Evergreens - C through E

CALLUNA VULGARIS, Zone 4, Scotch Heather. The familiar Scotch Heather brings to mind nostalgic memories of Old World gardens, where it has been grown and loved for centuries. In the United States this plant has occupied an honored place since the days of the early settlers.

Heather is quite versatile as to its uses; on rocky, sandy slopes where the soil is poor it is splendid as a ground cover; strange as it may seem, this is a plant that will not thrive in fertile ground. In the rock garden this ever­green adds a touch of real charm, and when it is used for naturalizing and planted in large drifts or masses, its myriads of pink, crimson, purple or white blooms are indeed a gay sight.

The growing requirements of Heather are quite simple. Good drainage, acid soil, and full sun provide the best growing conditions, but Heather can be grown in partial shade; however, in such an exposure the bloom will not be so prolific. The most congenial soil consists of a mixture of one-third each of oak leaf mold or peat moss, sand, and garden soil that is not too fertile. In spring before growth starts, cut the plants back severely in order to keep them from becoming straggly. The stock is increased from cuttings of the current season's growth taken in the fall.

Varieties range from those which form low, thick mats only a few inches high to those which grow to l½ feet. Varieties with golden-yellow foliage are obtainable, and still others are valued for their autumnal tints.

CAMELLIA, Camellia. The beauty of the Camellia has won an enviable place for itself in the hearts of all garden lovers. The stately, symmetrical habit of growth and glossy foliage of C. japonica are of high aesthetic appeal every month of the year. During the blooming season the plants are trans­formed into bowers of color with a profusion of flowers that come in shades of pink, red, and white.

Camellias make lovely specimens where they have ample space in which to develop unhampered. They also fit into the background planting, and against a garden wall they stand out most effectively. They are charming when planted each side of a doorway, or when used to soften the sharp angle of a corner. Camellias also lend themselves to espalier work, pro­vided they are planted on walls that are shaded during the hottest part of the day, otherwise the reflected heat of the sun may cause injury.

The ideal situation for this evergreen is in light shade, and where the ground is well drained and protected from strong winds. The Camellia can be grown in full sun, especially in climates where the humidity is high. Deep shade should be avoided, since in such locations the flower effect will be disappointing. The best soil medium is one that is acid, fertile, mellow, and well enriched with peat moss or oak leaf mold. If the ground is not naturally fertile, it is best to replace it with a mixture of leaf mold, peat moss and sandy loam in equal parts, or with a mixture of rich top-soil, peat moss, and well-rotted cow manure in equal parts.

Camellias should not be moved during the cold months, nor should they be planted when the shoots are clothed with new growth; this usually occurs in late spring and again in late summer. The proper planting depth is of the utmost importance; the bushes should be set so that the tops of the root balls are scarcely covered with soil. Deep planting results in a decline of vigor and the eventual death of the plants. As in the case of all ever­greens, great care must be taken to firm the soil well around the ball of roots and to leave no air pockets.

After planting, the ground should be kept moist by regular watering. Be sure to sprinkle the leaves as well—Camellias love to have their foliage syringed. Unless there is rainfall, watering should be given every day or two until the shrubs have become established. This will do much to lessen the shock of transplanting, and will give the plants a good start. At no time should Camellias be allowed to suffer from dryness. There are two extremes that are inimical to their culture—dryness, and overwatering which results in soggy ground. In the states where mulching is practiced, a year-round covering 2 or 3 inches deep of acid peat moss, oak leaf mold, or Pine needles is decidedly advantageous.

An occasional feeding will also be helpful in maintaining the vigor and luxuriance of the plants. Cottonseed meal, or one of the fertilizers on the market especially compounded for acid-loving plants, will give good results. This should be given in early spring, and again a month or 6 weeks later if needed. The season to withhold feeding is in late summer, because any stimulation at that time would tend to induce growth that would be too tender to weather the cold months ahead. However, if the plants are lan­guishing and are in need of a pick-up during the summer, an application of 5 parts of superphosphates combined with 1 part of sulfate of potash is permissible. Any fertilizer containing nitrogen should be avoided during the summer.

