1874, ] 
EHODODENDBON VAUBAN. 
2G5 
KHODODENDEON VAUBAN. 
WITH AN ILLUSTEATION. 
have at various times alluded to the fine varieties of Hardy Rhodo¬ 
dendrons to be met with in the Knap Hill Nurseries of Mr. Anthony 
Waterer, which have a world-wide reputation for American plants. 
These' grand varieties are of a peculiarly hardy race, the outcome of 
careful cross fertilisation through a long series of years, some of the results being, 
perhaps, brought about by the exigencies of the situation. The grounds at Knap 
Hill devoted to these American plants—a natural peat-bed—are low-lying, and 
hence much exposed to damage from spring frost, which so tells upon the growth 
of tenderer breeds of Rhododendrons, that Mr. Waterer has in self-defence, so to 
speak, been compelled to look to the production of a hardy race. It is also a 
standing axiom at Knap Hill that a Rhododendron, being a hardy evergreen 
shrub, should carry bold healthy-looking foliage throughout the year; and this, in 
fact, is regarded as of more importance to the planter of ornamental American 
gardens, than the acquisition of a few shades more of depth or brightness in the 
colour of the flowers,—^not that this is despised or neglected, but it is not 
allowed to have undue preponderance in the breeding and selection of seedlings. 
Rhododendrons are plants of slow increase, and consequently it is not every 
year that a conscientious grower, who will let out nothing but what satisfies 
such rigid laws as those we have hinted at, will have a batch of new Rhododen¬ 
drons to put forth. The present year is, however, marked by the sending-out of 
a set of Knap Hill Rhododendrons, among which occurs the variety Vauban which 
we now figure. It is a fine, showy, telling variety, with good foliage, and grand 
trusses of distinct rosy-lilac flowers, of a peculiar and very pleasing tint, which 
is set off by a finely blotched upper segment. It is one of the well-proved 
hardy forms, and a late bloomer, so that there is comparatively little risk of its 
flowers being cut off by spring frosts, which no doubt sometimes commit great 
havoc amongst the early-flowering varieties. 
With this will be sent out some other sorts of equal merit, and showing con¬ 
siderable diversity of colour. Their names are:— James Marshall Brooks^ per¬ 
haps one of the most effective yet raised—a rich scarlet, spotted with bronze on 
the upper segments, very fine in colour, and distinct in character. Lady Annette 
de Trafford^ cream-coloured, with a patch of distinct chocolate blotches; a very 
pleasing variety. Mrs. Frederick Hankey.^ salmon, richly spotted, and of a 
charming hue. Mrs. Shuttleworth.^ rosy scarlet, white in the centre, the upper 
segments much spotted with black dots; a very beautiful and distinct variety. 
Vauban., the variety we now figure, is remarkable for its soft reddish-lilac hue, 
and the bold patch of yellow spots, as well as for its very fine truss, and excellent 
habit. The hardiness of the Knap Hill Rhododendrons may be traced back to 
the considerable amount of the blood of B. catawbiense which has been infused 
into the breed, this species affording not only a vigorous habit, but bold foliage, 
and grand trusses of flowers.—T. Mooee. 
3ed seeies.—VII. 
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