406 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



R. sinensis is a treasured shrub, and one that has been used 

 extensively by the hybridist. R. rhombicum, a Japanese species, is 

 one of the first of the group to flower in the open air in spring, and 

 very beautiful it is when carrying its rose-pink or purple-coloured 

 blossoms. It is an attractive autumn shrub, as its leaves assume 

 a deep red colour. R. Rhodora {Rhodora canadensis) is another 

 pretty and distinct early-flowering species, introduced upwards of 

 130 years ago. Its flowers are purple. R. Vaseyi, a very un- 

 common species, is also a very delightful one, too. In some 

 seasons its flowers may be seen in full beauty towards the end 

 of April, but it may be considered a May-flowering species. In 



Fro. 262. — Rhus typhina. 



its native home it forms a stout bush 12ft. or more high, but 

 of course it has not yet reached such a size in this country. 

 Its flowers are borne in terminal clusters, and when first expanded 

 are pale pink, which gradually gives place to white. Its hardiness 

 has. been proved, and it flowers in a small state. R. Schlippen- 

 bachii is a new, distinct, and very handsome Chinese species, 

 that has proved itself capable of resisting the rigours of our 

 sometimes severe winters. It forms a rather loose-growing shrub, 

 and bears an abundance of large soft pink flowers, spotted on 

 the upper segments with crimson. It is a valuable shrub. 

 R. dahuricum (Fig. 261) is a conspicuous object in the early part 

 of March, when freely bearing its purplish flowers. It grows 



