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Shrubs and Vines: Akebia

In locations where a lower growing and less massive vine is desired, Akebia Quinata will prove both ornamental and satisfactory. Its pretty leaves are small and finely divided, the foliage effect that is produced is a soft and graceful one. Akebia likes a rich, welldrained soil to which has been added enough sand or leaf mold to make it light in texture.

Celastrus Scandens, Bittersweet. Excellent for covering trellises, fences or for use in wild gardening. It is valued especially for its attractive orange crimson fruit which is very ornamental for house decoration in winter. Celastrus grows about 30 feet high and will thrive in sun or shade, and in almost any soil. It is hardy, easily transplanted and long lived.

The Honeysuckle is too well known as a vine to [208] require any introduction, it is also satisfactory for use as a ground cover, often thriving where other plants refuse to grow. When it is grown next to slender growers care must be taken that its vigorous growth does not overpower its neighbors.

A much more desirable vine, and one that deserves to be better known is the Climbing Hydrangea. This vine grows vigorously when once established, is hardy, and clings to the walls of buildings by means of its little aërial roots which resemble those of ivy. The foliage is handsome and massive and is excellent for use in places where a dense vine is required. The broad, flat-topped flowers are white, and are borne profusely in clusters during midsummer.