Hardy Ornamental Flowering Trees and Shrubs - A. D. Webster
HARDY ORNAMENTAL
FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS.
By
A.D. WEBSTER,
_Author of "Practical Forestry," "Hardy Coniferous Trees,"
"British Orchids," &c., &c._
1897.
PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION, 1893.
This book has been written and is published with the distinct object
in view of bringing home to the minds of planters of Hardy Trees and
Shrubs, the fact that the monotonous repetition, in at least nine-tenths
of our Parks and Gardens, of such Trees as the Elm, the Lime, and the
Oak, and such Shrubs as the Cherry Laurel and the Privet, is neither
necessary nor desirable. There is quite a host of choice and beautiful
flowering species, which, though at present not generally known are yet
perfectly hardy, of the simplest culture, and equally well adapted for
the ornamentation of our Public and Private Parks and Gardens.
Of late years, with the marked decline in the cultivation of Coniferous
Trees, many of which are ill adapted for the climate of this country,
the interest in our lovely flowering Trees and Shrubs has been greatly
revived. This fact has been well exemplified in the numerous enquiries
after these subjects, and the space devoted to their description and
modes of cultivation in the Horticultural Press.
In the hope, too, of helping to establish a much-desired standard of
nomenclature, I have followed the generic names adopted by the authors
of _The Genera Plantarum_, and the specific names and orthography, as
far as I have been able, of the _Index Kewensis_; and where possible
I have given the synonyms, the date of introduction, and the native
country. The alphabetical arrangement that has been adopted, both with
regard to the genera and species, it is hoped, will greatly facilitate
the work of reference to its pages. The descriptive notes and hints on
cultivation, the selected lists of Trees and Shrubs for various special
purposes, and the calendarial list which indicates the flowering season
of the different species, may be considered all the more valuable for
being concisely written, and made readily accessible by means of the
Index.
No work written on a similar plan and treating solely of Hardy
Ornamental Flowering Trees and Shrubs has hitherto been published;
and it is not supposed for a moment that the present one will entirely
supply the deficiency; but should it meet with any measure of public
approval, it may be the means of paving the way towards the publication
of a more elaborate work--and one altogether more worthy of the
interesting and beautiful Flowering Trees and Shrubs that have been
found suitable for planting in the climate of the British Isles.
Of the fully thirteen hundred species and varieties of Trees and Shrubs
enumerated, all may be depended upon as being hardy in some part of the
country. Several of them, and particularly those introduced from China
and Japan, have not before been included in a book of this character.
Trials for the special purpose of testing the hardiness of the more
tender kinds have been instituted and carried out in several favoured
parts of England and Ireland.
A.D.W.
HOLLYDALE, WOBURN.
PREFACE TO SECOND AND CHEAP EDITION, 1897.
The First Edition of Hardy Ornamental Flowering Trees and Shrubs having
been sold out, it has been considered desirable to run off a second and
cheap edition on exactly similar lines to the first, and previous to the
more elaborate illustrated edition which is now in hand.
A.D.W.
BOXMOOR, HERTS, 1897.
HARDY ORNAMENTAL FLOWERING TREES & SHRUBS.
ABELIA.
ABELIA CHINENSIS (_syn A. rupestris_).--The Rock Abelia China, 1844.
This is a neat, twiggy shrub, growing from 2 ft. to 3 ft. high, with
slender shoots, and very pleasing, shining green serrated leaves. The
tubular, sweet-scented flowers are produced in clusters at the ends of
the shoots, even the smallest, and are of a very delicate shade of
pink--indeed, almost white. It makes an excellent wall plant, but by
no means refuses to grow and flower freely without either shelter or
protection, provided a fairly rich and well drained soil is provided.
From August to October is the flowering period of this handsome
deciduous shrub. This is the only really hardy species of the genus,
for though the rosy-purple flowered A. floribunda from Mexico has stood
for several years uninjured in the South of England, it is not to be
relied upon. Both species are readily propagated from cuttings.
