50 THE BOOK OF SHRUBS 
geous of all the hardy shrubs remarkable for the beauty 
of their flowers, and as they have the advantage of 
handsome evergreen leaves, they should be planted 
liberally in proportion to the space at disposal. The 
smallest garden should contain at least one group for 
their abundant and attractively coloured flowers produce 
a glorious effect during the flowering season, and their 
ample rich green leafage is very attractive at other 
periods of the year. In parks and meadows charming 
effects may be produced by planting masses of the 
vigorous growing and free blooming Rhododendron 
‘pontica which can be purchased at a very small cost. 
But in the garden and pleasure grounds, none but choice 
varieties, which are by no means expensive, should be 
planted. 
Rhododendrons present a most attractive appearance, 
both in groups and as single specimens, when arranged 
in suitable positions, but when grown singly, well 
furnished bushes, three or four feet in diameter and as 
much in height, should invariably be selected. In the 
formation of groups, smaller plants can be used, and 
they should be arranged, with due regard to the tasteful 
distribution of the colours, just far enough apart to fill 
the bed without crowding. As they can be replanted 
during the autumn without check to the growth, they 
can be readily lifted and planted farther apart, and 
the surplus plants be used in the formation of other 
groups. 
Rhododendrons require, when making their growth, 
an abundance of moisture at the roots, and they are 
greatly benefited by overhead waterings in the evening. 
To further assist them during the growing period, remove 
the seed pods soon after the flowers have fallen. The 
choice varieties are increased by layers which should be 
made early in the autumn, or by grafting, seedling 
plants of R. pontica being used as a stock. In the case 
