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REMARKS OK THE RHODODENDRON. 
REMARKS ON THE RHODODENDRON. 
By T. T., Chatsworth. 
England, of late years, has undoubtedly made surprising advances in the various 
branches of Horticulture. 
Although, for horticultural pursuits, the climatic conditions are not always what could 
be desired ; yet, by dint of skill and perseverance, backed by large resources, the climatic 
defects are in some measure counteracted. 
And, while in our hothouses, considerable attention has been bestowed on the culture 
of the various forms of tropical vegetation ; a great number of hardy ornamental trees 
and shrubs have been introduced into our gardens, where they flourish as luxuriantly as in 
their native habitats. To this class belongs the Rhododendron. 
Probably no genus of evergreen shrubs contributes more than the hardy species and 
varieties of this family to beautify the pleasure-ground ; they usually form a prominent 
feature in the shrubbery, and their natural habit renders them admirably suitable for the 
rockery, or other situations where irregularity of surface prevails. Nor can the eye of 
taste be offended with the Rhododendron on the lawn, in groups or single specimens. In 
almost every variety of situation, and at any season, this shrub is an agreeable object ; 
its verdant foliage forms a pleasing contrast to surrounding nature in winter, and attaches 
an air of cheerfulness and an interest to situations which otherwise would be destitute 
of either. 
But while the merits of the Rhododendron as an evergreen is acknowledged, it rises in 
estimation by uniting the qualities of a gay, early, and abundant bloomer; to these 
(together with the little attention requisite to successful culture) much of its popularity 
is owing. Indeed, to such an extent has the cultivation and hybridising of the Rhodo- 
dendron been practised, that the genus occupies a considerable part of the “ American- 
ground ” in the provincial and other nurseries ; and forms the chief attraction of the 
metropolitan “ American exhibitions.” 
Far be it from me to depreciate hybridising in this genus ; and without a wish to 
supplant any one variety now cultivated, I would submit what, no doubt, has occurred to 
admirers of this family, who may have had an opportunity of viewing when in flower the 
the later-flowering varieties grown in private gardens or otherwise, that, however striking 
at first sight such may have appeared, on the eye passing a second time over their floral 
beauty a sameness could be perceived ; and a third or fourth survey confirmed the 
impression, that whatever difference in point of floral tints there might be between 
varieties, yet for effect as a whole, additional variety was wanted ; and this would appear 
the more obvious from the circumstance that while the cultivated species in this genus 
produce “ flowers of all hue,” comparatively little of that variety is observed amongst the 
late-flowering hybrids which at present form the greater part of ordinary collections. 
Yet from the facility with which crosses may be obtained between any of the species, 
and from the fact that any difference as to time in the blooming of species (which 
it may be desirable to cross), cannot be regarded as an obstacle, as pollen, if carefully 
preserved, will retain its virtue for years ; it is probable that persevering and well-directed 
efforts might soon accomplish much. 
But in addition to what has been stated, a still greater variety of colour might be 
introduced by crossing the Azalea and Rhododendron. On this subject the late Hon. and 
Rev. W. Herbert observes, — “ I have never raised beyond the third or fourth leaf a cross 
between Rhododendron Ponticum and an Orange Azalea, though I have saved two or three 
through the first winter. My soils, however, are very uncongenial to them, and under more 
favourable circumstances they would have been saved.” 
A few such crosses grow in a reserve-garden, not ten minutes’ walk from where I now 
write ; they are in every respect healthy, and have been planted in the border for three 
years, without protection in winter. 
