CHAPTER X 



RHODODENDRONS FOR THE COOL 

 GREENHOUSE 



RHODODENDRONS are very serviceable in the greenhouse 

 and conservatory. When the Sikkim species were first 

 introduced they were treated in many gardens as tender 

 plants that required to be kept in a minimum tem- 

 perature of about 45. And it is surprising how many 

 can be satisfactorily grown in this fashion, if their needs 

 with respect to moisture and fresh air are not over- 

 looked. Where the outdoor conditions are not favour- 

 able to Rhododendrons, provision may easily be made 

 for them under glass. This is done at Glasgow, in the 

 Botanic Garden ; they have no chance in the open air, 

 but a good collection is accommodated and well grown 

 in the large winter garden. A house without hot-water 

 pipes is suitable for all except the hardiest species, and 

 of course the Javanicum race. Borders of light soil, 

 liberal ventilation, with plenty of moisture, and shade 

 from hot sunshine, are the essentials. If the plants must 

 be grown in pots or tubs, it is quite easy to make a 

 selection from the sorts that are generally known as green- 

 house Rhododendrons. If possible, they should be placed 

 out-of-doors for the summer. 



The following species and hybrids are recommended 



91 



