HARDY CLIMBING PLANTS 275 



has it increased of recent years, not only in this country but on the 

 Continent, and how is it we do not see the rampant, robust growths of 

 former years ? Again, it seems strange that whilst the large hybrids 

 have been so badly affected, I have never seen C. montana, C. Flammula, 

 C. Viticella, or C. Vitalba collapse in the same manner, unless my con- 

 tention is correct that over-propagation is the cause. I might also 

 mention that I have not yet seen signs of the dying off amongst the 

 new hybrids from C. coccinea. 



"As a decorative plant the Clematis is almost unequalled. Few 

 climbers can surpass it for covering a wall or porch of a house, or train- 

 ing over trellis work, commencing with C. montana early in May, and 

 followed throughout the summer and autumn by the large hybrids of 

 the Patens, Florida, Lanuginosa, Viticella, and Jackmani types. To 

 these must be now added the new Coccinea hybrids, C. Countess of 

 Onslow, C. Duchess of Albany, C. Duchess of York, C. Grace Darling, 

 and C. Sir Trevor Lawrence, which, with those of the last type, remain 

 in bloom till frost comes. 



" The Clematis is also at home planted out or grown in pots, in the 

 conservatory, cool greenhouse, or glass corridor, if the situation is not 

 too shady or confined. Those of the Patens or Florida types are often 

 more appreciated in these positions than when grown out of doors, 

 coming into bloom as they do at a time when flowers are somewhat 

 scarce, through escaping the May frosts which sometimes spoil those 

 growing outside. Rambling up pillars and poles, over rootery or rock- 

 work, they are alike elegant, and when bedded out produce a most 

 gorgeous effect ; but when this is done it is desirable that those of the 

 Viticella and Jackmani types should be selected on account of their 

 profuse blooming properties. Some of the smaller-flowered species, such 

 as C. Flammula, C. graveolens, C. montana, C. Vitalba, or C. Viticella are 

 also quite in keeping with wild scenery when scrambling over ruins, 

 arbours, tree stumps, banks, hedges, and bushes, whilst several of the 

 herbaceous and sub-shrubby species and varieties are worthy of a place 

 in any herbaceous or mixed border." 



Hedera. This is the well-known Ivy. Few hardy climbers or 

 creepers offer such a diversity in leaf formation and pleasing colours as 

 Ivies. Beginning with the silver-leaved sorts, marginata elegantissima 

 should be made note of. Hardy, free in growth, its light green leaves 

 flushed with white are margined with cream white. Crippsii is one of 

 the showiest of the group, as it is of excellent growth, and has hand- 

 some silvery-grey leaves and prominent veins. The silvered leaves of 

 marginata rubra change to lovely shades of red in winter. Maderiensis 

 is rather tender, and should only be planted in sheltered spots. Its 

 leaves are broad and beautifully variegated with silver. There are not 

 many good yellow-leaved varieties, but chrysomela is always satisfactory, 

 provided it is not planted in too much shade. Its leaves vary from 

 greenish-yellow to rich yellow. Spectabilis aurea is also a fine yellow- 

 leaved variety, and angularis aurea is far too seldom seen in gardens. 

 It is neat in habit and very showy. 



