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Shrubs and Vines: Syringa

Syringa, Lilac. The lilacs are among the most popular of the flowering shrubs, their fragrant panicles of bloom that are borne during May are of great ornamental value. They are tall growing, and are particularly effective when grown in masses, transplanting is easily done in either fall or spring and they are not particular as to soil requirements although they do respond very favorably when grown in fertile, moist soils. Lilacs cannot stand severe pruning, all the cutting necessary is given by removing the faded flowers with a short stem unless it is necessary to renew the shrub by pruning it severely in order to secure a vigorous new growth; however, when this is done bloom cannot be expected to appear again for several years, the [204] exact time depending upon the severity of the pruning and the age of the wood cut into. Remove any suckers that appear, and immediately after bloom it is a good idea to give each bush one or two doses of liquid cow manure or some quickly available fertilizer as sheep manure, as it aids in the production of next year's flower crop. San José scale sometimes troubles lilacs especially when planted in the neighborhood of apples or other trees subject to this pest. Spray when dormant, with lime sulphur or whale oil soap, 2lbs. of the soap in 1 gallon of water.

Varieties. Marie Le Graye, single white, Mme.

Lemoinei, double white, Pres. Carnot, double blue, Charles Joly, double, dark purple, Souvenir de Louis Spaeth, dark reddish purple, Pres. Grévy, blue. Hungarian lilac, tall grower, late purple variety, Syringa Vulgaris, old-fashioned favorite, varieties come in lilac and white, tall growers.

Viburnum. The Viburnums are mostly tall-growing shrubs, they are easily grown and do well in almost any garden soil that is not too dry. The bushes are very ornamental, their habit of growth is compact and the handsome dark green foliage generally assumes a brilliant autumn coloring. There are numerous varieties offered by nurserymen, the most widely planted of which is the old-fashioned snowball [205] (V. tomentosum-variety plicatum) that blooms in May. The viburnum opulus (high-bush cranberry) is a very desirable variety, its white flowers that come in June are followed by bright red berries which remain on the plant well into the winter. Weigela (Diervilla Florida). They are vigorous rather rapid growers and will grow satisfactorily in any good garden loam and are useful for shrubbery masses or specimen plantings. The flowers range from white to pink and red and are borne in profusion during late May and June; humming birds are attracted to the bushes during their blooming period. Varieties. Candida, white, Eva Rathke, red, Rosea, rose pink, Vershcaffeltei, pink.

Xanthorrhiza Apiifolia, Yellow Root. A dwarf shrub well adapted for use as a ground cover under trees or as a facer for taller growing shrubs. Its chief value lies in its adaptability for shady locations and in its foliage effect which is attractive all summer and turns to a bright yellow in the fall. It is hardy, easily transplanted, and thrives in a variety of soils. VINES With few exceptions vines demand a rich deeply trenched soil that is well drained. Excavate the planting hole to a depth of 2 or 3 feet, and after loosening [206] the bottom to the depth of the pick, fill in with fertile top soil or compost well enriched with rotted cow manure. It is necessary to make the hole sufficiently long and wide to allow the roots to be spread out in their natural position. Generally speaking, a width of 2 feet and a length of 3 or 4 feet will give the vine a comfortable root-run in rich, well-prepared soil. No pains must be spared to secure a luxuriant healthy top growth and the necessity for a deep, fertile soil that is able to sustain a vigorous top growth can readily be understood. An occasional cultivation of the soil given during the growing season is of benefit in promoting growth. Each year hardy vines should receive a top dressing of rotted manure. Every few years it is well to renew the surface foot of earth with soil from the compost heap, extra feeding is especially desirable in the case of vines that are slow growers and not so rampant in their habit of growth. The Wistaria, the Clematis and the Trumpet Vine are all greatly benefited by a little extra attention and also appreciate having their roots mulched with manure, leaves or straw during the winter months. This protection is not essential, as far north as Philadelphia, but benefits the plants by conserving their energy.