KELSEY^ HARDY AMERICAN PLANT^^ 
Gro}vn in the Carolina jyfountains at 3800 fiet eleUatid^^% 
DESCRIPTIONS OF NATIVE AZALEAS, 
VIBURNUMS, CORNUS, CRATAEGUS, ROSES 
AND OTHER HARDY WILD DECIDUOU6 SHRUBS 
ONE of the most interesting and important features of our varied mountain flora is tlie large va- 
riety of deciduous flowering shrubs, many lavishly placed within our easy reach, others shy and 
retiring and taking a special knowledge of the botany of this section to find them. With their 
fresh, delicate tracery and tints of leaf, twig and flower, they supply that enchanting natural 
beauty to our gardens and grounds so sought after by all lovers of nature, and attained so rarely, even 
by the professional landscape gardener; and all at moderate cost and no guess-work in the results. 
We offer a large list of the choicest species, and particular notice is called to the Azaleas, Stuartia, 
Xanthorrhiza and other of the more rare and showy sorts. 
The sizes foUoxting the names indicate the variation in height attained by the shrubs in their jcild state. 
Under cultivation they usually reach the lesser height given. 
NATIVE AZALEAS 
The American Azaleas are among the choicest of all ornamentals, whether exotic or native, and 
were but rarely seen in cultivation before being disseminated by Highlands Nursery. Large masses of 
"Great Flame-colored Azalea," A. lutea (caleiidulacea), wnen seen in flower, present the most gorgeous 
effects, in shades varying from deep crimson to a bright sulphur-yellow. The complete hardiness of all 
the species below is unciuestionable. The foliage of A. arhorcscens is the finest of all Azaleas, remain- 
ing a clear, shiny green throughout the summer, a characteristic not usual with this family. The large 
white, sweet-scented flowers appear the last of all the Azaleas, and the numerous pink-tipped stamens 
))rotruding give a most beautiful effect. Azalea va,seyi is one of the finest introductions of late years, 
the white to deep pink flowers appearing before the foliage in April, in the greatest profusion. Azalea 
nudiflora and A. riscosa are pretty dwarfer varieties, very useful in the under shrubbery. 
Azaleas are seen at their best when planted in large masses and in properly prepai-ed beds, and they 
richly repay any unusual care given them. Like most erieaceous plants they love deep, moist, well- 
drained soil, and these showy native species are particularly adapted to planting in shrub borders and 
with rhododendrons, their brilliant blossoms being set off by a background of dark foliage. Azaleas can 
be successfully grown almost anywhere, even in the north middle states if excavations are made and 
proper soil with abundant humus is filled in, say 2 to ',i feet or more deep, and preferably a northern 
exposure chosen with shade. The mulching should be left on during the summer to decay, and a fresh 
application made every autumn. 
Our cold southern mountains have added no more beautiful plants to gardens than these American 
Azaleas, not even excepting the magnificent broad-leaved evergreeii Khododendrons which have given 
the southern AUeghanies a world-wide fame. The beautiful Jihodora is really an Azalea except in name 
and should be treated the same as the following species: 
AZALEA arborescens. FRAGRANT CAROLINA AZALEA. 8 to 20 ft. In June the delightfully spicy 
fragrant white flowers appear in profusion, lasting for weeks ; usually 2 to 6 feet spreading clumps 
in cultivation ; easy culture. Leaves often color striking shades of red in late autumn. 
arborescens rosea. 8 to 20 ft. Beautiful and rare form, with bright pink fragrant flowers. In- 
troduced by us. Stock limited and orders filled in rotation only. 
lutea (calendulacea). Great Flame Azalea. 4 to 15 ft. The most regal of all the species, 
native or exotic, and a noble representative of our rich Carolina Mountain flora. Bartram, speak- 
ing of it in his "Travels," calls it the "fiery Azalea," and says: "This epithet Fiery I 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." 
nudiflora. PiNXTER FLOWER. 2 to 10 ft. Smaller species, with showy deep pink flowers in April 
and May, while quite bare of leaves. Stands sun and exposure well. 
vaseyi. SOUTHERN AZALEA. 6 to 15 ft. This elegant and 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. Small White Azalea. A late-blooming species with small fragrant flowers in June and 
July. Azaleas all do well along streams and on pond borders, and arborescens and viscosa 
thrive even in the bog or swamp. 
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