For two years I had a plant of Motherwort, Leonurus cardiaca, labelled Perovskia atriplicifolia and my confusion on discovering the mistake will stop me committing any further careless follies of similar magnitude. The beauty of the grey foliage, near white sterns, and subsequent lavender-blue flowers depends very much on the associate planting. Grown at the edge of a flagged path to intermingle with the purple-leaved Cotinus coggygria, the shrub achieves a certain distinction. A well-drained soil and position in full sun are two further essentials for success. Cuttings taken in June or July will root in a sun frame.

Once specimens are established, self-sown seedlings abound in the borders around them. Grow them with the old-fashioned roses, and enjoy the old world atmosphere they bring together with the rather herby fragrance. Paeonia delavayi makes a 6-ft. high bush on wet heavy clay. The deep crimson, yellowanthered flowers, rich with the odour of cinnamon, open from June until early August, and are followed by black-seeded fruits.

P. lutea is best represented in the form ludlowii which was introduced from Tibet by Kingdon Ward, and has golden saucer-shaped flowers measuring 3 in. across. A truly magnificent shrub. The Moutan Peony. correctly listed as P. suffruticosa, is available in a wide range of colours, but loveliest of all are the China pink forms.

Cuttings of semi-mature side shoots in July, 7.5 or hardwood cuttings in November will root with consummate ease.

Parrotia persica, so nearly related to the Witch Hazel, should always be grown free as a specimen so that all the grace of the umbrella-like branches can be developed. The squat solid strength of the plant plus the peeling bark are attractive enough, but it is the leaf colour in autumn, all crimson and gold, which makes this such a first-class shrub.

Seed is one good method of increasing stocks of this plant which will grow in sun or light shade, but to obtain specimens true to type, self- layering shoots can be lifted in.

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