HARDY SHRUBS 311 



E.j. atireo-marginatus,E.j. albo-marginatus and£._/. latifolius-albus. 

 They bloom about the end of July and usually ripen large quanti- 

 ties of seeds. E. radicans variegata, also an evergreen, is usually best 

 known in its place in the shrubbery, but it is extensively used for a 

 very different purpose, and that is as a carpet bedder; especially 

 valuable for this purpose is the variety vegeta. For this work, to 

 fill even a small space, a great many plants are necessary. In public 

 parks and gardens the same plants may be used several seasons, or 

 the growing points may be rooted afresh each Fall. 



There are several interesting deciduous sorts, namely, E. alata, 

 the Winged Spindle Tree with corky winged branches; jE. americana, 

 the Strawberry Bush, so named because of its pinkish fruits; E. 

 europma, which becomes almost a tree; and E. alropurpurea, the 

 Burning Bush, with the winged scarlet fruits. 



Propagation. The sorts are readily propagated from seeds or 

 from ripened wood taken in the Fall. With E. radicans the shoots 

 are collected in bundles of 50 or 100 together, and with a strong 

 knife they are cut to a uniform length of 4 or 5 inches. The lower 

 leaves are stripped and the cuttings put very thickly together in 

 boxes of sand, and placed in a cool frame, where they root freely. 



EXOCHORDA (Pearl Bush). The only fault with Exochor- 

 das is their short blooming season, which is during the month of 

 May, but they are exceedingly handsome while they last. E. race- 

 mosa (grandiflora) is the commonest species and although sent out 

 in the early seventies it is still by no means common, owing to its 

 propagation by the usual methods being somewhat difficult. 



Propagation. In several localities it has ripened quantities 

 of seed for several years, and when seed is obtainable no difficulty 

 is experienced in raising plants, as the seeds germinate very evenly. 

 Severe pruning, such as this plant is likely to get from cultivators, 

 on account of the desirable sprays for cut flowers, evidently works 

 against the setting of seed, for the specimens which have borne 

 abundant crops of seeds in this locahty are those which have never 

 been touched by the knife. This plant was sent out under the 

 name of Spiraa grandiflora, which clings to it yet in some places. 



FORSYTHIA (Golden Bell). Japanese shrubs, usually 

 covered with bright yellow flowers very early in Spring. There are 

 two well known kinds in cultivation. F. suspensa has long, drooping 

 branches, while F. viridissima is more erect in growth. Both kinds 

 flower before the leaves make their appearance, a day or two of 

 warm sunshine being sufficient to bring them out. The plants should 



