Evergreens - R through Y

RAPHIOLEPIS UMBELLATA, Zone 7, Yeddo-Hawthorn, is a slow-growing, spreading evergreen shrub with an open, irregular habit of growth. Its rich green leaves are glossy and thick. The fragrant, white flowers which appear in spring are followed by blue-black berries.

Yeddo-Hawthorn succeeds in a sunny or a partly shady situation, and in well-drained soil that is enriched with organic matter. Its height varies from 5 to 12 feet, depending on the growing conditions. Propagation is by layers, seeds, and cuttings of the mature wood.

R. indica rosea is a more tender type than R. umbellata, the leaves are smaller and the habit of growth is finer. It attains a height of approximately 6 feet. This type grows well in full sun and in poor, sandy soil. It withstands the ocean spray of seaside gardens. The blooms are pink.

RHODODENDRON. On a bright spring day, what lovelier sight could there be than a woodland path wending its way among irregular group­ings of Rhododendrons. The sunlight filtering through the fresh young green of the deciduous trees towering above them, combined with the rich green of the Rhododendrons makes an irresistible picture. A naturalistic setting of this kind is admirably suited to these evergreens; however, this is only one of their many uses. The generous array of varieties available with their different heights makes Rhododendrons of foremost importance in practically all parts of the landscape composition.

These plants are easy to grow, provided they are given the conditions they crave. Select a position that is well drained and protected from strong winds, and give them a soil that is acid, open, and well supplied with organic matter. Heavy ground is unsuitable since the aeration that is needed for their well-being is insufficient. Ground of this kind can be ameliorated by excavating the planting hole to a depth of about 12 to 18 inches, and replacing this earth with a mixture consisting of fertile garden soil and peat moss or oak leaf mold in equal proportions. An acid soil is essential for success; the acid content should range between pH4.5 and pH6.5. If the ground is alkaline, the plants become yellow and lack vigor. A good remedial measure for this condition is to use a foliar spray, such as Sequestrene (iron), and to give the soil an application of cottonseed meal; in addition, mulch the ground with peat moss. If the plants do not respond to this treatment, it is then best to consult the County Agricultural Agent for specific advice.

Rhododendrons prefer the partial shade; if they are planted in the sun, then watering, mulching, and fertilizing become even more essential. In dense shade little or no bloom can be expected, since it is necessary for the plants to have at least 2 hours of sun daily for flower effect. Because the feeding roots are close to the surface of the ground, Rhododendrons should never be cultivated.

Photo: J. Horace McFarland Company
A charming garden has been developed with masses of Rhododendron on the left side of the walk, and contrasting evergreens on the right. The tree stands off center, thus adding to the artistic effect.

Any weeds that appear must be pulled by hand in order not to disturb the root system. When the blooming period is over, the faded flowers should be pinched off. This is a simple cultural point to observe and should not be overlooked—the reason being that the production of seeds is a drain on the plant. Therefore it is far better to conserve its strength for the formation of next year's flower buds, provided that the seeds are not needed for propagation purposes. In periods of dry weather the plants should be kept well watered. In fact, Rhododendrons should never be allowed to dry out; the leaves should always be watered as well as the roots. Feeding the plants also helps to maintain their vigorous growth. Cottonseed meal, or one of the fertilizers on the market especially compounded for acid-loving evergreens, will be suitable for this purpose. In the North no fertilizer should be applied after early June, because of the likelihood of stimulating new growth too late in the season to give it a chance to harden before the arrival of cold weather. In the parts of the country where mulching is recommended, a covering is decidedly advan­tageous. Peat moss, Pine needles, sawdust or oak leaf mold can be used for the mulch. The leaves of Maples, Elms, Willows, Poplars, Birches, Cherries, and Ash are not desirable, as they become tightly packed which makes it difficult for the water to reach the roots; furthermore, they become alka­line as decomposition progresses.

When Rhododendrons are planted they should be lifted with good balls of earth, in order to reduce the risk of transplanting to a minimum. Make the planting holes generous in size, and work in some peat moss around the ball of roots. When the planting has been completed, give a thorough watering to the ground and the foliage, and cover the plants with an acid mulch, such as peat moss or oak leaf mold. This mulch should be kept on the plants all year round. In cold climates a 6 to 8 inch layer of oak leaves applied in the fall will give the Rhododendrons welcome protection through the winter. In spring this covering will have settled considerably; if the residual depth exceeds 2 or 3 inches, the surplus should be removed. Propagation is by seeds, cuttings, layers, and grafting.

