356 THE CULTIVATED EVERGREENS 



Buxus sempervirens, the old-fashioned type, is the only- 

 box worth growing in the Middle West. The cold weather 

 is not injurious, but the thawing and freezing of soil and 

 the winter sun on the foliage are often damaging. It requires 

 a moist, rich, sandy loam and perfect drainage. It is valuable 

 for edging formal flower-gardens, but only where it can be 

 protected easily in winter with evergreen branches or light 

 boards. The Japanese varieties are not hardy in the Middle 

 West or Northwest. 



Native rhododendrons usually do fairly well for two or 

 three years, when they will succumb. This is probably due to 

 improper soil conditions. 



