'I'IIE ~EHICA.N

~GAZINE

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, INC. July 1967 American Horticultural Society 2401 Calvert Street, N. W. Washington,. D.. c'. 20001

AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

1600 BLADENSBURG ROAD, NORTHEAST / WASHINGTON, P. c. 20002

For United Horticulture *** to accumulate, increase, and disseminate horticultural information

Editorial Committee Directors

FRANCIS DE Vos, Chairman Terms Expiring 1967 MRS. ROBERT L. EMERY. JR. JOHN L. CREECH Louisiana A. C. HILDRETH FREDERIC P . LEE Colorado DAVID LEACH CONRAD B. LINK Pennsylvania CHAIlLES G. MEYER FREDERICK G . MEYER New York MRS. STANLEY ROWE WILBUR H. YOUNGMAN Ohio Terms Expiring 1968 FRANCIS DE Vos Officers Maryland MRS. ELSA U. KNOLL PRESIDENT California VICTOR RIES JOHN H. WALKER Ohio A lexandria, Virginia STEWART D. WINN Georgia FIRST VICE·PRESIDENT ROBERT WINTZ Illinois FRED C . GALLE Pine Mountain, Georgia Tel'ms Expiring 1969 JOHN PATEK New York SECOND VICE· PRESIDENT MRS. FRANCIS PlI.TTESON·KNIGH1' TOM D. THROCKMORTON Virginia Des Moines, Iowa LEON C SNYDER Minnesota EARL E. VALLOT ACTING SECRETARY·TREASURER Louisiana GRACE P. \VILSON FRED B. WIDMOYER Bladensburg, Maryland New Mexico

The American Horticultural Magazine is the official publication of the American Horticultural Society and is issued four times a year during the quarters commencing with January, April. July and October. It is devoted to the dissemination of knowledge in the science and art of growing ornamental plants. fruits, vegetables, and related subjects. Original papers increasing the historical, varietal, and cultural knowledges of plant materials of economic and aesthetic imrortance are welcomed and will be published as early as possible. The Chairman of the Editonal Committee should be consulted for rnanlJscript specifications. Reprints will be furnished in accordance with the following schedule of prices, plus post­ age. and should be ordered at the time the galley proof is returned by the author: One hundred copics- -2 pp $7 .20; 4 pp SJ 3.20; 8 pp $27 .6U; 12 pp $39.60; Covers $13.20.

Second class postage paid at Baltimore, Maryland and at additional mailing offices. Copyright, © 1967 by The American Horticultural Society, Inc. The American Horticultural Magazine is included as a benefit of mem­ bership in The American Horticultural Society, Individual Membership dues being $6.00 a year. JULY. 1967

FORMERLY THE NATIONAL HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE VOLUME 46 • NUMBER 3

[ Contents

Preface JOHN H. WALKER ______. ______106

Our Deciduous Conifers ARTHUR D. SLAVIN 108

Window Gardening ELVIN McDONALD 123

Horticultural Use of Native Rocky Mountain Plants RUTH ASHTON NELSON ______128

The Bottlebrushes Like Wet Feet EDWIN A. MENNINGER ______. ______137

Plantainlilies FREDERIC P. LEE ______143

The Glossy Abelia ERIK HANS KRAUSE 164

The Best of the Dogwoods DONALD WYMAN ______165

Rosemary and the Lavenders HELEN M . F ox ______175

The Lily turfs in Gardens H. HAROLD HUME AND B. Y. MORRISON _. ______. __ _ 188

Magnolia Wilsoni JOHN L. CREECH ______199 PREFACE

The American Horticultural Society is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 1967 . These have been 45 years of great achievement for hortiClcllture. "Ve rightfully honor the men and women whose creative thinking and sacrifices of time and financial support have brought the Society to its present position. During its long history the Society's expenses have been remarkably small when compared with its accomplishments. Our financial needs have been met by modest membership dues and by small contributions from horticulturists who are aware of the importance of the Society'S work. By far the most notable individual benefactors to the AHS have been the Society'S management team, our Secretary­ Treasurer, Mrs. Grace Wilson and her hard-working husband, William. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson serve without remuneration. Their daughter, Mrs. Grace Murphy, serves the Society very ably as Administrative Secretary, our only paid employee. AHS members owe a great debt of gratitude to the Wilson family for their dedicated devotion to the Society. Were it not for the concerted efforts of these three persons, the AHS might not be in existence today. And so, we give a special salute to the Wilsons and the many other horticultural leaders of the past for their role in the steady advancement of horticulture. ;; ;; ;; ;; Let us briefly consider, now, certain milestones in the Society'S 45-year history. Evolving from its earliest beginnings before the turn of the century, the AHS came into being in September 1922 in Washington D. C. It was the Society'S fond hope that it might one day be the American counterpart of the Royal Horticul­ tural Society. A National Horticultural Society was founded in Minnesota in July 1922 and, from the first, efforts were made to unite these two organizations. Final ratifica­ tion of the union took place in June 1926. In the mid-forties the American Horticultural Council was organized and it merged with the American Horticul­ tural Society in 1960 to further the influence and scope of both groups. It is interesting to note that the first four volumes of the National Horticul­ tural Magazine consisted of four pages in tabloid form and the fifth similar volume was published by the newly-united Society in 1926. The linoleum block covers, so familiar to many members of long standing, started with Volume Six in 1927, and this was the prototype of today's magazine. And so both the years 1922 and 1927 are especially important to the Society with 1967 being the 45th anniversary of its inception and the 40th anniversary of its magazine. To celebrate these two anniversaries our management has chosen favorite articles from past issues, some now out-of-print and unavailable, and gathered them into this Special Issue. It was a difficult task indeed to choose articles that would present a cross-section of the wealth of material that the magazine has covered o:er the years. Emphasi s has been given to the years since 1955 when our first Anmversary Issue appeared. We have also assembled a number of the well-loved linoleum block covers that were printed from the work of the expert hands of our first Editor, the late Benjamin. Y. Morrison. These grace the covers of the present Anniversary Issue.

;; ;; ;; ;; During my two-year tenure as your President I was privileged to serve at a time when. America for the first time in history was host to the International Ho~tIcultural Co~gress. The AHS was co-sponsor along with the American SOCIety for HortIcultural Science of the Congress which was held at the 106 JULY 1967 VOLUl'dE 46, NUMBER 3 107

University of Maryland in August 1966. Our own Dr. Harold B. Tukey was President of the Congress and his able assistants were our immediate Past President, Dr. Russell ]. Seibert and Dr. Frank P. Cullinan. The Congress, adjudged a highly successful meeting, consumed many man hours of time of the Administration and Management of the Society. As a member of the Board of the National Junior Horticultural Association, I have been able to bring our two organizations much closer together. It is our hope that their graduates will be our new AHS members. Also we hope to attracl the highest quality young men and women to the N.].H.A. The President's Beautification Program was launched in the past two years and our Beautify America Committee, headed by Mr. Frederic Heutte, assured that our interests would be represented in national meetings. Our immediate Past President, Dr. Russell ]. Seibert, and I were honored by being included in the President's "Vhite House Conference on Natural Beauty. The Daffodil Handbook was printed in 1966 and much work has been done on the Hemerocallis Handbook that is scheduled for early 1968. Blessed by the inspiration of an able Vice President, Dr. Fred Galle, and a most progressive and knowledgeable Board of Directors, we decided at our very first Board meeting that it was even more necessary for us, the present leaders, by new sacrifices of our own, to provide time, talent, and money for continued progress toward a greater Society. Recognizing that radical and rapid changes taking place in all segments of the economy would certainly have a pronounced effect upon professional societies such as ours, we decided that 'a goodly portion of our regime would be centered on the subject of those changes, effects, and actions. We realized that all the considerations of our AHS Board had to be based on a realistic analysis of the Society's strengths and weaknesses and the Society's opportunity to achieve its goals within its budgetary limitations. Our Board readily agreed that, a member­ ship survey would pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of our present program. We also were well aware of the fact that it would be necessary to build into the blueprint of action provisions for periodic review and the means to modify AHS's programs in line with changed conditions. A Long Range Planning Committee was set up with Mr. David Leach as Chairman. Other members of the Committee were Mrs. Ernesta Ballard, Mrs. Barbara Emerson, Dr. Fred Galle, Mr. Stewart Winn, and Mr. Robert Wintz. This Committee was charged with discussing the policy and programs of AHS in the following terms: 1. Objectives and goals; 2. Short-term measures to meet emergency needs; 3. Long-range programs directed toward achieving basic goals and objec­ tives. The Long Range Planning Committee reviewed and analyzed the Society's organizational structure and procedural systems. It then submitted to the Board a set of concrete recommendations. The Board approved this report and the Committee was disbanded. Just as the AHS of today represents the efforts, the progress, and the sustained support of many loyal horticultural leaders over the past 45 years, so the AHS of the future will be measured by what we, today, in our generation decide to do. Now, on the occasion of the Society's 45th year of operation those who believe in the AHS are unanimous in the conviction that the Society must keep up this hard-won forward momentum. JOHN H. WALKER President, American Horticultural Society 108 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Larix G11lelini japo11ica Our Deciduous Conifers

By ARTHcR D, SLAVIN

Se\'eral of our most beautiful coni­ makes a n excellent acid compost for fer groups are of the deciduous type, g rowing acid loving plants, During the g r o\\' il~ g season, they Strictly speaking, there are four present all of the beauty of the genera o f the deciduous type within e\'ergreen and "'hen dormant they our area, One of them, the Ginkgo, appear not unlike many of our regu­ al thoug h it belongs t o the Coni­ lar shade trees, In the sprin g, their fereae, \vill not be considered here new gro\\'th appears rapidl y as beca \1 se it is a broad leaf type and though, ,,'ell satisfi ed " 'ith their ,\'in­ bears a drupe-like fr\1it rather than ter rest, they desire t o ,ee "'hat the a cone, coming sea30n has in store for them, In the autumn. their foliage ",hich Like much of our culti\'ated ma­ turns t o golden hues before falling terial, these spec ie s require some makes them especially \'aluable for conditions for their success at vari­ color ornamen ta bon. ance ",ith those of thei r na ti \'e The uses to which they may be haunts, Se\'eral are known in the put are many, As they all attain a wild as bog plants. but I have yet to fair height, they make excellent see any culti\'ated specimens doing specimen trees. Their habit is most­ well in ",et ground, Good, fertile, ly pyramidal and symmetrical. Given well-drained soil will generally as­ a fair amount of space, much less sure their success, A sandy loam is than that required for most trees, excellent, and ",ith few exceptions, they may be expected t o de\'elop no ca re need be taken for their pro­ without becoming ul1\vieldly or over­ tection again st adverse climatic con­ crowding the lawn. ditions, When planted among the ever­ The fir st of these groups is the green cone-bearers, they never fail Larch, It is represented in this to offer a pleasant com bina ti o'n of country by seven species, one hy­ color since their foliage is brighter brid. and fi ve varieties, This genus and, in most cases, a li ghter green is distinguished, in addition to its than that of the former. They are deciduous habit, by se\'eral di stinct especially useful for planting in place characters, The leaves are arranged of the usual deciduous trees as they in both solitary and clustered fa sh­ fulfill 111uch the same purpose, but in ion , On the young hranchlets. they a more interesting manner. They are solitary; on the older g ro",th, gi\'e the o\\'ner none of the troubles they are borne in fa sc icles on the ca\1sed by the litter of fallen leaves, ends of small spurs which appear their foliage amounting to so little laterally along the branches, The in b\11k that it ma\' be left on the male fl cJ\\' ers are solitary, The ground where it will rot during the cones have persistent scales. that winter anc add hum\1 s to the soil. is. they do not di sintegrate " 'hen If so desired, it may be raked up mature, This last character is im­ and later mixed with soil for the portant in that 'it forms a means of rock garden. In this capacity, it differentiation bet,,'een this and an- 109 110 THE AMERlCAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

other genus which is to be considered tinent where it is used on a large later. scale for both reforestation and or­ Larix Kae1l1pferi, or Japanese namental work. Trees, in this coun­ Larch, as it is caJled because it came try, which reach a height of 60 feet from that country, was introduced may be considered good specimens. into cultivation during the middle of In the British Isles it is valued as a the last century. \Vith our present source of lumber and trees well knowledge of this genus, we must over 100 feet in height have been give this specie s fir st honors as be­ recorded. N ext to the Japanese ing the most valuable for ornamen­ Larch, it is the most valuable spe­ tal work. It is entirely hardy and a cies of the genus commonly available fast gro\\·er. When young, it as­ in this country. sumes a pyramidal habit, later de­ Although it sometimes develops "eloping a broad head not unlike an irreg ular top with age, it is gen­ that of many deciduous trees. erally seen as a tree of narrow pyra­ The branches of this tree are long midal habit. The branches are short and slender, spreading horizontally and dense, increasing in length with over a wide area. The bark is quite the age of the tree. The branchlets thick and dark brown, peeling off in are glabrous and yellow, becoming plates which leave markings of red gray the second year. The leaves on the trunk. The branchlets are a are rather narrow, soft, and light di stinguishing feature; when young green. The cones are much like they are covered with a bloom and those of L. Kaempferi except that scattered hairs·; later they become the scales are not reflexed as in that yellowish red in color and, finaJly, speCles. the second year a lustrous tan or In 1908, it seedling of this species reddish brown. The foliage is light with distinctly upright habit was . green and pale on the underside. In found growing in the nursery of the the autumn it turns to beautiful yel­ former Ellwanger & Barry Nursery low. It is this feature coupled with Company. and was presented by them its broad habit of g rowth, that marks to the Park Bureau of Rochester. it as so desirable an ornamental tree. At that time it was 8 feet tall; pres­ The leaves are quite broad and mea­ ent measurements indicate a height sure from 1:4 to 11:4 inches in length. of 34 feet and a maximum breadth They are ribbed on the underside of about 16 feet. It is columnar­ and have two bands, one on either pyramidal in habit with, almost erect side of the rib, each of which is branches which clothe the trunk made up of five rows of st omata. from base to apex. I have named The cones appear early in the sea­ this form Lori,'!: dec idua PY1'a1'1·/,idal1:s. son, grayish green at first, becoming (Conifers in Cultivation: Report of light brown when mature. The the Conifer Conference; Royal Hor­ largest specimen I have examined ticultural Society, London, 1931.) in this country is now fifty years A cross between L. Kaempferi and old and 47 feet tall. Young trees. L decidua was first discovered in once established, may be expected to Scotland. about 1900, on the estate make an average growth of at least of the Duke of Atholl at Dunkeld. 12 inches a year. It was described by the famous Irish The European Larch Lm-ix decidua collector, Augustine Henry, and is the common species of that con- named Larix e1l7'o/epis. Since then, it JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 III

Larix Kaelllpferi has been given the common name, leaves are best recognized by their "Dunkeld Larch," after the place difference from the Japanese parent. where it was found. The seed par­ They are shorter and narrower and ent is L. Kaempferi. That the cross have fewer rows of stomata on the is not difficult to make has been underside. Their color is a darker established by the fact that seed, green and less bloomy. The cone is taken from a specimen of the Japa­ conical and has the same number of nese species growing in close prox­ scales as those of L. Kaempferi,. ex­ imity to several European Larch in cept that they are not reflexed as in Rochester, have produced interme­ that species. The bracts which in diates between the two species. L. decidua are longer than the scales, Reciprocal crosses have also oc­ are shorter in this hybrid, and ex­ clll·red. ceed the length of the scales only Specimens of this hybrid show a near the base of the cones. pyramidal outline with horizontal English gardeners claim this tree branches. The branchlets are yel­ to be more vigorous than either lowish and slightly pubescent. The parent and free from the usual dis- 112 THE AI\IERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE eases of the European Larch. Speci­ with type, except for the cones, mell S, here, increase in height at a which are longer and have a greater rate of 'about 12 inches per year. llumber of scale s. Unfortunately, La'rix larieijIG, known as the Tama­ the specimens which I have seen are rack or American Larch, is the com­ not yet of sufficient size or age to IJlOn species of this country. It is bear cones. both a wet an'd dry land tree in its This variety is of broad pyramidal native habitat and is fbl1l1d in the habit with horizontal or slightly as­ northeastern and northcentral states cending branches. The branchlets and in southern Canada. In cultiva­ are straw color to yellowish-red and tion, it is most successful when with a few scattered hairs. The grown in a light, loamy. \Yell-drained lea ves are broad, g laucous on the soil. \ iV hen growing in \Yet loca­ underside, and a darker green than tions, it manages onl y to exist. Speci­ fOllnd in most o f the other species. mens 40 to 50 fee t hig h are well They a \'erage about 1 Ys inches in developed trees. length, Specimells raised from seed. It has a narrow spire-like habit sent by Dr. Wilson trom China in formed by short, ilorizontal branches 1903, are IlOW 16 feet tall. They are and a main stem extending the en­ slow growing but appear entirely tire leng th of the tree. Its branch­ hardy. lets play an important part in its The second variety. Larix GIIl('lilli determination, They are slender. nr. japonica, from Japan. has been smooth. covered with a bl oom. and known a longer time. It is hardy yellowish-red which becomes red­ and does well in cultivation. A speci­ dish brown the second year. The men which I have observed is now leaves are blunt at the apex, bright 38 years old and about 30 feet tall. green, and one-half to three-quarter It is easily di stiriguished from the in ches in length. The cones are other variety, which it closely re­ quite small, seldom measuring more sembles, by its clark red, hairy than three-quarters of an inch in branchlets. leng-th. and haye only 10 to IS scales. Lm'ix oeeideJ/talis or , as the name Larix Gmelilli, previously known impli es. the W'estern Larch, is an­ as (L. dahurica). and called the other American species but is more Dahurian Larch, is a specie s of limited in its distribution than the doubtful hardiness in this country. Tamarack, its southern range being It is native in eastern Siberia. Al­ Oregon and Montana, and in the though there are supposed to be north, British Columbia, It is con­ several specimens in the pinetum at sidered the largest growing member Durand Eastman Park in Rochester, of the genus, attaining a height of their condition is such that a depend­ almost 200 feet, It is not commonly able determination cannot be made. cultivated in the East and having I t is even doubtful if they are the seen but one specimen, I do not true thing. know how well it enjoys conditions There are two varieties of the spe­ other than those of its native en­ cies, both of which have wide geo­ vironment. The cultivated specimen graphical di stribution from the type. with which I am acquainted is a The fir st. Larix G111.elini var. Prin6pis young p lall t abou t 4 feet tall and Ruppreehtii is found in northern is, so far, doing nicely. The branch­ China and in Korea. It is identical lets are orange-brown and covered JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 113

'.

,'\.. ,, , I. ... .~

Larix decidua pyramidalis 114 THE Ai\IERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE with hairs w hen young. The leaves or slightly ascending branches. are quite long, often measuring more Pseudolarix amabilis, the Golden than 1,Y;; inches, very slender, sharp Larch, is a monotypic genus found in pointed, and pale green. eastern China. In beauty it has no Larix Potan-inii was introduced into rival among the deciduous coni fers this country by the late Dr. E. H. but is seldom seen in this country, the Wilson 28 years ago. In China, specimens now present having been, where it finds its native home, it is known as "Hung Sha," meaning Red for the most part, imported from Fir, from the characteristic cinna­ Europe previous to the plant quaran­ mon red bark on old trees. As a ll tine. The fact that it can be success­ our trees in cultivation are too fully grafted on the Larch if seed is young to show this character, it has not available, should induce the trade been given the common name, Chi­ to grow it more freely. Although in­ nese Larch. Not yet in general cul­ variably described as a tree disliking tivation, I belieye this tree will limestone soil, it appears to do well in eventually rank among our best ma­ any light. loamy, well-drained soil. I terials for ornamental purposes. It have had the opportunity to observe is described as a pyramidal tree with for some years, three specimens ob­ short horizontal branches, although tained from the famous Veitch N urs­ in the specimens here they are quite eries of England in 1905. At that long; this condition is undoubtedl y time they were two feet tall. Recent due to the vigorous growth of the measurements of these same trees young trees. The branch lets are show them to be 25 to 32 feet in somewhat drooping. orange-brown. height. becoming a shiny brown the second This tree has a broad head, often year. The leaves make an easy almost equal in cross-section to its means of determination: they are height. The branches are long, spread­ keeled on both sides and hence ap­ ing, h 0 r i Z 0 n t.a I and irregularly pear rectangular in cross-section ; whorled; towards the top they become they are stout, sharp pointed, and quite ascending. It is distinct from shorter and broader than those of the Larch in that it has clustered male the other specie s. A specimen raised flowers and cones whose scales be­ from the original batch of seed. sent come detached at maturity. The from China by Dr. Wilson and now branchlets are of two kinds, as in the growing in Durand Eastman Park Larch, long terminal shoots and short at Rochester, measures 21 feet in lateral spurs. The long branchlets are height. reddish-brown and glaucous. The The Siberian Larch, Lal'ix sibi1'l'w, short spurs are club-like stubs, the does quite well here. A tree 16 years age of which may be determined by old now measures 18 feet in height. the number of rings on the outside, It is found in parts of Russia and each ring being the cushion-like base Siberia and is considered by some of a previous year's leaf cluster. The authorities to be a geographical form foliage is qrranged in spirals or scat­ of the European Larch. It is. how­ terecl along the terminal branchlets ever, qui'te distinct from that species, and in fascicles on the ends of the its leaves being more deeply keeled, lateral spur shoots. The leaves are more slender, and longer. It is nar­ broacler than those of the Larch and row pyramidal with short horizontal also longer, measuring from 1 to 2% JULY 1967 VOLUl\ /E 46, NUMBER 3 lI S

Larix sibirica 116 THE Af\/ERIC.-\N HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

P seudolarix a11'I,abilis JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 117

inches in length. They are aC Ulllll1- two so call ed varieties, (Taxodium ate, slightly rounded on the surface, di stichum imbricari um and Taxo­ and keeled on rhe underside. T he dium distichum pendulum). The first color is a beautiful, very soft, li ght mentioned was then given specific g reen. On the unclerside there are rank and called T a_'wdium ascend ens. two bands of stomata which impart a The second was considered to be a gla\lCOUS appearance to that part of variety of the other and was given the leaf. In the ea rl y autullln the the varietal designation lIltians. Now foliage turns bright ye ll ow whi ch re­ there happens to be also a pendulous main s until the leaves fall. It is this form of T. disticJn£7IL about whi ch we characteristi c, along with the habit of hear nothing in our botanical publica­ the tree. that makes it so \"al uable an tions. It appears to have been left to ornamental plant. the horti culturist for consideration. The third lllember of the deciduous That it is not new is illustrated by group is the Taxod iu 11l, or as it. is the fact that two trees were planted sometimes ca ll ed, The Deciduous Cy ­ in Rochester in 1896 under the name press. The genus is native in the T. distichuwt pend.dum and in the ex­ southern sections of North Ameri ca, cellent catalogue of Hillier & Sons, and to my knowledge, is not repre­ Winchester, England, issue of 1930, sented elsewhere. It is identifi ed by the name is mentioned for a pendu­ its rounded cones which are quite lous form of the species. They also different than those of the preceding quote the other species and varieties genera in structure, being made up of under their co rrect n8Jlles. That it is irregular, four-sided scales which a di stinct vari ety can be seen from its break apart when mature. descri pti on which follows in the prop­ It is an habitue of wet places in the er order. wild, but succeeds in cultivation only The Bald Cypress T axodiulIt d'is­ in well drained soil. In the south, tichum find s itsel f a citizen of the where it is at home, it can take care swamps and wet lands bordering the of itself in places where the roots are streams along the middle and south­ under water; but in the north, cold eastern coast of the United States. and frost will constantly injure the Its straight tapering trunk is strongly root system if planted in wet ground. buttressed at the base. Old trees It does well in a light sandy loam. growi ng in wet ground often produce The nomenclature of this genus is cylindrical projections from the roots. quite interesting and it is my opinion These appear above the ground about that at least one point requires some the trees, as hump-like growths and rearrangement. There are t h r e e are termed, "Cypress Knees ." Just species represented, two of whi'ch are what part they play in the phvs iology hardy in this area. The third, known of the pl ant, I clo not know, hut it is as Taxodiw1/. 111UcrOllatu7n, is native not unreasonable to beli eve that they in Mexico and cannot be grown here. may act as aerating agents for the The Bald Cypress Taxodit£1n dis­ water-soaked root system. I have tichunt was at one time considered never seen them on trees situated on the only species of the genus, the dry land. others having had only varietal rank. This species is entirely hardy in Even now, this condition still hold s cultivation when placed in well drained true with some authorities. Previous soil. Trees 50 feet tall are not un­ to their rearrangement there were common. The habit is narrow pyra­ midal with short, h ([) rizontal branches. lIS THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

'"

Taxodiu1In distichu1'/'I.

