means fail ab-
solutely. When standard trees cannot be got true
from seed, budding or grafting must be practised,
and the evils of these methods of propagation are
not so pronounced in such cases as with dwarf
plants. With the former, suckers, or growths from
the stock, are easily seen as soon as they appear, but
38
PROPAGATION OF HARDY TREES 39
with dwarf plants a perfect forest of suckers may
seriously weaken the plant before they are noticed.
SEEDS. These can be sown at almost any time,
but the spring is the best, as those which germinate
quickly have time to form strong young plants before
the following winter. Some take two years to come
up, and should be left in the ground. This refers
more to seeds sown outdoors, and few hardy trees
and shrubs require heat to assist germination. When
sown in the open the beds should be made on a
fairly rich, moist piece of ground, protected from
cold winds, but fully exposed to the sun. After the
seeds are sown, cover them with light tiffany shading,
fir branches, or heather, but the first is best, as it
is easily removed to attend to the bed. Conifers
especially should be sown in beds, whether indoors
or outdoors, as pot-culture results in the roots taking
the shape of the pot, and never afterwards recovering
from their cramped condition. It must be remem-
bered, however, that varieties cannot be depended
upon to come true from seed, though by careful
selection for a few years many varieties will almost
reproduce the characteristics of the parents. Hy-
brids, such as Berberis slenophylla, Hypericum moseri-
anum, and many others, also do not come true from
seed, so that cuttings, layers, or division of the old
plants, must be the practice chosen.
SUCKERS. Plants which throw up suckers from
the base, or below the ground-line, are easily pro-
pagated by detaching these suckers in winter with
a portion of root. They will grow away readily,
40 TREES AND SHRUBS
and soon form good trees or shrubs as the case
may be.
CUTTINGS. Nearly all the hardy shrubs, and a
small proportion of hardy trees also, can be pro-
pagated by cuttings taken at certain times of the
year. Summer cuttings are taken during the last
two weeks of May and throughout June, the actual
time depending on the season, and consist of the
young shoots that have grown to a length of 3 to
6 inches. These should be pulled off with a " heel,"
and inserted in sandy soil in a close frame, with
brisk bottom heat. The cuttings should be taken on
a dull day, or early in the morning, and kept cool
and moist until they are in the frame. A cutting
that has flagged is useless, as it never revives. De-
ciduous flowering shrubs are usually propagated by
summer cuttings, which generally root well in a
fortnight or less. Autumn cuttings are taken during
August and September, and are made from the
partially ripened growths of the current year, in-
serted in sandy soil, in a close frame, without bottom
heat. Winter cuttings are made from thoroughly
ripened wood at any time between October and
March, and are laid in rather thickly in rows out-
doors, and only about an inch or less is left above
the soil. The majority of our best flowering shrubs
are easily increased in this way.
LAYERS. Excellent trees and shrubs can be got
by layers, and they may be laid down at any time
of the year ; they will be ready for removal in about
eighteen months or two years.
PROPAGATION OF HARDY TREES 41
BUDDING. This is done about August, and the
same rules apply to trees and shrubs as to Roses, &c.
GRAFTING. This takes place outdoors from March
to May, at the earlier time for deciduous trees and
shrubs, and later on for evergreens. The actual
time depends upon the season.
Where seed is not expressly mentioned below, it
must be understood that this is the natural, and in
many cases the best, way to propagate.
The following trees can only be raised from seed
to do any good afterwards, though a few of them
will throw up suckers, which can be taken off and
replanted : ^Esculus (Chestnut), Ailantus, Alnus
(Alder), Arbutus, Betula (Birch), Carpinus (Hornbeam),
Carya (Hickory), Castanea (Sweet Chestnut), Celtis
(Nettle tree), Fagus (Beech), Fraxinus (Ash), Glediis-
chia (Honey Locust), Juglans (Walnut), Laburnum,
Liquidambar, Morus (Mulberry), Primus, Pyrus, Quercus
(Oak), Sophora, Ulmus (Elm), and Zelkova. The varie-
ties of any species of the above, and, in fact, of nearly
all hardy trees, must be budded or grafted on the
species they are forms of, but an exotic species
should never be worked on the native representa-
tive of the genus e.g. ^Esculus flava should not be
budded on the Common Horse Chestnut, as the
latter is far too strong a stock for the smaller-growing
^Esculus.
Acer (Maple) and Tilia (Lime or Linden) can be
raised from seeds or by layering, the Lime especially
being largely propagated from layers, which soon
form strong young trees. The varieties of Maple
42 TREES AND SHRUBS
are best worked on stocks of the species they
belong to.
Cralcegus (Thorn), Catalpa, and Robinia (Locust
tree), can be raised from suckers or root-cuttings,
if seeds cannot be got. Any of their varieties are
usually budded or grafted on stocks of the parent
species.
Ilex (Holly), Magnolia, Populus (Poplar), Platanus
(Plane), and Salix (Willow). The Holly is easily
raised from cuttings and layers, the second roots
readily when layered, and the latter three are pro-
pagated in large quantities by winter cuttings. The
White Poplar (Populus alba) is an exception, as this
can only be increased by root-cuttings.
INCREASING HARDY SHRUBS
The best of our hardy flowering shrubs are grouped
under seven natural orders, and a knowledge of the
order to which a plant belongs is in most cases a guide
to its propagation, as the majority of the species con-
tained in an order are, as a rule, increased by the
same methods.
BERBERIDE^E. This contains Akebia and Berberis,
which are propagated by seeds, cuttings, or layers.
Herberts stenophylla and B. Neuberti do not come true
from seed, so that one or both of the other methods
mentioned above must be adopted.
LEGUMINOS^:. In this order such genera as
Cytisus (Broom), Genista (Rock Broom), Spartium
(Spanish Broom), Ononis, Indigo/era, Colutea (Bladder
PROPAGATION OF HARDY TREES 43
Senna), Caragana (Siberian Pea tree), and Cercis (Judas
tree) should be raised from seed, which is the quickest
and best method of propagation. Cuttings of certain
forms of Cytisus and Genista will root readily, but
the plants will sometimes die off just as they have
attained flowering size. Ulex (Furze, Whin, or Gorse)
is propagated by seeds or cuttings, and Wistarias by
seeds or by layering.
ROSACES. This includes Prunus, the shrubby
forms of which can, in the majority of cases, be
increased by cuttings or layers ; Spircea and Kerria
(Jews' Mallow), cuttings of which root readily at
almost any time of the year ; Exochorda (Pearl Bush),
must be raised from seed to do any good ; Rubus
(Brambles), some of which can be propagated by
suckers, and the remainder by pegging the points
of the shoots down to form young plants ; Rosa
(Rose), the species of which should be increased by
seeds, cuttings, or layers, though seeds will not
always come true, as Roses become hybridised very
readily ; and Cotoneaster, which are increased by
seeds, cuttings, or layers.
SAXIFRAGES. In this order Hydrangea, Deutzia,
Philadelphus (Mock Orange), Escatloma, and Ribes
(Flowering Currant) are included. All are easily
propagated by cuttings taken in almost any season
of the year. With the exception of Hydrangea,
which should be struck under glass, all the mem-
bers of this order root readily outdoors in the
winter.
CAPRIFOLIACES. This order contains such genera
44 TREES AND SHRUBS
as Sambucus (Elder), Viburnum, Lonicera (Honey-
suckle), Symphoricarpus (Snowberry tree), Abetia,
Leycesteria, and Diervilla (Weigela). All are easily pro-
pagated by cuttings or by layering. The cuttings can
be taken at almost any time of the year, and root
quickly, the young plants attaining a good size by
the end of the second year.
ERICACEAE. This order includes all the so-called
American plants, such as Pernettya, Gaultheria, Leu-
cothoe, Andromeda, Pieris, Zenobia, Erica (Heath),
Calluna (Common Heather, Ling), Kalmia, Ledum,
Clethra, and Rhododendron (including Azalea]. These
can all be increased by seeds, layering, and, in
addition, the first two by division of the old plants.
Erica and Calluna can also be increased by cuttings.
Seedlings, of course, make the best plants, but layer-
ing is a quicker method, and, in the case of some
of the smaller Ericaceae, one of the easiest. All the
Rhododendrons will not root from cuttings, though
some of the small-flowered ones strike easily, but
practically all may be increased from layers. A few
of the showy garden forms cannot be raised from
layers, and have to be grafted on stocks of the
common R. ponticum or R. catawbiense.
OLEACE^E. This includes both deciduous flowering
shrubs and ornamental evergreens, such as Syringa
(Lilac), Chionanthus (Fringe tree), Jasminum (Jasmine),
Forsythia, Ligustrum (Privet), Phillyrcea (P. decora (yil-
moriniana) is so easily raised from seeds or cuttings
that it is foolish to graft it on the common privet), and
Osmanthus being represented. The first two are best
PROPAGATION OF HARDY TREES 45
propagated by seeds or layers, though the named
garden Lilac is usually grafted on stocks of the
common 5. vulgaris, a silly practice. It is a pitiful
business keeping down suckers from grafted plants.
Ask for Lilacs on their own roots, and much vexa-
tion will be saved. A garden should be a place of
rest and pleasure, not a hunting-ground for suckers.
The other genera are readily raised by cuttings taken
at almost any time of the year, or by layering.
Although the above orders include a considerable
number of our best shrubs, several plants must be
specially mentioned. The Clematis is increased by
seeds, cuttings, or layers in the case of the species,
but unfortunately the garden forms are usually
grafted on C. Viticella or C. Flammula, whereas many
can be propagated by cuttings, and practically all
will root when layered.
In the absence of seeds the following genera must
be propagated by layers, viz., Aucuba, Chimonanthus
(Winter Sweet), Halesia (Snowdrop tree), Hamamelis
(Witch Hazel), Hippophae (Sea Buckthorn), and
Myrica (Candleberry Myrtle). Cuttings of the first
will root readily enough, but never seem to succeed
afterwards. The female form of Hippophae is best
raised from layers, as seedlings usually give a
large percentage of male plants. Aralia and Rhus
(Sumach) are increased by seeds or root-cuttings ;
Buddleia japonica is best raised from seeds, and the
other Buddleias from cuttings ; and practically all
other hardy shrubs that have not been specially
mentioned are easily propagated by seeds, cuttings,
46 TREES AND SHRUBS
or layers, and the majority of them by all three
methods.
If it is impossible to increase a tree or shrub by
any other means than by the three methods men-
tioned, then resort to budding or grafting.
TULIP TREE AT RANELAGH (Winter).
WINTER BEAUTY OF LIME.
CHAPTER VIII
A WINTER GARDEN OF TREES AND SHRUBS
THE budding spring, the ripening summer, the out-
poured riches of harvest, appeal to all, physically
if not spiritually. But to hundreds of people a
winter landscape is dreary beyond expression. They
never dream of going into a garden during the dark
months ; to them its silent lessons are but a dead-
letter, nor would they ever wake to the beauty of
bare boughs nor pause to note the strange glow of
withered Fern fronds in the grey gloom of a foggy
day. We are not wholly free from blame in this
matter in so far as our gardens are concerned, for
spring and summer and autumn all have their share
in the garden plan, while winter, too often, stands
apart uncared for and unclothed. Yet how much
may be done by the right grouping of beautiful trees
and shrubs to make the winter garden harmonious
and inviting.
"You see, it takes a deal of insight to know
what's a-going to be," was a remark, half-apologetic,
half-regretful, often made by an old gardener of a
school now gone by, when matters horticultural
went somewhat athwart of his calculations. The
words recur to mind as containing a germ of truth
beyond the meaning of the speaker. It has been
47
48 TREES AND SHRUBS
well said with regard to deeper matters that fore-
sight must spring from insight, and it may be taken
also as a foundation principle of good gardening.
For just in proportion as we use our faculties of
insight and foresight will our gardens grow, more
or less, into a perfect expression of our sense of the
ever-changeful, never-ending beauty of Nature.
It must be no cursory glance given to get rid of
an unwelcome duty. We must look deep into the
meaning of things as they are a meaning which
never lies wholly on the surface before we can
forecast them as they are going to be, and such
insight rarely comes by intuition. The seeing eye
is given only to a few, though with some it is
but sleep-holden and needs no more than to be
awakened.
The things that are and the things that are to
be. Let us take the thought as company and try
to glean some of Nature's own lessons of fitness.
How instinctively we seek, for a winter ramble,
the shelter of the woodland copse, which is not far
distant from any English country habitation. The
broad grass drive is hoar with frosty rime in the
shadow of the bushes and crisp under foot. Under
the trees the ground on either side is carpeted
with Ivy. The lithe, trailing stems, wreathed with
their shining, taper-fingered leaves, so exquisitely
pencilled, are cushioned on the soft, feathery moss,
or twine in and out amongst the Hazel stocks, or
creep at will up the nearest tree trunk. One can
scarcely look at Ivy on a winter's day without a
A WINTER GARDEN OF TREES 49
thrill of admiration, especially this woodland sort,
for, mark it well, Nature never encourages the
coarse-leaved Ivy of common cultivation within her
domains. How perfect in its grace is this fine-
leaved Ivy, how utterly content with its surroundings,
how resolutely cheerful, be the circumstances of
weather or situation what they may ! Clinging lowly
to the ground or mounting to the topmost branch
of some tall Pine, it is equally at home, and why
should we not agree with that good naturalist, Charles
Waterton, in his assertion that forest tree was never
injured by its clasping stems ? An English plant
for our English climate, it may be used to make
beautiful an unsightly building, to clothe a decay-
ing tree stump, as bush or border or mantle, in
a hundred different ways, yet it is never out of
character, and never touches a jarring note.
Then those tall Hollies, see how dauntlessly they
stand up above the under-growth of Hazel. How
living and warm, in their ruddy glow, are the cluster-
ing berries in the glint of the fearless leaves. For
expedience sake, their lower branches have been
trimmed away, and greatly we gain by it, for other-
wise that lovely contrast of their ashen-grey stems
would be hidden from our eyes ; but over yonder
a fine old Holly tree stands alone, which axe and
knife have left untouched, and how graceful is the
curven sweep of its feathering boughs. No foreign
evergreen can excel it for symmetry of form or
winter garniture of leaf and fruit. Life is astir, too,
in the brown twigs of the Hazel bushes. The infant
D
50 TREES AND SHRUBS
year is not more than a week or two old, yet already
the tasselled catkins are swinging in the lightest
rustle of the sighing wind, and begin to lift up their
tiers of small woolly cowls to set free the yellow
pollen-dust. And so we may go on our way, and,
at every turn, some rugged Yew, or clump of
red-stemmed Scotch Fir, or tapering Spruce with
hanging russet cones, will stay our steps, and if we
look and listen, they will tell us in their own way
the story of their perfect fitness for our homely
English landscape. Or, if we chance to be in one
of the chalky districts of the South Downs, we may
come upon Box, the ever young, as it was called of
yore, or Juniper, in its bloom of silver grey, as
precious as any, to add to the tale of our best native
evergreens.
Now it is to a wise choice of evergreens and to
their rightful placing that we must look for the
basis of our content in the winter garden. The
insight of our forefathers foresaw the solid comfort
of the rampart of Yew which was fostered of old
in many a manor-house garden. It caused them
to fence about their dwellings on north and east
with a belt of sturdy timber trees, to meet and ward
off in their pliant strength the roughest winter gales.
It planned the sheltered nut-walk and the pleached
alley and the cosy settle, carved out of the thick
Box bushes, on the grassy verge of the bowling-
green. They took of the materials at hand, and
many have since their day blessed the fore-
sight which planted, not only for themselves, but
A WINTER GARDEN OF TREES 51
for their children's children. That they were not
blind to the rare beauty of foreign trees many a
magnificent Cedar of Lebanon and massive Holm
Oak or deciduous tree like the fine Tulip trees at
Mackery End, beloved of Charles Lamb bear noble
testimony to this hour.
Nothing, perhaps, in the wide range of garden
beauty is more pictorial than an ancient Cedar,
dusky and glaucous, with cavernous shadows, holding
upright the smooth, pale-brown, rounded cones on
its flattened branches, or some grand Silver Fir
standing alone in its solemn symmetrical beauty, or
even, as may now and then be seen, though rarely,
some stately Araucaria, wind-sheltered, whose radiat-
ing branches sweep down upon the greensward.
Others there are, no less pictorial perhaps, nor even
less exacting, for none can do without the shelter
of a good position, such as the Stone Pines, with
corrugated trunk and green spreading head ; or
again, the graceful fragrant Cypress (C. lawsoniana)
of more recent date, with its slender pyramidal
growth and drooping feathery branches, taking on
at the close of winter the ruby-red of the catkins
which tell of the coming of the small, bloom-
powdered cones.
The desperate hurry, the incessant crowding out
of the times in which we live, give little encourage-
ment to the sentiment of planting for posterity, yet
some such planting is continually being done. This
much must be said, that the last fifty years have
seen the introduction of numberless fine trees and
52 TREES AND SHRUBS
shrubs, the fitness of which for our climate time
alone could test. During that period in England,
the Mammoth tree of the Yosemite Valley (Sequoia
gigantea) has been planted in its thousands, and
by irony of fate, the giant not seldom finds itself
cramped within the limits of a half-acre plot. But
leaving out the question of space, it is a tree
utterly unsuited to our northern climate, unless
under exceptional circumstances, as its scorched
and fretted branches on the windward side suffi-
ciently prove ; while in itself it is not nearly so
grand or suggestive as its near-of-kin, the beautiful
Californian Redwood (S. sempervirens).
Ah ! that burning question of space, how it comes
between us and our highest garden aspirations !
Have we not all seen the Deodar or the Araucaria
trying to exist in a narrow, twelve-foot forecourt, and
smiled, if we have not rather been ready to weep,
over the crass absurdity of its position ? But such
mistakes are made every day. Let us think, then,
before we plant, of the things that are going to be,
and take prudent counsel with ourselves.
Our garden resources, nowadays, are beyond all
calculation greater than those of our forefathers,
and we rejoice and are glad because of it ; but we
should let nothing oust from our affections the
hardy trees and shrubs, native and naturalised, that
are at home in our climate, beautiful in themselves
and invaluable in their fitness to give shelter to the
more fastidious immigrants from other latitudes.
Shelter, in fact, is as the keynote to the winter
A WINTER GARDEN OF TREES 53
garden. Beauty is killed when leaves that should
be green and smiling are bruised and brown, when
boughs that should be perfect in grace and curve
are twisted and tortured. We may be very sure,
too, that such symptoms of discomfort in our
gardens will re-act in disquiet on ourselves, whereas
the mere sight of tree or bush standing firm in its
green bravery through storm and stress tends, it
may be unawares, to brace and uplift. Even the
familiar Laurel, good as it is when suitably placed,
and used not too freely, is constantly scathed and
disfigured in damp or low-lying localities. For the
same reason, it is doubtful whether Rhododendrons
should be planted within range of our windows.
Most of them, in severe weather, frightened before
they are hurt, put on a melancholy air and droop
of leaf which is apt to send a shiver through any
shrinking mortal whose vitality is already low
enough.
The bare boughs of winter, on the contrary, are
never depressing. They sleep, but it is not the
sleep of death ; they rest, but while they are resting,
we feel that the mystery of life silently works out the
fulfilment of the promise of re-awakening. Mean-
while, before the veil of leafage hides so much else
that is beautiful from our eyes, we see the things
that are, tree trunks in all their majesty of girth and
column and fencing bark, the net-work of budding
spray, each after its kind distinct, yet each in its
own form perfect. Even in mid-winter, the brown
gummy buds of the Horse Chestnuts begin to swell
54 TREES AND SHRUBS
at the ends of the swaying boughs, and the Ash-
buds, as they make ready to burst their bonds, put
on a deeper hue.
The Beeches keep their silken green tight shut
within their scale-bound points, and will not let it
unfold an hour too soon ; but look at the lovely
colouring, now silvern, now golden green, of the
Lichen-stains on the smooth grey bark. Contrast
it with the deeply-chiselled ribs of the Sweet Chest-
nut, the rugged armour-plates of the Oak, the thin
white tissue of the dainty Silver Birch. It is this
diversity, these contrasts, which make up the charm
of winter, while the sombre green of Fir and
Yew intermingling with the leafless trees gives just
the touch of warmth and comfort which winter
lacks. If any of these bless our gardens with their
gracious presence, let us hesitate long before any
trivial inconvenience tempts us into doing away
with them. A single group of Silver Birches, one
spreading Beech, a clump of Scotch Fir, with a
stretch of grass beneath them, is more precious to
look out upon in the winter garden than all the
borders and rockeries that can be devised. Urge
as we may, however, for their own sake, the fitness
and constant delight of our native trees and ever-
green shrubs, we plead for them, no less, because
by their well-advised use our sheltered gardens may
become congenial abiding-places for the strangers
we may invite within our gates.
Do we profit as much as we might by the wealth
of garden beauty, in the way of trees and shrubs,
A WINTER GARDEN OF TREES 55
which for every intent and purpose lies within our
reach ?
Take Magnolias, for example. They are not sub-
tropical trees, as we are apt to think, but fairly
hardy, and the Laurel Magnolia, so well known as
a beautiful covering for a south wall, is seldom
enough seen in standard form. Yet it is one of the
most stately of evergreen trees, and it would be hard
to find one more worthy of a good position, sheltered
from north and easterly winds. The whole outline
of the tree is noble, with its broad, shining, russet-
backed leaves, a delight to look upon in winter nor
is it shy, when full-grown, of bearing in late summer
its scented ivory-white lily-cups. It is too much,
however, to expect the lovely-sculptured, crimson-
flushed cones, which in warmer climates than ours
open about November to disclose their hanging
scarlet seeds. Some of the deciduous Magnolias,
too, such as the fine Chinese Yulan (M. conspicud)
and the bushy white-flowered Japanese species (M.
siellata), are full of interest, even while lifeless. All
through the winter we may watch the gradual filling
out of the hairy, conical flower-bracts, until at length,
in very early spring, the impatient buds can contain
themselves no longer, and all too soon, sometimes,
push them off altogether that they may creep out
of their prison bands.
Every one has his private calendar, and reckons
the seasons by a computation of his own, but we
may safely say that four long months, if no more,
separate the falling of the leaf from its coming again.
56 TREES AND SHRUBS
Perhaps we ought not to include Magnolias amongst
hibernal flowers, though the trees are often white
with blossom before the Larch is green ; but the
list of shrubs which bloom, or are bright with
coloured fruit during those four months, would sur-
prise most people who think of winter only as the
dead season. The boughs of Sea Buckthorn are
loaded with orange berries. Clusters of scarlet peep
out of the fresh green of the Skimmia bushes and,
so long as the birds do not find them out, Pernettya
carries a crop of purple and crimson and pink fruit
more showy than the modest white flowers of summer.
When November days are growing dark, Coroml/a,
in sheltered spots, puts forth its pale clustering yellow
flowers. Winter Jasmine, if the flowering branches
are not ruthlessly pruned away in autumn, covers
its long green shoots with golden stars. The ever-
green Clematis (C. calycina) is never happier than
when clinging to some terrace balustrade where it
may have a little kindly shelter, which it repays by
wreathing the stone-work with garlands of finely-cut
bronzed foliage, hung with creamy freckled bells.
More than one kind of hardy Heath, if grown in
spreading masses, will deck the garden with sheets
of colour the whole winter through.
The Chinese Honeysuckle (L. Standishii) arrays
itself in its fragile white flowers as early as January.
Witch Hazels hang their bare branches with twisted
petals of gold or amber or, sometimes (as in Hama-
melis zuccariniana), borrow the pale-green tint of the
under wing of a brimstone butterfly. Soon after
A WINTER GARDEN OF TREES 57
Christmas, Mezereon flushes into rosy purple, and
bushes of Winter-sweet (Chimonanthus fragrans), inde-
pendent of a wall (as few people know), will breathe
out its perfume from leafless branches studded over
with waxen-yellow flowers. It is strange how many
of these winter-blooming plants keep their leaves
well out of harm's way, brave as their flowers may
be. But so it is, and so we learn that if we would
gain their fullest winter beauty, we must group them
with evergreen shrubs as foil or background.
And what store there is of these to choose from,
not green only, but colour-tinged Berberis of many
kinds, the shining ordered leaf-rows of Azara, the
purple tints of Mahonia and Gaultheria, the bronze of
Andromeda buds, the deep dull green of Osmanthus,
the wine red of Leucothoe, the pearl grey of Atriplex,
and a hundred more will respond to our beck and
call. Only we must choose with judgment, for
whether our lot is cast in north or south, in the
black east or soft caressing west, makes all the differ-
ence to our choosing. Only be sure that more
important still than climate are the wind-breaks we
can plan, and the shelter we may contrive. Yet
when we are in doubt we can always come back
with satisfaction to the quick-growing hardiest shrubs
and find in them some fit setting for our garden
picture. The slender angled branches of green
Broom, the rigid spiny Furze, scented Rosemary, or
hoary Lavender all will lend their varied tints and
attributes as we need them. And if a pool or stream
only gives us opportunity, what can surpass the
58 TREES AND SHRUBS
winter colouring of osier twigs golden and crimson
and olive, mirrored in still water or broken into a
thousand reflections by the ripple of a running brook ?
Perhaps, amongst all the wealth of winter ever-
green shrubs the rank of those which show variega-
tion is too much exaggerated. Popular as they are,
the effect is not always good, unless more than
ordinary care is taken in their placing. Some few,
like the best golden and silver Hollies, are very
beautiful, though not all of these are improvements
upon the finest green forms. No variegated shrub,
probably, is more universally grown than the Aucuba,
and it has excellent points ; it is hardy in constitu-
tion, handsome in outline, and bold of leaf. By ill-
luck, as it happened, more than a hundred years ago,
the spotted variety was sent home first from Japan,
and became domiciled in English gardens and rooted
in English affections before the far more worthy
green species made its entry.
It is but a private opinion and not given as dogma
that it might possibly be a distinct gain to gardens,
large and small, if the spotted Aucuba were practi-
cally banished and the true green-leaved forms
some of which are generally beautiful when well set
with large coral berries allowed to take its place.
The variegated Oleaster (Elceagnus pungens), a remark-
ably fine shrub when taken by itself, sadly disturbs
the repose and dignity of the garden outlook in
winter, though doubtless positions might be found
in which it would harmonise with its surroundings.
We need only con over, mentally, all the more
A WINTER GARDEN OF TREES 59
familiar examples of shrub variegation to find, pro-
bably, that we should do as well without a goodly
proportion of them, though we may frankly admit
some to be very handsome. The secret of our
discontent, possibly, lies in the fact that variegation
in plants that are normally green is not, in its
essence, a sign of health but of wasting sickness.
In any case, whatever our feelings may be on this
particular point, it is well worth while to weigh the
merits of each shrub, variegated or green, before
we plant it, not only individually, but in relation to
its neighbourhood to other garden associates, and
more especially with regard to its winter aspect.
Mr. Bean writes as follows about the winter
beauty of trees and shrubs : " Even in November
and December there are trees and shrubs that
brighten the garden with their coloured bark and
fruits. Although not abundant, the members of
this class are not used so extensively as they
might be.
"Among Willows, for instance, there are the
golden and red-barked varieties of Saltx vitellina.
These, though scarcely ever seen, are capable, when
properly treated, of producing bright warm effects
that are especially charming from November to
February. When allowed to grow naturally this
Willow known popularly as the Golden Osier
forms a graceful tree of large size. Its twigs have a
golden or red tinge, according to the variety, but on
fully-grown trees these twigs are not large, and as it
is, of course, the bark of the preceding summer's
60 TREES AND SHRUBS
growth only that is coloured no very marked colour
effect is produced. To obtain a really bright patch
of colour it is necessary to plant these Willows in
goodly-sized groups and to prune them hard back
every spring. By treating them in this way a great
cluster of long, wand-like growths is made every
year, the bark over the whole of which becomes a
bright yellow or red as winter approaches. An
effective group is produced by mixing the red and
yellow-barked varieties.
" Another striking Willow is Salix daphnoides. The
young bark of this species is covered with a thick
glaucous or vivid blue-white < bloom.' 5. acutifolia
is similarly distinguished, though not quite so
markedly. Different from any of these Willows,
too, is the variety of S. triandra, with purplish-brown
bark. To bring out fully the ornamental qualities of
these Willows they should be treated as advised for
Salix vitellina. All these Willows are especially
charming near the edge of water. Not only are
their moisture-loving propensities satisfied, but their
beauty is doubled by reflection in the water.
" Somewhat similar to the Willows in the character
ot their bark, but useful in being adapted for drier
situations, are the Cornels (Cornus). The best of the
genus in this connexion are Cornus alba and its variety
sibirica. They produce bark which for one or two
seasons remains a bright red during the time the
branches are leafless. A group of Cornus alba, with
Chionodoxa Lucilice or Winter Aconite planted thickly
beneath, gives a very pleasing bit of colour early in
A WINTER GARDEN OF TREES 61
the year. A yellow-barked form of Cornus sfolomfera,
known as flaviramea, deserves mention.
" Several shrubs are notable for the particularly
bright green of their bark. The forms of Kerria
japonica and Neillia are very bright during the
winter on this account, but still more effective is
a near ally, Stephanandra Tanakce, a comparatively
new shrub, also from Japan, but of little value in
any other respect. Finally, I may mention the
Rubuses with white stems. As in Salix daphnoides,
the bark is covered with the waxy secretion known
as 'bloom, 1 and of a blue-tinted white. Some six
or seven species of Rubus have this character.
Of those obtainable from nurseries, R. biflorus, a
Himalayan species often to be had from dealers
under the erroneous name of Rubus leucodermis y is
the best. Dr. A. Henry has introduced a Chinese
species, Rubus lasiostylus, which is even better than
biflorus; the bloom is more distinctly blue, and
the stems sturdier and more self-supporting. The
species is, however, an extremely rare one in cul-
tivation. It is scarcely necessary to repeat how
essential it is that these Brambles and Cornels
should be planted in bold groups.
" Among trees the most noteworthy as regards the
colour of their bark are the Birches. The beauty
of the Common White Birch has not been overlooked
by planters. A single specimen or a few grouped
together make a bright winter picture when asso-
ciated with evergreens. The Canoe Birch of North
America (Betula papyri/era) has a bark of an even
62 TREES AND SHRUBS
purer white than our native species. The Yellow
Birch (B. luted) shows warm orange-brown tints on
the more recently exposed surfaces of its bark. The
bark of the River Birch (B. nigra) is not brightly
coloured, being of a dull dark brown, but it gives the
tree a notably curious aspect owing to the way it
stands out from the trunk and branches in great
ragged-looking flakes.
A FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER
" It is possible to make a new feature in gardens by
setting apart a piece of ground exclusively for the
cultivation of trees, shrubs, and bulbs in short, any
plants that flower or are bright with fruit or bark
between, say, the beginning of November and the
end of February. One might term it ' an out-door
winter garden.' For the purpose there would be
required a well-drained piece of ground, the soil of
which was fertile and open. The situation should
be fully exposed to the south and west, but guarded
well on the north and east sides by a thick belt of
evergreen trees and shrubs. The shelter would be
still more complete if the site sloped rather steeply to
the south-west. Such shelter would be welcome,
not only to the plants that grew there, but to those
who might visit and tend them. Some of the more
noteworthy trees and shrubs with ornamental barks
I have already mentioned. Plants that carry their
fruit into winter might be included, such as the
Hollies, especially the yellow-berried Holly ; Cra-
A WINTER GARDEN OF TREES 63
tcegus Crus-Galli and C. cordata ; Cotoneaster rotun-
difolia, which is the best of all the Cotoneasters,
and frequently carries its bright-scarlet berries till
March ; and Hippophae rhamnoides, the Sea Buck-
thorn, whose orange-coloured fruits are borne in
such profusion and retain their colour till past
Christmas if the frosts are not too severe. The
scarlet-fruited Skimmia japonica and its varieties are
very ornamental during the winter months, but of
these (as well as the Hippophae) it is necessary to
grow male and female plants together. Groups of
variegated evergreens would not only help to give
shelter and warmth, but would also add to the
brightness of the garden. The best of them are the
golden and silver variegated Elaeagnuses, the Hollies
of a similar character, and the best of the Aucubas,
of which there are now some very fine forms ; the
female plants are also very ornamental as fruit-
bearers. Pinus sylvestris aurea, a variety of the
Scotch Pine that turns golden in winter but is
green at other seasons, and Cupressus macrocarpa lutea
are the two best Conifers of their class. Many of the
variegated Conifers lose most or all of their colour as
autumn and winter approach.
"With regard to the trees and shrubs that bear
flowers between November and February, the num-
ber is not, of course, great ; still, they constitute a
group that is larger, perhaps, than is generally sup-
posed. The following list, which comprises all that
I can call to mind, may be useful even to those who
would not intend to bring them together in one spot.
6 4
TREES AND SHRUBS
Some country houses are only occupied during the
shooting and hunting seasons, and these winter-
flowering plants are of especial value in such
places. The tree or bush Ivies are very beautiful,
and may be had in great variety, such as yellow
berried, palmata aurea, rhomboidea ovata, and amurensis!'
November
Arbutus hybrida.
Unedo and vars.
Daphne Mezereum grandi flora.
Ebeagnus glabra, macrophylla,
and pungens (all delightfully
fragrant).
Hamamelis virginica.
Jasminum nudiflorum.
Lonicera fragrantissima.
Standishii.
December and January
Chimonanthus fragrans.
Clematis calycina.
Cratsegus monogyna praecox
(Glastonbury Thorn).
Erica mediterranea hybrida.
Erica carnea.
alba.
Garrya elliptica.
Viburnum Tinus.
February And early March
Berberis japonica.
,, nepalensis.
Cornus Mas.
Corylopsis spicata.
Daphne blagayana.
Laureola and var. pur-
purea.
Mezereum.
var. alba.
oleoides.
Erica mediterranea.
Hamamelis arborea.
japonica.
Hamamelis mollis.
zuccariniana.
Prunus davidiana (pink and
white forms).
Amygdalus persi-
coides.
Populus tremuloides pendula.
Parrotia persica.
Pyrus japonica.
Rhododendron altaclarense.
dauricum.
nobleanum.
praecox.
CHAPTER IX
TREES AND SHRUBS WITH BEAUTIFUL
CATKINS
WHEN thinking of trees and shrubs in early spring
we must remember those with beautiful catkins. Of
the earliest flowering hardy trees and shrubs the
majority are those with flowers borne in catkins.
Their appearance is one of the first evidences of
the approach of spring. It is to the catkin-bearing
group that the Poplars, Willows, Birches, and Alders
belong. These catkins are pendulous, cylindrical,
and often slender inflorescences, carrying flowers
of one sex only, which spring from the axils of
scaly bracts. Being mainly dependent upon the
wind for their fertilisation, they have none of the
varied or bright colours that are characteristic of
flowers fertilised by insect agency. Often, indeed,
sepals and petals are entirely absent. Still, many of
these catkin-bearers possess a charm and beauty of
their own, which, taken with the early, often inclement,
season when they appear, make the best of them
indispensable in gardens where early spring effects
are desired. As a rule it is the male or pollen-
bearing catkins that are most ornamental. They
are longer and more graceful than the seed-bearing
ones.
66 TREES AND SHRUBS
POPLARS
First among Poplars to bear its flowers, and
almost before winter is past, is the Aspen (Populus
tremula). This and its weeping variety bear their
catkins in February, but closely following it, and
perhaps more ornamental, is the American Aspen
(P. tremuloides). This species flowers early in March
near London in mild seasons, but later further north,
and when kept back by severe weather. The pendu-
lous variety of P. tremuloides known commonly as
Parasol de St. Julien is, at the flowering time,
probably the most beautiful and striking of all
catkin-bearing trees. This and also the type pro-
duce long, slender catkins that sway gently in the
softest winds. The weeping variety, which has
branches that weep naturally low, looks well by
itself on a lawn. In all these Poplars the male
catkins are three inches to four inches long, chiefly
grey-brown in colour ; the scale-like bracts, however,
are suffused with a reddish shade. The weeping
varieties of these two Aspens are frequently grafted
on the White Poplar, which is not a suitable stock.
The species to which the varieties severally belong
should be used for the purpose. It would be even
better if they could be got on their own roots by
means of layers or cuttings, and trained up to the
required height before allowing the weeping habit
to develop.
There are others Poplars that bear their catkins
freely, such as P. alba, nigra, and balsamifera, but
TREES WITH BEAUTIFUL CATKINS 67
being of loftier habit they do not show to the same
advantage as those of the Aspen group.
HAZELS
Between the middle and the end of February the
flowers on the catkins of the various species of
Corylus begin to expand. Early as that date is, the
catkins have, nevertheless, been in evidence since
the previous autumn ; they were, in fact, formed
before the nuts fell. Being comparatively low and
shrubby the different varieties of the Hazel (Corylus
Avelland) show their catkins to best advantage, and
there are few among the catkin-bearers more charm-
ing. It is not often that any but the coloured-leaved
varieties find a place in the garden proper, but either
in the orchard or in the woodland the soft yellow of
the Hazel catkins is one of the most pleasing notes
of earliest spring. The Tree Hazel (Corylus Colurna),
a fine and interesting tree, growing thirty feet or
more high, also bears its catkins in February.
WILLOWS
Of the almost innumerable species and varieties
of Salix, it is only a few that need be mentioned here
for their beauty when in flower. So far as I have
been able to judge, the most ornamental of the
Willows in catkin time is Salix smithiana, known also
as S. mollissima. This tree flowers about mid-March,
producing its shortish, thick male catkins in very
great abundance ; the numerous exposed anthers
68 TREES AND SHRUBS
give a soft but glowing yellow tone to the tree, and
entitle it to rank as one of the most ornamental
of early-flowering trees. The pendulous variety of
Salix Caprcea is known as the Kilmarnock Willow.
Although of weeping habit it is somewhat stiff in
character ; but towards the end of March and later
it is exceedingly pretty loaded with its grey catkins.
The flowers of the typical 5. Caprcea (the Goat
Willow) are commonly known in many country
places as Palm, and are used for decorating churches
on Palm Sunday. The slender, coloured twigs of
the Purple Willow (Salix purpurea) bear red or
purplish-tinted catkins in early April. Salix stipularis
may also be mentioned for its beauty when in flower.
ALDERS
With the exception of a few species, such as Alnus
nitida and A. maritima, which flower in September
and October, all the Alders develop their blossoms
in February and March. The common Alder (A.
glutinosa) and its varieties are perhaps as ornamental
as any at that time. Like the Willows, they look
best and grow best in association with water. In
such a position an Alder at that time, leafless, but
laden with its slender, greenish-yellow catkins, is a
beautiful object, and characteristic, too, of our
English landscape. Other species possessing a
similar quiet beauty are Alnus incana, A. viridis, A.
oregona, and especially A. cordifolia with its green
and yellow catkins.
TREES WITH BEAUTIFUL CATKINS 69
JAPANESE WALNUTS
Juglans sieboldiana and its close allies,/, mandschurica
and/, cordiformis, do not flower till May, but bear at
that time very remarkable male catkins. I have
measured them over one foot long, and hanging as
they do in goodly number from the branches, per-
fectly straight and cylindrical, they have a very
striking appearance, although green. All three
species are alike in their catkins, but differ in the
shape of the nuts. They are noteworthy, too, for
the imposing character of their foliage. The leaves
are pinnate, and on young trees grown in good
soil are frequently three feet long. They certainly
deserve the notice of planters.
GARRYA ELLIPTICA
From all the catkin-bearers hitherto mentioned,
this differs in being evergreen. It is also far re-
moved from them in relationship, and is closely
allied to the Cornels. At the same time the catkins
in external characteristics are very similar. Not only
the catkins but the plants themselves are unisexual,
and, as is usual with the catkin-bearers, it is the
male that is most ornamental. These catkins are
from four inches to eight inches long, and I have heard
of (but not seen) them as much as one foot in length.
The time at which the flowers expand depends, as
with all the early catkin-bearers, on the mildness of
yo TREES AND SHRUBS
the season. This year on a wall the catkins have
been in beauty ever since the first week of January.
They are very attractive in their grace and quiet
beauty. Chiefly of soft grey and green colours, the
bracts are, however, suffused with a warmer reddish
tint. In the neighbourhood of London Garrya
elliptica is quite hardy in ordinarily sheltered posi-
tions, but does not flower so freely as against a
south wall. As it is of California!! origin this is not
surprising. This shrub resents disturbance at the
root, and in transplanting great care is necessary.
There are other species of Garrya in cultivation,
but they are more suitable to the south-western
counties than to the average climate of Britain.
To the catkin-bearing family belong several other
well-known trees, such as the Birches, Hornbeams,
and Sweet Chestnut ; but flowering later in the
year their beauty is apt to pass without notice in
the great flush of bloom that comes in with April.
The beautifully fragrant Sweet Gale must not be
passed without mention. Its reddish brown catkins
are formed before autumn, and expand on the still
leafless twigs in spring.
CHAPTER X
AUTUMN COLOURS
THERE is a mystery about the autumn colouring of
the foliage of our many beautiful hardy trees and
shrubs in this country, and we have never yet
ascertained with any degree of exactness the condi-
tions that produce the richest and brightest tints.
Probably the conditions most favourable generally
are provided by a good growing season that is, a
warm, moist summer followed by a dry, sunny
autumn. But it frequently happens after what one
would regard as favourable seasons, that species
which are usually quite trustworthy in this matter
fail to colour well. Probably one set of condi-
tions does not suit all trees and shrubs in this
respect. To produce the colouration of the leaf
just before it falls certain subtle chemical changes
in its composition take place. And to bring about
these changes certain conditions in regard to sun-
light, temperature, and moisture are necessary. But
in a climate such as that of Britain, where the
seasons are never alike two years together, we can
never hope to obtain the same regularity of autumnal
colouring that characterises the vegetation, for in-
stance, of the Eastern United States. Still, when
all is said, we possess in our gardens a large number
of trees and shrubs and climbers that are delightful
71
72 TREES AND SHRUBS
in their autumnal livery of crimson, purple, scarlet,
or gold. It is curious that every season we may
notice species not usually conspicuous for their
autumn tints beautifully coloured.
An over-vigorous, sappy growth, often the result
of a wet, warm autumn or too rich a soil, is certainly
detrimental to autumn colouring. Rhus cotinoides, an
American Sumach, worth growing for the beauty of
its colours in autumn, is one of the most unfailing
in this matter. This is perhaps one of the loveliest
of all autumn-tinted shrubs, and should be more
planted. But young plants, put out in well-
trenched, heavily-manured soil, will often fail to
colour at all till they get older and less vigorous.
The most beautifully coloured examples of this
Sumach that we have seen grow in rather light
sandy soil. We have frequently noticed, too, that
various species of Vine (Vitis) when starved in pots
will colour exquisitely, whilst others, planted out in
the ordinary way, completely fail. We believe,
therefore, when planting with a view to the produc-
tion of autumnal colour, any great enrichment of
the soil is neither necessary nor advisable, provided
it is of moderate quality to start with.
In the following notes, brief mention is made of
some of the best trees, shrubs, and climbers that
colour in autumn :
TREES
First among these are the American Red Oaks.
Undoubtedly the best of these is a variety of Quercus
AUTUMN COLOURS 73
coccinea known as splendens and grayana. This not
only turns to a fine scarlet crimson, but it retains its
foliage for some weeks after the colour has been
acquired sometimes almost up to Christmas. Other
good Oaks, not so certain, however, as the preceding,
are Quercus marylandica (or mgra), Q. heterophylla,
Q. imbricaria, and Q. palustris, all of which turn red.
The Tupelo tree (Nyssa sylvaticd) turns a fine bur-
nished bronzy red. A tree remarkable for the size
of its leaves, and especially for the rich golden yellow
they put on in autumn, is Carya tomentosa, but, like
most of the Hickories, it is scarcely known in gardens.
Carya sulcata is somewhat similar. The Common
Elm is usually very beautiful in the soft yellow tints
of its leaves in autumn, but another Elm of more
distinct aspect is Ulmus pumtta, a low tree whose
small leaves are retained till late in the year, and
turn golden yellow before they fall. Liquidambar
styraciflua has long been valued for its fading foliage
of purple red, but not so well known is the lovely
yellow of the Fern-like foliage of the Honey Locust
(Gleditschia triacanthos). The Tulip tree (Liriodendron),
the Nettle trees (Celtis), the Zelkowas, and several of
the Birches turn yellow, one of the best of the
Birches being Betula corylifotia, which turns a rich
orange yellow.
Among commoner trees the yellow of the Horse
Chestnut, the lovely crimson of the Wild Cherry, the
golden shades of the Black and Lombardy Poplars,
add much to the beauty of every autumn. Several
of the Maples are noteworthy in this respect, more
74 TREES AND SHRUBS
especially the numerous varieties of Japanese Maples
(Acer palmatum and A. japonicum), these, as well as
the Mandshurian Acer Ginnala, turning to various
shades of red. The Common Sycamore and Norway
Maple change to yellow, but Schwedler's variety of
the latter becomes red. Other trees that deserve
mention are Amelanchier canadensis, whose foliage
changes to lovely crimson shades in autumn ; Keel-
reuterta japonica, soft yellow ; Pyrus Torminatis, bronzy
red ; Ginkgo biloba, pale gold ; Cladrastis tinctoria,
yellow ; Parrotia persica and Hamamelis, bronzy red
and yellow. The Common Beech is nearly always
beautiful, changing first to yellow, then to warm
brown tints. Clerodendron trichoiomum is a small
growing tree that should have a place wherever
beautiful autumn foliage is desired. Among Conifers
the yellow-leaved variety (aurea) of the Scotch Pine
is remarkable in retaining its colour during the
winter months only, becoming green in spring and
summer. Retinospora squarrosa and Cryptomeria elegans
turn bronzy red in winter. The warm red-brown
tints of the deciduous Cypress are charming.
SHRUBS
The Sumachs (Rhits) furnish some of the most
striking of autumn-colouring shrubs ; the best of
them, R. cotinoides, has been already described ; other
fine species are R. typhina, R. glabra (with the cut-
leaved variety laciniata), and R. Toxicodendron, all of
which turn red. The Venetian Sumach, R. Cotinus,
AUTUMN COLOURS 75
becomes yellow. Berberis Thunbergi, which dies off
a rich scarlet, is so beautiful in autumn that on some
estates it has been planted in great quantity, not
only for cover, but so that sportsmen may enjoy its
colour during the shooting season. B. concinna is
another charming autumn-coloured leaved shrub
of dwarf growth. Gaultheria procumbens (Partridge
Berry) is too valuable to pass unnoticed. In winter
its leaves are stained with crimson. The leaves of
Cotoneaster horizontalis turn from green to rich shades
of chocolate or crimson. The shrub is of spreading
growth. Its evergreen ally, B. Aquifolium, turns a
glowing red or purple after the first frosts. The
Ghent Azaleas almost always colour richly, either
deep glowing crimson, bronzy red, or gold ; and of
other ericaceous plants the warm tints of Pieris
mariana and the rich crimson of the Enkianthus
should be mentioned. The taller American Vac-
ciniums (corymbosum and its various forms) are always
lovely. Our native Guelder Rose (Viburnum Opulus)
becomes crimson in autumn, whilst the Common
Hazel and Rhamnus Frangula often produce fine
effects in yellow. The feathery foliage of Spircea
Thunbergi is singularly beautiful when it changes
from its natural pale green to crimson ; and S.
prunifolia fl. pi. is perhaps more distinct than the
species, and two other Japanese shrubs (both, un-
fortunately, very rare) are remarkable for their
autumnal beauty. These are Disanthus cercidifolia,
an ally of the Witch Hazels, lovely claret colour,
and Viburnum alnifolium, crimson.
76 TREES AND SHRUBS
Other noteworthy shrubs are Fothergilla ainifolia,
rich red ; Euonymus alatus, crimson ; Deutzia crenata,
yellow; and Pyrus arbutifolia, red. The common
Brambles of our woods should not be passed over
without mention ; they turn a rich glowing red, and
for their autumnal beauty alone may be used as
undergrowth in wilder parts of the garden and
woodland.
CLIMBERS
First among these, of course, is Veitch's Ampe-
lopsis, the finest of all deciduous climbers for walls,
being self-supporting and changing to crimson in
autumn. Vitis Coignetice is one of the noblest of all
Vines, and turns crimson also. Other Vines useful
in this respect are the Teinturier Vine, purple ;
V. Romaneti, red ; and the Virginian Creeper, espe-
cially that variety known as muralis or Engelmannii }
which clings to walls or tree trunks without any
artificial support, and acquires beautiful red shades
in autumn. Among Honeysuckles, Lonicera japonica
var. flexuosa is noteworthy for the fine red purple of
its decaying leaves. Those of Akebia qm'nata change
colour in autumn and assume shades of brownish
purple, sometimes touched with maroon. Then
there is Actinidia Kolomikta, an Asiatic species with
showy yellow-coloured leaves in autumn. Of the
Ivies Hedera Helix atropurpurea is much the best. It
has medium-sized leaves which are rich green during
the growing season, but change in winter to purple
and maroon.
CHAPTER XI
TREES AND SHRUBS WITH FINE FRUITS
THE most important of all the groups of trees and
shrubs, for their fruit, is the one comprising the
hardy species of the Rose order. This includes, of
course, besides the Roses, such trees and shrubs
as the Thorns, Crabs, and Cotoneasters. Among
the Thorns (Crataegus) are many very handsome
sorts giving variety in size and colour of the fruits.
It is unfortunate that many of them fall early and
get spoilt by birds. At the same time birds add so
greatly to the delight of the garden that we may well
overlook their depredations. By many, indeed, these
fruiting trees will be considered worth growing for
the encouragement they give to bird-life. It may be
well to remind planters that a considerable number
of these fruiting trees and shrubs bear male flowers
on one plant, female on another. People are often
at a loss to understand why their Sea Buckthorns or
Aucubas or Skimmias do not fruit, when the simple
reason is that the plants are all male (or pollen-
bearing), or that the female ones have no males to
fertilise them. As a general rule, if these shrubs
are grouped, one male to eight or ten females
is a proper proportion. As plants raised from
seeds come in about equal proportions of both
77
78 TREES AND SHRUBS
sexes, it is necessary to select the females and
keep just sufficient males to pollenise them, in order
that the full beauty of the species as a fruit-bearer
may be obtained. With Skimmias and Aucubas the
proper proportions can be obtained by means of
cuttings.
The following hardy trees and shrubs are the
most conspicuous for the beauty of their fruits :
ARBUTUS UNEDO. A native of Western Ireland,
has strawberry-like fruits of a bright-scarlet colour.
AILANTUS GLANDULOSA, a fine tree over 50 feet
high, is very beautiful when covered with its red and
yellow-winged fruits ; there are male and female
plants.
AUCUBAS, grown at first for their ornamental
foliage merely, have latterly come into prominence
as fruit-bearers ; the female plants bear clusters
of bright-red berries which remain long on the
branches and are very attractive in winter.
BERBERIS. The fruits of the Berberries are
mostly covered with a plum-coloured bloom as in
B. Aquifolmm and B. Darwinii, but none of them
is handsomer than our native B. vulgaris and its
varieties. These have pendent racemes of fruits,
varying in colour from the typical orange scarlet to
white, purple, and black. B. Thunbergi coral-red,
very beautiful.
CRAT^EGUS. The finest of all the Thorns is C.
Pyracantha, well named by the French " Buisson;
ardent." This shrub or small tree is valuable as
a graceful evergreen, and when clothed (as it nearly
TREES WITH FINE FRUITS 79
always is in autumn) with its brilliant clusters of
orange-red haws, it is one of the most beautiful
objects in the garden. It is quite hardy in the
open, but bears fruits more abundantly when
planted against a wall. In that position also it
is more easily protected from birds, which soon
destroy the beauty of plants in the open. The
variety Lcelandi is distinct from the type, but hardier,
and bears bright berries in abundance. The Cock-
spur Thorn (C. Crus Galli) has several varieties, all
producing pendent clusters of scarlet haws. The
varieties like pyracanthifoha, with narrow leaves and
flat-topped habit, are the best in this respect ; they
retain the fruits well into the winter, and are not
eaten by birds so freely as many are. The haws of
C. cordata, the Washington Thorn, are small, but a
brilliant orange. C. punctata, C. Azarolus, and C.
pinnatifida have the largest haws of any, and they
are of a deep red, but fall early ; the two first,
however, are variable, and forms with yellow and
other coloured haws belong to them. Those
of C. macracantha are bright red, and in favour-
able years are so plentiful as to make the tree
wondrously beautiful. C. coccinea and C. mollis have
also red haws, larger than those of C. macracantha, but
they fall soon after they are ripe. The Common
Hawthorn is pretty, but more noteworthy is its
variety aurea, with bright - yellow haws. In C.
oliveriana they are black. The Tansy-leaved Thorn
(C. tanacetifolia) has large yellow fruits, not badly
flavoured, and with the fragrance of Apples. C.
8o TREES AND SHRUBS
orientalis has haws of a bright sealing-wax red, but
in its variety sanguined they are of a deeper shade.
COTONEASTERS. Not enough use is made of
Cotoneasters in gardens. They grow well in almost
any soil, and are all marked by elegant or neat habit.
They are very pretty when in flower, but it is in
autumn, when laden with fruits, that they attain
their greatest beauty. One of the tallest of them is
C. frigida, and this bears a great abundance of rich
scarlet-red berries in flat clusters. In the nearly
allied C. bacillaris they are almost black. C. rotun-
difolia is a dwarfer shrub, but the finest of all the
Cotoneasters for its fruit ; it grows about 4 feet
high, and has small, very dark green, persistent
leaves ; the fruits are about the size and shape of
the haws of the Common Hawthorn, and are bril-
liant scarlet red ; they are ripe in October, and
from then till March make one of the most beautiful
of winter pictures. In C. buxifolia the fruit is very
abundant, but the red colour is not so bright as in
the preceding. C. horizontalis, now getting to be a
well-known shrub, has very pretty, globose, bright-
red fruits, small but freely borne. C. Simonsti, of
medium height, has brilliant red berries, as has
C. acuminata, a near ally, but taller. The dwarfest
section of Cotoneaster, viz., thymifolia y microphylla and
its variety glacialis (or congestd), which are so useful
for rockeries, have all scarlet berries.
CELASTRUS ARTICULATUS is a vigorous climber
from Eastern Asia, remarkable for the great beauty
of its fruits, which are golden yellow within, and
WEEPING ASH; PALACE GARDENS, DALKEITH.
TREES WITH FINE FRUITS 81
when ripe split open and reveal the shining scarlet-
coated seeds. C. scandens has orange-coloured seeds.
CORIARIA JAPONICA is very beautiful in autumn,
when it succeeds as well as it does with Canon Ella-
combe at Bitton, the fruits being covered then
with the persistent petals which are of a lovely coral
red.
CORNUS CAPITATA (Benthamia fragifera) only suc-
ceeds to perfection in the south-western counties ;
its strawberry-like red fruits are very handsome.
COPROSMA ACEROSA is a dwarf New Zealand shrub
suitable for the rockery ; it has variously-shaded,
transparent, blue-green berries.
EL^: AGNUS MULTI FLORA (or E. longipes) is the most
ornamental in the genus with regard to its fruits.
They are remarkably abundant, orange-coloured, and
specked with reddish scales.
EUONYMUS EUROP^EUS, our native " Spindle tree,"
is most beautiful in autumn, when, after a favourable
season, it is covered with its open red fruits revealing
the orange-coloured seeds within.
FRAXINUS MARIESII is one of Messrs. Veitch's in-
troductions from Japan, and is a dwarf tree, one of
the " Manna " Ashes ; the thin keys are of a bronzy-
red colour and pretty.
GLEDITSCHIA TRIACANTHOS is the " Honey Locust."
The pods are not brightly coloured, being at first
green, then brown, but they are long, thin, and
wavy, like crooked scimitars, and hanging in numbers
on the tree ; have a very curious and (in this country)
uncommon aspect.
F
82 TREES AND SHRUBS
HEDERA (Ivy). Some of the "tree" forms of Ivy
produce berries freely ; the most ornamental of them
are the red, yellow, and orange-coloured varieties of
H. Helix arborescens.
HYMENANTHERA CRASSIFOLIA, from New Zealand,
is a dense-growing, stiff-branched, dwarf shrub,
chiefly noteworthy for the white berries it bears.
HYPERICUMS. //. Androscemum and H. datum pro-
duce rather handsome clusters of black fruits.
HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES, the Sea Buckthorn, is one
of the most brilliantly coloured of all berry-bearing
shrubs. It produces them in marvellous profusion,
and they are bright-orange coloured. Birds do not
molest the berries, and unless caught by severe frosts
(which turn them grey) they lighten the garden
wonderfully up to, and sometimes after, the New
Year. The necessity of growing both sexes of plants
has already been noted, but isolated females may be
artificially impregnated by shaking pollen over them
when in flower.
ILEX (Holly). The berries of the Holly are so
well known that we need only mention the yellow-
berried one (fructu-luteo), which is not common, but
very effective in winter.
LIGUSTRUM. The Privets are of little consequence
as fruit-bearing shrubs, and only L. sinense need be
mentioned ; it is frequently very striking in early
winter, being covered then with great clusters of
purple-black, shot-like berries.
LYCIUM CHINENSE. Nearly all the Box Thorns in
this country belong to this species. As for L. europceum
TREES WITH FINE FRUITS 83
and L. barbarum^ the names are very common, but
the plants themselves very rare. L. chinense is very
ornamental in the fall of the year, its long graceful
branches being well furnished with rich red berries.
L. rhombifolium is one of its forms.
MAGNOLIA TRIPETALA is occasionally noticeable
in autumn because of its large upright fruits of a
reddish-purple colour.
MACLURA AURANTIACA, the " Osage Orange," bears
a remarkable orange-coloured fruit 2 to 3 inches
in diameter. The tree is quite hardy, but we have
not heard of its bearing fruit in this country. This
is perhaps because male and female flowers occur
on different plants.
PERNETTYA MUCRONATA. First among ericaceous
plants for beauty in fruit is this Magellanic plant
and its varieties. It is dwarf and bushy, with small
white flowers followed by enormous quantities of
berries about the size of peas. These vary in colour
from white to deep crimson, and are undoubtedly
some of the most valuable of all hardy berry-bearing
shrubs. The varieties are very beautiful.
PALIURUS AUSTRALIS (Christ's Thorn) has flat,
disk-like fruits, freely borne in suitable years ; they
are green, and if not particularly ornamental, are
very quaint and interesting.
PTELEA TRIFOLIATA. The same may be said of
the abundant clusters of hop-like fruits seen in this
tree.
PYRUS. In this genus, which includes the
Mountain Ash, the Crabs, and the White Beam trees,
84 TREES AND SHRUBS
there is a great wealth of beautiful fruiting trees.
The Mountain Ash or Rowan tree (P. Aucuparia),
when laden with its hanging corymbs of rich scarlet
berries is a delightful picture, and it reaches its full
beauty in August. Not so well known is the variety
fructu-luteoy with yellow fruits. A near relative of the
Rowan tree is P. amcricana, its New World re-
presentative, but it is not so beautiful. The fruit
is almost identical, but the tree is of a stiff and less
graceful aspect. The new P. thianschanica, which
also belongs to the Rowan tree group, has bright-
red, globose berries. Perhaps of all the genus
Pyrus, none on the whole are so beautiful in autumn
as the Crabs. P. baccata, the Siberian Crab, with its
bright-red, cherry-like fruits, and P. Ringo from
Japan, with bright-yellow ones, are the best of the
true species. The hybrid " John Downie " Crab is
also very beautiful in autumn.
The flowering QUINCES are not particularly at-
tractive in regard to the colour of their fruits, but
some of them notably those of the dwarf Pyrus
Maulei are very sweetly scented.
Some very handsome fruits are borne by the
various White Beam trees (Pyrus Aria and its allies).
Perhaps the best of them is P. lanata (or Sorbus
majestica), which has flat clusters of bright-red
berries. But many of the varieties of P. Aria itself
are very attractive. One of the latest additions to
this group is P. ainifolia, a neat-habited small tree
from Japan and China. It has oblong coral-red
fruits.
TREES WITH FINE FRUITS 85
ROSA. Beauty at fruiting time is an almost
proverbial attribute of the Roses. None is more
beautiful than our native Dog Rose (R. canind).
Though in many an English hedgerow, an out-
of-the-way corner in many a garden might be given
up to the Dog Rose and its varieties for the sake
of their wealth of scarlet hips in autumn. R.
tomentosa and R. mollis are other red-fruited natives
of Britain. All the members of the Scotch Rose
group (pimpinellifolia) have black fruits. Of exotic
species, one of the most valuable is R. rugosa; its
flat, orange-shaped hips are so abundant and brightly
coloured that they make a brilliant picture. R. micro-
phylla has yellow prickly fruits, whilst those of R.
macrophylla are pear-shaped and scarlet. The deep-
crimson hips of R. pomijera, covered with bristly
hairs like large gooseberries, are as remarkable as
any. Some of the American species, although the
fruits are usually small, are handsome, such as R.
nutkana and R. Carolina. The elongated, pear-shaped
fruits of R. alpina and its variety pyrenaica are bright
red, and have a pleasant, resinous odour when rubbed.
RAPHIOLEPIS JAPONICA, with its clusters of small,
round black berries, should be planted at least against
a wall ; it is a rather slow-growing evergreen shrub
with strawberry-like flowers.
RHAPHITHAMNUS CYANOCARPUS can only be grown
outside against a wall, or in Cornwall or similar
localities, but where it will succeed it is well worth
growing, not only for its pale-blue flowers, but for
the bright-blue fruits that follow them
86 TREES AND SHRUBS
Some of the RHAMNUS, such as the native R<
catharticus and R. Frangula, bear abundant crops
of purple-black berries.
The dense pyramidal fruit-clusters of the Stag-
horn Sumach (Rhus typhind) are often attractive,
being covered with crimson hairs. Those of R.
glabra are similarly coloured.
RUBUS PHGENICOLASIUS has spread in cultivation
recently, and has beautiful scarlet berries. It is
hardy enough, but birds are so attracted by the
bright colour, that it requires protection from them
when in fruit.
SAMBUCUS. The scarlet-berried Elder, S. race-
mosus, is by far the handsomest of the genus,
but although it flowers freely enough, it is very
uncertain in producing its fruits. S. glauca,
from the West United States, produces large, flat
clusters of blue-white berries, and there is a
striking white-fruited variety of S. nigra called
leucocarpa.
THE SNOWBERRY (Symphoricarpus racemosus) should
always have a place in the garden for the sake of its
clusters of large pure white berries, which remain
long on the plants.
VIBURNUM. There are several very handsome
fruiting species in this genus, no finer, however, than
the native V. Opulus, or Guelder Rose, with red
fruits, and its variety fructu-luteo with yellow ones.
In the other native species, F. Lantana, they are at
first red, ultimately black. Several of the Viburnums
are noteworthy for the blue or blue-black fruits ; of
TREES WITH FINE FRUITS 87
these are dentatum, molle, cassmotdes, and nudum.
Those of the evergreen V. Tinus are also dark blue,
but, as with the other blue-fruited species, they are
not frequently borne in profusion in the average
climate of Britain.
Vms HETEROPHYLLA and its variety humulifolia,
bear singularly beautiful clusters of pale china-blue
berries. To induce them to fruit freely, however,
the plants require a warm, sunny wall, and rather
restricted root-room.
CHAPTER XII
WEEPING TREES AND THEIR USES
IT is not at all easy to define special uses for trees
of weeping habit, but it is safe to use them nearly
singly and not in immediate connection with trees
of quite upright form. The point in the weeping
tree is a certain grace of drooping line, such as one
enjoys in the drooping racemes of many of the
papilionaceous flowers such as Wistaria, Laburnum,
and Robinia. Nothing is gained by accentuating
the peculiarity by a direct association with trees of
an opposite way of growth. It is better rather to
place the weeping trees near rounded masses of
shrub and small tree for example, a Weeping Birch
would group well with a clump of Rhododendrons.
Near water weeping trees seem to be specially
effective. An instance of this is shown in the
familiar Weeping Willow, but one at a time seems
as much as is wanted.
As a general rule, we strongly advocate planting
in groups, whether in the case of trees, shrubs, or
flowering plants, but the weeping trees are less
suited for grouping than any others. One Weeping
Willow is all very well, but a whole grove of them
would be monotonous and tiresome.
The habit of some of the weeping trees can be
88
ELM AGNUS PUN GENS (Kew).
WEEPING TREES AND THEIR USES 89
directly turned to account in the making of arbours
and pergolas ; for by planting the large-leaved
Weeping Elm or the Weeping Ash at the back and
on each side in the case of an arbour, or alternately
on each side of the walk for a pergola, a living
shelter may be made in a very few years. The
trees in this case are standards pollarded at about
8 feet from the ground, the form in which they
are generally sent out from the nursery.
Among evergreens the Holly is invaluable. As a
rule the weeping or pendulous varieties are budded
on tall stems of the type, and trained out in an um-
brella-like fashion, thus forming a hollow mound
of greenery. In some places, notably at Brookwood
in Surrey, pendulous Hollies have been allowed to
grow without any attempt at training. Stout stems
10 feet to 12 feet high are surmounted by irregular
heads, which droop down 6 feet or 7 feet, leaving
several feet at the base of the stem bare. In winter
the long pendulous branches, smothered with bright
red berries, are very pleasant. Facing page 248 is
an illustration of a weeping Holly (/. Aquifolium var.
pendula) at Kew. Of variegated weeping Hollies there
are Argentea pendula (Perry's Weeping), with silver
variegated leaves ; aurea pendula (Waterer's Weeping),
with gold variegated leaves ; and pendula tricolor. To
encourage height rather than width, it is often neces-
sary to tie up a few of the top shoots, otherwise they
get out of shape ; they increase more quickly in width
than height.
90 TREES AND SHRUBS
(i.) NATURALLY PENDULOUS SPECIES AND VARIETIES,
i.e. COMING TRUE FROM SEED
Asterisk denotes those to choose first.
Tilia (Lime or Linden) petiolaris.
Genista aethnensis (shrubby).
* Primus pendula (Weeping Japanese Cherry).
Forsythia suspensa (shrubby).
* Salix (Willow) alba cserulea pendula.
vitellina pendula.
* babylonica.
annularis.
Salamoni.
elegantissima.
(ii.) PENDULOUS VARIETIES THAT HAVE ORIGINATED AS
"SPORTS," PROPAGATED BY GRAFTS, CUTTINGS, OR
LAYERS
* Ilex (Holly) Aquifolium (green and variegated).
Acer (Maple) Negundo pendula.
Rhus Cotinus pendula.
Laburnum vulgare pendulum (Weeping Laburnum).
Cytisus scoparius pendulus.
Caragana (Pea tree) arborescens pendula.
Sophora japonica pendula.
* Prunus Amygdalus pendula (Weeping Almond).
* Avium pendula (Weeping Wild Cherry).
acida semperflorens.
* Mahaleb pendula (Weeping Mahaleb Cherry).
Padus pendula (Weeping Bird Cherry).
* Crataegus Oxyacantha (Hawthorn), red and white flowered.
Sambucus nigra pendula (Weeping Elder).
* Fraxinus excelsior pendula (Weeping Ash).
,, aurea (golden-leaved) pendula.
,, pendula wentworthii.
JJ
JJ
WEEPING TREES AND THEIR USES 91
Fraxinus parviflora pendula.
Ulmus (Elm) americana pendula.
,, campestris pendula.
,, antarctica pendula.
,, suberosa pendula.
fulva pendula.
* ,, montana pendula.
,, Pitteursii pendula.
Morus (Mulberry) alba pendula.
* Betula (Birch) alba pendula.
Youngi.
purpurea pendula.
Alnus (Alder) incana pendula.
Carpinus (Hornbeam) Betulus pendula.
Coryllus Avellana (Common Hazel) pendula.
Quercus (Oak) pedunculata pendula.
,, rubra pendula.
* Fagus (Beech) sylvatica pendula.
,, miltonensis.
remillyensis.
* Salix (Willow) Caprea pendula.
* purpurea pendula.
Scharfenbergensis.
repens argentea.
* Populus tremula (Aspen) pendula.
* tremuloides pendula.
* grandidentata (American Cotton Poplar).
(iii.) CONIFERS
Cupressus lawsoniana glauca pendula.
gracilis pendula.
pendula vera.
gracillima.
nootkatensis pendula.
Cedrus atlantica pendula.
Ginkgo biloba pendula.
92 TREES AND SHRUBS
Juniperus (Juniper) virginiana pendula.
Larix europsea (Common Larch) pendula.
Thuya orientalis pendula.
flagelliformis.
Taxodium distichum (Deciduous Cypress) pendulum.
Tsuga canadensis pendula.
Taxus (Yew) baccata pendula.
gracilis pendula.
Dovastoni. There is a fine specimen
of this in Barren's nursery at Bor-
rowash.
CHAPTER XIII
THE USE OF VARIEGATED TREES AND
SHRUBS
THE best use of trees and shrubs with coloured or
variegated foliage is not very easy to determine,
though it may be possible to give a few useful
suggestions. The usual way of planting them here
and there among mixed masses of evergreen and
deciduous growths is perhaps the worst way of all.
All good planting must be done with much thought
and care, and these plants of coloured foliage, that
are necessarily more conspicuous than others, want
the most careful placing of any.
One excellent use of evergreen trees and shrubs
with golden colouring, such as the Gold Hollies,
Cypresses, Yews, and Privets is to make them into
a cheerful bit of outdoor winter garden. The Gold-
leaved Privet is a delightful thing in early winter,
and though Wild Privet, untouched by the knife, is
a deciduous shrub, the clipped Privets of our gardens
usually hold their leaves throughout the winter.
With these the variegated Japan Honeysuckle might
be freely used, much of its yellow veining turning
to a bright red in winter. Cassinia fulvida is another
good winter shrub with its tiny gold-backed leaves.
The pretty bushes of this neat New Zealander are
93
94 TREES AND SHRUBS
apt to grow somewhat straggling, but the crowded
little branches are the very thing that is wanted
through the winter as cut greenery to go with winter
flowers, whether hardy or from under glass. If
these are cut a foot long the bush is kept in shape,
and a valuable supply of stuff for house decoration
is provided.
A half or even quarter acre of well-arranged
planting of these gold-variegated shrubs has a sur-
prisingly cheery effect in winter, making a kind of
sunlight of its own when skies are grey, and a com-
fortable shelter when winds are keen.
In summer, too, it will be beautiful if the spaces
between the shrubs are cleverly planted, for pre-
ference, with plants of white or pale-yellow flowers,
such as White Foxglove, (Enothera lamarckiana, white
and pale-yellow Hibiscus ficifolius, Liliums auratum,
giganteum, speciosum, and longifolium ; White Everlast-
ing Pea trained loosely through any near branches ;
Nicotiana affinis and N. sylvestris; and close to the
path hardy Ferns of pale-green frondage, such as
the Lady Fern ; with clumps of plants of golden
foliage like the Gold Valerian and Gold Nettle. A
shrub of variegated foliage, planted without special
attention, and coming suddenly in a grouping of
others of an average green colour is made unduly
conspicuous. It should be led up to by neighbours
whose colouring gradually assimilates with its own.
The sudden effect of colouring is all very well in
the nurseryman's show borders, where the object
is to attract attention to showy individuals, but in
THE USE OF VARIEGATED TREES 95
our gardens we want the effect of well-arranged
pictures rather than that of shop windows.
A variegated plant to be of real value in the
garden must have clear, bright, and abundant red
and yellow or white markings, not dotted or merely
margined with colour. So many worthless shrubs
with poor variegation have been named and offered
for sale that it is unwise to buy them from a catalogue.
We may repeat the advice already given, which is
to see them first.
Trees and shrubs with coloured foliage are of
several kinds. Most common of all are those which
have leaves blotched or edged with golden or creamy
yellow and white, such as the variegated Hollies and
Elaeagnuses. Then there are those which are only
coloured at a certain season, like Neillia opulifolia aurea.
This has leaves of a beautiful self yellow colour
when they unfold in spring, but become green as
the summer advances ; or the variegated Plane
(Platanus acerifolia Suttneri}, which is only variegated
in late summer and autumn.
Finally, there are those, like the Purple Hazel or
Purple Beech, which have leaves of one colour and
remain almost of the same shade whilst they are on
the tree.
On the whole the plants that retain their colour
till late summer and autumn, or acquire it then, are
most valuable, because very few trees and shrubs
are then in flower.
Variegated trees and shrubs must not be planted
too plentifully, and studiously avoid all spotty effects.
96 TREES AND SHRUBS
Many a garden would be improved by bringing the
variegated shrubs it contains together so as to pro-
duce a few broad masses of colour. Some of these
shrubs, like Spath's Cornel, or the Golden Elder, may,
in large gardens especially, be planted alone in large
beds or groups. The large trees, like the Purple
Beech, can stand by themselves.
The following list contains about one hundred of
the finest of variegated trees and shrubs :
TREES
Acer Negundo variegatum, creamy white.
Negundo aureum, golden entirely.
platanoides Schwedleri, soft red in spring.
,, Pseudo-platanus flavo-marginatum, the " Corstorphine "
Sycamore, one of the largest of variegated trees.
Alnus glutinosa aurea, wholly yellow.
Betula alba purpurea, wholly purple.
Castanea sativa aureo-marginata, the variegated Sweet Chest-
nut, perhaps the best of all large trees, with parti -coloured
leaves. The leaves burn on some soils.
Catalpa bignonioides aurea, wholly golden, and most effective
in summer and autumn.
Fagus sylvatica purpurea. Of the Purple Beeches there are
now numerous forms, such as atropurpurea, cuprea,
purpurea, pendula (weeping), and "Swat Magret"
(the darkest of all). Pyramidalis purpurea is very
beautiful.
sylvatica variegata, white.
sylvatica tricolor, various shades of red and purple ;
beautifully coloured, but not vigorous.
sylvatica var. Zlatia, entirely pale golden green in
spring, but for a short time only.
sylvatica, Paul's gold-margined, is a pretty variegated tre e
THE USE OF VARIEGATED TREES 97
Fraxinus americana aucubaefolia, richly mottled with yellow.
Ilex Aquifolium. The variegated Hollies, both silver and
golden, are now very numerous ; among the best are
argentea marginata, argentea pendula (Perry's Silver
Weeping), Golden Queen, Silver Queen, Handsworth
Silver, Golden King, flavescens, latifolia aureo-marginata,
Watereriana, aureo-medio picta, aureo-pendula.
Laburnum vulgare foliis aureis, all yellow.
Platanus acerifolia Siittneri, very pure white with scarcely any
green on late growth.
Populus deltoidea (canadensis) aurea, yellow.
Prunus cerasifera atropurpurea (P. Pissardi), lovely claret red
when young, becoming dull purple in summer.
Pyrus Malus neidwetzkyanus. In this Apple not only the
leaves, but the wood and fruit are purplish red.
Aria chrysophylla, yellow.
Quercus Cerris variegata, the white variegated Turkey Oak.
pedunculata Concordia, a lovely clear yellow, and
seldom burns.
pedunculata purpurea, wholly red purple.
rubra, crimson.
Robinia Pseudacacia aurea, yellow.
Ulmus campestris, " Louis Van Houtte," the best Golden Elm.
campestris viminalis variegata, a charming white-varie-
gated, small-leaved Elm.
montana fastigiata aurea (U. Wredei aurea) should not
be omitted. A beautiful Elm for small gardens.
CONIFERS
Abies concolor violacea, glaucous blue.
Cedrus atlantica glauca, glaucous blue.
Cupressus lawsoniana; numerous varieties, of which gracilis
pendula aurea, lutea (very hardy), Silver Queen,
and albo-variegata may be mentioned.
nootkatensis lutea, yellow-tipped twigs.
obtusa aurea (Thujopsis borealis aurea), yellow.
G
98 TREES AND SHRUBS
Cupressus obtusa nana aurea, dwarf yellow.
pisifera plumosa aurea, yellow.
macrocarpa lutea, the best yellow Conifer in mild
districts.
Juniperus chinensis aurea, gold-tipped.
Picea orientalis argenteo-spica, young shoots pale yellow.
,, pungens glauca, the best "blue" Conifer.
Pinus sylvestris aurea, golden in winter, green in spring and
summer.
Retinospora (see Cupressus).
Taxus baccata aurea, " Golden Yew," elegantissima and Golden
Irish. I was very pleased with the beautiful colour-
ing of natural golden hybrid forms in Messrs. Fisher,
Son, & Sibray's nursery at Handsworth. T. adpressa,
Barroni, a. variegata, small-growing, leaves edged
with silver, and suffused with yellow as winter
approaches.
baccata fastigiata aurea, "Golden Irish Yew."
baccata semper-aurea, golden more or less throughout
the winter.
Dovastoni aureo-variegata.
Thujopsis (see Cupressus, p. 97).
Thuya (Biota) orientalis aurea, yellow in summer.
SHRUBS OR SMALL TREES
Acer palmatum atropurpureum, purple. There are many forms
of this Japanese Maple cut-leaved, purple, and golden
but this is the hardiest.
Aralia chinensis albo- variegata. This is one of the most promis-
ing new variegated shrubs. It is sold as Dimorphanthus
mandschuricus var. variegatus.
Atriplex Halimus, silvery grey entirely.
Aucuba japonica, many forms, yellow or creamy white.
Berberis vulgaris foliis purpureis, one of the best purple shrubs.
Buxus sempervirens aurea, " Golden Box."
THE LOMBARDY POPLAR.
THE USE OF VARIEGATED TREES 99
Corylus maxima atropurpurea, a dark-purple, very effective
variety of the Cob-nut.
Cornus Mas aurea elegantissima, yellow (of slow growth and
not very hardy).
Mas variegata, white.
,, siberica elegantissima.
Spaethii.
Elseagnus pungens aurea, one of the most beautiful variegated
evergreens.
,, pungens variegata, white.
Euonymus japonicus albo-marginatus, very good for the south
coast.
japonicus ovatus aureus, same as preceding, but
yellow.
Ligustrum (Privet) ovalifolium foliis aureis, the best variegated
shrub for hedges and for rough usage.
Neillia opulifolia lutea, yellow in spring only.
Philadelphus coronarius foliis aureis, yellow in the spring and
early summer and very bright then, gradually gets green
afterwards.
Ptelea trifoliata aurea, yellow.
Rhamnus Alaternus variegatus, white.
Rhus Cotinus atropurpureus, purple.
Symphoricarpus orbiculatus variegatus, yellow.
Sambucus nigra foliis aureis, yellow, retaining its colour well
till autumn.
racemosa plumosa aurea, a beautiful cut-leaved
Golden Elder.
DWARF SHRUBS AND CLIMBERS
Acanthopanax spinosum variegatum, pretty, white-variegated,
dwarf, and slow-growing.,
Arundinaria auricoma,the best yellow-variegated hardy Bamboo.
Fortunei, the best white -variegated hardy
Bamboo.
Cornus alba Spaethii, probably the finest of all yellow-varie-
ioo TREES AND SHRUBS
gated shrubs, never "scorching" in the hottest summers.
It is very handsome as pyramids, but by pruning a brighter
coloured bark is obtained.
Euonymus radicans, the white-variegated form of this plant
is useful as a carpet in shady positions where grass will
not grow.
Ivy (Hedera Helix), numerous varieties, both shrubby and
climbing arborescens variegata, chrysophylla, discolor,
maderensis variegata, sulphurea, canariensis argentea.
E. radicans Silver gem is a larger leaved form, purer white
and altogether better than many variegated Ivies.
Jasminum nudiflorum foliis aureis and
officinale foliis aureis, variegated climbers with
yellow leaves ; the latter is the more ornamental,
but is delicate in constitution.
Kerria japonica foliis variegatis, white.
Lonicera japonica aureo-reticulata. The veins of this climber
are beautifully " picked out " in gold.
Osmanthus Aquifolium ilicifolius variegatus, a holly-like,
white-variegated shrub useful in the milder
parts of the kingdom.
Osmanthus Aquifolium purpureus, the hardiest of the
Osmanthus. There are two forms of this, one much
darker than the other, and the darkest is the best.
Pieris japonica variegata, white.
Ribes alpinum pumilum aureum, golden in spring.
Rubus ulmifolius variegatus, veins of the later leaves golden.
Salix repens argentea, a prostate silvery-leaved Willow, makes
a pretty weeping shrub if trained up at first.
Santolina Chamaecyparissus, silvery white entirely.
Vitis heterophylla variegata, a pretty, blue-berried climber,
but tender ; the variegation is rosy white.
inconstans purpurea, a purplish form of the popular
"Ampelopsis Veitchii."
vinifera purpurea, deep purple.
Vinca minor, white and yellow-marked forms.
COKSICAN PINE TREE WALK, 35 YEARS OLD.
CHAPTER XIV
TREES AND SHRUBS FOR SEA-COAST
IN planting trees and shrubs near the sea, two im-
portant matters must be considered (i) fierce gales;
(2) salt spray. As a protection against storms much
may be done by planting quick-growing things, such
as Poplars and Willows, and in this sheltered area
more permanent trees and shrubs may be put. This
way of planting for shelter where bleak places are
to be clothed with trees and shrubs is universally
adopted in some form or other, sometimes in the
shape of hedges or belts, and in the other cases
the plants are all placed much thicker together than
they are to permanently remain, thus forming a
compact mass against which the wind makes little or
no impression. In this last-named case continual
thinning will be necessary as they grow up, for if
left too long the plants become weak, and the
advantage gained by the thicker planting is then
completely lost. A beautiful seaside shrub, and
the best, too, for forming shelter hedges of low or
medium height is the Tamarisk, which retains its
freshness throughout the season till the autumn,
however much exposed to the sea.
It is difficult to make a list of trees and shrubs
suitable for seaside planting around the British
102 TREES AND SHRUBS
Isles, as the coast-line is so varied, and the action
of the Gulf Stream has great influence on the
vegetation of many parts of our western coasts.
As no hard and fast line can be drawn, the first
list contains those trees and shrubs that may be
regarded as thoroughly hardy, unless otherwise
specified, and the second list those that are avail-
able for planting in the Isle of Wight, in the
south and west of England, and in some parts
of Ireland.
TREES
Acer platanoides (Norway Maple).
,, Pseudo-platanus (Sycamore).
Alnus (Alder) of sorts. Will thrive only in damp places.
Ash, Mountain. (See next page.)
Betula alba (Birch) and varieties.
Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam).
Cerasus see Prunus.
Cratsegus (Thorn) of sorts.
Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress). Of rapid growth.
Fagus sylvatica (Beech) and varieties.
Fraxinus excelsior (Common Ash). F. Ornus (Flowering Ash).
Ilex Aquifolium (Holly) and varieties.
Laburnum.
Pinus austriaca (Austrian Pine). One of the best Firs for
bleak seaside places.
,, contorta (Twisted Pine). A small tree.
insignis (Grass-green Pine). More tender than the
others.
Laricio (Corsican Pine). Equal to the Austrian Pine
for seaside.
muricata (Prickly-coned Pine). A dwarf tree.
Pinaster (Cluster Pine). Delights in the neighbour-
hood of the sea.
MAIDENHAIR TREE (Ginkgo biloba syn Salisbima adiantifolia)
FROGMORE.
MAIDENHAIR TREE AT KEW.
TREES FOR 4 SEA-CO AST 103
Pinus montana (Mountain Pine). A shrub or small tree.
Populus alba (Abele or White Poplar). All the Poplars grow
quickly.
deltoidea (Canadian Poplar).
fastigiata (Lombardy Poplar).
nigra (Black Poplar).
Prunus Avium, cerasifera (Cherry Plum).
Mahaleb.
Padus (Bird Cherry).
Pissardi (Purple-leaved Plum).
Pyrus Aria (White Beam tree).
prunifolia (Siberian Crab).
Sorbus (Service tree).
Quercus Cerris (Turkey Oak). Good loam suits this
best.
Ilex (Evergreen or Holm Oak).
Salix (Willow) of sorts. Prefer a moist soil.
Ulmus (Elm) of sorts, particularly Wych Elm and an Elm
known as Wheatley Elm.
SHRUBS
Atriplex Halimus (Sea Purslane). Will grow close to the
water.
Aucuba japonica (Aucuba). Few evergreens equal this.
Berberis (Barberry), Aquifolium, Darwinii, buxifolia, and
stenophylla.
Buxus (Box) and its varieties.
Cistus Gum. Does well at Felixstowe, Suffolk.
Colutea arborescens (Bladder Senna). Will grow in very
sandy soil.
Corylus Avellana (Hazel) and varieties.
