1 42 TREES AND SHRUBS 



in our climate, of a spreading bush, though in its 

 native habitat it grows into a tree of noble dimen- 

 sions. It is suitable only for a Rock Garden of 

 some boldness of construction, and in gardens 

 favoured with a mild climate and a sheltered 

 position, but under such happy circumstances a 

 place should certainly be found for this handsome 

 and little-known China Fir. 



Another uncommon coniferous shrub, also very 

 distinct and more generally useful than the last, is 

 Podocarpus alpina. Though a native of Tasmania, it 

 grows at high elevations, and is able to resist severe 

 frost. Dark green in foliage, only about 2 feet in 

 height, and of a somewhat spreading nature, it is 

 never out of place in the Rock Garden, whether large 

 or small. 



From Conifers we may pass to Veronicas, certain 

 of which might almost be mistaken for some min- 

 ute form of Cypress. Of this character is a small 

 group known in New Zealand, the natural habitat of 

 a large number of shrubby species, by the apposite 

 name of Whipcord Veronicas. Being themselves 

 alpine, they are particularly well suited for grouping 

 with low-growing mountain plants. Six species or 

 varieties of this interesting section grow naturally at 

 elevations ranging from 7000 to 4000 feet, and are 

 much more hardy than is generally supposed. These 

 are : V. cupressoides, V. c. var. variabilis, V. lycopodioides, 

 V. Armstrongiiy V. Hectori, V. loganioides. 



The form of V. cupressoides, known as variabilis, 

 was mistaken, on its first introduction, for a distinct 



