264 TREES AND SHRUBS 



large quantities by the English nurserymen, and 

 very beautiful they are when in flower, bringing 

 the beauty of early summer to the opening days 

 of spring. Many grow their plants in pots, the 

 general method being what may be regarded as 

 a modification of pot culture and planting out, 

 that is to say, although the plants are potted, 

 and that in fairly large pots, they are plunged in 

 the open ground over the rim of the pot, and in 

 a position fully exposed to air and sunshine. Al- 

 though a few roots may be pushed out over the rim, 

 and also through the hole in the bottom, this treat- 

 ment has the effect of keeping them far more 

 compact than would otherwise be the case, hence 

 the check of removal is not so great as if they have 

 unlimited room. This partial confinement of the 

 roots checks a too luxuriant growth and promotes 

 flower-bud formation. 



In the cultivation of shrubs for this purpose, 

 whether they are confined in pots or planted out, 

 choose an open, well-exposed position, carefully 

 guarding against overcrowding, as this tends to leaves 

 instead of flowers. With the same object, they must 

 be kept free from weeds, and not allowed to suffer 

 from drought. 



With few exceptions, the best time to lift and pot 

 the plants is as soon as possible after the leaves 

 have fallen in the autumn. When done at this time 

 the young roots recover from the check, and get 

 hold of the new soil before the flowering season. 

 The pots must be plunged in leaves, spent hops, or 



