52 



MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Closely related to the spiraeas is the nine-bark (Opulaster opul- 

 ifolius), one of the most desirable shrubs at Montevideo. It grows 

 to a height of from six to eight feet. When in bloom in June the 

 shrub is completely covered with its spherical flower clusters, to 

 be followed later on by its equally showy reddish seed pods. The 

 golden-leaved form does not seem to- be quite so hardy as the typi- 

 cal species. 



Spiraea Van Houttei at Montevideo Trial Station. Russian Mulberry in the back 

 ground. Buffalo Berry at the right. 



The native Spiraea salicifolia, common in wet places, does well 

 with us in the shrub border, and responds to cultivation by pro- 

 ducing larger flowers than it does in its wild state. 



These reports have universally testified to the great value of 

 the different species of Philadelphus for prairie planting. In one 

 of the early reports from this station the opinion was advanced 

 that the least hardy species on trial was Philadelphus coronarius. 

 This species has since been given good cultivation, all dead 

 branches being removed, with the effect of giving the shrub a new 

 lease of life. With us it is the earliest species to bloom and is much 

 the most fragrant. 



