348 FLOWERS OF GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE 



elliptical, downy, the edges fringed; deciduous. Flowers bell-shaped, 

 downy, flame-coloured ; May. Half-hardy, except in the South. Intro- 

 duced from China, 1823. It is better known in gardens under the 

 name of Azalea mollis. Many of its seedling varieties and hybrids are 

 in cultivation (Japanese Azaleas). 



Rh. (Az.) speciosa (showy). A hairy branched shrub, 3 to 4 feet 

 high, with fringed lance-shaped leaves. Flowers scarlet and orange; 

 May.' Native of North America, of which many varieties and hybrids 

 are in cultivation. 



IV. Greenhouse Azaleas. 



Rh. (az.) indica (Indian). Stem 3 to 6 feet high, branched above, 

 branches hairy. Leaves lance-shaped, densely covered with stiff hairs. 

 Flowers bell-shaped, scarlet, purple, orange, white, etc.; November to 

 June. Introduced from China, 1808. Greenhouse shrub. Plate 166. 

 There is a long list of garden varieties and hybrids of this useful plant, 

 with flowers of all shades, single and double. 



As a general principle the suggestions we have given 

 cultivation. j,ggpg^j^.^g ^he most suitable soil for Heaths, apply to 

 the genus Rhododendron. Peat, leaf-soil, and sand form the compost 

 most acceptable to all, yet most of the garden Rhododendrons will do 

 well in a loamy soil, providing that it be entirely free from lime or 

 chalk, and well drained. Rhododendrons are naturally fond of shady 

 places, rather moist than otherwise, but they will do well in a sunny 

 spot provided other plants shield their roots. These are always very 

 near the surface, and in danger of being destroyed by a little full sun- 

 shine ; but if a bed is specially prepared for these plants by taking out 

 the ordinary soil to a depth of about thirty inches and filling with a peaty 

 compost, some of the larger species may be planted in the middle, or at 

 tlic back, and others of smaller growth grown around them in such a 

 way that the roots of all are shaded. Copious waterings should be 

 uiven until the plants are well established, and they will need this 

 attention always in dry weather — an annual top-dressing of peat or leaf- 

 mould mixed with cow-dung being all that is required, beyond the 

 removal of weeds, dead branches, and so forth. 



For the soil and treatment necessary for the pot-culture of the 

 less hardy kinds we might also refer back to our directions for the 

 greenhouse Heaths. Turfy peat and silver sand make the best compost, 

 mixing with it light loam or leaf-soil for the freer-growing kinds. In 

 repotting, the ball of earth should not be destroyed, but the lower 

 portion with the drainage crocks should be cleared away, and the new 

 soil should be well rammed in between the pot and the ball, otherwise 



