CHAPTER X 



OUILLAJA SAPONARIA, a Chilian soapwort, is rare in 

 cultivation, though I do not suppose it difficult. It 

 makes a considerable evergreen tree when at home, and 

 is said to have fragrant white blossoms. Mine perished in a cool 

 peat bed, and must be renewed. 



Rhaphiolepis japonica is a treasure, and I know few handsomer 

 evergreens. This hardy shrub has a neat, branching habit and 

 leaves of polished dark green. Its panicles of snow-white blossoms 

 have a touch of pale carmine in the midst, and open during May or 

 June. The falling leaf takes on a splendid crimson. In half shade 

 this very fine shrub prospers well, flowers profusely, and sets its 

 dark red berries. It came to England in 1865 — ^the same year that I 

 did — and neither of us is half as well known as we ought to be. 



Rhabdothamniis Solandri is a dwarf evergreen New Zealander, 

 with pretty little serrated leaves and bells of blossom, a dark orange- 

 red, striped black. It is tender, but does well here in a peaty 

 corner with a larger shrub above it, whose foliage affords the 

 necessary protection. 



Rhaphiihamnus cyanocarpus is an evergreen Chilian with small 



coriaceous foliage, blue flowers, and bright blue berries. Mine 



grows in the open rockwork, and will soon be too large for that 



position. Its points get somewhat nipped by frost, and, when I 



move it, I shall set it against a protected cool wall, and hope that 



it may survive and prosper. 



97 N 



