308 HARDY PERENNIALS AND 



broad in their widest parts, concave or boat- shaped, sharp pointed r 

 glaucous, sometimes slightly plicate, rigid, and leathery. 



The habit, after flowering, is generally to form offsets, when 

 the plant loses much of its former boldness and effect. From 

 the lateness of its blooming period, and a lack of suitable con- 

 ditions, it does not ripen seed in our climate, and it must of 

 necessity be raised from seed ripened in more favourable climes. 



The following are said to be some of its varieties, bearing 

 useful descriptive names : Y. g. pendula, having a pendulous 

 habit or reflexed leaves ; Y. g. plicata, having plaited leaves ; 

 Y. g. minor, a lesser form in its various parts. There are other 

 reputed varieties of more doubtful descent. 



For cultivation see Y. recurva. 



Yucca Recurva. 



RECTTRVE-LEAVED YUCCA ; Common Name, WEEPING YUCCA ; 

 Nat. Ord. LILIACE^E. 



THIS is a charming species, perfectly hardy and evergreen ; it 

 was brought from Georgia about ninety years ago. 



The flowers are a greenish-white, and undesirable where the 

 shrub is grown for the sake of its ornamental qualities ; fortu- 

 nately they are far from being constant in their appearance. 

 September is its blooming period in our climate. The leaves are 

 its main feature; with age it becomes rather tall, 6ft. to 9ft. high, 

 having a woody bole or caudex, which is largely concealed by the 

 handsome drooping foliage ; a few of the youngest leaves from 

 the middle of the tuft remain erect. The whole specimen is 

 characterised by its deep green and glossy foliage, combined 

 with a most graceful habit. Few things can be planted with 

 such desirable effect as this shrub; it puts a stamp on the 

 landscape, parterre and shrubland, and when well grown forms a 

 landmark in the most extensive garden. 



For all the species and varieties of Yucca the mode of culture 

 is not only similar but simple. They have long roots of a wiry 

 texture. These denote that they require deep soil, light, and 

 rather dry. Sandy loam, light vegetable soil, or marl and peat 

 grow them well. Raised beds or borders, the higher parts of 

 rockwork, or any open position, thoroughly drained, will not 

 only be conducive to their health, but also prove fitting points of 

 vantage. In planting Yuccas it must never be forgotten that 

 perfect drainage is the all important requisite, and if it is not 

 afforded the stock will never thrive, but ultimately die from rot 

 or canker. Another matter, when referred to, will perhaps 

 complete all that is special about the culture, or rather planting, 

 of Yuccas. Begin with young stuff; I know nothing that 



