Japan, 1787. This is chiefly remarkable for its handsome
foliage, the leaves being oblong of shape and downy on the under sides.
The white flowers are of no great beauty, but being produced at the
beginning of winter, and when flowers are scarce, are all the more
welcome. It requires protection in all but the warmer parts of these
islands.
P. ARBUTIFOLIA (_syns Crataegus arbutifolia_ and _Mespilus
arbutifolia_).--Arbutus-leaved Photinia, or Californian May-bush.
California, 1796. This is a very distinct shrub, with leaves resembling
those of the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus), the flowers in an elongated
panicle, and bright red bark on the young wood.
P. BENTHAMIANA is only worthy of culture for its neat habit and freedom
of growth when suitably placed.
P. SERRULATA (_syn Crataegus glabra_).--Chinese Hawthorn. Japan and
China, 1804. This has Laurel-like leaves, 4 inches or 5 inches long,
and, especially when young, of a beautiful rosy-chocolate colour, and
clustered at the branch-tips. Flowers small, white, and produced in flat
corymbs. An invaluable seaside shrub.
They all grow well either in light, rich loam, or in sandy, peaty earth,
and are usually propagated by grafting.
PHYLODOCE.
PHYLODOCE TAXIFOLIA (_syns P. caerulea_ and _Menziesia caerulea_).--An
almost extinct native species, having crowded linear leaves, and
lilac-blue flowers.
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