Trees and Shrubs for English Gardens Part 34

PHILADELPHUS (Mock Orange).--This in its several forms may be lifted in the autumn and flowered well the following spring, not early, as the forcing must be very gentle. Even then the perfume of _P. coronarius_ is too powerful to be pleasant in a confined s.p.a.ce. This objection cannot, however, be urged against M. Lemoine's hybrids between this species and the pretty little Mexican _P. microphyllus_, which has a fragrance like that of ripe apples. These newer hybrids--_Avalanche_, _Boule d'Argent_, _Gerbe de Neige_, _Manteau d'Hermine_, _Mont Blanc_, and _Lemoinei_--are all worth a place either in the open ground or for flowering in pots.

PRUNUS.--Several cla.s.ses that were at one time considered as separate genera are now included in the genus Prunus, which was formerly limited to the Plum family. Now the Cherries, Almonds, and Peaches are only sections of the genus Prunus, as explained elsewhere in this book, but as they are better known under their respective names it will be wiser to refer to them thus. The Cherries (_Cerasus_) have been added to considerably of recent years, several varieties having come from j.a.pan, mostly of _P. (Cerasus) pseudo-cerasus_. These, which include such varieties as _Sieboldi_, _Watereri_, and J. H. Veitch, all flower freely when quite small, an important point when considering plants needed for flowering under gla.s.s. Where larger plants are required the double form of the Wild Cherry (_P. Avium_) is very beautiful. The Almonds flower early naturally, and under gla.s.s, of course, earlier still; the variety _purpurea_ is one of the best, while a distinct species, _P. (Amygdalus) davidiana_ and its variety _alba_, are also suitable for growing under gla.s.s. The Peaches (_Persica_) form a delightful group, all available for flowering under gla.s.s; indeed, they respond readily to gentle forcing, hence may be had in bloom by March. There are several varieties, the flowers ranging in colour from white, through pink, to crimson, and double as well as single. One of the finest forms is _magnifica_, a j.a.panese variety, semi-double, and brilliant carmine crimson in colour. The purple-leaved Peach is very charming.

Of the true Plums, special mention must be made of the dark-leaved variety of the Cherry Plum, known as _Prunus p.i.s.sardi_, of the pretty little _P. j.a.ponica alba plena_, and _j.a.ponica rosea plena_, more generally known in gardens as _P. sinensis_, which has slender shoots, wreathed for the greater part of their length with double rosette-like flowers, and the charming pink semi-double _P. triloba_. All these forms of Prunus will, if they have been regularly transplanted, lift well in the autumn and flower without a check. They are also quite satisfactory if kept altogether in pots when spurred back after flowering and encouraged to make free and well-ripened growth during the summer months, when they should be plunged out of doors in a sunny spot.

PYRUS.--The very beautiful _P. floribunda_ is quite happy under this treatment, and _P._ or _Cydonia j.a.ponica_ (the j.a.panese Quince) that flowers early in the year is pretty under gla.s.s, especially the distinct _P. Maulei_, which is of dense and compact growth, and bears salmon-red flowers in profusion. Grow the Pyruses in a similar way to the Prunuses.

RAPHIOLEPIS j.a.pONICA (_R. ovata_).--An evergreen of st.u.r.dy growth, and about 3 feet high, with terminal spikes of pure white hawthorn-like flowers. It is decidedly uncommon and ornamental when in bloom. Out of doors its season is June, but, of course, is earlier under gla.s.s.

RHODODENDRON.--These are the most gorgeous of shrubs, and largely used for flowering in pots or tubs. They form a dense mat of fibres, and can therefore be lifted with little check. Owing to this they can, when ordinary care is used, be transferred to new quarters without losing a leaf, not only when potted, but also when planted out in the open ground. Hard forcing must be avoided, but the Rhododendrons may be brought on gradually in gentle heat. Under this treatment they must be well supplied with water, and liberal syringing is also beneficial. The wide range of colouring in the Rhododendron family gives an opportunity for getting almost any shade desired.

RHODOTYPUS KERRIOIDES.--A beautiful j.a.panese shrub, reminding one of a Kerria, but the flowers are white. It will succeed with the same treatment as the Kerria requires.

RIBES (Flowering Currant).--Both the yellow-flowered _R. aureum_ and the various forms of _R. sanguineum_ can be brought into flower early under gla.s.s, but the flowers do not last long, and for this reason the shrubs are little used for the purpose.

SPIRaeAS.--An extensive family, some of which bloom delightfully when lifted and potted in the autumn and brought into flower in gentle heat.