The genus Rhododendron comprises many species and more than 2,000 varieties. The majority of the hybrids are without doubt extremely valu­able from the standpoint of bloom effect. Color descriptions are often mis­leading. Therefore, to assure purchasing the color of your choice, it is best to visit your nurseryman during the blooming period. The exact color may change somewhat, depending on soil and weather conditions. The heights of the Rhododendrons vary with different kinds, and some varieties will tolerate more shade than others. These points should all be borne in mind when selecting stock to avoid disappointment later. A few of the important species are listed below.

Rhododendron carolinianum grows gracefully along the fence line.

Rhododendron carolinianum used as an accent provides a wealth of color to this entrance planting.
Photo: Paul E. (ìenereux

R. carolinianun, Zone 5, Carolina Rhododendron. This is a charming evergreen that usually attains a height of 4 feet, although it sometimes grows to 6 feet. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. The rose-pink flowers are a delight; the blooms also come in delicate pink and in white.

R. catawbiense, Zone 4, Catawba Rhododendron, grows into a large, handsome, compact bush usually about 6 feet high, but it can reach a height of 18 feet. Among the best varieties are alburn grandiflorum (white), atrosanguineum (brilliant red), Lady Armstrong (pink), Mrs. Charles Sargent (rosy-red), corona (pink), and roseum elegans (rather purplish pink).

R. decorum, Zone 5, Sweetsheil Rhododendron. The fragrant, soft pink flowers of this evergreen open in early spring. It attains a height of 18 feet. A partially shady position is best for its welfare.

R. discolor, Zone 6, Mandarin Rhododendron, is a tall-growing species 20 feet in height. It has fragrant, white or pinkish flowers.

R. fortunei, Zone 6, Fortune Rhododendron, succeeds in mild climates from Philadelphia southward; some varieties are grown as far north as New York. They grow approximately 6 to 10 feet high. The shades of the large, fragrant blooms are softer than those of R. catawbiense; because of their lovely tints these and other choice hybrids should be grown wherever climatic conditions permit. Various named hybrids are offered by the trade. The plants are compact in habit, and the foliage effect is excellent. The colors can be had in apricot, yellow, red, and pink.

R. keiskei, 'Lone 5, Keisk Rhododendron. The pale yellow flowers of this species make it valuable to include in the planting. In habit of growth it is sometimes procumbent; ordinarily it grows about 4 feet in height.

R. macrophyllum, Zone 6, California Rhododendron, is a West Coast species that is more or less a reµ>lica of R. catawbiense. This plant attains a height of 9 feet. It has rosy-purple flowers that appear in May or June.

R. maximum, Zone 3, Rosebay Rhododendron, is native to the eastern part of North America. It is a large, handsome plant usually about 12 feet high, but it can become treelike in habit. It is an excellent evergreen for naturalistic plantings. The bloom effect is not as showy as that of the hybrids.

R. racemosum, Zone 5, Mayflower Rhododendron, grows 2 to 6 feet high. The low types of this species are splendid rock garden subjects. The pink and white flowers open in May.

Several dwarf or miniature Rhododendrons are attractive in the rockery and in group plantings; they are also colorful as ground covers. In places where space does not permit the use of taller-growing kinds, these lower-growers are invaluable; a few are mentioned here. Your local arboretum or nurseryman should be consulted as to the types that succeed in your particular area.

R. calostrotum is 1 foot high. The crimson or rose flowers come in April.

R.forresti is 18 inches in height. It bears crimson blooms in April.

R. intncatum grows 18 inches tall. The lavender flowers appear in April.

R. lapponicum, Zone 2, Lapland Rhododendron is a hardy low-growing species a foot or so high. It is rather difficult to grow. This plant bears lilac-pink blooms in June.

The hybrid Rhododendron, Mrs. Sargent, stands out conspicuously against this lovely background
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R. pemakoense grows 1 foot tall. Its pink flowers open in March. R. radicans is only 4 inches high. The purple flowers bloom in May.

