V. MINOR.--Lesser Periwinkle. This is of much smaller growth than the
preceding, and differs, too, in not having the leaf-margins ciliated.
The variety V. minor flore-albo has white flowers, those of the normal
plant being pale blue; V. minor flore-pleno differs in having double
blue flowers; V. minor foliis aureis has golden-tinted leaves; and V.
minor foliis argenteis bears silvery mottled and very attractive
foliage.
They are all of simple growth, succeeding well in somewhat shady
situations, and in by no means the richest of soil. As they run about
freely and soon cover an extent of ground they are rendered of great
value for a variety of purposes.
VITEX.
VITEX AGNUS-CASTUS.--Chaste Tree, Hemp Tree, and Monk's Pepper-tree. A
South European shrub (1670), growing from 6 feet to 10 feet high, with
digitate leaves that are almost hoary beneath, and spikes of small
violet flowers. It is not very hardy, although in some of the warmer
parts of southern England and Ireland, fair-sized, healthy-looking
specimens are now and then to be met with. As a wall plant, however, it
succeeds best, and for which purpose, with its neat foliage and pretty
flowers, it is peculiarly suitable.
VITIS.
VITIS HETEROPHYLLA HUMILIFOLIA.--Turquoise-berried Vine. North China and
Japan, 1868. The leaves of this Vine are three to five lobed, and the
small flowers freely produced in slightly branching cymes.
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