68 THE BOOK OF SHRUBS 



which are elegant in outline and have larger leaves than 

 those of the common form. 



VERONICAS. The veronicas are mostly dwarf in 

 growth, have small glossy green leaves, and in sheltered 

 positions in the southern and western counties of England 

 they are useful for planting in the rock garden and along 

 the margin of beds and borders devoted to shrubs. But 

 in the midland and northern counties of England they are 

 liable to injury from frost, and in some winters are killed. 



Those likely to prove the most satisfactory in the 

 garden are: Veronica Colensoi, V. cupressoides, V. Hulkeana, 

 V. Lindsayi, and V. salicifolia. 



VINCAS OR PERIWINKLES. These lowly plants are of 

 special value for clothing banks and planting spaces 

 under trees on the lawn where grass will not grow. It 

 will suffice to break up the soil and dibble out small 

 plants about six inches apart. They should be well 

 watered in and receive one or two waterings sub- 

 sequently. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for 

 planting Vinca major and its variegated variety. V. m. 

 uariegata are the best, the latter being highly orna- 

 mental, and useful for planting in medium-sized clumps 

 along the margin of beds and borders devoted to shrubs. 



LESS HARDY EVERGREENS. There are many other 

 evergreen shrubs of great beauty which may be grown 

 in the open in the warmer parts of Britain. Magnolia 

 grandiflora and the Mexican Choisya ternata, for instance, 

 though not hardy in the north, do well in the south and 

 west especially with the friendly shelter of a wall. 

 Their fragrant white flowers, and evergreen leaves make 

 them very desirable plants where they can be grown. 

 In very favoured localities, attempts may also be made 

 to grow in the open such conservatory shrubs as the 

 scarlet-flowered Callistemon speciosus, and C. linearis. A 

 well-drained soil is an important factor in the cultivation 

 of the less hardy shrubs. 



