SHRUBS. 



441 





I have not planted out the Skimmia japouica, although it is quite 

 hardy; nor the Illicium religiosum, which I have several times pro- 

 cured, and as often contrived to lose. 



However beautiful other flowering shrubs may be, every garden 

 must possess its beds of American plants, comprising Rhododendrons, 

 Azaleas, and Kalmias. The garden varieties of Rhododendron 

 Catawbiense are now very numerous, and fresh ones are continually 

 being added to the list. The varieties of colour are numerous, but 

 scarlet and purple predominate. Singularly enough, our peaty soil 

 appears to be poisonous to them, as they speedily die, though they 

 naturally live in another kind of peat or 

 fibrous loam, which we have to obtain from 

 Mitcham Common or elsewhere. The Scarlet 

 Rhododendron (fig. 976) and ferns mix 

 charmingly together, as the harmony of colour 

 between the scarlet flowers and the green 

 fronds in early spring is perfect. I have 

 rhododendrons in each fernery, but it re- 

 quires Skill tO keep .them alive, SO pernicious FlG - 976. Scarlet Rhododendron. 



is our natural soil to them. The art of the florist is never shown 

 to greater advantage than in the production of varieties of rhodo- 

 dendrons, which are superb in the beauty of their form and in 

 the brilliancy of their colours, whereas the original plant has 

 flowers of a dingy purplish colour, not very attractive in my 

 opinion. I have never paid much attention to the names which 

 florists have assigned to their varieties, but Mr. Veitch has kindly 

 supplied me with the following list of kinds which he considers of 

 undeniable excellence, and which he recommends as the finest kinds 

 in cultivation : 



Blandyanum : reddish crimson. 

 Brayanum : rosy scarlet. 

 Concessum : rosy pink. 

 John Waterer : glowing crimson. 

 Joseph Whitworth : purple lake. 



Michael Waterer : rosy scarlet. 

 Minnie : bluish white. 

 Mrs. John Glutton : white. 

 Ochroleucum : pale yellow, very dwarf. 

 Grand Arab : brilliant crimson. 



Madame Miolan Carvallio : pure white. Hroughtonianum: rosy rod, early flowering. 



