388 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



flowers are produced in thyrsoid panicles. It is rather tender, 

 and should only be planted out of doors in a sheltered position. 

 H. pubescens^ from Japan, is of erect, free growth, and bears 

 flattish corymbs of white flowers tinged wnth rose. Of late- 

 blossoming kinds H. paiiiciilata hortensis {^H. p. grandiflora) is 

 the best ; planted in either rich or poor soils, it always bears 

 huge panicles of white flowers, provided the previous year's wood 

 is cut back in February to a couple of eyes. A good mulching 

 of leaf-mould or manure in June is a great benefit to the plants. 

 H. petiolaris {H. scandens) is a Japanese species of climbing habit, 

 fastening itself to w^alls by means of its numerous aerial roots ; it 

 has broad leaves, and flat corymbs of greenish-white flow^ers. 



Hypericums (St. John's Worts) are useful ornamental shrubs 

 of low growth, some of which succeed under the shade of trees. 

 They are nice rock-garden shrubs, and thrive in poor soils. The 

 flowers of all are of different shades of yellow. H. calycijuim 

 (Rose of Sharon) is well known as a sub-evergreen carpet-plant, 

 succeeding well in moist soils and under the drip of trees. 

 H. uralum {H. nepalense) is a neat-growing species of much beauty. 

 H. patidum is very charming, but, unfortunately, little known ; it 

 is of good growth, flowers abundantly, and is a first-rate rock- 

 garden plant. H. Jm-cinum commences to flower during the 

 early part of August and continues until October. It is quite 

 hardy, of free but slender growth, and very attractive when 

 carrying its rich yellow flowers. The foliage emits a goat-like 

 odour when bruised. H. Moserianum {II. calycitium x patiduin) is 

 one of the best of the St. John's Worts, being exceptionally free 

 in growth as well as in blossom ; its deep buttercup-yellow flowers 

 are about the size of a five-shilling piece, and are produced 

 throughout the summer and autumn ; in severe w^inters it gets 

 cut down to the ground-line, but w4th the return of spring throws 

 up strong arching shoots from the root-stock. H. Androscemiim 

 (Sweet Amber) grows from 2ft. to 3 ft. high, and bears large 

 golden-yellow flowers from July to September. H. Buckleyi^ the 

 latest addition to the genus, is a pretty and distinct dwarf-growling 

 American species, well w^orthy of a place in the rock garden. It 

 flowers in July. H. Kalmia?iu7n^ H. prolificum^ and H. elatum 

 are good kinds also. 



Idesia polycarpa (yPolycarpa Maximozviczii) is a lovely orna- 

 mental foliage tree indigenous to Japan, whence it was intro- 

 duced in 1866. It is a choice tree, seldom planted in this 

 country notwithstanding its hardiness and value for park decora- 

 tion. It prefers a rich, moist, well-drained soil, and shelter from 

 east winds is advisable. It forms a round-headed tree with stout 

 branches supplied with heart-shaped, alternate, cheerful green leaves, 

 set on long red (almost crimson) petioles. The drooping racemes 

 of small sweet-scented flowers are succeeded by clusters of small 

 dark fruits. 



