74 



OEKAMENTAL GARDENING. 



THE ROSE OF SHARON OR SHRUBBY ALTH^A. HiUsCUS. 



E.-G. 



Mostly free-growing shrubs of upright forms, produc- 

 ing showy flowers resembling hollyhocks, in the late 

 summer season, and at a time when few hardy trees and 



Fig. 5.— ROSE OF SHARON, VARIEGATED {HiUscus Syriactis, var.) 



shrubs are in bloom. To keep them in good shape, 

 they should be closely headed-in annually. The first 

 two winters after planting there should be a liberal coat 

 of coarse litter applied over the roots in the North, to 

 protect them from cold, and after that they will prove 

 very hardy. 

 All of the many varieties that are now offered in 



