Ghent well into the Rhododendron season proper, being with us from 

 Azalea early May to late June. 



and Tk 6 Ghent Azaleas are the progeny of crosses between 



A Mollis certam f tne American species, such as Calendulacea and 

 Occidentalis^ made by nurserymen at Ghent. The use of 

 the latter species has greatly lengthened the flowering period, 

 because it is a naturally late bloomer. The flowers of the 

 so-called Ghent Azaleas (which are, of course, genuine 

 " American plants " in their love of moist, peaty soil) are 

 much smaller than those of the Mollis section. The range 

 of colours is considerable, including white, cream, yellow, 

 salmon, orange, rose, pink, peach, lilac, and blood red. Many 

 of the varieties are spotted or flushed. There are both single 

 and double forms. 



If we had the Ghent Azaleas alone we should have cause 

 for satisfaction, but in the Mollis section we have a most power- 

 ful auxiliary. These splendid plants have large blooms of 

 extraordinarily vivid colours, and their value does not end 

 with their flower beauty, for the foliage is richly tinted in 

 Autumn, and gives warm, harmonious effects. They are 

 hardy, except in cold districts or situations, and must certainly 

 be used more and more as the years pass on. Their popularity 

 has been enhanced by the introduction of certain markedly 

 showy varieties, such as Anthony Koster^ Alphonse Lavallee, 

 M. Arthur dc Warelles, and Mrs A. E. Endt^ which, exhibited 

 at the Temple and other great shows, have arrested the attention 

 of shrub lovers. 



The botanists would have us call these beautiful garden 

 Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and they have reasons, but garden 

 names cling tightly, and for practical purposes it is convenient to 





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