1 6 Rhododendrons. 



tion from the sun, as well as sustain the weight of heavy snows. A secret 

 of success in rhododendron-culture is, to protect from the winter sun. 

 For one rhododendron killed by cold, a hundred are killed by the winter 

 sun. 



As the beds get older, and the plants gain strength, this winter protec- 

 tion may be dispensed with ; but it is always better to place a few tall 

 evergreens on the south-easterly side of the rhododendron-beds. Early in 

 April the protection may be removed, and the plants thinned out by re- 

 moving every other one. This transplanting should be attended to every 

 spring ; for, if the plants are allowed to become crowded, they lose their 

 beauty of shape, and are far less effective. 



A bed prepared as above will need no renewals for years ; but, if at any 

 time it appears run out, a top-dressing of pure leaf mould or oak -leaves, 

 forked carefully in in the autumn, will renew it. A very successful grower 

 of this plant recommends well-rotted manure, which he has successfully 

 tried for top-dressing ; but we cannot advise it from experience. 



Where the bed is on level ground, an excavation should be made of the 

 required size, and filled with prepared soil. 



In clayey soils, drainage may be necessary in the bottom of the beds, 

 which may easily be effected by a filling of stone ; but we have had no 

 experience of this. 



The situation of a rhododendron-bed should be a northern exposure ; but 

 this is not essential : some of our best beds face the south. 



The plants bloom from the 20th of May to the middle of July, according 

 to the species or variety. 



As soon as the flower has faded, the seed-vessels should be removed in 

 order to insure fuller bloom for the next season, unless it is desirable to 

 ripen seed. After blooming, the plants grow, perfecting their growth in a 

 few weeks, and soon showing the flower-buds for the next season. 



The following species are hardy in New England : — 



R. maximum, our well-known wild rhododendron ; foliage not ornamen- 

 tal ; flowers small, in close heads, rosy-white, with green spots, opening 

 about the loth of July. 



R. Catawbiense. — The Rose-bay of the Southern States; foliage dark 

 green, lighter beneath ; flowers lilac-purple in June. 



