FLOWERS FOR SUBURBAN GARDENS 391 



shrubs and leave the latter to the gardens of the few, we think 

 that plicatum is much the more valuable species of the two. It 

 does not form such perfect balls as the Guelder Rose, but the 

 individual flowers are much bigger, and are borne in large bunches, 

 which almost cover the bush. When grown in moist, peaty soil 

 in a sheltered place, it forms a bush several feet through and high, 

 heavily laden with flowers, and becomes an object of great beauty. 



As we have said, the majority of flowering shrubs are at their 

 best in spring, but Rhododendrons are not always over when the 

 summer quarter commences in fact, they may only be approaching 

 their best at the end of June in cold districts. There are, too, 

 several good shrubs that are distinctly summer-blooming. The 

 Buddleias are prominent among these. They cannot be termed 

 popular at present, but it is quite certain that they will become so 

 in due course, now that hardy shrubs are securing so much more 

 attention than they used to receive. Buddleia variabilis Veitchiana 

 is a particularly promising variety. It is deciduous. The flowers 

 are borne in long pyramidal clusters rather like Lilacs, but smaller. 



We predict greater popularity for the Catalpa too a real town 

 and suburban shrub or small tree, with large and beautiful flowers. 

 Bignonioides is the species to ask for when ordering. Hydrangea 

 hortensis is well known as a pot plant, and the variety paniculata 

 grandiflora is quite as well worth growing in the garden as hortensis 

 is under glass. It thrives in sheltered places. The varieties of 

 Althaea frutex (now called by the botanists Hibiscus syriacus) are 

 handsome dwarf shrubs, blooming in August as a rule, and with 

 flowers of various colours. They are deciduous. The flowers are 

 very bright, especially in such varieties as Pompon Rouge, Violet 

 Clair, and Celeste. There is a white called totus albus. We do 

 not think that these shrubs are as well known, even to owners of 

 large gardens, as they deserve to be, as we do not often see them 

 except in nurseries. 



We hardly know if the St. John's Worts are considered good 