A. TRIFLORA.--Himalayan regions, 1847. A half-hardy and beautiful
species with small lanceolate, entire leaves, and pretty star-shaped
flowers that are white and flushed with pink. The long, narrow, and
hairy calyx-lobes give a light and feathery appearance to the flowers,
which are produced continuously from May to November. It does best as a
wall plant, and several beautiful examples may be seen in and around
London, as also at Exeter, and in the South of Ireland.
ADENOCARPUS.
ADENOCARPUS DECORTICANS (_syn A. Boissieri_).--Spain, 1883. This little
known hardy shrub, a native of the Sierra Nevada mountains, in Spain, is
one of great beauty, and well worthy of extended culture. The flowers
are produced abundantly, and are of a bright yellow colour, resembling
those of our common Broom, to which family it is nearly allied. Peaty
soil suits it well, and repeated trials have clearly proved that it is
hardy, at least in the South of England.
AESCULUS.
AESCULUS CALIFORNICA (_syn Pavia californica_).--California. This is
one of the handsomest species, of low, spreading habit, and blooming
freely about midsummer.
AE. GLABRA (_syn Ae. rubicunda_).--Red-flowered Horse Chestnut. North
America, 1820. If only for its neat and moderate growth, and attractive
spikes of brightly-coloured flowers, this species must be considered as
one of the handsomest and most valuable of small growing trees. Being
of moderate size, for we rarely meet with specimens of greater height
than 30 feet, and of very compact habit, it is rendered peculiarly
suitable for planting in confined spots, and where larger growing and
more straggling subjects would be out of place. It withstands soot and
smoke well, and is therefore much valued for suburban planting. The
long spikes of pretty red flowers are usually produced in great
abundance, and as they stand well above the foliage, and are of firm
lasting substance, they have a most pleasing and attractive appearance.
As there are numerous forms of the red-flowered Horse Chestnut,
differing much in the depth of flower colouring, it may be well to warn
planters, for some of these have but a faint tinge of pink overlying a
dirty yellowish-green groundwork, while the finest and most desirable
tree has the flowers of a decided pinky-red. There is a double-flowered
variety Ae. glabra flore-pleno (_syn Ae. rubicunda flore-pleno_) and
one of particular merit named Ae. rubicunda Briotii.
AE. HIPPOCASTANUM.--The Common Horse Chestnut. Asia, 1629. A fine
hardy free-flowering tree, supposed to have been introduced from Asia,
and of which there are several varieties, including a double-flowered,
a variegated, and several lobed and cut-leaved forms. The tree needs
no description, the spikes of pinky-white flowers, which are produced
in great abundance, and ample foliage rendering it one of, if not the
handsomest tree of our acquaintance. It gives a pleasing shade, and
forms an imposing and picturesque object in the landscape, especially
where the conditions of soil--a rich free loam--are provided. Ae.
Hippocastanum alba flore-pleno (the double white Horse Chestnut), has
a decidedly pyramidal habit of growth, and the flowers, which are
larger than those of the species, are perfectly double. It is a very
distinct and desirable large growing tree. Ae. Hippocastanum laciniata
and Ae. Hippocastanum digitalis are valuable for their divided leaves;
while Ae. Hippocastanum foliis variegatis has the foliage rather
irregularly variegated.
AE. PARVIFLORA (_syn Pavia macrostachya_).--Buckeye. North America,
1820. This is very distinct, and possesses feature which are shared by
no other hardy tree or shrub in cultivation. Rarely exceeding 12 feet
in height, and with a spread of often as much as 20 feet, this shrub
forms a perfect hemisphere of foliage, and which, when tipped with the
pretty fragrant flowers, renders it one of the most effective and
handsome. The foliage is large, and resembles that of the common Horse
Chestnut, while the pure white flowers, with their long projecting
stamens and red-tipped anthers, are very pretty and imposing when at
their best in July. It succeeds well in rich, dampish loam, and as a
shrub for standing alone in any conspicuous position it has, indeed,
few equals.