SARCOCOCCA HOOKERIANA HUMILIS is a most attractive low-growing evergreen with glossy, dark green leaves. It has been grown successfully as far north as Boston, Massachusetts, in sheltered locations. This plant is excellent for use as a ground cover, and for planting under low windows. It also gives a welcome touch of green to the patio. In the North it does not usually grow more than 12 to 15 inches high, but in mild cli­mates it sometimes grows 4 feet tall. In habit it is bushy and spreading. The fragrant, white blooms appear in early spring and are followed by black fruits.

Photo: J. Horace McFarland Company
Handsome hybrid Rhododendrons give a display of spring color to this entrance planting.

Sarcococca requires the partial shade, but it will grow in shady situations. It is not demanding as to soil requirements; however, the addition of some peat moss provides a good rooting medium. Propagation is easily accom­plished by division and cuttings; it can also be increased by seeds.

S. ruscifolia, Zone 7, Fragrant Sarcococca, is a shrub about 6 feet in height. It thrives in both partial and dense shade. The fragrant, white flowers are followed by red fruits.

SCIADOPITYS VERTICILLATA, Zone 5, Umbrella Pine, is an ex­tremely decorative tree that makes a splendid lawn specimen. The habit of growth is a distinctive one, and the tree forms a narrow, dense pyramid. In Japan—its native habitat—the Umbrella Pine reaches a great height, but in this country it usually does not exceed 30 to 40 feet, and is not a very rapid grower.

Rhododendron þemakoense is a choice dwarf species which forms low, spreading mats of evergreen foliage. In April showy lilac-pink bells cover the plants.

Photo: Jeannelte Omm

Photo: J. Horace McFarland Company

The whorled arrangement of the needles of the Umbrella Pine, is somewhat oriental in appearance.

Sciadopitys likes a moist soil; a location where the ground tends to dry out should be avoided. A good fertile garden soil is a congenial medium; it also succeeds in clayey ground. Propagation is best accomplished by seeds, because trees grown from seed are more vigorous and symmetrical in habit.

SKIMMIA JAPONIC A, Zone 7, Japanese Skimmia, is an unusually attractive evergreen shrub for ground covers, for planting under windows, and for edging a partly shady walk. Its small white or pale pink flowers are followed by showy spikes of red berries, but since the plant is dioecious no fruit will be produced unless male and female plants are combined in the planting.

Japanese Skimmia can grow to 4 feet. In the vicinity of Philadelphia it does not often exceed 2 to 3 feet, with a spread that equals its height. Soil that contains peat moss suits it best. In fact, at planting time a little peat moss tucked around the roots will give it a good start. This shrub demands a partly shady situation, it is definitely not a sun lover.

S. reevesiana, Zone 7, Reeves Skimmia, grows about 2 feet in height. This shrub is spreading in its habit. Its fragrant, white flowers open in May and are followed by dark red fruits.

SPATHODEA CAMPANULATA, Zone 10, Bell Flambeau Tree, is a lover of warm climates. Since it cannot endure frost, its climatic range is limited. The blooming season is during the winter, and its scarlet flowers are very decorative. The blooms are not produced until the tree has reached quite a height. Spathodea campanulata grows to 70 feet. A rich, well-drained soil will meet its needs. During the growing season it should be supplied with an ample amount of moisture. Propagation is by seeds and by cuttings.

SWIETENIA MAHOGANI, Mahogany, can be grown in southern Florida and where similar climatic conditions exist. It is recommended as a lawn specimen; grass grows satisfactorily under the spread of its branches.

The Mahogany tree reaches a height of 60 to 75 feet. A rich soil is re­quired for its successful culture. This is the tree that supplies the wood which is of value commercially. Seeds are abundantly produced, are not difficult to germinate, and growth of the tree is rapid.

TAXUS, Yew. Throughout the centuries this indispensable evergreen has held an enviable place. It is one of the most widely planted of all ever­greens, and its climatic range is extensive. The rich, dark green of its foli­age can always be depended on to give color, even in the coldest weather. The different habits of growth and the sharp variations in height add greatly to its value. As a matter of fact, there is no part of the landscape composition where a Yew cannot be found to fill the need. Its ability to endure severe pruning and clipping makes it excellent for hedge, topiary, and espalier work. For accents, foundations, and background plantings, and as specimens, Yews are unexcelled. The lower-growers introduce a note of luxuriant green to patios, rock gardens, and slopes.