They may also be grown permanently in pots, but as a rule autumn potting is preferable. The most popular is _S. confusa_ or _media_, but also very charming are _S. arguta_, one of the most beautiful of all Spiraeas, _S. Van Houttei_, _S. Thunbergi_, and _S. prunifolia fl. pl._, which all bear white flowers, those of the last mentioned being double.

STAPHYLEA (Bladder Nut).--_S. colchica_ is most used for forcing, and is a charming shrub for the purpose. It quickly responds to heat and moisture. Brought on in a gentle greenhouse temperature, it gives a wealth of drooping cl.u.s.ters of white fragrant flowers. Keep the shrubs in pots, as the buds are produced more freely than when planting out is done, and after the flowers are over prune hard back. There is a hybrid between _S. pinnata_ and _S. colchica_, called _Columbieri_, which is better than _S. colchica_.

SYRINGA (Lilac).--The Lilac is one of the most popular of shrubs for forcing, and may be had in bloom by Christmas or soon after, its flowers being welcome from then until they appear out of doors. Thousands of plants for flowering under gla.s.s are prepared in the most careful way every year, the neat bushes, about 2 feet high, having been grown in pots 7 or 8 inches across and plunged in the open ground. This treatment results in close and compact b.a.l.l.s of soil, which, when turned out of the pots, retain their shape and bear the journey well. These plants are pruned hard back after flowering to keep them dwarf. Lilacs that have been frequently moved may be lifted and flowered without risk. Most of those sent from Holland consist of the white-flowered variety, _Marie Legrange_, but the dark-coloured _Charles X._ is also grown. The many double-flowered Lilacs are not so popular as the singles. It is a pure delight to smell the flowers of the Lilac long before they appear in the open garden; they are most welcome.

VIBURNUM.--When the plants are well budded the Laurustinus (_V. Tinus_) will flower throughout the winter in a greenhouse. Of those that are amenable to slight forcing the best are the common Guelder Rose (_V.

Opulus sterile_), the Chinese _V. plicatum_, and _V. macrocephalum_.

Treat them in the same way as the Lilac. The Guelder Rose is a delightful shrub under gla.s.s, with its wealth of ivory-white b.a.l.l.s. It is one of the most interesting of all the things that can be brought into bloom in a greenhouse. Treat the Viburnums in the same way as recommended for the Lilacs.

WISTARIA.--It is only within the past few years that the Wistaria has been used to any extent for flowering in this way, but now it is universally admired. At the exhibitions early in the year it always attracts more attention than any other shrub grown in a greenhouse; the soft lilac colouring of the flowers is very beautiful against the tender green of the expanding leaves. The best and general way is to grow it as a standard, as the racemes hang down in graceful profusion. _W.

sinensis_ is the Wistaria planted so freely against houses and pergolas, and for flowering under gla.s.s the variety _alba_ may be mentioned; it is more satisfactory than in the open garden. _W. multijuga_, which has racemes of great length, may also be tried, but _W. sinensis_ is as charming as any, and the most likely to give satisfaction. Wistarias transplant badly, hence in nurseries are usually kept in pots; therefore, for flowering under gla.s.s, permanent pot culture is the proper treatment. To obtain standards train up a single shoot till the required height is reached, then stop it, and encourage the formation of branches. When the head has reached flowering size, after the flowers are over, spur the shoots back to good eyes to keep the growth fairly compact.

j.a.pANESE MAPLES (_Acer palmatum_ and varieties).--The handsome foliage of the j.a.panese Maples forms their chief charm. When grown under gla.s.s they are very beautiful, the leaves varying greatly both in colour and shape; some almost plain, others deeply cut and almost fringe-like.

CHAPTER x.x.xIV

SHRUB GROUPS FOR WINTER AND SUMMER EFFECT

In the gardens of Lord Aldenham at Elstree an interesting feature is the grouping of shrubs for summer and winter effect, and some valuable notes, contributed to the _Garden_ on this subject, may be helpful to those desirous of getting the best results from both tree and shrub:--

The grouping of suitable subjects, either in the pleasure-ground proper, on the margin of wood, lake, and stream, and especially so in the half-wild garden, when carefully carried out, has such a good effect at all seasons that it is difficult to understand why it is not more generally done, for only when ma.s.sed together is it possible to see the true beauty of many of the commoner hardy shrubs. For some years this way of planting has been practised at Elstree to a considerable extent, and the following experience may be helpful to others.

The chief desire here has been to create autumn and winter effect, and Nature has been of slight a.s.sistance to the planter, as the land is not undulating but generally flat and uninteresting, consequently much thought and attention have been devoted to attaining the desired object.

No two shrubs grown either for the beauty of their leaves or bark should be mixed together; the display is more pleasurable when they are kept apart.