Cotoneaster of sorts. All these are good for the purpose.
Cytisus (Broom) of sorts.
Daphne Laureola (Spurge Laurel). Will grow in shade.
Deutzia crenata, D. crenata flore-pleno, D. gracilis, D. Lemoinei.
io 4 TREES AND SHRUBS
Elaeagnus of sorts. All of these are good.
Euonymus europseus and E. latifolius (Spindle trees), and
the evergreen E. japonicus and its varieties. This last
is one of the most valuable evergreens, but it is rather
tender.
Ficus Carica (Common Fig).
Forsythia suspensa. A charming rambling shrub.
Fuchsias, particularly F. Riccartoni.
Halimodendron argenteum (Siberian Salt tree).
Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn). The finest seaside
shrub or small tree that we have; grows well in damp
sands.
Leycesteria formosa.
Ligustrum (Privet) of sorts.
Lycium chinense (Box Thorn).
Olearia Haastii (Daisy bush).
Osmanthus ilicifolius and varieties.
Philadelphus (Mock Orange) of sorts.
Phillyraea angustifolia, latifolia, media, and vilmoriniana.
Prunus spinosa flore-pleno (Double-flowered Sloe),
Laurocerasus (Common Laurel).
lusitanica (Portugal Laurel).
Pyrus japonica (Japan Quince).
Ribes aureum (Golden-flowered Currant).
sanguineum (Flowering Currant) and varieties.
Rosa. The different wild Roses and Rosa rugosa.
Rubus (Bramble). The double-flowered and cut-leaved forms
are very ornamental.
Salix (Willow) of sorts. All prefer moist soil.
Sambucus (Elder) of sorts.
Skimmia japonica. Valuable for its bright-red berries.
Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom). Will grow almost any-
where.
Spiraea of sorts. There is a great variety of these beautiful
flowering shrubs.
Symphoricarpus racemosus (Snowberry).
Syringa (Lilac) of sorts.
TREES FOR &EA-COAST 105
Tamarix gallica and T. tetrandra. Delightful shrubs for sea-
side.
Ulex europaeus (Furze or Gorse), with the double-flowered
and dwarf kinds.
Viburnum Opulus and V. Opulus sterile (Snowball tree).
Weigelas of sorts, particularly Abel Carriere, Candida, and
Eva Rathke.
For the west of England and other very mild
districts the following may be added :
Aralia Sieboldii.
Arbutus Unedo (Strawberry tree).
Azara microphylla.
Benthamia fragifera.
Buddleia globosa.
Ceanothus of sorts.
Choisya ternata.
Desfontainea spinosa.
Escallonias of sorts.
Fabiana imbricata.
Fuchsias, hardy kinds.
Garrya elliptica.
Grevillea rosmarinifolia, G. sulphurea.
Griselinia littoralis.
Hydrangea Hortensia.
Laurus nobilis (Sweet Bay).
Myrtus communis (Myrtle).
Pittosporum crassifolium.
Rhamnus Alaternus and varieties.
Veronicas of sorts.
Viburnum Tinus (Laurustinus).
CHAPTER XV
TREES AND SHRUBS FOR WIND-SWEPT
GARDENS
FEW trees and shrubs are happy in bleak and ex-
posed gardens. The hardiest should be used to form
a shelter belt ; as every leaf and twig helps to break
the force of the wind, whereas solid obstacles, such
as walls, merely serve to divert its course. In plant-
ing spots much exposed to the wind, put the trees
much closer than it is intended they should remain
permanently, as the young plants serve to shelter
one another, and encourage, therefore, a quicker
growth. When they get crowded, gradually thin
them out. The trees and shrubs should always come
from exposed nurseries, as the growth is stout and
sturdy. Growth made in warm valleys is more
sappy. The following trees and shrubs can be
depended upon in most windy places :
TREES
Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) and Acer Pseudo-platanus
(Sycamore). While not equal to some of the trees men-
tioned, these Maples do well in many places and form a
distinct feature.
Betula alba (Common Birch). An extremely graceful tree and
a universal favourite.
Crataegus Oxyacantha (Hawthorn). The principal effect of
106
VARIETY TENUIFOLIA OF CORSICAN PINE (Finns Laricioj.
TREES FOR WIND-SWEPT GARDENS 107
exposure is to make the growth more stunted than
would otherwise be the case.
Fagus sylvatica (Beech). Long recognised as a good shelter
tree, its value in this respect is increased by the fact that
many leaves often shrivel on the branches instead of
dropping, thus giving additional protection in winter.
Fraxinus Excelsior (Ash). The wide-spreading roots of this
anchor it securely in position, and the leaves do not
weigh down the branches to any great extent.
Ilex Aquifolium (Holly). Though of slow growth when young,
this, when once established, grows away freely and is
indifferent to wind.
Larix europaea (Larch). This is well known as a nurse tree
for bleak places.
Picea (Abies) excelsa (Norway Spruce). One of our com-
monest Conifers, hence it is often used as a nurse tree
for choicer subjects.
Pinus austriaca (Austrian Fir). The best of all evergreens for
bleak places ; Pinus Cembra (Swiss Stone Pine), of slow
growth, but very ornamental, and does not mind the
wind.
Pinus Laricio (Corsican Pine, or Black Pine). As indifferent
to exposure as P. austriaca, P. montana (dwarf), and P.
sylvestris (Scotch Fir), a well-known native, which often
crowns high hill-tops.
Populus alba (Abele), P. fastigiata (Lombardy Poplar), P.
deltoidea (Canadian Poplar), P. nigra (Black Poplar),
and P. tremula (Aspen). In low-lying districts all these
Poplars are of rapid growth, but in exposed places they
make much slower progress. Even then they grow
quicker than most shelter plants, and are valuable for
making an effective display more quickly than some of
the more permanent subjects. These can all be readily
cut back within reasonable limits if desired.
Quercus Robur (Oak).
Robinia Pseudacacia. The false Acacia is one of the best
io8 TREES AND SHRUBS
town trees we have ; indeed, it does well almost every-
where.
Salix alba (White Willow). This will pass unscathed through
fierce storms. In fairly dry spots the rate of progress is
much slower than in moister soil, but, as a set-off, the
silvery hue of the foliage is more pronounced.
Ulmus (Elm). The best of the Elms for this purpose is the
Wych Elm, and one known as the Wheatley is also good.
SHRUBS
Atriplex Halimus (Sea Purslane). A silvery-leaved, free-grow-
ing shrub, indifferent to soil or situation.
Berberis (the Barberry). The best of these are the strong-
growing Berberis aristata, and the common Berberis
vulgaris, with its several varieties.
Colutea arborescens (Bladder Senna). The golden flowers in
early summer and the large inflated seed-pods in autumn
are both attractive^
Cotoneaster buxifolia, Nummularia, and Simonsii. These are
all pretty berry-bearing shrubs.
Cytisus albus (White Broom), Cytisus scoparius (Yellow
Broom), and its varieties.
Deutzia crenata flore-pleno. A handsome flowering shrub
and the most robust of its class.
Euonymus europasus (Spindle tree). The fruits of this are
very ornamental in the autumn.
Halimodendron argenteum (Siberian Salt Bush). A pretty
rambling shrub, with silvery leaves.
Juniperus communis and J. Sabina (Savin). The fact that
these Junipers are evergreen is a point in their favour.
Ligustrum ovalifolium, ovalifolium elegantissimum, and vul-
gare. These Privets are well known for planting where
the conditions are none too favourable.
Lycium chinense (Box Thorn). A rambling shrub holding
its own almost anywhere.
Osmanthus of sorts. Holly-like evergreen shrubs.
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TREES FOR WIND-SWEPT GARDENS 109
Philadelphia coronarius (Mock Orange). Though less showy
than some others, this is decidedly the hardiest.
Phillyraea decora (vilmoriniana). A valuable evergreen with
deep-green, leathery leaves.
Pinus (Mountain Pine). This member of the Fir family is but
a shrub in stature. It is at home in bleak spots.
Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil). A low shrub that
produces its golden blossoms in July and August.
Prunus Laurocerasus rotundifolia. One of the hardiest forms
of the Common Laurel.
Rosa canina (Dog Rose) and Rosa rubiginosa (Sweetbriar)
are general favourites.
Rubus (Bramble). The cut-leaved, the double white, and
double pink are ornamental.
Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom). However bleak, this will
produce its comparatively large pea-shaped blossoms
throughout the summer.
Staphylea pinnata (Bladder Nut). The bladder-like seed-cap-
sules are striking in the autumn.
Symphoricarpus racemosus (Snowberry). Grows anywhere,
and produces its large white berries in great profusion.
Ulex europaea (Common Furze). The double form of this
is remarkably showy.
Viburnum Opulus (Guelder Rose). A pretty native shrub.
CHAPTER XVI
CONIFERS (INCLUDING PINES) IN
ORNAMENTAL PLANTING
THOSE who take a serious interest in their gardens
and other planted grounds are so rapidly acquiring
a better comprehension of the art in its wider aspects,
and are so willingly receptive of further suggestion,
that we emphasise a lesson that we have often tried
to teach, namely, the importance of planting in large
groups of one thing at a time, and of a right choice.
There is no more common mistake made than that
of planting just the wrong things in the wrong places.
Thus we see plantations of Spruce on dry, sandy
hill-tops, from whence the poor trees must look with
longing eyes to their true home in the moist, alluvial
soil of the valley-bottom below. In mixed plantations
we see Conifers from many climes and all altitudes,
all expected to do equally well in perhaps one
small space of garden ground. If in a projected
plantation there is space for only fifty trees, how
much better it would be first to ascertain which out
of a few kinds would be best suited to the soil and
general conditions of the place, and then out of this
selection to choose the one that best fits the planter's
own liking and will be most in harmony with the
further planting scheme that he has in view. In this
LIBOCEDRUS DECURRENS AT FROGMORE (about 65 feet high).
CONIFERS AND PINES in
way he will obtain that unity of effect that alone can
make a garden or piece of planted ground pictorial
and restful, and enable to serve as a becoming setting
to the brightly-coloured flowering plants that will
then show their proper value as jewels of the garden.
In this restrained and sober use of trees, and
especially of Conifers, it is well to plant them of
several ages, the youngest to the outer edges of the
groups. If there is plenty of space it will be all the
better to plant the trees in hundreds rather than in
fifties, or in any case in spaces large enough to see
one whole picture of one good tree at a time.
Where such a planting was wisely made from forty
to sixty years ago how fine the effect is to-day, as
in the case of the grand growth of Douglas Firs at
Murthly. No one seeing so fine an example of the
use of one tree at a time could wish that the planta-
tion had been mixed, or could be otherwise than
deeply impressed with the desirability of the plan.
One such large group can always be made to
merge into another by intergrouping at the edges,
beginning by an isolated tree of group B in the
further portion of group A, then a group of two or
three of B, until the process is reversed and the
group is all of B, with single ones of A giving place
to all B. There is no reason why the same principle
should not be used with two or three kinds of
combined grouping, but then it should be of trees
harmonious among themselves, as of Spruce and
Silver Fir, or of such things as represent the natural
mixture of indigenous growth. Thus the Yew, Box,
ii2 TREES AND SHRUBS
Viburnum, Dogwood, Privet, and Thorn of a wild
chalky waste might be taken as a guide to planting
some of these with nearly allied foreign kinds. But
the important thing in all such planting is to have
the satisfactory restfulness and beauty of harmony
that can only be obtained by the right and limited
choice of material.
Although a few Conifers are deciduous, such as
the Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba), Taxodium distichum,
the Golden Larch (Pseudolarix Kcempferi\ and the
true Larches, the great bulk of the family consists
of evergreens. It is to the Coniferae, indeed, that
belong the only hardy evergreen trees which in
stature and size rival the large deciduous trees of
cool temperate latitudes. Although our only native
Conifers are the Yew, the Scotch Pine, and the
Juniper, there is a sufficient variety of soil and
climate within the limits of the British Isles to
provide suitable conditions for nearly the whole of
the family. It is only a few subtropical species that
cannot be accommodated. This does not imply that
the whole of the hardy Conifers can be grown satis-
factorily in any one place. In even the best Conifer
localities there are some species that will not reach
perfection, and in the general run of gardens there is
a considerable proportion of species about which
the same must be said. This fact, however, has
often been overlooked.
The extreme popularity of Conifers, which was at
its height from forty to fifty years ago, undoubtedly
led to the enriching of the parks and gardens of this
CONIFERS AND PINES 113
country with what are now, in many instances,
magnificent specimens. To realise how great that
enrichment was, one has only to mention such
places as Dropmore, Murthly Castle, Ochtertyre.
But Conifer planting, from both artistic and merely
cultural points of view, was overdone. Conifers
began to fill an undue proportion of space in gardens,
and displaced to a large extent the beautiful flower-
bearing deciduous vegetation whose seasonable varia-
tions give such charm and interest. With all their
symmetry and richness of hue, the popular species
of Abies and Picea often have a heavy, even sombre,
aspect. Heavy masses of Pine, Spruce, and Fir can
never give that changing aspect in the landscape that
comes with deciduous vegetation. The tender tints
of spring, the flowers, the gold and purple of autumn,
it is to these that the seasons of our northern
latitudes owe their greatest delights.
Perhaps the worst of all the uses to which Conifers
have been put is that of forming long avenues
across parks. It is difficult to understand the
frame of mind that would prefer rows of Araucaria,
Abies nobilis, or other similar things however well
grown and pyramidal they might be to a noble
vista of Chestnut, Oak, or Lime, with its canopy of
branch and foliage overhead. Conifers can, however,
be used effectively for forming short avenues within
the garden itself, especially in the more trimly-kept
parts.
The practice that is frequently adopted of forming
a pinetum and bringing together the members of
H
ii4 TREES AND SHRUBS
this family in one part of the grounds is a very good
one. It is far better than sprinkling them indis-
criminately over the whole garden. At the same
time, where sufficient space is not available for the
formation of a pinetum they may be used in their
proper proportion with other evergreens in various
parts of the garden. Single specimens on lawns of
Abies, Picea, and of many other genera are always
effective, and nothing in the whole range of native
or foreign trees is more stately and picturesque
than the Cedar of Lebanon. How much do we
of the present day owe to those who a century
or more ago planted this tree so abundantly in this
country !
Before planting Conifers largely in any garden
where they are to be grown for their purely
ornamental qualities, a study should be made of
the species planted in other gardens where the
conditions as to soil, moisture, and altitude are
similar. On the peaty formations in Surrey and
Hampshire where Rhododendrons succeed so well,
many Conifers thrive exceedingly well also. The
Common Spruce and its allies are nearly all failures
on light dry soil, especially where the subsoil is
gravel. In places, however, where the Spruces fail,
the Common Larch and the Lawson Cypress succeed
well. In chalk districts many Conifers refuse to
grow, but the following are among those that
thrive : Abies magnificat, A. nobilis, A. nordmanniana,
and A. Pinsapo, the Cedars, Cupressus lawsoniana,
C. macrocarpa, and C. nootkatensis, the Maidenhair
CONIFERS AND PINES 115
tree, the Junipers, the Thuyas, the Yews, and the
following Pines : Pinus Laricio and P. austriaca,
the Scotch Pine, P. excelsa, and P. Pinaster. Most
of the Pines, too, are happy on gravelly or stony
ground.
None of the Silver Firs (Abies) or Spruces (Picea)
are good trees for planting at the seaside, unless
there is sufficient shelter to break the force of the
wind, and even then there are very few that will
succeed. The species most suitable for planting
where there is a thick outer belt are Abies nobilis,
A. concolor, A. nordmanniana, and A. pectinata, the
Common Silver Fir. Of the Spruces, Picea nigra and
P. alba, the North American Spruces, succeed better
than the Norway Spruce, P. excelsa, but these, like the
Silver Firs, must have the shelter of a good wind break ;
Picea pungens, P. pungens glauca, and P. Engelmanni
will not succeed in exposed places, even in inland
localities, and fail entirely by the sea. There is a
difference of opinion about Engelmanni. In some
places it seems to stand winds well. The Conifers
that will thrive by the sea are very few, and probably
not more than half-a-dozen kinds can be trusted.
The finest of all is undoubtedly Pinus Pinaster, which
is essentially a sea-coast Pine, revelling in storms and
sprays. For warmer parts, is the Aleppo Pine (P.
halepensis), but is only for southern and warm
coasts. P. insignis is somewhat tender, but stands
the sea gales fairly well, and P. austriaca, and its
relative, P. Laricio, are both excellent, specially for
making the first barrier against the winds. The
n6 TREES AND SHRUBS
hardy Scotch Pine (P. sylvestris), if planted in large
masses, grows well, but does not luxuriate close to
the sea, and is especially liable to be browned in
foliage by the salt spray.
Besides the Pines, one of the finest of Conifers is
the Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), which
is hardy everywhere on the coast in these islands ;
it grows finer than it does in its home on the
Pacific coast. It makes a fine front barrier against
the wind, especially when mixed with the foregoing
Pines. The variety C. lambertiana is also excellent.
There are two other Conifers which, though not
much planted by the sea-coast, will, we believe,
prove reliable ; these are Cedrus allantica and Thuya
gigantea (sometimes called T. Lobbii). A third Conifer
that we have seen doing well by the sea is Abies
Pinsapo, but it must have a temporary shelter
in its small state. This subject of seaside planting
the most difficult in a tree planter's practice is an
important one, and it is only possible to treat the
matter generally.
The Conifer family is especially noteworthy for
the way many of its species vary. Not only is
this propensity evidenced in such characters as the
colour of the leaf and the differences in habit ; it
shows itself more remarkably sometimes in the form
and texture of the leaf and mode of branching.
So great is the difference between some forms of
certain species of Conifers that they have been
placed in different genera. What are generally
known as Retinosporas, for instance, are really
CONIFERS AND PINES 117
nothing more than forms, " states " the botanists
term them, assumed by various species of Thuya
and Cupressus. Strictly speaking, Retinospora has
no separate existence as a genus. This, however,
is a botanical phase of the matter. Horticulturally
we are more concerned with such variations as
adapt the plants to various garden purposes. Many
quaint and dainty forms of large trees are very
suitable for the rock-garden in association with other
alpine plants. The Common Spruce, for instance,
has given birth to many pigmy forms. The Yew,
the Scotch Pine, and various others have " sported "
in a similar way. But no hardy tree varies so
much, perhaps, as the Lawson Cypress when raised
from seed. The species has assumed almost every
shade of colour that Conifers do assume, and every
form of growth. Beautiful golden, variegated, pen-
dulous, and erect varieties have been raised, and not
only from the Lawson Cypress, but from many other
Conifers also. The Golden Yews, the yellow form
of the Monterey Cypress, and the golden variety of
the Scotch Pine, may be recommended to those who
require this colour, although in the Pine it only shows
itself in winter. The blue-white or glaucous hue
that is more or less present in most Conifers, shows
itself most conspicuously in the Blue Spruce (Picea
pungens glaucd), in Cedrus atlantica glauca, in the
new Cork Fir from Arizona (Abies lasiocarpa var.
arizonica), and in Abies concolor violacea.
n8 TREES AND SHRUBS
THE PROPAGATION OF CONIFERS
Many mistakes have been made in propagating
the Coniferae, and to make matters still worse, the
old erroneous doctrines are still preached and
practised. The unpopularity of certain species of
Abies, Picea, and Pinus is due to a great extent
to the practice of grafting them on unsuitable stocks.
For instance, the species of Abies are worked on
A. pectinaici) of Picea on P. exce/sa, and of Pinus
on P. sylvestris or P. Laricio. The varieties of P.
excelsa are worked on that species. P. exce/sa is not
used for the other forms of spruce Firs to any great
extent. In addition to this, such methods and stocks
are still spoken of as the correct ones to use ; though,
to take one genus alone, what kind of a specimen
Abies bracteata, A. nobilis, or A. concolor would make
in twenty years' time if worked on A. peclinata we
should not like to say certainly very poor, even if
they lived, which is doubtful. These are nearly
always raised from imported seeds. It may be laid
down as a law that species of Coniferae should never
be grafted but raised from seed, which can always be
obtained through English firms. With varietal forms
of Coniferae that will not come true from seed or
that cannot be struck as cuttings, grafting must
be resorted to, and if young plants of the type
species are used as stocks the results will be fairly
satisfactory. In the case of some of the more
highly variegated Cupressus, &c., grafting is really
the best method of propagation, as these forms are
CONIFERS AND PINES 119
mostly of weak constitution and are not satisfactory
from cuttings. In the following list the best methods
of propagation are given with each genus, together
with special mention of those forms which are of
indifferent growth though not difficult to propagate :
JUNIPERUS. The Junipers should be raised from
seeds, though some of them do fairly well if propa-
gated by cuttings. The green and glaucous varieties
of /. chinensis, J. excelsa, J. virginiana, and J. communis
root easily from cuttings, or can be layered with
success. The variegated forms are best grafted on
stocks of the species they belong to, and /. Sabina
(the Savin) and its varieties are easily raised from
cuttings or layers, the latter being a very easy way
of propagating them.
CUPRESSUS. This genus is divided into two
sections, viz., the true Cypresses, represented by
C. macrocarpa, C. sempervirens, &c., and Chamaecy-
paris, of which Cupressus lawsoniana is the best
known species. With the former section seeds
are the best means of reproducing the species,
while the few varieties should be grafted on stocks
of the parent species. The handsome C. macrocarpa
var. lutea especially should be worked on the type, as
it is practically a failure from cuttings, and if grafted
on C. lawsoniana, as is sometimes done, it makes a
short, stumpy bush instead of a typically tall colum-
nar tree. In the Chamaecyparis section Cupressus
lawsoniana, C. nootkatensis, C. obiusa, C. pisifera, and
C. thyoides are the only species, though there are
a host of varieties attached to them, the forms of
120 TREES AND SHRUBS
the three latter species, in fact, including all the
various plants more commonly known under the
generic title of Retinospora. The species should
be raised from seed, which is easily obtainable and
germinates readily, or in default they will root from
cuttings. The varieties, with a few exceptions, are
quickly propagated by cuttings, those that require
to be grafted being C. lawsoniana var. lutea, the
variegated forms of C. nootkatensis, and C. obtusa
vars. nana, nana aurea, and filifera aurea. The
forms of C. thyoides also do well when raised from
layers. We must not omit also such varieties of
C. lawsoniana as Fraseri, Allumi, and one known in
nurseries as Milford Blue Jacket.
THUYA. These are propagated in much the same
way as the Cupressus, viz., the species by seeds, and
the varieties by cuttings or by grafting in the case of
the one or two highly variegated forms. Some of
the green or glaucous varieties of both Cupressus
and Thuya will come fairly true from seed, from
40 per cent, to 70 per cent, being the usual quantity
of seedlings true to name. Variegated forms from
seed either come green or a mongrel mixture of
green and variegated.
LIBOCEDRUS. This should be raised from seed,
as when grafted on Thuya orientalis a too common
method of propagation it makes a miserable speci-
men. The middle pair of scales in the cone of
Libocedrus alone contain fertile seeds. L. doniana
is a tender species.
SCIADOPITYS and TAXODIUM These can only be
CONIFERS AND PINES 121
propagated by seeds, and the young plants should
have a fairly moist position with plenty of leaf-
mould or peat to grow in afterwards.
SEQUOIA The two species of Sequoia should
be raised from seed, and the three or four varieties
be grafted on the type species.
CRYPTOMERIA. This only contains one species,
viz., C. japonicay which can only be obtained from
seed, or by cuttings ; and the varieties root readily
as cuttings, though one or two of the weaklier ones
do better if grafted on C. japonica.
ARAUCARIA. Propagate by seeds, which, though
sometimes difficult to obtain, germinate freely and
quickly.
TSUGA. The Hemlock Spruces are easily and
quickly obtained from seeds, and one or two will
strike from cuttings ; the varieties do best when
grafted on the species they belong to, though T.
pattoniana var. glauca, more commonly known as
Abies hookeriana, will come fairly true from seed,
about 75 per cent, being the usual quantity if the
seed is obtained from good plants.
PiCEA. This genus has been mentioned before
as being commonly grafted on P. excelsa (the
Common Spruce), which is an easy way of obtain-
ing young plants, which, however, cannot be recom-
mended to form good specimens in after years.
The species of Picea should all be raised from seed,
and the many named varieties of P. excelsa should be
grafted on the parent species. At least one-half the
plants of P. Engelmanni var. glauca and P. pungens var.
122 TREES AND SHRUBS
glauca (the Californian Blue Spruce) will be found
true to name when raised from seeds, while their
superiority afterwards over grafted plants is evident.
CEDRUS, LARIX, AND PSEUDOLARIX. It should
always be remembered that these three are quite
distinct genera, and for purposes of propagation
should never be used in conjunction with each
other, the first being evergreen and the two latter
deciduous. The species of all three should be
raised from seed ; the varieties of Cedrus should
be grafted on that genus, the forms of Larix on the
Larch, though the geographical forms of the Common
Larch, such as var. rossica and var. sibirica, usually
come true from seed. Larix leptolepis (Japanese
Larch) is one of the most beautiful trees ever intro-
duced from Japan ; it is charming both in summer
and winter. Pseudolarix Kcempferi (Golden Larch),
the only representative of the genus, must be raised
from seed ; it is generally raised by grafting in
February under glass on stocks of the common
Larch.
ABIES. In this genus some of the most handsome
Conifers are found, and also some of the most
difficult to grow. All the Abies should be propa-
gated by seeds, but if seed of the varieties cannot
be obtained then they must be grafted on the
parent species.
PSEUDOTSUGA. This genus only contains one
species, viz., P. Douglasii (the Douglas Fir), which
is propagated readily by seed, the seedlings being
of rapid growth and soon form good plants. The
CONIFERS AND PINES 123
few varieties are grafted on the type, though the
majority will come fairly true from seed, which,
however, is not always to be obtained.
PINUS. Perhaps no Conifer adds so much to the
beauty of the landscape in winter as the Pine. All
the species should be raised from seeds, and any
green or glaucous varieties can also be propagated
in the same way if seeds can be obtained. The
golden, dwarf, and variegated Pines must be grafted
on the species they are varieties of.
TAXACE^E. This group is usually associated with
Coniferae, from which it differs chiefly by the seed
being nearly or quite enclosed in a fleshy envelope
instead of in a cone, the fruit of some resembling
a small Plum, but a typical fruit is seen in that
of the Common Yew. The hardy genera are Ginkgo
biloba (the Maidenhair tree), which is propagated
from seed the plant is deciduous and slow grow-
ing ; Cephalotaxus and Torreya are propagated by
seeds, cuttings, or layers.
TAXUS (the Yew). There are only three or four
species of Taxus, but there are a great many varieties
of the Common Yew, many being very handsome.
The species are easily raised from seeds, layers,
or cuttings. The first two methods are the best,
cuttings being very slow in growth, but as seed
is very plentiful in most years this is the quickest
and best means of propagation. Some of the
varieties will come true from seed ; the Irish Yew,
however, must be struck from cuttings, as seedlings
never come true. The more highly variegated Yews
i2 4 TREES AND SHRUBS
grow quickest when grafted on the Common Yew,
and as they always keep good in after years this
method can for once be recommended. A very
good species for a lawn is T. cuspidata; it is strong
in growth and spreading.
Propagate PRUMNOPITYS and SAXEGOTHEA by
seeds, cuttings, or layers.
CONIFERS AT MURTHLY CASTLE, PERTHSHIRE
The following account of a great Conifer garden
in Scotland is important, as showing how certain of
the better-known species have behaved during the
last fifty years or so. It is taken from the Garden of
May 19, 1900 :
The second quarter of the present century saw
the introduction of a large number of Conifers
hitherto unknown to English gardens. Their culti-
vation was eagerly taken up, and especially in Scot-
land, a land whose general conditions seem highly
favourable to a considerable number of species, much
success has been attained. It may still be premature
to state with any degree of assurance what may be
the ultimate suitability of many of these Conifers for
growth in our islands. The lifetime of a tree is not
comprised within its first sixty years, and such a
length of time is all too short to prove the ultimate
success of any new tree, though within that space
it may come to a magnificent size and apparent
promise. Such a state is shown by the splendid
Douglas Firs in the grounds of Murthly Castle,
AVENUE OF ANCIENT YEWS AT MURTHLY.
CONIFERS AND PINES 125
Perthshire, where also many another exotic Conifer
is grown in quantity.
These words of Sir William Thiselton-Dyer, that
formed part of his opening address on the second
day of the Conifer conference of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society in 1891, may here be quoted :
" Any one who had not travelled in Scotland could
form no idea of the extent to which rare Conifers
were cultivated in that country, and the splendid
development which they attained. The chairman,
by way of illustrating these remarks, directed the
attention of the audience to some large photographs
representing specimens of Coniferae to be seen at
Murthly Castle, Perthshire, where they flourished,
and where stately and magnificent examples 70 feet,
80 feet, and 100 feet high were to be met with.
Such trees could only be seen in Scotland, and were
the result of a peculiar association of physical condi-
tions. In the south-west of England it was impos-
sible to find a parallel, though even on the sunburnt
soil of Kew good specimens of the Pines proper were
occasionally to be seen. With regard to the Abies,
however that section of Conifers of which the
Spruces may be taken as a type a state of things
prevailed in Scotland which could not be rivalled in
England. On the other hand, the climate in the
south-west of the latter country was fairly suitable
for some other Conifers, and many of the fine
Mexican Pines could be grown there."
Of the remarkable Douglas Fir at Dropmore, Mr.
Charles Herrin on the same occasion says : " The
126 TREES AND SHRUBS
monarch Douglas Fir, planted in 1830, has attained
a height of 120 feet, girth of trunk n feet 9 inches,
with beautiful spreading branches sweeping the
ground, covering a diameter of 64 feet. The leaves
are also of a glaucous hue, equalling in that respect
many of the plants now sold from nurseries under
the name of Douglasi glauca. . . . Many trees have
since been raised from its seeds and planted out on
the estate; one, planted in 1843, is now 78 feet
high, with a girth of trunk of 8 feet 2 inches,
spreading 39 feet in diameter at base ; a perfect
specimen."
By comparing the growth of the latter tree with
the Murthly table, it will be seen that the trees
make their growth much more rapidly in Scotland.
The Murthly Conifers were all planted by Sir William
and Sir Douglas Stewart. The present owner, Mr.
Steuart Fothringham, who measured the trees in
1891 in anticipation of the visit of the Scottish
Arboricultural Society, on learning that we should
be glad to know their increase of growth since that
date, has been so good as to have the same trees
measured again, the increase being shown by the
subjoined table on p. 128.
Mr. Fothringham also furnishes the following
remarks : " The measurements were all carefully
taken by sending men or boys up the trees, not by
dendrometers, and are, I believe, correct. There
are something like eighty or a hundred different
varieties growing at Murthly, but some of them are
young and only experiments. Those measured and
CONIFERS AND PINES 127
noted are the most striking ; they are nearly all
growing in large numbers. The remarks appended
to the table are made by Mr. James Laurie, the
gardener, who knows Conifers well. The only addi-
tional notes I have made are the following : Picea
sitchensis will never, in my opinion, supplant the
Spruce. Picea orientalis is not as free-growing as the
Spruce, but quite as hardy. Araucaria imbricata.
Many of these were damaged by severe frost. Cedrus
Deodara will not, in my opinion, live to great age in
our climate. Cupressus thyoides. This particular tree
was so much broken by branches blown off its
neighbour that I cut it down. Pinus monticola has
been attacked by a parasitic growth that is likely to
destroy all the young growth and probably the trees.
Juniperus recurva was severely injured by the hard
frost. By the hard frost I mean the winter of
1894-5. In February 1895, the thermometer was
for several days below o Fahr., and on one night
went to 11 below o. This shows that all these trees
will stand great cold at the time of year that it is
likely to come, but late frosts in spring, when the sap
has begun to rise, are detrimental to the young
shoots of those that start their growth early in the
season. There are at Murthly, besides Coniferae,
fine specimens of Yews, Oaks, Beech, Spanish Chest-
nut, Horse Chestnut, and Sycamore."
128
TREES AND SHRUBS
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CHAPTER XVII
CARE OF OLD TREES
THE charm of many an estate is not the garden or
the woodland, but the monarchs that for years have
weathered the winter storm and stand out as noble
specimens of their family. Often there are fine trees
of rarer species which their owners naturally wish to
preserve from decay as long as possible. Belonging
to this class are numerous specimens scattered over
the country of American and other foreign trees that
were amongst the first of their kind to be introduced
to Britain, such, for instance, as the Tulip tree, the
Robinia, and various oaks from America, the Sophora
from China, and various European trees. The trees
may have some historic associations, but whether this
is so or not, when they begin to decay efforts are made
to save them from absolute death. Decay is harmful
and objectionable in park and garden, and we are
not sure that this matter of decay in trees has been
so well considered as it might be, as bearing upon
the health of other trees and of mankind also. A
tree may be picturesque in decay, but we prefer it
in health and beauty. Experts are frequently asked
for remedies to arrest decay in old trees.
The two principal causes of decay are starvation
at the root and injury by storms and disease. Such
iag
130 TREES AND SHRUBS
trees as the Beech and Horse Chestnut, that root
close to the surface of the soil quite different from
the Oak may often be invigorated by covering the
ground with a few inches of good soil or short
manure. Artificial watering, during prolonged
drought, when thoroughly done, is also very helpful
to the tree. Trees with large crowns of branches
are frequently seen thinly furnished with foliage, and
altogether sickly owing to unhealthy or insufficient
roots. The balance between top and bottom has
been destroyed. To restore it in some degree the
top-growth may be reduced by pruning out and
shortening back branches here and there, wherever
it can be done without spoiling the appearance of
the tree. This demands careful judgment, but some
old and sickly trees may certainly be restored in a
measure by this help. It is of no value in the case
of trees with decayed trunks, nor with those like our
Common Oak, which will not break readily from
old wood. But Elms, Robinias, and Red Oaks are
among those that respond to this treatment.
Old trees with insecure branches can often be
saved from destruction by fastening the main
branches together on to the trunk. The common
practice of putting an iron collar round the branch
is a mistake. The iron prevents the branch expand-
ing naturally, and ultimately chokes it. A better
way is to use a strong iron rod with a plate at the
end, and instead of supporting the branch by
encircling it, a hole is bored right through the
centre of it, through which the rod is pushed from
CARE OF OLD TREES 131
the outer side. The rod should be of tough iron
or steel, and should exactly fit the hole bored by the
augur ; the portions embedded in the wood should
be smeared with coal tar before they are pushed
through, so as to make the holes as nearly as pos-
sible air and water-tight. One end of the rod should
be " threaded " sufficiently to allow of the limbs being
braced slightly by screwing up the nut, and thus
supporting some of their weight. Finally, the bark
should be neatly cut away so as to let in each of the
iron plates closer to the living wood, for by this
means the time required for closing over the plate
by new wood is shortened. In this way the weight
is borne by the iron plate, which should, by removing
sufficient bark, be allowed to fit close in to the
wood. New bark will gradually close over and hide
the plate, and instead of an ugly collar cutting into
the wood, the only evidence of artificial aid is the rod
coming from the inner side of the branch.
Branches or snags that have to be removed should
be sawn off quite close to the trunk or larger branch
from which they spring. When a stump, even not
more than a few inches long, is left, the new bark
and wood are unable to close over it, and the wood
ultimately decays and acts as a medium for mois-
ture and fungoid diseases. The saw should travel
from point A to B, as in the sketch. When a stump
is left (as would be done by sawing off at C D) decay
sets in sooner or later. Although the tree often
succeeds in healing over the dead part, it more often
fails to do so until the decay has reached the trunk
132
TREES AND SHRUBS
itself. With the softer-wooded trees like the Horse-
Chestnuts disease frequently reaches the heart of the
tree quickly by these means. A coating of liquid tar
over the wound, renewed once or twice until the
new bark has closed over, is a sure protection against
these evils.
A good deal may be done in the early training of
a tree to so control its
building up that it may
best withstand the vio-
lence of gales. And
the most important mat-
ter in this connexion is
the development of a
strong erect trunk, a
central axis of such
height and strength and
bulk as to be capable
of supporting its head
of branches easily. In
When a broken stump, such as is , , . ,
here shown, has to be sawn off, the Other words the leading
shoot should
watched, and, by the re-
pression of any rival leaders that may appear, allowed
to retain its predominance. In the best English
nurseries only trees with good " leads " are sent out.
Trees decayed in the centre, with only an outer
layer of healthy wood, are, of course, doomed, but
by filling up all holes in the earlier stages of decay,
and thus keeping out moisture, their term of life can
be lengthened by many years.
CARE OF OLD TREES 133
Holes made by woodpeckers can sometimes be
plugged up with a piece of Oak. This, if left on a
level with the bark, will often enable the latter to
close over the hole. Large holes may be filled with
cement, or even built up with bricks, the surface
being made water-tight and tarred over.
CHAPTER XVIII
TREES AND SHRUBS FOR WATERSIDE
MANY of the brightest garden pictures at the present
day are by the well-planted pond or lakeside, where
shrubs of large growth are grouped to give colour
through summer and winter.
The wild plants of the riverside are in themselves
for the most part large of stature and important of
appearance. When one sees the upright growth and
large leaves of the Great Water Dock (Rumex) and
the broad round ones (2 feet or more across) of the
Butter-Bur (Petasites), and the beds of the Common
Reed (Phragmites), 8 to 10 feet high, with its
great brown-black plumes, and the curious bright-
green Horsetail (Equisetum), and the rosy banks of
Willow-herb and Loose-strife, and the calm wide
breadths of the white Water Lily in the still back-
waters ; when we see all these lessons that Nature
teaches by the riverside we perceive that for the
best of good effect of waterside gardening we need
not be afraid of planting things of bold growth
largely.
When we come to garden plants there are many
families that are never so happy as when close to
water, or in soil that always feels the cool, moistening
influence of water within a few feet below them.
134
ALDERS NEAR WATER (Catkin time)
WHITE WILLOW (Salix alba) BY WATERSIDE.
TREES FOR WATERSIDE 135
Such are the whole range of the larger herbaceous
Spiraeas, some of them plants of great size. Then
we have the Thalictrums, the autumn - flowering
Phloxes, the stately Heracleum ; Telekia, Bamboos,
Arundo Donax, the Swamp and Meadow Lilies of
the northern states of America ; and coming to
smaller though scarcely less important plants, the
Scarlet Lobelias, Oriental Poppies, many Irises, the
Michaelmas Daisies, and Day Lilies ; all these thrive
by the waterside.
There are many shrubs that prefer a moist place,
such as the Guelder Rose and the beautiful North
American Halesia, Quinces, Rhododendrons, Azaleas,
and Kalmias, while the lovely Fritillaries, Globe-
flowers, and the double Cuckoo-flowers love damp
grassy spaces. We think we may safely advise those
who are making gardens by river or lake to go
forward and plant with confidence, only selecting
such things as are mentioned below.
As the things named are described elsewhere in
this book a list only is given.
TREES AND SHRUBS FOR SWAMPY PLACES
Willows (Salix) in great variety : S. alba (White
Willow), S. babylonica (Babylonian Weeping Willow),
S. purpurea, S. p. pendula (American Weeping Willow),
S. Caprea, S. C. pendula, the fine Kilmarnock Willow,
Cardinal Willow and Golden Willow both these are
very beautiful in winter ; the stems of the former are
crimson, and of the latter golden yellow, and make
136 TREES AND SHRUBS
a remarkable picture of intense colouring ; plant
them in large groups S. daphnoides (the White-
stemmed Willow), S. fragilis (Crack Willow), 5. /.
basfordiana (Red-barked Willow), and S. hippophaifolia
(Sea Buckthorn-leaved Willow).
Populus alba (White Poplar), P. deltoidea (Canadian
Poplar), P. nigra (Black Poplar), Lombardy Poplar,
and P. tremula (the Aspen). But the Poplars must
not be overdone, and by pond or lakeside are
often out of place. In such places the Cardinal and
Yellow-barked Willow, Sea Buckthorn, and similar
shrubs are more appropriate.
Common Alder, with its many varieties Cut-
leaved, the Golden-leaved, and such as Alnus incana
and A. serrulata.
Taxodium distichum (Deciduous Cypress) ; tender
green in spring and brownish red in autumn, when
the leaves change colour.
Hippophae rhamnoides (the Sea Buckthorn).
TREES AND SHRUBS FOR MOIST (BUT NOT
SWAMPY) SOIL
Berberis Darwinii (Darwin's Barberry), B. Thun-
bergi (for its beautiful autumn leaf-colouring), Birch,
Dogwoods, Cornus alba and varieties ; the variety
sibirica has brilliant-red stems. Cotoneaster buxifolia,
C. frigida, C. Nummularia, C. Simonsii; Ash, Myrica
Gale (Sweet Gale) and M. asplenifolia ; Ledum palustre,
Nyssa sylvatica (Tupelo tree), Mountain Ash, Quercus
aquatica (Water Oak), Q. palustris (Swamp Oak) ;
TREES FOR WATERSIDE 137
Rhamnus Frangula (Buckthorn). Roses with brightly-
coloured heps Rubus biflorus (White - stemmed
Bramble), R. fruticosus fl.pl. (Double Pink Bramble).
R. laciniatus (Cut-leaved Bramble), R. spectabilis (Sal-
mon Berry). Sambucus racemosa (Red-berried Elder),
Spiraea Douglasii, S. hypericifolia } S. lindleyana ;
Tamarisk. Viburnum Opulus (Guelder Rose) ; when
this native shrub is weighed down with the rich red
berry-clusters, it is a remarkable colour picture, and
the autumn leaf tints add to its beauty.
Of Conifers, mention may be made of Tsuga
canadensis, Picea sitchensis, Cupressus thyoides, and
Thuya gigantea.
Bamboos : Select those of robust growth, such
as Arundinaria japonica (Bambusa Metake), A. Simoni,
A. Veitchii, and A. palmata; Phyllostachys viridi-
glaucescens and P. mtiis.
CHAPTER XIX
TREES AND SHRUBS FOR THE ROCK GARDEN
IF we think of the changes in gardening terms which
have occurred during the last quarter of a century,
there is surely significance in the gradual transition
from the Rock Garden or Alpine Garden into the
more imposing Rock Garden of our present-day
language. It points to the bolder grouping now
happily adopted in most good gardens and more in
accordance with Nature's pattern which includes
evergreen and flowering shrubs as well as the close-
growing alpine plants, gem-like in their brilliant
colours, which in earlier days were alone considered
suitable for the purpose. The principle is now
generally recognised that the " unstudied picturesque-
ness of Nature may be brought into the rule and
line ordering of our gardens," and the better con-
struction and government of the Rock Garden gives
greater scope for the carrying out of this worthy
effort.
In enumerating suitable shrubs for the Rock
Garden, more than ordinary care should be exercised
in their selection, in view of the greater difficulty
of rectifying mistakes in such positions. We must
not be led away by the beauty of a shrub, for
instance, during its time of flowering alone, without
138
TREES FOR THE ROCK GARDEN 139
considering its character at other seasons and its
adaptability to its special surroundings. A due sense
of proportion will also hold us back from planting
a spreading, hungry-natured shrub in limited space,
or where it would rob and over-run more valuable
but weaker plants. Such considerations as these
must be left to the planter who, in his turn, must
be guided by the incidental circumstances of his
particular locality. It is only possible here to set
down some of the best shrubs available for the
purpose, and to indicate, in a very general way, the
positions for which they are suitable.
Occasionally, where there is ample space, a deci-
duous tree of low growth may be planted to great
advantage. Not long ago, in a picturesque district
bordering on Western Germany, a mental note was
made of the excellent effect of Wild Medlar trees,
scarcely more than good-sized bushes, growing about
the boulders and overhanging the edge of quarried
rocks. The white flowers in spring, and the fine
form and tint of the russet-brown fruit as it gradually
swells during the summer months, give this tree a
peculiar claim on our attention where the position
is suitable. But in planning the main features of
the Rock Garden, we naturally turn our thoughts
first to evergreen trees and shrubs, because the
plants grown in such positions, being usually either
alpine or herbaceous, are mostly in abeyance during
the winter, and it is desirable that the rockery, no
less than every other part of the garden, should
be interesting even if it cannot be gay, during the
TREES AND SHRUBS
period of rest. A specimen Holly or, in exceptionally
mild climates, a tall bush, from 8 to 10 feet high,
of Pittosporum undulatum, one of the most beautiful
of New Zealand evergreen trees, may be so placed,
for example, as to be exceedingly pictorial ; but, as
a rule, we must keep our shrubs to an average
maximum height of not more than from 4 to 5 feet,
and, generally speaking, those of still lower stature
are better suited to the ordinary Rock Garden.
Some of the small-growing Conifers, from their
compact habit and distinct character, are especially
well fitted to break the outline and to give contrast.
We think of Pines and Spruce Firs and Cedars as
majestic trees, and it is only when one comes to
study them in their manifold varieties that we find
how many of these range from a height of only a
few inches to 3 feet, or at most to 4 feet.
Some species, it is true, do not lend themselves
gracefully to the dwarfing process, becoming clumpy
and inelegant, but this charge cannot be brought
against many of the Cypresses and Junipers. Several
of the smaller Conifers, besides, give the advantage
of distinct variations of colour with the changing
seasons. Reference is not now made to the golden
and silver forms, so-called, which occur in most of
the genera, and put on their brightest tints in spring,
but to the deeper winter colouring assumed, e.g. by
the interesting Retinospora ericoides, which alters its
summer tone of dark green to purple brown on the
approach of cold weather ; or by Cryptomeria elegans,
a little less hardy, which changes to a fine shade of
CISTUSES AND ROSES IN THE ROCK GARDEN.
(In the left lower comer, Cistus hirsutus ; middle, Rosi alba ; to right,
R.rngosa Mine. Georges Britant.}
DWARF SHRUBS ON ROCK GARDEN.
TREES FOR THE ROCK GARDEN 141
bronzy crimson. Like other plants, Conifers differ
greatly as to constitution, and judgment must be
used in their choice. The dwarf alpine form of the
Common Juniper (Juniperus communis nand) is very
hardy and slow-growing, never becoming too ram-
pant for the smallest Rock Garden, and shares the
blue-grey tint which is so characteristic of this beau-
tiful species. /. c. alpina aurea is a delightful small-
growing Conifer. In summer the foliage is light
yellow, and in^ winter heavily shaded with bronzy
yellow. Very distinct from it is the lovely pros-
trate Savin (/. Sabina procumbens), one of the best
of evergreen shrubs for the Rock Garden, and one
most restful and satisfying to the eye at all times
in its deep tones of sea green. A first-rate variety
is /. 5. tamarisa '.folia, which is of very spreading
growth.
Cupressus pisifera, almost plumose in one of its
many variations, and C. obtusa y both better known
perhaps under the garden name of Retinosporas, are
admirable, and may be used either in the normal or
the dwarf forms according to the greater or less
space at command. Almost the last tree, probably,
which one would expect to see draping the vertical
face of a rock is the Spruce Fir, yet a weeping variety
(Picea excelsa pendula) is exceedingly effective in such a
position as a foil to hanging masses of richly-coloured
Aubrietias or Golden Alyssum, while it looks well at
all seasons. Mention may here be made of a remark-
able Conifer, Cunninghamia smenst's, of great beauty
and very distinct character, which takes the shape,
1 42 TREES AND SHRUBS
in our climate, of a spreading bush, though in its
native habitat it grows into a tree of noble dimen-
sions. It is suitable only for a Rock Garden of
some boldness of construction, and in gardens
favoured with a mild climate and a sheltered
position, but under such happy circumstances a
place should certainly be found for this handsome
and little-known China Fir.
Another uncommon coniferous shrub, also very
distinct and more generally useful than the last, is
Podocarpus alpina. Though a native of Tasmania, it
grows at high elevations, and is able to resist severe
frost. Dark green in foliage, only about 2 feet in
height, and of a somewhat spreading nature, it is
never out of place in the Rock Garden, whether large
or small.
From Conifers we may pass to Veronicas, certain
of which might almost be mistaken for some min-
ute form of Cypress. Of this character is a small
group known in New Zealand, the natural habitat of
a large number of shrubby species, by the apposite
name of Whipcord Veronicas. Being themselves
alpine, they are particularly well suited for grouping
with low-growing mountain plants. Six species or
varieties of this interesting section grow naturally at
elevations ranging from 7000 to 4000 feet, and are
much more hardy than is generally supposed. These
are : V. cupressoides, V. c. var. variabilis, V. lycopodioides,
V. Armstrongiiy V. Hectori, V. loganioides.
The form of V. cupressoides, known as variabilis,
was mistaken, on its first introduction, for a distinct
TREES FOR THE ROCK GARDEN 143
species, V. salicornoides^ and may still be met with
under that name. The small violet or white flowers
of these miniature evergreen shrubs are not perhaps
much to be taken into account, but they have a
distinct value of their own as rock-work greenery.
There are other dwarf New Zealand Veronicas of
a leafy character, differing essentially from these
mimetic species, such as V. carnosula and V. pingui-
folia, also inhabiting regions 5000 feet above the
sea-level, which are suited for localities with average
advantages of climate. Others again, such as V.
Lyallii, V. glauco-ccerulea, and V. hulkeana, though they
grow naturally at lower altitudes, and must be
reckoned only half-hardy, may yet be serviceable for
Rock Gardens on the southern sea-board, or on the
west coast of Scotland. Belonging to the larger-grow-
ing and more familiar species of Shrubby Veronica,
mention may be made of a good purple-flowered
hybrid, of very compact growth, known as Purple
Queen, which is exceedingly ornamental from its free-
flowering habit. Many of the losses sustained amongst
these interesting New Zealand shrubs are owing to
drought rather than to frost, and their extreme sus-
ceptibility to dryness at the root is a fact not recog-
nised as it should be.
Hardy Heaths are of the utmost value in the Rock
Garden, and range in height from the 6 feet or more
of Erica arborea to the 6 inches of the well-known
E. carnea, and can be used in rough places, where
more delicate plants might not thrive. A sudden
emergency once arose in the experience of the writer,
i 4 4 TREES AND SHRUBS
when a shelving mass of earth had to be shored-up
as quickly as possible with such material as lay ready
to hand at the moment. This happened to be found
in a heap of ugly, yellowish, water-worn boulders of
great size, which abound in that particular locality,
at no great distance below the ground-level, and
must be dug out when any deep trenching has
to be done. There was no time to be wasted in
facing the stones, which would have made them
more sightly, and they had to be used as they were.
Fortunately a large consignment of the best hardy
Heaths had lately arrived from the Darley Dale
Nurseries, and were immediately seized upon to
cover up the ugliness of the hastily-built-up barricade.
Boulders and Heaths, however, took to each other
kindly, in spite of a soil by no means specially suit-
able, and with the addition, later, of a few good
kinds of Cistus and other shrubs, the bank still
remains as happy a bit of rough planting as could
be desired.
Of the taller Heaths, E. lusitanica is somewhat tender,
and is not so generally useful as E. mediterranea or
E. arborea (Tree Heath). A hybrid form E. medi-
terranea x E. carnea is excellent, and comes into
flower about Christmas, in advance of either of its
parents, when its pale-purple spikes are very welcome,
and are quite distinct from the rosy-red flowers of E.
carnea : it is known as E. mediterranea hybrida. The
foliage of hardy Heaths is never unsightly, but the
persistent dead flowers are, and these should always
be clipped off as soon as their beauty is over, or the
TREES FOR THE ROCK GARDEN 145
new growth will break away above the withered
flowers, leaving, in many cases, straggling and un-
clothed branches. The omission of this needful
work every season is a fruitful source of the ragged-
ness which brings some discredit on these otherwise
attractive plants.
Many flowering shrubs of the same natural order
as Heaths, but unlike them in general appearance,
such as the Alpine Rhododendrons, R. ferrugineum
and R. htrsutum, and the less well-known but very
beautiful and distinct R. racemosum, as well as some
of the miniature varieties of Azalea indica, notably
R. obtusa and its forms, seem peculiarly suitable for
the Rock Garden (see p. 428 for lists of the best
Rhododendrons). Again, where rock meets more
level ground, and the trickle of a stream can be so
directed as to give moisture without sogginess, a
considerable number of peat-loving evergreen shrubs
belonging to the same order, of the type of Gaultheria,
Vacciniuniy and Pieris, may be used with excellent
effect. Gaullheria Shallon, indeed, is a singularly fine
shrub in any position, and is not very exacting in
any of its requirements. Growing about 2 feet high,
with purple leaf-tints in winter, and spikes of white
waxy flowers, brightly tinged with red, in spring,
which are followed by purple fruit, few things can
surpass it in its way. For carpeting moist spots, the
little G. procumbens, which rises scarcely 3 inches
from the ground, will fill a useful place with its
winter colouring of crimson brown. Shrubs of this
K
146 TREES AND SHRUBS
class are well worth study by those whose locality
admits of their cultivation.
For dry, sunny, and stony banks Rock Roses may
be chosen, but the position must be wind-screened,
a more important factor in the question of their
hardiness than cold. The large-growing Gum Cistus
is well known and tolerably hardy everywhere, and
so also is C. laurifolius, but there are several most
desirable species of dwarfer growth, such as the
white, crimson-spotted C. lusitanicus, the pink-flowered
C. villosus, the bright-red C. crispus, and the pure
white C. florentinus, which are quite happy in sheltered
rock walks especially by the sea ; they have been
also grown with success in many colder situations
inland. The Cistineae, at best, are somewhat short-
lived, and lose vigour and power of resistance as
they grow older. Keep up, therefore, young, thrifty
stock by yearly cuttings to fill up inevitable gaps,
which is a matter of no cultural difficulty. Where
Rock Roses are out of the question, their place may
worthily be filled by the hardier shrubby Helian-
themums, though they differ greatly from Cistineae
in their trailing habit and smaller flowers. The
breadths of brilliant colour given by these Sun Roses
while in bloom are invaluable, and may be en-
joyed to the full in almost any locality, while the
many variations of tint, from deep green to ashen
grey, in their leafage should also be taken into con-
sideration, as it increases their usefulness when out
of flower.
No list of good shrubs for the Rock Garden would
TREES FOR THE ROCK GARDEN 147
be complete without some reference to Yuccas, which
for all practical purposes must be included under
that head. Groups of these magnificent plants, with
their sub-tropical effect, cannot be surpassed for
nobility of outline and stateliness of flower. To do
them full justice, they must have space to develop
their grand proportions, but this may often be found
on the ridge or upper slope, even in rock-work of
limited character. Y. gloriosa, with its fine form,
K recurva, and the stemless Y. flaccida, of smaller
growth, are amongst the best and hardiest kinds,
and to these may be added Y. angustifolia, another
valuable and nearly stemless species.
It is only possible, in restricted space, to touch
in a very cursory way upon a few of the available
groups of dwarf-growing shrubs. Many more than
have been mentioned will occur readily to the minds
of those who are at all conversant with plants, such
as Abelia rupestris. Magnolia stellata, several beautiful
species of Daphne, some of the St. John's Worts, of
low-growing Cyfisus, and others which may be classed
under the head of miscellaneous. The subjoined
list, though it does not pretend to be exhaustive,
will be found of use, either for purposes of winter
greenery or for summer embellishment, by those
who are seeking good and suitable dwarf shrubs
for planting, under varied conditions in the Rock
Garden.
i 4 8
TREES AND SHRUBS
DWARF SHRUBS FOR THE ROCK GARDEN
HARDY EVERGREEN
Buxus sempervirens vars.
Cotoneaster buxifolia.
Danaea Laurus (Alexandrian
Laurel). Syn. Ruscus race-
mosus.
Gaultheria procumbens.
Lavendula vera (Lavender).
Mahonia (Berberis) Aquifolium.
Osmanthus Aquifolium.
Pernettya mucronata.
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rose-
mary).
Skimmia Foreman!.
Veronica (Whipcord).
cupressoides.
cup. var. variabilis.
Armstrongii.
Hectori.
loganioides.
lycopodioides.
Conifers
Cupressus obtusa nana.
ericoides.
thyoides.
Juniperus communis nana.
Juniperus Sabina prostrata.
Picea excelsa clanbrassiliana.
ex. pumila glauca.
Podocarpus alpina.
HARDY FLOWERING SHRUBS
Azalea (Rhododendron)
amaena.
indica and vars.
mollis.
Cytisus Ardoini.
Kewensis.
purpureus.
Shipksensis.
Daphne blagayana.
Cneorum.
Mezereum.
Dryas octopetala.
Erica carnea.
ciliaris.
,, lusitanica.
,, mediterranea.
m. hybrida.
Genista germanica.
,, pilosa.
Helianthemum vars.
Hypericum moserianum.
,, olympicum.
,, patulum,
Kalmia angustifolia.
TREES FOR THE ROCK GARDEN 149
Kalmia glauca.
Magnolia stellata.
Olearia Haastii.
Ononis rotundifolia.
Philadelphia microphyllus.
Phlomis fruticosa.
Polygala Chamaebuxus and
var. purpurea.
Prunus nana.
Rhododendron ferrugineum.
hirsutum.
racemosum.
Rosa lutea.
pimpinellifolia.
xanthina (Ecas).
Rubus arcticus.
Spiraea arguta.
Bumalda.
decumbens, &c.
,, Thunbergi.
Veronica buxifolia.
carnosula.
pinguifolia.
,, linifolia.
Yucca angustifolia.
filaraentosa.
fil. var. flaccida.
gloriosa.
recurvifolia.
FLOWERING AND OTHER SHRUBS FOR SHELTERED
SITUATIONS AND MILD CLIMATE
Abelia rupestris.
Cistus albidus.
crispus.
lusitanicus.
villosus.
Coronilla Emerus.
glauca.
Daphne Dauphini.
Genkwa.
Fabiana imbricata.
Escallonia macrantha.
philippiana and
hybrids.
rubra.
Eugenia Ugni.
Fatsia japonica (Arabia Sie-
boldi).
Grevillea rosmarinifolia.
Helianthemum formosum.
Linum arboreum.
Myrtus communis.
box leaved.
Olearia dentata.
Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius.
Philesia buxifolia.
Pittosporum Tobira.
,, undulata.
Rhododendron (see pp. 137
and 424).
Rosa simplicifolia.
Rubus rosaefolius.
Swainsonia alba.
TREES AND SHRUBS
FLOWERING AND OTHER SHRUBS FOR SHELTERED
SITUATIONS (continued)
Trachycarpus (Chamaerops)
excelsa (Chinese Fan
Palm).
Veronica chathamica.
epacridea.
Fairfieldii.
glauco-ccerulea.
pimeleoides.
Veronica speciosa.
Traversii.
Purple Queen
(hyb.).
Conifers.
Cryptomeria elegans.
Cunninghamia sinensis.
FOR MOIST PEATY SOIL AT THE FOOT OF ROCKS
Andromeda polifolia.
Bryanthus erectus.
Cassandra calyculata.
Cassiope tetragona.
Dabrecia polifolia (Irish Heath).
Gaultheria procumbens.
Ledum palustre.
Leucothoe axillaris.
Catesbaei.
Myrica asplenifolia.
Myrica Gale.
Pieris floribunda.
,, japonica.
Rhodothamnus Chamaecistus
Salix reticulata.
Vaccinium crassifolium.
uliginosum.
Vitis-idaea.
Zenobia speciosa var. pul-
verulenta.
TREE IN COURSE OF REMOVAL WITH ONE OF BARRON'S
MACHINES.
CHAPTER XX
REMOVAL OF LARGE TREES AND SHRUBS
PROBABLY no garden operation requires more time
and labour than the proper removal of large trees
and shrubs from one part of a garden to another.
Time, as it will take two, or even three, days to
remove a large tree to a distance ; and labour, as the
services of from eight to twelve men will be required
to accomplish the work. It is not, therefore, an
operation to be lightly undertaken or got through
in a hurry.
Before proceeding to describe the various ways of
moving large specimen plants, it will be well to con-
sider the trees and shrubs that are generally required
to be moved. Three numbered lists are given
arranged according to the roots of the shrubs or
trees that is, those that, when they have stood for
some time in one place, are most alike as regards
the way their roots are placed together ; and the lists
are also some guide when transplanting, as the
chances of life after removal are greatest in No. i,
less in No. 2, and considerably lower in No. 3.
No. i. No. 2. No. 3.
Andromeda. Ailantus. Arbutus.
Azalea. Alder. Aucuba.
Clethra. Almond. . Bay Laurel.
152
TREES AND SHRUBS
No. i.
No. 2.
No. 3.
Kalmia.
Rhododendron.
Vaccinium.
Amelanchier.
Ash.
Beech.
Carya.
Catalpa.
Cotoneaster.
Birch.
Box.
Celtis.
Diospyros.
Elaeagnus.
Halesia.
Chestnut.
Hamamelis.
Cratsegus.
Elm.
Flowering Cherries.
Hornbeam.
Horse-Chestnut.
Laburnum.
Lime.
Hippophse.
Holly.
Liquidambar.
Laurel (Common).
(Portugal).
Magnolia.
Osmanthus.
Malus.
Phillyraea.
Maple.
Mulberry.
Oak.
Peach.
Rhamnus.
Styrax.
Tulip Tree,
Viburnum.
Plane.
Walnut.
Poplar.
Pyrus.
Robinia.
Yew.
Conifers.
Willow.
It will be noticed that Conifers are mentioned in
the third list, and even in nurseries where they are
regularly moved the mortality amongst them is very
high ; and the removal of large Conifers should never
be attempted except with a transplanting machine,
and expert men to handle it. As a rule, it will be
found cheaper and better to buy young plants than
to attempt the removal of large ones that have stood
for some years without root disturbance. Such
REMOVAL OF LARGE TREES 153
flowering shrubs as Spiraea, Philadelphus, Kerria, Ribes,
&c., can be safely moved without much trouble, as
they make a mass of roots which will hold a good
ball of soil unless it is very dry. All are practically
certain to live if carefully planted and well watered
afterwards.
There are several ways of moving large trees, the
simplest and quickest being by a proper transplant-
ing machine, which consists of a framework on
wheels fitted with a system of rollers and levers.
For moderately-sized trees, say, to about 12 feet
high, a two- wheeled machine is sufficient. This is
moved by eight or ten men. For trees above 12
feet high a four-wheeled machine is required, with
two, or perhaps three, horses to draw it. The first
will take a ball of soil weighing from two to three
tons, the latter anything to ten tons, or even more.
In preparing the tree for the small machine the
ball is made round, and slightly smaller than the
width of the machine, a trench being cut round the
tree to a depth of 3 feet or so, the actual depth
depending on the roots, but the soil should be re-
moved a foot lower than the lowest roots. On no
account undermine the ball until the proper depth
has been reached. A proper machine-pick is the best
thing to use under the ball, carefully working out
sufficient soil to introduce a board 6 inches wide and
about ij inches thick on each side of the ball. The
soil immediately under the centre of the ball should
be left intact. When the boards are in position
ropes are passed under them on each side and led
154 TREES AND SHRUBS
up over the rollers on the machine and fastened, and
then by levers the ropes are rolled up, swinging the
plant up cleanly and with a good ball of soil. Before
putting the ropes under, however, a stout piece of
canvas or mat should be tied round the ball with a
couple of cords, between which and the canvas seven
or eight pieces of narrow flat board should be fixed
to prevent the cords from cutting the ball. The rear
part of the machine is made to be taken out so that
it can be pushed right over a plant, and it should
be run on planks on soft ground.
With the large transplanting machine a ball of soil
of almost any size can be taken, but the method of
preparing it is somewhat different. It should be
made nearly square, being rather longer than it is
broad. When the proper depth has been reached
make a hole about 2 feet wide under the centre of
the ball, and running entirely through the longer
way of it. Through this hole one, or even two,
broad planks 3 inches thick should be passed. On
each end of these, where they project beyond the
ball, a stout plank is laid on edge, and two others
placed lengthwise to fit above the first two. These
planks should all be cut to fit tightly into each other.
If necessary, owing to the depth of the ball, another
tier of planks should be placed above the first to
insure stability. The machine is then placed over
the plant, and the whole, by means of chains and
levers, is swung up off the ground, and then ready to
be taken anywhere. This machine, however, should
only be used by those who have had experience with
REMOVAL OF LARGE TREES 155
it, as it is difficult and cumbersome to handle, and
in the hands of novices is liable to cause serious
accidents.
Where no transplanting machine exists, other
mechanical contrivances must be used to move a
large tree. Rollers and planks, a low trolley, or a
draw-board, as it is called, are the best. The
preparation for removal is the same for these means
as it is for a machine, with the exception of getting
under it, which varies according to the means em-
ployed. For rollers and planks the soil should be
worked out directly under the centre of the ball, and
planks put through to form a bed to run the shrub
or tree on. On these a roller should be placed,
working the soil out at the sides so that it is well
under the ball, but not going so far under as to
undermine it, and cause it to drop over. Above the
roller put one wide plank to form the bottom of the
ball, and by means of a rope round it the whole can
be taken where required. When moving it, however,
it is well to raise the rear half by means of a broad
lever or a lifting- jack, which, in conjunction with a
steady pull on the rope, should start the plant com-
fortably on its journey.
When a low trolley is used the ball of soil must
be firm, and not liable to break to pieces when
handled with reasonable care. Having cut out the
ball to the required depth, work under it all round,
merely leaving enough in the centre to support it. If
possible, work off some of the upper soil to decrease
the weight, but this depends entirely upon the roots,
156 TREES AND SHRUBS
and the way they run. If small roots are plentiful
at the top, little or no soil can be removed, but if
they are lower down, then the upper soil may be
removed with advantage. Having worked under the
ball, lay two stout planks under it well packed up to
the centre, and then with two strong poles under the
ends of the planks lift the whole on the trolley. If
the work is carefully thought out, it is possible to
make the actual lifting a very small operation by
bringing the trolley close and lowering it consider-
ably.
The draw-board is a handy contrivance for
moderate-sized trees or shrubs which will hold a
good ball of soil. It is made in two forms. One
consists of a piece of well-seasoned oak 3 inches
thick, and about 3 feet long by 2 to 2j feet wide
at the widest part, from which it slopes down to
a thick end, where a stout swivel-ring is fixed to
take a rope. The other form is a kind of trolley,
and consists of a frame 3 feet long by 2 feet wide ;
it runs on rollers that work on bent irons fastened
to the framework, the whole standing about 4 inches
high. Either of these can be used for moving
plants the ball of soil attached to which is not larger
than the board. They will take a heavy plant with
comparative ease, and are especially useful for moving
large Rhododendrons and other American shrubs.
To get them under a plant cut out the ball of soil
to the proper depth, and work under it from the
front, that is, the direction in which the plant is to
go, keeping the ball wedged up during the process,
REMOVAL OF LARGE TREES 157
not by having a man to pull the top over, but by
using wedges or levers underneath it, until sufficient
soil has been worked out to allow the board to be
inserted. When the board is in position the rope
should be passed through the ring and then around
the collar, using a piece of mat to keep it from
rubbing the bark off, and then back through the ring
again. It is well to run the board over planks on
soft ground to reduce the labour of pulling.
In putting the tree or shrub into its new position,
carefully measure the size of the ball, and make the
hole considerably larger and slightly deeper, break-
ing up the bottom well. When the tree or shrub
is in position ram the soil tightly round it until it
is about two-thirds covered, when the hole should
be completely filled with water, covering in the
remainder when the water has drained away. The
stem must also be made secure by means of stakes
or cords, otherwise wind will cause damage to the
roots.
When the ground is dry under a tree that is to
be moved nothing should be done until it has been
thoroughly soaked. To do this a trench 2 feet
deep and as narrow as possible should be taken out
all round, and gradually filled in with water, pouring
it in steadily, away from the ball rather than to it,
and persevere with this watering till the ball of soil
under the tree is thoroughly saturated. Leave it for
at least twenty-four hours to drain. Three points
must not be forgotten : (i) Wrap the ball of soil
securely round with canvas as soon as possible ; (2)
158 TREES AND SHRUBS
never use the stem of a tree as a lever in moving
the ball this should always be moved from below,
and the stem never touched on any account ; (3)
always allow plenty of room for working.
Moving large trees is not easy and must not be
lightly undertaken. It involves much time, labour,
and expense, in most cases far more than the trees
are worth. Trees 8 or 10 feet high may be easily
moved, but above that height the work should be
done by an expert. Trees and shrubs of consider-
able size can be purchased at a moderate price from
good tree nurseries, where they have been regularly
transplanted, and if carefully planted will soon make
good specimens.
It is in the planting of trees that so many failures
occur as a rule. A good tree may be obtained, arrive
in excellent condition, and yet be planted in such
a way that success is out of the question. The fault,
as a matter of course, is put on the man who sup-
plied the tree, not on the one who killed it by
improper planting. Those who think of moving
large trees or shrubs should not do so until the
probable cost has been considered, and the advice
and help obtained of some one who has handled
big trees before. The expert will be able to say if
a tree can bear removal, or whether it is better
destroyed, and its place filled with a young and
vigorous specimen from a nursery.
CHAPTER XXI
YOUNG TREES AND SUNSTROKE
IT is most noticeable that the stems of young trees
of from 8 to about 14 feet in height are apt in
some seasons to get much damaged, so much so
that the trees are rarely satisfactory for some years
afterwards, even if they do not die outright. The
mischief is usually not seen until it is too late to
mend matters, and is found more as a rule on young
trees with small heads standing out singly than
where they are planted amongst undergrowth or
in partial shade. If careful notice is taken it will
be found that the stems are damaged on the south
side, or it may be east or west of south, but never
on the north side, and this is directly caused by the
rays of the sun being too hot for the young stems to
bear. The trees most liable to sunstroke which
it practically amounts to are the Lime, Willow,
Horse Chestnut, Sweet Chestnut, Birch, Mountain
Ash, Ash, and Plane, and generally in the order
they are given, the softer wooded trees suffering
more severely than those of harder growth. The
Oak, Elm, and Beech are seldom much damaged
by the sun, though in cases of failure it will be well
to notice the stems and see how far the direct rays
of the sun are responsible for the death of the tree.
159
160 TREES AND SHRUBS
The first marks of sunstroke are seen in the shape
of longitudinal cracks in the bark, which is also
slightly browned and flattened, as if there were a
hollow beneath. The part affected is from about
i to 3 feet in length, and from i to 3 inches
in width. If the bark is cut away the wood
beneath will be found perfectly firm, but hard and
dry, more like a piece of seasoned wood than part
of a growing tree. When such is the case the only
thing that can be done is to cut away the bark
back to the living tissue, thoroughly coat the wound
with gas tar, and shade the stem afterwards with a
few branches or something that does not need to be
fastened on the stem. Hay or straw bands cannot
be altogether recommended, as anything which
excludes the light tends to the softening of the
young bark. This should be avoided, as the firmer
the bark the better will be the ultimate success of
the tree. Iron tree-guards, though not beautiful,
have the advantage of protecting the stems of young
trees from the sun as well as from the attacks of
animals. In addition to the slight shade they give,
the iron, being a good conductor of heat, takes up a
large amount of the heat rays which would otherwise
be directed full upon the stem.
A hot and dry season is no more likely to cause-
sunstroke than a wet one, and probably not so
much, as we have noticed it in sunless years quite
as much as in bright summers. The time when
it is most likely to happen is when a few days of
hot sunshine follow a spell of wet weather, as the
YOUNG TREES AND SUNSTROKE 161
wood is then soft and full of moisture, and is more
liable to be scorched than during a period of
prolonged sunshine.
When trees are planted out singly it is well to
choose those with spreading heads and low stems,
as then the tree will shade itself to a great extent,
the short amount of bare stem being less exposed to
the sun's rays than a taller one. After all, this is
only Nature's method of protection, as, in a wild
state, no young tree is bare-stemmed, except in a
wood, where it is shaded by those near it. On the
edge of a wood, or in the open, young trees are
furnished to the ground with foliage, which is not
shed until the stem has become hardened enough to
withstand climatic vicissitudes. If trees with tall
stems are the only ones available, then the stems
should be shaded by some means for a year or two,
especially when they have become established and
are making strong, sappy growths, as the stem is
practically in the same condition and apt to be
scorched by a sudden burst of hot sunshine.
GOAT AND WOOD-LEOPARD MOTHS
Sunstroke must not be confounded with the
ravages of the caterpillars of the Goat Moth and
Wood-Leopard Moth, the external signs of which
are much the same, but on the bark being removed
one or two channels almost the size of a man's
little finger are to be seen, together with accumula-
tions of wet sawdust-like material deposited by the
L
1 62 TREES AND SHRUBS
caterpillar. . These are exterminated by thrusting a
stout wire into the channels until the grub is killed,
and afterwards cutting away the dead bark and
tarring the wound thoroughly. The tree should
also be securely staked, otherwise it will probably
snap off in the first high wind.
CHAPTER XXII
SHADE TREES FOR STREETS
IN the middle ages it was accounted an act of piety
to make or maintain a road or a bridge, or to do
anything in connexion with them that would con-
duce to the safety or comfort of the wayfarer. The
planting of trees for shade, or the placing of a
shaded bench for rest came within the same category
of pious works. In our days, when rush and hurry
and the pressure of business, and the worship of
bare utility fill the minds of most men, there are
many who have almost forgotten the gracious aspects
of the more leisurely life. It is probably from this
cause that so many opportunities are lost that might
be seized by those in authority for making the
lives of our fellow-creatures somewhat easier and
pleasanter.
In days of extreme heat what a difference in
comfort there would be between the bare sun-baked
expanses of the streets of many a town, such as we
all know, and the same spaces carefully planted with
shade-giving trees ! In very narrow streets trees are,
of course, out of the question, or in any street
whose width is not enough to allow of easy traffic
and trees as well, but one cannot walk through any
town, except the very few in which the question has
163
164 TREES AND SHRUBS
already been considered and satisfactorily answered,
without seeing many a street or waste space or
corner where a row or a group or even a single
tree would not add immensely to both beauty and
comfort. Where there is plenty of width, and espe-
cially where houses fall back a little from the road,
the trees may well stand just within the edge of the
footpath or pavement. Should there be still more
width, there may be a row in the middle of the
road. In this case the middle row of trees should
not be quite evenly continuous, but perhaps five or
six trees and then a gap, formed by leaving out one
tree, in order to allow the traffic to move from side
to side of the road. In many a town where a street
runs north-east and south-west, a row of trees on
its south-western side only might be an inestimable
boon.
Even in country villages there is often a bare
place, especially where roads meet, where a few
trees well planted and a plain strong oak bench
would be a comfort and a pleasure to many hard-
working folk, and might be the means of converting
unsightliness into beauty.
For towns the Plane has the best character, but
other good trees are Wych Elm and Hornbeam,
Sycamore, Maple, Lime, Lombardy Poplar, and
Horse Chestnut. The spreading growth of the
Horse Chestnut commends it rather for a space
like the place of a foreign town. Here is also the
place for Limes, for though they are good street
trees, yet when in bloom the strong, sweet scent,
PLANE TREE (Platanus orientalis).
SHADE TREES FOR STREETS 165
although a passing whiff is delicious, might be an
annoyance if poured continuously into the windows
of houses during the blooming time.
The Wild Cherry, with its quantity of early bloom,
would be a beautiful street tree, and in places where
trees of rather smaller growth are desired there is
the Bird Cherry and the Mountain Ash. The large
American Mountain Ash is a good street tree, in
autumn loaded with its handsome bunches of scarlet
fruit.
The larger Willows are also charming trees for
streets. Many of the trees named, if their tops
spread too near the houses, may, with good effect,
be pollarded about 10 feet from the ground.
CHAPTER XXIII
TREES AND SHRUBS IN SCOTLAND
THE following list has been kindly sent me by a
great lover of trees and shrubs who lives at Forres.
My correspondent writes : " I have grown all the
plants in my list in my own garden, except Buddleia
globosa and Aralia chinensis, but the latter is grown
in quantity by several of my neighbours, and there
are also several fine plants of the Buddleia in
many gardens in sheltered spots. My experience is
that many plants are quite frost-proof but cannot
stand cold winds. This applies more especially to
the shrubby Veronicas. I have seen them in the
Edinburgh Botanic Gardens as if scorched with fire
on the exposed side, while they were untouched
where sheltered from the north and east. My own
garden is fairly well sheltered."
Amelanchier canadensis. Hardy, free - flowering,
beautiful at all times.
Aralia chinensis (Dimorphanthus) mandschurica.
Useful in some positions for its curious habit of
growth and rather handsome foliage ; quite hardy.
Aristolochia Sipho. This has curious and incon-
spicuous flowers, which give this climbing plant its
popular name of " Dutchman's Pipe." It can be
grown on a wall, in which position, perhaps, its fine
166
TREES IN SCOTLAND 167
foliage is seen to the best advantage, but it is quite
hardy and looks well climbing into a thin tree such
as the Common Almond.
Berberis (Mahonid) Aquifolium. A handsome plant at
all times, and will even grow under the shade of trees.
Berberis Darwinii. Very bright in flower. Young
and sappy shoots get killed back in winter.
Berberis Thunbergi. A most attractive Berberis ;
it makes a small neat-growing bush to which the
adjective " sparkling " might be applied. Its chief
glory is its autumnal foliage, and a large clump in
September is " a sight to, see " ; quite hardy.
Berberis vulgaris. Very beautiful when clustered
with fruit. The purple-leaved variety (B. v. purpurea)
is most useful for its foliage.
Betula alba purpurea. A good foliage tree.
Buddleia globosa. This does well in a warm
sheltered spot facing south-west, where the morning
sun in winter will not touch it too soon. It also
objects to exposure to cold winds.
Calycanthus floridus. Quite hardy, and grows well
in half-shady places.
Ceanothus azureus. This succeeds either trained to
a wall or as a bush. In the latter case it should be
in a sheltered position. It seems quite frost-proof,
and its blue flowers are very beautiful at a time
when few shrubs are in bloom (July and August).
Its shoots should be well thinned, and those left
shortened as soon as the buds begin to show signs
of movement in the spring. The best form I have
tried is Gloire de Versailles.
1 68 TREES AND SHRUBS
Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Flower). This is
well worth growing as a bush in a sheltered angle
of a wall, where it can be protected in winter with
a hurdle or some such contrivance, lightly thatched
with Broom. It is even then, in very severe weather,
cut about the points of the shoots, which, of course,
spoils the blooming ; but it soon grows through again,
and it is worth growing for its foliage alone.
Clematis. These mostly do well, and the newer
sorts are very attractive, but for all purposes it is
very hard to beat C. montana and C. Jackmani, the
former in May and the latter for the autumn.
Clethra alnifolia. A neat and free-flowering shrub,
with spikes of white flowers in August ; it is very hardy
and useful, as few shrubs are in flower at that time.
Cornus alba. A clump of this Dogwood is very
effective in winter, especially when the sun is shining
on its bright-red shoots. C. a. Spaethii is a good varie-
gated variety.
Cory/us Avellana purpurea. A good purple-leaved
nut.
Cotoneaster microphylla. Quite hardy either as a
bush or on a wall.
Cytisus albus. No garden should be without this
beautiful Broom. C. prcecox, the Cream Broom, is a
dwarfer but no less beautiful variety ; it is very
pretty grouped with a few plants of C. purpureus,
which flowers at the same time. Another fine Broom
is the red and yellow variety of the Common Broom
(C. scoparius andreanus). The Brooms will grow any-
where, but prefer an open place in full sun. They
TREES IN SCOTLAND 169
should be cut hard back after flowering, and if the
young seed-pods can be picked off so much the
better.
Daphne Cneorum. A bright little shrub best grown
on the rock garden ; quite hardy.
Daphne Laureola. This has fine foliage and will
grow in quite a shady place.
Daphne Mezereum A beautiful early -flowering
Daphne, too well known for description.
Deutzia crenata. A most useful hardy shrub, grow-
ing to a good size. The variety, Pride of Rochester,
is very pretty.
Diervilla (Weigela). Indispensable shrubs, very
hardy, free-flowering, and easily grown. The flower-
ing shoots should be cut back to strong young wood
as soon as the flowers fade. They are most accom-
modating in this respect, as the strongest of the
young shoots start well back and not at the points,
as is usual with most plants. Good varieties are
Eva Rathke, Hortensis nivea, and rosea.
Escallonia macrantha. A good wall shrub.
Escallonia philippiana. Hardier than E. macrantha,
and can be grown as a bush in a sheltered spot.
Forsythia suspensa. Quite hardy, and very beau-
tiful in early spring, as it flowers before the leaf-buds
burst. It should be cut back to young growths after
the flower is over.
Fuchsia Riccartoni. This gets cut down every
winter, but is never killed, and it flowers abundantly
every year treated as a hardy herbaceous plant.
Garrya elliptica. Quite hardy as a bush.
170 TREES AND SHRUBS
Genista tinctoria fl. ph A low-growing trailing
Genista, useful for the rock garden and flowering when
many of the alpines are over.
Genista virgata. A very different plant from the
above, and will make a very large bush, covered
with pale-yellow flowers in late summer. A good
shrub.
Halesia tetraplera. Quite hardy and attractive both
in bloom and foliage.
Hamamelis arborea. This is quite hardy, but grows
very slowly. It flowers in a small state, but not very
freely. I have only had this plant for four years, but
I think it will do very well, and should flower more
freely when a bit larger.
Hedysarum multijugum. Quite hardy. An attractive
shrub, with spikes of reddish pea-like flowers in July
and August. It increases freely from the root by
suckers. Thin and cut back the shoots in spring.
Helianthemum vulgare (Rock Rose). There are
many garden varieties of this, both double and single,
the single sorts being the most attractive. They are
quite hardy on a warm and sunny rock garden.
Hydrangea paniculata. Hardy. A splendid low-
growing shrub, flowering in autumn. A group of
this, with a few plants of Prunus Pissardi cut hard
back every spring to keep them small, is very effective,
and the group can be carpeted with Lily of the
Valley or London Pride to cover the bare soil under-
neath. The shoots of the Hydrangea should be well
thinned, and those left cut hard back in the spring.
It well repays a dose or two of liquid manure in the
TREES IN SCOTLAND 171
growing season. The variety, grandiflora, is better
than the type.
Hypericum calycinum (Rose of Sharon). Grows
well in half shade. It is a dwarf plant, very pretty,
but perhaps too often seen. Useful for carpeting
other shrubs.
Jasminum nudiflorum. Best on a wall. Winter
flowering (yellow) and very pretty when in bloom.
Jasminum officinale. Requires a wall, but does
well while young. It is not a very long-lived plant
here.
Kalmia latifolia. Very attractive pink flowers ;
hardy, and will do wherever Rhododendrons
flourish.
Kerria japonica. A pretty yellow-flowered shrub
that increases rapidly from the root. The double-
flowered variety is the most commonly grown.
Laburnum. Too well known for description. L.
Adami is curious and worth growing.
Lavendula Spica. The Lavender needs no de-
scription.
Leycesteria formosa. A good plant for a shady
place. It grows well under trees, and is very hardy.
Ligustrum ovalifolium (Privet). The golden form
of this is good and bright.
Liriodendron tulipifera. Grows well here, and is
quite hardy, but seldom flowers so far north.
Lonicera periclymenum. The common native
Honeysuckle is an indispensable climber, and will
grow almost anywhere ; but looks best, perhaps, climb-
ing up trees, or over shrubs or hedges. The variety,
172 TREKS AND SHRUBS
serotina, flowers later than the type, and is best known
under the name of Late Dutch. L. Sullivantii is a
shrubby sort, with not unattractive flowers of a
brownish-orange colour.
Magnolia. The only one I have tried is M. stellata,
which has proved quite hardy, and I have no doubt
that several others would do quite as well in sheltered
places.
Neillia opulifolia (Spircea opulifolia). Quite hardy.
Pernettya mucronata. Does well.
Pieris {Andromeda) floribunda. Is quite hardy and
very beautiful early in the year. Will grow in soils
that suit Rhododendrons.
Potentilla fruticosa. A little summer- flowering
shrub, with yellow flowers. It does well on the
upper parts of the rock garden, and is quite hardy.
Prunus (Cerasus) Mahaleb pendula. A very attractive
little weeping tree, with small white flowers in spring.
Pyrus. The following do well here : Pyrus
floribunda, P. coronaria, P. lobala (syn. Mespilus grandi-
flord), and, of course, the native Rowan tree (P.
Aucuparid). The family of Apples enjoy a well-
drained place, being impatient of too much wet at
the roots ; otherwise, their culture is of the simplest.
They should be allowed to grow as they will, only
cutting out any branches that would be obviously
better away, and dead wood if any.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas luxuriate here. The
common R. ponticum sows itself in the woods. I
have not yet tried the Himalayan Rhododendrons,
but from what I have seen of them in the Edinburgh
TREES IN SCOTLAND 173
Botanic Gardens, which are much exposed to cold
winds, I feel fairly certain I could grow them here,
where I can give them more protection.
