78 THE UNHEATED GREENHOUSE 



and many still more decorative species may be grown, and in 

 early spring are of course amongst the most splendid of 

 flowering shrubs, but most kinds can also be made amenable 

 to pot culture. There are two or three early flowering and 

 smaller-growing species, however, which may be noted as 

 being especially valuable for the unheated greenhouse of 

 moderate size. The little Siberian R. dauricum opens its 

 lilac flowers naturally in January and February, therefore it is 

 thankful for protection at that uncertain season. A little 

 larger in growth and later to bloom is R. ciliatum, a fine 

 Himalayan species, with pink buds which expand into white 

 flowers. Between these two comes a useful hybrid form, 

 R. praecox, with rosy-purple flowers. R. racemosum, which 

 should not be overlooked, is a little-known but very charming 

 dwarf species from China, of quite different character, as its 

 pale pink flowers are produced in spikes. It is astonishing 

 how spreading shrubs like Rhododendrons can flower and 

 flourish in so small a space, but they may often be seen with 

 several fine trusses, quite happy in 5-in. pots. It is better, 

 however, to flower them one year and rest them the next by 

 planting out in a reserve-bed in the open air, though the very 

 slight amount of forcing which they receive in the cold green- 

 house does no harm, and if they set their buds well there is 

 no reason why they should not be lifted and potted every 

 season. 



Of miscellaneous shrubs coming under no special class 

 there are many which might be suggested : Choisya ternata, 

 though found in most gardens out of doors, may yet be given 

 a place for early flowering under glass. The hardy Abelia 

 rupestris, with its pendulous mauve-white flowers imbedded 

 in red-brown bracts, is charming either in a large basket, or, 

 if planted out in a greenhouse border, will make a handsome 

 autumn-flowering shrub, good enough to join the choicest 

 company. Nerium Oleander, though more tender, is worth 



