JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, INC. * January 1963 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY A union of the A merican Horticultural Society and the American Ho'rticultural Council 1600 BLADENSBURG ROAD, NORTHEAST . WASHINGTON 2, D. C.

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

B. Y. MORRISON, Editor Directors JAMES R. HARLOW, Managing Editor Terms Expiring 1963 MARY W. I'vL HAKES Maryland Editorial Committee GRETCHEN HARSHBARGER Iowa JOHN CREECH, L. Chainnan FREDERIC HEUTTE W. H. HODCE Virginia W. H. HODCE FREDERIC P. LEE CONRAD B. LINK ALBERT J. IRVING New Y01'k CURTIS MAY Tenns Exph'ing 1964 FREDERICK G . MEYER R. C. ALLEN WILBUR H. YOUNGMAN Ohio P. H. BRYDON Officers California CARL W. FENNINGER PRESIDENT Pennsylvania JOHN E. GRAF HENRY T. SKINNER District of Columbia Washington, D. C. GRACE P. "VILSON Maryland FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT RAY C . ALLEN T erms Expiring 1965 Mansfield, Ohio HAROLD EpSTEIN New York SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT FRED C. GALLE FRiTS W. WENT Georgia FRED J. N ISBET St. Louis, Missouri No-rth Carolina J. FRANKLIN STYER ACTING SECRETARY-TREASURER Pennsylvania GRACE P. WILSON Bladensburg, Maryland Massachusetts

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, Jllly 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 importance are welcomed and will be published as early as possible. The Chairman of the Editorial Committee should be consulted for manuscript 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 copies-2 pp $6.60; 4 pp $12.10; 8 pp $25.30; 12 pp $36.30; Covers $12.10.

Entered as second class matter in the post office at Baltimore, Maryland, in accordance wilh the Act of August 24. 1912. Additional entry for Washington, D.C., was authorized July 15, 1955. in accordance with the pro­ visions of Section 132.122. Postal Manual. A subscription to The American H07ticultllTai Magazine is included as a benefit of membership in the American Horticultural Society, Individual Membership dues being $6.00 a year. W . H . HODGE

Tibouchina sellowiana A hands(lme specimen flowering at the Botanical Institute Sao Paulo, Brazil

[See page 59] The Lil yturfs In Gardens

H. HAROLD HUMEl and B. Y. MORRISON2

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 fid e 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 Lilyturfs 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 /lora, L. spicata, L. muscari, L. gramini­ as Mondo Grass, a not too inept name folia, and L. gigantea, the last mentioned as the plant in 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 Lid-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 rhizomes, some at alarming rates. The of Florida, Cainsville, Florida. 2 Pass Christian, Mississippi. leaves though evergreen are at their best (1] JANUARY • 1963

FORMERLY THE NATIONAL HORTICU LTURAL MAGAZINE VOLUME 42 • NUMBER 1

Contents

The Lily turfs in Gardens H. HAROLD HUME and B. Y. MORRISON ______

Some Horticultural Centers of the Riviera FREDERICK G. MEYER .______12

Yucca-A Lily Surrounded by Daggers R 0 BERT A. VINES ______29

Evergreen Viburnums Donald R. Egolf ______.______38

A Book or Two ______52

The Gardeners' Pocketbook N eodypsis decaryi. N IXON SMILEY______55 Hypericum rhodopeum 'Sunspot.' RICHARD W. LIGHTY. ______55 Kaempferia decom. B. Y. MORRISON ______57 Lachenalias in California. MRS. R. G. STAPLETON______59 The Tibouchinas of Brazil. W. H. HODGE ______.__ 59 Chonemorpha and Beaumontia. G. A. C. HERKLOTS ______62 Toneya taxifolia. R. K. GODFREY and HERMAN KURZ ______65

J ANUARY COVER ILLUSTRATION [c. HAMPFLER, LO NGWOOD GARDENS]

H ypericlLm rhodo peum 'Sunspot' [See Page 55]

Copyright, © 1963 by T he A merican H oriticultural Society. Inc_ 2 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

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" qr 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 larly with L. spicata, that it is best in Garden Values and Uses spring to cut back the plants in all areas Ophiopogon and Lil'iope, 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 , larly for places where grass is difficult to The question is sometimes asked whether these ground covers will with­ establish and maintain. They are also stand mowing. Over a period of several useful for the edging of walks and the facings of shrubs and flower plantings. years, a narrow strip of L. spicata, has been regularly mowed with the rest of They make attractive pot plants both as the lawn, and the plants have persisted green foliage masses and when in bloom. although the lawn grasses have made In the olden days it was the cultivar their way among them. They are still " Vittata' of, O. jaburan that was mostly there and apparently unhurt and add used in this manner. In Baileya (l.c.) , something with their dark green color to E. H. Wilson is quoted, who wrote in the appearance of the strip. In another A Naturalist in Western China 2:44 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 afford rest to the eyes when reading or but in the spring when the new leaves studying." are tender, the cut leaf tips turn white In the lower South, particularly in and show the damage of cutting; later gardens of the coastal towns of the At­ mowings seem not to produce this effect. lantic and Gulf, these plants have been Although the writers at this time do used more extensively 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 b~ more highly regarded as a gift for a the Deep South. It is known that nurs­ fr:end, 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. cussed later on. Our reporter does not say in what part of Connecticut they Ground Covers were observed but that all needed a , S.ince these plants are grass-like in good trimming in the spring. th~lr 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 intro- so the species were, that should be a , d.uce no out-of-place note. Of the spe­ good omen for their general use CIes tested so far, the best are O. japoni­ throughout the Northeast. This is not GUS and L. spicata, each a rhizomatous a safe criterion any longer, as we are : f' JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 3

• ' .. -~. Ill· , - __ ... ~ _ ..1 ...

... ~ .. , ..:"

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 additional 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 4 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE other plants adjacent to them, though from base to tip; but the buds are as they make very solid root masses. ~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 writ­ 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 in Cleve­ well the herbaceous hybrids of the com­ land, Ohio, has used L. spicata 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 commonest of O. japonicus has been used in the 'Wash­ the rain lilies, Zephyranthes grandiflora, 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 comes 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 trict of Columbia, speaks well for its earlier Habranthus robustus, even a few hardiness. L. H. Bailey reported vari· from H. brachyandrus, but whether or ous aspects of hardiness in his paper on not the newer hybrids, H. X floryi and Lilyturfs in Gentes Herbarum (1929). 'Sparkman's Beauty' will fit into the The writers have been told of other gar­ scheme remains to be seen. They are dens in the North where all kinds sur­ temporarily in pots but it is hoped that vive, O. jaburan less happily, though all they will be as cold hardy as the others. kinds look shabbier by spring than even H. cardenas ian a will also be given a the most enthusiastic owners desire. trial. And if courage holds, H. con color When not in flower all kinds of Liri­ in yellow, and H. immaculatus in white ope are rather similar in garden effect, will join the crew. but when the racemes of buds and flow­ If the season is propitious, meaning ers appear their differences are easily rainy and warm, the annual Torenia seen and the beauty of some as flower­ will be making its first masses of clear ing plants is particularly striking. This lavender flowers marked with pansy is especially true of the garden varie­ purple. Here, the white form has not ties originating from L. muscari of which 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 at one sia and false dragon heads 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. JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1

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 make 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 wanner 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 clump. 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 6 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

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 drainage 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 back 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. JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 7

If one buys only a few plants of each of plants. Among seedlings of L. mt£scari, kind, intending to propagate his own, it wide differences may show up when the is important to remember that if they seedlings 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 gre,ater 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, may 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 Speci~8 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 an.d Liriope produce 8 to 10 inches tall, overtopping the foli­ seed 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 exiliflom 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 o/s 'There;! is little variation in the growth inch wide, glossy; flowering scape is and appearance 'of young seedlings of violef-brown, up to fifteen inches tall, mos;t 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- 8 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

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 incl1es long, narrow, about ~ inch wide; ing black. the scapes are 9 to 10 inches tall; the flowers 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. Lily turf selections are derived from L. Liriope gigantea is a new species cer­ muscari. tainly 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 scares are not over 10 inches forked at the tip in such a fashion as to JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 9

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 culti­ inch wide, and up to 24 inches long, var, characterized by its unusual yellow­ 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. 'Grandi flora.' 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 cultivar may not be a derivative of L. to 14 inches tall. The flower sea pes are muscari. 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 10 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

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 'Silvery Midget.' let flower scapes carry the flower ra­ As all plants are grown in passing shade, .cernes 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 Vi! inch wide, held in high margin, later turns white and finally _ascending curves, to 10 inches or more. disappears. The strong flower scapes The flower scapes are freely produced 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. l') 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. -tiomewhat open masses of pure white l mds and flowers. 'Silvery Sunproof.' A cultivar that 'New ·Wonder.' This cultivar, accord­ makes a tall vase-shaped mass of ascend­ lng to Frederic P. Lee, is furnished with ing leaves to 12 inches high or more. leaves to 23 inches long, and to % inch Each leaf, as it develops, is heavily stri­ 'wide, glossy above and rather more erect ate with gold, but later the gold lightens :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 in leaves lose their rigidity and so do less .-carriage than some of the others; it is credit to the plant. It has not been very free-blooming with erect flower scapes free-flowering in the Mississippi garden. bearing rather typical pinkish lavender In a poorly designed garden under . flowers. live oak shade, it makes the most strik­ ing effect of any plant used there. Cultivars with Variegated Foliage 'Variegata.' A cultivar with leaves green in the center and yellow or whit­ 'Gold-Banded.' This makes a compact ish-yellow on the margins when young, -tuft of firm leaves that form a somewhat turning green throughout with age. spreading clump mass. The line of Leaves to 16 inches or more tall, the variegation is gold when the leaf is new, flower scapes not as tall, with fascicles of out lightens toward white as the season dark violet flowers. In Baileya (l.c. p. .advances. It disappears entirely on old 156) this cultivar is reported to be of JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER II

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

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

obscure ongm, 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 decorate 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." FREDERICK G. MEYEIl La Mortola Gardens A small temple with dome of ornamental iron grille. Large specimen of Yucca elephantipes in background. Specimens on left of the Mediterranean Cypress, Cupcessus sempervirens

[12] Some Horticultural Centers of the Riviera *

FREDERICK G. MEYER'*''*'

To many people, a visit to the Riviera The Riviera, locally called the Cote of France or Italy leaves pleasant mem­ d'Azur (Blue Coast), extends from ories of flower-decked roadsides, pictur­ Hyeres, in France to San Remo, in Italy, esque villages and mountains above the a distance of about 200 miles. Strictly sea, warm people, and, not the least, speaking, the area between Cannes and handsome villas and gardens. Where San Remo, including the Principality of else in the Northern Hemisphere at a Monaco, is the most interesting to horti­ latitude of Portland, Maine, and Nova culturists. At various points, the Mari­ Scotia is it possible to find orange trees, time Alps rise several thousand feet al­ oleanders, date palms, and jacarandas most sheer from the sea and effectively growing as street trees and cacti that vie shelter the region against cold northern in size with any of their kind to be winds. Frost and snow are rare events. found in Mexico. In the salubrious climate, it is possible 'What was once a rocky, barren, unin­ to cultivate a wide selection of subtropi­ viting wind-swept coastal strip, known cal plants, giving to the coastal region to the Romans as the shortest chariot a decidedly subtropical atmosphere. But route to France, in about 80 years has the area is not without climatic short­ become a verdant, subtropical oasis, comings. All plantsmen of the Riviera only a short distance from snow-capped fear the winds of the "mistral," which alps. While the work of enterprising bring the most inclement weather to the entrepreneurs brought prosperity to the otherwise balmy seacoast area of the Riviera, the heavy hand of commercial­ Cote d'Azur. The mistral is a dry, cold ism has not destroyed an aura of sophis­ north wind from the Rhone River val­ tication which still prevails, nor has the ley which normally veers westward to­ natural beauty given way in the wake of ward Spain upon reaching the sea, but the bulldozer's blade. On the contrary, occasionally it turns eastward toward this is one area in which man's influ­ Italy, effecting the palm-tree belt Qf the ence on Nature appears to have been an Riviera. When this occurs, winds of the embellishment rather than a scourge. mistral bring a sudden drop in tempera­ Since the 1880's, when the French ture, which in winter may bring frpst or Riviera was first developed as a holiday rarely snow, as in the winter of 195'6. retreat by British interests, royalty, dow­ The writer invites his readers tJ join agers, movie stars, the idle rich, and in a short tour of gardens and horti­ millions of plain citizens have consorted cultural establishment of the RIviera together in an atmosphere in which con­ visited in 1957 during a plant explora­ structive relaxation has become a way of tion trip for ornamentals in Mediter­ life. In time, all this has brought not ranean countries of southern Europe. only splendid villas that overlook the blue Mediterranean, but also it has French Riviera brought many fine gardens often full of rare and unusual plants of interest to Villa Thuret, Cap d' Antibes keen plantsmen. The Villa Thuret is well known as one of the leading horticultural institu­ • Selected articles revised from Plant Explorations: Ornamentals it! 1tal". Southern France. Spain, Portu­ tions of France. The arboretum of sub­ gal, England, and Scot/and, by Frederick G. Meyer, tropical and Mediterranean plants dates ARS S4-9, October 1959, U. S. Department of Agricul­ ture in cooperation with Longwood Gardens of the from about 1860, when Gustave Adolphe Longwood Foundation, Inc. See also Am. Hart. Mag., July 1961. Photographs by the author. Thuret, artist-diplomat, purchased the •• U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Re­ property for reasons of health and de­ learch Services, New Crops Research Branch, Plant In· dustry Station, Beltsville, Maryland. veloped on the grounds of his village the [13] 14 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

4- ~ ~I,

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Palms at the Villa Thuret, in clockwise position: Sabal sp., Chamae­ rops humilis, }ubaea chilensis, and Butia capitata. The Bunya-Bunya tree, Araucaria lJ.idwillii, in lelt background .