AE. PAVIA (_syn Pavia rubra_).--Red Buckeye. North America, 1711. A
small growing and slender-branched tree or shrub, which bears an
abundance of brownish-scarlet flowers. There are several good
varieties, two of the best being Ae. Pavia atrosanguinea, and Ae.
Pavia Whittleyana, with small, brilliant red flowers.
There are several other species, such as Ae. Pavia humilis (_syn Pavia
humilis_) of trailing habit; Ae. flava (_syn Pavia flava_) bearing
pretty yellow flowers; Ae. Pavia macrocarpa (_syn Pavia macrocarpa_)
an open-headed and graceful tree; Ae. flava discolor (_syn Pavia
discolor_); and Ae. chinensis; but they have not been found very
amenable to cultivation, except in very favoured parts of the South of
England and Ireland.
AILANTHUS.
AILANTHUS GLANDULOSA.--Tree of Heaven. China, 1751. A handsome,
fast-growing tree, with large pinnate leaves that are often fully
three feet long, and terminal erect clusters of not very showy
greenish-white flowers that exhale a rather disagreeable odour. It is
one of the most distinct and imposing of pinnate-leaved trees, and
forms a neat specimen for the lawn or park. Light loam or a gravelly
subsoil suits it well.
AKEBIA.
AKEBIA QUINATA.--Chinese Akebia. China, 1845. This, with its
peculiarly-formed and curiously-coloured flowers, though usually
treated as a cool greenhouse plant, is yet sufficiently hardy to grow
and flower well in many of the southern and western English counties,
where it has stood uninjured for many years. It is a pretty twining
evergreen, with the leaves placed on long slender petioles, and
palmately divided into usually five leaflets. The sweet-scented
flowers, particularly so in the evening, are of a purplish-brown or
scarlet-purple, and produced in axillary racemes of from ten to a
dozen in each. For covering trellis-work, using as a wall plant, or to
clamber over some loose-growing specimen shrub, from which a slight
protection will also be afforded, the Akebia is peculiarly suitable,
and soon ascends to a height of 10 feet or 12 feet. Any ordinary
garden soil suits it, and propagation by cuttings is readily affected.
AMELANCHIER.
AMELANCHIER ALNIFOLIA.--Dwarf June Berry. N.W. America, 1888. This
is a shrub of great beauty, growing about 8 feet high, and a native of
the mountains from British America to California. This differs from A.
canadensis in having much larger and more brilliant-tinted fruit, and
in its shorter and more compact flower racemes. The shape of the
leaves cannot be depended on as a point of recognition, those before
me, collected in the native habitat of the plant, differing to a wide
extent in size and shape, some being coarsely serrated while others
are almost entire.
A. CANADENSIS.--June Berry. Canada, 1746. Unquestionably this is one
of the most beautiful and showy of early flowering trees. During the
month of April the profusion of snow-white flowers, with which even
young specimens are mantled, render the plant conspicuous for a long
way off, while in autumn the golden yellow of the dying-off foliage is
quite as remarkable. Being perfectly hardy, of free growth, and with
no particular desire for certain classes of soils, the June Berry
should be widely planted for ornamental effect. In this country it
attains to a height of 40 feet, and bears globose crimson fruit. There
are several varieties, including A. canadensis rotundifolia, A.
canadensis oblongifolia, and A. canadensis oligocarpa, the latter
being by some botanists ranked as a species.
A. VULGARIS.--Common Amelanchier. South of Europe, 1596. This is the
only European species, and grows about 16 feet in height. It has been
in cultivation in this country for nearly 300 years. Generally this
species flowers earlier than the American ones, has rounder and less
deeply serrated leaves, but the flowers are much alike. A. vulgaris
cretica, from Crete and Dalmatia, is readily distinguished by the soft
white hairs with which the under sides of the leaves are thickly
covered. To successfully cultivate the Amelanchiers a good rich soil
is a necessity, while shelter from cutting winds must be afforded if
the sheets of flowers are to be seen in their best form.
