Evergreens - F through K

FATSIA JAPONICA, Zone 7, Japan Fatsia. The large, glossy, star-shaped leaves of this handsome evergreen give a luxuriant, tropical effect to the garden. This plant can be grown in poor soil, and it is excellent for brighten­ing problem spots in the shade. Fatsia is a shrub or small tree that reaches 15 feet in height; when used as a bush it must be kept pruned to overcome its straggly growth. It can also be trained as a vine and as a cover for trellises. It can be grown at the seashore.

Fatshedera is an interesting hybrid that resulted from crossing Fatsia with Hedera helix (English Ivy); it is a lower-growing, smaller-leaved plant than the species. This form is of special use for espalier work on shady walls, where few plants will flourish. Propagation is by seeds and cuttings.

FEIJOA SELLOWIANA, Zone 8, Pineapple Guava, is a lovely mild climate shrub 10 to 15 feet high. The glossy, oval leaves are silvery on the undersides, which gives the shrub a silvery appearance when blowing in the breezes. The cup-shaped crimson flowers with their conspicuous clusters of dark red stamens are quite striking. The blossoms that open in spring are followed by edible fruits which can be used in jams and jellies. It is a splendid plant for screening purposes, hedge work, and for the mixed border.

Feijoa can withstand a few degrees of frost. It prefers a good garden soil that contains plenty of humus, and it will succeed in sun or light shade. It is advisable to fertilize the plants once or twice a year to encourage their vigor. Propagation is easily accomplished by sowing the seeds as soon as they are ripe.

GARDENIA JASMINOIDES, Zones 8-9, Cape-jasmine, Gardenia, is one of those real garden treasures. In areas south of the Coastal Region of Virginia, this is one of the choicest dooryard plants that can be selected. The exquisite waxy, white flowers, and their exotic fragrance are known to all flower lovers. The blossoms appear in all their glory during May and June, and continue to open intermittently throughout the summer.

Gardenia is not a plant that can endure being crowded, rather it should be given a situation where the air and sun can reach it on all sides. A spot in the full sun, or one that is lightly shaded by tall trees, such as Palms or high headed Pines, will provide congenial conditions. It is a pity that such a beautiful plant should fall prey to various troubles, among which are mealy bugs, white flies, and nematodes; but its culture is not too exacting, provided congenial growing conditions are given. If practical, the soil should be fumigrated with one of the soil fumigants on the market. This will be a definite help in controlling nematodes as well as other troubles that lurk in the ground. When Gardenias are transplanted every care should be taken to keep the ball of soil around the roots intact, in order not to disturb the roots. Soil that is fertile, slightly acid, and well enriched with organic matter provides the best growing conditions. At no time should the plants be allowed to suffer from inadequate watering; sufficient moisture must be maintained in the ground to keep the growth unchecked. When Gardenias are 4 or 5 years old their usefulness decreases; the flowers become small, and the foliage lacks its former luxuriance. However, if the plants are fertilized and their every need is catered to, their most pro­ductive years can be lengthened. It is also very helpful to head back the older shoots in order to induce the growth of flowering wood.

In the South propagation is by cuttings taken either in early spring or in late winter. The slips are made about 6 inches long and planted in sandy soil to a depth of two thirds of their length, with one third of the cutting left above the ground.

GAULTHERIA MIQUELIANA, Zone 5, Miquel Wintergreen, is a hardy Asiatic ground cover a foot or so tall, that travels by underground stems. The racemes of pinkish or white flowers appear in spring, and are followed by white berries in the fall.

G. procumbens, Zone 3, Checkerberry Wintergreen, is suitable for use as a ground cover for naturalistic plantings in wooded or partly shady places. It likes a peaty, moist, sandy soil. It grows 3 inches or so high. This plant is found in its native haunts from Canada to Georgia. It bears white flowers and edible red fruits. Propagation is by seeds, layers, division, and cuttings from the partly mature wood.

G. shallon, Zone 5, Salal, is native to the West, and grows 2 to 5 feet in height. It makes a good facer for taller growing material. The small pink­ish or white flowers which open in spring, are followed by edible black fruits. It spreads by underground stems.

GAYLUSSACIA BRACHYCERA, Zone 5, Box-Huckleberry, is a low-growing evergreen 18 inches high, that forms masses of attractive foliage. This species grows well in shady situations. Its pinkish or white bell-shaped flowers that appear in May or June are followed by blue berries in July or August. Box-Huckleberry is difficult to move from its native haunts, there­fore it is best to purchase nursery grown stock. An acid, sandy soil is re­quired for its welfare, and a mulch of oak leaf mold or peat moss is beneficial. Propagation is by seeds, layers, divisions, and cuttings taken in summer.