Camellias thrive particularly well in climates that are not hot all year round, as a matter of fact, they especially like localities where the nights are cool. They can even endure temperatures close to zero, although a night temperature of 15 to 20° F. is decidedly preferable. Propagation is best done from cuttings taken from the new growth in summer; the supply can also be increased from seeds and from layers.

It is fortunate for northern gardeners that hardier varieties ae now availa­ble which extend the climatic range of this handsome plant. Among these varieties might be mentioned C.japonica elegans (Chandler) and C. Kumasaka (Lady Marion). Both of these have weathered the low temperatures at Yonkers, New York. Lady Clare, Magnoliaeflora, Rev. Bennett, Rev. Dray-ton, Flame, Mathotiana, Tricolor, Governor Mouton, Leucantha and Tri-phosa are among the hardier kinds. More of these hardy varieties will be appearing on the market, and Camellia fanciers who live in the Northern States will do well to keep in touch with the new introductions.

C.japonica, Zone 7, Common Camellia, can attain a height of 45 feet. It is the most strikingly handsome species of Camellia. Many varieties offer an array of beautiful, showy double, semi-double or single flowers, and they are available in an assortment of shades, including variegated forms. Before making a selection from the several hundred kinds on the market it is advisable to check with your nurseryman as to those best suited to your climatic conditions.

C. reticulata differs from the other types of Camellia in that it lacks their glossy foliage. It grows into a shrub or small tree, and bears large semi-double crimson-rose flowers.

C. sasanqua, Zone 7, Sasanqua Camellia, is more open and graceful in its habit of growth than C. japonica. The leaves are smaller, and for the most part the flowers are single and bear a resemblance to single roses. The blooms are especially welcome because they appear in the fall at a time when color in northern gardens is at a premium. This species is some­times used for informal hedge purposes.

CARISSA GRANDIFLORA, Zone 9, Natal-Plum, is indigenous to the African tropics and can only endure a few degrees of frost. It develops into a dense, branching, medium-sized shrub, and it is a suitable subject for foundation plantings, where the beauty of its large, waxy, fragrant white flowers can be fully enjoyed. The blooming period is in spring; the blos­soms are followed by showy red fruits which are edible. Carissa can also be used for hedge work, because it lends itself admirably to shearing; its spines qualify it for use as a living fence. Another of its assets is its adaptability to ocean front gardens.

Natal-Plum can be grown in almost any soil, including dry ground; however, a sunny location is a requisite. Propagation is by seeds, cuttings, and layers.

CARPENTERIA CALIFORNICA, Zones 7-8, Evergreen Mock-orange. This plant is suited only to warm climates. It develops into an attractive shrub 8 to 10 feet high. In the shrubbery border it is a real addition be­cause of its fragrant, effective white flowers which bloom in June and July. It grows best in a sheltered, sunny situation, and in soil that is sandy and well drained. Propagation is accomplished by seeds sown in spring, by suckers, and by cuttings made from the soft wood.

CASTANOPSIS CHRYSOPHYLLA, Zone 7, Giant Evergreen Chin­quapin. Although this tree grows to 100 feet or more, its variety sempewirens is a hardier, shrubby form that makes it appropriate for the home garden planting. This evergreen does not require a rich soil, and it will do well in dry, poor land. Propagation is from seeds and layers.

CEANOTHUS DELILIANUS, Zone 7, Delisle Ceanothus, is an orna­mental evergreen which grows 6 feet in height. It thrives in a sheltered, sunny location, and in soil that is light and porous. The decorative flowers vary in color from light to deep blue; they come out in early spring, and are borne in dense panicles. There are several varieties of this species that thrive along the mildest parts of the Pacific Coast; one of the most effective of these is "Gloire de Versailles," a hybrid with light-blue flowers. Ceanothus is increased from seeds sown in the spring, cuttings made either in the fall or spring, and layers.

CEDRUS, Cedar. The Cedars are very handsome, highly decorative conifers; they make splendid specimens in gardens where the lawn areas are sufficiently extensive to permit the use of a tree with impressive dimensions. Cedars thrive in well-drained garden soils; however, they are also grown successfully in sandy clay ground. Propagation is by seeds.

