62 THE BOOK OF SHRUBS 



and inserted in a shady border, and the latter sown in 

 boxes under glass. 



AZARA. The species of azara do not form a very 

 important group, but the low growing Azara microphylla 

 is a distinct and elegant shrub with small dark green 

 foliage, and useful for planting on the margin of the 

 shrubbery. 



BERBERIS. The berberis include some of the most 

 attractive of the hardy shrubs with persistent leaves, 

 being for the most part elegant in aspect and surprisingly 

 beautiful when in bloom. They produce a pleasing effect 

 whether arranged in small or medium-sized beds on the 

 lawn, one kind in each, or planted singly, or in groups 

 along the front of the border. While not requiring 

 specially prepared soil, they make the most satisfactory 

 growth when the beds and borders receive a liberal 

 addition of leaf-mould, or other decayed vegetable 

 matter previous to planting. 



The most useful for garden culture are : Berberis 

 Darivini, an elegant species with small glistening green 

 leaves and bright yellow flowers, which are produced in 

 great abundance on the short spurs, and the whole 

 length of the long slender shoots of the previous year. 

 Even more elegant is B. stenophylla which is extremely 

 graceful in growth, and has dark green leaves and rich 

 orange flowers which are borne in great profusion. 

 There are single and double-flowered forms of the last- 

 named, and both should be grown in gardens of the 

 smallest size as well as those of large area. 



Buxus OR Box. The variegated varieties of Buxus 

 sempervirens are desirable for giving brightness to the 

 shrubbery, and one or two of the green-leaved varieties 

 are useful in the formal garden because of the readi- 

 ness with which they can be kept to any desired 

 size and shape. They will thrive in all descriptions 

 of soil, and can be readily raised from cuttings which 



