Trees and Shrubs for English Gardens

PLANE TREE (Platanus orientalis).

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, 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

Aristolochia Sipho.—This has curious and inconspicuous 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 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 (Mahonia) 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.

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 variegated variety.

Corylus 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. præcox, 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 anywhere, but prefer an open place in full sun. They 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, growing to a good size. The variety, Pride of Rochester, is very pretty.

Diervilla (Weigela).—Indispensable shrubs, very hardy, free-flowering, and easily grown. The flowering shoots should be cut back to strong young wood as soon as the flowers fade. They are most accommodating 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 beautiful 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.

Genista tinctoria fl. pl.—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 tetraptera.—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 underneath. 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 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 description.

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, climbing up trees, or over shrubs or hedges. The variety, 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 (Spiræa 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. lobata (syn. Mespilus grandiflora), and, of course, the native Rowan tree (P. Aucuparia). 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 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. macrantha, 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 inconspicuous 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.

Spiræa.—Most of the Spiræas do well here. The following are the best of those I grow: S. canescens, very pretty habit of growth and foliage; S. discolor (ariæfolia), S. japonica (vars. alba, Bumalda, and Anthony Waterer), the last-mentioned very good. S. lindleyana, a large grower, handsome both in flower and foliage. S. prunifolia fl. pl. should be in all gardens; good both for flowers and autumnal foliage. S. Van Houttei, very good. Exochorda grandiflora, often known as Spiræa 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. Späth, 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 Edinburgh 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.

Vitis Coignetiæ.—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 similarly situated. Only those that have proved adaptable 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 Scotland. 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 Sycamore or Common Maple for planting in pleasure-grounds and gardens. A. dasycarpum.* A. palmatum*.—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 (Æsculus Hippocastanum) and others: carnea, Pavia, parviflora, flava.

Ailantus glandulosa (Tree of Heaven).

Amelanchier vulgaris and A. canadensis.*—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-ursi.—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 tridentata.*—Useful shrubs of grey tone.

Aucuba japonica and varieties.*

Azara microphylla* and A. dentata.

Berberis Aquifolium,* Darwinii, vulgaris, nepalensis. Single specimens of B. Aquifolium, the Mahonia, become very ornamental with age.

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. papyrifera, 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.

Carmichælia flagelliformis.*—Very interesting, 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. tetragona.*—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 veitchianus.*—Splendid.

Cercis Siliquastrum* (Judas tree).

Chimonanthus fragrans (Winter-sweet).—Wall.

Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Flower).

Cistus.*—These are very fine, and flower for months if somewhat sheltered.

Clematis.—Of these very charming are alpina,* apiifolia, Flammula,* heracleæfolia, 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, thymifolia,* microphylla,* horizontalis* (a species with peculiar spreading flat branches, producing a fine effect if grown on sloping banks), are the most noteworthy.

Hawthorn.—Cratægus are valuable hardy trees, flowering at the end of June to July; the scarlet form is brilliant.

CYTISUS PRÆCOX (Spring)

Cytisus (Broom).—Of this beautiful family, albus,* Ardoini,* biflorus,* decumbens,* nigricans, præcox,* purpureus,* scoparius and varieties,* are all splendid growers for dry, sunny situations.

Dabœcia.—Polifolia,* alba,* bicolor,* the Irish Heaths, are beautiful in small beds and rockeries.

Daphne.—Of this delightful family, blagayana,* Cneorum,* var. majus,* Laureola, Mezereum and varieties.*

Deutzia gracilis* and D. crenata.

Elæagnus 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.

A VARIETY OF MAHALEB CHERRY (Prunus Mahaleb, var. chrysocarpa).

Heaths.—Of these, E. carnea,* c. alba,* ciliaris,* cinerea,* Mackaii,* mediterranea,* multiflora, stricta,* Tetralix and varieties,* vagans and varieties,* Watsoni.*

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. europæus, 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.

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, sagittalis, tinctoria.

Gleditschia triacanthos.

Hamamelis (Witch or Wych Hazel).—H. arborea,* japonica,* virginica.

Hydrangea paniculata.*—Magnificent when established.

Hypericum.—Of these, H. Androsæmum, hookerianum, moserianum* (the best of the genus for small beds).

Ilex.—Of the Hollies, I. Aquifolium and many varieties, I. cornuta,* I. Dahoon,* I. crenata,* and I. latifolia* succeed best.

Jasmines.—J. fruticans and J. nudiflorum.* The last-named should be grown as a small bush as well as on walls. Also J. 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.*

Leucothoë recurva.

Leycesteria formosa.

Liquidambar styraciflua.*

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. Standishi, L. Xylosteum, L. involucrata.

Lupinus arboreus* and varieties (Tree Lupine).—Best on walls.

Magnolias.—Of these, M. acuminata,* the Cucumber tree, flowers freely. M. grandiflora* is only for sheltered walls, and M. Fraseri, M. conspicua, M. stellata, 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.

Philadelphus (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. balsamifera (Balsam Poplar), P. nigra (Black Poplar), and P. tremula.

