TREES AND SHRUBS. 
399 
for the sake of the sweet blossoms, which they used to dry 
and place in their old clothes chest. L. vera is a native of 
S. Europe and a member of the Sage family (Labiatae). It 
forms a neat shrubby bush with hoary foliage, from which 
issues in summer innumerable spikes of lavender-blue flowers. 
The Lavender prefers a rather dry soil and a warm sunny 
position, the base of a south wall being a very suitable place. 
Young plants may be easily obtained by pulling off small 
side shoots with a “heel” of old wood attached and planting 
these a foot apart in the open in October. The flowers should 
be gathered when fully developed in August, tied up in small 
bunches, and hung in a cold dry place for a few weeks. 
Ledum (Labrador Tea). — Hardy evergreen flowering 
shrubs of dwarf growth, belonging to the Heath family 
(Ericaceas). They have leaves with curled edges, green above 
and rusty beneath. L. latifolium is the best known species, 
and this grows i to 2ft. high, and bears white flowers in 
terminal corymbs in May. Native of United States. Other 
species are L. glandulosum, white, May and June, 2 to 4ft., 
Rocky Mountains, and L. palustre, pinky-white, April and 
May, 2ft., N. Temperate zone. The Ledums are peat-loving 
shrubs, but often do fairly well in sandy loam. Best grown in 
company with Andromedas, Kalmias, etc. Plant in September 
or May. Require no pruning. Increased by layering the 
shoots in autumn. 
Leiophyllum (Sand Myrtle). — Dwarf evergreen flower- 
ing shrubs, members of the Heath family (Ericaceae), and a 
native of Virginia. The only species we shall refer to is L. 
buxifolium (Syn. Ledum thymifolium). This only grows 
about 6in. high, has small, oval, shining leaves and pink and 
white flowers borne in clusters in early summer. A dainty little 
shrub to grow on the margins of a bed planted with peat- 
loving shrubs or on a rockery. Plant in autumn or spring. 
Requires plenty of moisture. Increased by layering the shoots 
in October. 
Leptospermum. — Hardy evergreen flowering shrubs, 
belonging to the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae). L. pubescens 
hails from Australia, grows 3 to 4ft. high, and bears white 
flowers in profusion during late summer. L. scoparium comes 
from New Zealand, grows 4ft. high, and bears reddish-lilac 
blossoms in January and February. The foliage, moreover, 
emits a fragrant odour when bruised. Both require a warm 
sheltered position and a peaty soil mixed with a little sandy 
loam. Plant in September. No pruning required. Increased 
by cuttings inserted in sandy peat in a cold frame during the 
summer. 
