Cornus
Cornus alba has proved a worthy friend which when planted as a windbreak spreads, each branch rooting where it touches the ground, into a dense mass of shoots. For the connoisseur, C. alba sibirica, with brilliant scarlet shoots in winter, and less vigorous enthusiasm to colonise the whole garden, is better value.
CorylopSis spicata is taller and with me somewhat hardier than C. paucora. In appearance it is very like a hamamelis or hazel, the 5-in. spikes of yellow flowers are deliciously scented, opening mid-April. I planted one specimen near a flight of well-used steps and for 5 years it has given pleasure to all who pass by when it is in bloom.
Cornus florida, rarely condescends to vouchsafe more than a brief selection of the white petal-like bracts with which it delights all who see it growing wild in North America, although I am permitted to enjoy the rich autumn colouring. About 8 ft. is the most plants here have attained after 17 years.
I purchased Corylus avellana contorta, the Corkscrew Hazel, after reading E. A. Bowles description of it growing in what he dubbed his Lunatic Asylum. The branches are twisted in the most remarkable manner, and have a curious beauty when hung with catkins in March. Two coloured-leaved hazels, the yellow cobnut and purple-leaved filbert have never appealed to me. For flower arrangers the plants may have special appeal. Grafting or budding are the only methods of propagation that I have found really successful.
For a long time I gave the accolade to a species labelled wardii because it was planted in the most efficacious position for display of the silver-grey leaves and orange berries. Then I was given another C. wardii from an unimpeachable source, and now I find the original plant is C. franchetii sternianus. Those who buy a plant should place it so that the rising sun shines full upon rime- frosted leaves.
C. s. fiaviramea has yellow- barked young shoots which are attractive when grown with the type plant and the Whitewashed Bramble, Rubus cockburnianus. C. mas shows no reluctance whatever to grow, and after 16 years has topped the 9-ft. mark here. The angular branch outline is pleasant in winter for the plant is deciduous, then in February every twig burgeons forth in a multitude of yellow pompon flowers. Varieties like elegantissima and variegata are useful and attractive variations of the type plant.
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