Picea species — Spruce. One genetic dwarf natire spruce has been found 

 with superior ornamental qualities that shows some promise of propa- 

 gation. We would like to locate more specimens. 



Juniperus communis L. — Common Pasture Juniper. Although regarded 

 by farmers as a pasture weed this species has unusual ornamental possi- 

 bilities because of its variation in stature from prostrate to columnar. A 

 very fine group of the columnar shape has been located in New Hamp- 

 shire and is being given field trial. Propagation is quick and easy. As a 

 hedge plant it should be superior. 



Juniper hybrids. A large group of naturally occurring hybrids between 

 J. vinriniana crebra Fern. & Grisc. (Red Cedar) and /. horizontalis (Sea- 

 side Juniper) has been located on the Maine coast. This is a most remark- 

 able group of plants that vary in height from a few inches to 5 or 6 feet 

 and in width from 3 to 15 feet or more. Foliage color varies from dark 

 green to blue gray. Many selections are now in the propagating benches 

 to test for rooting response. 



A genetic variant of the White Pine (Pimis strohus) of a handsome 

 columnar shape and fine foliage has been located in Bedford. New Hamp- 

 shire and cuttings from it are now in the propagation bed. 



Of many forms that may be found whether witches brooms or genetic 

 variants only a limited number respond to present propagation techniques 

 and of these only a fraction will have enough other horticultural qualities 

 to make them valuable. 



However continued search and trial can eventually give us a list of dwarf 

 and other horticultural forms of native evergreens that will be suited to our 

 climate and needs, and should be second to none in beauty. 



Geraniums 



A seedling geranium of unknown parentage, grown by P. J. Durkee at 

 the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station greenhouses, was 

 named White Mountain, and distributed to New Hampshire florists in 1955. 

 It has double white flowers on a clean, bushy plant that has good growth 

 habits under glass. 



Another seedling having purple red flowers has been found valuable for 

 landscape purposes. It has been named Purple Heart. Compared with the 

 British Horticultural Color Chart, the petals shade from Solferino purple, 

 4^26 — 26/1, in the center to Rose Bengal #25 at the margins while the 

 inner halves of the two upper petals are Vermilion #18 veined with Rose 

 Madder #23. 



Gladiolus 



During the period 1947 to 1955, about twenty-three thousand hybrid gladi- 

 olus seedlings were grown and evaluated in an attempt to develop a multi- 

 ple stalked, small flowered, disease resistant variety for home garden use 

 in New Hampshire. Gladious improvement requires the growing of large 

 populations. From these seedlings, a few selections having one or more of 

 the desired qualities were made. Several of these selections have been sent 

 to other gladious breeders in the New England area for their use in con- 

 tinued breeding. 



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