126 Ornamental Shrubs. 



beautiful foliage as its chief attraction in late summer and 

 autumn. It is hardy, and adapts itself to almost any soil 

 and situation. S. media is taller, often growing to a height 

 of six feet. Its greenish-white blossoms appear about the 

 same time, and are almost equally showy, but not of quite 

 so long continuance. It is, however, a good plant, and 

 would be very desirable if the others were not in com- 

 petition. And this will apply to the ^. kypericifolia, or 

 St. Peter's-wort, a kind scarcely needed under present 

 conditions in making up a good collection. 



S.fortunei has better foliage than some of the common 

 sorts, and produces flat cymes of rose-colored or pink 

 flowers in June. Though good in itself it is not superior 

 to most of the others here named. 



S. van houttei is a later introduction from Japan, and 

 has been much praised. It grows in the form of a low, 

 spreading bush with curved branches, and is from four to 

 six feet high. While not surpassing some others as a 

 foliage plant, its smooth, trifoliate leaves, and well-rounded 

 form give it a fine appearance, and it is doubtful if any 

 shrub of its dimensions under cultivation will produce a 

 greater abundance of blossoms in the same period of time. 

 They are white, appearing in May, literally covering every 

 branch from end to end, so as to present much the ap- 

 pearance of a huge bouquet. When done flowering, the 

 stems are almost as fully covered with the growing and 

 ripening fruit. Nothing is of easier culture. I have 

 taken up, with but ordinary care, large specimens when in 

 full bloom, and replanted them without the slightest ill 

 effect at the time or during the following season. 



