FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 209 



Forsythia viridissima has few equals for planting in 

 good bold masses, particularly alongside shrubs of a more 

 sombre foliage colouring. Too sharp foliage contrasts 

 should, however, be avoided, such as planting the purple- 

 leaved plum and golden privet in close proximity. All the 

 Brooms are good for the same purpose, so are the Lilacs, 

 the many beautiful flowered Azaleas, the Daphnes, various 

 species of Berberis, Cornus, Hippophae or Sea Buckthorn, 

 Deutzia, and various species of Viburnum. As a rule, 

 planting should be carried out in autumn or early spring — 

 the former time being preferable. 



Pruning Flowering Shrubs. 



Generally speaking, shrubs are pruned as a matter of 

 course and with little or no consideration whether they 

 will be benefited by the operation. While symmetry and 

 regularity of outline are to be admired in a shrub, still 

 such should never be gained at the expense of natural 

 grace and production of flowers. The judicious pruner 

 will, therefore, aim at preserving the habit peculiarity of 

 each shrub as far as possible while interfering as little 

 as can be avoided with the production of flowers. The 

 various species of Deutzia, Forsythia, Philadelphus, and 

 Weigelia flower on the wood of the preceding year's growth, 

 therefore such shrubs should be pruned immediately after 

 the flowering season — say in June, but never in spring or 

 winter — at least, if the production of flowers is to be taken 

 into account. Again, the various species of Syringa, 

 Spiraea, Lonicera, and Hibiscus may safely be pruned during 

 winter, the flowers being produced on the young wood, 

 while Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora must be severely 

 pruned back in early spring, for only by doing so will the 

 greatest wealth of flowers be produced. Chimonanthus 

 fragrans should be pruned in February ; while the various 

 species of Ceanothus should not be touched till all danger 



