254 HARDY SHRUBS. 



Soulangeana is thought to be a natural hybrid between M. conspicua 

 and the dark purple flowered M. obovata. This is probably the case, as 

 the color of the flowers would indicate; moreover, it is later in bloom- 

 ing than M. conspicua and earlier than M. obovata. M. Kobus is a very 

 shapely small tree, with small flowers which open early. It is used as a 

 stock for grafting purposes. The seeds are certain to germinate evenly 

 when sown as soon as ripe. M. Lennei is the showiest of the dark pur- 

 ple-flowered kinds. The bloom is cup-shaped and very large; the petals 

 are dark purple on the outside, lighter within. M. stellata is sometimes 

 used as an Easter plant. When flowered in pots for this purpose it- 

 should be home grown, and plants selected for forcing which show the 

 most buds. For forcing they may be potted in the Fall, but if the 

 ground is in a condition to allow the plants to be lifted they can be 

 successfully flowered a week or two afterward. Propagation is effected 

 by seed, budding, grafting, and layering. Stocks may be chosen from 

 M. Kobus, M. tripetala or M. acuminata. Layering should be practiced 

 before the plants are in active growth. The best season for planting is 

 just before the plants start into growth. 



NEVIUSA ALABAHENSIS is called the Alabama Snow Wreath. This 

 name is a little misleading, as when in flower there is really nothing to 

 suggest snow from the appearance of the bushes. The stamens are the 

 most attractive part of the flower; they are greenish white. Propaga- 

 tion is by division of the old plants; they sucker very freely. Summer 

 cuttings can be depended on to root quickly. 



OSMANTHUS This genus belongs to the same order as the Olive 

 (Olea), under which the species are sometimes described. O. aquifolius 

 has a certain resemblance to the English Holly (Ilex). The resemblance 

 is still more striking in the variety O. a.ilicifolius, one of the handsomest 

 evergreen shrubs outside of the Conifers. Tt has stood outdoors here 

 for a long number of years. During very severe Winters it suffers very 

 little, and in protected situations not at all. O. a. myrtifolius is a form 

 with leathery, spineless leaves, but is not such a free-growing shrub as 

 the others. Of O. a. ilicifolius there are one or two handsome variegated 

 forms in cultivation, but they are less hardy than the green-leaved 

 variety. They are easily propagated by cuttings, rooted indoors during 

 the Fall months. O. a. ilicifolius seeds freely and the seedlings come 

 true; they do not germinate till the second year. Privet stocks are used 

 on which to graft the variegated forms. 



P^EONIA flOUTAN (Shrubby Paeonia) The shrubby Pseonies a re varie- 

 ties of this species. They are hardy in the North, but their flower buds 

 are quickly developed during mild weather, consequently they are apt 

 to suffer from late frosts. They force well early in the season, but are 

 only good for variety, as few flowers can be had on a moderate-sized 

 plant. As border subjects they are desirable, making an attractive 

 display during April or the first half of May. Propagation is by seeds, 

 division and grafting. The single and semi-double forms will, in favora- 

 ble seasons, ripen a considerable quantity of seed ; they should not be 

 allowed to remain in the seed vessels after they are ripe, as they harden, 

 and germination will take longer than if sown when ripe. Sow in boxes 