GREVILLEA ROBUSTA, Zone 10, Silk-oak Grevillea, is a large ever­green tree 150 feet in height with fernlike foliage. In the planting scheme it makes an effective specimen on spacious lawns. It grows in either fertile or poor soils. Grevillea is increased by seeds.

HEBE BUXIFOLIA, Zone 7, Boxleaf Hebe, makes a good hedge 3 or 4 feet high. When grown for this purpose it is best left undipped, otherwise the flower effect will be sacrificed; the blooms are white and appear in summer. Hebe does best in soil that is light and dry, and in locations that are sunny. The supply is increased by seeds and by cuttings made in the fall.

HEDERA HELIX, Zone 5, English Ivy, is not only a sturdy vine, but it is one of the hardiest of the ground covers and is splendid for climbing over tree stumps, boulders, and trellisses. It can be grown as far north as Mas­sachusetts in protected locations. This plant thrives in sun or in shade. When used as a ground cover it is less susceptible to winter injury than when grown as a vine. If planted in a northern exposure, the foliage is less apt to burn in the winter. Northern gardeners will be wise to plant the Baltic variety (Hedera helix baltica) which is the hardiest type; the veins of this variety are more prominently marked.

Propagation is no problem—indeed, usually the problem is to keep the plants within bounds; as they run along the ground they strike root. Shoots brought indoors for house decoration will develop roots in water, and cut­tings inserted in the soil will form roots in a few days.

ILEX, Holly. For endless centuries Holly has played an important role in many countries. The stories about this plant are numerous, some of these are woven around Christmas, and others relate to the Crucifixion. It has found its way into medicine, science, folklore, legend, and superstition. The early colonists gave Holly a prominent place because of its beauty and background.

Hollies rank high in landscape value. The gay berries of many species add greatly to the winter scene; then, too, the variations in foliage and in heights contribute to their usefulness. These heights range from 30 to 70 feet in the tree species, to the dwarf kinds, some of which are 12 to 18 inches high.

Hollies may be allowed to grow unchecked and to reach their full statures, or they may be sheared to form hedges 2 to 12 feet high. The tree forms make splendid specimens and are also fine material for background and screening plantings. The shrub types give a handsome effect in the foun­dation planting, and the dwarf varieties are unexcelled for bordering ter­races and patios; and are well adapted to planting under the low windows of modern houses. When grown in containers they can be placed wherever a touch of green is needed, such as to fill a vacant space in the living area, to soften a wall, or to accent steps or doorways. The small-leaved varieties of English, American and Japanese Holly lend themselves admirably to topiary work, or to bonsai.

Holly is undemanding as to exposure and will grow in sun or partial shade. However, in climates that are extremely hot in summer it is well to select a location that is partly protected from the sun. It grows in a great variety of soils but prefers ground that is slightly acid, moist but well drained, and rather light and humusy. If the soil is heavy, its texture can be lightened with well-rotted cow manure, leaf mold, sand, peat moss, or Pine needles.

It is always advisable to consult your local nurseryman as to which kind of Holly to purchase, since different kinds do best in different parts of the country. Most Hollies are dioecious, therefore to assure a crop of berries both sexes must be planted for pollination purposes. Since the male plant does not produce berries, it can be planted in an inconspicuous spot. A larger crop of fruit will result if the male plant is not too far away from the female plant; it is an interesting fact that pollination has been known to take place when the male and female plants were as much as half a mile from each other. One male specimen should pollinate twenty-five females, provided it is the same species as that of the female plants; this is essential because the blooming periods of the different kinds of Holly vary somewhat. Nurserymen are simplifying the problem of pollination by planting the two sexes together to form one plant. Other growers ar grafting a male branch onto a female tree. Either method is satisfactory, and is a decided asset to the small home owner who has space for only one tree. The quantity of berries produced may vary from year to year, depending on the weather conditions that prevail at blooming time. The bees are active pollinators, and in cloudy, wet weather they are not such busy workers, with the result that the pollination necessary for the production of berries will be inadequate.

