204 HARDY ORNAMENTAL 



for using as a wall-covering. W. frutescens magnifica is 

 an improved form of the species ; while W. frutescens 

 alba has white flowers, and W. frutescens purpurea purple 

 flowers. 



W. JAPONICA. Japan. A bush-like species bearing 

 white flowers, but it is rarely seen in cultivation. It is, 

 however, quite hardy, and succeeds well in the bush state 

 at Kew. 



W. MULTIJUGA. Japan, 1874. Resembles somewhat 

 our commonly cultivated species, and has pale-purple 

 flowers arranged in long racemes. It is a very ornamental 

 and desirable species, but the flowers are not borne in 

 great quantity. 



The Wistarias are of simple culture, but succeed best 

 in rather rich alluvial soil, and where protection from cold 

 winds is provided. They are of slow growth for several 

 years after being planted. 



Xanthoceras (Sapindaceae), 



XANTHOCERAS SORBIFOLIA. China, 1870. An extremely 

 pretty flowered and handsome leaved shrub. So far it has 

 proved itself perfectly hardy in this country, there being 

 specimens at wide distances apart that have stood un- 

 injured through many severe winters. 



The leaves are pale green, and pinnate, somewhat 

 resembling those of the Rowan Tree. Flowers five-petalled, 

 creamy-white, sometimes very slightly tinged with flesh 

 colour, with a coppery red or violet-purple centre, and 

 disposed in racemes. When fully expanded they are an 

 inch across, and somewhat reflexed. It flowers early in 

 April, with the appearance of the leaves, the blooms being 

 produced in great abundance, in spike-like clusters fully 

 7 inches long, and succeeded by a small green Pear-like 

 fruit. This is one of the most distinct and handsome of 

 recently introduced shrubs, and will, when more widely 



