40 HAEDY ORNAMENTAL 



Clerodendron (Verbenaceae). 



Clerodendron PfflTiDUM. — China, 1820. This is only 

 hardy in southern and seaside situations, where it forms a 

 bush 5 feet high, armed with sharp, rigid prickles, and dark- 

 green, heart-shaped, deciduous leaves, which are downy on 

 both surfaces, and large clusters of rosy-pink flowers. 

 X C. trichotomtjm. — Japan, 1800. This is at once one 

 of the most beautiful and distinct of hardy shrubs. 

 It is of stout, nearly erect growth, 8 feet high, and 

 about as much through, with large, dark-green, ovate 

 leaves, and dense corymbs of deliciously fragrant white 

 flowers, with a purplish calyx, which are at their best in 

 September. Thriving well in any light soil, being of 

 vigorous constitution, and extremely handsome of flower, 

 are qualities which combine to render this shrub one of 

 particular importance in our gardens. 



Clethra (Ericaceae). 



Clethra acuminata. — Pointed-leaved Pepper Tree. 

 Carolina, 1806. This is not so har,dy as C. alnifolia, 

 hailing from the Southern States of North America, but 

 with a little protection is able to do battle with our average 

 English winter. It resembles C. alnifolia, except in the 

 leaves, which are sharp-pointed, and, like that species, 

 delights to grow in damp positions. The flowers are white 

 and drooping, and the growth more robust than is that 

 of C. alnifolia generally. For planting by the pond or 

 lake-side, the Pepper Trees are almost invaluable. 

 X C. alnifolia. — Alder-leaved Pepper Tree. North 

 America, 1731. A rather stiff-growing shrub about 5 

 feet in height, with leaves resembling those of our 

 common Alder, and bearing towards the end of July 

 spikes of almost oppressively fragrant dull-white flowers 



