354 



The Canadian Horticulturist. 





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BERRY-BEARING PLANTS FOR FALL DECORATIVE 



PURPOSES. 



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y R. ROBERT VERTEL, of Connecticut, in reply to a query 

 as to the best berry-bearing plants for fall decorative pur- 

 poses, gave the following list : — 



Ardisia crenata, a charming house plant that should 

 be more generally cultivated. The plants usually fruit 

 when one year old, bearing clusters of brilliant scarlet 

 berries during the winter. These remain for a long time, 

 presenting an elegant appearance. The flowers are small and white. Light 

 fibrous loam containing peat and sand should be given them, also good drainage. 

 Propagate from seed. 



Ampelopsis tricolor is a splendid basket plant, having leaves variegated with 

 white, pink and green. During the fall it is covered with bluish purple berries, 

 which add greatly to its beauty. 



Among the Peppers are several of the finest plants for decorative purposes. 

 Capsicum Little Gem is a very dwarf variety, covered with small erect scarlet 

 pods. Prince of Wales fruits very freely, bearing drooping, bright yellow pods. 

 Perhaps the best, however, is Celestial, as it may be had for the holidays, 

 and it is extremely ornamental when covered with upright pods, which are of all 

 shades of green, yellow and red, being borne very profusely. 



Bittersweet {Celastrus scandens) is a well-known climbing plant, that can be 

 made useful in many situations, being very hardy. In the fall and during the 

 winter, when full of its brilliant orange and scarlet fruit, it is exceedingly handsome. 

 The berries can be used for many decorative purposes, as they do not drop for a 

 long time after being gathered. 



The Burning Bush {Euonymus Aniericanus) is a handsome shrub, having 

 somewhat inconspicuous purplish flowers, and bearing a very showy scarlet fruit 

 for some time, rendering it thus of much value for decorating. 



Of the Holly {Ilex) there are many species and varieties which are very 

 desirable for ornamental purposes, as may be readily understood when the 

 immense quantities that are used for the holidays are recalled. 



Mistletoe ( Viscuni) is of value only because of association with special occa- 

 sions, there being but little beauty about it. 



Jerusalem Cherry {Solanum pseudo-capsicum) produces a large crop of scarlet 

 cherry-like fruit from early in the fall until after the holidays. One-year-old, seed- 