AMORPHA.
AMORPHA CANESCENS.--Lead Plant. Missouri, 1812. This is of much
smaller growth than A. fruticosa, with neat pinnate foliage, whitened
with hoary down, and bearing panicles of bluish-purple flowers, with
conspicuous orange anthers. It is a charming shrub, and all the more
valuable as it flowers at the end of summer, when few hardy plants are
in bloom. To grow it satisfactorily a dry, sandy soil is a necessity.
A. FRUTICOSA.--False Indigo. Carolina, 1724. This is a fast growing
shrub of fully 6 feet high, of loose, upright habit, and with pretty
pinnate leaves. The flowers are borne in densely packed spikes, and
are of a purplish tint with bright yellow protruding anthers and
produced at the end of summer. It prefers a dry, warm soil of a sandy
or chalky nature, and may readily be increased from cuttings or
suckers, the latter being freely produced. Hard cutting back when full
size has been attained would seem to throw fresh vigour into the
Amorpha, and the flowering is greatly enhanced by such a mode of
treatment. A native of Carolina, and perfectly hardy in most parts of
the country. Of this species there are several varieties, amongst
others, A. fruticosa nana, a dwarf, twiggy plant; A. fruticosa
dealbata, with lighter green foliage than the type; and others
differing only in the size and width of the leaves.
ANDROMEDA.
ANDROMEDA POLIFOLIA.--An indigenous shrub of low growth, with
lanceolate shining leaves, and pretty globose pinky-white flowers. Of
it there are two varieties. A. polifolia major and A. polifolia
angustifolia, both well worthy of culture for their neat habit and
pretty flowers.
See CASSANDRA, CASSIOPE, LEUCOTHOE, OXYDENDRUM, PIERIS, and ZENOBIA.
ARALIA.
ARALIA MANDSHURICA (_syn Dimorphanthus mandschuricus_).--Manchuria,
1866. There is not much beauty about this Chinese tree, for it is but
a big spiny stake, with no branches, and a tuft of palm-like foliage
at the top. The flowers, however, are both large and conspicuous, and
impart to the tree an interesting and novel appearance. They are
individually small, of a creamy-white colour, and produced in long,
umbellate racemes, and which when fully developed, from their weight
and terminal position, are tilted gracefully to one side. Usually the
stem is spiny, with Horse Chestnut-like bark, while the terminal bud,
from its large size, as if all the energy of the plant was
concentrated in the tip, imparts a curious and somewhat ungainly
appearance to the tree. From its curious tropical appearance this
species is well worthy of a place in the shrubbery. It is unmindful of
soil, if that is of at all fair quality, and may be said to be
perfectly hardy over the greater part of the country.
A. SPINOSA.--Angelica Tree. Virginia, 1688. Amongst autumn-flowering
shrubs this takes a high place, for in mild seasons it blooms well
into October. It grows about 12 feet high, with large tri-pinnate
leaves, composed of numerous serrulate leaflets. The individual
flowers are small and whitish, but being borne in large branched
panicles have a very imposing appearance. It is of free growth, and
produces suckers abundantly.
See also FATSIA.
ARBUTUS.
ARBUTUS ANDRACHNE.--Levant, 1724. This Mediterranean species is of
stout growth, with narrow Laurel-like leaves, reddish deciduous bark,
and greenish-white flowers that are produced freely in May. A hybrid
form, said to have originated between this species and A. Unedo,
partakes in part of the nature of both shrubs, but the flowers are
larger than those of A. Unedo.
A. MENZIESII (_syn A. procera_).--Tall Strawberry Tree. North-west
America, 1827. This is hardy in many parts of these islands,
particularly maritime districts, and is worthy of culture if only for
the large racemose panicles of deliciously-scented white flowers, and
peculiar metallic-green leaves. The fruit is orange-red, and only
about half the size of those of our commonly cultivated species.