The branch lets are of two kinds: the ous. The foliage is scale-like and in­ terminal growth is green when young, conspicuous on the terminal growth. becoming brown during the first win­ On the deciduous shoots, it appears ter. The lateral branchlets which laterally in the form of small, linear, bear most of the foliage, are decidu- distinctly pointed leaves. The ar- JULY 1967 VOLUME 46 , NUMBER 3 119

Taxodium distichum pendulum 120 THE Al\'IERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Branchlet s and Fruits

Tax 0 diu71't distichu,m above Taxodium disticht£11~ pendulul'lt, below JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 121

Ta.1:odi'!M1'L ascen.dens N ate upTight branchlets Fruits immature 122 THE AMERICA~ HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE rangement vf these leaves on the are pendulous. Although the foliage branchlets gives the whole the appear­ is identical with the type, the cones ance of being a pinnately compound are more oval than subglobose, slight­ leaf. This, however, is not the case ly smoother surfaced than in the although both are annual growths. species and much larger, measuring about 10 inches in length and 174 As the foliage appears in the spring, inches in width. it is a delicate green and later be­ The Pond Cypress Taxodiu1n as­ comes a soft green and somewhat cendens is a more southern conifer pale on the underside. In the autumn found generally in Georgia and south­ it turns light orange-brown, a shade ward. It is hardy in cultivation al­ of color not duplicated in any of our though it requires some protection in other thees. It is this element in its the colder sections of the country. It Leauty that makes it so mllch to be does not have the beauty of the Bald desired in ornamental work. The Cypress and is mentioned here only cones are subglobose (round in shape to record its presence in ornamental with flattened ends) and measure work. It is pyramidal in habit with about ;11 inch in diameter. The short, horizontal branches and upright pendulous variety of this species, branchlets. It is easily recognized by known, at least horticulturally, as its awl-like leaves which are small Taxodi~tm distichu;I1'L pendulum, is a and appear almost as scale-like forma­ far more graceful tree than the type. tions on the branchlets. The cones It is distinctly pyramidal, with a are identical with those of T. dis­ broader base than the species which tichum. narrows regularly to a small top. The The variety Taxodium ascendens hranches extend fr0111 within a few mttans differs fr0111 the type in that feet of the base and are horizontal or the branchlets are pendulous rather somewhat drooping. Towards the than upright. Its ornamental value apex, they are ascending. The branch­ ranks with about that of the species. lets, both persistent and deciduous, It is. of course, more graceful.

(October 1932, Janua1Y 1933) Window Gardening

ELVIN MeDoN ALDl

Window gardening IS becoming feeding regularl y to get as many leaves more popular each year . and with as possible. P ut it outdoors in the sum­ the array of new and old plants suita­ mer if possible and bring it in before ble for window culture, it is easy to see frost. Dry it off, and repot. Then you why. Vines and other plants, well ar­ will be ready to enjoy its blooms again. ranged,can be a highly decorative part of any room, to say nothing of the new G eranv£t11l s life they give a window whi·ch other­ Many people have fai led with wise is ordinary. Shelves of all types Geraniums even though they are increase a window's capacity and effec­ thought to be very easy to grow. To tiveness, while plant brackets and v\;al1 bloolll indoors, Geraniums must have vases add their smart effect, too. direct sun. P lace them as close to the Handsome plant stands, flower boxes, and trays help fill in even the most glass as possible. A good potting soil barren rooms. can be made up of three parts good garden soil and one part peat moss. If you have failed with house plants, They bloom best when a little pot­ probably the reason can be laid on one bound. Four-inch rooted cuttings, out of the following: injurious gases, plants of two-inch pots fr0111 the fl orist re­ unsuitable for house growing, lack of knowledge of the plant's needs and potted in a three-inch pot, will provide a beautiful showing in record time. C0111mon every day neglect. A fancy They do not require heavy fertilization. container, a dash of water once in a while, and a dark corner with no Most everyone is familiar with the ~umidity , will not keep a plant grow­ z01wle types of Geraniums, but very mg. few people have grown the fancy-leaved Most window plants like a tempera­ varieties, and the Ivy-types. The Ivy ture minimum of 60°Fahrenheit with Geraniums make good hanging basket a rise of 10 to 15 degrees during the plants. Most of them have very beauti­ day. Set the pots on a trav of moist ful double fl owers and they come in sand or pebbles to increase- humidity. almost every color. The flow ers of the fancy-leaved varieties are not especial· Amaryllis ly attracti ve. They must have good The Amaryllis can well be called the sunlight to bring out the brightest "Queen" of window garden ·plants. colors of their forage. SOllle of them It gives us its strikingly beautiful' have two-color foliage, others. tri-color. blooms in the dead of winter. Bulhs are Begonia.s purchased in the fall, potted and brought to warmth and good light as Begonias offer a wealth of window­ soon as they are rooted and the bud garden material. For the shady, humid is showing at the neck of the bulb. place, the highly colored Rex varieties After flowering, continue watering and fi 11 the bill. The popular, wax (se11'l.per­ ftorens) Begonias make good plants 'Editor, The Glnx ;'n';am, official public",tion of the Am erican Gloxin ia Society. for the sunnier spot. There are dwarf, 123 124 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE tall, and trailing Begonias .. indeed you may choose a variety for almost any need, and if you buy wisely, you will be able to have some bloom on your plants most of the year. They like a soil rich in leaf mold, fast draining, but on the rich side. Stem and leaf cuttings are very easy to root, but a terrarium or discarded fish bowl will be needed to root them in because they need high humidity un­ til they are establi shed. In the warm, bright weather of spring and SUl11mer, the cuttings seem to root faster, and grow better. All Begonias are easy to grow from seed, and you wi ll enjoy some real thrills when they begin to develop into full-fledged plants.

Gesl1criads

Perhaps the GES NERIA CEAE which Peggie Schulz Photog1"aph includes the Sm:ntpaulia (African-vio­ Episcia julgells let), Gloxinia (Sinl1ingia), Achimel1fs, Episcia and dozens of others makes up fu l foliage, they also ha ye beautiful one of the largest groups of plants for blooms most of the time. indoor culture .. . and plants that are AchilllCIlCS flower in the SUlllmer and adaptable to windows and locations are dormant in winter. Their small with not much direct sunlight. They tubercles are handled .in much the same prefer a light, porous, rich soil. Too manner as is used for Gloxinias. They much light will cause the leaves to need moi st so il and should ' be shaded yellow, while too little light will pro­ from direct sunlight during the sum­ duce limp stems and may prevent mer. Thei r name comes from a Greek blooming. Some of the Gesneriads are word meaning "to suffer from cold." tuberous rooted ... others are fibrous In addition to brightening a window­ rooted. The SaintpalUlia, StrejJtoca?'/JUs garden, they may be used to decorate and Episcia are among the latter. a shel tered porch. Gloxinia, A chi11'le1'/,es, Rechstpineria, The Strpptorarpus is almost ever­ and N aegelia are amon·g those that are bl()oming under good conditions. They tuberous rooted. need a tiny bit more sun than the The Episc1:a perhaps offers to us one Sailltpalllia. Other requirements are of the most promising foliage plants of the same. There are a number of many years. Why they have not been species avai lable, as well as so me new grown more generall y before, I do not hybrids which are very outstanding. know, but I am finding them to be very Acsch}lI1Glltl11fs pulchruIII is a fibrous­ adaptable to many conditions, and, al­ rooted Gesneriad for hangi ng baskets. though they are noted for their beauti- It has thick, leathery, dark-green JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 125

Elvin iltlcDonald Photograph Episcia viridifolia leaves, that look much like those of the but 111ay have a few blo0111s on it during H oya carnosa. It can stand quite a bit other seasons. It should be given a of sun. It blool11s in the spring usually, rest period in the fall. during which 126 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE time it should not be watered except Foliage Plants enough to keep the leaves and stems There are lnany foliage plants to from shriveling. Brilliant orange and choose from. Among my favorites are yellow flowers. the Croto'J1Js, Coleus, Philodendrons, Gloxinias need a good deal of £l1l1- fancy-leaved Ca.[adiu111s, Maranta light in the window-garden, so an east­ (Prayer Plal1t), Pilea 1nicrophylla ern or southern exposure will probahly (Artillery fern) and Dracae1'Uls. prove to be best. A collection of Most everyone likes to have some Gloxinias may he started almost any Ivy. Two things are important for time of the year. The spring and fall the success of I vies. They like plenty seasons of the year are considered to of moisture and an acid soil. Place in be the best starting times by many peo­ a north or east window with not too ple. much sun. Wash the leaves gently Rechsteineria macropoda is a plant I every week or two. There are dozens have not grown long and only recently of new varieties to choose from. it rewarded me with its beautiful vivid orange flowers. They are small, tuhular SWJIJ'w%ering flowers borne on dainty clusters atop Most house plants will profit by a two inch stems above the beautiful summer spent in a well-protected spot velvety gn~ en leaves. It requires the outdoors. Bring them in well before same culture as the Gloxinia. It is frost is expected. You must 'rememb@r tuberous rooted .. It could get along on that when you bring them in, the grow­ less sunlight. Orange or yellow color­ ing conditions are changed greatly and ing in Gesneriad blooms i·s hard to be you'll need to pamper them extra for a found. Therefore. this might be ~ good while. Some plants are just too tender plant to use in hybridizing to get yel­ for this treatment. but as weather con­ lows and 0ranges into our Gloxinias ditions vary from place to place, it is and Africall-violets. impossible to point out which plants There are many n10re Gesneriads can be put outdoors and which ones that you may want to try. They are cannot. Here in the Oklahoma Pan­ all very interesting p.Jants, and they'll handle. without a lath-house. or any richly reward you for the small amount other special protection, I would hesi­ of effect it takes to grow and flower tate to put out ANY house plant! them. C;I'OW HOHse PlaJ1ts From. Seed C,)Jcla1l1cll Growing house plants from seecl IS CyrlaJ'Nen plants are among the most a hobby in itself. You can do nothing reg:d of all house plants. I think. that will hring you 1110re enjoyment, The plants should he kept as cool as I am sure. Always buy high quality possible during the summer, and seeds fr0111 a reliahle seedsman and placed in partial shade. Syringe the follow the directions for planting that foliage during the summer quite often. are on the packet. They need a 50° night temperature. Indeed there seems to be no end to Vvithhold water almost entirelv after the amount of material available for flowering and gin the plant a 'rest. window gardens. Once you start this JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 127

Jim H u,dson Photograph Episcia flflgida fascinating hobby, you will continuall y a healthy, growing condition so they be on the lookout for new and unusual wi ll not be so li kely to take up every house plants. You may want to try li ttl e bug and disease that come along. them under flu o~-esce nt ri 7hts. Already If some of them do get infested or African-violets and Gloxini 3.S have sickl y, t1 ke them away from the rest of proved to thrive U1i der this "artifi cial t:1e plants. and either treat them, or sunlight." Always keep your plants il~ di scard.

(October 1953 ) RUTH A. NELSON A geneTal view in the author's gOlden where native plants ,predomi­ nate. The Boulde'r Raspberry is shown in the foreground, Littleleaf Mockomnge at the middle right, Aspens at the corne1' of the house, and Ante11nm-ia-the silve1Y gmllnd cover-in the centeT

Horticultural Use of Native Rocky Mountain Plants

RUTH ASHTON NELSON

With the development of new subdi­ not only appropriate to the setting, but visions, which are spreading thousands which do well in this semi-arid climate of ranch and contemporary style homes and which require a minimum of atten­ over the foothills and mesas of the West, tion. there has come a demand for a new type Over the past forty years a few gar­ of landscape plan ting. Three factors deners and nurserymen have been ex­ must enter into consideration in plan­ perimenting with the use of native ning gardens for these homes. First, Rocky Mountain trees and shrubs in gar­ much of this area is a land of "little dens of this region. Only a small num­ rain"; water is expensive and sometimes ber became popular in old-style gardens. available only in limited amounts. Sec­ But with the recent change in both ar­ ond, much of the soil here is rocky or chitecture and methods of gardening composed of gravel with very little water there is a growing demand for these holding capacity. Third, the low, wide­ hard y shrubs. If you desire an oasis of spread houses demand informal plant­ lush greenness in a desolate land, some ings appropriate to the setting. These of the species described below are not problems, together with the increasing suitable because many of them have expense and difficulty of obtaining small and often grayish leaves, but if you trained labor for maintenance, put a want to cooperate with the climate in premium on plant materials, which are order to achieve an effective and prac- 128 JOSEPH DIXON

Rubus deliciosus

Boulder mspbeny

tical garden which will require a mInI­ are described; others, which have not yet mum of maintenance, these hardy natives had a thorough trial, but which appear will serve you well. There are two gen­ promising, are suggested. They fali into eral rules which should be remembered three groups: The flowering shrubs; the in the use of most sp(Kies which are na­ shrubs and small trees useful mainly be­ tives of semi-arid regions. In the first cause of their foliage; and the low-grow­ place, they must have very good drain­ ing, evergreen ground covers or sub­ age; and, in the second, they require less shrubs. water than we ordinarily give our lawns and gardens in such regions. Their ap­ pearance improves with slightly more moisture than they normally receive in Flowering Shrubs their natural habitats, but they become Of this first group, three species be­ overgrown and unattractive when they long to the Rose Family and two to the receive too much water. On this account Saxifrage Family. it is sometimes difficult to combine the Boulder Raspberry, Rubus deliciosus. xerophytic species with conventional This is probably the best known and garden plants. most generally useful of the whole group. In this article some of those species In My Garden in Spring} E. A. Bowles which have proved themselves valu:.Jble commented that it was growing happily 129 130 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

. in his English garden almost fifty years Apache Plume, Fallugia paradoxa . ago, and he says of it: "We must stop This shrub grows naturally in New and wonder at the rose-like beauty of a Mexico and southern Colorado, but does large bush of Rubus deliciosus, that well at least as far north as Cheyenne, arches out ... and bears its snow-white Wyoming, and is reported to be hardy flowers all down the arching branches." even in Canada. Its white barked stems It forms a clump of thornless canes 3 to are set with small 3- to 5-lobed, quite 6 feet tall, festooned with flowers 2 to 3 persistent leaves. The pure white flow­ inches broad_ Its foliage is bright green; ers, about one inch in diameter, are held the leaves usually roundish in outline on slender 2- or 3-inch peduncles. It and 3- to 5-iobed. The vigorous young blooms profusely in June and scattering­ branches which appear after blooming ly until late September. One of its most have a reddish coloring. On old wood attractive features is the abundance of the bark is straw-colored and flaky. This fluffy fruit heads which immediately fol­ shrub will stand more water than many low the flowers. These clusters of plume­ of its fellows and so can be used in the tailed achenes vary from a soft rose or same beds with plants requiring fre­ C0pper shade to silver and an individual quent watering, but under such condi­ shrub in mid-summer is often covered tions it requires severe pruning. aId wi th them and at the same time bears a wood should be cut out after flowering. sprinkling of the white blossoms. Apache

RUTH A. NELSON

Fallugia paradoxa

Apache Plume JULY J967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 131

RUTH A . N ELSO N Fendlerbush, Fendlera rupicola, in flower in the author's garden

Plume can be easily grown from seed or freely in early summer. The oppositely increased by layering. It requires full branched twigs give an interesting ef­ sun and is happy and useful on dry fect due to their brown and white gravelly banks. streaked bark. The small, oblong leaves Cliffrose, Cowania m exicana, which are a soft silvery green. If grown where occurs in the southern Rockies, bears an it receives considerable water it will re­ abundance of pale yellow, wild-rose-type quire pruning to maintain its naturally flowers about % inch broad, and small, small size. resinous 3- to 5-lobed leaves. It has Fendlerbush, Fendlem nlpicolfl, is a plumose achenes similar to those of relative of the Mockorange which Apache Plume but fewer in each head. should be more widely known. It may This has not yet been grown to' any be best seen in its native beauty on the great extent in the Denver area but is limestone cliffs of Mesa Verde National now being raised from seed at a nursery Park, where it blooms in late l\fay. A near Golden. It promises to be very val­ shrub has been in the garden of th ~ uable as it seems to be hardy, evergreen, writer For several years. Its exquisite, and begins flowering when only a year square buds are tinged with rose but the old. Iiowers open paper white. It i~ also a Little-leaf l\'Iockorange, Philadelphus fine textured shrub with very narrowly microphyllus of the Saxifrage Family, is oblong or linear, grayish green leaves native on stony banks and in washes of and an erect ha bit of growth. \Ve hope the mountain area from New l\Iexico this species will soon be available from and Utah to Wyoming It is easily grown nurseries. either with conventional garden shrubs or in dry-land plantings and is valuable Foliage Shrub's and Small Trees­ because of its small size and fine texture. Aspen, Populus 11·emuloides. Somehow Its 4-petaled white blossoms are an inch a superstition grew up that this small, or slightly less in diameter and it blooms white-barked tree was difficult to grow. 132 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

But that is certainly not the case in the to 5 inches in diameter, but always in cities at the base of the mountains which clumps. It is easily grown and is valu­ have an altitude above five thousand able in sunny or semi-shaded situations. feet. It requires more water and better The main stems have a smooth, gray soil than some of the shrubs discussed in bark and the young twigs, petioles and this article; it does send up suckers and winter buds are red. Those who look the female trees produce cotton, but in closely when it is in bloom will discover spite of these faults it is being planted small corymbs of exquisite, fragrant more and more. It can be used very ef­ flowers with tiny chartreuse petals. Most fectively in small groupings and such a individuals fruit freely and the red­ group will provide the light shade which tinged samaras are very attractive during is ideal for many of our native wild the summer. The leaves are 3- to 5- flowers . lobed and sharply and doubly serrate F orestiera or Mountain Privet, F or­ and there are forms with compound estiera neo-mexicana, a member of the leaves. Its pale yellow autumn coloring Olive Family, is a tall, very useful shrub is not of particular interest. for background and informal or formal Big-tooth Maple, Acer grandidenta­ bedge use. On the old stems its bark is tum, is a species of great interest and light, usually a pale greenish gray, on challenge. It is closely related to the young twigs it is a darker gray. The Sugar Maple, A. saccharum. In the can­ habit of close, opposite branching gives yons of Utah where it grows abundantly it a fairly dense appearance even when it is a shrubby tree 20 to 30 feet tall, leafless. I t will stand shearing. This often growing in thickets where it layers species is dioecious and the female naturally. Its autumn coloration, pre­ plants often bear quantities of bluish­ dominantly a rose-red, is spectacular. In black berries which are attractive to southern New Mexico it is sometimes birds. Before the leaves unfold the found as a small shrub on dry ridges, shrubs are covered with tiny yellow blos­ and as a small tree in well-watered can­ soms. Its light green leaves are spatu­ yons. Several people including Kathleen late-oblong in shape, from Y2 to l-Y2 Marriage of Colorado Springs; Robert inches long and often fascicled. They More, then of Denver; and George Kel­ turn an attractive pale, clear yellow in ly, of Littleton, Colorado, have made autumn. efforts to obtain and grow this maple for Water Birch, Betula occidentalis, is horticultural use. At present there are a one of the most beautiful shrubs of west­ few specimens in Colorado Springs and ern America whether growing naturally in Denver. It makes very slow growth along mountain streams or planted in bout the Western Evergreen Nursery is parks or gardens. Its many names give now raising it from seed so there should cause for confusion. Our mountain be a supply available in the future. form was called B. fontinalis Sarg. but Quite possibly it is being used for orna­ recent botanists are including it in B. mental planting by persons in the areas ()cciden talis Hook. It has also several where it occurs naturally. common names including Western Red Three-leafed Sumac, Rhus trilobata, Birch amI River Birch. It is a clump which is also called Lemonade-berry, hirch with several arching stems clothed Squaw bush, and even Skunkbrush, is a in a dark, glossy reddish-brown bark. Its fine, tough species for the dry, hot, grav­ slender twigs are graceful and it has elly hillside and will thrive under almost dainty, O\oate, sharply cut leaves. Its soft any conditions. It is one of the few dry­ yellow autumn color is beautifully con­ land natives which has luxuriant look­ trasted with the dark bark and it often ing, bright green foliage. Its three leaf­ retains numerous papery' catkins after lets are more or less irregularly lobed the leaves have fallen. During the winter and turn beautiful shades of orange and a group of these birches seem to hold a red in autumn. In late summer there purplish haze among their delicate are clusters of dark red, pubescent ber­ twigs. ries. It does not have the bad suckering Ro,:ky :Ylountain Maple, Acer glab­ habit of some other sumacs but does -:um, IS a shrub or tree which may grow, have a pungent odor which is distinctive In favorable locations in the wild, to a'ld, to the writer, not at all skunk-like. twenty feet in height and with trunks 4 This is only noticeable when one bruises JULY ]967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 133