Potentilla fruticosa* (Shrubby Cinquefoil).—Well deserves more attention.

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. Aucuparia* (Mountain Ash), P. japonica,* P. rotundifolia,* P. Sorbus* (Service tree).

Quercus (Oak).—The most satisfactory species are Q. sessilifolia,* and Q. pedunculata. These generally thrive well and are amongst the most beautiful 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 Sycamore is past its best. Very few acorns are produced. 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 (Scarlet Oak), Suber (Cork Oak), conferta.

Rhododendron.—Of the Rhododendrons the following are satisfactory: R. altaclerense, Anthopogon, arborescens, arboreum Campbelliæ, azaleoides, blandyanum, calendulaceum, campanulatum, campylocarpum, catawbiense, caucasicum,* ciliatum, cinnabarinum,* ferrugineum,* fulgens, glaucum,* hirsutum* and varieties, indicum balsaminæflorum, lancifolium, lepidotum,* myrtifolium,* nobleanum,* n. album,* ponticum* (many varieties), præcox,* punctatum, racemosum, Rhodora, sinensis* (Azalea mollis), Vaseyi,* Wilsoni. These are the principal Rhododendrons that thrive and flower well here. No other shrubs give such a long and varied flower display.

Ribes.—R. alpinum, aureum, and rubrum. R. sanguineum* 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 Perpetual 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 September, and attracts great attention. Such tender Roses as Maréchal 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 pendula, a lovely tree. S. Caprea* (Goat Willow), fragilis, herbacea (the Alpine Willow, not much larger than the Wild Thyme), Lapponum, nigra, Paulinæ, reticulata, rubra, viminalis.

Sambucus (Elder).—S. canadensis, nigra, racemosus.

Skimmia Fortunei and S. japonica.*

Spiræas.—Of these, S. bella, bullata, canescens, decumbens, 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. europæus and var. fl. pl.*

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-idæa 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-cærulea,* Hectori,* Kirkii,* ligustrifolia,* monticola,* pimeleoides,* pinguifolia,* rakaiensis,* salicifolia,* Traversii.* The above are hardy Veronicas. They also happily include many of the best. Other 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.

GUELDER ROSE OR SNOWBALL TREE.

Viburnum Opulus (Guelder Rose) and varieties, V. O. sterilis,* and V. tomentosum plicatum.*

Vinca (Periwinkle).—V. major* and V. minor* and varieties.

Vitis (Vines).—Of these the best are V. Coignetiæ,* V. heterophylla,* V. Labrusca,* and V. riparia.*

Yucca.—Y. acutifolia, Y. filamentosa,* and Y. gloriosa.*

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,* Hindsii,* japonica,* nitida,* pumila,* Veitchii,* Simoni variegata,* Bambusa palmata,* B. tessellata,* Phyllostachys aurea,* Henonis,* boryana,* flexuosa,* mitis,* nigra,* Quiloi,* viridi-glaucescens.*

WYCH ELMS BY HEDGEROW.

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, 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 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 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 exceptionally 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. Fitzherbert writes, "I was told the other day by an acquaintance that since he had imported it by the 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 evergreen 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 handsome 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 evergreen shrub of which there are two forms, one bearing lavender flowers, the other white. In exceptional 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. affinis, very generally confounded with A. dealbata, is the most common. In many cases A. affinis is grown as A. dealbata. The leaves of the former are green, while those of the latter are bluish and its flowers are less bright in colour. A group of A. affinis 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, reaching 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, 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-shaped flowers, resembling the blooms of Clethra arborea, but larger. Tregothnan.

Acanthopanax 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 introduced into England in 1825, when seed was sown at Heligan, Cornwall, and where there are now specimens some 60 feet in height. It is largely represented throughout Cornwall, being used in some places as a woodland tree. In June, when the leafage 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 universally 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. polygalæfolia 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-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 confusion 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 evergreen 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 evergreen 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 Teignmouth. It may be considered fairly hardy since it has been grown in the open in Scotland.

Caryopteris Mastacanthus.—Chili. A most 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. Tregothnan.

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.

Citharexylom quadrangulare.—West Indies. The Fiddle-wood. Bears white, fragrant flowers. There is a fine specimen at Abbotsbury. Dorset.

Citrus trifoliata (Œgle 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 deciduous 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 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. bicolor, C. carnea, C. glauca, C. magnifica, and C. virens are sometimes seen in good health and flower on the mainland.

Corynocarpus lævigatus.—New Zealand. An evergreen tree, bearing panicles of white flowers followed by plum-like fruit. A healthy young plant is at Ludgvan Rectory.

Crinodendron Hookeri (Tricuspidaria hexapetala).—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.

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. Evergreen. 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 handsome 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 commences 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 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 Camphor tree. There is at Penjerrick a good specimen 20 feet in height.

Edwardsia grandiflora syn. Sophora tetraptera.—The New Zealand Laburnum. This and its variety E. microphylla bear racemes of yellow flowers, the individual blooms being 2 inches long 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.