68 THE BOOK OF SHRUBS 
which are elegant in outline and have larger leaves than 
those of the common form. 
Veronicas.—The veronicas are mostly dwarf in 
growth, have small glossy green leaves, and in sheltered 
positions in the southern and western counties of England 
they are useful for planting in the rock garden and along 
the margin of beds and borders devoted to shrubs. But 
in the midland and northern counties of England they are 
liable to injury from frost, and in some winters are killed. 
Those likely to prove the most satisfactory in the 
garden are: Veronica Colensoi, V. cupressoides, V. Hulkeana, 
V. Lindsayi, and V. salicifolia. 
Vincas oR PERIWINKLES.—These lowly plants are of 
special value for clothing banks and planting spaces 
under trees on the lawn where grass will not grow. It 
will suffice to break up the soil and dibble out small 
plants about six inches apart. They should be well 
watered in and receive one or two waterings sub- 
sequently. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for 
planting Vinca major and its variegated variety. V.m. 
variegata are the best, the latter being highly orna- 
mental, and useful for planting in medium-sized clumps 
along the margin of beds and borders devoted to shrubs. 
Less Harpy EvERGREENS.—There are many other 
evergreen shrubs of great beauty which may be grown 
in the open in the warmer parts of Britain. Magnolia 
grandiflora and the Mexican Choisya ternata, for instance, 
though not hardy in the north, do well in the south and 
west especially with the friendly shelter of a wall. 
Their fragrant white fowers, and evergreen leaves make 
them very desirable plants where they can be grown. 
In very favoured localities, attempts may also be made 
to grow in the open such conservatory shrubs as the 
scarlet-flowered Callistemon speciosus, and C. linearis. A 
well-drained soil is an important factor in the cultivation 
of the less hardy shrubs. 