C. atlantica, Zone 6, Atlas Cedar. This species develops into a pyramidal tree from 50 to 120 feet in height, with widespreading branches. The variety glauca (Blue Atlas Cedar) is one of the most beautiful trees that can be planted; its soft, bluish foliage is of outstanding value. This Cedar can be grown along the Rhode Island coast, and from Philadelphia southward.

C. deodara, Zone 7, Deodar Cedar, sometimes reaches 150 feet in height; it can be grown as far north as Pennsylvania. In India this Himalayan species is used for incense.

C. libani, Zone 5, Cedar of Lebanon. Because of the stately beauty and strength of this famous species, it has been extolled by poets and portrayed by artists throughout the ages. Its symbolic significance of long life, pros perity and power are often referred to in the Bible. This is a slow-growing Cedar; however, it can reach a height of over 100 feet. A form of the Cedar of Lebanon that has been grown from seeds collected from high in the mountains of Asia Minor has resulted in a hardier strain, thus extend­ing northward the cultivation of this fascinating tree. It has been success­fully raised in Massachusetts. C. libani nana is a dwarf kind.

Photo: Roche
The gracefully pendulous branches of the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar give an unusual effect. (Garden of Mr. William Gotelli.)

CEPHALOTAXUS DRUPACEA, Plum-Yew. This attractive evergreen undoubtedly derives its common name from its close relationship to the Yews, which it strongly resembles. For small grounds it is of exceptional value, and can be used advantageously as a lawn specimen. It is slow growing, and in its true form develops into a branching, round-topped tree about 30 feet high. There are lower-growing kinds which are excellent for softening walls and for including in the green garden planting.

Cephalotaxus is not overly hardy north of Philadelphia, but it is some­times grown into New York State. It prefers a protected, partly shady, well-drained location in good soil that is moist and sandy. The supply is increased by seed and cuttings made in August.

Varieties of this species are obtainable in dwarf, columnar, and spread­ing forms. The variety nana grows 6 feet tall, and the sinensis becomes a shrub 12 feet high. C. fortuni is a graceful evergreen which under average conditions usually remains shrublike in size.

CHAMAECYPARIS, False Cypress, is a familiar and much-planted ever­green of varying heights and colors. The dwarf, compact types are very useful garden subjects, and the large growing kinds develop into trees 100 feet or more in height. This plant appears at its best in its youth; with the

The garden pool is well set off with an attractive planting. The pyramidal form of False passage of years it cannot be depended on to retain its beauty. The taller types are good for lawn specimens and for background plantings; the lower-growers are suitable in the foreground where taller plant material has been used. They are also adapted to rock garden work.
Cypress sharply breaks the line and adds interest to this layout.
Photo: J. Horace McFarland Company

Chamaecyþaris thrives in well-drained but moist, sandy soil in locations that are partly shady and well sheltered from high winds. To maintain a compact growth the plants should be given an annual pruning; it is also important to place them in situations where they will have ample space in which to grow—they do not do well if given overcrowded quarters. Prop-pagation is by cuttings taken in fall, and by seeds.

C. lawsoniana, Zone 5, Lawson False Cypress, is native to parts of Oregon and California; it is useful for planting in climates that are moist and mild. It is tall growing and pyramidal in form.

C. obtusa, Zone 3, Hinoki False Cypress, develops to quite a height; it is one of the best kinds, and it has rich dark green foliage that is dense in habit. This plant prefers a moist climate in which to grow.

C. pisifera, Zone 3, Sawara False Cypress, attains a great height, and is pyramidal in shape. It has a somewhat open habit of growth.

There are many varieties of these different species, and their shapes are exceedingly variable. To become acquainted with the assortment of kinds available it is best to visit your nurseryman. They can be procured in globular, pyramidal, columnar, and pendulous forms, with dark green or silvery white, bluish, or golden and feathery-leaved foliage. Some of the dwarf varieties are C. obtusa var. pygmaea (l½ to 2 feet), C. pisifera minima and C. pisifera var. filifera nana. C. Elwoodii nana is a fascinating pyramidal dwarf kind.

