88 HARDY ORNAMENTAL 



Hibiscus (Malvaceae). 



^ Hibiscus syriacus (syn Althssa frutex). — Syrian Mallow. 

 Syria, 1596. An old occupant of our gardens, and one 

 that cannot be too freely cultivated. When favourably 

 situated, it often reaches 6 feet in height, with three-lobed, 

 neatly-toothed leaves, and large, showy blossoms that 

 are borne towards the end of summer. The typical 

 species has purplish flowers, with a crimson spot at the 

 base of each petal, but others, varying in colour from 

 snow-white to purple and blue, are common in cultiva- 

 tion. H. syriacus ccelestis bears bright-blue flowers, while 

 H. syriacus variegatus has beautifully variegated foliage. 

 Of the double-flowered forms, there are several beautiful 

 and worthy plants, the following list containing some of 

 the best varieties of this popular shrub : — 



Hippophae (Elaeagnaceae). 



X HippopaE ehamnoides. — Sea Buckthorn, or Sallow 

 Thorn. Though generally considered as a seaside shrub, 

 the Sea Buckthorn is by no means exclusively so, thriving 

 well, and attaining to large dimensions, in many inland 

 situations. The yellow dioecious flowers are not at all 

 conspicuous, but this is amply compensated for by the 



