50 THE BOOK OF SHRUBS 



geous of all the hardy shrubs remarkable for the beauty 

 of their flowers, and as they have the advantage of 

 handsome evergreen leaves, they should be planted 

 liberally in proportion to the space at disposal. The 

 smallest garden should contain at least one group for 

 their abundant and attractively coloured flowers produce 

 a glorious effect during the flowering season, and their 

 ample rich green leafage is very attractive at other 

 periods of the year. In parks and meadows charming 

 effects may be produced by planting masses of the 

 vigorous growing and free blooming Rhododendron 

 pontica which can be purchased at a very small cost. 

 But in the garden and pleasure grounds, none but choice 

 varieties, which are by no means expensive, should be 

 planted. 



Rhododendrons present a most attractive appearance, 

 both in groups and as single specimens, when arranged 

 in suitable positions, but when grown singly, well 

 furnished bushes, three or four feet in diameter and as 

 much in height, should invariably be selected. In the 

 formation of groups, smaller plants can be used, and 

 they should be arranged, with due regard to the tasteful 

 distribution of the colours, just far enough apart to fill 

 the bed without crowding. As they can be replanted 

 during the autumn without check to the growth, they 

 can be readily lifted and planted farther apart, and 

 the surplus plants be used in the formation of other 

 groups. 



Rhododendrons require, when making their growth, 

 an abundance of moisture at the roots, and they are 

 greatly benefited by overhead waterings in the evening. 

 To further assist them during the growing period, remove 

 the seed pods soon after the flowers have fallen. The 

 choice varieties are increased by layers which should be 

 made early in the autumn, or by grafting, seedling 

 plants of R. pontica being used as a stock. In the case 



