ON TREES AND SHRUBS. 363 



C. diversifolia, C. recta, and C. Davidiana should be cut. down 

 to the ground in autumn, while those belonging to the Viticella 

 and Jackmanni sections are best pruned to within 9m. of the soil 

 in November, The Lanuginosa, Montana, and Florida types 

 flower from June to October, and these should be pruned in 

 February, removing the whole of the weak, overcrowded shoots, 

 and a part of the old flowering wood. 



Certain shrubs are improved by close pruning. Paulownia 

 imperialis is a case in point. If the whole of the wood be cut 

 down in the autumn to a few eyes, strong shoots will be thrown 

 up in spring, the most vigorous of which should be selected and 

 the others removed. Treated thus, P. imperialis makes a good 

 lawn shrub, planted either singly or in a group. The Golden-leaved 

 Elder is much improved by severe pruning, as its young shoots are 

 of a richer yellow than when left unpruned. Willows, Amorphas, . 

 Coluteas (Bladder Sennas), &c, may be kept within bounds by a 

 free use of the knife. The Stag's Horn {Rhus typhina) bears 

 pruning well, and if compact plants are desired close pruning is 

 necessary. ITydrangea paniculata hortensis (H. p. grandiflora) 

 should be pruned in February, and the whole of the previous 

 year's wood cut back to a single eye, as hard pruning is 

 essential if large, well-formed panicles of flowers are desired in 

 autumn. With regard to most of the other Hydrangeas, a 

 thinning out of the shoots will be ample. 



Conifers should not be pruned in winter; the best time is spring 

 or summer, as the trees being then in growth the wounds quickly 

 heal. Conifers generally, however, require very little pruning. 

 The Larch and Pine families are, for instance, apt to bleed freely 

 if pruned when in full growth. Conifers should be moulded into 

 shape when young. Such trees as Cedrus Deodara, C. Libani, 

 and Tsuga canadensis {Abies canadensis) frequently throw up 

 delicate, pendulous leaders, and are apt to become fiat-headed 

 unless the side-growths are shortened when young, and more 

 strength thrown into the principal leader. 



Deciduous Trees and Shrubs. 



Abelia chinensis {A. rupestris) is a charming dwarf shrub, 

 not planted half so much as it ought to be. Its clusters of 

 small sweet-scented pale pink flowers are borne in profusion 

 towards the end of the pendent shoots during August and 

 September. Though by no means particular as to soil, it 

 produces the greatest display when planted in rich well- drained 

 loam and good leaf-mould. 



