EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 79 



The pruning of the strong-growing deciduous kinds 

 consists in cutting-in early in the spring to a good shape. 

 The evergreen varieties may be frequently nipped in 

 at the points of all the leaders to form handsome 

 sj-mmetrical specimens. Old deformed plants may be 

 renovated by severely cutting back in the summer 

 after the flowering season is over. 



The Tamarisk. 



This is a rather strong-growing shrub of the 

 deciduous kind, being of a beautiful light green colour, 

 and having a fine foliage. 



The pruning of this shrub or low tree must be 

 well attended to, or it will grow quite out of good order, 

 shape, and form. The proper way to grow the Tama- 

 risk is to make a standard of it, and then to prune it 

 early every spring by cutting back the long branches. 

 All the dead wood in the tree must likewise be cut out. 

 By this treatment it will present quite a different ap- 

 pearance from what we generally find it. The Tamarisk 

 is a miserable-looking tree if neglected, while a little 

 annual pruning completely alters the case in every 

 respect. 



The Escalloxia. 



This is one of the most beautiful flowering ever- 

 green shrubs we possess. It is of a free growth, thick, 

 and of a dark green foliage, being also a most prolific 

 fiowerer. In the midland and northern counties a 

 sheltered wall is required for it, but in the south it 

 flourishes without any protection through the winter. 

 E. Macrantha is a fine and red-flowering variety, being 

 profusely covered with flowers as handsome as a Heath. 



This shrub requires annual pruning similar to a 

 soft- wooded Heath, i.e. merely nipping out the points 

 of the leaders, which will induce a thick and compact 

 growth, with an abundance of flowers. Old overgrown 

 plants may be cut back severely, in which case new 

 ones will be quickly formed. 