, r JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 4'2, NUMBE'R 1 15

U. S. DEPARTM ENT OF ACRICULTURE

Villa Thuret, Cap d'Antibes

first large garden of exotic plants on the Serre de la Madone, Val du Gorbio, French Riviera. Upon the death of Menton Thuret in 1875, the property with an arboretum of 10 acres, was willed to the Many of the finest gardens of the people of France. Now it is known as Fr~~ch Riviera have been created by the National Institute for Agronomic BntIsh settlers attracted to this area for Research, one of the most complete in climatic or health reasons. One such southern France for research in horticul­ garden, the Serre de la Madone, at Men­ ture. . Perhaps no other garden of the ton stands as the legacy of one man's unending enthusiasm for gardening and area IS so rich in subtropical specimen trees, many of which are 80 or more rare plants. The late Major Lawrence years old. Excellent laboratories and Johnston, over a span of 40 years, as­ an extensive library are provided for re­ sembled an unusually fine collection of search workers. Greenhouses also are rare species from his' many visits abroad available for use in plant breeding and to South Africa, China, India, and Bur­ in physiological studies. ma in quest of plants for his Riviera estate. . A visitor to the garden will soon dis­ ~over a wealth of interesting ,trees. For The garden stands on a series of ter­ Instance, a specimen of the Bunya­ races of an abandoned olive grove at the Bunya tree, Araucaria bidwillii) is now foot of towering peaks of the Maritime 80 feet tall; the Chilean Wine Palm, Alps with the shore of the lVlediter­ Jubaea chilensis) is 50 feet tall; and the ranean ' only a few kilometers away. Syrian Juniper, Juniperus drupacea) Evergreen trees and shrubs of ornamen­ from Greece and Asia Minor, is 60 feet tal merit abound, the best of which are tap. A , grove of towering Stone Pine, mentioned below . . PinUS pznea) near the Villa dates from a Oreopanax. Three M,exican species are planting about 1870. . grown of this highly ornamental group 16 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE of small spreading trees of the Ginseng April with frothy-white and perfumed Family [AraliaceaeJ: O. echinops, with flower panicles, 3 to 4 inches across. large digitately divided and felted leaves This plant gem deserves to be widely up to 10 inches across; O. capitatus, with tested in the United States, because we leathery undivided leaves, 6 to 8 inches have nothing quite its equal now in across; and O. dactylifolius} a fine plant cultivation. with digitately divided leathery and felt­ Buddleia crispa var. farreri is a beauti­ ed leaves, 8 to 10 inches across. In a cli­ fully refined Chinese species of butter­ mate with frost these plants could be fly-bush of low habit, with pale rose-lilac used for pot and tub culture, since they delightfully fragrant flowers with a yel­ are closely related to Schefflera} an in­ low eye. This plant is recommended door plant now widely used for this over B. davidii} the plant commonly cul­ purpose. tivated but too coarse for many small Banksia integrifolia is an Australian gardens. small evergreen tree of the Protea Fam­ Sarcococca ruscifolia is a Chinese species ily [Proteaceae] now 25 feet tall wi th and perhaps the showiest of the genus, bottle-brushlike heads of yellow flowers, making a shrub up to 4 feet tall with 3 inches long. This plant is one of the leaves an inch or more long. The dark­ few members of an otherwise highly in­ red cherry-like pulpy fruit, % inch in teresting family easy to cultivate in gar­ diameter, adorns the plant in the spring dens. A well known plant of the family months. S. sa ligna} a Himalayan spe­ is the Silk-Oak, Grevillea robusta} often cies, while not an unattractive relative, grown in pots. with narrower, light-green lanceolate Hedera chysocarpa is the yellow-fruited evergreen leaves and purple fruit, does ivy from the Caucasus rarely seen in not equal S. ruscifolia. The sarcococcas, cultivation. relatives of boxwood, are known mostly Mahonia lomariifolia is an extremely at­ in this country by S. hookeriana and tractive broad leaf evergreen shrub 10 to varieties, all useful plants as low ever­ 12 feet tall. It was introduced by Ma­ green ground covers. jor Johnston from Upper Burma and In July at the Serre de la Madone, grown first by him in his garden at Men­ oleanders in full kaleidoscopic array are ton. During the writer's visit in April, conspicuous through the garden. The the 8-foot plants were loaded with large so-called Yellow Oleander, Nerium ole­ grape-like clusters of blue berries borne ander 'Aurantiacum,' with orangish yel­ at the branch tips among tufts of lus­ low flowers is a delightful shade among trous pinnately divided leaves. The color forms of this plant less frequently plant flowers in late autumn or winter. seen. Some say it is the finest of mahonias yet introduced; it is now in the United Villa Roquebrune, Cap Martin States where it may be expected to thrive The superbly terraced garden of the best in the southern states and Pacific Villa Roquebrune at Cap Martin stands coast areas. with an unmatched setting on the edge Mahonia siamensis is a highly attractive of a precipice several hundred feet above species from Upper Burma, collected by the Mediterranean facing the Principal­ Major Johnston and raised by him at ity of Monaco. Twisted and wind-swept Menton. The thick pinnately divided Aleppo Pine, Pinus halepensis} and broadleaf evergreen leaves are 24 to 30 spire-like cypress, Cupressus sempervi­ inches long with leaflets 6 to 7 inches rens} enhance the rugged setting around long; a less handsome plant than the which the garden has been constructed. preceding, but just as hardy. Acacias and bulbous plants from Decumaria sinensis is a striking ever­ South Africa are prominent among the green scrambling plant from China plants that flower in spring at the Villa. closely related to Hydrangea. Its less Masses of Diplopappus fruticulosus} an handsome cousin, the so-called Climb­ elegant relative of Aster from South Af­ ing Hydrangea, D. barbara} a native of rica, with lavender-rose ray-flowers, is ~he A~eri~an southeast, is rarely grown conspicuous during April in several III cultIVatIOn. At the Serre de la Ma­ parts of the garden. Also, cacti and done, plants of D. sinensis} which scram­ other succulents are prominently dis­ ble over a banister, were covered in played. The floral wealth of geraniums JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 17

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Serre de la Madone, Garden of the late Major Lawrence Johnston

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Garden of the Villa Roquebrune, Cap Martin, French Riviera 18 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE is always hard to match. Pelargonium La Leonina, Beaulieu-sur-Mer zonale, the common species, and P. p~l­ La Leonina, site of an outstanding tatum, the Ivy Geranium, are planted III terraced garden devoted largely to eco­ profusion over walls and. ledges. The nomic plants, is located about midway little known, P. acetosa, WIth blue-green between Nice and Monaco. Arpad deeply cut leaves and .bright s~lm?n­ pink flowers, deserves WIder cultIvatIon Plesch, owner of the property, has among the fleshy-leaved members of the brought together an outstanding collec­ genus. Lantanas with yellow, lavender, tion of over 2,000 kinds of subtropical and white flowers contribute to the spec­ fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, tacular color array of floral wealth at grown on a series of 7 broad terraces the Villa Roquebrune in April. Among overlooking the Mediterranean above scabiosas, Scabiosa cretica is perhaps un­ the villa. An olive grove near the villa known in gardens of this country, but is reputed to be 1,000 years old. Here nonetheless, it is an elegant shrub 3 to 4 one has an opportunity to see a wide as­ feet tall with azure-blue flower heads an sortment of plants used for special pur­ inch or more across; it is native of Sicily. poses, such as: plants with edible flow­ The :lVIexican Trumpet-vine, Phae­ ers; plants wi th edible stems or petioles; dranthus buccinatorius, is represented spice plants; starch and fat producing at the Villa Roquebrune by an outstand­ plants; spinach plants; plants with edi­ ing color form with burgundy-red flow­ ble pods; plants with edible pulpy ers. This plant is found to vary with fruits; medicinal plants; oil-bearing flowers almost clear orange to deep red. plants; beverage plants; plants with edi­ Thunbe1"gia gibson ii, probably little ble roots; sugar-producing plants; and known to most, is a charming tropical plants with edible seeds. Tropical African species wi th bright orange flow­ ers an inch across, planted in several fruits, such as mango, papaya, and ly­ places over walls. Many people already chee, are grown in a greenhouse. grow the Black-eyed Susan, T. alata, A collection of old specimen trees and with a black eye-spot at the base of the a greenhouse for orchids and other trop­ corolla. B letilla striata, a ground or­ ical plants are located near the villa. At chid, native of Japan and China, and least 10 species of palms are represented known in southern areas of the United in this section, including large speci­ States, is grown with considerable effect mens of Canary Island Date Palm, Phoe­ in large terra cotta pots on the patio. nix canariensis, 50 feet tall; California Romneya coulteri, the Matileja Poppy of Fan Palm, Washingtonia filifera, 80 feet California, is justifiably much-planted, tall; a species of Erythaea; Mediterrane­ since few plants are more distinctive an Fan Palm, Chamaerops humilis; when used in the correct position. An­ Chamaedorea elatior; Chilean Wine other plant, the Spurge-Olive, Cneorum Palm, Ju baea chilensis, 40 feet tall; and t?-icoccon, a native Mediterranean ever­ Livistona australis, 30 feet tall. green shrub with boxwood-like leaves is A giant specimen of the Moreton Bay planted in various parts of the garden as Fig, Ficus macrophylla, is 50 feet tall; a substitute for boxwood. In addition the blue-flowered Jacaranda, J acamnda to the dark green leaves of the Spurge­ acutifolia, is 40 feet tall; and Oreopanax Olive, the red fruit in late summer is floribundum, a fourth species of the highly attractive. Lagunaria patersonii, genus found in Riviera gardens, is 40 a handsome flowering tree of the Mal­ feet tall. low Family [Malvaceae] from Australia, A large conservatory contains orchids, appears to be suited to the Mediter­ aroids, and many other tropical species. ranean climate. The several specimens, Phymatidium tillandsioides, a diminu­ now 20 to 25 feet tall, are laden with tive orchid from Brazil, only a few inches mauve to rose-pink flowers, 2 inches tall produces extremely fragrant small across, for several weeks in midsummer. white flowers. A specimen plant of Hoya The garden of the Villa Roquebrune angustifolia with clusters of pink flowers was developed over many years by Mrs. was in full bloom; although smaller, the G. Warre, British resident of the Rivi­ flowers are fully as attractive as those of era. the well known Wax-Flower, H. camosa. JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 19

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Jardin Botanique, Les Cedres, Cap Ferrat Flower border with brilliant orange Gazania X splendens against f1! backdrop of Aleppo Pine, Pinus halepensis

Jardin Botanique, "Les Cedres," Cap to what must be the largest collection of Ferrat subtropical and succulent plants in southern Europe. Groves of Aleppo The garden of Monsieur Julian Pine, Pinus halepensis, and Holly-Oak, Marnier-Lapostolle is well known among Quercus ilex, both native plants, enhance the newer gardens of the French Riviera, the terrain as a natural backdrop for the although some plantings exist from an plantings of cultivated plants. About older garden on the property. Old Leb­ 10,000 kinds of plants are cultivated, in­ anon cedars, Cedms libani, undoubtedly clusive of wild species and horticultural suggested the appropriate name "Les selections of garden origin. Cedres," as the garden is called by the Located a few miles east of Nice, on present owner. Since the end of World Cap Ferrat, the garden occupies a site War II, the garden has greatly expanded along the mild "La Petite Afrique" sec- 20 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Jardin Botanique, Les Cedres, Cap Ferrat Cissus jutae, a succulent member of the Grape Family from southwestern Africa, left foreground tion of the French Riviera. Nearby the palms, begonias, tropical lianas, and towering Maritime Alps shield the coast­ other rainforest-type ornamental species. al section from north winds, and the Bamboos are 30 feet tall. A water garden Mediterranean Sea surrounds the narrow includes tropical water-lilies, Nymphaea peninsula on three sides. species; Indian Lotus, Nelumbo nucifera; A simulated jungle contains bananas, Water-platter Lily, Victoria cruziana; JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 21

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULT URE

Jardin Botanique, Les Cedres, Cap Ferrat Water.Platter Lily, Victoria cruziana, the only place along the Riviera where this plant is grown in the open and T yphonodorum lindleyanum, an culent genera cultivated at Les Cedres. aquatic aroid [Araceae] from Madagas­ Species of this genus offer promise as car. The wide borders near the villa are subjects for hybridization and breeding planted with Australian species of Aca­ studies to produce types suitable as pot cia, Grevillea, Hakea, Callistemon, and plants, since one witnesses, among the Metrosideros. various species, great diversity in habit In a series of greenhouses, N epenthes, and in range of flower color. For exam­ the tropical pitcher plant, begonias, or­ ple, K . pumila is a low plant with or­ chids, aroids, gesneriads, and ferns form chid-colored flowers, while K. manginii part of the tropical collections under is provided with tubular scarlet flowers glass. The Madagascar Lace-Plant, Apo­ on a low spreading plant. Tall growing nogeton fenestralis, with leaves nearly 2 species also exist, such as K . marmorata, feet long, is grown to perfection in deep with white flowers up to 3 inches long. concrete tanks. The collection of succulent plants in­ Villa Casa Rossa, Menton cludes both Old and New World species. Cacti of South America are abundantly The garden and villa of Casa Rossa represented. Plants of the Madagascar is a good example of a modern Riviera desert include several members of the estate constructed in the Proven~al Didiereaceae, a small family of succulent style. Subtropical and Mediterranean trees and shrubs restricted to Madagas­ plants predominate among the species car. The principal genera are Didierea grown; rows of Canary Island Date Palm, and Alluaudia. A curious succulent of Phoenix canariensis, are planted along the Melon Family [Cucurbitaceae] from the drive as one enters the grounds. Madagascar is Xerosicyos, represented at Handsome specimens of Echium fast­ Les Cedres by X. danguyi and X. per­ uosum, Vipers-Burgloss, an arborescent rieri. species, 10 feet tall, of the Borage Fam­ The collections of Kalanchoe are ily [Boraginaceae], produce in April among the most comprehensive of suc- torch-like panicles 6 to 8 inches long of 22 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

U . S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRfCULl URE

Garden of the Villa Casa Rossa, Menton azure-blue flowers. A tree-Datura with southern France. Here about 50 nurs­ trumpet-like white flowers up to 8 inches eries operate mostly within the relative­ long, forms a handsome specimen up to ly flat coastal region between Cannes and 10 feet tall against the brown stuccoed Nice. Most firms manage on a few walls of the villa. A grove of tangerines acres, but around Nice larger firms some­ is planted on a lower terrace near the times operate on 75 acres. villa, which in most seasons is highly Oleander. N erium oleander is a flori­ productive. But a note about this: Citrus ferous evergreen shrub much used for trees in most Riviera gardens fruit poor­ roadside planting along the coastal areas ly, because the trees usually are badly of the Riviera. At Monaco, for example, defoliated by persons who gather the oleanders are grown as small street-trees, . leaves for the perfumeries at Grasse. 10 to 15 feet tall, with single trunks. Phlomis fruticosa, Jerusalum-Sage , a Flower color varies from pure white to shrubby eastern Mediterranean species yellowish pink, deep pink, and bur­ · of the Mint Family (Labiatae), 2 to 3 gundy-red. feet tall with bright-yellow flowers, is A cacia. In the area surrounding the one of the most conspicuous plants that city of Cannes, about 5,000 people gain bloom at the Casa Rossa in spring. a livelihood in growing acacias for the A note about the use of olive trees, cut-flower market and for the perfum­ Olea europaea: Throughout the Riviera eries at Grasse. Most widely grown are · area these trees are much used on the named selections of 3 Australian spe­ I precipitous slopes to control soil erosion. cies, namely A . decurrens var. dealbata, · The abundance of fine roots of this plant A. baileyana, and A. podalyriaefolia. · effectively control the worst aspects of Cultivars of A . decu1Tens var. dealbata, · erosion in places where control would include 'Mireille,' 'Soleil d'Empel,' 'Gau­ otherwise be difficult or impossible. lois,' and 'Mirandole,' all grown for the bright yellow flowers. As foliage plants, .Nurseries and Flower Growing on the A. podalyriaefolia 'Denis Boden' and A. French Riviera howittii 'Clair de Lune' are outstanding. I N UTSeries. The nursery trade on the The most serious threat to acacia plant­ iFrench Riviera is ·the most extensive in ers is an occasional freeze, such as the .~ /·1ANLJARY ""1963,; VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 23 one of February 1956, which nearly feet of Oreopanax capilatus and O. dac­ wiped out the old established plantings. t)'lifolitIS, two evergreen trees mentioneu After such a disaster, 5 years is required earlier, are among the most handsome for complete recovery of the plants. of evergreen trees in the Casino gardens. em'nations. Carnations are much Arborescent cacti, 20 feet tall, are promi­ grown in open-air nurseries and on nently displayed and bougainvilleas mountain terraces, mostly between Nice scramble to the tops of some of the tall­ and Cannes. Flowers with split calyces est trees. and weak stems are the types most com­ monly grown, but carnations with such Jardin Exotique, Monaco defects apparently are of little concern to French growers or to the public that The Jardin Exotique of Monaco is avidly buys them. Large quantities are well known among the succulent gar­ shipped daily to the Paris flower stalls dens of the world. The garden of about and to other parts of France. The main two acres was founded in 1913 during cutting season lasts from early winter the reign of the late Prince Albert I, a until lVIay. beloved and liberal patron of biological Roses. Roses are grown extensively as sciences. The plantings occupy an extra­ a field crop in the area between Cannes ordinary site on the edge of a jagged and and Nice. Hybrid teas are the kinds most somewhat terraced precipice, 300 to 400 commonly cultivated. The well-known feet above the adjacent Mediterranean rose nursery of Meilland at Cap d'An­ shore. Created for spectacular effect, the tibes, covers several acres under glass Jardin Exotique or Exotic Garden, am­ used for experiments in rose breeding. ply fulfills the role of a modern hanging The Roseraie d'Mielland is the home of garden. Construction problems and maintenance of the collections bring the rose 'Peace' and other introductions forth a host of problems unique to this that have won universal acclaim among garden. For example, all soil for grow­ rosarians in recent years. ing the plants, must be carried in by hand. The large collection of species Principality of Monaco cultivated is, indeed, of great interest to collectors, but the spectacular setting Cusino Gardens, Monte Carlo and the grouping of the plants mani­ The subtropical plantings of the Ca­ festly is of greater interest to most vis­ sino gardens, dating from the latter part itors; oyer one-half million visitors en­ of the 19th century, are among the old­ ter the garden each year. est on the Riviera. Palms, cacti, water Giant cacti often overwhelm other fea­ gardens, flowering trees, and large well­ tures of the garden. For example, 20- kept flower beds in the sunken garden foot specimens of TTichocereus pasacrma, form the principal features of this, the Pachycereus mal'ginata, and Neobux­ largest public garden of the Principality. baumia polylopha are conspicuous among Among 25 species of palms are large the arborescent species. Arborescent specimens of the Canary Island Date members of the Lily Family, such as Palm, Phoenix canariensis; the Wild Aloe gl'antii, A. salmdyckiana, both Afri­ Date Palm, P. reclinata; Chilean Wine can, and N olina l'ecuTvata from Mexico, Palm, Jubaea chilensis; and the Queen are conspicuous. Specimens three feet tall Palm, Al'ecastl'um TOmanzo{fianum. A of the Mexican Barrel-Cactus, Echino­ long avenue of Califomia Fan Palm, cactus gntsonii, planted in groups, are Washingtonia filifem, with plants 50 feet hardly less striking at close range. Bizarre tall, line both sides of the sunken gar­ even among cacti, the Argentine Snake­ den leading to the Casino. Specimens Cactus, Tl'ichocereus thelogonus, winds 40 feet tall of Bmchychiton populneum, circuitously over rock ledges. Small a semi-deciduous species of Bottle-Tree growing cacti, such as Otnmtia micro­ from Australia, are planted in long rows parallel with the California Fan Palms. dasys and many species of Mammillaria An evergreen Australian species of Bot­ assist in the checkered display in a gar­ den where plant form obviously mani­ tle-Tree, B. lw-idum, mor~ than 50 feet tall with maroon-colored flowers, is one fests the leading role. of the most attractive of flowering trees Succulent members of the Sunflower grown here. Fine specimens, 20 to 25 Family [Compositae] are represented by 24 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