Yew is easy to grow, transplants without difficulty, and thrives in a variety of soils, showing a preference for those which are moist. Good drainage is essential, and a situation in sun or partial shade gives best re­sults. Since Taxus is dioecious, it is necessary to include a male plant in the grouping if berry production is an objective.

Photo: Paul E. Genereux
Espaliered Yew effectively decorates an architectural wall feature.

One male plant to about 6 female plants will give adequate pollination. The majority of Yews pro­duce translucent red berries, but there is a yellow fruiting variety (T. bac-cata var. luted). Unfortunately the berries are of short duration because they shrivel when frost overtakes them. Propagation is by seeds, and by cuttings taken from the partly mature or ripened wood. There are not many species of Yew, but there are many varieties. A few important kinds are given here.

T. baccata, Zone 6, English Yew, can attain a height of 60 feet, but in this country it is usually much lower. As specimens, for foundation plantings or for hedges it gives a rich effect. The variety stricta (fastigiata, hibernica), Irish Yew, is a distinctive form with very attractive foliage and a columnar habit. Var. nana is a dwarf, slow-growing type, and var. lutea bears yellow fruit. Var. reþandens, Zone 4, is a decidedly hardier kind. It is a lovely dense, spreading shrub and graceful in habit. It sometimes reaches 10 feet in height, although it does not usually exceed 3 feet. It makes an excellent accent plant for each side of the entrance, if given plenty of space in which to develop its natural form. Var'. fastigiata aurea is a golden-leaved form; another type with variegated leaves is washingtoni.

T. canadensis, Zone 2, Canada Yew, is of value because of its hardiness, but as an ornamental it does not rate very high. It has the advantage of tolerating more shade than other species. The best variety is stricta which is excellent for low hedges 1 or 2 feet high. It is also good for use on shady slopes. The growing requirements are partial shade, and soil that is en­riched with organic matter. Unfortunately its foliage discolors in winter.

T. cuspidata, Zone 4, Japanese Yew, is a hardy, handsome, ornamental tree that grows about 20 feet in height, and sometimes reaches 50 feet. It makes a fine specimen or background plant. The variety densa can be kept trimmed to 1 foot and is one of the densest of all Yews.

The rich green of the Yews gives a note of sharp contrast with the Flowering Dogwoods and the tulips.
Photo: H. Armstrong Roberts

Photo: Paul E. Gene
A Yew hedge along the top of the retaining wall softens the masonry and adds a touch of year-round green to this courtyard planting.

It is good for rock gardens, edging purposes, or for planting under low windows. The variety nana is often mistakenly called brevifolia, but that is a misnomer. It is a slow-grower, spreading and dense in habit, and is well suited to small properties. It attains a height of 2 or 3 feet. The variety minima is a very dwarf form. A plant of their variety in cultivation is reported to have grown only 8 inches high and 8 inches wide in a 15-year period.

T. media, Zone 4, is a hybrid which has been produced by crossing T. cuspidata with T. baccata. There are various desirable varieties which in­clude browni that is a rather slow grower. It grows 6 feet high, but it can be kept pruned to form a low hedge. Var. kelseyi is a compact, upright grower which is said to produce a heavy crop of berries. Hatfieldi is a com­pact, shrubby grower of pyramidal habit—a splendid kind for hedges, background, and foundation plantings. Hicksi is unsurpassed for hedges and for foundations. Its columnar growth can be kept pruned to 2 to 5 feet in height. Other forms of T. media include "Chadwick," which is 2 to 3 feet high, and is spreading in habit; and "Stoveken" that is a fastigiate kind, and is a narrow, upright grower attaining a height of 10 feet. "Vermeulen" produces an abundance of fruit, and eventually reaches 10 feet.