Rhodotypus kerrioides. A very pretty hardy shrub,
flowering on and off all the summer. It has very
clean white flowers, and from appearances looks as
though a cross with Kerria might be successful. The
Rhodotypus seeds freely here. It grows to a good size.
Rhus Cotinus. Another good shrub, attractive either
in flower or foliage, and the latter turns to a good
colour in autumn.
Ribes. No garden should be without a plant of
the Common Ribes. I also grow Aureum and a pale
pinkish-white sort.
Robinia hispida (Rose Acacia). This is doing well
in a corner sheltered from the north, east, and west
by evergreens.
Roses. The best that I grow as shrubs (in the
garden sense) are the Penzance Briars, Rosa rugosa
(Japanese Rose), Austrian Briars, R. spinosissima,
Blairii II., Charles Lawson, R. macranlha, R. alpina,
&c. These Roses stand up and make a good bush
in a sheltered place, without staking or any other
trouble. Very little pruning is needful, and that
after the flowers are over, cutting out weak wood
and shortening some of the old shoots back to where
young ones are breaking vigorously.
Rubus deliciosus. Very pretty white flowers, large
for a bramble. It appears to be quite hardy, but is
not a very strong grower.
Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher's Broom). An incon-
174 TREES AND SHRUBS
spicuous little shrub that grows well under trees.
Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom). A good shrub
for a sheltered bank ; it has spikes of bright-yellow
flowers in July.
Spircea. Most of the Spiraeas do well here. The
following are the best of those I grow : S. canescens,
very pretty habit of growth and foliage ; S. discolor
(aricefolia), S.japonica (vars. alba, Bumalda, and Anthony
Water er), the last-mentioned very good. S. lindley-
ana, a large grower, handsome both in flower and
foliage. S. prunifolia fl. pi. should be in all gardens ;
good both for flowers and autumnal foliage. S.
Van Houttei, very good. Exochorda grandifloraj often
known as Spircea grandiflora, I have had since 1898,
but though it is now a large bush and very healthy,
it has not yet made any attempt to flower.
Syringa (Lilacs). These are indispensable. Some
of the newer varieties are good, such as Charles X.,
rosy lilac ; Marie Legraye, white ; Souv. de L. Spath,
reddish ; Mme. Lemoine, double white. These should
always be procured on their own roots. Grafted
plants seldom live long.
Veronica. Several of the shrubby Veronicas do
well. V. Traversii is the hardiest of all. In the Edin-
burgh Botanic Gardens there is a good collection of
these.
Viburnum Opulus sterilis. This, the well-known
Snowball tree, and V. Tinus (Laurustinus), are the
only two I have grown. Both do well, and I fancy
V. plicatum and some others would do also. I shall
try them.
TREES IN SCOTLAND 175
Vitis Coignetice. I have this growing up the outer
branches of a Spanish Chestnut. It does not grow
very fast, but is making steady progress. It appears
to be perfectly hardy, and its fine foliage turns to a
magnificent colour in autumn.
TREES AND SHRUBS IN EDINBURGH
Trees and shrubs that will thrive near Edinburgh
will do so in almost any exposed city or town simi-
larly situated. Only those that have proved adapt-
able to this windswept district have been included,
an asterisk being placed against the more beautiful
and interesting species and varieties that are happy
in cold and windy gardens.
ACERS. A. Pseudo-platanus is the " Plane " of Scot-
land. Old trees form features of great beauty. It
reaches a height of 60 to 70 feet, often less when
isolated. A. P. var. flavo-marginatum* '. The original
tree of this variety still remains at Corstorphine,
near Edinburgh. It is very effective in spring, but
the foliage becomes much duller during summer.
A. P. purpureum. A. campestre (Common Maple).
A. circinatum*. This is the most beautifully-coloured
tree we have in autumn. A. platanoides* (Norway
Maple). This is to be preferred to either the Syca-
more or Common Maple for planting in pleasure-
grounds and gardens. A. dasycarpum* A. palma-
1 76 TREES AND SHRUBS
turn*. The varieties of this are excellent although
slow growing. A. rubrum. A.pictum. A. opulifolium
obtusatum* . A bright tree in early spring with its
golden-green foliage and flowers. A. saccharinum
(Sugar Maple). A. japonicum and varieties.
ACTINIDIA KOLOMIKTA. Climber; grows quickly
on south wall.
HORSE CHESTNUT (dLsculus Hippocastanum) and
others : carnea, Pavia, parviflora^ flava.
AILANTUS GLANDULOSA (Tree of Heaven).
AMELANCHIER VULGARIS and A. canademis*
Very ornamental. Seldom seen, but as free-growing
and flowering as the Hawthorn. The popular name
for these beautiful trees is Snowy Mespilus.
ARALIA SPINOSA and A. chinensis.*
ARBUTUS ANDRACHNE. Flowers in February and
March.
ARCTOSTAPHYLOS ALPINA. Plenty of this found
in north of Scotland, but somewhat difficult to
establish in gardens. A. Uva-urst. Freer in growth
than the preceding. Both species are low-creeping
shrubs suitable for planting with Heaths in peat.
ARISTOLOCHIA SIPHO (Dutchman's Pipe). Large
effective climber.
ARTEMISIA ABROTANUM, arborescens, and trtdentata*
Useful shrubs of grey tone.
AUCUBA JAPONICA and varieties."""
AZARA MICROPHYLLA* and A. dentata.
BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM,* Darwinii, vutgaris, ne-
palensis. Single specimens of B. Aquifohum, the
Mahonia, become very ornamental with age.
TREES IN SCOTLAND 17?
BETULA ALBA* (the Silver Birch). A very hardy
tree, beautiful both in summer and winter. The
pendulous variety is the best. Its branches are
proof against all winds. No tree is so well adapted
for planting close up to houses in the city, for it is
very graceful, and obscures little light. B. utilis,
B. papyri/era, B. populifolia.
Box* and varieties.
BRYANTHUS EMPETRIFORMIS.* Very fine planted
in broad masses. B. erectus Very beautiful in small
beds.
CALYCANTHUS FLORIDUS. This is excellent on
walls.
CAMELLIAS only flower here on walls in the
open. They form large bushes in the grounds.
Camellia Thea, the tea-plant, is also perfectly hardy.
CARMICH^LIA FLAGELLIFORMIS."* Very interest-
ing, and flowering with great freedom.
CARPENTERIA CALIFORNICA.* A splendid plant
for south walls, large established specimens having
a profusion of large white flowers.
CARPINUS BETULUS"* (Hornbeam) and varieties.
CARYOPTERIS MASTACANTHUS. A good wall
plant.
CASSIOPE FASTIGIATA* and C. tetragonal Both are
very choice subjects here and flower well.
CASTANEA SATIVA* (Sweet or Spanish Chestnut).
Ornamental, but does not ripen fruit here.
CEANOTHUS AMERICANUS and vettchianus.* Splendid.
CERCIS SILIQUASTRUM*" (Judas tree).
CHIMONANTHUS FRAGRANS (Winter-sweet). Wall.
M
178 TREES AND SHRUBS
CHOISYA TERNATA (Mexican Orange Flower).
CISTUS."* These are very fine, and flower for
months if somewhat sheltered.'
CLEMATIS. Of these very charming are alpina*
apiifolici) Flammula* her aclece folia, Vitalba*
COLLETIA CRUCIATA.
COLUTEA ARBORESCENS and melanocalyx.
CONVOLVULUS CNEORUM.* Very pretty plant for
a south wall ; silvery foliage and white flowers.
CORNUS (Dogwood). Of these, alba and varieties,
Kousa, florida, sanguinea (very ornamental in winter),
Mas and m. variegata* (a very choice, variegated shrub),
are the best.
CORYLOPSIS PAUCIFLORA and C. spicata Both do
well on a south wall.
CORYLUS (nut) AVELLANA purpurea.* One of the
most effective shrubs if used carefully.
COTONEASTERS. Of these, buxifolia, Simonsii, thymi-
foh'a* microphylla,* horizontalis* (a species with
peculiar spreading flat branches, producing a fine
effect if grown on sloping banks), are the most note-
worthy.
HAWTHORN. Cratcegus are valuable hardy trees,
flowering at the end of June to July ; the scarlet
form is brilliant.
CYTISUS (Broom). Of this beautiful family, albus*
Ardoini* biflorus* decumbens* nigricans, prcecox*
purpureus* scoparius and varieties,"* are all splendid
growers for dry, sunny situations.
DABCECIA. Polifolia* alba* bicolor* the Irish
Heaths, are beautiful in small beds and rockeries.
A VARIETY OF MAHALEB CHERRY (Primus Mahaleb, var
chrysocarpa).
TREES IN SCOTLAND 179
DAPHNE Of this delightful family, blagayana*
Cneorum* var. majus* Laureola y Mezereum and varie-
ties.*
DEUTZIA GRACILIS * and D. crenata.
EL^AGNUS ARGENTEA,* E. multiflora* and E.
pungens*
EMPETRUM NIGRUM.* This plant is useful for
mixing with Heaths.
ENKIANTHUS HIMALAICUS.* The finest species of
the genus. Attractive.
HEATHS. Of these, E. carnea* c. alba* ciliaris*
cinerea* Mackaii* mediterranea* multiflora^ stricta*
Tetralix and varieties," 3 ' 7 vagans and varieties,* Wat-
soni*
ERIOGONUM UMBELLATUM A very fine plant for
covering banks.
ESCALLONIA. Of these, E. exoniensis,* macrantha*
philippiana* are very valuable, either for walls or as
small bushes.
EUCRYPHIA PINNATIFOLIA/* A very beautiful but
slow-growing hardy shrub.
EUONYMUS. Of this family note should be made
of E. americanus, E. europceus, E. radicans* The
variegated and other forms of these shrubs are very
welcome.
EXOCHORDA GRANDIFLORA (Pearl Bush).
FABIANA IMBRICATA.* A striking evergreen
shrub for a wall.
FAGUS (Beech). F. ferruginea and sylvatica* and
varieties.
FORSYTHIA SUSPENSA* and F. viridissima.
i8o TREES AND SHRUBS
FRAXINUS EXCELSIOR"'" (the Ash), also the Manna
Ash (F.Ornus)*
FUCHSIA RICCARTONI.* Flowers for a very long
time, and is very hardy.
GENISTA Of these, G. anglica, hispanica, pilosa,
sagittalisy tinctoria.
GLEDITSCHIA TRIACANTHOS.
HAMAMELIS (Witch or Wych Hazel).//, arborea*
japonica* virginica.
HYDRANGEA PANICULATA. * Magnificent when
established.
HVPERICUM. Of these, H. Androscemum, hookeri-
anum, moserianum* (the best of the genus for small
beds).
ILEX. Of the Hollies, /. Aquifolium and many
varieties, /. cornuta* /. Dahoon* I. crenata* and
7. latifolia* succeed best.
JASMINES. -/. fruticans and /. nudiflorum.* The
last-named should be grown as a small bush as well
as on walls. Also /. officinale* and varieties. A
golden-leaved form of this species merits attention
from its foliage alone.
JUGLANS (Walnut) REGIA. Grows fairly well, but
no fruit of value.
LABURNUM. Both L. alpinum and L. vulgare*
LAVENDER.
LEDUM. Of this family, L. latifolium * and L.
palustre*
LEUCOTHOE RECURVA.
LEYCESTERIA FORMOSA.
LlQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA.*
TREES IN SCOTLAND 181
LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA (Tulip tree*). Grows
into a very handsome tree.
LONICERA. Of the Honeysuckles the best are
L. Caprifolium* L. fragrantissima, L. Periclymenum*
L. japonica* L. Siandishi, Z. Xylosteum, L. involu-
crata.
LUPINUS ARBOREUS * and varieties (Tree Lupine).
Best on walls.
MAGNOLIAS. Of these, M. acuminala* the Cucum-
ber tree, flowers freely. M. grandiflora* is only for
sheltered walls, and M. Fraseri, M. conspicua, M. slellata,
M. Watsoni* for sheltered places.
MORUS NIGRA (Black Mulberry) and M. alba.
OLEARIA HAASTII. * The best August flowering
shrub. O. macrodonta and stellulata*
OSMANTHUS AQUIFOLIUM.*
PERNETTYA MUCRONATA. * Effective both in
flower and berry.
PHILADELPHIA (Mock Orange) P. coronarius*
and varieties and microphyllus.
PHLOMIS FRUTICOSA.
PIERIS FLORIBUNDA.* Very free flowering. P.
japonica variegata * Effective.
PLATANUS ACERIFOLIA (Plane). This appears
hardy, but is not popular. It is slower in growth
than most trees.
POPULUS (Poplar). P. alba, P. balsamtfera (Bal-
sam Poplar), P. nigra (Black Poplar), and P.
tremula.
POTENTILLA FRUTICOSA* (Shrubby Cinquefoil)
Well deserves more attention.
1 82 TREES AND SHRUBS
PRUNUS Of these, the Cherry and Bird Cherry,*
Plum,* Bullace,* and the beautiful P. triloba are a
success.
PTELEA TRIFOLIATA.
PYRUS. P. Aria* (the White Beam tree), P. Aucu-
paria* (Mountain Ash), P. japonica* P. rotundifolia*
P. Sorbus * (Service tree).
QUERCUS (Oak). The most satisfactory species
are Q. sessilifoKa* and Q. pedunculata. These gene-
rally thrive well and are amongst the most beauti-
ful of trees for large gardens. In poor soil and
windswept places the British Oaks do not grow
more than about 40 feet in height, but develop
into picturesque features. Their foliage here is of
a pleasing green when that of the Beech and Syca-
more is past its best. Very few acorns are pro-
duced. Q. Cerris* the Turkey Oak, and its variety
laciniata* and Q. lucombeana* are also beautiful trees.
We must also mention the Evergreen Oak (Q. Ilex)*
alba, palustris, laurifolia, coccinea (Scar)et Oak), Suber
(Cork Oak), conferta.
RHODODENDRON. Of the Rhododendrons the
following are satisfactory : R. altaclerense, Anthopogon,
arborescens, arboreum Campbeltice, azaleoides, blandyanum,
calendulaceum, campanulatum, campy locarpum, catawbiense,
caucasicum,* ciliatum, cinnabarinum* ferrugineum* ful-
gens, glaticum* hirsutum * and varieties, indicum bal-
saminceflorum, lancifolium, lepidotum* myrtifolium'*
nobleanum* n. album,* ponticum * (many varieties),
prcecox* punctatum, racemosum, Rhodora, sinensis* (Azalea
moltis), Vaseyi* Wilsoni. These are the principal
TREES IN SCOTLAND 183
Rhododendrons that thrive and flower well here.
No other shrubs give such a long and varied flower
display.
RlBES. JR. alpinum, aureum, and rubrum. R. san-
guineum* and its varieties are the principal ornamental
currants.
ROBINIA PSEUDACACIA.* An elegant foliage tree,
and usually the last to break into leaf.
ROSA. Practically all the Tea and Hybrid Per-
petual Roses can be grown, if sheltered spots are
chosen and the plants grown as dwarfs. However,
the stronger varieties are the most satisfactory ones,
and in bad seasons it is July before they commence
to flower, although September has well advanced
before they cease. The hybrid Sweet Briars are the
freest of all to grow. Groups form thickets of
foliage which are almost hidden with blossom.
Rosa wichuraiana covers banks, or anything somewhat
flat, in a very short time. It flowers through Sep-
tember, and attracts great attention. Such tender
Roses as Marechal Niel, Niphetos, and Banksian
are useless.
ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (Rosemary).
RUBUS. Of these, R. arcticus, dwarf ; R. lacinatus^
R. nutkanus* R. deliciosus* is a beautiful shrub, and
should be left alone after planting.
RUSCUS (Butcher's Broom). R. aculeatus and R.
Hypoglossum .
SALIX (Willow). S. alba, babylonica (Babylonian
Willow), and penduta, a lovely tree. S. Caprea* (Goat
Willow), fragilisy herbacea (the Alpine Willow, not
184 TREES AND SHRUBS
much larger than the Wild Thyme), Lapponum, nigra,
Paulince, reticulata, rubra, viminalis.
SAMBUCUS (Elder). S. canadensis, nigra, racemosus.
SKIMMIA FORTUNEI and 5. japonica*
SPIRAEAS. Of these, S. bella, bullata, canescens, de-
cumbens, cantoniensis* discolor* japonica, var. Bumalda,*
tomentosa, var. alba.
STAPHYLEA COLCHICA.
SYMPHORICARPUS RACEMOSUS (Snowberry).
SYRINGA (Lilac). S. persica* (Persian Lilac), and
S. vulgaris* and varieties.
TAMARIX. T. gallica, T. hispida, and T. odessana*
a very fine August flowering shrub.
TILIA (Lime). T. argentea, T. cordata, T. platyphyllos,
and T. vulgaris* the best of all.
ULEX (Furze). U. europceus and var. fl. pi*
ULMUS (Elm). U. campestris * and U. montana*
VACCINIUMS. Of these choose V. arboreum, V.
corymbosum, V. Myrtillus, and V. pennsylvanicum*
very fine for drooping over rocks in rock garden ;
V. Vitis-idcea and the variety variegata, a pretty
variety of this native shrub.
VERONICA. Of these the most satisfactory are
V. amplexicaulis* Armstrongii* buxifolia* chathamica*
Colensoi* cupressoides* c. variabilis * grown in poor
soil and well exposed, this variety of V. cupressoides
is very fine both in summer and winter decumbens*
epacridea* glauco-ccerulea* Hectori* Kirkii* ligustri-
folia* monticola* pimeleoides* pinguifolia* rakaiensis*
salicifolia* Traversii* The above are hardy Veronicas.
They also happily include many of the best. Other
GUELDER ROSE OR SNOWBALL TREE.
TREES IN SCOTLAND 185
species are good plants out of doors during summer ;
they are, however, best lifted early in October and
housed till May, or they may be covered in severe
weather. Cold winds do most mischief.
VIBURNUM OPULUS (Guelder Rose) and varieties,
V. O. stcrilis* and V. tomentosum plicatum*
ViNCA (Periwinkle). V. major* and V. minor * and
varieties.
VITIS (Vines). Of these the best are V. Coignetice,*
V. heterophylla* V. Labrusca* and F. riparia*
YUCCA. Y. acutifolia, Y. filamentosa* and Y.
glorias a.*
BAMBOOS. These require sheltered positions and
good deep soil. The following have proved to be
the best out of a considerable number : Arundinaria
auricoma* Fortunei* var. variegata* falcata* Hindsiif
japonica* nitida* pumila* Veilchii* Simoni variegata*
Bambusa palmata* B. tessellata* Phyllostachys aurea*
Henonis* boiyana* flexuosa* mitis* nigra* Quiloi*
viridi-glaucescens*
CONIFERS. These are only useful when young
at least, the majority of them. It is impossible to
keep them symmetrical against strong cold winds,
and the deposits of soot upon their foliage are
injurious.
When Conifers are wished for as large trees, the
Cedar of Lebanon, Atlantic Cedar, Pinus sylvestris y
Pinus Pinaster, or Cupressus lawsoniana are suitable.
When Abies and Picea lose their symmetry they
are usually far from ornamental. All the species and
beautiful varieties of Cupressus, Thuya, and Juniperus
1 86 TREES AND SHRUBS
are very valuable in a young state. They should be
replaced as they become thin and shabby, as they
soon do in exposed places. The most satisfactory
tree of all is the Yew. Even this hardy tree has
its foliage badly hurt by severe winds, but the
damage is soon made good.
CHAPTER XXIV
TENDER SHRUBS AND TREES IN THE
SOUTH-WEST 1
THE possibilities that exist of the successful open-
air culture of tender subjects in the south-west are
but little dreamt of by the majority of English flower-
lovers. They doubtless read with interest the accounts
in the horticultural press of Australian; Chilian, and
Californian flowering trees and shrubs growing in
their native habitats, and possibly feel a desire to
visit these climes in order that they may verify
with their own eyes the truth of their readings. As
a matter of fact, however, a lengthy sea-voyage is by
no means indispensable in order to view certain of
these exotics flourishing in the open air, for a few
hours' journey by rail will bring the passenger to a
land where many of these denizens of other climes
may be seen enjoying robust health under English
skies.
The following list of tender shrubs and trees
growing in the gardens of the south-west cannot claim
to be an exhaustive one, since it contains only such
as have been personally noticed in good health during
rambles along the southern coast-line of Cornwall
1 Probably all the trees and shrubs mentioned in this and the following
chapter will succeed in Ireland.
187
1 88 TREES AND SHRUBS
and Devon, and, where no lengthened inspection is
possible, it is obvious that certain species and
varieties must be overlooked. Incomplete, however,
as it doubtless is, it should give an idea of the
climatic advantages enjoyed by the district in
question.
Many of the subjects mentioned are growing in
Tresco Abbey gardens, Isles of Scilly, but most of
these are also found in mainland gardens as well.
Where any have been met with at Tresco only, the
fact is noted, but these may also be present on the
mainland.
The soil of the Scillies, which is composed
apparently of peat and disintegrated granite, and is
almost identical with much of that around Penzance,
is admirably adapted for hard-wooded Australian,
New Zealand, and Chilian shrubs and trees, and
almost all the species and genera enumerated would
be best suited by a compost in which peat and leaf-
mould and granite sand formed the chief proportion,
although it must be allowed that some alluded to
have been found to succeed equally well in sandy
loam. Porosity in the soil is indispensable, for, in
this district, where the winter rains are often ex-
ceptionally heavy, unless the water percolates rapidly
through the ground, stagnant moisture collects around
the roots, a condition which is absolutely fatal to
success. The advantages of the Cornish granite
sand are gradually being appreciated. Mr. Fitz-
herbert writes, " I was told the other day by an
acquaintance that since he had imported it by the
TENDER SHRUBS IN SOUTH-WEST 189
truck-load to his Sussex garden he was able to grow
many things successfully that he had before failed
with.''
ABELIA FLORIBUNDA. Mexico. A beautiful ever-
green shrub, bearing clusters of drooping pink
flowers about 3 inches in length. Requires a sunny
and sheltered site. Finest specimen 6 feet. Several
gardens.
ABUTILON VEXILLARIUM. Rio Grande. A hand-
some evergreen species generally grown against a
wall. It throws up long, slender, arching shoots
from 6 to 8 feet in length, studded with pendulous
ball-shaped flowers with crimson sepals, yellow petals,
and dark-brown stamens which are very striking and
often remain in bloom for six months. Common.
A. vitifolium Chili. A most ornamental ever-
green shrub of which there are two forms, one
bearing lavender flowers, the other white. In excep-
tional cases it attains a height of 20 feet, and when
covered with its large blossoms, which are about 3
inches in diameter, and feathered to the ground with
foliage, it presents a lovely picture. Large specimens
form pyramids of bloom, and in some gardens
numbers of these are to be found. Wall protection
unnecessary.
ACACIAS. Australia. In Cornish and South Devon
gardens many species are to be met with in robust
health. A. affim's, very generally confounded with
A. dealbata, is the most common. In many cases
A. affim's is grown as A. dealbata. The leaves of the
former are green, while those of the latter are bluish
190 TREES AND SHRUBS
and its flowers are less bright in colour. A group
of A. affmis about 35 feet in height was a wonderful
sight at Tregothnan at the end of March, being
simply covered with golden blossom which was
thrown into high relief by a background of Ilexes.
A. verticillata is another handsome species flowering
later in the spring. It is a very rapid grower, reach-
ing a height of 15 feet in a few years, generally
growing in the form of a broad-based cone, with its
lower branches but a foot or so from the ground.
When in flower it is so covered with its pale-yellow
blossoms that no foliage is discernible. A. armata
may be seen as a bush 7 feet high and as much in
diameter. A. ovata Mr. Fitzherbert has only seen
as a bush some 3 feet high ; very pretty when
bearing its circular, golden flower-bells. A. longifolia
is another handsome tree, with leaves something like
those of an Oleander and bright-yellow flowers. A.
melanoxylon is a fine tree. The specimen at Tresco
is about 50 feet in height, and there are good
examples on the mainland. Pale - yellow flowers
produced in profusion. Other species met with
are A. riceana } A. (Albizzia) lophantha y A. calamifolia }
A. linifolia, A. latifolia, and A. platyptera, the latter
against a wall.
ADENANDRA FRAGRANS. Cape of Good Hope. A
small evergreen shrub, bearing fragrant, rose-coloured
flowers. Tregothnan.
ANOPTERUS GLANDULOSA. Tasmania. A vigorous
evergreen shrub, with dark, shining green leaves,
bearing long, erect terminal racemes of white, cup-
TENDER SHRUBS IN SOUTH-WEST 191
shaped flowers, resembling the blooms of Clethra
arborea, but larger. Tregothnan.
ACANTHOPARAX SPINOSUM. Garden seedling. A
striking plant with dark-green, large-sized leaves
divided into five sections. Height at present 5 feet.
Tregothnan.
ASTER (OLEARIA) ARGOPHYLLUS. Australia. The
Silver Musk tree, with musk-scented leaves and dull-
red flowers in summer. Three gardens. Height
12 feet.
ATHROTAXIS LAXIFOLIA. Tasmania. A tender
Conifer. A fine example, 20 feet in height, fruited
profusely at Menabilly two years ago.
BANKSIA GRANDIS. Australia. Evergreen shrub,
bearing yellow flowers in dense spikes. B. serrata,
red flowers, and B. littoralis. All at Tresco. B.
quercifolia, handsome leaves, with white reverse.
Abbotsbury. Banksias were at one time in request
as greenhouse plants.
BAUERA RUBIOIDES. New South Wales. A pretty
little evergreen shrub not unlike a Heath, but more
branching, bearing solitary, pink, saucer-shaped
flowers half an inch across, each petal striped with
white down the centre.
BENTHAMIA (CORNUS CAPITATA) FRAGIFERA.
Nepaul. A handsome, evergreen tree, first intro-
duced into England in 1825, when seed was sown
at Heligan, Cornwall, and where there are now speci-
mens some 60 feet in height. It is largely repre-
sented throughout Cornwall, being used in some
places as a woodland tree. In June, when the leaf-
1 92 TREES AND SHRUBS
age is hidden by the wide-spread, platter-like flowers
of pale yellow, its effect is very beautiful, especially
when thrown up by a background of green foliage.
In the autumn the fruits, from which it takes its
name of Strawberry tree, some an inch or more in
diameter, become bright crimson.
BORONIA. Australia. These are almost univer-
sally treated as greenhouse plants, but succeed in
the open air in the south-west. At Tregothnan, at
the end of March, two bushes of B. megastigma,
planted in front of a wall, the larger of which was
about 3 feet in height, were coming into profuse
bloom, and already scented the air with the first of
their brown, yellow-lined, drooping cups. B.
heterophylla, with its purple-red flowers was also
expanding blooms, and B. Drummondii, B. elatior,
and B. polygalcefolia were also growing in the same
garden.
BRACHYGLOTTIS REPANDA. New Zealand. A
handsome tree, with leaves nearly a foot in length
and numerous minute flower-heads. Tresco.
BUDDLEIA COLVILLEI. Sikkim. The finest of the
new race, with pendulous racemes, nearly a foot in
length, of crimson, pentstemon-like flowers, paler
round the centre, an inch across. Leaves large and
dark green, 6 inches or more in length. Several
gardens.
CALLISTEMON SALIGNUS. Australia. There are
two forms of this Bottle-brush, one bearing pale-
yellow flowers and the other crimson. Others are C.
lanceolatus, carmine-flowered, and C. speciosus, scarlet-
TENDER SHRUBS IN SOUTH-WEST 193
flowered. These grow well as bushes, specimens of
the first-named being sometimes 10 feet in height
and as much in diameter. There is much con-
fusion between this genus and Metrosideros floribunda.
Callistemons are to be found in many gardens*
CAMELLIA RETICULATA. This is hardy, but rarely
flowers satisfactorily in the open except in the south-
west, where it is grown both against walls and as a
bush plant. It is by far the finest of the Camellias,
bearing lovely, pink, semi-double flowers 6 inches
in diameter, with bright-yellow, spreading stamens.
CANDOLLEA TETRANDRA. Australia. An ever-
green bush bearing clear-yellow, cup-shaped flowers
somewhat resembling Sun Roses, but of finer texture.
Tresco.
CANTUA BUXIFOLIA. Peru. An evergreen shrub,
bearing in corymbs at the end of the branches pale-
red trumpet-flowers something after the style of
Fuchsia corymbiflora. Tresco.
CARPENTERIA CALIFORNICA. A well-known ever-
green shrub in the south-west, bearing fragrant, white,
yellow-centred flowers. In some gardens it suffers
from browning of the leaves, but this is apparently
not the effect of cold winds or frost, as often the
most exposed plants are the least affected and the
most sheltered are in the worst plight. The finest
specimen known to Mr. Fitzherbert is about 8 feet
high and as much through ; it is growing near Teign-
mouth. It may be considered fairly hardy since it
has been grown in the open in Scotland.
CARYOPTERIS MASTACANTHUS. Chili. A most
N
194 TREES AND SHRUBS
valuable, much-branched evergreen shrub growing to
a height of 4 feet or more, bearing lavender-blue
clusters of flowers in October. There is also a white
form. The type is common. This is also happy
farther north.
CASSINIA LEPTOPHYLLA. New Zealand. A small
evergreen shrub, bearing white flower-heads. Tre-
gothnan.
CEANOTHUS. California and Mexico. Many
species and varieties are grown both as bushes, in
which form they soon make small trees, and trained
against walls. Of the early-flowering varieties C.
veitchianus is the brightest coloured, and of the autumn-
blooming, azureus section, Gloire de Versailles is the
favourite. Common in most gardens.
ClTHAREXYLOM QUADRANGULARE. West Indies.
The Fiddle-wood. Bears white, fragrant flowers.
There is a fine specimen at Abbotsbury. Dorset.
CITRUS TRIFOLIATA (CEGLE SEPiARiA). Japan.
This fiercely-spined Citrus is hardy, but rarely flowers
and fruits in the north. In the south-west it flowers
freely, and one specimen fruits almost annually.
It is 7 feet in height, and last year carried over thirty
fruits.
CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM. Japan. A deci-
duous shrub, also hardy, but flowering best in the
south-west. A fine specimen over 15 feet in height
and as much through is at Greenway on the Dart.
CLETHRA ARBOREA. Madeira. The Lily-of-the-
Valley tree. Evergreen. It bears panicles of white,
bell-shaped flowers in the summer, at which time it
TENDER SHRUBS IN SOUTH-WEST 195
is quite a feature at Tresco. There are good bushes,
the largest about 7 feet in height, at Trewidden, near
Penzance.
COROKIA BUDDLEIOIDES. New Zealand. A tall-
growing evergreen shrub, with leaves 2 to 6 inches
in length. C. Cotoneaster is a spreading shrub with
small leaves. Both species bear yellow, sweet-
scented flowers. The first was at Ludgvan Rectory,
Cornwall, the second at Bishop's Teignton. South
Devon.
CORREA. Australia. Greenhouse evergreen shrubs
which do well at Tresco, and also in some gardens
on the mainland. C. cardinalis is the most brilliant,
but C. ventricosa is almost as highly coloured. The
two named, as well as C. alba, C. bicotor, C. carnea,
C. glauca, C. magnified, and C. virens are sometimes
seen in good health and flower on the mainland.
CORYNOCARPUS L^viGATUS. New Zealand. An
evergreen tree, bearing panicles of white flowers fol-
lowed by plum-like fruit. A healthy young plant is
at Ludgvan Rectory.
CRINODENDRON HOOKERI (TRICUSPIDARIA HEXA-
PETALA). Chili. A particularly handsome shrub,
growing to a height of 5 feet, bearing large, drooping,
cherry-red, urn-shaped flowers on long peduncles,
the petals being very fine in texture. In many
gardens.
CYTISUS RACEMOSUS Peak of Teneriffe. One of
the commonest and most popular greenhouse plants.
It grows to 8 or 10 feet in height in the south-west
and often flowers until Christmas.
196 TREES AND SHRUBS
DAPHNE INDICA. India. Both the white and
purple-red form of this fragrant plant are common
in the open in Devon and Cornwall, and in mild
seasons commence to bloom in January. Some old
plants have formed large bushes in front of walls.
DAPHNIPHYLLUM GLAUCESCENS. China. Ever-
green. This is hardy, but is uncommon. A very
large specimen is at Trewidden, and is 12 feet in
height and 20 feet in spread. It has long shining
leaves, the shoots being red in colour ; these, early
in April, are surrounded by closely clustered, maroon-
red flower-buds.
DATURA SANGUINEA. Peru. This grows to a
large size in the south-west, often forming a tree
12 feet or more in height, and, in mild winters,
blooming until February. D. suaveolens, Mexico, is
probably more tender, as such large specimens are
rarely seen.
DENDROMECON RIGIDUS. California. A hand-
some shrub with glaucous leaves, the branchlets
terminated by bright-yellow poppy-like flowers. It
succeeds best in poor soil that does not induce
vigorous growth. Enys.
DESFONTAINEA SPINOSA. Chili. A most distinct
evergreen shrub, with leaves resembling those of a
Holly. It bears tubular flowers 3 inches in length
of a bright vermilion tipped with yellow, and is a
very handsome object when in full flower. It com-
mences to bloom in the summer, and often holds
many of its flowers until November. The largest
specimen met with was about 8 feet in height, and
TENDER SHRUBS IN SOUTH-WEST 197
was in the neighbourhood of Teignmouth. The
Desfontainea is to be found in most gardens.
DIOSMA ERICOIDES. South Africa. A heath-like
evergreen shrub, bearing single white flowers not
unlike those of a Myrtle. Its leaves are fragrant
when bruised. A healthy plant, about 4 ft. by 4 ft.,
trained against a wall, was coming into bloom at
Tregothnan at the end of March.
DIOSPYROS KAKI. The Persimmon. China. This
is hardy, but rarely fruits except in the south-west.
A tree at Bishop's Teignton produced fruit, which
ripened well, in 1890. In autumn the colouring
of its foliage is very attractive.
DRIMYS (TASMANNIA) AROMATICA. Tasmania. An
evergreen shrub or small tree, bearing tiny white
flowers in spring. Its leaves, if bitten, are very
pungent, stinging the palate like pepper. The finest
specimen known to the writer is one 15 feet in
height at Menabilly. D. Winteri South America.
A handsome flowering shrub, bearing ivory-yellow,
fragrant flowers, an inch across. At Bishop's
Teignton there is a good example over 12 feet in
height. Both species are fairly well distributed in
gardens.
DRYOBALANOPS AROMATICA. Sumatra. The Cam-
phor tree. There is at Penjerrick a good specimen
20 feet in height.
EDWARDSIA GRANDIFLORA SYN. SOPHORA TET-
RAPTERA. The New Zealand Laburnum. This and
its variety E. microphylla bear racemes of yellow
flowers, the individual blooms being 2 inches long
198 TREES AND SHRUBS
in the first case, and about half the length in the
second, in the spring. Examples 10 feet or so in
height are to be found in some gardens.
EMBOTHRIUM COCCINEUM. South America. The
Fire Bush. The most brilliant of all flowering trees
capable of out-door culture in this country. In May
every twig is laden with clusters of long flowers of
glowing scarlet, the trees presenting a most gorgeous
spectacle. Every good garden in Cornwall and most
in South Devon possesses specimens, some con-
taining a dozen or more. The finest are probably
Trewidden and Penjerrick, where they are 30 feet in
height and as much in spread.
ERIOSTEMON BUXIFOLIUS. Australia. A small
evergreen shrub, bearing pink flowers in the spring.
Tresco.
ESCALLONIA ILLINITA. Chili. Bears white flowers
in July. There is one 15 feet high at Menabilly.
E. revoluta Chili. Bears white flowers three
quarters of an inch long in August, 20 feet high.
Menabilly. E. organensis Organ Mountains. Bears
rose-coloured flowers. Fine specimens in more than
one garden. E. floribunda Montevideo. Bears
fragrant white flowers in August. Common in the
south-west.
EUCALYPTI. Australia. Some thirty or forty
specimens are grown, of which perhaps the best
known are : . globulus, which has attained a height
of 50 feet ; E. citriodora, 20 feet, against the house at
Togerthnan ; E. amygdalina, &c. Many flower freely
and bear fertile seed. E. Gunnii flowers freely at
TENDER SHRUBS IN SOUTH-WEST 199
Parkstone, Dorset, in Professor Wallace's garden.
It is quite hardy there.
EUCRYPHIA PINNATIFOLIA Chili. A beautiful
deciduous flowering shrub, bearing large white
flowers like a St. John's Wort, with bright-yellow
anthers. A specimen at Trewidden is 8 feet in
height.
EUONYMUS FIMBRIATUS. Japan and India. This
shrub is chiefly remarkable for the tint of its young
leafage, which is bright crimson, and gives a vivid,
flower-like effect at a little distance in April. Met
with at Tregothnan and Abbotsbury.
EUPATORIUM WEINMANNIANUM. South America.
This soon grows into a rounded bush 10 feet or so
in height and as much in diameter. It bears its
flat heads of fragrant white flowers in autumn and
well into winter, the flowers being succeeded by fluffy
seed-vessels. It is quite common.
EURYA LATIFOLIA. Japan. Half-hardy. An ever-
green shrub, with leaves somewhat like those of a
Camellia, bearing small white flowers. There is a
variegated form that at one time was used for green-
house decoration. Tresco.
FABIANA IMBRICATA. Chili. A charming ever-
green heath-like shrub, bearing a profusion of pure-
white tubular flowers clustered thickly around every
shoot. A fine example 8 feet in height is at Trelissick,
but it is a common plant in the south-west.
FAGUS CLIFFORTIOIDES. The New Zealand Beech.
A tree with minute leaves, which have given it the
name of Birch in its native land. In New Zealand
200 TREES AND SHRUBS
it is evergreen, but in this country is deciduous. A
good specimen is at Enys.
FREMONTIA CALIFORNIA. An extremely handsome
deciduous flowering shrub, bearing bright-yellow,
cupped flowers 3 inches in diameter with orange
stamens. It often remains in bloom for months.
Large plants have unfortunately a way of dying off
when apparently in good health, several fine speci-
mens having succumbed in this manner. The finest
we now know of is one growing in bush form about
8 feet in height at Newton Abbot, but the same
garden contained at one time a larger example.
GREVILLEA. Australia. G. rosmarinifolia, with
carmine-red flowers, forms a vigorous shrub, growing
to a height of 8 feet with a spread of 7 feet. It is
to be found in many gardens. At Tregothnan, G.
Priessii, with pink and yellow flowers ; G. alptna, red-
tipped yellow ; and G. sulphurea are grown ; and we
have seen G. robusta, which had been in the open
for three years. All species are evergreen.
GUEVINA AVELLANA. Chili. A very ornamental
evergreen tree, with large impari-pinnate leaves of
a deep, glossy green, bearing white flowers followed
by coral-red fruit the size of a cherry. There is a
fine specimen at Greenway, 20 feet in height, which
has ripened fruits from which seedlings have been
raised.
HABROTHAMNUS CORYMBOSUS. Mexico. This
well-known red-flowered greenhouse shrub does
admirably as a bush plant in the open, as does H.
elegans, with purple-red flowers. They often carry
TENDER SHRUBS IN SOUTH-WEST 201
bloom as late as November and are frequently met
with.
HAKEA LAURINA. Australia. An evergreen shrub,
bearing clusters of rosy-lilac flowers. Menabilly.
Mr. Fitzherbert says, " I am not aware if it has
flowered in this country."
HELIOCARPUS CYANEUS. Tropical America. A
small evergreen tree, bearing blue flowers. Tresco.
HOHERIA POPULNEA. New Zealand. The Houhere
of the natives. Ribbon-wood. With pure white flowers
and a handsome foliage. Enys and other gardens.
ILLICIUM ANISATUM. Japan. A half-hardy ever-
green shrub, bearing clusters of ivory-white flowers.
Held sacred by the Japanese, who burn the bark
before the shrines of their deities. Tresco. /. flori-
danum, Southern States of America, bearing maroon
flowers. Not uncommon.
INDIGOFERA GERARDIANA. India. A low-branch-
ing evergreen shrub, with finely-divided foliage,
bearing racemes 5 inches in length of rose-purple,
pea-like flowers. Common. There is a white variety
which is rarely seen.
JACARANDA MIMOS^FOLIA. Brazil. A very grace-
ful evergreen tree with acacia-like leaves a foot in
length, bearing panicles of drooping violet-blue
flowers. There is a fine young plant at Rosehill,
Falmouth.
LAGERSTROEMIA INDICA. A handsome deciduous
shrub, bearing large bright-pink flowers.
LEPTOSPERMUM. Australia. L. baccatum and L.
scoparium are the most generally met with. Both
202 TREES AND SHRUBS
bear small white flowers and are evergreen. We
have seen the former 12 feet and the latter 20 feet
in height. Other species are also grown.
LIBONIA FLORIBUNDA. Brazil. The favourite
greenhouse flowering shrub, bearing drooping scarlet
and yellow blossoms. Tresco and one mainland
garden.
LITSEA GENICULATA. Southern United States. A
deciduous shrub or tree, bearing white flowers in
May. The largest in England is probably one at
Menabilly, 25 feet in height.
MELALEUCA HYPERICIFOLIA. Australia. An ever-
green shrub, bearing scarlet bottle-brush flowers.
Tresco.
MELIA AZEDARACH. Tropical Asia. The Bead
tree, so called from the seeds being used for rosaries,
bearing much - branched panicles of fragrant lilac
flowers. Leaves bipinnate and deeply serrated.
Rosehill. Evergreen.
MELIANTHUS MAJOR. Cape of Good Hope. A
well-known plant in sub-tropical gardening. At
Rosehill it has reached a height of 12 feet.
METROSIDEROS ROBUSTA. New Zealand. An
evergreen tree, bearing clusters of brilliant crimson
flowers at the extremities of the shoots ; in this it
differs from Callistemon, whose flowers encircle the
branchlets some distance below the extremities.
Tresco ; 30 feet in height.
MITRARIA COCCINEA. Chili. An evergreen shrub,
bearing bright-scarlet flowers. This is to be found
6 feet in some gardens.
TENDER SHRUBS IN SOUTH-WEST 203
MYOPORUM L^TUM. Australia. Native name,
Guaio. An evergreen tree, bearing small white
flowers, and having lanceolate leaves dotted with
countless transparent spots. Two mainland gardens.
NERIUM OLEANDER. Mediterranean. The Ole-
ander. This is established, and flowers in sheltered
nooks on the mainland.
OZOTHAMNUS ROSMARiNiFOLius. Australia. An
evergreen shrub, bearing countless, minute, white
flowers. Sprays, if cut when the flowers are fully
expanded, will retain their decorative qualities for a
year. It is common in the south-west, and at Tre-
widden there are bushes 8 feet in height.
PAULOWNIA IMPERIALIS. Japan. A hardy deci-
duous flowering tree, bearing erect panicles of large,
lilac, gloxinia-like flowers. Owing to the spring
frosts, it rarely perfects these except in sheltered
sites in mild springs, but when in good bloom it is
marvellously beautiful.
PENTSTEMON CORDIFOLIUS. California. A tall-
growing species, bearing bright-scarlet flowers in the
summer. With the shelter of a wall it grows to a
height of 5 feet or more. Trewidden.
PHILESIA BUXIFOLIA. Chili. A dwarf evergreen
shrub, rarely exceeding 2 feet in height, bearing
drooping, pink lapageria-like blossoms. To be
found in many gardens.
PHOTINIA JAPONICA. Japan. The Loqnat. This
hardy, ornamental-foliaged tree is practically hardy,
and at Enys flowers annually. We believe, however,
that it has not fruited. The finest specimen we know
204 TREES AND SHRUBS
of, 15 feet in height with a head 12 feet through, is
at Saltram.
PIERIS FORMOSA. Himalayas. This so-called
Andromeda is widely met with. The finest example
is at Pentillie Castle, and is 20 feet in height with
a spread of 30 feet. When this is white with its
clustering flower-sprays it is a lovely sight.
PIMELEA DECUSSATA Australia. An evergreen
shrub, bearing rose-red, globular flower-heads at the
extremities of the branches. Tresco.
PINUS 'MONTEZUM^:. Mexico. A noble and dis-
tinct Pine, good specimens of which are at Tregothnan
and Menabilly, where it has fruited.
PIPTANTHUS NEPALENSIS. Nepaul. An evergreen
shrub, bearing numbers of bright-yellow laburnum-
like flowers. It seems indifferent to soil, and may
be seen flourishing under adverse circumstances.
Common.
PLAGIANTHUS BETULINUS. New Zealand. Ribbon
tree. Bears small white flowers in clusters. A
splendid example 50 feet in height is at Abbots-
bury.
PlTTOSPORUM. New Zealand. Evergreen shrubs.
P. Mayi, at Tregothnan, is about 30 feet in height ;
while we have seen P. bicolor over 20 feet, and many
fine examples of P. undnlatum, P. tenuifolium, of which
last a hedge has been made at Falmouth, and other
species. All bear their little flowers in profusion in
the south-west. The Japanese P. Tobira is a hardy
shrub, bearing spreading flower-heads of fragrant
white blossom.
PIN US MONTEZUM& AT FOTA.
TENDER SHRUBS IN SOUTH-WEST 205
PODOCARPUS ANDINA. Chili. A handsome ever-
green tree to be found in most gardens. At Penjer-
rick there is a specimen 40 feet in height.
POINCIANA (C^SALPiNA) GiLLiESi. South America.
An evergreen shrub with acacia-like foliage, bearing
clusters of large yellow flowers with bright -red
stamens. Mr. Fitzherbert says, "The finest speci-
men I have seen was in the late Rev. H. Ewbank's
garden at Ryde, but I know of smaller ones in the
south-west."
POLYGALA GRANDIFOLIA (syns. grandis, &c.).
Bahia. An evergreen flowering shrub, the finest
of its race, bearing large rose and white flowers.
Tregothnan.
PSEUDOPANAX CRASSIFOLIUM. New Zealand. An
evergreen shrub with dark-green thick leaves 2
feet in length, with orange midribs. Ludgvan Rec-
tory.
PUNICA GRANATUM. The Pomegranate is a neg-
lected shrub in English gardens. Planted at the foot
of a south wall, and treated generally like a well-
groomed Peach tree, it will flower from June to
September. It is not a shrub for cold climates, but
Mr. Watson, writing in the Garden, October 26, p.
283, says, "At Kew three varieties are grown out-
doors, namely, the type, the big double-white
flowered variety, with petals margined with white,
Picotee-like, and the dwarf variety known as Nana.
There are other forms beside these, including a white-
flowered one which I have seen in Paris gardens,
where old very old standard plants are grown
206 TREES AND SHRUBS
and treasured. The dwarf variety is cultivated as
a pot plant in some continental countries. I have
seen it in the Hamburg florists' shops, pretty little
pyramids in 5-inch pots, covered with flowers.
Fruits are rarely produced by the Pomegranate in
England."
RHAPITHAMNUS CYANOCARPUS. Chili. An ever-
green tree, bearing pale-blue flowers, followed by
violet-blue berries. A fine specimen 20 feet in
height is at Menabilly.
RUBUS AUSTRALIS. A Bramble, the only form
of which is worth growing, and that merely as a
curiosity, is a practically leafless one. The leaves
are indeed there, but they consist merely of three
midribs armed with curved spines, and terminated
by leaflets less than an inch in length of an inch in
breadth. A large plant at Bishop's Teignton has
smothered a Euonymus bush, and climbed into an
adjacent Fir.
SENECIO. Many of the newer evergreen exotic
species, such as S. Grayii, S. Fosterii, S. Heretieri, and
others are grown, while in Rosehill garden is a fifty-
year-old plant of the Mexican S. Petasitis, 8 feet in
height.
SOLANUM CRISPUM. Chili. An evergreen flower-
ing shrub, bearing lavender yellow-centred flowers
in profusion, often reaching a height of 8 feet.
Quite common.
SPARMANNIA AFRICANA. Cape of Good Hope.
African Hemp. An evergreen shrub, bearing masses
of white flowers with ruby-tipped anthers ; a well-
TENDER SHRUBS IN SOUTH-WEST 207
known greenhouse plant. At Tresco both the single
and double forms are grown, and attain a height of 10
feet. The single form is also met with in mainland
gardens, where it is often in flower in February.
VERONICA HULKEANA. New Zealand. An ever-
green shrub, bearing branching panicles of pale-lilac
flowers, doing best with the support and protection
of a wall. To be found in many gardens.
WESTRINGIA TRIPHYLLA. Australia. Evergreen
shrub, bearing blue flowers in summer. Tregothnan.
CHAPTER XXV
TENDER WALL PLANTS IN THE SOUTH-WEST
THE notes on tender shrubs and trees grown in
the south-west are fittingly supplemented by a
passing reference to plants used for covering walls,
mostly of climbing habit, but a few of shrubby
growth.
BlGNONiA. B. (Tecomd) radicans is a hardy
climber, and B. capreolata may also be considered
so. Other members of the family grown in the
open are B. capensis, Cape of Good Hope, orange ;
B. Cherere, Guiana, orange scarlet ; and B. speciosa,
Uruguay, pink. Greenway on the Dart.
BERBERIDOPSIS CORALLINA. Chili. Drooping
crimson flowers borne in racemes in the autumn.
This evergreen plant does best in peat or leaf-
mould in a partially shaded position. Common.
BOUGAINVILLEA GLABRA. Brazil. This climber
cannot be considered a success in the open in the
south-west, but in two gardens it has been grown
and flowers, but in neither case has it exhibited a
tithe of the freedom of growth displayed by it under
glass.
BUCKLANDIA POPULNEA. Himalayas. A hand-
some evergreen foliage plant, said to grow to a height
of 100 feet in its native habitat. Its large heart-
208
WALL PLANTS IN SOUTH-WEST 209
shaped leaves are tinted with bronze and maroon.
Tregothnan.
CALL/CARPA PURPUREA. India. An evergreen
shrub bearing small inconspicuous flowers, followed
by violet-coloured berries. Trewidden, Penzance.
CASSIA CORYMBOSA. Buenos Ayres. A rambling
shrub, almost invariably grown against a wall, though
it has been met with planted against a wire fence,
and spreading out on either side. In August it is a
mass of golden-yellow bloom, some of which it often
retains until Christmas. With wall protection it
reaches a height of 12 feet or more, and when in
flower is a striking object in the garden. It is fairly
common in the south-west.
CHORIZEMA. Australia. Well-known evergreen
greenhouse plants, bearing pea-like flowers of orange
and red. Masses 7 feet in height and more in
breadth grow against the walls at Trewidden, and
begin to flower in March. C. cordatum and C. Lowii
are the species generally grown.
Cissus DISCOLOR. Java. A climber, bearing
greenish-yellow blossoms.
CLEMATIS INDIVISA LOBATA. New Zealand. This
beautiful white-flowered Clematis grows well in many
gardens, and commences to bloom in March.
CLIANTHUS PUNICEUS. New Zealand. A brilliant-
flowered evergreen climber, bearing large flowers,
somewhat resembling lobsters' claws, scarlet crimson
in hue. It sometimes comes into flower as early as
Christmas, the number of its blossoms increasing
until mid-May, when it is a glowing sheet of colour.
O
210 TREES AND SHRUBS
The finest plant Mr. Fitzherbert knows is at Stoke
Fleming, near Dartmouth, where it covers the side
of a large house.
DIPLACUS (MIMULUS) GLUTINOSUS. California.
Another popular greenhouse plant, bearing buff
flowers, which succeeds admirably against walls in
many gardens, growing some 5 feet in height.
EL^OCARPUS CYANEUS. Australia. An evergreen
plant of shrubby growth, bearing whitish-blue flowers.
Greenway.
ERCILLA (BRIDGESIA) VOLUBILIS. Chili. A self-
clinging evergreen climber, bearing inconspicuous
flowers. Fairly common, but scarcely attractive.
HIBBERTIA DENTATA. Australia. An evergreen
climber, with foliage of deep bronze, bearing single
bright-yellow flowers in April. Trewidden. H. Reidii,
also yellow-flowered, Tregothnan.
HYDRANGEA PETIOLARIS. Japan. A rampant-
growing climber, bearing flat flower-heads, composed
of blooms the minority of which are sterile. It clings
naturally, and is displayed to best advantage when
allowed to ascend a bare tree trunk. At Menabilly,
Cornwall, a specimen planted twelve years ago has
ascended the columnar trunk of a Turkey Oak to a
height of almost 40 feet.
INGA PULCHERRIMA. Mexico. An evergreen shrub,
bearing bright-scarlet flowers in summer. A fine
plant covering a large expanse of wall is at Green-
way.
KENNEDYA NIGRICANS. Australia. An evergreen
climber, bearing violet-purple racemes of small
WALL PLANTS IN SOUTH-WEST 211
pea-like blossoms. Greenway. K. alba is also
grown.
LAPAGERIA. Chili. This handsome evergreen
climber, producing long wax-like blossoms of white
and rose, is well known under glass. In the south-
west it does well in the open against a north wall,
in peaty compost, often bearing its flowers as late as
Christmas.
LASIANDRA (PLEROMA. TIBOUCHINA) MACRANTHA.
Brazil. A beautiful evergreen shrub of climbing
habit, bearing large violet flowers. It is usually cut
down by frost, but breaks again strongly in the
spring. Trewidden and other gardens.
MANDEVILLA SUAVEOLENS. Buenos Ayres. A
lovely deciduous climber, bearing large, white, de-
liciously-fragrant flowers in August. It does well
in several gardens in the south-west, in some of
which it seeds freely.
MICHELIA (MAGNOLIA) FUSCATA. China. An
evergreen or sub-evergreen shrub (according to
position), bearing dull-purple sweetly-scented flowers.
Tregothnan.
PHGENOCOMA PROLIFERA. Cape of Good Hope.
An evergreen shrub, bearing large, terminal, crimson
flower-heads. Trewidden.
PHYSIANTHUS ALBENS SYN. ARAUJIA ALBENS.
Brazil. An evergreen climber, bearing a profusion
of white flowers, which later assume a reddish tinge.
Common in the south-west. The finest specimen
Mr. Fitzherbert has seen grew against a cliff-face
in the public gardens at Torquay. It spread to a
212 TREES AND SHRUBS
height and breadth of considerably over 20 feet, and
one year bore over a dozen huge corrugated seed-
pods, about the size of a cricket ball, but oval in
shape. This strain killed the plant, but a young one
has now taken its place.
PLUMBAGO CAPENSIS. Cape of Good Hope. A
climbing evergreen shrub, bearing large heads of pale-
blue flowers ; a favourite conservatory plant. It is
grown in several gardens, and flowers well in the
open. A fine example, which has been unprotected
for five months, is growing in the same site as the
Physianthus alluded to above.
PUERARIA THUNBERGIANA. Khasia. An evergreen
climber, with leaves 5 inches in diameter, bearing
blue flowers. Fibre is obtained from the stems and
starch from the roots. Tregothnan.
RHODOCHITON VOLUBILE. Mexico. A climber,
bearing blood-red drooping flowers. This plant, in
common with Lothospermum and Maurandya, all
three of which are perennials, is almost invariably
killed by the winter, but is easily raised from seed.
Rosehill, Falmouth.
RHYNCHOSPERMUM (TRACHELOSPERMUM) JASMIN-
OIDES. Shanghai. An evergreen climber, hardy in
the south-west, bearing countless starry- white flowers,
most delicately perfumed in August. It is to be met
with in the majority of gardens, and in one it has
covered the house porch.
RUSCUS ANDROGYNUS SYN. SEMELE ANDROGYNA.
Canary Islands. An evergreen climber, valuable for
its striking foliage. The leaves, or rather cladodes,
PUERARIA THUNBERGIANA.
WALL PLANTS IN SOUTH-WEST 213
are over a foot in length, and are furnished with
from twelve to twenty pinnate sections of a glossy
green. Penjerrick, Falmouth, where it has borne its
inconspicuous greenish- white flowers.
SOLANUM WENDLANDI. Costa Rica. An evergreen
climber, bearing clusters of large lilac-blue flowers,
2j inches in diameter. The late Rev. H. Ewbank,
in whose garden at Ryde the finest specimen we
have seen was growing, considered it the best of all
the tender climbers amenable to open-air culture in
the south-west.
SOLLYA HETEROPHYLLA. Australia. Bluebell
Creeper. An evergreen climber, bearing drooping
blue flowers. Tregothnan.
STAUNTONIA (HOLBOELLIA) LATIFOLIA. Hima-
layas. An evergreen climber, with oval leathery leaves,
bearing in April clusters of greenish-white flowers,
delightfully odorous. A very common plant in the
south-west.
STREPTOSOLEN JAMESONI. Columbia. A hand>
some evergreen shrub, in great request for clothing
conservatory pillars, &c. It bears panicles of orange-
red flowers, and when in full bloom has a brilliant
effect. A plant about 7 feet in height is growing
against the house at Trewidden.
SWAINSONIA ALBIFLORA. Australia. An evergreen
leguminous shrub, bearing white pea-like flowers,
well known in greenhouses. It is grown in several
gardens, and if cut down by sharp frosts breaks
strongly again in the spring.
TACSONIA EXONENSIS. A hybrid between T. Van
2i 4 TREES AND SHRUBS
Volxemii and T. mollissima. Bearing bright rosy-pink
flowers. Trewidden.
T. MOLLISSIMA. Quito. A vigorous species, bear-
ing pink flowers, with tubes from 4 to 5 inches in
length. Though Quito is on the equator, its height
above sea-level being 9600 feet, the temperature is
not unduly high. There is a large plant, which has
had to be kept within bounds by periodical pruning,
at Rosehill.
CHAPTER XXVI
TREES AND SHRUBS IN IRELAND
IT is not possible, without going beyond the limits of
a volume of comfortable size, to do anything ap-
proaching justice to the trees and shrubs that are the
glory of many gardens in the sister Isle. It is a
favoured isle for the growth of Conifers, and trees
and shrubs that in other parts of Britain, except
under exceptional conditions, completely fail. The
Sikkim Rhododendrons at Kilmacurragh, Co. Wick-
low, the residence of Mr. Thomas Acton, D.L. ; the
Rhododendrons and Ghent Azaleas at Houth Castle,
Co. Dublin ; the noble Conifers in the gardens
of Viscount Powerscourt at Enniskerry, Wicklow,
and of Lord Annesley, Castlewellan, Co. Down,
besides other counties, are well known to every one
deeply interested in trees and shrubs ; while among
other notable gardens filled with rare treasures and
specimens of individual development may be named,
St. Annes', Clontarf, Co. Dublin ; Cong, Co. Mayo ;
and Muckross, Killarney, residences of Lord Ardi-
laun. The gardens of Mr. W. E. Gumbleton,
Belgrove, Queenstown, Cork, contain interesting col-
lections ; and the same may be said of Straffan,
Co. Kildare, the Duke of Leinster's famous residence ;
Carton, near Maynooth, in the same county ; Wood-
216 TREES AND SHRUBS
stock ; Kilkenny, the residence of Mrs. Tighe ; Ham-
wood, Dunboyne, Co. Meath (Mr. R. Hamilton, D.L.) ;
Killarney House, Killarney (the Lord Kenmare) ;
Kylemore, Co. Mayo (Mr. Mitchell Henry) ; and
Narrow Water Park, Co. Down (Capt. Roger Hall).
And we are not forgetful of the beautiful Fota
Island near Cork (Lord Barrymore), where plants
accounted tender in more northerly latitudes flourish
with almost tropical luxuriance.
The gardens of Ireland must be seen to realise
their beauty and climatic advantages. Ireland is
happy in having many enthusiastic gardeners, and
it will be well for those who wish for some infor-
mation as to the great variety of trees and shrubs
that will live unprotected in the sister Isle to read the
contribution of the Earl of Annesley to the Journal
of the Royal Horticultural Society, upon " Ornamental
Trees and Shrubs in the Gardens at Castlewellan,
Co. Down," vol. xxviii. The Earl's garden, to quote
his own words, " Is on one of the foot hills of the
Mourne Mountains in the county of Down, about
three miles from the Irish Channel, thus benefiting
by the mild influence of the Gulf Stream : it faces
east and south, and is surrounded by old forest trees,
so that it is well sheltered. We suffer little from
frost ; ten degrees is the average ; once, in the hard
winter of 1895, we had fifteen degrees. The rain-
fall is about thirty-two inches ; the subsoil is gravel,
and as it lies on rather a steep hill there is perfect
drainage a great advantage for tender, as indeed it
is for all plants."
TREES IN IRELAND 217
In a future edition of this work, if it be called for,
the gardens of Ireland in relation to the trees and
shrubs that are grown therein will receive greater
justice than it is possible to give at present, owing to
the number of rare and tender species and varieties
that are at home in the sister Isle. Ireland has two
interesting Botanic gardens, one attached to Trinity
College, Dublin, of which Mr. F. W. Burbidge, M.A.,
is the well-known curator, and the other at Glasnevin.
This is under the care of Mr. F. W. Moore and is
exceptionally beautiful. Both contain rare trees and
shrubs, but the terrific storm in the early part of
1903 wrought sad havoc.
CHAPTER XXVII
HARDY BAMBOOS
THANKS to Lord Redesdale (author of " The Bam-
boo Garden "), and a few other gardening enthusiasts,
the Bamboo has been made a beautiful feature
of many English gardens. Although a graceful
shrubby grass of quite tropical aspect, the majority
of species and their varieties are thoroughly hardy,
so much so that they have passed safely through
the severest winters of the past twenty years.
Bamboos and hybrid Water Lilies are responsible
for much of the interest taken in good English
gardening at the present time. Their introduction
has marked a distinct era, and their popularity
is widespread, while in the near future we shall
regard the Bamboo much as we do the most common
of shrubs now planted. Arundinaria japonica (B.
Metake) is, of course, an old favourite, and it is
surprising that this stately species did not before
remind English gardeners of the great possibilities
of the Bamboos in the adornment of the pleasure-
ground. As Mr. Bean says : " Fifteen or twenty
years ago many of the best of the sorts now largely
grown were unknown in this country ; but apart
from their novelty they have other qualities. No
evergreens capable of withstanding our winters
xl
HARDY BAMBOOS 219
exceed these shrubby grasses in beauty and grace,
in luxuriance of leafage, or in their bright, fresh,
green tints in winter. Very few, indeed, equal
them."
Although fifty species and varieties of this lovely
family are now grown, only about twenty need be
thought of, because many of them from the orna-
mental point of view are valueless in the English
garden. The hardy Bamboos belong to three groups
or genera Phyllostachys, Arundinaria, and Bambusa
and it is well to thoroughly understand these divisions.
We hope those trade growers who still group every-
thing as Bambusa will follow the now accepted
classification. The following have proved the most
hardy and beautiful in the Bamboo garden at Kew :
Phyllostachys Henom's, P. fastuosa, P. viridi-glaucescens,
P. flexuosa, P. nigra, P. boryana, P. sulphured, P. Mar-
liaceciy P. rusci folia, P. Castillonis, Arundinaria nitida,
A. japonica, A. auricoma, A. Simoni, A. Fortunei, A.
anceps, A. Hindsii var. graminea y Bambusa palmata, B.
tessellata, and B. marmorea.
In selecting a place for the Bamboo colony, think
well of position. Shelter from north and east is
essential. Luxuriant leafy stems are only possible
when the plants are screened from winds in these
quarters, indeed from all winds. Cold north and
east winds are more harmful than severe frost, and
this applies to all the tender evergreens. A moist
and rich soil is also important. Without it luxuriant
growth is impossible, and a Bamboo that is not leafy,
that does not bend its tall, graceful stems to the
220 TREES AND SHRUBS
breeze and make willowy shoots yards high, when it
is natural for it so to do, is not beautiful : the
garden is more interesting without it. Many of the
species spread rapidly by underground stems, and
for this reason must never be planted without careful
thought. Each plant should tell its own tale, and
not suffer partial extinction through a choke-muddle
arrangement that makes a bank of leafage perhaps,
but in which all individual beauty is hopelessly
lost. Some Bamboos, like Phyllostachys viridi-glau-
cescens and P. Henonis, need ample space for full
development. Transplant always in late springy
never in winter and early spring. When bamboos
were first grown in this country on a large scale
many deaths occurred through transplanting in
winter.
With the utmost care Bamboos in the fickle British
climate get sadly browned in February and May,
the outcome of either a hard winter or keen east
winds in spring. The stems are seldom injured, and
Mr. Bean says " the underground portion of the
plants never is." This scorched look is not beautiful,
and is more apparent as the spring meets summer,
when the whole plant world is bursting into new life
and tinting the landscape with green. Therefore,
Bamboos can never be planted so lavishly as Rhodo-
dendrons ; and we do not desire a Bamboo plague,
beautiful though the plants are in foliage and growth,
so perhaps the east wind is somewhat of a blessing.
Bamboos must have favoured spots. When a single
group is desired, then choose some sheltered corner,
HARDY BAMBOOS 221
and the same consideration is necessary when making
a Bamboo garden or grove. A beautiful and refresh-
ing feature of many English homes is a ravine of
these lovely grasses, and the Bamboo colony at Kew
is accounted one of the most delightful spots in the
Royal Gardens.
In the Garden of February i, 1902, pp. 73, 74, is
an interesting account of the Bamboos at Kew. As
this contains much practical information, it is re-
produced : " Kew was one of the first gardens in
which hardy Bamboos were grown, and it is to a
great extent due to this collection, and the collections
of Mr. Freeman Mitford, Messrs. Verten, and a few
other pioneers, that the planting of hardy Bamboos
has assumed its present proportions. The creation
of the Kew Bamboo garden dates back to 1892.
Previous to that the cultivation of hardy Bamboos
had been practised under great difficulties. The
collection contained only a few species, planted in
poor soil in an exposed position, and were always
unsatisfactory. In addition to Bamboos, there were
other monocotyledonous plants in the same plight,
hence the happy idea was conceived of forming the
present Bamboo garden. This garden is situated on
the eastern side of the Rhododendron dell, near the
north or Sion Vista end. It was originally a shallow
gravel pit, and is peculiarly adapted to the require-
ments of Bamboos. The depression in the ground
and the high bank of the Rhododendron dell give
considerable shelter, whilst a wide belt of large forest
trees, which surrounds the north, east, and south
222 TREES AND SHRUBS
sides, insures almost complete protection from cold
winds. The garden is pear-shaped, and can be en-
tered by three paths on the south-east, west, and
north sides. The banks round the sides are terraced,
and held up by large tree roots placed roots outwards,
the roots forming numerous bays and corners, each
of which is given over to one species. Separated
from these bays by a gravel path 9 feet wide is a
central bed of about a quarter of an acre. This is
filled with large clumps of various species and fine
single specimens, arranged in such a way as to open
a vista right through the bed here and there or into
the centre. These vistas and openings, together with
the paths, add greatly to the general effect, the plants
and groups being well separated and showing to ad-
vantage, while the beauty of the stately upright stems
of some and arching plumes of others, lining or
bending over and almost meeting across the openings,
is at once seen. Intermixed with the Bamboos are
Yuccas, Miscanthus, Pampas Grass, and other things,
all of which help to give pleasing variety. Between
the back of the garden and the belt of trees a screen
is formed of Rosa multiflora, Spiraeas, Rhododendrons,
and other shrubs, interspersed with clumps of Pampas
Grass, Yuccas, and some of the strongest and hardiest
of the Bamboos.
" When first formed, stiff loam to a depth of 3
feet was spread all over the garden, and into this
large quantities of decayed leaves were mixed ; in
this soil the plants have thriven well. A water
main runs through the garden, so that copious sup-
HARDY BAMBOOS 223
plies of water can be given in dry weather with little
trouble.
" Altogether some forty-one species and varieties of
Bamboos are cultivated. These are composed of
seventeen Arundinarias y nine Bambusas, and fifteen
Phyllostachys. The majority belong to China and
Japan, one, however, belonging to North America,
and one to India. The Indian species, Arundinaria
(Thamnocalamus) Falconeri, which does so well in the
south-west counties and in Ireland, is the most
difficult to manage, and is killed to the ground every
winter, while A. falcata and A. noliHs, which are two
of the most common species in the famous Cornish
gardens, refuse to thrive.
" The arrangement of the plants has undergone con-
siderable modification since the first planting, owing
to natural development and the introduction of more
species. This has resulted in the removal of many
duplicates which have been used with large Rhodo-
dendrons as an undergrowth to the wood adjoining
the entrances, thus considerably enhancing the
beauty of the place.
"The period of the year at which the garden is at
its best extends from the early weeks of July until
the cold east winds in February and March, for,
although severe frost has little effect on the leaves of
many, cold winds from east or north quickly turn
them brown. That Bamboos should continue in
good condition and practically be at their best
through the worst of the winter months is a strong
recommendation in their favour, and by leaving, as is
done at Kew, the tall dead stems and leaves of Mis-
224 TREES AND SHRUBS
canthus and the plumes of the Pampas Grass, touches
of colour are given to relieve the greenery, and add
greatly to the general effect.
" Of groups and single specimens the following are
some of the most conspicuous :
" ARUNDINARIA. A. Stmont, a fine irregular mass,
1 6 feet high and 50 feet across. A. nitida, several
fine clumps, n feet high and 12 feet across. A.
japonica, several large clumps, n feet high and 20
feet across. A. Hindsii var. graminea, 9 feet high by
12 feet in diameter.
"BAMBUSA. B. palmata, 7 feet high and 15 feet
across ; this is very distinct and handsome, and
should be in every collection.
" PHYLLOSTACHYS. P. aurea, 1 2 feet high by 1 6
feet through. P. Henom's, 1 5 feet high by 1 2 feet.
P. CastilloniSj 12 feet high by 10 feet. P. m'gra, 15
feet high ; several fine masses. P. viridi-glaucescens,
15 feet high and 6 feet through at the base, the top
spreading to 20 feet. There is also a fine specimen
of this in another part of the garden.
" Besides these there are many other fine masses.
" Among plants other than Bamboos found in the
garden the Yuccas are possibly next in importance.
One group is on a bank on the north side having a
slope to the south. It is thus exposed to full sun
and the plants are happy. In both summer and
winter the group forms a delightful picture. The
groundwork is composed of the elegant glaucous-
leaved Y. angustifolia, while here and there a plant of
Y. filamentosa has crept in. Height is given to the
group by dot plants of Y. gloriosa and Y. recurvtfolia,
HARDY BAMBOOS 225
while a plant of Cotoneaster thymifolia growing between
the roots in front adds a little in the way of variety.
The whole picture is set in an irregular framing of
Bamboos and other plants, some of the most con-
spicuous of which are Miscanthus sinensis in front,
Arundinaria japonica, A. Hindsii var. graminea, Phyllo-
stachys aurea and P. Castillonis, and Pampas Grass at
the back and sides.
" A collection of hardy species of Smilax is allowed
to ramble at will over the tree roots which form the
bays, each species having its own particular place.
The species cultivated are S. aspera and its varieties,
S. maculata and S. mauritanica, S. Bona-nox var.
hastata, S. hispida, S. rotundifolia, and S. tamnoides.
" In addition to the plants named, others given
places in the garden are Kniphofias, Funkias, Eremuri,
Physalis (grown for winter effect), Ruscus, Asparagus,
&c., the whole forming an interesting collection, and
one which must be seen to be fully appreciated.
"The Kew collection is composed of Arundinaria
anceps, A. auricoma, A. chrysantha, A. Falconeri, A.
Fortunei, A. F. compacta, A. Hindsii, A. H. graminea,
A. humilis, A. japonica, A. macrosperma, A. m. tecta,
A. nitida, A. pumila, A. Simoni, A. S. variegata, and
A. Veitchii. Bambusa agrestis, B. angustifolia, B. disticha,
B. marmorea, B. Nagashima, B. palmata, B. pygmcea, B.
quadrangularis, and B. tessellata. Phyllostachys aurea, P.
bambusoides, P. boryana, P. Castillonis, P. flexuosa, P.
fulva, P. Henonis, P. Marliacea, P. mitis, P. nigra, P. n.
punctata, P. Quilioi, P. ruscifolia, P. sulphurea, and P.
viridi-glaucescens. ' '
P
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE HEATHS
FEW groups of small flowering shrubs are so charm-
ing in the garden as the hardy Heaths. Their
usually neat growth, profusion of flowers, and length
of time they are in beauty sometimes three or four
months make them of great garden value. Not
more than twelve species can be grown in the open
air, but, with one or two exceptions, all are beautiful,
as the following complete list suggests : Erica arborea,
E. australis, E. carnea, E. ciliarts, E. cinerea, E. lusitanica
(or codonodes), E. Mackaii, E. mediterranean E. multiflora,
E. scoparia, E. stricta, E. Tetralix, and E. vagans.
When the whole group is grown, one or more
species may be had in flower every month in the
year, except, perhaps, November. A hybrid between
E. mediterranea and E. carnea (sold under the name
of mediterranea hybridd) has been seen much of
late, and is a very welcome little shrub, flowers
appearing in some years even in November. Every
year some expand before Christmas, and during
January it is the brightest plant in the outdoor
garden. E. carnea and the white variety follow it ;
then in a cluster come E. australis, E. arborea, E.
lusitanica (codonodes), E. mediterranea and its several
varieties, which fill up the months from March to
226
THE HEATHS 227
May, and from June onwards we have E. cinerea, E.
ciliaris, E. Mackaii, E. scoparia (the least worthy of
the Heaths), E. stricfa, and E. Tetralix. The two
allied species, E. vagans and E. multiflora^ carry on
the Heath season until October.
The Heaths are happiest in a peaty soil. The
great Heath nurseries are all on soil of that nature,
but it is not essential. A loamy medium can, by
adding leaf-mould and, if necessary, sand, be made to
suit all the Heaths, and some, such as E. cinerea and
E. mediterranea, are quite at home on a calcareous soil.
Choose positions for them well exposed to the sun,
with, if possible, a cool, moist bottom. The ways of
planting vary, of course, according to the character
of the species and varieties selected. The rather
free-growing and taller Heaths, like lusitanica and
arborea, may be planted in informal groups on
sloping banks, or more sparsely with a dwarfer
species like E. carnea as the groundwork. E. lusi-
tanica and E. arborea, being somewhat tender, are
only seen at their best in the south and west, but
beautiful effects have been got by planting them
in irregular and scattered groups on grassy slopes.
The natural grouping of Gorse and Broom suggests
a way of using the many beautiful Heaths.
E. mediterranea and its varieties, a beautiful group,
and much hardier than the two species just men-
tioned, have flowers of shades of purple and white.
Delightful effects are possible when they are planted
in bold, informal groups, especially on sloping banks
or ground, their flowers appearing over a period of
228 TREES AND SHRUBS
ten or twelve weeks. Dwarf Heaths, like E. camea,
c. alba, cinerea, &c., may be used as edgings to beds
of heathy plants. I am indebted to Mr. Bean for
the following excellent notes about the Heaths, and
the reason this group has a chapter to itself is
to encourage a greater use of shrubs, strangely
neglected in English gardens. The beauty of Heath
in bloom appeals to poet and painter. Moorlands
surfaced with colour, hill upon hill of softened shades
fading away in the distance, are pleasant memories
pictures beautiful enough, we should have thought,
to tempt the planter of the English garden to repro-
duce in a small way in the homelands. I hope this
chapter will do something to make the beautiful
wild Heaths and their varieties welcome in rough,
peaty grounds and banks, and the many other places
where they would be as happy as on their native
moors and hillsides.
THE TALLER OR TREE-LIKE HEATHS
Erica arborea. This is the most remarkable of all
the hardy Heaths ; it grows to quite a small tree. In
the Isle of Wight, and doubtless elsewhere, it has
been known to grow 30 feet high, with a trunk 39
inches in circumference. It is found wild in con-
siderable abundance along the Mediterranean coast
region between Genoa and Marseilles, the wood
being used in the manufacture of the so-called Briar
pipes, Briar being a corruption of the French word
Bruyere. All the Heaths flower with great freedom
THE HEATHS 229
but none more so than E. arborea and its near ally,
E. lusitanica. The flowers are almost globular and
nearly white ; they are quite small individually, but
produced so abundantly that the plants are smothered
with them from March to May. My experience of
this species is that it is hardier and thrives altogether
better in the London district than E. lusitanica, a species
for which it is often grown. It ripens seed every
year almost, and can thus be readily increased in a
natural way. The young wood is densely covered
with short dark hairs and the leaves are closely
packed in whorls of three.
E. lusitanica (syn. codonodes). Many will not recog-
nise the name lusitanica as applied to the well-known
E. codonodes, but lusitanica is really an older designa-
tion. This Heath, as its name implies, comes from
Portugal ; it is also a native of Spain, and is often
confounded with E. arborea. Briefly, they differ in
the following respects : The flowers of E. lusitanica
are longer and more bell-shaped than the globular
ones of E. arborea; the foliage of E. lusitanica is a
rather pale green, and has a rather more plumose
look, the individual leaf being longer and more
slender ; the young wood, although downy, is not so
hairy as in E. arborea. The remarkable abundance
of flowers, a feature of E. arborea^ is quite as apparent
in this species, their colouring is a faintly pink-tinged
white. From Messrs. R. Veitch and Sons, of Exeter,
who are taking a special interest in these tree Heaths
Kew has lately received a form intermediate between
E. arborea and E. lusitanica probably it is a hybrid.
230 TREES AND SHRUBS
E. lusitanica does not apparently grow so large as
E. arborea, but it is recorded to have reached 12
feet in height in Sussex. Farther west, in Dorset-
shire, it grows luxuriantly, and is certainly one of the
loveliest of evergreens that can be grown even in
that favoured county. Seeds afford the best means
of propagation.
E. australis. One of the most beautiful and rare
of all the Heaths, but unfortunately it is not so hardy
as the majority. In the southern and western counties,
however, it will thrive admirably, withstanding 20
degrees of frost without serious injury, provided the
winter is not unusually protracted. It is curious that
in spite of its beauty it is little known even in Corn-
wall, Devon, and similar localities, where it would
doubtless thrive to perfection. It has been grown
at Kew for the last six years, and although the winters
during that period have not been very severe, it has
stood out all the time, and it flowers regularly and
profusely every spring. It can be increased by
cuttings put in at the end of July or the beginning
or August. E. anstralis is a native of Spain and
Portugal ; it flowers in April and May, and lasts eight
weeks in beauty. The flowers are rich, bright, rosy
red, brighter, indeed, than those of any other Heath;
they are fragrant, pitcher-shaped, and about a quarter-
inch long. The species has been confounded with
E. mediterranea, which often does duty for it, but
it is distinguished by having the flowers produced
generally four or eight together in terminal clusters.
(Those of E. mediterranea appear in the leaf axils.)
THE HEATHS 231
Those who have gardens in well-sheltered or mild
localities should grow this beautiful Heath. The
difficulty at present is to get hold of the right
thing; I am glad to know, however, that some
trade firms are taking it up. It is said to grow
6 to 8 feet high, but I have not seen plants half
as high.
E. mediterranean Of all the taller Heaths this is the
one, I think, that deserves to be most freely planted
in districts no warmer than the London one. The
three preceding species, so beautiful when seen at
their best, are more comfortable in the southern and
western counties. Of sturdier constitution, E. medi-
terranea may be planted in large quantities with a
view to producing broad effects. At Kew a group
70 feet across, planted three or four years ago, already
makes a striking mass of purple each spring. The
habit of remaining for a long time in full beauty,
which is so marked a characteristic of the Heaths,
is possessed to the full extent by this species. It is
beautiful from March to May, and is all the more
appreciated because the majority of the trees and
shrubs that bloom at this season have yellow, pink,
or white flowers. In the typical E. medilerranea the
flowers are bright rosy red, but there is a charming
white-flowered variety (alba), another with bluish
foliage (glauca), and a dwarf one (nana). The flowers
appear near the ends of the shoots in the axils of
the leaves, and are pitcher-shaped. The name medi-
terranea is misleading, for according to Moggridge,
the Mediterranean botanist, it is not a native of that
23* TREES AND SHRUBS
region at all ; it is rather of Biscayan origin, and is
found in Western France and Spain.
On the boggy heaths of Galway and Mayo a form
of this species is found ; it is known as E. mediterranea
var. hibernica, and grows 2 to 5 feet high. The
typical E. mediterranea was represented in the Syon
gardens seventy years ago by a specimen 10 feet high.
Do any such noble examples remain in this country
now ? E. mediterranea hybrida has been already
alluded to.
E. stricta. Although not so strikingly beautiful as
the Heaths previously mentioned, E. stricta is the
hardiest of all the taller species. In inclement dis-
tricts, where a tall Heath is desired, it may be recom-
mended ; it grows from 5 to 6 feet high, and is of
erect and sturdy growth, with leaves borne in whorls
four to six together; they are deep green, and a large
mass of plants with their erect plumose branches
produces a somewhat unusual effect. E. stricta, like
so many Heaths, has a long flowering season ; it
begins to bloom in June, is at its best in July, but
three months later flowers may still be gathered.
The flowers are pale purple, and produced in terminal
clusters. It has been in cultivation since 1765, and
is a native of South-Western Europe ; it is occasion-
ally labelled E. ramulosa.
E. scoparia. This species has proved to be the
tallest Heath near London, for it has during the
last few years grown as high as 9 feet. This gives
it a certain distinction, but when regarded as a
flower-bearing plant it is, I think, the least worthy
THE HEATHS 233
of the tribe. The flowers are crowded in the leaf
axils in great profusion, but are small and greenish
white ; the growth of the plant is somewhat straggling
and uneven, but it has one merit viz., it is quite
hardy. I have seen its stems split by hard frost on
more than one occasion during the last twelve years,
but no permanent injury has resulted. It flowers in
June, and is a native of the mountainous country
to the north of the Mediterranean, especially about
Mentone.
THE DWARFER HEATHS
The dwarf Heaths can be used quite differently
from the more tree-like species that have just been
described : as a carpeting beneath sparsely-planted
shrubs, for furnishing sloping banks, or for growing
on the small terraces of the Rock Garden they are
equally useful. And of all these dwarf Heaths more
can be said in favour of E. carnea than of any other
species. It is not only absolutely hardy, but it
flowers with astonishing freedom at a time of year
when flowers are particularly cherished. Its flower-
ing, of course, somewhat depends upon the weather,
but frequently one may see its bright rosy bells
almost as soon as January comes in. By the end
of February the entire plant is a mass of beautiful
colour, and for two or three months longer they
retain their freshness no matter what weather may
occur. So free-flowering is this Heath that its flowers
literally cover it. E. carnea is one of those plants (and
there are many of them) which, although perfectly
234 TREES AND SHRUBS
well known and quite common, are still not used in
gardens so freely as they ought to be. The majority
of our early-flowering plants bear flowers that are
either white or yellow, so that the rosy-red colouring
of this Erica makes a welcome change. However
freely it might be planted it would never become
wearisome or out of place, for its tints, though bright
and warm, are not harsh. Statements have been
recently published to the effect that E. carnea is a
British plant. This idea appears to have originated
with Bentham, the botanist, who regarded E. carnea
and E. mediterranea as the same species. Following
out this idea, he included the plant which has already
been alluded to as a form of E. mediterranea, which is
found in Western Ireland, in his Flora of Britain as a
form of E. carnea. Possibly he was right from the
standpoint of the botanist, but the plant grown in
gardens and nurseries as E. carnea is quite distinct
from E. mediterranea. It is usually not more than
6 to 8 inches high, and is a native of the mountains
of Central Europe.
E. cinerea (Scotch Heather). Over almost the
whole of these islands, from the Highlands of Scot-
land to the moors of Devon and Cornwall, this
Heath occurs more or less abundantly. During the
late summer and early autumn it flowers from
July onwards it covers miles of Exmoor with
bright - purple colouring, being usually associated
with one of the dwarf autumn-flowering Gorses
(Ulex Gallii). In gardens it has produced several
forms, the two most brilliantly coloured being atro-
THE HEATHS 235
sanguined and atropurpurea y but all the forms of this
Heath are beautiful in colour, ranging from white
to crimson. E. carnea loves the cool pure mountain
air, and on hot and sandy soil in the Thames Valley
is short-lived. At the same time it thrives admir-
ably in gardens where a moist, cool bottom can be
provided and where the air is pure. Altogether it
makes an admirable succession to E. carnea.
