OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 



149 



quality, [even when in small pots, of being adapted for the 

 company of large ferns, palms, &c., from the great size of its 

 panicles, and I need scarcely say that for cutting purposes it is 

 valuable, more [especially in decorations which are not closely 

 viewed. 



The culture of this shrub is very simple ; it does best in rich 

 loam. The situation should be sunny, that it may well ripen its 

 wood. In order to have clusters of large size, it should be 



FIG. 53. HYDRANGEA PANICULATA GRANDIFLORA. 

 (One-tenth natural size ; blossom, natural size. 



closely pruned, like roses, by which treatment the bush may also 

 be kept in the desired form. Its propagation is by cuttings; they 

 should be of fairly well-ripened wood of the last season's growth. 

 The degree of ripeness, like that of such things as roses and 

 fuchsias, may vary according to the method by which the 

 cuttings are to be treated. Half -ripened shoots will root well 

 in a little heat ; the harder wood will root equally well, but more 

 slowly ,"in the open in sandy loam. 

 Flowering period, July to end of September. 