THUJA, Arbor-vitae, fills an important role in garden-making. There are many varieties which vary in heights and forms, some of which are pyramidal, columnar, or cone-shaped, while others are dwarf. There are also varieties with golden or yellow-tipped foliage. However, these latter kinds should not be included in the planting because their color changes to a poor shade of yellow in the winter.

Photo: J. Horace McFarland Company
Specimens of Hick's Yew, Pieris japonica, and dwarf Spruce, with an edging of Pachysandra make a pleasing front door planting.

Photo: J. Horace Mi:Farland Company
The pyramidal form of Arbor-vitae is used advantageously to accent each side of the arbor leading to an outdoor living nook.

Thuja provides one of the best evergreen hedge materials available. The growth of these plants is slow. They do not require much clipping, and if they are carefully trained and congenially located, their lower branches are retained. In the foundation planting, if a formal accent is called for, Arbor-vitae fills the need splendidly. The globular forms are suitable for marking each side of the doorway, and the dwarf types are good rock garden subjects and are useful for filling spaces where lower growers are required.

A moist, rich soil is a requisite for success. A dry soil and lack of atmos­pheric humidity are inimical to Arbor-vitae. If a protected position is selected, growth will be more luxuriant. A sunny situation is best; how­ever, they will also do well in partial shade.

T. occidentalis, Zone 2, American Arbor-vitae, is said to be the first North American tree to be introduced in Europe. The Indians used the wood for fortifying their canoes and for making baskets. This evergreen is one of the few that will grow in wet soil, which is a real asset. In the winter the foli­age discolors badly; therefore, if planning a garden for winter effect, this species is not one of the best choices to make. American Arbor-vitae can reach a height of 60 feet. The various varieties differ in heights and forms. Among these are douglasi þyramidalis, a very good form with dense, rich green, fernlike foliage, and narrowly pyramidal in shape. The variety compacta develops into a ball-shaped form, and var. woodwardu is one of the best globular kinds. Var. þumila "Little Gem" is a dwarf form with fine leaves. It is useful in the rock garden or for a low hedge 1 to 2 feet high.

T. onentalìs, Zone 6, Oriental Arbor-vitae, is a brighter shade of green than the native species T. occidentalis, and it usually holds its green color during the winter months. It is not reliably hardy north of New York; it is often seen in the Philadelphia area. This species is widely grown in the South and on the Pacific Coast. Oriental Arbor-vitae can reach a height of 60 feet. There are various varieties available, among which are "Bonita," an attractive broad, cone-shaped tree of rather slow growth; var. decussata, a globular, dwarf type which cannot endure temperatures below zero; and sieboldìi, which is a very attractive kind with brightly colored green foliage.

T. plicata, Zone 5, Giant Arbor-vitae, is well named since its ultimate height reaches 180 feet. Its size can be drastically restricted by pruning. This plant is good for specimen or screening purposes, and it retains its color in the winter.

THUJOPSIS DOLABRATA, Zone 6, Hiba False Arbor-vitae, bears a re­semblance to its relative, Arbor-vitae. It is a broadly pyramidal, dense tree with branchlets that are frondlike and graceful. It reaches a height of 50 feet. When this evergreen is grown close to the coast, it is hardy as far north as southern New England. It should be given a protected loca­tion that is shady. False Arbor-vitae makes a handsome lawn specimen. Good soil that is moist suits it best. In fact, it reaches the height of its beauty in climates that are moist and cool. Propagation is by seeds and by cuttings; the former is preferable, because plants grown from cuttings are inclined to mature into trees that are round-headed and bushy. Var. nana is a dense, spreading plant that does not often exceed 2 feet in height.

TORREYA NUCIFERA, Zone 5, Japanese Torreya. This lovely tree has dark-green, Yew-like foliage. Although it is usually 30 feet high, it can reach 90 feet. This evergreen is worthy of being planted more generally and fits into the planting scheme for screening purposes, for use in the green garden, or as a specimen. Good soil that is moist, and a situation that is protected and shady provide the best conditions. Propagation is by seeds and cuttings. Plants grown from seed mature slowly and tend to be shrubby in habit.

TRIPHASIA TRIFOLIA, Lime-Berry. This attractive shrub is excellent for tropical and subtropical gardens. It grows approximately 15 feet high, and is a dense, graceful bush. It is a good subject for hedge material be­cause of its ability to stand shearing. Other uses include foundation and boundary plantings. The fragrant, white flowers are followed by fruits that are suitable for making marmalade. Propagation is by seeds.

