HARDY CLIMBING PLANTS 



MANY of the prettiest pictures in the garden are those 

 in which climbing plants play a large part. The Rose, of 

 course, is queen of climbers, but as useful in their way are 

 the Clematises, Honeysuckles, Jasmines, Vines, Wistarias, and 

 others. 



Ampelopsis. See Vitis. 



Aristolochia Sipho, commonly known as the Dutchman's Pipe 

 from the shape of its drooping yellow-brown flowers with their upturned 

 ends, though not conspicuous for its blossoms, is a handsome plant, 

 soon covering a wall with its large heart-shaped leaves. It is a decidu- 

 ous climber, and may be propagated by seed. Does best in sandy loam. 



Azara microphylla is not very hardy, but sufficiently so for 

 southern counties. Its glossy green leaves, hiding wiry spreading stems, 

 are very handsome. Needs well-drained loam. 



Berberidopsis COrallina (The Coral Barberry), from Chili, is a pretty 

 evergreen for planting against a wall, but it is rather tender and apt 

 to suffer from frost unless slight protection can be given. Planted in 

 well-drained loam, its glossy green, prickly leaves are not only distinct 

 but ornamental, and its numerous drooping, coral-red, Berberis-like 

 flowers, borne in the axils of the leaves, remain attractive for a consider- 

 able part of the summer. It delights in a somewhat shady position. 



Bignonia capreolata is a free grower and climber introduced from 

 America nearly two hundred years ago, and hardy only in sheltered 

 quarters. For training against a warm wall, or for clothing rafters in 

 unheated greenhouses it is well adapted, and in such positions its orange- 

 coloured trumpet-shaped flowers are seen to perfection. It should be 

 planted in rich soil, and as it delights in copious supplies of water in the 

 early part of the growing season, efficient drainage should be provided 

 to carry off superfluous water, and thus help to keep the roots healthy 

 and the soil from getting sour. 



Calystegia pubescens flore pleno is usually called a Convolvulus, 

 and is now grouped with that family. It does not grow tall, but is 

 pretty for arbours and screens, and will thrive in any soil. 



Gelastrus articulatUS is a free-growing Japanese twiner, and con- 

 spicuous for its brightly-coloured berries in winter ; they are displayed 

 upon the leafless branches in great profusion. Excellent for clothing 



arbours, tree stumps, verandahs, &c. C. scandens (Staff Vine) is another 



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