Koelreuteria Paniculata

Koelreuteria Paniculata is a very handsome shrub or small-growing tree, particularly when in flower, and it is one of the best of town plants. In many of our most smoke-infested towns - Warrington and the outskirt districts of Liverpool and Manchester - it grows with great freedom and produces in abundance, during June and July, its panicles of showy yellow flowers. Although the Koelreuteria hails from China, it may be relied upon as perfectly hardy in perhaps every part of the British Isles.

The Spurge Laurel (Daphne Laureola)

The Spurge Laurel (Daphne Laureola) grows freely in many a town garden; indeed, it is no uncommon thing to see large and wellbalanced specimens where smoke and filth are the order of the day. It is a pretty evergreen shrub, of free and vigorous growth, and one that is able to take care of itself under almost any conditions. It does well in the shade and under the drip of other trees, though it is all the better for a sunny site, but not too exposed a situation. The Spurge Laurel is readily propagated, and young plants are usually found in quantity where old, established specimens abound.

Cotoneasters of various kinds succeed well as town plants. All, or nearly all, are valuable for covering bare and unsightly objects, and, as they grow well in the roughest and poorest of soils, they may be used in positions where other less accommodating subjects will hardly succeed. As ornamental plants, many of the Cotoneasters are highly valuable, from their neat, glossy leaves and abundance of brightly coloured fruit. Particular mention may be made of C. frigida, with its large clusters of scarlet berries; C. Simonsii, with silky foliage and vermilion fruit; and our native C. vulgaris, a neat and hardy as well as free-fruiting species.

The Almond (Amygdalus communis am-ara)

The Almond (Amygdalus communis am-ara) and A. nana have proved themselves to be useful plants for doing battle with the smoke and impure air of towns. They are both highly ornamental when in flower, not fastidious as to soil, and of neat habit. In and around London Almonds are largely planted, as they are so ornamental, so free in flowering, and so easily managed. Of the typical A. communis there are numerous distinct varieties, including some with much larger and brighter flowers, one of the best of which is A. communis major.

The Laurustinus (Viburnum Tinus)

The Laurustinus (Viburnum Tinus) finds a congenial home in many a London garden, where it has proved itself to be a decided acquisition. It is a plant of bright appearance, and as free-flowering a subject as there is in the whole range of hardy shrubs. Cuttings inserted in sandy soil during August root freely, and soon form sturdy plants that in a couple of years are fit for transferring to their permanent quarters.

Weigelia Rosea

Weigelia Rosea and W. amabilis are both highly ornamental shrubs, of the freest growth, and well suited for planting in smoky localities. In many of the London gardens these shrubs may be seen in a satisfactory state, showing but few of the bad effects that generally attend town shrubs. Both are of simple culture, easily propagated, and not fastidious as to soil.