52 ARISTOCRATS OF THE GARDEN 



has terminal and lateral, more or less erect racemes 

 of rose-purple flowers with long, exserted stamens and 

 is most attractive. 



As a group with lilac, rose, and vinous-purple flow- 

 ers the most valuable recent addition to midseason 

 shrubs is unquestionably Buddleia Davidii (more gen- 

 erally known as B. variabilis) and its varieties, and 

 these are fast winning well-deserved popularity in 

 this country under the name of Summer Lilac. They 

 are inhabitants of central and western China where 

 they are essentially fluviatile plants though here and 

 there they ascend moist herb or shrub-clad slopes. 

 They are scarcely hardy as far north as Boston, Mass., 

 but cuttings of half-ripe wood inserted under glass in 

 autumn root readily and these if planted out early 

 in June will make large bushes and flower profusely 

 in August and September. A rich, loamy soil, full 

 sunshine, and an abundant water supply are the 

 essentials. Grown in this manner I have measured 

 the tail-like inflorescence over thirty inches long. 

 In the Garden Magazine, April, 1916, appeared an 

 illustrated article on these plants so there is no need 

 even for the introducer to enter into further details 

 concerning them. But as an expression of opinion 

 perhaps I may be allowed to say that my own favorite 

 is the var. magnifica which is distinguished by its 