Having determined on the sites to be planted, use white stakes for marking the outline, and plant boldly. The ground should be thoroughly trenched, and poor land well enriched with farmyard manure, and the planting proceeded with either in spring or early autumn. This planting will apply to dwarf-growing subjects. The deciduous section is dealt with first.

ARONIA FLORIBUNDA.--A delightful plant when grown as a bush, bearing sweetly-scented hawthorn-like flowers in May, very effective, and succeeded by a wealth of deep-purple berries in autumn. This should also receive an annual pruning during winter or early spring. Allow a distance of 2 feet 6 inches between the plants, which are well suited for any purpose. The ground should be kept clean underneath it.

BERBERIS THUNBERGI.--Few deciduous shrubs can excel this for its beautiful foliage during autumn, and it deserves to be planted more extensively. In no position is it seen to better advantage than when in large ma.s.ses over bold pieces of rock. The shrub should not be pruned, but allowed to retain its natural habit, and will succeed in almost any soil. No plant is better adapted for such positions.

BERBERIS VULGARIS PURPUREIS.--This has deep-purple foliage of a very pleasing shade, and it bears bright-scarlet berries in autumn, succeeds best on chalky soils, should be cut close to the ground every third winter, and the soil left undisturbed about the roots. _B. v.

foliis-purpureis_ is remarkable for its very dark purple leaves throughout the summer. Cut back every spring; it succeeds in poor ground. _B. aristata_ is very distinct in winter; bark brownish-red. _B.

virescens_ is another charming winter shrub.

COLUTEA ARBORESCENS.--The Bladder Senna may be planted in the half-wild garden, and will succeed in almost any position and in any soil. Its yellow flowers in July are pretty, but the seed-vessels during winter are most effective; it should be pruned back hard annually. There are several varieties, each of which are equally well adapted for this purpose. Plant 3 feet apart.

CORNUS SANGUINEA (Dogwood).--Few deciduous shrubs are more easily grown or more effective during winter than the Scarlet Dogwood. It may be grouped in any position either in the gardens or outside when of any extent, and when s.p.a.ce is no object the beds or groups can hardly be too large. The foliage attains a beautiful bronze tint during autumn, but unfortunately soon falls. The position should be open, and it is absolutely essential that the growths be cut to the ground annually the first week in April, bearing in mind that it is only the young wood which puts on its brightly-coloured robe in winter, and the more intense the cold the better colour will be the wood. Plant 3 feet apart. _Cornus sanguinea variegata_ is a beautiful silver variegated form of the above, but not so vigorous. It is very fine for summer decorations, and should be much more appreciated. Plant at a distance of 18 inches and prune annually. The scarlet wood, though small, is very pretty in winter, but not showy enough in the distance. _Cornus alba Spathi_ has beautiful golden foliage in the summer, and does not lose its brightness in the hottest years. Requires the same treatment as the above.

CORYLUS MAXIMA ATROPURPUREA.--One of our best purple-leaved plants, especially so in early summer. Arrange to plant this near _Acer negundo variegata_, _Sambucus nigra aurea_, or both, and the effect will be good. It will succeed on almost any kind of well-trenched ground. Plant the shrubs 3 feet apart, and they will require little attention, but every fifth year the shoots should be cut clean to the ground, when the growth and foliage will be much more robust and telling.

COTONEASTER SIMONSII.--A strong-growing shrub, and suitable for making large groups; it is very effective during autumn and winter when studded with its red berries. It should be planted 3 feet apart and not pruned, but about every fifth year it should be cut close to the ground.

CYTISUS ALBUS, the Common White Broom; _Cytisus scoparius_, the Common Yellow Broom; and the effective although newer variety, _C. scoparius_, _andrea.n.u.s_, are all delightful plants when extensively planted, not only when in flower, but their fresh-looking green wood is pleasing at all seasons. Plant early in April 3 feet apart, using small plants.

None of the Brooms like being cut back to the hard wood, but the young growths may be shortened back after flowering. _C. praec.o.x_ is perhaps the best of the whole family, flowering profusely, and is of good habit.

It should be planted 4 feet apart, and the strong growths pegged down in the soil.

DAPHNE MEZEREUM and the white variety _alb.u.m_ are among our earliest and most beautiful flowering shrubs; _Autumnale_ is excellent, it blooms in late autumn. They should be planted 4 feet apart, either immediately after flowering or in very early autumn, both flourishing best on light soils.

DIMORPHANTHUS MANDSCHURICUS (syn. _Aralia mandschurica_).--This fine tropical-looking plant, when planted in large beds, forms a magnificent feature during the summer months, and in the winter the stems when bare are both curious and interesting. It enjoys a deep rich soil, and is easily propagated from root suckers. Plant at a distance of 5 feet apart.