RUTH A. NELSON Yucca glauca flowering in its native habitat the twigs or brushes against the foliage. very popular because it is, without ex­ It is very useful on banks, against native ception, the only hardy, broad-leaved rocks, and in many sunny, dry situations. evergreen which will stand full sun Bluestem Willow, Salix irrorata. This winter and summer in dry, exposed sit­ is a native western pussy willow which uations along the eastern face of the makes a very attractive shrub under cul­ Rocky Mountains. Its leaves are about I tivation. It has more slender stems and or I-Y2 inches long and ~ to Y2 inch slightly smaller buds than the French wide, lanceolate or oblong with revolute pussy willow and can more easily be margins, dark green above and paler kept to a size appropriate to a small beneath. Those who have had the op­ garden. It is also more resistant to dis­ portunity of seeing "Curl-leaf" in plant­ ease. The dark bark on young stems is ings feel that it will soon become one of coated with a glaucous bloom which in­ the most valuable shrubs we have for creases their attractiveness. It roots use in the elevated, semi-arid regions of easily. It is available from nurseries in the West. the Denver area. Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany, Cerco­ Low-growing, Evergreen Shrubs for carpus ledifolius. This is an erect shrub, Ground Covers or sometimes a small tree, which occurs Yucca or Spa~ish Bayonet, Yucca naturally on dry slopes of the inter­ glauca. This species is the common one mountain states. It has only recently be­ along the eastern base of the Rockies come available but it promises to be from northern New Mexico into south- 134 THE Al\/ERICAN HORTICULTURAL !\IAG.UINE

RUTH A. NELSO" D?'y slopes along dri7'eway showing Buffalo Grass, two species of Yllcra, Y. glauea and Y. bacca/a, with wild plum in backgTotl11d

ern "Vyorning. It is hardy and extremely which has similar recurved filaments drouth resistant. Its large rosettes of pale along the leaf-margins is Y. harrimaniae. green, dagger-like leaves liven dry hill, Its rosettes are usually about 15 to 20 sides during the winter months and the inches in diameter and extremely bristly. strong panicles of creamy white blossoms Yuccas may be grown from seed, from transform barren slopes and mesa tops root cu tti ngs or from offsets. during early summer. Yuccas are pic­ Buffalo Grass, Buchloe da rlyloides. turesque and appropriate in western and This is a good, tough grass in a dry contemporary gardens besides being very climate. It forms a dense, strong sod, useful in helping to control erosion on grows only 3 to 4 inches tall and requires banks, and to fill dry corners. They can no watering. Its only disachantage is also be used as low hedges where some­ the shortness of its green season, which thing which requires only a minimum of is between three and four months. But water is needed. Another species, the weigh that against the constant necessity Datil, Y. baeca/a, which has heavier of watering and mowing a bluegrass leaves is hanly as far north as Denver. lawn in the western states and you may This forms very decorative clumps and is decide to try it, as the writer did. From handsome in bloom. Its leaf-margins are late ]\Iay to September its color is a mOre conspicuously ornamented with beautiful soft, bluish green. .\ cutting curled filaments than are those of the after the staminate heads appear in early Spanish Bayonet. A smaller species Slimmer improves its appearance and JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 135

RUTH A. ::'I\£LSON

Creeping Mahonia) B eTb e1"is repens) as background and Antenna1"ia as foregTound f0 1" early Crocus

another one in late August followed by those of the Oregon or Holly-leaved a good watering, will keep it green to Mahonia but usually grows only about about mid-September. It is ideal for a foot tall and spreads extensively wh~n childrens' playgrounds because it may be once established. It is very useful among kept dry. shrubs, along walls, and in foundation Antennaria or Pussy toes. Several mem­ plantings. When shaded from the winter bers of this genus make very attractive, sun it will remain green but in partially silvery gray ground covers between step­ sunny locations the leaves turn red or ping stones, along walks and in many maroon in winter. It is attractive under places where there is not much traffic. either condition. It makes a good setting for flowering Kinnikinnik, Arctostaphylos uva-uni. bulbs but must be kept under control as Native habitat of this trailing shrub is it spreads rapidly when once established. not restricted to the western mountains To maintain a neat appearance it should but it occurs abundantly here and is one be clipped once a season after the flower of the few broad-leaved, evergroeen spe­ stalks develop. It is collected in the wild cies which can be used in this climate. and both Antennaria rosea and A. parvi­ It needs protection from winter sun to folia are used. A. rosea is smaller leaved and makes a more compact mat than retain its glossy, green foliage. A mem­ the other. ber of the Heath Family, it has charming Creeping Mahonia, Be1"beTis ,-epens. pink and white jug-shaped blossoms fol­ This is now well known and much used lowed by handsome scarlet berries. in western gardens. It has compound, Creeping J uni per, Juniperus horizon­ evergreen leaves somewhat similar to talis. This is a species of the northern 136 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

RUTH A. NELSO;-.J Junipenls horizontalis in its native habitat on a very exposed southeast slope in northern W yoming

United States which occurs naturally in some dealers but it has seemed difficult the mountains of northern Wyoming and to obtain the true creeping form. The Montana and is a handsome ground cov­ writer has severa'! collected plants which er and rock garden plant, which is very are thriving and compare favorably with satisfactory in all but the most extreme all the named varieties seen. conditions of this climate. It is a creeper Nature has taken many generations in only 3 or 4 inches tall, rooting from the adapting these western species to their branches and can easily be divided and environment. We can save ourselves transplanted. There are both green and much labor and expense by making use silver forms in nature but all the writer of them. In this great high, dry, and has seen tend to become purplish in sunny region there are many additional winter, as do the cultivars. Several horti­ plants, both woody and herbaceous, cultural varieties of this are listed by which would be valuable in horticulture.

(April 1962) The Bottlebrushes Like Wet Feet

EDWI N A. MEN NINGERI

Bottlebrush trees-the name com­ some of which are more ornamental, monly given to about fifteen species of grow better, and are generally more Calliste11'lon native to A ustralia-seem satisfactory than the common kin d. Be­ to offer Florida some much needed ma­ cause of the need for an actual experi­ terial for highway planting in low ence rating for the trees, the author has areas. Many of our roadside di tches under cultivation in his garden in Stu­ are often call ed upon to carry heavy art, F lorida, the fo llowing species of overfl ows, and fl ooding is detrimental Caliiste1110n which represent practically to most trees. But the bottlebrushes every known member of this interest­ are specially suited to low, damp, badly ing fam ily: drained situati ons, some of them are Calliste1110n ph-oenic-ius, F iery Bottle­ fai rly hardy, and they grow fast. Cer­ brush. T his is a six-foot shrub from tainly these ornamentals from down un­ western A ustralia, with narrow, thick, der are worthy of extensive trial to veinless leaves and blossoms much like determine which of them thrive under those of C. citrillus except that the our growing conditions. growth is stiffer and exceedingly dense, T wo or three species of Ca,zlistemon the stamen br ushes are bigger and a have been grown by central and north richer red, and the plant is a shrub Florida nurserymen for years, but the rather than a tree. Lord2 says: "This genus has been much neglected in the is probably the best and most brilliant­ southern half of the state, and no ly-flowered of all Australia's bottle­ planned effort has been made to ~e t brushes. It does particularly well in acquainted with other available specles, 2Ernest E. Lord , Shruhs (md T rees f or Australian Gar­ IT he Flowering T ree Man, Stuart, Flor ida. dens.

Callistemon brachyanr1f,S 138 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

low, moist areas and reli shes a clay Dripstone, New South \,vales, writes: soil. The narrowly-Ianceolate leaves "An interesting thing I noticed about are two to fo ur inches long. The seed C. pinifoliu s along Duck Creek, Au­ pod buttons are often a half inch across. burn, was that both the brilliant crim­ C. salignus, P ink Tip. W illow Bot­ son and bottle-green forms grew there tlebrush and W hite Bottlebrush are side by side. There was also a number other accepted common names. It is a of in-between colors. The progeny of creamy-whi te-fl owered tree from east­ the bottle-green plant, however, could ern Australia, with a paper bark, says not be depended on to give a hundred de Beuzevill e: Australian T ,'ees for per cent green fl owers. At least thirty Australian Planting, and a very dense, per cent were red and a smaller num­ shapely crown of small rather prickly­ ber pale reds or yellowish. " poi nted, dark green leaves ; "the young C. speciosus, Showy Bottlebrush. Al­ leaves and shoots form a foo t-long bany Bottlebrush is also an accepted termi nal of beautiful pink tin t, giving common name. I vo H ammet con­ the plant a most ornamental appear­ siders this \Vest A ustrali an species the ance, and from which its popular name fi nest of all the bottlebrushes, with C. is deri ved." The tree fl owers in A us­ phoenicius a runner-up. Certainly in tralia in late Spring (October-N ovem­ F lori da it has proved itself the most ber ), making a fi ne di splay of bloom, spectacular in bloom. It makes a hand­ and the pink ti ps linger for some time some, bushy tree to twenty feet. The after the fl owers disappear. The creamy deep-red fl ower spikes to six inches or pale ye llow stamens (rarely light long are tipped with gold, and, although pink ) are usuall y under a half inch in spring is the accepted blooming time, length. T he tree prefers a moist situa­ it repeats frequently through the year. tion, thriving in badly drained areas ; T he narrow, two to fo ur-inch lance­ it grows fast, gives good shade, stands shaped leaves have a prominent midrib. some salt, likes clay soil s, an d is mod­ Ernest E . Lord, in Shrubs and T rees erately frost resistant. It does well on fO?' Au stmlian Ga1'de I'IS, recommends dry land, if watered. P ink Tip is a that thi s tree be freely used in gardens good tree fo r highway planting under and in highway planti ng. I n this con­ telephone wires, as it rarely exceeds necti on M r. L ord sent a photograph 15 feet, though occasionally it may go with this comment: "The photo of the to forty feet. T he timber is one of the bottlebrush (Callist e11lon sp.) is taken hardest of all Australian woods. from a few fee t away but shows both C. pinifolius viridis, Green-F lower­ fl owers and leaves perfectly. T he plant ing Bottlebrush. This amazing New is in the shrubby stage at time of pho­ South Wales tree looks li ke a pine tographing, with fl owers right to the (Pinus sp.) because it has rigid two to ground. This is the general habit of four-inch needlelike leaves, and its most species of C alliste11'1,on with us for Kelly-green bottlebrush flowers, pro­ many years. E ventually some of them duced in spring when the plant is less do become treelike with a single trunk, than two feet hi gh, could scarcely be given a little pruning below. I call to called beautiful , but they are in striking mind a street in H ornsby, an outer sub­ contrast to the dark green foliage. I urb of Sydney, where I tried to snap a fi rst saw this rare tree in one of Peter record of magnificent bo,ttlebrushes, R iede1's parks in Santa Barbara, Cali­ perfect standards twelve feet high, fornia, growing on a clay hillside. It blood red with blossom, but li ght was al so li kes moist situations. George W. poor and I did not get a good picture. Althofer of the N in dethana N ursery, The Callistemon picture I am sending G eorge I. Fnrnhnm Calliste1110n saliguns you is C. C'f,tnn~iS (Syn. C. lanceo­ U. S. Department of Agriculture intro­ latus), indigenous to our eastern states, duced a tree labelled M elale'f,£ca gen1:sti­ but it could almost as well illustrate the folia which should have been labelled Western Australian C. specios'Us C alliste11~on speciosus. Peter Riedel of (slightly shorter leaves and with more Santa Barbara, California's leading au­ gold on anthers), or C. phoeJlicius thority on introduced plants, helped to (more shrubby, but brilliant in flo wer). clarify this mix-up: "Your specimen I t takes us all our time to distinguish is Calliste1110n specios'f,(s. It could not the species if we get a bit out of prac­ be M elaleuca because the stamens are hce." not united in fi ve bundles. I enclose a Some confusion of names resulted small sample of M. genistifolia of which several years ago in Florida when the the flow ers are white. The error is

139 140 THE A!'"fERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

G eorge 1. Fa,..,thmn Ca,lliste117on vimil1aiis

excusable because Ni.cholson's Diction­ and the other third creamy-white and ary of Ga1'dewing says M. genistifolia lilac-colored species. It would seem has red flowers and H. M. Hall groups that C. h01'tensis, misnamed C. mnoenus it with the red-flowered ones. I re­ by Berlin and Italian seed merchants, ceived the seed of the first M . genisti­ is also a result of hybridization." In folia grown here direct from Professor F lorida, this C. lila,cinu,s has not yet ] . H. Maiden, so there is but sli ght bloomed for me, but D. J. McSwiney chance that it is incorrect." in Fort Lauderdale has bloomed the C. violacea, Violet Bottlebrush. This hybrid C. hlaci17us ca.r1nina, an eight­ rare plant is described in the catalog foot shrub with carmine flo wer spikes of N indethana Nursery, Dripstone, and golden anthers. N. S. W. as "a tall, dense-growing C. lii'l earis, Narrow-Leaf Bottle­ shrub with violet flower spikes. It brush. Harris writes in Austra,lian reaches twelve feet." Plants for the Ga.1'den, that this red­ C. lila,ci17MS, Lilac Bottlebrush. E. flowering form from sandy soils along Cheel, curator of the National Herbar­ the warmer east coast of Australia ium, New South Wales, wrote: "c. makes a fairly dense hedg.e ten to fif­ hortensis was raised from seed obtained teen feet high, if planted at four-foot from Berlin under the name C. am oe- intervals. The tree has long, stiff leaves 1'liUS, a yellow-fl owering species, prob­ and deep red brushes to six inches long ably only a form of C. salignus. From in spring and summer. The four to C. h01'tensis I have obtained C. lilacinus five -inch narrow leaves are grooved on [Chee1 spells it Ii lacina. ] which was the upper surface. probably obtained as a result of hy­ C. cih'inus, Lemon Bottlebrush. bridism. The first batch of seedlings (Syn. C. lanceolatus, C. acuminatus) . raised from seed of C. hortensis was This commonest form of red-flowered planted out and at least three color bottlebrush tree has been planted fo rms were produced, two-thirds gar­ through central and north Florida for net-colord spikes like the parent plant, years, to the neglect of many improved JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 141 forms and better species. It makes a be traced. In moist climates like Eng­ ten-foot .bushy tree with faintly lemon­ land and the San Francisco bay region scented leaves. The flower heads are of California, this tree is more spec­ -crimson, compact and upright. In Aus­ tacular in flower than C. speciosus. The tralia, this plant is often used for fairly young leaves are pink and silvery. The dense hedges, planted at three to four­ big bottlebrush flowers are shiny ver­ foot intervals. The most desirable im­ milion, each stamen tipped with gold. proved form of this tree is known as The tree flowers with great freedom C. citrinus splende17s, a plant of garden and makes a magnificent show. It is origin raised many years ago at Kew probably hardier than most of the bot­ from seed received as C. laevis from tIe brushes, and does not mind the an Australian source that can no longer cold of Feltham, Middlesex, England.

Callistemon rngU/OSllS G eorge J. Farnham 142 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

C. palud OSUS, Swamp Bottlebrush. This useful tree from the swampy lands of New South \7V ales grows from fif­ teen to 30 feet high. It has narrow, sharp-pointed leaves and bears pale­ yellow bottlebrush flow ers in late spring or summer. It is a handsome plant for the bog garden. C. Vi111 ina lis, Weeping Red Bottle­ brush. Much planted in both California and Florida, this makes a tree often to sixty feet, though normally much small­ er and easil y kept in bounds. It has a scaly bark, willowy branches, and four­ inch light green leaves that are covered when young with bronzed hairs. These are fo und at the tips of all branches in

PtUco Roberts C allistemon spec iOSlLs

dense, crimson bottlebrush flowers. It is much planted in sandy locations near the coast, and endures hard, dry con­ ditions. C. rugMloslls, Crimson Bottlebrush. Pasco Roberts (Syn. C. coccineus.) This shrub of Callistel17ol! l'igidlLS ten to fi fteen feet from New South Wales is particularly happy in fresh spring and often are as ornamental as water swamps, or in constantly wet the long, red flower spikes that appear sandy soil on the coast. It has rigid, soon after the new foliage. In New rather narrow two-inch leaves, and South Wales, this tree, which grows bears large scarlet flower spikes in late naturally on river banks, is often alter­ summer or autumn. The spikes are nated in hedges with the yellow-flow­ short, but are described by Harris as ered C. salignus to provide a highly "very handsome." ornamental effect, as the trees bloom simultaneously. OTHER SPECIES. Besides the dozen C. rigidus, Stiff Bottle:brush. Though kinds of bottlebrush trees here de­ native to the rocky sandstone ledges scribed, the author has one Calliste11'l.On near Sydney, New South Wales, this tree with pink bottle brush flowers, and species is fast disappearing there. It is another on which the spikes are wine a fifteen-foot shrub wi·th foliage to the red. The identity of these has not yet ground, very stiff and slow-growinCT . 0' been determined, but they doubtless wIth narrow, crowded, five-inch leaves, are hybrids or variations of some of the and bearing twice a year six-inch, trees described. (April 1955 ) Plantainlilies

FREDERIC P. LEE

Plantainlilies or hostas are controver­ As has already been vaguely hinted, sial plants. Yau like them or you despise the foliage of large hostas creates a strik­ them - 110 tolerant, dispassionate views ing impression. Fancy-leaf caladiums are heard. They are not gaudy in fl ower ('annas, elephant ears, and pelargoniums like a dahlia or marigold. Neither are are likewise familiar plants with striking hostas shy and u:10btrusive. Thei r habit foliage in size, design, or color, but they and leaves are fl aunty. Leaf size and de­ are all tender tropical or subtropical sign and cool color variations in shades plants. The hostas are temperate - zone of green, and green and white, make plants that are hardy and permanent even hostas conspicuous, even a bit ostenta­ in our most northern states. There is no ti ous. You cannot ignore a large-leaf winter killing. hosta whether in or out of fl ower. Hostas are excellent for accents, for One gardener on viewing the Siebold I a r g e or small edgings and boundary Plantainlily ( H osta glauca) w ill have lines, or for facing down 'S hrubs. Their painfully obtuse thoughts of an immense effect is heavy, not airy. Despite the cabbage before it has headed up; another ponderous and unusual appearance of the that the plant is interestingly un i que, large hostas, their dense masses of foliage nothing quite like it in either nature or fit into naturalisti c gardens even better art. Such unimaginative horti·culturists than in to formal gardens. Hostas can be would, however, be left dazed by herba­ used in woodlands and in shrub borders. ceous perennials like the moisture-loving While the exceptional character of their Gunneras (Gunnera m:anicata and G. leaves makes hostas primarily foliage ch1:Zensis) , natives of Chile and Brazil, rather than flo wering plants, nevertheless, with hugh rhubarb-like leaves four to six their fl owers are gooel. Those of the Fra­ feet across 0:1 stalks up to six and eight grant Plantain lily ( H. plantag·inea) are feet. Many hostas have unusuall y large excellent. Hostas are one of the very few leaf blades, two of them over a square hardy herbaceous perennials having con­ foot in area, but hostas are far from one spicuous blooms in summer shade. of the giant leaf Iterbaceous perennials Hostas are long-lived perennials. Edg­ of the plant world. Thus that majestic lily, ings of the Wavyleaf Plantainlily (H. u.n­ Cardiocrinu.m giganteu11~, is a temperate du.la.ta) planted in great-grandmother's zone plant like the hostas, but its leaves day still endure. Undisturbed hosta plants ar€ fifteen by eighteen inches. larger than a quarter century old are common. Be­ those of the brgest hosta. On the other ing an herbaceous perennial. the soft, suc­ hand, most hostas are far from pygmies. culent stems and leaves die down while The Siebold Plantainlily and the Giant the crown and roots remain alive and pro­ Plantainlily (H. fo rtu.ll ei var. gigantea) duce new stems and leaves in the spring. would prcl\'ide a garland suitable in past millenniums for adorning the brow of a In the \.Vashingtol1, D.C., area hostas are mastodon. effective plants fro111 early May to Octo­ ber; the leaves appear in late spring and Chamcteristics and Uses die with the first heavy frost. Hostas have several charaderistics that Hostas do better in the shade than in are both uncommon and valuable for the the sun. They are one of the few shade home gardener. loving, rather than merely sh'lde tolerat 143 144 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

