April 4, 1903. 
the gardening world. 
297 
Cupressus obtusa and varieties. 
Several species of Cupressus are remarkable for the diversity 
of form shown by the various varieties, and in no> other species 
is this variation noticed to such a marked degree as in C. 
obtusa. As in the case of many other Conifers, there has been 
a great deal of confusion caused by the variety of names given 
at different times to this plant by various botanists, as, for 
instance, Chamaecyparis obtusa, Retinospora obtusa, and 
Thuya obtusa. Now, however, it is placed definitely in the 
genus Cupressus;, its distinctive characters agreeing perfectly 
with those of that genus. 
Its native 1 country is Japan, and it is stated to be found most 
abundantly hi the mountainous regions of the southern pro¬ 
vinces. In a state of nature it attains a height of 100 ft., with 
a tall straight trunk 3 ft. in diameter at the base, and free 
from branches for upwards of half its height. In Japan it 
is held in high estimation, both on account of being a valuable 
timber tree and a tree of ornamental character; and it is also 
a sacred tree to' the disciples, of the Shinto’ faith, Professor 
Sargent, in the “ Garden and Forest” for November 1st, 1897, 
describing it as being planted in the neighbourhood of all Shinto 
temples, which temples are built of the wood of this tree. As 
a timber tree it is of very great value to the Japanese. The 
wood is described as being light, strong, tough, very durable 
and fragrant. Among other uses to’ which it is put are the 
framework of Buddhist temples and the interior finishing of all 
the best houses. With there being so many dwarf and curious 
varieties, it might readily be supjiosed that it 'would be a 
popular plant with the Japanese for dwarfing purposes, and 
such is the case, it being, in fact, one of the most popular 
Conifers for the purpose. 
Where Cupressus pisifera thrives this species may be ex¬ 
pected to do likewise. Like other Conifers, it prefers the pure 
atmosphere of the country to. town air, and the finest specimens 
are to be looked for away from towns. The propagation of the 
various varieties may be effected by means of cuttings, layer’s, 
or grafts. Some of the varieties grow fairly rapidly, whether 
on their own roots; or grafted, but others are of exceedingly 
slow growth and take a considerable time to attain any great 
size. The type is readily distinguished by means of its 
flattened frond-like branches and small, obtuse, green, scale¬ 
like leaves, arranged in four rows on the branchlets. The cones 
are round, and from 4 in. to 1 in. in diameter. Of the 
numerous varieties in cultivation the following are the most 
noteworthy : —• 
C. o. aurea, a variety veiy similar to the type in habit, but 
with golden-coloured leaves. 
C. o. compacta, a very dwarf, compact-growing variety, 
which, when many years; old, rarely exceeds IA ft. in height; 
making a dense green tuft, it is a suitable subject for rock work. 
- C. o. erecta viridis is a suitable subject for a prominent 
place on the lawn, as it is a strong grower, upright and fairly 
compact in habit, and very bright green. 
C. o. filicoides, of all the varieties;, is certainly one of the 
most distinct. The branches are short and curiously flattened, 
the branchlets being crowded and overlapping each other to 
such an extent as to give- the branches the appearance of a 
crested Fem. The leaves are very dark green above and 
glaucous beneath. It is; a very interesting variety, but is not 
a very strong grower. 
C. o-. gracilis is a strong-growing tree of pyramidal outline, 
the branches being a little looser and more pendulous than 
those of the type. The leaves are green, but there is a pretty 
golden-leaved form called aurea, which is very ornamental. 
C. o. Keteleeri is one of the variegated abominations that are 
met with in one or two species of Cupressus. Here and there 
the branches are terminated with small -white or pale yellow 
branchlets, which, instead of being ornamental, give the plant 
a diseased look. 
C. o. lycopodioides is a curious, stunted-looking tree, with 
dense, short, fairly stout branchlets, on which the dark green 
leaves are densely crowded together. It is very distinct., and 
is worthy of cultivation, if only as a novelty. 
C. O’, nana is a dwarf-growing form, with fine, densely- 
crowded branchlets and small leaves ; it is a suitable plant for 
the alpine garden. A form is grown with golden leaves. 
C. o. pygmaea, makes a dense tuft but a few inches high; it 
can be used with advantage on rock work. 
C. o. tetragona. is a. curious, slow-growing variety of 
pyramidal habit, with densely-crowded, often-twisted branch- 
lets ; the leaves are of a. dark green colour, but there is a form 
with golden foliage. W. Dallimore. 
Conditions of Hardiness in Plants. 
There are many plants which, if they could be kept cool in 
winter in our climate would rest in a dormant condition and be 
started again vigorously in spring when all danger of severe 
weather is over; but we are afraid refrigerating plant could not 
Narcissus triandrus calathinus. (See p. 296.) 
be turned to practical account, except in the case of plants in 
pots, or at least grown under glass. For instance, Tree Paeoid.es 
would do better in England if they could be kept cool and rest¬ 
ing during the winter. That also applies to various other 
plants which are excited into premature growth by the un¬ 
seasonable temperature in the early months of the year, which 
causes them to start. awaj r into growth that is sure to be 
checked by late and possibly severe frosts after they are just 
about to- bloom'. Camellias, when planted in the open, suffer 
more or less from the same cause ; and a. large number of plants 
might be mentioned that if kept rested till well into March 
would be almost certain to pass the flowering season without 
injury. One of the most difficult things in connection with 
the flowering, not only of alpine plants, but also those from 
warmer countries which are easily excited-into; growth by a 
spell of fine weather, is to keep them resting, when they should 
be so naturally. It. will be seen, however, that the application 
of cold by means of a refrigerating apparatus could not be 
turned to practical account in the open garden unless a. house, 
temporary or otherwise, were placed over the plants, so that an 
artificially cool temperature might be maintained. 
