42 Ornamental Shrubs. 



inches long, obtusely lobed, resembling some of the oaks, 

 and are richly tinted in autumn, giving an especial value 

 in producing good foliage effects. 



H. paniculata. — This is probably the most hardy of all 

 the hydrangeas known to cultivation. Its good qualities 

 are intensified in its variety, H. p. grandifiora, which has 

 now almost superseded the typical form in our ordinary 

 gardens. It produces immense heads of sterile flowers, 

 often measuring ten to fifteen inches in length and half as 

 many in diameter. These come out in July and continue 

 until frost, being creamy-white at the opening and chang- 

 ing to red later on. The shrub is much branched, and 

 every stem carries one of these immense cones, so that the 

 bush appears as a huge bouquet, arranged with care and 

 precision. If cut back almost to the ground in autumn 

 new shoots arise in considerable numbers, every one of 

 which later during the same season produces a cluster of 

 blossoms. If the shrub is not properly cut in there will 

 soon be too much height, all the last year's growth becom- 

 ing bare. When desired it can be grown in tree form, 

 with a single stem to the height desired, when a well- 

 rounded head can be established and maintained from year 

 to year. It is often grown in this way, but it is not espe- 

 cially to be preferred. The plant needs no winter protec- 

 tion, but, like all the others, is the better for special care 

 and attention. 



H. japonica. — An earlier introduction from Japan, 

 growing about three feet, with ovate, oblong leaves glab- 

 rous and finely serrate, with blossoms of bluish cast, though 

 white is predominant, and in crowded cymes. There is a 