1l1g garden perennials. They will stand in 1780 as Aletris japollica, in 1784 as not only high shade of deciduous trees H emerocallis japonica, and in 1794 as but also somewhat denser types of shade, H emerocallis lancifolia. Aletris is the such as those to which many ferns and name now used for stargrass and hemer­ lilies-of-the-valley are adapted. Hostas ocallis for the daylilies. The plantainlilies light up dark places. thus started out their nomenclatural ca­ The perennial roots are thick, some­ reer as stargrasses and daylilies. what tuberous, and durable like heavy In 1812 the name Hosta was proposed cord. They form a dense clump. The by L. Trattinick while in the same year Fragrant and the Blue Plantainlilies (H. R. A. Salisbury placed two of the species, plantaginea and H. vellh'icosa) are ex­ H. plantaginea and H. ventricosa, into ceptions. Their roots are rhizomes, a two new genera, Niobe and Bryocles, re­ shallow, knobby. branching rootstock, spectively. Then in 1817 Sprengel gave from which the leaf stalks rise and the the name Funkia (syns. Funckia and roots grow down. See Plate 3. The roots Funkea) to the plants and it prevailed of hostas do not require regular division for many years. Until rather recently the for maintenance but propagate readily by plantainlilies have usually been found in div·ision in the fall or early spring before the nursery catalogs under the name the leaves unfurl. Funkia. Today, H osta (hos-tah or hoh­ A hosta may take two or three years stah) has become the accepted name for to become well established but after that the genus. Nicolaus Thomas Host (1761- it increases rapidly. In five to ten years 1834), from whom the name is derived, some of the larger hostas will make a was a botanist and physician to an Aus­ clump. of leaves four to six feet wide. trian emperor. If given room hostas will gradually in­ crease the size of their clumps for many The SPecies Names years. When it comes to breaking dovvn the The Generic Name genus H osta into species the difficulties increase. Hostas as known today in the Confusion galore has prevailed among VIr estern VIr orId are composed of plants botanists as to the proper generic name found in the wild, mainly in Japan; plants for the plantainlilies. introduced into Europe from gardens in The plantainlilies bel 0 n g to the lily China and Japan over a century ago but family (LILIACEAE). Among the 200 or not known in the wild; and plants, mu­ so genera in that family the genus most tants or hybrids, developed in Europe closely related to the plantainlilies is from these introductions but not known Heme?'ocallis (the daylilies). Incidentally, in the Orient in either gardens or the the plantaiillilies are not kin of the Com­ wild; also one recent American hybrid. mon Plantain (Pla11tago major) that has The Fragrant Plantainlily (H. planta­ distinguished itself as a lawn and garden ginea) was introduced into France from weed. The Common Plantain belongs to Chinese gardens the latter part oJ the a wholly different g ro u p, the plantain eighteenth century, and the Blue Plan­ family (PLANTAGINACEAE). tainlily (H. v entricosa) into England a Engelbert Kaempfer, a German physi­ little later in the same century. From cian, on a trip to Japan ahout 1690 saw 1830 on llumerous hostas were brought the plants we now call H. laucifolia and into Holland from Japanese gardens by H. glauca. Karl Peter Thunberg made Siebold's nursery at Leiden. The plants a trip to Japan in the 1770's followino· in this country have come mainly from his appointment as surgeon on a ship of these European introductions. Doubtless the Dutch East India Company. He de­ many species or garden forms in Japan scribed the plant we now know as H. still remain to be introduced-a sugges­ lancifolia, the Narrow-Leaved Plantain­ tion for the Plant Introduction Section of lily, under three different names,-first our Department of Agriculture. JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 145 The ob 'cure on gl11 of most of these ers rest on short pedicels. The pedicel is \'arious plantainlilies makes them a bota­ usually surrounded by a prominent leaf­ nist's nightmare. Taxonomic botanists dif­ like bract and occasionall y, as in the Fra­ fer widely in their views as to the plants grant Plantai nlily, with a small second that fall within a parti.cular species of hract inside. The flowering portion of the Hosla. Few genera are so baffling. Not scc.tpe co nstitutes a raceme. These bracts only are man)' of the alleged species gar­ around the Rower pedicels ( not those on den forlllS but some are probably hy­ the scapes) wither rapidly and also oc­ brids. Charles Hen'ey Grey of England. casionall y in their ea rly stages will have in hi s H a1'dy B /fIbs, in 1938, li sts around the same co lor as the Rower. thirty species. This is indicative of the The flowers of hostas range irom four large amount of material remaining to be to six inches long for the Fragrant Plan­ introduced from Japan for Grey based tainlily to the more usual one and a half his list on the works of the Japanese bota­ to two inches in length for most other nists Takenoshi Nakai, Gen'ichu Koid­ species. There is no clear distinction be­ zUllli. and FUlllis Maekawa. In 1940 Mae­ tween the three sepals (calyx) and the kawa li sted thirty-nine species based al­ three petals (corolla) and consequently most wholly on Japanese native and cul­ these in combination constitute a perianth tivated plants, and in 1953 Jisaburo Oh­ of six similar-appearing lobes. The lobes wi, another Japanese botanist, considered are joi ned or fused part way up from the that the nati ve Japanese plantainlilies con­ base into a tube and then separate and sisted of thirty-five species. fl are into six limbs. The fl owers are usu­ Liberty Hyde Bailey, in Gentes H er­ ally funnel shaped and bell-like, but the bariu1Il, 1930, li sted seven and made brief Fragrant Plantainlily has long tubular mention of five more "not known to be flowers while the Blue Plantain lily and in cultivation in North A merica,"'and W. the Blunt Plantainlily have urn - (cup) T . Stearn, of England, in The Ga1'deners' shape fl owers. See Plate 1. Chronicle. 1931, starting with Bailey's The perianth is clark or pale violet or a cc 0 un t, winds up with seven species. white, although some, as the Blu~ Plan­ Edgar T. Wherry, of the University of tainlily (H. ~'elltricosa) and the Blunt Pennsylvania, li sts ten in his key in The Plantainlily (H. decorata) , may be white National HorticlIlt1l1'al Magazine, 1946. penciled (streaked or striped) \\'ith vio­ Recently, Nils Hylander, of Sweden, in let on the inside. Acti H orti Be1'giani, published in 1954, The ovary of the flower with its three recognized thirteen species mainly on the cells, surmounted by its single style ter­ basis of plants in gardens in Sweden, a minating in the stigma, rests in the cen­ country holding hostas in high esteem. ter at the base of the perianth. Ovary, The Flowers style, and stigma constitute the pistil. The flowers of hostas are distributed Each of the six stamens is composed of on scapes, that is, leafless flower stalks. a filament topped by a pollen-bearing an­ The flower scapes arise from the crown ther. The anthers are attached crosswise formed by the leaf stalks as they emerge 011 the apex of the filaments and are cap­ from the roots, and extend above the able of turning. See Plate 2. The stamens mound of leaves. While the scapes do arise under the ovary or are attached to not have true leaves branching fr0111 them, sides of the flower tube. The single pistil they may have scales or brads. These are is longer than the stamens and both are reduced, vestigial, leaf -like structures. longer than the lobes of the perianth. Along the top portion of the scape are Usually both pistil and stamens are re­ the flowers, usually well spaced but oc­ fl exed so that the stigma and anthers casionally, as in the Siebold Plantain lily face down and do not protrude beyond (H. glauca) and the Fragrant Plantain­ the perianth, at least until stigma and lily (H. pla.11taginea) , tending to be anthers straighten out somewhat as the bunched into a terminal cluster. The flow- flower wilts and closes. 146 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

The species differ as to the number August: of fl owers in a raceme. The maximum H. decorata number for some of the species and varie­ H . mznor ties is approximately as follows: H. plantaginea H. decorata 28 H. 'Honeybells' H. fortun ei var. g,igantea, 40 H . fortul/ei var. 111arginato-alba 36 Late August and early September: H. glauca 24 H. lancifolia H. 'Honeybells' 60 H. lancifolia var. albo-11largil1Qta H. lanC'ifolia 15 September and early October: H. lancifolia var. tardiftora 24 H , lancifolia var. tardi flora H . 'I'JI~inor 8 H. plantaginea 26 The flowers of the Fragrant Plantain­ H. undru,[ata var. univittata 20 lily are strongly and pleasal'ltly scented. H. undulata var. errO'JlNena 30 So is its hybrid, H. 'Honeybells.' The scent is even more noticeable at night. H. ventricosa 28 Flowers of the other species are without The flowers open successively starting fragrance or only slightly fragrant. from the bottom of the raceme. One or several of the flowers in a raceme, but not The Leaves all, may be open at a time. On some days Hosta leaf blades range m size from none may be open. Flowers of most spe­ a maximum of twelve by eight inches cies open in the morning and close in the for the Fragrant Plantainlily (H. pIan­ evening. The Fragrant Plantainlily (H. taginea) , fourteen by ten inches for the plantaginea) opens, however, early in the Giant Plantainlily (H. fortunei var. gi­ evening and remains ope,] until early the gantea), and fifteen by twelve inches for evening of the next day. 'Honeybells,' a Siebold Plantainlily (H. glauca) , to seven hybrid, H. plantaginea X H. lancifolia, by three inches for Narrow-leaved Plan­ takes an intermediate position. Its flow­ tainlily (H. lancifolia) and five inches ers open in the morning and remain open by an inch and a half for the Dwarf Plan­ until the following morning. Hot, dry tainlily (H. minor) . The leaf blades are weather may expedite dosing. more or less heart-shape at the base. Hostas may be found in bloom from Some are broadly heart-shape, others nar­ late June through September and into row and lanceolate. Most have pointed October. Blooming periods in the 'Wash­ tips. Leaves have conspicuous curving ington, D.C., area are: nerves or side ribs running from either side of the midrib. See Plate 4. Late June or early July: The leaves of hostas vary in color from H. fortunei var. gigal1tea bright greens and dull greens, to bluish H. fortunei var. marginato-alba greens. Some have a gray, waxy cover­ ing (bloom) on the top or bottom side, H. glauca (about the earliest) or, both, of the leaf blade. Such leaves H. undulata are glaucous like the skin of some plums H. undulata var. univittata from which the glaucescence or bloom H. undulata var. erromena can be rubbed off. The Siebold Plantain­ H. ve1~t1'i cosa lily is the conspicuous example of a bosta with glaucescent leaf blades. July: Some hostas, as the Wavyleaf Plan­ tainlily (H. undulata) , and its variety H. fortunei var. viridis-111arginata univittata, have white, irregular stripes H. lancifolia var. fortis down the middle of the leaf blade and JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 147 down the greater part of the petiole. Oth­ Watering -in dry spells helps a lot. Hos­ er hostas have white edging to the leaf tas 'prefer soils at least sli ghtly acid. They blade. Thus H. fortb~l1ei var. 111,arg'inato­ do well under the same growing condi­ alba has an irregular white margin. The tions as azaleas. Their climatic range, Whiterim Plantainlil y (H. lanci folia var. however, includes the coldest areas in the albo-m.G1'ginata) and the Blunt Plantain­ country if at least moderate rainfall is lily (H. decora.ta) each have a narrow, available. Whether it includes the Lower white band around the margin of the leaf South is not known; at least hostas are blade, extending down the edges of the not grown much there, perhaps because petiole. See Plate 5. The Greenrim Plan­ sub-tropical foliage plants are available. tainlily (H. fortunei var. viridis-1I1G1'­ Hostas are permanent, durable, and with­ ginata) has yellowish green leaf blades stand neglect. They may be propagated with deep green edges becollli ng \\'holly by division, preferably in the fall or ear­ deep green in summer. ly spring. Their roots are tough and you The petioles connecting the leaf blades will need a sharp spade. maybe an axe with the crown are deeply grooved (can­ for some. aliculate) a nd usually longer than the If kept out of full sunlight and gi ven blades. adequate moisture, hostas are little sub­ The Siebold Plantainlily (H. glauca). ject to dis€ases or pests unless one calls the Giant Plantainlily (H. fortl, ~}1, ei var. a heavy hail storm a pest when the hail­ gigal7tea) , the Blue Plantainlily (H. vell­ stones lacerate and shred the leaves. For­ tricosa) , the Fragrant Plantainlily (H. tunately in 111 0St regions such storms are plantaginea) , the Greenri m Plantain iiI y rare. Occasionally snails or crown rot or (H. fortun ei var. viridis-1IIargillata) , H. one of the leaf spots may trouble hostas, fortullei var. robusta, and H. 'Honey­ but rarely seriously. Under some city bells' make clumps twenty-four to thirty conditions the larger leaf plants need to inches high. They are large plants and be washed off occasionally to get rid of give heavy mass effects. H . fort ~£11,ei var. soot. In spring and ea.r1y summer dur­ lIw1'giPlato-alba. the Narrow-leaved Plan­ ing the growing season for appearance tainlily (H. lancifolia) , the Bigjap Plan­ sake cut off damaged leaves ; others will tainlily (H. lal1cifolia var. fortis), the replace them or their absence will not be \i\Thiterim Plantainlily (H. lancifolia var. noted. albo-margillata) , H. undulata var. ul7i­ Exudate from tulip tree scales in over­ vittata, and the Midsummer Plantainlily hanging trees may fall on hosta leaves (H. Itlldulata var. erro lll ena) are medium below. This "honeydew" is a dear liquid size plants. They make clumps fifteen to but a sooty fungus will quickly grow in twenty inches high and two or three feet it discoloring the hosta leaves. The fun­ wide in the same period of time. The gus will wash off in rains, but slowly. The Dwarf Plantainlily (H. lHiIlO1') , the Au­ leaves may he badly damaged for the tumn Plantainlily (H. lancifolia var. tar­ season. difiora) , the Wavyleaf Plantainlily (H. undlllata) , and the Blunt Plantainlily (H. Desaiption of Species alld Varieties deco rata) are small with clumps ten or twel\'e inches high. There are described below various hos­ ta plants available from the trade in this Culturf country. The descriptions are of mature, Hostas are not fussy as to soil , whether living plants in the \Vashington, D. C .. light or heavy. A soil with humus is de­ area. not herbarium specimens. Size of sirable. A little fertilizer in early spring leaf, heights, and other figures in some is not amiss. The plants look much bet­ instances run larger than in the corre­ ter if grown in shade and if the soil is sponding botanical descriptions. s011lewhat moist. They will endure much The classification 'used is not intended dryness but it affects the appearance of for botanists, but gardeners. It is based the 1eayes. Edges and tips turn brown. mainly on using certain species or varietal 148 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE botanical names that have substantial ac­ flect the confusion among the botanical ceptance in this country. names. Different nurserymen give differ­ ent names to the same plant and the same The botanists have differences among name to different plants. We hope the themselves when it comes to naming hos­ following classification will be a useful tas. Such difficulties are to be expected working guide for the hosta gardeners in when species and varietal names are this country. Any botanist who pays the given to garden forms not known in the slightest attention to it, does so at his wild. Nurserymen's names for hostas re- peril.

There fo llows a finding list of the specIes and varieties of the plantainlilies here described and their synonyms:

Funkia alba, see H osta plantaginea H. fortllll ei var. rugosa, see H. fortunei F. caeruiea, see H. ventricosa H. fm·tunei var. stenantha, see H. for tun ei F. fortunei, see H. fortun ei F. glauca, see H. glauca H . fm"tHnei var. Vil"idis-1narginata F. grandif/ora, see H. piantaginea H. glauca F. lanceolata, see H. lanci/olia H. glauca var. allrea variegata F. ovata, see H. ventricosa H. 'Honeybells' F. sieboldiana, see H. glauca H. ja.ponica, see H. lanci/olia F. subcol"data, see H. plantaginea H. lancifolia F. 'Thomas Hogg,' see H. decorata H. lancifolia var. albo-marginata F. 1 mdltiata, see H. ttndulata H. lancifolia var. fortis F. variegata, see H. undulata H. lancifolia var. tardif/ora H osta albif/ora., see H osta minor H. minOI" H. H. albo-marginata, see lancifolia var. albo­ H. minor alba, see H. mmor marginata H . plantaginea H. albo-margina.ta var. alba, see H. minor H. plantaginea var. grandif/ora, see H. planta- H. albo-picta f. viridis, see H. fortunei var. ginea viridis-marginata H. sieboldiana, see H. glauca H . crispula, see H. fortunei var. marginata­ alba H. sieboldiana var. elegans, see H. glauca H. decorata H. sparsa, see H. lancifolia var. tardif/ora H. decorata var. marginata, see H. decorata H. tm"dif/ora, see Ii. lanciforia var. tardiflora

H. elata, see H. fortunei var. gigantea H. undldata H. erromena, see H. undulata. var. erromena H. undulata var. erromena H. undulata var. univittata H . fortltn ei H. ventricosa H . fortunei var. albo-marginata, see H. fo r­ tunei var. marginato-alba H. venusta H. fort1m ei var. hyacinthina, see H. fortunei Niobe caemiea, see H osta ventricosa N. fortunei, see H . fortunei H. fortunei var. gigantea N. japonica, see H. lancifolia H . fortunei var. marginato-alba N. plantaginea, see H. plantaginea H. fortunei var. obscura, see H. fortunei N. sieboldiana, see H. glauca H. fortunei var. robusta N. undulata, see H. llndlllata JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 149

l. H . plantaginea (syns. Funllia sb£b­ 2. H. vClltricosa (SY 11 S. Funkia coeru­ co·rdata, Funkia alba, Funkia gmndifio1'G, lea, Niobe cacmlea, FU11kia ovata (Blue H osta pla17taginea var. grandifiora, Niobe Plantain lily ) : pla17fag1'11ea) (Fragrant P lantainlily) :