o. S. DEPAIlTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Casino Gardens, Monte Carlo Oreopanax capitatus, evergreen Mexican tree of the Ivy Family

species of the blue-stemmed Kleinia from ledges. The succulent, foot-wide rosettes South Africa which spread to fill small of EcheveTia gibbiflom, resembling heads valleys and nooks. Species of Glottiphyl­ of luxuriant lettuces plastered against lum, Conophytum, and Ruschia of the bare rock faces, are perhaps the most Carpet-Weed family (Aizoaceae) fonn striking among the various relatives of large mats of succulent foliage over rock Cmssula grown here. JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 25

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cacti in the Jardin Exotique and the rock of Monaco

The preponderance of succulents in A giant plant of Bougainvillea glabra the Jardin Exotique is subtly relieved at 'Sanderiana' covers a pergola and is then various points by small pools, caves, and allowed to scramble over a rock bank. springs for moisture-loving plants, such as M onstem deliciosa, African Violets, This latter plant provides a welcome ferns, peperomias, and philodendrons. splash of brilliant color in midsummer. 26 T H E AMERICAN HORT ICULTURAL MA&AZINE

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Echeveria gibbiflora in the Jardin Exotique resemble heads of luxuri­ ant lettuces plastered against bare rock faces

U. S. DEPARTMENT' OF AGRICULTURE

Silhouetted opuntias against ornamental iron grille Jardin Exotique JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 27

Italian Riviera q~aries, small amounts of statuary, and La ll1ortola Gardens, Ventimiglia skIllfully wrought ornamental iron grille La Mortola, located near Ventimiglia gates are used for accent at various on the Italian Riviera, is perhaps the points. best known among the older Riviera The pink-stuccoed villa high above gardens. As a monument to its founder, the Mediterranean, now enlarged over Sir Thomas Hanbury, the garden stands the original 14th century Palazzo Oren­ as a gem of the gardeners art. La Mor­ go, commands a prominent focal point tola dates from 1867, when Hanbury, an from many vantage points in the garden. English merchant with a fortune made Features of interest near the villa in­ in the Far East, purchased 100 acres on clude a series of small hedge gardens, "La Punta della Murtola," so-called for called "giardetti" with patios paved in the many native myrtles, Myrtus com­ genuine Roman brick, and a small gar­ munis, growing there. den with scented foliage-plants located His son, Sir Cecil, and Lady Hanbury at the foot of a 20-foot brick wall below were largely responsible for the archi­ the monument to Thomas Hanbury. tectural embellishments as found in the The prostrate-growing Rosemary, Ros­ garden today. During World War II, marin us ofJicinalis 'Prostratus,' overhangs the property several times suffered dam­ the wall for nearly its 20-foot height, age, and since that time it has become and Tmchelium caendeum, a native increasingly difficult to maintain this campanula relative of the Mediterranean garden masterpiece on anything like pre· region with corymbs of deep blue flow­ war standards. ers, grows from the crevices of the weath­ ered bricks. A bush of ,l\Tintersweet, Horticulturists know La Mortola not Chimonanthus pmecox, is planted in onlr for the large and varied plant col­ one corner of this garden near a plant lectIOns but also as a garden skillfully of Lemon Verbena, Aloysia triphylla, designed. Essentially, La Mortola is an English flower garden on an Italian known for its tantalizing lemon-scented theme. Wide latitude was always al­ leaves. lowed in the use of the best in flowers, A garden of cycads is of special interest shrubs, and trees. For many years, an to all who may be aware of the interest exchange of students with Kew Gardens these plants command as relics from the in England brought a lively academic geologic past. Included are specimens of spirit to La Mortola. Cycas revoluta, Encephala?-tos lehmannii, Under Alwin Berger, superintendent Dioon edule, D . spinulosum, and lamia of the garden under Sir Thomas. the spp. In July, Romneya coulteri, the collections of succulents developed into Matileja Poppy of California, with white the most complete of any in Europe, but flowers 4 to 6 inches across, makes a only the larger kinds of Aloe, Dasylirion, striking display against hed~es of dark Euphorbia, Nolina, Opuntia, and Yucca green cypress. Of the bulbous plants flowering in midsummer, long rows of have survive~. Conifers, flowering-trees, shrubs, and vll1es are the most prominent white and blue Agapanthtls are much in among the plantings nowadays. The evidence. finest conifers are trees dating from the Stazione Sperimentale di Floricul­ early years of the garden. A specimen tura, San Remo of Abies cephalonica, the Greek Fir, is 120 feet tall. Specimens 50 to 75 feet Located in the heart of the commer­ tall of Lebanon Cedar, Cedrus libani, cial flower fields of the Italian Riviera, Deodar Cedar, C. deodam, and Atlas the Experiment Station for Floriculture Cedar, C. atlantica, are found in various at San Remo is the leading institution parts of the garden. Long avenues of in Italy for research in flower crops. Medi terranean Cypress, Cupressus sem­ Since 1925 when the station was founded pervirens, many up to 75 feet tall, are by Professor Mario Calvino, investiga­ among the most impressive plantings at tions on flower-crop plants have been of La Mortola. Many old and gnarled inestimable value to the now thriving specimens of native Aleppo Pines, Pinus horticultural trade of the San Remo dis­ halepensis, add an aura of sophistication trict. The Experiment Station is largely as a backdrop for many of the plantings. a cooperative organization supported by Large olive jars, various Roman anti- the commercial growers themselves. 28 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

U . S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

White-flowered Agapanthus planted around a palm trunk La Mortola Gardens

Since roses and carnations are the baskets or on a sunny bank in a mild leading flower crops of the area, these climate. Bosea amherstiana 'Variegata' plants are constantly under investiga­ is a scrambling evergreen shrub of the tion by members of the research staff. Amaranth Family [Amaranthaceae] with Research is undertaken on several other white-variegated foliage. Cissus striata, crops, such as Gladiolus, Freesia, Stre lit­ a grape relative, is a showy climber with zia, Primula, and Pelargonium, all grown dark-green shiny leaves that deserves commercially on terraces overlooking the wider distribution in the United States Mediterranean near San Remo. as a pot plant. A magnificent specimen Under glass some warm climate spe­ of Beaumontia grandifiora, a Himalayan cies are being tested for possible use as species with several hundred white flow­ house plants. Two plants of the Acan­ ers the size of Easter lilies, is the most thus Family [Acanthaceae] show prom­ spectacular plant in flower at the Experi­ ise, Crossandra nilotica, a colorful East ment Station in June. African plant with dull-green leaves and A visit to the flower markets of near­ orange flowers, and Hypoestes sanguino­ by Ventimiglia and Bordighera to wit­ lenta with pink-mottled leaves, a showy ness the daily pageant of flowers and to foliage plant when kept growing vigor­ listen to the cacophony of auctioneers ously. Peperomia resedaefiora, a native seIling to the highest bidder might be of Colombia, is a small plant 5 to 6 an appropriate finale to an otherwise inches tall with glistening dark green memorable tour of gardens and horticul­ leaves and white flowers that resemble tural institutions of the Riviera. In these the mignonette. two small towns located in the heart of Plants of interest in the nursery in­ the San Remo flower-growing district, clude Convolvulus mauritanicus, a na­ tons of cut flowers are disposed of daily, tive of North Africa with powder-blue except in midsummer, later to appear flowers, useful for growing in hanging on the flower stalls all over Italy. PETER WHITNEY

Yucca aloifolia, the Aloe Yucca Yucca- A Lily Surrounded by Daggers

ROBERT A. VINES Science Supervisor, Spring Bmnch Independent School District, Houston, Texas

The yuccas of the southwest, variously dagger-like leaves as they seem to defy known as Spanish-bayonets, Dagger­ man, beast, and Nature herself. plants, Don Quixote's Lance, and Palma Not until they raise their huge cande­ Pita, have been called the sentinels of labra of radiant, white flowers is this the desert. This title is indeed appro­ militant aspect softened. By then their priate as they stand guard in awesome beauty is so startling, that even a 70 solitude over the vast reaches of mesas, mile per hour tourist automatically buttes, and desert sands. Their grotesque slows to take a second look. In their upraised arms brandish hundreds of natural habitat the yuccas serve a useful [29] 30 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Yucca arkansana, Arkansas Yucca

purpose. The poor Mexican peons who Landscapemen of the southwest some­ live along the dry arroyos cook the flow­ times refer to the yuccas as plants with ers like cabbage, and eat the banana­ a "dominant accent," meaning that they like capsules (datiles) of some species. so completely dominate a garden with The leaf fibers are tough and are made a bold sort of rugged beauty that sur­ into twine and rope. Also, his simple rounding plants look ineffectual. Rather folklore has taught him that nothing is startling effects can be created by judi­ better for a rattlesnake bite than to jab cious use of these woody evergreens of a strong leaf spine into the wound. This the Lily Family. They are very often induces profuse bleeding and the poison planted to enhance the western atmos­ is drained away. He also knows that he phere of ranch, or Spanish type, homes. can wash his clothing with the root of They appear in much park and street the Soap tree Yucca. planting in the southwest. The smaller JANUARY 1963, VOLUlVIE 42, NUMBER 1 31 stemless species make good tub plants Some of its garden forms are 'Rufocincta', for patios and terraces. a low plant with reddish brown leaf . The many species of Yucca vary CO I1- margins, and 'Tristis,' with blackish pur­ slderably and can be used for a variety ple bracts. The cultivar 'Elegans' has a of purposes. There are stemless dwarfs median reddish stripe on the leaves. only a foot or so high, and there are Some botanists feel that the Curveleaf tree-like giants up to 25 or 30 feet high. Yucca itself is only a variety of the Some have drooping flaccid leaves, and Moundldy Yucca, Yucca O" /oriosa, which some stiff dagger-pointed ones. A num­ is indigenous on the co~stal dunes of ber have dry,. erect fruit which splits South Carolina, Georgia, and northeast­ open at matunty, and others bear large, ern Florida. The Moundlily Yucca also pendant, fleshy, indehiscent fruit. The has a number of variegated or striped white, or greenish flowers are composed leaf forms. of 3 petals and 3 similar sepals (collec­ ~ively called tepals) , these usually droop­ The Desert Giants II1g and cu p- or bell-shaped. The stamens are six in number, and the shape, size, Probably the most magnificent of all and co!or of the pistil is of some impor­ the yuccas are the giants of the so uth­ tance 111 the taxonomy of the group. western deserts. Beginning in central Many species of Yucca are dependent Texas, and the lower Texas coast, they upon the yucca moth, P1'onuba yucca­ increase in number of species westward se lla, for adequate pollination. In fact, to the Pacific. About eleven species are in cultivation, some species bear little or large enough to be cl assed as trees by no fruit unless this moth is present. The the United States Forest Service. The mo~h stuffs the pollen into the stigmatic arborescent species most commonly cul­ cavIty. She then lays her eggs in the tivated in Texas gardens is the Trecul ovary, and the young larvae fe ed on the Yucca, Yucca t1·eculeana. It is rather maturing seeds. Artificial hybrids of the common in the lower Rio Grande Val­ yuccas can be produced easily by hand ley, and in the vicinity of San Antonio. pollination. It frequently bran ches, and each branch may bear a large panicle of beautiful flowers. After crossing the Pecos River Some Southeastern Yuccas westward into the Texas Big- Bend coun­ Although the arid southwest is the try the grandfather of all yuccas can natural habitat of the genus, there are be seen. It is the Cameros Giant Yucca, ~ome attractive species which are grown Yucca CQTne1·osana. It is a native of m gardens along the eastern half of the Brewster County, but large specimens Gulf Coast plain, and lower Atlantic have been dug up and replanted along Coast plain. The most popular one ap­ the highways from Sanderson to Alpine. pears to be the Aloe Yucca, Yucca aloi­ It generally grows on hills from 2700 folia. It has a rather dense-leaved stem feet to 6300 feet altitude. It may attain up to ten feet high, and bears a compact a height of 15 feet or more, with a very heavy panicle which is quite showy. It symmetrical head of leaves, which are is found at its best in sandy or loamy very stout and up to 4Y2 feet long. The soils from the Texas coast, eastward to huge lower panicles are raised well above Florida, but apparently can survive as the leaves. The large trunks are used far n?rth as Virginia. A number of in­ for fences and walls of huts by the Mexi­ terestmg horticultural varieties of it are can people along the Rio Grande River. known, such as 'Marginata' with yellow­ To them it is known as the Palma Sal­ margined leaves, and 'Tricolor,' with mandoco-, or Pita Grande. yellow and white stripes in the center of Growing in association with the Car­ the leaf, and yellow leaf margins. neros Giant Yucca is the Torrey Yucca, Another noteworthy species of the Yucca t01-reyi. It may be distinguished Gulf Coast is the Curveleaf Yucca, Yucca by its stout and untidy leaves, and the 1·ewrvifolia. The rather broad drooping large flower cluster which scarcely raises leaves are quite attractive. It raises a itself above the level of the top leaves. leafy stem from 3 to 6 feet high, which Compare the plates of the Torrey Yucca is simple or branched, and supports a and the Cameros Giant Yucca. narrow panicle of white flowers, which A third large Yucca of West Texas, are elevated slightly above the leaves. New Mexico, and Arizona, is the Soap- 32 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Yucca carnerosana, the Carneros Giant Yucca A close-up of the large panicle of flowers. The large flower panicle is lifted well above the leaves

tree Yucca, Yu.cca elata. It differs from the J oshua-tree, Yucca b?·evifolia. It has the Carneros Giant Yucca, and the Tor­ numerous branches, and is a conspicuous rey Giant Yucca, by having much nar­ feature of the desert landscape. A forest rower flattened leaves with the margins of these uniq ue trees has been set aside bearing filiferous threads. It also tends as a National Monument, and attracts to have a more slender trunk, and the many tourists. great length of the flowering scape is par­ ticularly noticeable. Going westward Some Dwarf Stemless Species from Texas through Arizona, Utah, Ne­ One of the most attractive stemless vada, and southern California another yuccas is the Louisiana Yucca, Yucca famous big-tree Yucca is met with. It is louisianensis, which grows in the sandy J ANUAR Y 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 33

Yucca carner os ana, the Carneros Giant Yucca Often planted along highways in western Texas

pine lands of western Louisiana and One of the neatest of the small stem­ eastern T exas, as far n orth as Oklahoma less yuccas of the dry uplands from cen­ a nd Arkansas. It grows to a height of tral T exas to Oklahoma and Arkansas 4 to 8 feet and the inflorescence and is the Arkansas Yucca, Yucca arkansana. scape are densely pubescent. An interest· The trim, pendant, bell-like flo wers are ing fea ture is the basal rosette of long, borne in a narrow raceme, the fl owering slender, thread-margined leaves, which p ortion of the scape being 1 to 2 fee t often fl ex downward at the tips. I t is long. T his delicate little Yucca prefers often dug up from the wild, and culti­ chalky or gravelly hillsides, or dry Ya ted in the ya rds of people living in prairies. I t is sometimes cultivated in the sa ndy pine woods of East Texas. the gardens of the cen tral T exas area.

JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 35

Some botanists consider it to be very Trecul Yucca, Y. treculeana closely related to the Small Soapweed Tree-like. Coastal and Central Texas. Yucca, Yucca glauca of the great plains region. Curveleaf Yucca, Y. recurvifolia Stemmed or tree-like. Cultivated on the Gulf Coast. On coastal dunes. Louisiana Horticultural Availability of Yuccas to Georgia. All of the yuccas may be propagated Moundlily Yucca, Y. gloriosa by seeds, offsets, or cuttings of rhizomes. Short-stemmed or tree-like. On coastal Some of the more fleshy ones can be dunes. Florida to North Carolina. started from stem cuttings. Damp sand is generally satisfactory as a rooting me­ Narrowleaf Yucca, Y. angustissima dium. Various species are grown in the Stemless, or with a short procumbent southwest, but most of the plants are stem. Arizona and New Mexico. dug up locally and transplanted. The group, as a whole, does best when good Louisiana Yucca, Y. louisianensis drainage is provided, and will not toler­ Stemless. Western Louisiana, East Texas, ate standing in water. Arkansas, Oklahoma. Forty-two species of Yucca are known Freeman Yucca, Y. freemanii from the United States. The majority Stemless. North-central Texas. of the species are found in the warmer Navajo Yucca, Y. navajoa and dryer areas of the southwest. Texas Stemless. New Mexico and Arizona. has eighteen species. About the only ones which can stand severe frost are Small Soapweed Yucca, Y. glauca Y. baccata, Y. recurvifolia, Y. gloriosa, Stemless. West Texas, Oklahoma, Colo­ Y. filamentosa, Y. aloifolia, and Y. flac­ rado, Montana, the Great Plains. cida. The last named is probably the only truly hardy Yucca in northern horti­ Plains Yucca, Y. campestris culture. A good idea about the hardi­ Stemless, or short-stemmed. Sandy South ness of the various species can be ob­ Plains, Texas Panhandle. tained by checking each plant's natural Paleleaf Yucca, Y. pallida distribution in the following list, and Stemless. North-central Texas. Usually on then obtaining the local weather records. black-land prairies, sometimes in sand. Harriman Yucca, Y. harrimaniae Yucca louisianensis Stemless. Arizona, Utah, Colorado. Showing an individual Adam's-needle Yucca, Y. filamentosa plant of the Louisiana Stemless, or short-stemmed. Mississippi Yucca, and close-up to Florida, northward to North Carolina. views of the inflorescence Small's Yucca, Y. smalliana Stemless. Louisiana east to Florida and The following list of the native spe­ north to North Carolina and Tennessee. cies will also give some indication of the Confined Yucca, Y. confinis soil preferences in their indigenous habi­ Stemless. New Mexico, Arizona, on desert tats; however, there may be considerable flats. adjustments made to other soil types when under cultivation. Also the list in­ Arizona Yucca, Y. arizonica dicates whether the plant is stemless Stemless, or short-stemmed. On desert (acaulescent) , or has a pronounced stem flats. Arizona. (caulescent), in some cases even tree­ Green Yucca, Y. verdiensis like: Stemless or short-stemmed. Arizona and A List of Native Yuccas New Mexico. Sandy or Loamy Soils Intermediate Yucca, Y. inter media Aloe Yucca, Yucca aloifolia Stemless, or short-stemmed. New Mexico. Tree-like. Often cultivated. On dunes and shell mounds of the Gulf Coast. Kanab Yucca, Y. kanabenis Texas, Louisiana to Florida, north to Stemless or short-stemmed. Utah and North Carolina. Arizona. 36 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Yucca torreyi, Torry Yucca Note that the flower panicle is set deeply among the leaves in contrast to the manner in which Yucca carnerosana flowers

Spoonleaf Yucca, Y. concava Faxon Yucca, Y. faxoniana Stemless, or short-stemmed. Dunes or Tree-like. vVest Texas, abundant on low sandy woods on the Coastal Plain. Geor­ hills near Van Horn. gia to Delaware. Torrey Yucca, Y. t01Teyana Calcareous, Caliche, or Alkaline Soils; Tree-like. West Texas, Big Bend area. Rocky or With High Mineral Salt Con. tent Thompson Yucca, Y. thompsoniana Short-stemmed, or tree-like. 'Nest Texas Giant Carneros Yucca, Y. carnerosana and New Mexico. Tree-like. West Texas, Brewster County. Often planted along highways in West Beaked Yucca, Y. rostrata Texas. Tree-like. West Texas, Brewster County. JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 37

Soaptree Yucca, Y. elata Standley Yucca, Y. standleyi Tree-like. 'West Texas, ew l\Iexico, Stemless or short-stemmed. Arizona, New Arizona. Mexico, on rocky hills. Schott Yucca, Y. schottii Weakleaf Yucca, Y. flaccida Tree-like. Southern New Mexico and Stemless or short-stemmed. Appalachian Arizona. region. Alabama to North Carolina. Joshua-tree Yucca, Y. brevifolia Rocky soil. Tree-like. Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada. A few Mexican species have also been Buckley Yucca, Y. c0 11stricta introduced along the border and are in Stemless, or short-stemmed, often pros­ the southwest, notably the Elephant trate. Central and southern Texas. Yucca, Y. elephantipes) with a swollen base, spineless leaves, and baccate fruit. Datil Yucca, Y. baccata It is a species of south-central Mexico Stemless or short-stemmed. West Texas, New lVlexico, Arizona, Colorado, Ne­ and reaches large size. It is doubtful, vada, Utah, California. however, if it is very hardy. Another Mexican species, from Coahuila and Twistleaf Yucca, Y. Hlpicola Tamaulipas, sometimes seen in the bor­ Stemless. Central Texas. der towns in cultivation, is Southern Arkansas Yucca, Y. arkansana Yucca, Y. atlstmlis. I t becomes quite tall, Stemless. Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, up to 20 feet, and bears a number of Oklahoma. branches. Thornber Yucca, Y. thomberi Stemless or short-stemmed. Arizona, on References foothills or mountain slopes. The following references are helpful for the Schidger Yucca, Y. schidigem identification of the native species of Yucca: Stemless or short-stemmed to 12 feet. McKelvey, Susan D.: Yuccas of the Southwestern California, Arizona, Nevada (Also listed United States. 2 Vol., The Arnold Arboretum as Y. mohavensis) . of the Harvard University, Boston. 1938. Whipple Yucca, Y. whipplei Vines, Robert A.: Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines ot the Southwest. University of Texas Stemless or short-stemmed. On rocky Press, Austin, Texas. 1960. soil. California. Small, John K.: Manual ot the Southeastern Newberry Yucca, Y. newbenyi Flora. University of North Carolina Press, Stemless. Arizona. Hillsides among gra· Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 1960. nitic rocks. Fernald, Lyndon Merritt: Cmy's Manual of Peninsula Yucca, Y. peninsularis Botany. American Book Co., New York. 1950. Stemless. Lower California. Bailey, L. H.: The Standm·d Cyclopedia of Hor­ ticulture. 6 Vol., The Macmillan Co., New Utah Yucca, Y. utahensis York. 1917 (A later edition is in 3 VoJ) Stemless or with procumbent stems. Webber, J. Milton: Yuccas of the Southwest. Utah, northwestern Arizona, on open Agricultural Monograph No. 17, U. S. Depart­ hillsides. ment of Agriculture. 1953. U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Small-leaved evergreen viburnums. Two varieties of Viburnum atrocyaneum (A) from 'TJdia, (8) from China. (C) V. utile. (D) V. calvum. (E) V. harryanum

Leaves of evergreen viburnums. (A) Viburnum cinnamonifolium. (8) V. davidii. (C) V. coriaceum. (D) V. rigidum. (E) V. propinquum. (F) V. henryi. (G) V. sempervirens. (H) V. propinquum var. parvifolium. (I) V. japonicum U. s. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[38] Evergreen Viburnums

DONALD R. EGOLFI

The evergreen viburnums are as orna­ Regardless of geographic location all mental and versatile as the flowering2 evergreen viburnums benefit from a and fruiting3 viburnums. The term ever­ windbreak and partial shade. An ever­ green is often reserved for the conifers green has foliage throughout the year and such as pines, spruces, and firs that are continuous transpiration causes loss of referred to in a broad sense as narrow­ water from the plant. During the winter leaved evergreens. There also are broad­ loss of water from the leaves may exceed leaved evergreens such as rhododendron, water uptake by roots from soil and foli­ mountain laurel, and holly, which are age consequently becomes dessicated. just as evergreen as pines, spruces, and No plant can look more dejected and firs. By definition an evergreen is any disreputable than a brown, partially de­ plant remaining green in its dormant foliated, wind-swept viburnum. A plant season. Among the diverse viburnums on a north exposure and protected by are a number of species that are true shade will be exposed to less sunshine evergreens and others that display a grad­ with the result that less water is lost ation of the evergreen characteristic through the foliage and drying will be and may be classed semi-evergreen. In much less frequent. A carefully selected this article evergreen species cultivated planting site, such as the north side of a as ornamentals are emphasized. building, or woodland slope will be ideal. Of course, in more temperate areas the Culture exposure is less important. If a north exposure is unavailable, protection can The evergreen viburnums require pro­ be obtained from a burlap or lath tection from wind, deep, rich, loamy screen erected about the plant during soil, moisture, and partial shade. The the winter. cultural procedures will differ little from The everg-reen species tolerate a wide those for deciduous viburnums. In estab­ range of soil types, but thrive best on a lishing a planting, consideration should slightly acid soil, pH 5.5-6.5, that con­ be given to exposure and soil. As to be tains abundant organic matter. A moist expected species like Viburnum rhytid­ well-drained soil is preferred. A heavy ophyllum and V. utile are hardier than mulch of sawdust, shavings, peat, or V. odoratissimum, V. propinquum, and other similar material, will conserve V. rigidum and can be successfully moisture and promote a fibrous root grown at mOFe northern latitudes. Only system. exceptional specimens will thrive north Plants may be transplanted any month of Zone 6. 4 Unless a plant is in a north of the year provided the necessary pre­ exposure, near a building, within an cautions are taken to prevent drying. enclosed patio, or protected by surround­ Bare-root plants can be planted in late ing plants or windbreak, it is quite un­ fall or early spring, but balled-and-bur­ likely to become established in another lapped plants will give the best results. climatic zone. Should such a micro­ Balled-and-burlapped plants moved dur­ climatic niche be available, however, the ing the summer demand an adequate gardener should accept the challenge moisture supply and light shade until and plant an evergreen viburnum. established. A wilt-proof spray applied

1 Cytogeneticist, U. S. National Arboretum, Crops to the foliag-e, before transplanting, will Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, U. S. be beneficial. A mulch will retain mois­ Department of AgricultuFe, Washington 25 , D . C. ture and provide protection from freez­ 2 See Ornamental Deciduous Flowering Viburnums, Am er. Hort. Mag., July 1962. ing and heaving. As the general culture and propaga­ 3 See Ornamental Fruiting and Autumnal Foliage Vi­ burnums, Amer. Hort. Mag., Oct. 1962 . tion of the evergreen viburnums are not significantly different from those of other • Hardiness zones for the species described in the text are given in parentheses after the species names, and viburnums, the reader is referred to the are in accordance with the scheme outlined in the Plant Hardiness Zone Map, U. S. Dept. Agr. Misc. discussion of viburnum culture in the Pub!. 814. See Amer. Hort . Mag., Oct. 1960. A suffi x October 1962 issue of The American b with the hardiness zone indicates that the plant is hardy only in the warmer parts of the zone. Horticultural Magazine. Species such as [39] 40 THE A1VIERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

DONALD R. EGOLF Viburnum cinnamomifolium, the Cinnamon Leaf Viburnum, with deeply 3- veined, coriaceous, leaves has the same characteristics as V. davidii, but may grow to a small tree 20 feet high.

The compact Viburnum davidii, David Viburnum, with leathery, 3-veined leaves, and metallic-blue fruits, is a select shrub for rock gardens, or fore­ ground specimens in the woodland DONALD R . EGOLF JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 41

V. atrocyaneum} V. davidii} V. odoratis­ as brighten the landscape during the simum} V. propinquum} V. sempervirens, bleak winter months. Among the many V. suspensumJ and V. tinus are suitable and varied viburnums is one to qualify for pot culture. Lack of proper condi­ for most landscape requirements. tions and garden facilities may prohibit the growth of outdoor specimen plants, Species and Cultivars but a specimen in a container can pro­ vide the needed garden focal point. A Although this discussion concerns the 10- to 18-inch container will accommo­ evergreen viburnums it is necessary to comment on a few borderline species, date a 3- to 4-foot plant. A good potting because in the North a plant may be soil containing loam, sand, and peat will entirely deciduous, at an intermediate produce luxuriant growth if occasional­ point semi-evergreen, or in another en­ ly supplemented with a balanced fertil­ vironment nearly evergreen. Four spe­ izer, such as 5-10-5. cies in this category are V. bttddleifolium A container-grown plant can be read­ Wright (6), V. X burkwoodii Burk. & ily trained as a bonsai, a formal pyra­ Skip. (5b), V. fo etidum Wall. (8), and mid, or a naturalistic shrub. Pinching the V. macrocephalum Fort. (7) . The vel­ terminal buds induces branching-, and vety, green leaves of a 6- to 8-foot high produces a dense-foliage plant. 'Pinch­ V. buddleifolium produce a globose ing will promote a greater number of specimen that is not very hardy in the flower buds, which will make the plant Northeast, but will grow well south of in flower and fruit more spectacular. Baltimore, Maryland. The glossy, rich, Since many of the species set flower buds dark-green leaves of V. X btlrkwoodii in late summer and fall, little or no persist on the plant in the South and pruning should be done after mid-July. only the older leaves become orange to Container-grown plants can be carried crimson before being defoliated. In over the severe weather in a cool base­ northern areas previous to total defolia­ ment or garage. A plant of V. tinus tion, the orange and crimson foli age hig~­ brought into a cool greenhouse in Tan­ lights the autumnal landscape. V. fo etz­ uary or February will flower in about dum is a handsome shrub with scarlet four weeks and be a choice pot plant. fruits but rather tender. The plant is In a cool room a flowering plant will more often semi-evergreen than ever­ continue to bloom for three weeks, but green, but during a mild winter many in a dry, heated atmosphere it will drop leaves may persist only to be shed before flowers within a few days. A few con­ the buds break and new leaves are pro­ tainer-grown evergreen viburnums could duced. The large-flowered Chinese Snow­ greatly enlighten the atmosphere of a ball, V. macrocephalum, in areas north patio. of Washington, D. c., will be deciduous, The evergreen viburnums offer many but in milder zones will be semi-ever­ possibilities for utilization in the land­ green. scape. The low-growing V. davidii, V. Although it might appear that the atrocyaneum, and V. harryanum are evergreen foliage is the prime attribute adaptable for foreground plantings or of evergreen viburnums, it would be er­ rock gardens. Specimen shrubs of me­ roneous to minimize the ornamental dium or tall stature can be selected from characteristics of flower, fruit, and such species as V. cinnamomifolithm} V. growth habit. Representatives among henryi, V. odoratissimum, V. propin­ the evergreen viburnums combine effec­ quumj V. rhytidophyllum, V. suspensum, tive flower display, brilliant fruit, and V. tin us} and V. tttile. The combination compact growth . h.abit wit~ luxuriant of foliage and plant textures can com­ foliage characterIstIc? SpeCIes. that a:e pliment and accent the landscape in entirely evergreen wIll be conSIdered In many pleasing patterns. The evergreen detail, as follows in alphabetical se­ viburnums tolerate pruning, and spe­ quence: cies such as V. tin us} V. odoratissimum} V. atrocyanettm Clarke (8) is a Hima­ and V. rhytidophyllum} can be trained layan, fine-textured plant resembling as dense hedges and screens. A few ever­ boxwood. A mature plant may attain a green viburnums combined with decid­ height of 10 feet but mor~ often the uous species can compliment the au­ plant will be seen as a speCImen 3 to 4 tumnal fruit and foliage display, as well feet tall. The glabrous, oblong leaves, 42 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

