FLOWERING SHRUBS IN POTS 63 



treated in the same way as a fuchsia. It flowers on the 

 young wood and, in order to promote the growth of new 

 shoots, should be pruned rather hard after the flowers 

 wither. 



Rhododendron. — The hybrids, of which there are many 

 beautiful varieties, are more numerous than the original 

 species. Some are quite hardy, but others require protection 

 in winter. For cultivation, see Azalea (p. 49). 



Rose. — Though roses are often grown in pots, they are 

 by no means the easiest of plants to manage, partly because of 

 the many pests by which they are attacked. As the vigorous 

 growth which is desirable in the open ground is rather a 

 disadvantage in pots, it is not unusual to have them on their 

 own roots, and with this object cuttings of young ripened 

 wood may be inserted firmly in sandy soil and in a shady 

 position in October. A year later those that have rooted 

 may be potted. The pots should be placed in a greenhouse 

 or in a cold frame. If in the latter, they should be protected 

 during frost by mats or sacking. The soil should not be 

 allowed to get dry, but as it is important to avoid excessive 

 damp, any watering should be carefully done, and fresh air 

 should be admitted on sunny mornings. In February the 

 plants should be pruned. As the aim should be merely to 

 produce a good head, and not greatly to reduce the number 

 of flowers, a little shortening and possibly some slight thinning 

 will be all that is necessary. When growth commences plenty 

 of fresh air is essential if an attack of mildew is to be avoided. 

 An occasional spraying with a weak solution of permanganate 

 of potash is an excellent preventive. If aphides appear on 

 the plants, an insecticide should be used at once. They 

 multiply so rapidly that they are difficult to get rid of unless 

 measures are taken at the outset. The foliage should be 

 examined frequently for grubs, and any noticed should be 

 picked off. As soon as the buds can be seen a weak fertiliser 

 may be applied every few days, and after flowering the plants 

 should be cut back. They should remain under cover until 

 the weather gets warm, when they will do better outside, 

 preferably plunged in the ground so that their pots are 



