234 
SHRUBS FITTED FOR PLANTING IN BEDS. 
the winter. The soil of the commonest gardens suits them, and they occasion no 
trouble. We would, however, place a layer of pebble or other tidy-looking stones 
on the top of the earth after planting them, that the branches may repose on them, 
and not have their leaves, blossoms, or berries, liable to be splashed with dirt by 
heavy rains. 
Most of the members of the genera Cistus and Helianthemum are too notoriously 
fitted for planting in beds to want mentioning here. By some strange chance, 
however, we are very rarely aifforded an opportunity of observing them in this 
state, and believe that the majority of cultivators totally neglect them. The 
diversity of colour in their blossoms, and their very extraordinary profusion as well 
as durability, render them almost the showiest shrubs, of humble growth, that we 
possess. They require nothing but a light loamy soil, in an elevated situation, 
where they can get the whole of the sun's rays. They can be propagated exten- 
sively either by seeds or cuttings, and should be transplanted w^ith great care. 
Some of the double-flowering kinds are singularly handsome, and there is not a 
group of plants more deserving of cvdture in beds. 
Hypermm calycinmn is an extremely common shrub, and largely planted as 
undergrowth in the shrubberies of many gardens. Besides its adaptation to that 
object, it is a good plant for forming into beds in the distant parts of the pleasure- 
grounds, where open glades occur by the sides of shrubbery walks. It is both an 
evergreen and a free bloomer, while the flowers are also large and attractive. 
Scarcely anything injures it, and it is useful for planting beneath trees, where the 
sun scarcely ever shines. 
As we lately gave a figure of Pentstemon crassifolius, and then stated that it 
and P. Scouleri were suitable for being grown in beds, it is unnecessary to advert 
to them at present. With these and all shrubs of like habits, it is advisable to 
keep a few of the young shoots constantly layered, that there may always be a 
stock to renew them from whenever the original specimens become feeble. 
Not a few of the species of Genista would answer the end treated of in this 
article. We shall only name two, G. triquetra and sagittalis^ which, with Cytisus 
purpureus^ may be appropriately grown in beds. They are all dwarf, showy, and 
inclined to trail. They can, moreover, be cultivated in any garden earth, and ask 
no attention after planting. 
No plant is more lovely when in blossom than the common Lavender, and yet 
it is never found in pleasure-gardens. We would introduce occasional beds of it, 
as well for its beauty as its fragrance; and, being evergreen, it could not be unsightly 
in winter. A light soil and sunny situation are most congenial. If the uniform 
height of its flower-stalks be considered an objection to growing it in beds, this 
can at once be obviated by making the surface of the bed higher in the middle, and 
sloping down to the edges. It is multiplied by slipping off the branches, and 
planting them entire. 
Of larger plants, there are the numberless Rhododendrons and Azaleas. We 
