88 MY SHRUBS 



peat bed. It arrived only last autumn, and seems contented and 

 full of growth. 



Pceonia cannot be enlarged upon here, but I find that Paeon, the 

 physician, is said to have given the precious plant its name, and 

 the word is used by Theophrastus for the family. The countless 

 varieties of P. Moutaity from China and Japan, are gorgeous addi- 

 tions to any garden where they thrive. I have a few good pieces 

 that came directly from the East, but here the bud is developed 

 so early that the plants need close attention if frost is in the air. 

 They make magnificent specimens in favoured gardens, and I have 

 seen the old P. Moutan with a hundred immense blossoms displayed 

 on one plant. A good mulch of well-rotted cow manure in autumn 

 is very desirable, and plenty of water through the summer. The 

 choice varieties are generally struck on common stocks, and when 

 vigorous points thrust up round your plants they should receive 

 a cold welcome and be removed well below the soil. P. lutea is a 

 rare Chinese shrubby paeony, which failed with me, but must be 

 attempted again. 



Paliurus aculeatuSy the Christ Thorn, has a pale yellow inflo- 

 rescence in July. This deciduous Mediterranean shrub is only of 

 botanical interest. It shares, in common with many other prickly 

 plants, the legend that from its branches was woven the Christian 

 Saviour's crown of thorns. 



Panax is near At alia. I have an infant plant of P. Murrayi^ 

 a deciduous species from Queensland. It grows steadily, but 

 slowly. 



Parrotia persica is a stately little tree, whose autumn colours 

 of purple, scarlet, and gold are really magnificent. This admirable 

 plant is hardy, and thrives anywhere in full sunshine. The 