TSUGA, Hemlock, is one of the most loved and beautiful evergreen trees in cultivation. In habit of growth it is spreading and pyramidal, and it lacks the stiffness and formality of many of the other conifers. The grace­ful, airy effect of its foliage is strongly appealing. Since Hemlock responds especially well to clipping, it makes one of the finest hedge plants obtain­able. Although normally this evergreen develops into a huge tree, it is amazing that it can be kept down to a height of 3 or 4 feet with regular shearing. Propagation is usually by seeds; varieties are sometimes increased by cuttings, but these are very difficult to root.

T. canadensis, Zone 3, Canada Hemlock. Although this species can attain a height of 90 feet, it is an excellent type for hedge work. There are var­ious varieties of this Hemlock. A distinctive form is var. sargenti þendula, Sargent Weeping Hemlock, which has pendulous branches. This variety develops into a broadly spreading, rounded mass of luxuriant green. It is a most unusual type and should be planted where there is ample space for it to grow unhampered. Var. gracilis is a small-leaved, graceful kind, and var. globosa is a dense form that is rounded in shape. Var. compacta is a dwarf type that is conical in habit, and var. minuta is an exceed­ingly dwarf hemlock that is said to grow only half an inch a year.

The pendulous branches of Sargent Weeping Hemlock form a spreading, dense mass of luxuriant growth.
Photo: Paul E. Genereux

The tall Hemlock hedge gives privacy to the outdoor living area.

T. caroliniana, Zone 4, Carolina Hemlock, has been called the "aristocrat of the Hemlocks." It is undoubtedly a stunning species that grows 75 feet in height, but this species is not quite as graceful as T. canadensis. This plant is a native of the South; however, it can be grown in Maine. The Carolina Hemlock is excellent as a specimen, for background plantings, and for hedge work.

T. diversifolia, Zone 5, Japanese Hemlock, is a graceful tree that makes an attractive specimen on restricted lawn areas, because it is a rather slow grower. Eventually it can reach 90 feet in height.

T. heterophylla, Zone 6, Western Hemlock, is a huge tree 200 feet in height. For successful culture a moist soil and a moist atmosphere are necessary. It does not thrive in the eastern part of the country.

UMBELLULARIA CALIFORNICA, Zone 7, California-laurel. The dis­tinctive beauty of this massive tree qualifies it well for specimen purposes on shady lawns. The handsome, dense leaves—leathery in texture—con­tribute to its high decorative value.

The aromatic foliage contains an essential volatile oil which ignites even when the leaves are green, thus making it useful for campfires. California-laurel requires rich soil that has a deep moisture content. Growth is not rapid, and its height ranges from less than 30 feet to 90 feet, depending on existing soil and climatic conditions. It attains its greatest size in the cool, moist fog of the coastal valleys of southern Oregon and northern Cal­ifornia. The fragrant flowers are yellowish-green, and the fruit—though yellowish at first—turns purple later. Propagation is by seeds.

VACCINIUM OVATUM, Zone 7, Box Blueberry, is a much valued shrub that is native to the Pacific Coast. It is extensively planted in the Pacific Northwest. This plant grows 8 to 12 feet high, and its glossy, rich-green leaves add a very decorative note to the garden. It is an excellent shrub for the foundation planting and the mixed border, where a mod­erately tall evergreen is required. It grows also in seashore gardens. Box Blueberry prefers a position in the partial shade. Since it belongs to the Heath Family (Ericaceae), an acid soil enriched with acid organic matter is a requisite for its welfare. The blooming period is in spring, and the white or pink flowers are followed by black berries. Propagation is by layers, cuttings, and division.

V. myrsinites is a low evergreen 2 feet high. The pink or white flowers are followed by black fruit.

VIBURNUM. The evergreen species of this lovely plant are extremely useful for garden-making. As specimens, or for screening purposes, they are very handsome and are always welcome additions to the green garden. Viburnums are easy to grow. They show a preference for ground that is well drained, and soil that is moist and fertile. Most Viburnums should be given a sunny position, but some kinds will thrive in partial shade. Propa­gation is by seeds, and by cuttings taken either from the growing wood or the mature wood.

