THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



be removed, while they are soft, at the points marked across the stems. Those millions 

 of azaleas annually grafted in Belgium are grown rapidly in a warm, genial temperature, 

 or they could not be exported so cheaply. Large, healthy bushes of an inferior variety 

 of azalea may also be grafted in much the same way as recommended for the small 

 plants, and be converted into more valuable specimens accordingly. 



Treatment or Established Plants. — In most instances the cultivation of azaleas 

 commences with plants well furnished with flower-buds. If a portion of those with the 

 most prominent buds are, late in September or early in October, placed in a temperature 



Fig. ~i. Grafting Azaleas. 

 References : — e, base of stock ; /, top 

 to be severed — after g, the graft or 

 scion, is united. 



of 55° to 65°, they should be in flower during midwinter. The old Fielder's White and 

 the popular Deutsche Perle are among the best for the purpose, and plants forced in 

 the preceding season would be the first to flower in the following winter. A succession 

 may be maintained by the introduction of more plants into heat every three weeks. 

 Azaleas, whether forced or allowed to flower naturally, keep in beauty the greatest 

 length of time in a dry atmosphere and a temperature not rising much above or falling 

 much below 45°, taking care to keep the roots constantly moist, and the flowers shaded 

 from bright sunshine. 



Fig. 75. Azaleas — Fokming Plants by 

 Topping at h and subsequently. 