Usually sold by nurserymen as H osta Usually so ld by nurserymen as H osta caerulea or Funkia coerulea. or Funkia subcordata grandifiora. Distinguished especially by its large, Distinguished especially by its long. glossy, dark green leaves and urn-shape, tubular, scented white flow ers opening in dark violet fl owers. the evening. The leaves are broad at the base, have The leaves are a b rig h t yellowish a twisted point, and are sometimes wavy. green and both sides are glossy. The leaf They are a glossy, deep green above and blades are twelve inches long and eight a glossy, grayer green beneath. The leaf inches wide with about nine nerves 011 blades are ten inches long and eight inches ei ther side of the midrib. The wide­ wide, with about ten nerves either side spreading foli age forms a mound twenty­ of the midrib. The leaf mound rises to four inches high. twenty-four inches. It fo rms large dense The flo wers are the finest among hos­ clumps. tas reminding one of the white trumpets The fl owers are deep violet (campan­ among some of the "true" lilies. They ula violet, HCC 37/ 2) lavender and white are a pure, waxy white, four to six inches striped and streaked (pencilled) especial­ long, two to three inches wide, and tubu­ ly inside. They are the darkest fl owers lar. There is supposed to be a variety, of any hosta, two and a quarter inches gra11difiora, which are the plants with long and one and a half inches wi de. The five to six inch long flowers. flowers are urn-shape, abruptly enlarging The slender tube of the fl ower is long­ midway. The species name is de r i v e d er than the limbs. The stamens have fro m its suddenly swollen (ventricose) white filaments and yellow anthers; the fl ower tube. The stamens have white fila­ style is white. The stamens are reflexed ments with purple anthers ; the pistil a and so do not extend as far as the top white style with yellow stigma. The flow­ of the perianth. The pistil is not reflexec1 er scape extends to forty inches in height and is about the same length as the per­ and usually has several leaf-like bracts. ianth. The flower scape is thirty inches The flow er raceme is well above the tall and usually has a single leaf -like mound of foliage and has up to twenty­ bract. The flo wers are horizontal and rest eight fl owers to the cluster. The fl owers on a pedicel surrounded by two leaf-like bloom in late June and early July. See brads, a small one inside a much larger Plates 4 and 6. one. The flower raceme is well above the leaf mound. The flowers are close to­ gether in the raceme making a crowded 3. H . glauca (syns. Funkia glauco, terminal cluster with about twenty-six Funkia sieboldiana, H osta sieboldiana, flowers to the cluster. Niobe sieboldiana) (Siebold or Short­ The flowers are very fragrant; some cluster Plantainlily): call it an orange-like scent. They open in the early evening and remain open throughout the night and following day Frequently sold by nurserymen under until early evening. H . phntaginea (ex­ the name H osla sieboldiana. cept for its hybrid, 'Honeybells') is the Distinguished especially by the large, only hosta with fragrant, night-blooming deep gray-green, 'glaucous leaves. Here flowers. The blooming period is through­ the "grayness" is "bloom" that will rub out August. See Plate 16. off readily. The low flow er scapes bring 150 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE the raceme of flowers little, if any, above H. fortunei is probably not a species the mound of leaves. but a group of hybrids and there is a The I e a v e s are most attractive. The tendency to dump any unclassified hosta leaf b I ad e s are broad, roundish, and into the group. The result is that plants wrinkled, and the lobes frequently over­ uuder the name of H. 10rt'lt11ei show a lap at the base. The leaf blades are fifteen good deal of variation. inches long and twelve inches wide. They The plant that has usually been sold are a deep gray green on top and a light­ as the typical "species" is that now called er gray green below. Both sides are glau­ H. ~£nd~£la.ta var. erromena or sometimes cous. The leaves have about seventeen treated as a separate species H. err0111e­ nerves on either side of the midrib. The ncr. It is described later. plant forms a loose leaf mound twenty­ There is, however, a number of "vari­ four inches high. Stephen F. Hamblin eties" of H. fortunei that are distinctive says the Siebold Plantainlily may be used and are des·cribed below. Two of these, as an accent "where a very large bang is H. fortunei var. gigantea, which is some­ required." times treated as a separate species, H. H. glaltca has fine foliage but poor elata, and the similar H. fortu.nei varJ,' ro­ flowers. The flowers are white faintly busta, are closely related to H. glauca flushed purple, bell-shape, two inches particularly the form of it sold under the long and an inch wide. The stamens have name H. sieboldiana. Two other varieties greenish white filaments with yellow and are variegated leaf forms, H. fortunei brown anthers; the pistil has a greenish val'. margil1ato-alba frequently treated as white style and stigma. The flower scapes a separate species, H. erispula, and H. are usually Cl!bout the same height as the fortunei val'. viridis-11wrginata frequent­ leaf mound and the leaves tend to hide ly treated as a separate species, H. albo­ the flowers. The flowers, however, droop pieta. and wither quickly, hang 011, and are un­ Nils Hylander places under H. for­ tidy, so it is well that they are partly hid­ tunei four varieties, stenantha, rugosa, den. The flowers bloom in late June and obse'M1'a, and hyaeinthina. They are not early July. The scapes have one or two known in this country, at least by those leaf-like bracts. The flowers are close to­ names. All seem closely related to H. gether on the racei11e and tend to crowd fortu11ei val'. aigantea (H. (data) and H. into a dense terminal cluster. The cluster glauea (H. sieboldiana). has' up to twenty_-four flowers. See Plate H. fortunei var. gigantea (syn. H osta 10. elata) (Giant Plantainlily) : It has large, The above is probably the plant des­ glossy leaves, deep green above and ignated ,by Nils Hylander as H osta sie­ grayer green underneath, fourteen inches boldi val'. elegal1s. Some plants sold un­ in length and ten iuches in width, with der the name H osta s·ieboldiana h a v e about fourteen nerves either side of mid­ leaves less square or broader at the base. rib. sometimes wavy margins. more pointed, and less glaucous than H. The flowers are two inches long and glauca. Also the flower scapes may rise one and a quarter inches wide. Their eight inches or so above the leaf mound. H. ao7::i may belong in this area. color is white faintly flushed purple. The stamens have white filaments and yellow There is a plant sold as H osta gla Ilea and green anthers; the pistil has a white ~ar. aurea va1'iegata with a wiele yellow- 1sh green margin to the leaf. style and stigma. Some flower scapes do not top the leaf mound; others extend eight inches or so above it. The flowers are in dense clusters of about forty and ~. H. fort%1~ei (syns. F t£nkia fortMnei, bloom in late June and early J uly. See Ntabe fOl'tune~) (Fortune or Tallcluster Plates 4, 7, and 13. Plantainlily) : This plant might well be regarded as JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 151 a hyLri d of H. glauca or at least of the inches tall and has two leaf-like bracts. form of it sold as H. sieboldiana. The The fl owers bloom ill early July. fl owers are as poor as those of H. glauca, The fl owers of H. fortunei var. viridis­ but the leaves are fine and the huge plant lIl argillata are much like those of H. un­ impressive. dulata. var. enomella. The fl owers of both H. fo?'tull ei var. robusta: This, while are slenderer and the segments of both large, is smaller than H. f. var. gigantea. fl are more widely than those of H. g la '~~ca The leaves are gray green, glaucescent and H . f01'tul1ei var. gigantea. underneath, not wavy, eight inches wide and ten inches long, with about eleven nerves ei ther side of the mi drib. The leaf mound is twenty-four inches hi gh. Thi<; might also be a hybrid of H. glauca. H. fortll ll ei var. margil1 ato-alba (syns. 5. H . lancifolia (syns. H osta japonica, H osta fortull ei var. a.lbo-1J'1.arginata, H os­ h£n.kia lanceolata, N iobe japo11ica) (Nar­ ta cTispula) ; This has dark green, wavy­ row leaved Plantainlily): margined leaves, glossy on the under­ side, and the leaf mound is twenty inches tall. The leaf blade is up to ten inches long and six inches wide with an Distinguished especially by its narrow leaves and late blooming period. irregular w hite m a r gi~l , broader than in H . decorata and in H. lancifolia var. albo­ Frequently sold by nurserymen as marginata. The fl ower scape is forty-two FU.11kia lanccolafa. inches tall. The leaves are narrow and long, and dark green and glossy on both sides. Their The fl owers are one and three-quarters length runs seven inches and their width inches long, and one inch wide. The color three inches, with about fi ve nerves on is white faintly flushed purple. The sta­ either side of the midrib. The leaf mound mens have white filaments with yell ow is dense and rises to twenty inches in and green anthers; the pistil a white style height. The plant spre3.ds readily. There and stigma. There are up to thirty-six is a form with longer and narrower leaves. flowers to a cluster. They bloom in late The fl owers are violet (violet, HCC June and early July. See Plate 11. 36/ 2) with some white streaks or lines. H . fortH/lei var. viTidis-ma-rginata (syn. They are one and a half inches long and H osta albo-picta f. viridis) (Greenrim one inch wide, and bell-shape. Plantainlily) : This is the only well known The slender tube is about one-third the hosta with leaves in two shades of green. length of the fl owers. The flower scape The leaf blades are a li ght yellow green is thirty inches tall and has two to four with a darker green margin, turning dark leaf-like bracts. The flower raceme ex­ green all over in early summer; under­ tends well above the leaf mound and the neath t hey are gray green and glaucescent. flowers are well spaced on the raceme. The leaf blades are twelve inches in length There are about fifteen flowers to the and seven inches in width, with about ten cluster. The stamens have white filaments nerves either side the midrib. The leaf with dark purplish anthers. The pistil is mound is dense and twenty-four inches a little longer than the stamens and is high. white. The flowers bloom in late August The flowers are two inches long, one and September. and a quarter inches wide, and bell shape; There are several varieties: white faintly flushed and penciled violet H . lancifolia var. fortis (Bigjap Plan­ (bishops violet, HCC 34/3). The fila­ tainlily): This variety has broader leaf ment is white and the anthers violet; the blades seven inches in length and five style and stigma are white. There are inches in width, a,nd pointed. They are about thirty-six flowers to the dense clus­ eark green, grayer, and glaucous under­ ter. The flower scape is up to thirty neath, with about nine nerves on either 152 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE side of the midrib. There is a very fine introduced this hybrid of H. plantaginea white line around the leaf margin. The and H. lancifolia in 1952. The leaves are variety blooms in late July, earlier than long, not broad at base, and are wavy and the type species. The leaf mound is dense glossy. They are a light green and eleven and twenty inches high. inches long and seven inches wide with The flower scape is twenty-six inches ahout ten nerves on either side of the mid­ tall and has four smaIl leaf-like bracts. rib. The leaf 1I10und rises to twenty-four There are about thirty-six flowers to the inches. dense cluster. The flowers are one and The flowers are white pencilled violet three-quarters inches long, three-quarters (bishops violet, HCC 34/ 3) . They are inch wide, and white flushed and penciled two inches long and an inch and a half violet (bishops violet, HCC 34/ 3). The wide. The filaments are white, the an­ stigma is white and the filaments are thers purple and yeIlow, and the style white with dark purple anthers. The and stigma white. The scapes extend far flowers bloom in mid-July. above the leaf mound and may reach H . lancifolia var. tardiflora (H. tardi­ fifty inches. They have two leaf-like flora) (Autumn Plantainlily) : It blooms bracts. There may be up to sixty flow­ in September and October and is much ers in a cluster. dwarfer than the type species. The leaf The ,flowers have a fragrance like H. blades are deep green and glossy. six plantaginea. They open throughout the inches long and two and a half inches morning and close the foIlowing morning. wide. There are about seven nerves on H. 'Honeybells'blooms the latter half of either side of the midrib. The leaves August. See Plate 9. form a low, loose clump twelve inches high. The flowers are flushed pale violet 7. H. minor ( syns, H os fa mino r alba, (cobalt violet, HCC 634/3), and are one H osta albo-marginata val'. alba, H osta and a half inches l on~ and wide. The albifiora) (Dwarf Plantainlily) : anthers are yeIlow. The flower scape is about eighteen inches taIl, has two leaf­ like bracts, and the flowers are crowded Distinguished especiaIly by its small on the terminal of the raceme. There are size, solid green leaves, and white flowers. around twenty-four flowers to the cluster. Nurseries distribute an excellent dwarf Variety tardiflora is treated as a sepa­ hosta with white flowers, The leaves look rate species by W. T. Stearn. H. spars(! like a small H . lan.cifolia. Usually it is may be a clone of H . 1ancifolia var. tardi­ sold under the r.ame of H . minor or H. flora . 1ninor alba. The plant is not described H. lancifolia var. albo-marginata (syn. in most botanical listings, at least under H. albo-marginata) (Whiterim Plantain­ this name. It is not the H. minor of lily): This has light green leaves with Takenoshi Nakai. Edg-ar T. Wherry as­ narrow white margins and white edging signed the plant the horticultural epithet. to petioles. Leaf blades run five by three "albifIora." Nils Hylander recently desig­ inches with about five nerves on either nated it as a form of the plant here called side of the midrib. The leaf mound is H. lancifolia val'. albo-marginata. dense and fifteen inches high. The plant The leaves of H. minor are narrow. is sometimes treated as a separate species, They are a dark green and glossy on both H. albo-margil1ata. The flowers are simi­ sides. In size the leaves run up to five lar to those of H. lal1cifolia. inches long, and an inch and a half wide. with about three nerves on either side of the midrib. The smaIl, dense leaf mound 6. H . 'Honeybells': is about ten inches high. Bristol Nurseries, Bristol, Connecticut. The flowers are white and one inch JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 153 wide. The stamens have white filaments The leaf mound is dense and twenty and yellow anthers and the pistil is white. inches high. Occasional leaves may be The flower scape extends twenty-six all green mutants. inches in height, well above the leaf The flower scape is about forty inches mound. It has two leaf-like bracts. There tall with three leaf-like bracts also striped are up to twelve flowers to a cluster. H. white. There are about twenty flowers lII,inor has been called "a large flowered to the cluster, well spaced in the raceme. Lily-of-the-Valley blooming in August." The flowers are two inches long, one and See Plate 16. a half inches wide, and bell shape; white H. venusta is a similar dwarf form but flushed and penciled violet (bishops violet, with violet flowers. Bee 34/ 3). The filament is white and the anther violet; the style and stigma are white. The flowers bloom in early July. S ee Plate 14. 8. H. undulata (syns. Funkia und~tlata J Niobe 1l11dulata) (Wavyleaf Plantainlily) : H. undula.ta var. erromeJla (H. er1'O- 11·tena) (Midsul11mer Plantainlily): This variety appears to be a solid green leaf form of H. undulata var. univittata. Some Distinguished especially by its white botanists treat it, however, as a separate and green wavy leaves and small size. species, H. er1'omena. Frequently sold by nurserymen as Funkia variegata. The leaves are eight inches long and five inches wide, with a:bout ten nerves on The leaves have broad white centers either side of the midri·b, and are dark and margins in two shades of green, the green and glossy on the underside. The darker green on the outside. The white leaf mound is twenty-four inches high. extends down through the petiole which The leaves are somewhat wavy but not so has a narrow green edging. The leaves much as H. undulata var. 1mivittata. are five and a half inches long and two and a half inches wide and are wavy, The flowers are white flushed and pen­ twisted at the tip, and with about seven ciled violet (bishops violet, Bee 34/3), nerves either side of the midrib. The leaf tVl'O and a quarter inches long and bell­ shape; the stamens have white filaments mound is ten inches high. and deep purple anthers; the pistil has a The flowers are two inches long and white style and pale yellow sti'2;ma. The light purple in color, and bell-shape. The flower scape rises to forty-eight inches flower scape is about twenty-four inches and has two to five leaf-like brads. The tall, extends well above the leaf mound, flowers are horizontal to the flower scape. and has four large leaf-like bracts. The The flower raceme extends well above the flowers bloom in July. See Plates 5 and 15. leaf mound and has about thirty flowers to the cluster. The .flowers are well scat­ This is a common plant widely grown tered in the raceme. They bloom in early for edgings. July. "Midsummer" is hardly an appro­ H. undulata var. univittata: This is a priate common name. larger plant with a much narrower white There is in the trade a plant similar to center. H. undulata var. eJ'1'omena save that the The leaves are glossy, pointed, and flowers are a little smaller (one and three­ wavy. They are eight inches long and quarters inch long and one and a quarter six inches wide, and are dark green, with inch wide) and are the same violet color some lighter green toward the center, and all over, not merely white flushed and more narrowly striped or splashed white penciled. The throat, however, has white down the center. The white may extend stripes extending to the point where the down through the center of the petiole the segments separate.. The flower scape is greater part of the way. There are a:bout shorter, thirty-six inches or less, with nine nerves on either side of the midrib. about thirty-six flowers to the cluster. 154 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE 9. H. deco,rata (syns. Funkia 'Thomas HCC 34/ 2), two inches long and one and Hogg,' H osta decorata var. marginata) a half inches wide. They are urn-shape (Blunt Plantainlily) : like the flowers of H. ventricosa and hav( - a very narrow tube. The stamens have Distinguished especially by its narrow white filaments and cream anthers. The leaves which together with the petiole are pistil is white. The flowers are held hori­ white margined; also blunt leaves. zontal on the flower scape. The scape is Frequently sold by nurserymen under a:bout twenty-four inches tall and has four the name H osta or Funkia 'Thomas Hogg.' leaf -like bracts. The flower raceme is The name is taken from that of the nur­ well above the leaf mound and has up to seryman who brought the plant from twenty-eight flowers to the cluster. The Japan to this country, about 1884. flowers bloom throughout August. See The leaves are broad at the base, blunt, Plates 5, 12, and 16. and somewhat wavy at the margins. They Note: Nurseries offering by catalog a wide are seven inches long -and four inches range of hosta species and varieties are few. wide, with six nerves on either side of the Those known to have a good ran""e of varieties midrib. The leaves are a dark green, are listed below. Omission of an; such nursery merely indicates lack of information on the grayer on the underside, with narrow part of the writer: white margins extending down the edges Fairmount Gardens (Mrs. Thomas Nesmith) 166 Fairmount Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.' of the petiole. The plant is compact and Mackwoods Gardens, Lotus Woods SprillQ' small with a low, dense mound of leaves Grove, Illinois. , ~ twelve inches high. Carl Starker, Jennings Lodge, Oregon. H . A. Zager, 4215 Urbandale Avenue Des The flowers are violet (bishops violet, Moines 10, Iowa. '

Plate I. Forms of Hosta flowers a: Rosta plantaginea long tubular shape b: Rosta ventricosa urn or cup shape c: Rosta fortunei var. gigantea funnel or bell shape JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 155

Plale 2. Stamens and pistil in Hostas Hosta plantaginea (Fragrant Plantainlil y), above Hosta fortunei var. gigantea (G iant Plantainlily), below

Plate:1. Rootstock of R osta ventricosa (Blue Plantain lil y) 156

Pla te 4. Hosta leaves Hosta fortunei var. gigantea (G iant Plantainlily). left H osta ventricosa (BIlle Pantainlily). right

Plate 5. Variegated Hosta leaves Hosta decO/'ata (Blllnt Plantainlily). left Hosta undulata (Wavyleaf Plantainlily). right J ULY 1967 157 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3

Pla te 6. H as ta ventricasa (Blue Plan tainlily) 158 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Plate 7. Hosta fortunei var. gignlltea (Giant Plantainlily)

Engravings for Plates 1 through 7 arc loaned through the courtesy of the Bailey Hortorium, Ithaca, New York. Photographs from which Plates 8 through 15 were made were taken by Marian A. Lee,

Plate 7. H osta /orlunei \'ar. gignlltea (Giant Planlainlily) 159

Plate 8. Pale chartreuse shoots of Rasia /ortl.l11 ei var. gigrrlltNI (G iant Plantainlih-) emerging in spring

Plate 9. H osta 'HonC) bells' a h ybrid of H. lanciJolia X H . jlirrll/(I!!,inea 160

Pl a te 10. H osla g la uco (Si ebold Planta inlily)

Pl a te I I. Leaves of F-i osla furl tlllei va l'. lIlargill a lo-alba 161

Plate 12. Leaves of Hasla decorala (Blunt Plantainlily)

Plate 13. Leaves of H asla furttlnei var. giganlea (Giant I'la nlainlily) growing among Azaleas, Daffodils, and Lilies 162

Plate 14. Hosla 1I1ldlliala var. lInillittala

Plate 1:;. Hosla lIndt/lal.a (\Vavyleaf Plantainlily) JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 163

Plale 16. H os /a p/al1tagil1ea (Fragrant Pla nlainlily)

Hosta deca ro/a Hosla lIIil10r (Blunt P la nta inlily) (Dwarf Planlainlily)

(October 1957) The Glossy Abelia ERIK HANS KRAUSE

The large and extremely versatile Honey­ Though the parents are restricted to mild­ suckle family (CAPRIFOLIACEAE), with four­ er zones, the A. gmndijlora does quite well teen genera and around four hundred spe­ in Zone V where it will flower until definite­ cies, has contributed many popular and use­ ly discouraged. This hybrid, like the parents, ful shrubs to horticulture. A listing of only is a small plant, though the spreading three of the genera, Viburnum, Vveigela, branches reach out in graceful arches. The Lonicera, would make an impressi ve catalog. ovate leaves, lustrous dark green as the Yet some of the most attradive members evergreen parent A. unifiora, are beautiful of this family are seen and enjoyed in rela­ just in themselves. Near the end of June, ti vely few gardens: the Abe1ias. Of course or later in cooler climates, the axillary and it is true that with few exceptions the terminal cymes begin to form; even before Abelias are not hardy in the more northern the flowers open. The very strange purplish sedions, and all of them have a delicate sepals form a pattern unlike any other plant. structure which calls for a special setting. From the center of these irregular forma­ In keeping with the spirit of simplicity of tions arise, week after week, the slender this series, the species most suitable for aver­ buds, to open into delicate mauve-pink, fra­ age conditions will be selected: the Glossy grant flowers. Abelia. (Named after Dr. Clarke Abel, It would seem that this long succession of physician and author on China, 1780-1826.) fragrant blossoms, when most other plants As the botanical name indicates, it is a hy­ show the wear and tear of the past seasons, brid between two ("h in ese Abelias, which is reason enough to reserve a special place originated before 1880. for the Glossy Abelia. (January 1956) 164 The Best of the Dogwoods

DONALD "VYMAN

Speak of dogwoods, and most garden­ come badly mixed in the American nurs­ ers immediately think of two or three eries. We have been disappointed many species which are popular small trees, times in ordering plants from American but there are many more species and sources under this name, only to find varieties in this interesting and ornamen­ when the planls arrive that they were tal clan. In fact, American nurserymen not true Siberian Dogwood, but rather today are offering approximately forty­ C. alba, the European C. sanguinea~ or five species and varieties, while over one of the native Americans with red or sixty-five are growing in the Arnold Ar­ reddish twigs (C. stolonifem, C. amo­ boretum at Jamaica Plain, Massachu­ mum, or C. baile)'i). setts. Not all are outstanding ornamen­ The Arnold Arboretum obtained tals, but those that are, or with further plants purporting to be that of Siberian trial may prO\'e themselves to be, certain­ Dogwood from nearly thirty-six sources ly are worth careful consideration by the in this country and abroad, noted the in teres ted gardener. considerable mix-up, found the true va­ Visitors who may have made a May riety and re-introduced it to American pilgrimage to Valley Forge, Pennsylva­ sources. The true Siberian Dogwood is nia, when the Flowering Dogwood (Cor­ hard to distinguish from the species on nus {lorida) is at its height of bloom, purely botanical characteristics but is feel that this one species is the most im­ recognized by the fact that the twig color portant. There special efforts have gone is a more brilliant red, making it more into making an extensive planting of worth-while as an ornamental for winter these beautiful trees as a living memo­ display. rial to the Revolutionary soldiers who Even native American species are fre­ wintered there almost two centuries ago. quently mis-identified. Such is the case On the other hand, people who live sometimes with C. stolonifem and C. in the Pacific Northwest are familiar amomum. Both have reddish twigs, but with the beautiful Pacific Dogwood (C. C. stolonifem is usually the more desir­ nuttallii) which does do so well along able of the two for ornamental planting the West Coast but does not grow well because of its stoloniferous habit of in the East. growth, lower size and greater hardiness. People who have made a hobby of ar­ One nurseryman was propagating thou­ ranging flowers have come to realize that sands of C. am01nwn (with brown pith) the Cornel ian cherry (C. mas) is one of and labelling it C. stolonifera (which has the best of this entire grOl..lp for "arrange­ white pith) before he realized his rather ments," especially for those made early serious error. in the season when branches cut from It is also probable that these shrubby garden plants are forced indoors for pre­ types can hybridize, one with the other, cocious bloom. so it becomes increasingly important to Then there are those shrubs with col­ realize the differences between the spe­ ored twigs, some of which are outstand­ cies and offer them for what they really ing all winter long. The native Red Osier are. Dogwood (C. stolonifem) is colorful, ~u.t In order to do this so that comparisons the true Siberian Dogwood (C. alba slbz­ can be made, it seems advisable to divide the plants into tree types, large shrub rica) i~ even more brilliantly colored. It types- from seven to twenty feet- and is unfortunate trat this variety has be- low shrub types. Since nearly forty spe­ Horticulturist of the Arnold Arboretum, Harvard cies and varieties· have some merit for University, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. and Presi­ dent of the American Horticultural Society . landscape planting and another fifty are 165 166 THE AIVIERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

ARNOLD ARBORETUM

Cornus controversa

either inferior to the selected group or from Long Island southward, with large no better ornamentally, only those that leaves four to seven inches long and as are worthy of consideration for landscape much as three and a half inches wide. planting will be discussed here. The flowers are small, in yellowish-white clusters about four to six inches wide but Tree Types without conspicuous bracts. Even though There are six species of dogwoods that it is not superior to C. con tmversa in are trees in this group recommended for flower, it may have merit in some situ­ landscape use, four of them being na­ ations because the flowers appear in July tives of China or Japan (C. capitata, C. and August, at a time when few other macrophylla, C. controversa, _ and C. trees bloom. Certainly it has merit as a kousa), and two natives of North Amer­ foliage tree. ica (C. nuttallii and C. florida). The One of the taller of the dogwood trees least hardy, seldom planted in the United growing up to sixty feet high, is the Giant States (except in protected gardens on Dogwood (C. controversa). This is per­ the Northwest Pacific Coast), is the Ever­ fectly hardy as far north as Boston, where green Dogwood (C. capitata), a rounded, it does well. The leaves are alternate; evergreen to semi-evergreen tree growing unlike those of most dogwoods; the flow­ about forty feet tall with small flower ers are small and similar to those of the clusters and four to six pale yellow shrubby types. The fruits are bluish­ bracts an inch and a half to two inches black berries and the autumn foliage col­ long. The flowers appear in June and or is red. The branches are produced in July and the red, strawberry-like fruits tiers or layers, as are those of some of the appear in the fall. The tree is very ten­ other dogwood tree types. All in all, der and can be grown only in those parts this is superior to the native alternate­ of the country relatively free of frost and leaved Pagoda Dogwood (C. alternifolia) high summer temperature. which is not recommended because it is The Largeleaf Dogwood (C. macro­ frequently susceptible to a serious twig phylla) is a forty-five foot tree hardy blight. JULY 1967 JULY 1967, VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 167

