244 ©rnamental Sbrubs. 



hybrids of the last two species, with variously colored 

 flowers, are known in gardens as Ghent azaleas. They are 

 very desirable and beautiful in masses or in beds on the 

 lawn, and should not be grown singly or in too small 

 groups. Ordinary, moderately good sandy loam answers 

 very well for all species, but it is better when mixed with 

 a liberal addition of leaf soil. 



White Alder, Clethra ahufolla. — This is a fine, hardy, 

 deciduous shrub for growing in moist places, or in moder- 

 ately rich soil in a shrubbery. The leaves resemble those 

 of the alder. Flowers white, fragrant, in erect terminal 

 racemes in summer. 



The following are low, evergreen shrubs or trailing 

 plants, of rich and shady woods or open, barren plains and 

 hillsides: 



Purple Heather, Calluna vulgaris. — Tufted, spreading 

 shrub, growing in immense masses on sandy heaths or dry 

 hillsides in Northern Europe. Spreads readily from seeds 

 along roads and ditches. The purple flowers which appear 

 in July and August are very numerous, and are disposed in 

 terminal racemes. Foliage is persistent, of a brownish 

 color in summer. Good for naturalizing on sunny hillsides 

 among broom and furze. 



Cross-leaved Heath, Erica tetralix. — A very small, 

 roundish shrub, as commonly seen, from six to eight inches 

 high. Not spreading. Flowers large, urn-shaped, of a 

 fiue rosy color, growing in headlike clusters. Common 

 among purple heather; fine for naturalizing and in rock- 

 eries. E. carina, a plant with bright flesh-colored flowers, 

 may be used for the same purpose. 