CHAMAEDAPHNE CALYCULATA, Leather-Leaf, is a hardy shrub 3 feet high. It has a spreading habit of growth and produces pretty white flowers which appear in spring. It is suited to planting in moist, light soil. Since it belongs to the Heath Family (Ericaceae), an acid soil is required for satisfactory growth. Leather-Leaf appears to best advantage when it is planted in groupings. The variety nana grows about 1 foot high, which makes it a suitable subject for rock gardens. This evergreen can be propa­gated by division, layers, seeds, and cuttings taken from the mature wood.

CHOISYA TERN ATA, Zone 7, Mexican Orange. The fragrant, white flowers of this lovely Mexican shrub commence to unfold the latter part of May, and continue to bloom for quite a long period. It develops into a bush 5 to 9 feet in height. In the parts of the South that have only a few degrees of frost it can be successfully cultivated. Ternate Mexican Orange likes a location that is both dry and sunny. In order to induce and main­tain a stocky growth, regular annual pruning should be practiced faith­fully. Propagation is by cuttings taken from the younger wood.

CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA, Zone 9, Camphor Tree. This lovely evergreen tree makes a dense growth; it grows slowly, eventually reaching a height of 40 feet. As it draws heavily on the soil fertility, it competes with the grass for nutrients, therefore when used for a lawn specimen it is dif­ficult to maintain a luxuriant turf beneath its branches; however, it makes a very effective specimen. It is also planted for windbreaks. Unfortunately it is susceptible to scale and red spider mites. A rich soil that is not too dry suits it best.

The Camphor Tree can be recognized by the odor of camphor which is emitted from the leaves when crushed. Propagation is by seeds sown in containers; after germination takes place the seedlings are thinned out, leaving only one plant per container. Because it transplants with difficulty, this method is the recommended practice.

CISTUS, Rock-rose. In problem spots where few plants flourish, Rock-rose will thrive with little care, provided it is planted in poor, rocky land that is light and dry. This evergreen shrub grows from 6 to 7 feet in height. It prefers a hot, dry location, and it likes soil that contains lime. Another point in its favor is that it does well in seashore gardens. Rock-rose is suit­able to plant in climates where there are only a few degrees of frost. Prop­agation is by cuttings, layers and seeds; it is best to purchase plants grown in pots or other containers since they transplant poorly. The blooms ap­pear in the summer and continue to unfold over an extended period. The flowers come in shades of pink, rosy-lilac and white, and many are blotched with different colors.

CLEYERA JAPONICA (Ternstroemia), Japanese Cleyera, is a beautiful, tall-growing evergreen shrub which attains a height of 10 feet. It is too tender to be cultivated outdoors except in southern gardens. This plant is well adapted to screening purposes, softening corners, and mixed border plantings. To preserve its bushlike shape some pruning is necessary. It pre­fers an acid soil which contains an ample amount of organic matter. Jap­anese Cleyera grows in a sunny or shady exposure. It has lustrous, dark green foliage; the creamy-white flowers appear in June and they are slightly fragrant; these are followed by red berries which persist through the winter.

CORNUS CAPITATA, Zone 8, Evergreen Dogwood, is an attractive, but tender, Himalayan species that grows approximately 40 feet tall. For its best welfare provide it with fertile soil, and a location that is sheltered from strong winds. The showy, creamy-white "flowers" (bracts) appear in June, and are followed by effective scarlet berries.

COTONEASTER. The Cotoneasters comprise a group of shrubs with varied heights and habits of growth; these range from the prostrate forms to the upright kinds that grow from 4 to 12 feet high. Unfortunately Cotoneaster is susceptible to fire-blight and scale, otherwise it is a splendid plant for landscape use. Its decorative foliage combined with the brilliant fruits add life to the autumn garden. The shrub forms are attractive in the mixed border, as a background for garden features, and in the foundation planting. The prostrate kinds are lovely subjects for the rockery and for ground covers; they are excellent for covering slopes.

Cotoneaster requires a sunny situation; it grows in most garden soils. When planted in shady, moist places it is more apt to fall prey to one of the pests which attacks it. Propagation is by seeds, layers, and cuttings taken from mature wood in late summer.

The deciduous species of this plant are more numerous than the ever­green and semi-evergreen types. Listed here are highly desirable kinds for ornamental plantings.

C. dammeri, Zone 5, Bearberry Cotoneaster, is a low-growing evergreen with long, trailing branches which often strike root as they travel, making this species satisfactory for planting on slopes. Its white flowers are followed by red fruits.

