SHRUBS 151 



THE FLOWERING ALMOND 



The flowering almond (Primus japonica] is closely re- 

 lated to the peach and apricot and is a good plant for 

 the shrubbery border. In May it is covered with showy 

 double flowers, the variety Alba plena bearing white 

 and Rosea p^l^na pink blossoms. They make their ap- 

 pearance along the branches and twigs before the leaves 

 appear. The height varies from three to five feet. Both 

 varieties are very hardy, growing rapidly, and will do 

 well in any kind of soil. 



THE FLOWERING CURRANT 



The flowering currants (Ribes) are all very hardy, of 

 rapid growth, and thrive in any good soil. Ribes alpi- 

 num (the mountain currant) is a dwarf plant of compact 

 habit, and Ribes aureum (the Missouri currant) is of 

 medium size. Both bear large clusters of fragrant yellow 

 flowers in May. The leaves of the latter are especially 

 attractive in autumn, turning to a bright crimson tint. 

 Ribes sanguineum has smooth red branches and dark- 

 green leaves. Its carmine flowers, of very fine color, 

 appear somewhat earlier than the preceding varieties. 



Prunus 2^issardi y or purple-leaved plum, is one of the 

 best red or purple-leaved shrubs. It sometimes grows to 

 the height of a small tree. 



Pests. Currant worms may be destroyed by spraying 

 the leaves quite early with Paris green or arsenate of lead. 



