DESPONTAINIA SPINORA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 22, 29 May 1912, Page 39

DESPONTAINIA SPINORA.

The above is a splendid evergreen shrub, which should be included in every collection. In the winter its Holly-like leaves are always noticeable in a shrubbery. When the summer ‘comes it is covered with a perfect mass of lovely yellow bells with a bronze tint through them. When seen at a distance of. say. 100 yards, a good-sized specimen in full bloom is a sight to be remembered. The best situation for this shrub is a warm, sunny corner well sheltered from the cold east andi north winds, but it must not be hampered in any way. It also succeeds at the bottom of a wall’, but. to my mind, it does noi .make an ideal plant for covering the <sa me. The best time to obtain plants is the ant umn. Care must be taken with the planting if one wishes success. Always, if possible. lire some peat and mix well with the soil when Idling in the hole. Cuttings will strike readily if inserted in a mixture of one part peat and one part sand. A slight heat, however, is needed, so if placed in the warm corner of the greenhouse, cuttings will be well rooted in the spring. When cuttings are rooted they should Im* planted in some warm border till a suitable size for planting in the grounds.