A. UNEDO.--Strawberry Tree. Ireland. This is a beautiful evergreen
shrub or small-growing tree, sometimes fully 20 feet high, with
ovate-lanceolate leaves, and clusters of pure white or yellowish-tinged
flowers appearing in September and October. The bright scarlet fruit,
about the size of and resembling a Strawberry, is highly ornamental,
and when borne in quantity imparts to the plant an unusual and very
attractive appearance. Generally speaking, the Arbutus is hardy,
although in inland situations it is sometimes killed to the ground in
severe winters, but, springing freely from the root, the plant soon
becomes re-established. In a young state it suffers too, but after
becoming established and a few feet high, the chances of injury are
greatly minimised. Three well-marked varieties are A. Unedo coccinea
and A. Unedo rubra, bearing scarlet and deep-red flowers, and A. Unedo
microphylla, with much smaller leaves than those of the parent plant.
A. UNEDO CROOMEI differs considerably from the former, in having
larger foliage, larger clusters of reddish-pink flowers, and the bark
of the young shoots of an enticing ruddy, or rather brownish-red
colour. It is a very desirable and highly ornamental plant, and one
that is well worthy of extended culture.
There are several others, to wit A. photiniaefolia, A. Rollissoni, A.
Millerii, with large leaves, and pretty pink flowers, and A.
serratifolia, having deeply serrated leaves. Deep, light loam, if on
chalk all the better, and a fairly warm and sheltered situation, would
seem to suit the Arbutus best.
ARCTOSTAPHYLOS.
ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI.--Bearberry. Britain. A neat shrub of trailing
habit, and with flowers resembling those of the Arbutus, but much
smaller. The leaves are entire, dark green in colour, and about an
inch long, and obovate or oblong in shape. Fruit globular, of a bright
red, smooth and shining. This is a native shrub, being found in
Scotland, northern England and Ireland.
A. ALPINA.--Black Bearberry. Scotland. This is confined to the
northern Highlands of Scotland, is of smaller growth, with toothed
deciduous leaves, and small drooping flowers of two or three together.
ARISTOLOCHIA.
ARISTOLOCHIA SIPHO.--Dutchman's Pipe. North America, 1763. A
large-growing, deciduous climbing shrub, remarkable for its ample
foliage, and curiously formed yellow and purple streaked flowers. A
native of North America, it is perfectly hardy in this country, and
makes an excellent wall plant where plenty of space can be afforded
for the rambling branches. What a pity it is that so ornamental a
climber, whose big, dark-green leaves overlap each other as if
intended for keeping a house cool in warm weather, is not more
generally planted. It does well and grows fast in almost any soil.
ASIMINA.
ASIMINA TRILOBA.--Virginian Papaw. Pennsylvania, 1736. This is a
curious and uncommon shrub that one rarely sees outside the walls of a
botanic garden. The flowers are dark purple or chocolate brown, fully
2 inches across, and succeeded by a yellow, oblong, pulpy fruit, that
is relished by the natives, and from which the name of North American
Custard Apple has been derived. In this country it is quite at home,
growing around London to quite 12 feet in height, but it wants a warm,
dry soil, and sunny sheltered situation. As a wall plant it does well.
AZARA.
AZARA MICROPHYLLA.--Chili, 1873. This is the only recognised hardy
species, and probably the best from an ornamental point of view. In
mild seaside districts it may succeed as a standard in the open
ground, but generally it is cultivated as a wall plant, and for which
it is peculiarly suitable. The small dark green, glossy leaves are
thickly arranged on the nearly horizontal branches, while the flowers,
if they lack in point of showiness, are deliciously fragrant and
plentifully produced. For wall-covering, especially in an eastern
aspect, it is one of the neatest of shrubs.
Other species in cultivation are A. serrata, A. lanceolata, and A.
integrifolia, but for general planting, and unless under the most
favoured conditions, they are not to be recommended. The Azaras are by
no means particular about the quality of soil in which they are
planted, and succeed well even in stiffish loam, bordering on clay.
