Subtropical Gardening. 35 



ANDROPOGON SQUARROSUM is a hardy plant in the neighbour- 

 hood of Paris, or survives with but slight protection, making 

 luxuriant tufts seven feet high or more, when in flower. It would 

 probably make a beautiful object in the warmer and milder parts 

 of England and Ireland, and in good soil, but, unlike the preceding, 

 it is not a subject which can with confidence be recommended 

 for every garden. But all who value fine grasses should try it. 



ARALIA EDULIS (Siel. and Zucc.) This is a vigorous plant, 

 highly suited for adding distinction to those positions in which we 

 desire a luxurious type of vegetation. It is perfectly hardy, grow 

 six, seven, and even eight feet high in good soil, is of a fresh and 

 luxurious habit, and this so early as the end of June. The leaves 

 attain a length of nearly a yard when the plant is strong, while 

 the shoots droop a little with their weight, and thus it acquires a 

 slightly weeping character. It is a little curious that plants so 

 famous for their medicinal or other uses as the Castor-oil the 

 Chinese rice-paper, and the Indian-rubber plants, should have be- 

 come so very useful in the flower garden. For this edible Aralia 

 we may claim as high a position as a hardy plant. For planting 

 singly few things surpass it. It is very rare in this country now, 

 but being easily propagated, may, it is to be hoped, not long prove 

 so. I have seen it nine feet high ; but as it dies down rather early 

 in autumn it must not be put in important groups, but rather in 

 a position where its disappearance may not be noticed. An 

 isolated place, or one near the margin of an irregular shrubbery, 

 fernery, or rough rockwork by the side of a wood walk, will best 

 suit. 



ARALIA JAPONICA. A frutescent species, and fine plant for 

 varying the garden, bearing immense and graceful leaves, and 

 delighting most in a warm and sheltered position plenty of sun, 

 but little exposure to wind. It is best when the stem is rather short 

 and simple, and has an advantage that few things of the kind have 



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