E. ciliaris (Dorset Heath). Although in smoky
and foggy places, such as London, this Heath is
not always satisfactory, in the purer air of the sur-
rounding counties it is a delightful shrub. In some
of the old oak-bearing country, in Sussex, for in-
stance, it succeeds to perfection. It is a native of
Britain, but is, I believe, confined to Cornwall and
Dorset in England, and to Galway in Ireland. It
has long, slender, prostrate stems, from which spring
erect flower-bearing branches ; the rich rose-purple
flowers are borne in a long raceme, and they are
the largest individually of those of all the native
Heaths. The leaves are nearly always in threes,
and, like all the younger parts of the plant, are
covered with hairs and pubescence ; it flowers from
July onwards.
E. maweana. This appears to be a fine variety
of E. ciliaris, with larger leaves and flowers, even
richer in colour and of sturdier growth. It was
discovered in Portugal some thirty years or so ago
by Mr. George Maw, but has not become popular
notwithstanding its beauty. It was obtained for
the Kew collection from Messrs. Cunningham and
236 TREES AND SHRUBS
Eraser, of Edinburgh, three or four years ago, and
certainly promises to be a better grower there than
E. ciliaris. The flowers are rich crimson and in
large racemes.
E. Watsoni. This is a supposed natural hybrid
between E. ciliaris and E. Tetralix, and was first
discovered near Truro by Mr. H. C. Watson. It
has rosy-crimson flowers produced in a flatter
raceme than that of E. ciliaris. In this character
and in other ways it is intermediate between the
parents.
E. Tetralix (the Cross-leaved Heath or Bell
Heather). This beautiful Heath grows on most
of the moors and mountain-sides throughout the
British Isles, being perhaps the most widely spread
of all the true Ericas in this country. It is called
the " Cross-leaved Heath " because of the arrange-
ment of the leaves, which are in whorls of four.
It is not very distinct in general appearance from
E. ciliaris, being downy and hairy on its young
slender leaves, &c. It differs, however, in the
arrangement of the flowers, which are in a terminal
umbel. The leaves of E. ciliaris are usually in
threes at each node, and, of course, its distribution
in Britain is much more restricted than that of
E. Tetralix. There are other minor points of differ-
ence that need not be referred to here. The
"Cross-leaved Heath" grows i to ij feet high,
and has bright rose-coloured flowers. There is a
white-flowered variety (alba), and a very pubescent
one named mollis.
THE HEATHS 237
E. Mackaii. This is so closely allied to E. Tetralix
that it is regarded merely as a variety by some
authorities. It was first found in Galway in Ireland,
between Roundstone Bay and Clifden. It has
since proved to be a native also of Spain. It is
a charming garden plant flowering from July to
September. The leaves have the same right-angled
arrangement as those of E. Tetralix, but the flower
is shorter, broader, and of a paler rose.
E. vagans (Cornish Heath). This Heath is one
of the most useful of dwarf evergreens, growing
vigorously, especially when planted in good soil.
I think, however, it flowers better and has more
of the typical Heath character when in somewhat
poor, sandy soil. In England it is almost or quite
confined to Cornwall, but occurs also in Ireland
and South-West Europe. It is especially valuable
in the garden because it flowers late, beginning in
July and keeping on until October. Its flowers are
crowded in racemes 4 to 6 inches long, and they
are pinkish purple in colour. The plants may be
kept neater and more compact by removing the
flowering portion of the shoots before growth
recommences in the following spring. Left to
themselves, especially in soil that is at all
rich, the plants are apt to get straggling and un-
kempt.
E. multiflora. This belongs to the same type of
Heath as E. vagans, the Cornish Heath, but differs
in its more compact growth and shorter racemes of
flowers. Although not so vigorous and showy, it
238 TREES AND SHRUBS
may still be preferred for some situations. It is a
neater plant, and its lower branches have not the
same tendency to get sprawling and ungainly as
E. vagans. In other respects it is much like that
species, the leaves being of similar shape and
arrangement, and the flowers of a paler purple ;
the raceme, however, is only 2 inches or so
long. E. mnlliflora is not found in Britain, but
is a native of the country to the north of the
Mediterranean Sea from France to Greece.
Calluna vulgaris. This has been named Erica
(Heath), and may be appropriately included in this
chapter on Heaths. It is the Common Heath of moun-
tain and moor, is very closely allied to the true Heaths,
and has given rise to many varieties. It likes a peaty
or sandy soil, and is longer-lived and more profuse
flowering under cultivation in poor rather than rich
soil. It is very charming when grown in natural
masses in the wilder parts of the garden, and its
value is all the greater because it flowers when
almost all other shrubs are out of bloom, viz., from
July to October. Numerous varieties are offered by
the trade, amongst which the following are the most
noteworthy, either for their beauty or for their dis-
tinctness : Alba (white), Alporti (crimson), aurea
(golden leaved), tennis (red), pygmcea, and hypnMes
(both dwarf).
Dab&cia polifolia (St. Dabeoc's Heath) is a lovely
little shrub, a close relative of the Heaths, and found
wild in the west of Ireland. It grows a little over
i foot high, and bears bell-shaped flowers rather
THE HEATHS 239
abundantly on erect terminal spikes. They are
purple or white, and sometimes have both colours
in one flower, and the plants continue to produce
them from July or August till the frosts come. It is
quite as plentiful as the dwarf Heaths. Alba is a
white variety. Menziesia polifolia is its former name,
and is still found under that title in books.
The three most suitable Heaths for limestone are
Erica carnea, vagans, and mediterranean
CHAPTER XXIX
NATIVE AND OTHER HARDY EVERGREENS
RAMBLING about the country in winter, one becomes
more and more impressed with the beauty of our
native evergreen trees and shrubs. Seven names
comprise them all Yew, Holly, Scotch Fir, Spruce,
Juniper, Box, and Ivy. Even of these the Scotch
and Spruce Firs (commonly so-called, though the
Scotch is a Pine) are doubtful natives, though so
long acclimatised that they may be classed with our
own. Those who are laying out new grounds on a
large scale would do well to plant these grand things
in plenty ; indeed, in the case of any new planting
that is taken in hand, unless the owner has a good
knowledge of shrubs and some taste in their choice
and disposition, a planting of these alone would save
him from many a regrettable mistake, and from the
prospect of the usual senseless jumble of mixed
shrubbery that has hopelessly spoilt thousands of
gardens.
No foreign shrubs can compare with or take the
place of our Yews and Hollies. However large
a collection of exotics may be in a well-stocked
arboretum, a winter walk among them only shows
that there is nothing more cheerfully handsome than
our Hollies, or more solemnly dignified than our
240
NATIVE AND HARDY EVERGREENS 241
Yews. On dry, sandy soils no Conifer is better for
England than the Scotch Fir ; or for moist, loamy
regions and valley bottoms none is better than the
Spruce. Exception is sometimes taken to the
Spruce ; and when planted in other than the place
it likes it is, indeed, a wretched object, as on dry
and hilly grounds. But a mass of Common Spruce
in a cool, alluvial bottom is a picture of well-being,
and no one can deny their majesty on alpine hill-
sides. The Douglas Fir is sometimes recommended
in its stead, but this beautiful and quick-growing tree
must still be regarded as an experiment. There is
not as yet a single old Douglas Fir, and there are
some among our botanical experts who are yet in
doubt whether, for all its young vigour, it will be
a lasting tree for our country. For dry uplands
in light soil there is the lovely Juniper, best of all
its kind (though often in nurseries foreign ones only
are offered to its exclusion), and for chalky soils and
loams the Box luxuriates, and can be used as a small
tree, as well as in its usual bush form.
The use of Common Ivy should not be forgotten.
Tree or bush ivies are amongst the most beautiful
and effective of winter plants, all flowering from
October to January. A noble evergreen is the tree
form of Ivy amurensis.
In Ireland we have the Arbutus Unedo, and A.
Andrachne is a tree once seen will always be remem-
bered ; its coloured bark is very beautiful.
IMPORTANCE OF A SUITABLE CLIMATE. Ever-
green shrubs luxuriate generally in the climate
Q
242 TREES AND SHRUBS
of the British Isles, especially in the southern and
western counties, and constitute one of the great
glories of the English garden, delighting in these
sea-bound islands, with their cool and moist atmo-
sphere.
It has been established, therefore, that the ever-
green seeks an equable climate, free from extremes
of cold and heat, and with an even supply of mois-
ture to both leaf and root, favouring in a marked
degree the sea-coast with its salt-laden winds. As
we travel south, so opportunities for growing an
increasing variety of evergreen trees and shrubs
become more apparent, until, in the south of Corn-
wall and the south-west of Ireland, things may be
planted out with safety which towards the midlands
and north would scarcely exist. But latitude is not
everything, and easily proved so by the rude vigour
of plants from New Zealand and the Himalayas
that are happy in the north of Scotland, but failures
in the midlands and further south of England,
requiring the protection of glass to develop their
characteristic beauty.
The place for the tender evergreens must be pro-
tected from dry north and east winds. Mr. Bean
writes me : " One of the most striking examples I
have met with of the importance of having a situa-
tion such as is described is the Duchess' garden at
Belvoir Castle. Belvoir is in the eastern midlands,
a district where the average temperature is certainly
not high, and where, during my stay there, the ther-
mometer fell on more than one occasion to zero
NATIVE AND HARDY EVERGREENS 243
(Fahr.). Yet in this particular spot (known as the
Duchess' garden) there were fine specimens of
Himalayan Rhododendrons one of R. Falconeri
being especially noteworthy for the way it grew and
flowered an Azara microphylla } 16 feet high, and
other similar examples. The explanation of these
successes, I believe, is entirely in the situation and
exposure of the garden. It was formed on the slope
of a rather steep hill, and is in the shape of an
amphitheatre opening freely to the south. The bitter
' north-easter ' loses much of its sting before it
reaches the plants in this garden. In most gardens
it is, of course, impossible to obtain sites so favour-
able as this. One has to make the best of what
exists. But at the same time it shows the desira-
bility, often the necessity, of choosing positions for the
tenderer evergreens in which this need of shelter
is satisfactorily met. Bamboos, Camellias, many
Rhododendrons, Elseagnus, all afford striking ex-
amples of the value of a shelter belt on the north
and east sides." A cool, moist soil is generally
necessary for evergreen shrubs, and we know this to
be true from the distress shown by many kinds
during a dry and parching summer.
THE TIME TO TRANSPLANT. Early autumn, but
much depends upon the previous weather. It
often happens that evergreens cannot be lifted
through a dry soil. The same trees after winter
rains may be moved with ease and safety in
April or May. An evergreen should be dis-
turbed whilst the roots are active, and by doing
244 TREES AND SHRUBS
this in September the shrub can establish itself
before winter hence the object of waiting until late
spring, when autumn has been missed, as root
growth has again begun. Autumn is a season
generally of much atmospheric moisture, grateful
dews, and welcome rains. It is the season for
planting in general, and seldom is the work seriously
disturbed until Christmas is past. We have shifted
many evergreens without one failure in April and
quite late in May, but our anxieties are great when
the life-giving rains refuse to refresh the earth. The
spring of 1901 will never be forgotten as a season of
dry winds and brilliant sunshine, without rain to
temper the unfortunate conditions, and the result
was a great loss amongst newly planted evergreens.
Mr. Bean says : " Some evergreens can with reason-
able care be moved with perfect safety at any time,
except perhaps from July to September. Rhodo-
dendrons are an example. During the last ten years
I have transplanted them in every month of the year,
except July and August. Indeed, in the case of Rho-
dodendrons and most evergreen ericaceous plants,
the problems of transplanting scarcely arise, simply
because the fine fibres hold the soil so completely
that the root system can, with due care, be removed
practically intact. For the same reasons, very
careful transplanting, such as is practised with a
transplanting machine, may also be done at almost
any season.
"When the roots of large evergreen shrubs have
been unavoidably damaged, it is often a good plan
NATIVE AND HARDY EVERGREENS 245
to remove a portion of the leafy branches. This
helps to restore, in some measure, the balance
between root and top. The shrub will frequently
do this itself. Hollies, for instance, often lose a
large proportion of their leaves after transplanting
in spring ; it is one of the surest signs of success,
just as the shrivelling of the leaves on the branches
is the worst. Evergreen oaks also furnish other
examples." A difference of opinion exists as to re-
moving any of the leafy branches. A great autho-
rity writes me : " Keep on all the foliage you can.
I have seen this succeed with large deciduous
trees."
Remember that Evergreen oaks planted in late
spring or in summer should receive a thorough soak-
ing of water once, then no more until new growth
begins. Syringe freely three times a day in hot iveather.
I once saw a yew hedge that had been planted in
mid-winter, the wrong time ; it was looking rather
brown through exposure to March winds. The time
I refer to (April) a man was pouring water into the
roots and the result was that nearly all these fine
plants died. Had he damped the foliage twice or
thrice a day instead they would have all lived. It
is important in the case of newly planted yew and
holly hedges to protect by screens of spruce boughs
secured to a hurdle or any other material suitable at
hand to assist the plants until they have started into
growth.
PRUNING. This is a great advantage to all
Evergreens in moderation ; the majority, if left to
246 TREES AND SHRUBS
their own will, become straggling in growth and
unsightly.
Evergreens differ from deciduous plants in regard
to time of pruning. Most deciduous things may be
pruned at any time between the fall of the leaf and
the recommencement of growth in spring. But ever-
greens should never be pruned in late autumn or
winter. For plants that are grown merely for foliage
sake and not for the flowers, pruning should be done
just as new growth is commencing. In the case of
flowering shrubs like Rhododendron or Berberis it
should be done as soon as the flowering season
is past.
Rhododendrons are improved by pruning, but the
pruner must know something of the varieties and
their growth. Berberis stenophylla gains in beauty by
severe pruning, thinning out and cutting back after
flowering is over. It helps the plant to make those
long, drooping growths which are so beautiful in
spring.
CLIMBING EVERGREENS. One of the peculiar-
ities of the evergreen class of plants is the marked
absence of climbing species in cool temperate coun-
tries that is, true climbers, not, the numerous
things that are made to do duty as such on
walls. If one takes up a tree and shrub catalogue
of even the best nurserymen, one is struck by the
few evergreen climbers offered. In spite of the
fact that the cool, temperate regions of the earth
have been so thoroughly ransacked during the last
century, no plant has ever been found that equals
NATIVE AND HARDY EVERGREENS 247
or even approaches in value the Common Ivy and its
varieties for the special purposes for which they are
adapted. The best that are available are the Jasmine,
Ercilla volubilis (Bridgesia spicatd), Smilax, Qematis
calycina, and tenderer things like Lardizabala and
Passiflora ccerulea.
Evergreens as a whole are much neglected in
ordinary gardens. Instead of drawing upon the
great wealth of shrubs available, so many go on
using the same old things over and over again,
generally Aucuba, Portugal and Cherry Laurels,
Rhododendron ponticum, and such like.
THE HOLLY is one of the most beautiful of all
evergreen shrubs, and many varieties are not known,
Ilex Wilsoniy for example, and Laurifolia nova (Camellice-
folia) which is very distinct from the former. The
best of the Hollies, Hodginsn (syn.Shepherdn),Marnockn,
Hendersoniiy platyphylla, fructu-luteo (yellow -berried),
Handsworthensis, Laurifolia, Maderensis atrovirens y which
are all green-leaved varieties. Of variegated varieties,
very beautiful are Golden Queen and Silver Queen,
Handsworth Silver, Argentea marginata, and Mme.
Briot. Watereriana (Waterer's dwarf golden) makes
an excellent little bush, with smooth leaves blotched
and edged with yellow.
THE BEST EVERGREENS. The following is a
representative list of the hardier species of evergreens
which are considered most deserving of attention,
and I have roughly grouped them according to their
size. Conifers are not included. There is, of course,
considerable difference in the sizes to which ever-
2 4 8
TREES AND SHRUBS
greens attain, according to the climate in which they
are growing. The grouping here is merely intended
to give an approximate idea of their habit. Those
marked with an asterisk (*) are the more tender ones,
and although valuable in the southern and warmer
parts of the country, have not been grown in the
colder localities, or if so, against a wall.
(i.) TREES
Common Box and varieties,
especially Handsworthen-
sis, which is exceptionally
hardy. The variety pen-
dula is very handsome in
the shrubbery and Japonica
aurea is one of the finest
shrubs ever introduced for
giving colour to the garden
in winter. This plant should
be pruned in spring to get
the full rich colouring.
Common Holly and varieties,
especially such superb
varieties as, of the large-
leaved varieties, VVilsoni,
Mundyi, Shepherdi, Camel-
liaefolia (syn. latifolia) nova,
Marnocki, Madeirensis, and
Hendersoni. The best
small - leaved sorts are
Handsworthensis, tortuosa,
ovata, crenata, crenata lati-
folia and Doningtonensis.
Of variegated sorts choose
Golden Queen, Compacta
aurea, Marginata, Hands-
worth Silver, Argentea mar-
ginata and grandis.
* Magnolia grandiflora.
Quercus Ilex (Holm Oak),
laurifolia and Fordi. The
Fulham Oak, not quite
evergreen, but a beautiful
tree.
Yews (Taxus), Dovastoni,
Dovastoni variegata, hiber-
nica, hibernica aurea varie-
gata, grandis, ericoides,
cuspidata, elegantissima,
laevigata, adpressa, and ad-
pressa aurea variegata.
(ii) TALL SHRUBS (say 8 feet or more high)
Arbutus hybrida and varieties. [ Arbutus Andrachne, very fine.
Menziesi.
Unedo.
* Azara microphylla.
Camellia japonica varieties.
NATIVE AND HARDY EVERGREENS 249
TALL SHRUBS (say 8 feet or more high) continued
Cotoneaster buxifolia, horizon-
tails (Davidii), microphylla,
and angustifolia.
Cratsegus Pyracantha, and the
variety Laelandi.
* Laurus nobilis (Sweet Bay),
L. latifolius.
Ligustrum lucidum, japonicum.
Prunus lusitanica (Portugal
Laurel).
(iii.) MEDIUM SIZED SHRUBS (3 feet or more)
Prunus Laurocerasus (Com-
mon or Cherry Laurel).
Quercus acuta.
coccifera (Kermes
Oak).
,, phillyraeoides.
Rhododendrons, garden
varieties.
catawbiense.
, Fortunei.
Aucuba japonica vars, male
and female, green-leaved
sorts, very fine.
Berberis Aquifolium and vars.
,, buxifolia.
., Darwinii.
* ,, japonica.
,, stenophylla.
,, wallichiana.
* Choisya ternata (Mexican
Orange Flower).
Cistus laurifolius.
Daphne purpurea.
Elseagnus macrophyllus.
pungens and vars.
* Erica arborea.
* australis.
* ,, lusitanica.
Erica mediterranea, Vulgaris,
Alporti, Hammondii, multi-
flora, and rubrum.
Escalloniaphilippiana, E. rubra.
* Eucryphia pinnatifolia.
Euonymus japonicus.
* Garrya elliptica.
Ilex cornuta.
Kalmia latifolia.
Ligustrum japonicum.
Olearia Haastii.
Osmanthus ilicifolius.
Phillyraea decora.
latifolia.
Pieris floribunda.
japonica.
Raphiolepis ovata.
Rhamnus Alaternus and vars.
Rhododendron azaleoides.
ponticum.
myrtifolium.
Skimmia japonica, oblata and
Formani, fine varieties.
Ulex europseus flore pleno
(Double Gorse, Furze, or
Whin).
Veronica Traversii.
Viburnum Tinus and vars.
(Laurustinus).
Yucca angustifolia.
,, gloriosa.
recurvifolia.
TREES AND SHRUBS
(iv.) DWARF SHRUBS (under 3 feet)
Andromeda polifolia.
floribunda.
Azalea amcena.
Bruckenthalia spiculifolia.
Bryanthus empetriformis.
Butcher's Broom.
Calluna vulgaris and vars.
(Heather, Common Ling).
Cotoneaster microphylla.
,, rotundifolia.
thymifolia.
Dabcecia polifolia.
Daphne Cneorum (Garland
Flower).
oleoides.
Diplopappus chrysophyllus.
Erica carnea.
ciliaris (Dorset Heath).
Erica cinerea (Scotch Heather)
mediterranea hybrida.
Tetralix (Bell Heather).
vagans (Cornish Heath).
Euonymus radicans and vars.
Gaultheria procumbens (Par-
tridge Berry).
Gaultheria Shallon.
Genista hispanica, G. pilosa.
Hypericum calycinum.
Kalmia angustifolia.
glauca.
Ledum latifolium, palustre.
Leiophyllum buxifolium.
Pernettya mucronata and vars.
Rhododendron ferrugineum.
,, racemosum.
Vaccinium Vitis- idsea.
(v.) CLIMBERS AND TRAILERS
Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi.
Hedera Helix and vars. (Ivy).
The bush forms might be
included, all of which flower
in winter and have berries.
Vinca major (Common Peri-
winkle).
Vinca minor (Lesser Peri-
winkle).
It must not be forgotten that our British ever-
greens flourish in the coldest parts of Yorkshire in
a climate that may be considered the most trying
for vegetation in the British Isles. Hollies and
Rhododendrons, where planting has been done on
the hill-sides, may be seen as quite large trees. The
New Zealand Olearia Haasti may also be seen there
7 feet to 8 feet high and as much through.
CHAPTER XXX
SHRUBS FOR SMALL GARDENS
IT is possible in small gardens to grow many
beautiful shrubs without constant cutting of the
branches to keep them within set bounds. Those
mentioned in the following list will grow in ordinary
soil. Transplant during late autumn and early
winter ; and one golden rule to observe in the case
of shrubs obtained from nurseries is to plant them
in their permanent position as soon as possible after
they are received, but should anything occur to
prevent this, the roots must be well covered with
soil till planting takes place. In winter large numbers
of plants are sold at auction rooms, but though they
may appear cheap, this is not always so, as there is
no guide to the length of time they have been out
of the ground, and in a dry atmosphere many of
the smaller roots may have perished. Such plants
take a long time to recover from the check. If
trees or shrubs are bought at a local nursery, there
is the great advantage of getting them in the ground
again as soon as possible. The shrubs named are
fully described elsewhere in this book.
Aucubas, 3 to 6 feet. Evergreen shrubs, some
with variegated, others with plain green leaves. The
251
252 TREES AND SHRUBS
male and female forms are separate. If the latter
are fertilised, bright-red berries result.
Azaleas, 3 to 6 feet. For moist and peaty soil.
Berberis Aquifolium, 4 feet ; B. Darwinii, 6 to 8 feet ;
B. slenophylla, 6 to 8 feet ; B. Thunbergi, 2 to 3 feet ;
B. vulgaris purpurea, 5 to 6 feet (a purple - leaved
variety of the Common Barberry).
Cornus Spaethii, 4 feet. This has rich golden foliage.
Cotoneaster frigida, 12 to 15 feet. A sturdy tree,
with scarlet berries in autumn. C. horizontalis, 2 feet ;
C. microphylla, 3 feet ; C. Simonsii, 5 to 8 feet.
Cratcegus Oxyacantha (Common Hawthorn). As a
small tree this is delightful in small gardens, especially
the double-flowered forms, of which the richest in
colour is Paul's double crimson. As a contrast to
this there is the double white.
Cytisus albus (White Broom), 6 feet ; C. nigricans,
4 feet ; C. prcecox (Sulphur Broom), C. scoparius
(Common Broom), 6 feet ; C. s. andreanus.
Daphne Cneorum (Garland Flower), i foot ; D. Meze-
reum (the Mezereon), and the white variety alba.
Deutzia crenala fl. />/., 6 to 8 feet ; D. gracitis,
D. hybrida.
Elceagnus pungens, 6 feet. This is not so much
planted as it should be ; it is a rounded evergreen
bush of great charm ; flowers fragrant, November
and December. There is a good variegated variety.
Euonymus japonicus, 4 to 8 feet ; E. radicans, ij feet.
The variegated variety is very popular.
Forsythia suspensa, 6 to 8 feet. A climbing shrub,
but may be kept in bush form if pruned back hard
HIBISCUS SYRIACUS (Althaufhttex), VAR. CM RULE US.
SHRUBS FOR SMALL GARDENS 253
after flowering. A mass of golden-yellow flowers
in March or April.
Genista hispanica (Spanish Furze), * feet ; G. sagit-
tate.
Hamamelis arborea (Japanese Witch Hazel), 6 to 10
feet ; H. zuccariniana.
Hedera (Ivy). It must not be forgotten that several
varieties form bushes. These are known as Tree
Ivies, and are invaluable in shady spots.
Hibiscus syriacus, 6 to 7 feet.
Hydrangea Hortensia (Common Hydrangea), 4 to 8
feet ; H. paniculata grandiflora, 4 to 8 feet. Pruned
back hard before starting into growth in spring, this
can be kept dwarf, and if liquid manure is given the
heads of creamy-white flowers in early autumn are
very fine.
Hypericum calycinum (Rose of Sharon), i foot.
Grows well under trees. H. moserianum, 2 feet.
Ilex Aquifolium (Common Holly). A familiar and
handsome evergreen tree. The best variegated
varieties are Golden Queen, Hands worth Silver, and
Silver Queen. /. crenata (Japanese Holly).
Jasminum nudiflorum (Winter -flowered Jasmine),
Common White Jasmine. Both for walls or to ramble
over some support.
Kerria japonica, 5 feet. This little-known shrub
should be more grown ; its yellow flowers are small
but pretty. Flore-pleno is a popular variety.
Laburnum.
Ligustrum ovalifolium aureum (Golden-leaved Privet),
Z.. sinense (Chinese Privet).
254 TREES AND SHRUBS
Magnolia conspicua (Yulan), 10 to 30 feet ; M.Lennei,
6 to 12 feet ; M. soulangeana, 6 to 1 5 feet ; M. stellata,
3 to 6 feet.
Osmanthus ilidfolius atropurpeus.
Philadelphus coronarius (Mock Orange), 8 to 12 feet ;
P. grandiflorus, I o to 15 feet ; P. hybrids.
Primus. This genus includes the Almonds, Apri-
cots, Cherries, Peaches, Plums, and Laurels. The
best are the Almond, Double-flowered Gean (P. Avium
fl. //.), P. davidiana, P. japonica (P. sinensis), P. Lauro-
cerasus (Common Laurel), P. lusitanica (Portugal
Laurel), P. persica (the Peach), P. pseudo-cerasus, P.
trilobci) 6 to 12 feet.
Pyrus Aucuparia (Mountain Ash or Rowan tree).
P. floribunda, P. japonica (Cydonia japonica) , P. Maulei,
P. spectabilis fl. pi.
Rhododendrons. Excellent where soil and sur-
roundings are suitable.
Rhodotypus kerrioides, 4 to 6 feet.
Rhus Cotimts (Venetian Sumach, Wig Tree, Smoke
Bush), 5 to 8 feet ; JR. glabra, 6 to 1 2 feet ; R.
typhina, 8 to 15 feet.
Ribes aureum (Golden-flowered Currant), 4 to 6
feet ; R. sanguineum, 4 to 6 feet.
Robinia hispida (Rose Acacia), 8 to 12 feet. A
delightful tree ; rosy flower clusters in early summer,
but very brittle. Must not be in wind-swept corners.
R. Pseudacacia elegans (False Acacia), 20 feet ; the
Common False Acacia is too large for small gardens.
Rubus deliciosus, 5 to 6 feet.
Skimmia Fortunei and S. japonica, 2 to 4 feet. Two
SHRUBS FOR SMALL GARDENS 255
neat little evergreen shrubs, with bright - crimson
berries in winter. Cool, moist soil.
Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom).
Spircea arguta, 4 to 5 feet ; S. aricefolia, 8 to I o
feet, very beautiful ; S. Douglasi, 6 feet ; S. japonica
(S. callosa) and varieties (see tables) ; S. media, 4
feet ; S. prunifolia fl. pi., 6 to 8 feet ; S. Thunbergi,
4 to 5 feet.
Symphoricarpus racemosus (Snowberry), 5 to 6 feet.
The variegated variety of the Common Snowberry
is pretty.
Syringa vulgaris (Lilac), 8 to 1 2 feet.
Ulex europceus fl. pi. (Double-flowered Furze or
Gorse), 4 to 6 feet. Beautiful in hot and dry soil.
Viburnum Opulus sterile (Guelder Rose or Snowball
tree), V. plicatum, 5 to 6 feet.
Vinca major (Periwinkle), 6 inches to i foot. A
little creeping shrub, delightful for a rough bank,
and will thrive under trees better than most shrubby
plants. The pretty blue flowers appear for a long
time. There is a variety with prettily variegated
leaves. V. minor, another species, is smaller alto-
gether. There are deep-blue and white varieties.
Weigelas, 6 to 8 feet. Excellent shrubs for small
gardens.
SHRUBS FOR TOWN GARDENS
From the preceding list of shrubs for small gardens
a selection suitable for towns is appended. Many
things refuse to live in the smoky and confined air
of towns. This is particularly noticeable in the case
2J6
TREES AND SHRUBS
of evergreens ; the pores become choked with sooty
deposit, and the plant consequently soon fails,
whereas many of those whose leaves are removed
annually are not so seriously affected. Conifers are
generally a failure. This is a small list, but only
small gardens are under consideration.
Aucubas.
Berberis Aquifolium.
Berberis stehophylla.
Cotoneasters, especially C.
frigida, which is, however,
a small tree.
Cratsegus Oxyacantha (Haw-
thorn) and varieties.
Cratsegus Pyracantha (Fire
Thorn); C. Laelandi.
Daphne Mezereum.
Euonymus japonicus.
Forsythia.
Genista hispanica.
Hedera (Ivy).
Hibiscus syriacus.
Jasminum officinale.
Kerria japonica.
Laburnum.
Ligustrum ovalifolium elegan-
tissimum (Golden-leaved
Privet).
Magnolia stellata, M. conspi-
cua.
Osmanthus ilicifolius.
Philadelphus (Mock Orange).
Privet.
Prunus Amygdalus (Almond).
Prunus Avium flore - pleno
(Double-flowered Gean).
Prunus Laurocerasus (Lau-
rel).
Prunus Persica (Peach).
Prunus pseudo-cerasus.
Pyrus Aucuparia (Mountain
Ash).
Pyrus floribunda.
Pyrus japonica and varieties.
Rhus typhina (Sumach).
Ribes aureum.
Ribes sanguineum and varie-
ties.
Robinia Pseudacacia and
varieties.
Spartium junceum.
Spiraea arguta.
Spiraea japonica and varieties.
Symphoricarpus racemosus
(Snowberry).
Symphoricarpus vulgaris.
Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) and
varieties.
Viburnum plicatum (Chinese
Guelder Rose).
Weigela rosea and varieties.
CHAPTER XXXI
SHRUB AND FLOWER BORDERS
WHERE there are wide lawn spaces and fine trees
in garden ground much of the effect is often lost or
spoiled by the presence of unworthy trivialities where
there should be distinct and bold features. The
most frequent offender is a narrow strip of flower
border, edging shrubbery and coming between the
shrubs and the grass. Nothing is more useless than
such a border. The shrubs would look much better
coming right down to the grass, while if bright or
distinct colour is absolutely required, it is easy to
make a place here and there where some patch of
Lily or other flower of bold form may be well seen.
These narrow borders are undesirable, not only
for their poor effect we think not of one, but of
many a fine place where there are furlongs of such
futility but because the plan is destructive to both
shrubs and flowers. If the ground is not dug for
a year the roots of the shrubs invade it ; if it is
dug and enriched for the flowers, the feeding roots
of the shrubs are mutilated.
In the case of a place where lawn comes up to
shrub plantation, which, again, is backed by wood-
land, the better way is to have, in just the right places,
a bold planting of something fairly large, whose
2 57 r
258 TREES AND SHRUBS
flower shall endure for a good while, to let the large
group of it come right through to the lawn, and
also stretch away back into the woodland. In our
southern counties, in sheltered places, where the
ground is cool and moist, and at the same time
well drained, nothing can be better than Hydrangeas.
Other softer plants for the same treatment would be
the fine Nicotiana sylvestris, and for earlier in the
year White Foxglove, and even before that Verbascum
olympicum. Lilium auratum is also superb in such
places, and Polygonum Sieboldi and others of this fine
race of autumn-blooming plants. If some of the
shrubs at the edge of the grass, such as Azaleas, have
beautiful colour at more than one time of the year,
both at the flowering time and in autumn blaze of
foliage, two seasons of beauty are secured.
Hardy Ferns are undeservedly neglected as plants
to group about the feet of shrubs ; some of the
bolder kinds, as the Male Fern and the Lady Fern,
are charming as a setting to the Lilies that love cool,
shady wood edges.
If shrubbery edges were planned with a view to
good effect both far and near, what capital com-
panies of plants could be put together. As one
such example, let us suppose a cool spot, with peaty
or light vegetable soil, planted in the front with
Skimmia and hardy Ferns, Funkia grandiflora, and
Lilium rubellum. A little farther back would come
Lilium Brownii, then a group of Kalmias and Lilium
auratum. One carefully-planted scheme such as this
would lead to others of the same class, so that the
TALL EVERGREEN SHRUBS IN A FLOWER BORDER.
SHRUB AND FLOWER BORDERS 259
quantities of grand shrubs and plants that are only
waiting to be well used would be made into lovely
pictures, instead of being planted in the usual un-
thinking fashion, which is without definite aim, and
therefore cannot possibly make any good effect.
We do not, as a rule, plant upright-growing
Conifers of the Juniper and Cypress class in our
flower borders, and yet the illustration shows how
this may be done with the very 'happiest effect. Pro-
bably in this case the trees were there already, and the
flower border was wanted, and therefore was made
in circumstances that would not have been specially
arranged at the outset. But it has been done with
rare intelligence and sympathy, and the result is
excellent. Here also is seen the best kind of edge
treatment, for the grass is either cut with the scythe
or the plants at the edge are lifted with a stick as
the machine runs along, so that the usual pitiless
machine edge is not seen, and the plants at the side
bush out over the grass just as they should do. This
is a thing that is rarely seen well done in gardens.
CHAPTER XXXII
SHRUBS UNDER TREES
IT is often a vexed question what to plant under
trees when the space is bare, and sometimes there
is an ugly view seen beneath the branches to shut
out. Evergreens are the sheet anchor, relieved with
a few deciduous shrubs grouped amongst them.
Much depends upon the tree, whether a Beech
or an Oak, a Maple or a Chestnut, and so on, as
trees vary considerably in their method of rooting,
as well as in the shade they give during the summer
months. This affects the welfare of the plants under-
neath. Such trees as Oak, Ash, Plane, Birch, and
Horse Chestnut are inclined to root deeply when
they have grown to a fair size, and do not interfere
directly with anything underneath them, although
the roots extract much moisture from the soil.
On the other hand, Beech, Elm, Lime, and
Sycamore are more surface-rooting, and their roots
often get entangled with and gradually kill plants
growing near them. Beech and Elm are the greatest
offenders, and grass frequently perishes under these
trees. A few liberal soakings of water in dry weather
are beneficial to shrubs or anything else under trees,
but the soakings must be thorough, as mere sprinkles
are more harmful than otherwise. The spread of
60
SHRUBS UNDER TREES 261
large tree branches should also be noticed in summer,
as sometimes one or two of the lower ones may be
removed with benefit to the shrubs, judicious cutting
away letting in light and air.
The best of the larger growing evergreens to use
under trees are Laurels, both common and Portugal,
Yews, Box, Osmanthus, Aucubas, Phillyraeas, com-
mon and oval-leaved Privet, Ligustrum sinense, and
Rhododendron ponticum. Of these Yews, Box, and
Osmanthus are perhaps as successful as any. The
Osmanthus is not usually considered suitable for this
purpose, but it succeeds well in the shade, and keeps
a good dark-green colour. Hollies are sometimes
recommended, but, though they may occasionally
thrive under trees, it is not advisable to use many
of them, as they are more often a failure, becoming
thin and straggling in the course of a year or two.
Of dwarf-growing evergreens Berberis Aquifotium,
Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus and R. Hypoglossum),
Cotoneaster microphylla y Euonymus japonicus, and E. radi-
cansj with their respective varieties, Skimmias, Gaul-
theria Shallon, Ivies, especially the common English,
Irish Ivy, and Emerald green, Pernettya mucronata y
St. John's Wort (Hypericum calycmum), and Vincas
can all be recommended, as they all do well in the
shade, and most of them will flower freely.
For a very dry spot where nothing else will grow
the Butcher's Broom and St. John's Wort should be
planted, as both will grow and thrive where other
plants die. With deciduous shrubs under trees the
difficulty is not so much in getting them to live as
262 TREES AND SHRUBS
in coaxing them to flower, but a few of them will
do well in the shade, and, as a rule, bloom freely.
Of these the best are the common and White Brooms,
Azalea pontica y Genista virgata, Philadelphus, Forsythias,
and Daphne Mezereum. The shrubby Spiraeas may
also be used sparingly in a fairly light and open
place, though plenty of sun is required as a rule
to enable them to flower properly. In addition,
though their flowers are insignificant, Cornus alba
with its red stems in winter, the Snowberry (Symphori-
carpus racemosus), which is laden every year with
white berries long after the leaves have fallen.
The question about shrubs growing under trees
is so frequently asked that the names of those most
successful are given, but generally the beauty of the
tree is lost when smothered up with evergreens and
other shrubs beneath its spreading branches. A tree
is a picture in itself, and it is pleasant to see the
grass creep to the branch edge and then cease, leaving
a brown earth patch under the canopy of foliage.
Shepherdi Holly, Tree Ivies, and Berberis steno-
phylla, it may be mentioned, are a success under trees.
CHAPTER XXXIII
HARDY SHRUBS IN THE GREENHOUSE
HARDY shrubs have for many years brought colour
and fragrance to the greenhouse in the depth of
winter, but we think it is only within recent years
that they have been used in such beautiful variety
as at the present time. The great show of the
Royal Horticultural Society in the Temple Gardens,
and many of the delightful fortnightly displays,
have been responsible for much of their present
popularity, and the picture of a group of Plums,
Peaches, Almonds, Wistarias, and many other things
in flower long before their natural season, is refresh-
ingly pleasant when perhaps winter still lingers.
So many shrub families may be used for gently
forcing into bloom before their time that it is im-
possible to lay down hard and fast rules with regard
to culture. In some cases the plants may be lifted
in the autumn, then potted, and placed out of doors
until they are removed under glass, when the flowers
will open in profusion ; but the shrubs that can be
treated in this way make dense, fibrous masses of
roots, therefore scarcely feel the check of removal.
Some shrubs, however, transplant so badly that it
is needful to grow them entirely in pots.
Shrubs for flowering under glass are grown in
263
264 TREES AND SHRUBS
large quantities by the English nurserymen, and
very beautiful they are when in flower, bringing
the beauty of early summer to the opening days
of spring. Many grow their plants in pots, the
general method being what may be regarded as
a modification of pot culture and planting out,
that is to say, although the plants are potted,
and that in fairly large pots, they are plunged in
the open ground over the rim of the pot, and in
a position fully exposed to air and sunshine. Al-
though a few roots may be pushed out over the rim,
and also through the hole in the bottom, this treat-
ment has the effect of keeping them far more
compact than would otherwise be the case, hence
the check of removal is not so great as if they have
unlimited room. This partial confinement of the
roots checks a too luxuriant growth and promotes
flower-bud formation.
In the cultivation of shrubs for this purpose,
whether they are confined in pots or planted out,
choose an open, well-exposed position, carefully
guarding against overcrowding, as this tends to leaves
instead of flowers. With the same object, they must
be kept free from weeds, and not allowed to suffer
from drought.
With few exceptions, the best time to lift and pot
the plants is as soon as possible after the leaves
have fallen in the autumn. When done at this time
the young roots recover from the check, and get
hold of the new soil before the flowering season.
The pots must be plunged in leaves, spent hops, or
HARDY SHRUBS IN GREENHOUSE 265
cocoa-nut refuse, to keep them in an even condition
of moisture, and after potting never allow the roots
to suffer through dryness. Whether intended for
very early flowering or later on, the plants should
at first only be taken into a comparatively cool
structure, and, if necessary, brought to a greater
heat by degrees, and the lower the temperature, say
about 55 degrees, the more beautiful the flower
colouring ; while, when they are only required in
bloom a little before the natural season, mere
protection from sharp frosts and keen winds is
alone essential. The advantage of early potting
is shown conspicuously in the case of Azaleas. The
flowers produced by plants that have been potted
soon after the leaves have fallen will remain twice
as long in beauty as on those not potted until after
Christmas.
In a general way, plants that have been forced
hard to get them into flower early cannot be de-
pended upon to bloom satisfactorily the following
season, no matter how carefully they may have been
treated, but those merely brought into bloom a little
in advance of those out of doors will undergo the
same ordeal next year. Too often, when the flowers
are over, the shrubs are put away in some corner
and forgotten, and the result is injured leaves and
general upset. Shrubs so treated cannot perform
their duties in the year following. Shrubs that have
finished flowering under glass before the time of
frost and cold winds is past should be at first
carefully protected and gradually hardened off.
266 TREES AND SHRUBS
Where a cool house is not available, a frame in a
sheltered position is suitable, but even then avoid
overcrowding. By the middle of May this precaution
is not so necessary, although keen frosts and winds
are experienced that would injure foliage developed
under glass. Where potting is necessary, that is, in
the case of plants grown permanently in this way,
it should be done before they are placed in their
summer quarters. For this the pots should, if
possible, be placed on a firm bed of ashes and
plunged in some moisture-holding material, such as
partially decayed leaves, spent hops, or cocoa-nut
fibre refuse. Occasional doses of liquid manure
during the growing season are beneficial, particularly
in the case of shrubs that have not been re-potted,
as the limited amount of nourishment in the soil
will have gone by that time.
The following is a list of the best shrubs for
flowering under glass :
ANDROMEDA (known also as Pieris and Zenobia).
The Andromedas are beautiful shrubs, with lily-
of-the-valley-like flowers, and form such a mass
of fibrous roots that they can be lifted from the open
ground and potted without receiving any check.
When placed in a cool house they flower profusely.
The best are A. floribunda, which has crowded, some-
what stiff spikes ; A. japonica, known by its drooping
racemes ; and A. speciosa pulverulenta, which has hoary
leaves and waxy-white bells. The first two may be
had in flower by the end of March, but the other
is later.
HARDY SHRUBS IN GREENHOUSE 267
AZALEA. One of the useful classes of shrubs that
\ve have for this purpose, quite as valuable for hard
forcing as for flowering later in spring. Although
the formation of the roots is dense and wig-like,
they are, as already stated, all the better for being
potted early, while they may be permanently grown
in pots in a satisfactory way. The Chinese A.
sinensfs, or mo/It's, as it is more popularly called, is
of close and compact growth, with massive clusters
of large flowers, varying in colour from pale yellow
to deep orange salmon, and innumerable tints and
shades. Among the most beautiful are Alphonse
Lavalle, bright orange ; Anthony Koster, deep yellow ;
Dr. Pasteur, orange red ; General Vetten, orange ;
Hugo Koster, salmon red ; and J. J. de Vink, soft
rose. The varieties grouped under the head of
Ghent Azaleas are very beautiful, and quite as suitable
for forcing as the preceding. The individual flowers
are smaller, but they are borne in such profusion
that the whole plant is a mound of blossom. The
colour varies from white, through all shades of yellow,
orange, pink, rose, and scarlet, to bright crimson,
so that plenty of variety is available, and some forms
have double flowers. These are not so showy as
the single Azaleas. Azaleas, when planted out, re-
quire a certain amount of peat or other vegetable
matter in the soil, and this is even more important
when they are grown in pots. A suitable compost
consists of equal parts of loam, leaf-mould, and peat,
with half a part of sand. Very little pruning is
needful, and this to consist only of shortening an
268 TREES AND SHRUBS
occasional shoot that threatens to upset the balance
of the plant, and thinning wiry and exhausted growths;
but remove seed pods directly the flowers are over,
as these are a drain upon the plant's strength.
BERBERIS. Few Berberises are of much account
for greenhouse decoration, the best being the orange-
flowered B. Darwinii and the rich yellow B. stenophylla.
They will not flower well if forced hard, but in a
cool house, with very little heat, they are very charm-
ing. A successful grower of shrubs under glass
writes : " I knew of some bushes of B. stenophylla
that had been treated in this way for five years, and
little trouble was taken with them, yet they were so
beautiful as to be much admired every year. After
flowering, the weakly growths were cut out and the
pots plunged in the open ground. Manure water was
occasionally given, and with this treatment they did
well/'
CARPENTERIA CALIFORNICA. This evergreen shrub,
even in the south of England, is all the better for
slight protection, and it is delightful in the almost
cold house, the white flowers, reminding one of
those of the Japanese anemone, appearing about
May. It is a very beautiful shrub.
CARYOPTERIS MASTACANTHUS. This Chinese shrub
will bloom freely in light and warm soils, bearing
lavender blue flowers in profusion during the
autumn ; indeed, so late that when cold and wet
weather occurs they often fail to expand at all. This
difficulty is overcome when the plants are grown in
pots and taken into the greenhouse for the flowers to
HARDY SHRUBS IN GREENHOUSE 269
open ; it is then very pretty and much liked. After
flowering, the shoots generally die back almost to the
ground, but break up with renewed vigour in spring.
CEANOTHUS. Some of the early-flowering Ceano-
thuses are very valuable ; they may be grown in pots,
and their flowers are of pleasing blue colouring,
which is unusual and therefore welcome. Among
the best for this purpose are C. dentatus, C. papillosus,
and C. veitchianus. Ceanothuses do not transplant
very well, and if intended for flowering in pots
should be lifted in the autumn, potted carefully,
and wintered in a cool house. They may be kept
altogether in pots, giving them much the same
attention during summer as Berberis stenophylla.
CERCIS SILIQUASTRUM. This is the Judas tree,
and as many know, while the leaves are still absent
the stems bear clusters of rosy-purple flowers. It
may be lifted and potted in the autumn or kept
altogether in pots, but on no account indulge in hard
forcing, as it resents this treatment. Well-grown
specimens are very pretty when in flower in late
March.
CHIONANTHUS. There are two species of Chio-
nanthus, viz. the North American Fringe tree (C.
virginica) and its Japanese representative C. retusus.
They resemble each other very much, but the
American form is the better of the two. The Fringe
trees are very charming when in pots. Prune back
hard after flowering and fully expose to the sun to
ensure plenty of flower buds. A moist soil is
essential.
270 TREES AND SHRUBS
MEXICAN ORANGE FLOWER (Choisya ternata). This
will bear its white fragrant flower clusters in March
in a greenhouse, and a succession is maintained for
some time. It is most satisfactory when grown
altogether in pots and plunged outside during the
summer.
CLEMATISES. Of late years the various forms of
Clematis have been grown largely under glass and
used for various purposes, not only in the shape of
large specimens, but in pots five inches in diameter,
the plant being secured to a single stake and carry-
ing several big showy flowers. Two somewhat new
continental varieties, Marcel Moser and Nelly Moser,
have proved very useful for this treatment. The
plants flowered in small pots are those that are
propagated in the preceding spring and plunged out
of doors during the summer. The Himalayan C.
montana that flowers naturally so early in the season
readily responds to a little heat, and in the green-
house in spring it is almost as welcome as the New
Zealand C. indivisa.
CLETHRA. Although C. alnifolia does not flower
until the autumn it may be had in bloom in
spring. Of course, it will not be so early as shrubs
that are naturally in beauty in the spring, but in May
its white, fragrant flowers should be seen. It requires
a cool, moist soil and sunshine, while prune moder-
ately immediately after flowering. Lifted in the
autumn soon after the leaves drop, it will succeed
well.
CORYLOPSIS SPICATA. This reminds one of a
HARDY SHRUBS IN GREENHOUSE 271
small Hazel bush, and in early spring before the
leaves appear, the drooping clusters of fragrant yellow
flowers appear in profusion ; simple protection is all
that is needed to get flowers quite early in the year,
when it is very pretty in the greenhouse. It thrives
well kept permanently in pots, or it may be lifted
and potted in the autumn. No pruning is neces-
sary.
CYTISUS (Broom). The various Brooms are much
admired, whether in the open ground or under glass,
and for the latter purpose they must be established
in pots, for their roots are few, descend deeply, and
therefore transplanting is difficult. They will not
bear hard forcing, but in a greenhouse may be had
in flower by the end of March, or soon after. If
kept altogether in pots, cut them hard back after
flowering to encourage vigorous shoots for another
year. Numerous sorts may be grown in pots, par-
ticularly the Spanish Broom (C. albus), the common
Broom (C. scoparius), with the hybrid Andreanus and
the sulphur-coloured C. prcecox.
DEUTZIA. The pretty D. gracilis is well known as
one of the best of all shrubs for early forcing, and
the whole family is of great interest as pot plants
and out of doors. Of these smaller Deutzias some
beautiful hybrids have been raised, particularly D.
Lemoinei, D. hybrida venusta, and D. kalmceflora, all of
which may be forced almost, if not quite, as readily
as D. gracilis. The old and exhausted shoots of
these Deutzias should, if the shrubs are kept in pots,
be cut away to allow young and vigorous ones to
272 TREES AND SHRUBS
develop. Though they may be had in flower early,
they are much appreciated in the greenhouse, even
as late as the month of May. The larger growing
D. crenatctj with its numerous varieties, Candidissima
Jlore-pleno, Wellsii, and Watererii will not bear hard
forcing, but can be had in flower with little trouble
in April and May. Good, well-ripened bushes may
be lifted in the autumn, and if potted and carefully
attended to they will flower well the following
spring.
DIERVILLA (WEIGELA). Many of the Bush Honey-
suckles, as the Weigelas are called, will flower well in
a cool house, but they do not last sufficiently long in
bloom to make them of great value for this purpose.
The best is the dark-coloured Eva Rathke, which grows
naturally into a neat bush ; the flowers are of claret
colouring.
HEATHS. Erica carnea is very pretty in a cool house
in midwinter, all that is needed being to lift the
clumps from the open ground, pot, and keep watered ;
while the large-growing Portuguese Heath, E. lusi-
tanica, which flowers naturally in February in the
open ground, when the weather is not too severe,
well repays glass protection at that season.
FORSYTHIA. The Forsythias flower in the open
ground by the month of March, and indoors, of
course, much earlier. The most effective is F.
suspensa, which is naturally a climber, or, at all
events, of loose and rambling growth. When needed
for pots, tie the principal shoots to a stout stake, and
let the smaller branches grow at will, the result being
HARDY SHRUBS IN GREENHOUSE 273
a fountain of yellow flowers. After flowering in the
greenhouse, cut back the shoots hard, leaving only
an eye or two at the base. These eyes will break
up and produce flowering shoots for another year.
By this method of treatment the same plants may
be kept for many years, provided they are carefully
attended to and given occasional doses of liquid
manure during the summer.
HYDRANGEA. The many varieties of the common
Hydrangea are all valuable for the greenhouse,
particularly Cyanoclada, Mariesii, Rosea, Stellata, and
Thomas Hogg. To obtain small flowering plants
the cuttings are struck in spring or early summer,
grown on freely for a time, and well ripened by full
exposure to air and sunshine before autumn. Plants
grown in this way readily respond to a little heat
in the spring. Larger specimens, too, may be brought
on in the same way. The Japanese H. paniculata
grandiflora needs quite different treatment, the plants
being generally grown in the open ground, from
whence they are lifted and potted in the autumn.
Before potting prune the long, wand-like shoots back
hard, leaving only about two eyes at the base. By
so doing the plants are kept dwarfer, and the flower
heads are larger than if no pruning were done. By
some the Hydrangea is grown as a standard, and
is very effective when in beauty.
ITEA VIRGINICA. A neat little bush, about a yard
high, with dense spikes of white flowers. It needs
a sunny spot in a cool and moist soil, and under
these conditions will flower freely if carefully lifted
274 TREES AND SHRUBS
in the autumn and potted. It must not suffer from
dryness afterwards. No pruning is necessary.
JAMESIA AMERICANA. A pretty little white-flowered
shrub from the Rocky Mountains. It will bloom
freely under glass, but must not be forced hard ;
it may be treated in the same way as the Itea.
KALMIA. All the Kalmias are good pot shrubs.
The roots are dense and wig-like, reminding one of
those of a Rhododendron, so that well-budded plants
can be lifted in the autumn and potted without
risk. They must be brought on gradually in a cool
house, and never suffer from want of water. The
earliest to bloom is K. glauca, followed by K.
angustifoliciy while later on there is the largest and
best-known species, K. lattfotia, the Mountain Laurel
of the United States, which has pretty pink flower
clusters.
KERRIA JAPONICA (the Jews' Mallow). The single
Kerria is a twiggy bush, with bright yellow flowers,
like those of a single Rose, and expand quickly in
spring. The major form of the double Kerria is
much better than the ordinary one ; they can be
potted in autumn or grown permanently in pots.
After the flowering season is over the double variety
can be spurred back hard to prevent a tall weakly
growth.
LABURNUM. This has long been used for the
greenhouse, and very effective it is when well
flowered. It is as a rule most successful when in
large pots, in the shape of a standard. Prune
back moderately after flowering.
HARDY SHRUBS IN GREENHOUSE 275
LONICERA (Honeysuckle). As L. fragrantissima
flowers naturally out of doors soon after Christmas
when the weather is mild, it is evident that no
forcing is needed to obtain it at that season, and in
a cool greenhouse the little white flowers are remark-
able for their delicious perfume. As spring advances
the early Dutch may be flowered under glass, while
the scarlet Honeysuckle (L. sempervirens minor) is a
delightful greenhouse plant, not used so much as it
deserves to be for rafters and similar purposes in the
greenhouse.
LOROPETALUM CHINENSE. This Chinese shrub,
with its long, pure white, strap-shaped petals, bears
much resemblance to the Chionanthus, and is quite
as desirable for flowering in pots. It may be either
lifted in the autumn or grown altogether in pots.
MAGNOLIA. The Magnolias can be grown under
glass. If allowed to come gradually into bloom in a
greenhouse the large flowers will open freely. As a
rule they transplant badly, and for that reason, at
least the choicer ones, are kept in pots for conve-
nience in removal. From this it will be understood
that as a rule it is more satisfactory to keep them
permanently in pots than to lift them in the autumn.
M. purpurea can be grown more easily than any of the
others in this form. When grown in pots for the
greenhouse, if they get too large for that 'structure
they may be planted permanently out of doors and
their place taken by smaller plants. Of those par-
ticularly valuable for this treatment are the little M.
slellata, a charming shrub ; M. Lenne, which has massive
276 TREES AND SHRUBS
chalice-like flowers, rosy-purple outside ; M. conspicua,
M. soulangeana, and M. purpurea among the early
Magnolias ; and of those that flower later the Japanese
M. parviflora and M. Watsoni do well in pots.
OLEARIA. The best known of the Daisy trees of
New Zealand is O. Haastii, which flowers freely in
August. One at least of the species blooms naturally
much earlier, namely O. stellulata (O. gunniana), and
very pretty it is under cover and with its daisy-
like blossom. To be seen at their best, grow them
altogether in pots and give the protection of a cool
house in winter.
TREE PEONIES. The magnificent varieties of the
Tree Paeony that have appeared in recent years have
led to a great increase in their culture. Though
hardy in many places, their young leaves and flowers
are frequently injured by late frosts, hence they
are often flowered under glass. In this way they
make a gorgeous display in the greenhouse, which is
sufficiently warm for them in all stages. If forcing
is attempted they are quickly spoilt. They must be
potted in good loamy soil, and are most satisfactory
when grown altogether in pots, as many of the long
fleshy roots will be injured in digging up estab-
lished plants.
PERNETTYA MUCRONATA. Though grown chiefly
for its ornamental berries, neat little bushes are very
pleasing in the greenhouse when thickly studded
with little white lily-of-the-valley-like flowers, so
pretty against the dark-green colouring of the
leaves. The treatment recommended for Kalmias
HARDY SHRUBS IN GREENHOUSE 277
is suitable for the Pernettyas. The fruits are very
charming.
PHILADELPHIA (Mock Orange). This in its several
forms may be lifted in the autumn and flowered well
the following spring, not early, as the forcing must
be very gentle. Even then the perfume of P.
coronarius is too powerful to be pleasant in a con-
fined space. This objection cannot, however, be urged
against M. Lemoine's hybrids between this species
and the pretty little Mexican P. microphyllus, which has
a fragrance like that of ripe apples. These newer
hybrids Avalanche, Boule d' Argent, Gerbe de Neige,
Manteau d'Hermine, Mont Blanc, and Lemoinei are
all worth a place either in the open ground or for
flowering in pots.
PRUNUS. Several classes that were at one time
considered as separate genera are now included in
the genus Prunus, which was formerly limited to the
Plum family. Now the Cherries, Almonds, and
Peaches are only sections of the genus Prunus, as
explained elsewhere in this book, but as they are
better known under their respective names it will be
wiser to refer to them thus. The Cherries (Cerasus)
have been added to considerably of recent years,
several varieties having come from Japan, mostly of
P. (Cerasus) pseudo-cerasus. These, which include
such varieties as Sieboldi, Watereri, and J. H. Veitch,
all flower freely when quite small, an important point
when considering plants needed for flowering under
glass. Where larger plants are required the double
form of the Wild Cherry (P. Avium) is very beautiful.
278 TREES AND SHRUBS
The Almonds flower early naturally, and under
glass, of course, earlier still ; the variety purpurea is
one of the best, while a distinct species, P. (Amyg-
dalus) davidiana and its variety alba, are also suitable
for growing under glass. The Peaches (Persica) form
a delightful group, all available for flowering under
glass ; indeed, they respond readily to gentle forcing,
hence may be had in bloom by March. There are
several varieties, the flowers ranging in colour from
white, through pink, to crimson, and double as well
as single. One of the finest forms is magnified, a
Japanese variety, semi-double, and brilliant carmine
crimson in colour. The purple-leaved Peach is very
charming.
Of the true Plums, special mention must be made
of the dark-leaved variety of the Cherry Plum, known
as Primus Pissardi, of the pretty little P.japonica alba
plena, and japonica rosea plena, more generally known
in gardens as P. sinensis, which has slender shoots,
wreathed for the greater part of their length with
double rosette-like flowers, and the charming pink
semi-double P. triloba. All these forms of Prunus
will, if they have been regularly transplanted, lift well
in the autumn and flower without a check. They are
also quite satisfactory if kept altogether in pots when
spurred back after flowering and encouraged to make
free and well-ripened growth during the summer
months, when they should be plunged out of doors in
a sunny spot.
PYRUS. The very beautiful P. floribunda is quite
happy under this treatment, and P. or Cydonia japonica
HARDY SHRUBS IN GREENHOUSE 279
(the Japanese Quince) that flowers early in the year
is pretty under glass, especially the distinct P. Maulei,
which is of dense and compact growth, and bears
salmon-red flowers in profusion. Grow the Pyruses
in a similar way to the Prunuses.
RAPHIOLEPIS JAPONICA (R. ovala). An evergreen
of sturdy growth, and about 3 feet high, with terminal
spikes of pure white hawthorn-like flowers. It is
decidedly uncommon and ornamental when in bloom.
Out of doors its season is June, but, of course, is
earlier under glass.
RHODODENDRON. These are the most gorgeous
of shrubs, and largely used for flowering in pots or
tubs. They form a dense mat of fibres, and can
therefore be lifted with little check. Owing to this
they can, when ordinary care is used, be transferred
to new quarters without losing a leaf, not only when
potted, but also when planted out in the open ground.
Hard forcing must be avoided, but the Rhododen-
drons may be brought on gradually in gentle heat.
Under this treatment they must be well supplied
with water, and liberal syringing is also beneficial.
The wide range of colouring in the Rhododendron
family gives an opportunity for getting almost any
shade desired.
RHODOTYPUS KERRIOIDES. A beautiful Japanese
shrub, reminding one of a Kerria, but the flowers are
white. It will succeed with the same treatment as
the Kerria requires.
RIBES (Flowering Currant). Both the yellow-
flowered R. aureum and the various forms of
280 TREES AND SHRUBS
R. sanguineum can be brought into flower early
under glass, but the flowers do not last long, and
for this reason the shrubs are little used for the
purpose.
SPIRAEAS. An extensive family, some of which
bloom delightfully when lifted and potted in the
autumn and brought into flower in gentle heat.
They may also be grown permanently in pots, but
as a rule autumn potting is preferable. The most
popular is S. confusa or media, but also very charming
are S. arguta, one of the most beautiful of all Spiraeas,
S. Van Houttei, S, Thunbergi, and 5. prunifolia fl. pi.,
which all bear white flowers, those of the last men-
tioned being double.
STAPHYLEA (Bladder Nut). S. colchica is most
used for forcing, and is a charming shrub for the
purpose. It quickly responds to heat and moisture.
Brought on in a gentle greenhouse temperature, it
gives a wealth of drooping clusters of white fragrant
flowers. Keep the shrubs in pots, as the buds are pro-
duced more freely than when planting out is done,
and after the flowers are over prune hard back.
There is a hybrid between S. pinnata and S. colchica,
called Columbieri, which is better than S. colchica.
SYRINGA (Lilac). The Lilac is one of the most
popular of shrubs for forcing, and may be had in
bloom by Christmas or soon after, its flowers being
welcome from then until they appear out of doors.
Thousands of plants for flowering under glass are
prepared in the most careful way every year, the
neat bushes, about 2 feet high, having been grown
HARDY SHRUBS IN GREENHOUSE 281
in pots 7 or 8 inches across and plunged in the
open ground. This treatment results in close and
compact balls of soil, which, when turned out of the
pots, retain their shape and bear the journey well.
These plants are pruned hard back after flowering
to keep them dwarf. Lilacs that have been frequently
moved may be lifted and flowered without risk. Most
of those sent from Holland consist of the white-
flowered variety, Marie Legrange, but the dark-coloured
Charles X. is also grown. The many double-flowered
Lilacs are not so popular as the singles. It is a pure
delight to smell the flowers of the Lilac long before
they appear in the open garden ; they are most
welcome.
VIBURNUM. When the plants are well budded the
Laurustinus (V. Tinus) will flower throughout the
winter in a greenhouse. Of those that are amenable
to slight forcing the best are the common Guelder
Rose ( V. Opulus sterile), the Chinese V. plicatum, and
V. macrocephalum. Treat them in the same way as
the Lilac. The Guelder Rose is a delightful shrub
under glass, with its wealth of ivory-white balls.
It is one of the most interesting of all the things that
can be brought into bloom in a greenhouse. Treat
the Viburnums in the same way as recommended for
the Lilacs.
WISTARIA. It is only within the past few years
that the Wistaria has been used to any extent for
flowering in this way, but now it is universally
admired. At the exhibitions early in the year it
always attracts more attention than any other shrub
282 TREES AND SHRUBS
grown in a greenhouse ; the soft lilac colouring of
the flowers is very beautiful against the tender green
of the expanding leaves. The best and general way
is to grow it as a standard, as the racemes hang
down in graceful profusion. W. sinensis is the Wis-
taria planted so freely against houses and pergolas,
and for flowering under glass the variety alba
may be mentioned ; it is more satisfactory than in
the open garden. IV. multijuga, which has racemes
of great length, may also be tried, but W. sinensis is
as charming as any, and the most likely to give
satisfaction. Wistarias transplant badly, hence in
nurseries are usually kept in pots ; therefore, for
flowering under glass, permanent pot culture is the
proper treatment. To obtain standards train up a
single shoot till the required height is reached, then
stop it, and encourage the formation of branches.
When the head has reached flowering size, after the
flowers are over, spur the shoots back to good eyes
to keep the growth fairly compact.
JAPANESE MAPLES (Acer palmatum and varieties).
The handsome foliage of the Japanese Maples forms
their chief charm. When grown under glass they
are very beautiful, the leaves varying greatly both in
colour and shape ; some almost plain, others deeply
cut and almost fringe-like.
CHAPTER XXXIV
SHRUB GROUPS FOR WINTER AND SUMMER
EFFECT
IN the gardens of Lord Aldenham at Elstree an
interesting feature is the grouping of shrubs for
summer and winter effect, and some valuable notes,
contributed to the Garden on this subject, may be
helpful to those desirous of getting the best results
from both tree and shrub :
The grouping of suitable subjects, either in the
pleasure-ground proper, on the margin of wood,
lake, and stream, and especially so in the half-wild
garden, when carefully carried out, has such a good
effect at all seasons that it is difficult to understand
why it is not more generally done, for only when
massed together is it possible to see the true beauty
of many of the commoner hardy shrubs. For some
years this way of planting has been practised at
Elstree to a considerable extent, and the following
experience may be helpful to others.
The chief desire here has been to create autumn
and winter effect, and Nature has been of slight
assistance to the planter, as the land is not un-
dulating but generally flat and uninteresting, con-
sequently much thought and attention have been
devoted to attaining the desired object. No two
283
284 TREES AND SHRUBS
shrubs grown either for the beauty of their leaves
or bark should be mixed together ; the display is
more pleasurable when they are kept apart.
Having determined on the sites to be planted,
use white stakes for marking the outline, and plant
boldly. The ground should be thoroughly trenched,
and poor land well enriched with farmyard manure,
and the planting proceeded with either in spring or
early autumn. This planting will apply to dwarf-
growing subjects. The deciduous section is dealt
with first.
ARONIA FLORIBUNDA. A delightful plant when
grown as a bush, bearing sweetly-scented Hawthorn-
like flowers in May, very effective, and succeeded
by a wealth of deep-purple berries in autumn. This
should also receive an annual pruning during winter
or early spring. Allow a distance of 2 feet 6 inches
between the plants, which are well suited for any
purpose. The ground should be kept clean under-
neath it.
HERBERTS THUNBERGI. Few deciduous shrubs
can excel this for its beautiful foliage during autumn,
and it deserves to be planted more extensively. In
no position is it seen to better advantage than when
in large masses over bold pieces of rock. The
shrub should not be pruned, but allowed to retain
its natural habit, and will succeed in almost any
soil. No plant is better adapted for such positions.
BERBERIS VULGARIS PURPUREIS. This has deep-
purple foliage of a very pleasing shade, and it bears
bright-scarlet berries in autumn, succeeds best on
WINTER AND SUMMER EFFECT 285
chalky soils, should be cut close to the ground every
third winter, and the soil left undisturbed about
the roots. B. v. foliis-purpureis is remarkable for its
very dark purple leaves throughout the summer.
Cut back every spring ; it succeeds in poor ground.
B. aristata is very distinct in winter ; bark brownish-
red. B. virescens is another charming winter shrub.
COLUTEA ARBORESCENS. The Bladder Senna
may be planted in the half-wild garden, and will
succeed in almost any position and in any soil.
Its yellow flowers in July are pretty, but the seed-
vessels during winter are most effective ; it should
be pruned back hard annually. There are several
varieties, each of which are equally well adapted
for this purpose. Plant 3 feet apart.
CORNUS SANGUINEA (Dogwood). Few deciduous
shrubs are more easily grown or more effective
during winter than the Scarlet Dogwood. It may
be grouped in any position either in the gardens or
outside when of any extent, and when space is
no object the beds or groups can hardly be too
large. The foliage attains a beautiful bronze tint
during autumn, but unfortunately soon falls. The
position should be open, and it is absolutely essential
that the growths be cut to the ground annually the
first week in April, bearing in mind that it is only
the young wood which puts on its brightly-coloured
robe in winter, and the more intense the cold the
better colour will be the wood. Plant 3 feet
apart. Cornus sanguined variegata is a beautiful silver
variegated form of the above, but not so vigorous.
286 TREES AND SHRUBS
It is very fine for summer decorations, and should
be much more appreciated. Plant at a distance
of 1 8 inches and prune annually. The scarlet
wood, though small, is very pretty in winter,
but not showy enough in the distance. Cornus
alba Spalhi has beautiful golden foliage in the
summer, and does not lose its brightness in the
hottest years. Requires the same treatment as
the above.
CORYLUS MAXIMA ATROPURPUREA. One of Our
best purple-leaved plants, especially so in early
summer. Arrange to plant this near Acer negundo
variegata, Sambucus nigra aurea, or both, and the effect
will be good. It will succeed on almost any kind
of well-trenched ground. Plant the shrubs 3 feet
apart, and they will require little attention, but
every fifth year the shoots should be cut clean to
the ground, when the growth and foliage will be
much more robust and telling.
COTONEASTER SiMONSll. A strong-growing shrub,
and suitable for making large groups ; it is very
effective during autumn and winter when studded
with its red berries. It should be planted 3 feet
apart and not pruned, but about every fifth year it
should be cut close to the ground.
CYTISUS ALBUS, the Common White Broom ;
Cytisus scoparius, the Common Yellow Broom ; and
the effective although newer variety, C. scoparius,
andreanus, are all delightful plants when extensively
planted, not only when in flower, but their fresh -
looking green wood is pleasing at all seasons. Plant
WINTER AND SUMMER EFFECT 287
early in April 3^ feet apart, using small plants.
None of the Brooms like being cut back to the
hard wood, but the young growths may be shor-
tened back after flowering. C. prcecox is perhaps
the best of the whole family, flowering profusely,
and is of good habit. It should be planted 4 feet
apart, and the strong growths pegged down in the
soil.
DAPHNE MEZEREUM and the white variety album
are among our earliest and most beautiful flowering
shrubs ; Autumnale is excellent, it blooms in late
autumn. They should be planted 4 feet apart, either
immediately after flowering or in very early autumn,
both flourishing best on light soils.
DlMORPHANTHUS MANDSCHURICUS (syn. Aralia
mandschuricd). This fine tropical-looking plant, when
planted in large beds, forms a magnificent feature
during the summer months, and in the winter the
stems when bare are both curious and interesting.
It enjoys a deep rich soil, and is easily propagated
from root suckers. Plant at a distance of 5 feet
apart.
EUONYMUSES. The true variety of Euonymus alatus
must rank as one of the most valuable plants for
autumn effect. Words can hardly describe its beautiful
tints. It is a slow grower, but will succeed in almost
any kind of soil. Plant 3 feet apart. E. europceus (the
Spindle tree) should be planted in large beds or masses
at a distance of 4 feet apart, and pruned annually. It
deserves a place by any woodland walk or in the half-
wild garden. Thus treated it will fruit most freely,
288 TREES AND SHRUBS
and its pretty pink berries hanging in thick bunches
are sure to attract attention. The white variety, though
as pretty, does not fruit so freely.
FORSYTHIA SUSPENSA. This is most effective when
planted in any position in the gardens or grounds. It
makes a delightful bed when planted at a distance of
4 feet apart, and should not be pruned. F. viridissima,
though not such a pretty kind as the above, is equally
well suited; it flowers profusely. Both of these flower
during March and April. The surface-soil should be
pricked over every spring.
FUCHSIA RICCARTONI. This charming old shrub
makes magnificent beds in any part of the grounds.
It should be cut down close to the ground every
spring and receive a mulching of half-decayed man-
ure. This is not planted half so largely as it deserves
to be.
HYDRANGEA PANICULATA GRANDIFLORA. This is
perfectly hardy, and few flowering shrubs are more
admired during autumn when in large beds. They
should be planted in a deep rich soil, in a moist
position, 3 feet apart, and pruned back hard annually
at the end of March. We have some which were
planted sixteen years ago and have never once failed
to make a splendid display. The surface-soil should
be pricked over early in spring.
HIPPOPH.E RHAMNOIDES (the Sea Buckthorn).
This will succeed well in any deep moist soil. Its
beautiful grey foliage shows up well during summer,
and when the male and female plants are mixed
together the branches will be wreathed with clusters
WINTER AND SUMMER EFFECT 289
of beautiful orange-coloured berries during autumn
and winter. Plant 5 feet apart and somewhat in
the background. Very little pruning will be required,
except to regulate the growths. Prick over the surface-
soil annually. The Sea Buckthorn also lends itself
admirably for planting by the sides of lakes and
streams or at the back of rock-work.
HYPERICUMS. H. Androscemum grows to the height
of 2 feet 6 inches, and is sure to be appreciated. Its
flowers appear profusely during summer, and are fol-
lowed by clusters of dark-brown berries. Plant 2 feet
apart and prune close to the ground annually early in
April. H. calycinum (the Common St. John's Wort)
is partly evergreen and admirably suited for clothing
banks or making beds where low-growing subjects
are required ; it will flourish anywhere, and should
be cut close to the ground with the shears annually.
H. moserianum is one of the best of this class of plants,
but needs some protection in cold districts. H.patu-
lum is also an excellent variety, and not so extensively
planted as it deserves.
KERRIA JAPONICA. A charming compact-growing
shrub, with single bright-yellow flowers. It is suit-
able for small beds or grouping in the front of
shrubberies. There is a variegated variety which
is liable to revert back to the green form, but such
shoots should be kept cut out. Very little if any other
pruning is required ; a poor, light, sandy soil suits it
best.
LEYCESTERIA FORMOSA. A delightful shrub for
massing in the wilderness or wild garden ; requires
T
2 9 o TREES AND SHRUBS
a deep rich soil. Its large purple and white flowers
in August and September are very pleasing, and
during autumn and winter the wood is very con-
spicuous, being bright green. It should be pruned
back annually, and the ground pricked over in spring.
Plant at a distance of 4 feet apart.
LONICERA (HONEYSUCKLE), LARGE DUTCH. To
see this beautiful climbing plant at its best, make
a mound of tree roots, fill in with soil, and plant
at a distance of 4 feet apart. At first the growths
will require to be trained and nailed over the roots,
and when once covered they will need little other
attention. Large beds planted in this way will be
sure to be highly appreciated, if for nothing else, for
the fragrance of the flowers.
LYCIUM CHINENSE. Commonly called Box Thorn
or Tea Tree ; should be planted in large groups where
it can ramble away near the water or overhang large
roots of trees or boulders. Except to regulate the
growths once a year, it will give no further trouble.
There are several other varieties well suited for the
same purpose.
PYRUS JAPONICA. This well-known early-flowering
shrub may be grouped in almost any position, but
is seen to the best advantage when on raised
ground or overhanging masses of rock. It should
not be pruned, but allowed to retain its natural
habit. Plant at a distance of 4 feet apart. The
variety carnea is equally good, but bears more freely ;
the fruits make excellent preserve, while the flowers
are a beautiful flesh colour. C. Maulei is quite
WINTER AND SUMMER EFFECT 291
distinct from the above, but quite as valuable, and
flowers and fruits freely.
RHUS COTINUS (Venetian Sumach), the Smoke Plant
or Wig Tree, is one of the most effective shrubs for
this purpose. A large mass of this, with its delight-
fully-tinted foliage in autumn, is a pleasing picture,
and is well adapted for any position or any part of
the garden. It should be planted in deep but poor
soil, at a distance of 5 feet apart, and slightly pruned
annually early in April ; it requires no other atten-
tion. R. typhina (the Stag's Horn Sumach) is one
of the commonest plants grown, with not much
beauty, except when planted in large beds and cut
close to the ground annually. When treated in this
way few things are more attractive ; it then throws
up strong, vigorous shoots, with fine tropical-looking
foliage, which is highly attractive during summer, and
the colouring of the foliage during autumn is most
conspicuous, also of the wood during winter. When
stripped of its foliage it is distinct and pleasing ; it
will flourish in any soil. Plant 3 feet apart, and
it is easily propagated by root suckers.
ROSA RUGOSA. This charming Rose, when planted
in the wilderness, wild garden, or around the lake,
in large beds or masses, is always seen to advan-
tage ; it has fragrant flowers in summer, and large,
highly-coloured fruit in autumn. Place it in the fore-
front of flowering plants. Plant in deep, well-enriched
soil, at a distance of 4 feet apart, and prune, like other
Roses, annually. The white variety is equally well
adapted, and may be mixed with the above.
292 TREES AND SHRUBS
ROSA BENGALE HERMOSA, belonging to the monthly
or China section, is one of the freest flowering and
most charming of all Roses. In mild autumns it flowers
freely until Christmas when planted in sheltered posi-
tions. It enjoys a rich soil, and should be pegged
down annually, merely thinning out the growths in
spring. May go in any part of the garden or grounds,
and it is perhaps unequalled for covering southern
slopes. Fellenberg is exceptionally free also.
ROSA RUBIGINOSA (the Sweet Briar). Every
woodland walk, wilderness, or wild garden should
have one bed or more of this fragrant plant. The
delicious scent emitted from its foliage in spring after
showers is very welcome, and the bushes, when
heavily laden with the bright-red fruits in autumn
and winter, are most effective. This should be
planted at a distance of 3 feet apart in well-trenched
and heavily-manured ground, and clipped over every
spring.
RUBUS. Nearly the whole of these may be freely
grouped. Only those most successful at Elstree are
mentioned : R. biflorus (the white-washed Bramble)
is one of the most distinct and effective of the whole
class. During winter it looks as if it had been painted
white, and when planted close to the Scarlet Dogwood
is exceedingly attractive in the distance. It succeeds
best on a good deep loam, and the old growths should
be cut out every winter. Plant at a distance of 4 feet
apart. R. canadensis rosea (the flowering Raspberry)
is invaluable for making large .beds. It continues to
produce its highly-coloured flowers freely all through
WINTER AND SUMMER EFFECT 293
the summer and autumn. Plant 3 feet apart and
thin out the old growths annually. R. ulmifolius roseo
flore-pleno, also the white form alba(i\\e, double-flowered
Blackberry), may be grouped on slopes. The old
growths should be cut out annually, and plant 4 feet
apart. R. ladniata (American Blackberry) is the best
of the fruiting kinds for this purpose ; it produces
large crops of valuable fruit every year. Treat in the
same way as advised for the above. R. phanicolasius
(the Japanese Wineberry). This somewhat new form
of Rubus is one of the best plants for this kind of
planting. It bears freely, and the fruits are much
appreciated by many, and its bright canes during
winter produce a most pleasing effect. It is a strong
grower when planted in good soil at a distance of
5 feet apart. Remove all the old canes during
winter. The ordinary garden forms of Raspberry
also make fine groups in the unkept parts of the
grounds. The old growths should be pruned out
each autumn, when the young canes have a warm
and pleasing appearance.
SALIX. Many of the Willows form splendid
features during the winter months. Perhaps on
a fine winter's day large masses of the highly-
coloured barked Willows can hardly be excelled
for their beauty and rich colouring, but, of course,
are only adapted for water-side planting or low, wet,
marshy land. Nothing is more readily propagated
from cuttings than these. They should be planted
3 feet apart, and the young growths pruned hard
to the ground annually the last week in March, for
294 TREES AND SHRUBS
it must be borne in mind that any wood more than
twelve months old has very little, if any, beauty in it.
The most important for the beauty of their wood are
Salix vitellina, the golden-barked Willow, S. alba bril-
zensisy warm, orange-coloured bark, very beautiful,
S. cardinalis (which has bright-red bark), and S.
purpurea, purple. Though the last mentioned is not
so effective in the distance as the foregoing, it is well
worthy of cultivation. Only one other Willow will
be mentioned ; it should be planted for its summer
beauty, that is S. rosmarinifolia. Its beautiful grey
foliage much resembles that of Rosemary. It is not
so robust a grower as many of the family, and there
is no beauty in the wood during winter, consequently
the growths should only be shortened back to within
three eyes of the base annually.
SAMBUCUS. The Elder family, like the preceding,
is a large one, and fortunately adapts itself to almost
any soil and situation. First and foremost must be
mentioned Sambucus nigra aurea, a bold and beautiful
tall-growing Elder, and its rich golden foliage pro-
duces a marvellous effect in the landscape. Large
bold masses of this should always be used where
practical in a half-open position. Hard pruning in
this case must be carried out, cutting the summer's
growth close to the ground annually in the last week
of March. The effect of the greenish-grey wood in
winter when treated in this way is pleasing ; the
silvery variegated form, though not so showy, is
worthy of a place where the grounds are extensive.
Should be planted on poor soil in an open position,
WINTER AND SUMMER EFFECT 295
and pruned hard annually. 5. n. laciniata (the
Parsley-leaved Elder) is a beautiful and distinct
form of the cut-leaved Elder, which attains its true
character and makes splendid beds ; it requires the
same kind of treatment as to pruning as the above.
S. racemosa foliis aurea is unquestionably the finest
variety in cultivation, and one would like to see it
more often in our gardens, but there seems to be an
unreasonable prejudice against golden-leaved shrubs,
however beautiful. It does best on a deep rich soil
in a fully-exposed position, and prune back hard early
in April. The cuttings should be propagated in pots
in a cold frame. The whole of the Elders should be
planted 3 feet apart.
SPARTIUM JUNCEUM (the Spanish Broom). Flowers
in early autumn and lasts a considerable time. Its
bright-yellow blooms are very telling in the distance.
Plant 4 feet apart, and prune after flowering.
SPIRAEAS. Another beautiful and interesting class
for effect either in summer or winter, when suffi-
ciently large plantations are made and properly
treated. The whole of these should be planted at
a distance of 2 feet apart, on deeply-trenched and
well-manured ground. The North-West American
Spircea Douglast, though one of the most common,
is unsurpassed for its distinct and beautiful wood
during autumn and winter, but the only way to see
it at its best is to cut it clean to the ground every
year during the last week in March. It will then
produce young strong growths from 4 to 5 feet
in height, each of which will furnish fine heads of
296 TREES AND SHRUBS
deep-pink flowers during summer, and its beautiful,
warm-looking, nut-brown wood in winter is among
the most richly toned of all the barks which are
used to produce effect, and yet when grown in the
ordinary way, and partially pruned down, as we in
nearly all cases see it, it produces miserable flowers,
and the wood is uninteresting. About every third or
fourth year after pruning give a surface dressing of
half-decayed manure and loam in equal proportions.
The prunings should be tied up and saved for staking
purposes ; they are of the utmost value for all kinds
of slender-growing plants. S. callosa also makes a
fine bed, and is very effective during late summer ;
its large heads of deep-pink flowers render it most
conspicuous ; they are produced when the others are
past their best. It should be cut to the ground
every third year. S. prunifolia flore-pleno is a very
beautiful form, flowers freely in March and April,
and its foliage assumes lovely tints in the autumn.
It is of very graceful habit, and well suited for banks
or overhanging rocks. It should be moderately
pruned each year, and when it attains to a leggy
appearance cut hard back. S. canescens (syn. flagelli-
formis) makes splendid beds owing to the pretty
arrangement of the foliage. This should be pruned
to the ground annually.
SYMPHORICARPUS RACEMOSUS (the Common Snow-
berry) is generally regarded as an almost worthless
plant, but when in a sunny open position on well-
trenched land and cut close to the ground each year,
large beds are most attractive in autumn and winter,
WINTER AND SUMMER EFFECT 297
as by such treatment the growths will become thickly
studded with pure white fruits. S. orbiculatus varie-
gatus is a very pretty, somewhat slow-growing golden-
leaved shrub, and should be planted in an open
position. It has a tendency to revert back to the
green form. Shoots of the type should be kept cut
away. This should be slightly pruned in spring, and
when leggy cut to the ground.
EVERGREENS
BERBERIS (syn. MAHONIA) AQUIFOLIUM, or Holly-
leaved Barberry, is too well known to need much
description. It is one of the most useful and
accommodating of shrubs, and will succeed in almost
any soil, and either in the open or under the shade
of trees is quite at home. For clothing banks few
things can equal it, and when thus used should be
pruned close to the ground after flowering. It
should be planted when in a small state 18 inches
apart, choosing the beginning of April for the pur-
pose. It should be cut to the ground each year
after planting.
Box. The entire Box family is excellent for
grouping when the soil is suitable, but it is waste of
time to attempt planting it in large quantities unless
the position and soil agree with it. A light surface,
with a chalky sub-soil, is what it enjoys.
LAURELS. The two best Laurels are Primus
Laurocerasus caucasica, the hardiest of the whole
family, and rotundifolia. The former may be
severely pruned and is excellent for clothing large
2 9 8 TREES AND SHRUBS
bare places, mounds, or banks; rotundifolia is a
splendid variety with larger foliage, but not so hardy.
The ground in which these Laurels are to be planted
should be trenched or bastard trenched, and small
plants be planted 3 feet apart all ways. To keep
them in condition, prune hard down during the grow-
ing season twice, if not three times, when they will
remain in good health for many years. Prunus lusi-
tanica (Portugal Laurel) is happy in heavy soils, and
its beautiful dark-green leaves are very telling. This
should also be planted in trenched ground at a
distance of 5 feet apart, and pruned once only
during the year. So treated, splendid beds are
formed when suitable positions are chosen.
COTONEASTER BUXIFOLIA Or WHEELERI, is a fine
strong-growing evergreen for almost any soil. It
is well adapted for making beds, covering large
boulders or the old roots of trees, and for cover-
ing ugly iron fencing. C. buxifolia is a graceful
and pleasing plant when covered with its bright
berries, and allowed to assume its natural habit.
