SOME GOOD COTONEASTERS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 21, 23 November 1910, Page 44

SOME GOOD COTONEASTERS.

The evergreen varieties of these pretty spreading shrubs are excellent subjects for growing amongst roekwork. or for covering low walls they are also splendid; in faet. they are one of the most useful class of hardy shrubs that can be utilised for the purpose. For planting on shady banks underneath trees or any similar situation where something is wanted to cover the ground quickly, some of the varieties, notably C. microphylla. are also verv useful. Thev are in most

cases very ornamental both in the foliage and habit of growth, and in autumn are further enhanced in beauty by the small, bright red or scarlet berries which are then produced more or less freely on some of the varieties. C. MICROPHYLLA. This is one of the most commonly grown of the Cotoneasters, and that which is generally used for old walls, etc.. in the rougher portion of the garden. For such a purpose it is very well adapted, and also, as above noted, it succeeds well on a shady bank. It has long trailing or spreading growths which take root in the soil, as they move over the ground, and consequently soon form into a dense, thick mass. The leaves are very narrow, and only about Jin long, and of a very dark shade of green. The berries are of a bright red colour, and are produced more freely in some seasons than others, and when grown in the shade verv rarely are they seen at all. C. THYMIFOLIA. The Thyme-leaved Cotoneaster, as C. thymifolia is ofttimes called, is a very good form for growing on roekwork. It is very similor to C. microphylla in habit and style of growth, also in the dark shade of the evergreen leaves, but it

is altogether finer in texture and much less vigorous in growth than the firstnamed. C. CONG EST A. This is in every way a charming variety, and a most excellent subject for the rockery. A few of these planted at intervals irregularly throughout the rock garden provide a most effective appearance; more especially in the winter do they seem more showy and conspicuous with the thick mass of bright green foliage showing out so prominently on what is then rather bare surroundings. It is also of a fine, dwarf, spreading habit, the trailing grow ths clinging closely to the stones or taking root in the soil, as they creep over the ground. It is of a fairly vigorous habit of growth, and should not be planted too elosely to other subjects, though the occasional use of the knife will prevent its encroaching too far from its allotted space. The berries are of a scarlet colour, though they are not produced very freely with us; but this is well compensated for by the decorative value «of the small, roundish green, leaves. C. HORIZONTALIS Is very desirable for covering lowwalls, and also, if allowed plenty of space, on rockwork it is very effective.

ft la very ornamental in appearance and ftabit, the branching horiaontal growths being somewhat fanlike in shape, or tnight even be likened unto the fronds of some species of fern. The pale pinkishtoloured berries, which are, as a rule, freely produced in this variety, lend a pleasant effect in autumn, also the beautiful bronzed and reddish tints which the leaves take on at that time when they begin to decay. For the sake of the autumn tints alone this variety is well worthy of being grown, for, excepting in the most exposed and cold districts, the process of decay in ±he foliage is very* slow, and the tints remain in great beauty far into the winter. Being of a rather vigorous habit of growth, plenty of room must be allowed for the extension of the branches, for if too much pruning or cutting back is resorted to its effective habit is somewhatspoiled, for a time at least. CULTURE AND PROPAGATION. Utile need be said on this point, as Cotoneasters are very easily grown subjects, and once they are properly established they will thrive well enough without tire slightest further attention. Ordinary garden soil, such as one would accord to the general run of hardy plants, suits their requirements very well. If it is desired to increase the stock, this may be readily done by means of layering a few of the branches. VV ith those varieties, as previously noted, where the trailing growths root in the Soil unaided, all that is required is to lift some of the best-rooted pieces, and re-plant at onee where they are wanted, or rooting may be encouraged by pegging down a few branches into the ground and covering over with some fresh soil.

BRIER BUSH.