246 Ornamental Shrubs. 



the general public. The species, and, so far as known, all 

 the varieties, are perfectly hardy. 



L. fragrantissima has large white or pink blossoms 

 nearly an inch across, which come out before the foliage is 

 fully developed, and are exceedingly fragrant. It is a strong- 

 growing and somewhat straggling bush of five to six feet. 

 It came from China, and is one of the best for ordinary gar- 

 den planting. The leaves are so persistent that it is some- 

 times classed as an evergreen, and in warmer climates its 

 flowers are often borne in February and March. L. stand- 

 ishii differs but little from it except that the fruit is red. 



L. hildebrandiana comes from Burma, and is the 

 largest of known species, and altogether the most remark- 

 able. It is an evergreen in the land of its nativity, but 

 does not altogether prove such in less genial climates. 

 General Collet, the discoverer, spoke of it as a conspic- 

 uous shrub with large, glossy leaves, and fine, crimson 

 flowers seven inches long, and the experiments at the Kew 

 Gardens appear to substantiate the claim of superiority. 

 It is said to be much used in decorating the temples of its 

 native country, and is looked upon there almost with 

 veneration. It is not freely distributed here as yet, and 

 can scarcely be found except in the hands of experts or in 

 connection with public institutions. 



L. morrowii is a vigorous shrub of from four to six 

 feet in height, with spreading branches, and in July abun- 

 dant yellow blossoms, followed by clusters of showy 

 crimson fruit which is very persistent, making a fine show 

 in the garden. One of its varieties, L. frutea, bears 

 bright yellow berries, and is much showier than the origi- 



