Heath Family 335 



foliage and a profusion of broad (li to 2-inch!) pink to white flowers 

 sprinkled with yellowish and orange spots, the latest in blooming 

 (June, July), but persistent. This being the largest, it makes a 

 good background and winter effect for gardens. 



* R. Catawbiense Pursh. (30), Mountain Rose Bay, from the southern 

 mountains, a smaller shrub, three to six feet high (although sometimes 

 reaching a height of twenty feet), with small, oblong leaves, rounded at 

 both ends, and clustered at the tips of the branches; and bright, lilac- 

 purple flowers (June), as large as those of the preceding; is equally 

 hardy, and adapts itself to adverse situations. It is the one chiefly used 

 in hybridizing for American use. 



R. punctatum Andr. (31), so called from the dots on the underside 

 of the foliage, is also a small shrub, from alpine ranges. It is the earli- 

 est and most persistent bloomer, bearing dense clusters of funnel- 

 shaped, greenish-spotted flowers (May to August). 



The species used in Europe, but to be avoided as not hardy with us, 

 are: — 



R. ponticiim Linn. (32), from Asia Minor, recognized by the ellip- 

 tical leaves, pointed at both ends, and pale underneath; and 



R. arboreum Smith (33), the largest, twenty to thirty feet, from the 

 Himalayas, recognized by lanceolate leaves, cordate at base and acute 

 at tip. 



A very large number of hybrids, with flowers of all shades, are in 

 the market, just as in the case of the related Azaleas; in selecting which 

 the question as to the mother stock used should be carefully looked 

 into. 



Xolisma. A'", lignstrijia Britt (25), Privet Andromeda, also native 

 from Canada to Florida, and west, growing in swamps; is larger, a 

 bushy, compact, deciduous shrub (five to ten feet) and a still earlier 

 bloomer, with a profusion of flower bunches, and with oblong leaves in 

 panicles, assuming a brilliant fall coloring. 



Zenobia. Z. speciosa Don. (34), from the South Atlantic shores, a 

 small (two to four feet) shrub, with upright, arching branches; is one 

 of the latest blooming heathers (July), with a profusion of dainty, waxy, 

 white bells, resembling the lily of the valley, blossoming for a long time 

 on the previous year's branches; its pale green, oval foliage adding to 

 its attractiveness. Its light foliage gives it value as an accent shrub, 

 and it is fine for border work. It thrives well in sandy and peaty soil. 



