MY SHRUBS 79 



Metrostderos should prosper where Callistemon will, but per- 

 chance it is more tender, for I seldom find it in catalogues. I 

 have a tiny piece of the new M. diffusa, a scarlet-flowered dwarf, 

 and must acquire M. florida and M, lucida anon. 



Mimulus glutinosus is a shrubby monkey-flower from Cali- 

 fornia. You may know it and value it as Diplacus. The corolla 

 is of a buff or auburn colour, and, thanks to the kindness of a 

 friend, I have a good piece of this evergreen with rich chocolate 

 coloured blooms. It is not quite hardy, and should have a snug 

 and sunny spot. Mimulus g. puniceus, from Western California, 

 has orange-scarlet flowers. 



Mitraria cocdnea, a monotype with dark evergreen foliage 

 and scarlet tubular flowers, should be grown, like most other 

 Chilians, in peat with shade. These plants from the Andes live 

 in rain clouds for a large part of the year, and are very thirsty 

 subjects. But Mitraria is perfectly hardy, and when prosperous 

 presents a superb appearance, thronged with its pendent and 

 brilliant scarlet blossoms. It is of a climbing habit, and looks 

 best on a wall. 



Moltkia petrcea is a very diminutive shrub, and will thank 

 you for a limestone moraine. This choice atom from Dalmatia 

 should ascend to six inches high, and open violet eyes among 

 grey leaves if all goes well with it. 



Why do we not hear more of Montanoa ? It might do better 

 than many tender subjects, and Nicholas pronounces the species 

 M. hipinatijolia a striking shrub for summer sub-tropical gar- 

 dening. This Mexican should be encouraged, and I shall be 

 delighted to welcome it if anybody will give me an opportunity 

 to do so. But I have never seen it in a catalogue. 



I 