EUONYMUSES.--The true variety of _Euonymus alatus_ must rank as one of the most valuable plants for autumn effect. Words can hardly describe its beautiful tints. It is a slow grower, but will succeed in almost any kind of soil. Plant 3 feet apart. _E. europaeus_ (the Spindle tree) should be planted in large beds or ma.s.ses at a distance of 4 feet apart, and pruned annually. It deserves a place by any woodland walk or in the half-wild garden. Thus treated it will fruit most freely, and its pretty pink berries hanging in thick bunches are sure to attract attention. The white variety, though as pretty, does not fruit so freely.

FORSYTHIA SUSPENSA.--This is most effective when planted in any position in the gardens or grounds. It makes a delightful bed when planted at a distance of 4 feet apart, and should not be pruned. _F. viridissima_, though not such a pretty kind as the above, is equally well suited; it flowers profusely. Both of these flower during March and April. The surface-soil should be p.r.i.c.ked over every spring.

FUCHSIA RICCARTONI.--This charming old shrub makes magnificent beds in any part of the grounds. It should be cut down close to the ground every spring and receive a mulching of half-decayed manure. This is not planted half so largely as it deserves to be.

HYDRANGEA PANICULATA GRANDIFLORA.--This is perfectly hardy, and few flowering shrubs are more admired during autumn when in large beds. They should be planted in a deep rich soil, in a moist position, 3 feet apart, and pruned back hard annually at the end of March. We have some which were planted sixteen years ago and have never once failed to make a splendid display. The surface-soil should be p.r.i.c.ked over early in spring.

HIPPOPHAe RHAMNOIDES (the Sea Buckthorn).--This will succeed well in any deep moist soil. Its beautiful grey foliage shows up well during summer, and when the male and female plants are mixed together the branches will be wreathed with cl.u.s.ters of beautiful orange-coloured berries during autumn and winter. Plant 5 feet apart and somewhat in the background.

Very little pruning will be required, except to regulate the growths.

p.r.i.c.k over the surface-soil annually. The Sea Buckthorn also lends itself admirably for planting by the sides of lakes and streams or at the back of rock-work.

HYPERIc.u.mS.--_H. Androsaemum_ grows to the height of 2 feet 6 inches, and is sure to be appreciated. Its flowers appear profusely during summer, and are followed by cl.u.s.ters of dark-brown berries. Plant 2 feet apart and prune close to the ground annually early in April. _H. calycinum_ (the Common St. John's Wort) is partly evergreen and admirably suited for clothing banks or making beds where low-growing subjects are required; it will flourish anywhere, and should be cut close to the ground with the shears annually. _H. moserianum_ is one of the best of this cla.s.s of plants, but needs some protection in cold districts. _H.

patulum_ is also an excellent variety, and not so extensively planted as it deserves.

KERRIA j.a.pONICA.--A charming compact-growing shrub, with single bright-yellow flowers. It is suitable for small beds or grouping in the front of shrubberies. There is a variegated variety which is liable to revert back to the green form, but such shoots should be kept cut out.

Very little if any other pruning is required; a poor, light, sandy soil suits it best.

LEYCESTERIA FORMOSA.--A delightful shrub for ma.s.sing in the wilderness or wild garden; requires a deep rich soil. Its large purple and white flowers in August and September are very pleasing, and during autumn and winter the wood is very conspicuous, being bright green. It should be pruned back annually, and the ground p.r.i.c.ked over in spring. Plant at a distance of 4 feet apart.

LONICERA (HONEYSUCKLE), LARGE DUTCH.--To see this beautiful climbing plant at its best, make a mound of tree roots, fill in with soil, and plant at a distance of 4 feet apart. At first the growths will require to be trained and nailed over the roots, and when once covered they will need little other attention. Large beds planted in this way will be sure to be highly appreciated, if for nothing else, for the fragrance of the flowers.

LYCIUM CHINENSE.--Commonly called Box Thorn or Tea Tree; should be planted in large groups where it can ramble away near the water or overhang large roots of trees or boulders. Except to regulate the growths once a year, it will give no further trouble. There are several other varieties well suited for the same purpose.

PYRUS j.a.pONICA.--This well-known early-flowering shrub may be grouped in almost any position, but is seen to the best advantage when on raised ground or overhanging ma.s.ses of rock. It should not be pruned, but allowed to retain its natural habit. Plant at a distance of 4 feet apart. The variety _carnea_ is equally good, but bears more freely; the fruits make excellent preserve, while the flowers are a beautiful flesh colour. _C. Maulei_ is quite distinct from the above, but quite as valuable, and flowers and fruits freely.