6 



JOUENAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



then assume, whilst at the same time they do not grow too vigorously. 

 Dimorphantlius mandschuricus (otherwise Aralia spmosa) is a plant of 

 striking and bold appearance when a strong growth is aimed at by 

 pruning, as occasion may arise, but when it is allowed to flower (though 

 even then it is an acquisition) the foliage is less effective. The variegated 

 form known as D. mandschuricus variegatus is a lovely and most 

 effective plant when grown in the shade, the silvery variegation being 

 then brought out to perfection ; but the golden form of this plant is at 

 present rather scarce, and requires to be grown in the full sun to bring 

 out its best features. The gigantic foliage of Gunnera manicata is 

 strikingly effective amongst bamboos and other light-growing plants. 

 The eulalias, as E. zehrina and E. japonica variegata, serve a good 

 purpose, being quite easily kept within limits. Pauloionia imperialis 

 succeeds fairly well, but it needs rather more exposure and warmth to be 

 at its best. The deciduous magnolias are only used sparingly, and the 

 same remark applies fco the cherries and to the peonies for reasons already 

 given. Anemone jajjonica in variety is more useful, so also is Cimicifuga 

 japonica (syn. simplex). The funkias, in great variety, are extremely 

 useful for undergrowth, besides which they flower well. So also is 

 Rodger sia podophylla, lovely both in the spring and autumn, also 

 Saxifraga j^eltata, both of these needing moisture. 



Of hydrangeas we have planted H. hortensis (the type), H. h. 

 Mariesii, H. h. mandschurica, H. quercifolia, and H. paniculata grandi- 

 flora. Of these the last has been the most satisfactory thus far, but 

 I do not yet despair of success with the others. We are not, of 

 course, far enough south or near enough to the sea- coast to suit these 

 plants well without lifting, and re-planting them every spring after 

 the frosts are safely over. It is the late frosts that do the most 

 injury to the terminal buds of the H. horteiisis section, without which 

 we cannot hope for flower. Lilies we have planted freely, a few only 

 of the earlier flowering varieties such as L. Hansoni* but considerably 

 more of L. speciosum (syn. L. lancifolium) in its best forms — these need 

 to be in sunny positions as far as pcssible ; — L. tigrinum, chiefly 

 Fortunei, and also L. longifolium, the Cape or retarded bulbs being 

 chosen ; those, however, of the latter that have once flowered in pots will, 

 when afterwards planted out, do well for one season. Perhaps the finest 

 of all the lilies for our purpose is L. Henryi,-f which has, in a peaty 

 soil, become quite naturalised and flowers from year to year, as also 

 dees L. Hansoni, but the others need renewing after the second year. 

 L. Henry i has, I think, a good future before it in our English gardens, 

 given a sheltered place where the spring frosts do not injure its young 

 shoots, which are liable to be caught from the beginning of April onwards. 

 Lilium auratum and L. a. platyphyllu7n, of course, are planted freely 

 and they prove most effective, so also is L. a. ruhro-vittatum. Montbretias 

 flower rather too early, but in their place Antholyza crocosmaeoides is an 

 excellent substitute ; this we find quite hardy, and it flowers freely. Of 

 aquatic plants we have tried Nelumbium luteum, but it was not a success, 



* Not a Japanese variety. 



f An Eastern lily, but not Japanese. 