ARNOLD ARBORETUM

Cornus kousa variegata 168 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

The last of the exotic tree types worth ing wild in 1918 by H. H. Eddie, a nurs­ growing is the Japanese or Kousa Dog­ eryman of Vancouver, British Columbia. wood (C. kousa) or its Chinese variety, It resembles the species in every respect the Chinese Kousa Dogwood (C. kousa except that the leaves are variegated an chinensis). This is a small tree, 0nly attractive green and gold in a spotted or about twenty-one feet tall, with very defi­ mottled effect. It also tends to bloom a nitely layered branching and it is hardy second time during August, as do many as far north as Boston. The Chinese va­ plants of the parent species. riety is supposed to have larger flower The Flowering Dogwood (C. florida) bracts. Those of the species are supposed is native over a wide part of the eastern to be an inch and a half long and about United States. A few plants have been an inch wide, while those of the Chinese found even in the woods of southern variety are supposed to be up to three New Hampshire, but this is about its and a half inches long and up to an inch northernmost limit, for flowering, at and three-fourths wide. These two kinds least. This species can grow forty feet are definitely mixed in nurseries, how­ tall, and can live to be nearly a century ever, and are very difficult to tell apart. old, but to attain such trees, plants My suggestio!l is to use the Japanese spe­ would require good care to remain in cies which is slightly more cold hardy good condition. The merits of the Flow­ than the Chinese variety and fertilize it ering Dogwood are well known and need well. This treatment will probably re­ not be stressed here. As a specimen sult in just as large flower bracts as those flowering and fruiting tree, it is one of of the Chinese variety. At least, this has the best. Its horizontal branching habit, been our experience in the Arnold Ar­ its vivid red autumn color, spectacular boretum. fruit that may persist after the leaves The fruits of the Japanese Dogwood fall, all combine to make it of ornamen­ are large, red, raspb.erry-like affairs, all tal interest every season of the year. borne erect on the upper sides of the There are some varieties more or less horizontal branches, as are the flowers. well known, which are worthy of particu­ The foliage turns a dull red in the au­ lar note. tumn. This tree is definitely one which, if possible, should be observed from Cornus florida varieties above, to obtain the best view of the 'Cherokee Chief-Plant Patent No. 1710 flowers. As the flowers fade, the bracts in 1958 by Ike Hawkersmith, Win­ sometimes become tinged with red, but chester, Tennessee, with flower this depends upon either the situation bracts listed as a "rich ruby red" or the climate or both. The variety and new growth reportedly red­ named vaTiegata has variegated leaves, dish. This variety, unfortunately, but is not especially outstanding. was grown and distributed under The two native American dogwood the name ('Super Red') by several tree species are, of course, the most pop­ growers in the Winchester, Ten­ ular. The Pacific Dogwood (C. nuttallii) nessee, area shortly before it was is native from British Columbia to patented under the name 'Chero­ Northern California and can grow to kee Chief.' seventy-five feet, making it the tallest of 'Cherokee Princess'-a selection of the all the dogwood clan. Incidentally, it white-flowered species. has also been termed by some the best of the native American flowering trees. 'Fastigiata'-the original tree has been growing in the Arnold Arboretum The small flowers are surrounded by four to six large flower bracts, making in Boston, Massachusetts, since 1910. It was distributed to fifteen the entire flower cluster four or five nurseries in 1954 and probably to inches across. In this also, the Hower others before that. The branching bracts frequently fade to a soft pink. The is definitely fastigiate, making it frui ts are red. It is unfortunate that this possible to plant this clone in gar­ species does not thrive in the eastern dens where space is limited. This United States. grows twice as tall as it does wide, There is a variety of this called C. nut­ but in most C. florida trees the tallii eddiei which was discovered grow- proportions are just the reverse. JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 169

ARNOLD ARB0RETUM

Corn US florida /astigiata 170 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

As far as I can tell, the variety 'White Cloud'-A seedling selection 'Ascending,' patented in 1952, is made by Wayside Gardens, Men­ almost identical. tor, Ohio, before 1946. It flowers profusely when very young, some­ 'Gigantea'-found and named by Paul times a creamy white. Vossburg, Westbury Rose Com­ pany, Westbury, L. I., New York; 'Xanthocarpa'-A variety with yellow on the nearby Phipps estate about fruits, known since 1919. 1932, wi th flower bracts reported­ C. florida rubra-Probably first found ly six inches from tip to tip. and noted by Marc Catesby in 'Magnifica'-also found on the Phipps Virginia about 1731. This is not estate about 1926 "with full, so cold hardy as the species and rounded bracts about four inches the color of the flower bracts ap­ from tip to tip." parently varies considerably from 'New Hampshire'-selected from a tree a washed-out pink to a deep red in Atkinson, New Hampshire, for and may even vary on the same its apparently greater flower bud tree from year to year. It has hardiness, by Heinrich Rohrbach, been found several times in the Heatherfells Nursery, Andover, wild. The cultivar 'Prosser Red' Massachusetts. was found by Bruce Howell of 'Pendula'-originally described in 1887 Knoxville, Tenn., about the time for its pendant branches. A well of World War I, about three miles grown tree, does make a good spec­ from his nursery on property imen, somewhat stiffly branched owned by Brown Prosser. This but still interesting. has been grown, off and on, ever since, but most have discontinued 'Pleuribracteata'-with six to eight and growing it because the flowers are often more, flower bracts, flowers small and it grows slowly. Also more or less aborted; originated the leaves are a dark reddish in Orange County, North Caro­ green when they first appear, so lina, before 1914. that when the plant is in bloom 'Salicifolia'-with narrow, almost wil­ there is not any great contrast be­ low-like leaves and short, twiggy tween the flowers and the foliage. growth, making a tree smaller and Young plants are also reported as denser than the species. Henry J. slow to bloom. Hohman of Kingsville Nurseries, thinks highly of this variety and It is of interest to note that J. H. Ed­ has proved to me that uncompli­ die of H. M. Eddie and Sons, Vancouver, mentary statements I have made British Columbia, writes that he has a about it in the past should be cor­ cross of C. florida and C. nuttallii. This rected. hybrid, originated by his father, H. M. Eddie, has pendulous branches, leaves 'Welchii'-selected by Mark Welch, a nurseryman, about 1920. Leaves like those of C. florida but slightly larg­ are sometimes a combination of er, and flowers like those of C. nuttallii. green, creamy white and pink. A Some of the blooms measured were six sparse bloomer, the foliage often inches between the bract tips. This needs burning in full, hot sun, never­ further trial, and testing in the United theless ,:,ery .pretty in a lightly States. shaded sItuatlOn, coloring well in the fall. Sometimes it will revert Medium and Large Shrubs to the green-leaved species. Mr. Hohman has an excellent form of Of the six species in this group, two this which he calls the "Kings­ are natives of Europe (C. mas, C. alba); ville form" with better color and one is a native of China (paucinervis) a better grower. The variety and three are natives of the eastern 'Aureo-variegata: listed by Brim­ United States (C. amomum, C. racemosa field Nursery, Wethersfield, Con­ and C. stolonifera). The tallest of the necticut, in 1958 is identical with group is the Cornelian cherry (C. mas) the "Kingsville form." which may be a tree up to twenty-four JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 171

ARNOLD ARBORETUM

Cornus mas 'Flava' 172 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

feet in height, but is usually much lower evergreen, and it is usually under nine and is grown as a shrub with many feet in height. stems from the base. It is truly an excel­ The Silky Dogwood (C. amomum) is lent ornamental, with profuse small yel­ native in the eastern United States, low flowers opening before the forsythias grows about nine feet tall, is as hardy as bloom in the spring and bearing elon­ C. paucinervis (it can be depended upon gated cherry-like fruits which can be used only up to the warmer parts of Massa­ for making preserves. The autumn color chusetts) and is not so good an orna­ is reddish. There is a plant in the Ar­ mental as C. alba sibirica. It is men­ nold Arboretum which is over seventy tioned here because it is so widely found years old and which has never ~ee~ and has been collected and planted as a pruned or treated for any pest, so It IS poor substitute for the Siberian dog­ a shrub that will be long-lived and re­ wood. The fruits are bluish to almost a quire little care. Hardy up to southern grayish color and the twigs are not near­ New Hampshire, this can be used as a ly so red as are those of the Siberian dog­ specimen, as a hedge (for it responds wood. well to clipping) or as a large shrub for The Siberian Dogwood (C . alba sibi­ the background. l"ica) is a native of Europe. If properly Flower arrangers like it because cut cultivated the young stems will be a branches brought into a warm room force more brilliant red than any other hardy well in the late winter and are easily woody plant with colored twigs. Con­ worked into many types of arrangements siderably under nine feet tall, this plant, indoors. There is a white-fruited form to look its best each winter, should have 'Alba'; a yellow-fruited form 'Flava' and the older branches cut back at the base a variety with yellow leaves, aUl"ea. of the ground in the early spring. Thus, There is also the form 'Aureo-elegantis­ young vigorous shoots are forced into sima, formerly called elegantissima, growth. It is also hardy throughout the which has leaves with a creamy white to United States and in all but the coldest red variegation, but it is not a very vig­ parts of Canada. The flowers are small orous grower. Another form 'Variegata: and white, borne in flat umbels about has leaves with a white margin. The two inches in diameter; the fruits are variety 'Nana' has been described as a white (sometimes slightly bluish) and "spherical bush," originating in France very effective in the fall. An advantage before 1879, but I have never seen it. this has over C. stolonifera is the fact Several European nurserymen list this that it does not tend to spread by under­ plant, but when we have received speci­ ground stolons. mens so named, they have always turned Because the variety sibirica has better out to be C. pumila, a low-growing type red stems, the species (C. alba) need not of dogwood with black fruits and little be grown. There are other yarieties of ornamental merit. C. alba, however, which are also worth The next tallest in this shrubby group cultivating. C. alba 'Argenteo-margin­ is the Gray Dogwood (C. racemosa) , an ata' is one, with its white-edged leaves. American native growing up to fifteen In fact, from a short distance, there is feet tall, but usually is seen in gardens enough white in the foliage of this va­ under this height. It is as hardy as C. riety to make it a decided white-and­ mas, grows vigorously from the base with green color, distinctly different from the rather slender stems and so can be used solid greens of most other shrubs. 'Gou­ in clipped hedges. The flowers are in chaulti' is a variety with leaves streaked flat white clusters up to two and a half with yellow and red hues, making it also inches in diameter, in mid June. These a shrub to use for its contrasting foliage. are followed in early summer by small 'Spaethii' has leaves irregularly varie­ white berries on red stalks, which are gated with deep yellow, and some con­ most attractive, appearing earlier than sider this the handsomest of these vari­ most of the other dogwood fruits. eties. I have always liked 'Argenteo­ The Littleleaf Dogwood from China marginata: for its white-and-green foli­ (C. paucinervis) is not quite so hardy as age has a cool appearance that is restful the other two just mentioned. The fruits even on the hottest summer day. are black, sometimes the foliage is half The Red Osier Dogwood (C. stoloni- JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 173

ARNOLD ARBORETUM

Cornus alba 'Argenteo-marginata'

fem) is the last of the species in this me­ Dwarf Dogwoods dium-sized group. It also is a native of the eastern United States, seldom grows The smallest of all the dogwoods is more than seven feet tall and, like C. the little Bunchberry Dogwood (C. cana­ alba, is hardy in all but the coldest parts densis), a native throughout eastern of Canada. It differs in that its twigs are North America and even eastern Asia. not colored such a brilliant red. It tends Anyone familiar with the mountains of to spread by underground stolons and so the eastern part of the country will rec­ takes over space and is perfectly at home ognize this nine-inch-high plant, usually in moist to wet soils, hence this species growing in dense mats as a ground cover, is excellent for planting on banks or be­ its small head of yellow flowers surround­ side a stream or pond. For strictly speci­ ed with four to six large white bracts, men planting, C. alba sibirica or one and later followed by the edible bright of the other forms of C. alba should be red berries in the late summer. The selected, but for naturalistic planting in leaves are evergreen and whorled about wet soils, the Red Osier Dogwood is the the stem. It grows only in the cool, moist species to choose every time. climate of the mountains and when tried The yellow-stem variety should also elsewhere must be given protection be mentioned, C. stolonifera 'Flavira­ from drought and too-hot sun, else it mea.' This has been known since 1900, will fail miserably. and has all the good characteristics of the A taller dwarf is the Kelsey Dwarf species and brilliant yellow twigs, in ad­ Dogwood (C. stolonifera 'Kelseyi'). This dition. Like many other shrubs, the old­ grows about eighteen inches tall and was er stems should be removed every few found in 1927 and introduced by the years, cut off at the ground in the early Kelsey Highlands Nursery of East Box­ spring, to force from the base vigorous ford, Massachusetts. It has red stems young growth which will, of course, be .and is densely branched, so it has some more brightly colored. use as a low plant. 174 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

ARNOLD ARBORETUM

Cornus racemosa

These, then, are the better ones of the and shrubs are of ornamental interest dogwood clan to grow as ornamentals. for at least two seasons (because of flow­ Of course, not all should have a place in ers and ornamental fruits) and that the every garden, but since there are twenty­ majority could be said to have a third one trees, fourteen shrubs and two dwarf season of interest because of good foliage shrubs among their number, at least one or interesting bark coloration. Trees and or two might be considered by every gar­ shrubs of interest for such a long period dener, depending upon the area where might well be given prime consideration his garden is located and the specific sit­ in every garden, especially the small gar­ uation he might have available. It is den where space is limited and plants obvious from the foregoing discussion selected should be ornamental for a max­ that most of these recommended trees imum length of time each year.

(January 1962) 'Rosemary And The Lavenders

HELEN M. Fox

Rosemary and the Lavenders are plants seem to thrive best in light, well among the most attractive plants in the drained soil, where there is a little herb garden, because of their delicious lime present. With me the Lavel1ders scent given off by the leaves and flow­ require protection from the north and ers and also because of their evergreen are mulched lightly either with salt hay foliage and neat habit of growth. They or pine boughs. This is done principal­ haye always been favorites with gar­ ly to prevent burning from sun during deners, perfumers, healers and herb­ false springs when the weather turns alists and the Rosemary with cooks as unseasonably warm. well. Perhaps even more than most Rosemary and the Lavenders are na-' herbs they have figured in fo lk ways tive to the Atlantic Islands and can be down through the years and at the found all along the Mediterranean lit­ present time Rosemary and Lavandula toral. A few of the Lavenders come officinalis are li sted in both American from Persia and India. Voyagers to 8. nd British P harmacopoeias and are Spain since Roman days have said the used in both medi·cines and perfumes. fragrance of these plants could be Lavandu.la latifolia furnishes oi l for smell ed far out at s·ea, a statement paints and varnishes. In one year be­ which can be verified from pel'sonal fore the second \Norld War, over three experience. There, too, trunks of old, hundred and twenty five thousand large plants are used for firewood and pounds of Lavender oi l were importer! give forth a fragrance which smells like from Europe and two hundred and incense. This is not surprising since eighty-three thousand pounds of Rose­ Dr. Paul Leon Guiseppe, collector and mary oil. grower of alpine plants, wrote that In southern New York only the when he was -high up in the Spanish dwarf forms of Laval1dula officinalis Sierras incense was being made by are hardy though the tall forms winter burning Cistus, Rosemary and Laven­ through along the seacoast and in the der in pits. Hudson valley. Rosemary and the less Upon venturing into the realm of hardy species and varieties of Lavender naming plants, the way leads into a are so essential, however, to the picture complicated and controversial territory of an herb garden that in order to have and it is best to follow one authority as them, they are often grown in pots, much as possible to avoid confusion. In wintered indoors in a cool yet sunny this paper, the classification of the place and .planted out in the garden lio r former Miss D. A. Chaytor, who made the summer. a taxonomic study of Lavenders at Rosemary and most of the Lavenders Kew, which was published in the J our­ come readily from seed and can be in­ nal of the Linnean Society, October creased from cuttings, almost any time 1937, is taken as the principal author­ during the growing season. Each gar­ ity. Some advice from Dr. L. H. Bai­ dener seems to have his favorite time ley's books and my own notes on plants and special way of rooting Lavender. A in the garden, are used principally on sure way is to leave a bit of heel on the horticultural varieties. In an account of cutting and root it in moist sand. Both this kind it is not necessary to go into 175 176 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

the naming of all species and crosses, cepted name of a plant heretofore only those plants are described that are called L. SP1:ca or L. vera. There are commonly grown in gardens or used several varieties of 0 fficinalis differing commercially and a few unusual ones, in height, length and width of leaves, to show the great variation existing in color and quality of the essential oil the genus. they yield. Lati'iolia and officinalis have There are about twenty eight known been cultivated for centuries and have Lavendar species. The characteristics been hybridized and from these plants common to all species are as follows: several garden varieties have been se­ Lavandula is an aromatic shrub or sub­ lected. Characteristic features of offi­ shrub with leaves either entire, pin­ cinalis are its one to three feet high nately-toothed or -dissected. The flow­ growth and woolly stems. The leaves ers grow in whorls composed of two are entire with revolute margins, a to ten blossoms; these whorls are gen­ prominent central vein and linear lance­ erally crowded into cylindrical, termi­ olate shape, up to two inches long. nal spikes and the spikes are borne on Much smaller leaves grow out of the long stalks either unbranched or axil of the larger ones. The young branched from the base. The colors of leaves are grayer and the older ones the flowers most frequently are blue, greener. The flowers are violet, more violet or lilac and rarely pink or white. rarely pink or white, one quarter to a The calyx is tubular, five toothed and half inch long and grow in whorls of the five corolla lobes are nearly equal six to ten with ovate pointed bracts or with the upper lip two-cleft and the subtending the whorls. lower three-cleft. There are four sta­ Under 0 fficinalis is a low variety mens directed obliquely and generally called c01npa:cta which according to Dr. not protruding outside the corolla. The Bailey, is the same as var. nana com­ style is shortly two-cleft. The hai riness pacta.. They are allied to var. angusti­ is simple, branched or stellate. The size. folia and var. pyrenaica which is small shape and color of the thinly textured and grows in Spain and the Pyrenees. bracts which subtend each half whorl It has large bracts, often purplish, espe­ furnish means of identification for sev­ cially at the top of the young plants. eral species. The tiny bracts under the The dwarf forms are hardier than the flowers are present only in the species tall and are the only Lavenders which classified under the Section SPICA. To live through the winter for me so I further complicate identification there have collected as many variations as I has been a great deal of hybridization could find. They grow from eight to among the Lavenders in both the wild twelve inches high and begin to bloom and cultivated state, sometimes between in July and keep on for some time. plants of different Sections. Among them is a form called Munstead Miss Chaytor gives five Sections, Dwarf, which has hairy lavender gray namely: STOECHAS, SPICA, PTEROSTOE­ foliage with bluish flowers and furry CHAS, CHAETOSTACHYS and SUBNUDA. flower buds. In its young stage it looks The most important Section horticul­ like a tiny gray pine, it is so regular turally is SPICA. Under this Section and stiff but with increasing maturity come the species: officinalis, latifolia the weight of the open flowers bends andlanata. the stems a little, the whole plant loses Lavandula officilWlis is now the ac- its stiffness and resembles a tiny Laven- JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 177 der gray fountain. Other dwarfs are smells like it. The distinctive odor of a l1ana Backhouse, with slightly larger species is often a sure way of knowing and deep blue flowers; Folgate Blue, the plant is different. It is distinguished with mauve flowers, paler than Mun­ from the type by the fact that the lower stead Dwarf but otherwise like it; Hid­ leaves on the stems are dentate from the cote Purple, with rich purple flowers; tip two thirds of the way down. and Twickle Purple with graceful flow­ Under the Section SPICA, today con­ er spikes up to four inches long and be­ sidered to be a distinct species, is La'lJ­ cause of this are of a length good for andula latifolia the now accepted name cutting and putting in vases. Also there and includes vulgaris and fragrans. is a form called Middachen with glau­ Latifolia is the type of spike or spike cous foliage and dark flowers. One sup­ lavender used in industry and grown posed to be alba turned out to have pale commercially. It has been hybridized pink flowers with an undertone of pale with officinalis. The leaves in this lavender and is enchanting. This is form are wider than those of offi­ undoubtedly var. rosea. The whole cina,zis. They are either shaped like a plant is more blond than the others; narrow ellipse or like a spatula, much the green of unopened buds is very attenuated at the base and with glands pale, the calyx instead of being tinged especially noticeable on the under sur­ purple or dark green, is pale green too. face. They measure two and a half A note in the English Gardeners' inches in length and one half inch Chronicle recommends a form of var. across. The flower spike is often inter­ alba only three inches high. When the rupted, compact and rather slender; the plants with flowers in different hues bracts linear lanceolate, acute and equal from deep purple to pale pink are inter­ to the calyx or slightly longer; the planted in a border along the top of a marginal teeth of the calyx are obtuse low stone wall or as an edging to peren­ and rounded, the posterior appendage nials with a green lawn in front of them elliptic; and the hairiness is short gray the effect is a symphony in pastel tints. and suede-like and occasionally tinged Of the tall forms there is a white with purple. Spike oil which smells like flowered one offered in an English cat­ Rosemary and Lavendar mixed comes alogue, also one called Silver Gray said from this plant. to be similar to the plant called Old Lavender oil is distilled from flower­ English, a selection of Eleanour Sin­ ing tops and sometimes upper leaves of clair Rohde's and claimed to he the officinalis and some of its varieties and most floriferous of all. from latifolia and from delphinensis. A variety called de'vphinensis is said English Lavender oil is obtained from to be like angustifolia but differs from plants cultivated in England and it in being larger and more robust with claimed to be better than French oil leaves lanceolate to oblong and margins which is extracted from wild plants. scarcely revolute, and with longer more The English use the narrow leaved interrupted and more robust spikes. form which before the change of bo­ This form is found in Switzerland and tanical names was called ve1'a but now France and is collected for extracting is 0 fficinalis. The best quality of French the oil. oil is obtained from plants found in alti­ A plant called Lavandula serrata ap­ tudes from two thousand to almost four pears to be a variety of 0 ffici1UJ1is and thousand feet. Lavender oil is used for 178 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Gottscho-Schleisner Lavand~da latifolia soaps, perfume and medicine. Today erties, hence SpIrIts of Lavender is a it is also used to overcome disagreeable restorative for faintness and is said to odors in ointments and other com­ provoke appetite, raise the spirits and pounds. It has mildly stimulating prop- dispel flatulence. JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 179