2 inches long, are tinted maroon during inch long, are produced in cymes 3 to 5 cool weather. The white flowers are inches across during mid-summer. From sparsely borne in terminal cymes. The each tubular flower protrude the lilac mature steely blue-black fruits are ellip­ anthers, which are numerous enough to soidal and very smooth. It is hardy only give the inflorescence a lilac cast. At no in extremely mild areas, such as those time are the fruits striking as the clusters south of Norfolk, Virginia. mature from green to a dull black. It is V. calvum Rehd. (7b) , a native of a large rather coarse growing, multiple­ western China, and one of the rarest stemmed plant useful for background or evergreen viburnums, has orna~ental screen planting. The synonym for this characteristics. The only cultIvated species is V. cylindricum Ham. ex Don. plants located by the author were grown The low, compact V. davidii Franch at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (7b) , David Viburnum, 2 to 3 feet tall, and at the nursery of Hillier and Sons, provides the landscape architect with Winchester, England. The Royal Bo­ one of the most adaptable evergreen tanic Garden specimen is less than 4 feet viburnums. Armand David discovered tall. The elliptic leaves, 1 Y2- to 3-inch this species at Mupin, Western Szechuan, long, acuminate at the tip, cuneate at the China in 1869, but it was not until 1904 base, are dull gray-green above and pale that the plant was introduced by E. H. green beneath. In early Mayall termi­ Wilson. The deeply three-veined, leath­ nal shoots bear cymes 2 to 3 inches in ery, rugose, dark green, 2- to 6-inch long diameter of greenish-white flowers. The leaves, are narrowly oval to slightly ob­ fruit matures to blue-black. The fine­ ovate, and approximate those of V. textured foliage and compact growth c innamomifoli ~l m. The leaves often are combine to provide a low ornamental obscurely or shallowly toothed near the plant for the shrub border. apex and are glabrous on both surfaces E. H. Wilson introduced V. cinna­ except for small tufts in the vein-axils momifolium Rehd. (7b) , Cinnamon beneath. The densely crowded, 1/ 3-inch­ Leaf Viburnum, from China in 1904. A diameter flowers compose a stiff cyme 2 specimen plant may be seen as a large to 3 inches in diameter. Since certain shrub or a tree 20 feet high. The dark plants tend to be dioecious, that is stami­ reddish-brown branches are covered with nate and pistillate flowers on different prominent lenticels. The glabrous, cori­ plants, a small colony of several plants aceous, elliptic-oblong, long acuminate, will insure cross pollination. The clone cuneate leaves have a few small teeth to­ V. davidii 'Foemina' is a plant that has ward the apex and are conspicuously predominately female flowers and fruits three-veined. The terminal inflorescences, heavily. The numerous dull-white flow­ up to 7 inches in diameter, are composed ers in May and June are followed by of many small white flowers in April. small fruits of a bright turquoise blue The ovoid fruits are a lustrous blue­ with a metallic sheen. The fruits are black. It has similar foliage to V. davidii often hidden by the vigorous young foli­ and resembles a large, broad-leaved rho­ age but the vivid color shows through. dodendron. To be effective the plant should be V. c01'iaceum Bl. (7b) is native of planted near a walkway where it can be China, Yunnan, India, and Java at ele­ closely observed as the blue fruits and vations up to six thousand feet. In cul­ green foliage provide poor contrast and tivation specimens seldom exceed 15 feet are not noticeable at any great distance. tall, but in native habitats a height of 40- The fruit will persist on the plant for 50 feet is not uncommon. The species six months to a year unless discovered was introduced from India to Kew in by some cunning bird. The David Vi­ l88l. The warty branches bear 3- to 8-inch burnum is a select plant for foreground long, oblong to obovate leaves, which planting among rhododendrons and are acuminate and cuneate or rounded azaleas, adaptable to the rock garden, at the base. The leaves somewhat resem­ and suitable for containers. Unless given ble those of A ucuba; however, the upper some shade and protection it will not be surface is dark dull green and covered luxuriant. Likewise, the plant will re­ with a thin, waxy layer that turns gray spond to a humid atmosphere and will when the leaf is bent. This waxy layer not tolerate heat and drought. Even permits one to autograph the plant with though it may have more rigid environ­ a pencil. The white flowers, about 1/ 5 mental requirements than most other JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 43

DONALD R. EGOLF The panicles of Viburnum henryi, the Henry Viburnum, are held above the foliage and well display the white flowers in May and the coral-red fruits in September

The luxuriant, dark-green foliage of Viburnum japonicum, the Japanese Vibur­ num, provides a sharp contrast for the glossy, scarlet fruits during autumn and winter

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 44 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE species, it rates high among ornamental that ripen from red to black. It was viburnums and should be more widely given an Award of Merit by the Royal planted. Horticultural Society in 1956. In 1904, when on his second journey In 1859 V. japonicum (Thunb.) for the Veitch Nurseries, E. H. Wilson Spreng. (7) , (Syn. V. macrophyllum discovered V. harryanttm Rehd. (8) in Bl.), the Japanese Viburnum, was intro­ western China. The plant was named duced from Japan. It is an upright­ in honor of Sir Harry Veitch. The spe­ glabrous shrub, up to 6 feet high and cies is a bushy shrub 6 to 8 feet high. one of the hardiest evergreen species. The privet-like, l-inch-long leaves are The winter buds are covered by red­ glabrous, orbicular-ovate or obovate, ob­ brown scales. The broad- or rhombic­ tuse at apex, broad cuneate at base, ovate, 3- to 6-inch, acute, broadly cune­ margins entire or with a few teeth, are ate, remotely and shallowly dentate dull green above and paler beneath. The above middle, glabrous, dark-Iustrous­ 1- to lY2-inch-diameter terminal cymes green leaves are abundantly borne on of white flowers are freely produced. The the glabrous branches. The fragrant ovoid black fruits are inconspicuous white flowers are produced in short­ among the green foliage. It is a rare stalked cymes, up to 4 inches in diam­ evergreen and is distinct from all other eter. The bright red fruits, resembling cultivated viburnuIlls. those of V. dilatatum, form a pleasing V. henryi Hemsl. (7), Henry Vibur­ contrast to the lush green leaves in the num, was first reported from the Patung autumn sunshine. The species will thrive district of Hupeh in central China by in sun or partial shade but is at its best Augustine Henry in 1887 and was in­ in woodland. This first rate ornamental troduced into cultivation in 1901 by which is practically unknown in this' E. H . Wilson. It h as a somewhat stiff, country, is not the plant sold as "V. open-branched trunk up to 10 feet high, japonicum" by most nurserymen. That which develops into a rounded bush or plant is a variation of V. odoratissimum small tree_ The plant is usually classea with heavy leathery leaves. A plant of an evergreen, but during severe winters true V. japonicum is a must for any it has been known to shed all leaves. viburnum collection or landscape plant­ The decorative, narrowly elliptic-oblong ing. to oblong-obovate, 2 to 5 inches long, A plant of V. odoratissimum Ker­ acuminate at the tip, cuneate to rounded Gawl. (8), Sweet Viburnum, will grow at the base and shallowly toothed leaves 10 to 25 feet high depending on the are dark shining green above and paler environment. It is native of Japan, beneath. The stiff, pyramidal panicles, China, and India and was introduced 2 to 4 inches long, are covered wi th about 1818. Plants of this species have flowers ~ inch in diameter in M ay_ The withstood winters in the Washington, coral-red fruits retain color for a few D. C., area but it is not a foolproof hardy weeks in late summer before they turn plant as it will be injured, particularly black. The plant is distinct and striking the current season's growth, during a on account of the paniculate inflores­ severe winter. The stout, dark, red­ cence, which is similar to that of the de­ brown branches are well clothed with ciduous V. sieboldii or V. fra grans. It heavy coriaceous leaves, which resemble provides a tall upright shrub for accent those of a broad-leaved rhododendron planting or a background specimen in and are just as handsome. The elliptic­ the shrub border. oblong, 3- to 6-inch long, acute, remotely A chance cross between V. erubescens serrate toward the apex, obtuse or and V. henryi at Hillier and Sons Nurs­ rounded base leaves are bright glossy ery, Winchester, England, in 1950 pro­ green above and paler beneath. The duced V. X hillieri Stern 'Winton' (7). fragrant, pure-white flowers are pro­ The hybrid is intermediate between the duced in stalked, broadly pyramidal parents. The wide-spreading shrub has panicles, 3 to 6 inches high, and 2Y2 to da~k green foliage and grows 6 feet high. 5 inches wide in late May_ The pendant It IS evergreen at least during mild win­ clusters of red fruits, which ripen to t~rs. ~he persistent leaves are copper black, are soon devoured by birds. Great tmted m summer and bronze red in win­ diversity of form occurs in native popu­ ter. The cream-colored panicles of flow­ lations of this species. Several types have ers in late May are followed by fruits been recognized by Japanese botanists, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Dark, glossy-green, thick coriaceous leaves of Viburnum odor­ atissimum closely resemble those of broad-leaved Rhododendron [45] U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

The inflorescence on the second type of V. odoratissimum has medium green, thin­ textured leaves and a panicle 0 f fragrant­ white flowers , suc­ ceeded by red fruits that ripen to black 46 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

DONALD R. EGOLF The widely cultivated Leatherleaf Viburnum, V. rhytidophyllum, has deeply rugose leaves and cream-white flowers in large inflorescences

The ovate-Ianceolate, 3-veined leaves of Virburnum propinquum are bronze when unfolding but are glossy green above and paler beneath at maturity

DONALD R. EGOLF JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42. NUMBER 1 47 but these have not been avail able for be more luxuriant in areas south of Bal­ critical study that might resolve the timore, Maryand. The ovate-oblong to somewhat confused complex. Two dis­ ovate-Ianceolate, acute, sub-cordate or tinct forms, one a medium-textured, rounded at base, entire or obscurely pale green leaf type and the other the denticulate, 3- to 1O-inch long leaves are heavy leathery, dark glossy-green leaf dark green, glabrous, and rugose on the type, which is similar to V. awabuhi upper surface and the undersurface retic­ Nakai, are grown in many souLhern ulate and covered with thick gray or nurseries. The last-mentioned type may yellowish stellate-tomentum. The yellow­ be sold as "v. macrophyllum" or "V. ish-white, Y4 -inch diameter flowers de­ japonicum." The species is a choice bold­ velop on cymes 4 to 8 inches in diameter, textured plant for specimen or screen that were initiated the previous summer planting. V. odoratissimum 'Variegatum,' and remained as exposed n aked termi­ which has leaves mottled with white, is nal buds all winter before expanding in used as a potted plant in Japan. mid-May. The dull and not particularly The bushy V. propinquum Hemsl. attractive flowers are succeeded by scar­ (8) , native to central and western China, let fruits, blackening as they ripen in was discovered by Augustine Henry and September. introduced by E. H. Wilson in 1901. Nurserymen commonly propagate V. The small winter buds, covered by two rhytidophyllum from seed. From the pointed scales are borne on the reddish­ great diversity of the resultant seedlings brown, lustrous branches that are marked a number of distinct types have arisen; by small prominent lenticels. The ovate­ some have small leaves little more than lanceolate, 2- to 3Y2-inch long, 3-veined, 3 inches long while others have leaves acuminate, broad cuneate, remotely den­ 15 or more inches long. Although these ticulate leaves are bronze when unfold­ individual variations exist, little attempt ing but become glossy dark green above has been made to propagate them asex­ and paler beneath at maturity. The ually. V. rhytidophyllum 'Aldenham' (6) handsome evergreen foliage of this com­ is a choice plant with luxuriant foliage, pact plant is covered in May with cymes discovered at Aldenham House, Elms­ of insignificant greenish white flowers, 'l4 tree, England. The pink-budded V. rhy­ inch in diameter. The egg-shaped fruits tidophyllum f. roseum (Gard. Chron.) are glossy blue-black and not of great Rehd. (6) has buds that are a medium ornamental merit. The exceptional fine­ pink, but by the time the flower has textured foliage can be effectively com­ fully expanded the color is near the bined with other evergreen or deciduous typical cream-white of V. rhytidophyl­ shrubs in the border. The small-leafed lum. V. rhytidophyllum f. aureovarie­ form, V. propinquum var. parvifolium gatum Boom has leaves variegated with Graebn. (8), has finer textured foliage white and pale yellow. A young plant and a denser growth habit. has many variegated leaves, but as the V. rhytidophyllum Hemsl. (6), Leath­ plant matures the proportion of variega­ erleaf Viburnum, is another native of tion decreases and the plant may be en­ central and western China introduced tirely green. One of the finest abundant­ by E. H. Wilson in 1900. The stout up­ fruiting forms is grown at Crathes Castle, right branches and naked buds are gray Scotland. Plants of the species which are with stellate-tomentum. It is a noble valued for the evergreen foliage and pyramidal to round-topped plant, up to brief but spectacular fruit display, serve 10 feet high with bold, textured, dark, as fine accent specimens or dense large almost evergreen foliage, which droops hedges. and curls during cold weather_ In cold Two hybrids, V. X rhytidocarpum and areas winter winds often damage the V. X rhytidophylloides, have many of leaves and the replacement leaves are the characteristics of V. rhytidophyllum. very late budding out in the spring so V. X rhytidocarpum Lemn. (6), pro­ that for several months the plant has duced about 1936 from a cross between a very untidy, ragged appearance. For V. buddleifolium and V. rhytidophyl­ perfection the plant must be planted in lum, is an inferior plant that has char­ good soil and in a sheltered position acteristics intermediate between those of away from bleak, windswept locations the parents. V. X rhytidophylloides and drought. Plants will flourish as far Suring. (6), a cross between V. rhytido­ north as Boston, Massachusetts, but will phyllum and V. lantana made in the 48 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZI NE

r ,

DONALD R. EGOLF

The dense, oval leaves of Viburnum suspensum, the Sandankwa Vi­ burnum, produce a compact plant that is a suitable container-grown specimen for patio or cool greenhouse JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 49