The best planting seasons for Holly are in the spring before growth starts, or in August before the plants make their fall growth. It is decidedly advan­tageous to make a generous planting hole—approximately double the size of the ball of roots in depth and in circumference. The bottom of the plant­ing hole should be filled with good soil that is light, friable, and well enriched with organic matter; a sufficient amount of soil should be thrown into the hole to bring the top of the ball of roots to ground level, as the plants should be set the same depth at which they stood before. This is an important cultural point to emphasize in growing Hollies; deep planting all too often results in failure.

Photo: Roche
A well-trained hedge of American Holly softens the bend of the walk. The Pine trees break the skyline and give background to the flowers of the Shadbush.

At the time of planting, firm the soil well around the ball of roots. When the planting has been completed, a thorough watering should be given; subsequent waterings depend on the weather and soil conditions, some soils being less retentive of moisture than others. If the plants have too much water before they take hold of the soil, it will cause the roots to rot.

In the states where mulching is advised (see Report on Evergreens from the States), a covering will help to protect their shallow root systems. A light mulch is all that is needed. It should be spread about a foot from the trunk and should reach slightly beyond the outer spread of the branches. Several materials are suitable for mulching—such as peat moss, leaf mold, hardwood sawdust, well-rotted cow manure, buckwheat hulls, or Pine needles.

Holly responds well to an annual feeding given about mid-March; it is inadvisable to fertilize during the summer and fall months. Holly-tone, or one of the other brands especially prepared for broad-leaved evergreens, will be satisfactory for use, but be sure to follow the manufacturer's direc­tions as to the amount to apply. Holly does not require much pruning, un­less it is grown as a formal hedge. Pruning is done in spring and usually consists of removing dead, injured, and diseased wood, tipping back way­ward shoots, and clipping wherever needed to improve the shape of the plant; this will also increase its density. At the Christmas season sprigs and small branches can be cut for indoor decoration, but care must be taken not to mar the shapeliness of the plants by severe trimming.

A well-grown American Holly makes a handsome specimen. Photo: Paul E. Gtnereux

Hollies are propagated by grafting, budding, layering, cuttings, and seeds. Many propagators feel a bit of last year's wood roots faster. The seeds cannot be depended on to produce plants true to type. The usual method employed for increasing Hollies is by cuttings made from the new growth after it has passed its succulent stage. Best results are obtained if the slips are taken from vigorous shoots rather than from spindly growth. When started from seeds, the seedlings may be grown in pots. They make an attractive and interesting contribution to the house plants. In this way they are nursed along until they are large and strong enough to be planted outdoors.

/. aquifolium, Zone 6, English Holly, is an extremely beautiful species with glossy, rich green foliage and showy red berries. It is a splendid type for specimen plantings and for hedges. The heights of this Holly vary from 20 to 80 feet. Its many named varieties range from forms with glossy green leaves, to those with variegated foliage; still others produce yellow berries.

I. angustifolia, Narrowleaf English Holly, is one of the choicest kinds. Its lustrous, narrow leaves are unusually attractive.

The development of hardier strains now makes it possible to grow cer­tain varieties of English Holly as far north as Syracuse and Buffalo in New York, in the Adirondack Mountains, and in Massachusetts. Northern gardeners should select the hardiest kinds available in their locality. From Philadelphia southward all types will succeed; however, in the South a partly shady situation is best for their welfare.
/. cassine, Zone 7, Dahoon, is a tree or shrub that can reach 35 feet in height. This Holly is of special value because of its ability to grow in either wet ground or in well-drained soil of average moisture. Another asset is that it produces a large crop of red berries. It is well adapted to hedge work. A narrow-leaved form of /. cassine is the variety angustifolia, Alabama Dahoon.

I. ciliosþinosa is a small-leaved shrub or tree about 15 feet tall. The foli­age is not glossy, but its dense, upright habit of growth makes it a plant of distinction. The male plant is laden with blossoms which makes it very showy during its blooming period.

/. cornuta, Zone 7, Chinese Holly, is a shrub about 10 feet in height. Its effective red berries and lustrous leaves have made this Holly an invalu­able shrub for small gardens; it is especially well suited to mild climates. In protected locations it can be grown in the Philadelphia area. /. cornuta rotunda is an extremely promising dwarf type. The female form of this species has the splendid characteristic of producing berries without a male plant. Practically every blossom will set fruit if the flowers are syringed with a fine mist of water daily during the blooming period. The variety burfordi (Burford) is an ideal evergreen for small gardens and has highly glossy leaves and red berries. A dwarf variety, "Dwarf Burford," is a note­worthy acquisition for modern gardens where low-growing plants are in demand. This is a red-berried form, and it has the same lovely foliage as burfordi.

