246 ARISTOCRATS OF THE GARDEN 



race and the fact that the majority are grafted on the 

 not hardy R. ponticum very thoroughly explain the dis- 

 appointment so generally experienced by American 

 lovers of these plants, and especially those who gar- 

 den in New England. 



If practicable it is best to plant these Rhododen- 

 drons in association with trees; for, by so doing, they 

 receive a measure of protection from the sun's direct 

 rays. In thin woods or on the margins of such 

 woods are good sites and if the situation be open and 

 exposed a screen of conifers — Hemlock, White or Red 

 Pine — should be afforded them. If the situation 

 be such that the roots are kept cool by a thorough 

 water-supply, the nature of the soil (always provided 

 it does not contain lime) is of less importance than 

 is often claimed. Where the White and Red Pine, 

 Birch, Chestnut, and White Oak thrive, Rhododen- 

 drons will grow. A soil free of lime; — sweet, moist, 

 and porous — and fairly rich in leaf-soil is the ideal. A 

 decomposed granitic soil rich in humus is excellent. 

 In the absence of lime, Rhododendrons will grow in 

 good loamy soil; but it should ever be remembered 

 that they are humus-loving plants and require to 

 be mulched with leaves and the soil enriched with 

 leaf-soil or sandy peat. It is usually assumed that 

 peat is necessary in order to grow these plants, but as 



