1871. ] 
NEW INDIAN AZALEAS. 
73 
NEW INDIAN AZALEAS. 
WITH AN ILLUSTRATION. 
* OTWITHSTANDING the numerous varieties of the Indian Azalea already 
in cultivation, the two novelties of which figures are given in the 
accompanying plate may he honestly recommended as possessing distinct 
features and an ornamental character, and as being acquisitions of no 
mean order to this glowing group of gay spring flowers. Some of our most 
beautiful varieties are the products of a sportive tendency which is inherent in 
the Indian Azalea, and to this category belongs the charming variety named 
Fanny Tillery (fig. 1), which was obtained at Welbeck as a sport from the 
variety called Triomphe de Gand. The other, Acme (fig. 2), is, we believe, a 
seedling. .The raising of seedlings is very interesting, but with the greatest care 
and judgment in selecting the parents, it is a lottery with a great number of 
blanks to one prize. Mr. Kinghorn, whose name is so intimately associated with 
these plants, informs us that he finds in his own experience “ that it is of the 
first importance to select as the seed-bearing parent one that has attained every 
point of excellence, particularly form and substance of bloom, and a good habit 
of growth; while in the pollen-bearing or male parent it is equally important to 
choose one that has some desirable quality of colour or marking.” 
The Azalea Fanny Tillery is, as we have just said, a sport from that called 
Triomphe de Gand, obtained some three or four years since by Mr. Tillery of 
Welbeck. It has, we hear, a strong healthy habit, and is a profuse bloomer, the 
flowers keeping perfectly true as to colour and marking. u None of the variegated 
section which I have seen,” observes its fortunate possessor, “ equals it for bright 
colour and effect.” The flowers are of average size, of a bright rosy-pink colour, 
the upper segments richly spotted with deep crimson, sometimes nearly over the 
whole surface of the central one, and the edge being of a pure white breaking 
inwards in an irregularly feathered manner. The flowers which were sent to 
Mr. Fitch were six-lobed. Its bright and showy character places it in the first 
rank in the variegated group, and we believe it will be found to be the best of 
its class : certainly it is a very fine and valuable Azalea. 
Acme, the second variety which we figure, and for which we are indebted to 
Messrs. Yeitch and Sons of Chelsea, is a self-coloured Azalea of good quality, and 
is remarkable for the great substance of its blossoms, and for its rich deep rosy- 
crimson colour, a peculiar tint which we have not seen in any other variety. 
The varieties of Indian Azalea are by no means difficult of culture. Young, 
free, and healthy plants should be chosen ; and if of the weaker small-leaved 
varieties, they should be grafted on free-growing stocks; if of the more robust 
sorts, they are better on their own roots. The best time to re-pot is about the 
month of June, or when the plants are in active growth. In potting, the soil 
should be made quite firm around the mass of roots, so that the water applied 
3rd series.—IV. E 