I. crenata, Zone 6, Japanese Holly, is a shrub 5 to 10 feet high, sometimes growing to 20 feet. Its dark-green foliage and good habit of growth make it exceptionally decorative.

/. crenata convexa (I. crenata bullata), Convex-leaved Japanese Holly, grows in all but the coldest parts of the United States. Its close resemblance to Box makes it a splendid substitute for northern gardeners since it is hardier. It develops into a broad shrub and sometimes reaches 6 or 8 feet in height, but unless conditions are particularly favorable it does not usually exceed 3 or 4 feet. It grows moderately slowly, lends itself exceptionally well to trim­ming, and is one of the finest plants for hedges. /. convexa hetzi is a popu­lar variety; it grows faster, the leaves are a little larger, and it is just as hardy as /. convexa.

I. crenata rotundifolia is a good kind for planting in the Midwest, because of its ability to tolerate the hot sun. Some of the dwarf varieties that are well adapted for use wherever low evergreens are called for include hellen, stokesi, Green Cushion, and Green Island. The latter may grow a little higher than the others, but its habit of growth is more graceful, and it can be controlled with pruning. Other dwarf varieties are nummularia, Kingsvüle and microphylla, Littleleaf Japanese Holly. The latter is hardier than the species.

/. glabra, Zone 3, Inkberry, is a light, graceful shrub 6 to 8 feet tall, some­times attaining a height of 15 feet. Its hardiness and informal habit of growth contribute to its value. Inkberry does well in the shade, and pre­fers moist, acid soil. If the plant loses its natural compact growth, it can be restored by cutting it back close to the ground in early spring. This ever­green is excellent for shady foundation plantings and for informal use, it also grows well in city yards and at the seashore. A female clone of Ink­berry, /. glabra compacta, is a low-growing kind.

I. latifolia, Zone 7, Lusterleaf Holly, develops into a beautiful tree about 60 feet tall. Its dark green, glossy leaves are large, sometimes measuring 8 inches wide, which is an unusual characteristic for a Holiy; it is a favorite species within its climatic range. A fertile soil, and a situation in the partial shade suit it best. The red berries are borne in clusters.

I. opaca, Zone 5, American Holly, ranges from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas and Missouri. It is a handsome tree 30 to 50 feet in height. As a lawn specimen or grown as a hedge it gives a lovely effect. The variety xanthocarpa is a yellow-fruited form. There are various strains of American Holly that are superior to the type. These improved hardier kinds have made it possible to cultivate this species in all parts of the United States, with the exception of some of the North Central States.

/. pedunculosa, Zone 5, Longstalk Holly, is an outstanding tree 20 to 30 feet high. This species is a native of China but does not resemble a Holly— in fact it looks more like a pear tree. Its habit is dense and pyramidal, and the showy red berries are borne either singly or in groups of two or three on single stems. The fruit bears a resemblance to Montmorency cherries.

I. pernyi, Zone 6, Perny Holly, also a native of China, is a distinc­tive plant because of its diminutive leaves and compact, pyramidal shape. It grows only 15 feet tall, which makes it an admirable small tree for speci­men plantings on restricted lawn areas. The female form of this species pro­duces some red berries without a male plant.

 Closely pruned American Holly fills the spaces each side of the entrance.
Kingsville Dwarf Box is well placed to mark the steps.
Photo: Roche

I. rotunda is a beautiful Japanese Holly introduced by the Bureau of Plant Introduction. Its excellent foliage, rapid growth, and profusion of bright red berries make this evergreen of very special interest.

I. vomitoria, 'Zone 7, Yaupon, develops into a shrub or small tree 25 feet in height. Its native haunts extend from Virginia to Florida and Texas. This Holly grows in sun or partial shade. It is valuable for hedges, borders, screens, specimens, and topiary work.

/. vomitoria nana is a dwarf form.
I.yunnanensis, Zone 7, Yunnan Holly. The good foliage effect, large red berries, and pyramidal habit of growth, combined with its height of only 12 feet, make this species a desirable one for small garden plantings. As more easy-to-propagate kinds are developed, a larger supply of this splendid species will be available.

ILLICIUM FLORIDANUM, Zone 7, Florida Anise Tree, is found in its native haunts from Florida to Louisiana. It is a coarse-textured evergreen shrub with dark green, aromatic leaves and grows 10 feet high. In April this plant is very attractive when it is clothed in purple flowers. Anise Tree thrives in soil of average fertility that is moist and somewhat acid; a partly shady location is preferable for best results. Propagation is by seeds, and by cuttings made from half-ripened wood.
I. anisatum, Japanese Anise Tree is a coarse-leaved, heavy shrub about 15 feet tall, with olive-green foliage and yellowish flowers. This species will thrive in both shady and sunny situations.

