HARDY SHRUBS 321 



section and is successfully grown much farther north with a slight 

 protection during Winter, for if the roots are protected with a cover- 

 ing of leaves, or rough litter, they wUl sprout vigorously and bloom 

 profusely before the Summer passes. 



Propagation. It is best propagated from seed, as all the colors 

 come true. Sow in boxes about the latter part of September, on 

 very firm soil, covering the seeds with finely silted, peaty soil. They 

 will germinate in Spring, and if liberally treated some of them will 

 bloom the same season. 



LAURUS (Bay Tree). In sheltered situations L. nobilis 

 occasionally survives the Winters in this section. It sometimes 

 makes growths 6 feet long in a single season; these are necessarily 

 soft and ill prepared to stand severe weather. Large specimen 

 plants grown as standards and pyramids are imported for decorative 

 purposes. They may be had in good condition for several years by 

 attention to watering and keeping them indoors when there is 

 danger from frost. Owing to their restricted root room there is 

 little danger of their growing out of shape. 



Propagation. Cuttings may be made of well ripened wood 

 placed in a closed propagating frame. Seeds are often used. 



LIGUSTRUM (Privet). In the District of Columbia L. 

 japonicum is a very desirable evergreen species with large leaves. 

 During very severe Winters the outer branches suffer considerabh^ 

 L. ibota, especially L. i. var. Regelianum, and L. lucidum are very 

 attractive looking shrubs when in flower. L. ovalifolium is the so- 

 called California Privet; much used as a hedge plant. The European 

 privet, L. vulgare, has small flowers and foliage. L. vulgare, L. 

 amurense and L. ibota are the hardiest of the species. There is a 

 form of L. vulgare with glaucous leaves, the margins of which are 

 bordered with white. 



Propagation. The deciduous species are among the easiest 

 shrubs to root from dormant cuttings. These may be put in as soon 

 as the leaves fall. The usual practice is to make cuttings about 

 10 inches long, tie in bundles and bury in sand, putting the cuttings 

 in rows in the open ground in early Spring. The evergreen species 

 usually bear large quantities of seeds, which are slow in germinating; 

 when they remain in the ground oyer Summer a mulching should 

 be given to prevent drying. 



LONICERA (Bush Honeysuckle). The bush Honeysuckles 

 furnish a group of most attractive shrubs because of their ease of 