Netherlands and in the United States, conservatory or temperate zone culture. has produced hybrids of identical form. From China the tender, low-growing V. X rh)ltidophylloides 'Holland' was V. sempervirens Koch (9} ~ has - bee}1} ' in­ in cultivation in 1927. Henry Tubbs troduced. The glabrous, grayish brown of "\Villowwood Farm, Gladstone, New branches become reddish brown during Jersey, made the cross about 1928 in an the second year. The elliptic to elliptic­ attempt to recombine the evergreen foli­ ovate, acute, cuneate, distinctly 3-nerved, age of V. rhytidophyllum with a partic­ 2- to 3Y2-inch long leaves are glabrous, ular fine plant of V. lantana. V. X rhy­ light green with minute black glands be­ tidophylloides 'Willowwood' shows no neath. The inflorescence of small white winter injury and opens flowers virtually flowers is followed bv ovoid red fruits. every mon th of the growing season. A The species is a suitable container plant mature plant 8 to 10 feet high will be but will succeed outdoors only in mild as wide and have wide arching branches. regions. The elliptic-ovate, 4- to 8-inch long V. suspensum Lindl. (9) (V. sandan­ leaves are similar to those of V. rhytido­ kwa Hassk.) Sandankwa Viburnum, is phyllum but broader, less wrinkled, and native to the Liu-kiu Islands of southern semi-evergreen, persisting well into the Japan. The dark, brown branches are winter. The cream-white flowers of late covered with numerous warty lenticels. May are succeeded by small clusters of The oval to oval-oblong, 2- to 4-inch red fruits that ripen to black. V. X long, crenate-serrate leaves are clark rhytidophylloides is a hardier plant green above and paler beneath. The which should be substituted for V. rhy­ fragrant, waxy, cylindrical % -inch long tidophyllum in northern areas. flowers, are clustered in a dense semi­ A more recent hybrid, V. X pragense globose panicle 2 to 4 inches long. The Hajek & Krouman (V. rhytidophyllum inflorescences, secluded by the terminal X V. utile) , is a more refined plant that leaf growth and borne somewhat on the should be a valuable landscape addition. underside of the branches, are not spec­ The hardiness range is unknown, but tacular unless seen closeup, but the fra­ can be predicted to be hardy in Zone 6. grance well indicates that the shrub is The cross was made at the Prague Mu­ in flower. The globose, pale-rose fruits nicipal Gardens, Prague, Czechoslovakia. persist for only a few weeks. It can be The plant is slightly larger than V. utile espaliered against a wall, grown as a from which it inherited the arching specimen plant, or trained into a dense branches and the glossy upper leaf sur­ hedge. White fly and rust, which can face. From V. rhytidophyllum the plant disfigure plants, can readily be con­ inherited larger leaves, 2 to 4 inches trolled by sprays. long, rugose upper surface, the felt-like The Mediterranean V. tinus L. (7b) , lower surface, and frost resistance. The Laurustinus Viburnum, is indispensable flower clusters are smaller than those of for southern gardens. A much-branched, V. rhytidophyllum. compact specimen may grow as tall as The dwarf, loosely branched V. rigid­ 12 feet, but more commonly plants are wn Vent. (9) (V. rugosum Per.) is close­ 6 to 8 feet tall. Although the diam­ ly allied to V. tinus. Plants were intro­ eter of the plant may be greater than the duced from the Canary Islands in 1778. height, the dense foliag-e canopy will ex­ It is less hardy than V. tinus and suit­ tend to ground level. The ovate-oblong, able for culture only in temperate re­ entire and usually revolute margins, pu­ gions. The bushy plant, 6 to 10 feet bescent on the veins, 2- to 3-inch long high and as wide has the branches, young leaves are dark glossy green above and shoots, and leaves covered with promi­ paler beneath with tufts of down in the nent black pubescence. The ovate, en­ lower leaf-axils. The ~ -inch diameter, tire, acute, cuneate, 2- to 6-inch long white or pale-pink-tinted flowers are leaves are dull green, roughened, and densely crowded in a cyme 2 to 4 inches densely hairy beneath. The 3- to 4-inch in diameter. Often the flowers will open diameter inflorescence is composed of in the autumn or during mild periods in numerous white flowers in March and winter. It is not uncommon in the April. The egg-shaped fruits are blue­ north for the flower buds to turn brown black. This species is a poor substitute and not open because of winter freezing. for ornamental forms of V. tinus and is The ovoid, tapering toward the top, primarily an evergreen foliage plant for metallic-blue fruits often persist on the 50 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE The many pink buds of Viburnum tinus, the Laurustinus Viburnum, open to waxy-white blooms during the autumn, mild winter periods, and in the spring

The metallic-blue fruits of v. tinus are well displayed in terminal cymes and persist on the plant for several months u. s. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER I 51 plant until the next flowering season. Stern, Goring-by-Sea, Sussex, England. Laurustinus Viburnum will thrive in George Jackman and Son Nurseries, moderate shade, but will flower more Woking, Surrey, England, have propa­ freely when in sun at least part of the gated a broadly dense selection that has day. In full sun the foliage may become dark pink flower buds. scorched and unsightly. White fly in­ The last but not the least significant, festations are often severe. V. utile Hemsl. (6), Service Viburnum, This species is widely cultivated in has many ornamental qualities that have Europe and temperate areas of the escaped notice of even alert gardeners. w@rld, but does not thrive north of This is one of the parental species of V. Washington, D. C. Often the plant will X burkwoodii, V. X burkwoodii 'Park layer and thus increase to a mound of Farm Hybrid,' and V. X pragense. Al­ intertwined plants. Likewise, seedlings though it was discovered by Thomas will often appear in a mass planting. It Walters near Ichang, China, in 1879, in­ provides a specimen for the large shrub troduction by E. H. Wilson was not border, withstands heavy shearing for until 1901. Specimen plants that exceed a dense hedge, and is adapted to con­ 5 feet in height are seldom seen. The tainer culture. ovate to oblong, 1- to 3-inch long, ~ - to From chance seedlings several note­ 1 ~ -inch wide, obtuse, broad cuneate or worthy cultivar selections have been rounded entire leaves are shining dark made. The shoots, the flower stalks, and green above and whitish with stellate the bases of the leaves of variety hirtu­ tomentum beneath. The white, waxy, lum Ait. are clothed with bristly hairs. 1/3-inch diameter flowers are densely The leaves are somewhat larger and the packed in stellate-pubescent cymes, 3 plant less hardy. Plants of variety luci­ inches in diameter in late April. The dum Ait. are more open and stronger oval blue-black fruits mature in late growing. The larger flower trusses and summer. The species, which is less de­ pale-green leaves are ornamental, but manding as to exposure and soil than the plants are less hardy than V. tin us. many other overgreen species, is one of 'Purpureum' has purplish-tinted foliage the hardiest. A specimen with slender and flower buds. 'Strictum' is a nar­ arching branches, lustrous-green foliage, row, upright cultivar that is supposed­ waxy-white flowers, and fine-textured ly freer flowering and fruiting. 'Robust­ growth can accentuate any landscape urn' is a strongly upright selection re­ planting. ported resistant to mildew. Foliage of From the diversity of evergreen spe­ 'Variegatum' is mottled with white and cies with select foliage, flower or fruit pale yellow. 'French White' has large characteristics many selections could be lacy white flowers that force well in the made that would be equally effective in greenhouse. 'Exbury' is a vigorous the landscape. To assist the home gar­ seedling with young red shoots and dener with little space, the following larger, pink-budded, flower trusses. 'Eve species are recommended: V. davidii Price' has flowers that are deep pink in (7b), V. henryi (7), V. japonicum (7), bud and open to nearly white. A dense­ V. odoratissimum (8), V. rhytidophyl­ ly leafy selection with large leaves was lum (6), V. X rhytidophylloides (6), raised from seed collected in Algiers and V. suspensum (9), V. tinus (7b), and is grown in the garden of Sir Frederick V. utile (6). A Book or Two

The study of Flowers made simple book to identify unknown plants. Keys are necessary for this. William C. Grimm, Jr. Doubleday and Com­ The second aim of the book is to "provide pany, 575 Madison Avenue, New York 22, a sound introduction to botany, the science of New York. 1962. viii + 152 pages. Illus­ the plant kingdom." Had the book achieved trated. $1.45 (paperback). (Library). its objectives, it might quickly have become a The paper-back volume, "The Study of Flow­ best seller in the natural history field, because ers Made Simple" presents to lay leaders a pop­ botany and horticulture are among the most ular subject in a series of "Made Simple" books. popular subjects. Flowers are constant com­ The publishers argue the need to tell the story panions of everyone from earliest childhood. of flowers to readers of all ages in an effort to Is there any subject more romantic, beautiful, open a whole new world of pleasure and lore or fact-seeking than the study of plants? Per­ about the land and life around us. Certainly haps we need to weave a modern series of bot­ there are laudable objectives, which deserve any books written in the vein of the now classic considerably more coverage than they now en­ animal stories written by Jean Henry Fabre a joy. The methods of achieving these aims are century ago. Cer,tainly these were simple stories. not so clearly defined as might be suggested by The world of plant science might profit by such the title of the present book. Nothing in na­ handling. ture is ever really simple. I believe it is a FREDERICK G. MEYER mistake to convey to young or old the idea of utter simplicity in nature. Simplicity is rela­ tive, for after some experience even the most The Camellia Book complicated phenomena become less and less john L. Threlkeld. D. van Nostrand Com­ complex. The often repeated maxim of Louis pany, Inc. Prince, N. J. 1962. 204 pages, Agassiz "study nature, not books" is still so illustrated, in color, black and white and true. But beginners and others do need books, line. $7.75. (Library). books that cause the reader to yearn to know and learn more. The study of flowers (horti­ The author, writing from California seems to culture in the sense of this book) and botany have been keenly aware of .the fact that he is not easy to treat in a text; it seems to be needed to consider many other factors than even more difficult to treat on a how-to-do-it might seem important to him there and he has basis. An elementary book on botany must done an excellent job in writing for the whole paint a picture and at the same time convey country, including the newer and still some­ an image on the subject. I wish the present what dubious extensions of the "camellia belt" volume had done this. If the book fails at all, which mayor may not be permanent. it is in terms of over simplification. Facts can­ The organization of the book is clear and not be eliminated, but they make dull reading excellent and the presentation in the text covers when presented in staccato-like fashion. all the important things ,that a newcomer But there are good features about the book. should know, as well as the matters that will All technical words are spelled phonetically; it concern the advanced amateur, the breeder and seems hardly necessary, though, to labor the the inevitable persons interested only in show­ word "multiple" for multiple fruit. A useful ing, whether in the horticultural sections or glossary is included. The text is illustrated by among the arrangers! The path taken seems to line drawings, but not copiously so. Unfortu­ be the safe middle road. nately, some of the illustrations look like some­ thing taken out of an incunabulum, as for in­ There is a splended amount of last minute data incorporated in the text, and there are ~tance, the drawing of a hummingbird pollinat­ Ing a trumpet creeper flower on page 15. Per­ useful indices and appendices. The reviewer haps the book could be used by a teacher for feels certain, however, that Mr. Tom Clower nature or other field courses in botany, but the and not himself should have been mentioned text is not fully developed for this purpose. as the important person for Mississippi on the Keys that one would expect for identification Gulf Coast. are not a part of the book. This lack seems The only regret the reviewer has to report is unfortunate, since in ,the words of the pub­ that there really is no good reason for .the half lishers, The Study of Flowers Made Simple tone reproductions illustrating types of bloom, "serves as a field guide, a helpful manual that species, etc., should have been placed sideways quickly teaches you to identify hundreds of on the page. They take precisely the same wild and cultivated flowers, plants that may space as the color plates later on tha.l are prop­ already be growing in your garden or in the erly spaced, and to look and then read after nearest park or in -the fields and woods near turning the book, is inexcusable. home." The novice will not be able to use the B. Y. Morrison

(Bo~ks available for.loan to the Membership are designated: (Library). Those not so designated a 'r~ In pnvat~ coliectlOr,ts and are not available for loan. Books available for sale to the Member­ sh.lp are des.lgnated wIth the special reduced price and are subject to the usual change of price wIthout notIce. Orders must be sent through the American Horticultural Society accompanied by the proper payme~, t . Please allow ~wo to three weeks for delivery. Those not designated for sale . to t~e M~mbershlp at re.duced przces can be purchased through the Society, however, at the retaIl przces gIVen. In. these znstanc~s the full profit is received by the Society to be used for zncreased servIces and ben efits of the Membership.) [52] JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 53

