 |
1st February 2009One of my favourite species, small growing and reliable in flower. Competes with the Hamamelis for the title of smelliest occupant of the January garden. Fragrant would be a better word really. Trees and Shrubs online says: "Native of central and western China; discovered by Henry near Ichang in 1887, and introduced from the same neighbourhood by Wilson for Messrs Veitch in 1901. In var. chinensis (Franch.) Rehd. & Wils. the leaves are narrower, up to 5⁄8 in. wide. This too was introduced by Wilson; it is commoner in western China than the typical state and also more frequent in cultivation and more vigorous, but judging from wild specimens the two states are linked by intermediates. S. ruscifolia and its variety, although their flowers possess only a very modest beauty, are, with their neat habit and dark, polished leaves, decidedly pleasing, and their cut stems are useful to the flower-arranger, as they last three weeks in water." |
|
| 1st February 2009 | ||
