6 
KELSEY'S HARDY AMERICAN RHODODENDRONS 
Hardy American Azaleas 
The American Azaleas are among tlie choicest of all ornaments, whether exotic or native, and 
were but rarely seen in cultivation before being disseminated by Highlands Nursery. 
They are seen at their best when planted in large masses and in properly prepared beds, they 
richly repay any unusual care given them. Like most ericaceous plants, they love deep, moist, 
well-drained soil, and these showy native species arc particularly adapted to planting in shrub bor- 
ders and with Rhododendrons, their brilliant blossoms being set off by a background of dark foliage. 
Azaleas can be successfully grown almost anywhere, following same instructions given for Rhodod- 
endrons. The complete hardiness of all the species we offer is unquestionable. No American 
shrubs equal the native Azaleas, particularly Azalea tutea for woodland and hillside plantings. 
Our cold Carolina mountains have added no more beautiful plants to the gardens than these 
American Azaleas, not excepting the magnificent broad-leaved evergreen Rhododendrons of world- 
wide fame. 
arborescens. Fragrant White Azalea. .5 to 15 feet. In Juue the deli(thtfully spicy fragrant white flowers, 
with pinli stamens, appear in profusion, lasting for wcelts. Becomes a spreadine clump 3 to 6 feet broad 
in cultivation; easy culture. The foliage of this variety often colors striking shades of red in late autumn, 
and is the best of ail genus. The clumps offered have from twenty-five to one hundred stems and are 
heavily budded with enormous balls. 
lutea (calendulacea) . Grf.at Flame Azalea. 6 to Vn ft. The most regal of all the species, native or exotic, 
and a noble representative of our rich Carolina mountain flora. Bartram, speaking of it in his 'Travels.'" 
calls it the "fiery Azalea. " and says: "This epithet 'fiery' 1 annex to this most celebrated species of 
Azalea as being expressive of the appearance of its flowers, which are in general of the color of the finest 
red lead, orange, and bright gold as well as yellow and cream-color. This is certainly the most gay and 
brilliant-flowering shrub yet known. " No more striking landscape effect can be produced than a hillside 
of Azalea lutta in full bloom. Nearly all (luoted above 18 inches are budded. These Azaha lutia are 
splendid clumps, with a mass of buds, and range in color from light sulphur-yellow to deep red. 
nudiflora. Pinxter Flower. Beautiful clear pink, blooming very early, just following A. vaseyi. 
vaseyi. Southern Azalea. 6 to 15 ft. This showy Azalea was discovered only as late as 1878. and introduced 
by Highlands Nursery very soon after. It is of easy culture, and is perhaps the most profuse bloomer of 
all the native species, and the more conspicuous, as its white, pink, or deep rose-colored flowers appear in 
early April or May before the foliage. Of erect, slender habit, naturally in cultivation, it becomes more 
spreading, while retaining the charming light stem-growth. Autumn usually turns the leaves a deep dark 
crimson, greatly enhancing its beauty and value. 
viscosa. Early White Azalea White sometimes tinged with pink. Makes fine clumps, often reaching a 
height of 10 to 12 feet quite fragrant. 
Exotic Azaleas 
gandaveiuis. Ghent Azaleas. Fine colors ranging from sulphur-yellow to crimson. Only second to our 
native btlca in brilliancy of effect. --j ^-^ — m 
mollis. I-arge, yellow to red shades. Very showy but not so long-lived'as other species described. 
American Rhododendrons as a backt;ruuiiil witu /y / v,,.. m l.i.m. I'his is the best combina- 
tion where hybrids can be successfully grown. 