JASMINUM MESNYI, Zone 8, Primrose Jasmine. The lovely color of the large, yellow flowers of this evergreen shrub contributes a bright note to the garden in spring. It is a charming plant 6 feet tall, with a spread which sometimes measures 10 feet across. The fine texture of its light green foliage also adds to its attraction. Primrose Jasmine is an accommodating plant that will grow in sun or shade, and in ground that is poor; further­more, it is drought resistant. An occasional pruning during the summer months will keep it shapely. The pendulous habit of growth makes it pos­sible to train it as a vine, making a choice plant for covering walls or banks. The Jasmines are easily increased by cuttings. In fact, shoots that touch the ground can be induced to root by pegging them to the ground and covering them with soil.

J. officinale, 'Lone 7, Common White Jasmine, is semi-evergreen to deciduous. The slender, pliable shoots of this climbing or shrubby plant are excellent for training on a wall, over an arbor, or along a fence. The fragrant, white blossoms are borne in clusters.

JUNIPERUS, Juniper. The ancient meaning of the name Juniper signifies forever young. The value of this group of evergreens for ornamental plantings can hardly be overestimated. Aside from their broad climatic range, the variations in heights, forms, and colors of foliage contribute to their universal popularity. The majority of the Junipers have blue or bluish berries. The innumerable varieties offered by nurserymen make it impos­sible to give adequate coverage here to this versatile plant.

Photo: J. Horace McFarland Company
A mantle of snow turns the evergreens into an enchanting winter scene.

Junipers can be depended on to fill every need; the tree forms make dis­tinctive specimens, and also serve as windbreaks. The low, creeping kinds fit into the rock garden, soften outcroppings of boulders, and are fine as edgers. They are also suitable for the foundation planting wherever a low grower is required. The taller, shrubby kinds are well adapted for use as accents and background plantings. In seashore gardens and in exposed, windy situations where many evergreens cannot be grown, Junipers are the answer.
These plants thrive in sunny, dry, open locations in soil that is alkaline; however, almost any soil will meet their needs, and they will grow in ground that is sandy and gravelly. Even though Junipers will do well on a crust, good soil and good care produce plants with better color and denser growth. An annual spring feeding with a commercial fertilizer, and a yearly prun­ing will keep the plants thick, and help to prevent the prostrate kinds from becoming thin in their centers. If a formal effect is desired, such as a symmetrical hedge, shearing can be practiced, otherwise heading back the shoots—especially the long, straggly ones—will be sufficient trimming. Propagating Junipers by seed is a lengthy procedure, but they can be in­creased by cuttings taken in late summer; the shrubby kinds may be grown from layers.

J. chinensis, Zone 4, Chinese Juniper. Many varieties of this species are offered by the trade, these vary from the tree form which grows to 60 feet in height to the low-growing kinds.

Pfitzer's Juniper gives a soft, feathery effect that is always attractive in the planting scheme. Ample space is required for its broad spread.
Paul E. Genermx

J. chinensis pfitzeriana, Zone 4, Pfitzer's Juniper, is an important type which develops into a broad, rather soft and graceful bush 8 or more feet high. It is widely used in foundation plantings, and on each side of the entrance to the property. To be seen at its best it should be placed where it will have ample space in which to grow to its natural shape and height. It is a bush with slightly horizontal branches that have a spread equal to its height.

J. chinensis sargenti, Zone 4, Sargent Juniper, has a creeping habit of growth and becomes 8 to 12 inches high. It makes an excellent ground cover.

J. communis, Zone 2, Common Juniper, grows to a height of 36 feet. It is a good species for hedge work. The variety depressa is a low-grower 4 feet high and lends itself to shearing for formal effects. Aurea is a golden-leaved type. The variety hibernica, Irish Juniper, is a rather tender plant with gray-green leaves, and upright and narrow in habit.

J. conferta, Zone 5, Shore Juniper, makes a good ground cover for sandy seashore areas. It is a foot high and has black fruit.

J. drupacea, Zone 7, Syrian Juniper, is a columnar species 45 feet in height. It makes a suitable lawn specimen for southern gardens.

