ON TREES AND SHRUBS. 



475 



Fig. 303. — Hedera Helix dentata. 



bronzed in winter. The most distinct and effective of Ivies 

 with medium-sized leaves is the variety named nigra 

 {atropurpurea), and it should be included in every garden on 

 account of 

 its brilliant 

 colouring in 

 winter, which 

 i.s purple- 

 brown, 

 shaded with 

 black. Emer- 

 ald Green is 

 of close, com- 

 pact habit, 

 and very 

 attractive ; 

 triloba, gra- 

 cilis, and 

 canariensis 

 are of good 

 growth, and 



add pleasing variety. Amongst silver-leaved kinds, Crippsii 

 deserves to be extensively planted ; its hardiness is beyond 

 question,, while its soft grey leaves, with white venations and 

 markings, are effective. maderensis variegata is, unfortunately, 

 not quite hardy - in all parts of the country, but is well 

 adapted for planting in cool conservatories, vestibules, 

 corridors, &c. Its leaves are conspicuous for the broad, irregular 

 white margins, while the central portion is heavily splashed with 

 silvery-grey on a darker ground, marginata elegantissima is a 

 grand Ivy, of rapid growth, with medium-sized triangular pale green 



leaves, washed with 

 silvery-white, and 

 irregularly bordered 

 with creamy-white ; 

 one of the best 

 of its class, mar- 

 ginata rubra is 

 another excellent 

 free-growing silver- 

 edged sort which 

 towards autumn be- 

 comes tinged with 

 red. Of golden- 

 leaved kinds, spec- 

 tabilis aurea is beautiful, but for constancy in colour chrysomela 

 is the best of the yellow-leaved group. In spring its leaves 

 are greenish-yellow, which later on assume a bright golden 



Fig. 304.— Hedera Helix luclda. 