C. francheti, Zone 6, Franchet Cotoneaster, is a semi-evergreen which forms an upright, dense shrub 8 to 10 feet in height. Its pinkish blooms are followed by red fruits.

C. harroviana, Zone 7, Harrow Cotoneaster, is an evergreen bush form that is indigenous to Western China. It reaches a height of 6 feet; its white flowers are followed by red fruits.

C. henry ana, Zone 7, Henry Cotoneaster, is a Chinese semi-evergreen species which grows into a shrub 12 feet tall. Its gracefully drooping branches are covered with clusters of white flowers; these are followed by red fruits. This plant is lovely in its youth, but it becomes rather thin and straggly with the years.

C. horizontalis, Zone 4, Rock Spray, is another semi-evergreen type, and is one of the best known and most planted of all the Cotoneasters. The low, dense, horizontal, spreading branches make it especially well suited for use as a ground cover; it is excellent for low banks, and it is also valu­able for softening outcroppings of boulders. The bright red berries com­bined with the scarlet autumn foliage make this plant a colorful one for fall display. The variety perþusilla, Ground Cotoneaster, is lower-growing than the type.

C. microphylla, Zone 5, Small-leaved Cotoneaster, is a broad, dense ever­green shrub that becomes 3 feet high. The white flowers are followed by red berries.

C. pannosa, Zone 7, Silverleaf Cotoneaster, is an attractive, graceful semi-evergreen species of Chinese origin which reaches a height of 6 feet. It is not suitable for northern planting, but it can be grown successfully in Cali­fornia. Its white flowers are followed by red berries. The variety nana is a dwarf kind.

C. salicifolia \ax.floccosa, Zone 5, Hardy Willowleaf Cotoneaster, is a tall-growing, distinctive shrub 15 feet in height. It is nearly evergreen in the South, and it becomes semi-evergreen in the cold climates. The white flowers are followed by red fruits.

CRYPTOMERIA JAPONICA, Zone 5, Cryptomeria. A native of Japan, this handsome evergreen tree is distinctive and definitely oriental in char­acter. In its native haunts Cryptomeria attains a height of 125 feet or more. In the United States it becomes a magnificent specimen when it is planted in a congenial location. For garden use it is valuable as an accent plant wherever a pyramidal, formal tree is called for; it is also good as a lawn specimen, and for background planting, introducing a sharp contrast in line. Cryptomeria has a tendency to deteriorate with age. It thrives best in fertile, moist soil, and in climates that are mild; however, it is hardy as far north as Massachusetts if it is given a sheltered location. In the Philadelphia area the leaves turn a bronzy brown in winter. Propagation is by seeds, or by cuttings of the growing wood.

CUNNINGHAMIA LANCEOLATA, Zone 7, Common China Fir. This oriental tree is a highly decorative, impressive evergreen growing 80 feet high. It is cultivated in the milder climates. In the parts of the South where the heat from the sun is intense, winter-burning is apt to occur. Partial shade, and soil that is sandy, fertile and moist provide the best growing conditions. The cones—which are about 2 inches long—are not produced every year.

A marked characteristic of this tree is that the shoots sometimes sprout on the old wood along the trunk. To increase the stock, cuttings of these shoots can be taken in late summer. Slips can also be made from the tips of the branches; avoid taking them from the lateral shoots, as these make weak, poorly shaped plants. The plants are also grown from seeds.

CUPRESSUS, Cypress. The best known Cypress tree is C. sempervirens stricta, Zone 7, Pyramidal Italian Cypress. This species is familiar to those who are acquainted with the gardens of southern Europe. In fact, this is the Cypress that lines the walk approaching the famous Spanish gardens of the Generalife outside of Granada—the summer palace of the Moorish kings. Some of these magnificent trees date from the 13th century. The Pyramidal Italian Cypress is a tall, slender, columnar tree which is excel­lent for providing an exclamation point in a formal planting. Because of the depth of its green color this Cypress has been planted around temples and tombs ever since classic times. The wood is very hard, and the ancients considered it to be indestructible. Unfortunately this gem of a tree does not have a wide climatic range; it is best adapted to planting in California and the Gulf States; however, according to reports it is also grown in Arizona, southern New Mexico, and North Carolina. Various kinds of Cupressus are cultivated in the state of Washington and in Oregon.