Plant 3 feet apart, merely thinning out the growths
occasionally.
COTONEASTER MICROPHYLLA. A very charming
shrub, and when planted on a raised position, or
on overhanging rocks, tree roots, and such like, forms
beautiful masses, especially when thickly studded
with its crimson berries. It sometimes becomes
badly infested with brown scale, but this is easily
got rid of by applying a strong solution of soft soap
and water with a syringe.
WINTER AND SUMMER EFFECT 299
ILEX AQUIFOLIUM (the Common Holly). The
Holly is one of the very finest of our evergreens
for bold planting. Fortunately, it is one of the few
evergreens that will succeed and grow luxuriantly
under the drip of trees, where many other things
fail. Large breadths of Holly in good health are
a pleasure to look at at all seasons of the year,
particularly when well laden with bright - scarlet
berries. The Holly is seen at its best on light, well-
drained soils, that of a stiff clayey nature (especially
so when water-logged) being the most unfavourable
to its growth. Fortunately, it will adapt itself to
any mode of pruning, but unquestionably the best
way to treat it is to plant in large bold clumps,
allowing it to grow away at its own sweet will.
Many of the more uncommon varieties, both green
and variegated, make highly attractive groups and
beds, and where expense is of little object should
most certainly be planted.
RHODODENDRONS. Of course, one must possess
a suitable soil to plant the more beautiful varieties in
any quantity ; nevertheless, the common R. ponticum
and hybrid seedlings, of which there are now for-
tunately a great variety, will succeed in nearly
all soils free from lime. The ground should be
thoroughly broken up during autumn, and the
planting done 4 feet apart in the spring. The seed-
vessels should be picked off after flowering, and
the plants are much benefited by an occasional top-
dressing of road grit and leaf soil. Even here on
a cold London clay, where the ground has been
300 TREES AND SHRUBS
well drained and treated as above, they succeed
very well.
Ruscus ACULEATUS (Butcher's Broom), a native
of this country, is invaluable for planting in shady,
sheltered spots. It appears to enjoy the drip from
other trees, and is very accommodating as to soil
and position, but likes to remain undisturbed.
Ruscus racemosus, which is a native of Portugal, and
commonly called the Alexandrian Laurel, is un-
questionably the best of the Ruscus family, and its
growth very much resembles that of the Bamboo.
It is rarer than the commoner kinds, but it deserves
extended cultivation, being worth a good position
in any part of the gardens or grounds. It berries
freely in some seasons. It lasts remarkably well,
and is very handsome in a cut state. It enjoys a
deep rich loam, but will not fail to give a good
account of itself on any soil.
JUNIPERUS SABINA TAMARISCIFOLIA is a beautiful
shrub for the fringe of a plantation, it is of robust
growth, and the best of the Junipers for this planting.
TAXUS BACCATA AUREA variegata and elegantissima
(the Golden Yew) are most effective evergreen shrubs.
They should be planted in open sunny positions.
Without doubt elegantissima has no rival, being the
most useful and telling golden evergreen shrub we
have. It is of somewhat slow growth, consequently
should be planted fairly thick. Like the Common
Green Yew, it succeeds in almost any kind of soil,
but it colours best on a deep yellow loam in a
thoroughly exposed position.
WINTER AND SUMMER EFFECT 301
ULEX EUROP^EUS (Common Gorse or Whin).
This common British plant needs little description
here. When seen in its wild state, where it is
thoroughly naturalised, it presents a most charming
sight. Half-wild patches of land may easily be
made suitable for it at little expense. During winter
the land should either be ploughed or dug, and the
seed sown during April, either in drills or broad-
cast, and the seedlings thinned to a fair distance
apart during the following spring. When once
thoroughly established, little trouble will be ex-
perienced in keeping the ground well stocked.
Occasionally, when the old plants become leggy,
they should be cut close to the ground immediately
after flowering, and in a short time these will break
away freely from the bottom. Ulex europceus flore-
pleno is an invaluable plant for all kinds of orna-
mental planting, and is struck from cuttings, which are
potted up. In this way the plants are distributed ;
nevertheless, it is a most important plant to have.
The flower is a much brighter yellow than the
common form, is produced more freely, and lasts
a considerable time in beauty. It is very suitable
for either making beds or forming large patches of
colour behind rocks and among the fissures of the
rock garden. It should be planted about 3 feet
apart, in fairly good ground, and about every fifth
year pruned down close to the ground.
VIBURNUM TINUS (Laurustinus). A beautiful ever-
green flowering shrub, and generally well known,
but unfortunately it is not sufficiently hardy to plant
302 TREES AND SHRUBS
in many parts of the country, especially in exposed
positions. It will grow and flower profusely in
very shallow and, indeed, in almost any soil. It
makes a handsome bed, and should be planted 4 feet
apart.
The Hon. Vicary Gibbs has taken keen interest
in the tree and shrub planting in the gardens of
Aldenham House.
CHAPTER XXXV
THE USE OF HARDY CLIMBING SHRUBS 1
THE best and best known of our good hardy climbing
shrubs are by no means neglected, but yet. they are
not nearly as much or as well used as they might be.
Such a fine thing as the easily-grown Clematis montana
will not only cover house and garden walls with its
sheets of lovely bloom, but it is willing to grow in
wilder ways among trees and shrubs, where its natural
way of making graceful garlands and hanging ropes
of bloom shows its truest and best uses much better
than when it is trained straight along the joints of
walls or tied in more stiffly and closely. Even if
there are only a few stiff bushes such as Gorse or low
Thorns to support and guide it, it gladly covers them
just as does the Traveller's Joy (Clematis Vitalba) of
our chalkland hedges. This climber, though a native
plant and very common in calcareous soils, is worthy
of any garden. C. V. rosea is a very fine variety.
Clematis Flammula is another of the family that should
be more often treated in a free way, and grown partly
trained through the branches of a Yew or an Ilex.
The less-known Clematis orientalis, with yellow flowers
and feathery seeds, and the fine October-blooming
C. paniculata, make up five members of one family,
1 This also includes plants suitable for walls.
304 TREES AND SHRUBS
apart from the large-flowered Clematises, that all
lend themselves willingly to this class of pictorial
treatment.
One of the most important of our climbing shrubs,
the Wistaria, makes grand growth in all the south of
England. This also can be used to excellent effect
trained into some rather thinly-furnished tree such
as an old Acacia. Its grey snake-like stems and
masses of bloom high up in the supporting tree
are shown to excellent effect. This is also a fine
plant for a pergola. A few plants growing free and
rambling full length would, after the first few years,
when they are getting old, cover a pergola from end
to end. The piers or posts could also be covered
with the same, for though the nature of the plant is
to ramble, yet if kept to one stem and closely pruned
it readily adapts itself to pillar form, and bears a
wonderful quantity of bloom.
Among the Grape Vines there is a great variety of
ways of use other than the stiff wall training they
generally receive. If they are wanted for fruit they
must be pruned, but most outdoor Vines are grown
for the beauty of their foliage. Here is another first-
class pergola plant, making dense leafy shade, and
growing in a way that is delightfully pictorial.
Nothing looks better rambling over old buildings.
Now that so many once prosperous farms are farms
no longer, and that their dwelling-houses are being
converted to the use of another class of occupier,
the rough out-buildings, turned into stabling, and
adapted for garden sheds, often abut upon the new-
USE OF HARDY CLIMBING SHRUBS 305
made pleasure-garden. This is the place where the
Vines may be so well planted. If the main stem
only is trained or guided it is well to leave the
long branches to shift for themselves, for they will
ramble and dispose themselves in so pictorial a way
that the whole garden is bettered by their rioting
grandeur of leaf mass.
Aristolochia Sipho, with its twining stems and hand-
some leaves, will, like the Vine and the Virginian
Creeper, answer to all these uses of jungle-like
growth among trees and shrubs and free climbing
in hedge, over pergola or rough building.
The employment of the climbing and rambling
Roses is also now understood for all such uses, and
the illustration shows the value of the Dutch Honey-
suckle for this purpose.
A rough hedge containing perhaps only a few
Thorns and Hollies and stub Oaks, and a filling of
Wild Brambles, may be made glorious with the
free hardy climbers just guided into the bushes
and then left to ramble as they will.
In the growth of the rarer and most distinct and
beautiful of climbing shrubs one must in the main
be guided by the natural surroundings of soil and
shelter or by climatic conditions. In the cold mid-
land and northern districts of England we have
seen common Laurels and many Roses killed to the
ground during severe winters.
In Hampshire, Devon, and Cornwall, and in many
other isolated and sheltered nooks near the sea in
England south of the Thames, many so-called cool
u
306 TREES AND SHRUBS
greenhouse plants often grow and thrive luxuriantly
in the open air. This is also true of many localities
in the south and west of Ireland, such as Fota,
Cork, Bantry, and Tralee, where New Zealand,
Japanese, California!!, and many Chilian shrubs are
quite happy in the open air. Nearly all visitors to
Glengarriff notice the luxuriance of the Fuchsias,
which, not being cut down there every winter by
severe frosts, assume more or less of a tree-like
aspect, and are literally one mass of brilliant coral-
red flowers during summer and autumn. But it
is even more wonderful to see there growing up
the front of the hotels and elsewhere such plants
as Maurandya, Lophospermum, Mikanta, and Cape
Pelargoniums year after year. But, apart from
mild climates, aspect has an enormous effect on
many climbing shrubs, and especially on light dry
soils. Lapageria, for example, prefers a northern ex-
posure, and the same is true of Berberidopsis corallina^
and the remarkable Mutisia decurrens. Many climbers
and trailers, again, are hardy on north or north-
western walls that are ruined by bright sunshine
after frost, which is often experienced on south and
especially south - western exposures. Even when
climbers like Wistaria, Jasminum nudiflorum, Ceanothus,
Pyrus and many others are perfectly hardy on sunny
walls it is often a great advantage to train a few
branches over the top of the wall to the shady side,
as in these cases there is a week or ten days or more
difference in the time of blooming, and so an agree-
able succession is obtained.
USE OF HARDY CLIMBING SHRUBS 307
In planting both walls and pergolas there is
danger in planting too thickly, and in planting too
hurriedly or without sufficient preparation. We all
must perforce often do the best we can rather than
the best we know. Large - growing, permanent
shrubs, such as Pyrus japonica. Wistaria, and Mag-
nolias, which may remain in the same spot for
twenty years or more, often fail through starvation,
and in any case never attain their full luxuriance
and beauty if cramped and stunted during the first
few years after planting. Again, it must be re-
membered that both wall and pergola creepers
often suffer from dryness during the summer and
autumn months, and provision should be made for
necessary mulching and watering.
There is one important point that must be at-
tended to in the planting of anything of which the
general hardiness is not fully assured, and that is,
never plant late in autumn. The golden rule with
all half-hardy things is to plant well in April or
May, after all danger from severe frost, &c., is over,
so as to allow the plants a long summer and autumn
season of root and top-growth before the stress and
strain of winter weather come upon them. In this
way many plants will succeed perfectly in establish-
ing themselves that would at once die off if planted
out in October or November.
ABELIA. A. floribunda is a Mexican plant. Mr.
Burbidge writes in the Garden, April 14, 1900, p.
272 : "I have seen it very handsome in flower on a
low wall at Mount Usher, county Wicklcfcv. Its
308 TREES AND SHRUBS
pendent flowers in axillary clusters are of a rich
purple red, and remind one of some Fuchsias."
A. chinensis, a Chinese plant, is very pretty, as
also is A. triflora from North India.
ABUTILON. Several of the Abutilons are suffi-
ciently hardy to thrive on walls or in borders near
to heated plant-houses. Mr. Burbidge writes in
the Garden: "I have seen A. striatum y A. vexillarium,
and A. vitifolium grow and bloom for years outside.
The last-named forms a spreading bush 10 to 13
feet high in South, West, and Eastern Ireland. It
has leaves somewhat resembling those of the Grape
Vine, and clusters of pale-lilac, mauve, or lavender-
tinted flowers that remind one of those of Mecon-
opsis Wallichi in shape, size, and colour. A. vitifolium
comes from Chili, and enjoys shelter and ample
root moisture, being apt to suffer from drought
near walls, otherwise it grows well thereon." Abu-
tilon vexillarium y when afforded the protection of
a south wall, blooms for eight months out of the
twelve, bearing on slender, curving shoots its hand-
some, bell-shaped flowers with their crimson sepals,
yellow petals, and protruding dark-brown stamens
well into the month of December should no severe
frost occur. Florists' varieties of the Abutilon, such
as Boule de Neige, also do well on sheltered walls.
ADLUMIA CIRRHOSA. This grows quickly, and the
fern-like leaves, covering almost the twining stems,
possess much beauty ; the flowers are white. A
biennial, but sows itself freely. North America.
AKEBIA QUINATA. A most distinct Japanese
USE OF HARDY CLIMBING SHRUBS 309
creeper with five-lobed leaves and twining stems ;
although generally grown in a greenhouse, where
it flowers in January or February, it is quite hardy
in mild sea-shore places, and bears its monoecious
flowers in April or May. The rich wine-purple
flowers are borne in axillary grape-like clusters, and
their translucent petals are very beautiful as seen
between the eye and the light. It likes a rich, deep,
loamy soil, and is increased by suckers or layers.
Although introduced to our gardens from Chusan
in 1845, it has never become very abundant, but it
deserves a place for its distinctive character.
ALOYSIA CITRIODORA (Sweet Verbena). Another
popular name for the Aloysia is Lemon plant ; it is a
fragrant pale-green leaved bush, not very hardy, and
therefore best placed when against a sunny wall.
Except in quite the south of England and Ireland, it
is generally wise to cover over the stems with a straw
mat and heap ashes over the roots. . It is often seen
as a large bush against the sea. We have seen it
thus on the Carnarvon coast. Chili.
AMPELOPSIS. Now included with the Vines (Vitis).
APIOS TUBEROSA. This has pea-shaped violet-
scented flowers. It is sometimes pretty rambling
over a shrub. North America.
ARISTOLOCHIA SIPHO (Dutchman's Pipe). Fre-
quently planted against a wall ; its leaves are very
large and handsome, and the dull-coloured flowers,
owing to their shape, have given rise to the popular
name.
ATRAGENE ALPINA. A hardy wall climber, and
3io TREES AND SHRUBS
known under the name of Clematis alpina. It enjoys
a lime soil. A native of Europe.
AZARA. The best known of these is A. microphylla ;
it is not one of the hardiest of shrubs, but in many
gardens, especially where sheltered and by the sea,
it covers much space with dense glossy leaves ; the
flowers are white, small, and give place to orange-
coloured berries in autumn. It is quite a shrubby
wall plant.
BENTHAMIA FRAGIFERA. Now known as Cornus
capitata, but in gardens its old name will long be
retained. In Devon, Cornwall, and in Wicklow,
Cork, and Kerry, and elsewhere in Ireland, this fine
shrub flowers and fruits luxuriantly as a bush on
the border or lawn, but in less favoured places it
needs the warmth and shelter of a wall. It is a
native of Nepaul, and is readily increased from
home-grown seeds, and the plant, like all its allies,
is a rapid grower in any deep, rich, loamy soil.
Quite small bushes of this plant and the common
Arbutus Unedo are often very handsome as seen laden
with fruit in South and Western Ireland.
BERBERIDOPSIS CORALLINA. Mr. Burbidge writes
in the Garden : " The finest specimen of this beau-
tiful and distinct evergreen climber I ever saw was
on the stable wall at Lakelands, Cork, when that
noble place was in the hands of the late Mr. William
Crawford, a great lover of garden vegetation. It is
a native of the Chilian Andes, introduced in 1862.
It likes a deep peaty soil or loam and leaf-mould on
a moist bottom, and, like the Lapageria and its dwarf
1
USE OF HARDY CLIMBING SHRUBS 311
cousin Philesia, it enjoys a northern or shaded aspect,
rarely thriving for long together in full sunshine.
Its flowers resemble those of the Berberis, but are
much larger, have pendent stalks, and are of the
brightest coral-red or blood colour. It grows and
flowers here in a shaded corner under an ivy-topped
wall."
BIGNONIA CAPREOLATA. This is the hardiest of the
Bignonias. It needs a warm wall, and there is much
beauty in the warm, reddish-orange, trumpet-shaped
flowers, which are in clusters from April to August.
It grows to a considerable height. North America.
BlLLARDIERA LONGIFLORA. This IS the Apple
Berry of Tasmania, and is of elegant twining habit,
its greenish-yellow flowers, which are not very showy,
being succeeded by handsome blue berries that are
very ornamental, and are similar in shape and size to
Fuchsia fruits. The plant is closely related to the
Pittosporums of New Zealand, and grows 2 or 3 feet
in height. There are two or three other kinds, but
none prettier than B. longiflora. It grows best in
moist peat and sandstone, at the foot of a half-shaded
wall.
CALYSTEGIA. Also known as Convolvulus. C.
pubescens fl. pi., the double Bindweed, is more useful
for rough stumps than walls, but may be included ;
the flowers are double, of rosy colouring, and large,
and appear during the summer and into the autumn.
It is best in warm, well-drained soil.
CAMELLIA. Mr. Scrase-Dickins writes in the
Garden, March 30, 1901, p. 227, as follows about
312 TREES AND SHRUBS
these little-understood hardy shrubs : " The best
Camellias for planting out of doors in the open air
are those which bloom late and start late into
^
growth; such, for instance, as Chandleri elegans or
Anemonceflora ; the varieties with broad roundish
leaves appear to grow in more robust fashion than
those having narrow pointed ones with a serrated
edge, though the latter will make sometimes very
compact bushes. It is possible that the sorts with
dark-red flowers are hardier than those with pink.
The old double white seems to stand the cold well
enough, but it hides its flowers rather too much
among the foliage to make any effective display of
them, though in this way they are often secured
from frost or bad weather and made serviceable
for cutting. To train against a trellis or wall
Doncklaarii is very good, and next to reticulata one of
the most beautiful when well grown, blooming so
freely.
"Camellias appear to grow in almost any aspect,
but are naturally sun lovers ; and though preferring
peat, they will do in most other soils, provided that
there is no lime present. The points of the young
roots are very sensitive to drought, so should be
protected until well established, by light mulching
or a surrounding growth, from the risk of being
withered up by a fierce sun striking the ground in
which they are starting. Unlike many other shrubs,
they seem to have the advantage of being exempt
from the destructive attention of rabbits ; perhaps
when snow is on the ground they might be barked,
USE OF HARDY CLIMBING SHRUBS 313
but I do not remember to have noticed it. Apart
from the question of varieties, it may be well to draw
attention to the fact that only strong healthy plants
should be turned out, for sickly specimens from a
conservatory or greenhouse are very slow indeed to
make a start, and will remain sometimes for an
astonishing number of years in almost the same
pitiable state."
CEANOTHUS. Beautiful wall shrubs. They cannot
be regarded as quite hardy, but C. azureus in a garden
near London has mounted almost to the chimney
stacks ; a surface of foliage, and in the appointed
season pale-blue flower clusters. The soil is light
and the aspect due south ; and in cold, sunless
places the Ceanothuses, it is well to remember,
utterly fail. A warm soil and sunny place suit the
shrubs well. Gloire de Versailles, Lucie Simon, and
pallidus are amongst the best of the others. Of other
species, C. veitchianusj deep blue, is very beautiful ; and
C. dentatus and C. papillosus are also noteworthy.
CHIMONANTHUS FRAGRANS (Winter-sweet). The
variety grandiflorus has larger flowers and of a
clearer shade of citron yellow than those of the type,
and though the plant is bare of leaf the blossoms
make a brave show, and may be descried against a
well-toned brick wall from some little distance. It
is just as well to bear in mind that this is one of the
shrubs which bloom on the young wood, and any
pruning or cutting out of useless branches that may
be necessary should be done in early spring when
the flowers are over, for if it be delayed there will be
314 TREES AND SHRUBS
no flowers next year. It may be raised from seed,
but seedlings vary greatly.
CHOISYA TERN ATA( Mexican Orange Flower). Very
vigorous, shrubby, glossy, green-leaved plant ; rather
tender, but quite happpy in northern gardens if not
very exposed. Its clusters of flowers are very sweet
and white.
CLEMATIS (see p. 303).
COTONEASTER (see p. 8o).
DIERVILLA. May be grown against fences and
even walls, but are better against the former. I saw a
fence covered with the crimson-flowered Eva Rathke
in a London garden, and flowered abundantly every
year.
ECCREMOCARPUS SCABER. Climber for wall, arch,
or pergola, with reddish flowers. Protect the roots
by coating the soil above them with ashes or some
protective material.
EDWARDSIA (SOPHORA) TETRAPTERA. This is
called the New Zealand Laburnum. A tree in its
own country, but a shrubby wall plant here. Grandi-
flora is the best variety.
ESCALLONIA (see p. 385).
FUCHSIA. The hardy Fuchsias are almost un-
known, though amongst the most beautiful of hardy
shrubs. My favourite is F. Riccartoni, but this often
makes a good hedge. Very charming also are
F. coccinea, F. corymbtflora, F* globosa, F. macrostetnma,
F. microphylla, F. splendens, and F. thymifolia.
HABLITZIA TAMNOIDES. Better, perhaps, for arch,
pergola, or tree stump than a wall, but in some cases
USE OF HARDY CLIMBING SHRUBS 315
it may be placed there. It is a vigorous climber,
with misty masses of greenish flowers in summer and
autumn. Not often seen.
HEDERA (Ivy). The Common Ivy when growing in
an exposed position will often acquire a rich bronzy
hue during winter, but in this respect individual
plants vary a good deal, the smaller-leaved forms
being as a rule the richest in colour.
The most marked in this respect, and one that
from its neat, prettily-lobed leaves is well suited for
use in making up button-holes, sprays, &c., is the
variety atropurpurea, whose distinctive character is far
more marked in winter than in summer. Hedera
Helix minima must not be confounded with H. H.
conglomerata, though at a certain stage of growth
there is some similarity. A three-year-old specimen
differs from the freer conglomerata form in that it
grows more flat both as regards the twigs and the
leaves on the twigs. It has more shining foliage of
a deeper and more sombre green, with pleasing
clouded tints, and further, as the name would suggest,
it is a smaller plant in all its parts. It is a beautiful
creeper for positions on the rock garden, and is one
of the best surface plants, as through it bulbs may
spear their growth and flowers without injury. H. H.
pedata and H. H. gracth's, both charming varieties of
the small-leaved Ivies, should be in every collection.
The uses to which Ivy may be put are innumer-
able, and with the many beautiful varieties that are
now to be obtained their sphere of usefulness has
considerably extended. One of the most picturesque
316 TREES AND SHRUBS
methods of growing Ivy is to allow it to clamber
over tree stumps placed here and there in suitable
parts of the garden. Ivy banks also are very charm-
ing, and for carpeting the bare ground beneath the
spreading branches of large trees nothing could be
more suitable. For the latter purpose the shoots
should be pegged down and kept in position so that
they may take root. Suitable varieties for this pur-
pose are H. dentata, H. rcegneriana, rhombea, obovata,
himalaica, pedata, palmata, lobata, &c. ; but the best of
all is an Ivy called Emerald green.
INDIGOFERA GERARDIANA. During the late sum-
mer and early autumn this leguminiferous shrub is
one of the most attractive of those that are then in
flower. Its finely divided pinnate leaves are of a
rich deep green, and almost fern-like in grace and
luxuriance. It is, indeed, worth growing for their
sake alone. About the end of June it commences to
flower, produces its flower-spikes in the leaf-axils,
and continues to do so until the middle of September.
The flowers are pea-shaped, and borne on spikes
4 to 5 inches long. The colour is a bright rosy
purple. The species is a native of the Himalaya, and
its stems do not survive winters of even moderate
severity. The root -stock is, however, perfectly
hardy, and it sends up a thicket of young growths
every spring 2 to 4 feet long, which flower the same
summer. It is not suited for growing in large
masses by itself, because it starts rather slowly, and
the season is advanced before the space the plants
occupy becomes furnished. But it is very suitable
USE OF HARDY CLIMBING SHRUBS 317
for the herbaceous border, or, still better, as an
undergrowth beneath groups of taller, thinly-planted
shrubs. It is happy also against a wall. Also
known as /. floribunda.
JASMINUM. The White Jasmine (/. officinale) is too
well known to describe. It is one of the best of
the cheaper wall climbers. Affine is the best variety ;
it has larger flowers. /. humile (revolutuni), although
an Indian species, will succeed against a wall ; it has
yellow flowers and is evergreen. J.fruttcans, another
bushy species, may also be grown ; its flowers are
yellow, and succeeded by an abundance of round
black berries which are very distinct and pleasing in
winter. Of course, the beautiful, fragrant, yellow-
flowered/, nudiflorum will not be omitted. The new
/. primulinum has large yellow flowers in spring.
Wants a wall.
KERRA JAPONICA. Sometimes grown against a
wall, but an excellent bush for grouping, except in
very cold and exposed gardens. The flowers are
yellow and produced abundantly. It should be
more grown. The double variety, K. j. flore-pleno,
is frequently seen against cottage walls, and making
a cloud of yellow from the double rosette-like flowers
in early summer. The major form of this is the best.
LONICERA (Honeysuckle). This is too well known
to describe. The Honeysuckle of the hedgerow is
as familiar as the Poppy of the cornfield. The
common native Honeysuckle is Lonicera Periclymenum,
the best variety of which is serotma, or late Dutch ; it
flowers into the autumn, and is of redder colouring,
3i8 TREES AND SHRUBS
Belgica is the Dutch Honeysuckle and is of strong
growth. L. Caprifolium is not a true native, but
has become naturalised. Major is a distinct variety.
Then there are the evergreen Trumpet Honeysuckles
(L. sempervirens and varieties, minor being the best
known ; the flowers are scarlet and yellow). Plantie-
rensis is a good hybrid with larger flowers. The
Trumpet Honeysuckles are not so robust and free as
the late Dutch, for example. The well-known varie-
gated Japan Honeysuckle, L. japonica aureo-reticulata,
should not be planted much ; its small, green, yellow-
netted leaves are pretty, but one quickly tires of their
colouring. L. etrusca, orange yellow, and L. flava,
which must have a warm place, may also be men-
tioned. Certain species are quite bushy in growth.
L. tomentella has small pink flowers in July. L.
fragrantissima blooms in winter and is a delightful
wall Honeysuckle ; its small white flowers are very
fragrant. L. Standishii is also sweet scented. A plant
or two of either kind near the windows is very
pleasant on sunny winter days. The Honeysuckles
are charming, and should be in every garden at
least one or other of them.
MAGNOLIA. M. grandiflora (evergreen) is generally
grown against a wall. The large, glossy, green leaves
and big, creamy, fragrant flowers are very handsome.
M. conspicua (deciduous) I have also seen very beauti-
ful against a wall, a mass of white in late spring. The
flowers in this position are less likely to get damaged
by frost and rain. Its varieties may be used in the
same way, but the type is the best.
Aft..
FOLYGONUM BALDSCHUANICUM OVER FIR.
USE OF HARDY CLIMBING SHRUBS 319
OLEARIA (see p. 405).
PASSIFLORA C/ERULEA. Few climbing plants are
more fascinating than the blue Passion Flower. It
is, with its bluish flowers and orange, egg-shaped
fruit, most happy against a warm wall, and is not the
hardiest of climbers. The white variety, Constance
Elliot, should be grown also.
PIPTANTHUS NEPALENSIS (Nepaul Laburnum).
This is a shrubby wall plant, and not a very im-
portant one. Its yellow flowers remind one of those
of the Laburnum, and are borne in clusters.
POLYGONUM BALDSCHUANICUM. A beautiful
shrubby climber, with clouds of white, pink-tinted
flowers in summer and autumn. An illustration
shows it clambering into a Fir tree near the rock
garden at Kew. I have seen many poor forms in
gardens, seedlings, and therefore to keep the true
type, it must be increased by cuttings. If frost cuts
the stems down in winter, new growths spring up in
the following year. Its graceful flower masses are
useful in the house. P. molle is not unlike it.
PRUNUS TRILOBA is an excellent wall shrub (see
illustration).
PUNICA (Pomegranate). Both single and double.
PYRUS. The Pyruses are described elsewhere in
this book. P. (Cydonia)japonica and its many beautiful
varieties, and P. Maulei are, however, more frequently
grown against walls than any other members of the
same family. Prunus triloba is an excellent wall shrub,
RAPHIOLEPIS OVATA. A very handsome plant.
ROSA (Rose) (see p. 342).
320 TREES AND SHRUBS
RUBUS (see p. 450).
SMILAX. This group is not common in gardens,
but is interesting. They are a change from the
repetition of a few common things. S. rotundifolia
is a very handsome large-leaved Smilax with shiny
foliage, now and then met with as S. laurifolia or 5.
latifolia, from which, however, according to Mr. R.
Irwin Lynch, of Cambridge, it is distinct. All the
kinds of hardy Smilax form handsome leafy creepers
for walls, but in our climate they rarely produce
the rich clusters of red berries that often render them
so attractive abroad.
SOLANUM. S. jasminoides is the most popular
flowering climber of the south-west, producing its
white bloom-clusters for many months in succession.
It is classed as deciduous in botanical dictionaries,
but is rarely bare of leaves, except after severe frosts
in the early months of the year. S. crispum and
S. Wendlandi will also succeed in mild counties ; the
latter has very large bluish flowers.
STAUNTONIA LATIFOLIA (syn. Holbcellia latifolia).
This plant bears clusters of small greenish-white,
highly-fragrant flowers in March, and often perfects
seed-pods in the autumn. It is a rapid grower, and
its leathery leaves are rarely affected by frost.
STUARTIA PSEUDO-CAMELLIA. A rare and very
beautiful flowering shrub now seldom seen in even
the best of gardens. It is a native of Japan, the
flowers being ivory white and perfectly cup-shaped,
somewhat like a single White Camellia. 5. pentagyna
comes from North America, as also S. virginica, but
USE OF HARDY CLIMBING SHRUBS 321
the first-named is the finest and is worth a good deal
of trouble to grow well. Planted in loam and peat
and sand at the foot of a sunny and sheltered wall,
the flowering shoots may be preserved intact during
the winter. Perfect drainage is absolutely essential
for the first-named.
TRICUSPIDARIA HEXAPETALA. A very distinct and
beautiful evergreen shrub, perhaps better known as
Crinodendron Hookeri. It is a native of Chili, and grows
5 or 6 feet high, its stiff branches set with dark, shiny
ovate leaves. The flowers are nearly globular, very
fleshy, and rich crimson-red or cherry colour. In
both co. Wicklow, at Mount Usher, and at Salerno,
co. Dublin, this rare shrub is very luxuriant and
beautiful. It grows well in deep, rich, moist loam
or in peaty soils, and propagates readily by layers
laid down under stones.
VIBURNUM. Some of the Viburnums are hand-
some against walls, such as V. macrocephalum and the
Chinese V. plicatum.
VITIS (Vine). The Vines are the most graceful
and beautiful of all climbers, and many of them are
of glorious colour in autumn. The Virginian Creepers
(Ampelopsis) are now grouped with the Vines. Of the
American Vines, Vitis cestivalis, V. californica, beautiful
autumn colour ; V. cordifolia, the Northern Fox Grape
(V. Labruscd], Southern Fox Grape (V.vulpina). The
Virginian Creeper (V. quinquefolid) is, as is generally
known, very showy in autumn. Of the Asiatic Vines,
V. Coignetice is the most famous. It has very large
leaves, which turn to a glowing crimson in autumn.
x
322 TREES AND SHRUBS
It is a noble climber. V. heterophylla humulifolia has
beautiful fruit, each berry about the size of a pea and
turquoise blue ; it likes a warm, sunny wall. V. (Am-
pelopsis) Veitchii is too well known to describe. V.
Romaneti and V. vinifera, the Common Grape Vine,
also deserve notice. Of the last-mentioned there
are many beautiful varieties, such as Purpurea,
Miller's Burgundy, Teinturier, with claret-coloured
foliage, and the Parsley-leaved Vine. V. Thunbergi
has very fine leaves, which turn crimson in autumn.
The Vines should be seen in greater variety, and
Messrs. Veitch's recent beautiful novelties planted too.
WISTARIA. Wistaria time is a pleasant season of
the year. A few noble examples may be seen in the
suburbs of London, especially at Kew and Hampton
Court, where the trees must be a great age, while
quite a fine plant is in the Royal Gardens, Kew, also.
What may be achieved with this plant if some atten-
tion to its needs were forthcoming is not clear, for
most of the Wistarias we see from time to time shift
for themselves, and by the position they occupy must
have large numbers of their roots in dusty, dry soil.
In former days it was always the custom to plant this
fine climber at the base of the dwelling-house wall,
but now, with a fuller knowledge of its robust growth,
its widely-extending branches, and equally its wide-
rooting capacity, other positions may with advantage
be secured for it. One example may be seen at Kew,
where a fine plant covers a huge cage-like structure.
Another good way would be to plant it to run over
pergolas, and with Clematis to succeed the Wistaria,
OLD WISTARIA AT HAMPTON COURT.
WISTARIA RACEME; SHORT, W. SINENSIS ; LONG,
IV. MULTIJUGA.
USE OF HARDY CLIMBING SHRUBS 323
the effect would be distinctly good. W. sinensis, the
mauve-flowered species, is the one usually planted.
The variety alba is less robust, and does not flower so
freely ; it wants a warm place. The double variety is
very beautiful when in perfection, but our experience
is that it never flowers freely, and the raceme is often
poor. W. multijuga has very long racemes, and is
the Wisteria which gives so much beauty to the gar-
dens in Japan. It is always a pleasure in Wistaria
time to visit the Royal Gardens, Kew, and see the
exquisitely coloured trails of flowers on this species ;
these trails measure between 2 and 3 feet in length.
Rosea is a rose-coloured variety.
CHAPTER XXXVI
FLOWERING AND OTHER HEDGES
OF the more or less known 3000 species and varieties
of trees and shrubs hardy in this country, only a
small proportion are suitable for making good hedges.
Every garden of any size has a hedge or two of
untidy look through inattention at the proper time.
A hedge must be kept in proper order, not a difficult
business when clipping is done annually, when to
do so depending upon the plants used.
Hedges may be of two kinds the neat trimmed
hedge, which serves as an outside line to a garden,
and also as a screen or wind-break to small or tender
plants growing near it ; and the straggling rough
hedge, varying from 10 to 20 feet in width, more
properly a wide bank made up of all sorts of plants,
rambling Roses, ornamental Vines, and other things
which usually serve to brighten some spot where
colour is desirable, or to shut out an undesirable
view. The best plants comprise both evergreens and
deciduous, but only one thing should be used, as
mixed hedges are rarely a success, and of mingled
evergreen and deciduous plants are generally quite
a failure. It is right to mention, however, that if a
mixed hedge is planted the best results are from
White Thorn, Holly, and Common Beech. The
FLOWERING AND OTHER HEDGES 325
best evergreen plants in their order of merit are
Holly, Yew, Arbor-vitae (Thuya occidentalis). Thuya
gigantea or Lobbi, Common Box, Cupressus lawson-
tana, C. nootkaiensis (Thujopsis borealis), Privet (Ligus-
trum), Common Laurel, Portugal Laurel Pyramid
Laurel (Prunus lusitanica myrtifolia), Berberis Darwinti,
and Osmanthus ilicifolius.
HOLLY. The Common Holly makes one of the
best evergreen hedges. Its growth, though some-
what slow, is regular, and it does not mind the
shears, but it is costly to use to any extent. It does
not move readily, so that for the first year or two
there will probably be a few gaps to fill up, but when
the hedge is once established it is there practically
for ever, and with proper attention will never become
rough or unsightly. Before planting the site should
be marked out, and the ground trenched 3 feet wide
and deep, breaking the subsoil with a fork, and
working some well-decayed manure about half-way
down. This will tend to draw the roots down, and
keep them from running out on either side to the
injury of neighbouring plants. Plants should be
obtained in the early autumn, as soon as it is safe
to move them, and planted at once before the ground
gets cool. If this be done they will make fresh roots
and get established before winter. Some prefer to
move Hollies in May, but much depends on whether
artificial watering can be done. If it can, May is
quite as good a time as September or October ; if
not, then choose the autumn.
The size of the plants used depends upon taste
326 TREES AND SHRUBS
and the depth of the pocket, but good plants, ij
to 2 feet high, with a leading shoot or two on each,
placed from 12 to 16 inches apart, can be recom-
mended, as they move readily at that size, and are
not so costly as larger plants. Holly hedges should
be clipped in late August or early September, when
they will make a short growth before winter, and
keep in good condition without further attention
until the following autumn. The height of the hedge
is entirely a matter for the owner to decide, one 30
or 40 feet high, properly feathered to the ground,
being quite possible, as we know from some already
in existence. When grown to this height, however,
the top should be cut to a point to throw off snow.
The flatness of the hedge can be broken by allowing
a few leading shoots, 20 or 30 feet apart, to run
up, budding them in August with some of the
variegated varieties. Gold Queen, Water er's Gold,
Silver Queen, and Argeniea variegata are good sorts
to use for this.
When a Holly hedge has been neglected for some
years cut it back to the old wood in March or April,
and fork in a liberal dressing of manure around it.
It may not make much growth the first year, but
will practically re-establish itself the second.
YEW. The Common Yew is hard to kill, and easy
to prune into various shapes, as topiary work suggests.
Yew is generally used for the inside of a garden, such
as terraces and hedges near the house. It should be
treated in the same way as the Holly, with the im-
portant exception of being clipped in May, as the
FLOWERING AND OTHER HEDGES 327
Yew makes most of its growth in the early part of
the year. In buying Yews, choose rather stunted-
looking plants in preference to those of fresher look
and freer growth. The former have been moved
within the last year or two, the latter have stood for
three or four, and become coarse rooted, suffering,
therefore, after removal.
ARBOR-VIT.E. For a hedge this and Thuya giganlea
can be placed together. The common Arbor-Vitse
is sometimes not liked because it gets brown in
winter, but this colouring is not so pronounced in
Thuya gigantea. In preparing the ground little or no
manure need be trenched in, but a dressing of spent
manure may be added with advantage. The soil
should be as good as possible, but not too heavy.
They may be clipped at any season, and for the first
two or three years twice annually will not be too
often. It is wise to cut off from six inches to one
foot of the leaders every year, otherwise the plants
attain a great height without breadth. If a hedge
of these conifers is allowed to become rough and
ragged, it is almost impossible to restore it, as it
will not, except in special cases, break from the
older wood.
Box. The dwarf edging so largely used for
borders and paths needs no description, but the
Common Box is not so largely used because it gets
yellow, the result of sheer starvation, the Box being
a gross feeder, requiring plenty of feeding at all
times. It should have a dressing of manure annually,
or at least biennially, to keep it in good health and
328 TREES AND SHRUBS
colour. It should be clipped in the spring, April or
May being the best months, and a top-dressing about
the same time will be very beneficial to it. Box
is a good shrub for an inside hedge, but should never
become overgrown, as, in addition to the hard cutting
necessary to bring it into shape, it is a terrible plant to
cut, even the small wood being very hard and tough.
LAWSON CYPRESS. Cupressus lawsoniana and C.
nootkatensis (Thujopis borealis) can be treated together,
as, in addition to their natural relationship, both
require the same treatment as a hedge. Neither
makes a good flat-topped hedge of the ordinary kind,
as the growth is distinctly pyramidal, and unless
kept to a point is apt to get injured by snow.
They should be cut to a point, and a hedge 12 to
20 feet high of this shape is very handsome and
effective in a garden, as well as forming a first-rate
screen. They can be trimmed at any time preferably
in the spring or early summer, care being taken not
to cut the base too hard, and the leading shoots top
annually. In planting no manure need be used,
provided the ground is good, and it is not required
later on unless the hedge shows signs of starva-
tion, when a good top dressing may be given with
advantage. Plants 2 or 3 feet in height, placed
about 1 8 inches apart, are a good size to use, as they
move readily and are not expensive.
PRIVET. The oval-leaved Privet (Ligustrum ovali-
folium) is a native of Japan, and makes a fairly good
hedge about 5 or 6 feet high. It grows readily,
and moves without any trouble at almost any time.
FLOWERING AND OTHER HEDGES 329
it can be bought cheaply. The ground should
be well treated in the first place ; afterwards it will
require little attention in the way of feeding. It can
be clipped at almost any time, but for the first year
or two should be cut hard back before growth begins
in the spring. Neglect of this leads to a hedge that
is leafy at the top but bare at the bottom. In this
note the use of Privet is not wholly condemned, but
it must be understood its use is not recommended.
There is no doubt whatever that for town gardens
the Privet is of the greatest service, enduring smoke
and fog with impunity. It is vigorous, and soon
becomes established in the most dreary gardens.
LAURELS. Any of the various forms of the Common
and Portugal Laurels with the types are suitable for
what may be called second-rate hedges, the best
being the Pyramid Portugal, which is a smaller-
leaved and more upright-growing kind than any of
the others. With the exception of the last-named,
all the Laurels make hedges rather wide for their
height, and all require much attention to keep them
in proper shape. All should be clipped in June,
after the first growth is made ; they will then make
another short growth, which will keep the hedge in
good condition until the following year. The Pyramid
Portugal has leaves about half the size of those of
the type and quickly makes a hedge. It is rather
more expensive than the commoner Laurels, but it
moves well, and does not become bare at the bottom.
OSMANTHUS ILICIFOLIUS. This plant has not
been much used for hedges, but it makes a very good
330 TREES AND SHRUBS
one if carefully looked after during the first year or
two. It somewhat resembles the Common Holly,
and requires much the same treatment. It is not
very expensive to buy, and the hedge should be kept
to a height of 3 or 4 feet.
Deciduous Hedges
Many deciduous plants can be used for hedges,
but a good selection comprises Beech, Hornbeam,
Quick, Myrobalan Plum, and Sweetbriar. The first
two require practically the same treatment, the most
important part of which is to procure good two or
three years old transplanted plants, and to treat them
liberally at first. Beyond an annual trimming they
will not require any further attention, except to tie
or peg down a branch or two where gaps may
occur. A well known gardener, writing in the
Garden, says : " We often find the Holly and the
Yew largely used in gardens as hedges, but they are
not quite so good under all conditions as the Beech
or Hornbeam. The Beech is one of our many hardy
trees both for screens and hedges. The Copper
Beech is seldom used for this purpose, but this is a
mistake. We have a fence of the Copper Beech,
dividing the kitchen garden from the pleasure
grounds, 138 yards long, 18 feet high, and from
4 feet to 5 feet through. It forms a perfect wall
on either side, and in spring is one of the most
interesting features of the place. It would be use-
less planting the Copper Beech on a wet or heavy
soil a light soil suits it best. The hedge is now in
FLOWERING AND OTHER HEDGES 331
perfect health, and all that is necessary is an annual
clipping about the end of August, before the wood
gets hard."
Quick and the Myrobalan Plum should be planted
in double rows to form a hedge, and be cut back
hard at the time of planting to form a bottom to the
hedge, which would otherwise become leggy and
bare at the base. If they should happen to get into
this state most of the growth should be cut away,
and the main branches tied or pegged down in the
direction of the hedge. In a year or two it will be
practically as good as ever.
For a dividing line between the flower and kitchen
gardens, or for some spot where too much formality
is not required, the Common Sweetbriar makes an
excellent hedge, although it requires much attention
for the first few years. If planted without support,
such as a wooden railing, it should be kept tied or
pegged down almost to the ground for the first two
or three years, using practically every growth that
is made by the plants. By this means a good
foundation is laid for the hedge, which will, when
made, merely require an annual trimming. We
plant Sweetbriars everywhere. Its leaves in the early
morning, or after a warm summer rain, saturate the
air with their fragrance.
Hedges of Flowering Shrubs
It often happens that some kind of hedge is wanted
in a garden, either as a screen to hide vegetable
ground, or as a wind-break, or some kind of partition.
332 TREES AND SHRUBS
When this is the case, it is a good plan to plant
hardy flowering shrubs about 4 feet apart, and so
to train and trim them that they grow into a compact
hedge, and yet have enough lateral play to allow
them to flower. Two years ago we privately advised
some friends who were planting new gardens where
such dividing hedges were wanted, and the hedges
are already coming into use and beauty.
Such a hedge is not only ornamental, but it yields
endless material for cutting. It should be allowed
to grow quite 4 feet thick, and is best formed with
a backbone of stiff woody shrubs, such as Guelder
Roses, Ribes, and Lilac, while between the stiffer
shrubs might be some that are weaker, such as Kerria,
Rhodotypus, and Leycesteria. Plants of rank rambling
growth, such as free Roses and double-flowered
Brambles, Aristolochia, Wistaria, Virginia Creeper, and
the rambling Honeysuckles, are not in place in such
a hedge ; they are more suitable for rough hedge
banks, walls, or for arbour and pergola ; the flower
hedge wants true shrubs. The bush Honeysuckles,
such as Lonicera fragrantissima and L. tatarica, are
just right, or any woody, twiggy bushes of moderate
growth, or such as are amenable to pruning and
thinning, such as Deutzia and Snowberry, shrubs that
so often get overgrown in a shrubbery. In the
hedge these would do well, as they could easily be
watched and thinned ; also many true shrubs that
flower all the better for reasonable pruning.
Any one would be surprised to see what a quantity
of useful flowers such a hedge would yield, while, if
FLOWERING AND OTHER HEDGES 333
there is another of foliage for winter use, it will be
invaluable to the indoor decorator. We have just
planted a hedge for this use, all of golden variegated
or yellow-leaved shrubs, those chosen being the
Scotch Gold Holly, Golden Euonymus, Golden
Privet, yellow variegated Box, and Golden Tree
Ivy, all shrubs of the utmost value for winter
cuttings. Though they are barely 2 feet high as
yet, the slightly varied golden hedge is already
a pleasant, cheering sight in the quickly-shortening
November days.
Other flower hedges are also delightful possessions.
Hedges of China Rose, of Lavender, of Sweetbriar,
of old garden Roses, or of climbing or rambling Roses
trained down, of Honeysuckles, of Jasmine ; some
of these are occasionally seen, but of a good selection
of true shrubs hedges are rarely if ever made.
Any of the shrubs recommended for the mixed
flowering hedge could, of course, be used alone ; and
excellent it would be to have a hedge of Guelder
Rose or flowering Currant or Japan Quince, and
how much more interesting than the usual hedge
of Quick or Privet or Holly. Both sides of the
flower hedge should be easily accessible, not neces-
sarily by a hard path, but by a space just wide
enough to go along comfortably. An additional
advantage well worth considering would be that,
supposing the direction of the hedge to be east and
west, the south side would flower in advance of the
north, and so prolong the supply of bloom.
CHAPTER XXXVII
PLEACHED OR GREEN ALLEYS
IN the old days the pleached alley was as familiar
in English gardens as the pergola of the present
age. Both are interesting, and both provide grate-
ful shadowed walks in the heat of summer. The
trees most generally used in the fashioning of
pleached alleys were the Hornbeam and Lime,
both native of this country, but green alleys have
been made of Yew, of Ootoneaster buxifolia, of
Holly, and other evergreens. There are flowering
Cherries of weeping habit that would suit well for
such treatment, and several other small trees of
pendulous growth, such as Laburnum, Weeping
Ash, and the large-leaved Weeping Elm. There
is an important green alley at West Dean, near
Chichester, of Laburnum only.
The green alley differs from the pergola in that
the pergola has solid and permanent supports, its
original purpose, in addition to the giving of shade,
being to support vines. The green alley, being
made of stiffer and more woody growths, only
needs a temporary framework to which to train
the trees till they have filled the space and formed
the shape. Hornbeam was the tree most used in
former ages, and for a simple green alley nothing
PLEACHED OR GREEN ALLEYS 335
is better. Beech is also good. Several other of
the smaller trees of weeping growth should be
more used for this and the allied uses of train-
ing for arbours and other shelter-places in the
garden.
The common Plane is much used on the conti-
nent for green shelters ; the trees are pollarded
at about eight feet high, and the vigorous young
growths trained down horizontally to a slight
framework.
It would be interesting to make a green alley
with two or perhaps three kinds of plants whose
leaf form was of the same structure. For instance,
a groundwork of Weeping Ash could soon be
trained into shape, and Wistaria would be best to
grow all over and through it. The more stiff and
woody Ash would supply the eventual solid frame-
work, as by the time the Wistaria was making
strong growth (for it is very slow to make a be-
ginning) the whole would be well in shape, and
might dispense with the framing of ft carpenters'
work " that is necessary for its first shaping. It
would be best to plant the Ash zigzag across the
path so that the main of the head of each tree
might be trained across the path and down to
the ground on the opposite side, when it would
occupy the space between the two opposite trees.
It is important to further maintain the distinc-
tion between green alley and pergola by using in
the green alley only things of a permanent and
woody character ; no Roses or Clematis, or any
336 TREES AND SHRUBS
other plants of which portions are apt to die or
wear out. These are proper to the pergola, whose
permanent substructure makes it easier to cut
away and renew those of its coverings, whether
structural or growing, that are liable to partial
decay.
A great many delightful things may be done
with these green alleys and green shelters. Much
interest is already aroused in the pergola, and
when thinking of this it is well to consider these
other ways of adding to the comfort and charm of
our gardens. One thing, however, should be care-
fully considered. It should be remembered that
where a path is made more important by passing
under trained green growths it should have some
definite reason for being so accentuated, certainly at
one and desirably at both ends. It often occurs
that in laying out ground the owner wishes to
have a pergola, as it were, in the air, and when
there is nothing to justify its presence. It should
not be put at haphazard over any part of the
garden walk. If of any length, it should distinctly
lead from somewhere to somewhere of importance
in the garden design, and should, at least at one
end, finish in some distinct full-stop, such as a
well-designed summer-house or tea-house.
Another important matter is that a pergola or
green alley, in the usual sense, should never wind
or go uphill. It is not intended by this that
shading coverings cannot be used in such places,
but that they would want especial design, and it is
PLEACHED OR GREEN ALLEYS 337
altogether a matter of doubt if these could not be
much better treated in other ways.
The circumstances of different gardens are so
infinitely various that it is impossible to lay down
hard rules ; only general rules can be given and
exceptional circumstances dealt with by exceptional
treatment.
Green alleys require some attention. In winter
the oldest of the wood must be cut out to make
room for the young growth, and when this is
lengthening vigorously it must be carefully laid in.
If the alley has an iron framework, which is neces-
sary when such strong growing things as Wistaria are
used, this may be clothed during the first few years,
until the Wistaria is growing strongly, with annual
climbers such as Cobcea scandens, lophospermum, Mina
lobata y and even varieties of the large-flowered
Clematis, which must be removed when the Wistaria
covers the alley.
Very charming alleys are sometimes formed of
fruit trees Pear, Apple, Cherry, and Plum making
delightful spring pictures, and almost as much so
when in fruit in autumn. Where fruit and flower
are desired every shoot must be exposed to sun and
air. When densely shaded by other growths the
wood does not ripen, and therefore flowers badly, if
at all.
CHAPTER XXXVIII
THE GARDEN ORCHARD
ONE'S enjoyment of the garden would be greatly
increased if the orchard, which is so often thrust
away into a remote corner, were brought into direct
communication with it. How easily the trimmer
lawn spaces might lead through groups of flowering
shrubs to the rather rougher grassy orchard. How
naturally the garden Roses and masses of free-grow-
ing Cluster Roses would lead to their near relations,
the Pears and Apples and other fruiting trees of the
great Rose order.
There is no need to make a definite break between
the two ; it is all the better not to know where the
garden ends and the orchard begins. Towards the
edge of the mown lawn there may already be trees
of the Red Siberian Crab and the handsome Crab
John Downie, and the pretty little Fairy Apple ;
while the nearer orchard trees may well be wreathed
with some of the free Cluster Roses, such as Bennett's
Seedling or Dundee Rambler.
If the orchard is of some extent its standard trees
of Pear, Apple, Cherry, and Plum may be varied by
three or four bush trees, or by some of the beautiful
fruit trees of lower growth, such as Medlars and
Quinces. There may also be breaks of cut-leaved
338
THE GARDEN ORCHARD 339
Blackberry and a thicket of Crabs or Filberts, and
on some one side, or perhaps more, a shady Nut
alley. There is no need to be always moving the
garden orchard. One wide, easy, grassy way might
well be kept closely shorn, but much of the middle
and side spaces had better not be cut until hay-time,
for many would be the bulbs planted under the turf,
great drifts of Daffodils and Spanish Scillas, and
Fritillaries for the larger effects, and Colchicums
and Saffron Crocus for the later months. If the
grass were mown again in September, just before
the Colchicums appear, it would allow of easy access
to the fruit trees in the time of their harvest, and
in those interesting weeks immediately before the
Apples ripen.
It must not be forgotten that the best use of many
fruit-bearing trees is not restricted to the kitchen
garden only, for many of them are beautiful things
in the most dressed ground. Few small trees are
more graceful in habit than the old English Quince
that bears the smooth, roundish fruits. It is not
only a pleasant object in leaf and flower in early
summer, and in autumn glory of golden fruit, but
even when bare of leaves in winter a fully matured
tree is strikingly beautiful, and in boggy ground
where no other tree would thrive it is just at its
happiest and is most fruitful. Then many Apples
are extremely ornamental, and there is a whole range
of Crabs ; Siberian, Chinese, and home-raised hybrids
that are delightful things both in flower and in fruit.
Pyrus Maulei, vieing in beauty of bloom with its near
340 TREES AND SHRUBS
neighbours, the Japanese Quinces, quite outdoes them
in glory and bounty of fruit, which in October is
one of the most brilliant things in the garden. There
are no better garden ornaments for foliage than Figs
and Vines, and though the needful pruning of a Vine
for fruit takes off somewhat of its pictorial value,
which depends in some measure on the wide-flung,
luscious summer growth and groping tendril, yet in
any shape the Grape Vine is a thing of beauty.
Some of its garden kinds also show how, in distinct
departures in colour and shape of leaf, it is always
beautiful ; for the Parsley-leaved Vine, with its dainty
and deeply-cut foliage, is a suitable accompaniment
to the most refined architecture ; while the red-purple
leaf of the Claret Vine and its close clusters of blue
fruit are richly ornamental in the autumn garden.
A Medlar tree, with its large white bloom and hand-
some leaves, is desirable, and several of the Services
are ornamental small trees. Every one knows the
lovely pink bloom of the Almond in April, but few
may have tried something that is not an experiment
but a certainty namely, the successful culture of
the hardier Peaches, near relatives to the Almond,
as standards in the south of England. A Peach of
American origin, the Early Alexander, bears full or
fair crops every year. The only danger is from leaf
blister from sudden cold in May, but if its position is
sheltered, or if it can be afforded the protection of a
net, it will suffer but little, and perfectly ripened
peaches, red all round, may be had at the end of
July. The beauty of Cherry blossom is so well
THE GARDEN ORCHARD 341
known that it needs no extolling ; and any great high
wall looks the better at all seasons for a well-trained
old Pear.
A free planting of the cut-leaved Bramble is
pleasant to see on the outskirts of the garden, and
is beautiful in leaf, in flower, and in fruit.
CHAPTER XXXIX
THE WORTHY USE OF ROSES
FOR a full consideration of the Rose as a garden
flower, one must look to such a work as " Roses
for English Gardens/' but as the Rose is a flowering
shrub it cannot be omitted from the present volume.
In these days of horticultural prosperity and rapid
progress, when there would appear to be one or
more specialists devoting themselves to every worthy
flower, we need scarcely say that the Rose has not
been forgotten. Indeed, within the memory of many
who have watched its culture for the last forty years,
the rapid advance is nothing less than astonishing.
Our own veteran growers and some of the foreign
firms seem to have vied with each other in produc-
ing new forms in the Hybrid Perpetuals and in the
Teas, but it has been almost within the last decade
that growers have not only deepened the interest
in the cultivation of the Rose, but have immensely
widened it by striking out in new directions.
It is now many years since the late Henry Bennett
raised such lovely hybrids as Grace Darling and
Mrs. John Laing, but the parents of these were still
among the well-known H.P.'s and Teas and Chinas.
But of late years hybridists have taken in hand some
of the handsomer of the species, and by working
342
THE WORTHY USE OF ROSES 343
them with well-established favourites have produced
whole new ranges of fine Roses. Of these the most
prominent have been products of R. multiflora y rugosa,
rubiginoscij and wichuraiana. The striking success of
many of these later hybrids is encouraging in the
highest degree, and the field for future work is so
immense that the imagination can hardly grasp the
extent of the prospect that these earlier successes
seem to open out.
There are so many ways in which Roses may be
beautiful. Even in the varied form and habit pos-
sessed by the types some special kind of beauty
is shown and some special garden utility is fore-
shadowed. And then we think of the future pos-
sibilities of the Rose garden ! Already we say it
with deliberation and a feeling of honest convic-
tion the Rose garden has never been developed
to anything like its utmost possible beauty. The
material already to hand even twenty years ago has
never been worthily used.
The Rose garden to be beautiful must be designed
and planted and tended, not with money and labour
and cultural skill only, but with brains and with
love, and with all those best qualities of critical
appreciation the specially-cultured knowledge of
what is beautiful, and why it is beautiful besides
the indispensable ability of the practical cultivator.
There are in some places acres of Rose gardens,
many of them only costly expositions of how a Rose
garden had best not be made. The beautiful Rose
garden, that shall be the living presentment of the
344 TREES AND SHRUBS
poet's dream, and shall satisfy the artist's eye, and
rejoice the gardener's heart, and give the restful
happiness and kindle the reverent wonderment of
delight, in such ways as should be the fulfilment of
its best purpose, has yet to be made.
It matters not whether it is in the quite free
garden where Roses shall be in natural groups and
great flowery masses and arching fountains, and
where those of rambling growth on its outskirts
shall clamber into half-distant surrounding trees and
bushes, or whether it is in the garden of ordered
formality that befits a palatial building ; there are
the Roses for all these places, and for all these and
many other uses. Indeed, for reducing the hard
lines of the most formal gardens and for showing
them at their best, for such enjoyment as they may
give by the humanising of their rigid lines and the
softening of their original intention as a display of
pomp and state and the least sympathetic kind of
greatness, the beneficent quality of age and accom-
panying over-growth may be best shown by the
wreathing and clambering cluster Roses, whose
graceful growth and tender bloom are displayed all
the better for their association with the hard lines
and rough textures of masonry surfaces.
SOME BEAUTIFUL WILD ROSES
No family of hardy shrubs is more bewildering
in the multiplicity and intricacy of its nomencla-
ture than Rosa. Although there are many species
now accepted by botantists, yet the pseudo-specific
THE WORTHY USE OF ROSES 345
names may be counted by hundreds. Fortunately
for those interested in their cultivation, a good many
of these names refer to plants with very unimportant
distinctions (many of them, indeed, are minor forms
of our native Dog Rose), and the best of the wild
species are mostly grown under the names applied
to them in the following notes.
Their cultivation is simple. They are like the
Hybrid Perpetuals in their love for a rich loamy
soil one inclining to a clayey rather than to a
sandy nature. Loving abundant sunlight, they are
not happy in shady spots. The commonest mistake
in their cultivation is in pruning. The notion that
they have to be cut back like Hybrid Perpetuals and
such-like Roses has often resulted in the loss of a
season's flowers, besides destroying for the time the
peculiar beauty of habit that many species possess.
The shoots, often long, sucker-like growths that push
from the base in summer, supply the flowers of the
following year, and until they have flowered should
not be touched with a knife. Whatever pruning
is necessary and it is, as a rule, a mere matter of
thinning out of old worn-out stems is to give the
young growths more air and freedom. No shorten-
ing back is needed. It may always be remembered
that some of the most beautiful specimens of Wild
Roses in existence, especially those of rambling
growth, have never been pruned at all. The chief
thing is always to retain the free, unfettered grace
natural to the plants. Pruning will help to do this,
but it must be pruning of the proper kind.
346 TREES AND SHRUBS
In the wilder parts of the garden the common
Dog Rose (R. canind) and its numerous varieties are
worth a place ; they flower well, and are always
beautiful in fruit. The same may be said of the
Sweet Briar (R. rubiginosa), the fragrance of whose
young growths is always a delight, whether in garden
or hedgerow. R. hibernica, a British Rose, thought
to be a hybrid between the Scotch Rose and R.
camna, comes in the same category. It flowers
earlier than the Dog Rose.
For the wild garden also there are several
other Roses that may be mentioned, such as cin-
namomea, with rosy-red flowers and crimson fruit ;
nutkana y acicularis y pisocarpa, and californica. Only
those are mentioned that from their greater
beauty and distinctness deserve a more detailed
notice.
R. ALBA. Although found wild in several parts
of Europe, this, the " Common White Rose " of Lin-
naeus, is supposed to be a hybrid between R. gallica
and the Dog Rose. It is always found in places
which lead to the belief that it is not truly indige-
nous, but an escape from cultivated grounds. The
typical plant has white flowers that are considerably
larger than those of the Dog Rose, and the petals
have more substance. There are now numerous
double-flowered varieties in gardens, some beauti-
fully tinged with rose.
R. ALBERTI. A native of Turkestan, where it was
discovered by M. Albert Regel not many years ago.
This is one of the rarest species of Rosa in cultiva-
THE WORTHY USE OF ROSES 347
tion. The flowers are bright yellow, the leaves small
and much divided.
R. ALPINA. This is the species from which the
Boursault Roses have been derived. It is a native
of the Alps and Pyrenees. The stems are 4 to 5
feet high, and have few or no spines except when
young. The flowers are rosy red ; the fruits red,
often pear-shaped, and covered with bristles, which,
when rubbed, have a turpentine-like odour.
R. ARVENSIS (or R. REPENS). From this species
the Ayrshire Roses have been obtained. It is natur-
ally a trailing or climbing plant, having long thin
shoots and white flowers. When trained over tree
stumps or rough stakes and ultimately allowed to
grow at will, it forms tangled masses which are very
pretty. But the double forms even the common
variety, flore-pleno are to be preferred, being espe-
cially useful in semi- wild spots. The type is wild in
England, and frequently to be seen in hedges and
thickets.
R. CAROLINA For certain positions this is a useful
Rose. It has erect stems and forms dense thickets,
spreading rapidly by means of the numerous under-
ground rhizomes it sends out in all directions. The
flowers are purplish-rose. A later-flowering variety
known as nuttalliana is a stronger grower and has
larger flowers. This will flower up to September.
R. lucida and R. nitida are, like R. Carolina, natives of
North America, and are of similar habit, but they are
dwarfer and the leaves are more glossy. All these
are apt to become crowded with old stems, and,
348 TREES AND SHRUBS
besides an occasional thinning out, are much im-
proved by dividing up every three or four years.
R. FERRUGINEA (R. RUBRIFOLIA). This species,
which comes from the Pyrenees and Alps, is re-
markable for the reddish-purple colour of its leaves
and young shoots. Groups of half-a-dozen or more
plants give a striking colour effect. The flowers are
similar to the Dog Rose, but red.
R. L^VIGATA (R. SINICA). Except in the south
and south-west or in similarly favoured localities, this
is not really hardy, but where it thrives it is a singu-
larly beautiful Rose, perhaps unsurpassed among
single Roses in the size of its pure white flowers. It
is known as the Cherokee Rose, and is naturalised in
some of the Southern United States. A lovely hybrid
between it and R. indica has been raised and named
Anemone. Its flowers are soft rose.
R. LUTEA (Austrian Briar). Of all the Wild Yellow
Roses this is the most beautiful. The yellow-flowered
species do not, as a rule, thrive so well as the others
in gardens one has only to mention such species as
berberifolia, su/phurea, xanthina (or Ecce) to recall that.
But R. lutea, in strong loam with plenty of lime added,
generally thrives well. The copper-coloured varieties
are more difficult to deal with in suburban districts.
The flowers of the typical R. lutea are of the brightest
rich yellow. When in good health it produces each
year long arching shoots, wreathed from end to end
with blossom. This species comes from the Orient.
R. MICROPHYLLA. This interesting species is
closely allied to R. rugosa, and is a native of
THE WORTHY USE OF ROSES 349
China. It has a sturdy bushy habit, few spines, and
the curious habit of peeling its bark. Its foliage is
very handsome, the leaflets being small and numerous.
The flowers are rose coloured and very fragrant.
The shrub is interesting for its fine fruits, which are
of large size, very spiny, and of a yellowish colour
when ripe. Although some other species surpass
this in showiness, it is one of the most distinct.
R. MOSCHATA (Musk Rose). When seen at its
best, few of the rambling species are more beautiful
than this. It is not, however, so hardy as some,
especially when young, in which state it makes
long, succulent shoots during summer and autumn,
which are apt to be killed back in winter. Old
plants do not suffer in the same way, or not so
severely. Its flowers are borne in great clusters, and
are notable for their pure whiteness and conspicuous
bunches of bright-yellow stamens. The best plants
often of this species are in shrubberies, where, no
doubt, the other shrubs afford it some protection.
It is a native of the Orient and India. The name
" Musk Rose " refers to a perfume which may occa-
sionally be detected in its flowers after a shower, but
is never very apparent. Nivea is a beautiful form.
R. MULTI FLORA. This, the Polyantha Rose, the
wild type of the group so named and the progenitor
of many graceful Roses, is a native of Japan and
China. It is a shrub 8 feet or more high, forming
a dense thicket of arching branches. Its flowers
individually are small, but they come in large dense
clusters and so abundantly as to transform the shrub
350 TREES AND SHRUBS
into a mass of white. They are very fragrant. This
is an admirable plant for putting at the top of a wall
or steep bank which it is desirable to drape with
vegetation. The Polyantha group of Roses can
always be distinguished by the stipules at the base
of the leaf-stalk being fringed.
R. OCHROLEUCA. In stature, foliage, and mode of
growth this is like the Scotch Rose, but its flowers
are of as bright and rich a yellow as those of the
Austrian Yellow (R. lutea). Where R. lutea does not
grow well, this will be an excellent substitute. A
native of Siberia.
R. POMIFERA (Apple Rose). This is, perhaps, the
most striking of Roses in regard to its fruit. The
hips are i to i inches long, apple or pear-shaped,
of a fine bright red, and covered with bristles. It is
a species that requires generous conditions at the root
to be seen at its best. R. mollis and R. tomentosa belong
to the same group, and have also fine red fruits, but
they are much smaller than those of R. pomifera.
R. RUGOSA (Japanese Rose). No plant has come
to the front more rapidly in recent years than this
Rose. It was introduced from Japan in 1845, but
appears to have been neglected. It is one of the
very hardiest of Roses, as well as one of the sturdiest
and most robust. The leaves are very handsome,
the leaflets being of a rich green and wrinkled. The
flowers in the wild type are rosy crimson, but there
is also a white variety, and seedlings give quite a
variety of shades. It hybridises freely with other
species and garden varieties, and has in this way
THE WORTHY USE OF ROSES 351
enriched our gardens with many good hybrids,
Mme. Georges Bruant and the Coubert Double
White among them. The fruits of R. rugosa are
orange-shaped, scarlet red, and of large size alto-
gether very ornamental.
R. SERICEA. For some reason this Rose has never
obtained the recognition it deserves. Perhaps its com-
parative rarity may account for this. It is the earliest
of all Roses to flower out of doors, its first blossoms
opening as a rule towards the latter end of May ; the
flowers are creamy white. In the cooler days of May
and early June it lasts longer in bloom than many of
the later flowering species do. It has one very dis-
tinctive character, in the petals being nearly always
four (instead of the usual five) to each flower. Some-
times the bark of the young shoots is a bright red.
A native of North India.
R. SETIGERA. Of the North American Roses none
has proved more useful in this country than the Prairie
Rose. A rambler in habit, it is valuable for its vig-
orous growth and late flowering. The flowers are
large, deep rose, and appear in July and August.
R.SPINOSISSIMA (R. PIMPINELLIFOLIA). The Scotch
Rose is one of the earliest species to bloom ; it is also
one of the prettiest and most distinct. The stems are
dwarf and covered with bristles, the leaves small, and
the flower white and cup-shaped. There are several
wild varieties of it, the two most noteworthy being
altaica (or grandiflord) and hispida. Both these grow
6 feet or more high, and the flowers of both are larger
than the typical Scotch Rose. Those of altaica are
352 TREES AND SHRUBS
creamy white; those of hispida a lovely cream yellow.
The garden varieties of this Rose are numerous
some double, some single, and varying in colour from
yellow to white and from pink to purple. The type
is found wild in several parts of Britain.
R. WEBBIANA. Coming from some of the highest
elevations on the Himalaya at which shrubby vegeta-
tion exists, this species is the hardiest of the Indian
Roses. It has a thin, graceful habit, and its spiny
stems are blue white when young. This year it has
been very pretty in the unusual profusion of its bluish-
tinted flowers, each of which are about 2 inches
across. The leaves are of a blue green, and are
similar in size and division to those of the Scotch
Roses. But it is quite distinct from them or any
others, for which reason it is worth the notice of
lovers of these wild types.
R. WICHURAIANA It is not many years since this
Japanese Rose was first introduced, but it is now
fairly well known. It is a perfectly prostrate plant,
and is remarkable for the shiny, varnished appearance
of the leaves. It is one of the latest species to come
into bloom. The flowers are pure white, and appear
during July and August in clusters resting on the
carpet of glossy foliage. It makes an excellent cover-
ing for sunny banks where the soil is good. Old tree
stumps are also pretty when covered with this Rose.
It has already been hybridised, and among its progeny
are Pink Roamer, Manda's Triumph, South Orange
Perfection, and Jersey Beauty. There is a very dis-
tinct cross between it and R. rugosa at Kew.
CHAPTER XL
PLANTING AND STAKING TREES
A FEW words of advice upon these important subjects
will be helpful. When planting a tree, prepare the
ground beforehand, so that when the trees arrive
they can be put at once into their proper places
without having to be laid in. If the trees are to be
planted thickly, trench the ground to a depth of at
least 2 feet, keeping the top spit to the top all the
while, merely burying the turf if there is any. If
the soil is poor, enrich it during the trenching. If
possible this trenching should be done the spring
previous to the planting of the trees, and the ground
cropped with Potatoes or Cabbages to keep down
weeds during summer. If the trees are to be planted
wide apart or as isolated specimens, make large holes,
varying in diameter from 6 to 10 feet, these being
trenched 2 or T.\ feet deep and filled in again to
within i foot of the surface. The shape of the
hole is a small matter, round or square being
equally good. In some instances, however, especially
when a tree is being moved with a large mass of
soil, a square hole will be found handier than a
round one, on account of the additional room given
by the corners.
The time to plant is of much importance, for
353
354 TREES AND SHRUBS
though deciduous trees may be transplanted through-
out winter, October, November, February, and March
are preferable to December or January. October
and November are the two best months, as then the
ground is warm and root action begins before winter
sets in.
If the trees are simply to be transplanted from
one position in the garden to another, the work may
be begun in the case of deciduous trees as soon as
the leaves turn colour and commence to fall. In
lifting, take care not to injure the roots. When
putting the spade into the ground the edge should
be to the tree, not the face. Digging must begin
at a reasonable distance from the tree, and if a ball
of soil is not required, the soil should be forked from
between the roots into a trench which has previously
been made round the stem. If, while lifting, any
of the main roots have suffered, cut the injured parts
away with a sharp knife and tar over the wounds.
When planting, the tree should be stood in the hole,
and a stick laid across the top of the hole near the
tree to ascertain whether the depth is right, sufficient
space for an inch of soil over the uppermost root
being allowed. The centre of the hole should be
filled in slightly higher than the sides, and on the
little mound the tree should be stood, laying the
roots out carefully all round. When filling the
soil in, some fine material should be worked in
among the roots with the hand, and before the hole
is fully filled in give a good watering ; this has
the effect of settling the soil well about the roots.
PLANTING AND STAKING TREES 355
The amount of ramming necessary depends on the
consistency of the soil. After a tree is planted in
early autumn a mulching of rotten manure may be
given, but if the planting is done in spring the
mulching is better left until early summer when the
ground has become warmed.
After planting, staking, where necessary, should
be attended to. It is not necessary to stake every
tree that is planted. When it is sturdy, with a well-
balanced head and set of roots, and the position is
not exposed to rough winds, staking is needless. If,
however, the stem is weak or the roots are mostly
on one side, not spread round the tree, or the
position is very exposed, staking for a time will be
necessary. In the case of young trees little difficulty
will be experienced, as good straight stakes can be
easily got. As a rule, one stake is quite enough for
a tree, and that should be driven in as close as
possible to the trunk without injuring it or the
roots. To the stake the tree should be secured with
wire or stout tar string, using thin cushions of felt,
leather, or old hose-pipe to keep the wire or string
from cutting into the bark. Allow a little room
between the stem and stake for growth. Two or
three ties are usually sufficient, and these should be
examined and loosened once or twice a year until
the stakes can be dispensed with. The habit of
putting in stakes in such a way that they cross the
trunk, and that when the wind blows there is
sufficient play for the stem and the stake to rub
against each other, is a bad one, the chafing often
356 TREES AND SHRUBS
causing serious wounds. In exposed situations, or
when there is danger of the tree rocking about and
becoming loose at the collar, put in three stakes in
the form of a triangle, the stem fitting in the space
left between the three stakes at the top, while the
bottoms of the stakes extend some 2 or 3 feet
from the tree. For this purpose wires fastened to
stakes driven in the ground are useful, and neater
than stout stakes. When wires are used, however,
take care to provide a good soft pad between the
tree and the wire. For trees with large heads, or
those not well furnished with roots, this way of
staking will be found very useful. When inserting
stakes they should be properly sharpened for the
sake of straight driving. The staking of trees which
have the lower parts of their trunks straight and
their leaders crooked differs from other staking, as
the stakes should not be driven into the ground, but
tied firmly to the trunk below the bend, the leader
being then drawn to the stake. In all cases, however,
where staking is done the stakes should be removed
as soon as the trees are able to do without them. A
stake is not beautiful. There is always the chance of
the tying material being left a little too long without
examination, and therefore it cuts into the bark.
Ties also harbour insects.
CHAPTER XLI
SOME HARDY FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
THE following are tables of hardy flowering trees and shrubs,
and comprise only species and varieties suitable, unless other-
wise stated, for almost all parts of the British Isles. An
asterisk (*) denotes those of the first importance. This way
has been adopted to compress as much information as possible
into a small space.
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
^ESCULUS (Pavia),
Sapindaceae
A well-known group repre-
Horse Chestnut,
sented most largely by the
Buck-eye
Horse Chestnut, which is the
tallest of the species. The
^Esculi generally are of
medium size, and not very
particular about soil or posi-
tion. The smaller growers
were at one time placed in
a distinct genus, Pavia, but
now placed with ^Esculus.
The more shrubby species
are welcome in the garden,
where the Horse Chestnut
would be out of place.
*M. carnea
Hybrid between
Bright red ;
This is a handsome tree for
JE,. Hippocas-
late May
the garden, and is generally
tanum and ^E.
Pavia. Syno-
and early
June
about 15 feet high in Britain.
Its chief charm is in the profu-
nymous with
sion and brilliant red colour-
L. rubicunda
ing of the flower-spikes. It
is not of quick growth, but
flowers when very young. It
will be found in many lists
under the name of JE. rubi-
cunda, the red Horse Chest-
nut. Rosea is a good variety
recommended by Mr. An-
thony Waterer as a "tree
for planting in smoky dis-
tricts." Another fine variety,
peculiarly bright in flower
colouring, is J&, Brioti.
1. flava
A native of Caro-
Pale yellow
Those who want a tree in this
lina and Vir-
family of distinct colour will
ginia, on moun-
tain slopes ; in-
find pleasure probably in this,
but its colouring is dull, and
troduced in 1764.
the flowers are not plentiful.
Sanguinea has
red flowers.
357
358
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*JE. Hippocastanum
From the moun-
White;
The common Horse Chestnut is
(Common Horse
tains of Greece.
late May
too well known to describe.
Chestnut)
Gerard men-
or early
It is not a tree for very ex-
tions the Horse
June.
posed places, as its large
Chestnut in his
There is
leaves offer considerable re-
" Herbal " in
considerable
sistance to the wind, and
1579 as a rare
variation,
get torn and unsightly. The
foreign tree
as many of
double variety (flore-pleno) is
the trees in
very distinct, having quite
parks and
double flowers. Foliis aureis
gardens
variegatis is a variegated
have been
variety, as the name sug-
raised from
gests, with blotches of yellow
seed
on the leaves ; and laciniata
has cut foliage.
JE. indica
Nepaul, and other
White,
This distinct and beautiful tree
parts of Nor-
with yellow
is perhaps the rarest of the
thern India.
and red
Horse Chestnuts in cultiva-
On the Hima-
blotches at
tion, and is not so robust as the
laya the tree
the base of
common species. It flowered
reaches a height
of 70 feet, with
the petals ;
Summer
in England as long ago as
1858 at Mildenhall in Suffolk,
a trunk 3 feet
but has been little heard of.
through
It is a tree doubtless for the
Cornish and Devonshire and
southern coast gardens where
the Himalayan Rhododen-
drons thrive well. Sir Joseph
Hooker, during his Himalaya
travels fifty years ago, saw it
loaded with its white racemes,
and equal in beauty to the
common Horse Chestnut of
English parks. Its foliage is
quite distinct from that of
the other species, the leaflets
numbering seven or nine,
and being of a dark glossy
green. In the other Horse
Chestnuts the leaflets are
usually only five to each leaf,
and never more than seven.
The racemes of this Indian
species are about 8 inches
long, the flowers being white,
with blotches of yellow and
red at the base of the petals.
*JE. (Pavia) parvi-
North America.
White
This is better known as P.
flora
On river banks
fragrant
macrostachya, and is a low,
in Georgia. In-
flowers
spreading shrub 8 to 10 feet
tr oduced to
sometimes
high ; the leaves consist of
England by Mr.
tinged with
five to seven finely serrated
John Fraser in
pink, and
leaflets, covered underneath
1786
long
with a whitish tomentum.
stamens,
Although introduced so long
and in long
ago, this August flowering
upright
shrub is not common ; it is
racemes
a good shrub for a small
garden, and is not fastidious
about soil or even situation if
not too shady. 1 1 is increased
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
359
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*M. (Pavia), parvi-
North America
by suckers thrown up around
flora
the plant. These, when de-
tached with a portion of root,
soon form good plants.
3L. californica
California. 40 feet
Erect spikes
This is not much known, but
in its native
of white or
is a handsome shrub or tree.
country, but not
delicate
much more than
rose ; sweet-
a shrub here
smelling
flowers ;
*M. Pavia (P. rubra)
North America
May
Red;
This is the Red Buckeye, and
early
will grow 15 feet high, but
summer
is more often simply a big
shrub. The flowers are very
bright red in colour, and in
loose clusters, unlike the
dense spikes of the common
Horse Chestnut. The varie-
ties are even dwarfer. Hum-
ilis, for instance, is only 4 feet.
Atrosanguinea has very dark
red flowers, and those of
whitleyana are brighter than
the type.
JE.. turbinata
Japan
(introduced by
Yellowish
white, not
As this has not yet flowered in
this country, as far as we
Messrs. Veitch
& Sons)
so large as
those of the
are aware, but will probably
become popular here, the fol-
common
lowing account of it by Pro-
Horse
fessor Sargent in his " Forest
Chestnut
Flora of Japan " will be in-
teresting :
" This, however, is a noble
tree one of the largest and
stateliest of all the horse
chestnuts. In the forests of
the interior mountain regions
of Central Hondo, at eleva-
tions between 2000 and 3000
feet, horse chestnuts 80 to
loo feet tall, with trunks
3 or 4 feet in diameter, are
not uncommon. These were,
perhaps, the largest decidu-
ous trees on the main island
growing naturally in the
forest that is, which had not
been planted by men and
their escape from destruction
was probably due to their
inaccessible position, and to
the fact that the wood of the
horse chestnut is not particu-
larly valued by the Japanese.
In habit, and in the form,
venation, and colouring of the
leaves, the Japanese horse
chestnut resembles the horse
chestnut of our gardens, the
Grecian ^Esculus Hippocas-
3 6
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
M. turbinata
Japan
Yellowish
tanum, and at first sight it
white
might easily be mistaken for
that tree, but the thyrsus
of flowers of the Japanese
species, which is 10 or 12
inches long, and only 2^ to
3 inches broad, is more
slender ; the flowers are
smaller, and pale yellow,
with short, nearly equal,
petals, ciliate on the mar-
gins ; and the fruit is that of
the Pavias, being smooth,
and showing no trace of the
prickles which distinguish the
true horse chestnuts. The
Japanese horse chestnut
reaches Southern Yezo, find-
ing its most northern home
near Mororan, on the shores
of Volcano Bay, at the level
of the ocean ; it is gene-
rally distributed through the
mountainous parts of the
three southern islands, some-
times ascending in the south
to an elevation of 4000 or
5000 feet. There seems no
reason why this tree, which
has already produced fruit in
France, should not flourish in
our northern states, where,
as well as in Europe, it is still
little known. In Northern
Japan the fruits are exposed
for sale in the shops, although
they are probably used only
asplaythingsforthechildren."
Amelanchier
Rosaceae
A charming family of spring-
flowering trees, graceful in
growth, and of moderate sta-
ture. There are four species,
but dozens of names in cata-
logues ; in fact, the genus is
much mixed up in many
books and lists.
*A. alnifolia
North-West
White ;
This is usually about 8 feet high;
America
Spring
it is very beautiful with its
wealth of white flowers in
compact clusters or racemes,
followed by purple berries.
In the Kew "Arboretum"
Hand-list no less than ten
*A. canadensis
Canada
White ;
synonyms are given.
This flowers about a month
April
before A. alnifolia, and is one
of the first trees to greet us
with its wealth of snow-white
blossom in spring. It should
be planted in a free group.
Juneberry and Snowy Mes-
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 361
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*A. canadensis
Canada
White ;
pilus are its popular names.
April
Eighteen synonyms are given
in the list referred to, the
most usual being A. Botrya-
pium. No small garden
should be without this lovely
small tree ; it is between 6
and 8 feet high, spreading,
and has purplish fruits, whilst
the leaves die off deep golden
yellow, so that the Snowy
Mespilus has many beautiful
phases. There are several
varieties, but the species is
as beautiful as any.
A. oligocarpa
Northern United
White ;
This is quite a dwarf shrub, 3
States,
April and
feet to 4 feet, and the indivi-
and found in bogs
and swamps
May
dual flowers are f inch across.
As it is found in moist places
it should be tried in such posi-
tions in Britain.
A. vulgaris
Europe
White;
This has been in English gar-
April
dens about 300 years. It
is like the Canadian June-
berry or Snowy Mespilus, but
not so beautiful. If only
one Amelanchier is required,
choose A. canadensis.
*Andromedapolifolia
(Moorwort)
Ericaceae ;
widely distributed.
Pink;
Summer
A small shrub about a foot high,
with pretty pink wax-like
flowers in summer. Moist,
peaty soil. See Cassandra,
Leucothoe.Cassiope.Lyonia,
Oxydendron, Pieris, and
Zenobia.
*Berberis acuminata
Berberideae;
China
Bronzy
yellow
Evergreen shrub with red young
wood. Introduced by Messrs.
Veitch.
*B. Aquifolium (Ash
Introduced 1823.
Yellow ;
A common, but handsome ever-
Barberry, Syn. Ma-
honia Aquifolium)
Spread widely
over the west-
early
Spring,
green shrub, reaching a height
of 3 to 5 feet, and clothed
ern side of North
dark green
with dark green pinnate and
America from
leaves of
leathery leaves. The flowers
Nookta Sound
Summer
are bright golden ; they are
southwards.
have a
succeeded by berries, purple
southwards
purplish
when ripe, which add to the
tinge after
ornamental features of the
frost
plant. It is one of the
best shrubs for growing
under trees, and in many
places is planted for game
cover. Distinct varieties are
fascicularis, which is usually
2 feet to 4 feet high and has
narrower leaflets of a duller
*B. buxifolia (Box-
leaved Barberry,
Syn. B. dulcis)
Chili
Yellow;
April and
early May
green than the type.
An upright evergreen bush 5
feet high, clothed with small
box-like leaves, and bearing
drooping blossoms borne on
unusually long stalks. It is
362
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*B. buxifolia (Box-
Chili
Yellow ;
not so handsome as B. Dar-
leaved Barberry,
April and
winii or B. stenophylla, but
Syn. B. dulcis)
early May
flowering before them is on
that account valuable. A
dwarf variety (nana) is a
pretty rock-work plant.
B. concinna
Himalaya
Pale
A little deciduous shrub not
yellow
more than 18 inches high, and
with silvery undersides to the
leaves. It needs a sheltered
spot in good soil.
