334 List of Shrubs 



plant." Being evergreen, with single stems from the ground densely 

 covered with large, glossy foliage, it is handsome all the year round. 

 Its terminal flower clusters are pendent and much branched, and the 

 flower buds, which appear prominent above the foliage during winter, 

 add to its interest. 



P. Japonica D. Don. (27) is a dwarf similar to the preceding, but 

 more striking with its leaves which come out in bright or red hues, 

 then changing to the dark, normal color, and in winter to rich red and 

 bronze; and profuse with larger, terminal bunches of drooping white 

 flowers (April, May). It is, however, only half hardy. Still more 

 striking in color effects is a variety with white-marked leaves. 



P. nitida Benth & Hook var. rubra (28) is the earliest bloomer 

 (March to May), with deep pink flowers and evergreen leaves. 



Rhododendron. This genus of large shrubs, of mountain habitat, 

 native and from Asia, furnishes, in some two hundred species and in 

 various hybrids, all with evergreen foliage and great variety of showy 

 flawers, a long series of the most striking and satisfactory ornamentals. 

 Nothing can take their place for naturalistic planting — in the proper 

 places. Unfortunately they are not easily propagated. They are 

 choice of soil and situation, requiring a cool, light, porous, well-watered, 

 deep, if possible rich loam soil, and thrive best in shady and protected 

 location; although if properly trained or selected and well watered 

 they will do well in sunny spots. Like most of their congeners of the 

 Heath family, lime and heavy clay soil, which are poor water conductors, 

 are unsuited to them, unless properly improved. They appear in 

 Canada only half hardy. 



The exotic species are only half hardy to tender, and most of the 

 many varieties or hybrids derived from them by European horticultu- 

 rists share this tenderness. In order to be certain of success, it is neces- 

 sary to be sure that the mother stock is of the hardy American species, 

 that the planting is carefully done, and that the location is half-shady, 

 or shady at least through the hot part of the day. In hot weather 

 they are grateful for watering and for mulching. They are especially 

 fit for massing on corners, or on borders of driveways, and for under- 

 planting. The seed pods should be removed in July to favor the flower- 

 ing in the next season. 



R. maximum Linn. (29), Great Laurel, is the hardiest native, found 

 from Nova Scotia south; grows to a height of over twenty feet, some- 

 times even in tree form to forty feet, with dark, glossy, rich green 



