GOOD TREES AND SHRUBS 257 



the rock-garden for S. bullata, known also as S. crispifolia, an uncommon 

 Japanese species, much too dwarf and slow in growth for the ordinary 

 shrubbery. Its leaves are small, deep green, and its rose-coloured 

 flowers appear in dense corymbs. S. japonica Anthony Waterer is a 

 delightful late-flowering Spiraea. It is dwarf, bushy, and its rich crimson 

 flowers remain showy for a long time. Few shrubs are more appropriate 

 for massing. S. j. glabrata is rare, and very beautiful ; flowers pink, 

 borne in large corymbs. S. arguta is the most charming of white-flowered 

 Spiraeas. It is perfectly hardy, and its small snow-white blossoms are 

 very lasting. S. Van Houttei, raised from S. media and S. triloba, also 

 bears white flowers in great abundance. S. Undleyana, a magnificent 

 species from the Himalayas, bears terminal panicles of white flowers 

 late in the season. When suitably placed, it grows nine feet high, and 

 is well worth a place in the garden as a foliage shrub alone, its graceful 

 pinnate leaves being of a refreshing shade of green. 



The Staphyleas (Bladder Nuts) are pretty, spring-flowering, de- 

 ciduous shrubs, six feet or more high, and thoroughly hardy. Ordinary, 

 well-drained soil suits them perfectly, and if frequent doses of water 

 can be given while growth is young much benefit ensues. S. colchica, 

 from the Caucasus, is finer than the European species, S. pinnata, and 

 when bearing its pendulous racemes of white flowers, it is remarkably 

 effective. 



Stuartias. The Stuartias are not happy in every garden. They 

 are rather tender, perhaps, and greatly dislike east and north winds, 

 especially in spring. A rich, loamy soil, to which has been added leaf- 

 mould and peat, favours the best growth. Anything like stagnant water 

 about the roots is fatal. S. mrginica, from North America, is perhaps 

 the best known. Its cream-white flowers, between two inches and three 

 inches across, are white, with prominent brownish-red stamens. S. 

 Pseudo-camellia, a Japanese species, is exceedingly attractive when 

 displaying its bold, snow-white flowers with yellow stamens. The 

 autumn-tinted foliage is distinct and showy. 



Styrax japonicum produces a wealth of snow-white, sweet-scented, 

 drooping, bell-shaped flowers, relieved by yellow stamens. It is quite 

 hardy, and suitable for planting on the fringe of the lawn. It is a much- 

 branched, rather loose shrub, requiring a rich, well-drained soil and sunny 

 position to ensure a thorough ripening of the wood, without which a full 

 flower display cannot be expected. S. Obassia is another excellent tree. 

 Its leaves are large and ornamental, whilst its white flowers are quite 

 as beautiful as those of the other species. 



Symphoricarpus racemosus (Snowberry). This deciduous North 

 American shrub, usually four feet or five feet high, is not conspicuous 

 for showy flowers, its decorative value depending upon its round white 

 berries, which remain upon the branches long after the leaves have fallen. 

 It is of the simplest culture, and quite a success under the shade of trees. 



Syringas (Lilacs). As a garden shrub the Lilac is familiar, few 

 things being more easily grown, or more effective at flowering time. 

 With the exception of S. persica, all those here mentioned have been 



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