Gottscho-Schleisner La,vandula serrata

The only time I saw LGlVandula leaves clustered near the base of the lanata was as a herbarium specimen stem are exceedingly woolly, They are from North Africa, but, it is native also linear lanceolate and narrowly spatu­ to Spain, It is unusual because the latf-. According to Miss Chaytor the 180 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

flower spike is interrupted, lax and It is said the Romans called the sometimes very long, reaching five Stoechades Islands off the coast of inches. The bracts are linear to lanceo­ France after La.vand'ula stoecha.s where late; the calyx has four teeth alternat­ it is abundant. Hegi said in antiquity ing with four rounded lobes, the pos­ it was used more than latifolia or offi­ terior lobe is enlarged into an upright cinahs and in the Middle Ages was one elliptic and slightly hooded appendage. of the ingredients of the Vinegar of the The corolla is small and the tube tiny Four Thieves, famous as an antidote but longer than the calyx. against the .plague. After being dried, Under the Section STOECHAS are the it was carried over the Alps, was called species: den-tata, stoechas, vi1'idis and sticadore and until the middle of the pedunculata. Dentata is distinct from eighteenth century was used medicinal­ the other three which differ in minor ly. The gray green shrub covered with points. The most obvious differences fine white hairiness is native to the lie in the length of the stalk that carries southern coast of France, also Spain the flowering spike, which is short in and Portugal. With me it has grown stoechas, medium in viridis and long in to eighteen inches high, but elsewhere pedunculata. Other differences are in to three feet. The leaves arch upward, the hairiness and color of t·he fl owers. are slender, downy, and pointed at the The Section is unique because of the tip. The stems are leafy, much branched tuft colored bracts which grows out of and tinted reddish plum. The dark the tip of the flowering spike. purple flowers are almost trumpet For years I have grown Lavandula shaped and grow in close heads and dentata as a pot plant and found it one form an inflorescence one and one of a most persistent bearer of flowers, eighth inches long and one eighth inch for it blooms from mid-summer until across. The calyx is green and furry the following spring. It is native to the and so is the bract subtending it. Mediterranean and in Sicily is used as Miss Chaytor says the calyx is oc­ a hedge as it stands clipping well. The casionally white., pink or copper plant is a vigorous shrub, branches pink. Out of the top of the flow­ freely and grows three fe et or more ering spike grows a tuft of narrow high. It is rough to the touch, and the purple bracts with wavy margins re­ narrow light green leaves are so evenly sembling a bunch of bright feathers. A dentate they look as if they had bee;l fine form of stoechas with immense vio­ cut with a pinking shears almost to the let beards, that is the plumes, has been center. The margins are revolute; flow­ reported as plentiful in Crete where it ers are borne at the tip of a long naked covers several acres exclusively. The stalk in short interrupted lax spikes. plant smells a little of turpentine and are subtended by broad green brads yet flowery too. outlined with lavender and pointed at When I grew Lavandula peduncula­ their tips; the bracts growing from the fa . it appeared similar to stoechas ex­ apex of the inflorescence are grouped cent that the leaves were lanceolate in several whorls and overlap each oth­ with crinkled surfaces, the peduncles er. They are lavender with a green line longer, and the flowers smaller. The down the center ; flowers are pale laven­ shrub grows three feet and the hairi­ der and the corolla tube is slightly long­ ness on leaves is densely short and gray er than the calyx. -on peduncles and young stems short JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 lSI

Got tsc ho-Schleisne1' Lwandula dentata and densely white. The flowers are dark dense and consists of short greenish purple yet sometimes white, the tube hairs. The corolla is white with the only slightly longer than the calyx. tube slightly longer than the calyx and In Lavandula viridis, the hairiness is the bracts subtending the flowers as 182 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE also the plume are white or greenish ing into the next. The spike twists wnite. It sounds quite charming. spirally. The blossoms are lavender, Under the Section PTEROSTOECHAS tubular, and five-parted and in each are three species which I have grown, division is a tiny purple line as if to all with much divided feather leaves en­ indicate the way to the pistil to visiting tirely different from the other groups of insects. The calyx is green, marked Lavenders and desirable because they brown and furry. There is a colored bring a greater variety of leaf forms bract under each whorl. The whole and shades of green as also diff.erent plant, at least in my garden, smelled a little reminiscently of gasoline. smells to the collection.. They are not Lavandula canarl,ensis, in my plants, hardv in the northeast but are admira­ has bipinnate yellow green leaves. ble plants for southwestern and south­ The hairs are branched, denser on ern gardel1s. The three species I have 1he leaves than on the stems. A grown are 1lIultifida, wl1al'iel1Sis and synonym of this plant is abrotanoides. pin11ata. The leaves smell strong and sharply. The whole Section is characterized The flowering spike is pointed and at by having pinnate or bipinnate leaves. th2 end of a six inch long stalk. About but they may be dentate to laciniate­ one inch under the spike is a pair of dentate or entire as in atriplicifolia. The opposite flowers. The bracts subtend­ bracts each support a single flower. The ing the flowers are green covered with calyx is sessile, fi ve-Iobed; bilabiate, the brown, marked with lines and hairy, median posterior tooth usually broader widest at the base, then narrow to a than the others and the corolla tube point. The flowers flare, are rose laven­ considerably longer than the calyx. der and about as long as the calyx sometimes more than twice. The corolla which is hairy. is usually two-lipped, the posterior lobe Lavandula pinnata from the Atlan­ is erect and either much larger than the tic Islands has fairly long leaves three spreading anterior lobes or they may inches in length including the stalk be of almost uniform siz·e as in am.trrip­ which is an inch long and with the licifolia and rotundifolia. The plants blade a little over one inch across. occur in the Mediterranean region and They feel like soft velvet or felt and in northern tropical Africa from Soma­ are not feathery like the others, instead liland to Nigeria. the leaf blade is deeply cut with divi­ Lavandula 111ultijida now includes sions far apart and rounded at the tips. piJ1.11atijida. The hai rs on the stems The corolla tube is very narrow and are long and weak and the bracts and more than double the length of the calyx are woolly and gray. It is an calyx. It has no fragrance, at least none odd plant, more curious than attractive. in my plants. It is said to be biennial In its native A last Lavender belongs to the Sec­ land, grows about two feet high and is tion CHAETOSTACHYS and comes from bairy wi1?h a green fuzze on the leaves, distant central and southern India and which arch and in my plants are bi­ is called Lavandula bipinnata. The leaf pinnately divided. The flowers form a divisions are bright green, slender and spike at the termination of a long, long. The largest leaves measure three naked stem and open a few at a time. by three inches, however, in their native They grow in four rows, one dovetail- habitat they reach six inches in length JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 183

Lavandula multifida

Each division is again divided. Because of the plants is that the stems are con­ the leaves: arch and the divisions are tracted a little at the nodes. The flowers separated from each other the effect is grow in a branching inflorescence which relaxed rather than stiff. A character at times beCOI~1es umbellate. The flow- 184 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Cru. " . .. u-.)chteisner Lavandula ca.nariensis ers are in whorls and each of the lower have a single spine shaped tip and this whorls has a stalk, under these is a gives the inflorescence a look of being bract which has three elongated pin bristly but these tips are not stiff. The thin tips. Under each flower the bracts flov,,'ers are white, the tube tinted iavell- JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 185

GOI.., "o-Schleisner Lavandula piwna.ta der and in my plants the same length as plant is said to vary considerably ac­ the calyx though they have been de­ cording to growing conditions. It is scribed as nearly double the length. The very attractive. 186 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Co ttscho-Schleisner Lavandu.la bipi1mata My own experience with Rosemary, ever, they are not as long lived as in Rosmarim(s officinalis, is somewhat the ground. In Ireland I saw bushes unique for it has not been hardy. It with trunks eight inches across and grows very well in pots where, how- stems rising to eight feet. JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 187

Rosemary means " dew of the sea." and is said to ha ve dark and pale la ven­ There is but one species but there are der fl owers. Pyramidalis is reported to varieties that differ in habit of growth lend itself to being shaped into stand­ and tinting on the leaves. They come ards to anyone so minded. A "golden readily from seeds and are so metimes Rosemary" is menti oned as a variegat­ large enough to plant out six weeks ed plant of the seventeenth century, after being sown. It is also easy to and sounds lovely. There is also men­ increase the plants from cuttings. The tion of a plant with sil ve r vari egati ons. plant is native to the Mediterranean A white-flowered Rosemary is report­ and is wild on the chalk hill s of South­ ed to have been found in Malta. ern France and especiall y abundant Rose lil a ril1lf s offic inalis "Benede, l around Narbonne. Blue" said to be var. anglfstissim,t(s. Rosemary has numerous somewhat was given an award of merit in 1933 arching branches. the main trunk is by the Royal Horticultural Society. It woody with shredded bark; upper stems was grown by C. Ingram who had col­ are rounded and have a fine pubescence lected it in Corsica, Th~ leaves are on them. The evergreen leaves are one said to be narrower than in the type, and a half inches or more long and one the numerous fl owers are bright blue. ~ i g hth inch across, linear and pointed Rosemary has a long hi story and has at the tip and have a strongly marked been associated closely with folklore. depressed vein down the center. They U ndoubtedly because of its evergreen are cl osely set along the stems. On the foliage and strong scent it was \1 sed in upper surface they are glossy green decorations at weddings, funerals and with revolute margins. Since the leaves for Christmas. In the Middle Ages in arch they show the gray undersurface. French hospitals it was customary to The flowers are pale lavender blue. one burn Rosemary with juniper berries to half inch long, grow in short axillary purify the air. O ne wo nders how much more or less hairy racemes and the germicidal effect this had, if any. Lav­ stamens are exserted. They generally ender was used in the same way. begin to bloom in February and con­ The best oil is extracted from flower­ tinue into May. The whole plant is ing tops. Commercially it is extracted ve ry fragrant, with its own special and from stems and leaves before the plant characteristic smell, sometimes called flowers, using generally young shoots "balsamic." and trimmings taken at the end of Au­ In the type, the branches arch and gust or beginning of September, after grow somewhat loosely and are a yel­ the woody parts are separated. lower green than in some other varie­ The flowers are liked by bees and ties. One variation called Miss Jessup impart their flavor to honey gathered is more upright, comes true from seed where it grows plentifully. and makes a fine hedge plant partic:.1- The colorless or pale yellow oil is larly becoming to roses. imported to the United States from A variety called prostmtus is a low France, Spain, Tunis and Morocco in rock plant with branches level with the large quantities. It is used chiefly with ground and the least hardy of them all. other drugs as a carminative, as an in­ Among other variations read about gredient in rubefacient liniments, in but not grown by me is one called var. hair lotions, in perfumes, especially m pyra111.idalis which grows to three feet soaps and ea ~ u de cologne.

(July 1952) The Lily turfs in Gardens

H. HAROLD HUMEI and B. Y. MORRlSON2

Common names or garden names of of this country and their possibilities ex­ plants usually have been given by those ploited to any extent. Much remains to who lived with them as native plants or be done to prove the ultimate limits of have grown them in their gardens. Some their cold hardiness and still more for names have been in use for many years their uses in garden designing, since they but Lily turf is an exception. There was need not always be written off merely as no name commonly used for these ground covers. plants in the United States, so in 1929 In the genus Ophiopogon) there are L. H. Bailey proposed that they be only two bona fide species now generally called Lily turfs. This is a very appro­ cultivated in the United States, (0. ja­ priate name, since they belong to the buran and O. japonicus) with an addi­ Lily Family and they form a turf of sorts tional plant masquerading under the or cover the ground with their grass-like invalid name of O. arabicus. This last leaves. is a distinct plant, with more or less the The Lily turfs as wild plants are native stature of O. japonicus) but differs mark­ of China and Japan, mostly in the latter edly in that the new leaves, though country and have been known in west­ green on appearing soon turn black, ern botanical and garden literature at and that unlike its presumptive kin, it is least since 1712. In that year, Engelbert slower than slow to increase. Kaempfer, a German doctor with the In the genus Liriope) there are several Dutch East India Company in his book species and many cultivars that have Amoenitatum Exoticarum) illustrated originated mostly from seed of one spe­ and described one of them, now known cies, L. muscari. These have been prop­ to _botanists as Ophiopogon japonicus. agated to some extent, particularly for He cited the Japanese names mondo and use in the South (south of Washington, riuno fige for it, which he translated D. C.), though it appears that this area into Latin as Barba serpentina (Snake's is not necessarily, their proper climatic Beard). This species has come to be limit. These species include: L. exili­ widely known through much propaganda flora) L. spicata) L. muscari) L. gramini­ as Mondo Grass, a not too inept name folia) and L. gigantea) the last mentioned as the plant ill great masses does sug­ is a new species described in Baileya gest a grassy surface or lawn. Vol. 9, No.4 (1961). The gardener who In spite of the fact that they have long is curious about the technical distinc­ been known in the literature, both tech­ tions between the genera and the spe­ nical and popular, the individual plant cies is referred to the above-mentioned longest known and grown is probably the work. species now known as Ophiopogon jabu­ In brief, it may be said that the Lily­ ran. Many readers will doubtless recall turfs (Liriope and Ophiopogon) are this name in old lists, such as Dreer's, much alike in general appearances, with where the plant was offered for use in the best distinctions to be found in the pots forty years or more ago. growth habit, in the structure of the The greater number of plants included flowers, and in the kinds of inflores­ under the common name of Lily turf be­ cence. long to the related genus Liriope (pro­ Although any generalization is dan­ nounced Lir-i-o-pe), and it is probable gerous, it may be said that all species in that only within the last decade or so, the two genera are evergreen-herbaceous they have come into general use in parts plants, either forming caespitose clumps or spreading by underground stolons or 1 Dean Emeritus, College of Agriculture, University of Florida, Gainsville, Florida. rhizomes, some at alarming rates. The 2 Pass Christian, Mississippi. leaves though evergreen are at their best 188 JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 189 for a little more than one year, save in species. The former is more widely O. japonicus which seems to be a little used, because it is more readily avail­ more resistant to cold and sun. The able, not because it is a particularly bet­ leaves vary in length and width. Among ter plant, though its lower stature does the cultivars of O. jaburan and L. mus­ appeal to some. If either of them is cari, garden cultivars exist that show planted 6" x 6" or 8" x 8" apart, good various types of leaf variegation, some coverage can be had in two growing sea­ of which are of great value in bringing sons. Elsewhere it is indicated that the a new color range into any mass plant­ best time for planting is either late au­ ing. In the South where gray is rare tumn in the South or early spring far­ and gaudy colored leaves are common. ther north. After they have covered the These plants make a welcome addition ground they require no more attention for even the variegated forms carry than turnips or beans to keep them look­ through as green from a distance. ing well! It has been found, particu­ Garden Values and Uses larly with L. spicata, that it is best in spring to cut back the plants in all areas Ophiopogon and Liriope, strange as it where used as ground covers to within may seem, have been neglected plants. an inch or so of the ground. This is ad­ They are now gaining favor as their visable because the winter season some­ values are recognized and the uses to times makes them appear ragged by which they may be put in garden mak­ spring. The new leaf growth quickly ing have become better known. They recovers the greenery. may be used as ground covers particu­ The question is sometimes asked larly for places where grass is difficult to establish and maintain. They are also whether these ground covers will with­ useful for the edging of walks and the stand mowing. Over a period of several facings of shrubs and flower plantings. years, a narrow strip of L. spicata, has They make attractive pot plants both as been regularly mowed with the rest of green foliage masses and when in bloom. the lawn, and the plants have persisted In the olden days it was the cultivar although the lawn grasses have made their way among them. They are still 'Vittata' of O. jaburan that was mostly used in this manner. In Baileya (l.c.) , there and apparently unhurt and add E. H. Wilson is quoted, who wrote in something with their dark green color to A Naturalist in Western China 2:44 the appearance of the strip. In another garden, O. japonicus has invaded a cen­ (1913) and China the Mother of Gar­ tipede lawn from an edging, and is reg­ dens, p. 324 (1929): "Table grass (Liri­ ularly mowed. There is no damage from ope spicata) is admired for its graceful the mowing and the invasion continues, habit and is placed on a desk or table to but in the spring when the new leaves afford rest to the eyes when reading or studying." are tender, the cut leaf tips turn white and show the damage of cutting; later In the lower South, particularly in mowings seem not to produce this effect. gardens of the coastal towns of the At­ lantic and Gulf, these plants have been Although the writers at this time do used more extensivelv than elsewhere. not have any significant number of re­ It is not unlikely that some of them ports from northern areas, there is rea­ were introduced long ago by sailors who son to believe that these same plants touched at different ports. What could can be used as ground covers far from be more highly regarded as a gift for a the Deep South. It is known that n~.l[s­ friend, than plants from a foreign land? eries exist as far north as Connecticut Lily turfs could easily be transported that carryall the cultivars to be dis­ either as plants or as seeds. cyssed later on. Our reporter does not say in what part of Connecticut they Ground Covers were observed but that all needed a Since these plants are grass-!ike in good trimming in the spring. their growth habit, they are particularly It may be pointed out that as these suitable as ground covers in shade! and plants are mostly of Japanese origin, or in or alongside lawn areas; they mtro­ so the species }Vere, that should be a duce no out-of-place note. Of t~e sp~­ good omen for their general use cies tested so far, the best are O. Japom­ throughout the Northeast. This is not cus and L. spicata, each a rhizomatous a safe criterion any longer, as we are 190 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

..... ,"" :...... ,~'*... ~ , ~

Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' Medium sized plants with racemes well above the foliage

beginning to discover that some plants any area where grass is a problem to es­ from northern Japan are not happy in tablish and maintain. Of the two spe­ our South and that plants which appear cies mentioned, O. japonicus with its to be indigenous in the Kyoto area of short leaves not over eight inches high Japan are not necessarily happy in our when grown in mass, makes a more South in comparable climates. It is a pleasant surface over which to walk, if sad thing to lose this old rule of thumb, one must traverse it. but it is safer to record its present In rock gardens, Liriope makes an ex­ fallibility. cellent subject, if one chooses the clump­ It may well be that the ease with forming types. o. jaburan is useful, which these plants are grown in coastal but it is much larger than most kinds of areas in the South will not be matched Liriope, even to two feet or more high when they are taken inland and to when happily placed, so it should be higher elevations. pushed back to the rear or to marginal It may be pointed out that the Lily­ areas. Other kinds may be used for ac­ turfs are not particular as to the kind cent, of course, but one should have a of soil in which they are planted, but to particular sensitivity in choosing the secure best results, the soil, of whatever kind and the site. In any case, one kind, should be enriched from time to should consider the plant as giving a time. This is particularly true on light dark green color, with lavender or white soils which leach easily, or under trees bloom in season, and often a vase or where there is root competition. In fact, mound-shaped mass of evergreen ·foliage. they should be treated as well as are Once established, Lily turfs need little grasses for lawns. They are particularly addi tional care. valuable on slopes to prevent washing For edgings, the caespitose cultivars and in shady · places where grass is diffi­ of Liriope are best. They are not prone cult; in short, Lily turfs are useful for to interfere with the growth of shrubs or JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 191 other plants adjacent to them, though from base to tip; but the buds are as they make very solid root masses. A:mong deeply colored and make as much show cultivars of Liriope commonly avaIlable, as do the blooms. Buds of the cultivar some of the best are 'Big Blue; 'Majes­ 'Christmas Tree' or 'Monroe 2' never tic; 'Lilac Beauty; and 'Blue Spire: open, but the mass of color they make Of the variegated sorts, 'Variegata' is the is as fine as a grape hyacinth in the most striking, although the newer North. Many buds in other cultivars cultivars, such as 'Silvery Midget; 'Sil­ never open and fall off as closed buds. very Sunproof; and 'John Burch' are The deepest color is probably found in worth a trial. In some quarters, any the cultivar 'Variegata; though this may variegated plant is suspect or else is wri~­ be more apparent because of the colored ten off as a sign of poor taste, but of thIS leaves, which certainly augment the more later. Certainly one should hesi­ beauty at blossoming time. tate before making extensive lines of In the Gainesville, Florida, area, Liri­ variegated foliage in his garden unless ope bloom for about two months, July especially designed for such elements. and August, the same time as in the On a smaller scale, there are two very Gulf Coast area of Mississippi, over­ interesting cultivars 'Monroe White' and lapping the blossoming season of some 'Christmas Tree: other garden plants of major impor­ While kinds of Ophiopogon and Liri­ tance. For example, the time agrees with ope have been used more extensively in the last weeks of bloom of Lilium spe­ the South than elsewhere, indications ciosum 'Rubrum' and allies, and matches are that their use may be extended suc­ exactly the full period of the Formosan cessfully farther north. William A. form of the L. philippinense. If all goes Strong, landscape architect ~n Cleve­ well the herbaceous hybrids of the com­ land, Ohio, has used L. spzcata and mon mallow are in fine show. In a found it to be satisfactory where it is lesser way, and related to rains, one may usually covered with snow in winter. have great masses of the common~st of O. japonicus has been used in the Wash­ the rain lilies, Zephyranthes grandz[lora, ington, D. c., area with success in some and equal lots of a species still available recent gardens, although it was well es­ in trade as Z. macrosiphon shortly to be tablished on the Old Mall before that renamed Z. miradorense. This last self was redesigned. Frederic P. Lee reports sows freely and CO\iIles up even in grass. some twenty-three species and cultivars as successful in his garden in nearby Again depending on conditions of Maryland, and in Baileya, the survival weather, one may have secondary masses of L. graminifolia at Glenn Dale, Mary­ of fragrant white blossoms from Coop­ land, a locale much colder than the Dis­ eria pedunculata, stray blooms from the earlier Habranthus robustus, even a few trict of Columbia, speaks well for its hardiness. L. H. Bailey reported vari­ from H. brachyandrus, but wheth~r or not the newer hybrids, H. X [loryz and ous aspects of hardiness in his paper on 'Sparkman's Beauty' will fit into the Lily turfs in Gentes HeTbarum (1929). scheme remains to be seen. They are The writers have been told of other gar­ temporarily in pots but it is hoped that dens in the North where all kinds sur­ they will be as cold. hardy as the ?thers. vive, O. jaburan less happily, though all H. cardenasiana WIll also be gIven a kinds look shabbieF by spring than even trial. And if courage holds, H. concolor the most enthusiastic owners desire. in yellow, and H. immaculatus in white When not in flo~er all kinds of Liri­ will join the crew. ope are rather similar in garden effect, but when the racemes of buds and flow­ If the season is propitious, meani~g ers appear their differences are easily rainy and warm, the annual Torenta seen and the beauty of some as flower­ will be making its first masses of clear ing plants is particularly striking. T~is lavender flowers marked with pansy is especially true of the gard.en var:1e­ purple. Here, the white form has not ties originating from L. mus~arz of wJ:llch maintained itself, and as yet, the yellow there will be more from tIme to tIme. species has not been discovered. The racemes bear quantities of flowers Elsewhere, perennial phloxes, stoke­ but these do not open, many. 4t one sia and false dragonheads are well in time, and the opening may be Irregular bloom, so one could multiply combina­ over the total area, not a development tions variously depending on location. 192 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Liriope muscari 'Monroe White' with pure white flowers