B. congestiflora var.
hakeoides
Chili
Bright
Yellow
A large interesting bush, with
masses of flowers. Rare.
B. aristata
Himalaya
Yellow
A strong - growing deciduous
shrub, somewhat after the
style of the common Bar-
berry, but chiefly remarkable
from the bright red of the
young bark, which thus forms
a fine winter feature.
*B. Darwinii (Dar-
Chili
Orange
This ranks with B. stenophylla
win's Barberry)
yellow ;
as the most handsome of all
May
Barberries ; and, indeed, it
is in the very front rank of
flowering shrubs. It is of
bold, wide-spreading growth
6 to 8 feet high, and the
masses of dark evergreen
leaves serve admirably as a
setting to the clusters of
orange - coloured blossoms
which are at their best in
May. The purple berries
are very attractive towards
the end of the summer. This
Barberry forms a delightful
lawn shrub, particularly in a
fairly moist soil.
B. empetrifolia
Chili
Yellow ;
Spring
A little evergreen bush less than
2 feet high, and flowering
about the same time as B.
Darwinii. With this just-
named species it shares the
parentage of B. stenophylla,
which is unsurpassed in the
entire genus.
B. nepalensis, Syn.
Nepaul
Yellow
The stateliest of the Ash Bar-
Mahonia nepal-
berries, forming a specimen
ensis
6 feet high, ' and regularly
furnished with long com-
pound leaves. It is, however,
tender, except in the West
of England and Ireland,
where, in a moist, fairly open
soil, it does well. Even there
a sheltered spot should be
chosen for it.
B. repens, Syn. Ma-
North America
,,
Related to B. Aquifolium, and,
honia repens
like that, will do well in shady
spots. It is dwarfer than the
other just mentioned.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 363
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*B. stenophylla
Garden form
Yellow ;
Spring
This is a hybrid between B.
Darwinii and B. empetrifolia,
and a shrub of rare beauty.
The slender arching shoots
are very graceful, and during
the flowering period are com-
pletely wreathed with golden
blossoms. Standing singly
on a lawn, or near water, it
is delightful. It should be
in the smallest collection of
flowering shrubs.
*B. Thunbergi
China and Japan
Pale yellow
and red ;
A spreading shrub 3 or 4 feet
high, with flowers not par-
Spring
ticularly showy, and borne
on the undersides of the
shoots just as the young
leaves are expanding. The
bright]- red berries are very
showy, but they are sur-
passed by the brilliant scarlet
*B. vulgaris (Com-
mon Barberry)
Europe
Yellow;
Spring
of the decaying leaves.
The common Barberry is an
ornamental deciduous shrub
8 to 10 feet high, and is valu-
able from the fact that it
will thrive in dry, stony soils.
Apart from the pale-yellow
flowers in spring, the scarlet
berries are very showy, and
by some are used for pre-
serves. There are many
varieties, the best being the
purple-leaved (purpurea) and
B. wallichiana (Syn.
Himalaya and
Sulphur
white-fruited (fructu albo).
A dense evergreen bush, with
B. Jamesoni, B.
China
Yellow ;
dark green spiny leaves and
Hookerii)
June
pale yellow blossoms. It
grows 4 or 5 feet high.
*B. Wilsonse
China
Rich
A fine shrub, the leaves chang-
golden
ing to an intense crimson
.
colour
colour in autumn. Spines
an inch long.
*Buddleia Colvillei
Himalaya ;
Rosy
A beautiful tree, reaching a
Loganiacese
crimson ;
height of 30 feet in its native
June
country, but it is hardy only
in the extreme West.
*B. globosa (Orange
Chili
Orange
A deciduous shrub, 10 to 12 i
Ball tree)
yellow ;
feet high, with long, willow-
Midsummer
like hoary leaves, and flowers
borne in globular clusters
about midsummer. It is per-
fectly hardy in warm soils in
the South of England, and
is much admired.
B. japonica, Syn. B.
Japan
Lilac ;
This has several well-marked
curviflora
August
features, forming as it does a
deciduous shrub about 4 feet
high, with curiously winged
stems and long curved spikes
of blossoms.
3 6 4
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
B. variabilis
China
Rosy
A free-growing shrub, 6 to 8
purple,
feet high. The variety Mag-
Yellowish
nifica was introduced by
throat ;
Messrs. Veitch from Central
Midsummer
China; rich rose purple.
Prune well back each autumn.
Veitchiana is lighter in colour
and flowers a fortnight sooner.
Cassalpinia japonica
Japan ;
Leguminosae
Canary
yellow ;
Summer
A very interesting shrub, ram-
bling, and with long flexible
shoots with red prickles.
The leaves are a foot long,
and of a pleasing green ; the
flowers, which are in partially
erect racemes, are about i
inch across, and bright canary
yellow in colour, against
which the reddish anthers
are conspicuous. It must not
be planted where it is likely
to get smothered. It has
stood out unharmed for
many years in the Coombe-
wood Nursery (Kingston).
*Calycanthus flori-
dus (American
North America ;
Calycanthaceae
Purplish
red;
A deciduous, much-branched
shrub from 5 to 6 feet high,
Allspice)
July
well worth growing for its
highly fragrant flowers, about
a couple of inches in dia-
meter. It needs a fairly cool,
moist soil.
C. occidental (Cali-
California
Crimson
Much like the preceding, but of
fornian Allspice)
more vigorous growth with
larger flowers.
Cassandra calycu-
North America
White ;
An evergreen under - shrub,
lata (Syn. Andro-
meda calyculata)
April and
May
growing from i to 2 feet high.
The shoots are arching, and
the waxy Lily-of-the- Valley-
like flowers are suspended
from the undersides in con-
siderable numbers. It is a
pretty but by no means showy
shrub, and needs moist, peaty
soil.
Cassiope fastigiata
Himalaya ;
Ericaceae
Pink;
Summer
A pretty little erect growing
shrub about a foot high,
suggesting a Club Moss
or a small Conifer, with tiny
bell-shaped blossoms. It is
suitable only as a rock-work
shrub in moist, peaty soil.
C. hypnoides
Siberia
White
Even smaller than the preced-
ing, and needs the same treat-
ment.
C. tetragona
North America
White
The tiny scale-like leaves of this
and
are arranged in four rows, thus
Northern Europe
giving the branches a curious
square appearance. Succeeds
under the same conditions as
the others. The Cassiopes
are difficult to grow.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
365
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Catalpa
Bignoniaceae
This genus of large deciduous
trees is represented in both
the eastern and western hemi-
spheres, and contains about a
dozen species. Only five of
these are at present in culti-
vation in Britain or are known
to be hardy, two being natives
of North America and three
of China. The Catalpas are
some of the most striking and
beautiful of all hardy trees,
both in regard to foliage and
to flower. The leaves are
large and bold in outline,
and the flowers borne in large
terminal panicles towards the
end of summer. Catalpas
love a rich soil and abundant
moisture. They are particu-
larly well adapted for plant-
ing on the margins of ponds
and water-courses. All the
species have this peculiarity :
they never form a terminal
winter bud. In consequence
of this, every shoot branches
at its apex into two or three
every spring, with the result
that the trees naturally ac-
quire a broad, spreading
habit. This is especially
apparent in the case of iso-
lated trees growing on
lawns a position, it may
be mentioned, in which
Catalpas are seen to ex-
ceptional advantage. In the
forests of North America,
where they are drawn up
by other trees, the Cat-
alpas occasionally attain to
heights of 50 feet to 100
feet. In gardens it may
sometimes be advisable to
help them to reach a moder-
ate height, by keeping them
to a single lead when young.
All the species can be in-
creased by cuttings of the
roots, or of the fairly matured
leafy growths.
*C.bignonioides(Syn.
C. syringaefolia)
Introduced from
North America
Creamy
white
This species is by far the com-
monest and best known of
in 1726
blotched
the Catalpas in Britain. It
with
does not often attain a stature
yellow,
of more than 30 feet, although
and spotted
in its native woods it is met
with purple
with twice as high. The
in the
broadly ovate leaves are in
throat.
healthy trees of mature age
3 66
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Catalpa bignonioides
(Syn. C. syringse-
Introduced from
North America
July and
August
about 6 inches long and 4
inches to five inches wide.
folia)
in 1726
The flower panicles are erect,
branching, and pyramidal,
frequently i foot in diameter
at the base. The flower is
i inches across, with a broad
bell-shaped base, the reflexed
limb being elaborately frilled.
. The thin, kidney-bean-like
fruits are 9 inches to 12 inches
long, but in most parts of the
country are only produced
after exceptionally sunny
seasons. The following vari-
eties are in cultivation: Aurea,
with rich yellow foliage ;
nana, a remarkable low
shrub, 2 feet to 3 feet high,
which never flowers, and can
only be regarded as a curi-
osity ; purpurea, with purple-
C. Bungei
Northern China
White,
tinged leaves and shoots.
Whether the true C. Bungei is
spotted
in cultivation at the present
with
time is very doubtful. Cer-
purple ;
tainly the plants supplied by
they, as well
some nurserymen under this
as the
name are only the dwarf
panicles,
variety (nana) of C. bignoni-
are larger
oides. In any case the true
than in
C. Bungsi has not flowered
Kaempfer's
in Britain. It is a tree 30 feet
Catalpa
high, with either entire or
lobedleaves; they are 4 inches
to 8 inches long, and about
three-fourths as wide.
C. cordifolia (Syn.
United States. It
White,
This is probably the finest
species)
inhabits a more
western region
with yellow
blotches in
species of Catalpa, but is not
yet well known in Britain. In
than C. big-
the throat ;
the United States it is often
nonioides, and
but the
50 feet high, and in excep-
is found in the
purple
tional cases over 100 feet.
States of Ken-
spots are
Owing to its having been
tucky, Louisi-
not so
for a long time confounded
ana, Tennes-
abundant in
with C. bignonioides, this
see, Missouri,
C. bignoni-
species was probably intro-
Texas, &c.
oides, whils
duced unknowingly, and it
the panicles
may exist in some gardens
are large,
under the other name. It
and appear
is said to be somewhat the
about a
hardier of the two.
fortnight
before
C. Fargesii
China. Intro-
Little known of this species yet.
duced to France
by M. Maurice
de Vilmorin,
and sent by
him to Kew in
1899
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
367
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
C. hybrida
A hybrid between
White, with
In the United States this
C. cordifolia
yellow and
appears likely to prove the
and C. Kaemp-
purple
finest of all the Catalpas, ex-
feri. Raised
markings
ceeding even C. cordifolia
nearly thirty
on the
in the vigour of its growth
years ago by
throat
and -the size of its panicles.
Mr. John C.
Four hundred flowers have
Teas in Indiana,
U.S.A.
been borne on a single panicle.
Generally, the plant is inter-
mediate between the two
species that share its parent-
C. Kaempferi
China ;
introduced by
Flowers
i inch
age.
Whilst this species named in
honour of Engelbert Kaemp-
Siebold in 1849
across ;
fer, who visited Japan in the
reddish-
seventeenth century bears
brown and
a strong resemblance to the
purple
American C. bignonioides,
markings
it is neither so fine nor so
ornamental a tree. It has
naturally the same rounded
habit, but is never so large.
The leaves differ in frequently
being more or less lobed.
Kaempfer noted this tree in
Japan, and until a recent
date it was regarded as in-
digenous to that country.
Recent travellers have, how-
ever, concluded it to be (like
many other popular trees in
Japan) of Chinese origin
solely. It is frequent in the
grounds surrounding Bud-
dhist temples in Japan.
*Ceanothus ameri-
Eastern United
Whitish ;
A deciduous shrub, 3 to 4 feet
canus (New Jer-
sey Tea)
States ;
Rhamneae
July and
August
high, that dies partially back
during the winter. The
flowers, which are borne in
good-sized racemes, are at
their best in July and August,
and on that account are very
valuable. It is one of the
hardiest of the Ceanothuses,
and in the South of England
it will flower as a shrub in
the open ground.
*C. azureus
Mexico
Light blue ;
This is not quite so hardy as
July and
the preceding, and it cannot
August
be regarded as a shrub for
the open ground, except in
particularly favoured dis-
tricts. It is, however, a de-
lightful wall shrub. There
are many garden varieties of
this, mostly of Continental
origin, of which may be espe-
cially mentioned Gloire de
Versailles, blue ; Marie
Simon, pink; and Indigo,
deep blue, very beautiful.
3 68
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Ceanothus divarica-
California
Pale blue ;
Suitable only for a wall. With
tus
May and
this amount of protection it
June
will reach a height of 10 feet.
C. papillosus
California
Blue;
Like the last, it is, except in the
May and
extreme west, essentially a
June
wall plant ; it is one of the best.
C. rigidus
California
Purplish
The leaves of this are small
blue;
and neat, and its charming
Spring and
blossoms are on a wall borne
early
sometimes as soon as April,
Summer
and are kept up through
May to June. It will reach
a height of 6 to 8 feet.
C. thyrsiflorus
California
Bright
In its native country this attains
blue;
to the dimensions of a small
Summer
tree, but here it is essentially
a wall plant. The flowers
*C. veitchianus
California
Bright
are in large racemes.
A species with neat dark-green
blue;
leaves. It forms a delightful
May and
wall plant.
June
*Cercis Siliquastmm
(Judas Tree)
South Europe and
West Asia ;
Rose
purple, but
Throughout May and early
June the Judas Tree is very
Leguminosce
varies ;
beautiful, being smothered
May and
with pretty pear-shaped red
June
blossoms. At Kevv it flowers
well in numerous places. It
grows to a height of 20 feet
or more in the Mediterranean
region, though in gardens
here it is more often repre-
sented by bushes of less than
half that height. It thrives in
sandy loam, and likes plenty
of sun and air. The flowers
are produced from all parts
of the stems, much of the old
wood being often smothered
with flowering spurs. A
variety with white flowers is
in cultivation, and this may
also be seen in flower at Kew.
It is very free, and the flowers
are of the purest white. A
beautiful variety. In addi-
tion to this species, C. cana-
densis, from North America,
and C. chinensis, a native of
China and Japan, are also
grown, whilst a fourth species,
C. reniformis, from Western
China, has lately put in an
appearance.
*Chionanthus retusus
Japan
Pure white;
This Chionanthus furnishes one
(Fringe Tree)
Oleaceae
Early
of the many illustrations of
Summer
the close affinity that exists
between the flora of the
United States and that of
Japan, for it is very nearly
related to the American
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
369
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Chionanthus retusus
Japan ;
Pure white ;
Fringe Tree (Chionanthus
(Fringe Tree)
Oleaceae
early
virginicus), from which, how-
Summer
ever, it differs in being a
smaller and more slender
plant, while the clusters of
flowers are rather less dense.
When in bloom there is no
danger of confounding these
Chionanthuseswith any other
tree or shrub, as the pure
white drooping fringe-like in-
florescence is totally distinct
from any thing else. They are
quite hardy, and not particu-
lar as to soil, though a fairly
C. virginica (Ameri-
North America
White,
deep loam suits them best.
An interesting bush, but taller
can Fringe Tree)
narrow,
in its native country.
fringe-like
petals ;
hence the
name
*Choisya ternata
Mexico ;
White ;
This is a shrub for warm soils
(Mexican Orange
Rutaceas
Summer,
and sunny position, when it
Flower)
but much
makes a big, leafy, glossy-
depends
leaved bush, smothered with
upon
clusters of white flowers that,
position
from their appearance and
fragrance, have earned the
shrub the name of Orange
Flower. At Munstead in
Surrey it grows so rampantly
that it has to be cut away to
keep it within reasonable
bounds. In "Wood and
Garden," p. 63, it is men-
tioned, the month is May ;
" The Mexican Orange
Flower (Choisya ternata)
has been smothered in its
white bloom, so closely re-
sembling orange blossom.
With a slight winter protec-
tion of fir boughs it seems
quite at home on hot dry
soil, grows fast, and is very
easy to propagate by layers.
When cut it lasts for more
than a week in winter."
Cistus albidus
South-West
Bright
A shrub 4 to 5 feet high, with
Europe ;
rose;
whitish leaves (hence the
Cistineae
June and
name of albidus) and a pro-
July
fusion of blossoms 2 inches
across. It needs a dry,
warm soil, hence will succeed
on sloping banks, but even
then, in the South of England,
it is apt to be killed by a
very severe winter. This
last paragraph will apply to
the genus Cistus in general.
2 A
37
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
v ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Cistus crispus
Southern Europe
Reddish
Reaches a height of a couple
purple ;
of feet, and bears its saucer-
Summer
shaped blossoms in great
profusion. The individual
flowers are about 2% inches in
diameter.
*C. ladaniferus (Gum
South-West
White ;
A bush 4 to 5 feet high, with
Cistus)
Europe
Summer
large, white, solitary flowers.
The variety maculatus has a
crimson blotch at the base of
each petal.
*C. laurifolius( Laurel-
leaved Cistus)
South of Europe
White ;
July and
A sub-evergreen shrub 5 to 6
feet high, and the hardiest of
August
all the Cistus. Of this there
is also a variety maculatus
blotched at the base with
purple crimson, which forms
a delightful shrub.
C. monspeliensis
South of Europe
White ;
A compact bush 4 feet high, with
Summer
flowers about an inch across.
C. populifolius( Pop-
Levant
White ;
The leaves of this are very
lar-leaved Cistus)
Summer
distinct, being heart-shaped
and long-stalked, whilst the
plant itself will attain a height
of 6 feet.
C. purpureus
South-East
Reddish
This is only suitable for plant-
Europe
purple with
ing in the West of England,
a maroon
blotch
but where not injured by
frost it is a delightful shrub,
a little over a yard high.
*C. villosus
Mediterranean
Reddish
A compact shrub, whose red-
region
purple
dish-purple blossoms are
about 2^ inches across.
Cladrastis amuren-
Amoorland ;
Whitish ;
A very distinct shrub or small
sis (Amoor Yellow
Leguminosae
July
tree, which is perfectly hardy,
Wood)
and has peculiarly greyish-
green leaves. The dense
spikes of small, pea-shaped
blossoms are showv when at
their best. This has deep
descending roots, and holds
its own in sandy soils better
than most shrubs.
*C. tindtoria (Vir-
North America
White
A tree, 30 feet high, clothed
ginian Yellow
with large ornamental pin-
Wood. Syn. Vir-
nate leaves, which die off a
gilia lutea)
rich yellow. The flowers are
white, and in dense drooping
racemes. A fairly moist soil
is necessary for this.
Clethra alnifolia
United States of
White ;
In the United States of America
America ;
August and
the White Alder or Pepper
Ericaceae
early
Bush, as Clethra alnifolia is
September
called, occurs as a native over
a considerable area ; hence
several forms exist, but do
not possess any strongly
marked features, unless it be
the variety tomentosa, which
is certainly the most widely
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 371
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Clethra alnifolia
United States
White ;
removed of all from the typi-
of America
August
cal kind. As a rule the flower-
and early
ing period of the common
September
White Alder extends through-
out August and a little way
into September, at which
last-named period the variety
tomentosa is just unfolding
its earliest blossoms. As the
number of flowering shrubs
that are at their best during
the latter part of September
is very limited, the blooming
of this variety of the Clethra
at that time makes it valu-
able. The varietal name of
tomentosa is derived from
the whitish down on the
undersides of the leaves,
which serves to readily dis-
tinguish it from the other
forms. The flower-spikes,
too, are rather larger, while
the blossoms are as in the
others white. The Clethras
all form rather loose-growing
bushes from 3 feet to 5 feet
high, and delight in a moist
soil of a peaty nature, such
as that in which Rhododen-
drons, Azaleas, and others of
that class flourish.
C. canescens (Syn.
Japan
Milky
A very handsome species
C. barbinervis)
white ;
with dark-green leaves and
Summer
panicles of blossom. Well
worth attention, but is yet
rare.
Colutea arborescens
Mediterranean
Yellow ;
A perfectly hardy, free grow-
(Bladder Senna)
region ;
Leguminosae
May and
June
ing, deciduous shrub, reach-
ing a height of 8 to 12 feet,
clothed with pretty divided
leaves, and with a profusion
of pea-shaped flowers, suc-
ceeded by large inflated seed-
pods, which form a very
noticeable feature. These
pods are green, tinged with
red. The Coluteas are very
useful, as they will thrive in
dry sandy soils where many
shrubs would perish.
*C. cruenta, Syn. C.
Orient
Reddish
After the manner of the last,
orientalis, and C.
from which it differs in
san guinea.
its glaucous leaves, reddish
flowers, and deeper - tinted
seed-pods. It is also some-
what dwarfer.
Coronilla Emerus
Southern Europe;
Yellow-
A free-growing bush 6 feet
(the Scorpion
Senna Coronilla)
Leguminosae
tinged red;
May and
high, with a profusion of pea-
shaped blossoms. It needs
June
a well-drained, warm soil.
372
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Coronilla juncea (the
Rush-like Coron-
South of France
Bright
yellow
An erect shrub less than a yard
high, with rush-like shoots,
illa)
suggesting those of the
Spanish Broom, and also
almost devoid of leaves.
When in full bloom it is
decidedly pretty.
*Corylopsis pauci-
flora
Japan ;
Hamamelideas
Primrose ;
Spring,
before the
This delightful little shrub,
when fully grown, makes a
dense bush, with branches
leaves
6 feet high. The leaves
are small, thin in texture,
prettily tinted when young,
and again in autumn. The
flowers are primrose-yellow
in colour and fragrant. They
are arranged from two to
four together in drooping
catkins from every node
on the previous season's
wood. Though it is quite
hardy in other respects the
flowers are easily damaged
by frost.
C. spicata
Japan
Also
A shrub between 3 and 4 feet
cowslip-
high, and better known than
coloured
C. pauciflora. It flowers in
and
spring before the leaves
scented.
appear.
*Cratsegus (Thorns).
See p. 376.
*Cytisus albus (White
Spain and
White ;
A beautiful and popular Broom.
Spanish or Portu-
guese Broom)
Portugal ;
introduced in
May
It grows with great rapidity,
and flowers bountifully and
1752;
regularly. A bush 6 or 7
Leguminosae
feet high, in full flower is a
delightful picture, and one
never seems to tire of it.
Group it with the common
Broom. It is very cheap
and easily raised from seed.
London says : "In good
soil it is of very rapid growth,
attaining the height of 5 feet
or 6 feet in three or four
years, and in six or eight
years growing as high as 15
feet or even 20 feet if in a
sheltered situation. Placed
by itself on a lawn it forms a
singularly ornamental plant,
even when not in flower, by
the varied disposition and
tufting of its twiggy thread-
like branches. When in
flower it is one of the
finest ornaments of the
garden." Loudon also says
that bees are fond of the
flowers.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 373
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Cytisus albus incar-
Variety
Pinkish
Rare, and not so beautiful as
natus
the parent.
*C. Ardoini
Maritime Alps
Pure
Quite a dwarf Broom, a few
yellow ;
inches high. It is a charming
April and
Broom for the rock garden,
May
placing it where it can spread
out its shoots on all sides.
It is happiest in sun and dry
soil as the other Brooms.
*C. austriacus (Aus-
Native of Austrian
Yellow ;
C. banaticus and C. serotinus
trian Broom)
woods, also of
Italy and Sibe-
July and
August
are synonyms. The chief
value of this Broom is in
ria. Introduced
its late flowering, when its
in 1741
yellow flower clusters are
very welcome.
C. a. leucanthus
Variety
Very pale
Not important.
yellow,
sometimes
almost
white
C. biflorus
Hungary
Bright
This is not so important as
yellow ;
the Moonlight Broom, An-
May
dreanus, and some others.
It grows about 3 feet high,
but even in a group it is not
imposing.
C. capitatus
Found on wood
Yellow ;
This is also a dwarf and not
edges in Austria
June
important Broom.
and introduced
in 1774
C. hirsutus
Asia Minor and
Yellow ;
This is another dwarf and un-
South of Europe.
June
important shrub.
Introduced in 1739
*C. kewensis
Hybrid between
Creamy
A most interesting and beau-
C. albus and
white ;
tiful Broom, which, as it
C. Ardoini
May
becomes better known, will
be popular in gardens. It
was raised in the Royal
Gardens, Kew ; hence the
name, C. Ardoini being the
seed parent. It is only suit-
able for the rock garden,
where its slender shoots can
spread out and form a mantle
of soft colouring, or to make
a spreading group on the
grass. There is little trace
in it of C. albus, except in
the flower colouring. This
is a Broom for all good
gardens.
*C. nigricans
Austria
Bright
This is also a lovely Broom, so
yellow ;
named because it turns black
July and
when dried. It should be in
August
the smallest list of beautiful
flowering shrubs, and it is
singular that it is so seldom
seen. The growth is bushy
and smothered with flowers
in July and August, some-
times before, and lasts a long
374
TREES AND SHRUBS
1
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Cytisus nigricans
Austria
Bright
yellow ;
while in beauty. Sunshine
and poor soil bring out its
July and
finest qualities. One can
August
scarcely say too much in its
praise, especially as it blooms
at a time few trees and shrubs
are in flower.
*C. praecox
Hybrid between
Sulphur
One of the most fascinating
C. purgans and
yellow ;
of all flowering shrubs. It
C. albus
April to
makes clouds of soft colour-
May
ing, every shoot hidden with
the wealth of bloom ; whilst
when out of flower there is
beauty in the brilliant green
colouring of the long slender
shoots. It is a shrub to
make groups of in the flower
garden, grows quickly, does
not soon get " leggy," and is
very dense. The big groups
of it on the grass in the Royal
Gardens, Kew, are one of the
delights of the spring season
there. The ordinary shrub-
bery is the worst place for it,
all its gracefulness is lost,
there is no fountain of flowers
from the slender shoots. It
is best raised from cuttings, as
seedlings are apt to reproduce
C. albus only. Also well
known as Genista praecox.
C. purgans
South and Central
Yellow
Chiefly of note because it is one
Europe
of the parents of C. praecox,
but is of little account for the
English garden. It is neces-
sary in a collection, but no-
where else.
*C. purpureus
Found in Eastern
Europe in exposed
Purple
A delightful shrub when pro-
perly placed. London's ad-
situations
vice to graft it "on the
laburnum standard high " is
bad, and has been followed
in many gardens. This way
of treating the shrub is utterly
foreign to its nature ; it is a
trailing Broom, and there-
fore should be planted on the
rough garden or some bank
where it can spread in its
own way. We have seen it
falling over a boulder and
making a trail of purple
colouring in May. Rare
varieties are albus, white,
and one with flowers of rose
tint. The famous Cytisus
Ad ami is the outcome of
grafting this species on the
Scotch laburnum (L. al-
pinum). This curious graft-
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 375
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Cytisus purpureus
Found in Eastern
Purple
hybrid usually excites much
Europe in exposed
interest when in flower, both
situations
yellow and purple racemes
C. sessilifolius
A native of the
Yellow ;
appearing on the same tree.
A Broom for a collection, but
south of France
May
without the effectiveness of
and Piedmont,
C. praecox, Andreanus, and
and was culti-
others.
vated in Britain
by Parkinson in
C. Schipkaensis
Introduced
White
This is a charming little rock-
garden shrub, and very rare
as yet, but well worth noting
for its distinctiveness and
freedom.
*C. scoparius (Com-
Europe
Yellow
The hardy Cytisuses are popu-
mon Broom)
larly known as Brooms, and
the Broom of the waste lands
of the British Isles is Cytisus
scoparius, which makes
clouds of golden yellow in
the early summer. Many a
dryish bank now flowerless
-might be made beautiful with
this glorious shrub. Where
Broom is not plentiful as a
wild plant, and therefore
generally where the soil is
not suitable for it, the soil
should be made so ; it need
only be well drained and
open.
*C. s. andreanus
Choice variety
Brownish
This varies considerably from
found in Nor-
crimson
seed, and often reverts to the
mandy by M. Ed.
Andr6, after whom
it is named
and yellow;
Spring
typical yellow Broom. If
possible get own root-plants
from original stock. A beau-
tiful shrub, which we can
scarcely have too much of,
but in some gardens it is
used too freely. When in
full bloom, and the variety is
t
rich in colouring, it is superb.
C. s. pendulus
(Drooping
Variety
Pale yellow
Quite a pendulous variety,
but uncommon. It is appa-
Broom)
rently little known, though
so charming when on a bank
or rock garden. A group of
it in either of these positions
would be a revelation to
those who know not the
value of this family for the
English garden.
*C. s. sulphureus
Variety
Pale yellow
Described by Loudon in his
(pallidus), (Moon-
" Arboretum " as C. s. albus,
light Broom)
"the flowers white or of a
very pale yellow." It is a
rare shrub, but should not
be so. Mr. Goldring writes
of it in "The Garden" as
376
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Cytisus scoparius
Variety
Pale yellow
follows : ' ' The Moonlight
sulphurous (palli-
dus), (Moonlight
Brown is a very old variety,
as it was described by Loudon
Broom)
sixty years ago, but it is still
a rare shrub, not easily ob-
tainable, though it is grown
in some of the largest nur-
series. Its pale yellow flowers
are in beautiful harmony with
the rich yellow of the type
Andreanus. The only private
garden where I have seen it
in established mass is that
of Mrs. Robb at Liphook,
where all kinds of tree and
shrub varieties are treasured.
I do not know if it comes
true from seed, but I fancy
not."
C. s. flore-pleno
Variety
Yellow
A so-called double variety in
which some of the petals are
duplicated, but it is not finer
than the type, though it is
interesting as one of the few
double varieties in pea-shaped
flowers.
Crataegus (Thorns)
Rosaceae
The Crataegus family comprises
nearly 100 species and vari-
eties, contains some of the
most beautiful of small gar-
den trees, both with regard
to the charm of their white,
pink, and scarlet flowers, and
the scarlet, black, and yellow
fruits. Most of the Thorns
are either large shrubs or
small trees, and are specially
suitable for small gardens,
whilst none of them require
particular attention, as all
will grow in almost any soil
and situation. Old trees
occasionally require to be
relieved of small wood and
decaying branches, and a
good top-dressing of manure
is beneficial sometimes to
those which flower and fruit
freely; but beyond this Thorns
need no attention after they
have been planted and
become established. The
species can be increased by
seeds, which are obtained by
gathering the fruits when
ripe, and mixing them with
sand. The mixture of fruits
and sand should then be put
in a heap in a sheltered place
out-of-doors, and covered
with a few turfs. By the
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 377
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Cratsegus (Thorns)
Rosaceae
following spring the fruits
will have rotted, and the
seeds can be separated and
sown. A fair proportion will
germinate the first year, and
the remainder the second.
Many of the Thorns can
also be propagated by root
cuttings. For this purpose
healthy, vigorous shoots, as
thick as a man's finger,
should be obtained in autumn
or winter, and cut into pieces
four inches to eight inches
in length, cutting the end
nearest the stem flat, and the
other slanting, so that either
end can be readily distin-
guished. These should be in-
serted upright in the ground,
with the tops nearly or just
covered ; they soon form
roots, and grow into strong
plants. The genus is found
practically throughout the
temperate region, from
Europe throughout the East
and Central Asia to China
and Japan, and in North
America. One species i?
found in Mexico but this,
and in fact all the Thorns
are hardy in this country.
*C. Azarolus
South-East
Europe and Asia
Minor
Pure white;
late Spring
This grows to a height of about
20 feet. It is very showy, and
has pure white flowers fol-
lowed by large yellow fruits ;
the leaves are about twice
the size of those of the Haw-
thorn, and rather deeply
cut. Cratsegus Aronia is a
synonym.
*C. Carrierei
A reputed hybrid,
Pure white;
A very handsome Thorn, 12
but parentage
late Spring
feet to 15 feet, shapely, leaves
unknown. Sup-
large, bright glossy green
posed to be C.
above, whitish beneath.
mexicana and
Flowers appear freely in large
C. tomentosa
corymbs, followed by clusters
of pear-shaped green fruits,
which hang on the tree until
*C. coccinea (the
Scarlet Thorn)
North America ;
introduced in 1683
White ;
late Spring
the end of the year, changing
finally to dull, yellowish red.
This is one of the most striking
of all the thorns ; it has large
bright - green leaves, and
flowers nearly an inch across,
and in dense corymbs. These
are followed by clusters of
brilliant scarlet - coloured
fruits. There are several
varieties equal to or even
378
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Cratsegus coccinea
(the Scarlet Thorn)
North America ;
introduced in 1683
White ;
late Spring
finer than the species. One
is *Macracantha, which has
spines sometimes 5 inches
long, and bright scarlet haws,
not so large as those of the
species, but produced more
abundantly. It should be
more frequently seen in gar-
dens, and is worthy to rank
as a species. Indentata has
deeply-cut leaves and bright-
red fruits.
*C. cordata (Wash-
North America
White ;
This is a small tree with thin,
ington Thorn)
June
glossy, heart-shaped leaves
and small flowers, orange-red
fruits, not unlike those of
C. Pyracantha, and carried
late in the year. Birds, how-
ever, enjoy them.
C. Crus-galli (the
North America
White;
This is a handsome American
Cockspur Thorn)
June
Thorn, and one of the most
striking of the whole family.
It has stout, glossy leaves
and formidable spines, these
often being from 3 to 4 inches
long, and gave rise to the
popular name. The brick-
red fruits hang on the tree
long after the leaves have fal-
len, and make a bright winter
picture. There are several
varieties. Arbutifolia has
shorter spines and smaller
fruits than the type ; the
leaves are also narrower and
duller in colour ; linearis has
long linear leaves and bright-
red fruits. Ovalifolia has
large oval shining leaves
and bright scarlet fruits, it
is rather more upright than
the type. *Splendens makes
a handsome, shapely tree
about 20 feet high, and
flowers and fruits very freely ;
the leaves are rounded, green,
and shining, and the flowers
pure white, in small corymbs,
and followed by bright-scarlet
fruits.
C. Douglasii
Western side of
North America
White ;
late Spring
This is a large irregular-shaped
tree 20 feet to 30 feet, and
has short stout spines about
an inch long ; the flowers
appear in small clusters, and
the fruits are small and black.
Wood and spines are brown
and quite shiny. Rivularis
has smaller and thicker
leaves, and shorter and
stouter wood.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
379
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Crataegus hiemalis
Probably a hybrid,
White ;
A tree 15 feet to 20 feet high,
but origin un-
Spring
round shining leaves, and
known
rather large black fruits,
which are the first to ripen
of the Thorns.
*C. melanocarpa
Caucasus
White ;
A very handsome Thorn. It
Spring
is a small flat-topped tree of
medium height, the leaves
somewhat like those of the
Hawthorn in shape, and
covered with a thick grey
tomentum ; the fruits are
small, black, and shining.
C. mollis
United States
White,
Like C. coccinea, but even
with a
handsomer. It is a small tree,
small red
15 feet high, with spreading
mark at
head, and large firm leaves
the base
slightly woolly on the back ;
of each
the flowers are large, and
petal
succeeded by bright-crimson,
medium-sized fruit.
C. nigra
Eastern Europe
White ;
This makes a fair-sized tree,
May
and has small black fruit.
The foliage is very abundant,
deeply cut, and woolly on
both sides. It almost hides
flowers and fruit.
*C. orientalis
Europe
White ;
A handsome Thorn in fruit.
May
It is a small flat-topped tree,
and has large clusters of
flowers, the oval fruits being
yellowish red. Sanguinea is
a very showy variety, with
deep ruby-red fruits, but the
scarlet colour of the type is
brighter.
*C. Oxyacantha
Widely distrib-
White ;
Too well known to describe. It
(Hawthorn, White
uted, Europe,
May
has been divided into two
Thorn, May)
Western Asia,
sub-species, viz. C. mono-
and North
gyna, in which there is usually
Africa
only one style in the flowers
and one seed in the fruit, and
C. oxyacanthoides, where the
number of styles is usually
three, and from two to four
seeds in the fruit. These
differences are generally de-
cided. There are other dif-
ferences also in growth diffi-
cult to explain, but can be
detected easily by an experi-
enced eye.
C. monogyna (sub-
This is the Hawthorn of the
species)
hedgerows, and there are
many varieties. Twenty-
eight are recorded in the
Kew Hand-list. The most
beautiful are aurea, with
golden-yellow haws, crispa
pendula, a pretty weeping
tree ; Gum peri versicolor,
3 8o
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Crataegus monogyna
(sub-species)
very handsome deep - red,
shading to pink in the centre ;
laciniata, a handsome tree
with deeply cut leaves, some-
times called C. apiifolia, but
must not be confounded with
North American species of
that name. Macrocarpa has
larger fruits than the type,
oxyphylla, large white flowers
and handsome fruits, around-
headed tree. Praecox is the
Glastonbury Thorn, sup-
posed to flower at Christmas,
but rarely does so owing to
frost. This is the Thorn
which is associated with the
famous legend. *Semper-
florens is a good variety, a
low - growing tree, which
flowers for a much longer
period than the other Thorns.
Stricta makes a dense up-
right-growing tree, 30 feet or
more high ; it grows rapidly,
and when in flower is strik-
ingly distinct in appear-
ance.
C. oxyacanthoides
This is distinguished from C.
(sub-species)
monogyna by the styles and
seeds as stated above ; and
also by the larger leaves,
flowers, and fruit. All the
double -flowered Thorns be-
long to this section. Atro-
fusca, a large, shapely tree,
of weeping growth ; the
flowers large, pure white,
and the fruits fair sized and
abundantly produced. *Flore-
pleno albo, the double white
Thorn, with purest white
flowers. This, like the other
double Thorns, rarely fruits.
*Flore-pleno coccineo, the
double Scarlet Thorn, one of
the most beautiful of trees
when covered with its scarlet
flowers. Very pleasing when
grouped with the double
white variety or the Labur-
num ; *Paul's double Scarlet,
a well-known and beautiful
Thorn. *Flore puniceo, a
rich purplish pink, single,
and fructu luteo, bright
yellow fruits, effective in
autumn.
*C. pinnatifida
China and
Pure
The variety *major is the
Central Asia
white ;
best to grow. It is stronger,
May
and has very large leaves,
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Crataegus pinnatifida
China and
Central Asia
Pure
white ;
4 to 6 inches long, thick and
shining. It does not show
May
its true beauty until of some
age, but it is a hardy tree of
great beauty. The flowers
are in large corymbs, and
the fruits are of 'an intense
shining red, pear-shaped, and
make a bright picture in
autumn. This variety is often
labelled C. Layi.
*C. punctata
East and North
Amenca
Variable
A good garden tree ; it is vari-
able, but the accepted type
has white flowers and bright
red fruits as large as a small
Crab apple. Another form
has smaller deep ruby -red
fruits. Brevispina, striata,
and xanthocarpa are varie-
ties, the last mentioned with
bright yellow fruits.
*C. Pyracantha
(Fiery Thorn)
South Europe,
in hedges and
rough ground
White
An evergreen Thorn. Intro-
duced in 1629, and a well
known shrub. Its charms
consist in its dense glossy
leaves and brilliant masses
of scarlet berries. It can be
grown as a bush or trained
up a wall or trellis. It is so
brilliant when in fruit that
the French call it buisson
ardent, or Burning Bush.
This Thorn should be more
grown as a bush, and not
confined as it usually is to a
south wall. As the fruits are
bitter they are not cared for
by the birds, and thus make
a display through the winter.
Laelandi is a variety with
larger and deeper coloured
fruits.
C. sanguinea
Siberia
White ;
This is not of great garden
May
value, but effective in winter
owing to the red bark. Son-
gorica is a variety also with
reddish bark.
*C. tanacetifolia
Levant ;
White ;
This is rare, and can be recog-
9^ansy - leaved
horn)
introduced 1789
May
nised by bracts at the base
of the fruits. The fruits are
very large, yellow, and of
good flavour, and eaten in
the native country of the tree.
The specimen at Kew flowers
regularly and abundantly
every year.
C. spathulata
United States
White ;
A very distinct Thorn, small,
May
and the leaves are persistent,
remaining on until the New
Year. The fruits are very
small and scarlet.
382
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Cratsegus tomen-
tosa
Eastern United
States
White ;
June
A late flowering and handsome
Thorn when its orange-yellow
fruits are in perfection, but
the birds soon consume them.
C. uniflora
North America,
Creamy
More curious than beautiful ;
and introduced
white ;
it is only 2 feet to 3 feet high
by the famous
early
and has greenish haws.
tree bishop,
June
Bishop Comp-
ton, in 1713
Cyrilla racemiflora
Florida to North
White
Quite a shrub, 4 feet to 6 feet
Carolina, &c.
high, very rare, although
Cyrillea
introduced as long ago as
1765. The flowers are in
drooping racemes on pre-
vious season's growth.
*Daboecia polifolia,
St.Dabeoc'sHeath
Western Europe
and Ireland ;
Rosy
purple,
A pretty little Heath-like shrub
growing about 18 inches high,
(Syn. Andromeda
Ericaceae
bell-shaped ;
and producing erect spikes
Daboecia)
May, and
of comparatively large bell-
throughout
shaped blossoms. It is the
Summer and
most continuous blooming of
Autumn
its class. There is a beautiful
pure white variety alba.
Daphne alpina (Al-
Alps of Europe ;
White ;
A spreading deciduous shrub,
pine Daphne)
Thymalseaceae
May and
with white, sweet-scented
June
flowers. It grows about a
couple of feet high, and is
essentially a shrub for the
rockwork, as it is particularly
>
happy when the roots are
*D. blagayana
Carniola
Ivory white;
wedged between stones.
Like the last, this forms a
March and
spreading bush, and is equ-
April
ally at home under similar
positions. It is, however,
of an evergreen character ;
the ivory white are very
sweet-scented blossoms. It
is worthy of a place among
the most select Daphnes, but
difficult to grow well.
*D. Cneorum (Gar-
South Europe
Bright rose ;
A delightful little evergreen,
land Flowery
May to June
with highly fragrant blos-
soms. A good proportion
of vegetable soil is necessary
to its welldoing.
D. Genkwa (Japan-
Japan
Lilac
In its flowers this Daphne close-
ese Lilac)
ly resembles the Lilac, so
that it is frequently mistaken
for that well-known shrub. It
needs the protection of a wall
D. Laureola (Spurge
South Europe
Yellowish
in most parts of England.
The flowers of this are not par-
Laurel)
and North Africa
green
ticularly showy, but as an
evergreen bush some 3 or 4
feet high it is valuable from
the fact that it will thrive
under the drip of trees, and
is one of the few evergreens
absolutely rabbit proof.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
383
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
"Daphne Mezereum
(the Mezereon)
Northern Europe
Red;
early year
This is an upright deciduous
bush that flowers in February
or March according to the
season. At that time the
still leafless branches are
packed for some distance
with the pretty fragrant
blossoms, so that it may
be regarded as the most
showy shrub at that time in
bloom. There is a variety
(alba) with white blos-
soms, and another (autum-
nalis or grandiflora) that
blooms before Christmas.
A cool, loamy soil suits this
best.
*D. oleoides (Syn. D.
South Europe
Purplish
A neat growing evergreen bush
fioniana, Syn. D.
rose
about a yard high, whose
neapolitana)
flowers are often borne
throughout the greater part
of the year. It is less at-
tractive than some of the
others.
D. pontica
Asia Minor
Yellow
A good deal in the way of
Daphne Laureola, but the
flowers are of a brighter
yellow, and are borne in
April and May, whereas D.
Laureola flowers in February
and March.
D. sericea (Syn. D.
Deep pink
A compact evergreen 2 to 3 feet
collina)
high, clothed with dark-green
box-like leaves, while the
terminal clusters of flowers
are borne in early Spring. It
prefers a cool, fairly moist,
yet well-drained soil.
*Deutzia crenata (Syn.-
D. scabra)
Japan ;
Saxifrageae
White ;
Midsummer
A bold growing and handsome
deciduous shrub, with white
blossoms. There is a double-
flowered variety, tinged with
purple on the outside, known
as D. crenata flore-pleno
purpurea. Both are beautiful
shrubs that will thrive in
most soils.
*D. discolor purpur-
China
White,
This has pretty purple-tinged
ascens
tinged
blossoms borne in flattened
purple ;
corymbs, and not, when in
late May
the bud state, liable to be
*D. gracilis
Japan
White ;
injured by late spring frosts.
The best known of all the
Spring
Deutzias, forming a compact
bush a couple of feet high,
and bearing masses of its
pretty white blossoms.
*D. hybrida
Hybrid
White and
There are now several beautiful
pink
hybrid Deutzias, viz. , hybrida
rosea, hybrida venusta, kal-
maeflora, Lemoinei, Lemoi-
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Deutzia hybrida
Hybrid
White and
nei compacta, all of which
pink
merit a place in gardens.
*D. parviflora
China
White;
end of
An upright shrub 5 feet high,
with flattened clusters of white
April and
blossoms, very suggestive of
early May
those of the Hawthorn.
* Diervillaflorida
Japan ;
Rose;
A beautiful free-growing, free-
(Syn. Weigela am-
Caprifoliacese
Summer
flowering shrub, that will
abilis, W. rosea
hold its own almost any-
where. Its flowering time is
in May or early June, but
occasionally there is an
Autumn display. Beside
the original species there
are many garden varieties,
all of which are beautiful,
but there are so many that a
selection is necessary. Three
of the best are : Candida,
white; * Abel Carriere, bright
rose ; and * Eva Rathke,
claret crimson, which lasts
in flower more or less from
May till the end of the
Summer. Other good varie-
ties are : Dr. Baillon, red ;
Grcenewegenii, rose and
white ; hortensis nivea, white,
spreading habit ; Looymansi
aurea, golden leaves; prae-
cox, rose, earlier than any of
the others; and P. Dur-
chartre, purplish red. In
any selection of flowering
shrubs some of the Weigelas
must certainly have a place.
D. middendorfiana
Siberia
Yellowish
Remarkable among Weigelas
n
for its distinct yellow flowers.
Though pretty in itself, it is
likely to prove of more value
in the production of new
varieties by crossing it with
the older kinds.
Enkianthus campan-
Japan ;
Dark red
A very charming and interest-
ulatus
Ericaceae
ing shrub resembling one of
the Andromeda. A tree in
its native country. The
flowers are pendent and in
clusters.
Epigasa repens
Ericaceae.
Pale white,
In Bailey's "Cyclopaedia of
(Trailing Arbutus,
Ground Laurel,
The most popular
of wild flowers
with pink
tint ; very
American Horticulture " it
is mentioned : " The cul-
Mayflower)
in New England
sweetly
tivation of the Trailing
scented ;
Arbutus, especially in dis-
Spring
tricts where it has been
exterminated by ruthless
' mayflower parties,' always
attracts interest. . . . Occurs
in sandy and rocky woods,
especially under evergreen
trees, in earliest Spring.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 385
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Epigaea repens
Ericaceae.
Pale white,
Thrives only in humid soil
(Trailing Arbutus,
Ground Laurel,
The most popular
of wild flowers
with pink
tint ; very
and shady situations. Trans-
planted with difficulty. Best
Mayflower)
in New England
sweetly
scented ;
on north side of a hill in
bright, sandy soil, mixed with
Spring
leaf mould. Once established,
it spreads rapidly. Propa-
gated by division of old
plants, layers, or cuttings.
Seeds are rarely found, but
when found may be used,
though slow to develop."
My experience is that it likes
a damp, shady ditch side in
peaty soil. Mr. G. F. Wilson
planted it near to Shortia
galacifolia, and the two were
quite happy together.
Erinacea pungens
Spain ;
Blue;
Somewhat resembling the
Leguminosae
May and
dwarf-growing Genistas is
June
this extremely rare and
pretty little shrub. It grows
very slowly, and seldom
attains a height of 9 inches,
spreading out in a mat-like
mass rather than growing in
an upward direction. The
branches are short, stiff, and
spiny, and what few leaves
there are are small. The
pea - shaped blossoms come
from the axils of short, spiny
branches, and are blue. This
plant has been in cultivation
for a great number of years,
never, however, having be-
come at all common. This
is no doubt due to the great
difficulty there is in propa-
gating it. Seeds appear to
be the only means of in-
crease, and these are borne
very sparingly even when
the plant is growing under
natural conditions. It has
been said to be a tender
plant, but it has withstood
several winters out of doors
at Kew without injury.
Plants are to be seen there
near the Temperate house,
Escallonia illinita
Chili ;
White ;
and they flower every year.
A neat evergreen shrub 4 to 5
Saxifrageae
Summer
feet high, with pretty white
flowers. It is only in mild dis-
tricts, such as the South and
West of England, that the Es-
callonias are seen attheirbest.
*E. macrantha (Syn.
Chiloo
Crimson
The finest of all the Escallonias,
E. Ingrami)
red;
and one of the hardiest. It
Summer
is a free-growing shrub over
2 B
3 86
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Escallonia mac-
Chiloe
Crimson
6 feet high, clothed with rich
rantha (Syn. E.
red;
green shiny leaves, and the
Ingrami)
Summer
bright-coloured fuschia-like
flowers are freely borne. It
is a good wall-plant, and
.
stands the sea-breeze well.
Raised by Messrs. J. Veitch
E. langleyensis
Hybrid
Rose
carmine
between E. sanguinea and
E. philippiana. It has small,
dark-green leaves, and an
abundance of brightly col-
oured flowers. A good shrub.
Grows from 8 to 10 feet high,
E. montevidensis
Montevideo
White
and bears its clusters of white
(Syn. E. floribuncla)
flowers in great profusion.
It is too tender for planting
except in the extreme West
of England and in Ire-
land.
*E. philippiana
Valdivia
White ;
Will succeed as a bush in the
Summer
neighbourhood of London,
where its small white flowers
are borne in the greatest pro-
fusion.
E. punctata
Chili
Deep red ;
A much - branched evergreen
E. rubra
Chili
July
Red;
shrub 5 to 6 feet high.
Differs from the last in the
Summer
absence of spots on the young
and early
leaves, in the flowers being
Autumn
rather lighter in colour, and
borne for a longer period.
Exochorda grandi-
China;
May;
See p. 2.
flora
Rosaceae
White
*Forsythia (Golden
Bell) intermedia
Oleaceae ; hybrid
between F. sus-
Yellow;
Spring
This is a charming early shrub.
It may be either grouped or
pensa and F.
trained, but one has to be
viridis sima.
careful not to make it too
Represents the
stiff. It is quite hardy, and
two parents
a bush.
*Forsythia suspensa
China
Yellow ;
A graceful and beautiful
(Syn. F. Fortunei
Spring
rambling shrub, now well
and F. Sieboldi)
known. It succeeds well in
London that is, if given
anything like favourable con-
ditions. A fence fully ex-
posed to the sun in a London
backyard is clothed with it,
and each recurring spring the
Forsythia flowers profusely,
and forms an object of great
beauty. Immediately the
season of blooming is past
the plant is severely pruned,
the old and exhausted wood
being cut out and the vigor-
ous shoots spurred back to
within three or four eyes of
the base. This results in
the production of long, wand-
like shoots, which are allowed
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
387
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER,
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Forsythia suspensa
(Syn. F. Fortune!
and F. Sieboldi)
China
Yellow ;
Spring
*F. viridissima
Fraxinus Ornus
/Flowering Ash),
(Syn. Ornus euro-
paea)
F. floribunda (Syn.
Ornus floribunda)
China
Mediterranean
region and Orient
Himalaya
Yellow ;
Spring
Creamy
white ;
late May
White;
Summer
to develop at will, hence they
dispose themselves in a loose
and informal way, and being
from the position of the plant
thoroughlyripened, the spring
display is in every way satis-
factory. When autumn prun-
ing is done the best portion
of the flowering wood gets
cut away.
Quite a bush, and very hand-
some when in full bloom.
Likes full sun and air.
This is a very charming lawn
tree with luxuriant panicles
of flowers, and foliage like
that of the common ash.
Angustifolia, latifolia, and
variegata are varieties.
Rather tender, but very vigor-
ous and handsome.
FUCHSIA. Though the genus Fuchsia is an extensive one, most of them are of more
value in the greenhouse than outdoors that is to say, throughout the greater part
of the country. Still there are a few quite hardy Fuchsias, for, even if cut to the
ground during severe winters they soon recover, while in particularly favoured
districts, such as in the West of England and the Isle of Wight, they grow un-
checked into large bushes, and sometimes make delightful hedges. Few flower-
ing shrubs are more beautiful than F. corallina and F. Riccartoni when in full
bloom. The hardiest are :
Fuchsia corallina
(Syn. F. exoniensis)
*Fuchsia globosa
*F. gracilis
Garden origin
Onagraceae
Chili
Mexico
Red;
Summer
and
Autumn
Red;
Summer
and
Autumn
Red;
Summer
and
Autumn
A plant of more vigorous
growth, and with larger
leaves and flowers than any
of the other hardy Fuchsias.
It is very popular in the West
of England, but is not nearly
so effective when cut to the
ground each winter as some
of the others are.
A free-growing Fuchsia which,
if cut to the ground, pushes
up long, wand-like shoots
that branch out freely, and
towards the latter part of
the summer are smothered
with bright-coloured flowers.
In the bud state these are of
a globose shape, hence its
specific name.
The name gracilis well ex-
presses the prominent fea-
tures of this Fuchsia, for,
though as vigorous as glo-
bosa, it is far more slender
and graceful. Where not
perfectly hardy the droooing
flowers are seen to great
advantage when the shrub is
trained to a wall, and planted
in a permanent bed the old
3 88
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Fuchsia gracilis
Mexico
Red;
stools will, even in the North
Summer
of England, pass unscathed
and
through the winter, if pro-
Autumn
tected by a mulch of decayed
leaves. Very tender.
*Fuchsia Riccartoni
Garden Origin
Red;
Summer
This has the reputation of being
the hardiest of all the hardy
and
Fuchsias. It is in appear-
Autumn
ance about midway between
F. gracilis and F. globosa,
and is as good as F. gracilis.
*Garrya elliptica
California ;
Cornaceoe
Greenish ;
Winter and
A handsome evergreen shrub
with very dark green,
very early
leathery, oval leaves, about
Spring
3 inches long. Its most not-
able feature is the long, pen-
dulous male catkins, with
which the plant is freely
draped during the early
months of the year. This
Garrya is all the better for
the protection of a wall in
most parts of the country.
The male and female flowers
are borne on separate plants,
the male being, owing to its
catkins, by far the most orna-
mental.
Genista
Leguminosae
......
A popular group of shrubs,
allied to the Cytisus, and de-
lighting in dry sandy soils.
A group of the finer species
is very rich in colour when
in flower.
*G. asthnensis
Slopes of Mount
Golden
This Broom is perfectly hardy
Etna, in Sicily
yellow ;
near London. It is one of
July and
the rarest of shrubs in
August
gardens in spite of its
beauty, and it flowers in
July and August, a season
when even inferior flowering
shrubs are not plentiful. It
has a rather gaunt, yet not
inelegant habit, and assumes
a somewhat tree-like form
when old, being often re-
duced to a single stem at the
base. It carries, however,
a wide head of thin cord-
like, arching or pendulous
branches, with little or no
foliage except when the wood
is quite young. The flowers
are of a rich golden-yellow,
and during the series of hot
summers we have experienced
in recent years have been es-
pecially abundant. It would,
indeed, be difficult to find a
shrub better adapted for hot,
light soils than this, a fact
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 389
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Genista aethnensis
Slopes of Mount
Etna, in Sicily
Golden
yellow ;
July and
that is amply proved by the
way it succeeds at Kew. It
is a good plant for associating
August
with medium - sized ever-
greens, which hide its bare
stems and render it more
effective when in flower. It
grows 10 feet to 14 feet high,
and is thus one of the tallest
if not the tallest of the
Brooms hardy in Britain. It
ripens seed freely, and is
best propagated by that
means.
G. cinerea
South-West
Yellow ;
This is a shrubby plant for the
Europe
July
rock-garden in sunny places.
*G. hispanica
South-West
Europe
Yellow ;
July
A dwarf and charming shrub,
i foot to 2 feet high, and
when in bloom covered with
flowers. One of the best of
its race.
G. monosperma
Sicily
White
Not well known but interesting.
Sandy soil. Tender.
G. pilosa
Europe, England
Rich
Yellow;
A prostrate plant for the rock
garden. Ordinary soil.
May and
June
*G. radiata
Central and
Yellow ;
Very beautiful when in full
Southern Europe
Summer
flower on the rock garden,
and will even succeed in a
rough wall.
G. sagittalis
Europe
Yellow ;
Another dwarf species for rock
May and
garden.
June
G. tinctoria
Britain
Yellow ;
The double variety flore-pleno
July and
and elatior are finer than
September
the species. Elatior makes
quite a bush and is very
attractive when in full
bloom.
*G. virgata
Madeira
Yellow ;
This must attain a certain age
June and
and size before it displays
July
its full beauty, small plants
flowering sparsely or not at
all, while older specimens
are a glorious sight during
the period of flowering.
Thoroughly hardy in at least
the southern half of Eng-
land, self-sown seedlings of it
*>
having been known to spring
up in considerable numben
under old plants in sheltered
positions. In a shrubbery or
wood it makes a brilliant blaze
of yellow. It succeeds in
almost any soil or situation
provided it is not too heavy or
wet. Under favourable con-
ditions it reaches a height o
16 feet to 20 feet, with rather
390
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Genista virgata
Madeira
Yellow ;
June and
straggling branches, every
little twig of which is covered
July
with flowers in season. The
leaves are about half an inch
in length, and covered with
white, silky hairs on the un-
der side and a few scattered
ones on the upper surface.
Easily raised from seed. Ex-
cellent for barren land.
Gordonia Lasian-
Virginia to
White ;
A sub-evergreen shrub 6 to 8
thus (Loblolly
Bay)
Florida ;
Ternstrcemiaceae
July
feet high, bearing beautiful
white flowers like single Ca-
mellias. It needs a shel-
tered spot and a moist peaty
soil.
G. pubescens
Georgia and
White
Of rather smaller growth than
Florida
the preceding, while the
leaves are pubescent under-
neath. The flowers, too,
have the tuft of yellow sta-
mens more pronounced than
in G. Lasianthus. Both need
the same treatment.
Halesias (Silver
Styraceae
This is a beautiful family of
Bell, or Snowdrop
flowering trees, named after
trees)
Dr. Stephen Hales. The
flowers are like the snowdrop
in shape, hence the name,
and there are two distinct
sections, American and Asi-
atic. The Halesias like a
rich, moist, loamy or peaty
soil. Although often trees
of considerable size in their
native homes, they mostly
retain a somewhat shrubby
character in this country.
All the species, however, ex-
cept H. parviflora, can,
by pruning away the lower
branches, be made to form
small trees.
Halesia corymbosa
Japan, in the prov-
White,
Mr. Bean writes in The Garden,
ince of Higo
(Syn. Pterosty-
tinted with
pink or
May 19, 1900, p. 361, about
this species as follows : " I
rax corymbo-
yellow ;
do not know if there is any
sum)
Spring
authenticated instance of its
having flourished in Britain
or even in Europe, most
plants so called being H.
hispida. It was first found
on the mountains of the
most southern of the main
islands of Japan, in the pro-
vince of Higo, and may
possibly not be quite so
hardy as H. hispida. Judg-
ing by pictures and dried
specimens, its racemes, whilst
having much the same
GENISTA MONOSPERMA.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Halesia corymbosa
Japan, in the pro-
vince of Higo
White,
tinted with
general character as that
species, are shorter, broader,
(Syn. Pterosty-
pink or
and more branched, and the
rax corymbo-
yellow ;
flowers are not so numerous
sum)
Spring
on the branches of the ra-
cemes, and the fruits are
more downy than bristly. The
flowers have the same one-
sided arrangement on the
racemes."
H. diptera
South-eastern
White ;
Not a common species, and
United States
late Spring
dwarfer than H. tetraptera.
The flowers are white, Snow-
drop-like, and are borne on
slender pendulous stalks as
in H. tetraptera ; they differ,
however, in having the
corolla almost lobed to the
base. Very distinctive is
the seed-vessel, which has
but two prominent wings,
the other two being only
rudimentary. Whilst not
perhaps equal in merit to
H. tetraptera this species ap-
pears to have been undeserv-
edly neglected. Its dwarf
bushy habit will also render
it more suitable for some
positions ; it loves abundant
moisture at the root. It
blossoms rather later than
H. tetraptera.
H. hispida
China and Japan.
Introduced about
White
This belongs to the Asiatic
group of Halesias, and is
1870
very distinct from the Ameri-
can species. It is a vigorous
shrub, a small tree with large
oblong leaves, and small
flowers, which are very
numerous on the raceme,
which is 4 inches to 8 inches
long. One striking pecu-
liarity of the raceme is that the
flowers are arranged on the
upper side only of its branches
(a somewhat similar arrange-
ment is seen in Freesia
flowers). The seed-vessels
are covered with bristly hairs.
Mr. Bean says, ' ' Whilst per-
fectly hardy at Kew in the
open, it blossoms more freely
on a wall. The finest speci-
mens I have seen of this
Halesia are growing near a
carriage-road leading to Mr.
Gumbleton's house and gar-
den at Belgrove, Queens-
town." It flowers in this
country in June.
392
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Halesia parviflora
South - eastern
United States.
White ;
end of May
This is invariably a shrub. It
is represented in the Kew
Introduced in
collection by a large bush,
1802
which flowers as a rule with
great freedom towards the
end of May each year. The
arrangement of the flowers
is more racemose than fasci-
culate, and whilst they are
very abundant they are not
so large as in H. tetraptera
or H. diptera. They are
white and Snowdrop - like.
The seed-vessels are only
slightly and unequally
winged. On the whole,
therefore, the species is easily
distinguished from its two
fellow American species. The
grace and abundance of its
bloom make it well worthy
of cultivation wherever a
variety of hardy shrubs is
desired.
*H. tetraptera (Com-
South United
White ;
A beautiful tree. Whilst ac-
mon Snowdrop
tree)
States. Intro-
duced by a Lon-
May
cording to Prof. Sargent it
occasionally attains a height
don merchant
of 80 to 90 feet in its native
named Ellis in
country, it is seldom more
1756
than 20 feet high in the
British Isles. Its flowers are
like pure white Snowdrops,
hence the popular name.
The seed-vessels are i inches
to 2 inches long, and have
four prominent wings that
transverse them lengthwise.
H. t. Meehani
This originated as
White
A very handsome and distinct
a seedling in
variety, with shorter flower-
Meehan's Nur-
stalks, and thicker and more
sery, Germans-
coarsely wrinkled leaves than
town, Philadel-
the type.
phia
Hamamelis (Witch
Hamamelideae
Orange-
A charming tree when in flower.
Hazel)
*H. arborea
China
yellow ;
Winter
It blooms early in the year,
the precise time depending
upon the weather. When
the leafless shoots are
studded with the golden-
yellow, narrow - petalled
flowers, with their crimson
calyces, it is very pretty. It
is also worth using with some
shrub like Gaultheria pro-
cumbens as a groundwork.
It enjoys an open situation,
and is not very particular
about soil.
H. japonica
Japan
Pale
An interesting shrub, of which
yellow ;
*Zuccariniana is a well-
Winter
known variety.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
393
1
COUNTRY OR
COLOUR
NAME.
ORIGIN AND
AND
GENERAL REMARKS.
NATURAL ORDER.
SEASON.
Kamamelis mollis
Japan
Bright
This is a rare Witch-Hazel,
yellow
with very broad and 1 irge
leaves, and wavy brightly
coloured, fragrant flowers.
H. virginica
Eastern North
America
Pale
yellow ;
For many years this species
was the only Witch-Hazel in
Autumn
cultivation. Being spread
over the eastern side of
North America from
Canada to the Southern
United States, it naturally
attracted the notice of the
earlier colonists, and it was,
in fact, introduced to Britain
as long ago as 1736. During
the last twenty or thirty years,
however, new species have
been discovered and brought
home from China and Japan.
They surpass this old Ameri-
can species in garden value,
and are, indeed, amongst the
most interesting and attrac-
tive of the shrubs that flower
in the early part of the year.
H. virginica, on the other
hand, is at its best in autumn.
It has the narrow, twisted,
bright yellow petals which,
with but little variation, are
characteristic of all Hama-
melis flowers. The flowers
cover the younger branches
in close, dense clusters. It
is a sturdy shrub, almost a
small tree, and has leaves
very like those of the English
Hazel (Corylus).
*Hibiscus syriacus
China ;
White;
An upright growing deciduous
(Tree Mallow, Syn.
Malvaceae
blotched
shrub 6 feet high, is particu-
Althaea frutex)
red
larly valuable from the fact
that it flowers towards the
later part of August, when
so few hardy shrubs are in
bloom. It needs a well-
drained, loamy soil, that is,
however, not parched up at
any time, and a spot fully ex-
posed to the sun. There are
many varieties of this, ranging
in colour from white to pur-
ple, both single and double
flowered forms being repre-
sented. Celestes, blue, and
Totus albus, white, are the best.
*HippophaS rham-
A British shrub,
Flowers
A beautiful somewhat spiny
noides (Sea Buck-
chiefly in the
inconspi-
tree, or rather shrub, to plant
thorn)
south and south-
cuous ;
by the side of a lake, pond,
east coasts ;
yellowish
stream, moat, or anywhere a
Eleagnaceae
freespreadingshrubby growth
is desired. But it will sue-
394
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Hippophae rhara-
A British shrub,
Flowers
ceed as well inland as by
noides (Sea Buck-
chiefly in the
inconspi-
water. A splendid group
thorn)
south and south-
cuous ;
may be seen near the pond
east coasts;
yellowish
at Kew, and for many years
Eleagnaceae
has made a beautiful winter
picture in the gardens. Every
winter the wood made the
previous year is thickly cased
with the bright orange-
coloured berries, which re-
main on the branches all the
winter, but later on, if hard
frosts are experienced, they
lose most of their brightness.
It must not be forgotten that
the flowers are unisexual, i.e.
those of one sex only are
borne on a tree. Male trees
therefore do not produce
berries, and to get fruit a
female and m ale must be near.
In each group, say of about
half-a-dozen plants, one plant
should be male and the rest
female. This is of the ut-
most importance, and see to
it before the plants leave the
nursery. The Sea Buck-
thorn is a large shrub or
small tree. A very pretty
standard tree results from
keeping it to a single stem
and removing the lower
branches. The leaves are
very charming in colour, a
silvery grey. The male
plant is of more upright
growth than the female.
*Hydrangea Hor-
China and Japan ;
Deep pink;
Better known throughout the
tensia (the Hy-
drangea, Syn. H.
Saxifrageae
Summer
and
greater part of England as
a greenhouse plant than as
hortensis)
Autumn
an outdoor shrub, but in
the extreme south and west
it is very handsome in the
open ground. The huge
heads of flowers make a great
display. There are several
varieties, some of them being
often regarded as distinct
species, the most notable of
which are: Lindleyi, with
the large sterile flowers lim-
ited to a few around the out-
side of the cluster. They
are pink, tinged with blue.
Mariesii is a very handsome
s
Japanese variety, with large
sterile flowers, pinkish mauve.
Nigra or cyanoclada has
purplish black stems, and is
very notable on that account.
KALMIA LATIFOLIA. A GOOD SHRUB FOR
PEATY SOILS.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 395
4
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
* Hydrangea Hor-
China and Japan ;
Deep red ;
Rosea has all the flowers
tensia (the Hy-
drangea, Syn. H.
Saxifrageae
Summer
and
sterile, and of rich rose
colour. Stellata has the
hortensis)
Autumn
sterile flowers double and
star-like. Thomas Hogg has
white blossoms.
*H. paniculata
Japan
Creamy
white ;
A handsome shrub that may
be grown as a dwarf bush or
Autumn
as a standard.
H. var. grandiflora
This is far more popular
than the type, and is grown
largely for flowering under
glass as well as in the open
ground. In this the huge
pyramidal - shaped heads
are composed entirely of
sterile blossoms. If to be
kept dwarf it must be
pruned back hard when
dormant, and only three
or four shoots allowed to
develop.
H. petiolaris
Japan
Creamy
A free-growing climber, that
(Climbing Hy-
white ;
attaches itself to a wall by
drangea)
June and
means of aerial roots after the
July
manner of ivy. It has flat-
tened clusters of flowers.
Being so distinct from all
the rest, it at once attracts
attention.
H. querci folia
North America
White
A shrub about a yard high,
with large lobed leaves. The
flowers are less showy than
some of the others. It needs
a moist soil and a very shel-
tered spot.
H. radiata
North America
White
The flowers of this are not at
all showy, but the leaves are
clothed on the under sides
with a dense white felt-like
substance, which renders it
very noticeable when ruffled
by the wind.
Hypericum Andro-
Europe ;
Yellow
A free - growing deciduous
saemum (Tutsan,
Syn. Androsse-
Hypericinese
shrub from 2 to 3 feet
high, with a mass of small
mum officinale)
flowers, but not very showy.
It will grow in the shade
better than many other
shrubs.
H. aureum
North America
Yellow ;
Reaches a height of about 4
July and
feet. The orange-yellow
August
flowers, about i inches
across, have a large and
conspicuous mass of yellow
stamens in the centre.
*H. calycinum (Rose
Levant
Yellow ;
Forms a dense mass a foot
of Sharon, St.
John's Wort)
July to
Autumn
high, while the golden-yellow
flowers are quite 3 inches
across. The long hair-like
stamens are very numerous
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
I
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Hypericum calyci-
Levant
Yellow ;
and attractive. It will both
num (Rose ' of
July to
grow and flower well in shady
Sharon, St. John's
Autumn
spots.
Wort)
H. datum (Tall St.
North America
Yellow
Grows 4 to 5 feet high, and is
John's Wort)
very robust. The flowers,
however, though freely borne,
are only about an inch in
diameter.
H. hircinum
Europe
Yellow ;
When roughly handled the
Autumn
leaves of this species have
an unpleasant goat - like
odour, but it is decidedly
ornamental, forming as it
does a bush a yard high,
while the flowers are bright
yellow.
*H. hookerianum
Himalayas
Yellow ;
Rather more tender than
(Syn. H. oblongi-
Autumn
some of the Hypericums,
folium)
but a showy kind. It grows
over 4 feet high, and has
clusters of large golden
flowers.
*H. moserianum
Garden hybrid
Yellow ;
A hybrid between H. calycinum
early
and H. patulum, and one
Autumn
of the most desirable of all
the St. John's Worts. The
slender branches are grace-
ful, and terminated by clus-
ters of rich golden-yellow
flowers a couple of inches
across.
H. patulum
Japan
Yellow
A delightful little shrub, but
even in the south of England
it is liable to be killed by a
severe winter.
H. prolificum
North America
Yellow
Grows 3 feet high, and bears
its clusters of blossoms
very freely. The individual
flowers are about an inch
across.
H. uralum (Syn. H.
nepalense)
Himalayas
Yellow
Somewhat in the way of H.
patulum, and like that species
rather tender.
Itea virginica
Virginia ;
White ;
A freely branched rounded
Saxifrageae
July
shrub, from 3 to 4 feet in
height, and has small spikes
arranged in much the same
way as the shrubby Veronicas.
It is a favourite of the Red
Admiral butterfly (Vanessa
Atalanta). It is quite hardy,
but needs a moist peaty
*
soil.
Jamesia americana
Rocky Mountains ;
White ;
A somewhat upright shrub, 4
Saxifragese
April and
to 5 feet high, with oval-
May
shaped leaves and a great
profusion of terminal clusters
of pure white blossoms. It
is quite hardy and needs a
cool moist soil.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
397
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Kalmia angustifolia
(Sheep Laurel)
North America ;
Ericaceae
Bright pur-
plish red ;
A delightful little evergreen
shrub about a couple of feet
end of May
high, with bright -coloured,
saucer-shaped blossoms. All
the Kalmias prefer cool damp
soil, especially of a peaty
nature indeed, conditions
favourable to Rhododen-
drons suit them well.
K. glauca
North America
Purplish
Flowers two or three weeks
pink
earlier than the preceding,
and is somewhat dwarfer,
but is equally desirable.
*K. latifolia (Moun-
North America
Pink;
This forms a large rounded
tain Laurel)
May,
bush from 6 to 8 feet high,
through
clothed with handsome,
Summer
bright-green foliage, while
the flowers are pink and
wax-like. It is a desirable
subject to associate with
Rhododendrons, which, ex-
cept in flowers, it much re-
sembles.
*Koelreuteria pani-
China ;
Yellow ;
A small picturesque tree 10 to
culata
Sapindaceae
June and
15 feet in height, with orna-
July
mental pinnate leaves, and
large terminal panicles of
bright yellow flowers, very
distinct.
Laburnum (Cytisus)
vulgare (Golden
Rain or Chain)
Loudon writes: "A
native of Europe
and the lower
There is no need to praise the
laburnum ; it is one of the
most beautiful of all trees,
mountains of the
and its countless flowers make
South of Ger-
a shower of gold in early
many, and of
summer. It seems strange
Switzerland,
to read that the laburnum is
where it grows to
not a native, for it is so
the height of 20
general in gardens, and is
feet or upwards.
even used in hedgerows in
It was introduced
some parts of the country.
in 1596 " ; Le-
We have in mind a hedge-
guminosae
row in Berkshire with labur-
nums rising above the thorn,
and a pleasant sight this is
in late May and early June.
Laburnums grow so freely
almost everywhere that they
are somewhat overdone in
gardens, but it is so beau-
tiful a tree that many would
say: "I don't mind how
many laburnums I have in
the garden. ' ' Mr. Goldring,
writing in the " Gardeners'
Magazine " about labur-
nums, says :
" Besides the common way
of growing the laburnum as
a shrubbery or plantation
tree, it may be put to various
other uses. It is a beautiful
39
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Laburnum (Cytisus)
covering for a wall on the
vulgare (Golden
north, east, or west sides. In
Rain or Chain)
some old gardens one meets
with huge trees of it cover-
ing large areas of wall, and
affording a lovely sight at
flower time. This is a com-
mon way of growing it on
the Continent, and in some
of our old botanic gardens it
may be seen trained against
a wall as a host for the wis-
taria, which flowers about
the same time, and produces
a lovely contrast of colour.
" I have pleasing recollec-
tions of seeing it in some old
gardens trained over a path
as a covered way before per-
golas were in vogue in this
country. For several weeks
such covered pathways are
glowing with colour, and for
the rest of the summer they
afford a pleasant shade. In
some of the old Sussex gar-
dens laburnum ' tunnels '
are still to be seen, and they
are worth imitating in new
gardens.
' ' Of the two commonly
grown species of laburnum,
L. vulgare and L. alpinum,
there are numerous varieties,
differing more or less from
the types, though the differ-
ences in some cases are
slight, even from a garden
point of view. A laburnum
is a laburnum to most people,
and nothing more, but there
is a great difference between
a worthless seedling with
short flower clusters of a poor
yellow, and the varieties such
as Watered and Parksii
which bear racemes fully 16
inches in length, aud of a
rich-toned yellow. There is,
unhappily, in gardens, a pre-
ponderance of inferior seed-
ling trees, because they can
be raised easily and sold
cheaply, but it is better to
have one grafted tree of a
first-rate variety than a dozen
inferior kinds.
"The number of named
varieties of L. vulgare enume-
rated in Continental and
English nursery lists exceed
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 399
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Laburnum (Cytisus)
a score, and most of them are
vulgare (Golden
mere monstrosities of leaf-
Rain or Chain)
form or colour, only appre-
ciated by the collector of
curiosities. The finest vari-
eties are those named Al-
chingerii.giganteum.Carlieri,
and grandiflorum. Any of
these, if true to name, are
the kinds to plant. They all
bear very long racemes, pro-
*L. alpinum (Cytisus
alpinus), Scotch
Called the Scotch
laburnum be-
Yellow
duced abundantly."
This is a well-known tree.
Some of its varieties are
laburnum
cause a supposed
very beautiful.
native of Scot-
land, but this is
not true. Loudon
says : "It was
introduced into
Britain about the
same time as the
other species,
1596." The other
species is Labur-
num vulgare
L. Watereri
Hybrid
Yellow
We have given this special pro-
minence for the reason it is a
hybrid. InBailey's" American
Cyclopaedia " occurs this note :
"Watereri, Dipp. (L. Parksii,
Hort, C. alpinus and vulgaris
Wittst.) Hybrid of garden
origin, but found also wild.
... As hardy as L. alpinum
and sometimes considered to
be a variety of that species."
L. Adami (Purple
laburnum)
Graft-hybrid
Purple,
yellow,
This is a remarkable tree, and
is named after M. Adam, who
and buff
grafted Cytisus purpureus
on the common laburnum.
Loudon says the purple la-
burnum " is a hybrid between
Cytisus laburnum and C. pur-
pureus, in which the flowers
are of a reddish purple, slight-
ly tinged with buff, and are
produced in pendent spikes
eight inches or more long.
It was originated in Paris, in
the nursery of M. Adam in
1828 ; it was introduced into
England about 1829, and has
been a good deal cultivated."
We noticed a tree of it in a
hedgerow near Burnham
Common, Slough. It is a
strange tree. Some branches
will perhaps bear entirely yel-
low flowers, like those of the
400
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Laburnum Adami
Graft-hybrid
Purple,
common laburnum and others
(Purple laburnum)
yellow,
like Cytisus purpureus, varied
and buff
by a flower that shows the
characters of both parents. It
is more curious than beautiful.
*Ledum latifolium
Northern portion
White;
A much-branched shrub 2 to 3
(Labrador Tea)
of North Ameri-
late April
feet high, and when in bloom
ca ; Ericaceae
covered with its rounded clus-
ters of white blossoms. It
needs a cool moist peaty soil,
and given this it is very attrac-
tive when in bloom.
L. palustre (Marsh
Northern part of
White,
Much like the last, except that
Ledum)
Eastern Hemi-
tinged
it is rather smaller, and the
sphere
pink
blossoms tinged with pink.
Leiophyllum buxi-
New Jersey and
White ;
A compact little evergreen shrub
folium (Sand
Virginia ; Eri-
May
about a foot high. Everv
Myrtle), (Syn. L.
caceae
twig, however small, bears a
thymifolium)
cluster of pretty blossoms, in
colour white tinged with pink.
It is a good rockwork shrub
in a cool moist position.
Lespedeza bicolor
Japan ;
Rosy red ;
Sends up stiff annual shoots to
Leguminosae
July
a height of 4 feet. The leaves
are trifoliate. It needs a
warm soil, and is not particu-
larly attractive.
*L. Sieboldi (Syn.
China and Japan
Reddish
A deciduous sub-shrub that
Desmodium pen-
purple ;
dies nearly to the ground in
duliflorum)
September
the winter. From the base
are pushed up long wand-like
arching shoots to a height of
6 feet, clothed with trifoliate
leaves, and bearing large ter-
minal panicles of pea-shaped
blossoms. Should it escape the
autumn frosts it is delightful.
Leycesteria formosa
Temperate
Purplish
A very interesting shrub, 6 feet
Himalaya ;
white, and
high in the milder parts of
Caprifoliacese
purple
these isles, but hardy almost
bracts
everywhere, These flowers
are succeeded by purple
berries which are relished by
pheasants, hence it is planted
for covert in some places.
Ligustrum coria-
China ;
White
A sturdy evergreen shrub, with
ceum (Thick-
Oleaceae
very dark-green leaves, thick,
leaved Privet)
about i^ inches long and
roundish" oval in shape. It
reaches a height of about a
yard, and is of extremely slow
growth.
L. Ibota (Syn. L.
Japan
White ;
A graceful shrub with long,
amurense)
June and
slender, arching branches,
July
narrow leaves, and white
flowers.
L. japonicum (Japa-
Japan
White ;
Reaches a height of 6 to 8 feet,
nese Privet)
early July
and forms a freely branched
bush clothed with bright shin-
ing green leaves from 2 to 3
inches, oval pointed in shape.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 401
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Ligustrum lucidum
China
White ;
This is the most ornamental of
(Wax Tree)
July and
August
all the Privets in foliage, the
leathery dark - green leaves
being sometimes as much as
6 inches long, and over two
inches wide. It reaches a
height of 9 to 12 feet, and
has large panicles of white
flowers. There is a variety
tricolor, with leaves beauti-
fully variegated, but being
tender it needs wall protec-
tion.
L. massalongianum
Khasia Hills
White
The long narrow leaves of this
(Syn. L. rosmari-
species make it distinct from
nifolium)
all other Privets. It is hardy
only in the west of England
and Ireland.
*L. ovali folium (Oval-
Japan
White
This sub-evergreen species is
leaved Privet)
one of the hardiest of all
Privets, being much used for
hedges, and for planting
where little else will thrive.
Its small dense clusters of
flowers are borne in great
profusion, but they (in com-
mon with most Privets)
possess such a heavy and
unpleasant odour as to unfit
them for planting near dwel-
ling - houses. The golden
form of this Privet, known
as Aureum or Elegan-
tissimum, is met with
nearly everywhere, particu-
larly in the environs of
London.
*L. Quihoui
China
White ;
A somewhat spreading shrub
late Sep-
about 5 feet high, with
tember
small leaves and terminal
panicles of flowers. For
this reason it is worth
growing as a flowering
shrub.
*L. sinense (Chinese
China
White
The finest of all Privets as re-
Privet)
gards its flowers. It forms
a sub - evergreen shrub
from 12 to 15 feet high,
with arching branches, and
frond-like arrangements of
the smaller branchlets, which
are clothed with leaves about
the size of those of the
Common Privet, and pale
freen in colour. The white
owers are borne in such
profusion towards the end
of July that the entire plant
is quite a mass of that
colour. It needs a well-
drained soil.
2 C
402
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Ligustrum vulgare
(Common Privet)
Europe
White
As a hedge plant this is to
a great extent superseded
by L. ovalifolium, but it
is still a useful shrub for
rough places. It is one of
the subjects that can be
clipped into all manner of
shapes, hence it is very popu-
lar for topiary work.
*Liriodendron tulipi-
United States ;
Yellow ;
The Tulip tree is one of the
fera (Tulip tree)
Magnoliacese
June
most beautiful and distinct
of all our hardy trees, for the
peculiarly shaped four-lobed
leaves cannot be confounded
with those of any other. It
occurs over a considerable
extent of country in North
America, and when suitably
situated attains a height of
130 to 140 feet. Though
these dimensions are not
reached in this country, speci-
mens nearly 100 feet high
are known, and its great value
as a timber tree has been de-
monstrated here as well as in
the United States, where it is
given the name of the White
Wood. The yellow Tulip-
like flowers, from whence its
popular name in this country
is derived, are very pretty,
but as a rule borne at such
a height that their beauty
cannot be seen. They, how-
ever, add to the interest and
charm of the tree, and with
the handsome leafage and
the rich yellow hue of the
foliage in the Autumn, as
well as its thorough hardi-
ness and almost complete
indifference to soil and situa-
tion, make it one of the most
desirable of our large grow-
ing trees. There are several
varieties, notable among
them being integrifolia, in
which the distinctive lobes of
the leaves are suppressed ;
aurea maculata, whose leaves
are blotched with yellow ;
and fastigiata, which is of
upright growth. These are
all interesting, but not equal
in beauty to the type.
Loropetalum chi-
nense
China ;
Hamamelideae
Pure white;
Winter
A very interesting shrub, with
long petals , resembling one of
the flowers of Hamamelis ;
they appear 6 to 8 together
in clusters at the bract tips.
Tender.
YULAN (Magnolia conspicua) ; ITS USE AS A WALL SHRUB,
CROWSLEY PARK, HENLEY,
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
403
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Magnolia acuminata
(Cucumber tree)
North America ;
Magnoliaceae
Greenish
yellow
From a flowering point of view
this is one of the least showy
of the Magnolias, but the
tree has handsome foliage ;
it reaches a height of many
v
feet. The leaves are nearly
a foot long, and half as much
in width. There is a tree
60 feet high in Syon Park,
Middlesex.
*M. conspicua (the
China
Pure white;
Of all the Magnolias, and in-
Yulan)
early
deed of all our deciduous
Spring
trees, this is one of the finest,
and also one of the earliest
flowering. It blooms in some
seasons as early as March,
and the pure white flowers,
like silver chalices, stand out
boldly from the bare dark-
coloured branches. Owing
to the flowers expanding so
early, they are sometimes in-
jured by spring frosts, hence
in the northern parts of the
country this species is often
given wall protection. This
Magnolia succeeds best in a
good, well-drained, loamy
soil of not too heavy a
nature, indeed, such will suit
M. Fraseri (Eraser's
North America
Creamy
all the Magnolias perfectly.
A distinguishing feature of this
Magnolia), (Syn.
auriculata)
white ;
May
Magnolia is the shape of
the large leaves, which are
broader towards the upper
portion than at the base. It
reaches a height of 30 feet
or more, but needs a spot
f
sheltered from strong winds.
