SHRUBS 153 



be cut away ; new shoots, that will bear the next season's 

 flowers, will take its place. The forsythia may be grown 

 as a single plant or in a clump in a corner. It is entirely 

 hardy and will thrive among other shrubbery in any 

 kind of soil. 



THE HIBISCUS 



The hibiscus syracus, or rose of Sharon, may be obtained 

 in several varieties, which are all valuable on account of 

 their blooming period, which extends from August to 

 October, a season when there is a scarcity of flowering 

 shrubbery. Both double and single varieties in white, 

 pink, red, lavender, and purple may be procured. Plant 

 them in sheltered places among shrubs where they will 

 obtain plenty of moisture, and give them a mulch of 

 leaves during the winter. Spring planting is best. 



THE HYDRANGEA 



The hydrangeas are among the best of our ornamen- 

 tal shrubs. In the Northern states few are sufficiently 

 hardy to withstand the winter, but in the South the 

 tenderest kinds may be cultivated in the open without 

 difficulty. Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora is perfectly 

 hardy and needs no protection during the winter. Its 

 large heads of creamy-white flowers make their appear- 

 ance in July, changing to purplish pink late in the 

 summer. In spring cut back almost to the ground ; new 

 shoots will appear, every one of which will bear a cluster 

 of flowers. A single plant may be allowed to grow to 