Cypress thrives in soil that is deep, fertile, and sandy. It is difficult to move the plants, therefore it is advisable to purchase nursery grown stock that has been transplanted several times, which assures a stronger root system. In selecting the plants it is best to choose those which have a sturdy central leader; this will facilitate maintaining the slender form that is one of its outstanding qualities.

C. arizonica is a handsome tree with silvery-gray foliage. It shows a pref­erence for ground that is light and dry. This evergreen is indigenous tom Arizona, and can be grown there at sea level or at higher altitudes. It is a hardier species than the Italian Cypress, and it can stand a temperature of zero.

DAPHNE CNEORUM, Zone 4, Rose Daphne, is a charming low-grow­ing shrub that produces masses of lovely fragrant, pink flowers that trans­form it into a bower of exquisite color. This shrublet grows 8 or 10 inches high, and it makes a splendid addition to the rock garden; it is also used for edging purposes, or as a filler in the foreground of the border. When growing conditions are not congenial, this plant has a tendency to develop a straggly growth; however, if the tips of the shoots are pinched out after the blooming period this is less likely to occur. Daphne grows in both alkaline and acid soils, but it requires a sunny, well-drained location. In northern winters the plants are likely to burn unless they are covered with a light veiling of evergreen boughs or straw.

The evergreen species of Daphne may be increased from cuttings of the hardwood taken in the fall, which are wintered in a cool greenhouse or sun parlor. They are also propagated by layers; these will root more readily if the branches to be layered are covered with 2 or 3 inches of com­post. The following spring the rooted plants are severed from the parent and are grown in pots filled with compost or fertile soil until they are strong enough to be transferred to their permanent quarters.

D. odora, Zone 7, Winter Daphne, is a delightfully fragrant, tender shrub that grows 3 or 4 feet high. It is a choice evergreen, and when planted in a spot close to the living area the scent of its blooms can be fully enjoyed.

The flowers are early comers, opening in March or April; their colors range from purple and pink to white. Winter Daphne is a temperamental plant and a difficult one to grow successfully. A partly shaded location, and fertile soil that is well enriched with leaf mold, provide it with the best growing conditions.

Photo: Jeannette Grossman
Daphne odora has been used in the foundation planting where the fragrance of its flowers can be fully enjoyed.

ELAEAGNUS PUNGENS, Zone 7, Thorny Elaeagnus, is a vigorous shrub that develops into a bush 10 feet high, with a spread that almost equals its height. It is a good evergreen for southern gardens, but it can be grown as far north as New York in sheltered situations. Since it responds well to clipping, it is used for hedge material, but it is better adapted to screening and to background plantings where it can be given ample space for its development. The silvery tone of the undersides of the leaves gives the bush a definite silvery effect; the upper surfaces of the leaves are a rich, glossy green. The white flowers which appear in the fall are incon­spicuous, but their delicious fragrance permeates the garden. The blossoms are followed by red fruits in the spring.

Thorny Elaeagnus does well in seashore gardens; it is not fastidious as to its requirements, it thrives in poor ground that is well drained, and grows in sun or partial shade. Propagation is by seeds, and by cuttings of the mature wood.

ERICA, Heath, comprises a valuable and interesting group of plants, which vary in height from a few inches to 20 feet in the tree species. The lower growers are excellent for the rock garden, and for planting in the foreground of the evergreen border. In mild climates their color can be enjoyed over an extended period, by selecting varieties that bloom at different times. The Heaths require an acid soil, and a sunny, dry loca­tion; they do not succeed in rich ground. If the plants become straggly they should be cut back close to the ground in early spring. Propagation is by cuttings taken from the young wood, or by layering branches that grow close to the ground.

E. arborea, Tree Heath, is a mild climate species that grows 20 feet in height. Its white flowers are fragrant and are produced in profusion.
E. carnea, Zone 5, Spring Heath, is a charming plant about 1 foot high. It is quite hardy and can be grown as far north as New England. Its pretty flowers add welcome cheer to the garden in March or April. A number of named varieties are available with white, rosy-red or purple blooms.

