7 8 EVERSLEY GARDENS 



form excellent boundaries, crested in May with 

 a purple foam of blossom. 



R. Catawbiense is a species which covers large 

 tracts in North America, and resembles Ponticum 

 in bearing purple flowers. But its colour is 

 altogether warmer ; and instead of the narrow- 

 pointed, glossy-green leaves of the latter, its 

 leaves are somewhat blunt, of more substance, 

 and slightly rufous on the under side. It has 

 undoubtedly played a more prominent part 

 in the production of fine hybrids than the 

 common Ponticum. 



R. Arboreum, the grand Himalayan Tree 

 Rhododendron with crimson or blood-red blos- 

 soms, although it cannot stand our winters 

 except in the extreme west of England and 

 favoured positions in Ireland, has proved one 

 of the most useful parents of the modern 

 hybrid. For to it we owe the rich shades of 

 the crimsons, scarlets, and rose-colours we so 

 delight in. 



To the fourth species, R. Caucassicum, of 

 dwarf growth and white flowers, are due most 

 of the white and blush varieties. 



