Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom).—A good shrub for a sheltered bank; it has spikes of bright-yellow flowers in July.
Spiræa.—Most of the Spiræas do well here. The following are the best of those I grow: S. canescens, very pretty habit of growth and foliage; S. discolor (ariæfolia), S. japonica (vars. alba, Bumalda, and Anthony Waterer), the last-mentioned very good. S. lindleyana, a large grower, handsome both in flower and foliage. S. prunifolia fl. pl. should be in all gardens; good both for flowers and autumnal foliage. S. Van Houttei, very good. Exochorda grandiflora, often known as Spiræa grandiflora, I have had since 1898, but though it is now a large bush and very healthy, it has not yet made any attempt to flower.
Syringa (Lilacs).—These are indispensable. Some of the newer varieties are good, such as Charles X., rosy lilac; Marie Legraye, white; Souv. de L. Späth, reddish; Mme. Lemoine, double white. These should always be procured on their own roots. Grafted plants seldom live long.
Veronica.—Several of the shrubby Veronicas do well. V. Traversii is the hardiest of all. In the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens there is a good collection of these.
Viburnum Opulus sterilis.—This, the well-known Snowball tree, and V. Tinus (Laurustinus), are the only two I have grown. Both do well, and I fancy V. plicatum and some others would do also. I shall try them.
Vitis Coignetiæ.—I have this growing up the outer branches of a Spanish Chestnut. It does not grow very fast, but is making steady progress. It appears to be perfectly hardy, and its fine foliage turns to a magnificent colour in autumn.
Trees and Shrubs in Edinburgh
Trees and shrubs that will thrive near Edinburgh will do so in almost any exposed city or town similarly situated. Only those that have proved adaptable to this windswept district have been included, an asterisk being placed against the more beautiful and interesting species and varieties that are happy in cold and windy gardens.
Acers.—A. Pseudo-platanus is the "Plane" of Scotland. Old trees form features of great beauty. It reaches a height of 60 to 70 feet, often less when isolated. A. P. var. flavo-marginatum*.—The original tree of this variety still remains at Corstorphine, near Edinburgh. It is very effective in spring, but the foliage becomes much duller during summer. A. P. purpureum. A. campestre (Common Maple). A. circinatum*.—This is the most beautifully-coloured tree we have in autumn. A. platanoides* (Norway Maple).—This is to be preferred to either the Sycamore or Common Maple for planting in pleasure-grounds and gardens. A. dasycarpum.* A. palmatum*.—The varieties of this are excellent although slow growing. A. rubrum. A. pictum. A. opulifolium obtusatum*.—A bright tree in early spring with its golden-green foliage and flowers. A. saccharinum (Sugar Maple). A. japonicum and varieties.
Actinidia Kolomikta.—Climber; grows quickly on south wall.