As yet, in the Mississippi garden no son be one in which there is heavy bulbous plant has been discovered that fruiting, the racemes of shining black may be planted through a mass of Liri­ berries may be used with fine success, ope, although a few narcissus have lived in any sort of combination. unhappily, and the invasive A lstroem­ eria pulchella that no one really covets, Pot Plants will live in spite of all. In the colder parts of the country, garden varieties of L. muscari mak@good Cut Flowers pot plants for indoor or greenhouse use. Flower racemes of Liriope and Ophi­ A temperature of 40 to 50 degrees F. in opogon are very useful and attractive winter is satisfactory, though the plants although there is usually some shatter­ will tolerate a higher one. In warmer ing on the second day after cutting. The areas, they may be potted. and used on color range is from pure white to deep patios. Compact growing varieties make violet, almost indigo, and a combina­ the best plants as they will give more tion of several kinds with their own or bloom per dump. The cultivars 'Silver comparable foliage makes a delightful Banded' and 'Majestic' are suggested; bouquet of the old-fashioned "flowers in 'Variegata' with its striped leaves, makes water" type. Because the leaves are a handsome pot plant, or a specimen in rather stiff, have a definite and charac­ box, planter or urn, if one still owns teristic curve, they, with the flower ra­ such. One may use either the green or cemes can also be made into striking the variegated form of Ophiopogon ja­ stylized arrangements, or the flowers buran. A five inch pot will accommodate alone can be used with other flowers to two or three divisions of Liriope and the add a secondary note of lavender that number can be increased in larger pots. will accentuate the pinks of polyantha A mixture of equal parts of good soil, roses or the like. And, should the sea- sand, and peat, plus dairy fertilizer JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 193

UNIVERSITY OF FlORID ~

Liriope exiliflora has racemes carried well above the foliage makes an excellent potting soil. Plants Propagation may remain in the same pot for two or If one tries to buy Lily turf plants, he three years, by giving them small will find as a general rule, only a few of amounts of commercial fertilizer two or the most common kinds are available three times a year. When repotting be­ and these may be offered as growing comes advisable, the plants are knocked potted plants or as any other perennial. out, the soil and d"rainage chards re­ dormant roots packed with sphagnum moved, and reset, in a somewhat larger around the roots, often with the foliage pot, although if some of the older root somewhat cut b ack as in iris. Many of masses are cut away, a pot of the same the named sorts one might wish to find size may again be used. After repotting, in his local shop do not yet seem to have plants should be watered well. Early reached the lower levels of retail busi­ spring before growth starts is a good ness. If he insists, his retailer can cer­ time for repotting. tainly find the wholesale sources of all. 194 THE Al\IERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

If one buys only a few plants of each of plants. Among seedlings of L. muscari, kind, intending to propagate his own, it wide differences may show up when the is important to remember that if they seedliags attain size, not only in the are clump-forming or caespitose types, foliage, flowers and color, but in the the sooner one starts to divide them, the raceme of buds and bloom. Differences easier the task. Old clumps, with a mass in stature and vigor may appear as well. of roots, and almost woody center, take This is attested bv the numerous culti­ a strong arm and a sharp tool to make vars now in the tr'ade obtained by seed­ them into separate units, even after ling selection. washing away as much soil as possible. If one does not want to bother with It is possible to divide such into single sowing seed, more than likely, he will fascicles of growth, but this will call for find seedlings appearing in many places greater care in the next stage, regular in his garden, sown there by birds or watering and if possible a location in a other creatures. semi-shaded area. It would delight the authors if they An old clump of L. muscari eighteen could conclude this report with a de­ inches in diameter, m ay give as many as scriptive list of all known Lily turfs. The one hundred and fifty separate pieces, list that follows contains descriptions, in sometimes erroneously called "pips." In so far as we can give them, of the species the lower South, this division should be and garden cultivars with names taken carried out in autumn before the winter from published lists either in catalogues dormant season; in colder northern sec­ or horticultural papers as well as in the tions of the country, division is better in Baileya reference already cited. Our data spring before growth starts. Prolifera­ have been supplemented by data from tions sometimes develop on the rachises Frederic P. Lee. of L. muscari as they do on some clones of Hemerocallis, appearing after the Species buds and blooms have fallen off; these Ophiopogon jaburan. A clump form­ may be removed carefully and planted ing species, with masses of dark green to produce new plants, using the same leaves up to Y2" wide and 13 inches long, care in planting to induce rapid root de­ somewhat striate, forming a moundlike velopment. mass, up to 10 or more inches tall; scapes Ophiopogon and Liriope produce 8 to 10 inches tall, overtopping the foli­ 5eed that can be sown if one wishes, al­ age. Not dependably cold hardy in the though not all garden forms are equally North. productive and some species seem to There is a variegated cultivar known produce few seeds that reach maturity. as 'Vittata' similar in all respects, except If one wishes to raise Lily turf plants that the foliage is striped with yellow­ from seed, there is no special problem if. ish bands of varying widths that does not the seed is sown as soon as it is ripe. carry its color through the entire sea­ Planted in boxes, pots or in the open son. It is possible that the plant offered ground, germination will commence in as 'Argenteus Vittatus' is the same. a month or so, and if the soil in each Ophiopogon japonicus is a stolonifer­ pot, box or bed is well prepared the ous species of low habit, forming carpets seedlings will be large enough to use in of grass-like leaves, not over 12 inches two years. Any soil will do, but the bet­ long, and not over % inch wide, dull ter the soil, the better the plants will be. surface, dark green; the flowers are not Outside, seed should be sown about % conspicuous and are usually hidden in of an inch deep and the bed thinly the foliage masses, followed by round mulched with leaves. Bamboo leaves are blue fruits, with white seeds. This is excellent as they are light, easily scat­ the ground cover plant of the genus. tered and do not interfere with the Liriope exiliflora is a rhizomatous spe­ young plants as they appear. The soil cies forming dense turf-like masses, but should be kept moist until germination at greater height than in the popular begins and after that care must be taken Ophiopogon japonicus; the leaves are to keep the bed from drying out. dark green, up to 13 inches long and % There is little variation in fhe growth inch wide, glossy; flowering scape is and appearance of young seedlings of violet-brown, up to fifteen inches tall, most of the different species and seedling rising well above the foliage masses; the populations l'esult in fairly uniform lots flowers are violet in color, showy, fol- JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 195

Liriope spicata, being used as a ground cover, the third season after planting

lowed usually by abundant fruiting; the long and barely overtop the foliage fruit is black. masses, more of less tinted with dull vio­ Liriope graminifolia is a rhizomatous let, and carrying a short mass of pale, species with leaves up to 12 or more almost white flowers; the fruits are shin­ inches long, narrow, about ~ inch wide; ing black. the scapes are 9 to 10 inches tall; the ~owers are pale, almost white; fruiting Cultivars of Liriope muscari IS not recorded. Probably not in com­ In so far as is now known, nearly all merce. Lilytur~ selections are derived from L. !--iriope gigantea is a new species cer­ muscan. tamly not yet in the trade, with wide 'Big Blue.' This is the garden name spreading rhizomes, forming in time a for the species, Liriope muscari. The densely matted turf, of dark green leaves plant makes strong clumps in time, with V:! to % of an inch wide, up to 2 feet leaves up to 1'2 inch wide and 14 inches long; the scapes barely overtop the dark long, dark green and glossy. When green foliage; the light violet flowers young, or newly planted, the flowering are produced earlier in the season than scapes are taller than the foliage masses any other species growing in the same but with age they rarely rise much above or comparable situations. the leaf masses. The blooms are typical, Liriope muscari is best known by the freely produced and excellent. Fruiting named cultivar 'Big Blue' described be­ varies from year to year, with the usual low. black berry-like fruits. Liriope spicatus has rather wide 'Blue Spire.' This cultivar grows in spreading rhizomes, but forms a good compact mounds of foliage, producing turf. The leaves are up to 1'2 inch wide racemes well above the foliage masses, and 24 inches long, dark green and often broader at the base and sometimes glossy; the scapes are not over 10 inches forked at the tip in such a fashion as to 196 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Liriope muscari 'Lilac Beauty' Scapes are dark colored; flowers abundantly suggest the cockscomb. Earlier than plant with somewhat dull leaves, not 'Big Blue.' over Y2 inch wide, and 15 inches long, 'Border Gem.' Not seen by the au­ forming a mound about 10 inches tall. thors, but reported to be a cultivar of No report on flowering. L. muscari with broad glossy leaves Y2 'Curly Twist.' A strong growing cuIti­ inch wide, and up to 24 inches long, var, characterized by its unusual yelIow­ forming a foliage mass not over 18 green rather than dark green leaves, inches tall. Flowers not reported, but it many of which are curled and twisted it safe to assume they are lavender as in on their axes, giving a curious effect in all cultivars of L. muscari. mass. The short flower scapes do not 'Christmas Tree' (sometimes known rise high above the foliage, and are not as 'Monroe No.2'). Close tight clumps particularly abundant in either garden of somewhat narrow, ascending yellow­ reporting. ish leaves, to 6 inches long, which make 'Eleven-o-three.' A chance seedling an excellent background for the flower found in Hume's garden in Gaines­ scapes that rise well above them, and ville, blooming usually after 'Big Blue.' the crowded masses of flower buds, of­ The leaves are long and rather narrow ten so thick at the base, from branching, forming a somewhat open clump. The that they appear as a Christmas tree in flower scapes rise to a height of about 10 shape. Sometimes the flower masses are inches, with light violet flowers. merely club shaped and stolid-looking. 'Grandiflora.' In Morrison's Missis­ The flowers do not open, but the buds, sippi garden this is the tallest cultivar, light violet in color, are showy. This with narrow yellowish green leaves up cultiva~ may not be a derivative of L. to 14 inches tall. The flower scapes are muscan. well down inside the masses of leaves 'Cockscomb.' Not seen by the authors, and are rather late to appear. As they but reported by Frederic P. Lee as a develop it appears that the. flowers will JULY 1967 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 3 197 be white, but with growth, a light lav­ leaves. The scapes are about 10 to 12 ender color shows first in the rachis, inches in height with buds and flowers starting from the base, and eventually of a violet-purple hue, sometimes with colors the whole inflorescence. This cul­ a few narrowing masses toward the tips tivar is practically deciduous in Missis­ of each raceme. sippi. As reported from Maryland, the 'John Burch.' Plants produce leaves plants there are very different, with about the size and character of 'Big thick leathery typical dark green leaves. Blue,' but a little darker green, rarely The Mississippi plants came from the over 10 inches long, spreading rather originator. . than erect; each leaf is edged with a 'Lilac Beauty' is a tall grower wIth definite white line. It is free blooming sheaves of high ascending leaves up to in the Mississippi garden, which is its 12 inches long. The dark brownish vio­ chief advantage over 'S il very Midget.' let flower scapes carry the flower r a­ As all plants are grown in passing shade, cemes well above the foliage masses, with no premature fading has been noted, dark violet flowers, that seem nearer the but by late autumn, all white color has color of the traditional lilac. The leaves disappeared. are up to 20 inches long and to % inch 'Silver Banded.' A slow growing cul­ wide. tivar forming low compact masses of 'Majestic.' This produces masses of strongly arching leaves, each with a well somewhat narrow leaves, to 13 inches defined narrow yellowish line on each long and to inch wid.e, held in high Y2 margin, later turns white and finally ascending curves, to 10 Inches or more. The flower scapes are freely produced disappears. The strong flower sc~pes with compact racemes of dark VIOlet and often bear fasciated heads of violet flowers and buds are buried among the flowers. Sometimes this is confused with leaf masses. 'Big Blue,' but it is lower in stature 'Silvery Midget.' A cultivar that rarely and possibly less robust. makes- leaf masses higher than 8 inches. 'Monroe White' (sometimes listed as The leaves tend to be spreading rather 'Monroe No. I') is the most distinct than ascending as in other cultivars. The cultivar raised from L. muscari and a leaves are broad, dark green, with a thin charming garden plant, but it must have white line on the edge only which in some shade as its foliage burns in full the young stage of leaf development sunlight. The somewhat narrow leaves shows some yellow tint, but later turns rise to 12 inches high in ascending white and lasts well. The flower scapes curves, but not overtopping the scapes. are low, barely overtopping the leaf The light green flower scapes produce masses. Flowers light lavender. somewhat open masses of pure white buds and flowers. 'Silvery Sunproof.' A cultivar that 'New \l\Tonder.' This cultivar, accord­ makes a tall vase-shaped mass of ascend­ ing to Frederic P. Lee, is furnished with ing leaves to 12 inches ~igh or. mor~. leaves to 23 inches long, and to % inch Each leaf, as it develops, IS heav~ly stn­ wide, glossy above and rather more erect ate with gold, but later the gold 1.lghtens in carriage than most. toward white as the leaf matures In sum­ 'Purple Bouquet.' This makes a good mer. The whitish striation is not com­ clump with narrow leaves to 10 inches pletely lost in cold weather, but the long, but more broadly spreading: i!l leaves lose their rigidi ty and so do less credit to the plant. It has not been very carriage than some of the others; It IS free-blooming with erect flower scapes free-flowering in the Mississippi garden. bearing rather typical pinkish lavender In a poorly designed garden un~er flowers. live oak shade, it makes the most stnk­ ing effect of any plant used there. Cultivars with Variegated Foliage 'Variegata.' A cultivar with leav~s green in the center an~ yellow or whit­ 'Gold-Banded.' This makes a compact ish-yellow on the margIns whet?- young, tuft of firm leaves that form a somewhat turning green throughout with age. spreading clump mass. The l~ne of Leaves to 16 inches or more tall, the variegation is gold when the leaf IS new, flower scapes not as tall, wit~ fascicles of but lightens toward white as the season dark violet flowers. In Batleya (l.e. p. advances. It disappears entirely on old 156) this cultivar is reported to be of 198 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

UNIVERSlTY OF FLORIDA

Liriope exiliflora used as a ground cover at the base of the Agricultural Building, University of Florida at Gainesville

obscure orIgm, doubtfully a seedling of together a bed of salmon-pink flori­ L. muscari. Possibly this needs critical bunda roses, but she wanted other comparison with the cultivar known as blooming shrubs used as accents. A pat­ 'Silvery Sun proof,' or some other varie­ tern was worked out, along a basis of a gated cultivars. In any case, 'Variegata' modified Greek key, using bottle-brushes is a most useful plant when the planting for the accent shrubs and roses for the is well designed. mass effects. The outlines of the key­ pattern called for the use of a lavender­ Use of Lilyturfs in Modern Garden flowered Liriope. After much study the Design idea was abandoned, since the owner felt her house was not "that modern." Although it is not known to the writ­ But the idea remains sound. ers, someone may already have made a It might be suggested that block areas special study of the uses to which lily­ of contrasting kinds of Liriope -be used, turfs can be put as a basic element in approximating the long abandoned idea the contemporary stylized gardens. Since of carpet-bedding, a style that came into the caespitose forms are almost static disrepute because of poor use in design. evergreen plants, with or without varie­ In spite of unfavorable reactions against gation, they could be employed in mak­ carpet-bedding that arose when the ing patterns of almost geometric form. "naturalistic style" was the vogue, it is For a garden of the type mentioned, useful in special places. This reaction it was proposed to a certain owner that against it was also responsible for the she consider it for a series of beds she abandoning of variegated plants, a loss had in mind, that were to decor.ate a of a genuine style of value. Possibly the level area near the very modern house, time has come to make a reevaluation brown in color, with an undertone of of the style properly used, which fre­ red. She wished a plant that would tie quently means only "with restraint."

(January 1963) JULY 1967 VOLUl\IE 46, NUMBER 3 199

l U U ), \ . Magnolia wilsoni with obovate petals and a cluster 01 r;t~p­ berry-red stamens surrounding the green carpels. The leaves are broadly elliptic Magnolia wilso1'l£ is one of our more and more or less pointed at the tip. beautiful reminders of the journeys of The writer has seen two plants grow­ Ernest H. Wilson in the Orient. This ing close together in Silver Spring, 1\fary. magnolia was first seen by him .duri~g land; one is in a semi-shaded, moist loca­ a trip to western Szechuan, Chma, m tion, has made the best growth, and i~ 1904. Four years later 'Wilson introduced perhaps twice as large as the one in a it into cultivation. He described it as more su n ny-Ioca tion . a straggly deciduous tree growing to Propagation is by seed and grafting. twenty-five feet high in the wild. This Occasionally, a cutting will root, but magnolia is rather common in moist with limited chances for survival. NI. woods and thickets at altitudes of six to wil'soni probably can be layered, but seven thousand feet. The flowers are like other deciduous Asiatic magnolias, borne in moderate profusion and are of it is difficult to propagate vegetatively. such striking beauty that one wonders A further word of cau tion: like all Asi­ why the trees are found so infrequently atic magnolias, it must be carefully in our gardens. Only nine nurseries are transplanted, avoiding damage to the listed as offering this species in the Plant fleshy roots near the surface of the soil. Buyer's Guide, 1958. It may be that with increasing interest Magnolia wilsoni is characterized by of gardeners in rare species, the future branchlets which turn dark brown, al­ of M. wilsoni is promising. For the most purple, at maturity and is certainly present, however, this species remains in the darkest of all magnolias. The flowers horticultural obscurity-only another en­ are white, pendent, and fragrant. The tity in the long list of plants collected peak of flowering [in the Washington, by Ernest H. Wilson in his wanderings D. C., area] is reached in late Mayor through the high mountain forests of early June, but scattering flowers are China. JOHN L. CREECH, Agricultural produced for some time after the main Research Se1'vice, U.S. Depa.rtme1'lt of blooming period has passed. The mature Agriculture, Crops R esearch Division, flowers are about four inches across, Beltsville, Maryland. (April 1960) FrRST EDITION DAFFODIL HANDBOOI( A Very Special Issue of the American Horticultural Magazine GEORGE S. LEE, JR., Editor with WILLIS H. WHEELER, the American Daffodil Society FREDERIC P. LEE, the American Horticultural Society

" ... destined to become a classic ... a horticultural masterpiece. Sheer delight for the amateur and an absolute necessity for the professional, this volume, interna­ tional in scope, compiles in its 25 chapters every bit of current information about Daffodils. It is total, comprehensive; there's nothing more to say." Ruth C. Carll Horticultural Editor

The list of 27 authors of this Daffodil Part I is a complete garden guide with Handbook reads like a Who's Who of the instructions on planting and care and Daffodil World. George S. Lee, Jr., for­ hardiness. mer president of the American Daffodil Society and recipient of its Meritorious Part JI thoroughly covers the basic Service Medal has assembled in this dis­ horticulture of the daffodil-plant struc­ tinguished volume the world authorities ture, growth factors, soils, diseases, nu­ on the subject Daffodil. They have per­ trition, hybridizing. formed a service to all daffodil growers and aficionados. Part II I considers the unique daffodil Everything one need know about daffo­ groups, each chapter by an authority on dils including the most recent develop­ the group described. ments in cultural practice, pest and dis­ ease treatment, and new imported and Part IV offers an international view of domestic varieties is contained in this the daffodil world. Breeders and trade outstanding volume. For the expert horti­ sources are listed. culturist there is 'an immense storehouse of botanical and historical information Like all books sponsored by the Amer­ and for the enthusiastic amateur is a com­ ican Horticultural Society. The Daffodil plete "know-how." Hand book presents a sound, scientific The four major divisions of the text treatment of its subject. And enhancing. provide all the necessary information for this definitive story are numerous photo­ the successful cultivation of daffodils. graphs of exceptional quality. 56 illustrations 6-% x 10 240 pages

The American Horticultural Society, Inc. 1600 Bladensburg Road, N.E. POSTP AID IF PAYMENT Washington, D.C. 20002 IS WITH ORDER Please send me ...... copy(ies) of

THE DAFFODIL HANDBOOK ((i $3.00 a cop)' paper bound. $4.50 a copy cloth bound. NAME ADDRESS ...... CITy ...... STATE...... ZIP COD.Ij: ...... 7~ ()~ 4Itd Z)~4 of THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

extend you this invitation to join in advancing American horticultural progress through active membership

Individual Members' 11tem~ 'Puedtetje4 Dues: Four Issues of American Horticultural Magazine per year. 0 1 year ...... $ 6.00 Eight Issues of Gardeners Forum per year. Free Seed distribution each year. 0 2 years ...... 11.00 Excellent lending library service by mail. 0 3 years ...... 15.00 Selected new books from publisher's lists available at sub­ stantial savings. 0 Sustaining .- __ .. - .. _---- .. 25.00 Horticultural queries answered. Contributing .. --_ .... - .. 100.00 0 Speaker's Bureau (particulars from the Society's Headquar­ 0 Life -.- .-. - ...... 500.00 ters, 1600 Bladensburg Road, N. E., Washington, D. C. 20002)

Annual Organization Dues: The only National Organization sponsoring the interests of o National 25.00 all American Horticulture. o State ...... lS.00 A non profit organization for the benefit of the serious gar­ dener. o Local ...... 8.00 All Officers and Directors serve without pay and the ma­ o Sustaining ...... 100.00 terial used in the magazine and forum is donated by the authors. Xo paid advertising appears in these publica­ tions. Commercial: The nation's leading experts in many fields of horticulture give of their time and knowledge to AHS members. o Sustaining ...... 25.00 Each year the Society holds a Congress. This is an oppor­ o Contributing ...... 100.00 tunity to get to know other interested gardeners, and hear internationally known speakers discuss horticultural high­ lights.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, INC. 1600 Bladensburg Road, N.E. Application for Membership Washington, D. C. 20002

Date ......

Name ......

Street......

City ...... State ...... Zip ......

Enclosed is $...... dues for year 19 ...... Type of Membership ......