CHAPTER XIV 

 "HARDY" RHODODENDRONS 



AMERICA'S NEEDS AND THE OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET 



THEM WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SHAKE OFF THE 



SHACKLES OF EUROPE'S MODELS 



RHODODENDRONS are in the forefront among 

 hardy ornamental shrubs and are warm 

 favorites in the gardens of this country 

 and of Europe and more especially those of the Brit- 

 ish Isles. The evergreen section with its bold foliage 

 and large clusters of handsome flowers numbers 

 within its ranks some of the noblest of all plants 

 found in the north temperate regions. The section 

 with deciduous leaves is not surpassed in wealth 

 of blossom by any class of hardy shrubs. The flow- 

 ers vary enormously in size in the different species 

 and embrace all shades of every color except blue. 

 In many the flowers are delightfully fragrant and 

 where the climate is congenial the season of flower- 

 ing is virtually continuous the year round. Small 

 wonder then that the desire to possess them is so 

 very general. No class of shrubs possesses greater 

 attractions, and given certain essential conditions 



244 



