[Illustration: No 83]

The _Hibiscus syriacus_, known generally by the name of _Althæa frutex_,
is a native of Syria, and forms one of the chief ornaments of our
gardens in autumn; we view it, however, with less delight, as it is a
sure indication of approaching winter.

There are many varieties of it mentioned by authors, as the _purple,
red-flowered, white-flowered, variegated red and white flowered_, and
the _striped-flowered_, to which may be added, another variety, lately
introduced, with double flowers: it varies also in its foliage, which is
sometimes marked with white, sometimes with yellow.

As from the lateness of its flowering, and the want of sufficient
warmth, it rarely ripens its seeds with us; the usual mode of increasing
it is by layers, and sometimes by cuttings; but the best plants are
raised from seeds. MILLER observes, that the scarce varieties
may be propagated by grafting them on each other, which is the common
method of propagating the sorts with striped leaves.

In the time of PARKINSON it was not looked on as a hardy shrub:
he thus writes,--"they are somewhat tender, and would not be suffered to
be uncovered in the winter time, or yet abroad in the garden, but kept
in a large pot or tubbe, in the house or in a warme cellar, if you would
have them to thrive." _Park. Parad._




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