20 THE BOOK OF THE WINTER GARDEN 



Coming from Southern Europe, its flowers will not 

 stand hard frosts and unfortunately the leaves also are 

 easily spoiled. The variety lucidum, with large leaves 

 and flowers, is even less hardy, and blooms later. The 

 typical plant has rosy buds and white flowers. The 

 variety Froehelii has purer flowers. In Britain Laurus- 

 tinus seldom reaches over 14 feet in height. 



In Garrya Elliptica 



the male and fertile catkins occur on different plants, the 

 first being most ornamental and far more frequently seen. 

 The dark green leaves form a suitable setting for the 

 numerous lighter greenish catkins produced in the early 

 weeks of the year. It makes a good compact hedge 

 plant, 8 or so feet high, and stands an early spring 

 clipping well. The hardiness of this Californian shrub 

 is still doubted, thus it is frequently planted at the foot 

 of a wall ; but unless wall space is ample, other shrubs 

 claim such protection first. It is quite satisfactory as an 

 open shrub in Edinburgh. The roots prefer light and 

 porous soils, and should be carefully preserved when 

 large plants are transplanted, or they will surely die. 

 Cuttings of the young shoots inserted in frames in Sep- 

 tember root readily. 



Of the Evergreen Daphnes 



the spurge laurel (another *Maurel"!) is an interesting, 

 useful, glossy-leaved shrub, for shady woodland, or other 

 places. It is correctly named Daphne Laureola, Occur- 

 ring here and there in a wild state in Britain, this dwarf 

 shrub is not appreciated as it might be, for the green 

 flowers of February, etc., almost hidden by the leaves, 

 are powerfully fragrant. The berries are poisonous, 

 and sown when ripe, will produce a good stock of 

 plants. The form purpurea has bronzy-green leaves, 



