350 List of Shrubs 



Spiraea. This well-known genus of the rose family, with over fifty 

 species and very numerous varieties, permitting a wide choice as to 

 time of flowering (from early spring to late fall), and size, has repre- 

 sentatives in all continents among herbs, as well as low to tall shrubs. 

 Delicate, white and rose-colored flowers, freely produced in showy 

 clusters, and fine, mostly small foliage are their ornamental features, 

 while hardiness, frugality, ease of propagation, and vigor, though full 

 of grace, recommend them for use everj-where, especially as borders, 

 along walls, facings, etc., or in masses of one variety. Some of them, 

 to be sure, lack in outline, being weedy of appearance, which defect 

 must be overcome by proper grouping. They prefer sunny exposures, 

 but a moist soil. 



Of the native ones, at least three late flowering species deserve 

 attention : 



S. opulifolia Linn. (112) {Physocarpiis, Neillia, Opulasier), 

 Ninebark (because easily peeling), is the best known, a shrub of our 

 eastern swamps, and into the Canadian Northwest, thriving in all 

 soils. A rugged, rather coarse, spreading bush, of six to ten feet in 

 height, with relatively large, three-lobed, serrate, bright green, lus- 

 trous leaves, and white flowers (early summer) in numerous clusters 

 along the branches, followed by bright red pods, contrasting well with 

 the foliage. A variety, 5. aurea, with bright yellow leaves and double 

 flowers (June), is one of the best plants for color eflfect. Both are fine 

 specimens and good for massing. 



S. salicifolia Linn. (113), Meadow-sweet (now classed also with two 

 other species, alba and laiifolia), so called from the fact that it is found 

 bordering meadows and swamps, from Manitoba south, is a low bush 

 (two to five feet), with reddish-brown branches and long, willow-like 

 leaves. The terminal panicles of fine, white to pink flowers in July, 

 persisting into August, are its chief attraction. 



S. tomentosa Linn. (114), Steeplebiish, Hardhack, also quite low, 

 with oblong leaves, dark green above and yellowish or whitish beneath, 

 and dense spikes of rose-colored or deep pink flowers (July to Septem- 

 ber). 



Of exotic species, several from Japan and China, quite as hardy 

 and frugal, are more elegant than the natives and some are earlier 

 bloomers. 



* 5. Thimbergi Sieb. (115) is one of the most popular, the earliest 

 bloomer (April, May), with small, white flowers covering the low, round, 



