180 HARDY ORNAMENTAL 



Spartium (Leguminosae). 



Spartium jtjncetim (syn S. acutifolivm). — Spanish, or 

 Rush Broom. Mediterranean region and Canary Isles, 

 1548. This resembles our common Broom, but the 

 slender Rush-like branches are not angular, and usually 

 destitute of leaves. The fragrant yellow flowers are 

 produced abundantly in racemes, and when at their best 

 impart to the shrub a very striking and beautiful ap- 

 pearance. For planting in poor, sandy or gravelly soils, 

 or amongst stones and shingle, and where only a very 

 limited number of shrubs could be got to grow, the 

 Spanish Broom will be found an excellent and valuable 

 plant. It is a native of Southern Europe, and is quite 

 hardy all over the country. Propagated from seed. 



Spiraea (Rosaceae). See Neillia and Exochorda, 



Spiejea arbuscula. — Washington, 1897. This is an 

 alpine shrub, with erect, wiry stems, and small, compact 

 corymbs of the brightest rosy-red flowers. 

 > S. bella. — Pretty-flowered Spiraea. Himalayas, 1820. 

 The reddish stems of this rather tall-growing species are 

 of interest, and render the plant distinct. Leaves ovate, 

 acute, and serrated, and tormentose beneath. Flowers in 

 spreading corymbs, of a very beautiful rose colour, and at 

 their best from the middle of May till the middle of June. 

 S. bella alba has white flowers. 



S. Blumei. — Blume's Spiraea. Japan. This is a 

 Japanese species, growing 4 feet or 5 feet high, with 

 small, ovate, bluntly-pointed leaves, and white flowers 

 arranged in compact terminal cymes. It is a good and 

 worthy species for ornamental planting. 



S. bullata (syn S. crispifolia). — Japan. This will ever 

 be accounted valuable for the rock garden, owing to its 

 very dwarf habit and extreme floriferousness. It bears 