BACCHARIS.
BACCHARIS HALIMIFOLIA.--Groundsel Tree or Sea Purslane. North America.
For seaside planting this is an invaluable shrub, as it succeeds well
down even to high water mark, and where it is almost lashed by the
salt spray. The flowers are not very ornamental, resembling somewhat
those of the Groundsel, but white with a tint of purple. Leaves
obovate in shape, notched, and thickly covered with a whitish powder,
which imparts to them a pleasing glaucous hue. Any light soil that is
tolerably dry suits well the wants of this shrub, but it is always
seen in best condition by the seaside. Under favourable conditions it
attains to a height of 12 feet, with a branch spread nearly as much in
diameter. A native of the North American coast from Maryland to
Florida.
B. PATAGONICA.--Megallan. This is a very distinct and quite hardy
species, with small deep green leaves and white flowers. It succeeds
under the same conditions as the latter.
BERBERIDOPSIS.
BERBERIDOPSIS CORALLINA.--Coral Barberry. Chili, 1862. This handsome
evergreen, half-climbing shrub is certainly not so well known as its
merits entitle it to be. Unfortunately it is not hardy in every part
of the country, though in the southern and western English counties,
but especially within the influence of the sea, it succeeds well as
a wall plant, and charms us with its globular, waxy, crimson or
coral-red flowers. The spiny-toothed leaves approach very near those
of some of the Barberries, and with which the plant is nearly allied.
It seems to do best in a partially shady situation, and in rich light
loam.
BERBERIS.
BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM (_syn Mahonia Aquifolium_).--Holly-leaved
Barberry. North America, 1823. This justly ranks as one of the
handsomest, most useful, and easily-cultivated of all hardy shrubs.
It will grow almost any where, and in any class of soil, though
preferring a fairly rich loam. Growing under favourable conditions to
a height of 6 feet, this North American shrub forms a dense mass of
almost impenetrable foliage. The leaves are large, dark shining green,
thickly beset with spines, while the deliciously-scented yellow
flowers, which are produced at each branch tip, render the plant
particularly attractive in spring. It is still further valuable both
on account of the rich autumnal tint of the foliage, and pretty plum
colour of the plentifully produced fruit.
B. AQUIFOLIUM REPENS (_syn Mahonia repens_).--Creeping Barberry. This
is of altogether smaller growth than the preceding, but otherwise they
seem nearly allied. From its dense, dwarf growth, rising as it rarely
does more than a foot from the ground, and neat foliage, this Barberry
is particularly suitable for edging beds, or forming a low evergreen
covering for rocky ground or mounds.
B. ARISTATA, a native of Nepaul, is a vigorous-growing species,
resembling somewhat our native plant, with deeply serrated leaves,
brightly tinted bark, and yellow flowers. It is of erect habit,
branchy, and in winter is rendered very conspicuous by reason of the
bright reddish colour of the leafless branches.
B. BEALEI (_syn Mahonia Bealli_).--Japan. This species is one of the
first to appear in bloom, often by the end of January the plant being
thickly studded with flowers. It is a handsome shrub, of erect habit,
the leaves of a yellowish-green tint, and furnished with long, spiny
teeth. The clusters of racemes of deliciously fragrant yellow flowers
are of particular value, being produced so early in the season.
B. BUXIFOLIA (_syn B. dulcis_ and _B. microphylla_).--Straits of
Magellan, 1827. A neat and erect-growing shrub of somewhat stiff and
upright habit, and bearing tiny yellow flowers. This is a good
rockwork plant, and being of neat habit, with small purplish leaves,
is well worthy of cultivation.
B. CONGESTIFLORA, from Chili, is not yet well-known, but promises to
become a general favourite with lovers of hardy shrubs. It is of
unusual appearance for a Barberry, with long, decumbent branches,
which are thickly covered with masses of orange-yellow flowers. The
branch-tips, being almost leafless and smothered with flowers, impart
to the plant a striking, but distinctly ornamental appearance.