E. cìliaris, Zone 7, Fringed Heath, grows about 18 inches high, and bears rosy-pink flowers in summer. The white flowering variety alba is par­ticularly desirable.
Mahonia bealii and Viburnum davidii planted among the rocks make an effective front entrance. The bed in the foreground contains summer blooming Erica vagans hybrids and Irish Bell Heather.
Photo: Jeannette Grossman

E. darleyensis, Zone 6, Darley Heath, is a shrub 2 to 3 feet high; its lilac-pink flowers are produced from November until spring.

E. hyemalis, Winter Heath, grows 2 feet tall; its flowers are salmon-pink tipped with white.

E. mediterranea, Zone 7, Mediterranean Heath, is an upright grower 5 feet high, with deep red flowers. The variety alba is a white flowering form as its name implies, and nana is a dwarf type. The blooming period is in the spring.

E. tetralix, Zone 3, Cross-leaf Heath, grows about 2 feet tall, and it is especially valuable because of its hardiness. Its rose flowers appear in the summer. The variety rubra is red-flowering, and alba is a white form.

E. vagans, Zone 5, Cornish Heath, is a summer flowering plant 1 foot high. Varieties come in white, red, and pink-purple.

ERIOBOTRYA JAPONIC A, Zone 7, Loquat. In Florida, the Gulf States, and westward to California the Loquat is highly prized because of its handsome tropical foliage and edible fruits. The large, leathery leaves sometimes measure 1 foot in length. Since it only grows to a height of about 20 feet it is a most valuable tree for small dooryard gardens and for screening purposes; it also grows successfully at the seashore. When this tree is well placed in the planting scheme, the coarse texture of its foliage can be used advantageously to provide a striking note of contrast.

The fruit of the Loquat ripens in the spring; in the fall the showy, fragrant, creamy-white flowers appear in clusters. This tree should be given a well-drained location, and fertile ground; it will grow in sun or partial shade. It should never be allowed to suffer from lack of moisture, and it responds well to a mulch of peat moss or compost. Pruning consists of thinning the branches sufficiently to allow plenty of light to reach the center of the plant. Propagation is by seeds sown as soon as ripe; these are frequently planted directly in the garden. To perpetuate a special variety vegetative propagation should be practiced.

EUGENIA PANICULATA, Zone 9, Brush-cherry Eugenia. This species of Eugenia is an attractive tree 40 feet in height with a dense habit of growth and glossy foliage. The variety australis is more shrubby in habit, and its white flowers are produced intermittently all year round. Since it lends itself to shearing, it can be used for topiary and hedge work; it is also a good plant for softening high walls. This evergreen can be cultivated only in the warmest parts of the country. Winter burning is sometimes troublesome, but it will be less apt to occur if it is planted in a location that is protected from winds; it thrives in heavy soil and should never be allowed to suffer from dryness during the summer. Propagation is by seeds, or by cuttings made from the partly ripened growth.

EUONYMUS. Euonymus comprises a group of evergreen and deciduous plants that are highly valuable for all gardens, whether they be large or small. It is a very versatile plant in its uses and habits of growth; these range from the shrub types to the prostrate kinds.
Euonymus is easy to grow and thrives in most soils of average fertil­ity, and in sun or partial shade. It is very susceptible to scale, which is im­portant to detect in its early stages. The infestation can become so serious that sometimes the plant must be cut back to the ground to start it anew. Propagation is by cuttings and layers.

E.fortunei, Zone 5. This species is a very attractive trailing type; it also climbs to a height of about 20 feet, provided it is given a rough surface or a support to which it can cling. E. fortunei has several varieties, and their individual characteristics qualify them to fill different needs.

E. fortunei var. carrierei grows a foot or more high, and where a low ever­green hedge is required it will answer this purpose admirably. It also makes a good climber, although in this capacity it is not as vigorous a grower as E. fortunei, nor is it quite so hardy as E. fortunei or E. fortunei var. vegeta.

E. fortunei var. colorata is a rapidly spreading evergreen that turns a bril liant crimson in the fall, and in the cold months it takes on a bronzy color. This variety grows 2 feet tall; it does best in the full sun. When used along a low wall or as a ground cover, it is an addition to the planting.