V. davidi, Zone 7, David Viburnum, is a splendid low-growing kind 3 to 4 feet in height. Its flowers are white, and the fruit is steel-blue. Male and female plants must be combined for berry production.

V. odoratissimum, Zone 9, Sweet Viburnum. In warm climates this shrub adds a note of real beauty to the garden. The ornamental effect of its glossy foliage combined with its fragrant, white flowers, make this ever­green very choice. The blossoms are followed by red fruit which later changes to black. The usual height of Sweet Viburnum is approximately 10 to 15 feet; however, in Florida it sometimes assumes treelike propor­tions. This is especially likely to occur if it is planted in rich soil. It thrives in sunny and partly shady situations.

V. rhytidophyllum, Leather-leaf Viburnum, is a striking shrub with coarse, crinkly leaves. It is a splendid shrub for introducing a sharp contrast of texture in the evergreen planting. This is a distinctive plant 10 feet in height, with showy white flowers. These flowers are followed by red berries that turn black later in the season. Leather-leaf Viburnum is the hardiest of all the evergreen species, and it will tolerate zero temperatures if given a protected position, but in extremely cold weather it is apt to die back. This shrub is not reliably hardy north of Philadelphia. The variety roseum, Zone 5, is of special interest because of its pink flower buds.

V. tinus, Zone 7-8, Laurestinus, grows 8 to 10 feet high. It develops into a stunning, compact specimen with lustrous leaves and grows well in city yards. Although a sunny situation is preferable, it will also grow in the partial shade. The variety lucidum has dark green, lustrous foliage; it is a stronger grower and is not usually troubled with pests.

VINCA MINOR, Zone 4, Periwinkle, Myrtle, is a charming ground cover. The small, glossy leaves and the lovely violet-blue flowers appear in earliest spring before the chill of winter has been dispelled. A native of Europe, Myrtle has been grown in gardens since ancient times. Its trail­ing habit of growth qualifies it admirably as a ground cover for banks and for carpeting foundation plantings. It is also attractive under trees where grass is difficult to establish, and as an edging plant for borders, beds, and walks. Vinca prefers a moist, fertile soil, but it is an undemanding plant and will even grow in ground that is poor and stony. A position in the partial shade is preferable, but it can be grown in the deepest shade. Propagation is usually by division, portions of stems with roots attached can be separated easily from established clumps. It can also be grown from cuttings. Var. alba is a white flowering kind; "Bowles Variety" is an im­proved type with larger flowers and a more vigorous growth. The blooms of var. atropurpurea are purple, and a double flowering purple variety is multiplex.

 Periwinkle fills the Box-edged beds in this low-upkeep formal garden. Brick walks eliminate grass mowing, thus further reducing maintenance.

V. major, Zone 7, Big Periwinkle, is a tender species with larger leaves. It is used as a ground cover. The varieties with variegated leaves (variegata and elegantissima) are extensively used in the North for planting in window boxes.

YUCCA FILAMENTOSA, Zone 4, Adam's Needle. Yucca is a dramatic plant during its blooming season in July. Its tall, stately flower stalks that rise from dense clusters of dark green, swordlike leaves are stunning. The pendant flowers are creamy-white. Because of its dominant appearance, Yucca should be used sparingly; as an accent plant it contributes a subtrop­ical note to the garden; staggered groupings here and there along a bank break the line and add definite interest to the planting.

The showy flowers of Adam's Needle (Yucca filamentosa) give an exotic, striking note to the garden during its blooming period.
Photo: J. Horace McFarland Company

A hot, sunny, well-drained location in light, sandy soil suits it admirably; this is a plant that should not be given a shady position. Transplanting is best done in early spring before growth commences. Adam's Needle some­times seeds itself. It can also be increased by division which is done either in spring before growth commences or just after the blooming period. It can also be propagated by severing young suckers from the parent plant in spring.

Y. brevifolia (Y. arborescens), Joshua Tree. In southern California this grotesque tree grows to 30 feet in height; it is a magnificent sight during its blooming period. This plant has also been called "Candles of the Lord" and "Yucca Palms."

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