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Shrubs and Vines (Otherwise a light trimming)

otherwise a light trimming to keep the vine within bounds and to prevent the growth from becoming too dense is all that is required. sue.

A little pruning each year is the wisest course to pur- There are many large flowered varieties superior to paniculata in blooming qualities among which may be mentioned the purple Jackmani variety which blooms in July. Henryi is a most desirable variety but a little difficult to grow, it bears effective, large flowers of a creamy white hue. A rich crimson flowered variety of much beauty is Mme. Edouard André. Varieties belonging to the Jackmani group are pruned rather severely in late autumn, the flowers are formed on new wood, hence the necessity of encouraging a vigorous new growth.

Clematis must be given support very early in its life as the tender young shoots are brittle and easily injured unless this precaution be observed. Watering during dry weather is very much appreciated as the vines are not resistant to drought.

Wistaria is one of the most beautiful of the flowering vines. The Chinese and Japanese varieties bloom in May and the Wistaria Speciosa blooms about three weeks later. This latter variety is a native of America and is not such a vigorous grower and does not produce as effective blooms as the other kinds. Wistaria is dif- [211] ficult to transplant and requires a rich, deeply worked soil although it will grow in soils that are dry and sandy. When planting is done manure the ground heavily as ample plant food is required in order to give the vines a good start. Support should be given immediately and the shoots trained from the beginning in the desired direction. The vines should never be allowed to suffer from lack of feeding and cultivation, if they are backward in commencing to bloom a severe root pruning done in spring before growth starts will sometimes encourage the formation of flower buds.

There is diversity of opinion on the subject of pruning wistarias; some people prefer to allow the vines to grow unpruned and to form a rugged, tangled mass.

While this method of training might be suited to wild or informal treatment it is not altogether adapted to formal and ornamental gardening. It is better to cut away excessive growth and to keep the vine within bounds by means of a little annual pruning, done after the blooming season. If the chief aim in growing wistaria is flower production the side growths should be cut to within 2 or 3 buds of the main trunk or branch. The perennial sweet pea or Lathyrus latifolius is a desirable vine chiefly because of its pretty pink and white flowers resembling those of the annual varieties, which are produced during July and August. Lathy- [212] rus is useful for covering arbors and trellises, or where a low growing vine is required. The foliage effect is not very good and it is well, for this reason, to plant it next to a vine having a more massive habit of growth. It is easily cultivated and when once established it will live for years without attention. Propagate by division or by seeds sown in early spring before the weather becomes warm. Transplanting is difficult owing to the depth of its root system, but it is a rampant grower and thrives in almost any soil in sun or shade.

Varieties come in rose pink, white and crimson.

The Bigonia Radicans, or Trumpet Vine, is another vine well suited for covering trellises arbors, porches, or for screening unsightly objects. The foliage effect resembles somewhat that of wistaria and the large orange red flowers are borne in July and early August. The trumpet vine is very hardy and is not fastidious as to the soil it grows in, a rich, well-drained soil containing some sand suits it best; good drainage is essential, sour, muddy soils are very harmful. The old wood should be kept thinned out and the whole vine kept sufficiently open to permit a free circulation of air among the branches so that the wood will become well ripened, this being necessary for the production of flowers. Pruning is done before growth begins (March) at which time all weak and superfluous wood [213] is removed, and the branches allowed to remain are shortened back one or two feet. The vines should never be allowed to suffer from lack of moisture and thorough waterings applied at the roots during spring and summer are advised.

Aristolochio Sipho, also known as Dutchman's Pipe, owing to its odd brown flowers that resemble a pipe in shape. The leaves are large, the growth is rapid and the foliage effect is very dense and coarse. For this reason it is unexcelled for screening unsightly objects and for shade purposes. The vines are free from attacks of insect pests and diseases and will grow in variout situations.