Euonymus fortunei can either be closely clipped to form a border or allowed to grow at will.
Photo: Paul E. üemreux

E. fortuneì var. kewensis is a small-leaved type which grows in both shade and sun, but it prefers the partial shade. If planted in soil that is well enriched with fertilizer it will grow 2 feet high. This evergreen is splendid for covering banks, it is also suitable for the rockery, and it can be turned into a climber.

E.fortunei var. minima closely resembles E. kewensis, and it grows to a height of 3 feet. It is adapted to rock garden planting and to low hedges, in sun or shade.

E. fortunei var. radicans grows 3 to 4 feet in height, and can be trained for hedge work in sunny or shady situations. It shows a preference for ground that is fertile.

E.fortunei var. vegeta is a low bush 4 or 5 feet high; it can be used as a low hedge, a climber, or allowed to trail on the ground. This is a very hardy type, and the foliage is decorative; the orange-red berries give an unusually striking effect. It will grow in any exposure but it does best in the full sun.

E. japonica, Evergreen Euonymus, is a shrub of distinction, and of ex­ceptional value within its climatic range. It is best adapted to the South; however, in protected locations it will grow as far north as Philadelphia. The foliage never loses its glossy, dark green color, which makes it of special interest for the winter garden. It will stand light shade for part of the day; if it is planted in well-drained ground that is rather light in char­acter, it is more likely to endure low temperatures. E. japonica grows 8 or 10 feet high and sometimes taller. There are a number of varieties some of which have variegated leaves. It is splendid for lawn specimens, hedges, or foundation plantings, and it is one of the evergreens that will grow at the seashore. The variety microphylla is a small-leaved type that likes the genial temperatures of the South. Another variety macrophylla produces slightly larger leaves, and the variety fastigiata has an upright habit of growth. E. japonica is easily grown from cuttings that are rooted under polyethylene plastic.

E. kiautschovica (formerly E. patens), Zone 6, is a semi-evergreen shrub 8 to 10 feet in height. This species develops into a compact bush, and if it is kept well pruned it makes an attractive hedge; in the border planting it provides a handsome foliage plant. In the autumn the pinkish berries with their orange-colored seeds add color to the planting.

The Corliss Emerald Hybrids are a recent introduction of evergreen shrub varieties that are of a hardier strain—a real boon to northern gardeners since they can now enjoy these lovely bush forms in their plant­ing schemes. These hybrids have been developed by Cliff Corliss of Ipswich, Massachusetts, and they are reported to grow satisfactorily throughout New England and Ontario. They also do well in New York, Tennessee, Nebraska, Ohio, and Iowa, but they are not recommended for planting in the Deep South.

Photo: J. Horace McFarìand Company
An arbor covered with Euonymus frames the vista beyond.

These hybrids thrive in sun or partial shade; they prefer soil that is fertile and well drained. Peat moss or dehydrated cow manure worked in the ground at planting time will give the bushes a good start; in addition to this soil preparation, an annual feeding with a commercial fertilizer will encourage a vigorous growth. Mr. Corliss advises growers of these hybrids to incorporate plenty of lime in the soil when planting, because Euonymus likes a pH of 7 to 8. The application of lime can be repeated every 2 or 3 years if necessary. However, peat moss is beneficial even though it is acid, because of the organic matter it adds to the soil.

Emerald Beauty is a lusty grower 6 feet in height, with a spread of 8 or 10 feet. It is a splendid evergreen for screening purposes and background plantings.

Emerald Charm grows about 5 feet high; it is columnar in habit, and it has a spread of only 18 inches, which makes it valuable for narrow spaces where some height is called for.

Emerald Cushion is a dwarf type 18 inches high, with a spread of 3 feet. It is splendid for planting under low windows, or for providing a touch of green to the patio.

Emerald Leader grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet, with a spread of 2 to 2½ feet. Its foliage effect is attractive, and it bears a profusion of showy orange, bitter-sweet type berries. It makes an excellent specimen plant and can be worked into the foundation where space permits.

Emerald Pride is a broad shrub 5 feet in height; when grown as a hedge it can be kept down to 18 inches. It is also ornamental in the mixed border.

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