The Rhododendrons 



many garden varieties are well fitted for planting 

 together in beds or masses to provide a special 

 feature. Although there is a very wide selection 

 for the greater part of the country, the warmer 

 counties have a still larger number to select 

 from, for there are many species from the 

 Himalaya and China that are scarcely hardy 

 enough for outdoor work except in those 

 counties. 



To succeed with Rhododendrons it is necessary 

 to provide sweet soil free from lime or containing 

 lime in minute quantities only. Peaty soil is 

 that most suited to their requirements, though 

 they grow well in loamy soil if lime is absent. 

 Though it is not essential that shade should be 

 provided, it is better if a position can be given 

 where shade from midday sun is gained. An 

 ideal position for Rhododendrons is a cool, moist 

 but well drained valley sheltered from cold winds 

 and where mists are plentiful. If peat does not 

 form the natural soil it should not be introduced 

 in large quantities, a little placed about the 

 roots, mixed with the natural soil, being more 

 suitable than a greater bulk. When planting, 

 great care should be taken not to cover the top 

 roots with more than half an inch of soil, and 

 it is even better to cover with a layer of decayed 

 leaves, if obtainable, than with soil. Rhodo- 

 dendrons give little trouble in the way of pruning, 

 for they rarely require more than the removal of 



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