TREES AND SHRUBS. 
409 
Plaglanthus. — P. Lyalli is a pretty evergreen flowering 
shrub not yet in general cultivation, but its merits will bring 
it into popularity, once they become known. It is a native of 
New Zealand, and belongs to the Mallow order (Malvaceae). 
The flowers are pure white, large, and borne in clusters in 
summer. It will only succeed outdoors in mild districts, and 
is then best grown against a south wall, and planted in sandy 
loam and leaf-mould. Plant in September and, directly after 
flowering, cut away the shoots that have flowered, so that the 
young growths may get well ripened. Increased by cuttings 
of ripe shoots inserted in sandy soil in a cold frame in 
autumn. 
Polygala. (Bastard Box). — This genus contains several 
species of shrubs and perennials. Here we shall solely deal 
with the shrubby species, of which P. Chamaebuxus is the 
only one worthy of note. This is a dwarf shrub, 6in. high, 
with creeping branches, box-like leaves, and fragrant, creamy- 
yellow flowers borne in summer. There is also a variety named 
purpurea, with magenta, purple and yellow flowers. P. Cha- 
maebuxus is a native of the Alps of Austria and Switzerland, 
and belongs to the Milkwort order (Polygalacese). It requires 
to be grown in sandy peat in a rockery not too fully exposed 
to the sun. Plant March to May. Increased by seeds sown 
in sandy peat in a cold frame in spring ; also by cuttings in 
similar soil and position in summer or early autumn. 
Potentilla (Shrubby Cinquefoil). — A genus of hardy 
shrubs and perennials. The shrubby species is P. fruticosa, 
a native of Britain, and a member of the Rose order (Rosaceae). 
It grows about 4ft. high, has brownish stems and pinnate 
glaucous deciduous leaves. The flowers are bright yellow 
and borne in July. It will grow in ordinary soil in a sunny 
border or on a dry bank. Plant in autumn. Increased by 
cuttings of the young shoots in sandy soil in a cold frame in 
spring. 
Prunus (Flowering Almond, Plum, Cherry, Apricot, and 
Peach). — Here we have a genus of very beautiful flowering 
trees or shrubs, belonging to the Rose order (Rosaceae). The 
Almond (P. Amygdalis) is a native of Barbary, and one of the 
most beautiful of spring flowering trees. Its rosy blossoms 
appear in March. Dulcis (Sweet Almond), red; and flore 
pleno, flesh, double, are pretty varieties of it. Excellent trees 
for town and suburban gardens. Of the Peaches, P. davidiana, 
a native of China, is one of the best. This has pale rose 
flowers borne early in spring. Alba, white, and rubra, red, 
