Rhododendron
A cause of infinite regret is that no member of this beautiful genus will tolerate the slightest trace of lime, no matter how disguised with peat. There are no better evergreen shrubs than the Tree Roses whose members range in height from the 30-ft. splendour of Rhododendron sinogrande to the prostrate posturing of R. repens. The evergreen species can be used as a background contrast to later flowering shrubs.
Deciduous azaleas are available by the hundred. Ignes Nova, carmine red blotched yellow, is good in autumn when the leaves turn purple. Unique is late flowering and rather tall with apricot blooms. Comte de Gomer is compact and dainty with pink blossoms. Hugo Hardyzer is 4 ft. high and a very impressive scarlet. R. luteum has all the qualities of a good shrub with sweetly scented magnificent autumn colour.
Mrs G. W. Leak is so utterly reliable that no frost has yet marred the array of pink flowers, each with a purple blotch at the throat. To this must be added the ability to resist the most vicious east wind. I use Pink Pearl with restraint. It is strong growing and with a rather loud rose-pink colour needs careful handling.
Named varieties are only obtained true to type from layers, and this is the most reliable method for all rhododendrons. Branches should be pulled down then tongued into the compost of peat and sand. I make certain all is secure with a heavy stone which acts as a moisture-holding mulch as well. I do raise dozens ofplants from seed, especially the azaleas, all have so far proved worth the effort. Sow in spring into a 2 peat, 1 sand compost.
The list of species should include many more but the beginner would do well to plant hybrids which flower when young and accept the vagaries of our climate without discontent. Again the choice is bewildering. Both Blue Diamond and Blue Tit are dome-shaped, tightly furnished bushes with lavender-blue flowers, and are undoubtedly first class. Britannia can be positively identified by its paler leaves even without its sparkling red flowers which contrast so superbly with the Pheasant’s Eye Narcissus. Carita, cream and Carita Pink are both tall at 6 ft.
The finely divided leaves of R. typhina laciniata become orange and yellow in the autumn. I usually manage to find a few suckers around the parent plant when stock for a new colony is required.
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