Andromeda and its Allies 



flower in that its anthers have no horns, but split into 

 four bristles at their tip. 



Tree Heaths. With the many Heaths in general 

 it is no part of this chapter to deal ; they do not rank 

 among what are properly considered to be garden 

 shrubs. Exception must be made, however, for 



1. The Tree Heath, Erica arborea, which carries 

 dense clusters of fragrant white flowers. 



2. The so-called Mediterranean Heath Erica medi- 

 terranea which is, nevertheless, a native of Co. Gal- 

 way in Ireland and in the regions round the Bay of 

 Biscay and not of the Mediterranean at all. This has 

 rosy-hued flowers (though there is a variety with 

 white flowers). Both of these shrubs grow six feet and 

 upward in height and are evergreen, with the usual 

 line-narrow leaves characteristic of all Heaths. They 

 are hardy, the last named especially so, and their light 

 feathery foliage and clustered flowers are great additions 

 to a spring garden. 



Soil and Cultivation. All these shrubs demand a 

 peaty soil, but with some the demand is more impera- 

 tive than with others. The Andromedas will indeed 

 only flourish in very damp peat ; the others generally 

 have a strong preference for peat, but will also grow 

 very fairly well in moist loam with decayed leaves 

 added. All love moisture and a cool bottom. Indeed, 

 they rank with their relatives Rhododendrons and 



67, 



