276 PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 



tones for their large and showy flowers usually under the generic name 

 of Cisttts. The shrubby kinds are propagated by seed, and green cut- 

 tings under glass. 



Hibisctis (Rose of Sharon, Rose-Mellow). A genus of about one 

 hundred and fifty species, widely distributed around the world. Mostly 

 stout, herbaceous plants, with large, showy flowers ; a few shrubby 

 species, like the common garden Althaea or Rose of Sharon (H. Syria- 

 cws), and the Rose of China (H. Rosa Sinensis), largely cultivated as green- 

 house plants in cold climates. Of the two shrubby species named, there 

 are a large number of varieties, all highly prized for their showy flowers. 

 Propagated by seeds, and cuttings of either the green wood under glass, 

 or ripe wood in the open ground. Ripe wood cuttings should be made 

 in the fall, in cold climates, and stored where they will not freeze during 

 the winter. They should also be kept rather dry, too much moisture 

 being very injurious. The same is true of the plants raised from ripe 

 wood cuttings ; and they should be dug up in the autumn of the first 

 season and heeled-in, either in a cool cellar or some dry place in the 

 garden. 



Hovenia. A large shrub bearing edible fruit, from Japan and Nepal. 

 It is said that the fruit tastes somewhat like a good Pear. The Japan 

 species (H. dulcis), is reported to have produced fruit in the open ground 

 in Philadelphia, but in my grounds the leaves and stems are invariably 

 killed by the first hard frost in autumn. Propagated by seeds, and by 

 root-cuttings. 



Hydrangea. A genus of elegant drawf, mostly deciduous, orna- 

 mental shrubs. There are three shrubby species native of the United 

 States, and about a half-dozen in China and Japan. There are, how- 

 ever, many garden varieties of the various oriental species. Propagated 

 by suckers, layers and cuttings of the green and half-ripened wood. Of 

 some of the hard wooded species, like the Oak -leaved (H. qucrc-i folia), 

 and the recently introduced Japan Hydrangea (H. paniculata f/randiflora), 

 green cuttings are most certain, if taken from plants forced under 

 glass. 



Hypericiun (St. John's-wort). There are more than one hundred 

 and fifty species in this genus, mostly herbaceous plants of little value 

 or beauty. Of the shrubby species, a few rre cultivated in gardens, among 

 these Kalm's St. John's-wort (//. Kalmlanum), is probably the most 

 common. The hardy species are propagated by seeds and division of the 

 clumps, and the tender ones by green cuttings under glass. 



Idesia (Japan Cherry). A handsome, rapid-growing fruit and orna- 

 mental tree from Japan. The one species introduced/, polycarpa 

 has not proved to be hardy as far north as New York City, but thrives 

 in the South. Readily propagated by root-cuttings made in the fall and 

 planted out in the spring. 



Ilex (Holly). Mostly evergreen shrubs and small trees, with prickly 

 leaves, and small white or yellowish flowers in axillary clusters, sue- 