J. excelsa, Zone 7, Greek Juniper, is a pyramidal tree 60 feet tall, which can be grown only in mild climates. The variety stricta is columnar in shape and is a hardier type. Densa, as the name implies, makes a dense growth, and variegata is a form with yellowish foliage.

J. horizontalis, Zone 2, Creeping Juniper, is one of the most planted of the Junipers. It makes a splendid ground cover. The variety douglasi, Waukegan Juniper, is a trailer with bluish foliage; plumosa, Andorra Juni­per, has a spreading habit about l½ feet wide; procumbens is a useful low-grower only 5 inches high, with a spread of 12 feet.

J. sabina, Zone 4, Savin Juniper, is a shrub growing to 10 feet in height with a spreading habit of growth. The variety cupressifolia is a creeping plant with blue-green leaves; fastigiata is an upright, columnar kind, and tamariscifolia is a compact low-grower 2 feet high, with gray-green foliage.

J. scopulorum, Zone 5, Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a western species which resembles the Red Cedar. It develops into a tree 30 feet high. "Hill Silver" Juniper is a distinctive variety of this species. It has bluish foliage and a compact habit.

J. squamata meyeri, Zone 4, Meyer's Juniper, is an unusual Chinese Juni­per that is definitely oriental in appearance. The silvery-blue tints of the leaves offer a contrast in foliage effect. It forms a compact shrub that can be kept to a height of 3 feet. This evergreen makes a fine ornamental, pro­vided it is given favorable growing conditions. Garden soil of average fer­tility, and pruning when needed will meet its requirements.

J. virginiana, Zone 2, Eastern Red-cedar. In its native habitat this hardy tree is found from Nova Scotia to Florida. It attains a height of 90 to 100 feet; however, it is ordinarily a slow grower. This tree can be kept the desired height by pruning. It is useful for windbreaks, hedges and speci­men plantings. Red-cedar is one of the most widely known of the ever­greens. Among the numerous varieties might be mentioned canaertii, a pyramidal form with dark green leaves, cupressifolia, Hillspire Juniper, with rich green foliage and a dense pyramidal habit, glauca, which has dense, light-blue foliage that is particularly colorful in spring, globosa, a dwarf, dense, globe-shaped variety, and þendula, Weeping Red-cedar, which as its name implies is a pendulous kind.

Juniperus horizontals together with rock plants turn this slope into a spot of real interest.

KALMIA LATIFOLIA, Zone 4, Mountain-laurel. The lovely flowers and decorative foliage of Mountain-laurel are known and loved wherever they grow. The color of the blooms varies from white to pale pink and rose pink. This plant is native to North America, and it makes its home in the wooded and mountainous regions of the eastern part of the country. Kalmia latifolia can reach a height of 30 feet. However, under average garden conditions it is usually a shrub 5 to 10 feet high.

This handsome broad-leaved evergreen is excellent in semi-shady parts of foundation plantings, in groupings on banks, and in the foreground of taller-growing material; when planted in a naturalistic setting, large, irreg­ular groupings are particularly effective.

Since Laurel belongs to the Heath Family it requires an acid soil that is rich in organic matter. Ground that is light in texture and somewhat moist suits it best. At planting time some peat moss thrown into the hole around the root ball will be beneficial. In addition, a year-round mulch of peat moss is advisable, except in the states where a covering is not recommended (see the Report on Evergeens from the States). Clay ground is not conducive to vigorous growth; where it exists it should be replaced with the proper soil mixture, or its rather impervious texture lightened with sand and acid organic matter.

In some instances Laurel loses its lower leaves; this can be remedied by cutting the shrub back to within a few inches from the ground in early spring. Such radical pruning will stimulate the growth of new shoots, espe­cially if it is combined with fertilizing and mulching. Laurel will grow in the shade, but partial shade is decidedly preferable. For profusion of bloom, sun is required for part of the day; in fact, this plant will grow in the full sun, but in such a position mulching is advisable. Propagation is by seeds, cuttings, and layers.

K. latifolia var. myrtifolia is a slow-growing form which is compact in its habit. It bears lovely light pink or white flowers in June. The partial shade is a requisite for this variety. It can tolerate temperatures below zero.

K. angustifolia, Zone 2, Sheep-laurel, Lamb-kill, is a good selection for informal groupings in moist, wet ground where few plants thrive. This evergreen attains a height of 3 feet. Its crimson or purple flowers appear in June. The leaves are thought to be poisonous to animals, which accounts for its common name—Lamb-kill. A dwarf form, var. pumila is more attrac­tive than the type. It rarely exceeds a foot in height.

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