HIBISCUS ILEX. 241 



HIBISCUS. 



Jllthaafrutex. 



Hibiscus Syriacus. The Althea is a well-known ornamental 

 shrub, of easy cultivation ; but a little tender in some situa- 

 tions, particularly the double white variety. They grow freely 

 from cuttings, from which the double varieties are multiplied ; 

 or very easily from seed, for single varieties. We think some 

 of the single varieties are equally handsome as the double, and 

 generally more hardy. There is the double white, red, blue 

 and white, with stripes, or blotches, and others. 



ILEX. 



The Holly. 



Ilex, a name of unknown origin. In England, innumerable 

 varieties have been raised from Hex aquifolium, a low tree, or 

 shrub, which vary in the margin and size, or in the variegation 

 of the leaves. Being evergreens, they are highly esteemed for 

 the shrubbery, for small groups, or for lawns, and make a gay 

 appearance at all seasons of the year. The silver and gold- 

 edged varieties are very beautiful. The common green prickly- 

 leaved is used for hedges ; the only objection to it is its very 

 slow growth. 



Alas ! were it not for our changeable climate, we, too, might 

 have this desirable family of plants in our shrubberies and bor- 

 ders. They do not succeed well in the New England States ; 

 probably they may thrive in sheltered places, where not much 

 exposed to the sun. They are worthy of many trials. 



Ilex opaca. The American Holly. This species is found 

 plentifully in some parts of Massachusetts. Mr. Emerson 

 says of it : " The American Holly is a handsome, low tree, 

 with nearly horizontal branches, and thorny, evergreen leaves. 

 The berries are scarlet, and remain on the tree into the winter. 

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