The sweet-scented flowers
M. glauca (the
North America
White
are nearly 6 inches across.
A shrub from 10 to 12 feet
Swamp Magnolia)
high, with flowers not borne
all at once, as in most of the
others, but scattered over two
or three months, from June
onwards. It makes a pretty
*M. grandiflora (the
Evergreen Mag-
Southern
United States
White ;
late
lawn shrub for a damp spot.
The evergreen Magnolia is
more generally grown as a
nolia)
Summer
wall plant than in the open
ground, though in the south
and west of England it will
thrive perfectly without pro-
tection. As a wall covering
the handsome dark - green
leaves render it effective at
all seasons, and they also
serve as an admirable setting
for the large cup-shaped
deliciously-scented flowers.
404
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Magnolia hypoleuca
Japan
Creamy
In Japan this is a tree 60 feet
white
high, and is said to be a
very desirable kind, but it
has not been long introduced,
and the plants of it in this
country are small.
*M. Lennei
Garden origin
Glowing
The flowers of this are large,
purple
massive in texture, and de-
outside,
lightfully coloured. They
pinkish
are a month or two later than
within ;
those of the Yulan, hence
late Spring
they escape the frosts which
sometimes injure it.
M. obovata (Syn.
Japan
Purple
A spreading shrub 6 to 8 feet
M. purpurea)
outside,
high, with flowers much
whitish
smaller than those of M.
within ;
Lennei, and not of so
late Spring
pleasing a colour. It is,
however, a handsome shrub,
less particular in its require-
ments than most Magnolias.
M. parviflora
Japan
White ;
A neat bush. The centre of
May and
the flower is occupied by a
June
ring of bright-red filaments.
It is rather tender,
*M. soulangeana
Garden origin
White,
A small tree more spreading in
tinged
character than M. conspicua,
purple
and flowering also a little
outside ;
later. Very pretty, early
*M. stellata (Syn. M.
Japan
Spring
Pure white;
flowering.
The earliest of all the Mag-
halleana)
March
nolias. It is a much branched
shrub, seldom more than
4 feet high, and as much
through. The flowers, which
are borne in great profusion,
are about 3 inches in diameter,
and composed of a dozen or
so of strap-shaped petals ; a
lovely shrub. There is a var-
iety of this with pink flowers.
M. tripetala (Um-
North America
Creamy
A tree remarkable for its large
brella tree), (Syn.
white ;
handsome leaves, which are
M. Umbrella)
early
arranged in a regular manner
Summer
towards the upper parts of
the branches. The flowers
are creamy white. A shel-
tered spot suits this best.
M. Watsoni
Japan
Ivory white
A bush about 5 feet high. The
inside,
flowers are remarkable for
flushed
their central cluster of crim-
with rose
son filaments. It needs a
on the
sheltered spot.
exterior ;
May and
June
Notospartium Car-
New Zealand;
Rose; June
This grows in New Zealand
michaeliae
Leguminosae
several feet high, but not
here. It has graceful shoots,
which are very pretty when
smothered with the pink
OLEARIA MACRODONTA. (Redruth.}
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 405
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Notospartium Car-
New Zealand ;
Rose; June
pea-shaped flowers. A cor-
michaeliae
Leguminosae
respondent to the Garden,
writing in July 1900 from
Castle Douglas, N.B., says:
" I am sure if my plant of
Notospartium Carmichaeliae
were to be seen by any one
who has not got it, there
would be countless inquiries
for it. It has always done
well and flowered freely, but
this year it is simply magni-
ficent, with only the points
of the twigs visible above
the mass of bright pink
1
blossoms."
Nuttallia cerasifor-
California ;
White;
This is one of the prettiest and
mis
Rosaceae
early
most interesting of March
Spring
shrubs. It is of good habit,
and produces a large quan-
tity of dull white flowers in
drooping racemes. The fruits,
too, are pretty, not unlike
those of a small plum, of
reddish-yellow colour, with a
plum-like bloom. It must
be noted that the flowers are
liable to be dioecious, and so,
therefore the sexes must be
planted together, though we
have obtained fruit by stick-
ing branches of the male
flowers among those of the
female shrub.
*Olearia Haastii
New Zealand ;
White ;
A valuable evergreen Box-
(Daisy Bush)
Compositae
July and
like shrub, laden with small
August
white Daisy-like blossoms
with a yellow disc. Though
a native of New Zealand, it
is hardy in most parts of
England.
O. macrodonta(New
New Zealand
White ;
This has large Holly-like leaves,
Zealand Daisy
July
silvery on the undersides, and
tree), (Syn. O.
heads of Daisy-like blossoms.
dentata)
Far more tender than O.
Haastii, this needs a wall in
most parts of the south of
England, though it is hardy
in the extreme west and in
the south of Ireland.
O. stellulata (Syn.
New Zealand
White,
An evergreen bush, with small
O. gunniana,
yellow disc;
narrow leaves, the undersides
Eurybia gunniana)
May and
covered with whitish felt.
June
The Daisy-like flowers appear
in profusion. Its require-
ments are the same as the last.
O. Traversii (Syn.
New Zealand
White ;
In its native country this is a
Eurybia Traversii)
June
timber tree, but here it needs
the same treatment as the
last two. The flowers are
small and creamy white.
406
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Oxydendron arbo-
Eastern
Pure
This is a charming shrub, but
reum
United States ;
white ;
in its native country grows
Ericaceae
June and
to a height of 40 feet. The
July
leaves are dark green, but
very richly coloured in
autumn. The bell-shaped
white flowers remind one of
those of the Lily of the
Valley, and appear in pretty
racemes.
Ozothamnus ros-
South Australia
White ;
A neat shrub, 4 to 5 feet high,
marinifolius
and Tasmania ;
July
with narrow rosemary-like
Compositae
leaves, and during the sum-
mer a profusion of white Aster-
like blossoms. It is hardy
*Pernettya mucro
Cape Horn,
Berries the
only in the West of England.
Many garden varieties. Be-
nata
introduced in 1828;
chief beauty
tween 1878 and 1882 the
Ericaceae
floral committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society
awarded no less than seven
first-class certificates, select-
ing the following varieties for
the purpose: P. alba, camea
nana, lilacina macrocarpa,
nigra major, rosea purpurea,
and sanguinea. There are
ten or a dozen quite distinct
shades of colouring, from
white through tenderest pink,
white and rosy pink, the
colours then reaching to a
soft scarlet, and ending with
a dark blood-red, reminding
one of the seeds of the
Pomegranate, and also the
differences in the size of the
berries and foliage, par-
ticulars which impart ad-
ditional interest to this useful
group of plants. Some fifty
or so years ago Mr. Davis of
Hillsborough began his ex-
periments with such forms of
the Pernettya as were then
in cultivation, and he selected
as his first seed-parent P.
angustifolia, a native of
China, a densely branched,
narrow - leaved evergreen
shrub, growing to a height
of about 3 feet. The fruit
of this species is light pink
in colour. It is a very effec-
tive subject, thriving well
under the shade of trees, but
in such a position does not,
as might be expected, flower
so freely as when grown in
the open. P. mucronata,
the type, bears reddish-tinted
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 407
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Pernettya mucro-
Cape Horn.
Berries the
fruits. Regarding P. angus-
nata
Introduced in 1828;
chief beauty
tifolia as the hardiest of the
Ericaceas
two, Mr. Davis made this the
first seed-bearing parent, and
found the seedlings from it
to vary considerably in the
character of the foliage and
colour of the fruit. This en-
couraged him to take seed
from the best of his seed-
lings, and from it obtained
the fine varieties which are
now in our gardens. It is
difficult to over-estimate their
value as berry-bearing plants
in autumn in peaty soil.
Philadelphia coro-
Europe and Asia ;
White ;
A well-known shrub, from 6 to
narius (Mock
Orange or Sy-
Saxifrageae
early May
10 feet high, with a pro-
fusion of white, strongly
ringa)
scented flowers. There are
several varieties, the best
being aurea, with golden
leaves, and Keteleerii, with
double blossoms.
P. gordonianus
North America
White ;
A free - growing bush with
early July
flowers twice the size of the
preceding, and about six
weeks later in expanding.
*P. grandiflorus
Southern United
White ;
Forms a bush about 12 feet
(Large - flowered
States
Midsummer
high, with large leaves and
Mock Orange,
blossoms. It lacks the fra-
Syn. P. inodorus)
grance of the other species,
which is to many people a
point in its favour.
P. hirsutus (Hairy-
leaved Mock Or-
North America
White
Grows about 5 feet high, and
bears its comparatively small
ange)
flowers in great profusion.
*P. Lemoinei
Garden Hybrid
White ;
A hybrid between P. coronarius
( Lemoine's Hybrid
June and
and the little New Mexican
Mock Orange)
July
P. microphyllus. It (P.
Lemoinei) forms a slender,
freely-branched shrub about
5 feet high, and has a pro-
fusion of small pure-white
flowers that are most agree-
ably scented, the fragrance
reminding one of ripe apples.
The variety erectus is a rather
stronger grower, and even a
finer plant. Other delightful
hybrid forms are, Bouled" Ar-
gent, a neat bush with double
flowers ; Candelabre, with
larger blossoms than the
other forms of Lemoinei ;
Gerbe de neige, dwarf form
with large single flowers ;
and Manteau d'Hermine,
semi-double. These are a-
mong the most charming of
all hardy shrubs.
40 B
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Philadelphus Lewisii
Western North
America
White ;
Mid-June
One of the best, with long
graceful arching shoots, and
large trusses of pure white
blossoms.
*P. microphyllus
New Mexico
White
A dense rounded bush, 3 feet
(Small-leaved
high and as much across,
Mock Orange)
clothed with tiny leaves,
and very fragrant flowers one
inch across.
P. Satsumi (Japan-
Japan
White
Rather tenderer than the Ameri-
ese Mock Orange)
can kinds this forms a distinct
spreading bush thinner than
most of the others. The
flowers are pure white and
fragrant, and differ from the
others in that the petals are
less rounded and full, thus
forming a more starry bloom.
*Pieris floribunda
North America ;
White ;
A rounded evergreen shrub,
(Syn. Andromeda
Ericaceae
April to
from 3 to 5 feet high, clothed
floribunda)
May
with very dark green leaves,
and with spikes of pure white
Lily-of-the-Valley-like blos-
soms. It needs a fairly
sheltered position and a cool
moist soil, such as Rhodo-
dendrons delight in.
*P. formosa
Himalayas
White;
A large bold-growing shrub,
May and
with handsome dark -green
June
leathery foliage. It has
spikes of wax-like urn-shaped
blossoms. It is too tender
for general cultivation, ex-
cept in the West of England
and in Ireland.
*P. japonica (Syn.
Japan
White
This differs from the last in the
Andromeda ja-
white wax-like flowers being
ponica)
borne on long pendulous
racemes, so that at their best j
the entire plant is quite veiled j
with them. The tips of the
growing shoots too are bright
red. This blooms naturally
earlier than P. floribunda,
and on that account the
flowers are often injured by
spring frosts, to prevent
which, as far as possible, it
should be planted in a shel-
tered spot, where the early
morning sun does not shine
direct on it.
P. mariana (Syn.
North America
White ;
A deciduous shrub a yard high,
Andromeda mari-
Summer
with wax - like flowers. A
ana)
P. ovalifolia
Nepaul
White;
damp peaty soil suits it best.
Grows to a height of 10 to 12
May
feet, and has spikes of white
flowers. This species suc-
ceeds better in the West of
England and in Ireland than
elsewhere.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 409
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Pruniis (Rosaceae)
This is a beautiful genus. As
at present constituted it con-
tains all those trees which
were formerly and in many
places still are included under
the generic titles of Amygda-
lus, Persica, Cerasus, Padus,
&c. The genus is divided into
six sections, viz., Amygda-
lus, which includes Almonds
and Peaches; Armeniaca, the
Apricots ; Prunus, which con-
tains the true Plums and the
Blackthorn ; Cerasus, the
various Cherries ; Padus, the
Bird Cherries ; and Lauroce-
rasus, under which is placed
the Cherry Laurel, Portugal
Laurel, &c. Although these
genera may differ outwardly,
yet they are botanically of the
same character. The genus
is widely spread, representa-
tives being found in Europe
and through Asia southward
to Persia and Afghanistan,
and eastward to China and
Japan ; it is also well repre-
sented in North America.
With the exception of the
section Laurocerasus, all the
members of the genus are
deciduous trees or shrubs of
various sizes, and most of
them are very beautiful, es-
pecially in spring. A fairly
light well-drained soil is best.
If inclined to be cold and
heavy and is not very deep,
the plums or any which suc-
ceed on the plum stock, are
best, as they are more surface-
rooting than the remainder.
The presence of lime in the
soil is highly beneficial to all
the Prunuses and, if not
naturally present, can easily
be given in the form of old
mortar-rubbish forked in
liberally round them. Pro-
pagation is effected by seeds,
cuttings, layers, or by bud-
ding or grafting. Details of
propagation will be found
with each section.
P Amygdalus
Native of
Pink;
This is the Almond, the tree
(the Almond)
Southern Europe
Spring
which foreshadows the com-
and the Levant
ing of spring, its leafless
shoots enveloped in pink-
tinted flowers. In the south-
ern and central parts of the
4IO
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Prunus Amygdalus
(the Almond)
Native of
Southern Europe
and the Levant
Pink;
Spring
country it is largely grown,
especially in small suburban
gardens, but is not quite
hardy enough for the north,
unless the position is very
favourable. The fruit is
chiefly composed of the large
deeply-pitted stone, which is
only covered with a thick,
tough, woolly skin. There
are five good varieties : Am-
ara, the Bitter Alrflond, with
large white flowers tinged
with a soft rose colour in the
centre ; dulcis, the Sweet Al-
mond, with large red flowers
and amongst the first to open;
macrocarpa, which has larger
flowers and fruits than the
type, but the flowers are of
paler colour ; pendula, a half-
weeping variety, deep pink
flowers ; persicoides, a hand-
some tree, more upright in
growth than the type, and very
free. The large pink flowers
open somewhat earlier than
those of the commonAlmond.
*P. davidiana
China
White or
This is a small tree and one of
(Amygdalus davi-
pale rose ;
the earliest to bloom ; the
diana)
January
flowers opening as early as
or early
January in mild weather,
February
though the middle or end of
February is its usual flower-
ing time. The buds are not
injured by frost, but open
when the weather gets milder.
The leaves are broader and
of duller colour than those of
the Almond, but the flowers
are of about the same size
and substance. There are
two forms, alba, white, which
is the best, and rubra, rose or
red. Beautiful under glass.
P. incana (Amyg-
Asia Minor
Pale red ;
This species is allied to the
dalus incana)
March and
pretty P. nana ; it is a spread-
April
ing shrub 4 to 6 feet high
with linear leaves silvery-
white underneath. The
flowers are about half the
size of those of the Almond
and freely produced.
*P. nana (Amyg-
Eastern Europe
Rose;
This delightful little shrub is
dalus nan a)
and the southern
parts of Russia
March and
April
rarely more than 3 feet high,
the thin twiggy growths being
covered every Spring with
rose - coloured flowers. It
makes a charming bed for
the Spring, and is very easily
increased by layering.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 411
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Primus orientalis
Western Asia
Rose;
This shrub grows to a height
April
of about 6 feet, but is not
very hardy. So many, how-
ever, enjoy the beauty of the
Almond family that we in-
clude it, as in many southern
gardens it is happy. The
willow-like leaves are silvery
white.
*P. Persica (the
China, but former-
Pink ;
This beautiful spring-flowering
Peach), (Syn.Per-
ly considered a
April or
tree needs no description. It
sica vulgaris and
native of Persia
May
is not grown, however, so
Amygdalus Per-
much as the various double-
\
sica)
flowered varieties, such as
flore-roseo-pleno and flore-
albo-pleno; the former has
very double bright rose
flowers and the latter white.
Flore-rubro-pleno is a double
red form. The variety foliis
rubris has deep purple-
coloured leaves; the flowers
are tinged with the same
colour and the fruits are dark
and freely produced. Mag-
nifica is a double red -flowered
variety with larger and finer
flowers than the others, and
the finest of all. All the
Almonds are best propagated
by budding or grafting on
suitable stocks, which are the
common Almond for warm
light soils, and the Plum for
heavier soils and colder lo-
calities. For budding the
Mussel plum stock is the best
to use, and either the same
or the Myrpbella plum for
grafting. The latter is not
usually a good stock for bud-
ding, the bark being too thin
to hold the bud properly,
which objection does not hold
good with the Mussel plum
stock. The species can also
be got from seeds, and P.
nana is best raised as stated
from layers, or cuttings of
half-ripened wood, which
will strike, though not very
readily.
P. Armeniaca (the
......
Many of the species in this
Apricots)
group are amongst the most
precious flowering shrubs of
the garden. All can be in-
creased by seed. P. tomen-
tosa and P. trilcba flore-pleno
can also be got from layers or
cuttings. Half-ripened wood
of the latter will also root
4 I2
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Prunus Armeniaca
readily, and soon form sturdy
(the Apricots)
young trees. These two in
particular should always be
on their own roots : a plum
P. Armeniaca (com-
Northern China
Small,
stock kills them in a few years.
We mention this because it is
mon Apricot)
white, open-
the parent of the various
ing early in
varieties of Apricot.
the year,
and
frequently
blackened
by frost
*P. Mume
Japan
Rose;
This is a small and pretty tree
early, before
of upright growth, and the
the leaves
leaves large and shining
green in colour. There are
four varieties, viz. , flore-albo-
pleno, double white ; flore-
roseo-pleno, double bright
rose ; flore - rubro - pleno,
double red ; and pendula,
which makes a pretty, small,
weeping tree if worked stand-
ard high.
P. tomentosa
China and Japan
pinkish
This is a pretty, small branch-
ing shrub, with stout leaves
covered with a thick tomen-
tum ; the flowers are followed
by small red fruits.
*P. triloba
China
Pink;
The species is not of much
March or
account, but the double
early April
variety flore-pleno is one
of the most handsome of
flowering shrubs. Its large,
double, rose-coloured flowers
are produced so profusely
that hardly a leaf is visible.
For a wall it is invaluable,
but in this position it should
only be pruned immediately
after flowering, the summer
growths being allowed to
develop at will, as this is
the wood that will produce
flowers the following season.
Prunus
There are several species of
(the Plums)
Prunus, but those mentioned
are the most important for
gardens. The Plums are best
grown from seeds, but if
these cannot be got then they
must be worked upon the
Wild, Mussel, and Myro-
bella or Myrobalan Plum.
Plum stocks should be raised
from seed. If got from layers
or suckers they are liable to
throw up suckers from the
base, and ruin the plants
worked on them.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 413
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Prunus cerasifera
Uncertain, but
Small, pure
This is the well-known Myro-
(P. mirobalana)
probably of
Caucasian origin
white ;
Spring
balan Plum, and the seedlings
are used as stocks. Its hardi-
ness and vigour in almost all
soils and climates make it a
good small shrub, and its
white flower - clusters are
delightful in early spring.
The fruits are popular on
r
the Continent, and are red
in colour. It is used as a
hedge in some places. There
are two varieties, viz. .angusti-
folia pendula, which is half
pendulous in growth, and the
well - known atropurpurea,
more often called *P. Pissardi,
which is a native of Persia,
and has warm purple leaves,
which get darker with age.
The flowers are rose-tinted.
It is a good shrub for colour,
but must not be too freely
planted.
P. communis
The origin of this
White;
The wild plum is mentioned
(Wild Plum)
plum is uncertain ;
April and
because a well-known tree,
it is stated in some
March
but its varieties are more
works to be a
beautiful. *Pruneauliana is
native of Britain,
very handsome; its fruit is
Europe, and a part
the prune imported from
of Asia
abroad. It is of upright
growth, with downy leaves,
and large, pure white flowers.
*P. fl. pi. is extremely hand-
some ; it has double flowers.
The wild plum is the same as
P. domestica.
*P. divaricata
Wide distribution
White ;
This is one of the most beauti-
from Macedonia to
April or
ful of the Plums, but rarely
Caucasus and
late March
seen. A fine example of it is
Persia.
in a mild
now in the rock garden at
Introduced in 1822
season
Kew, and when the weather
is mild before March is out,
this spreading tree is envel-
oped in snowy- white flowers.
But unfortunately its flowers
are sometimes spoilt by late
frosts. The growth is slender,
twiggy, and dark in colour.
P. spinosa (the Sloe)
Britain, and
White
The Sloe or Blackthorn of the
Europe, North
English hedgerow is fami-
Asia, &c.
liar, but the variety *flore-
pleno is a good garden shrub ;
its spreading Spring shoots
are covered in April with
double white flowers, each
like a little rosette, and longer
lasting than the Sloe of the
English lane. It is as yet
rare in British gardens. This
should be worked on the type.
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
The Cherries (Cera-
A beautiful group of flowering
sus group)
trees. They are propagated
by seeds or by grafting them
on stocks of the Gean (P.
Avium), but never resort to
this practice if possible to
I
avoid it. The small-growing
cherries, P. humilis, P.
Jacquemontii, P. japonica,
P. prostrata, and P. pumila,
must be increased by layers ;
the Gean stock kills them.
P. acida
Europe
White ;
P. acida would be little heard
April
of if it were not for its variety,
P. a. semperflorens, (the All
Saints' Cherry), which blooms
twice or thrice in a season,
indeed, keeps up a scattered
succession from May to Sep-
tember. The first display of
flowers takes place in April,
and in about two months
afterwards it blooms again.
The fruits are very abundant,
and are scarlet in colour.
There are several other vari-
eties, but not of much con-
sequence.
P. Avium (the
Gean or Wild
Cherry)
Europe, and a
woodland tree
in many parts
Pure white ;
April and
May
The Wild Cherry is pretty, and
it is interesting as the parent
of the fruiting cherries, but
of these Isles
neither this species nor its
varieties, decumana, white,
the cut-leaved laciniata, or
the weeping pendula, can
approach the beauty of the
*double white (flore-pleno),
which is one of the loveliest
of all flowering trees. In
late April the whole tree
seems enveloped in blossom
as white as driven snow, and
it lasts for many days in this
condition . N o garden should
be without this queen of
flowering trees.
P. Cerasus (Dwarf
Europe and
White ;
This is not very interesting,
or Wild Cherry)
Britain
Spring
except that it is one of the
parents of the fruiting cherry,
and in the garden is hardly
wanted, as its double-
flowered varieties are far
more beautiful, especially
*Rhexi flore-pleno, which has
very double, snow-white,
rosette-shaped flowers. It is
one of the most beautiful of
all the Cherries, and when
grown as a standard makes
a small and spreading tree
of much charm. It is some-
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 415
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL, ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Prunus Cerasus
(Dwarf or Wild
Europe and
Britain
White;
Spring
times catalogued as C. cap-
roniana multiplex, C. c.
Cherry)
ranunculiflora, and C. sero-
tina flore-pleno. Persicifolia
has similar flowers, but tinged
with rose. C. Cerasus and C.
Avium have much in common,
but the former has smaller
leaves and an acid fruit.
P. Chamsecerasus
Europe, but long
White
This is a small shrub, seldom
(Siberian Cherry)
grown in English
flowers,
more than 4 feet high ; it
gardens
fin. across;
has slender branches, shin-
Spring
ing dark-green leaves and
flowers, followed by small
reddish - purple acid fruits.
When grown as a standard
it makes a round, half-droop-
ing and graceful tree.
*P. japonica
China and Japan
Double,
This is one of the prettiest of
pure white
small shrubs when in flower.
It is very charming against a
wall, but is a success in the
open, flowering freely, and
for this reason makes an in-
teresting and beautiful group.
It grows between 3 and 4
feet high, and its long slender
branches are often weighed
down by the wealth of pure-
white flowers. The leaves
are tinged with red when
young. The flowers of the
variety flore-roseo-pleno are
rich rose; it is a beautiful
*P. prostrata
Mountains of the
Bright
shrub. Increase only by layers
or by cuttings ; never graft.
Mr. Goldring in the Gardener's
Levant
pink ;
Spring
Magazine, April 6, 1901, p.
210, writes thus of this
Cherry: "I am afraid that
this species, which is a low
shrub from the mountains of
the Levant, is not very easy
to obtain, yet it is one of
the most delightful of dwarf
cherries. It is a spreading
plant with slender arching
branches, but scarcely pros-
trate. The leaves are amongst
the smallest in this group,
being from a half -inch to
one and a half inches long,
and finely toothed. Nor are
the flowers large, being a
half-inch or little more in
diameter, but in their pro-
fusion they almost hide the
branches. The colour is a
bright, and, among Prunus,
unusual shade of rose. This
shrub was known to Loudon,
416
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Prunus prostrata
Mountains of the
Levant
Bright
pink;
and was recommended by
him. It has, indeed, been
Spring
in cultivation for nearly one
hundred years, but seems to
have shared the fate of many
other lovely hardy shrubs in
the middle decades of last
century, and almost passed
out of cultivation. It grows
at elevations of 5000 to 6000
feet, and is perfectly hardy."
?. pseudo - cerasus
(Japanese Cherry)
China and Japan
This is a glorious cherry, and
very popular in Japan ; in-
deed, it is one of the most
beautiful introductions we
have had from that land of
flowers. The recent double-
flowered varieties should be
in all gardens, and given a
fairly moist soil and sunny
situation, will bloom well.
P. pseudo- cerasus goes under
several names, such as Cera-
sus Sieboldi rubra, C. Water-
eri, and others. It is a small
tree here, with stout greyish
branches, and firm broad
serrated leaves. *J. H.Veitch,
with intense deep rose flowers,
is very charming, and blooms
from a fortnight to three
weeks later than the type.
The brownish-tinted foliage
is quite a feature.
*P. pendula (Cerasus
pendula rosea)
Japan
Deep pink
April and
May
A beautiful tree of distinct
weeping habit, and raised
from seed quite readily, re-
taining its true character.
The flowers are borne pro-
fusely, and sometimes open
in March. It is a tree that
could be raised from layers.
Mr. Bean, writing in the
Garden of April 13, 1901,
says : ' ' Prunus pendula is
as naturally pendulous in
growth as the Babylonian
Willow is, and it should, if
possible, be obtained on its
own roots. It is an early
flowering kind probably the
earliest of the Cherries
being in bloom as a rule
soon after April comes in.
The flowers are of a lovely
shade of delicate rose, but
are not large. They are,
however, freely borne, especi-
ally after a hot, ripening
Summer and Autumn. In
the United States it succeeds
*
=?
THE DOUBLE-FLOWERED BIRD CHERRY.
(Pninus Padusfl. pi.}
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 417
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL OEDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Prunus pendula
Japan
Deep pink ;
even better than here, and
(Cerasus pendula
April and
by some authorities is re-
rosea)
May
garded as the loveliest of
Japanese trees introduced to
that country. So much can-
not be said of it in Britain,
but it is well worth cultivation
for its beauty and earliness."
*P. serrulata (Cerasus
Introduced from
The flowers
This is one of the most orna-
serrulata)
China about 80
are in large
mental of the Cherries. It is
years ago. Also
loose heads,
naturally a small tree with a
a native of
and are
rather loose habit, and is pe-
Japan
white, or
culiar by reason of its short-
white
jointed stunted-looking bran-
suffused
ches. The leaves are fairly
more or less
deeply with
large and very evenlyserrated.
For lawns or shrubberies it is
rose, and
excellent, making a good
i inch to
companion plant to its own
i inch
countryman, the large-flow-
across.
ered pseudo-Cerasus and its
End of
European cousins, Cerasus
April
and Avium. In addition to
being an excellent outdoor
tree, it may be cultivated in
*P. Mahaleb
Europe
White;
pots for forcing for the conser-
vatory in Winter and Spring.
The Mahaleb is well known
April and
for its remarkable profusion
May
of pure white blossom and
its free graceful habit. In
the variety pendula, the
pendent character of the
branches is not unduly
marked, but is sufficient to
add greatly to the beauty of
the tree. It is not only one
of the best of Cherries, but
of all flowering trees, and is
as well adapted for planting
in groups as it is when isolated
as a single specimen. The
flowers are borne on short
racemes, and in such abund-
ance as to envelop the tree
in a snow-white mantle.
Every garden should have at
least one weeping Mahaleb.
P. Padus (the Bird
Europe, and a
White ;
A well-known tree, and fre-
Cherry)
great part of Asia
Spring
quently seen in woodlands,
where its strong scent is
quickly detected. It is a
shapely tree, growing 20 feet
to 30 feet high, and has long
erect branches, and in Spring
drooping racemes of flowers
6 inches or more long. The
fruits are small and shining
black in colour. There are,
however, many poor forms,
sometimes with almost green-
2 D
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Prunus Padus (the
Europe and a
White ;
ish flowers. Perhaps the
Bird Cherry)
great part of Asia
Spring
most valuable is the double
variety, flore-pleno, which has
very long racemes and very
pure white. Pendula is a
weeping variety which will,
no doubt, be an acquisition,
but it is of too recent appear-
ance here to say much about
it. It is curious to note that
there is a variety (stricta)
with an exactly opposite
tendency, branches and ra-
cemes being quite erect. P.
virginiana, a nearly allied
Bird Cherry from North
America, is also represented
by a pendulous form. P.
serotina and its variety
pendula, and the other mem-
bers of the Padus group, are
not important.
LAUROCERASUS
GROUP.
P. ilicifolia
California
White
A tender evergreen with holly-
like leaves, but only hardy in
warm southern and western
countries. It is a small bush,
6 feet to 8 feet high, and
has short and erect flower ra-
cemes and deep-green leaves.
P. Laurocerasus
East Europe
White
A well-known evergreen, too
(Cherry Laurel)
freely planted in the past,
and so vigorous as to over-
run the garden in course of
years. The varieties are
more planted than the type,
as they are handsomer. The
most distinct are Bertini
(latifolia), camelliasfolia, cau-
casica, rotundifolia, and
schipkaensis ; the last men-
tioned is about the hardiest.
*P. lusitanica (Portu-
Spain and Portugal
White
A popular evergreen. There
gal Laurel)
are four varieties azorica,
which is very tender ; cori-
acea; myrtifolia, small nar-
row leaves, and bears clipping
well. P. ilicifolia is the only
plant that need be raised
from seed. The Cherry and
Portugal Laurels, with their
varieties, are usually propa-
gated by cuttings, ripened
wood of almost any size being
cut into pieces 8 inches or so
in length, and inserted nearly
their full length in the ground.
This can be done from the
time the wood is ripe enough
until the end of the year.
i
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 419
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Prunus lusitanica
(Portugal Laurel)
Spain and Portuga
White
Practically every cutting will
root and make sturdy plants
in a twelvemonth. The
Portugal Laurel is also largely
raised from seeds, which are
gathered when ripe and sown
immediately without any pre-
liminary cleaning. If kept
in sand until the following
spring, they begin to grow
before the season is suffici-
ently advanced to sow them,
and if dried, nearly a year is
lost before they germinate.
Pyrus
Rosaceae
An important and beautiful
genus, as it includes the Pears,
Apples, and Quinces of the
hardy fruit garden, and such
trees as the Flowering Crabs,
the White Beam tree, Moun-
tain Ash, and Pyrus japon-
ica. It is divided into seven
sections, viz., Pyrophorum,
which includes the true pears;
Malus, the Wild Crab apples,
parents of many garden
forms ; Aria, of which the
White Beam tree is a good
type; Sorbus, in which is
found the Mountain Ash ;
Adenorachis, which only con-
tains the North American
species, Cydonia, the Quin-
ces, and Mespilus, with which
is placed the Medlar. These
are found practically through-
out the northern temperate
zone, under varying condi-
tions, and with one or two
unimportant exceptions, are
all hardy in this country.
The majority of the Pyrus
are trees of considerable size.
A few are small trees, and
about half a dozen are low-
growing and dense shrubs.
All are deciduous, and will
grow in ordinary garden soil,
but none of them like a cold
and moist soil and position.
Ground that will grow Apples
and Pears well will suit the
Pyruses, though they will
thrive in considerably poorer
soil than is recommended for i
fruit culture. In planting,
the ground should be deeply
trenched, and the bottom
well broken up, any clay or
gravel that is encountered
being thrown out and re-
420
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Pyrus
placed with good soil. Most
of the Pyrus root deeply,
and if the soil is not pro-
perly prepared in the first
place they are apt to fail
and get cankered. Propaga-
tion is done by seeds, bud-
ding, or grafting, and in a
few cases by suckers. The
best ways are given with
PYROPHO R u M
each section.
GROUP (the True
Pears).
P. betulsefolia
China and Japan
White ;
A small and pretty tree, 15 feet
early
to 20 feet high, with leaves
Spring
somewhat like those of a
Birch in shape, though rather
larger. They are on long
petioles, and have a pleasing
sound when ruffled by the
wind. It does not flower or
fruit much until well estab-
lished. The white flowers
are in dense clusters and ap-
pear before the leaves.
*P. communis (the
Europe and Asia
White;
As this is widely distributed it
Wild Pear)
Spring
varies greatly. The type is
more interesting for its flowers
than for its fruit, which is
hard, gritty, and dry. It
grows 30 to 40 feet high, and
has long spreading branches,
half pendulous. When
the tree is covered with its
white flowers the effect is very
beautiful. There are several
named varieties, the best
being flore-pleno, with semi-
double flowers ; linearis,
with long, narrow leaves,
and pendula, described by
the name.
P. nivalis
Eastern Europe
White;
Spring
A small spreading tree which
flowers in great abundance ;
the fruits are plentifully pro-
duced, and are nearly globu-
lar in shape, and of fairly
good flavour, but dry. The
habit of the tree and shape
and flavour of the fruit suggest
some of the garden pears.
There is a variety with leaves
variegated with white.
P. sinaica
Asia Minor
White ;
This is one of the few species
April
worth growing for their leaves
alone, for during Spring and
Summer it is quite silvery.
Although about 20 feet high
in its native country, it makes
here, as a rule, a small bushy
stunted tree.
PYRUS SIN A 1C A.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 421
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Pyrus salicifolia( Wil-
Levant
A beautiful tree, about 15 feet
low-leaved Pear)
high, and delightful to make
groups of for the sake of its
long and narrow silvery- white
leaves. There is a creeping
variety of it. The flowers
are white, and the fruits
small and woody, neither of
much account. It is the
effect of the foliage that we
must consider, which is very
charming when waving in
the wind. A good tree for
grouping and for small
gardens, and this remark
applies also to the weeping
form. The Pyrophorum
group will come true from
seed, which is the best way of
propagating them. If not
from seeds they can be worked
on stocks of the Wild Pear,
on which they do fairly well,
though much better on their
own roots. There are other
species in this section, such
as P. auricularis, P. Mich-
auxi.P. parviflora, P. Pashia,
and P. sinensis, but the above
MALUS GROUP (the
are the most important.
Apples).
*P. baccata (Sibe-
Himalaya to Japan
Rose pink ;
A well-known tree, very beauti-
rian Crab)
May
ful on the lawn. It grows
20 feet to 30 feet high, and
as much or more in diameter,
and the flowers smother
every branch, followed by a
glorious display of brilliant
scarlet fruits, which are
esteemed by some when pre-
served. There are several
varieties, of which three may
be mentioned, Bertini, which
is of rather more upright
growth than the type, and
has large white flowers and
scarlet fruits; and Genuina,
which differs from the type
in its more open growth and
larger fruits. Xanthocarpa
*P. coronaria (Ameri-
can or Fragrant
Eastern United
States.
Rose;
May and
has bright golden fruits.
A beautiful and neglected tree,
15 feet to 20 feet high, with
Crab)
Introduced 1724
early June
large, deliciously - fragrant
flowers. It is worth growing
on this account alone. The
leaves are dark-green and
lobed, and the fruits sweetly
scented and grass-green, not
very ornamental. It should be-
come more popularin English
422
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Pyrus coronaria
Eastern United
Rose ;
gardens. The variety flore-
(American or Frag-
rant Crab)
States.
Introduced 1724
May and
early June
plenohaslarge.almost double,
rich rose-coloured flowers.
*P. floribunda
Japan
Rose;
A delightful tree and happily
late Spring
much planted in gardens.
and early
It is quite small, little more
Summer
than a graceful bush, rarely
exceeding a height of 10 feet,
wreathed in flowers in the
appropriate season, the buds
intense crimson, but opening
out a paler shade, and thus
there is a gradation from one
colour to the other. It should
be freely grouped and planted
in small and large gardens.
The fruits are yellow, and
about the size of a pea. There
are two good varieties, Atro-
san guinea, which has flowers of
much deeper colour than those
of the type, and flore-pleno
or Malus Parkmanni, as it is
more often called. This has
semi-double red flowers, and
reddish wood and leaves.
P. Malus (Crab
Britain ;
White;
This is the Crab Apple of the
Apple)
Europe and Asia
late Spring
hedgerow, and although not
very ornamental, three varie-
ties of it deserve notice.
These are *coccinea, which
has large scarlet fruits in
abundance; flore-albo-pleno,
with large semi-double, pure
white flowers, and Neidzwetz-
kyanus, a very handsome
form with purple-tinted leaves
and fruit. But no tree can
become popular with such a
name. We hope it will be
changed. Pendula is welcome
for its drooping growth.
P. prunifolia
Siberia
Rose ;
This much resembles P. bac-
late Spring
cata, and has many varieties,
one of them named pendula
being a beautiful weeping
tree.
P. Ringo
Japan
Late
A small tree about 20 feet high,
Spring
with rather long spreading
branches, and large flower
trusses followed by bright
yellow fruits. These are
sometimes borne so abun-
dantly that the branches get
weighed down.
*P. Schiedeckeri
Supposed hybrid
Soft rose ;
This hybrid has for its near
(P. spectabilis,
May
allies such popular and
*P. Toringo)
beautiful plants as Pyrus
floribunda, P. spectabilis, P.
baccata (Siberian Crab), &c. ;
yet it is not inferior in beauty
PYRUS SPECTABIL1S ON LAWN. (Spring.)
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 423
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Pyrus Schiedeckeri
Supposed hybrid
Soft rose ;
to any of them. It is only in
fP. spectabilis,
May
recent years that it has been
*P. toringo)
in commerce. It has not, of
course, reached its full size
yet in this country, but it is
evidently going to be a small
tree. It is nearly related to
P. floribunda, but gives every
indication of possessing a
more tree-like character, its
branches being sturdier and
more erect in growth. But
it is for its wealth of blossom
that it is chiefly remarkable.
Even among such profuse-
flowering things as those of
its allies mentioned above,
it is noteworthy for its quali-
ties in that respect. During
May, its flowering season,
clean branches 3 feet and
even 4 feet long can be
cut, which are wreathed
from end to end with blos-
som. The flowers are semi-
double and come in the
usual Apple-like clusters ;
each flower is about i^ inches
across.
*P. spectabilis
China and Japan
Pink ;
A beautiful and fairly well
(Chinese Crab)
Spring
known tree, 20 feet to 30
feet high, with large semi-
double flowers of much
charm ; the fruits are bright
red. Every garden should
possess a group of it, and at
least a single specimen stand-
ing out by itself, unfettered
by trees or shrubs near.
There are three varieties of
note : flore-pleno-albo, with
white flowers ; flore-pleno ;
and Kaido, which is a very
charming tree, upright in
growth, and with rose-pink
flowers and yellowish-red
fruits. These trees of the
Malus section are usually
propagated by being budded
or grafted on stocks of the
Common Crab. If any of
them are growing singly
away from other species,
then seeds from them will
come true to name, but
where various species are
growing together they be-
come crossed when in flower,
and the seedlings result in a
variety of hybrids, few or
none of which are of any
4 2 4
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Pyrus spectabilis
(Chinese Crab)
China and Japan
Pink;
Spring
value. But as all of them
succeed very well when
worked on Stocks of the
Common Crab, this is pro-
bably the better way to pro-
pagate them.
ARIA GROUP (White
A very distinct group.
Beam trees)
P. Aria (Common
White Beam tree)
North Temperate
Zone
White
A well-known tree, frequently
seen in chalky districts. It
is a large tree, 40 to 50 feet
high, and has oval leaves,
which are silvery white on
the under surface. The
white flowers are borne in
large clusters, followed by
oval red or scarlet coloured
fruits. There are several
varieties. Lutescens is very
handsome, with its broad
and silvery leaves ; chryso-
phylla has leaves of quite a
golden hue ; grasca is a
handsome form found in
Greece, it is much later in
flowering and fruiting than
any of the others ; salicifolia
has striking leaves, quite sil-
very white underneath.
P. decaisneana
Origin unknown ;
......
A handsome vigorous tree,
presumably a
with oval leaves, 6 inches
hybrid
long by 2 to 3 inches broad,
silvery beneath. The pinkish
flowers are on large dense
corymbs, followed by bright
scarlet fruits. A tree well
worth growing.
*P. lanata
Himalaya
White
This is better known under its
garden name of Sorbus ma-
jestica, and is perhaps the
most beautiful of this section
of Pyrus. It is an upright-
growing tree, 30 feet to 40
feet high, with large serrated
leaves, covered beneath with
a dense silvery tomentum.
The flowers . are succeeded
by corymbs of intense scarlet
fruit. P. pinnatifida is also
of note for its silvery leaves.
P. vestita
Northern India
White
Thoroughly hardy in this
country, and a handsome
tree, met with commonly
under the names of P. Thom-
soni and Sorbus magnifica.
It has large oval silvery
leaves, and is worth growing
for this reason alone. The
white flowers and scarlet
fruit are an additional charm.
The above are all best pro-
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
425
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Pyrus vestita
Northern India
White
pagated from seeds, which
are freely produced, and
come true to name, with the
exceptions of P. alpina and
P. decaisneana, which, be-
ing hybrids, cannot be de-
pended on. These two, and
the varieties of P. Aria, are
best worked on stocks of P.
Aria, on which they succeed
very well as a rule, care being
taken to choose clean, vigor-
ous stocks with straight stems.
SORBUS GROUP.
Pyrus araericana
North America
White
This is the American Mountain
Ash, and is not a great suc-
cess in this country. It is of
smaller growth than our
Mountain Ash, and has pin-
nate leaves and clusters of
red fruit, which, like those of
most of the Pyruses, are
much liked by birds. There
are several varieties.
*P. Aucuparia
Native
White;
This adds a brilliant note of
(Mountain Ash or
Spring
colour to the garden land-
Rowan tree)
scape in Autumn, and is the
glory of many a Scotch and
Welsh ravine. In the north
the berries are very rich.
There are many varieties ;
^ the best are asplenifolia, a
very handsome tree, with
finer leaves and more deeply
serrated leaflets than those
of the type ; dulcis, a hand-
some, vigorous variety, with
bold foliage and larger fruits
than those of any of the other
Mountain Ashes. Fastigiata
has somewhat the habit of the
Lombardy Poplar ; fructu
luteo has bright yellow or
orange fruits, which are freely
borne and very showy ; pen-
dula is a weeping form with
branches that sweep the
ground.
P. lanuginosa
Eastern Europe
Dull white
This is a showy tree, 30 feet to
40 feet high, with pinnate
leaves, woolly on both sur-
faces. The fruits are red.
*P. Sorbus
(Service tree)
Native
White
This is more commonly known
under the names of P. domes-
tica or Sorbus domestica,
and is like the Mountain Ash
in leaf, though more spread-
ing in growth. The flowers
are succeeded by green fruits
about the same size as those
of a Crab Apple. There
426
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Pyrus Sorbus
Native
White
are two forms, viz., mali-
(Service tree)
formis, with apple-shaped
fruits, and pyriformis, with
fruits shaped like those of
a pear.
P. thianschanica
Eastern Asia
White
This is a comparatively new
introduction, but a valuable
tree. It has reddish-coloured
shining wood and pinnate
glossy leaves, with pointed
and serrated leaflets. The
fruits are small and scarlet.
The above can, and should,
be propagated from seeds,
which germinate readily, and
the seedlings soon form
strong plants. The varieties
of the Mountain Ash should
be worked on that species,
and, if absolutely necessary,
most of the other species can
be increased in the same
manner and on the same
stock. We have seen P.
lanuginosa worked on a
Hawthorn stock, on which
it succeeded very well, but
should not recommend the
Hawthorn as a stock for any
of the Pyruses.
ADENORACHIS
GROUP.
Not a very important group,
containing two species, P.
arbutifolia and P. nigra.
Both are easily raised from
seeds, but the quicker way is
to detach suckers.
CYDONIA
(the Quinces)
Pyrus cathayensis
China
Rosy red ;
late Spring,
Best on a wall as at Kew.
Bolder in growth than P.
early
japonica, but not so hardy.
Summer
Very handsome on a wall.
*P. Cydonia (Syn.
Unknown
Flesh
The Quince is for the garden
Cydonia vulgaris)
orchard. ' ' How seldom does
one see Quinces planted for
ornament, and yet there is
hardly any small tree that
better deserves such treat-
ment. Some Quinces planted
about eight years ago are
now perfect pictures ; their
lissome branches, borne
down with the load of great
deep-yellow fruit, and their
leaves turning to a colour
almost as rich and glowing.
The old English rather round-
fruited kind with the smooth
skin is the best both for
flavour and beauty a mature
tree without leaves in winter,
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 427
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Pyrus Cydonia (Syn.
Cydonia vulgaris)
Unknown
Flesh
has a remarkably graceful,
arching, almost weeping
growth. The other kind is
of a rather more rigid form,
and though its woolly-coated,
pear-shaped fruits are larger
and strikingly handsome, the
whole tree has a coarse look,
and just lacks the attractive
grace of the other. They will
do fairly well almost any-
where, though they prefer a
rich loamy soil, and a cool,
damp , or even swam py place. ' '
Wood and Garden, p. 128.
*P. japonica
China and Japan
Scarlet ;
A beautiful shrub, one of the
April,
most valuable introductions
earlier in
that we have ever had from
some
China and Japan. It is the
gardens
"japonica " of many a cottage
and villa wall, and in sheltered
warm gardens begins to bloom
before winter has gone, a
bright, cheery, and welcome
shrub indeed in border or on
wall. It is so well known that
a description is almost need-
less, but there are several va-
rieties .with considerable range
of colour, from white to scar-
let. We give the six from the
Kew list : candicans, white ;
luteo-viridis, yellow; Moer-
loesi, crimson ; nivalis, white ;
sulphurea perfecta and ver-
sicolor lutescens, both yel-
lowish. All the varieties are
good, especially Knap-Hill
scarlet, which is a brilliant
scarlet, delightful in a group ;
it is a most valuable shrub.
Sinica has very showy deep
red flowers.
*P. Maulei
Japan
Orange
A charming shrub, dwarfer
scarlet ;
than P. japonica ; the fruits
May
are yellow, and have a pleas-
ant aromatic odour, and, like
those of P. japonica, make
an excellent preserve. Su-
perba is a variety or rather
reputed hybrid between P.
Maulei and P. japonica, and
has deep scarlet flowers.
The Quince can be propa-
gated by seeds, by cuttings,
or by layers. Cuttings of
well-ripened wood about 9
inches long should be taken
in autumn and inserted 6
inches in the ground, when
they soon form roots and
428
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Pyrus Maulei
Japan
Orange
make sturdy plants. P.
scarlet ;
japonica and P. Maulei can
May
be increased by seeds, by
suckers, or by root-cuttings.
Suckers are freely pro-
duced by old plants, and
can easily be detached, so
that this method is the
easiest means of propagating
them.
MESPILUS GROUP.
*Pyrus germanica
(the Medlar) (Syn.
Europe and Asia
Pure
white ;
A small tree for the garden,
orchard, or woodland. It is
Mespilusvulgaris)
early
handsome in leaf and growth ,
Summer
a dense spreading tree, with
fruits of acceptable flavour
when eaten at the right stage.
*P. lobata (M.
Unknown ; pro-
White
A very handsome but neglected
Smithi ; M.
grandiflora)
bably a hybrid
tree, about 20 feet high, with
dark-green leaves and snow-
white flowers, rather smaller
than those of the common
Medlar ; it has small pear-
shaped reddish fruits, and is
a good lawn tree.
These trees are best pro-
pagated by grafting or bud-
ding on the Pear or Quince
stocks, on which they do well.
The Medlar can also be in-
creased by seed.
RHODODENDRON
SPECIES.
Rhododendron
Himalaya ;
Bell-
This is a famous Himalayan
arboreum
Ericaceae
shaped,
Rhododendron, a tree at-
various
taining a height of 40 feet in
colours
its native country. It has
blood-red,
bold, thick foliage, green
white, rose,
above but quite silvery be-
and,
neath, and the bell-shaped
as a rule,
flowers vary in colour. There
spotted
are several varieties, such
as album, cinnamomeum,
kingianum, Nilagiricum,
puniceum, and others, but
difference in flower colouring
is the chief reason for dis-
tinctive names. Not hardy
except in a few very favoured
spots, chiefly Cornwall and
south-west generally. Must
be grown under glass, and
requires a big house. Many
beautiful trees in the Tempe-
rate House at Kew.
R. bar bat um
Sikkim
Bell-
This is a tree 40 feet to 60 feet
shaped,
high in its native country. It
blood-red,
is hardier than R. arboreum.
i^ inches
across
1
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 429
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron
californicum
California
Rose-purple,
upper petal
This is a strong-growing Cali-
fornian species, the leaves
potted with
dark-green ; fairly hardy.
greenish
yellow ;
broadly
campanu-
late, almost
without a
tube. Good
sized um-
bels; June
R. campanulatum
Himalaya
Lilac, with
purplish
This is a beautiful species,
about 4 feet high. We have
spots ;
seen it in several Surrey
June.
gardens, but it requires
Leaves
shelter. It is not one of the
elliptic or
hardiest.
elliptic
oblong,
blunt as
a rule at
both ends,
April
R. campylocarpum
Himalaya
Bell-
The best hardy yellow Rhodo-
shaped,
dendron at present known is
clear, pale
this. It is hardy at Kew in
yellow,
sheltered spots, but succeeds
2 inches or
better farther to the south.
so across,
It is a shrub of neat compact
in rather
habit, with leaves 2 inches
loose
to 3 inches long, dark-green
clusters ;
and glossy above, blue-white
May or
beneath. When full of flower
late April
it is a singularly pretty and
distinct Rhododendron. It
varies somewhat in shade,
and the flowers are some-
times of a pale lemon tint,
becoming almost white with
age. The late Mr. Mangles,
we believe, raised some hy-
brids from this species, but'we
know of none in commerce.
R. catawbiense
Mountainous re-
gions of South-
Good-
sized
This is a strong growing species
and one of the hardiest of
ern United
heads of
all Rhododendrons, and has
States
lilac or
purplish
flowers ;
played a large part in the pro-
duction of the present race of
garden Rhododendrons, and
late May
is with R. ponticum the best
and June
stock on which to graft the
various varieties, and is use-
ful for covert. It is hardier
than R. ponticum, and
varieties with much of the
Catawbiense blood in them
are hardier than those closely
allied to other species. Fas-
tuosum fl. pi. is a well known
form.
430
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron
Introduced nearly
Rose or
This is a quite hardy Rhodo-
caucasicum
a century ago
whitish
dendron. The true species
from high rocks
close to the
green
spotted
is rare in gardens, but there
are several forms, and it has
snow - line in
flowers,
been used to a great extent
Caucasus
in compact
by the hybridist. It is dwarf,
and upright
spreading, little more than a
clusters
foot high, with ovate leaves
with brownish tomentum on
the under surface. It flowers
late in July or in August,
but its progeny is in beauty
during May and June. A
hybrid, which flowers at a
considerable earlier date than
1
the others, is nobleanum;
it claims R. arboreum as its
other parent, and flowers
from December onwards un-
til the end of March. At
Kew there are several large
groups in the Rhododendron
dell.
R. ciliatum
Sikkim
Flowers
This is a Rhododendron more
are white,
adapted, except in the quite
suffused
southern counties such as
with rose ;
Cornwall, South Wales, &c. ,
April
for a cold house. It is of
outdoors
compact and bushy growth,
2 feet or 3 feet or less high,
but varies according, of
course, to locality, and is
part responsible for a number
of hybrids, such as praecox,
Rosy Bell, and Queen of
Dwarfs. The hybrids men-
tioned are all hardy, but
owing to their early flowering
R. cinnabarinum
Himalaya
Flowers are
often get injured by frost.
This is a very distinct-looking
tubular,
with short,
spreading
shrub, about 3 feet ; but only
an approximate height can
be given, as it is sometimes
limb, pen-
more than this. The growth
dulous, and
is somewhat loose, and the
orange-
scarlet,
branches upright and slender,
the leaves ovate, 2 to 2^ inches
orange, or
long, and glaucous. Only
red ; they
moderately hardy.
vary some-
what in
size, but
are usually
about
2 inches
long and
f of an inch
across the
mouth, and
thick and
fleshy
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 431
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron
dauricura
Alpine regions of
Eastern Asia
Rosy
purple ;
This is quite hardy, but flowers
so rarely that it is only seen
January
in beauty very often in a cold
house. It is almost decidu-
ous, as most of the leaves
fall off in winter. It is a
bush, and has been crossed
with R. ciliatum, the well-
known praecox and Rosy
Gem being two of the hy-
brids.
R. ferrugineum
(Alpine Rose)
European Alps.
Introduced about
Flowers
small,
This is frequently seen in rock
gardens, and grows about i
150 years ago
funnel-
foot high, forming a rounded
shaped,
mass thickly clothed with
and in
small green leaves, covered
small
with minute reddish-brown
upright
terminal
clusters in
spots. When young the
leaves are slightly hairy, but
the mature foliage is almost
June ;
free from hairs. There are
bright rose
varieties, one with white (albi-
or scarlet
florum), another with rosy or
scarlet flowers (myrtifolium),
but there are others. Its
popular name is Alpine
Rose.
R. Fortune!
China
Fragrant,
This is one of the hardiest of
pale rose-
coloured
the Himalayan species, and,
as it does not flower until
flowers,
well into May, it is generally
with seven
untouched by late frosts,
petals ;
which so disturb early-flower-
Mid-May
ing species. It grows from
10 feet to 12 feet high, and
has large, handsome oblong
leaves. It is the origin of a
distinct race.
R. fulgens
Eastern Himalaya
Blood-red ;
There are several forms of this
April and
Himalayan Rhododendron
May
in gardens, the best pro-
ducing compact clusters of
medium-sized flowers of the
colour mentioned. The
leaves bear a striking resem-
blance to those of R. cam-
panulatum in both size and
colour. Although hardy, it
is seldom seen in true beauty
outdoors, because of its natu-
R. glaucum
Himalaya
Rose, waxy
rally early-flowering season.
This is a dwarf species, with
f of an inch
small oblong leaves, seldom
across, and
more than 2 feet high, and
in small
rarely seen in cultivation,
upright
although very pretty.
heads ;
May
R. hirsutum
Alps
Pale red ;
In many ways this is the
May and
counterpart of R. ferrugineum,
July
the chief difference being in
432
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron
Alps
Pale red ;
the intensely hairy leaves of
hirsutum
May and
this species. The two species
July
grow side by side in the Alps,
and the one under notice is
one of the few species that
will grow in a limy soil. It
has also been used by the
hybridist.
R. Keysn
Bhotan
Flowers
A distinct, upright-growing,
tubular,
scantily branched species,
red and
yellow, and
suggesting affinity to R. cin- |
nabarina, but it is quite dis-
i inches
tinct. It grows from 4 feet
long; May
to 6 feet high, has narrow
ovate or lanceolate leaves
2 inches long.
R. lepidotum
Temperate and
Colour
The individual flower does not
Alpine Himalayas
varies,
suggest a Rhododendron, so
usually
unlike other species is it in
purple and
this respect. It is a low-
yellowish ;
growing plant with small
curious
oblong leaves ; it succeeds
flattened
outdoors at Kew.
form, and
about i
inch across ;
May and
June
R. maximum (Great
North America
Rose, or
This will grow to a height of
American Laurel)
whitish
35 feet, and has large, thick,
spotted
elliptical, oblong leaves. It
with yellow
is not much grown here. In
or red
the ' ' Cyclopaedia of Ameri-
k
can Horticulture," it is men-
tioned : ' ' This is one of the
hardiest species, being hardy
as far north as Quebec and
Ontario. . . . This species
and the former (catawbiense)
are now often extensively
used in park-planting, and
taken by the car-load from
the woods. If properly
handled and taken from a
turfy soil with a sufficient
ball of earth around the roots,
they are usually successfully
planted." There are three
varieties, album, purpureun,
and roseun.
R. Metternichii
Japan ; known
Rose;
This is not in general cultiva-
here about 30 years
about
tion, but is hardy. As yet
2 inches
no opportunity has arisen of
across, and
ascertaining to what dimen-
in small
sions it will grow in this
clusters ;
country; it has thick and
March
leathery oblong leaves, 3 to
4 inches long, green above,
and covered underneath with
a thick grey or brownish
tomentum.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 433
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron
Himalaya ;
Purplish ;
At Kew this species lives out-
niveum
8 to 9 feet
April
doors, but is not a success,
and even in Cornish gardens
gets injured in severe weather.
It makes a dense bush, with
medium-sized leaves, green
above, and covered with a
dense greyish tornentum be-
neath. It has been in culti-
vation about 40 years.
R. ponticum
This has a curious
Purple ;
Of all the hardy Rhododen-
distribution,
about
drons this is the most largely
being found in
2 inches
grown and most popular ; it
Portugal and not
across ;
is much used as an under-
again until Asia
May
growth in woods and other
Minor is reached
places. In many parts it has
become naturalised, repro-
ducing itself from self-sown
seeds. It has been much
used by the hybridist, and
with R. caucasicum and R.
catawbiense has produced
many beautiful hybrids. It
will grow beneath trees, and
its evergreen foliage is not
the least of its attractions.
There are several varieties.
R. punctatum
North America,
Flowers
A dwarf and evergreen species.
Alleghany Moun-
rose ; i inch
R. minus is a synonym.
tains, from
across; in
North Carolina
clusters in
to Georgia
June
R. racemosum
First exhibited by
Pink-
The introduction of this added
the introducers,
white ;
another type to this genus,
Messrs. Veitch, in
April
for both in flower and general
1892, and is a
habit it is distinct from other
native of Western
species. It is dwarf, with
China, where it is
small oval leaves, and flowers
found 6000 to
borne in axillary and terminal
10,000 feet
clusters, and so profusely
elevation
that every branch is a mass
of blossom. It is quite hardy
and very welcome. There
is a form with deep rose
flowers.
R. Rhodora
North America
Magenta-
Not much grown, but colour
(Rhodora canadensis)
purple ;
April
probably not popular. It
makes an upright deciduous
shrub, 3 feet to 4 feet, slender,
twiggy wood, and small ovate
lanceolate leaves. Should
have moist peaty soil. A
failure on dry and sandy
ground. Does not object
to partial shade. Easily
increased by seeds and
layering.
R. Smirnowi
Caucasus
Crimson-
This has large flowers and
purple ;
leaves, and, as recorded else-
3 inches
where, has founded a distinct
across ;
race. It blooms freely when
2 E
434
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
i
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron
Caucasus
April and
about a foot or so high. The
Smirnowi
May
leaves are about 5 inches long,
2 inches wide, and covered on
underside with a soft white felt.
R. Thomsoni (see
page 437)
R. yunnanense
Yunnan ; first
White,
This is an erect shrub, with
flowered at Kew
in 1899
with blood-
red spots on
glossy green leaves 2 to <2\
inches wide. A very useful
upper petal;
shrub, and should not be
in loose
forgotten by the hybridist.
clusters in
May
R. HARDY HYBRID
Ericaceae
Very few of the species of Rho-
dodendron have not some
value either for out of doors
or under glass. Rhododen-
drons are widely distributed,
species being found in
North America, Europe, and
through temperate Asia as
far south as the Malay Pen-
insula, the headquarters of
the genus being Western
Asia and the temperate
Himalaya. Rhododendrons
also differ greatly in size,
some very tall as R. arborea,
which is sometimes said to
grow to a height of 40 feet in
the Sikkim forests, to the
little alpine R. Chamaecistus,
which rarely exceeds 6 inches
high. There is quite as
marked variation in the size
of the leaf, several species,
of which R. Falconeri may
be taken as a type, having
large and handsome leaves,
sometimes a foot high and
6 inches wide, whilst the
quaint little Japanese species
R. serpyllifolium has tiny
leaves not a third of an inch
long and of corresponding
width. The Rhododendron
family may be divided into
two great sections, deciduous
and evergreen. The ever-
green section consists of a
large number of species,
either quite hardy or tender,
the tender ones being repre-
sented by such beautiful
flowers as R. griffithianum,
Edgeworthi, R. Dalhousiae,
R. Nuttalli, the Malayan
species, &c. With the ex-
ception of R. ponticum true
species are seldom met
with outdoors, except in
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS
435
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron
Ericaceae
gardens where collections
Hardy Hybrid
are formed, or in the south-
west countries. The scarcity
of species is doubtless due
to many of the hybrids
being much hardier, and
begin to flower and grow at
a later time of the year. Al-
though some of them will
stand severe frost in mid-
winter without injury,
growth beginning early in
the year, the young leaves
and shoots get considerably
injured by the late spring
frosts, and flowers when open
in March are also destroyed
or much spoilt. In Cornwall,
South Wales, and parts of
Ireland, huge specimens of
*
R. arboreum, barbatum,
grande, Falconeri, griffith-
ianum, and others may be
seen in full vigour, but all
have to receive protection
from the north. Although
these species cannot be grown
successfully outdoors in most
parts of the country, the
hybridist knows their value.
Through crossing them with
hardier and later growing
and flowering species many
beautiful hybrids have been
raised. Hardy evergreen
hybrid Rhododendrons may
be divided into several groups
according to parentage. Of
these groups by far the most
familiar is the one that has
originated through the cross-
ing and intercrossing of the
Himalayan R. arboreum
with the American R. cataw-
biense, the Caucasian species
R. caucasicum, or the Euro-
pean and Asiatic ponticum.
This hybridising has been
progressing for half a century
or more, and the parentage
is plainly seen in the off-
spring. Thus where R.
arboreum asserts itself most
strongly we find rich red
flowers and leaves with a
silvery under-surface. Where
R. catawbiense is most in
evidence the leaves are large
and handsome, deep green,
and softer to the touch than R.
arboreum, while the clusters
43 6
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron
Ericaceae
are often of great size, the
Hardy Hybrid
flowers prettily spotted, and
the plants of exceptionally
good habit. For very cold
districts the catawbiense hy-
brids are the best, being
hardier than the others. The
flowers of many of the earliest
of the R. catawbiense hybrids
are of lilac or purple colour-
ing. The influence of R.
caucasicum is most plainly
shown in the rose, white,
and heavily spotted varieties,
whilst it also imparts some
of its sturdy habit to its pro-
geny. R. ponticum shares
with R. catawbiense the
honour of producing many
of the best lilacs and purples,
but through so much inter-
crossing it is difficult to trace
the influence of any particular
species in many of the newer
hybrids. In this group
raisers are fastidious, re-
garding the shape of the in-
floresence as of first import-
ance, that is, a conical truss
of symmetrical outline, the
flowers on short stalks and
held firmly in the truss. In
the Rhododendron dell at
Kew many of these hybrids
are to be seen, and in a
number of the older ones it
is not difficult to trace the
influence of the various
species mentioned. Some
of those which show much
of the catawbiense character
are album elegans, white with
yellow spots, delicatissimum,
blush, everestianum, lilac with j
darker spots, fastuosum fl. pi.,
double lilac, and purpureum
elegans and purpureum splen-
dens, with dark -spotted
flowers. R. arboreum blood
is very noticeable in the early
flowering, bright-red noble-
anum, the rich red russelli-
anum, and russellianum
superbum, the white dark-
spotted Baron Osy, the blush
or almost white Blanche
superb, and many others,
whilst R. ponticum is in
evidence in a large number
of hybrids. In addition to
this group there are others
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 437
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron
Ericaceae
which, though not so univer-
Hardy Hybrid
sally grown, are quite as
beautiful. For a number of
years other species besides
those worked on to pro-
duce the last-named group
have been taken in hand in
several places, notably at
Tremough by Mr. Gill, and
all who are interested in
shrubs know the great work
accomplished by Messrs.
Anthony Waterer of Knap-
hill, John Waterer & Sons of
Bagshot, Wm. Paul & Son
of Waltham Cross, George
Paul of Cheshunt, Fisher,
Son & Sibray of Sheffield,
Messrs. J. Veitch, and in the
Royal Gardens, Kew.
R. Thomson!
Sikkim
Blood red ;
R. Thomsoni may be taken as
June
a type of a group in which it
has played a great part. This
species is hardy even near Lon-
don, and farther north, but
flowers very early, so much so
that frost frequently destroys
its beauty. It grows from
6 feet to 15 feet, has broadly
ovate leaves and loose trusses
R. Luscombei
Hybrid between
Rich rosy
of six or eight waxy flowers.
This was raised by Mr. Lus-
R. Thomson! and
red;
combe about thirty years
R. Fortunei
April
ago. It is finely represented
in the Arboretum at Kew,
the largest specimen being
8 feet high and as much
through. The flowers are in
loose trusses, tubular, 3 inches
across, and very waxy; a
R. F. Thiselton-Dyer
Hybrid, same cross
Deep rose,
handsome hybrid.
This is a Kew-raised hybrid,
as Luscombei
with darker
and very similar to Lus-
mark at the
combei in growth.
base of the
tube
*R. Ascot Brilliant
Raised by
Rich
This is a flower of wonderful
Mr. Standish
scarlet ;
colour, and the whole shrub in
mid and
growth, size of calyx, texture,
late May ;
and clusters reminds one
a peculiarly
strongly of R. Thomsoni. It
brilliant
is of dwarf and bushy growth,
colour
and flowers with great free-
dom.
*R. Shilsoni
Raised by Mr. Gill,
gardener to Mr. H.
Crimson
This beautiful hybrid combines
the good qualities of both
Shilston,Tremough,
parents. It resembles R.
Penrhyn, Cornwall,
barbatum in height and R.
between R. Thom-
Thomsoni in foliage, and the
soni and R. bar-
flower truss is compact as in
batum
the former parent, with the
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Rhododendron
Raised by Mr. Gill,
Crimson
larger, more fleshy leaves of
Shilsoni
gardener to Mr. H.
Shilston,Tremough,
the latter. It is an excep-
tionally line Rhododendron
Penrhyn, Cornwall,
for Cornwall, but at Kew is
between R. Thom-
grown in a cold house, al-
son! and R. bar-
though a small plant with-
batum
stood the winter of 1901-2
outside without injury.
R. Harrisii
A hybrid raised by
Red;
This is a hybrid of much inte-
Mr. Harris, at one
time gardener to
Lord Swansea ;
early
Spring
rest, and flowers freely when
quite small. It is apparently
quite hardy, but would be
the parents are
happier in the south than
R. Thomson! and
elsewhere.
R. arboreum
GRIFFITHIANUM
GROUP.
*R. Auckland!
Himalaya
White ;
The group, in which the Hima-
May
layan species griffithianum,
better known as R. Auck-
landi, is most marked, is
composed of a number of
large-flowered hybrids which
vary considerably in size of
flower and colouring. It is
probably the finest species of
Rhododendron in existence,
and named in honour of
Lord Auckland, a Governor-
General of India, by Sir
Joseph Hooker. It appears,
however, to have previously
been named after Griffith,
the Indian botanist, whose
name it ought now properly
to bear. It carries its flowers
in large, loose trusses, and
individually they are fre-
quently 6 inches across. This
Rhododendron, we believe,
ranks first in the genus in
regard to the size of its
bloom. Six or eight of these
are borne in a truss, and they
are pure white when once
fully expanded, although pink
in the bud state. The hand-
some leaves are smooth,
narrow-oblong, 6 inches to 12
inches long, and of a deep
lustrous green. When fully
grown this becomes a small
tree, the bark peeling from
the trunk in large flakes. It
is not, unfortunately, one of
the Himalayan species that
can be grown out of doors
near London. In Cornwall
and similar places it is mag-
nificent. It only just escapes
being hardy, and can be
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 439
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Rhododendron
Himalaya
White ;
grown out of doors in tubs
Auckland!
May
for the greater part of the
year. Some of the best
specimens in the country
have, in fact, been grown in
this way. Even when placed
under glass little or no fire-
heat is needed. We know
plants that have stood 18 of
frost without injury. It is
remarkable that this Rhodo-
dendron has not been used
more for hybridising. Most
people seem to have been
slow in awakening to its
value, and although, at the
present time, there are doubt-
less thousands of young hy-
brids from it in existence, it
will be some years before they
flower. There are, however,
a few hybrids that are hardy
and very beautiful.
*R. kewense
A hybrid between
Delicate
This was raised at Kew in 1875,
R. griffithianum
rose,
but did not flower until four-
and R. Auck-
passing to
teen years later. Since then
land!
white with
it has flowered very freely
age;
every year. It makes a large
April and
bush 6 to 8 feet high, spread-
May
ing, and with leaves resem-
bling those of R. griffithi-
anum, and the flowers as
regards shape and size being
also similar, whilst they are
very sweetly scented. In
addition to the true Kewense,
there is a form in cultivation
with red flowers. The bracts
are light red. Kewense is a
hybrid of charming colouring
so many shades of rose and
*R. Manglesii
Hybrid sent out
White, the
deeper-tinted buds.
This is a very beautiful hybrid,
about 1880 by
upper petal
popular, and very free. Al-
Messrs. Veitch &
Sons, and the out-
spotted with
red or
though the leaves are smaller,
this Rhododendron named
come of crossing
reddish
after one whose interest in
R. griffithianum
brown ;
the race was intense resem-
with the cataw-
April and
bles the Himalayan parent
biense hybrid
May
when not in bloom, but the in-
album elegans
fluence of the American parent
is seen in the flowers, which
are about 4 inches across.
A peculiarity ol the inflores-
cence is the long truss. There
are several forms, that only
differ slightly in size or density
of the spotting from the type.
*R. Pink Pearl
Raised by Messrs.
Delicate
This beautiful Rhododendron
J. Waterer & Sons
of Bagshot
pink ;
May
has rapidly become popular.
The leaves and size of flowers
44
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Rhododendron
Pink Pearl
Raised by Messrs.
J. Waterer & Sons
Delicate
pink ;
point to the griffithianum in-
fluence. The flower truss is
of Bagshot
May
very large, well formed, and
the individual flowers 4 to 5
inches across.
i
No doubt new hybrids with
R. griffithianum influence will
be constantly occurring, but
raisers must remember that
hardy growth is of the great-
est importance. R. griffithi-
anum has been much used
by Mr. Mangles as a parent,
in whose garden there are
many beautiful hybrids, such
as Liza Stillman, Dulcie Daf-
fan, Manglesii var. delicatum,
Daphne Daffan, Mrs. Mal-
lard, and others.
FORTUNEI GROUP.
R. Fortunei
China
White with
This species, when not in flower,
deep pink
bears a strong likeness to R.
suffusion,
griffithianum, but the flowers
and very
are very distinct, about 3
fragrant ;
inches across, and very fra-
May and
grant, whilst each one has
early June
seven petals. The hybrids
are of good habit, flower with
great freedom, are very fra-
grant, and each bloom fre-
quently has six petals, whilst
the stamens are often imper-
fect. The group displays a
wide range of colouring, pink
and deep rose predomina-
ting, but a few are red, and
many iare prettily spotted or
blotched with red or choco-
late. We hope this group
will be better known, as many
of the hybrids are very charm-
ing, a few having names ;
thus those raised at Kew
were named respectively Mrs.
Thiselton-Dyer and George
Thiselton-Dyer. They bloom
profusely, the flowers being
very deep rose with dust-
brownish blotchesat the base ;
the chief difference is that the
flowers of the former are
paler than those of the latter.
An interesting hybrid raised
at Kew by crossing R. For-
tunei with the variety Meteor
has flowered well for the last
four years. The cross was
made in 1893, and the plants
flowered when only a few
inches high. Several plants
have now grown to a height
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 44 i
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON:
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron
China
White, with
of 2^ feet. The flowers are in
Fortune!
deep pink
compact, rounded trusses,
suffusion,
and appear in May ; they are
and very
delicate pink, and fragrant.
fragrant ;
The great peculiarity of the
May and
hybrid is that no plant has per-
early June
fect stamens, some being full
size but barren, others reduced
to mere specks, and occasion-
ally they are quite absent.
R. Smirnowi
Native of Cauca-
Bright
This is a handsome species, of
sus. Flowered
rosy-lilac ;
compact growth, and 3 feet
for the first time
April and
to 6 feet high, with large,
in England at
May
deep-green leaves, covered on
Kew in 1893
the underside with quite a
dense, whitish, wool-like sub-
stance. The flowers are from
z\ inches to 3 inches across,
and in shapely trusses. Both
at Kew and in the nursery of
Mr. George Paul many hy-
brids have been raised. The
first raised at Kew resulted
from crossing the species with
the scarlet-flowered garden
hybrid Johnsoni in 1893. It
flowered when four years old,
and was of dwarf growth,
with rosy-red flower. Of nu-
merous other hybrids raised
since then three resulted from
crosses made in May 1896;
they flowered in May 1902,
and are so far the best. One
of these was raised by cross-
ing with the variety pur-
pureum splendens; this has
trusses of purplish flowers.
Another claims R. Fortunei
%
as its male parent ; it has
large fragrant flowers with
five or six petals, pink, and
arranged in shapely trusses.
In the third case kewense
was selected as the male, and
this is the prettiest of the
three ; the flowers are on long
stalks, droop, and have dain-
tily fringed petals ; they are
fragrant, rose colour, mottled
with dark spots in the throat.
The somewhat drooping cha-
racter of the flowers is not an
R. azaleoides
Cross between R.
White,
advantage.
This grows about 3^ feet high,
(Azalea) visco-
lilac-tinted
and, as the parentage shows,
sum and R.
flowers ;
is a cross between the ever-
maximum
June
green and deciduous sections.
It has been known under the
names of hybridum, fragrans,
odoratum. Quite hardy.
442
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Rhododendron
This is not new,
Buff
This is a very beautiful Rhodo-
Smithi aureum
but rare ; it is
inclining to
dendron, dwarf, not very
supposed to
apricot ;
compact in growth, but when
have been
June
its handsome flower clusters
raised by a
are out the bush is almost
nurseryman
smothered with bloom. At
named Smith of
Saltwood, near Hythe, in a
Norbiton, be-
Rhododendron glen Mr.
tween a variety
Leney has several plants of
of R. caucasi-
it. A glaucous-leaved form
cum and a yel-
is in cultivation, but the
low form of R.
flowers are not so rich in
sinense. and is
colour as those of the plainer
said to have
leaved one. Quite hardy.
been exhibited
at Chiswick in
1841
R. roseum odoratum
Hybrid between
Reddish ;
Quite hardy.
the two sections.
June
One a white-
flowered deci-
duous variety,
and the other
a red-flowered
evergreen form
R. altaclarense
Result of crossing
Bright
A very charming, bright
R. catawbiense
scarlet
flowered hybrid.
and R. ponti-
cum. Flowered
first in 1835.
Raised at High-
clere
*R. praecox
A hybrid between
Rose-
This hybrid is quite hardy, but
R. ciliatum and
purple ;
must have a sheltered spot,
R. dauricum
late
if not grown in a cool house
February
for the sake of its colour, as
and early
it blooms early in Spring, and
March
therefore is apt to get spoilt
by frost and rain. It makes
a bush about 3 feet high,
spreading, with a profusion
of flowers, very rich in colour,
but the variety rubrum is
darker than the type.
*R. (Azaleas)
For many years the hardy,
deciduous Rhododendrons
were known only as Azaleas,
and in many places the name
Azalea is still maintained.
When the two sections
deciduous and evergreen
are compared it will be at
once seen that there is no
real structural difference be-
tween them. Although in
the making of the two genera
the number of stamens was
considered one of the prin-
cipal points, it has since been
shown that it is a point un-
worthy of notice, as the
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 443
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Rhododendroiw
number of stamens varies
(Azaleas
considerably in both decidu-
ous and evergreen species.
It is doubtful whether the
name of Azalea will disap-
pear, but we are following
here the latest classification,
and therefore place the
"Azalea" in its proper
group. About 20 species
have been known under the
name of Azalea, 3 or 4 of
which are evergreen, and
the remainder deciduous.
Of these about half-a-dozen
are really well known in
gardens, either by the type
plants, hybrids, or garden
forms. The majority of the
species belong to China and
Japan and North America,
one species being found in
the Caucasus. Several of
the North American species,
such as R. arborescens,
calendulaceum, nudiflorum,
&c. , the Chinese and Japanese
species R. sinense (better
known as Azalea mollis), and
the Caucasian flavum (Syn.
Azalea pontica), have proved
splendid breeders, and in
the hands of the hybridist
a wonderful assortment of
varieties has been obtained,
which for delicate shades
and rich self-colourings are
unsurpassed among hardy
shrubs. The colours range
from white to pink and from
pink to blood - red, from
lemon to deep yellow and
orange -scarlet, with all de-
scriptions of intervening
shades and combinations of
colour. From R. calendu-
laceum most of the orange
and orange-scarlet and red
forms have originated ; fla-
vum has been responsible
for many of the yellows and
terra-cottas ; arborescens,
occidentale, and viscosum
for the whites and pale rose
varieties, also for the late
flowering ones ; while R.
nudiflorum has been respon-
sible for a great number of
hybrids of all shades. As a
rule it is much easier to trace
R. sinense blood among
444
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
* Rhododendron
hybrids than that of other
(Azaleas)
species, the flowers in that
case being larger and the
leaves more closely resem-
bling those of the species,
but even in some of these
repeated intercrossing has
almost obliterated the special
sinense characters. Many
of these hybrids have been
raised in the old-world city
of Ghent, a fact which has
given rise to the name
" Ghent Azaleas. " In Eng-
land Mr. Anthony Waterer
has raised beautiful forms at
Knaphill, such as the pure
white Mrs. Anthony Waterer.
Few are named, however,
nowadays, this brilliant
group being called the
" Knaphill," and it is rich
in beautiful colours, from
white through yellow, orange,
buff, crimson, scarlet, and
other flaming tones, which
create glorious pictures in
the garden in late Spring
and early Summer. The
shrubs should be planted in
groups in woodland and else-
where when the rich colour-
ing of the flowers is most
effective, and in Autumn the
foliage turns to warm tints,
crimson, brown, purple, and
other shades intermingling,
making the bushes almost as
beautiful in their Autumn
dress as when covered with
flowers in Spring and early
Summer. Of late years
these Rhododendrons, especi-
ally the sinense group, have
been much used for forcing,
and they are extremely use-
ful for that purpose, as has
been so well demonstrated
by the brilliant groups ex-
hibited at various meetings
of the Royal Horticultural
Society by Messrs Cuthbert
and other firms. When
planting these hardy Azaleas,
choose a sheltered position,
not because they are tender,
but to protect the flowers as
much as possible from cold
winds and late frosts. The
majority of them are in
bloom before the time of
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 445
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Rhododendrons
frosts has passed, and some-
(Azaleas)
times the flowers get de-
stroyed wholesale. Few
shrubs are more suitable for
planting in woodland or
on the fringe of walks in
single groups, as here the
colours are fully brought
out. A peat soil or a mixture
of loam and peat will pro-
vide quite suitable material.
Mr. Anthony Waterer writes
as follows: " In a general
way all American plants may
be said to delight in and to
require what is called a peat
soil ; it was at one time be
lieved they would not grow
in any other. Experience,
however, proves the contrary,
and it is now found that
Rhododendrons and Azaleas,
which are the most important
of that class, as well as any
other of the more vigorous
plants, succeed in almost any
soil that does not contain
lime or chalk. In many
sandy loams they grow with
as much luxuriance as they
do in peat ; in fact, almost
any loamy soil, free from lime
or chalk, may be rendered
suitable for them by a liberal
admixture of leaf mould or
any fibrous material, such as
parings of pasture lands.
When the soil is poor,
thoroughly decayed cow
dung is one of the best
manures for Azaleas." Seed
pods should be picked off
immediately the flowers are
over.
R. arborescens(Syn.
Azalea, arbores-
Found by Pursh,
and described
White,
tinged with
This has fragrant flowers, and
grows about 9 feet in the
cens)
in 1816 in his
rose, the
British Isles.
"Flora of
stamens
North Ame-
scarlet ;
rica." It is a
occasionally
native of the
the colour
mountainous
is rose
regions from
Pennsylvaniato
South Carolina
and Tennessee,
especially about
the lower por-
tions of the
mountains of
North Carolina,
446
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron ar-
where it is said
borescens (Syn.
to grow along
Azalea, arbores-
the borders of
cens)
streams. It at-
tains a height
of from 15 feet
to 20 feet
R. calendulaceum
(A. calendulacea)
Alleghany Forests.
Introduced about
Great range
of colour ;
It forms a large, handsome
bush about 8 feet high, and
100 years ago
yellow,
is one of the most beautiful
red, orange
of the species.
and other
shades ;
May and
June
R. flavum (Syn. A.
Native of Cau-
Yellow,
Few Rhododendrons are better
pontica)
casus, and has
fragrant ;
known ; it grows from 6 feet
been grown for
early
to 8 feet, and has fairly large
upwards of a
Summer
shining leaves. Excellent for
century, viz. , in-
forcing.
troduced in 1793
R. indicura (A. in-
Widely distribu-
Various ;
This is the plant regarded as
dica)
ted in the moun-
early
the "common" Azalea. It
tains of China
Summer
has been improved consider-
and Japan
ably under cultivation, and
there are several beautiful
garden forms of it. The
majority of these are unfor-
tunately not hardy, and a
few only can be planted out-
side with safety. About ten
years ago Professor Sargent,
of the Arnold Arboretum,
collected seeds of this type in
the mountains of Japan. The
young plants have proved
fairly hardy, but flower, as a
rule, too early to be of any
great garden value. The
well-known Azalea amoena
is the hardiest of the varie-
ties; it is easily recognised
by its reddish hose-in -hose
flowers. Balsaminasflorum
is dwarf, and suitable for the
rock garden ; it has pretty,
double, rose-like salmon
flowers. In many southern
gardens R. indicum is hardy;
we have seen borders of it
in Mr. Leney's garden near
Saltwood, Hythe, and of
course in Devonshire and
Cornwall.
R. ledifolium (A.
China and Japan
Pure white;
This reminds one of the old
ledifolia)
March
white A. indica of gardens,
but the leaves are more hairy,
and it is hardier. It is like the
preceding, and evergreen.
It grows well out of doors in
the Royal Gardens, Kew.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 447
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rhododendron
From Canada to
Pinkish as
An extremely useful shrub, and
nudiflorum (A.
Florida and
a rule ;
has been of considerable
nudiflora)
Texas. On
April and
service to the hybridist. It
side of hills.
May
grows about 6 feet high, and
Introduced in
makesawide-spreadingbush.
1734
It bears pinkish-coloured
flowers, though many hues
are to be found among its
many forms.
R. occidentale (A.
California
White ;
This species flowers later than
occidentals)
late June
most of the others, and,
through using it as a parent,
hybrids have been produced
between it and the earlier
flowering species, thus the
flowering period is prolonged.
It makes a good-sized bush,
and blooms freely ; the
flowers are fragrant ; the
leaves are very glossy.
R. rhombicum (A.
Japan
Rose-lilac ;
This is easily distinguished
rhombica)
April
from other Rhododendrons
by its rhomboid leaves and
large flowers. In the seed-
ling stage it is somewhat
tender, and until several
years old its growth is not
satisfactory.
A. Vaseyi
Mountains of
White
Of the lesser known species this
North Carolina
suffused
is one of the most beautiful,
pink; April
and should be in every col-
lection. It makes a small
bush here, though in its native
country it grows more than
15 feet high, and is quite
hardy in the Thames Valley.
Album is a white variety,
R. viscosum (A. vis-
North America.
White and
This does not -usually flower
cosa)
In shady woods
sometimes
until most of the others are
and swamps.
pink; July
over. It is readily recognised
Introduced in
by its viscid leaves.
J 734
*Rhodotypos kerrio-
i d e s (White-
China and Japan ;
Rosacese
White ;
May and
A very pretty shrub, 4 to 6 feet
high, and bearing some re-
flowered Kerria)
June
semblance to the popular
Kerria japonica, hence it is
often called the white-flowered
Kerria, though it is really
quite distinct. The white
flowers are very much like
those of a single Rose.