American Rose Annual, 1962 mechanisms of herbicidal action; metabolism of herbicides in plants and their behavior in soils. L. G. McLean, Editor. American Rose So­ Emphasis is also given to physiological responses ciety, 4048 Roselea Place, Columbus 14, of plants to herbicides, wetting agents, emulsi­ Ohio. 1962. 202 pages. Illustrated. $4.50. fiers, spreaders, and stickers, various chemical (Library) . formula.lions, the importance of herbicide vola­ The annual Annual of a most important flow­ tility in weed control, and application equip­ er society contains articles of general interest on ment. the rose and its culture such as those on soils, The second part of the book contains descrip­ water, the roots and leaves, and general cul­ tions of the chemical and physical properties of ture. Other general interest articles concern the individual herbicides. Fundamental data on -the types or kinds of roses as the floribundas, the major herbicide classes including information miniatures, and sweetbriars. Several articles on penetration, absorption, translocation, mech­ discuss grower experiences in such diverse areas anisms of action, metabolism in plants, and as New England, Florida and Alaska. their behavior and fate in soi ls are presented. Probably of most lasting quality are those Th~ third part of -the book contains up-to­ chapters that report study and research on the date mformatlOn on cultural, mechanical, bio­ problems of rose culture and development. logical, chemical, and combination methods of They are the ones which contribute to our bet­ weed control in (a) horticultural crops such as ter understanding of all aspects of the rose. vegetables, small fruits, tree fruits, ornamentals; The serious student of roses will appreciate (b) field crops such as corn, sorghum, cotton, the study on rose fragrance; the evaluation of soybeans, peanu ts, whea t, oats, barley, flax, Rosa laxa as a source of hardiness in breeding; small-seeded legume crops; (c) lawns and turf; the discussion on rootstocks; the reports on seed (d) pastures and rangelands; and (e) aquatic production; and foliar feeding as well as reports sites and non cropland areas. on root rot and virus diseases. Each has been The book contains a valuable appendix which written by a person who has been studying the lists the common and scientific names of 690 problem, and they are of more than passing weeds, classifies them according to length of interest. life, and where known gives their tolerance and CONRAD B. LINK susceptibility to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2,4-D], 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2,4,5- T], and 2-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)propionic acid Flowers-by-Wire [silvex]. The appendix also contains an excel­ lent section on chemical terminology and The Story of the Florists' Telegraph Deliv­ weights, measures, conversion factors, nozzle ca­ ery Association_ picities, equipment performance data, and other Marc Williams. Mercury House, 200 Lafay­ basic information needed in the preparation of ette Building, Detroit 26, Michigan. 1960. chemical sprays and their application by ground 430 pages. Illustrated. $5.00. (Library). and aerial equipment. A valuable subject-matter index is also given. A history of a unique organization, The Flor­ The clarity and usefulness of the book have ists Telegraph Delivery Association, for the been enhanced by an excellent choice of about sending of flow ers by wire. This is an account 200 pictures. Other visual aids have been used of its organization in 1910 and its growth and liberally and effectively to improve comprehen­ development to the 50th anniversary in 1960. sion. Modern chemical terminology has also In cooperation with British and European or­ been used to simplify discussion. ganizations, it now provides such service over This volume will serve basic needs as a text­ most of the world. book for undergraduate students and as a ref­ erence source for scientists and others engaged in all phases of chemical weed control research, Weed Control: As A Science extension, and regulatory work with herbicides. The book will be of special interest to horti­ Glenn C. Klingman. John Wiley and Sons, culturists, extension specialists, county agricul­ Inc., 440 Park Avenue, South, New York 16, tural agents, vocational agricultural teachers, New York. 1961. x+422 pages. Illustrated. herbicide sales representatives, farmers, highway $8.50. (Library). and industrial ground maintenance crews, home­ Weed control is one of the fastest growing owners with lawn and garden weed problems, scientific disciplines in the biological and agri­ and aquatic and recreational area directors. cultural sciences. This well organized and well The chemistry of herbicides including struc­ written book contains valuable and useful in­ tural formulas have been handled in a com­ formation on principles of weed control and the mendable manner. The chemical information latest information on cultural, mechanical, bio­ is presented in simplified, easily understood dis­ logical, chemical, and combination methods of cussions which will make the information avail­ weed control. These subjects have been cor­ able to those who need it without burdening rectly, concisely, and carefully presented to en­ those who wish to read the book with little or hance maximum comprehension with minimum no interest in herbicide chemistry. reading time. Although the author did most of the writing The book contains 24 chapters which are or­ in a reasonably short period, some aspects of ganized into three parts: The first part estab­ the book are already not completely current. lishes important scientific principles in weed The scientific discipline of weed control is grow­ control, including discussions of such topics as ing so rapidly that it will be difficult, if not im­ weed losses; methods by which weeds spread; possible, to write a completely current book in seed dormancy; seed viability; the penetration, this field for some time in the future. Weed absorption, and translocation of herbicides; control students, scientists, and laymen will rec- 54 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE ognize the need for supplemental information Primroses especially on new herbicides and recently devel­ oped chemical weed control methods to supple­ Roy Genders. St. Martin's Press, Inc., 175 ment the book. A considerable amount of up­ Fifth Avenue, New York 10, New York. to-date literature has been cited. The authors 1959 (U.S.A. edition 1962). 171 pages. Illus­ have recognized the difficulty in citing the vast trated. $4.75. (Library)_ amount of literature that has developed recent­ ly in the field of weed control. Nevertheles.s, Mr. Genders writes that, quote, The book is not written for .those 'experts' who must surely teachers using this as a textbook Will find lt know far more about the primrose than myself_ helpful and often necessary to refer stu~ents ~o unquote. The author is being very modest, and additional sources of literature, espeCially III specialized areas of in terest. his volume covers the culture of both single and double primroses-hybridizing, pests and At a time when it appears popular to arouse diseases and propagation by vegetative meth­ the fears of the general public on the use of ods. Many varieties of both single and double, agricultural chemicals which are so essential in plus the Jack-in-the-green and cups and saucers the production of an adequate, safe food sup­ are listed. There are some nice illustrations in ply for the world's population, it is unfortunate black and white and several colored plates. Mr. that the book does not contain a more adequate Genders writes in an easy-to-read style and his discussion of the toxicological properties of her­ love for the primrose is apparen.t on every page. bicides and .their effects on man, animals, wild­ F. P. K. life, and soils. There is a critical need for pub­ lishing information of this type in textbooks so as to assure students and the general public of the effectiveness and safety of modern herbi­ cides for selective weed control without damage The Camellia Journal to man, animals, wildlife and soils. American Camellia Society, Tifton, Georgia. For those who are teaching weed control and Vol. 17 (No.3), July 1962. for those involved in weed control as a neces­ The July issue of the Camellia Journal has a sity or as a business, this book supplies valu­ special section of 40 pages devoted to "Green­ able information on cultural, mechallical, chem­ house Culture of Camellias-A Symposium" ical, biological, and combination methods. Ex­ edited by George M. Wheeler. Over 20 per­ cellent information is given on the types of sons have written short articles or stories on chemicals used as herbicides, the nature of their their experiences in growing camellias in effects on plants, and soils, the impact of herbi­ greenhouses. Several articles tell of owners ex­ cides on improved weed control, and increased periences in constructing .their own greenhouse agricultural production. This book serves as a using homemade or commercially manufac­ valuable source of information on the role of tured structures and covered with glass or weed control in a future of agricultural abun­ plastiCS. Other authors have written about dance and describes the use of herbicides as their cultural practices. These are not uni­ modem, effective, and safe weed control tech­ form, of course, since .the plant is tolerant of niques. many conditions but this variation helps to W . C. SHAW point out the various conditions they can stand. The beginner may be somewhat uncertain as to the proper techniques to follow because of these apparent differences but will find certain Simple, Practical Hybridising lor conditions similar as they read the different articles. This special section would have served Beginners the beginning greenhouse owner better if there D. Gourlay Thomas. St. Martin's Press, Inc., was a general summary article on culture in­ 175 Fifth Avenue, New York 10, New York. cluding pest control. The other articles could 1962. 128 pages. Illustrated. $3.95. (Library). then have suggested variations that other gar­ deners have found to work. A chatty book on plant breeding beginning CONRAD B. LINK first with some general comments on hybridiza­ tion and what is involved. Next a brief, sim­ plified chapter on Mendel and Mendelian in­ heritance. This is followed by chapters on the breeding of Gladiolus, Sweet Pea, Daffodil, Rose, Manual 01 Trees 01 North America Chrysanthemum and Carnation. Charles Sprague Sargent. Dover Publications, In each of these chapters, comments are made Inc., 180 Varick Street, New York 14, New on the past development of each kind and the York. 1961 Dover Paperbound Edition in two persons who are or were involved in their de­ volumes. Vol. I has pages I through 433; velopment. Simple sketches illustrate the struc­ Vol. 2, 434 through 891. (Plus key, synopsis, ture of the flower. Instructions are given on glossary, index) Illustrated. $2.00 per vol­ how the 1I.0wer is manipulated in hybridizing. ume. (Library). New or standard varieties are discussed briefly. The horticultural classification of the flowers is This inexpensive two-volume paperback set given where this is important as in the case of of the well-known Sargent Manual is an un­ the daffodil. In a concluding chapter the read­ abridged and unaltered reprint of the second er is encouraged to visit libraries, gardens, enlarged 1926 edition. Printed on durable paper shows, and others interested in the same flower that is sewn rather than glued, these volumes to learn more about the plant and its possi­ should bring essential information on our na­ bilities. tive forest trees to the library shelves of all in­ C. B.L. terested gardeners. The Gardeners' Pocketbook Ne.odypsis decaryi issue of Principes (Vol. 5, No.2), jour­ The Fairchild Tropical Garden on nal of the Palm Society. The writer, March 17, 1962, distributed more than Robert W. Read, is a plant taxonomist 400 plants of a new palm from Mada­ at the Fairchild Tropical Garden. gascar which may well be the finest or­ Seeds of the N eodypsis were collected namental palm introduced to Florida in in Madagascar by Professor H. Humbert a quarter-century. of the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle of It is Neodypsis decaryi, a triangular­ Paris, a friend of the late David Fair­ shaped palm with plume-like leaves ar­ child, famous plant explorer for whom ranged in three rows. When viewed from the Fairchild Tropical Garden was certain angles the gray-green leaves, with named. a spread of 15 feet or more, resemble the In a letter to Dr. Fairchild, Professor tail feathers of a strutting peacock. Humbert described the Neodypsis as "an Eleven seeds of N eodypsis decaryi were elegant palm-native to a very restricted received on July 28, 1947, after a trip of area at the base of the mountains on the one month from Madagascar by way of extreme southeastern part of the island. the U. S. Department of Agriculture's I~ &,rows. naturally in sunny and dry con­ plant inspection house in Washington. dItIOns m sandy soil." Eight of the seeds germinated and six The Flora of Madagascar describes grew to eight-inch pot size. These were N~o~ypsis deca~yi as one of a genus con­ set out in permanent locations in the bo­ tammg 14 speCIes, all native to that in­ tanical garden in June, 1951, three in te~esting isl~nd. Attempts by the Fair­ part shade and three in full sun. chIld TropIcal Garden to introduce Those planted in full sun thrived and other N eodypsis species have not been began flowering and fruiting in 1958. successful. Those planted in part shade appear to Because of its exceptional beauty and have been stunted and none has flow­ demonstrated adaptability, N eodypsis ered. decaryi appears to have a future among The fruits, about the size and shape the first echelon of landscape plants of small olives and of the same green used in the warmer parts of the world. color, are borne in large clusters. The It probably will grow as far north as cen­ color does not change at maturity and tral Florida and along the east coast of only after the fruits began to drop did Florida as far north as Daytona Beach. the superintendent dare to harvest them In 1958 it withstood without injury the for planting. worst freeze in the Fairchild Tropical Germination was excellent, and with­ Garden's history, when the temperature in a few weeks after the seeds were plant­ dropped to 28 degrees F. ed the botanical garden had hundreds of The palm thrives in limestone soil, se€dlings thriving as possible distribu­ and there has been some indication that tion plans for members of the Fairchild it might not thriVE in acid soil without Tropical Garden Association. benefit of liming. When offered for distribution, this Seeds will be scarce for the next sev­ palm turned out to be the most popular eral years. Botanical gardens and other plant ever offered. Nearly everyone of institutions in and on the edge of the the 450 persons requesting plants tropics will have first choice.-NIxON checked the N eodypsis as first choice in SMILEY, Director, Fairchild Tropical a list of 20 other plants. Garden, Miami, Florida. Often referred to as the Triangular Palm or Three-Cornered Palm, the N eo­ Hypericum rhodopeum 'Sunspot' dypsis has become one of the most talked about palms among the botanical One of the more pressing needs in garden's collection, which now numbers modern American horticulture is for nearly 500 species. It is exceptionally plant materials which contribute to low­ beautiful, being striking both in form er garden maintenance. The use of and in color. ground covers is an ideal solution to A more complete description of the this problem, for when established, they palm may be found in the April, 1961, require a minimum of attention at in- [55] 56 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

G. H AM P F LER, LONGWOOD GA RDENS

Hypericum rhodopeum 'Sunspot' Plants one year from cuttings, starting to bloom in May, at Longwood Gardens (Above) and covering the ground at the end of the second growing season (Close-up view of the flowers on the front cover)

G. HAMPFLER, LONGWOOD GA.RDENS JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 57 frequent intervals and yet contribute with the exception of occasional matting a finished appearance to the grounds. due to heavy, moist snow. Even plants The need, at present, is satisfied more in such condition recover quickly and fully for shaded situations than for those put on new growth up to four inches by receiving full sun for a large part of the early May when they commence flower­ day. Pachysandra, Pachistima, Hedera, ing. From that time until early Tune, and Vinca all establish more easily with they are a mass of bright yellow flowers at least light shade, though the latter two which obscure the foliage with their will often do well in sunny locations. quanti.ty. ~he ~ndividual flowers are up The need for a satisfactory ground cover to an Inch In dIameter and are borne in capable of withstanding full sun, hot three-parted, terminal cymes. After the arid conditions, and poor soil, is unde­ flowers drop, the fruits are evident for niable. Hypericum rhodopeum 'Sunspot' several weeks, but they do not detract goes a long way toward answering that materially from the plant's effectiveness need. and are soon hidden in the new growth. The cultivar 'Sunspot' originated in a As new growth begins from the center batch of seedling Hypericum rhodo­ of the plant, it again assumes its low, peum Friv. being evaluated for possible mat-like habit. By the end of the sec­ ornamental value by R. L. Plaisted of ond summer, the plant covers twice as the Plant Breeding Department at Cor­ much area as it did the previous autumn nell University [See Nat. Hort. Mag.} and goes into the winter as a soft, blue­ July 1959]. The seedlings, grown in green carpet. 1957, proved extremely variable for Propagation by cuttings of young many characteristics, including compact­ growth is not difficult if begun in July. ness, amount of indument, abundance Tests indicate that a mild rooting hor­ of flowers, flower color, and size. Out of mone, such as "Rootone," will signifi­ a group of these plants selected for cantly increase the percentage of root­ planting in the field, 'Sunspot' alone had ing. A well-aerated, sterile material de­ all these characteristics in the desired in­ void of organic matter, such as "Perlite" tensity. The plant was outstanding in or "Vermiculite," has proved to be the its vegetative state by reason of its even­ best rooting media. ly spreading prostrate habit and its light Hypericum 'Sunspot' should gain an blue-green color. When it bloomed it important place in the sunny, dry situa­ was noticeably more profuse in flower­ tion in our gardens, particularly in the ing and appeared as a mat of solid southern states where the soil is low in yellow. organic matter. The only caution needed On the basis of this preliminary eval­ is against planting under conditions uation, the plant was propagated and where too much moisture exists. The distributed to several growers in differ­ use of peat moss or soils high in organic ent areas. In 1960 the plant was brought matter is to be avoided, while poor sur­ to Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, face drainage and heavy watering can­ Pennsylvania, for further evaluation and not be tolerated. If planted in naturally trial under different conditions. It has dry or well-drained situations, Hyperi­ shown up very well in this area and has cum 'Sunspot' will reward the grower proved its usefulness both as a rock gar­ with quick cover and bountiful bloom. den plant and as a ground cover. Planting should be done at the rate of A brief description of the plant one plant for everyone and one-half to through its yearly cycle will characterize two square feet to be covered. At this its usefulness to horticulturists. A root­ spacing, it might be expected to cover the area in two years. - RICHARD W. ed cutting, planted in late May, will LIGHTY, Longwood Gardens, Kennett form a dense, evenly spreading mat less Square, Pennsylvania. than two inches in height and approach­ ing one foot in diameter by the end of the growing season. The new growth Kaempferia decora arises at the center and spreads to cover Thanks to the kindness of Mrs. Fred­ the old shoots which occasionally root. erick ·W. Connolly, Wyndham Hayward and form new plants. Hypericum 'Sun-· was persuaded to send me a root of spot' is fully hardy in Zone 6 and comes Kaempferia decora, a rare species from through the winter in good condition Mozambique, that he has introduced 58 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Kaemp/eria decora into cultivation and has had in his nurs­ age, the curious root with its spreading ery for about five years. mass of permanent roots, filled a ten Planted in a rich compost, well sup­ inch pot. Growth started in a reason­ plied with humus with excellent drain- able time, with the production of a fas- JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 59 cicle of leaves, not unlike those of some Lachenalias in California of the curcumas, growing to a height of about three feet. My earliest knowledge of these South In time, curious points of growth African bulbs came through The Gar­ started at the crown, at ground level, den, a stray copy of which I picked up and slowly developed into inflorescences, one time in England and to which I standing well away from the leaf fasci­ later subscribed. cle. I find the lachenalias among the easi­ On July 13th, the first flower opened, est of the South African bulbs. Many a gorgeous yellow, Lemon Yellow of of the South Africans will grow well Ridgway, with a double mark of Lemon­ here out of doors; but lachenalias, which Chrome just below the inner "petal" I grow in a cool greenhouse, never fail. that appears to carry the stigmatic lip They bloom early and for that reason and covers the solitary stamen. The must be planted early enough to give texture of the petals is like that of an them time to make good roots and excellent and delicate tissue, firm, yet growth. August is none too soon. soft. There is inconspicuous veining There are a number of species and over all, and the edges are slightly ruf­ even some named varieties although I fled. The flower gives off a delicate scent doubt that the latter can be obtained in of ripe lemon. this country. Lachenalia bulbifera 'Su­ Like those of other species in the perba' (syn. L. pendula) , my favorite, is genus, the flowers last but a day, drop­ obtainable and makes a fine Christmas ping off cleanly, and not withering in bloomer. The pendulous flowers, from place as some do. The flowering has a few to two dozen, are scattered along continued upwards but not in daily suc­ a scape about a foot tall. Except for cession. The first flower has not yet color, the plants look somewhat like opened on the second stalk of bloom. scillas. The large bells are coral with One can easily believe that a mass of touches of green and purple. In my ex­ this species would be a startling sight to perience they need considerable sun to see on a hot summer day! color up well. Mr. Haywood writes that it was first The foliage of L. bulbifera 'Superba' described in the book, Flowering Plants is negligible, consisting of from one to of Africa, a large publication that comes three or four, long basal leaves about out regularly and resembles Curtis's two inches wide. In early summer this Botanical Magazine in England. It was foliage begins to yellow, a sign that the discovered some ten or twelve years ago, plants should be gradually dried off for in Portuguese East Africa, now Mozam­ their summer rest. The easiest way to bique, and it occurs well down into store the bulbs until planting time, is to southern Africa, in a site between Salis­ leave them in the pots of soil, and put bury in Rhodesia and Beira. them where they will get a good baking. It will not be cold hardy here in Pass Lachenalias grow well in a mixture of Christian, and how it will continue to leaf mold, peat and sandy soil with a thrive in a pot or how well it may in­ little bonemeal. A six inch pot will hold crease so that the leaf fascicle does not six bulbs. They increase rapidly from stand alone, only time will tell. Until it one bulb to several in a year's time. makes something of a mass, it will be in­ They are offered by bulb specialists teresting rather than spectacular as a in California and by some of the East­ pot plant. So far, it has been kept in ern dealers in "Dutch Bulbs."-MRs. R. the greenhouse all summer, an old fash­ G. STAPLETON, Oroville, California. ioned structure, with a roof well shaded by reed screens and an earth floor fre­ quently watered down to keep even The Tibouchinas of Brazil higher humidity than is normal. An exhaust fan kept on all summer, day Visitors to Brazil interested in plants and night, to draw the air out of the are invariably intrigued by the numer­ house and encourage the stream of fresh ous showy members of the melastoma­ air through the ventilators, is a practice ceous genus, T ibouchina, which are such that was not put into action solely for decorative subjects in the landscape the Kaempferia.-B. Y. MORRISON, Pass during their flowering season. Indeed, it Christian, Mississippi. seems strange that Tibouchina semide- 60 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

CHICAGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Tibouchina grandulosa-a model of the species constructed of hand­ blown glass, wax, and a variety of plastics, in the Stanley Field Collec­ tion of Plant Models of the Chicago Natural History Museum candm, with its rich royal purple flow­ Most tibouchinas are small trees or ers, is the only species grown in our shrubs of somewhat open growth. Like conservatories and subtropical gardens. rhododendrons or azaleas they are plants Strange at least when upwards of 200 of acidic well-drained soils and occur nat­ species-most highly attractive-are na­ turally in the scrub forest that often cov­ tive in tropical America. At least two­ er the steep slopes of the coastal moun­ thirds of these are Brazilian and some tains or highlands of eastern Brazil. 25 are cultivated to a considerable ex­ Related species occur in the Andes­ tent, especially in the gardens of Sao usually in low statured highland for­ Paulo and Rio (roughly equivalent to ests close to timberline. Like all mel as­ the latitude of Miami). Certainly there tomes, tibouchinas sport leaves with an must be some of these amenable to cul­ interesting pattern of palmate veins. In ture in the United States, if only they addition, the foliage may often be dec­ were tested. orated, as in familiar T. semidecandra JANUAR Y 1963, VOLUIvIE 42, NUMBER I 61

W . H . H ODGE Flowers of an unnamed species of Brazilian Tibouchina cultivated in Sao Paulo

A close-up view of the large, rose-colored flowers of Tibouchina sellowiana W. H . HODGE 62 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE with silky hairs. But it is in its inflores­ subtropics than in temperate regions of cence that the genus can boast its prime which many representatives have fra­ attraction. Individual flowers are large, grant flowers. One of these, Odonta­ sometimes over two inches in diameter denia grandiflora from the tropics of the and generally borne in showy terminal N ew World, was described in the Oc­ panicles. Colors are rich, the velvety tober 1958 issue of The National Horti­ petals running the gamut of hue from cultural Magazine. In the Old World royal purple to lovely rosy shades, de­ tropics there are two genera of climbers pending upon the species. In many spe­ in this family which are, or should be, cies the colors change with the age of equally well known in cultivation. One the flowers so that a given tree may is Chonemorpha, the other Beaumontia. sport an interesting variety of related hues at any time during its flowering Chonemorpha season. This characteristic appears to This genus of very large woody climb­ vary in individual plants-as does flow­ ers occurs throughout the Indo-Malayan er size, floriferousness, and season of region from Nepal to the Philippine flowering. Thus there is much potential Islands. Before the war I was fortu­ for the future breeder interested in nate enough to find it growing wild near these showy ornamentals. the Benguet Trail on the Island of Lu­ Although the visitor to southeastern zon in the Philippine Islands. The Brazil will find one or more species of species was probably C. blancoi. Recent­ Tibouchina in bloom almost at any sea­ ly, I discovered C. macrophylla in the son, the great majority-at least in the Trisuli valley, at about 2000 feet, in Sao Paulo region-put on their best dis­ Nepal. This species extends from the play in February, which south of the Himalayas to Ceylon and Java. Chone­ Equator, is the beginning of Fall. Those morpha literally means funnel-mouth. which come into flower during the East­ The flower, four inches across, has a er season (April), such as T. granulosa tube one and one-half inches long ter­ and its var rosea, are known by the com­ minated by five petal-lobes arranged as mon names guaresma, flor de guaresma the blades of a propeller, each being or guaresmeira meaning "Lent," "flower slightly twisted at its point of attach­ of Lent," or "tree of Lent." ment to the tube. The specific name Sao Paulo's streets and gardens claim macrophylla refers to the very large about a dozen Tibouchina species that leaves; one I collected measured 14 are frequently cultivated. These include inches long and 11 inches across. T. corymbosa, T. grandifolia, T. granu­ losa, T. moricaudiana, T. mutabilis, T. A characteristic of tropical lianas is pulchra, T. regnellii, and T. sellowiana. that they flower when they reach the A collection of some 25 species of special full light at the top of their support; if ornamental interest are currently being a liana is climbing up a tree 60 feet high tested on the grounds of Sao Paulo's out­ it will flower on reaching its crown, if standing Botanical Institute. up a fence 8 feet high it will flower at Unlike certain sister genera, such as that height. So, in a garden in the Meriania (see this magazine for July, tropics, where man can influence the en­ 1960) the species of Tibouchina, given vironment, Chonemorpha flowers at a the proper climate and soil, are of rather reasonable size. Probably it would do easy culture, and well deserve considera­ so also in a suitable greenhouse. Chone­ tion as potential new ornamentals for morpha grows in well-watered, shady, conservatory culture or as garden sub­ often precipitous valleys where the air jects in those sections of the United is humid even in the dry season and States which are relatively frost-free.- where the roots never lack water. One W . H . HODGE, Kensington, M aryland. plant I saw across a valley and identi­ fied it through binoculars by its seed Chonemorpha and Beaumontia pods. With difficulty I climbed the In the October 1961 issue of this rocky face and managed to secure fruits. Magazine, I wrote about fragrant flow­ The branched inflorescence measures a ers in the family Annonaceae occurring foot in length and the numerous pods in the Old World tropics. There is an­ hang down in pairs; each pod is approx­ other family, the Apocynaceae, much imately one foot long and one inch better represented in the tropics and thick. In another valley with steep sides JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 63

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G. A. C. HERKLOTS Chonemorpha macrophylla at the bottom of which near the stream did slowly, the pods now brown split­ the liana was growing, earth slides had ting towards the end of April. The buried coils of the stem. This had en­ seeds were viable and germinated two couraged rooting and I wail able to dig weeks after sowing. up several natural layerings. The genus can also be propagated freely by seed. Beaumontia The drawing illustrating this note de­ The genus was named in honour of serves mention. The flowering spray was Lady Diana Beaumont of Bretton Hall, picked in the Singapore Botanic Gardens Yorkshire, England, who died in 1831. by the Director on 23rd December and It contains four, perhaps as many as brought in a polythene bag by air by eight, species - authorities differ ~ of my wife to Kathmandu, Nepal, and which B. fragrans and B. grandzflora drawn on Christmas eve. The green are the best known. The former from pods of the same species were collected Viet Nam does best in countries in which at Trisuli on 10th January; they were the climate is tropical the whole year hung up to ripen their seeds, which they round-it flowers best after a dry peri- 64 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

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c. A . C. HERKLOTS Beaumontia grandiflora od. I have seen it flourishing in Ghana so it was easy to collect plants. On 30th and in Trinidad. The latter is a native March I returned to the district and in of the Eastern Himalaya, where the cli­ the blazing sun took photographs and mate is determined by the monsoon-a collected flowers and buds, placed in a hot wet summer alternating with a cool polythene bag, for subsequent drawing. dry winter-and does best where there Incidentally large plants were also found is a decided winter dry season. It flour­ in flower at 4000 feet probably just be­ ishes in Hong Kong and I have seen it low the winter frost level. flowering and fruiting at 3000 feet in This very large magnificent climber Nyasaland in Central Africa. produces twining shoots which will To my great delight, I found Beau­ climb to the tops of trees or festoon the montia grandiflora growing wild in the ground and low bushes with snake-like Trisuli Valley in Nepal at 2500 feet. coils. The leaves, in opposite pairs, are At one side of the valley, a long way nine inches long and four inches across from the river, were old river-borne de­ and are glossy and attractive. The fol­ posits of boulders, gravel and sand. lowing year each shoot develops numer­ Through this a stream from a side val­ ous short lateral branches each of which ley had cut a channel, in the dry sea­ is terminated by a cyme of 6, 8 or more son used as a path, but in the rains no flowers. Each fragrant flower is five doubt it becomes a raging torrent. On inches long and three to four inches a bank adjacent to land cultivated for across and is pure white tinged green­ maize in the spring and rice in summer ish toward the base. The five leaf-like was Beaumontia growing luxuriantly in sepals often are light buffish-green, but full sun. It was festooned over low not always, veined with red. Propaga­ shrubs and in January was covered with tion may be by seeds, which are rarely developing inflorescences. The farmer's available, or by cuttings placed in a hoe had severed many of the roots and propagating frame with bottom heat. these had produced adventitious shoots, But by far the most satisfactory method JANUARY 1963, VOLUME 42, NUMBER 1 G5

W. H. HOnCE Torreya taxi/olia in the Killearn Gardens, Tallahassee, Florida

(that inadvertently adopted by the Ne­ in nature only along the bluffs and re­ pali farmer) is by means of root cut­ vine slopes of the east side of the Apa­ tings, taken in February. Pieces of large lachicola River in Liberty and Gadsden roots placed in a suitable compost in a counties, Florida; in an area just over propagating frame rarely fail to produce the Georgia boundary in Seminole adventitious buds.-G. A. C. HERKLOTS, County; and in a region west of the c/o B ritish Embassy, Kathmandu, Nepal. Apalachicola River in Jackson County, Florida, where there is a single isolated Torreya taxi/olia* stand [H. Kurz, Proc. Florida Acad. Sci. 3, 66 (1938) J. A few individual trees The Florida torreya, TOTreya taxifolia have long been cultivated, chiefly in a Am., is one of the more famous endemic relatively limited area surrounding the relict trees of North America. It occurs torreya's native haunts. Of these, two · Reprinted from Science, June 8, 1962, Vol. 136, No. 35 19, pages 900·902, by permission. 66 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE individual trees, a male and a female, in In any event, it seems clear that the the Killearn Gardens State Park near relict Florida torrey a, known to profes­ Tallahassee are handsome specimens, sional botanists throughout the world, much more vigorous and flourishing than and locally of significant general inter­ other cultivated specimens. est, is even now all but extinct in its nat­ A few years ago, a moderate-sized area ural habitat. Its preservation, in culti­ along the Apalachicola River, where the vation, can perhaps be accomplished if Florida torreya grows naturally, was es­ prompt and bold measures are immedi­ tablished as the Torreya State Park. A ately instigated.-R. K. GODFREY and principal objective of those responsible HERMAN KURZ, Department of Biological for establishing the park was to preserve Sciences, Florida State University, Talla­ for posterity at least one place, open to hassee. the public, where the Florida torreya would not be subjected to the hazards . A Footnote on Torreya that accompany man's civilizing influ­ ence. Doubtless there had been eviden.ce A footnote to the Godfrey and Kurz that fire, logging, domestic animals, and SCIENCE note above is that the Killearn the like were taking, and would continue Garden specimens have now been found to take their toll, and that, unprotected, to be diseased but it is hoped that a this interesting plant would become ex­ spray program may be of help. The need tinct. for propagating this rare native is now It seems unlikely, since this tre@ was even more urgent. Some brief remarks reproducing satisfactorily only a few on the species are in order. years ago, an.d since cultivated trees are First of all, Torreya taxifolia occurs for the most part also affected, that for­ as a native in Zone 9 (specifically 9a) est devastation is accountable for the of the recent Plant Hardiness Zone Map demise of the Florida torreya. Be that (V.S.D .A. Misc. Public M. 814) which as it may, its extinction is presently well­ means it should be tried widely through­ nigh an accomplished fact. On the orig­ out the Gulf Coast as well as on Atlantic inal sites there remain but a scattering coastal sites, probably as far north as of skeleton trunks, a few of which have Norfolk- or wherever Quercus virgini­ abortive sprouts at their bases. With the ana, the Live Oak, will grow. There are possible exception of the two aforemen­ many spots also on the Pacific coast tioned trees in Killearn Gardens State north to Puget Sound where this spe­ Park and of one other in Tallahassee, cies of Torreya may also thrive. Trees all three of which have perhaps benefited are said to do best in shaded and shel­ from the care given garden plantings tered sites where the soil is moist. Four generally, the cultivated trees known to species occur in this little known genus us either are not vigorous, to put it mild­ which commemorates John Torrey, one ly, or have already succumbed. of the most distinguished names in early The culprit? Apparently a fungal dis­ American botany. Apparently none of ease of the stems. We know nothing these really flourish in cultivation. The more than that. It is our understanding two oriental species (T. grandis and T. that Erdman West of the Vniversity of nucifera) are the hardiest and more fre­ Florida is attempting to identify the quently seen in horticulture. The two causative agent. It is unlikely, however, American species are seldom seen culti­ that any corrective measures can be vated except in the areas of their origi­ taken to preserve the Florida torrey a in nal haunts-Florida (T. taxifolia) and its native forest. It is barely possible California (T. californica) . The seeds that the isolated cultivated trees may produced in the olive-sized fruit are nor­ survive. It would seem expedient for the mally used for propagation since they Florida Board of Parks and Historic produce sizeable plants much faster than Memorials, which has jurisdiction over slow growing cuttings. The V. S. Na­ both the Torreya State Park and the tional Arboretum will attempt to propa­ Killearn Gardens State Park, to take gate material of the female tree from immediate action leading to the propa­ the Killearn Gardens State Park near gation of seedlings or cuttings, or both. Tallahassee. W. H. H. the PEONIES

Amateur, professional grower, or scientist: H ere is a book you will enjoy reading, profit from reading. Authoritative. truly comprehensive, yet with interest main­ tained-you explore this family of superb plants about which so little is generally known. You may, or may not be familiar with names of the men and women who wrote this book. '<\Ie only can say: You would search far to find people who know more about Peonies-who are better able to share with others, interestingly , the results of their experiences, the findings of their research. EDITORS-John C. Wister, Director, Arthur Hoyt Scott Horticultural Founda­ tion, Swarthmore College; Gertrude S. Wister. CONTRIBUTORS- Si lvia Saunders; P . P. Pirone; William H. Krekler; Harold E. Wolfe. Getting down to specifications of this book: It, of course, deals with both TREE PEONIES (Suffruticosa or Moutan, Delavayi, lutea, potanini) and the more familiar HERBACEOUS PEONIES. For both, there are chapters on culture. Descriptions. Propagation. Check lists of varieties. Lists of growers. Botanical classifications. Pests and diseases. History. Breeding. Bibliography. This 200+ page book is illustrated with over 60 expertly done photographs and line drawings. Published by the American Horticultural Society, it is being offered to Members at 20% discount.

American Horticultural Society-1600 Bladensburg Road, N .E.-Washington 2, D. C.

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Neodypsis decaryi spreads its fronds like a strutting peacock [See page 55]