Prunus (Cerasus) Mahaleb pendula.—A very attractive little weeping tree, with small white flowers in spring.
Pyrus.—The following do well here: Pyrus floribunda, P. coronaria, P. lobata (syn. Mespilus grandiflora), and, of course, the native Rowan tree (P. Aucuparia). The family of Apples enjoy a well-drained place, being impatient of too much wet at the roots; otherwise, their culture is of the simplest. They should be allowed to grow as they will, only cutting out any branches that would be obviously better away, and dead wood if any.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas luxuriate here. The common R. ponticum sows itself in the woods. I have not yet tried the Himalayan Rhododendrons, but from what I have seen of them in the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, which are much exposed to cold winds, I feel fairly certain I could grow them here, where I can give them more protection.
Rhodotypus kerrioides.—A very pretty hardy shrub, flowering on and off all the summer. It has very clean white flowers, and from appearances looks as though a cross with Kerria might be successful. The Rhodotypus seeds freely here. It grows to a good size.
Rhus Cotinus.—Another good shrub, attractive either in flower or foliage, and the latter turns to a good colour in autumn.
Ribes.—No garden should be without a plant of the Common Ribes. I also grow Aureum and a pale pinkish-white sort.
Robinia hispida (Rose Acacia).—This is doing well in a corner sheltered from the north, east, and west by evergreens.
Roses.—The best that I grow as shrubs (in the garden sense) are the Penzance Briars, Rosa rugosa (Japanese Rose), Austrian Briars, R. spinosissima, Blairii II., Charles Lawson, R. macrantha, R. alpina, &c. These Roses stand up and make a good bush in a sheltered place, without staking or any other trouble. Very little pruning is needful, and that after the flowers are over, cutting out weak wood and shortening some of the old shoots back to where young ones are breaking vigorously.
Rubus deliciosus.—Very pretty white flowers, large for a bramble. It appears to be quite hardy, but is not a very strong grower.
Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher's Broom).—An inconspicuous little shrub that grows well under trees.