Ribes alpinum
Northern
Greenish
A beautiful group of flowering
(Alpine Currant)
Hemisphere ;
shrubs. R. alpinum is a
Saxifrageae
dwarf bush 3 feet high, and
has a golden-leaved form,
which in the Spring is one of
the prettiest of shrubs with
this leaf colouring.
R. americanum
North America
Greenish
Has little claim to beauty, ex-
cept the vivid autumn tints
of the decaying foliage.
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*R. aureum
North America
Yellow ;
A shrub 4 to 6 feet high, with
(Missouri Currant)
early May
drooping clusters of golden-
yellow blossoms. It forms
a good companion to the
flowering Currant, Ribes
sanguineum.
*R. gordonianum
Garden hybrid
Yellow
and red
A hybrid between the species
immediately preceding and
the flowering Currant ; it
is in all respects about
intermediate between the
two.
R. multiflorum
Carpathian
Yellowish
Grows 5 to 6 feet high, and
Mountains
green
is remarkable for the long,
pendulous and graceful
racemes of small yellowish
blossoms.
*R. sanguineum
Western
Bright
A shrub 5 to 6 feet high, with
(Flowering Cur-
North America
rosy red ;
bright - coloured flowers. A
rant)
April
deservedly popular shrub of
easy culture. There are
numerous varieties, all beau-
tiful, viz. : album, near-
ly white ; atrosanguineum,
very deep coloured ; flore-
pleno, with double flowers
the last of all to bloom ;
glutinosum, pale rose ; mal-
vaceum, dense clusters of
rosy-lilac flowers.
*R. speciosum
California
Deep
Shrub 6 to 8 feet, stems spiny,
(Fuchsia-flowered
scarlet ;
flowers very beautiful. A
Gooseberry ),(Syn.
R. fuchsioides)
April and
May
delightful wall plant, though
quite hardy in south of Eng-
land.
*Robinia hispida
South United
Purplish
From a flowering point of view
(Rose Acacia),
States ;
rose ; June
this is the finest of all the
(Syn. Robinia
rosea)
Leguminosse
Robinias. Though usually
a small standard grafted on
the common False Acacia,
this is naturally a rambling
shrub some 6 feet in height,
with wide-spreading branches
clothed with dark-green pin-
nate leaves, and about June
the pendulous racemes of
large showy blossoms are at
their best. In this species
the stiff hairs that clothe the
young shoots and flower
stalks are very noticeable,
but there is a variety (in-
ermis) in which they are
entirely absent.
*R. neo-mexicana
Colorado and
Rose
A small tree related to the
New Mexico
common False Acacia, but it
differs from that well-known
tree ; the chief differences
are the glaucous green of
its prettily divided leaves, the
bright rose tint of its flowers,
i
CALIFORNIA POPPY. (Romneya Coultm.)
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 449
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Robinia neomexi-
cana
Colorado and
New Mexico
Rose
and the hairy flower stalks
and seed pods. A beautiful
autumn-flowering tree.
*R. Pseudacacia
North America
White ;
One of the handsomest of all
(Common Locust
late May
hardy trees ; the elegant
or False Acacia)
and June
pinnate foliage retained in
all its freshness throughout
the entire Summer, however
hot and dry, renders it a
delightful object during the
whole of that time, and its
beauty is considerably in-
creased when the racemes of
white flowers are fully open.
In Winter, when bare, the
deeply fissured bark, and its
somewhat rugged aspect, are
picturesque. There are many
distinct varieties, chief among
them being aurea, in which
the leaves are tinged with
yellow ; bellarosea, a smaller
tree with rose - coloured
flowers ; bessoniana, around-
headed thornless form ; de-
caisneana, with pretty rose-
tinted blossoms; fastigiata,
as upright as a Lombardy
Poplar ; inermis (Syn. um-
braculifera), a mop-headed
small tree ; pendula, of weep-
ing growth ; and semper-
florens, which continues to
flower throughout the grow-
ing season.
R. viscosa (Clammy
North America
Pale rose ;
A small tree, easily known by
Locust Tree),
June and
the sticky glands that cover
Syn. R. glutinosa
July
the new wood and leafstalks.
The leaves are larger than
those of the others.
*Romneya Coulter!
California
White,
Few flowers are more beautiful
(Californian
Poppy)
(Papaveraceae)
with golden
stamens ;
than those of the Californian
Poppy. The flowers are so
Summer
simple in form and delicate
in substance. At first sight
they remind one of the finest
white crSpe, and flutter in
the slightest breeze, their
purity enhanced by the great
golden boss of stamens from
which they radiate. Many
of the flowers are six inches
and more in diameter, and
when a dozen or more are
open at one time, form a
beautiful picture, whilst the
fragrance is delicate. The
plant, although flourishing
in the south-west of England,
is not absolutely safe there ;
several specimens were killed
2 F
450
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Romneya Coulteri
California
White,
by the severe frost of a few
(Californian Poppy)
(Papaveraceag)
with golden
stamens ;
winters ago. A certain
amount of protection is desir-
Summer
able, but undue coddling
often leads to the plant rot-
ting to the root stock and so
perishing. The Romneya is
very impatient of root dis-
turbance. When once estab-
lished in the open ground,
however, it grows strongly.
The seeds take a long while
to germinate. The plants
may also be raised from root
cuttings and layers. When
growing in the rock-garden
it often sends out shoots at
some distance from the parent
stem. Probably the best
site for Romneya Coulteri is
a sheltered one backed by a
wall.
Rubus bambusarum
Rosaceae
The flowers
give place
Henbane. Introduced by Messrs.
Veitch from China, the trail-
to a black
ing branches 10 ft. to 12 ft.
edible fruit
*Rubus biflorus
Himalaya ;
White
This Bramble forms an upright
(White - stemmed
Rosaceae
freely-branded specimen, 10
Bramble)
ft. high, and has whitened
stems, which, especially in
*R. deliciosus
Rocky Mountains
White
winter, are very conspicuous.
A Currant-like, bushy shrub,
(Rocky Mountain
Bramble)
with large white flowers (like
single Roses) in great pro-
fusion. It is one of the finest
flowering shrubs we have.
R. flagelliformis
Central China
White
Introduced by Messrs. Veitch.
The flowers are on growths
6 ft. to 8 ft. in length. Partly
evergreen. A useful climber.
*Rubus fruticosus
Garden form
Pink; late
A double pink form of our
flore-pleno(Double
Summer
common Bramble, and of a
Pink Bramble),
loose rambling nature, soon
Syn. R. bellidi-
forming a tangled mass.
folius.
R. innominatus
Hupeh ;
Interesting
Introduced by Messrs. Veitch,
Central China
for its stems
and is a great addition to
covered with
dessert fruits.
a soft pube-
scence and
large orange
scarlet
fruits, which
are edible
R. laciniatus (Cut-
Garden origin
White
A strong - growing Bramble
leaved Bramble)
with elegantly cut leaves. It
is essentially a plant for the
wild garden, while the fruits
are particularly good.
R. nutkanus
North America
White
A free upright species that
(Nootka Sound
pushes up annual shoots like
Raspberry)
the Raspberry, while the
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 451
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Rubus nutkanus
North America
White
lobed leaves are decidedly
(Nootka Sound
ornamental. The large white
Raspberry)
blossoms are borne in May
and June.
R. odoratus
North America
Rosy
Somewhat like the last, but
(Purple-flowered
purple
with rosy-purple blossoms
Raspberry)
that are rather later in ex-
panding than those of R.
nutkanus. It thrives best
in partial shade.
*R. phcenicolasius
(Japanese Wine
Japan
Whitish
A strong-growing Raspberry-
like plant, densely clothed
Berry)
with hairs. It is principally
grown for its fruits, that are,
when ripe, of a bright red
tint, and appreciated by
many. But this is a pictu-
resque spreading shrub worth
growing for its colour-
ing and rambling growth
alone. It is a good bank
shrub, or to spread about
over the rougher parts of the
rock garden.
R. spectabilis
North America
Purple ;
A shrub so aggressive that
(Salmon Berry)
early May
it must go into the wild
garden. It forms a dense
tuft 6 feet high, and when
laden with its drooping
purple flowers is decidedly
ornamental.
R. thyrsoideus flore-
Garden form
White
A semi-double white-flowered
pleno (Double
Bramble, less effective, how-
White Bramble)
ever, than the double pink.
Sophora japonica
China ;
Leguminosse
Creamy
white
Excluding the plants formerly
known as Edwardsia, now
panicles,
included in Sophora, this is
which
the only well-known member
show up
of the genus, and it is the
against the
only one of our large-growing
dark-green
hardy trees that flowers in
foliage
autumn. Regarded only
from a foliage point of view,
it forms a very handsome
specimen, the elegant pinnate
leaves retaining their deep
green tint long after most
trees acquire their autumnal
hue. Like many other Legu-
minosae, the deep descending
nature of its roots enables it
to resist a long period of
drought during the summer
months better than most
trees. It is very quick in
growth, and is therefore
valuable where rapid results
are desired. The Sophora
has been grown in this
country for the last century
and a half, and though in its
452
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Sophora japonica
China
Creamy-
early days considered to be
Leguminosae
white
rather tender, it has long
panicles,
which
proved to be thoroughly
hardy. Varieties are not
show up
against the
numerous, there being one,
variegata, which is but a
dark-green
poor thing, while another,
foliage
pendula, is one of the most
striking of weeping trees. In
winter the bright-green bark
of this is a very noticeable
feature.
Spartium junceum
(Spanish Broom)
Europe ;
Leguminosae
Golden
yellow
Owing to the deeply-descending
nature of their roots, many
of the Leguminosse resist
drought better than the ma-
jority of shrubs. A case in
point is furnished by the
Spanish Broom, which in
summer is laden with
its large golden-yellow blos-
soms. Against a dark-tinted
background it stands out
conspicuously, while seen
in a mass or clump it is
particularly striking. The
Spanish Broom ripens seeds
freely, from which young
plants can be readily raised,
but as they make very few
fibres and do not as a rule
transplant well, they should
be put into their permanent
quarters while still young.
The leaves are very few in
number, their place being
filled as in some of its allies
by the young shoots, which
are dark green and Rush-
like. There is a double
variety, flore-pleno.
""Spiraea arguta
Garden origin ;
White;
One of the best of the shrubby
S. multiflora and
late April
Spiraeas, forming a dense
S. Thunbergi
bush about 4 feet high, which
(Rosaceae)
towards the end of April is
profusely laden with clusters
of pure white blossoms, de-
spite frosts or cold winds,
which play havoc with some
of the early kinds.
S. bella
Nepaul
Deep pink ;
A free-growing species, 5 feet
May and
high, with pretty flowers.
June
S. betulifolia (Syn.
Europe
Clear
A dwarf bush, 2 feet high, with
S. splendens)
cherry-pink;
pretty cherry-pink flowers.
midsummer
S. brachybotrys
(Syn. S. luxuriosa)
Garden origin ;
S. canescens and
Pale pink ;
June
A bold bush, 6 feet or more in
height.
S. Douglasi
S. bracteata
Japan
White ;
Grows 5 or 6 feet high.
May
SPIRAEA CANESCENS.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 453
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Spiraea bullata (Syn.
Japan
Rosy
A dwarf species suitable for
S. crispifolia)
carmine ;
rockwork.
July
*S. canescens (Syn.
Himalaya
White ;
The shoots of this are slender
S. flagelliformis,
June and
and arching so that it forms
Syn. S. nepalensis,
July
a graceful freely - branded
Syn. S. rotundi-
shrub, some 5 to 8 feet in
folia)
height. It is one of the best
Spiraeas.
*S. discolor (Syn. S.
North-West
Creamy
A well-known shrub; far better
ariaefolia)
America
white ;
known, however, under the
July
name of Spiraea ariasfolia.
It reaches a height of 10 to
12 feet or even more, with
plume-like clusters of creamy
white blossoms. This is a
shrub for the smallest gar-
den.
*S. Douglasi
North America
Rosy red ;
Forms a crowded cluster of
July and
erect shoots 6 feet or so in
August
height, with each shoot ter-
minated by a dense spike of
flowers. It succeeds best
in damp soil.
S. hypericifolia
Europe
White
The slender arching shoots
are clothed with clusters of
pure white flowers in late
May.
*S. japonica (Syn. S.
Japan
Rosy
Far better known under the
callosa)
carmine ;
name of S. callosa than that
June and
of japonica; it forms a
July
shrub 5 or 6 feet high with
brightly coloured flowers in
flattened clusters. There are
many distinct varieties, all
good, the best being alba,
a dwarf form with white
flowers ; Bumalda, also dwarf
with pink blossoms ; Anthony
Waterer, the richest tinted
of all dwarf kinds ; superba,
a deep tinted form of the
type; and glabrata, with
curiously broad leaves. An-
thony Waterer is especially
*S. lindleyana
Himalaya
White ;
worth growing.
Reaches a height of 10 to 12
August
feet, and is remarkable for
its handsome pinnate leaves,
while the large feathery
flower panicles are very
striking.
S. media (Syn S.
Europe
White ;
Forms a dense rounded bush
confusa)
May
from S to 8 feet high, and
has clusters of pure white
S. opulifolia (Nine
Bark of the United
States), (Syn.
North America
Whitish
blossoms in profusion.
One of the largest of all the
Spiraeas, being of almost
tree-like habit, but the
Neillia opulifolia)
flowers are not showy. There
is a golden leaved form
454
TREES AND SHRUBS
COUNTRY OR
COLOUR
NAME.
ORIGIN AND
AND
GENERAL REMARKS.
NATURAL ORDER.
SEASON.
Spiraea opulifolia
North America
Whitish
(aurea) of dwarfer habit than
(Nine Bark of the
the type, which is in the i
UnitedStates),(Syn.
first half of the season very
Neillia opulifolia)
pretty.
*S. prunifolia flore-
Japan
White ;
The flowers of this are quite
pleno
Spring
double, like little rosettes,
and in clusters along the arch-
ing shoots. Early in April
S. salicifolia
Europe
Pinkish
as a rule they are very pretty.
A variable kind, more or less
approaching S. Douglasi,
but with light-tinted flowers.
S. sorbifolia
Northern Europe
White ;
A pinnate-leaved species some-
July
what in the way of S. lind-
leyana, but it does not grow
more than half the height
and flowers a month earlier.
S. Thunbergi
Japan
White ;
The first of all the Spiraeas to
very early
bloom, but its beauty is often
Spring
marred by inclement weather.
It forms a dense mass of
slender twigs clothed with
tiny leaves.
S. Van Houttei
Garden form
White
A hybrid kind with pure white
blossoms, which are as a rule
more satisfactory under glass
Staphylea colchica
Caucasus ;
White ;
than in the open ground.
A sturdy upright deciduous
Sapindaceae
Spring
shrub, 6 to 8 feet high, with
drooping clusters of white
flowers. Though decidedly
ornamental it is as a rule
more effective when flowered
under glass than in the open
ground. Needs a fairly moist
loamy soil.
*S. pinnata (Euro-
Europe
Greenish
A shrub from 8 to 10 feet high,
pean Bladder-Nut)
white ;
which has bladder-like cap-
Spring
sules in which the seeds are
contained. The capsules are
more attractive than the
flowers themselves.
S. trifolia (Ameri-
North America
Greenish
In the way of the last, but a
can Bladder-Nut
white ;
stronger grower, while the
tree)
Stuartia pentagyna
United States ;
Spring
White ;
leaves are pinnate.
In its native country this attains
Syn. (Malacho-
Ternstroemiaceae
July and
the dimensions of a small
dendron ovatum)
August
tree, but in England it is
from 5 to 8 feet high. The
flowers, somewhat suggestive
of those of a single white
Camellia, have the edges of
the petals wavy, while the
reddish stamens are very
conspicuous. Though very
beautiful, this is not a shrub
for every garden, as it needs
a cool moist soil with a fair
proportion of peat, a remark
that applies equally to the
other members of the genus.
* ^
STANDARD LILAC, MME. LEMOINE.
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 455
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
1
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Stuartia Pseudo-
Japan
White;
The finest of the Stuartias,
camellia
with golden
bearing much general resem-
stamens ;
blance in foliage, flowers,
July and
and habit of growth to a
August
Camellia, hence its specific
name. The flowers are about
3 inches in diameter. Beside
its other ornamental qualities
the leaves die off in Autumn
brilliantly tinted with crimson
and gold, being in this re-
spect much superior to its
American relatives.
S. virginica (Syn.
Stuartia Malacho-
Southern
United States
White ;
July and
Much in the way of S. penta-
gyna, but forms a smaller
dendron)
August
and less vigorous bush, while
the leaves are more hairy.
*Styrax japonicum
China and Japan ;
White ;
A shrub or small tree with
(Japanese Storax)
Styraceae
Mid-
flattened spreading branch-
summer
lets, thickly studded on the
undersides with drooping
pure white fragrant Snow-
drop-like blossoms. It is a
delightful shrub, and best in
a fairly moist light loam.
Height 8 to 12 feet. Messrs.
Veitch mention that it is
occasionally a low tree, 20
to 25 feet high, and in its wild
state on the hillsides in central
Japan it flowers in May. It
S. Obassia
Japan
White
has proved quite hardy.
A very beautiful but rare
species, forming a more
siurdy bush than the last,
while the pure white flowers
are borne in drooping ra-
cemes. It succeeds under the
same conditions as the pre-
ceding.
S. officinale
Levant
White
From 6 to 8 feet high, but
more delicate in constitution
than either of those above
named. It needs the pro-
S. officinale
Levant
White
tection of a wall in many
districts.
Syringa (lilac)
Eastern Europe
Various
A lovely family. Mr. Bean in
and Northern
The Garden, April 2, 1898,
Asia ;
writes : ' ' As now consti-
Oleaceae
tuted, the genus consists of
two groups : First, the true
Lilacs, represented by S.
vulgaris ; and second, the
Privet-like Lilacs, of which
some authorities have made
a separate genus under the
name Ligustrina. Thespecies
in this latter group are dis-
tinguished from the true
Lilacs by flowering later in
the summer, and by having
456
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Syringa (lilac)
Eastern Europe
Various
large panicles of smaller
and Northern
Privet-like flowers, the cor-
Asia ;
olla of which is white and
Oleaceae
much shorter than in the
other group. There are three
of them in cultivation S.
amurensis, S. japonica, S.
pekinensis which, however,
some botanists have con-
sidered to be merely geo-
graphical forms of one species
existing in Manchuria, Japan ,
and China. The following is
a complete list of the species
in gardens, with some of the
commoner synonyms : S.
Emodi, var. rosea (S. Bret-
schneideri), S. Josikaea, S.
oblata (S. chinensis^ S. per-
sica, var. laciniata (S. filici-
folia, S. pinnata), S. villosa
(S. pubescens),S. vulgaris, S.
chinensis (S. dubia, S. rotho-
magensis) hybrid. Ligus-
trina Group. S. amurensis
(Ligustrina amurensis), S.
japonica (Ligustrina amur-
ensis var. japonica), S. pekin-
S. amurensis
Manchuria ; dis-
Creamy
ensis (Ligustrina pekinensis)."
A sturdy bush with stout, erect
covered in 1857
white
branches. The small creamy
by a Russian
white flowers are borne on
botanist named
large branching racemes. It
Raffe
is a native of the valleys of
the Ussuriand Amur Rivers.
One of the earliest of hardy
shrubs to break into leaf.
*S. chinensi?
Probablyraised in
Rouen Botanic
May
The flowers are in panicles
intermediate in size between
Garden by M.
those of its parents, and are
Varin over 100
of the same colour. Very
years ago from
free-flowering and pretty, and
seed borne by
might be recommended as a
S. persica. Sy-
substitute for the common
nonyms S. cor-
Lilac in positions where the
relata, S. dubia,
latter would be too large.
S. rothomagen-
To add to the confusion
sis
respecting its origin, it is
still called in some nursery-
men's catalogues the Siberian
Lilac, Rouen Lilac, and
Chinese Lilac. It lasts
longer in flower than the
common Lilac.
*S. Emodl
Dr. Aitchison
Pale
This ib iltogether, of sturdier
(Himalayan Lilac)
found this on the
purple
growth than the ordinary
Afghan Moun-
Lilac, with large leaves and
tains in 1879,
terminal panicles of flowers.
9000 feet to
Of greater ornamental value
10,000 feet ele-
is the variety rosea which was
vation
introduced a few years ago
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 457
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Syringa Emodi
from the mountains about
(Himalayan Lilac)
Pekin by Dr. Bretschneider,
and in gardens (French
chiefly) it is known as Sy-
ringa Bretschneideri. It is
more robust than the type,
and bears large panicles of
rosy-tinted flowers in June or
later. There is a variegated-
leaved variety of S. Emodi,
which is handsome when
vigorously grown. Another
form with more or less
golden \sfoliis aureis. When
the soil is rich the leaves
measure 6 inches long and
4 inches wide.
S. japonica
Japan
White
A large growing shrub, of
bushy growth, and larger
in foliage than S. vulgaris.
It bears large branching
panicles of small white
flowers, reminding one of
those of the Privet, hence
the name of the group to
which it belongs (Ligus-
trina). These panicles in
Japan and the United States
attain as much as 18 inches
and even 2 feet in length,
but whether it will grow in
this country in such a way
remains to be seen.
S. Josikzea (Hun-
Hungarian
Lilac ;
An old shrub of moderate
garian Lilac)
Mountains
May
growth, but is not of great
value, as it happens to flower
when we have a wealth of
bloom from the commoner
kinds. It is, however, inter-
esting and worth growing, if
only for the sake of the pretty
sentiment that attaches to
its origin, having been found
by Baroness Von Josika in
her wanderings about the
Hungarian mountains in
1835. It may be best de-
scribed as a small form of
S. Emodi. It was first grown
in Britain at Edinburgh, in
the year mentioned. Its
height is 6 feet to 10 feet,
with the young twigs of a
purplish colour ; the pani-
cles are terminal, erect,
and small compared with
those of the more showy
Lilacs, and usually about
4 inches long, rarely as
much as 6 inches to 9
inches.
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Syringa pekinensis
Mountains of
North China
White
One of the three Privet-like
Syringas, and one of the last
introduced. It is the Chinese
representative of the Ligus-
trina group. From its two
allies (S. amurensis and S.
japonica) it is to be dis-
tinguished by its long and
much more slender branches,
which in one form are dis-
tinctly pendulous (var. pen-
dula). *
*S. persica (Persian
Lilac)
Found by Dr. Ait-
chison in 1879.
Deep
purplish ;
This old favourite is often con-
fused with the Rouen Lilac,
Afghanistan.
May
but it is quite different, being
7000 feet to 8000
smaller in stature, with much
feet elevation
smaller leaves, and with an
elegant spreading habit of
growth. In the type the
flower clusters are nearly as
large as those of S. chinensis,
deep purple in colour, vary-
ing to almost a pure white in
the variety alba. In the
variety laciniata, known also
as S. ficifolia, pinnata, and
other names, the leaves are
cut or coarsely toothed. It
is a beautiful little shrub, and
suits a place where the tall
growing kinds would be too
large. Like the common and
the Rouen Lilacs, it may be
forced into flower at Christ-
mas time, and, unlike the
others, its small size enables
it to be grown in pots for
room decoration. The exact
length of time the Persian
Lilac has been in cultivation
is not known. It had long
been cultivated in the country
to which it owes its name
since the year 1200, say some
authorities but it has never
been found truly wild in
Persia. It was not unti
1879 that its real native habi-
tat was revealed.
S. villosa (Syn.
Introduced from
Rose Lilac
This interesting species first
pubescens)
the Chihli pro-
vince of China
May
flowered in 1888. It is very
fragrant, and the panicle is
in 1880
from 3 inches to 4 inches
long.
*S. vulgaris (Com-
A native of East-
Lilac ;
mon Lilac)
ern Europe, anc
May
although it ap-
pears to have
been originally
introduced from
Persia about, or
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 459
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Syringa vulgaris
(Common Lilac)
previous to the
year 1597, it was
Lilac ;
May
See below for remarks.
found to be a
native of South-
ern Hungary, in
the region of
the Danube es-
pecially on the
chalky preci-
pices of the
Cverna Valley
and on Mount
Domoglet. It
is not found
truly indigen-
ous further west
than these lo-
calities, and it
is not, as has
been stated, a
native of Italy,
although, no
doubt it has be-
come neutral-
ised there and
elsewhere
*Tamarix gallica
(the Tamarisk)
Northern portion
of the Old World ;
Pink ; May
A charming shrub, not half
enough grown, owing, in
Tamariscineae
some respects at least, to a
wide-spread idea that it will
not flourish away from the
sea-coast. True, it luxuri-
ates there, but it may be
depended upon to thrive any-
where unless the soil is a
stiff clay, chalky, or too much
parched up in the summer.
It is deciduous, but during
the Summer the foliage is as
delicate as any of the Coni-
fers, and in May, when the
branches are terminated by
the waving plume - like
panicles of pink blossoms,
it is delightful. As a plant
for the waterside it is most
useful, and forms a pleasing
picture if a score or so of
plants are grouped on a
lawn or open stretch of grass.
In such a situation the long
straggling shoots must be
shortened back occasionally
to keep the plants within
bounds, as growing un-
* The common Lilac has been the glory of English gardens since the days of
Gerard and Parkinson of the sixteenth century. From the time that Parkinson
grew it in a pot, with no doubt as much care and anxiety as is bestowed nowa-
days on a hundred-guinea Orchid, the Lilac has, on account of its extreme hardiness
460
TREES AND SHRUBS
and easy culture, become almost naturalised in these islands, as now we see it in
copse and hedgerow, besides gardens large and small, and even in the town fore-
court. To every place where the Englishman goes to make a home he likes to have
about him Lilacs and Roses. As in the case of several other beautiful shrubs, the
improvement of the Lilac by the raising of new varieties is of comparatively recent
date. Gerard and Parkinson write of the blue Pipe and the white Pipe (the Lilac
being then called the Pipe tree, on account of pipes being made from its wood,',
besides the ordinary lilac-coloured sort, and Loudon, writing fifty years ago, only
enumerates the blue (coerulea), violet (violacea), the white (alba), a'nd alba major,
and one double called alba plena, seven in all. He just mentions, however, a fine
variety, Caroli (or Charles X., as we know it), which about that time had been raised
in France. This still is one of the choicest sorts, and particularly valuable for forcing
into early bloom in winter. Since that time there has been great activity in raising
new kinds in France, till now the list of named single sorts numbers upwards of
fifty, while the doubles are almost as numerous. There are far too many named sorts,
in fact, as the differences between many of them are of the slightest, so that the selection
of the best from catalogues, from the mere names and brief descriptions (not always
accurate) is perplexing to an amateur. To no raiser do we owe more to the improve-
ment of the Lilac of late years than to that famous veteran French hybridist, Victor
Lemoine of Nancy, who has made the genus Syringa one of his special studies, and
favoured as he is by a climate suitable for the free seeding of the Lilac, he has been
highly successful. There are four more or less distinct shades of colour among the
sorts, viz. whites, reds, pinks, and so-called blues. A selection of a dozen single sorts
would include the following, placed in order of merit : Whites Marie Le Gray, Alba
grandiflora. Blue or Bluish Coerulea or Delphine, Duchesse de Namours, Lindleyana
or Dr. Lindley. Reds or Purple-reds Souvenir de L. Spath, Philemon, Rubra insignis,
Mme. Kreuter, Camille de Rohan, Ville de Troyes. Pinks Lovanensis, Schneelavine.
This selection comprises the finest sorts, having the largest flower clusters in their
respective colours, and is representative of the whole of the sorts. Of the double
flowered sorts there has of recent years been a great number sent from French
nurseries, and only a few of the oldest sorts have developed into large specimens,
and therefore one cannot judge of their merits, as in the case of the single sorts.
The best varieties include the following dozen sorts : Lavender and Blue Leon
Simon, Renoncule, Alphonse Lavall^e (pale blue). Pinks President Carnot, M. de
Dombasle. Whites Mme. Abel Chatenay (the finest), Mme. Lemoine, Cassimir
fils. Reds President Gre"vy, Senateur Volland, Comte H. de Choiseul, Maxime
Cornu. In the Lilacs there is material for the tasteful planter of gardens, yet how
seldom does one see in ordinary gardens full advantage taken of them for producing
beautiful effects ! In the commqn way of planting they are dotted about shrub-
beries indiscriminately, and jumbled with trees and shrubs of a totally different
character, so that the Lilacs cannot be seen to the fullest advantage. An isolated
group of the choicest kinds, or even a simple hedge of the white or rich purple kinds
is seldom seen, except in some old gardens, and still less seldom does one see any
attempt at culture in the way of pruning and the cutting away of suckers. At Kew
one may see bold examples of grouping Lilacs, as well as well-developed specimens
standing alone on grass, while about London one sees in the market gardens fine
hedges of Lilac planted for the twofold purpose of cutting from and providing
shelter. Mr. Goldring writes in The Garden, " The most beautiful Lilac hedge I
have seen was that I enjoyed recently at the White Farm, Crichel (an enclosure
devoted to white animals), where there are glorious hedges of the pure white Lilac
Marie Le Gray in abundant flower quite appropriate to the white surroundings.
The only culture the Lilacs require is occasional manuring in light, poor soils, occa-
sional pruning so as to induce a bushy growth, as the growth is apt to become
'leggy,' and continuous attention in cutting away suckers, which are so plentiful as
to rob the tops. Two or three suckers should be allowed to grow so as to keep
up the supply of strong, vigorous flowering stems. Lilacs can be made to form
standards by keeping the bush from the outset to one stem, and when seen rising
out of a low hedge of Lilac, or a mass of the dwarf kinds, they have a pleasing effect,
and is one of the various ways they can be arranged in planting."
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 461
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Tamarix gallica Northern portion Pink ; May checked they will reach
(the Tamarisk) of the Old World ; height of 10 to 15 feet. There
Tamariscineae are several forms of Tama-
risk, by some considered
distinct species, and by others
as forms of T. gallica, but a
good deal of confusion pre-
vails concerning them. One
of the best (perhaps the very
best Tamarisk) is that known
as tetrandra or taurica, in
which the feathery plumes
are of a deeper pink than
the type. Other names that
occur are parviflora.chinensis,
and japonica, but given te-
trandra, as a rule no other
is wanted.
T. germanica (Ger- Europe Pinkish A smaller shrub than the last,
man Tamarisk), more upright in growth, and
(Syn. Myricaria with a glaucous tinge; The
Germanica) pinkish flowers are far less
effective than those of the
preceding.
Ulex europseus (the Europe ; Yellow The common Furze is known
Furze, Gorse, or Leguminosae to every one, but its great
Whin) beauty as a flowering shrub
is apt to be overlooked, for
it luxuriates in dry, sandy,
and stony soils, where little
else will grow, and its golden
blossoms are borne usually
from February to May,
though occasionally through-
out the entire winter. The
double - flowered variety
flore-pleno is even more
valuable from a flowering
point of view than the type.
Both transplant badly, hence
the common kind is usually
sown where it has to remain,
and the double-flowered form
struck from cuttings in a
frame, and kept in pots till
permanently planted.
U. nanus (Dwarf Europe Yellow Of dwarfer and denser habit
Furze) than the common Furze, but
its most prominent feature
consists in the fact that it
often commences to flower
in August, and continues
till Christmas, after which
the common Furze asserts
itself. The cultural items
appended to the preceding
species apply with equal force
to this.
VERONICA. There are a vast number of Veronicas, all natives of New Zealand, and
garden forms raised from them, but many can only be regarded as hardy in the
extreme west of England and Ireland, whereas some of the hardiest are from their
diminutive growth suitable only for rockwork The best are
462
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
* Veronica Anderson ii
Garden Origin
Purple ;
A neat evergreen shrub with
(Scrophularineae)
Summer
and
dense spikes of bluish-
purple blossoms in great pro-
Autumn
fusion for a long period.
Near the sea, in especially
favoured spots, it is delight-
ful, while in other districts it
forms a valuable subject for
greenhouse or conservatory.
Of the numerous other garden
forms belonging to this sec-
tion the following are all
good : Blue Gem, light blue ;
Bolide, reddish; Celestial,
sky blue, light centre ; La
Seduisante, rich reddish-
purple ; Marie Antoinette,
pink ; Purple Queen, rich
purple ; and Reine des
Blanches, white.
V. hulkeana
New Zealand
Pale
Very distinct; it has large
lavender ;
terminal panicles of pale
May and
lavender flowers.
*V. Traversii
New Zealand
June
Pale
The hardiest of all the shrubby
mauve ;
Veronicas ; it is a dense box-
Tune and
like bush, with a profusion
July
of dense spikes of flowers.
In the neighbourhood of
London this is a thoroughly
good shrub of easy culture.
Viburnum
Caprifoliaceae
The Viburnum family includes
several beautiful shrubs, and
of the thirty or forty species
and varieties in cultivation
at least six are indispensable,
i.e. no good shrub garden is
without them. Most of them
are vigorous in growth and
easily propagated ; they like
a fairly rich soil and moisture
at the root. Several of the
American species grow natu-
rally in damp, more or less
shady woodlands. Taken
collectively the Viburnums
possess a variety of attrac-
tions. Some species are
evergreen, and thus useful
Winter plants ; others are
amongst the most beauti-
ful shrubs for their flowers,
others again, like our native
Guelder Rose (V. Opulus),
have showy fruits ; finally
the foliage of several of the
deciduous species dies off
V. dentatum (Arrow-
North America.
White;
rich red or yellow tints.
The American Viburnums are
wood)
Introduced in 1763
June and
July
not apparently so valuable in
the British Isles as in their
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 463
COUNTRY OR
COLOUR
NAME.
ORIGIN AND
AND
GENERAL REMARKS.
NATURAL ORDER.
SEASON.
Viburnum dentatum
North America.
White;
native country. Most of
(Arrow-wood)
Introduced in 1763
June and
July
them are handsome vigorous
bushes, but without the same
flower attractions as plica-
turn, macrocephalum, and
the Guelder Rose (V. Opu-
lus var. sterile). Many of
them, however, bear very
showy fruits in their own
country, and the leaves turn
to beautiful Autumn tints.
V. dentatum is deciduous,
free-growing, leav is bright
green, deeply toothed and
strongly veined. The trusses
are 3 inches to 4 inches
across, the flowers white, and
fertile. It is one of the hand-
somest as regards flowers of
the American Viburnums.
The dark -blue fruit ripens
neither abundantly nor regu-
larly in England.
V. Lantana (Way-
Britain, also Europe
White ;
A beautiful native shrub. Its
faring tree)
North and Western
Asia, and N. Africa
May and
June
chief beauty is in the colour of
the flowers and the gorgeous
Autumn leaf tints. Groups of
this are pictures of colour in
Autumn. The fruit, at first
black and afterwards red,
soon disappears before the
birds. The tree grows rapidly
and generally attains a height
of about 12 or 15 feet ; the
leaves are large and downy.
The way-faring tree should
be more planted in English
gardens. It will grow almost
anywhere. There are two
variegated - leaved varieties,
but these we know little
about, and we care more
for the type than any golden
variegation.
V. macrocephalum
China and Japan.
Pure white
This must be included, but it
Introduced from
is not very hardy. Mr.
China in 1844 by
Bean, writing of it in The
Fortune
Garden, November 17, 1900,
p. 361, says: "The shrub
known under this name is a
cultivated form of a Chinese
species, in which all the
flowers have, under artificial
influences, become sterile.
The wild plant to which it
belongs is also in cultivation,
and is known as V. Kete-
leeri. In this type plant the
middle of the truss is filled
with perfect flowers, the
edges only being occupied
464
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Viburnum macro-
China and Japan.
Pure white
with the large and showy
cephalum
Introduced from
sterile ones. V. macro-
China in 1844 by
cepnalum is by far the most
Fortune
striking plant, its large,
rounded or pyramidal trusses
of pure white flowers being
unequalled among the Vibur-
nums. The plant is, however,
better adapted for growing
in pots for greenhouse de-
coration or as a wall plant
than it is as a shrub in the
open. In my experience it
is scarcely hardy enough to
assume its best character
without some sort of protec-
tion. Although hard winters
may not kill it outright they
seriously cripple it. It is
only in recent years that it
has attained popularity, but
V. Opulus (the Guel-
Britain, Europe
White ;
it has long been known."
Of the two species of Vibur-
der Rose). It is
and Northern
May and
num this is the better known,
called in America
hemisphere
June
and is the more valuable as
the Cranberry
bush or High
a garden shrub. It grows to
a height of from 10 to 15
Cranberry
feet, and is easily known by
the beautiful lobed Maple-
like leaves, which die off
brilliant crimson shades.
Sterile as well as fertile
flowers are produced on each
truss, the flowers being white
and three-quarters of an inch
across. But the wild Guelder
Rose is in its fullest beauty
in Autumn when the fruits
change to brilliant red, and
the leaves gradually assume
their gorgeous colouring. As
this species appreciates mois-
ture it is a noble shrub to
make groups of in moist
places, such as by stream,
pond, river, or moist mar-
gin. The beauty of the
wild Guelder Rose is not
realised by many planters
of gardens. Its colour-
ing is intense. In the
"Cyclopedia of American
Horticulture" it is mentioned:
" Handsome native shrub,
very decorative in fruit, which
begins to colour by the end
of July, remains on the
branches, and keeps its
bright scarlet colour until the
following Spring. The berries
are not eaten by birds."
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 465
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Viburnum O. sterile
Variety. Origin
White ;
This is too well known to need
(Snowball tree)
unknown
early June
description. It is a graceful
shrub, its branches bent with
the weight of the rounded
flower trusses. As in the
case of V. macrocephalum
and of V. plicatum the small
and insignificant fertile flowers
have become transformed by
cultivation into large barren
ones, and the truss also loses
its flattened shape and be-
comes rounded or conical.
V. rhytidophyllum
China
Yellow
It appreciates a moist soil.
A handsome evergreen shrub,
white
introduced by Messrs. Veitch.
Ornamental foliage, and in
September the berries turn
to a rich red colour.
V. tomentosum
Japan
Cream
A very graceful shrub but little
Mariesi
white
known. The sterile flowers
are on the outer edge of the
flat cymes, and line the '
spreading shoots. We hope
it will soon be plentiful.
V. tomentosum var.
plicatum
Japan. Introduced
by Fortune in 1844
Ivory white
We have used the word tomen-
tosum as plicatum is a variety
of that species. V. tomento-
sum itself is a handsome
shrub with big, flattish cymes
and creamy - white sterile
flowers round the margin of
the truss. That known as
V. plicatum, a sterile form
/
of V. tomentosum, is a
beautiful shrub ; the most
precious perhaps of the
whole family. It makes a
glorious group on the lawn,
and in early June the spread-
ing shoots are so thickly
covered with flower clusters
that scarcely a vestige of the
dark-green, wrinkled leafage
is visible. It is quite hardy,
but in the north it will be
wise to choose a sheltered
position for it. As a wall
shrub too it is valuable, and
a specimen on a wall iu the
Royal Horticultural Society's
gardens at Chiswick is quite
a mass of bloom every year.
Passers by who know not
the shrub wonder what it
is making so thick a mantle
of white. It grows 4 to
5 feet high in the British
Isles, taller in its native
country; the trusses of flowers
are erect on short branches,
2 G
4 66
TREES AND SHRUBS
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Viburnum tomen-
Japan. Introduced
Ivory white
and each measure about 3
tosumvar. plicatum
by Fortune in 1844
inches across. Being in pairs
they make a striking double
row on every branch. V.
plicatum must come into
the smallest list of flowering
shrubs.
V. Tinus (Laurus-
tinus)
South of Europe
and North of
White ;
flowers in
This is a well-known evergreen
shrub, and quite hardy in the
Africa. Introduced
Winter
south of these Isles, where it
in 1596
in the
is planted as a hedge. Even
south, but
when out of flower the bush
much de-
has a certain beauty owing
pends upon
to its shining green leaves.
locality
Near London it succeeds.
Many things considered har-
dier get severely injured
when theLaurustinus escapes.
North and easterly winds are
harmful to it. There are
several varieties. Lucidum
is the finest ; the leaves and
corymbs are larger than those
of the type, the former being
of a very glossy green and
smooth. In lucidum the
leaves and branches are
woolly, whilst there are also
purpureum, with purplish
leaves, and a variegated
variety, but neither is of
value.
*Xanthoceras sorbi-
North China
White;
A beautiful tree, but seldom
folia
stained with
seen in English gardens.
red in the
The following note appeared
centre ;
in The Garden about it :
Spring
"This tree does not appear
to be widely grown, and I
have heard doubts expressed
as to its being hardy enough
to stand the winter in some
districts. Not long ago I
saw a fine specimen in a
Kentish rectory garden. The
tree is 5 feet or 6 feet high,
and under the shelter of a
thick hedge of Laurustinus
-
it flowers freely every year,
and also produces fruit. The
long white and slightly tinted
blooms, which change to
purple, are very effective, but
*
one rarely gets an opportu-
nity of seeing this interesting
tree in flower. Perhaps this
is because it does not belong
to the common order of
things, or else it is not ac-
commodating enough for
general culture, but it is very
beautiful." The Xantho-
YUCCA GLORIOSA IN A SURREY GARDEN. (Height 15 feet.)
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 467
NAME.
COUNTRY OR
ORIGIN AND
NATURAL ORDER.
COLOUR
AND
SEASON.
GENERAL REMARKS.
*Xanthoceras sorbi-
folia
Yuccas
North China
Liliacese
White ;
stained with
red in the
centre ;
Spring
ceras is sometimes trained
against a wall, but its growth
is too stiff for the purpose.
The flowers are in dense
spikes about 6 inches long,
reminding one of the Horse-
chestnut, and are an inch
across individually. The
foliage is very ornamental,
and each leaf-stalk has seven
pinnate, serrated, bright-
green leaves. Apt to get
spoilt by frost, however.
See pages 149, 250.
HARDY TREES AND SHRUBS
FOR BEAUTY OF FOLIAGE
AND GROWTH
THE following is a table of hardy trees and shrubs more
interesting for the beauty of their foliage and growth
than for their flowers, with their popular names, approxi-
mate heights, native country, and other particulars. All
are deciduous unless otherwise specified. Those with
an asterisk (*) are the most important.
469
470
TREES AND SHRUBS
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FOR FOLIAGE AND GROWTH
475
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Pendula is a beautifi
A delightful shrub w
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476 TREES AND SHRUBS
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INDEX
ABELIA floribunda, 189
Abelias, 20 ; as climbers, 307 ;
pruning, 20
Abies, 122
Abutilon vexillarium, 189
Abutilons, as climbing shrubs,
308
Acacia, 449 ; rose, the, 4, 448
Acacias, 189
Acanthopanax ricinifolium, 20, 470 ;
sessiliflorum, 20 ; spinosum, 20,
470
Acer, 41, 175, 47 > ginnala, for
colour, 74 ; palmatum and var-
ieties, 282
Actinidia, 176; pruning, 21 ; for
autumn colouring, 76
Adenandra fragrans, 190
Adlumia cirrhosa, 308
^sculus, 4, 21, 41, 176, 357, 358,
359
Ailantus, 41, 471 ; glandulosa, 176 ;
for its fruits, 78
Akebia quinata, 308; pruning, 21 ;
for autumn colouring, 76
Alders, 41, 68, 471 ; with beautiful
catkins, 68
Alleys, pleached or green, 334-337
Allspice, American, 364 ; Califor-
nian, 364
Almond, the, 409 ; in greenhouse,
278
Alnus, 41, 471-472
Aloysia citriodora, 309
Alpine rose, 431
Althaea frutex, 4
Amelanchier, 3, 17, 21, 167, 176,
360-361 ; canadensis, for colour,
74
489
Amoor yellow wood, 370
Amorpha canescens, 22 ; fruticosa,
22
Ampelopsis, 309; Veitch's, for
autumn colouring, 76
Amygdalus, 410
Andromeda polifolia, 176, 361
Andromedas, 18, 22, 250, 393; in
greenhouse, 266
Anopterus glandulosa, 190
Apios tuberosa, 309
Apricots, the, 411
Aralia, 26 ; pruning, 22 ; mands-
churica, 166 ; quinquefolia, 191 ;
spinosa, 176
Araucaria, 121
Arbours, weeping trees as, 89
Arbor-vitse, as a hedge, 327
Arbutus, 17, 176: hybrida, 64, 249;
Unedo, 249; Unedo for its fruits,
78 ; and varieties, 64, 249
Arctostaphylos alpina, 176; Uva-
ursi, 250
Aristolochia, 22, 166, 176; Sipho,
as a climber, 305, 309
Aristotelia Macqui, 472 ; M. varie-
gata, 472
Aronia floribunda, for grouping,
Arrow-wood, 462
Artemisia Abrotanum, 176,472
Artemisia, pruning, 22
Arundinaria Veitchii, 472
Arundo Donax, 472 ; A. D. varie-
gata, 472
Ash, 41, 476 ; Barberry, 361 ; flower-
ing, 387 ; mountain, 7, 425
Aspen, 481
Aster argophyllus, 191
490
INDEX
Athrotaxis laxifolia, 191
Atragene alpina, 309
Atraphaxis buxifolia, 472 ; lanceo-
lata, 472 ; Muschketowi, 472 ;
spinosa, 472
Atriplex canescens, 472 ; conferti-
folia, 472 ; Halimus, 472 ; Nut-
tallii, 472 ; portulacoides, 472
Aucuba, 58, 176, 249; the spotted,
58
Aucubas, 251, 256 ; for their fruits
78
Autumn colours, 71-76
Azalea amoena, 250 ; ledifolia, 249 ;
occidentals, 5
Azaleas, 31, 250, 442; for autumn
colouring, 75; in Scotland, 173;
in greenhouse, 267
Azara dentata, 472 ; Gilliesii, 472 ;
integrifolia, 472 ; microphylla,
176, 249, 310, 472
BACCHARIS halimifolia, 22, 472 ;
salicifolia, 472 ; Patagonica, 22,
472
Bamboo garden at Kew, 220
Bamboos, hardy, 185, 218-225;
place for, 219
Banksia grandis, 191
Barberries, for their fruit, 78
Bauera rubioides, 191
Bay, sweet, 478
Beam tree, white, 7, 424
Beech, propagating the, 41 ; autumn
colouring of, 74; winter beauty
of, 54
Beeches, the, 476
Bennett, Henry, the late, 342
Benthamia fragifera, 191, 310
Berberidopsis corallina, 208, 310
Berberis Aquifolium, 256 ; for group-
ing, 297 ; and vars. , 249 ; for
autumn colouring, 75, 249 ; buxi-
folia, 249 ; concinna, for autumn
colouring, 75 ; Darwinii, 249 ;
japonica, 249 ; stenophylla, 39,
249, 256 ; Thunbergi, for autumn
colouring, 75 ; for grouping, 284 ;
wallichiana, 249 ; vulgaris pur-
pureis, for grouping, 284
Berberises, the, 9, 10, 22, 167, 176,
250, 361-363 ; in greenhouse, 268
Berchemia, 472 ; pruning, 23
Betula, 41, 59, 167, 176, 473 ; cory-
lifolia, for colour, 73
Bigelovia Douglasii, 473 ; grave-
olens, 473
Bignonia capreolata, 311 ; in the
south-west, 208
Billardiera longiflora, 311
Birches, the, 41, 59, 61, 472-473;
silver, 473
Black thorn, 7
Bladder nut, 454
Bladder Senna, 371
Borders, flower and shrub, 257, 259
Boronias, 192
Bougainvillea glabra, in the south-
west, 208
Box, II, 177, 248; for grouping,
297 ; as a hedge, 327
Box-leaved Barberry, 361-362
Brachy glottis repanda, 192
Brambles, the, 450; for autumn
colouring, 76
Broom, Austrian, 373; butcher's,
484; common, 359, 375; droop-
ing 375J moonlight, 375; Por-
tuguese, 372 ; Spanish, 250, 372,
452 ; white Spanish, 356
Brooms, in greenhouse, 286
Broussonetia Ksempferi, 473 ; papy-
rifera, 473
Bruckenthalia, pruning, 23 ; spiculi-
folia, 250
Bryanthus, 23, 177; empetriformis,
250
Buck-eyes, the, 357
Bucklandia populnea, 208
Buckthorn, sea, n, 483; for its
fruits, 82
Budding, propagating trees and
shrubs by, 41
BuddleiaColvillei, 192,363; globosa,
23> 167, 363 ; japonica, 23, 363 ;
intermedia, 23 ; lindleyana, 23 ;
paniculata, 23 ; variabilis, 23, 364,
Wilsonae, 363
Bumelia lanuginosa, 473 ; lycioides,
473
Butter nut, 478
OESALPINIA Gilliesi, 265 ; japoni-
ca, 364
INDEX
49 i
Callicarpa purpurea, in the south-
west, 209
Calluna, 23; vulgaris, 13,238, 250
Calophaca, 23
Calycanthus, 23 ; floridus, 4, 167,
364; occidentalis, 364
Calystegia pubescens, fl. pi., 311
Camellia, 23, 177, 311; japonica,
249; reticulata, 193
Candleberry gale, 18
Candollea tetrandra in the south-
west, 193
Cantua buxifolia, 193
Caragana, 24
Carmichaelia, 24, 177
Carpenteria californica, in the
south-west, 193 ; in greenhouse,
268
Carpinus, 41, 175, 473
Carya, 41, 474 ; tomentosa, for
autumn colouring, 73
Caryopteris Mastacanthus, 193 ; in
greenhouse, 268
Cassandra, 24, 364
Cassia corymbosa, 209
Cassinea fulvida, 3 ; leptophylla, 194
Cassinia, 24
Cassiope, 24, 177, 364
Castanea, 41, 177, 474
Catalpa, 24, 42, 365-367
Ceanothus, 166, 167, 194, 313,
367, 368 ; americanus, 24, 367 ;
azureus, 24, 367 ; gloire de Ver-
sailles, 24, 194, 249; integerrimus,
24 ; veitchianus, 194
Ceanothuses, in greenhouse, 269
Cedar of Lebanon, 51 ; beauty of,
in winter, 51
Cedrus, 122
Celastrus, 24, 474; for its fruits,
80
Celtis, 41, 474
Cercis, 24, 177,368; Siliquastrum,
in greenhouse, 269
Cherries, the, 414
Cherry, cornelian, 475 ; bird, 3, 7,
417
Cherry, wild, 7, 17, 414
Chestnut, 41 ; golden, 474 ; sweet,
4i i 474
Chimonanthus, 3, 25, 177, 313 ;
fragrans, 57, 64
Chionanthus, 25, 368, 369; in
greenhouse, 269
Choisya ternata, 168, 178, 249, 270,
314.369 .
Chorizemas, in the south-west, 209
Christ's Thorn, 83
Cissus discolor, in the south-west,
209
Cistus, 18, 25, 178, 369-370; gum,
370 ; laurifolius, 249
Citharexylon quadrangulare, 194
Citrus trifoliata, 194
Cladrastis amurensis, 370 ; tinctoria,
370 ; for autumn colouring, 74
Clematis aromatica, 25 ; calycina,
64 ; ccerulea odorata, 25 ; Flam-
mula, 25 ; florida, 25 ; indivisa
lobata, in the south-west, 209 ;
Jackmani, 25, 168; lanuginosa,
25 ; montana, 25, 1 68 ; panicu-
lata, 25 ; patens, 25 ; Viticella,
25 ; Vitalba, 25
Clematises, in greenhouse, 270
Clerodendron trichotomum, 25,
194 J for autumn colouring, 74
Clethra, 25, 168, 194; in greenhouse,
270 ; alnifolia, 4, 370-37 1
Clianthus puniceus, in the south-
west, 209
Climbers, variegated, 99
Coffee tree, 477
Colletia cruciata, 178, 474; ferox,
Colouring, autumn, of leaf, 71
Colutea, 26, 371 ; arborescens, 177,
371 ; for grouping, 285, 371 ;
cruenta, 371
Comptonia asplenifolia, 5
Conifers, 185; at Murthly Castle,
124 ; for autumn colouring, 74 ;
for rock garden, 148 ; in orna-
mental planting, 110-128; pro-
pagation of, 118-124; variegated,
97; weeping, 91
Convolvulus Cneorum, 178
Coprosma acerosa, for its fruits, 8 1
Coriaria japonica, for its fruits, 8 1 ;
myrtifolia, 474
Cornels, in winter, 60-6 1
Cornus, 64, 178, 474-475 ; alba, 26,
1 68, 474 ; Amomum, 26, 474 ;
Baileyi, 26, 474 ; capitata, for its
492
INDEX
fruits, 81; fragifera, 191; pubes-
cens, 2.6, 475 ; sanguinea, for
grouping, 285 ; Spathii, 252;sto-
lonifera, 26, 475 ; winter beauty
of, 60, 6 1
Corokia buddleioides, 195
Coronilla Emerus, 371 ; juncea, 372
Correas, in the south-west, 195
Corylopsis pauciflora, 372 ; spicata,
64, 177, 270, 372
Corylus, 168, 178, 475 ; maxima
purpurea, for grouping, 286
Corynocarpus laevigatus, 195
Cotoneaster buxifolia, 249; and
Wheeleri for grouping, 298;
frigida, 252 ; horizontalis, 259 ;
for autumn colouring, 75 ; micro-
phylla, 1 68, 250; for grouping,
298 ; rotundifolia, 250 ; Simonsii,
250 ; for grouping, 286 ; thymi-
folia, 250
Cotoneasters, 26, 178, 256; for
their fruits, 78
Cotton, 486
Crab, Siberian, the, 421
Crabs, 7, 421-424
Cratsegus, 7, 26, 42, 372, 376-382 ;
monogyna prsecox, 64 ; Oxyacan-
tha, 252, 256; Pyracantha, 249,
256
Crinodendron Hookeri, 195
Crowberry, 476
Cryptomeria, 121
Cucumber tree, 403
Cupressus, the, 1 19 ; mncrocarpa, n
Currants, the, 279, 448
Cuttings, propagating trees and
shrubs by, 40
Cypress, Monterey, 1 1 ; Lawson, in
winter, 51 ; Lawson, as a hedge,
328
Cyril la racemifiora, 382
Cytisus, 26, 252, 286, 372-376;
in greenhouse, 27 1 ; capitatus, 26,
373; nigricans, 26, 372, 373,
374; racemosus, in the south-
west, 195
Cytisuses, the, 168, 178, 372, 373,
374, 375
DABCECIA, 16 ; polifolia, 178,238,
250, 382
Daffodils, 15
Daisy, bush, 405 ; tree, 405
Danse Laurus, 475
Daphne Cneorum, 169, 250, 252 ;
indica, in the south-west, 196 ;
Laureola, 7, 169, 282 ; Mezereum
and var. alba, 252; Mezereum,
for grouping, 169, 256, 287 ;
oleoides, 250
Daphnes, the, 26, 64, 179, 382,
383
Daphniphyllum glaucescens, 196
Datura sanguinea, in the south-west,
196
Decumaria barbara, 475
Dendromecon rigidus, in the south-
west, 196
Desfontainea spinosa, 1 96
Desmpdium, 27
Deutzia, 27, 179, 271, 383, 384;
crenata, 169, 252, 383 ; for
autumn colouring, 76 ; discolor,
383 ; gracilis, 252, 383 ; hybrida,
252, 383 J parviflora, 383
Diervilla, 169; in greenhouse, 272 ;
florida, 384 ; middendorfiana,
384
Dimorphanthus mandschuricus,
1 66 ; for grouping, 287
Diosma ericoides, in the south-west,
197
Diospyros Kaki, in the south-west,
197
Diplacus glutinosus, in the south-
west, 210
Diplopappus, 3
Disanthus cercidifolia, for autumn
colouring, 75
Dogwood, 475 ; Siberian, 474
Drimys aromatica, 197, 475 ;
Winteri, 475
Dryobalanops aromatica, 197
ECCREMOCARPUS, 314
Edwardsia grandiflora, 197, 314
Elseagnus, 27-64, 179, 249, 475-
476 ; macrophyllus, 249 ; multi-
florus, for its fruits, 81 ; pungens
and varieties, 249, 252
Elseocarpus cyaneus, 210
Elder, scarlet-berried, for its fruits,
86
INDEX
493
Elders, 7, 485
Elm, autumn beauty of, 73
Elms, 41, 487, 488
Embothrium coccineum, 198
Empetrum nigrum, 179, 476
Enkianthus campanulatus, 384 ;
himalaicus, 179 ; for autumn
colouring, 75
Ephedra americana, 476 ; distachya,
476 ; gerardiana, 476 ; helvetica,
476 ; trifurca, 476
Epigsea repens, 384 , 385
Ercilla spicata, 210 ; volubilis, 476
Erica, 27 ; arborea, 238, 249 ; aus-
tralis, 230, 249 ; carnea, 64, 250 ;
c. alba, 64; cinerea, 234, 250;
ciliaris, 235 ; codonodes, 229 ;
lusitanica, 229, 249 ; maweana,
235 ; mediterranea, 64, 231, 249 ;
m. hybrida, 64, 250 ; Mackaii,
237 ; multiflora, 237 ; scoparia,
232 ; stricta, 232 ; Tetralix, 236,
250; vagans, 237, 250; vulgaris,
288 ; Watsoni, 236
Erinacea pungens, 385
Eriobotrya japonica, 476
Eriogonum umbellatum, 179
Eriostemon buxifolius, 198
Escallonia, 27 ; illinita, 198, 385 ;
macrantha, 169 ; philippiana,
169, 249 ; punctata, 27 ; rubra,
27, 249
Escallonias, the, 179, 198, 385
Eucalypti, in the south-west, 198
Eucryphia pinnatifolia, 179, 199, 249
Euonymus, 5, 179, 249; alatus, for
autumn colouring, 76 ; europaeus,
for its fruits, 81 ; fimbriatus, 199 ;
japonicus, 252, 256 ; radicans
var., 250, 252
Euonymuses, for grouping, 287
Eupatorium weinmannianum, 199
Eurya japonica, 476 ; latifolia, 199
Evergreens, climbing, 246 ; for
winter and summer effect, 297;
for rock garden, 148 ; native and
other hardy, 240-250 ; pruning of,
245 ; suitable climate for, 241 ;
the best, 247 1 time to trans-
plant, 243
Exochorda grandiflora, 2, 27, 179,
386
FABIANA imbricata, 179, 199
Fagus, 41, 179, 199, 476
Fatsia, 27, 476
Ficus Carica, 476
Fig, 476
Fir, Scotch, the, n
Flower borders, 257-259
Flower garden in winter, 62
Forsythia, 256, 386; suspensa, 4,
9, 10, 169, 179, 252, 386; viri-
dissima, 179, 387
Forsythias, in greenhouse, 272
Fothergilla, 27 ; alnifolia, for
autumn colouring, 76
Fraxinus, 41, 180, 476 ; floribunda,
387 ; Mariesii, for its fruits, 81 ;
Ornus, 387
Fremontia californica, 200
Fringe tree, 368, 369; American, 369
Fuchsia corallina, 387; globosa,
387 ; gracilis, 387 ; Riccartoni,
169, 1 80, 388; for grouping, 288
Fuchsias, hardy, 314, 387
Furze, 461 ; double, 250
GARDEN orchard, the, 338-341
Garden, rock, trees and shrubs for,
138-150
Gardens, trees and shrubs for wind-
swept, 106-109
Garland flower, the, 382
Garrya elliptica, 27, 64, 69, 169,
249, 3?8
Gaultheria procumbens, 250; for
autumn colouring, 75 ; Shallon,
5.250
Gean, the, 414
Genista, 28, 180, 388 ; hispanica,
250, 253, 256; tinctoria, 28, 170;
virgata, 170
Genistas, the, 388, 389
Gingko biloba, for autumn colour-
ing, 74
Gleditschia triacanthos, 41, 73, 180,
477 ; for its fruits, 81
Golden bell, the, 386 ; rain or chain,
397
Gooseberry, 448
Gordonia Lasianthus, 390; pubes-
cens, 390
Gorse, 461 ; common, for grouping
301 ; double, 250
494
INDEX
Grafting, abuse and use of, 38, 41
Greenhouse, shrubs, hardy in, 263-
282
Grevilleas, in the south-west, 200
Griselinia littoralis, 477 ; lucida,
477.
Grouping, right way of, 10
Guelder rose, the, 464 ; wild, 7
Guevina avellana, in the south-west,
200
Gymnocladus canadensis, 477 ;
chinensis, 477
HABLITZIA tamnoides, 314
Habrothamnus corymbosus, in the
south-west, 200
Hakea laurina, 201
Halesia tetraptera, 170
Halesias, 3, 28, 390-392
Halimodendron, 28
Hamamelis, 28, 64, 170, 180, 253,
392, 393 ; for autumn colouring,
74 ; arborea, 392 ; japonica, 392;
mollis, 393 ; virginica, 64, 393
Hawthorn, 178, 252 ; Chinese, 480
Hazel, common, for autumn colour-
ing, 75
Hazels, 67, 475 ; with beautiful
catkins, 67 ; Wych, 392
Heath, Dorset, 250 ; Irish, the, 26 ;
paths, 1 6
Heather bell, 250; common, 13;
Cornish, 250 ; Scotch, 250
Heaths, 179, 226-239; in green-
house, 272 ; the taller or tree-like,
228 ; the dwarfer, 233
Heathy paths, 13-15
Hedera Helix and its vars., 256,
315 ; for its fruits, 82
Hedge, arbor-vitae as a, 327 ; box
as a, 327 ; cypress, Lawson, as a,
328 ; holly as a, 325 ; laurel as a,
329 ; Osmanthus ilicifolius as a,
329; privet as a, 328 ; yew as a,
326
Hedges, deciduous, 330 ; flowering
and other, 3 2 4~333; of flowering
shrubs, 331
Hedysarum, 28, 170
Helianthemum, 28, 170
Heliocarpus cyaneus, 201
Hibbertia dentata, 210
Hibiscus syriacus, 4, 27, 253, 256,
393
Hickory, 41, 474
Hippophae rhamnoides, 393 ; for
grouping, 288 ; for its fruits, 82
Hoheria populnea, 201
Hollies, for their fruits, 82 ; weeping,
89
Holly, 11, 42, 248, 253, 477, 478;
as a hedge, 325 ; for grouping,
299
Honey locust, 41 ; for autumn
colouring, 73
Honeysuckles, 7, 317; for autumn
colouring, 76
Hop tree, 481
Hornbeams, 41, 473, 479
Horse chestnut, 21, 357, 358, 359
Hydrangea, 28, 180, 394 ; Hor-
tensia, 249, 253, 394; paniculata,
170, 395 1 P- grandiflora, 253;
for grouping, 288 ; petiolaris,
395 ; quercifolia, 395 ; radiata,
395 ; scandens, 210
Hydrangeas, in greenhouse, 273
Hymenanthera crassifolia, 477 ; for
its fruits, 82
Hypericum, 28, 180, 395~396 ;
calycinum, 171,250,252; moser-
ianum, 39, 252, 396
Hypericums, for their fruits, 82 ; for
grouping, 289
IDESIA polycarpa, 477
Ilex, 9, 17, 42, 180, 249, 253, 477,
478 ; for grouping, 299
Illicium anisatum, 201
Indigofera, 28; gerardiana, 201,
316
Inga pulcherrima, 210
Ireland, trees and shrubs in, 215-
217
Iris pallida dalmatica, 4
Iron tree, 479
Itea, 28, 396; virginica, in green-
houses, 273
Ivies, 315 ; bush, 241, 250, 253
Ivy, atropurpurea, for autumn
colouring, 76; beauty of, in
winter, 49 ; bush or tree in
winter, 64 ; for its fruits, 82
Ivy poison, 484
INDEX
495
JACARANDA mimossefolia, 201
Jamesia, 28, 396; americana, in
greenhouse, 274
Jasmines, the, 317
Jasminum, 29, 180; nudiflorum,
171, 253; officinale, 171, 256
Judas tree, 368
Juglans, 41, 1 80, 478
Juniper, 7, u
Junipers, the, 119
Juniperus Sabina tamariscifolia, 300
KADSURA chinensis, 478
Kalmia angustifolia, 250; glauca,
250; latifolia, 171, 249
Kalmias, 1 8, 29, 397 ; in green-
house, 274
Kennedya nigricans, 210
Kerria, 29, 171, 253, 256; in
greenhouse, 274; japonica, 317 ;
for grouping, 289 ; white-flowered,
447
Kew, bamboo garden at, 219
Koelreuteria paniculata, 397 ; japon-
ica, for autumn colouring, 74
LABRADOR tea, 400
Laburnum, 29, 41, 171, 180, 253,
256, 397-400; Nepaul, 319; in
greenhouse, 274
Lagerstroemia indica, 201
Lapagerias, in the south - west,
211
Lardizabala biternata, 478
Larix, 122
Lasiandra macrantha, in the south-
west, 211
Laurel, Alexandrian, 475 j Ameri-
can, 432; cherry, 2, 249, 418;
f round, 384 ; mountain, 397 ;
ortugal, 249, 419 ; sheep, 397
Laurels as hedges, 329 ; for group-
ing, 297
Laurus nobilis, 249, 478
Lavandula, 29, 170
Lavender, 18, 180
Leaf, autumn colouring of the, 71 ;
conditions detrimental to, 72
Ledum, 18, 29, 180, 400; buxi-
folium, 5; latifolium, 250; pa-
lustre, 5
Leiophyllum buxifolium, 250, 400
Leptospermums, in the south-west,
20 1
Lespedeza, 29, 400
Leucothoe, 29, 180; axillaris, 29;
Catesbaei, 29
Leycesteria formosa, 5, 29, 171,
1 80, 400 ; for grouping, 289
Libocedrus, 120
Libonia floribunda, in the south-
west, 201
Ligustrum, 29, 171, 249, 253, 400-
402 ; japonicum, 249 ; ovalifolium
aureum, 256
Lilac, Japanese and others, 382,
455-460
Lilacs, the, 36, 455-460
Limes, 41, 487
Linden, 41
Lindera Benzoin, 478 ; glauca, 479 ;
hypoglauca, 479 ; obtusiloba,
479 ; sericea, 479
Ling, the, 16, 23
Liquidambar, 41, 73, 180, 457
Liriodendron, 29, 171, 181, 402;
for autumn colouring, 73
Litsea geniculata, 201
Loblolly bay, 390
Locust tree, 42, 477, 449
Lonicera periclymenum, 171
Loniceras, 29, 64, 181, 317 ; in
greenhouse, 275 ; for grouping,
290
Loropetalum chinense, 402; in
greenhouse, 275
Lupinus arboreus, 181
Lycium, 30 ; chinense, for its fruits,
82 ; for grouping, 290
Lyme grass, blue, 1 1
Lyonia, 30
MACLURA aurantiaca, 479 ; for its
fruits, 83
Magnolia conspicua, 3, 254, 256.
318, 403 ; fuscata, 211 ; grandi-
flora, 248, 318; soulangeana, 3,
254, 404; stellata, 2, 171, 254,
256, 404 ; tripetala, for its fruits,
83
Magnolias, 30, 42, 55, 181, 403-
404 ; in greenhouse, 275
Mandevillasuaveolens, in the south-
west, 211
496
INDEX
Maple, 41, 470-471
Maples, for autumn colour, 74 ;
Japanese, in greenhouse, 282
Mayflower, 384, 385
Medlars, 7, 428
Melaleuca hypericifolia, 202
Melia Azedarach, 202
Melianthus major, 202
Mespilus, 3, 9
Metrosideros robusta, 202
Mezereon, the, 383
Michelia fuscata, in the south-west,
211
Microglossa albescens, 30
Mitraria coccinea, 202
Mock orange, 407
Moorwort, 361
Morus, 41, 181, 479
Moths, goat and wood-leopard,
injury to trees by, 161, 162
Mulberry, 41, 479
Murthly Castle, Perthshire, coni-
fers and pines at, 124, 128
Myoporum laetum, 203
Myrica, 30, 479 ; cerifera, 5
Myricaria, 30
Myrtle, bog, 18 ; North American,
5 ; sand, 400 ; wax, 479
NANDINA domestica, 479
Neillia, 30, 172
Nerium Oleander, in the south-west,
203
Nettle tree, 41, 474
Neviusia, 30
Notospartium, 30, 404
Nut, cob, 475
Nuttallia, 30, 405
Nyssa aquatica, 479 ; sylvatica, 479 ;
for autumn colouring, 73
OAKS, the, 41, 481-483 ; American
red, 72 ; holm, 248 ; scarlet, 7
Oleanders, in the south-west, 203
Olearia, 39, 181, 319, 405 ; argo-
phyllus, 191 ; Haastii, 249
Olearias, in greenhouse, 276
Olive, wild, 475
Ononis, 30 ; rotundifolius, 30
Orange ball tree, the, 363
Orange flower, Mexican, 369
Orange, Osage, the, 83
Orchard, the, garden, 338-341
Osmanthus, 31, 181, 479 ; ilicifolius,
249, 254, 256 ; as a hedge, 329 :
i. purpureus, 254
Ostrya carpinifolia, 479 ; virginica,
479
Oxy coccus, 31
Oxydendron, 31, 406
Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, 203,
406
PEONIES, tree, in greenhouse, 276
Paliurus, 31, 83, 479
Parrotia, 31, 64, 479; for autumn
colouring, 74
Partridge berry, for autumn colour-
ing. 75
Passifloras, the, 319
Paths, heathy, 13-16; making, 16
Paulownia, 31, 203
Pavia, 357, 358 ; macrostachya, 4
Peach, the, 412
Pearl bush, the, 2
Pears, the, 420
Pear, wild, the, 420 ; willow-leaved,
the, 421
Peaty garden, plants for, 5
Peccan nut, 474
Pentstemon cordifolius, in the south-
west, 203
Peraphyllum, 31
Pergolas, weeping trees as, 89
Periploca, 31
Periwinkles, 185
Pernettyas, the, 1 8, 31, 83, 172,
181, 250, 406; in greenhouse,
276
Persimmon, the, in the south-west,
197
Phellodendron amurense, 479
Philadelphus, 31, 181, 256, 407-
408; coronarius, 31, 407, 254;
grandiflorus, 254 ; Lemoinei, 31,
407 ; microphyllus, 31, 408
Philadelphuses, in greenhouse, 277
Philesia buxifolia, in the south-west.
203
Phillyrea, 31, 480; decora, 249;
latifolia, 249
Phlomis fruticosa, 181
Phoenocoma prolifera, 21 1
Photinia, 31, 203, 480
INDEX
497
Physianthus albens, 21 1
Picea, 121
Pieris, 32, 172, 181, 408; flori-
bunda, 249 ; formosa, 204 ;
japonica, 249 ; mariana, for
autumn colouring, 75
Pimelea decussata, in the south-
west, 204
Pines, 110-128; at Murthly Castle,
127-128
Pine, stone, 52
Pinus, 123 ; Montezumae, in the
south-west, 204
Piptanthus nepalensis, 319; in the
south-west, 204
Pittosporums, in the south-west, 204
Plagianthus betulinus, 204
Plane, 42, 480 ; eastern, 480 ; wes-
tern, 480
Planting, ornamental, in woodland,
6-7
Platanus, 42, 181, 480
Pleroma macrantha, in the south-
west, 211
Plumbago capensis, in the south-
west, 212
Plums, the, 412 ; in greenhouse, 278
Podocarpus andina, 205
Poinciana Gilliesi, 205
Polygala grandifolia, 205
Polygonum baldschuanicum, 319
Pomegranate, the, in the south-
west, 205
Poplars, 42, 480; white, 42, 480;
with beautiful catkins, 66
Poppy, Californian, 449
Populus, 42, 181,480; tremuloides
pendula, 64
Potentilla, 32, 172, 181
Privet, 256; abuse of, 1-2; as a
hedge, 328; Japanese, 249;
golden-leaved, 256
Privets, the, 400-402; for their
fruit, 82
Propagation of hardy trees, 38-46 ;
by budding, 40 ; by cuttings, 40 ;
by layers, 40; by seeds, 39; by
suckers, 39
Pruning flowering trees, 19-37;
standard trees, 37 ; tools for, 37 ;
ways of, 37 ; with secateurs, 37
Prunus, 32, 41, 182, 254, 409-419 ; j
Amygdalus, 256 ; A. persicoides,
64 ; Avium, 256 ; davidiana, 64;
japonica, 32, 415 ; Laurocerasus,
249, 256 ; lusitanica, 249 ; Maha-
leb pendula, 172 ; nana, 32, 410 ;
Persica, 256 ; pseudocerasus, 256 ;
triloba, 32, 319, 412
Pseudolarix, 122
Pseudopanax crassifolium, 205
Pseudotsuga, 122
Ptelea, 32, 182 ; trifoliata, 83 ; var.
aurea, 32, 481
Pterocarya, 481
Pueraria thunbergiana, 212
Punica granatum, in the south-west,
205
Pyrus, 32, 41, 83,84, 172, 182, 254,
319, 419-428 ; in greenhouse, 278 ;
arbutifolia, for autumn colouring,
76 ; Aucuparia, 256 ; baccata, 32,
421 ; floribunda, 9, 32, 256, 422 ;
Maulei, for its fruits, 84 ; japoni-
ca, 33, 64, 256, 427; for group-
ing, 290 ; spectabilis, 32, 424 ;
torminalis, for colour, 74
QUERCUS, 41, 182, 481-483; acuta,
249 ; coccifera, 249 ; coccinea
splendens or grayana, 73 ; hete-
rophylla, 73 ; Ilex, 248 ; imbri-
caria, 73; marylandica, 73; palus-
tris, for autumn colouring, 73 ;
phillyrseoides, 249
Quinces, 7, 426
RAPHIOLEPIS japonica, for its
fruits, 85 ; in greenhouse, 279
Raspberry, 450
Redesdale, Lord, and hardy bam-
boos, 218
Reed, giant, the, 472
Rhamnus, 33, 86, 249, 483 ; Fran-
gula, in autumn, 75
Rhaphithamnus cyanocarpus, 206 ;
for its fruits, 85
Rhodochiton volubile, 212
Rhododendron azaleoides, 249 ;
catawbiense, 249 ; Fortunei, 249 ;
ferrugineum, 250 ; myrtifolium,
249; ponticum, 7, 249 416, 433 ;
racemosus, 250
Rhododendrons, 7, 18, 33, 64, 172,
2 I
498
INDEX
182, 249, 428-447 ; in Scotland,
254 ; in greenhouse, 279 ; for
grouping, 299
Rhodotypos kerrioides, 23, 173, 254,
447 ; in greenhouse, 279
Rhus, 33, 483-484; Cotinus, 173,
254; for grouping, 291; glabra,
254 ; for autumn colouring, 74 ;
phoenicolasius, for its fruits, 86 ;
typhina, 254-256
Rhyncospernmm jasminoides, in the
south-west, 212
Ribes, 33, 173, 183, 254, 256, 447-
448 ; in greenhouse, 279
Robinia, 34, 42, 173, 183, 254, 448-
449 ; hispida, 4, 448 ; Pseuda-
cacia and varieties, 256
Rock garden, trees and shrubs for,
138, 150
Romneya Coulteri, 449
Rosa, 34, 183, 319; alba, 346;
Alberti, 346 ; alpina, 347 ; ar-
vensis, 347 ; Bengale Hermosa,
for grouping, 292 ; Carolina, 347 ;
ferruginea, 348 ; laevigata, 348 ;
lutea, 348; microphylla, 348;
moschata, 349 ; multiflora, 349 ;
ochroleuca, 350; pomifera, 350;
rubiginosa, for grouping, 296 ;
rugosa, 350; for grouping, 291;
sericea, 351; setigera, 351;
spinosissima, 351 ; webbiana,
352 ; wichuraiana, 352
Rose apple, 350 ; Austrian briar,
348 ; Japanese, 350 ; musk, 349
Rosemary, 18, 183, 250
Rose of Sharon, 395; Alpine, 250
Roses, for their fruits, 85 ; the
worthy use of, 342-352 ; wild,
the, 7, 344
Rowan tree, 425
Rubus, 34, 183, 292, 293, 450-451 ;
australis, 206; deliciosus, 173,
254
Ruscus, 183, 484 ; aculeatus, 174 ;
for grouping, 300; androgynus,
212
Ruta graveolens, 484
SALIX, 42, 183, 293, 484-485 J
daphnoides, 60
Salmon berry, 451
Sambucus, 35, 184, 294, 485-486 ;
for its fruits, 86
Santolina, 35, 486
Sarcococca hookeriana, 486
Sassafras officinale, 486
Savins, 10
Sciadopitys, 120
Schizandra chinensis, 486
Sea coast, hedges of tamarisk by,
101 ; planting in bleak places
along, 101 ; planting in mild
places along, 105
Seeds, propagating trees and shrubs
by, 39
Senecios, the, in the south-west, 206
Sequoia, 121
Service tree, 7, 425
Shrubbery, mixed, evils of, I
Shrub borders, 257-259 ; groups
for winter and summer effect,
283-302
Shrubs, a winter garden of, 45-62 ;
for moist soils, 136, .137; for
moist, peaty soils at foot of rocks,
150; for sea coast, 101-105; for
swampy places, 135-136; for
small gardens, 251-256; for
sheltered situations and mild
climates, 149 ; for town gardens,
255 ; for the rock garden, 138-
150; for waterside, 134-137; for
wind - swept gardens, 106-109 ;
grouping of, 8-12 ; hardy, climb-
ing, the use of, 303-323 ; hardy,
in greenhouse, 263-282 ; hardy
flowering, for rock garden, 148 ;
in Ireland, 215-217 ; in poor soil,
17, 18; in Scotland, 166-186;
propagation of, 38-46 ; pruning,
19-37; removal of, 151-158;
tender, in the south-west, 187-
207 ; under trees, 260-262 ;
variegated, in winter garden, 93 ;
variety in, want of, 1-5; with
beautiful catkins, 65-70; with
fine fruits, 77-87
Silver bell, 390
Skimmia, 35, 184, 254; japonica,
250
Sloe, the, 413
Smilax, 35, 320, 486
Smoke bush, 483
INDEX
499
Snowball tree, 465
Snowberry, for its fruits, 86
Snowdrop tree, the, 3, 390
Solanum, crispum in the south-west,
206 ; jasminoides, 320 ; Wend-
landi, 213, 320
Sollya heterophylla, in the south-
west, 213
Sophora, 35, 41, 452 ; tetraptera,
197
Sorbus americana, 7
Southernwood, 472
Sparmannia africana, in the south-
west, 206
Spartium, 35, 452 ; junceum, 174,
255, 256 ; for grouping, 295
Spice bush, 478
Spindle tree, 5, 7
Spiraea, 35, 174, 452-454; arguta,
256 ; betulifolia, 35, 452 ; Doug-
lasi, 35, 453 ; Foxii, 35 ; japonica,
35, 256, 453; Margarita, 35;
prunifolia, 2, 454; p. fl. pi.,
autumn colouring of, 75 ; sali-
cifolia, 35, 454; semperflorens,
35 ; Thunbergi, 2, 454 ; autumn
colouring of, 75 ; tomentosa,
35
Spiraeas, 184, 255 ; for grouping,
2 95 > m greenhouse, 280
Spruce, common, the, 121
Spurge laurel, 382
Stachyurus, 36, 486
Staphylea colchica, 36, 184, 454;
Colombieri, 36 ; pinnata, 36,
454 ; trifolia, 454
Staphyleas, in greenhouse, 280
Stauntonia hexaphylla, 486; lati-
folia, 213, 320
Stephanandra flexuosa, 486;
Tanakse, 486
St. Daboec's heath, 382
St. John's wort, 395
Storax, Japanese, 455
Stranvaesia glaucescens, 486
Strawberry tree, 475
Streets, shade trees for, 163
Streptosolen Jamesoni, in the south-
west, 213
Stuartia, 36, 320, 454-455
Styrax, 36, 455
Suseda, 36
racemosus,
its fruits, 86 ;
Suckers, propagating trees and
shrubs by, 39
Sumach, 483
Sumachs, for autumn colouring, 74
Swainsonia albiflora, in the south-
west, 213
Sweet bay, the, 4
Sweet gum, 479 ; gale, 479
Symphoricarpus, 36 ;
184, 255, 296 ; for i
vulgaris, 256
Symplocos, 486
Syringas, the, 36, 174, 184, 255, 256,
407, 455-459 ; in greenhouse, 280
TACSONIA EXONIENSIS, in the
south-west, 213 ; mollissima, 214
Tamarisk, the, 4, 1 1, 184, 459-
460 ; by sea coast, IOI
Tasmanian pepper plant, 475
Taxodium, 120
Taxus, 123, 487 ; baccata aurea, for
grouping, 300
Teucrium fruticans, 464
Thorn, Glastonbury, 64 ; scarlet,
the, 377
Thorns, 376-382 ; for the beauty of
their fruits, 78
Thuyas, 1 20
Tilia, 41, 184, 487
Toothache tree, 488
Trachycarpus excelsus, 487
Trailing arbutus, 384
Tree mallow, 393
Tree, Parslane, 472
Trees, a winter garden of, 46, 64 ;
for moist soil, 136, 137; for sea
coast, 101-105 ; for swampy
places, 135-136; for the rock
garden, 138-150; for waterside,
134-137 ; for wind-swept gardens,
106-109; g rou P m f> 8-12; in
Ireland, 215-217 ; in poor soil,
17-18; in Scotland, 166-186;
large, removal of, 151-158 ; old,
care of, 129-133; planting and
staking, 353-356 ; propagation,
46-83 ; pruning, 19-37 ; shade
for streets, 163-165 ; shrubs
under, 260-262; tender in the
south-west, 187-207 ; variegated,
93-100 ; weeping, and their uses,
5 oo
INDEX
88-92 ; with beautiful bark, 61 ;
with beautiful catkins, 63-70 ;
with fine fruits, 77-87 ; wood-
peckers and old, 133 ; young and
sunstroke, 159-162
Tricuspidaria hexaphylla, 321
Tsuga, 121
Tulip tree, 402 ; for its autumn
colours, 73
Tupelo tree, 479
ULEX europseus, 461 ; for grouping,
301 ; fl. pi., 184, 250, 255, 461 ;
nanus, 461
Ulmus, 41, 487, 488 ; pumila, 73
Umbrella tree, 404
VACCINIUM pennsyivanicum, 5 ;
Vitis-idaea, 250
Vacciniums, 18, 36, 184; for autumn
colouring, 75
Variegated trees and shrubs, 93-
ipo ; climbers, 99 ; conifers, 97
Veitch's, Messrs., novelties, 322
Verbena, sweet, upon walls, 309
Veronica, 175, 185; Andersonii,
462; hulkeana, 207, 462: Tra-
versii, 250, 462
Viburnum, 36, 86, 462-466 ; alni-
folium, 75; Lantana, 7, 463;
macrocephalum, 321 ; Opulus,
71, 185, 464 ; for autumn colour-
ing, 755 O. sterilis, 174, 255;
plicatum, 4, 255, 321, 465;
Tinus, 64, 250; for grouping,
301
Viburnums, in greenhouse, 281
Vincas, 185, 250, 255
Vines, 321 ; for autumn colouring,
76
Virginian yellow-wood, 370
Vitis, 36, 321 ; Coignetiae, 174,
185 ; for autumn colouring, 76 ;
heterophylla, 87 ; humulifolia, 87
WALL-PLANTS, in the south-west,
208-214
Walnut, 41, 478 ; Japanese, 69
Wax tree, 401
Wayfaring tree, 463
Weeping trees, as arbours and per-
golas, 89
Weigelas, 255, 256
Westringia triphylla, 207
Whin, 461
Whitethorn, 7
Wig tree, 483
Wild cherry, 7, 17, 414
Willows, 42, 67 ; for grouping,
2 93> 484, 485 ; golden and red-
barked, in winter, 59 ; with
beautiful catkins, 67 ; weeping,
near water, 88
Wind-swept gardens, trees and
shrubs for, 106, 109
Wine berry, Japanese, 451
Winter's bark, 475
Winter garden, a, 45-62 ; walk,
45
Wistaria, 37, 322, 323 ; in green-
house, 281
Woodland, ornamental planting in,
6-7
Woodpeckers and old trees, 133
XANTHOCERAS, 37, 466-467
Xanthoxylum americanum, 488 ;
planispinum, 488
YELLOW-WOOD, Virginian, 370
Yew, 9, 11, 123, 248; as a hedge,
326, 327
Yuccas, 185, 250, 467
Yulan, the, 403
ZELKOVA, 41 ; acuminata, 488 ;
crenata, 488 ; VerschafTelti,
488
Zenobia, 37
Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON <5r Co.
Edinburgh <& London
***
**"
33
3C0710
C7
YC 63774
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY