366 
THE FLOWER GARDEN, 
Polygonum (Climbing- Knotweed). — A genus of erect 
or climbing shrubby perennials, belonging to the Rhubarb 
order (Polygonacese). The climbing species are P. baldschu- 
anicum, a native of Bulgaria, growing 15 or more feet high, 
with wiry stems, and white flowers borne in large panicles in 
summer, and P. multiflorum, a Japanese species, also white- 
flowered. The former is a splendid climber for quickly cover- 
ing large arches, pergolas, dead tree-trunks, etc., and the latter 
low walls, fences or tree-stumps. Plant in autumn or spring 
in good ordinary soil. Increased by layering the stems in 
autumn, also by division in autumn or spring. 
Schizophragma. (Climbing Hydrangea). — S. hydrange- 
oides is a Japanese deciduous climbing shrub, with white or 
flesh-coloured flowers similar to those of a Hydrangea. It is a 
very beautiful free-flowering shrub, with ivy-like shoots fur- 
nished with serial roots that cling to a wall. A member of the 
Rockfoil order (Saxifragaceae), and quite hardy in the South of 
England. Plant in autumn in good sandy loam enriched with 
decayed manure. A south or south-west wall is the best posi- 
tion for it. No pruning is needed beyond shortening shoots 
that grow out of bounds. Increased by cuttings of half-ripened 
shoots in sandy soil in gentle heat in summer. 
Smilax. — Hardy evergreen or deciduous climbing shrubs, 
belonging to the Lily order (Liliaceas). The most noteworthy 
species are S. aspera (Prickly Ivy), growing 5 to 10ft. high, a 
native of S. Europe, with ivy-like leaves, prickly stems, and 
whitish, fragrant flowers borne in July ; S. Bona-nox, a North 
American deciduous species, 5 to 10ft. high, prickly-stemmed, 
and greenish-white flowers borne in June; and S. laurifolia, an 
evergreen species from N. America, with leathery, laurel-like 
leaves. There are a number of other species, but those named 
are the best. These shrubs are specially suitable for covering- 
walls, tree-trunks, or any similar purpose to that for which 
ivy is adapted. They will succeed in ordinary soil, and should 
be planted in autumn. Increased by seeds, layers and division 
of the roots. 
Solatium (Potato Tree). — A genus containing the Potato, 
Tobacco, Tomato, etc., and also the two following pretty 
flowering shrubs. Nat. Ord. Solanaceae. S. crispum is a 
half-hardy deciduous shrub, growing 10 to 12ft. high, and 
bearing fragrant bluish, potato-like blossoms in summer. 
This species may be grown as a bush in the open in the 
South. In less warm districts it should be grown against a 
south wall S. jasminoides is a S.. American climber, with 
white and blue-tinted flowers borne in August and September. 
