186 ARISTOCRATS OF THE GARDEN 



free-growing of all members of its group. The pure 

 white cup-shaped blooms are smaller than those of the 

 Yulan. There are other species of Magnolia which 

 flower on the naked twigs, but of these only two are in 

 cultivation and only one, the Himalayan M. Camp- 

 bellii, has blossomed. This has rose-colored flowers, 

 and is one of the most gorgeous of all flowering trees 

 but, unfortunately, it is less hardy than any other 

 member of its group. 



Magnolias grow naturally in moist, rich woods 

 and, although they will withstand considerable hard- 

 ship and abuse, the best results are obtained when 

 they are protected from strong winds and are planted 

 in deep soil rich in humus. In northern gardens 

 the best time to transplant Magnolias is late in the 

 spring. They may also be moved successfully about 

 the end of August or beginning of September, but 

 at either season they must not be allowed to suffer 

 from lack of water and it is advisable to mulch 

 them with well-decayed manure. 



A favorite shrub in the gardens of China and 

 Japan is the La-mei-hwa, widely known as Chim- 

 onanthus fragrans but correctly as Meratia praecox. 

 This plant has fragrant, pale yellow, saucer-shaped 

 flowers stained with wine color at the base, and these 

 are freely borne on the naked shoots. It is not hardy 



