PRIMULA _mutabilis_ caule suffruticoso multiplici, foliis ovatis
serratis, floribus nudis. _Loureir Coch. Chin. v. 1. p. 104._
VIBURNUM _tomentosum_ foliis ovatis acuminatis serratis venosis
subtus tomentosis, umbellis lateralibus. _Thunb. Jap. p. 123. ?_
SAMBUCUS aquatica surculis pinguibus punctatis, &c. Sijo vulgo
Adsai et Ansai et Adsiki. _Kæmpf. Am. Exot. p. 854._ var. fl. albo,
pila florida major.
It appears to be a point not yet fully determined, whether the present
plant exhibits the appearances belonging to it in a state of nature, or
those which are in a certain degree the effect of accident, or of art;
in its fructification it certainly is not so completely barren as the
Guilder Rose, _Viburnum Opulus_, cultivated in our gardens, since it has
most of its parts perfect; yet as none of the authors who have seen it
in China or Japan (where it is said not only to be much cultivated but
indigenous[1]) describe its fruit, we are inclined on that account to
regard it, in a certain degree, as monstrous.
It will appear by the synonyms, that authors have entertained very
different opinions as to what this plant really is; Jussieu following
Commerson makes it an _Hortensia_, Thunberg a _Viburnum_, Loureiro,
ridiculously enough, a _Primula_, and Dr. Smith an _Hydrangea_.
In the original description of the characters of the genus _Hydrangea_
by Linnæus, there is no mention made of two different kinds of florets,
as in the _Viburnum_, nor has any author that I am acquainted with
described the _Hydrangea arbor._ as producing such; yet, to my great
surprise, in a plant of this sort which flowered in my garden at
Brompton in July 1797, three of the Cymæ, and three only, threw out each
of them from their circumference a very different flower from those
in the centre, smaller indeed, but very similar to the flowers of the
_Hydrang. hort._ see Pl. 437. In 1788, Mr. Walter published his _Fl.
Carolin._ in which he describes a second species of _Hydrangea_, which
he calls _radiata_,[2] having very distinctly, as in the _Viburnum_,
two different kinds of florets in the same Cyma, this variation in the
florets is added by him to the generic character: the similarity which
exists between the flowers of Mr. Walter's _Hydrangea radiata_, and
those of the present plant sufficiently justify Dr. Smith in making it
an _Hydrangea_; the appearances observed by Loureiro[3] on dissecting
the germen, and our discovery of the existence of two different kinds of
flowers in the _Hydrangea arborescens_, tend still more to confirm its
propriety; we may add, that in the very habit of these several plants
there exists a considerable similarity; still, however, it is only by
ripe seed-vessels of the present plant, that this doubtful matter can be
satisfactorily cleared up; but it will not follow, that if it be not an
_Hydrangea_ it must be a _Viburnum_.
This magnificent and highly ornamental plant, according to Dr. Smith,
was introduced from China to the royal garden at Kew, by Sir Joseph
Banks, Bart. in 1790; it was imported by Mr. Slater about the same time,
with whom it is said to have first flowered in this country.
If room were allowed us, it would be superfluous to describe minutely a
plant now so very common; suffice it to say, that from a strong
perennial root, rise a number of half-shrubby, irregular, somewhat
spongy stalks, strongly spotted when young with purple, from one to
three feet high, terminated by large bunches of flowers, at first green,
then rose-coloured, and finally green a second time; these are the most
common changes to which they are liable: but it will sometimes happen
that a plant which has produced red flowers one year, shall produce blue
another, though growing in the same pot; this we saw happen in the year
1796 to a plant in the possession of the Countess of Upper Ossory, whose
refined taste and superior judgment have in several instances
contributed to render our works more acceptable to the public: the
coloured changeable part of the flower is regarded as the calyx, in the
centre of which is the corolla, containing the stamina, &c. all varying
greatly in point of number; besides these, there are other flowers
without any calyx, but the parts which they contain do not seem to be
more perfect than those of the others, nor more productive of ripe
fruit.
Since the introduction of this plant, trials have been made in regard to
its hardiness, and it is found to survive mild winters if planted in
very warm sheltered situations; but in others, both stalks and leaves
are liable to be killed by slight frosts, though the roots are not; if
persons are anxious to have it in the open border, the best mode will be
to cut down the stems at the approach of winter, and cover over the root
with rotten tan, or some light substance; in the spring fresh stalks
will shoot forth, but it is more common to keep this plant during winter
in a green-house or well secured frame; by artificial heat it may be
brought to flower in April or May, without such, it begins to blossom
about June, and continues in bloom till October; when successfully
treated, it will acquire the height of three feet, and produce bunches
of flowers supremely magnificent: such plants in pots are admirably
adapted for decorating court-yards, balconies, &c. unless carefully cut
in, it is apt to grow too large for the green-house, therefore it is
proper to have a succession of young plants from cuttings, which strike
very freely; this plant loves water, is indeed almost an aquatic, a rich
soil, and plenty of pot room.