37° 



Journal of Agriculture 



[8 June, 1908. 



GARDEN NOTES. 



/. Cronin, Principal, School of Horticulture, Burnley. 



The Abutilon. 



The species and varieties of Abutilon cultivated in gardens are ever- 

 green shrubs ; the genus also includes herbs or annuals that are of botanical 

 interest. The habitat of the majority of abutilons is Brazil and adjacent 

 parts of South America, a few species being found native in Central and 

 North America, and Australia. The name that the abutilon is commonly- 

 known by — the Chinese lantern flower — would suggest the occurrence of the 

 genus in China or other Asiatic countries, but it is on account of the resem- 

 blance of the flowers of some of the species to the well-known Chinese 

 lanterns that the popular name is due. 



ABUTILON BLOOMS. 



Many of the abutilons are highly ornamental shrubs, varying from four 

 to eight or ten feet in height ; the foliage in some of the species and 

 garden raised varieties is distinctly palmate in character, the flowers, 

 borne on long slender stalks, being bell-shaped and pendulous or drooping. 

 In many instances the hvbrid varieties are a distinct improvement on the 

 original species in habit of growth, size and substance of blooms ; the 

 coloring of the blooms is also more varied and beautiful. The genus now 

 includes kinds and varieties that produce flowers of shades of orange, 

 yellow, Ted, pink, rose, and white; manv are distinctlv veined or marked 

 with other shades of color. With manv kinds the foliage is their principal 

 value in schemes of border decoration, being beautifullv variegated. 

 Abutilons are hardy in most parts of the State and being of easy culture 

 are worthy of much more care and attention, and extensive planting. They 

 are well suited for planting in large groups or borders as specimens or sub- 

 shrubs, endure a deal of drought, and provide a fine effect when well 

 established. 



